EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 2/7/2012

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Men News

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


Razors roster available - by Gianni Pascucci
We are finally able to post on line the Athens Razors team roster. The Razors are well coached and managed by Lionel Garrett and are currently ranked at #6 of the ABA Power Rankings with a 8-1 record. Their newer addition is Frank Kelsi Bennett (6'7''-F-82, college: Georgia South), from the Gwizzlies, and the other members of the starting five are Miguel Morton (6'10''-F-83, agency: TSS Management, college: Columbus St.), Anthony Wilkins (6'7''-G/F-80, college: Kent St.), Tony Reese (5'10''-G, college: Georgia SW) and Senario Hillman (6'1''-PG-88, college: Alabama). See here down the full Razors roster

Tay BARBER, G, 6-0 Life University
Chris BARNES F/C, 6-10 University of Georgia
Darius BATES F, 6-6 LifeUniversity
Frank Kelsi BENNETT, F, 6-7 Georgia Southern
Senario HILLMAN G, 6-1 Alabama
Jonathan MANDELDOVE, C, 7-0 Univ. of Connecticut
Miguel MORTON C, 6-10 Alabama State
Antonio REESE G, 6-2 Life University
Tony REESE G, 5-10 Georgia Southwestern
Octavius 'Tay' SPANN F, 6-8 Marshall
Jesse WHEELER F, 6-5 Armstrong Atlantic
Anthony WILKINS G/F, 6-7 Kent

Changes to the Topballerz Roster - by Surujh Roopnarine
According to the website of the Connecticut Topballerz, there have been some changes to the composition of the roster the last few weeks.
Gone are veteran forward Raheim Lowery (6'8''-C, college: Dowling), Ivory Coast National Team forward Brice Assie (6'7''-F-83, college: W.Connecticut) and former Portuguese Proliga scoring champ John Winchester (6'4''-G/F-83, college: Robert Morris).
Stats for six games played on the season for these three players:
Raheim Lowery: 5.0ppg, 5.8rpg, FG: 14-17, FT: 2-3
Brice Assie: 8.5ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.2apg, FG: 18-28, 3PT: 2-10, FT: 9-13
John Winchester: 15.3ppg, 1.8rpg, 3.1apg, 1.3spg, FG: 8-20, 3PT: 20-40, FT: 16-22

In their stead come reinforcements in the form of Antoine Holder (6'4''-F), Darcell Reddick, Ron Christy (6'0''-G-82, college: Post) and Don Grifith.
According to their website the Topballerz are currently 10-2 on the season, winners of eight in a row.

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  ACPBL   


Destroyers are now Palmieri Jeans! - by Justin Moore
The undefeated Destroyers will go by the name Palmieri Jeans for the remainder of the season the destroyers are currently the top team in the ACPBL and are a serious championship contender for more info on the destroyer check out www.acpbl.com and www.destroyersbasketball.com below is there updated roster.

2011 - 2012 PALMIERI JEANS

ROSTER

# PLAYER (S) HEIGHT POSITION COLLEGE

1 Brian Smith (6'1''-G) 61 GUARD BUTTE COLLEGE

3 Quincy Smith (6'0''-G, college: Virginia Union) 62 GUARD VIRGINA UNION

9 Andre FRAZIER 6'6 GUARD JARVIS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

11 Jesse Fells (6'0''-G-84, college: Fayetteville St.) GUARD FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIV

12 Antoine Brockington (6'3''-G-74, college: Coppin St.) 63 GUARD COPPIN STATE UNIV

15 Greg GAYLE 64 GUARD MARSHALL UNIV

20 Anis Taylor (6'2''-G-82, college: Beth.-Cookman) GUARD BETHUNE COOKMAN UNIV



2 Mike Keyes (6'5''-F) 65 FORWARD WILMINGTON UNIV

24 Fahreed Cheatham (6'5''-F-79, college: Lincoln, PA) GUARD CHEYNEY UNIV

30 Anthony Frazier (6'8''-F-82, college: Cheyney) FORWARD CHEYNEY UNIV

32 Sherman Brittingham (6'5''-F-83, college: California, PA) FORWARD CA UNIV of PA

33 Ronnie CONWAY 6'9 FORWARD MOUNTAIN STATE UNIV

34 Akil Moody (6'5''-F-80, college: Bridgeport) 66 FORWARD UNIV OF BRIDGEPORT

42 Mel Eason (6'6''-G-80) FORWARD CHEYNEY UNIV

55 Adam ABDOURAHAMANE 6'8 FORWARD CECIL COLLEGE



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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Round 19: Zvezda beats Radnicki K. in a derby game - by Eurobasket News
The round was rather attractive and full of interesting results. The round ended with derby games and favorites losing the games.

The most interesting game of round 19 was a derby match between two teams from Serbia. The game took place in Kragujevac where tenth ranked Zvezda won against host Radnicki K. (9-10) 90-86. The guests trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 51-44 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Zvezda looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Guard Bojan Popovic (191-83) fired 13 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. American forward Omar Thomas (197-82, college: UTEP) chipped in 17 points. Zvezda's coach Svetislav Pesic used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American forward Mike Scott (203-86, college: Kent St.) produced 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for lost side. Zvezda maintains tenth place with 7-11 record. Radnicki K. at the other side dropped to the ninth position with ten games lost. Zvezda are looking forward to face league's second-placed Cedevita in Zagreb in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Radnicki K. will play on the road against the league's second-placed Cedevita (#2) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Montenegrin Buducnost (13-6) against ninth ranked Croatian Cibona (10-9) on Saturday night. Visiting Buducnost was defeated by Cibona in a tough game in Zagreb 74-80. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Buducnost. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Davor Kus (191-78, agency: Interperformances) who helped to win the game recording 17 points (made all of his eight free throws). Goran Suton contributed with 11 points for the winners. Serbian forward Cedomir Vitkovac (201-82, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for Buducnost. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Cibona moved-up to seventh place, which they share with KK Zagreb CO. Defending Montenegrin champion Buducnost keeps the third position with six games lost. They share it with Partizan. Cibona will play against Hemofarm (#11) in Vrsac in the next round. Buducnost will play on the road against the league's leader Maccabi T-A (#1) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Israeli leader Maccabi T-A delivered the eighteenth victory on Saturday night. This time they crushed 5th ranked Slovenian Union Olimpija (11-8) 83-63 in Ljubljana. It was a great evening for Richard Hendrix who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. Maccabi T-A's coach David Blatt used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. At the losing side Goran Jeretin responded with 18 points and 4 assists. Maccabi T-A (18-1) have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. Defending Israeli champion maintains first place. Loser Union Olimpija keeps the fifth position with eight games lost. They share it with Siroki WWin. Maccabi T-A will meet at home Buducnost (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Union Olimpija will play against Krka in Novo Mesto and hope to secure a win.
Twelfth-ranked Slovenian Helios (5-14) made lots of trouble for eighth ranked Croatian KK Zagreb CO (10-9) in Domzale. The visitors from Zagreb managed to secure only one-point victory 82-81. However their fans expected much easier game. It was an exceptional evening for Mario Kasun who led the winners and scored 22 points and 8 rebounds. KK Zagreb CO's coach Vladimir Androic allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Defending Croatian champion moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Cibona. Helios at the other side dropped to the eleventh position with 14 games lost. KK Zagreb CO's next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Zlatorog (#14) in Lasko and are hoping to win another game. Helios will play on the road against Zvezda in Beograd and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Beograd. Local Partizan (13-6) outscored 14th ranked Slovenian Zlatorog (2-17) 90-50 on Saturday night. Dragan Milosavljevic fired 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending Serbian champion moved-up to third place, which they share with Buducnost. Zlatorog lost their ninth game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with 17 games lost. Partizan will face HKK Siroki WWin (#5) in Siroki Brijeg in the next round. Zlatorog will play on the road against KK Zagreb CO (#7).

In the last two games of round 19 Hemofarm was defeated by Siroki WWin in Siroki Brijeg 72-65. Krka was beaten by Cedevita at home 63-74.


Siroki WWin - Hemofarm 72-65

There was no surprise in Siroki Brijeg where 11th ranked Serbian Hemofarm (5-14) was defeated by sixth ranked Bosnian HKK Siroki WWin (11-8) 72-65 on Monday. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 20-9. But Hemofarm won second period 17-11. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Croatian forward Zeljko Sakic (201-88, agency: Beo Basket) fired a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Croatian guard Fran Pilepic (192-89) chipped in 20 points and 4 assists (made all of his seven free throws). Guard Mladen Jeremic (196-88, agency: Interperformances) produced 21 points and 7 rebounds and center Mladen Pantic (209-82, agency: Alti Sport) added 10 points and 9 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending Bosnian champion moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Union Olimpija. Loser Hemofarm keeps the eleventh position with 14 games lost. HKK Siroki WWin will face higher ranked Partizan (#4) in Beograd in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hemofarm will play at home against Cibona (#8) in Zagreb.
Top scorers:
Siroki WWin: F.Pilepic 20+2reb+4ast, Z.Sakic 18+12reb, D.Planinic 15+6reb, C.Collins 8+7reb, D.Persic 6+3reb+3ast, J.Naletilic 3+2ast
Hemofarm: M.Jeremic 21+7reb, M.Pantic 10+9reb+2ast, I.Maras 10+5reb+2ast, D.Gagic 8+4reb, M.Sutalo 7+5reb+3ast, A.Nesovic 4+4reb+3ast
gschID: 133063


Cibona - Buducnost 80-74

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Montenegrin Buducnost (13-6) against ninth ranked Croatian Cibona (10-9) on Saturday night. Visiting Buducnost was defeated by Cibona in a tough game in Zagreb 74-80. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Buducnost. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 26-16. But Buducnost won second period 26-20. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Cibona made 26-of-33 charity shots (78.8 percent) during the game. Buducnost was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Davor Kus (191-78, agency: Interperformances) who helped to win the game recording 17 points (made all of his eight free throws). Bosnian-Croatian center Goran Suton (209-85, college: Michigan St.) contributed with 11 points for the winners. Serbian forward Cedomir Vitkovac (201-82, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists and center Bojan Dubljevic (205-91, agency: Beo Basket) added 17 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Buducnost. Four Buducnost players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Cibona moved-up to seventh place, which they share with KK Zagreb CO. Defending Montenegrin champion Buducnost keeps the third position with six games lost. They share it with Partizan. Cibona will play against Hemofarm (#11) in Vrsac in the next round. Buducnost will play on the road against the league's leader Maccabi T-A (#1) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Cibona: D.Kus 17+2reb+2ast, G.Suton 11+3reb, P.Marcinkovic 10+2reb, D.Rudez 9+2reb+1ast, D.Harper 7+2reb+1ast, M.Rozic 7+3reb+1ast
Buducnost: C.Vitkovac 22+8reb+5ast, B.Dubljevic 17+5reb, M.Popovic 13+4reb, N.Ivanovic 10+2ast, B.Krstovic 4+1reb, H.Rizvic 4+5reb
gschID: 133064


Union Olimpija - Maccabi T-A 63-83

Israeli leader Maccabi T-A delivered the eighteenth victory on Saturday night. This time they crushed 5th ranked Slovenian Union Olimpija (11-8) 83-63 in Ljubljana. The game without a history. Maccabi T-A led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. It was a great evening for American power forward Richard Hendrix (203-86, college: Alabama) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. American-Israeli forward David Blu (201-80, college: USC) helped adding 17 points. Maccabi T-A's coach David Blatt used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. At the losing side Montenegrin guard Goran Jeretin (192-79, agency: Beo Basket) responded with 18 points and 4 assists and American forward Deon Thompson (203-88, college: N.Carolina) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Maccabi T-A (18-1) have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. Defending Israeli champion maintains first place. Loser Union Olimpija keeps the fifth position with eight games lost. They share it with Siroki WWin. Maccabi T-A will meet at home Buducnost (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Union Olimpija will play against Krka in Novo Mesto and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Maccabi T-A: D.Blu 17+3reb+3ast, R.Hendrix 14+10reb, S.Schortsanitis 11+3reb, D.Smith 10+7reb+3ast, K.Langford 7+4reb+2ast, G.Pnini 6+1reb
Union Olimpija: G.Jeretin 18+2reb+4ast, D.Thompson 13+10reb, S.Salin 11+6reb+1ast, J.Blazic 10+2reb+2ast, D.Muric 5+2reb+2ast, V.Dasic 4+4reb+3ast
gschID: 133065


Krka - Cedevita 63-74

No shocking result in a game in Novo Mesto where second ranked Croatian Cedevita (14-4) defeated 13th ranked Slovenian Krka (4-15) 74-63 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by Cedevita. Krka was better in third quarter 18-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. American-Croatian guard Dontaye Draper (180-84, college: Charleston) fired 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Slovenian forward Matjaz Smodis (205-79) chipped in 12 points. Cedevita's coach Drazen Anzulovic used an eleven-player rotation saving starting five for next games. Power forward Smiljan Pavic (210-80) produced 13 points and 6 rebounds and Croatian center Jure Lalic (212-86) added 13 points (made all of his seven free throws) respectively for lost side. Cedevita maintains second place with 14-4 record having five points less than leader Maccabi T-A. Krka lost their sixth game in a row. Defending Slovenian champion keeps the thirteenth position with 15 games lost. Cedevita will face Zvezda (#10) in Beograd in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Krka will play on the road against Union Olimpija in Ljubljana.
Top scorers:
Cedevita: D.Draper 17+5reb+3ast, M.Smodis 12+3reb+2ast, H.Owens 9+3reb+2ast, M.Car 8+2ast, L.Warren 8+6reb, M.Bazdaric 6+2reb+2ast
Krka: S.Pavic 13+6reb, J.Lalic 13+2reb, J.Balazic 9+1ast, E.Muric 6+7reb+1ast, M.Rojc 5+3reb+3ast, A.Nissim 4+1reb+1ast
gschID: 133066


Radnicki K. - Crvena Zvezda 86-90

The most interesting game of round 19 was a derby match between two teams from Serbia. The game took place in Kragujevac where tenth ranked Zvezda won against host Radnicki K. (9-10) 90-86. The guests trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 51-44 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Zvezda looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Guard Bojan Popovic (191-83) fired 13 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. American forward Omar Thomas (197-82, college: UTEP) chipped in 17 points. Zvezda's coach Svetislav Pesic used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American forward Mike Scott (203-86, college: Kent St.) produced 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import center David Simon (207-82, college: IPFW) added 17 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Zvezda and five Radnicki K. players scored in double figures. Zvezda maintains tenth place with 7-11 record. Radnicki K. at the other side dropped to the ninth position with ten games lost. Zvezda are looking forward to face league's second-placed Cedevita in Zagreb in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Radnicki K. will play on the road against the league's second-placed Cedevita (#2) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Crvena Zvezda: O.Thomas 17+1reb+3ast, A.Milutinovic 16+3reb, B.Popovic 13+5reb+6ast, P.Popovic 11+7reb+1ast, N.Nedovic 11+1ast, F.Covic 8+1reb+4ast
Radnicki K.: M.Scott 20+5reb+4ast, D.Simon 17+8reb+1ast, S.Sinovec 15+8reb+1ast, M.Pavkovic 13+2reb+4ast, S.Markovic 11+1reb+5ast, S.Bratic 6+3reb+1ast
gschID: 133067


Helios - KK Zagreb CO 81-82

Twelfth-ranked Slovenian Helios (5-14) made lots of trouble for eighth ranked Croatian KK Zagreb CO (10-9) in Domzale. The visitors from Zagreb managed to secure only one-point victory 82-81. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests were ahead by 6 points but lost the second period ending it with a 2-point deficit before their 22-19 run, which allowed them to win the game. KK Zagreb CO made 18-of-20 charity shots (90.0 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Helios helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was an exceptional evening for center Mario Kasun (213-80) who led the winners and scored 22 points and 8 rebounds. American forward Sean May (206-84, college: N.Carolina) accounted for 16 points and 7 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) for the winning side. KK Zagreb CO's coach Vladimir Androic allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American guard D.J. Gay (183-89, college: San Diego St.) came up with 19 points and 9 assists and Croatian power forward Drago Pasalic (208-84) added 15 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Helios in the defeat. Four Helios players scored in double figures. Defending Croatian champion moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Cibona. Helios at the other side dropped to the eleventh position with 14 games lost. KK Zagreb CO's next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Zlatorog (#14) in Lasko and are hoping to win another game. Helios will play on the road against Zvezda in Beograd and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
KK Zagreb CO: M.Kasun 22+8reb, S.May 16+7reb, D.Markota 12+3reb+1ast, A.Masic 8+4reb+1ast, J.Heytvelt 7+1reb+1ast, D.Mulaomerovic 5+2reb+8ast
Helios: D.Gay 19+2reb+9ast, D.Pasalic 15+5reb+2ast, K.Prepelic 14+3reb+4ast, D.Bubnic 14+7reb, D.Jeftic 5+2ast, J.Besedic 5+2reb
gschID: 133068


Partizan - Zlatorog 90-50

The game with biggest result difference took place in Beograd. Local Partizan (13-6) outscored 14th ranked Slovenian Zlatorog (2-17) 90-50 on Saturday night. The game without a history. Partizan led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Zlatorog's 22. Partizan looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 6 passes made by Zlatorog's players. Guard Dragan Milosavljevic (198-89) fired 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Guard Danilo Andjusic (197-91, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 17 points. Four Partizan players scored in double figures. Forward Jaka Brodnik (203-92) produced 6 points and 6 rebounds and Croatian power forward Jure Skific (202-88) added 7 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending Serbian champion moved-up to third place, which they share with Buducnost. Zlatorog lost their ninth game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with 17 games lost. Partizan will face HKK Siroki WWin (#5) in Siroki Brijeg in the next round. Zlatorog will play on the road against KK Zagreb CO (#7).
Top scorers:
Partizan: D.Andjusic 17+4reb, M.Macvan 13+5reb+1ast, M.Raduljica 12+5reb+3ast, D.Milosavljevic 12+5reb+4ast, B.Bogdanovic 9+2reb+3ast, V.Lucic 7+4reb+3ast
Zlatorog: J.Skific 7+7reb, A.Omic 7+5reb, L.Lapornik 6, J.Brodnik 6+6reb+2ast, G.Mali 6+2reb+1ast, N.Strnad 5+2reb
gschID: 133062




Standings
Adriatic League Standings
 1. Maccabi T-A 18-1 
 2. Cedevita 14-4 
 3. Buducnost 13-6 
 4. Partizan 13-6 
 5. Siroki WWin 11-8 
 6. Union Olimpija 11-8 
 7. KK Zagreb CO 10-9 
 8. Cibona 10-9 
 9. Radnicki K. 9-10 
 10. Crvena Zvezda 7-11 
 11. Hemofarm 5-14 
 12. Helios 5-14 
 13. Krka 4-15 
 14. Zlatorog 2-17 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 David SIMON
  Radnicki K.
  (207-C-82)
  Avg: 20.4
 1. Simon, Radnicki K.20.4 
 2. Scott, Radnicki K.18.5 
 3. Panic, Zlatorog17.5 
 4. Vucevic, Buducnost16.9 
 5. Simon, KK.16.7 
 6. Kasun, KK.16.5 
 7. Pilepic, Siroki W.16.1 
 8. Pavkovic, Radnicki14.7 
 9. Prepelic, Helios14.0 
 10. Gay, Helios13.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Boris SAVOVIC
  Hemofarm
  (206-F-87)
  Avg: 11.4
 1. Savovic, Hemofarm11.4 
 2. Vucevic, Buducnost9.7 
 3. Kasun, KK.7.7 
 4. Macvan, Partizan7.7 
 5. Simon, Radnicki K.7.3 
 6. Pasalic, Helios6.3 
 7. Popovic, Crvena Z.5.8 
 8. Scott, Radnicki K.5.8 
 9. Pavic, Krka5.7 
 10. Pekovic, Partizan5.5 
Assists Per Game
 Steven MARKOVIC
  Radnicki K.
  (190-G-85)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Markovic, Radnicki7.4 
 2. Pavkovic, Radnicki6.7 
 3. Farmar, Maccabi6.2 
 4. Vladovic, Siroki W.5.1 
 5. Vujasinovic, Zlato.4.6 
 6. Mulaomerovic, KK Z.4.3 
 7. Papaloukas, Macca.4.2 
 8. Draper, Cedevita3.9 
 9. Simon, KK.3.9 
 10. Covic, Crvena Z.3.7 
Steals Per Game
 D.J. GAY
  Helios
  (183-G-89)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Gay, Helios2.3 
 2. Dasic, Union Olimp.2.2 
 3. Simon, KK.1.8 
 4. Markovic, Radnicki1.8 
 5. Dragic, Krka1.7 
 6. Ramljak, Siroki W.1.7 
 7. Draper, Cedevita1.6 
 8. Papaloukas, Macca.1.5 
 9. Zubcic, Cibona1.5 
 10. Hendrix, Maccabi1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Shawn JAMES
  Maccabi T-A
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. James, Maccabi T-A1.5 
 2. Simon, Radnicki K.1.3 
 3. Vucevic, Buducnost1.1 
 4. Savovic, Hemofarm1.0 
 5. Scott, Radnicki K.0.9 
 6. Hendrix, Maccabi0.9 
 7. Ilic, Crvena Zvezda0.8 
 8. Collins, Siroki W.0.8 
 9. Thompson, Union O.0.8 
 10. Pekovic, Partizan0.8 


Dominic James officially sings for Partizan - by Zoran Popovic
After two weeks of negotiations Dominic James (180-PG-86, college: Marquette) officially sings for Serbian Champion. James started this season in Aris Thessaloniki and on 7 games in Eurocup average scored 14.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1,4 steals and in Greek championship on 13 games average scored 15 points 2.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Before Aris and Partizan Dominic James played for Marquette University, pre-season games for Milwaukie Bucks Mersin and Lukoil Akademik.

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  ALGERIA   


Standings
D1 Standings
 1. CSMC 11-1 
 2. GS Petroliers 11-1 
 3. WA Boufarik 11-3 
 4. Trefle BB Blida 11-3 
 5. Skikda 10-5 
 6. CRB Dar El-B. 9-5 
 7. Arreridj 7-6 
 8. NAH Dey 6-7 
 9. MS Cherchell 6-8 
 10. CRB Temouch. 6-9 
 11. O Batna 5-6 
 12. Staoueli 4-8 
 13. USM Blida 4-10 
 14. Sidi-bel-Abbes 4-10 
 15. US Setif 3-11 
 16. Annaba 0-14 


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


LigaA: Round 20 of the Second Stage - by Eurobasket News
Lanus (#6) forced the game against Sionista (#4) into a double-overtime, but lost by four points 67-71 on Sunday night. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Lanus. The best player for the winners was Alejandro Zilli (200-F-82) who scored 23 points and 6 rebounds. Sionista's coach Sebastian Svetliza used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Sionista (14-6) moved-up to third place, which they share with Libertad S. Lanus at the other side keeps the sixth position with nine games lost. Sionista will face Boca Juniors (#12) in Buenos Aires in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Lanus will play at home against Libertad Sunchales (#3).

In the last game of round 20 Regatas C. was defeated by Libertad S. in Sunchales 82-69. Club 9 was beaten by GECR Indalo at home 55-57. Bottom-ranked Olimpico LB lost to Wuber-Est.Bahia on the opponent's court 85-95. Quimsa unfortunately lost to La Union in a home game 79-84. Quilmes MP managed to beat San Mart.C. on the road 77-75.
The best stats of 20th round was 40 points (!!!) and 13 rebounds by John DeGroat of Olimpico LB.

Libertad S. - Regatas C. 82-69
There was no surprise when 7th ranked Regatas Corrientes (10-10) was defeated on the road by third ranked Libertad Sunchales (14-6) 82-69 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by Libertad Sunchales. Regatas Corrientes was better in second period 19-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Libertad Sunchales made 18-of-20 free shots (90.0 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American center Robert Battle (204-81, college: Drexel, agency: Dream Team Management) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists. The other American import forward Joshua Pittman (197-76, college: NC-Asheville, agency: Dream Team Management) chipped in 18 points and 4 assists. International power forward Nicolas Romano (197-87) produced 18 points and 5 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) and American forward Louis Roe (200-72, college: Massachusetts) added 10 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the guests. Libertad Sunchales maintains third position with 14-6 record behind leader Obras, which they share with Sionista. Regatas Corrientes at the other side keeps the seventh place with ten games lost. Libertad Sunchales will face Lanus (#6) in Buenos Aires in the next round. Regatas Corrientes will play at home against Wuber-Est.Bahia in Bahia Blanca.
Top scorers:
Regatas C.: N.Romano 18+5reb, R.DuPree 14+2reb+1ast, L.Roe 10+7reb+3ast, J.Martinez 9+3reb+2ast, N.De los Santos 9+5reb+1ast, D.Kante 6+5reb
Libertad S.: M.Saglietti 20+1reb+2ast, J.Pittman 18+4reb+4ast, R.Battle 16+14reb+4ast, J.Treise 9+2ast, A.Alloatti 6+2reb+1ast, F.Calvi 6+3reb
gschID: 141298


Sionista - Lanus 71-67 2OT
Lanus (#6) forced the game against Sionista (#4) into a double-overtime, but lost by four points 67-71 on Sunday night. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Lanus. The hosts trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 15-14 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time and get a 0-point victory in double-overtime. Sionista made 23-of-29 free shots (79.3 percent) during the game. Lanus was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was forward Alejandro Zilli (200-82) who scored 23 points and 6 rebounds. Puerto Rican guard Johwen Villegas (193-85, college: FIU) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds. Sionista's coach Sebastian Svetliza used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. The former international guard Mariano Byro (195-82) produced 15 points and 7 rebounds and international guard Nicolas Laprovittola (189-90) added 13 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the guests. Sionista (14-6) moved-up to third place, which they share with Libertad S. Lanus at the other side keeps the sixth position with nine games lost. Sionista will face Boca Juniors (#12) in Buenos Aires in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Lanus will play at home against Libertad Sunchales (#3).
Top scorers:
Lanus: M.Byro 15+7reb+3ast, N.Laprovittola 13+7reb+3ast, A.Boccia 13+9reb+1ast, D.Roland 11+2reb, D.Guaita 7+6reb+5ast, J.Levy 4+9reb+1ast
Sionista: A.Zilli 23+6reb+2ast, J.Villegas 16+6reb+2ast, F.Ferrini 7+8reb+2ast, M.Sandes 7+13reb+2ast, F.Vay 5+1reb, L.Cequeira 4+2reb+1ast
gschID: 141299


Club 9 - GECR Indalo 55-57
The game between closely ranked teams ended with twelfth ranked GECR Indalo's (8-11) road victory over 13th ranked Club 9 (7-13) 57-55 on Sunday. GECR Indalo made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. GECR Indalo outrebounded Club 9 42-31 including 31 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was American-Spanish forward Devin Davis (202-74, college: Miami, OH) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds. American forward Edward Nelson (203-82, college: Connecticut, agency: Dream Team Management) chipped in a double-double by scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds. GECR Indalo's coach Marcelo Richotti allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American power forward Jazwin Cowan (205-83, college: Hampton, agency: Dream Team Management) produced 19 points and 5 rebounds and Panamanian forward Josimar Ayarza (205-87, college: S.Mississippi) added 13 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. GECR Indalo have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Boca Jrs. Loser Club 9 keeps the thirteenth position with 13 games lost. GECR Indalo will face San Martin Corrientes (#15) at home in the next round. Club 9 will play against Atenas in Cordoba.
Top scorers:
Club 9: J.Cowan 19+5reb, J.Ayarza 13+6reb, S.Clancy 7+11reb, D.Gerbaudo 6+2reb, G.Luchino 5+2reb, G.Torre 4+4reb+1ast
GECR Indalo: C.McGowan 13+4reb, D.Davis 13+12reb+1ast, E.Nelson 11+11reb, D.Ciorciari 9+3reb, F.Mansilla 3+1reb, R.Gabini 3+4reb
gschID: 141300


Wuber-Est.Bahia - Olimpico LB 95-85
Very expected game in Bahia Blanca where 16th ranked Olimpico de La Banda (4-15) was defeated by eleventh ranked Wuber-Est.Bahia (8-10) 95-85 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by Wuber-Est.Bahia. Olimpico de La Banda was better in third quarter 29-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great shooting night for Wuber-Est.Bahia especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.4 percentage. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Wuber-Est.Bahia made 9 blocks. The best player for the winners was the former international center Federico Aguerre (200-88) who scored 20 points and 5 rebounds. International guard Juan Ignacio Sanchez (193-77, college: Temple) chipped in 5 points, 6 rebounds and 12 assists. Four Wuber-Est.Bahia players scored in double figures. American forward John DeGroat (198-85, college: Pittsburgh) produced a double-double by scoring 40 points (!!!) and 13 rebounds and his fellow American import point guard Gregory Grays (185-79, college: Detroit Mercy, agency: Interperformances) added 16 points respectively for the guests. Wuber-Est.Bahia moved-up to tenth place. Olimpico de La Banda lost third consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 15 games lost. Wuber-Est.Bahia will face higher ranked Regatas Corrientes (#7) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Olimpico de La Banda will play against the league's leader Obras (#1) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Olimpico LB: J.DeGroat 40+13reb+1ast, G.Grays 16+2ast, C.Amicucci 9+4reb, E.Villares 7+4reb+1ast, P.Moldu 7+3reb+1ast, C.Romero 3+3reb+1ast
Wuber-Est.Bahia: F.Aguerre 20+5reb, R.Stanton 15+4reb+1ast, R.Sanchez 14+4reb+2ast, J.Espil 11+3reb+1ast, J.Meyinsse 10+13reb, E.Ruiz 10+3reb
gschID: 141301


Quimsa - La Union 79-84
Everything could happen in Santiado Estero at the game between two tied teams. Both eighth ranked La Union and 9th ranked Quimsa had identical 9-10 record. But Quimsa was not able to use a home court advantage and lost to the opponent from Formosa 84-79 on Sunday night. The guests trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 30-22 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Quimsa was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was American forward Gregory Lewis (198-78, college: Winthrop, agency: Dream Team Management) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Guard Ariel Pau (186-84) chipped in 19 points. The former international forward Diego Lo Grippo (198-78) produced 22 points and American power forward James Williams (204-79, college: Brown Mackie, agency: Dream Team Management) added 10 points and 11 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Four Quimsa players scored in double figures. La Union have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Regatas C. Loser Quimsa keeps the ninth position with 11 games lost. La Union will face league's second-placed Penarol in Mar del Plata in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Quimsa will play on the road against Quilmes MP (#14) in Mar del Plata.
Top scorers:
Quimsa: D.Lo Grippo 22+3reb+1ast, B.Robinson 12+4reb+2ast, D.Tintorelli 11+1reb, J.Williams 10+11reb, C.Schattmann 7+3reb+3ast, J.Pellot-Rosa 7+4reb
La Union: G.Lewis 20+11reb, A.Pau 19+4reb, L.Perez 12, R.Wolkowyski 9+4reb, G.Mikulas 8+3ast, J.Caceres 6+3reb
gschID: 141302


San Mart.C. - Quilmes MP 75-77
Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both fourteenth ranked Quilmes MP and 15th ranked San Martin Corrientes had identical 5-14 record. But San Martin Corrientes was not able to use a home court advantage and was edged by the opponent from Mar del Plata 77-75 on Sunday night. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 27-18. But San Martin Corrientes won second period 17-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Quilmes MP won last quarter 25-25. The best player for the winners was American-Venezuelan forward Clarence Matthews (201-83, college: Tennessee St.) who scored 16 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Nicolas Ferreyra (185-85) chipped in 16 points and 5 assists. Dominican power forward Jack Michael Martinez (203-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 20 points and 17 rebounds and American forward William McFarlan (201-76, college: St.Thomas Aquinas, agency: Dream Team Management) added 16 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Four San Martin Corrientes players scored in double figures. Newly promoted Quilmes MP maintains fourteenth position with 6-14 record. San Martin Corrientes lost fourth consecutive game. San Martin Corrientes at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the fifteenth place with 15 games lost. Quilmes MP will face higher ranked Quimsa (#9) in Santiado Estero in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. San Martin Corrientes will play on the road against GECR Indalo (#11) in Comodoro R..
Top scorers:
San Mart.C.: J.Michael Martinez 20+17reb, W.McFarlan 16+6reb, J.Coronado 14+1reb+2ast, F.Elias Saad 11+1reb+1ast, A.Carabajal 4+3reb+1ast, L.Victoriano 4+3reb+5ast
Quilmes MP: C.Matthews 16+8reb, N.Ferreyra 16+3reb+5ast, P.McHopson 14+6reb+2ast, G.Eseverri 8+4reb+3ast, A.Weigand 7+9reb+1ast, F.Pinero 6+1reb
gschID: 141295




John DeGroat claims Argentinian LigaA weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
American John DeGroat (198-F-85) had an amazing evening in the last round for Olimpico LB and that's him to receive a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for round 20 (Second Stage).
The 26-year old forward had a double-double of 40 points and thirteen rebounds, while his team lost the game against Wuber-Est.Bahia (#10, 8-10) 85-95. The game was not the highest importance and did not have significant influence on the top of the standings. Olimpico LB maintains the 16th position in Argentinian LigaA. The season is in a full swing, so it's only a dream for the team to make it into top half of the standings. For contrary they may face relegation if the situation turns from bad to worse. Olimpico LB have already lost 15 games and recorded just four victories. In the team's last game DeGroat had a remarkable 60.0% from 2-point range and got four three-pointers out of 7 attempts. He turned to be Olimpico LB's top player in his first season with the team. John DeGroat averages this season 14.3ppg and 6.3rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 29-year old forward Alejandro Zilli (200-F-82) of Sionista. Zilli impressed basketball fans with 23 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. It was enough for Sionista to edge slightly lower-ranked Lanus (#6, 11-9) in overtime by 4 points 71-67. Sionista's 4th position in the standings has not changed. His team's 14-6 record is not bad at all. Zilli is one of the most experienced players at Sionista and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

The third best performed player last round was American Robert Battle (204-C-81, agency: Dream Team Management) of Libertad S. (#3). Battle showcased his all-around game by recording 16 points, fourteen rebounds (!!!) and four assists in the last round. He was a key player of Libertad S., leading his team to a 82-69 easy win against the lower-ranked Regatas C. (#7, 10-10). Libertad S. needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 14 victories and 6 lost games. Battle has a great season in Argentina. After 33 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 9.1rpg (3rd best). He also has 1.4bpg and FGP: 61.3%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81) of San Mart.C. - 20 points and 17 rebounds
5. Gregory Lewis (198-F-78) of La Union - 20 points and 11 rebounds
6. Devin Davis (202-F-74) of GECR Indalo - 13 points and 12 rebounds
7. Marcos Saglietti (189-G-86) of Libertad S. - 20 points and 2 assists
8. Juan Ignacio Sanchez (193-G-77) of Wuber-Est.Bahia - 5 points, 6 rebounds and 12 assists
9. Jerome Meyinsse (206-F/C-88) of Wuber-Est.Bahia - 10 points and 13 rebounds
10. Ariel Pau (186-G-84) of La Union - 19 points and 4 rebounds

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

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


Standings - TNA
TNA Standings
TNA1 North
 1. San Isidro 2-1 
 2. Union Progr. 2-1 
 3. Estudian.Con. 2-2 
 4. Obera TC 1-2 
 5. Alvear 1-2 
TNA1 South
 1. Alianza Viedma 3-1 
 2. Argentino 3-1 
 3. Ciclista 2-2 
 4. Huracan 1-3 
 5. Banda Norte 0-4 
TNA2 North
 1. A.Italiana 2-1 
 2. A.Espanola 2-1 
 3. Atl.Echague 2-2 
 4. Tomas Rocam. 1-2 
 5. Union Sunch 1-2 
TNA2 South
 1. Rosario Cent. 3-0 
 2. Sport Club 2-1 
 3. Bragado 2-2 
 4. San Mart.MJ 0-3 


Stats Leaders - LigaA
Points Per Game
 Juan GUTIERREZ
  Obras
  (205-F/C-83)
  Avg: 18.4
 1. Gutierrez, Obras18.4 
 2. Villegas, Sionista17.2 
 3. Smith, La Union16.6 
 4. OBannon, Boca Jrs16.5 
 5. Nelson, GECR I.16.3 
 6. Pittman, Libertad.16.2 
 7. Meyinsse, Wuber-.16.0 
 8. McHopson, Quilm.16.0 
 9. Gutierrez, Penarol15.7 
 10. DeGroat, Olimpico.15.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ruben GARCES
  Atenas
  (206-C/F-73)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Garces, Atenas9.4 
 2. Sandes, Sionista9.4 
 3. Battle, Libertad S.9.2 
 4. Gutierrez, Obras9.0 
 5. Lloreda, Olimpico.8.8 
 6. Truscott, Quilm.7.8 
 7. Cowan, Club 97.5 
 8. Nelson, GECR I.7.1 
 9. Williams, Quimsa7.1 
 10. Rollins, San M.6.8 
Assists Per Game
 Facundo CAMPAZZO
  Penarol
  (180-G-91)
  Avg: 6.6
 1. Campazzo, Penarol6.6 
 2. Sanchez, Wuber-.6.0 
 3. Stanic, Boca Jrs5.7 
 4. Cequeira, Sionista5.3 
 5. Martinez, Regat.5.3 
 6. Victoriano, San M.4.2 
 7. Sucatzky, Atenas4.2 
 8. Smith, La Union3.6 
 9. Osimani, Obras3.6 
 10. Laprovittola, Lan.3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Matias LESCANO
  Atenas
  (196-G/F-79)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Lescano, Atenas2.4 
 2. Campazzo, Penarol2.2 
 3. Sanchez, Wuber-.1.8 
 4. McHopson, Quilm.1.8 
 5. Ciorciari, GECR I.1.7 
 6. Stanic, Boca Jrs1.6 
 7. Treise, Libertad S.1.5 
 8. Funes, GECR I.1.4 
 9. Pau, La Union1.4 
 10. Pellot-Rosa, Quim.1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Robert BATTLE
  Libertad S.
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 1.4
 1. Battle, Libertad S.1.4 
 2. Rollins, Sionista1.3 
 3. Gutierrez, Obras1.2 
 4. Roe, Regatas C.1.1 
 5. Ayarza, Club 91.0 
 6. Meyinsse, Wuber-.1.0 
 7. Garces, Atenas0.9 
 8. Rollins, San M.0.9 
 9. Weigand, Quilm.0.8 
 10. Sanchez, Wuber-.0.8 


Cantero and Melo miss the rest of the season - by Facundo Iatzky
Two players had important injuries and will miss the rest of the season of Liga A.
first, last week, Juan Pablo Cantero (184-G-82) had a problem with a tendon on his leg during a game of Lanus and he received that bad news that he will have 6 months of recovery.
Almost the same happened with Martin Melo (197-F-82) of 9 de julio who broke his ligament in his right knee. Now he will have to be 6 months off too.
Both clubs are analyzing which players choose to replace them.

*****************************************************
  ASEAN LEAGUE   


Standings
O Standings
 1. Philip.Patriots 4-1 
 2. Singapore S. 4-2 
 3. KL Dragons 3-2 
 4. Petron Blaze 3-2 
 5. Thailand S. 3-3 
 6. Bangkok C. 2-3 
 7. Satria Muda 2-3 
 8. Saigon H. 0-5 


Johnson's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
32-year old swingman Anthony Johnson (197-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team Philip.Patriots and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 5.
He had a double-double of 27 points and 12 rebounds, while his team beat KL Dragons (#3, 3-2) 86-72. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. It allowed Philip.Patriots to take over top position in the ASEAN League . Philip.Patriots have a solid 4-1 record. Johnson just recently signed at Philip.Patriots and it was his first game, where he immediately became new team's leader. University Louisiana at Lafayette graduate has very impressive stats this year. Johnson is in league's top in points (9th best: 17.0ppg) and assists (2nd best: 0.0apg).

Second best performed player last round was Brian Williams (208-C-87, agency: VVG Sports) of KL Dragons. He is American center in his first season at KL Dragons. In the last game Williams recorded impressive double-double of 23 points and 16 rebounds. Bad luck as KL Dragons lost that game 72-86 to slightly higher-ranked Philip.Patriots (#1, 4-1). It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. KL Dragons still maintains its place in the top 3 of the standings, even despite this loss. His team's 3-2 record is not bad at all. Williams is a newcomer at KL Dragons and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 26.0ppg (#3). He also registered 23.0 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to center Jonathan Jones (211-C-79, agency: TSS Management) of Saigon H. (#8). Jones got into 30-points club by scoring 32 points in the last round. He went also for fifteen rebounds . Despite Jones' great performance Saigon H. lost 68-96 to slightly higher-ranked Satria Muda (#7, 2-3). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. Saigon H. can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have awful season losing so far all 5 games. Too bad for Jones he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. The season just started for Jones as he played only first game. But it already looks like he can be team's leader.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Jonathan Smith (206-F-82) of Satria Muda - 13 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Nakiea Miller (204-C-79) of Philip.Patriots - 21 points and 15 rebounds
6. Al Vergara (173-G-79) of Philip.Patriots - 13 points, 2 rebounds and 12 assists
7. Mario Wuysang (176-PG-79) of Satria Muda - 16 points, 3 rebounds and 10 assists
8. Douglas Thomas (206-F/C-83) of Petron Blaze - 14 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Jerick Uy) of Satria Muda - 13 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists
10. DeAndre Thomas (203-C-86) of Thailand S. - 27 points and 10 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)

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


Stats Leaders - NBL
Points Per Game
 Patrick MILLS
  Tigers
  (183-PG-88)
  Avg: 18.6
 1. Mills, Tigers18.6 
 2. Tragardh, Tigers17.7 
 3. Khazzouh, Kings17.1 
 4. Lisch, Wildcats16.8 
 5. Wilson, Taipans16.5 
 6. Wilkinson, Breakers16.2 
 7. Johnson, 36ers15.8 
 8. Worthington, Blaze15.7 
 9. Warren, 36ers15.0 
 10. Abercrombie, Brea.14.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Julian KHAZZOUH
  Kings
  (209-C-86)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Khazzouh, Kings10.9 
 2. Holmes, Crocodiles9.4 
 3. Grant, Kings8.3 
 4. Johnson, 36ers8.1 
 5. Simpsons, 36ers8.1 
 6. Crosswhite, Taipa.7.8 
 7. Worthington, Blaze6.9 
 8. Vukona, Breakers6.8 
 9. Bose, Kings6.5 
 10. Saville, Hawks6.4 
Assists Per Game
 Cedric JACKSON
  Breakers
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Jackson, Breakers6.5 
 2. Mills, Tigers5.0 
 3. Crosswell, 36ers4.7 
 4. Bruce, Kings4.4 
 5. Gibson, Blaze4.4 
 6. Gill, Crocodiles4.1 
 7. Martin, Wildcats3.7 
 8. Martin, Hawks3.4 
 9. Ubaka, Tigers3.3 
 10. Dillon, Tigers3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Cedric JACKSON
  Breakers
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Jackson, Breakers2.6 
 2. Martin, Wildcats2.4 
 3. Robbins, Wildcats2.0 
 4. Mims, Crocodiles1.4 
 5. Crawford, Croco.1.3 
 6. Tovey, Wildcats1.2 
 7. Gibson, Blaze1.2 
 8. Glover, Hawks1.2 
 9. Gill, Crocodiles1.1 
 10. Deleon, Blaze1.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Julian KHAZZOUH
  Kings
  (209-C-86)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Khazzouh, Kings2.2 
 2. Simpsons, 36ers1.5 
 3. Grant, Kings1.4 
 4. Nevill, Wildcats1.3 
 5. Johnson, 36ers1.3 
 6. Crosswhite, Taipa.1.1 
 7. Abercrombie, Break.1.0 
 8. Worthington, Blaze1.0 
 9. Martin, Wildcats0.9 
 10. Pledger, Breakers0.9 


Standings - NBL
NBL Standings
 1. Breakers 15-5 
 2. Wildcats 14-6 
 3. Crocodiles 11-8 
 4. Taipans 11-9 
 5. Blaze 10-8 
 6. Tigers 10-12 
 7. Kings 8-12 
 8. Hawks 5-14 
 9. 36ers 5-15 


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


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


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


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Denzel BOWLES
  Siauliai
  (208-F/C-89)
  Avg: 19.3
 1. Bowles, Siauliai19.3 
 2. Krumins, Jelgava19.1 
 3. Cipruss, Tarvas19.0 
 4. Kalve, Valmiera18.0 
 5. Pilk, TT.16.5 
 6. Barinov, Naglis P.16.5 
 7. Soo, Rapla16.4 
 8. Mayo, Liepaja16.2 
 9. Amis, Tartu Ulikool16.2 
 10. Runkaukas, Neptu.16.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kaspars CIPRUSS
  Tarvas
  (210-C-82)
  Avg: 10.7
 1. Cipruss, Tarvas10.7 
 2. McClure, Kedainiai9.3 
 3. Bailey, Liepaja9.0 
 4. Ringmets, Rapla8.6 
 5. Nelson, Jelgava8.2 
 6. Mednis, Turiba8.0 
 7. Johnson, Naglis P.7.9 
 8. Arnold, TT.7.8 
 9. Benn, Naglis Palan.7.8 
 10. Galdikas, Neptun.7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Rashaun BROADUS
  Siauliai
  (183-PG-84)
  Avg: 5.3
 1. Broadus, Siauliai5.3 
 2. Dainys, Neptunas5.0 
 3. Kriisa, Tarvas5.0 
 4. Rinkevicius, Nagli.4.6 
 5. Maceina, Juventus4.6 
 6. Janavicius, Baltai4.5 
 7. Tsiopych, Barsy A.4.4 
 8. Strelnieks, Ventsp.4.3 
 9. Benn, Naglis Palan.4.2 
 10. Kulagin, Triumph4.2 
Steals Per Game
 Dainius SALENGA
  Rudupis
  (197-F-77)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Salenga, Rudupis2.2 
 2. Krumins, Jelgava2.0 
 3. Benn, Naglis Palan.2.0 
 4. Keedus, TT.2.0 
 5. McKee, Triumph2.0 
 6. Virsis, Valmiera2.0 
 7. Evstigneev, Barsy1.8 
 8. Laane, Rapla1.8 
 9. Akenparg, TT.1.7 
 10. Landry, Triumph1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Bamba FALL
  Kalev/Cramo
  (216-C-86)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Fall, Kalev/Cramo2.5 
 2. Rozitis, Valmiera2.1 
 3. Johnson, Naglis P.1.9 
 4. Bailey, Liepaja1.4 
 5. Staniulis, Lietkab.1.4 
 6. Gumeniuk, Juventus1.4 
 7. Amis, Tartu Ulikool1.3 
 8. Morgan, Pieno Z.0.9 
 9. Butkevicius, Sakal.0.9 
 10. Kurtsevich, Trium.0.9 


Standings - Men
Baltic League Standings
Elite Division
 1. Siauliai 12-2 
 2. Kalev/Cramo 11-5 
 3. Ventspils 10-5 
 4. Triumph 9-3 
 5. Rudupis 9-5 
 6. Juventus 7-8 
 7. Pieno Zvaigzdes 7-8 
 8. Kedainiai 6-8 
 9. Tartu Ulikool 5-11 
 10. Baltai Kaunas 2-11 
 11. Liepaja 2-14 
Challenge Cup
 1. Tarvas 6-2 
 2. Neptunas 5-3 
 3. Naglis Palangos 5-4 
 4. Barsy Atyrau 3-5 
 5. Jelgava 1-7 
 6. Techasas 8-2 
 7. Sakalai 8-2 
 8. Valmiera 8-3 
 9. TTU/Kalev 3-7 
 10. Rapla 2-8 
 11. Turiba 2-8 


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


Standings - Division II
D2 Standings
 1. Waregem 16-3 
 2. Gembo 15-4 
 3. Fleurus 15-4 
 4. Excelsior 13-6 
 5. Kangar.-Boom 12-7 
 6. St-Niklase 11-8 
 7. Essor Charleroi 9-9 
 8. Sprimont 9-9 
 9. Sint-Jan Ant. 9-10 
 10. Liege II 8-10 
 11. M.Hainaut II 6-11 
 12. Melsele 3-15 
 13. De Westhoek 2-17 
 14. Gistel 2-17 


EuroChallenge: Aalstar opened Round 5 with the win over Szolnoki - by Eurobasket News
Okapi Aalstar-Szolnoki Olaj 86:84

Aalstar opened EuroChallenge Round 5 with the win over Szolnoki. The Belgian team overcame the Hungarian representative 86:84 in the only game on February 7th. The rest of the games are scheduled for February 21st.
Szolnoki Olaj scored the first four points of the game but lost the period 24:18. The hosts even improved to 10 points, but led 46:41 at the halftime. Gay later tied the game at 60:60 and Julien Mills (193-G/F-85, college: Ball St.) brought the lead at 62:60 for the guests. Christopher Copeland (203-F-84, college: Colorado) later made the same at 65:65 and Obie Trotter (186-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) tied it again at 81:81. He made the last three points in the game for the total success.
Christopher Copeland top-scored for the winners with 33 points and Christopher Young (206-F/C-79, agency: Court Side, college: Michigan) notched 18. Jorn Steinbach (181-PG-89, agency: Court Side) delivered 14, while Stefan Jackson ended up with 8. Hristo Nikolov (200-F-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) posted 24 in defeat and Obie Trotter scored 18. Zoltan Trepak (210-C-77, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) and Julien Mills followed them with 11 points each. Both teams are with 2-3 records in Group J.

Okapi Aalstar: Christopher Copeland 33, Christopher Young 18, Jorn Steinbach 14, Stefan Jackson 8
Szolnoki Olaj: Hristo Nikolov 24, Obie Trotter 18, Zoltan Trepak 11, Julien Mills 11



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


Palmeiras sign Michael Henderson - by Paulo Freire
After winning the Paulista State A-2 Championship, the S.E. Palmeiras basketball men's team is already working for the 2012 season, where they will compete in two major competitions: the Paulista State A-1 and the Brazil Cup, which ensures the champion and the vice champion for next NBB, the biggest competition of the sport in the country.

The roster is almost the same with only a few changes. The newest face on the team is the american Michael Henderson (196-F/G-84, college: Chicago St.), who will improve their rotation. Michael is a product of Chicago State University, he has ABA experience most on the Chicago Steam and on the Mexico and Puerto Rico basketball.

Mogi das Cruzes agreed with veteran Fabiao Pires - by Paulo Freire
The big man Fabiao Pires (199-C-77), is back to the Gremio Mogi das Cruzes/Unip team for his third passage at the city basketball team. The player of 1.98 m tall is the newest face of the team. He signed the contract, trained with the rest of the roster and is already to play the Brazil Cup debut against the Jacare, this Thursday, from 8:0 pm.

Fabiao returns the Gremio Mogi das Cruzes/Unip after seven years of his last passage, in 2005, when he defended the team coached by Edvar Simoes. Before that, however, he had already played in Mogi, in 2001, commanded then by head coach Nilo Guimaraes today he is the Secretary of sports and recreation of the city.

The further strengthening of the Gremio Mogi das Cruzes/Unip was playing at Sagrado Corazon, of Chile, where he played the national league, so therefore he is able to get on the floor already on Thursday to play Jacarei.

To compose the group, the power forward Vinicius da Silva (202-F/C-89) is doing trying on Gremio Mogi das Cruzes/Unip. The athlete who has 23 years old and comes from the Beirasar Rosalia of Spain. He is going through a period of evaluation and definition of his stay or not, the manager must be decided in the next few days. The athlete is back to Brazil after 5 years playing overseas. The player who started at Coc Ribeirao Preto, had also played in Romania and Italy where he was champion of U19 and U21, where he was considered to be the MVP of the tournament.

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


Canadian CIS round 26 best performance: Sean Peter - by Eurobasket News
Guard Sean Peter (191-G) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for TWU, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 26.
The -year old player was the main contributor (27 points, eight rebounds) to his team's victory, helping them to beat TRU (#5, 5-11) 97-92. TWU maintains the 4th position in Canadian CIS. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. TWU will need more victories to improve their 10-7 record. Peter turned to be TWU's top player in his first season with the team. Sean Peter averages this season 18.8ppg and 6.3rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was -year old Ilarion Bonhomme of Brandon. Bonhomme had a very good evening with a double-double of 25 points and 10 assists. Of course Brandon cruised to a 87-75 relatively comfortable win over the higher-ranked Lethbridge (#3, 9-9). Brandon's 6th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 7-11 record. Bonhomme is a newcomer at Brandon, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was forward Chas Kok (196-F) of TRU (#5). Kok scored 28 points and grabbed ten rebounds. Despite Kok's great performance TRU lost 92-97 to slightly higher-ranked TWU (#4, 10-7). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of TRU not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 11 games, recording just five victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Kok could try to bring TRU's a little bit higher in the standings. Kok has a very solid season. In 16 games in Canada he scored 18.8ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Daniel Ferguson (191-G/F) of Alberta - 27 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Maxwell Allin (193-F) of Laurier - 23 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists
6. Justin King) of TRU - 29 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Mark McNee (198-F) of Winnipeg - 24 points and 8 rebounds
8. Brian Nahimana (206-F) of Brock - 18 points and 10 rebounds
9. Michael Lieffers (203-F-87) of Saskatchewan - 12 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Kale Harrison (196-F) of Laurier - 27 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists

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

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


A Summer to Remember - by Alex Yam
The CBA regular season is on the verge of completion, as the season winds down next week, we take a look back at what was the most talked about league over the summer and during the NBA lockout. NBA players A-Z flirted with the possibility with coming to China, even Kobe Bryant strongly looked at the possibility of 'taking his talents to the Far East', that is until the CBA squashed any under contract NBA player, from using the CBA as a door mat, leaving only free agents to sign and stay.

As the NBA Denver Nuggets were preparing for what was to be a long layoff, 3 Nuggets, bolted for China and the CBA, Wilson Chandler,JR Smith and Kenyon Martin, all took the jump and signed multi-million dollar deals with Chinese teams, as did Phoenix Suns guard Aaron Brooks,As the lockout dragged on, and continued through the summer and as games were being canceled and postponed, players all started to shift overseas, and most of them, were considering China for the short season and the all mighty dollar.

As quick as the NBA seemed to be lost, in a serious of inpromptu meetings, the league and its players and owners quickly reached a resolution much to the shock of fans. So as games were set to start on Christmas day, what seemed like an impossible task of resolution, has now come to fruition. The NBA players were left to stick it out in China, or come back and wait for the CBA season to end, before signing with an NBA team or any other team.

Kenyon Martin was the 1st to leave his team in what was called a mutual separation, and return to the states, to await his clearance to return to the NBA, but in a stunning turn of events, the CBA league apparently did not take in account the long layoff for Chinese New Years, and FIBA cleared Kenyon Martin to return to the NBA, prior to the conclusion of his teams CBA season, the ripple effect is given the clearance issues, it now looks and seems from a standings standpoint, that Chandler and Smith's teams have slowly fallen out of playoff contention, and they too will be back by Mid -Month.

The odd player out is Aaron Brooks, as his team is the clear cut favorite to continue their dominance and win a 5th straight CBA title.

*****************************************************
  CROATIA   


Ivo Josipovic claims Croatian A1 weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Experienced Ivo Josipovic (205-F-75, agency: Court Side) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's second-best Jolly JBS and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 16.
The 36-year old forward had the game-high 27 points adding five rebounds for Jolly in his team's victory, helping them to beat Darda (#9, 5-9) 90-76. Jolly maintains the 2nd position in Croatian A1. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Jolly will need more victories to improve their 11-4 record. In the team's last game Josipovic had a remarkable 90.0% from 2-point range. It's his second year at Jolly and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Ivo Josipovic averages this season 11.6ppg and 5.6rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 32-year old power forward Andrej Stimac (204-F/C-79) of Svjetlost. Stimac impressed basketball fans with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Of course he lead Svjetlost to another comfortable win 82-66 over the lower-ranked Dubrovnik (#11, 3-12) being unquestionably team leader. Svjetlost's 5th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 7-7 record is not bad and everything may still change. Stimac is one of the most experienced players at Svjetlost and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

The third best performed player last round was Bosnia and Herzegovina Matija Ceskovic (192-G-81, agency: Court Side) of Kvarner 2010 (#6). Ceskovic scored 26 points and passed five assists. He was a key player of Kvarner 2010, leading his team to a 82-67 easy win against the lower-ranked Krizevci (#10, 5-10). The chances of Kvarner 2010 ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 8 games, recording just seven victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Ceskovic could help Kvarner 2010 to bring them higher in the standings. Ceskovic has a great season in Croatia. After 11 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 18.7ppg (2nd best) and assists with 4.0apg (4th best). Matija Ceskovic has also Croatian passport and can play in the league with a status of domestic player.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Hrvoje Puljko (193-G-83) of Jolly - 28 points and 3 assists
5. Petar Maric (206-F-87) of Borik - 24 points and 5 rebounds
6. Filip Kruslin (198-G-89) of Zabok - 23 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Mato Peraica (203-C-81) of Darda - 21 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Tomislav Ramljak (204-F/C-85) of Borik - 12 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Josip Blajic (192-G-87) of Kvarner 2010 - 15 points, 2 rebounds and 7 assists
10. Tadej Kostomaj (186-G-87) of Svjetlost - 12 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists

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

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


Cup semi-final match ups - by Dr. Nasios Orinos
The draw of Cyprus Basketball Federation resulted today in two strong matchups for the Cyprus Cup semi-final. The matchups are as follows:

Apoel vs Keravnos (Leftkotheo Indoor Arena)
Enad vs Etha (Leftkotheo Indoor Arena)

Games are knockout and will take place on the 14th and 15th of February.

Great game is expected at Lefkotheo Indoor Arena with Apoel and Keravnos battling for a place at the final.

The Cup final will take place on the 24th of February.



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


Plzen Embarrasses Visiting Ostrava 87-71 to Start A2 Group Play - by Surujh Roopnarine
Eight teams comprise the A2 group of the Mattoni NBL, Ostrava with a 13-13 regular season record was the unofficial first place team. A loss this past weekend to USK Praha was all that kept them out of the top-six A1 group. Apparently the ill-effects of that loss weighed heavily on them as they traveled to face Plzen and were dominated from start to finish, 87-71, by a club entering the night with a 6-20 record and without their top inside presence, Pavel Frana. Plzen jumped all over the visitors from Northern Moravia, outscoring them 16-2 over the last five minutes of the first quarter and never looking back. Plzen was led by the tandem of Ladislav Toth (196-F-83) and Ladislav Pecka (197-F-91), who scored game-highs of 22 points a piece to go along with eight rebounds each to pace all players. Ostrava, which committed 16 turnovers on the evening and never came within five points of the hosts after the second period, were led by Marek Stuchly (196-F-75) and his team-high 15 points.
PLZEN: Ladislav Toth (22pts+8reb), Ladislav Pecka (22pts+8reb), Stepan Vrubl (186-G-76) (17pts+5ast), Filip Smid (194-SG-92) (9pts)
OSTRAVA: Marek Stuchly (15pts), Savvas Manousos (208-F/C-85) (13pts+7reb), Derek Wright (175-G-86, college: Austin Peay St.) (6pts+7ast), James Hughes (211-C-83, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: N.Illinois) (12pts)

Troy Gottselig and Brad Reese to Remain with Usti nad Labem - by Surujh Roopnarine
Imports Troy Gottselig (203-F-87) and Brad Reese (198-F-88, college: Texas Tech) have successfully passed their try-out periods and will remain with SLUNETA Usti nad Labem, the club announced yesterday on their website. With A1 and A2 group stage play beginning this week, the 24-year old Gottselig and 23-year old Reese will try to push Usti nad Labem to the top of the group and a chance to compete in the end-off season playoffs. Troy Gottselig appeared in four contests, averaging 6.0 points and 7.0 rebounds while connecting on 9-31 two-point field goals and 1-4 from three-point range. The 6-8 Canadian forward is in his first season overseas after having spent time in the North American IBL and Canadian NBL. Brad Reese is a 6-6 swingman who attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX. He began his professional career in Spain with CB Lobe Huesca (LEB-Gold). In four Mattoni NBL contests he averaged 9.3 points and 3.3 rebounds, while shooting 11-22 on two-point field goals and 5-14 from three. The two will also try to aid Usti nad Labem in their quest for Czech Cup glory, as the club earned a wild-card entry to the eight-team quarterfinals, where they will face CEZ Nymburk on February 16.

EuroCup: Valencia snatch victory against Nymburk - by Eurobasket News
Valencia - Nymburk 73:72

Valencia earned a narrow home win over Nymburk in EuroCup Last 16 stage. The win propelled the Spanish team at 4-0 record on top of Group I. Nymburk fell at 2-2 record and share the second spot with VEF Riga. Rafael Martinez (191-G-82) came up with 15 points to pace well-balanced effort from Valencia.
Valencia held their opponents to 11 points in the starting quarter to build an 8-point lead 19:11. The hosts maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They ensured a 40:28 halftime advantage. But Nymburk refused to surrender. The Czech champions cut the deficit to 9 points heading into the fourth frame. Nymburk eventually erased the deficit after a three-pointer from Pavel Pumprla (200-F-86) 72:72. Rodrigo San Miguel answered with a free throw to put Valencia back in front. Lamayne Wilson had a chance to win the game for Nymburk but missed a jumper. Niklas Caner-Medley (203-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland) accounted for 11 points in the win. Victor Claver (207-F/C-88), Vitor Faverani (211-C-88) and Nando De Colo (202-G-87) added 9 points each for Valencia. Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) and Pavel Pumprla answered with 18 points each in defeat.

Valencia: Rafael Martinez 15, Niklas Caner-Medley 11
Nymburk: Petr Benda 18, Pavel Pumprla 18


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


Warriors recall Chris Wright from D-League, waive Earl Barron - by Eurobasket News
After putting up some rather impressive numbers down in the NBA D-League recently, the Golden State Warriors have recalled power forward Chris Wright (6'8''-F-88, college: Dayton), while waiving center Earl Barron (7'0''-C-81, college: Memphis) to make room for him on the 15 man roster.

Wright, the 6-8 forward out of Dayton University, played in three games with the for the Ws D-League affiliate, the Dakota Wizards. and made the most of his time there. Wright averaged 20.7 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist and 2.33 blocks in 31.0 minutes per contest, garnering himself enough attention to make it back to the show.

As for Barron,who was signed as some emergency help when Kwame Brown went down with his pectoral injury, appeared in only two games for Golden State, averaging 2.0 points in 4.5 minutes with the Ws.

Wright began the season on the Warriors roster and saw minutes in five games, averaging 1 point in 3.2 minutes of play.

The Warriors could decide to bring someone to replace Barron, as Monday is the first day that NBA teams can sign players to 10-day contracts, something to keep an eye on moving forward.

Courtesy of http://bayarea.sbnation.com

Cavaliers waive former BayHawk Thompson - by Eurobasket News
The Cleveland Cavaliers waived rookie guard Mychel Thompson (6'7''-F-88, college: Pepperdine), who made the NBA team's roster out of training camp after starting the season with the Erie BayHawks.

Thompson, a rookie from Pepperdine University, averaged 19.8 points in Erie's first five games before being invited to Cleveland's training camp in mid-December. The BayHawks retain his NBA Development League rights.

Thompson had started the past three games for the Cavaliers, who were short-handed because of injuries to Daniel Gibson (neck) and Anthony Parker (back). Also, the Cavs want to maintain roster flexibility. Thompson averaged 3.6 points and 19 minutes in five games.

Gibson practiced today for the first time in 10 days and is traveling with the team to Miami for Tuesday's game against the Heat. He was hospitalized this past week in Boston with a 'soft tissue' infection in his neck but says he's feeling better and is eager to play.

Parker is expected to miss his fourth straight game with a sore lower back and rookie forward Tristan Thompson still hasn't recovered from a sprained left ankle.

Courtesy of www.goerie.com

T-Wolves rookie Malcolm Lee to play for Skyforce - by Eurobasket News
The Skyforce have finally gotten help from an NBA affiliate, but its likely a case of too little too late.

On Monday, the Minnesota Timberwolves assigned rookie Malcolm Lee (6'4''-G-90, college: UCLA) to Sioux Falls to continue his rehab from a preseason knee injury. The 6-foot-5 former UCLA guard is expected to make his D-League debut tonight when the Force hosts Dakota (12-13) at the Arena. Hell likely stick around for two weekend home games, too.

It marks the first time this season that any of the three NBA teams tied to Sioux Falls have sent a player here. The team sure could have used more help. It sits at 7-21 after five straight losses, possessing the worst mark in the league by three games.

I dont think were getting a guy whos just a rehab assignment; were getting a guy who can play, Force president Mike Heineman said. And thats what we need right now help at that spot.

A California native, Lee was an all-conference pick at UCLA before being selected 43rd in the most recent draft by the Chicago Bulls. The Wolves acquired him via trade and stated that he was in line to get some minutes only to shut him down in the preseason because of a knee injury (meniscus) that required surgery.

This will be the first real pro action for the 21-year-old, who is considered a combo guard with the potential to become an elite defender.

Lee isnt the only roster change since Sioux Falls last home game.

Rookie guard Casey Mitchell, the teams top scorer at 19.6 points per game, bought out his contract to sign in Slovenia. The move caught coach Mo McHone off guard. So did the departure of rookie reserve forward Jamelle Horne, who asked for his release in order to go home and work on his game.

Who ever heard of such a thing? McHone asked.

In terms of additions, forward Yemi Ogunoye is back. The former Summit League defensive player of the year from Oral Roberts finished 2011 in Sioux Falls and brings defensive versatility to the table. Tonight also marks the home debut of another former Summit standout, center Keith Benson. The 6-11 rookie from Oakland University, also a second-round NBA selection over the summer, is averaging 13.0 points and 6.3 rebounds in four games with the Force.

McHone thought the acquisition of Benson was going to be a turning point. It hasnt turned out that way, and things got even more uncomfortable Sunday with the firing of assistant coach Eldridge Recasner due to chemistry issues.

Weve had such a frustrating year, McHone said.

Courtesy of www.argusleader.com

D-Fenders hand BayHawks lopsided loss - by Eurobasket News
Gerald Green's (6'8''-G/F-86) red-hot shooting from 3-point range powered the Los Angeles D-Fenders' offensive assault in a 138-107 rout of the Erie BayHawks in an NBA D-League matchup Monday night.

Green scored a game-high 35 points and went 8-of-11 on 3-pointers as the D-Fenders downed the 'Hawks for the second time in three days at the Toyota Sports Center.

The BayHawks (13-15) were not able to keep pace on offense with the Defenders, who shot 56 percent from the floor compared to 48 percent for Erie.

Los Angeles, which took a 29-17 lead after the first quarter, rolled to a 17-point lead at halftime, 62-45. The Defenders (20-10) had a 22-point lead, 97-75, after three quarters.

Kyle Spain (6'5''-F-87, college: San Diego St.) led Erie with 27 points, including 6-of-9 from 3-point range. Mike James (6'1''-G-90), in his second game since returning to the 'Hawks, had 23 points and seven assists, while Tirrell Baines (6'6''-F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Marshall) chipped in a double-double (18 points, 11 rebounds).

The 'Hawks return to Erie Friday to host the Maine Red Claws at 7 p.m. at Tullio Arena.

Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Emmett leads Bighorns past Jam - by Eurobasket News
When the Reno Bighorns found themselves dead-locked with the Bakersfield Jam Monday night at the Reno Events Center, they would look to their hot-hand, Andre Emmett (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Texas Tech), to seal the victory. He proved capable of providing the heroics.

Emmett posted game highs in points (28), rebounds (8) and assists (6) and sealed the victory with a game-winning floater with 3.8 seconds left to win a 113-111 game and sweep the Jam.

The Bighorns used a balanced attack, with six players scoring in double digits. Zach Graham (6'6''-G-89, college: Mississippi) scored 21 points and five rebounds while Terrance Thomas (6'6''-F-80, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Baylor) added 18 points, six rebounds and six assists. Eric Devendorf (6'4''-G-87, college: Syracuse) recorded his best performance as a Bighorn with 15 points off the bench.

Jeremy Wise (6'3''-G-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: S.Mississippi) led the Jam with 25 points and five assists while Derrick Byars had 19 points and six rebounds.

The Bighorns also beat the Jam on Saturday night in Reno when Wise missed on a three-point attempt at the buzzer for a 106-103 victory. The Bighorns now sit in fourth place in the Western Conference with a 16-13 record.

The Bighorns stay in Reno for a two-game home-stand against the former Bighorns coach Eric Musselman and the Los Angeles D-Fenders on Friday, January 10 and Saturday, January 11 at the Reno Events Center.

Courtesy of www.kolotv.com

Jerry Smith is Performer of the Week - by Eurobasket News
Jerry Smith (6'2''-G-87, college: Louisville) is named NBA Development League Performer of the Week for games played Jan. 30-Feb. 5, when the Armor went 2-0.

Smith, a 6-2, 190-pound guard out of Louisville, averaged 26.5 points, 11.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists, while shooting 60 percent from the floor last week. He recorded back-to-back double-doubles against the Sioux Falls Skyforce, recording 27 points and 11 rebounds on Feb. 2 and 26 points and 11 rebounds on Feb. 3.

For the season, Smith is averaging 17.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 22 games for the Armor.

The Armor, winners of four of their last five games, will return to action on Thursday when they host the Texas Legends at 7:00 PM at the MassMutual Center. The Armor and Legends will meet once more on Saturday, Feb. 11, also at 7:00 PM.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

NBA D-League All-Star rosters named - by Eurobasket News
The NBA D-League's All-Star game will take place on Feb. 19 -- one day before the NBA's version -- and despite not having near the same level of name recognition of its big league counterpart, there are definitely names NBA fans should recognize among the 20 players invited to participate.

The game, which will be played in Los Angeles and broadcast live on NBA TV, features eight players currently on NBA rosters -- the seven call-ups so far this season plus Dexter Pittman (6'10''-C-88, college: Texas), who is currently playing for the Sioux Falls Skyforce while on assignment from the Miami Heat.

The seven call-ups include Zabian Dowdell (6'3''-PG-84, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav, college: Virginia Tech) (Tulsa 66ers to Phoenix Suns), Larry Owens (6'7''-G/F-83, college: ORU) (Tulsa 66ers to San Antonio Spurs), Mustafa Shakur (6'4''-G-84, college: Arizona) (Rio Grande Valley Vipers to Washington Wizards), Chris Johnson (6'11''-C-85, college: LSU) (Dakota Wizards to Portland Trail Blazers), Garrett Temple (6'6''-G-86, college: LSU) (Erie BayHawks to Milwaukee Bucks), Trey Johnson (6'5''-G-84, college: Jackson St.) (Bakersfield Jam to Toronto Raptors) and Orien Greene (6'4''-G-82, college: La-Lafayette) (Utah Flash to New Jersey Nets).

The remaining roster for the Western Conference includes former first round NBA draft picks Joe Alexander (6'8''-F-86, college: W.Virginia) and Sean Williams (6'10''-F-86, college: Boston Coll.) of the Texas Legends, former Golden State Warriors power forward Jeff Adrien (6'7''-F-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Connecticut), surprising big man Marcus Cousin (6'11''-C-86, college: Houston) of the Austin Toros and New Mexico Thunderbirds forward Shane Edwards (6'7''-F-87, college: UALR), who played with the Denver Nuggets this preseason.

The Eastern Conference's non-NBA players includes three players from league-leading Iowa Energy in former Utah Jazz call-up Othyus Jeffers (6'5''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Robert Morris), former D-League MVP Courtney Sims (6'11''-C-83, college: Michigan) and stalwart point guard Curtis Stinson (6'3''-G-83, college: Iowa St.). The rest of the roster is made up of Sioux Falls' Patrick Ewing Jr. (6'8''-F-84, college: Georgetown), Erie's Ivan Johnson (6'8''-F/C-84, college: CS San Bernar.), Fort Wayne's Walker Russell and Maine's DeShawn SIms.

The West team will be coached by Tulsa's Nate Tibbetts along with 66ers assistant Dale Osbourne. The East team will be coached by Nick Nurse of the Iowa Energy along with his assistant, Nate Bjorkgren.

Of course these rosters will more than likely change quite a bit by the time the actual game happens due to European buyouts, players being called up to the NBA as well as the current call-ups returning to the NBA if their 10-day contracts aren't renewed.

For now, though, the biggest snub seems to be Marcus Landry of the Reno Bighorns. Landry, a 6-foot-7 forward currently playing for the Bighorns, is averaging 17.4 points and 4.0 rebounds while hitting 39 percent of his 3-point attempts. Other players that probably would be at the top of the list of replacement candidates should include Maine's Tiny Gallon, Jamar Smith and Mario West; Justin Dentmon and Antonio Daniels of the Legends; Scottie Reynolds or JamesOn Curry of the Springfield Armor; Iowa's Chris Lofton and Marqus Blakely; Latavious Williams of the 66ers; Rio Grande Valley's Jerel McNeal; Marvin Phillips of the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and Dakota's Renaldo Major.

Replacements and starters won't be named until closer to the day of the game due to the ever-changing nature of D-League rosters.

The complete 2011 NBA D-League All-Star teams are listed below.


East All-Star Roster

Pos. Player (Team) College
F Patrick Ewing Jr. (Sioux Falls) Georgetown
G Othyus Jeffers (Iowa) Robert Morris-Chicago
C Chris Johnson (Dakota) LSU
F Ivan Johnson (Erie) Cal State San Bernardino
C Dexter Pittman (Sioux Falls) Texas
G Walker Russell (6'0''-G-82, college: Jacksonville St.) (Fort Wayne) Jacksonville State
C Courtney Sims (Iowa) Michigan
F Sims DeShawn (6'8''-F-88, college: Michigan) (Maine) Michigan
G Curtis Stinson (Iowa) Iowa State
G Garrett Temple (Erie) LSU

Head Coach: Nick Nurse (Iowa)
Assistant Coach: Nate Bjorkgren (Iowa)
Athletic Trainer: Jervae Odom (Iowa)


West All-Star Roster

Pos. Player (Team) Ht. Wt. College
F Jeff Adrien (Rio Grande Valley) Connecticut
F Joe Alexander (Texas) West Virginia
C Marcus Cousin (Austin) Houston
G Zabian Dowdell (Tulsa) Virginia Tech
F Shane Edwards (New Mexico) Arkansas-Little Rock
G Orien Greene (Utah) Louisiana-Lafayette
G Trey Johnson (Bakersfield) Jackson State
F Larry Owens (Tulsa) Oral Roberts
G Mustafa Shakur (Rio Grande Valley) Arizona
C Sean Williams (Texas) Boston College

Head Coach: Nate Tibbetts (Tulsa)
Assistant Coach: Dale Osbourne (Tulsa)
Athletic Trainer: Tony Katzenmeier (Tulsa)

Courtesy of www.aolnews.com



Standings
D-League Standings
East Conference
 1. Iowa E. 18-8 
 2. Springfield A. 15-13 
 3. Erie Bay H. 13-15 
 4. Canton C. 13-16 
 5. Dakota W. 12-13 
 6. Maine RC 11-17 
 7. Ft.Wayne MA 10-18 
 8. Sioux Falls S. 7-21 
West Conference
 1. Los Angeles D. 20-10 
 2. Austin T. 19-8 
 3. Rio Grande VV 19-12 
 4. Reno B. 16-13 
 5. Tulsa 66ers 15-14 
 6. Bakersfield J. 13-14 
 7. Texas L. 13-16 
 8. Idaho S. 10-16 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Blake AHEARN
  Reno B.
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 24.1
 1. Ahearn, Reno B.24.1 
 2. Emmett, Reno B.23.6 
 3. Dentmon, Austin T.22.8 
 4. Costner, Los A.22.2 
 5. Millsap, Los A.20.5 
 6. Ubiles, Dakota W.20.2 
 7. Mitchell, Sioux F.19.6 
 8. Dyson, Tulsa 66ers19.3 
 9. Harris, Canton C.18.6 
 10. Green, Los A.18.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Marcus LEWIS
  Tulsa 66ers
  (203-F/C-86)
  Avg: 13.2
 1. Lewis, Tulsa 66ers13.2 
 2. Dawson, Austin T.10.5 
 3. Andrews, Los A.9.0 
 4. Milligan, Canton C.8.9 
 5. Williams, Texas L.8.7 
 6. Daniels, Erie B.8.6 
 7. Dyer, Texas L.8.6 
 8. Foote, Springfield8.5 
 9. Smith, Rio G.8.3 
 10. Reid, Tulsa 66ers8.1 
Assists Per Game
 Walker RUSSELL
  Ft.Wayne.
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 9.9
 1. Russell, Ft.Wayne.9.9 
 2. Ewing, Iowa E.6.8 
 3. Wise, Bakersfield6.3 
 4. Curry, Springfield6.3 
 5. Bozeman, Reno B.6.2 
 6. Coleman, Sioux F.6.0 
 7. Baker, Dakota W.6.0 
 8. Bailey, Idaho S.5.9 
 9. Fortson, Los A.5.6 
 10. Cooksey, Texas L.5.5 
Steals Per Game
 Dominique COLEMAN
  Sioux F.
  (190-G-84)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Coleman, Sioux F.2.4 
 2. Fortson, Los A.2.1 
 3. Stinson, Iowa E.2.0 
 4. Curry, Springfield1.9 
 5. Baker, Dakota W.1.9 
 6. Russell, Ft.Wayne.1.9 
 7. Millsap, Los A.1.9 
 8. Uzoh, Rio Grande1.8 
 9. Emmett, Reno B.1.8 
 10. Smith, Springfiel.1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Will FOSTER
  Idaho S.
  (226-C-88)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Foster, Idaho S.2.9 
 2. Whiteside, Reno B.2.9 
 3. N''Diaye, Iowa E.2.1 
 4. Daniels, Erie B.2.1 
 5. Williams, Texas L.2.1 
 6. Saunders, Rio G.2.0 
 7. Ojougboh, Tulsa1.8 
 8. Dove, Dakota W.1.7 
 9. Gilder, Sioux F.1.5 
 10. Blakely, Iowa E.1.5 


*****************************************************
  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Stats Leaders - LIDOBA
LNB 2011 Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
Coronado, Reales 21.3
Thomas, Indios 20.6
Maye, Titanes 19.3
Salas Flores, Metros 19.2
Snyder, Reales 19.1
Rebounds Per Game
Montas, Caneros 13.1
Santana, Caneros 10.8
Salas Flores, Metros 9.4
Almonte, Titanes 8.8
Elisma, Indios 8.7
Assists Per Game
Dalmau, Titanes 6.3
Soliver, Reales 5.7
Ortega, Indios 5.4
Russell, Leones 5.4
Ozuna, Cocolos 4.4

Juan Coronado is the new import player of San Martin Corrientes - by Basket Dominicano
The dominican guard Juan Coronado (196-G-83) is the new import player of the team San Martin Corrientes in the LNB of Argentina.

Coronado just finished his job in Mexico with Halcones UV Xalapa. In 6 games he averaged 13.8ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.2apg and 1.7spg.

Juan is a combo guard member of the Dominican Republic National Team in the last Panamerican Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. He averaged 11.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.4apg and 1.8spg.

Coronado made his debut the last Friday with 2 rebounds in 3 minutes. In his second game with San Martin he finished with 14 points, 1 rebound and 2 assists in 32 minutes against Quilmes Mar del Plata last sunday.

The Dominican guard was the North circuit MVP in the National Basketball League in Dominican Republic last summer playing with the team Reales de La Vega.

*****************************************************
  EBA   


Standings
EBA Standings
Northern Division
 1. New York W. 4-1 
 2. HV Hype 3-1 
 3. Philadelphia L. 1-2 
 4. Brooklyn P. 0-0 
 5. NYC Jaguars 0-3 
Southern Division
 1. M. All-Stars 6-0 
 2. Washington M. 2-3 
 3. NoVa Hawks 1-2 
 4. Winchester S. 1-4 
 5. Harrisburg H. 0-2 


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


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


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Jovo STANOJEVIC
  Karsi.
  (208-C-77)
  Avg: 20.4
 1. Stanojevic, Karsi.20.4 
 2. Chatman, Karsiyaka20.0 
 3. Copeland, Aalstar19.6 
 4. Dykes, U.Mobite.19.0 
 5. Karadeniz, Turk T.18.3 
 6. Stimac, Olin Edirne18.0 
 7. Richardson, Armia17.8 
 8. Clemente, Nitra17.8 
 9. Roll, Antwerp16.9 
 10. Trotter, Szolnok16.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Will THOMAS
  Armia
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 11.3
 1. Thomas, Armia11.3 
 2. Mensah-Bonsu, Bes.10.0 
 3. Kjellbom, Armia9.8 
 4. Majok, Nitra9.3 
 5. Arnold, BK Pardu.8.9 
 6. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.8.6 
 7. Bader, Szolnok8.5 
 8. Stanojevic, Karsi.8.5 
 9. Terry, Khimik8.2 
 10. Young, Aalstar8.2 
Assists Per Game
 Jared JORDAN
  Telekom .
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 9.2
 1. Jordan, Telekom9.2 
 2. Eldridge, Minsk-20.6.5 
 3. Tchicamboud, Cha.6.2 
 4. Moore, Keravnos6.0 
 5. Holston, Art.Drag.5.8 
 6. Barrett, Roanne5.8 
 7. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.5.7 
 8. Gaines, Armia5.5 
 9. Wright, Olin Edirne5.3 
 10. Slagter, Leiden5.1 
Steals Per Game
 Denis CLEMENTE
  Nitra
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Clemente, Nitra2.8 
 2. Frazier, Keravnos2.7 
 3. Moore, Keravnos2.6 
 4. Diane, Nitra2.5 
 5. Morris, U.Mobite.2.4 
 6. Greene, Hoverla2.3 
 7. Washington, Turk T.2.3 
 8. Pandula, BK Prost.2.3 
 9. Hasbrouck, EWE B.2.0 
 10. Young, Ventspils1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Tony GAFFNEY
  Teleko.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Gaffney, Teleko.2.3 
 2. Kjellbom, Armia2.3 
 3. Sene, Fuenlabrada1.7 
 4. Hardin, Minsk-20061.7 
 5. Mejri, Antwerp1.7 
 6. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.1.6 
 7. Knox, Minsk-20061.5 
 8. Mensah-Bonsu, Bes.1.4 
 9. Pustovyi, Khimik1.4 
 10. Baxter, Enisey1.4 


*****************************************************
  EUROCUP   


Standings
Eurocup Standings
Group I
 1. Valencia 4-0 
 2. CEZ Nymburk 2-2 
 3. VEF Riga 2-2 
 4. Gravelines 0-4 
Group J
 1. BC Donetsk 3-1 
 2. Khimky 3-1 
 3. ASVEL 1-3 
 4. Aris 1-3 
Group K
 1. Spartak SP 4-0 
 2. Buducnost 2-2 
 3. Banvit BK 2-2 
 4. Krka 0-4 
Group L
 1. Lietuvos rytas 3-1 
 2. Benetton TV 3-1 
 3. Lokomotiv 2-2 
 4. ALBA 0-4 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Fabien CAUSEUR
  Cholet
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 21.8
 1. Causeur, Cholet21.8 
 2. Minard, Azovmash16.4 
 3. Curry, BC Donetsk16.3 
 4. Massey, Lokomotiv15.4 
 5. Traore, Lokomotiv15.2 
 6. Bell, Groningen15.0 
 7. Seibutis, Lietuv.14.9 
 8. James, Aris14.7 
 9. McKinney, Fr.14.7 
 10. Caner-Medley, Val.14.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jeff ADRIEN
  Benetton TV
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 8.4
 1. Adrien, Benetton8.4 
 2. Davidson, Fraport8.2 
 3. Massey, Lokomotiv8.0 
 4. Booker, Oostende8.0 
 5. Giddens, PAOK7.8 
 6. Traore, Lokomotiv7.8 
 7. Valanciunas, Lietu.7.6 
 8. Falker, Cholet7.0 
 9. Roberts, Lietuvos.7.0 
 10. Rancik, Azovmash6.8 
Assists Per Game
 DaShaun WOOD
  ALBA
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Wood, ALBA5.5 
 2. Halperin, Spart.5.4 
 3. Planinic, Khimky5.3 
 4. Moore, PGE Turow5.2 
 5. Ermis, Banvit BK4.5 
 6. Rice, Lietuvos.4.4 
 7. Rochestie, Le Mans4.4 
 8. Becirovic, Benetto.4.4 
 9. Heath, Lukoil A.4.4 
 10. Beverley, Spart.4.3 
Steals Per Game
 Avis WYATT
  Groningen
  (211-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Wyatt, Groningen2.5 
 2. Taylor, M.Hainaut2.3 
 3. Massey, Lokomotiv2.3 
 4. Minard, Azovmash2.3 
 5. Pumprla, CEZ N.2.2 
 6. Beverley, Spart.2.1 
 7. Goree, PAOK2.0 
 8. Randle, Hapoel J-M2.0 
 9. Draper, Cedevita2.0 
 10. Caner-Medley, Val.1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Sam MULDROW
  Aris
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Muldrow, Aris2.5 
 2. Varnado, Hapoel J.2.2 
 3. Wyatt, Groningen2.0 
 4. Kravtsov, BC Do.1.8 
 5. Naymick, CEZ N.1.8 
 6. Valanciunas, Lietu.1.6 
 7. Randle, Hapoel J-M1.5 
 8. Falker, Cholet1.3 
 9. Gobert, Cholet1.3 
 10. Fofana, AS.1.3 


Eurocup Round: 4 (Top 16) - by Eurobasket News
Group I
Valencia - CEZ Nymburk 73-72
Valencia earned a narrow home win over Nymburk in EuroCup Last 16 stage. The win propelled the Spanish team at 4-0 record on top of Group I. Nymburk fell at 2-2 record and share the second spot with VEF Riga. Rafael Martinez (191-G-82) came up with 15 points to pace well-balanced effort from Valencia. Valencia held their opponents to 11 points in the starting quarter to build an 8-point lead 19:11. The hosts maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They ensured a 40:28 halftime advantage. But Nymburk refused to surrender. The Czech champions cut the deficit to 9 points heading into the fourth frame. Nymburk eventually erased the deficit after a three-pointer from Pavel Pumprla (200-F-86) 72:72. Rodrigo San Miguel answered with a free throw to put Valencia back in front. Lamayne Wilson had a chance to win the game for Nymburk but missed a jumper. Niklas Caner-Medley (203-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland) accounted for 11 points in the win. Victor Claver, Vitor Faverani and Nando De Colo added 9 points each for Valencia. Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) and Pavel Pumprla answered with 18 points each in defeat.

Gravelines - VEF Riga 62-69
VEF Riga posted the second straight win in EuroCup Last 16 round. They upset Gravelines on the road to improve at 2-2 record in Group I. Gravelines suffered the fourth straight defeat. VEF Riga set the tone early but Gravelines stuck around. The Latvian team led by just a single point 20:19 after ten minutes of action. VEF Riga stretched the gap in the second quarter. They established a 41:38 halftime lead. The visitors stiffened their defence in the third term. VEF Riga limited Gravelines to 8 points in the period building an 8-point advantage before the fourth quarter. Gravelines narrowed the gap in the final stanza but VEF Riga hung on to escape with the victory at the end. Kaspars Berzins (213-F/C-85) scored 19 points to lead the visitors. Sandis Valters (193-G-78) contributed 15 points for the winners. Juby Johnson (196-G-81, college: Miami, OH) answered with 12 points for Gravelines. J.K. Edwards had 11 points in the loss.

Group J
BC Donetsk - Khimky 85-67
BC Donetsk made a huge step towards reaching EuroCup quarterfinals. They held off Khimky at home court to catch up with their opponents at 3-1 record on top of Group J. Ramel Curry (192-G-80, college: CSU Bakersfield) and Vule Avdalovic (189-PG-81, agency: Beo Basket) scored 18 points each to lead the winners. BC Donetsk and Khimky stayed well-matched in the opening ten minutes. The hosts snatched a narrow 19:18 lead after the opening quarter. BC Donetsk stretched the margin in the second frame. They established a 44:35 halftime advantage. Khimky tried hard but could not get within striking distance throughout the third period. They still trailed by as many as 8 points with ten minutes to go. BC Donetsk quickly opened a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter and cruised to the win at the end. Ivan Radenovic provided 13 points for the winners. Egor Vyaltsev (192-G-85) answered with 19 points for Khimky. Zoran Planinic had 16 points and 6 boards in the loss.

ASVEL - Aris 79-52
Asvel Basket limited Aris to 52 points in EuroCup Round 2 of the Second Stage. Moreover the French side allowed the guests to score 18 points at the halftime to beat them 79:52 for the initial victory. Hilton Armstrong (208-C/F-84, college: Connecticut) scored 8 points to cap a 21-0 run that bridged the first and second quarters to put the hosts ahead 31-9. Aris came out for the second half looking determined to make the score more respectable and a Verginis triple early in the third quarter gave the visitors hope. Aris managed to win the third period 22-16 to trail 15 points after three quarters. Asvel Basket however replied with 24-12 in the last stanza to seal the victory. Hilton Armstrong top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Kim Tillie (210-F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Utah) netted 12. Edwin Jackson ended up with 11, while Phil Goss posted 9. Sergio Kerusch (195-F-89, college: W.Kentucky) delivered 9 points in defeat and Ronald Davis nailed 8. Asvel will take on Donetsk on February 21st . Aris will face Khimky in Russia.

Group K
Buducnost - Banvit BK 83-73
Buducnost returned the intrigue to EuroCup Last 16 Group K. They defeated Banvit at home court to catch up with their opponents at 2-2 record. Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) fired 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to pace the charge. The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the first half. Buducnost led by just two points after the opening quarter 24:22. Banvit however cut the deficit to a single point 43:44 at halftime. But the third term turned things around. Buducnost finally adjusted their tempo and cleared off. The hosts limited Banvit at just 10 points to ensure a 13-point lead before the final frame. Banvit went on a desperate comeback rally in the fourth stanza but came up short at the end. Nikola Ivanovic (187-G-94, agency: Beo Basket) and Jermaine Anderson (188-G-83, college: Fordham) posted 16 points each in the victory. Charles Davis (202-F-84, college: Alabama) responded with 18 points for Banvit. Lance Williams accounted for 12 points in the loss.

Spartak SP - Krka 71-57
Spartak Saint Petersburg booked their EuroCup quarterfinal ticket. They overcame Krka tonight to stay undefeated at the tournament. Spartak improved at 4-0 record in Last 16 Group K. Krka suffered the fourth defeat in a row and remained at the bottom of the ladder. Vladimir Dragicevic (205-C/F-86) scored 19 points to lead the hosts. Spartak stormed into this one scoring 29 points in the first quarter. They piled up a comfortable 14-point lead and maintained it throughout the second quarter. Spartak arrived at halftime up by 15 points 49:34. The teams slowed down in the third term combining for just 20 points. Spartak remained in charge leading by 15 points 59:44 at the final break. Krka outscored the hosts in the final frame but never threatened the gap. Anatoly Kashirov (215-C-87) finished with 15 points, while Yotam Halperin added 11 points in the win. Zoran Dragic (196-F/G-89) answered with 12 points for Krka. Jure Balazic, Jure Lalic and Matej Rojc had 9 points each in the loss.

Group L
Benetton TV - Lokomotiv 87-76
Benetton Treviso registered the third win in EuroCup Last 16 Group L. They held off Lokomotiv Kuban in Treviso tonight. The win helped the Italian team reach 3-1 record in the group, while Lokomotiv slipped at 2-2 record. Jeffrey Viggiano (197-F-84, college: Massachusetts) accounted for 17 points to lead the effort. Benetton did not waste too much time surging ahead early in the encounter. The hosts piled up a 23:15 lead ten minutes into the game. Lokomotiv however quickly came back to life and bounced back in the second quarter. Led by Ali Traore (207-C-85, agency: Beo Basket, college: S.Idaho JC) the visitors narrowed the gap to just two points at halftime 38:40. Benetton managed to stay in the drivers seat in the third quarter. The Italian team posted a 62:59 advantage with ten minutes remaining. Benetton outscored the visitors 25:17 in the final frame and escaped with a key win at the end. Sani Becirovic (196-G-81) and Jobey Thomas (194-G-80, college: Charlotte) delivered 13 points each for Benetton. Gal Mekel added 9 points in the victory. Ali Traore answered with 26 points and 9 rebounds for Lokomotiv Kuban. Jeremiah Massey netted 14 points in the loss.

ALBA - Lietuvos rytas 62-79
Lietuvos Rytas edge Alba in O2 World Arena for 3-1 record in Group L. The Baltic State kept the German side winless after 79:62 victory. Lietuvos Rytas took the lead in the first period and reached 23:18 after the first 20 minutes. Renaldas Seibutis (195-G-85) increased to 30:18, while Tyrese Rice brought 38:26. DaShaun Wood managed to close the half at 43:31 as Alba never led in the game. They won however the third period 18-17 for 60:49 after three quarters, but the guests needed 19-13 in the last stanza to seal the victory. Renaldas Seibutis stepped up with 24 points for the winners and Mindaugas Katelynas (206-F-83, college: Chattanooga) as well as Tyrese Rice posted 10 each. Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports) and DaShaun Wood ended up with 13 points each in the losing effort. Kyle Weaver scored 11 and Marko Simonovic posted 10.



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


Viktor Khryapa and Ermal Kurtoglu injured - by Eurobasket News
As confirmed by the club, CSKA Moscow forward Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) will be out for approximately one month, due to a dislocation on his index finger. Khryapa is expected to be back in March, which means that he will miss the rest of the Top 16. Khryapa has been one of the main pillars of the great CSKA performance this season, which keeps the team still unbeaten. In 12 Turkish Airlines Euroleague games, Khryapa has averaged 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists. The player will undergo further medical tests to conclude his diagnosis with more detail.

On the heels of a loaning one veteran away this week, Anadolu Efes Istanbul announced Friday that it had lost another to a long-term injury. On Friday, a day after loaning point guard Vlado Ilievski to Eurocup contender Lokomotiv Kuban of Russia, Efes announced that center Ermal Kurtoglu (208-C-80, agency: Beo Basket) would be out two months after undergoing surgery for an unspecified injury. Kuqo (2.07 meters, 31 years old) had been averaging 5.2 points in just 9 minutes per Euroleague game this season. Kugo was one of just 11 players to see court time for Efes in the first three Top 16 games. The last window for signing and registering Euroleague players this season comes next week before Game 4 of the Top 16.

Courtesy of Euroleague

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


From Hungary to Finland - by Josh Wilson
A ton has happened since my last post so I have some catching up to do. A few weeks after my last blog my family and I decided to leave Kaposvar in Hungary and pursue other opportunities for reasons Ill explain in a later blog. We arrived here in Finland Jan 22nd and are just now getting settled in and comfortable in our new life in Helsinki.

There are very striking differences from Hungary to Finland both in lifestyle, people and the style of basketball. The biggest difference can be noticed immediately after getting off the plane, the weather. This was to be expected but is not as big of a deal as I thought. As long as you layer up and have a good coat its not a problem at all. Today was -15 Celsius and my wife and two kids did just fine getting around the city.

Nearly everyone in Finland speaks English. I read in an article that 90% of the people in Helsinki speak English. That is pretty impressive. They have a very good economy, education system and everything seems very modern. To an American Finland is great. The local stores have all of my favorite American food Mt. Dew, Peanut Butter, Doritos and even the impossible to find Ranch. My only complaint is the cost of living. Everything in Helsinki is expensive and thats not even considering the exchange rate from Euro to Dollar. A small example was a 16 ounce bottle of coke at the gas station was 2.50 Euro. That means it was $3.29 for a coke. Huh? I highly recommend Finland to professional hoopers, atleast from what Ive seen so far. Of course, I am in Helsinki.

The style of play here is also much different. Everyone asks me what is a better league Hungary or Finland. Generally they are considered the same from the people Ive talked to but I think there is a big difference. Hungary has a ton of good big men and is a very physical league. The refs really let things go and the games can easily turn into a slugfest. Finland is the complete opposite. The refs in my opinion are super touchy so I am having to shed all my bad handing checking habits Ive developed over the last few years. Finns also seem to play very hard and so far seem to be pretty organized. I may form different opinions by the end of the year but these are my first impressions.

Im very excited to be here in ToPo. The city is great, the people are very friendly and my team has a ton of potential. I struggled adjusting to the style, fitting in with my new team and just getting comfortable my first few games but we finally got a much needed win. Also, best of luck to my former teammates in Kaposvar, Keep on keeping on. I know this was a very short blog but it was necessary. Very soon I will explain the whole Hungary situation and share some of my thoughts on my favorite perk of this job, seeing the world.

If you want to know more about me you can watch my highlights on YouTube (http://youtu.be/ApGzS3h-csQ) or follow me on twitter @jdubball21. Josh Wilson (188-PG-87, agency: Hightower Law Firm, college: N.Arizona)


Standings - Korisliiga
Korisliiga Standings
 1. Kataja 23-5 
 2. Nilan Bisons 19-6 
 3. Kauhajoki 17-11 
 4. Pyrinto 16-10 
 5. ToPo 14-13 
 6. KTP 12-16 
 7. LrNMKY 11-16 
 8. Salon Vilpas 11-17 
 9. Kouvot 10-17 
 10. Korihait 9-17 
 11. Namika Lahti 7-21 


Stats Leaders - Korisliiga
Points Per Game
 Tim BLUE
  KTP
  (205-F-84)
  Avg: 22.6
 1. Blue, KTP22.6 
 2. Zeno, Nilan Bisons21.0 
 3. Beidler, Kauhajoki19.4 
 4. Newson, Kataja19.0 
 5. Holloway, Salon V.19.0 
 6. Crocker, KTP18.9 
 7. Brooks, Namika L.18.4 
 8. Durham, Salon Vilp.18.1 
 9. Griffin, ToPo17.9 
 10. Tiedeman, LrNM.17.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 John FIELDS
  Salon Vilpas
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 13.7
 1. Fields, Salon Vilp.13.7 
 2. Durham, Salon Vilp.10.7 
 3. Blue, KTP10.6 
 4. Beidler, Kauhajoki9.4 
 5. Newson, Kataja9.3 
 6. Hairston, Salon V.8.7 
 7. Williams, Pyrinto8.4 
 8. McDade, Nilan B.8.2 
 9. Zeno, Nilan Bisons8.1 
 10. Brown, Kouvot7.8 
Assists Per Game
 Jeb IVEY
  Nilan Bisons
  (190-G-80)
  Avg: 5
 1. Ivey, Nilan Bisons5.0 
 2. Williams, Pyrinto4.6 
 3. Moore, Namika L.4.3 
 4. Hannah, Kauhajoki4.3 
 5. Virtanen, Kataja4.2 
 6. Haynes, LrNM.4.0 
 7. Sarcevic, KTP4.0 
 8. Walker, Kataja3.7 
 9. Holloway, Salon V.3.3 
 10. Nikkarinen, Kouvot3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Juha STEN
  Kataja
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Sten, Kataja2.5 
 2. Williams, Pyrinto2.3 
 3. Moore, Korihait2.2 
 4. Beidler, Kauhajoki2.1 
 5. Moore, Namika L.1.8 
 6. Haynes, LrNM.1.7 
 7. Holloway, Salon V.1.7 
 8. Jordan, Kouvot1.7 
 9. Williams, Pyrinto1.7 
 10. Newson, Kataja1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 John FIELDS
  Salon Vilpas
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Fields, Salon Vilp.2.3 
 2. Beidler, Kauhajoki2.0 
 3. Blue, KTP1.4 
 4. Hairston, Salon V.1.3 
 5. Lehtoranta, Kataja0.9 
 6. Jones, Nilan Bisons0.8 
 7. Zeno, Nilan Bisons0.8 
 8. Price, Kataja0.7 
 9. McDade, Nilan B.0.7 
 10. Mottola, ToPo0.7 


KORISLIIGA: Sami Lehtoranta missed one shot - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korisliiga, round 28: Top League # 1 Team Kataja (Joensuu) defeated tonight # 3 Team Karhu (Kauhajoki) 98-91 (51-46). Quarters: 24-26, 27-20, 25-22, 22-23. It was Sami Lehtoranta (205-C/F-79) this time who led Kataja with 23 points. Lehtoranta missed only one shot in the game (1 - 3/3, 2 - 7/8, 3 - 2/2). Jared Newson (195-G/F-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Tenn-Martin) added 19 pts and Jeremy Price (203-F-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Georgia) 16 pts. Kataja (23-5) had six players in double digits. Kelly Beidler (199-F-88, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Mt.St.Mary's) had a double-double 25pts/12rbs. Karhu (17-11) had three players in double figures as Clevin Hannah (180-PG-87, agency: Court Side, college: Wichita St.) (21 pts) and Vesa Makalainen (200-F-86) (20 pts) were also over 20 pts. Both teams missed some players on injured list.

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


EuroCup: VEF Riga silence Gravelines in France - by Eurobasket News
Gravelines - VEF Riga 62:69

VEF Riga posted the second straight win in EuroCup Last 16 round. They upset Gravelines on the road to improve at 2-2 record in Group I. Gravelines suffered the fourth straight defeat.
VEF Riga set the tone early but Gravelines stuck around. The Latvian team led by just a single point 20:19 after ten minutes of action. VEF Riga stretched the gap in the second quarter. They established a 41:38 halftime lead. The visitors stiffened their defence in the third term. VEF Riga limited Gravelines to 8 points in the period building an 8-point advantage before the fourth quarter. Gravelines narrowed the gap in the final stanza but VEF Riga hung on to escape with the victory at the end. Kaspars Berzins (213-F/C-85) scored 19 points to lead the visitors. Sandis Valters (193-G-78) contributed 15 points for the winners. Juby Johnson (196-G-81, college: Miami, OH) answered with 12 points for Gravelines. J.K. Edwards (202-C/F-82, college: UNLV) had 11 points in the loss.

Gravelines: Juby Johnson 12, J.K. Edwards 11
VEF Riga: Kaspars Berzins 19, Sandis Valters 15, Gatis Jahovics (200-F-84) 11


EuroCup: Asvel Basket limited Aris to 52 points - by Eurobasket News
Asvel Basket - Aris BSA 2003 79:52

Asvel Basket limited Aris to 52 points in EuroCup Round 2 of the Second Stage. Moreover the French side allowed the guests to score 18 points at the halftime to beat them 79:52 for the initial victory.
Hilton Armstrong scored 8 points to cap a 21-0 run that bridged the first and second quarters to put the hosts ahead 31-9. Aris came out for the second half looking determined to make the score more respectable and a Verginis triple early in the third quarter gave the visitors hope. Aris managed to win the third period 22-16 to trail 15 points after three quarters. Asvel Basket however replied with 24-12 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Hilton Armstrong (208-C/F-84, college: Connecticut) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Kim Tillie (210-F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Utah) netted 12. Edwin Jackson (191-G-89) ended up with 11, while Phil Goss (186-G-83, college: Drexel) posted 9. Sergio Kerusch (195-F-89, college: W.Kentucky) delivered 9 points in defeat and Ronald Davis (190-G-82, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) nailed 8.

On February 21st Asvel will take on Donetsk. Aris will face Khimky in Russia

Asvel Basket: Hilton Armstrong 18, Kim Tillie 12, Edwin Jackson 11, Phil Goss 9
Aris BSA 2003: Sergio Kerusch 9, Ronald Davis 8




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


Jason Boone (s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg) Phoenix Hagen Can Score A Lot Of Points Very Quickly - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Jason Boone (198-F/C-85, college: New York U.) is a 26 year old 198cm power forward/center from Sugar Loaf, New York. He will be playing his first season with the s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg and his fourth in the Beko BBL. He played three seasons for BG Goettingen. He played at New York University (NCAA 3) from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 28 games averaging 14.1ppg, 9.6rpg, 2.4bpg, 2.9apg, FG: 63.0%, FT: 64.3%. Three seasons ago, he played at Bernau (Regionalliga) before making the jump up three leagues to MEG Goettingen. In 2008-2009, he averaged 4.4ppg, 4.0rpg, FG: 53.7. In 2009-2010, he won the Eurochallenge playing EuroChallenge: 16 games: 10.7ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 59.6%, FT: 53.8%; German League: 35 games: 9.1ppg, 6.1rpg, FGP: 60.3%, FT: 55.9%. Last season with BG Goettingen he played 37 games: 8.5ppg, 5.9rpg, FGP: 59.8%, FT: 34.9%; EuroCup: 14 games: 9.1ppg, 6.2rpg, Blocks-4 (1.1bpg), FGP: 59.8%, FT: 36.0%. Jason spoke to Eurobasket after 88-76 win against Phoenix Hagen.

Congrats on the 88-76 win against Phoenix Hagen. How pleased were you with the overall defensive effort of Wurzburg letting Phoenix Hagen get only 76 points?

They only had 46 going into the 4th quarter so I was very pleased with our effort in the first 3 quarters. When the game was out of hand Hagen seemed to play more relaxed and scored a lot in the 4th, but overall we were able to get stops pretty consistently.


The s.Oliver Baskets had the comfortable lead going into the fourth quarter, but survived a 30-15 Phoenix Hagen domination. What went wrong in the last quarter?

Like I said, the game was a little lopsided and Hagen decided to just play. We had a 4 minute stretch where we lost our aggressiveness and played 'not to lose' instead of 'to win.' At that point Hagen showed why they are so dangerous. They can score a lot of points VERY quickly.

Could one say Chester Frazier was a beast on the boards with his 15 and 12 game?

He has a great anticipation, but the team defense forced a lot of long shots and long rebounds. His hustle was great gathering them and starting the break. It's going to take that kind of effort to win games in this league.


What was your impression of Adam Constantine who registered 19 points?

He played well and never stopped competing. It was an off day for his team but you wouldn't have known if you watched how hard he played from the start of the game until the end.

What was your play/highlight of the game?

We ran an alley op for our youngster Max Kleber and the pass was perfect for him to show off how high he can get. That play really got the crowd into it and there is nothing like a gym of Wurzburg fans cheering as loud as they can.

How key is the signing of Kenyon Martin with the Clippers?

It would be nice if Chauncey wasn't out for the season to get a chance at throwing him some alley-oops. Those point guards can throw the ball anywhere near the rim and have 3 of the best dunkers taking turns to finish them.

What is your favorite all time Superbowl moment?

Superbowl XXXIV when the late Steve McNair drove the Titans all the way down the field in the fourth quarter. I really wished they scored a TD and beat the 'Greatest Show on Turf' aka St. Louis Rams but it was the most exciting finish I've ever seen in a football game.

Thanks Jason for the chat.


EuroCup: Lietuvos Rytas edge Alba in O2 World Arena - by Eurobasket News
Alba Berlin - Lietuvos Rytas 62:79

Lietuvos Rytas edge Alba in O2 World Arena for 3-1 record in Group L. The Baltic State kept the German side winless after 79:62 victory.
Lietuvos Rytas took the lead in the first period and reached 23:18 after the first 20 minutes. Renaldas Seibutis (195-G-85) increased to 30:18, while Tyrese Rice (185-PG-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Boston Coll.) brought 38:26. DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.) managed to close the half at 43:31 as Alba never led in the game. They won however the third period 18-17 for 60:49 after three quarters, but the guests needed 19-13 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Renaldas Seibutis stepped up with 24 points for the winners and Mindaugas Katelynas (206-F-83, college: Chattanooga) as well as Tyrese Rice posted 10 each. Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports) and DaShaun Wood ended up with 13 points each in the losing effort. Kyle Weaver (198-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Washington St.) scored 11 and Marko Simonovic (202-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) posted 10.

Alba Berlin: Bryce Taylor 13, DaShaun Wood 13, Kyle Weaver 11, Marko Simonovic 10
Lietuvos Rytas: Renaldas Seibutis 24, Mindaugas Katelynas 10, Tyrese Rice 10


The Fraport Skyliners Keep Devin Gibson Until End Of Season - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The exact return of North Carolina native Justin Gray back to the lineup continues to be delayed as the Fraport Skyliners announced that the American will miss at least another four weeks as the knee continues to heal. The team had to react to that situation by giving rookie guard Devin Gibson (182-G-89, college: UTSA) a contract extension until the end of the season. Gibson who is a 21 year old 182cm guard from Houston, Texas that played at UTSA (NCAA) from 2007-2011 came to the Skyliners at the start of 2012 and played four games averaging 10,3ppg, 2,8rpg and 1,8apg. His two strongest games were a 11 point effort in Wurzburg and a 21 point game in a loss against the LTi giessen 46ers. Gibson has been able to impress with his scoring qualities, energy from the bench, penetration and drawing fouls and quick hands on defense.

Source: Fraport Skyliners

Josh Young (Walter Tigers Tuebingen) We Made Some Defensive Adjustments Containing Their Penetration And Guard Play Against BBC Bayreuth - 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 after the 79-57 win in Bayreuth.

Congrats on the 79-57 win in Bayreuth. How did you like the atmosphere there?

The atmosphere was amazing there. In warm ups when the starting lineups were being announced, I was hard to hear anything that was being said from my teammates

BBC Bayreuth had the slim 34-30 lead at halftime. What was key for getting the win in the second half?

We made some defensive adjustments containing their penetration and guard play. We also kept them off the glass and got out on transition.

How key was limiting Danny Gibson and Osvaldo Jeanty to combined 2/19 shooting?

That was huge. Those two guys really have the ability to make their team go. We did a good job limiting their production and contesting their shots.

It seems like the Walter Tigers Tuebingen are playing better team basketball.

We continue to show a good team effort. We continue to show that many different guys can contribute on offense and defense. When many can score then we are more successful.

The next game is a derby game against EnBW Ludwigsburg. What will be key in this game to get win?

This will be a huge game for both teams. There will be much excitement, because it is a derby. They got the best of us in Ludwigsburg and we will want the same at home. We will have to do a better job on Lischka and contain their guards.

Ex Skyliner Anthony Fisher came recently and is also a guy the Tigers will need to focus on

He is new to the team, but has already had an impact. We will study him on film and pick apart things to contain him.

Do the Manning brothers have a curse on Tom Brady?

I dont know if it is a curse, but the Giants deserved to win and just played better in the Super Bowl.

Thanks Josh for the chat.


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


Igor Milosevic signs in Germany - by Eurobasket News
Igor Milosevic (193-G-86, agency: Beo Basket) will continue his career in Germany. The Serbian/Greek point guard signed a deal with New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. Milosevic started this season with BC Astana, which competes in VTB United League. He had 3 ppg and 2.3 rpg in four games. Milosevic split last season between Lietuvos Rytas and Trabzon. With Rytas he had 4.5 ppg and 2.2 apg for 6 Euroleague games. Almost the same numbers Milosevic had for 5 games in LKL. Later with Trabzon, the player added 9.7 ppg, 3.1 apg and 1.8 rpg for 15 games in Turkey. In the past, Milosevic played for Marousi, Olympiakos, Crvena Zvezda and Iraklis.

'He has played many years at the highest level. He can give us a lot on offense and defense. He is able to stop fast players with his athleticism', stressed Phantoms head coach Sebastian Machowski (agency: Limelight Hoops). Already in 2008, he was seen as an NBA draft pick in that he can organize the game of his team with characteristic easyness, he is the coach in the court. He has very good penetration skills and his basketball IQ is quite high. He can pass the ball off the drive with positive results. In the shooting department he looks quite consistent. He enjoys range out to the three point line. He has great ball-handling and dribbling skills as well.' *by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Aris takes on KAOD before the big game at Lyon - by Dimitris Katsionis
Although playing without Dimitris Tsalsaris,Aris Thessaloniki took an important win against KAO Dramas in Thessalonica. Coach Alexandris's team didn't start well,having an offensive problem. As a result KAO Dramas took an early lead at the 1st quarter. Aris Thessaloniki change his defense on full court press and on the offensive end their strategy was clearly to attack on Guy-Mark Michel (he had 8! block shots) in the heart of the paint,by choosing his player as screener at the pick 'n roll plays. Ronald Davis carried Aris Thessaloniki offensivelly at the 1st half and played exceptional defense on-probably the league's most productive player-Kostas Charalambidis. KAO Dramas's leader didn't manage to get much playing time at the 2nd half due to an injury. Although his absence,coach Kalafatakis's team return strong to the game taking points from Kakaroudis's midrange game and Athineous's good looks,plus a well pitched zone on defense. Aris Thessaloniki coaching stuff put Dan Mavraides on the court and moved the ball with patience,supporting his offense against zone with many offensive rebounds. At the last crucial moments,captain Christos Tapoutos score decisive points among with Mavraides and Aris Thessaloniki took the win covering the point difference from the first match. The ''yellows'' presented-without James-a balanced offense with 5 players on double digits. Now they are going to Interpol's headquarters at Lyon,to face Asvel in the most important game of the year for Eurocup.

EuroCup: Asvel Basket limited Aris to 52 points - by Eurobasket News
Asvel Basket - Aris BSA 2003 79:52

Asvel Basket limited Aris to 52 points in EuroCup Round 2 of the Second Stage. Moreover the French side allowed the guests to score 18 points at the halftime to beat them 79:52 for the initial victory.
Hilton Armstrong scored 8 points to cap a 21-0 run that bridged the first and second quarters to put the hosts ahead 31-9. Aris came out for the second half looking determined to make the score more respectable and a Verginis triple early in the third quarter gave the visitors hope. Aris managed to win the third period 22-16 to trail 15 points after three quarters. Asvel Basket however replied with 24-12 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Hilton Armstrong (208-C/F-84, college: Connecticut) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Kim Tillie (210-F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Utah) netted 12. Edwin Jackson (191-G-89) ended up with 11, while Phil Goss (186-G-83, college: Drexel) posted 9. Sergio Kerusch (195-F-89, college: W.Kentucky) delivered 9 points in defeat and Ronald Davis (190-G-82, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) nailed 8.

On February 21st Asvel will take on Donetsk. Aris will face Khimky in Russia

Asvel Basket: Hilton Armstrong 18, Kim Tillie 12, Edwin Jackson 11, Phil Goss 9
Aris BSA 2003: Sergio Kerusch 9, Ronald Davis 8




*****************************************************
  HUNGARY   


Jaszbereny inks Filip-Luetic Neven - by Levente Szabo
The newcomer team of the Hungarian First Division added to the staff as an assistant coach Filip-Luetic Neven . The Serbian coach signed until the end of the season and is expected to help the team to secure their place in the Top Division and avoid the relegation.

After his career as a player ended due to a serious injury Filip started to coach in the middle 90-s taking the scale step by step. In his first years he was an assistant then a head coach in Serbian youth leagues and lower divisions and from 2001 until 2004 he was an assistant coach at KK Spartak Subotica (top division then) and stepped up as a head coach in 2006 when the team was relegated in the Second Division. After one year he took another direction and signed to Al Alhy Benghazi (Libya-D1) where he spent 2 seasons as a head coach. In 2008 he took over the U-18 National Team of Libya and from 2009 until 2011 he was selected as the head coach of the Libyan Senior National Team. He had a big reputation in Libya but had to leave because of the unsafe political environment.


Gergely David transfers to Kaposvari KK - by Levente Szabo
Hungarian forward Gergely David (206-F-83) and MJUS-Fortress Kormend decided of the termination of the contract between the player and the club because of the players family issues.

David told the bckormend.hu (the official website of his team) that he has family issues which force him to be on a daily basis in Kaposvar. He added that he shuttled a lot between the two cities lately and tried to suit the obligations both on and off the court but on a long term this couldnt be kept on so he had to ask for the termination on the contract. His team was very supportive and let him to step out of his contract.

Meanwhile Kaposvari KK offered David a one and a half year contract until the end of next season which was accepted by the player and he already joined his old team. David stepped on court last week in the lost against Kecskemet but finished the game scoreless in his limited playing time.

EuroChallenge: Aalstar opened Round 5 with the win over Szolnoki - by Eurobasket News
Okapi Aalstar-Szolnoki Olaj 86:84

Aalstar opened EuroChallenge Round 5 with the win over Szolnoki. The Belgian team overcame the Hungarian representative 86:84 in the only game on February 7th. The rest of the games are scheduled for February 21st.
Szolnoki Olaj scored the first four points of the game but lost the period 24:18. The hosts even improved to 10 points, but led 46:41 at the halftime. Gay later tied the game at 60:60 and Julien Mills (193-G/F-85, college: Ball St.) brought the lead at 62:60 for the guests. Christopher Copeland (203-F-84, college: Colorado) later made the same at 65:65 and Obie Trotter (186-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) tied it again at 81:81. He made the last three points in the game for the total success.
Christopher Copeland top-scored for the winners with 33 points and Christopher Young (206-F/C-79, agency: Court Side, college: Michigan) notched 18. Jorn Steinbach (181-PG-89, agency: Court Side) delivered 14, while Stefan Jackson ended up with 8. Hristo Nikolov (200-F-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) posted 24 in defeat and Obie Trotter scored 18. Zoltan Trepak (210-C-77, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) and Julien Mills followed them with 11 points each. Both teams are with 2-3 records in Group J.

Okapi Aalstar: Christopher Copeland 33, Christopher Young 18, Jorn Steinbach 14, Stefan Jackson 8
Szolnoki Olaj: Hristo Nikolov 24, Obie Trotter 18, Zoltan Trepak 11, Julien Mills 11



*****************************************************
  IBL   


IBL looking for great Energy from Edmonton this season - by Kip Leonetti
The Energy will be flowing in Edmonton once again this spring as the International Basketball League team opens its fourth season in the City of Champions.

The Edmonton Energy is coming off its most successful season to date as they advanced to the IBL Championship game in 2011, and is looking forward to stepping onto their new home court at the Saville Community Sports Centre (GO Centre).

The GO Centre, located on the University of Alberta's South Campus, is a state-of-the-art multi-use recreation facility which opened last September with guidance from the Energys David Dorward as founder and past president of the GO Community Centre Board of Directors. The centerpiece of the 236,000-square-foot complex is a 2,800-seat arena which will serve as the Energy's home court.

''Our fans can expect a professional healthy basketball atmosphere that embraces much of the talent from Edmonton and around the world on and off the court,'' commented Energy General Manager Rick Stanley in regard to the team's move to the GO Centre. ''Stay tuned for details on half time entertainment, the Energy Dance team and our new Proton and Electron mascots.''

The roster that will make their debut on the GO Centre hardwood is largely a work in progress, though Stanley has announced the return of one talented Canadian to the team and the addition of another.

Troy Gottselig (6'8''-F-87), from the University of Saskatchewan and a 2011 IBL All-Star, will be back for his third season in an Energy uniform this spring. Gottselig averaged 11 points and eight rebounds per game last season and finished with five double-doubles, including one in Edmonton's playoff semi-final victory over Albany that propelled them on to the IBL Championship game last July. Most recently, Gottselig has been playing with a team in the Czech Republic.

''Troy's leadership and character as a player and person are second to none. We are privileged to have such a fine ambassador of the game back in Edmonton,'' stated Stanley.

New to the team is Daniel Boticki (6'4''-G-81, college: Idaho St.) from Victoria, B.C., where he played at Saint Michael's University School, the alma mater of NBA great Steve Nash. Boticki played collegiately at Idaho State University and later moved on to a professional career in Germany for several seasons.

''Danny is a phenomenal player at both ends of the court and will bring excitement to our program,'' Stanley predicted. ''He is a true citizen and we are proud to see him become a member of the Edmonton community.''

Stanley will be adding additional players to the Energy's roster as well as announcing the team's head coach in the coming weeks.

There is a rich history of basketball in Canada, as the sport was invented by the great Canadian-American, James Naismith in 1891. The IBL has enjoyed great competitors in the North including the B.C. Titans where pro basketball may return.

''There is great talent in Canada and they need an opportunity to showcase their abilities in a highly competitive environment to progress as professional athletes, which the IBL and Energy are providing. With the Energy going into their fourth season, it provides a foundation for us to expand the possibilities, especially in the west. We look forward to our continued dialogue with Canada Basketball and collaboration with the provincial leaders including Basketball Alberta and Basketball British Columbia as well as others to find the right ownership to bring professional basketball to more communities,'' the Canadian born Commissioner shared.

The Energy will open the 2012 season at the Go Centre in early May. A full schedule for the IBL will be announced in February.



*****************************************************
  INDONESIA   


Rizky Ardiansyah's 27 points and 6 rebounds give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
21-year old power forward Bima Rizky Ardiansyah (182-PF-90) put on an amazing game in the last round for Bima Sakti and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 27.
He had the game-high 27 points adding six rebounds and two assists for Bima Sakti in his team's victory, helping them to beat NSH GMC Riau (#11, 1-16) 82-69. Bima Sakti maintains the 8th position in Indonesian league. Bima Sakti is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 5-11 record. In the team's last game Rizky Ardiansyah had a remarkable 52.9% from 2-point range. He turned to be Bima Sakti's top player in his first season with the team. Bima Rizky Ardiansyah averages this season 12.9ppg and 7.5rpg.

Second best performed player last round was Welyanson Situmorang (188-F-82) of top-ranked Satria Muda. He is former international forward in his 9th season at Satria Muda. In the last game Situmorang recorded impressive double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds. Bad luck as Satria Muda lost that game 69-88 to slightly lower-ranked Pelita Jaya (#3, 13-4). It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Satria Muda still maintains its place as the top team in the standings, even despite this loss. It was just his team's 2nd loss this season, while they won 15 other games. Situmorang is one of the most experienced players at Satria Muda and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Agus Pamungkas (178-SG-87) of NSH GMC Riau (#11). Pamungkas showcased his all-around game by recording 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the last round. Despite Pamungkas' great performance NSH GMC Riau lost 69-82 to the higher-ranked Bima Sakti (#8, 5-11). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. NSH GMC Riau can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 1-16 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Pamungkas he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Pamungkas has a very solid season. In 21 games in Indonesia he scored 4.2ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Valentino Wuwungan (193-F-89) of Satya Wacana - 10 points and 15 rebounds
5. Andi Poedjakesuma (187-F-80) of Pelita Jaya - 12 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Hendrik Agustinus (203-C-82) of Garuda - 20 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Christ Gideon (188-F-84) of Garuda - 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Eko Wiratama Nasution (195-F-90) of Satya Wacana - 16 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Dewa Galih (185-SF-87) of Pacific Caesar - 15 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Erick Sebayang (180-G-83) of Pelita Jaya - 21 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists

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

*****************************************************
  IRAN   


Standings - Superleague
Superleague Standings
 1. Mahram 18-0 
 2. Foolad Mahan 15-3 
 3. Petrochimi 14-5 
 4. Azad 14-5 
 5. Zob Ahan 12-6 
 6. Sanaye Petrochimi 10-8 
 7. M.H.Ahvaz 7-13 
 8. Pouya 6-13 
 9. Shiraz a.s Pipe 5-15 
 10. Gorgan 5-15 
 11. Zanjan 5-15 
 12. Jahesh 3-16 


Ontario Lett in Iran - by Mohammad Amin Maghsoodlou
American big man Ontario Lett (198-F-79, college: Pittsburgh) signed with Sanaye Petrochimi Mahshahr . Ontario Lett will be thier second import beside Slavko Vranes (230-C-83, agency: Beo Basket).Ontario played in Iran in 2009-10 season with Shahrdari Gorgan Municipality.
He arrived in Iran 3 days ago and joined team trainings.

Ontario Lett recent Awards/Achievements :
Asian Club Championships Finalist -05
Dubai International Tournament Finalist -08
Jordanian Cup Winner -09
Asia-Basket.com All-WABA Best Center -09
Asia-Basket.com All-WABA 1st Team -09
WABA Club Championships -09 (Finalist)
Jordanian League Regular Season Champion -09
Jordanian League Champion -09
Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver Honorable Mention -09
Eurobasket.com Spanish LEB Silver All-Defensive Team -09
Asian Club Championships -09 (Silver)

WABA League: Mahram beat Aramex in Jordan - by Eurobasket News
Aramex - Mahram 52:91

Mahram made the first step towards reaching WABA League semis. They defeated Aramex on the road to take 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series. Mahram will be looking forward to book the spot in the semis at home court on February 21.
Mahram entered the game on a 14:0 spree to set the tone. The visitors never looked back afterwards keeping Aramex at bay throughout the rest of the encounter. Amir Sedighi (203-F-93) and Nikoloz Tskitishvili (212-C/F-83) knocked down 13 points each to lead the effort. Samad Nik Khahbahrami (198-F-83) added 12 points in the winning effort. Aramex answered with 14 points from Jamal Ali Ahmed. The hosts played without one of their leaders Ayman Idais (205-C-78, agency: Court Side). Issa Kamel (195-F-83), Ali El-Zubi (184-G-89) and Fadi Al Saqa (184-G-77) got injured during the game.


*****************************************************
  IRELAND   


Best players of Irish SuperLeague round 16 - by Eurobasket News
Experienced naturalized American Jermaine Turner (195-F-74) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's second-best 11890 Killester and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 16.
The 37-year old forward had a double-double of 19 points and fifteen rebounds, while his team outclassed UCD Marian (#3, 6-10) with 39-point margin 93-54. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. 11890 Killester maintains the 2nd position in American SuperLeague. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. 11890 Killester will need more victories to improve their 11-5 record. In the team's last game Turner had a remarkable 75.0% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at 11890 Killester, through which he has constantly improved. Dowling College graduate has very impressive stats this year. Turner. Turner is in league's top in points (5th best: 19.4ppg), assists (8th best: 3.9apg) and averages solid 3.6bpg,3.6spg and 65.7% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 30-year old American power forward Ronald Thompson (208-F/C-81) of second-ranked B.Gais Neptune. Thompson impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds. Of course B.Gais Neptune cruised to a 62-53 relatively comfortable win over slightly lower-ranked Moycullen (#4, 4-13). It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. B.Gais Neptune consolidated its place in top 2 of the standings. His team's 9-6 record is not bad at all. Thompson is a newcomer at B.Gais Neptune and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 23.8ppg (#3). His other stats are also decent: 14.4rpg and 3.8apg.

The third best performed player last round was American Joshua Johnson (199-F-85) of Belfast Star (#4). Johnson scored 24 points and grabbed fourteen rebounds (!!!). Despite Johnson's great performance Belfast Star lost 63-82 to #1 ranked DCU Saints. But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. Belfast Star can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 1-14 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Johnson he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Johnson has individually a great season in Ireland. After only 6 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 27.7ppg (best scorer) and rebounds with 11.7rpg (5th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Michael Trimmer (204-C-67) of DCU Saints - 20 points and 11 rebounds
5. Keith Anderson (188-G-89) of DCU Saints - 26 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Martins Provizors (202-C-87) of DCU Saints - 10 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Jody O'Neill) of 11890 Killester - 12 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists
8. Patrick Glover (193-F-77) of DCU Saints - 12 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Michael Westbrooks (193-G-82) of 11890 Killester - 11 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Kieran O'Brien (203-F/C-82) of 11890 Killester - 8 points and 10 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)

Stats Leaders - Men
Points Per Game
 Shawn ATUPEM
  UCC Demons
  (200-F-89)
  Avg: 24.5
 1. Atupem, UCC Demons24.5 
 2. Thompson, B.Gais N.23.9 
 3. Enos, Moycullen23.6 
 4. Turner, 11890 K.19.4 
 5. Stith, UCD Marian17.9 
 6. Jefferson, UL Ea.17.4 
 7. Cummins, Belfast16.8 
 8. Glover, DCU Saints15.1 
 9. Noonan, B.Gais N.14.7 
 10. Provizors, DCU S.13.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jermaine TURNER
  11890 K.
  (195-F-74)
  Avg: 18.5
 1. Turner, 11890 K.18.5 
 2. Thompson, B.Gais N.14.2 
 3. Killeen, UL Eagles12.4 
 4. Provizors, DCU S.12.2 
 5. Enos, Moycullen11.1 
 6. Atupem, UCC Demons10.2 
 7. Tummon, Moycullen8.7 
 8. Stith, UCD Marian8.5 
 9. Glover, DCU Saints8.1 
 10. O''Brien, 11890 K.8.1 
Assists Per Game
 Gerard NOONAN
  B.Gais N.
  (180-G-82)
  Avg: 4.9
 1. Noonan, B.Gais N.4.9 
 2. Kinevane, UL Eagl.4.8 
 3. Clarke, 11890 K.4.5 
 4. Dowd, Moycullen4.5 
 5. Coughlan, UCC D.4.3 
 6. Donnelly, DCU S.4.2 
 7. Madsen, 11890 K.4.2 
 8. Turner, 11890 K.4.0 
 9. Cunningham, Moycul.3.8 
 10. Thompson, B.Gais3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Jermaine TURNER
  11890 K.
  (195-F-74)
  Avg: 3.6
 1. Turner, 11890 K.3.6 
 2. Thompson, B.Gais N.3.2 
 3. Anderson, DCU S.2.5 
 4. Noonan, B.Gais N.2.3 
 5. Donnelly, DCU S.2.2 
 6. Madsen, 11890 K.2.2 
 7. McGinn, B.Gais N.2.1 
 8. Jefferson, UL Ea.2.1 
 9. Lacey, DCU Saints1.9 
 10. Taylor, B.Gais N.1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Jermaine TURNER
  11890 K.
  (195-F-74)
  Avg: 3.7
 1. Turner, 11890 K.3.7 
 2. Killeen, UL Eagles2.4 
 3. Thompson, B.Gais N.2.2 
 4. Stith, UCD Marian1.7 
 5. Casey, 11890 K.1.5 
 6. O''Brien, 11890 K.1.5 
 7. Trimmer, DCU S.1.5 
 8. Provizors, DCU S.1.2 
 9. Enos, Moycullen1.1 
 10. Taylor, B.Gais N.0.8 


Standings - EBS Superleague
SuperLeague Standings
North Conference
 1. DCU Saints 15-2 
 2. 11890 Killester 11-5 
 3. UCD Marian 6-10 
 4. Belfast Star 1-14 
South Conference
 1. UCC Demons 9-5 
 2. B.Gais Neptune 9-6 
 3. UL Eagles 8-8 
 4. Moycullen 4-13 


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


Mitchell's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
29-year old swingman Dwayne Mitchell (196-G/F-82, agency: Interperformances) put on an amazing game in the last round for Ironi Ashkelon and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 16.
He had a double-double of 27 points and 12 rebounds, while his team edged out Hapoel Holon (9-6) 73-71. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Ironi Ashkelon is placed at 3rd position in Israeli league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Ironi Ashkelon will need more victories to improve their 9-6 record. In the team's last game Mitchell had a remarkable 71.4% from 2-point range. He turned to be Ironi Ashkelon's top player in his first season with the team. University Louisiana at Lafayette graduate has very impressive stats this year. Mitchell is in league's top in assists (7th best: 4.9apg) and averages solid 2.1spg and 56.6% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Adrian Banks (191-G-86) of Elitzur Netanya. He is American guard in his second season at Elitzur Netanya. In the last game Banks recorded impressive 29 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists. Of course he lead Elitzur Netanya to another comfortable win outscoring slightly lower-ranked Maccabi Haifa (#11, 3-12) 96-75. The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. Elitzur Netanya keeps 9th position. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 5-9 record. Banks is well-known at Elitzur Netanya and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.8ppg (#2). He also recorded 3.2 assists per game.

Third place about best performers goes to Rashaun Freeman (206-C/F-84) of B.C. Habikaa (#8). Freeman got into 30-points club by scoring exactly 30 points in the last round. He went also for ten rebounds . Despite Freeman's great performance B.C. Habikaa lost 92-95 to slightly lower-ranked Bnei Hasharon (#10, 4-11). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of B.C. Habikaa ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 8 games, recording just six victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Freeman could help B.C. Habikaa to bring them higher in the standings. Freeman has a very solid season. In 14 games in Israel he scored 16.9ppg. He also has 7.0rpg and FGP: 55.6%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Josh Carter (201-F/G-88) of Maccabi Ashdod - 30 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Bryant Dunston (202-F/C-86) of Hapoel Holon - 18 points and 13 rebounds
6. Brian Asbury (200-F-86) of Elitzur Netanya - 23 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Ramel Bradley (188-G-85) of Hapoel J-M - 23 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Sylven Landesberg (198-F/G-90) of Maccabi Haifa - 26 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Jason Williams (197-G/F-83) of Bnei Hasharon - 25 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Romeo Travis (200-PF-84) of Galil Gilboa - 22 points and 9 rebounds

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

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


Stats Leaders - National League
Points Per Game
 Errick MCCOLLUM
  Hapoel K.
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 26.9
 1. McCollum, Hapoel K.26.9 
 2. Hall, Macc.B.Y.24.0 
 3. Sanders, Hapoel Y.23.1 
 4. Clinch, Lev H.23.1 
 5. Miller, Macc.B.Y.22.8 
 6. Ginyard, Ironi N.22.1 
 7. Moragne, Elitzur21.4 
 8. Clemente, Kiryat T.21.3 
 9. Laing, Elitzur Yav.20.6 
 10. Thondique, Hapoel20.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ramon CLEMENTE
  Kiryat T.
  (200-PF-85)
  Avg: 15.1
 1. Clemente, Kiryat T.15.1 
 2. Thondique, Hapoel13.0 
 3. Moses, Hapoel K/S12.2 
 4. Rosefelt, Lev H.11.4 
 5. Daniel, Ironi K-A10.3 
 6. Blair, Ironi N.10.1 
 7. Webb, Ironi R.9.9 
 8. Bacon, Elitzur Ram.9.3 
 9. Kelly, Hapoel T-A9.3 
 10. McCollum, Hapoel9.2 
Assists Per Game
 Lior SEGEV
  Kiryat Tivon
  (190-PG-83)
  Avg: 7.8
 1. Segev, Kiryat Tivon7.8 
 2. Sukar, Hod Hashar.7.1 
 3. Nanikashvili, Iron.7.1 
 4. Eliyahu, Ironi N.7.1 
 5. Bannister, Ironi R.6.8 
 6. Berkowitz, Elitzu.6.4 
 7. Rub, Lev Hasharon6.3 
 8. Assaf, Ironi N.5.3 
 9. Bet-Yosef, Macc.B.4.7 
 10. Miller, Macc.B.Y.3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Lior SEGEV
  Kiryat Tivon
  (190-PG-83)
  Avg: 3.7
 1. Segev, Kiryat Tivon3.7 
 2. Bet-Yosef, Macc.B.3.1 
 3. Hofman, Elitzur2.9 
 4. McCollum, Hapoel K.2.6 
 5. Miller, Macc.B.Y.2.6 
 6. Eliyahu, Ironi N.2.5 
 7. Sanders, Hapoel Y.2.4 
 8. Gonzalez, Hod H.2.3 
 9. Housman, Macc.B.Y.2.3 
 10. Davidi, Ironi R.2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Lenny DANIEL
  Ironi K-A
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 3
 1. Daniel, Ironi K-A3.0 
 2. Kelly, Hapoel T-A2.2 
 3. Johnson, Hod H.2.0 
 4. Blair, Ironi N.1.9 
 5. Jackson, Hapoel Y.1.8 
 6. Webb, Ironi R.1.8 
 7. Clemente, Kiryat T.1.6 
 8. Thondique, Hapoel1.5 
 9. Rosefelt, Lev H.1.2 
 10. Bacon, Elitzur Ra.1.1 


National League Round 17: Leader Beer Yaakov loses to Hod Hasharon - by Eurobasket News
The round was rather attractive and full of interesting results. The round ended with defeat of the leader and favorites losing the games.

Top ranked Beer Yaakov (14-3) recorded its third loss at the home court on Tuesday night. Hosts were defeated by sixth ranked Hod Hasharon (9-8) 114-102. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Beer Yaakov. The guests trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 7-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 114-102. Hod Hasharon looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists. 26 personal fouls committed by Beer Yaakov helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was naturalized Latvian swingman Gary Gandel (203-80) who had a double-double by scoring 32 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. American forward Anthony Johnson (203-88, college: Fairfield) chipped in 25 points and 11 rebounds. Hod Hasharon's coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Nate Miller (193-87, college: Bowling Green) produced 27 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists for the hosts. Hod Hasharon moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Kiryat Tivon. Beer Yaakov at the other side still keeps top position with three games lost. They share it with Hapoel T-A. Hod Hasharon is looking forward to face higher ranked Hapoel Afula (#4) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Beer Yaakov will play against Elitzur Ramla and is hoping to win this game.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Afula. Third ranked Elitzur Yavne faced 4th placed Hapoel Afula. Guests from Yavne (12-5) defeated host Hapoel Afula (10-7) 95-86. American swingman Brian Laing (195-85, college: Seton Hall, agency: I.D.S. Law) orchestrated the victory by scoring 29 points. Elad Hofman contributed with 20 points and 4 assists for the winners. Swingman Elad Eliyah (193-85) answered with 24 points and 5 rebounds for Hapoel Afula. Elitzur Yavne maintains third place with 12-5 record having just two points less than leader Macc.B.Yaakov. Hapoel Afula at the other side keeps the fourth position with seven games lost. Elitzur Yavne will play against Lev Hasharon (#12) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Hapoel Afula will play against Hod Hasharon (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Bottom-ranked Hapoel Yokneam/Megido managed to get a fifth victory, breaking the series of two consecutive loses on Tuesday night. This time they won against twelfth-ranked Lev Hasharon 80-75. Thomas Sanders stepped up with a double-double by scoring 25 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 7 steals for the winners. Lewis Clinch responded with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds. Hapoel Yokneam/Megido (5-12) moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with Hapoel K/S. Loser Lev Hasharon dropped to the eleventh position with 11 games lost. They share it with Elitzur Ramla. Hapoel Yokneam/Megido will meet at home higher ranked Ironi Ramat Gan (#9) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Lev Hasharon will play against Elitzur Yavne and will have a slim chance for a victory.
A very interesting game took place in Kiryat Tivon. It ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 11th ranked Elitzur Ramla (6-11) to fifth ranked Kiryat Tivon (9-8) 106-105 on Tuesday evening. Host team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. Ramon Clemente nailed a double-double by scoring 27 points and 14 rebounds for the winning side. Kiryat Tivon's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Kiryat Tivon maintains fifth place with 9-8 record, which they share with Hod Hasharon. Elitzur Ramla lost third consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with 11 games lost. Kiryat Tivon's next round opponent will be Ironi Nes-Ziona (#7) in Nes Ziyona. Elitzur Ramla will play at home against the league's leader Beer Yaakov (#1).
The game with biggest result difference took place in Tel-Aviv. Local Hapoel Tel-Aviv (14-3) outscored 8th ranked Ironi Kiryat Ata (7-10) 84-51 on Tuesday night. The best player for the winners was Corry Carr who scored 19 points and 5 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. Hapoel Tel-Aviv have a solid series of four victories in a row. They used an opportunity after Macc.B.Yaakov lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position. Newly promoted Ironi Kiryat Ata keeps the eighth place with ten games lost. Hapoel Tel-Aviv will face Ironi Nahariya (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Ironi Kiryat Ata will play against Hapoel Kfar Saba.

In the last two games of round 17 Ironi Nes-Ziona defeated Hapoel K/S in Nes Ziyona 91-84. Ironi Ramat Gan smashed Ironi Nahariya at home 99-70.
The best stats of 17th round was 37 points (!!!) and 16 rebounds by Marshall Moses of Hapoel K/S.


Hapoel K/S - Ironi Nes-Ziona 84-91

There was no surprise when 13th ranked Hapoel Kfar Saba (5-12) was defeated at home by seventh ranked Ironi Nes-Ziona (8-8) 91-84 on Tuesday. The guests trailed by 9 points at the halftime before their 35-17 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Ironi Nes-Ziona made 24-of-27 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. Hapoel Kfar Saba was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was American swingman Bilal Benn (196-86, college: Niagara) who scored 24 points and 8 rebounds. point guard Dori Assaf (178-87, agency: Avi Zilberman) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 assists. Benn is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Ironi Nes-Ziona players scored in double figures. American forward Marshall Moses (198-89, college: Oklahoma St.) produced a double-double by scoring 37 points (!!!) and 16 rebounds (on 17-of-21 shooting from the field) and the other American import guard Errick McCollum (185-88, college: Goshen, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) added 27 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Hapoel Kfar Saba's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Ironi Nes-Ziona maintains seventh place with 8-8 record. Loser Hapoel Kfar Saba keeps the thirteenth position with 12 games lost. Ironi Nes-Ziona will face higher ranked Kiryat Tivon (#5) in Kiryat Tivon in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hapoel Kfar Saba will play on the road against Ironi Kiryat Ata (#8).
Top scorers:
Ironi Nes-Ziona: B.Benn 24+8reb+2ast, G.Blair 17+9reb+3ast, D.Assaf 17+3reb+11ast, O.Flaisher 15, R.Zehavian 8+8reb, T.Karpeles 5+5reb+1ast
Hapoel K/S: M.Moses 37+16reb+2ast, E.McCollum 27+7reb+1ast, A.Harush 7+4reb+1ast, O.Ron 4, E.Rotemberg 4+2reb, O.Cohen 3+1reb+1ast
gschID: 145304


Hapoel T-A - Ironi K-A 84-51

The game with biggest result difference took place in Tel-Aviv. Local Hapoel Tel-Aviv (14-3) outscored 8th ranked Ironi Kiryat Ata (7-10) 84-51 on Tuesday night. The game without a history. Hapoel Tel-Aviv led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Ironi Kiryat Ata to just 4 points in second quarter. Hapoel Tel-Aviv made 27-of-32 free shots (84.4 percent) during the game, while Ironi Kiryat Ata only scored ten points from the stripe. Hapoel Tel-Aviv forced 27 Ironi Kiryat Ata turnovers and outrebounded them 32-20 including 27 on the defensive glass. Ironi Kiryat Ata was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was naturalized American swingman Corry Carr (192-75, college: Texas Tech) who scored 19 points and 5 rebounds. The former international Matan Naor (195-80) chipped in 13 points, 5 assists and 5 steals. Four Hapoel Tel-Aviv players scored in double figures. American power forward Mark Dawson (206-83, college: Long Beach St.) produced 16 points and 9 rebounds and guard Raz Elbaz (187-86) added 14 points respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Hapoel Tel-Aviv have a solid series of four victories in a row. They used an opportunity after Macc.B.Yaakov lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position. Newly promoted Ironi Kiryat Ata keeps the eighth place with ten games lost. Hapoel Tel-Aviv will face Ironi Nahariya (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Ironi Kiryat Ata will play against Hapoel Kfar Saba.
Top scorers:
Hapoel T-A: C.Carr 19+5reb+3ast, J.Skjoldebrand 14+4reb, M.Naor 13+4reb+5ast, D.Stitt 13+6reb+1ast, C.Kelly 8+3reb+1ast, A.Zelkovits 5+1reb
Ironi K-A: M.Dawson 16+9reb, R.Elbaz 14+1reb, T.Younger 7+4reb+2ast, A.Nanikashvili 5+1reb+2ast, D.Peterson 4+1reb+1ast, L.Moran 3+1ast
gschID: 145305


Ironi Ramat Gan - Ironi Nahariya 99-70

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when tenth ranked Ironi Ramat Gan (7-10) smashed at home 9th ranked Ironi Nahariya (6-10) 99-70 on Tuesday. The game was mostly controlled by Ironi Ramat Gan. Ironi Nahariya was better in fourth quarter 28-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Ironi Ramat Gan shot 63.2 percent from the field. It was a great shooting night for Ironi Ramat Gan especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 61.1 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Ironi Nahariya's players. Ironi Nahariya was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was American forward Rodney Webb (200-83, college: Florida Atlantic) who scored 21 points and 7 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). The former international power forward Amit Tamir (208-79, college: California) chipped in 17 points and 7 rebounds. Four Ironi Ramat Gan players scored in double figures. American swingman Marcus Ginyard (196-87, college: N.Carolina) produced a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!) and 11 rebounds and forward Maor Snir (198-87) added 10 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the guests. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Ironi Ramat Gan have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Ironi K-A. Ironi Nahariya lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth position with ten games lost. Ironi Ramat Gan will face bottom-ranked Hapoel Yokneam/Megido (#14) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Ironi Nahariya will play against the league's second-placed Hapoel Tel-Aviv (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Ironi Ramat Gan: R.Webb 21+7reb+1ast, D.Davidi 18+3reb+5ast, A.Tamir 17+7reb+3ast, Y.Yatzkan 16+2reb, T.Bannister 8+1reb+8ast, R.Pitshon 6+7reb+3ast
Ironi Nahariya: M.Ginyard 34+11reb+1ast, M.Snir 10+6reb, A.Eliyahu 9+1reb+5ast, E.Traimel 6+5reb+2ast, A.Matta 5+5reb+2ast, E.Saudai 3+1reb
gschID: 145306


Lev Hasharon - Hapoel Y/M 75-80

Bottom-ranked Hapoel Yokneam/Megido managed to get a fifth victory, breaking the series of two consecutive loses on Tuesday night. This time they won against twelfth-ranked Lev Hasharon 80-75. The guests trailed by 5 points after three quarters before their 26-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Hapoel Yokneam/Megido forced 27 Lev Hasharon turnovers. Strangely Lev Hasharon outrebounded Hapoel Yokneam/Megido 41-29 including a 36-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. American guard Thomas Sanders (194-85, college: Gardner-Webb, agency: Duran International) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 25 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 7 steals for the winners and forward Haiim Barbi (197-89) chipped in 12 points. American guard Lewis Clinch (191-87, college: Georgia Tech) responded with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds and guard Omer Shmidt (193-87) scored 13 points and 9 rebounds. Hapoel Yokneam/Megido (5-12) moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with Hapoel K/S. Loser Lev Hasharon dropped to the eleventh position with 11 games lost. They share it with Elitzur Ramla. Hapoel Yokneam/Megido will meet at home higher ranked Ironi Ramat Gan (#9) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Lev Hasharon will play against Elitzur Yavne and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Hapoel Y/M: T.Sanders 25+10reb+7ast, I.Eiram 14+3reb+1ast, H.Barbi 12+4reb+2ast, I.Stolero 8+1ast, O.Ida 8+7reb, T.Ber-Aven 7+3reb+3ast
Lev Hasharon: L.Clinch 23+10reb+3ast, O.Shmidt 13+9reb, A.Kazarnovski 11+8reb+1ast, U.Gur 9+1reb, B.Sharoni 8+2reb+4ast, G.Reynolds 8+7reb
gschID: 145300


Hapoel Afula - Elitzur Yavne 86-95

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Afula. Third ranked Elitzur Yavne faced 4th placed Hapoel Afula. Guests from Yavne (12-5) defeated host Hapoel Afula (10-7) 95-86. Hapoel Afula was tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. American swingman Brian Laing (195-85, college: Seton Hall, agency: I.D.S. Law) orchestrated the victory by scoring 29 points. Swingman Elad Hofman (192-85) contributed with 20 points and 4 assists for the winners. Five Elitzur Yavne players scored in double figures. Swingman Elad Eliyah (193-85) answered with 24 points and 5 rebounds and American forward Gregg Thondique (201-87, college: Virginia Union) added 21 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Hapoel Afula. Elitzur Yavne maintains third place with 12-5 record having just two points less than leader Macc.B.Yaakov. Hapoel Afula at the other side keeps the fourth position with seven games lost. Elitzur Yavne will play against Lev Hasharon (#12) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Hapoel Afula will play against Hod Hasharon (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Elitzur Yavne: B.Laing 29+4reb+1ast, E.Hofman 20+4reb+4ast, K.Wilson 17+4reb, N.Golan 14+2reb+3ast, Z.Volfer 10+5reb+2ast, T.Dray 5+2reb+1ast
Hapoel Afula: E.Eliyah 24+5reb+3ast, G.Thondique 21+6reb+2ast, R.LeMelle 15+3reb+2ast, Y.Deri 9+1reb+4ast, S.Zelikman 6+3reb+2ast, E.Knafo 5+5reb
gschID: 145301


Macc.B.Yaakov - Hod Hasharon 102-114

Top ranked Beer Yaakov (14-3) recorded its third loss at the home court on Tuesday night. Hosts were defeated by sixth ranked Hod Hasharon (9-8) 114-102. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Beer Yaakov. The guests trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 7-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 114-102. Hod Hasharon looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists. 26 personal fouls committed by Beer Yaakov helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was naturalized Latvian swingman Gary Gandel (203-80) who had a double-double by scoring 32 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. American forward Anthony Johnson (203-88, college: Fairfield) chipped in a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds. Hod Hasharon's coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Nate Miller (193-87, college: Bowling Green) produced 27 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists and the other American import forward Jermaine Hall (196-80, college: Wagner) added 29 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Five Hod Hasharon and four Beer Yaakov players scored in double figures. Hod Hasharon moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Kiryat Tivon. Beer Yaakov at the other side still keeps top position with three games lost. They share it with Hapoel T-A. Hod Hasharon is looking forward to face higher ranked Hapoel Afula (#4) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Beer Yaakov will play against Elitzur Ramla and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Hod Hasharon: G.Gandel 32+11reb+4ast, A.Johnson 25+11reb+3ast, J.Gonzalez 21+2reb+7ast, H.Ratner 16+1reb+1ast, A.Sukar 12+5reb+13ast, O.Winter 2
Macc.B.Yaakov: J.Hall 29+9reb+1ast, N.Miller 27+8reb+7ast, Y.Bet-Yosef 22+4reb+8ast, I.Simin 10+1ast, C.Watson 7+6reb+1ast, N.Dvash 5+1reb+2ast
gschID: 145302


Kiryat Tivon - Elitzur Ramla 106-105

A very interesting game took place in Kiryat Tivon. It ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 11th ranked Elitzur Ramla (6-11) to fifth ranked Kiryat Tivon (9-8) 106-105 on Tuesday evening. Host team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. Elitzur Ramla was ahead by 4 points after three quarters before a 31-26 charge of Kiryat Tivon, which allowed them to win the game. They shot the lights out from three nailing 15 long-distance shots on high 62.5 percentage. Kiryat Tivon players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists. 28 personal fouls committed by Elitzur Ramla helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American-Puerto Rican Ramon Clemente (200-85, college: Wichita St.) nailed a double-double by scoring 27 points and 14 rebounds for the winning side and American-Cape Verdean guard Joshua Gomes (190-83, college: E.Illinois) accounted for 26 points and 5 rebounds. Kiryat Tivon's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American forward Ryan Bacon (200-88, college: St.Peter's, agency: Strategic Sports) came up with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 12 rebounds and guard Rotem Barzilai (186-86) added 17 points and 10 assists respectively for Elitzur Ramla in the defeat. Five Elitzur Ramla players scored in double figures. Kiryat Tivon maintains fifth place with 9-8 record, which they share with Hod Hasharon. Elitzur Ramla lost third consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with 11 games lost. Kiryat Tivon's next round opponent will be Ironi Nes-Ziona (#7) in Nes Ziyona. Elitzur Ramla will play at home against the league's leader Beer Yaakov (#1).
Top scorers:
Kiryat Tivon: R.Clemente 27+14reb+3ast, J.Gomes 26+5reb+3ast, Z.Silverman 23+3reb+6ast, T.New 18+1reb+6ast, L.Ariely 8+1reb+1ast, O.Hover 2+2reb+4ast
Elitzur Ramla: R.Bacon 24+12reb+1ast, S.Moragne 22+4reb+2ast, O.Cohen 17+5reb+3ast, R.Barzilai 17+2reb+10ast, M.Badalov 15+5reb+1ast, I.Rejwan 8+2reb
gschID: 145303




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  ITALY   


Nuggets' Gallinari suffers chip fracture in left foot - by Eurobasket News
Forward Danilo Gallinari (6'9''-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) left the Denver Nuggets' game against the Houston Rockets in the third quarter Monday night after rolling his left ankle.

The Nuggets said X-rays revealed a chip fracture in his left foot and he'll have further tests Tuesday.

Gallinari recently signed a four-year, $42 million deal.

He stayed in the game and sank two free throws after twisting his ankle but hobbled back down the court and left the game. He went to the locker room and was replaced by Rudy Fernandez.

Gallinari joined a growing list of Nuggets on the sideline. Nene (left heel), Arron Afflalo (left ankle, right big toe) and Timofey Mozgov (left ankle) were all out for the Rockets game, along with backup forward Corey Brewer following the death of his father.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Aget Imola tab Ronald Dupree - by Eurobasket News
Aget Imola made a change in their roster. They inked a deal with Ronald DuPree (199-F/G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: LSU). The forward will replace Erik Daniels (204-G/F-82, college: Kentucky) on the squad.
Ronald DuPree started the season in Argentina. The forward played for Regatas Corrientes. He averaged 10.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 steal per appearance. Last season Ronald DuPree spent between the NBA and D-League. The forward played for the Toronto Raptors averaging 1.0 point and 1.5 boards per appearance. He also had a stint with the Utah Flash. His stats read 15.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists in D-League. The forward was named into D-League All-Defensive 2nd Team.


EuroCup: Benetton edge Lokomotiv in Treviso - by Eurobasket News
Benetton - Lokomotiv Kuban 87:76

Benetton Treviso registered the third win in EuroCup Last 16 Group L. They held off Lokomotiv Kuban in Treviso tonight. The win helped the Italian team reach 3-1 record in the group, while Lokomotiv slipped at 2-2 record. Jeffrey Viggiano (197-F-84, college: Massachusetts) accounted for 17 points to lead the effort.
Benetton did not waste too much time surging ahead early in the encounter. The hosts piled up a 23:15 lead ten minutes into the game. Lokomotiv however quickly came back to life and bounced back in the second quarter. Led by Ali Traore (207-C-85, agency: Beo Basket, college: S.Idaho JC) the visitors narrowed the gap to just two points at halftime 38:40. Benetton managed to stay in the drivers seat in the third quarter. The Italian team posted a 62:59 advantage with ten minutes remaining. Benetton outscored the visitors 25:17 in the final frame and escaped with a key win at the end.
Sani Becirovic (196-G-81) and Jobey Thomas (194-G-80, college: Charlotte) delivered 13 points each for Benetton. Gal Mekel added 9 points in the victory. Ali Traore answered with 26 points and 9 rebounds for Lokomotiv Kuban. Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) netted 14 points in the loss.

Benetton Treviso: Jeffrey Viggiano 17, Sani Becirovic 13, Jobey Thomas 13
Lokomotiv Kuban: Ali Traore 26, Jeremiah Massey 14


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  JAPAN   


Best players of Japanese BJ League round 34 - by Eurobasket News
Experienced American Jeff Newton (205-C-81) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's leader Okinawa GK and that's him to receive a Asia-basket.com BJ League Player of the Week award for round 34.
The 30-year old center had a double-double of 25 points and seventeen rebounds, while his team outclassed Takamatsu FA (#9, 2-28) with 40-point margin 100-60. It allowed Okinawa GK to consolidate first place in the Japanese BJ League. Okinawa GK have a solid 24-6 record. In the team's last game Newton had a remarkable 75.0% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at Okinawa GK, through which he has constantly improved. Indiana University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Newton is in league's top in rebounds (8th best: 10.3rpg) and averages solid 1.1bpg and 50.7% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 27-year old American center Jeral Davis (216-C-84) of Shimane SM. Davis impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds. Bad luck as Shimane SM was edged by the higher-ranked Hamamatsu P. (#1, 19-10) 85-83. Shimane SM managed to keep the same 6th spot in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 17-13 record is not bad and everything may still change. Davis is well-known by Shimane SM fans and he already established his position as one of team's most reliable players. alumni Davis played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas.

The third best performed player last round was American Lynn Washington (200-F-78) of second-ranked Osaka Evessa. Washington showcased his all-around game by recording 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in the last round. He was a key player of Osaka Evessa, leading his team to a 88-66 easy win against the lower-ranked Shiga L-Stars (#5, 18-12). Osaka Evessa needs these victories very badly if they think about taking over top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 20 victories and 8 lost games. Washington has a very solid season. In 24 games in Japan he scored 18.5ppg. He also has 8.6rpg, 3.3apg and FGP: 53.7%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Michael Parker (202-F-81) of Shimane SM - 21 points, 15 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Devin Searcy (208-F/C-89) of Toyama Grouses - 13 points and 15 rebounds
6. Wayne Marshall (211-C-86) of Osaka Evessa - 11 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Lee Roberts (201-F/C-87) of Shinshu BW - 21 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Michael Bell (206-F-82) of Osaka Evessa - 16 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Dillion Sneed (203-C-84) of Okinawa GK - 21 points and 10 rebounds
10. Lance Allred (211-C-81) of Kyoto Hannar. - 16 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists

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

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  JORDAN   


WABA League: Mahram beat Aramex in Jordan - by Eurobasket News
Aramex - Mahram 52:91

Mahram made the first step towards reaching WABA League semis. They defeated Aramex on the road to take 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series. Mahram will be looking forward to book the spot in the semis at home court on February 21.
Mahram entered the game on a 14:0 spree to set the tone. The visitors never looked back afterwards keeping Aramex at bay throughout the rest of the encounter. Amir Sedighi (203-F-93) and Nikoloz Tskitishvili (212-C/F-83) knocked down 13 points each to lead the effort. Samad Nik Khahbahrami (198-F-83) added 12 points in the winning effort. Aramex answered with 14 points from Jamal Ali Ahmed. The hosts played without one of their leaders Ayman Idais (205-C-78, agency: Court Side). Issa Kamel (195-F-83), Ali El-Zubi (184-G-89) and Fadi Al Saqa (184-G-77) got injured during the game.


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  KAZAKHSTAN   


Standings -D1
D1 Standings
 1. BC Astana 13-0 
 2. Barsy Atyrau 9-5 
 3. BK Almaty 7-5 
 4. Tobol 7-9 
 5. Kaspiy Aktau 5-8 
 6. BK Atyrau 0-14 


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  KOSOVO   


Kosovo U-18 selection in preparations for Independence Day tournament - by Dren Shporta
The coach of Kosovo U-18 National Team, Albert Sylejmani, called 14 players in preparations for the tournament of youngsters that will be held for the Independence Day of Kosovo, February 17. The trainings were made in Pallati i Rinise in Prishtina, because of better conditions.

The players that were invited from coach Sylejmani are: Ard Islami (Sigal Prishtina), Arian Mehmeti (Drita), Endrit Elshani (Junior 06, Bashkimi), Granit Hyseni (Sigal Prishtina), Leonard Mekaj (Sigal Prishtina), Luard Halili (Trepca), Qendrim Ajazaj (Junior 06, Bashkimi), Ujkan Karanezi (Junior 06, Bashkimi), Erzen Sopi (Sigal Prishtina), Fisnik Beka (Sigal Prishtina), Zgjim Gerxhaliu (Sigal Prishtina, Futura), Egzon Kabashi (Junior 06, Bashkimi), Lorik Kllokoqi (Sigal Prishtina) and Lis Shoshi (Peja).

Basketball Federation of Kosova will organize a tournament for Independence Day of Kosovo and there will take place young national teams from the region.



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  LATVIA   


Standings - LBAL
LBL2 Standings
 1. BK VEF 19-2 
 2. Liepaja-2 17-2 
 3. Barons/Keizar. 17-2 
 4. Saldus 16-4 
 5. Riga 12-7 
 6. VEF Kadeti 12-8 
 7. RSU 11-9 
 8. VA 10-9 
 9. DSN 9-10 
 10. Ogres 6-13 
 11. Cesis 6-14 
 12. Jelgava/LLU 6-14 
 13. Livani 6-14 
 14. Valmiera U21 4-16 
 15. Gulbene 4-17 
 16. Ridzene 3-17 


EuroCup: VEF Riga silence Gravelines in France - by Eurobasket News
Gravelines - VEF Riga 62:69

VEF Riga posted the second straight win in EuroCup Last 16 round. They upset Gravelines on the road to improve at 2-2 record in Group I. Gravelines suffered the fourth straight defeat.
VEF Riga set the tone early but Gravelines stuck around. The Latvian team led by just a single point 20:19 after ten minutes of action. VEF Riga stretched the gap in the second quarter. They established a 41:38 halftime lead. The visitors stiffened their defence in the third term. VEF Riga limited Gravelines to 8 points in the period building an 8-point advantage before the fourth quarter. Gravelines narrowed the gap in the final stanza but VEF Riga hung on to escape with the victory at the end. Kaspars Berzins (213-F/C-85) scored 19 points to lead the visitors. Sandis Valters (193-G-78) contributed 15 points for the winners. Juby Johnson (196-G-81, college: Miami, OH) answered with 12 points for Gravelines. J.K. Edwards (202-C/F-82, college: UNLV) had 11 points in the loss.

Gravelines: Juby Johnson 12, J.K. Edwards 11
VEF Riga: Kaspars Berzins 19, Sandis Valters 15, Gatis Jahovics (200-F-84) 11


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


Standings - Division A
Div.A Standings
 1. Champville 16-0 
 2. Al Riyadi 16-1 
 3. Anibal 9-6 
 4. Byblos 7-10 
 5. Sagesse 7-11 
 6. Bejjeh 6-10 
 7. Moutahed 6-10 
 8. Hoops 5-11 
 9. Antranik 2-14 


Stats Leaders - Men
Points Per Game
 Fadi KHATIB
  Champville
  (199-F-79)
  Avg: 28.4
 1. Khatib, Champville28.4 
 2. Penigar, Byblos28.2 
 3. Spencer, Al Riyadi26.4 
 4. Williams, Byblos25.2 
 5. Ebi, Anibal24.7 
 6. Colwell, Antranik23.9 
 7. Oguchi, Hoops23.3 
 8. Hoskin, Champville22.3 
 9. Youngblood, Anibal22.1 
 10. Gray, Byblos21.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Harold JAMISON
  Bejjeh
  (204-C-76)
  Avg: 14.8
 1. Jamison, Bejjeh14.8 
 2. Penigar, Byblos13.2 
 3. Dearman, Bejjeh12.4 
 4. Thompson, Champvil.11.9 
 5. Colwell, Antranik11.1 
 6. Crump, Sagesse10.9 
 7. Ismail, Al Riyadi10.8 
 8. Hoskin, Champville10.8 
 9. Leather, Sagesse10.3 
 10. Hamdar, Hoops9.6 
Assists Per Game
 Corey WILLIAMS
  Byblos
  (191-G-77)
  Avg: 7.6
 1. Williams, Byblos7.6 
 2. Akl, Anibal6.8 
 3. Clemons, Hoops6.3 
 4. Ismail, Al Riyadi6.2 
 5. Gray, Byblos6.0 
 6. Johnson, Moutahed5.9 
 7. Khatib, Champville5.9 
 8. Mahmoud, Al Riyadi5.8 
 9. Young, Antranik5.4 
 10. Oguchi, Hoops4.6 
Steals Per Game
 Vernon HAMILTON
  Hoops
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Hamilton, Hoops3.2 
 2. Youngblood, Anibal3.0 
 3. Mahmoud, Al Riyadi2.9 
 4. Clemons, Hoops2.8 
 5. Johnson, Moutahed2.5 
 6. Young, Antranik2.3 
 7. Spencer, Al Riyadi2.2 
 8. Estephane, Champvi.2.2 
 9. Williams, Byblos2.0 
 10. Ebi, Anibal2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Shelton COLWELL
  Antranik
  (202-C/F-80)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Colwell, Antranik2.2 
 2. Ebi, Anibal2.0 
 3. Vogel, Al Riyadi2.0 
 4. Hamdar, Hoops1.9 
 5. Ismail, Al Riyadi1.8 
 6. Crump, Sagesse1.6 
 7. Thompson, Champvil.1.5 
 8. Sabra, Byblos1.3 
 9. Youngblood, Anibal1.3 
 10. Leather, Sagesse1.2 


*****************************************************
  LIGA SUDAMERICANA   


Latinbasket.com All-Liga Sudamericana Awards 2012 - by Eurobasket News
Latinbasket.com All-Liga Sudamericana 1st Team
#s#
Juan Gutierrez
Gutierrez
David Jackson
Jackson
Marcelo Magalhaes
Magalhaes
Guilherme Giovannoni
Giovannoni
Marquinhos Vieira
Vieira
#e#5

MVP: Juan Gutierrez (205-F/C-83) of Obras
Best Guard: Julio Mazzaro (190-G-79) of Obras
Best Forward: Marquinhos Vieira (207-F-84) of Pinheiros/Sky
Best Center: Juan Gutierrez (205-F/C-83) of Obras
Best Coach: Julio Cesar Lamas of Obras

1st Team
G: David Jackson (196-82) of Flamengo
F/G: Marcelo Magalhaes (199-75) of Flamengo
F: Guilherme Giovannoni (202-80) of Uniceub/BRB
F: Marquinhos Vieira (207-84) of Pinheiros/Sky
F/C: Juan Gutierrez (205-83) of Obras

2nd Team
PG: Fernando Martinez (170-79) of Malvin
F: Christopher Jeffries (199-80) of Malvin
F: Tony Washam (200-82) of Obras
F/C: Guillermo Kammerichs (203-80) of Flamengo
C/F: Ryan Humphrey (203-79) of Atenas

Honorable Mention
Fernando Martinez (170-PG-79) of Malvin
Alex Ribeiro (191-G-80) of Pinheiros/Sky
Marcus Melvin (203-F-82) of Atenas
Tyler Field (206-F/C-78) of Obras
Pablo Espinoza (195-F-87) of Obras
Olivinha Rodriguez (202-F-83) of Pinheiros/Sky


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


EuroCup: Lietuvos Rytas edge Alba in O2 World Arena - by Eurobasket News
Alba Berlin - Lietuvos Rytas 62:79

Lietuvos Rytas edge Alba in O2 World Arena for 3-1 record in Group L. The Baltic State kept the German side winless after 79:62 victory.
Lietuvos Rytas took the lead in the first period and reached 23:18 after the first 20 minutes. Renaldas Seibutis (195-G-85) increased to 30:18, while Tyrese Rice (185-PG-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Boston Coll.) brought 38:26. DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.) managed to close the half at 43:31 as Alba never led in the game. They won however the third period 18-17 for 60:49 after three quarters, but the guests needed 19-13 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Renaldas Seibutis stepped up with 24 points for the winners and Mindaugas Katelynas (206-F-83, college: Chattanooga) as well as Tyrese Rice posted 10 each. Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports) and DaShaun Wood ended up with 13 points each in the losing effort. Kyle Weaver (198-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Washington St.) scored 11 and Marko Simonovic (202-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) posted 10.

Alba Berlin: Bryce Taylor 13, DaShaun Wood 13, Kyle Weaver 11, Marko Simonovic 10
Lietuvos Rytas: Renaldas Seibutis 24, Mindaugas Katelynas 10, Tyrese Rice 10


*****************************************************
  LUXEMBOURG   


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

Handwork beats talent, if talent doesnt work hard.

Philip Perre (198-F-79, college: N.Alabama)

*****************************************************
  MALTA   


Athleta win fifth in a row - by Eurobasket News
National League defending champions Athleta continued to pile up wins. They celebrated the fifth straight victory beating Siggiewi 67:54. Michael Naudi (193-G/F-80) came up with 26 points to pace the charge. Athleta recorded a 38:21 halftime lead. Siggiewi managed to slow down the hosts in the second half but they failed to threatened the margin. Dirk Schembri (193-F-85) knocked down 14 points, while Omar Said (177-G-80) had 11 points in the win. Marko Matijevic (200-F-78) answered with 16 points for Siggiewi.
Floriana registered the third win as they shot down visiting Luxol 82:69. Floriana trailed by six points after ten minutes but picked up the tempo and surged ahead for the win at the end. Evan Fjeld (203-F-88, agency: Interperformances, college: Vermont) erupted for 38 points to lead the winners. Christopher Sammut (169-G-85) added 12 points for Floriana. Jeron Belin (198-F-88, agency: Dynamics Global Management, college: St.Peter's) answered with 38 points for Luxol. Jean Paul Bonnici (196-C-88) had 14 points in the loss.
Depiro overcame Loyola 65:59 behind 18 points from Roderick Vella (85). Greg Hamlin (201-F-86, college: E.Tenn.St.) finished with 12 points for the home team. Rashanti Harris (203-F) answered with 31 points for Loyola.

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


EuroCup: Buducnost outgun Banvit - by Eurobasket News
Buducnost - Banvit 83:73

Buducnost returned the intrigue to EuroCup Last 16 Group K. They defeated Banvit at home court to catch up with their opponents at 2-2 record. Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) fired 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to pace the charge.
The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the first half. Buducnost led by just two points after the opening quarter 24:22. Banvit however cut the deficit to a single point 43:44 at halftime. But the third term turned things around. Buducnost finally adjusted their tempo and cleared off. The hosts limited Banvit at just 10 points to ensure a 13-point lead before the final frame. Banvit went on a desperate comeback rally in the fourth stanza but came up short at the end. Nikola Ivanovic (187-G-94, agency: Beo Basket) and Jermaine Anderson (188-G-83, college: Fordham) posted 16 points each in the victory. Charles Davis (202-F-84, college: Alabama) responded with 18 points for Banvit. Lance Williams (206-C-80, college: De Paul) accounted for 12 points in the loss.

Buducnost: Bojan Dubljevic 24+10 boards, Nikola Ivanovic 16, Jermaine Anderson 16
Banvit: Charles Davis 18, Lance Williams 12


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Nemanja VRANJES
  Sutjeska
  (188-G-88)
  Avg: 26.4
 1. Vranjes, Sutjeska26.4 
 2. Mugosa, KK Podgo.21.1 
 3. Vucurovic, Mogren19.3 
 4. Lekovic, Jedinstvo18.8 
 5. Sutulovic, KK Podg.18.3 
 6. Lopicic, Lovcen18.0 
 7. Petkovic, Danilovg.17.4 
 8. Bulatovic, ABS P.17.3 
 9. Ljujic, Jedinstvo16.3 
 10. Nicaj, KK Podgori.15.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Milos LOPICIC
  Lovcen
  (216-C-90)
  Avg: 8.3
 1. Lopicic, Lovcen8.3 
 2. Nicaj, KK Podgorica7.8 
 3. Vranjes, Sutjeska7.0 
 4. Milosevic, Mornar6.8 
 5. Popovic, Sutjeska6.8 
 6. Pejovic, Sutjeska6.5 
 7. Djurkovic, Ulcinj6.2 
 8. Devrnja, ABS P.6.1 
 9. Zejak, Lovcen6.1 
 10. Medenica, Ulcinj6.0 
Assists Per Game
 Goran BULATOVIC
  ABS P.
  (184-G-88)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Bulatovic, ABS P.3.8 
 2. Vranjes, Sutjeska3.6 
 3. Scott, Mornar Bar3.6 
 4. Tepavcevic, Ulcinj3.2 
 5. Bogojevic, KK Podg.3.1 
 6. Jelenic, Mornar B.3.0 
 7. Mijovic, Teodo Tiv.2.7 
 8. Ratkovic, Danilovg.2.4 
 9. Seferovic, Mogren2.4 
 10. Calic, Teodo Tivat2.3 
Steals Per Game
 Goran BULATOVIC
  ABS P.
  (184-G-88)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Bulatovic, ABS P.2.8 
 2. Scott, Mornar Bar2.8 
 3. Sutulovic, KK Podg.2.3 
 4. Vranjes, Sutjeska2.2 
 5. Jovovic, Danilovgr.1.8 
 6. Jelenic, Mornar B.1.6 
 7. Mijovic, Teodo Tiv.1.6 
 8. Miljic, Jedinstvo1.5 
 9. Vucurovic, Mogren1.5 
 10. Pavlicevic, Lovcen1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Ljeko NICAJ
  KK Podgorica
  (210-C-87)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Nicaj, KK Podgorica1.9 
 2. Vujosevic, Mornar1.0 
 3. Jocovic, Sutjeska0.9 
 4. Marojevic, Ulcinj0.8 
 5. Milosev, Sutjeska0.8 
 6. Popovic, Sutjeska0.8 
 7. Cebalovic, Danilov.0.8 
 8. Pejovic, Sutjeska0.8 
 9. Mrdak, Danilovgrad0.7 
 10. Pavic, Mornar Bar0.7 


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


Balkan League: Mornar wins at home against Rilski Sportlist - by Darko Pekic
KK Mornar Bar moved up to the second position in Group A of the 2011/2012 Balkan League, after an important 89:76 home win against BC Rilski Sportist. Actually, Mornar and Rilski switched spots in the Group. Mornar now haa a 5-3 record while Rilski Sportist dropped down to 4-4 and moved to the third spot in the group. However, Rilski started the game better and confused the club from Bar with agressive defense and good ofense. But Mornar took over control of the game in the second quarter, they had a 11 points run and it was the crucial part of the game.

In the second half Mornar always had a lead and Rilski did not find a way to get back into the game although they attempted to do it. Filip Barovic (208-F/C-90) was the key player tonight with 21 points and 7 rebounds, Ivan Jelenic (190-SG-85, agency: BeoExcell) scored 20 points, while Akeem Scott (186-PG-83, agency: Interperformances, college: High Point) and Lazar Radosavljevic (204-F-91, agency: Beo Basket) added 15 points each

Branko Mirkovic (190-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) had 23 points for Rilski Sportist, Ante Bilobrk (203-SF-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and Filip Vukosavljevic (205-F/C-83) scored 11 points each.

*****************************************************
  NAIA   


D2 Top 25 ranking
Top 25 Ranking
 1. Northwood Fl.
 2. Oregon Tech
 3. Davenport
 4. Dordt
 5. Grace
 6. McPherson
 7. Cardinal Stritch
 8. Northwest
 9. Bellevue
 10. Jamestown
 11. Indiana East
 12. Warner Pacific
 13. Southwestern (KS)
 14. Northwestern, IA
 15. Ind.Wesleyan
 16. Briar Cliff
 17. Valley City St.
 18. St.Ambrose
 19. Indiana SE
 20. St.Francis, IN
 21. Indiana Tech
 22. St.Mary's (KS)
 23. Southeastern
 24. Marian
 25. Warner


D1 Top 25 ranking
Top 25 Ranking
 1. Robert Morris
 2. Shorter
 3. Oklah.Baptist
 4. So.Poly State
 5. Our Lady Lake
 6. Rogers St.
 7. Martin Methodist
 8. Georgetown, KY
 9. Westmont
 10. Mountain St.
 11. Azusa Pacific
 12. Lindsey Wilson
 13. Montana St.-Northern
 14. Texas Wesleyan
 15. John Brown
 16. Concordia Irvine
 17. Lee
 18. LSU-Shreveport
 19. Tougaloo
 20. MidAmerica Nazarene
 21. Columbia, MO
 22. Pikeville
 23. S.Nazarene
 24. Montana-Western
 25. Master's


D1 Player of the Week - Walter Hill of Shorter (Ga.) - by Eurobasket News
Walter Hill (6'5''-G/F) of Shorter (Ga.) has been named the NAIA National Division I Mens Basketball Player of the Week, the national office announced Tuesday. Hill was selected based on his performances from Jan. 23 Jan. 29 and was chosen out of a pool of conference/independent/unaffiliated groupings.

Hill, a 6-foot-5 junior forward, averaged 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and three assists in a 3-0 week for the Hawks that included an 80-77 road victory against then-No. 17 Lee (Tenn.) on Jan. 28. His week was highlighted by two 21-point performances, including a team-leading fourth double-double of the season with 21 points and 10 rebounds in Shorters 88-44 victory against NCAA Division II Berry College (Ga.). Hill finished the week 23-of-47 (48.9 percent) from the field.

The native of Gainesville, Ga., ranks 15th in the NAIA in total scoring (398) and 17th in total 3-point field goals (55)

For a complete listing of the national statistical leaders, click here.

The next Player of the Week announcement will be on Feb. 7.

Nominees: Adrian Miller, John Brown (Ark.); Andrew Young, Pikeville (Ky.); Jeremy Lewis, St. Thomas (Texas); Terry Hollins, Harris-Stowe State (Mo.); Marcus Bowins, Mid-Continent (Ky.); Charlie Wallrapp, Benedictine (Kan.); Brad Karp, Saint Xavier (Ill.); Horace Whitehead, Tougaloo (Miss.); Kyle Erickson, Montana Western ; Rhett Beal, Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.)

2011-12 Composite Award Winners (Schedule)
Week 1: Eric Frederick, Texas Wesleyan
Week 2: Josh Orta, Our Lady of the Lake (Texas)
Week 3: Chase Spreen, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.)
Week 4: Eric Frederick, Texas Wesleyan

Courtesy of www.naia.org

D2 Player of the Week: Rodney Bartholomew of Indiana Tech - by Eurobasket News
Rodney Bartholomew (6'8''-F) of Indiana Tech has been named the NAIA National Division II Mens Basketball Player of the Week, the national office announced Tuesday. Bartholomew was selected based on his performances from Jan. 23 29 and was chosen out of a pool of conference/independent/unaffiliated groups.

Bartholomew, a native of Port Sulphur, La., continues to prove himself as one of the premier forwards, finishing the week averaging a double-double with 21.0 points and 14.5 rebounds. On the season, he leads the team with 13 double-doubles, including a 20-point and 15-rebound effort in the Warriors 57-47 win against then-No. 2 Davenport (Mich.). Bartholomew finished the contest against the Panthers an efficient 6-of-8 from the field and 8-of-10 at the free throw line. He concluded the week shooting 77.8 percent (14-of-18) from the floor and 73.7 percent (14-of-19) at the charity stripe

The 6-foot-8 senior ranks amongst the top 10 nationally in offensive rebounds per game (5.3), total rebounds per game (11.9), total rebounds (261), field goal percentage (60.8 percent) and defensive rebounds per game (6.6).

For a complete listing of all the national statistical leaders, click here.

The next Player of the Week announcement will be on Feb. 7.

Nominees: Cliff Warner, Dordt (Iowa); Taylor Stoutner, William Penn (Iowa); Matt Trimnell, Indiana East; Chris Jones, Central Christian (Kan.); Shannon Smith, Tennessee Wesleyan; Lee Griffin, Bethel (Kan.); Travis Burley, Jamestown (N.D.); Casper Hesseldal, Dickinson State (N.D.); Alif Bland, Roberts Wesleyan (N.Y.); Jordan Weidner, Indiana Wesleyan; Jonathan Dunn, Northwood (Fla.); Jordan Carter, Corban (Ore.); Kyle Sanders, Purdue North Central (Ind.); Travis Derochowski, Simpson (Calif.).

2011-12 Composite Award Winners (Schedule)
Week 1: Bobby Hunter, Oregon Tech
Week 2: Caleb Kennedy, Huntington (Ind.)
Week 3: Adam Herman, Concordia (Ore.)
Week 4: Alex Sylvester, Marian (Ind.)
Week 5: Rodney Bartholomew, Indiana Tech

Courtesy of www.naia.org

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


A Summer to Remember - by Alex Yam
The CBA regular season is on the verge of completion, as the season winds down next week, we take a look back at what was the most talked about league over the summer and during the NBA lockout. NBA players A-Z flirted with the possibility with coming to China, even Kobe Bryant strongly looked at the possibility of 'taking his talents to the Far East', that is until the CBA squashed any under contract NBA player, from using the CBA as a door mat, leaving only free agents to sign and stay.

As the NBA Denver Nuggets were preparing for what was to be a long layoff, 3 Nuggets, bolted for China and the CBA, Wilson Chandler,JR Smith and Kenyon Martin, all took the jump and signed multi-million dollar deals with Chinese teams, as did Phoenix Suns guard Aaron Brooks,As the lockout dragged on, and continued through the summer and as games were being canceled and postponed, players all started to shift overseas, and most of them, were considering China for the short season and the all mighty dollar.

As quick as the NBA seemed to be lost, in a serious of inpromptu meetings, the league and its players and owners quickly reached a resolution much to the shock of fans. So as games were set to start on Christmas day, what seemed like an impossible task of resolution, has now come to fruition. The NBA players were left to stick it out in China, or come back and wait for the CBA season to end, before signing with an NBA team or any other team.

Kenyon Martin was the 1st to leave his team in what was called a mutual separation, and return to the states, to await his clearance to return to the NBA, but in a stunning turn of events, the CBA league apparently did not take in account the long layoff for Chinese New Years, and FIBA cleared Kenyon Martin to return to the NBA, prior to the conclusion of his teams CBA season, the ripple effect is given the clearance issues, it now looks and seems from a standings standpoint, that Chandler and Smith's teams have slowly fallen out of playoff contention, and they too will be back by Mid -Month.

The odd player out is Aaron Brooks, as his team is the clear cut favorite to continue their dominance and win a 5th straight CBA title.

Pierce, Parker named NBA Players of the Week - by Eurobasket News
Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce (6'7''-F/G-77, college: Kansas) and San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (6'0''-PG-82) were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for the week ending February 5.

Pierce averaged 22.0 points, 6.3 assists and 5.8 rebounds to help the Celtics get to 4-0 last week. He had 30 points, seven rebounds and five helpers in a 91-89 win over New York on Friday.

Parker helped the Spurs also go 4-0 thanks to averages of 22.3 points, 8.0 assists and 1.5 steals, all team-highs. In a 107-96 win against Oklahoma City, he had 42 points and nine assists.

Other nominees were Chicago's Derrick Rose, Cleveland's Anderson Varejao, Detroit's Greg Monroe, Miami's LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, Milwaukee's Brandon Jennings, Minnesota's Kevin Love, Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant, and Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge.

Courtesy of www.chicagotribune.com

Warriors recall Chris Wright from D-League, waive Earl Barron - by Eurobasket News
After putting up some rather impressive numbers down in the NBA D-League recently, the Golden State Warriors have recalled power forward Chris Wright (6'8''-F-88, college: Dayton), while waiving center Earl Barron (7'0''-C-81, college: Memphis) to make room for him on the 15 man roster.

Wright, the 6-8 forward out of Dayton University, played in three games with the for the Ws D-League affiliate, the Dakota Wizards. and made the most of his time there. Wright averaged 20.7 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist and 2.33 blocks in 31.0 minutes per contest, garnering himself enough attention to make it back to the show.

As for Barron,who was signed as some emergency help when Kwame Brown went down with his pectoral injury, appeared in only two games for Golden State, averaging 2.0 points in 4.5 minutes with the Ws.

Wright began the season on the Warriors roster and saw minutes in five games, averaging 1 point in 3.2 minutes of play.

The Warriors could decide to bring someone to replace Barron, as Monday is the first day that NBA teams can sign players to 10-day contracts, something to keep an eye on moving forward.

Courtesy of http://bayarea.sbnation.com

WIll the Pacers have an All-Star? - by Daniel Gibson
With a record of 16-7 the Indiana Pacers are currently the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Who would have expected that?

People took note of how tough they played the Chicago Bulls in the Playoffs last season when the Bulls were ranked number one and the Pacers came in with the eight seed. Most people expected them to improve but I'm not sure many saw this type of jump.

Usually the teams at the top have representatives playing in the All-Star game. The Pacers have players that buy into the team first concept and most of them aren't household names yet but they understand how to win together. It's not surprising that none of them were voted in as starters by the fans because they aren't as popular as the LeBron James' and Carmelo Anthony's of the world.

The Pacers have no games on national television this season either so fans around the country don't get to see them much. It's one of the drawbacks of playing in a smaller market.

For the most part the coaches have a good understanding of which players are playing well and helping their teams win games but many of the experts are posting their All-Star game reserve selections and no Pacers are making the cut.

Indiana will be represented in the Rookie vs. Sophomore game by Paul George and he should get invited to the take part in the Slam Dunk contest and possibly even the Three Point contest. While that would be great for him the team would still be missing out on the main event of the weekend, the actual All-Star game.

Danny Granger has made an All-Star appearance before and he's leading the team now with 18 points per game. It will be difficult for him to make it as a small forward with a number of other deserving and more popular players ahead of him. Roy Hibbert may have the best shot at center but after Dwight Howard the coaches will most likely look to Tyson Chandler, Joakim Noah or even Chris Bosh to fill that spot.

The Pacers had a league leading six players on the All-Star ballot and my still come up empty in the end, but I have a feeling that as long as the team keeps on winning that will be fine with them. If anything, the All-Star snubs will be used as motivation to prove a point and show that they belong.

WIll the Pacers have an All-Star? - by Daniel Gibson
With a record of 16-7 the Indiana Pacers are currently the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Who would have expected that?

People took note of how tough they played the Chicago Bulls in the Playoffs last season when the Bulls were ranked number one and the Pacers came in with the eight seed. Most people expected them to improve but I'm not sure many saw this type of jump.

Usually the teams at the top have representatives playing in the All-Star game. The Pacers have players that buy into the team first concept and most of them aren't household names yet but they understand how to win together. It's not surprising that none of them were voted in as starters by the fans because they aren't as popular as the LeBron James' and Carmelo Anthonys' of the world.

The Pacers have no games on national television this season either so fans around the country don't get to see them much. It's one of the drawbacks of playing in a smaller market.

For the most part the coaches have a good understanding of which players are playing well and helping their teams win games but many of the experts are posting their All-Star game reserve selections and no Pacers are making the cut.

Indiana will be represented in the Rookie vs. Sophomore game by Paul George and he should get invited to the take part in the Slam Dunk contest and possibly even the Three Point contest. While that would be great for him the team would still be missing out on the main event of the weekend, the actual All-Star game.

Danny Granger has made an All-Star appearance before and he's leading the team now with 18 points per game. It will be difficult for him to make it as a small forward with a number of other deserving and more popular players ahead of him. Roy Hibbert may have the best shot at center but after Dwight Howard the coaches will most likely look to Tyson Chandler, Joakim Noah or even Chris Bosh to fill that spot.

The Pacers had a league leading six players on the All-Star ballot and my still come up empty in the end, but I have a feeling that as long as the team keeps on winning that will be fine with them. If anything, the All-Star snubs will be used as motivation to prove a point and show that they belong.

Cavaliers waive former BayHawk Thompson - by Eurobasket News
The Cleveland Cavaliers waived rookie guard Mychel Thompson (6'7''-F-88, college: Pepperdine), who made the NBA team's roster out of training camp after starting the season with the Erie BayHawks.

Thompson, a rookie from Pepperdine University, averaged 19.8 points in Erie's first five games before being invited to Cleveland's training camp in mid-December. The BayHawks retain his NBA Development League rights.

Thompson had started the past three games for the Cavaliers, who were short-handed because of injuries to Daniel Gibson (neck) and Anthony Parker (back). Also, the Cavs want to maintain roster flexibility. Thompson averaged 3.6 points and 19 minutes in five games.

Gibson practiced today for the first time in 10 days and is traveling with the team to Miami for Tuesday's game against the Heat. He was hospitalized this past week in Boston with a 'soft tissue' infection in his neck but says he's feeling better and is eager to play.

Parker is expected to miss his fourth straight game with a sore lower back and rookie forward Tristan Thompson still hasn't recovered from a sprained left ankle.

Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Knicks star Stoudemire to take leave after brother killed in car accident - by Eurobasket News
Knicks forward Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) will be taking a leave of absence from the team after his older brother was killed in a car accident.

Hazell Stoudemire, 35, suffered fatal injuries after his vehicle collided at a 'high rate of speed' with the rear of a tractor-trailer on Route 27 in Lake Wales, Fla., TMZ reported.

Florida Highway Patrol said Stoudemire was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Authorities are still investigating and awaiting test results to find out if alcohol was a factor.

The Knicks confirmed Amare Stoudemire would be taking a leave of absence to fly to Florida. The Knicks play Utah at home tonight and travel to Washington on Wednesday.

It was not immediately clear when Stoudemire, 29, would rejoin the team, but he will miss tonight's game.

'My thoughts and prayers are with him. Whatever time he needs to take hell take. And then well get him back as soon as possible, coach Mike D'Antoni said at the team's shootaround in Greenburgh.

Hazell Stoudemire, who lived in Lakeland, Fla., was one of Amar'es four brothers. He has three sisters.

He cherishes his family and does a great job maintaining relationships. Like I said, its a trying moment,' D'Antoni said.

Jared Jefferies will start in Stoudemire's spot tonight, and Jeremy Lin will make his first career start at point guard following his magical Saturday night performance in a win over the Nets.

Our prayers and thoughts all go out to him and hopefully hell find comfort during this time, because obviously its crazy,'' Lin said.

There will be a moment of silence in honor of Hazell prior to the game.

Courtesy of www.nypost.com

Lance Thomas signs 10-day contract with New Orleans Hornets - by Eurobasket News
Austin Toros power forward Lance Thomas (6'8''-F-88, college: Duke) has signed a 10-day contract to play with the New Orleans Hornets of the National Basketball Association.

Thomas has averaged 15.2 points and 7.7 rebounds for the Development League Austin Toros this season.

The Hornets most likely looked to sign Thomas based on their immediate need for a replacement to undersized power forward Carl Landry (6'7''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Purdue). He is expected to be out 3-4 weeks due to a knee injury.

Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Courtesy of www.examiner.com

L.A. Clippers and New York Knicks Eyeing J.R. Smith - by Eurobasket News
Everyone seems to be lining up for the services of Smith J.R. (6'6''-G-85), and given his immense talent, it's pretty clear why teams want the sometimes misunderstood gunner.

Smith did, afterall, just drop 60 in the Chinese league, and while I realize it isn't the NBA, it's a bit more competitive than your rec league at the YMCA to say the very least. Sorry.

Smith has always had the talent and he will make any team he goes to much better. Even the loaded L.A. Clippers have been said to be in pursuit of Smith.

It should be interesting to see if Smith flourishes outside of George Karl's doghouse. For all he did right in Denver, in Karl's eyes he did even more wrong, and he could never seem to find favor with the Nuggest coach.

The Knicks need help in every way imaginable, and adding Smith J.R. would add more scoring punch to what could be a very potent Knicks offense, and they are said to be in on the services of Smith, as well.

I think a change in scenery may do amazing things for Smith. Sometimes a second chance is all a player (or anyone in life, for that matter) needs to better what has up to that point been mediocre performances that undermine one's true potential.

I'm not yet sure where Smith is headed, but if he winds up in a Clippers uniform, as Kenyon Martin just did, it should make the Clippers legit contenders. While I am hesitant to say quite the same thing about the New York Knicks, it would greatly aid them in a lot of ways as well. We'll watch and see what happens here, because signing Smith could pay off more than many may realize.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

Gilbert Arenas set to work out in L.A., Lakers not sure theyll be there - by Eurobasket News
While the Lakers are understood to have reached out to Gilbert Arenas (6'3''-PG-82, college: Arizona), their level of interest in the free agent guard is likely to become more clear this week when they decide whether or not to attend a workout Arenas has scheduled in L.A.

Arenas plans to workout in L.A. this week, but the Lakers are so far undecided about whether theyll attend, the L.A. Daily News reports (via Hoopshype). The Lakers are on the road all week.

Once a premier NBA scorer, Arenas production has dropped considerably. In 49 games with the Magic last season, he averaged just 8.0 points and shot 34.4 percent from the field and 27.5 percent from 3-point range. Whether Arenas can provide a significant boost to the Lakers backcourt is doubtful.

The Lakers have also reportedly held talks with the Cavaliers about trading for Ramon Sessions, and L.A. coach Mike Brown downplayed the connection with Arenas.

'I have not talked to him, I have not watched any tape on him. It's really just conversation,' Brown said.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

Kevin Love suspended 2 games - by Eurobasket News
Kevin Love's (6'10''-C-88, college: UCLA) frustration with physical play and officiating have been apparent early and often this season.

Emotion got the best of him on Saturday night against the Rockets, and now he and the Minnesota Timberwolves have to pay the price: Love, his team's leading scorer and rebounder, was suspended for two games by the NBA for 'driving his foot into the upper body and face of the Rockets' Luis Scola as Scola was lying on the floor.'

The play happened in the third quarter of Saturday's victory over the Rockets after the two tangled while going for a rebound. As Love went to step over Scola, who a week earlier had thrown a ball off Love's groin while trying to save it from going out of bounds, he looked down at the Rockets forward and stepped on him as he headed back up the court.

It marked the second time last week Love delivered a hard foul after not getting a call on the other end. He raked Pacers forward Danny Granger across the chest on Wednesday, touching off a small skirmish in a loss to Indiana.

Love apologized to Scola both after the game and in a statement issued by the team on Monday following the suspension, and said he has to do a better job handling his emotions.

'I don't want to be known for that,' Love said after practice. 'I want to be known as a stand-up guy who happened to make a mistake with a size 19 shoe and just move on. So everybody knows there were no ill intentions there.'

He will miss Tuesday's game against Sacramento and Wednesday's game at Memphis as the Timberwolves (12-12) look to climb above .500 for the first time this season.

Love is averaging 25.0 points and 13.7 rebounds per game and leads the NBA with 39.4 minutes per game. The All-Star forward was contrite on Monday, saying he thought the suspension from NBA executive vice president of basketball operations Stu Jackson 'was warranted.'

'It's been a chippy year,' Love said. 'It's not only us. It's not only the Pacers, the Rockets or anything like that. It's a lot of games. The guys are tired. Games are being drawn out and guys are worn down.

'For me and for us, it's no different. And also for the refs as well. They've got to go over film just like we do, maybe even more. So you've got to respect them and got to respect what they do.'

Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman said he has spoken with Love and the rest of his young team about playing through any perceived mistreatment from the other team or the officials.

Adelman did wonder how Jackson landed on two games as proper punishment.

'Do I think it's fair? No. Absolutely (not),' Adelman said. 'I don't know the reasoning. They don't tell you the reasoning. I don't know the reasoning why two games. They haven't said anything. You've just got to move on.'

The 23-year-old Love, who recently signed a four-year extension worth more than $60 million, has been barking at the officials most of the season.

Adelman said he saw Love get upset with no-calls on two straight possessions before the run-in with Scola 'and it led to the incident.'

'You've got to play through,' Adelman said. 'Play with emotion, but you've got to play through it and not let it affect what happens on the court.'

Adelman didn't say who would start in Love's place against the Kings, but Derrick Williams and Anthony Tolliver figure to see a lot more time. Williams, the No. 2 overall pick, has had a tough time getting settled into a role with the Wolves.

He has played just 37 minutes combined in the last four games and tweeted on Saturday 'anybody ever felt like a caged lion?'

'I guess it's just patience and hopefully I pick up (Adelman's) trust and have the ball in my hands more often,' Williams said. 'I kind of feel like it's just a lack of confidence, not in myself, but him in me being in that position. I've just got to earn his trust.'

Separately, the Timberwolves sent rookie G Malcolm Lee to Sioux Falls of the NBDL for what essentially is a rehab assignment. The second-round pick has not played this year after having surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Courtesy of ESPN

Chauncey Billups injures Achilles, could be lost for season - by Eurobasket News
Chauncey Billups (6'3''-PG-76, college: Colorado) of the Los Angeles Clippers figured to be one of the key reserves that would help the moribund franchise finally return to respectability. Backing up the great Chris Paul and flanked by Caron Butler and Mo Williams, these guards would help power the craziness of Lob City.

It looks like that multi-pronged guard attack might have to wait awhile after Billups sustained what looked to be a tough injury against the Orlando Magic. Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld reports an Achilles injury, which generally means a red alert for any basketball player.

'Hes going to be re-evaluated,' Del Negro said. 'Hes got an Achilles injury. I dont know the severity of it, but its kind of bittersweet. We will see what happens but we will re-evaluate it tomorrow.'

Many of Billups teammates commented in the locker room that their point guard was 'done,' hinting that the Achilles was more than a strain and was, in fact, a full tear.

Billups left the locker room with his foot in a boot, walked with the aid of crutches and did not speak to media.

Billups has struggled to start the season with his decision-making, particularly down the stretch of games. However, his veteran presence figured to have a big impact later on come playoff time. His loss could be really felt down the stretch, as Paul and Williams will be forced to log the big minutes at the one spot.

Courtesy of http://losangeles.sbnation.com

Knicks Carmelo Anthony strains groin - by Eurobasket News
The New York Knicks finally have a point guard that is getting the job done this season. Second-year man Jeremy Lin delivered 28 points and eight assists in Monday night's 99-88 victory over the Utah Jazz.

The victory came without the services of forward Amar'e Stoudemire, who left the team indefinitely because of the sudden death of his brother, and without much help from Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse), who left the game with a strained right groin.

Having played less than six minutes and scored only two points, Anthony headed to the locker room to deal with his groin and was in street clothes before the game ended, the New York Post reports. Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said Anthony is now 'day-to-day,' the paper notes.

'He'll be revaluated [Tuesday],'' D'Antoni said, according to the Post. 'It's usually a day or two [to see] does it swell up or is there blood? We'll find out [Tuesday]. But it'll be a couple days before we know the extent of it.'

Anthony is averaging 22.3 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.

The next game for the 10-15 Knicks is Wednesday against the Washington Wizards. New York is currently in tenth place in the Eastern Conference, a game out of playoff contention.

Courtesy of http://ca.sports.yahoo.com

Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Kobe BRYANT
  LA Lakers
  (198-G-78)
  Avg: 29.3
 1. Bryant, LA Lakers29.3 
 2. James, Miami Heat29.2 
 3. Durant, Oklah.Ci.27.0 
 4. Love, Minnesota T.25.0 
 5. Aldridge, Portland.23.7 
 6. Bargnani, Toron.23.5 
 7. Rose, Chicago B.22.7 
 8. Anthony, New Y.22.3 
 9. Westbrook, Oklah..21.9 
 10. Ellis, Golde S.21.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 15.1
 1. Howard, Orlando M.15.1 
 2. Love, Minnesota T.13.7 
 3. Bynum, LA Lakers12.4 
 4. Varejao, Clevelan.11.9 
 5. Cousins, Sacramen.11.6 
 6. Griffin, LA Clipp.10.9 
 7. Humphries, New J.10.4 
 8. Gasol, Memphis G.10.2 
 9. Gortat, Phoenix10.2 
 10. Gasol, LA Lakers10.1 
Assists Per Game
 Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-PG-74)
  Avg: 10
 1. Nash, Phoenix Suns10.0 
 2. Rondo, Boston C.9.5 
 3. Paul, LA Clippers8.9 
 4. Rubio, Minnesot.8.9 
 5. Williams, New J.8.6 
 6. Calderon, Toron.8.3 
 7. Lowry, Houston R.8.0 
 8. Rose, Chicago B.7.9 
 9. Parker, San A.7.7 
 10. Conley, Memphis G.7.3 
Steals Per Game
 Mike CONLEY
  Memphis G.
  (186-PG-87)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Conley, Memphis G.2.5 
 2. Paul, LA Clippers2.4 
 3. Rubio, Minnesot.2.3 
 4. Curry, Golde S.2.2 
 5. Lowry, Houston R.2.0 
 6. Shumpert, New Y.2.0 
 7. Westbrook, Oklah..2.0 
 8. Wade, Miami Heat1.9 
 9. Iguodala, Philadel.1.8 
 10. Ellis, Golde S.1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 DeAndre JORDAN
  LA Clippers
  (213-C-88)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Jordan, LA Clippers2.9 
 2. McGee, Washingt.2.9 
 3. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.2.8 
 4. Howard, Orlando M.2.2 
 5. Gasol, Memphis G.2.2 
 6. Dalembert, Houst.2.1 
 7. Bogut, Milwauke.2.0 
 8. Bynum, LA Lakers2.0 
 9. Smith, Atlanta H.2.0 
 10. Thomas, Charlott.2.0 


Standings
NBA Standings
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
 1. Philadelph.76 18-7 
 2. Boston C. 13-10 
 3. New York K. 10-15 
 4. Toronto R. 8-18 
 5. New Jersey N. 8-18 
Central Div.
 1. Chicago B. 21-6 
 2. Indiana P. 16-7 
 3. Milwaukee B. 10-13 
 4. Cleveland C. 9-13 
 5. Detroit P. 6-20 
Southeast Div.
 1. Miami Heat 18-6 
 2. Atlanta H. 16-9 
 3. Orlando M. 15-10 
 4. Washington W. 5-20 
 5. Charlotte B. 3-21 
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
 1. Oklah.City T. 19-5 
 2. Denver N. 15-10 
 3. Portland TB 14-11 
 4. Utah Jazz 13-10 
 5. Minnesota T. 12-12 
Pacific Div.
 1. LA Clippers 15-7 
 2. LA Lakers 14-11 
 3. Phoenix Suns 10-14 
 4. Sacramento K. 9-15 
 5. Golde State W. 8-13 
Southwest Div.
 1. San Antonio S. 17-9 
 2. Dallas M. 14-11 
 3. Houston R. 14-11 
 4. Memphis G. 12-13 
 5. N.Orleans H. 4-21 


Exciting Monday (10 games): Paul leads Clippers past Magic in OT, 107-102 - by Eurobasket News
Memphis G. - San Antonio S. 84-89
Tony Parker (6'0''-PG-82) scored 21 points, and Tim Duncan added 19 points and 17 rebounds to lead the San Antonio Spurs to an 89-84 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. Duncan scored 13 of his points in the second half as the Spurs opened a nine-game road trip with a win. Marc Gasol scored 22 points to lead Memphis, which led 73-67 entering the final period. Mike Conley scored 19 and Rudy Gay had 18 for the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies trailed by 13 at 61-48 early in the third quarter, but rallied behind a 25-6 run to end the period. Memphis took its first lead, 66-63, since the opening quarter on O.J. Mayo's 3-pointer with 2:11 to go in the third quarter. But the Grizzlies couldn't sustain the momentum, missing their first nine shots in the final period and allowing the Spurs to regain the lead. Shooting 5 of 7 on 3-pointers in the first half, San Antonio led by as many as 14 late in the second quarter. Matt Bonner and Gary Neal connected on two 3-pointers apiece and Kawhi Leonard had the other. Memphis, playing its second straight game without the injured Tony Allen, struggled defensively. The Spurs shot 58 percent in the opening quarter and 57 percent in the first half. The Grizzlies outscored the Spurs 11-3 in the final 3:31 of the second quarter to trim San Antonio's lead to six points - 52-46 - at the half. *Courtesy of www.charlotteobserver.com

Portland TB - Oklah.City T. 107-111 OT
Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) had 33 points, including a dunk with 2.9 seconds left in overtime, and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 111-107 on Monday night. Russell Westbrook (6'3''-PG-88, college: UCLA) added 28 points and 11 rebounds for the Thunder, who upped their NBA-best record to 19-5. LaMarcus Aldridge had 39 points for Portland, who led 103-101 with 6 seconds left in regulation before a goaltending call that drew the ire of the Rose Garden crowd and seemed to take the energy out of the Blazers. With the game knotted at 103 to force overtime, Westbrook hit a jumper and James Harden added a fast-break dunk to give the Thunder a 107-103 lead. Jamal Crawford's pull-up jumper narrowed it to 109-107 for the Blazers, but Durant dunked with 2.9 seconds left to put it away. It was just the second loss for the Blazers (13-11) at the Rose Garden. The Blazers trailed by as many as 12 points in the second half, but Nicolas Batum hit a 3-pointer that tied it at 63 with 6:52 left. Aldridge added a jumper to put Portland ahead. Durant's pull-up jumper tied it again, but Aldridge got two straight baskets, including a turnaround jumper with 3:37 to go, to make it 99-95 for the Blazers. After Aldridge hit a pair of free throws, Durant made a 3-pointer to close to 101-98. Westbrook made free throws to tie it for Oklahoma City, and then Crawford's jumper with 55.9 seconds left pulled the Blazers back ahead. In a scramble over the final minute, Westbrook took a jumper from the top of the key that rimmed out, and a goaltending call against Aldridge that tied it at 103. Batum went for a layup on Portland's final possession and felt he should have gotten the foul, but instead the game went to overtime and the Rose Garden crowd jeered the officials. The Thunder were coming off a 107-96 loss at San Antonio on Saturday, which kicked off a five-game road trip. Durant had 22 points and 11 rebounds for his fifth straight double-double. Portland was without starting guard Raymond Felton, who strained his left foot in the Blazers' 117-97 victory over Denver on Saturday night. An MRI was negative, but Felton is day-to-day with the injury. Crawford, a former NBA Sixth Man award winner with Atlanta who was acquired by the Blazers as a free agent before the season opened, started for the first time since the 2008-09 season. Crawford, who finished with 17 points, hit a 3-pointer that put Portland ahead 26-21 in the first quarter. The Blazers led by as many as eight, but Oklahoma City pulled in front 46-41 in the second quarter on Serge Ibaka's dunk. Durant and Ibaka had back-to-back dunks and the Thunder went on to lead 60-52 at the half. Ibaka made a 15-foot jumper to extended Oklahoma City's lead to 64-52, but Portland took off on a 13-0 run to take a 65-64 lead capped by Gerald Wallace's layup. It didn't last long, however, and the Thunder responded with a run of their own to go up 80-69 after Westbrook's dunk. Portland narrowed it to 87-83 to start the fourth quarter, and Batum hit a layup and a free throw to narrow it to 89-88, but Durant answered with a dunk to stop the Blazers' momentum.
*Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Washington W. - Toronto R. 111-108 OT
The Washington Wizards rarely win, and when they do, it's a big deal -- even if they blow an 18-point lead in the process. For the first three quarters, the Wizards dominated the Toronto Raptors, and in the fourth they nearly lost the game. In overtime, Washington held Toronto without a field goal and won 111-108 Monday night. It was just the fifth win in 25 games for the Wizards, and for most of the game, it looked like an easy win. It wasn't. Washington led 79-61 with 3:02 to play in the third quarter, and then Jerryd Bayless (6'3''-PG-88, college: Arizona) got hot -- scoring 16 fourth quarter points to force overtime. In the extra five minutes, Toronto missed all eight of its shots. Washington made just one of six and still outscored the Raptors 6-3. 'A win is a win -- and we will take it,' Wizards coach Randy Wittman said, stretching out each word to punctuate his relief. Dwane Casey, who was once replaced by Wittman as the Minnesota Timberwolves' coach, was none too pleased with his team's loss -- even if they did nearly engineer an unlikely comeback. 'That was a bad exhibition of basketball,' Casey observed. 'We had an unprofessional start.' The Raptors trailed by 10 after the first quarter, 29-19, and by 57-42 at halftime. Casey ripped his team at halftime, and they responded by falling even further behind before cutting the deficit to 82-72 after three. 'You have to go off on them at halftime to get them to play. It shouldn't have to ever get to that, and that's why I was disappointed, even with the second-half comeback,' Casey said. The uneven performance came a day after one of Toronto's better games -- a six-point loss in Miami on Sunday. In the fourth quarter, the Raptors outscored the Wizards by 33-23, and it was 105-all after regulation. Nick Young's two free throws with 1:06 to play gave Washington a 109-106 lead. The Raptors' Amir Johnson hit two free throws with 27.2 seconds left to make it 109-108. Trevor Booker hit the first of two free throws with 6.7 seconds left. Young rebounded Booker's miss, was fouled and hit the second of two free throws with 1.5 seconds left to make it 111-108. Linas Kleiza's 3-point attempt at the buzzer fell short. John Wall (6'4''-PG-90, college: Kentucky) led Washington with 31 points and in a 16-second sequence in overtime, he blocked two of Amir Johnson's shots and Booker blocked another. Young had a season-high 29, Booker a season-high 19. Bayless and Kleiza both had a season-high 30 points for Toronto. While Casey was displeased, Wittman wasn't -- even with Washington's narrow escape. 'I'm not disappointed - not for this team. If this is another team, and we're 20-5, we should be. We're taking steps here. I'm not disappointed. I can't be disappointed. We got a win. This team needed a win -- both mentally and physically,' Wittman said. 'These young kids have to learn to play in the fourth quarter when it becomes hectic.' Wall, who likened the 2 hour, 52 minute game to a playoff contest, wasn't unnerved by the fourth quarter. 'I don't get nervous. Those are the best times. Those are the times to shine,' Wall said. Kleiza tied the score at 98 with a jumper as the shot clock hit ran out with 1:41 to play. Booker hit two free throws with 1:30 left for a 100-98 lead. Kleiza hit a 3-pointer to give the Raptors a 101-100 lead with 57.5 seconds to play. Wall answered with a layup, Bayless hit two free throws, and Wall scored on a runner and was fouled with 25.2 seconds to play. He missed the free throw, but Washington maintained possession. Jordan Crawford hit one of two free throws with 17.3 seconds to play for a 105-103 Wizards lead. Johnson's dunk with 10.2 seconds left tied it at 105. The Wizards lost their previous four games and improved to 5-20. Of Washington's five wins, two each have come against Charlotte and Toronto -- who have a record of 11-39 - and one against Oklahoma City -- which has the league's best record. The Wizards lost their previous two games by 43 points. Washington had been outrebounded 114-69 in its last two games. Toronto set a franchise record with 61 points against the Wizards last Friday night. Washington held its own on the boards, outrebounded by just one. *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Atlanta H. - Phoenix Suns 90-99
Steve Nash (6'3''-PG-74, college: Santa Clara) scored 24 points and the Phoenix Suns broke open a close game with a 24-6 run to close the third quarter and beat the Atlanta Hawks 99-90 on Monday night. Nash, whose 38th birthday is Tuesday, had 11 assists and shot 9 of 12 - including each of his four 3-pointers. Channing Frye (6'11''-C/F-83, college: Arizona) had 19 points, including a 3-pointer and another basket in the closing minutes to help the Suns stop Atlanta's final comeback attempt. After trailing by 16 in the second quarter, the Hawks recovered to trail only 60-58 after back-to-back 3-pointers by Joe Johnson and Josh Smith in the third period. Nash, who had a buzzer-beating 3 at the end of the first half, added another 3 before the shot clock expired to help the Suns launch the decisive run to lead 84-64 entering the final period. Smith had 18 points, and Johnson had 17. Nash and the other starters sat out most of the final period before returning after the Hawks cut the lead to 94-83 with less than 4 minutes remaining. The Suns have won three of four. Meanwhile, the Hawks suffered their third straight loss, all at home, after a 4-1 road trip. The Hawks are facing a critical shortage of centers. Backup Jason Collins will miss at least two weeks after he sprained his left elbow in Thursday's loss to Memphis. All-Star Al Horford was lost for three months with a torn left pectoral muscle on Jan. 11. Center Zaza Pachulia was left with little help against the Suns' two 6-foot-11 starters, Frye and Marcin Gortat, and 7-foot backup Robin Lopez. The Hawks moved to a smaller lineup when Pachulia was called for his fourth foul with 8:09 remaining in the third period. The lack of size was no excuse for the Hawks' inability to contain Nash, who had 17 points in his dominant first half. The Hawks needed a late surge to avoid trailing by double figures at halftime for the third time in as many games in this homestand. Phoenix had a big first-half lead of 16 at 43-27. A steal and free throw by Smith helped start Atlanta's 17-9 run to close the half. Johnson sank a 3-pointer with 3.8 seconds remaining to cut the Suns' lead to four points. Nash answered by launching a buzzer-beating 3 to give Phoenix a 55-48 lead at the break. *Courtesy of www.thestate.com

New Jersey N. - Chicago B. 87-108
Even without Derrick Rose (6'3''-G-88, college: Memphis), the Chicago Bulls were too much for the New Jersey Nets. The reigning league MVP played less than 11 minutes in the first half of the Bulls' easy 108-87 win over the Nets on Monday night. 'I feel all right, just back spasms,' Rose said. 'It's nothing to worry about. Tomorrow we have a day off and I'll get treatment,' Rose said. 'I'll get a massage and hopefully I can play the next game.' Carlos Boozer (6'10''-F/C-80, college: Duke) scored 24 points for the Bulls, Luol Deng scored 19 points and C.J. Watson added 14 points and 10 assists in place of Rose. 'I thought C.J. Watson was terrific running the team - playing very good defense - and he did a lot of great things for us,' Thibodeau said. Chicago is 4-2 six games into a nine-game road trip that is the Bulls' longest of the season. 'The Bulls are an outstanding team and they just got going on us early,' New Jersey coach Avery Johnson said. 'They came out and were really focused. Teams like that have a mindset to come out and throw a knockout punch in the first quarter to set the tone. That's what they did. You have to give them a lot of credit for that. 'They built a substantial lead and it was hard for us to overcome that.' Deron Williams scored 25 points for the Nets, who only dressed nine players. Starting shooting guard Anthony Morrow missed the game due to the death of his grandmother, while Brook Lopez, Damion James, Mehmet Okur, MarShon Brooks and DeShawn Stevenson were out with injuries. 'We don't have any post presence,' Williams said. 'We don't get that inside-out play. There is not a lot of easy looks out there. Trying to get free to find some shots and get people involved, it really is hectic.' Morrow is expected to return to the team for Wednesday's game against the Pistons. Keith Bogans started in place of Morrow. The Nets signed Bogans last week. The ninth-year veteran played for the Bulls last season and averaged 4.4 points and 1.2 assists while starting in all 82 games. With the game all but decided when the final quarter began, the announced 15,327 in attendance repeatedly chanted for Bulls power forward Brian Scalabrine, who played the first four years of his career in New Jersey. He received a loud, sustained ovation when he checked in with 2:06 remaining, and when he made a jumper from the left corner. *Courtesy of www.chron.com

N.Orleans H. - Sacramento K. 92-100
After digging themselves a hole 18 points deep with poor shooting and porous defense, DeMarcus Cousins (6'11''-C/F-90, agency: SportsTalent, college: Kentucky) and the Sacramento Kings avoided the temptation to bicker with one another. Coach Keith Smart hoped it was a sign of a young team maturing and pulling together. ''They had a nice discussion with each other at halftime,'' Smart said. ''They picked up the pace and I thought they did a really good job.'' Cousins finished with 28 points and 19 rebounds, and Sacramento stormed back for a 100-92 victory over the slumping New Orleans Hornets on Monday night. Tyreke Evans (6'6''-PG-89, college: Memphis) scored 11 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, when Sacramento took its first lead on Marcus Thornton's free throw with 6:24 left. Isaiah Thomas scored 17, including a 31-foot rainbow late in the shot clock that gave the Kings a 94-88 lead with 2:15 to go. ''I threw it up there and it went in. So that was a little dagger and I was happy I made it,'' Thomas said. ''We fought hard and stayed together. That's one thing we're getting better at is not getting on each other and not giving up.'' Thornton finished with 12 for the Kings, who currently sit near the bottom of the Western Conference at 9-15, but have won three straight. ''We're just playing great basketball right now,'' Evans said. ''We want to keep that up and try to be in the race for the playoffs.'' Playoffs? That may be still a long shot for the Kings, but New Orleans is just trying to win a game. The Hornets have now lost six straight and 21 of 23 while falling to 4-21 overall. Greivis Vasquez tied a season high with 20 points and Marco Belinelli scored 18 points for the Hornets, who have led numerous games in the second half only to fade down the stretch. Emeka Okafor scored a season-high 19 points, while Chris Kaman added 10 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks in his return from a weeklong absence while the Hornets tried to trade him. ''It's not easy for us. ... We played well enough to (win) games like this,'' Vasquez said. ''We've lost games by two or three points and we keep doing the same thing over and over again. At some point we have to learn the hard way. Hopefully soon.'' Cousins scored 12 of his points in the third quarter as the Kings trimmed its deficit from 13 at the half down to five at 72-67. ''Put all the stats aside. The main thing is we got the win tonight,'' Cousins said. ''At halftime we talked about our effort in the first half and we knew we had to come out in the second half with much more energy. ... We're getting better. We just need to keep it up.'' Belinelli's jumper and Vasquez's end-to-end layup at the horn gave the Hornets a 78-69 lead heading into the final period, but it was not nearly enough. Cousins' driving reverse layup as he was fouled by Kaman ignited a 12-2 run to open the fourth quarter. Evans followed Cousins three-point play with nine straight points of his own - all on drives to the hoop, once as he was fouled. ''We knew we had to put the pressure on them and the way to do it was to get to the basket,'' Evans said. ''We were in attack mode.'' New Orleans was able to tie it at 86 on Trevor Ariza's fast-break layup, but Thornton, who had struggled most of the game and finished 3 of 12 shooting, came back with a 3 to give Sacramento the lead for good. After shooting 32.5 percent (13 of 40) in the first half, Sacramento finished at 47 percent (37 of 78). New Orleans shot 42 percent (34 of 81) after making only 26 percent (6 of 23) during the fourth quarter. ''Well, that's the story of our season so far. Play well in the first and then we do let it go in the second half,'' said Ariza, who had 11 points. ''Nobody likes to lose. It's just getting old.'' The Hornets hit 11 of 22 shots in the first quarter, when Okafor scored 11 points and Belinelli 10. Reserve guard Xavier Henry later scored eight straight points and New Orleans' lead got as large as 52-34 before the Kings trimmed it down to 52-39 on Cousins' layup that narrowly beat the halftime horn. *Courtesy of www.foxsports.com

Denver N. - Houston R. 90-99
The Denver Nuggets began the night without three starters and a backup. They ended it by watching rising star forward Danilo Gallinari (6'9''-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) hobble out of the Pepsi Center on crutches in a walking boot after a dispiriting 99-90 loss to the Houston Rockets. 'Nervous. Nervous that I'm going to be out for a while,' Gallinari said of his reaction to getting hurt in the third quarter, when he stepped on a defender and badly twisted his left ankle. X-rays revealed a chip fracture of the foot. 'I was surprised,' said Gallinari, who will get further medical tests Tuesday to confirm the diagnosis. 'Hopefully, I can recover fast,' Gallinari said. Gallinari, who recently signed a four-year, $42 million deal that makes him the cornerstone of Denver's young nucleus, said the doctors and trainers didn't give him any indication about how long he might be sidelined. 'I have some more scans tomorrow and they will tell me more tomorrow,' he said as he made his way slowly to the players parking lot. Luis Scola scored 25 points and Kyle Lowry added 20 for the Rockets, who handed the Nuggets their third straight loss and fifth defeat in six games. Chase Budinger had 16 points on the strength of five 3-pointers, his last one giving Houston a seven-point lead with a minute left that sealed the Rockets' fourth road win in 12 tries. Gallinari had 14 points when he went down with 9:38 left in the third quarter. He was replaced by Rudy Fernandez (6'6''-G-85), who also scored 14 points to top Denver's makeshift lineup. Gallinari hopped downcourt in pain after stepping on Chandler Parsons' foot, twisting his ankle. Parsons was whistled for the shooting foul and Gallinari stayed in, sank both shots but then waved for the Nuggets to take him out as he hobbled back down the court. 'It's tough,' teammate Ty Lawson said. 'It's just tough to see him go down. He's a tough player, he normally would get back up from that. You know it's serious when he leaves the game.' Added Nuggets power forward Al Harrington: 'It's the season, man. It's the season. It ain't going to stop for nobody. If Gallo's out, somebody else has to step up and fill that hole until he gets back.' The Nuggets were already hurting before tip-off. Post player Nene (left heel), guard Arron Afflalo (left ankle, right big toe) and center Timofey Mozgov (left ankle) were all out Monday night, along with backup forward Corey Brewer following the death of his father. 'Him going out hurts them badly, especially with all the other guys being out,' Rockets coach Kevin McHale said of Gallinari going down. 'The injury bug has just bit them in the behind and it's hard.' Despite losing all those players and watching Kosta Koufos foul out, the Nuggets were in it until the end. 'If we would have pulled it out, it would have been an incredible win for us,' Nuggets coach George Karl said. 'But it's still a very disappointing loss. I mean, no one's going to feel sorry for us except ourselves, and if we feel too sorry for ourselves, we're not going to bounce back. 'It's a loss. On our home court. We can't have many more of them. We've already had five now.' Asked if it's becoming clear that the lockout-shortened season is affecting players' health, Karl said: 'I don't think there's any question you could study that and analyze it that way. I know my team was tired tonight. There's no question of the residual effect of the three games in a row.' Karl was also disheartened to learn of former Nuggets star Chauncey Billups' injury Monday night. Billups, a Denver native who recently had a monster game in his first trip back to the Pepsi Center since getting caught up in the Carmelo Anthony trade a year ago, sustained a possible left Achilles injury in the Los Angeles Clippers' 107-102 overtime win at Orlando. 'If it's torn,' Karl said, 'it will probably be difficult for him to come back.' 'The season is taking its toll,' said Kenneth Faried, who started for Denver along with fellow rookie Julyan Stone. The Nuggets hung tough despite the spate of injuries. It was 49-all when Gallinari went down and Houston led by a point heading into the fourth quarter. The Rockets hit six straight 3-pointers in the second half, three by Budinger. After Lowry's 3 made it 94-86, the Nuggets trimmed it to 94-90 but Harrington missed two foul shots with 1:21 left and Budinger sank a 3 at the other end to make it 97-90. Scola scored seven points during a 17-8 run Houston used to close out the first half and take a 47-45 lead into the break. The Nuggets had to feel fortunate to be so close after missing all nine of their 3-pointers and turning the ball over 13 times to Houston's four. 'I think we lost the game in the first half and not the second half,' Karl said. Overall, they went 3-for-22 from behind the arc and missed 14 of 33 free throws. 'A combination of missed free throws and missed open 3s and 20 turnovers, it's tough to win a game,' Karl said. Especially with Gallinari in the training room. 'He was a threat to us,' Scola said. 'He went out and they had to show us different looks. It changed the game, yes.' And, depending on the severity of his injury, maybe the Nuggets' season, too. *Courtesy of www.denverpost.com

Orlando M. - LA Clippers 102-107 OT
Chris Paul (6'0''-PG-85, college: Wake Forest) scored 29 points, including 11 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, and the Los Angeles Clippers overcame a 15-point first-half deficit and slipped by the Orlando Magic 107-102 on Monday night. Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma) and Chauncey Billups each added 18 points for the Clippers. The Clippers have won six of the last seven games and snapped a nine-game losing streak to the Magic. But they may have lost Billups for an extended period after he slipped and left in the fourth quarter with a left Achilles injury. Dwight Howard had 33 points and 14 rebounds, and Jason Richardson 20 points for the Magic. Orlando's loss ends a three-game win streak. It came as point guard Jameer Nelson returned to the lineup after missing five consecutive games with concussion symptoms, but had 15 points and 12 assists. Back-to-back 3-pointers by Nelson and J.J. Redick put the Magic up 100-96 with 2:49 remaining in overtime. Caron Butler used a 3 of his own a few possessions later to nudge the Clippers back ahead 101-100 and then Paul floated a jumper over the outstretched hand of Howard to make it 103-100. Jason Richardson cut it to a basket with a dunk on the other end, but the Magic couldn't grab a missed jumper by Paul. Mo Williams connected on a pair of free throws with 12.6 seconds left, but left the Magic a chance to tie. Richardson's 3-pointer from the wing rattled out and Paul was able to close the game out at the line. The Clippers led by as many as nine in the fourth quarter before Billups went down with 5:48 to play in regulation. He had 11 points in the quarter and 18 in the game before his injury. Nelson would score six straight Magic points, followed by Ryan Anderson's 3-pointer to tie the game at 89 with 2:45 left. A driving layup by Paul put the Clippers back in front 93-91 before Richardson completed a three-point play to put the Magic back up a point. A turnover by the Clippers gave the Magic the ball back, but Richardson was then stripped near midcourt by Butler. The ball went ahead to Paul on the fast break and eventually ended up in the hands of Griffin, who was fouled and hit 1 of 2 at the line. The Magic milked the clock for a final shot, but Nelson missed a fade away jumper. The Clippers rebounded and wound up with five-tenths of a second, but after a timeout, Williams' 18-foot jumper at the horn missed off the front of the rim. Nelson didn't show any noticeable effects from his layoff, dishing to Howard for an easy dunk on the Magic's first possession of the night. He also didn't shy away from contact, throwing his body in front of Griffin early in the second quarter as he attempted to catch a lob from Paul on a fast break. Orlando built as much as a 15-point lead in the first half, but took only a 47-42 edge into halftime thanks to a second quarter scoring drought that allowed the Clippers to get back in the game. Howard was virtually unchallenged underneath going 9 for 11 from the field and 3 for 5 from the foul line in the half to lead all scorers with 21 points. Nelson's penetration also opened up the lane for the Magic, which had a 30-16 halftime edge in points in the paint. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Philadelph.76 - LA Lakers 95-90
Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) had his place in history. With 'Beat L.A.!' echoing through a second straight sellout crowd, Louis Williams (6'3''-PG-86) had his shot to remember. Williams nailed the go-ahead 3-pointer, scored 14 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, and spoiled Bryant's record-setting night while leading the Philadelphia 76ers to 95-90 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night. Williams hit the tying jumper, then followed with the 3 for a 91-88 lead in front of 20,064 fans - a number that for the first time in years was there to root on the Sixers instead of simply to boo Bryant. Williams hit another floater to make it 93-88, part of a fantastic fourth that saw him hold off Bryant and help the Sixers improve to 13-3 at home. 'From the start of my basketball career, and for as long as I could remember, I've always played well in the fourth quarter,' Williams said. 'I know that's the most important time of a basketball game.' Bryant scored 24 of his 28 points in the first half. He passed former teammate Shaquille O'Neal and moved into fifth place on the NBA's career scoring list. Bryant got 24 points in a hurry to pass O'Neal, but stumbled down the stretch and missed nine of his 10 shots in the fourth. The 33-year-old Bryant, the NBA's leading scorer with 29.4 points, has 28,601 career points. Bryant said it was an honor to pass O'Neal because of 'our history.' 'All the battles we've been in, the playoff battles, the duo that we've been able to form,' Bryant said. 'When you (consider) the championships, it makes it a little more significant.' Andrew Bynum had 20 points and 20 rebounds for the Lakers. Pau Gasol had 16 points and 11 rebounds. The Lakers fell to 3-9 on the road. The Sixers went 3-1 last week against a fierce lineup of Orlando, Chicago, Miami (the loss) and Atlanta. It's more of the same this week: San Antonio is here Wednesday and the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. The Sixers have proven they can handle the rugged schedule. They committed only four turnovers, a minuscule number that was enough to make up for getting pounded on the boards. Led by Bynum and Gasol, the Lakers outrebounded Philadelphia 55-30. Williams, one of the top sixth men in the NBA, has never been afraid to take the clutch shot. While the Sixers have soared in the East this season with a team-oriented approach, Williams is the one the Sixers want with the ball and the game on the line. 'That was an amazing win for us,' coach Doug Collins said. Lakers coach Mike Brown must have been unhappy watching on TV. Brown served a one-game suspension for making contact with a game official and failure to leave the court in a timely manner following his ejection in Saturday's game. He also was fined $25,000. John Keuster filled in for Brown. Bryant started like a shooter determined to score 50. His first bucket saw the ball take a few whirls around the rim before plopping through the net. Bryant buried a 3, then backed down Evan Turner and used a soft touch off a spin move for seven quick points. He stared down Andre Iguodala for a 3. Bryant nailed two more 3-pointers - each one drawing more boos than the last - and had 22 points in the second quarter. For the record setter, Bryant cut toward the top of the 3-point arc, took a fast feed from Matt Barnes and hit the 23-footer. Originally called a 3, Bryant had his foot on the line. Three points or two, it was enough to pass O'Neal. Bryant went 8 for 14 from the floor and made 4 of 6 3s in the first half to help the Lakers lead 50-46 at the break. He went into hibernation until an up-and-under bucket late in the third pulled the Lakers to 63-61. O'Neal and Bryant often clashed, even while leading the Lakers to NBA championships in 2000, 2001 and 2002. O'Neal won an NBA championship with Miami in 2006 to briefly edge Bryant in total championships. Under coach Phil Jackson, Bryant won consecutive championships in 2009 and 2010, and had long ago cemented his spot as one of the NBA's all-time greats. Kobe already had more championship rings than Shaq. He has more points, too. 'I just want No. 6,' Bryant said. The Sixers failed to acknowledge the special achievement. O'Neal offered his congratulations on Twitter: 'Congrats to Kobe for being the greatest laker ever thanks for making us the greatest laker one two punch ever and congrats on passin me up 2.' 'I appreciate it. I'm sure Shaq and I will connect at some point and revisit history,' he said. 'It's fun. We had some good times.' Bryant, who spent eight years of his childhood in Italy before returning to the area to attend high school, had already been the youngest player in NBA history to reach 28,000 points. Bryant led Lower Merion to a state championship in 1996 and still makes visits and donations to the school. The relationship between Philly fans and Bryant has been strained since the 2001 NBA finals against the Sixers, when he proclaimed he was 'coming to Philly to cut their hearts out.' That began an unforgiving attitude from Sixers fanatics that continues to this day. When commissioner David Stern presented Bryant with the All-Star game MVP trophy in 2002 in Philadelphia, the boos were long and loud, and he later admitted he was hurt. He now feeds off Philadelphia's sound and delights in upsetting the home crowd. It just wasn't enough to upset the 76ers. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

New York K. - Utah Jazz 99-88
Jeremy Lin (6'3''-PG-89, college: Harvard) scored a career-high 28 points in his first career start, Steve Novak (6'10''-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Marquette) added a season-best 19, and the New York Knicks overcame the absence of Amare Stoudemire and early loss of Carmelo Anthony to beat the Utah Jazz 99-88 on Monday night. Stoudemire left the team to join his family in Florida after older brother Hazell was killed there earlier Monday in a car crash, then Anthony left after just six minutes with a strained right groin. Despite missing two All-Stars and using a lineup of second-teamers, the Knicks won their second straight thanks to another remarkable performance from Lin, the former Harvard point guard. Al Jefferson scored 22 points in a disappointing effort for the Jazz in the opener of a brief two-game road trip. Going nowhere all season without a real point guard, the Knicks turned to Lin on Saturday against New Jersey, and he delivered 25 points. He was even better in this one in front of a crowd that again chanted his name much of the night, adding a career-best eight assists. He made the biggest basket of a game, a desperation 3-pointer with the shot clock winding down and 1:58 remaining that gave the Knicks a 95-86 lead. He previously converted two three-point plays in the period, with coach Mike D'Antoni shaking his fists in the air after the latter pushed the lead to 10 with 4:29 left. Lin and Novak, whose photocopied bios are included in the game notes package because they were signed too late to make the media guide, helped the Knicks overcome the absence of about 42 points per game from their two stars. So did Jared Jeffries, who added 13 points and eight rebounds while battling the much bigger Utah front line. D'Antoni decided to turn to Lin, the first American-born NBA player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent, earlier Monday, and the position could be his for a while. Baron Davis, the expected starter when he becomes available, revealed that an infected right elbow had recently caused him to stop his workouts and it is unknown when he will resume practicing. D'Antoni said it would probably be a week to 10 days from the time he returns to practice to when he's ready to play in games. The Knicks led 19-16 after one, gradually increasing it to 37-22 midway through the second quarter as the Jazz simply couldn't get any offense going. Novak came on to play the final 5:06 and scored 10 points, with Lin driving into the lane and kicking it out to him in the corner for a 3-pointer with 27 seconds left that gave New York a 51-38 halftime lead. Chandler picked up his fourth foul and went to the bench about 1 1/2 minutes into the third quarter, leaving the Knicks with a lineup of Lin, Novak, Landry Fields, Bill Walker and Jeffries. The Jazz capitalized and nearly caught all the way up, pulling to 75-73 with 45 seconds left on a 3-pointer by Raja Bell, who scored 11 in the period. *Courtesy of www.sfgate.com



Nuggets' Gallinari suffers chip fracture in left foot - by Eurobasket News
Forward Danilo Gallinari (6'9''-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) left the Denver Nuggets' game against the Houston Rockets in the third quarter Monday night after rolling his left ankle.

The Nuggets said X-rays revealed a chip fracture in his left foot and he'll have further tests Tuesday.

Gallinari recently signed a four-year, $42 million deal.

He stayed in the game and sank two free throws after twisting his ankle but hobbled back down the court and left the game. He went to the locker room and was replaced by Rudy Fernandez.

Gallinari joined a growing list of Nuggets on the sideline. Nene (left heel), Arron Afflalo (left ankle, right big toe) and Timofey Mozgov (left ankle) were all out for the Rockets game, along with backup forward Corey Brewer following the death of his father.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Pacer hold off Jazz late surge, 104-99 - by Daniel Gibson
INDIANA, IND.---Last night the Utah Jazz lost to the Knicks, minus Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire and they were eager to get back on the court to redeem themselves.

That eagerness didnt show until late into the third quarter and Pacers took advantage to win, 104-99. Darren Collison led the team in scoring with 25 points and Roy Hibbert chipped in 17. Danny Granger came alive late to finish with 16 points.

Paul Milsap led Utah with 18 points and Al Jefferson had 16 a losing effort..

The Pacers got out to a fast start feeding Roy Hibbert in the paint often after he got deep post position. Hibberts length was too much for both Milsap and Jefferson to contend with as he calmly dropped hook shots right over the top of them.

At the half the Pacers were up 57-46. They shot 51 percent from the field for the half and Collison lead them with 17 points and Hibbert had 12. Meanwhile, the Jazz only shot 42 percent from the floor and the only player in double figures for them was Jefferson with 12.

In the second half the Jazz found their rhythm just like last night against the Knicks. They eventually took the lead in the fourth quarter.

Thats when Granger finally came to life. Up to that point he was only 1-of-8 shooting with four points but he scored six straight points for the Pacers at one point as the teams traded the lead back and forth.

With 3:33 left in the game the score was tied at 95-95 after Hibberts three-point-play. Paul George buried a three-pointer off of some nice ball movement to make it 98-95. The Pacers defense tightened up after that forcing some misses and a shot clock violation on the following few possessions.

Collison scored to make it 100-95 before Granger fouled Josh Howard and sent him to the line where he knocked down two shots to make it a three point game at 100-97.
Coming out of a timeout Granger hit a jumper from the free-throw line to push the lead back to five. The Jazz werent ready to call it a night just yet as Devin Harris dashed down court
and put in a layup off the glass.

But by that point it was a free-throw shooting contest and the Pacers knocked them down to seal the win.

Kobe Bryant passes Shaquille O'Neal on NBA all-time scoring list - by Eurobasket News
Maybe Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) and Shaquille O'Neal (7'2''-C-72, college: LSU) will eventually look back on what could have been accomplished. For now, the weird, cautious chasm continues between two of the best in Lakers history.

Bryant passed O'Neal for fifth on the NBA's all-time scoring list Monday, and O'Neal was one of the first to send an opinion on Twitter.

'Congrats to Kobe for being the greatest laker ever,' he wrote in a conciliatory tone. 'Thanks for making us the greatest laker one two punch ever and congrats on passin me up 2.'

Bryant took over the fifth spot on a long jump shot in the second quarter of the Lakers' 95-90 loss to Philadelphia. He now has 28,601 points, five more than O'Neal. Wilt Chamberlain is fourth with 31,419 points. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 38,387 points, most in NBA history.

Bryant and O'Neal are not friends. They do not socialize. Bryant laughed when asked whether he heard about O'Neal's Twitter dispatch.

'You're asking me if I saw his tweet?' he said. 'I don't even know how that [Twitter] thing works.'

When told exactly what O'Neal wrote, Bryant was thankful but careful with his words.

'Cool. I appreciate it,' he said. 'I'm sure Shaq and I will connect at some point and revisit history. We had some good times.'

O'Neal and Bryant were the backbone of a three-championship run in the early 2000s but feuded openly. O'Neal was traded to Miami in 2004, ending what could have been an untold number of championship parades in downtown Los Angeles. O'Neal retired from basketball after last season.

Bryant said the obligatory things about continuing to move up the all-time list, saying he'd been 'very, very fortunate' to have the career he's had. After further pressing, he revealed what mattered most.

'I just want No. 6, man,' he said, referring to his five championship rings. 'I'm not asking too much. Just get me a sixth one.'

Courtesy of www.latimes.com

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


NBLC Standings
NBL Canada Standings
 1. London L. 22-6 
 2. Quebec K. 19-10 
 3. Halifax R. 17-10 
 4. St.John M.R. 13-14 
 5. Summerside S. 10-18 
 6. Oshawa P. 10-19 
 7. Moncton M. 7-21 


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


Kentucky starts third straight week at No. 1 - by Eurobasket News
Kentucky is on top of The Associated Press' college basketball poll for a third straight week.

The Wildcats, who were also No. 1 for two weeks earlier this season, received 63 first-place votes Monday from the 65-member national media panel.

Click here to view the updated AP Poll

Syracuse, which got the other No. 1 votes, Ohio State, Missouri, North Carolina and Baylor held second through sixth from last week. Kansas moved up one spot to seventh, while Florida jumped four places to eighth. Murray State, the lone unbeaten in Division I, moved one spot to ninth and Duke dropped three places to 10th.

Louisville, winners of four straight, and Harvard, off to the best overall (20-2) and Ivy League (6-0) starts in school history, move back into the rankings at 24th and 25th.

Gonzaga and Vanderbilt fell out from 24th and 25th.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

No. 18 Marquette Beats DePaul 89-76 - by Eurobasket News
Darius Johnson-Odom (6'2''-G-89) scored 23 points and Jamil Wilson (6'7''-F) added 18 points and nine rebounds to lead No. 18 Marquette to an 89-76 victory over DePaul on Monday night.

Trailing 41-29, Johnson-Odom scored nine points during an 11-2 run by the Golden Eagles (20-5, 9-3 Big East) to close the first half. He opened the second half by hitting a 3 that tied the game at 43, and Jae Crowder gave the Golden Eagles their first lead of the game with a free throw. Vander Blue hit a jumper to cap off a 16-3 run to open the second half and give Marquette a 56-46 lead.

Marquette rebounded from a blowout loss to Notre Dame on Saturday that ended a seven-game winning streak.

Cleveland Melvin (6'8''-F) scored 22 points and Jamee Crockett (6'4''-F) added 17 for DePaul (11-12, 2-9), which has lost 36 consecutive games against ranked opponents since beating No. 17 Villanova 84-76 on Jan. 3, 2008.

Courtesy of http://chicago.cbslocal.com

No. 4 Missouri slips past Oklahoma, 71-68 - by Eurobasket News
Marcus Denmon (6'3''-G-90) scored 25 points, Ricardo Ratliffe (6'8''-F-89) added 15 points and 10 rebounds and No. 4 Missouri claimed first place in the Big 12 by edging Oklahoma 71-68 on Monday night.

Oklahoma (13-10, 3-8) had the ball with a chance to tie with 5 seconds left. Romero Osby (6'8''-F-90) was fouled with 2.5 seconds left and missed both free throws, and Steven Pledger missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer when the offensive rebound was tapped back to him.

The Tigers (22-2, 9-2) moved a half-game ahead of No. 6 Baylor and No. 7 Kansas in the standings. Those teams meet Wednesday night for a chance to pull even with Missouri.

Pledger led Oklahoma with 22 points and Sam Grooms (6'1''-G) had a career-high 17 points and 10 assists.

Pledger slumped to the ground and put his hands over his face after his potential tying shot clanged off the rim to end the game. He stayed on the floor until two Missouri players and teammate Barry Honore came over to lift him up.

The Tigers barely survived the challenge of refocusing for a road game less than 48 hours after an emotionally charged win in their rivalry game against Kansas put them in a tie for first place. Coach Frank Haith even put them in a team hotel and enforced a curfew after the Border Showdown win to try to keep them in a controlled environment.

In Norman, they found a half-full Lloyd Noble Center and a student section with dozens of empty seats that had newspapers draped over the backs that the occupants would usually hold up during pregame introductions.

It still got loud when the Sooners pulled within 66-64 after Pledger's 3-pointer from the left side with 3:33 to play.

Denmon followed with a jumper from the right side with 2 seconds left on the shot clock before Grooms and Pledger both went 1 for 2 at the free throw line to get Oklahoma back within two.

Kim English then hit a 3-pointer from the right side off Phil Pressey's seventh assist to provide what proved to be the game-winner with 53.6 seconds left.
Andrew Fitzgerald hit two free throws for Oklahoma with 41.6 seconds remaining and Michael Dixon missed on a drive to the basket to give Oklahoma one last chance with 5 seconds left.

It was a nothing like the teams' previous meeting, won 87-49 by the Tigers on their home court. Missouri held a 15-rebound advantage in that one but Oklahoma came out ahead 36-22 on the boards on Monday.

The Tigers made up for it by holding a 28-12 scoring edge the paint and getting the only 10 fast-break points of the game.

Dixon scored 13 points for Missouri. Fitzgerald added 12 for the Sooners.

Oklahoma connected on its first six shots, and eight of 10 to get out to a 17-12 lead before Missouri surged back with seven straight points to take its first lead. The Sooners had an answer a few minutes later, getting two jumpers from Fitzgerald and a 3 by Pledger to go back up 29-23 with 5:27 left before halftime.

But as hot as Oklahoma started from the field, it was equally cold at the foul line - missing all seven of its free throws in the first half.

The Tigers finally took charge, scoring the final six points of the first half and the first six of the second to build a 42-33 lead after Denmon's three free throws.

Dixon's jumper from the right side of the key gave Missouri a momentary 10-point lead before Pledger hit consecutive 3-pointers to get the crowd involved, and Oklahoma was within 55-52 on Grooms' jumper from the right wing with 12 minutes left.

The Sooners came up empty on three possessions with the chance to tie it, and Matt Pressey and Dixon provided consecutive layups to create a little distance for the Tigers.

Courtesy of www.mutigers.com

Top 25 - Men
Top 25 Ranking
 1. Kentucky 21-1
 2. Syracuse 20-1
 3. Ohio St. 20-3
 4. Missouri 20-2
 5. N.Carolina 17-1
 6. Baylor 21-1
 7. Kansas 17-5
 8. Florida 19-4
 9. Murray St. 23-0
 10. Duke 17-2
 11. Michigan St. 18-3
 12. Georgetown 19-3
 13. San Diego St. 19-3
 14. UNLV 21-3
 15. Florida St. 15-6
 16. St.Mary's, CA 21-2
 17. Creighton 21-3
 18. Marquette 16-5
 19. Virginia 16-3
 20. Mississippi St. 18-5
 21. Wisconsin 16-6
 22. Michigan 16-6
 23. Indiana 18-5
 24. Louisville 18-6
 25. Harvard 17-2


Stats Leaders - NCAA1
Points Per Game
 Darrion PELLUM
  Hampton
  (198-G-87)
  Avg: 18.2
 1. Pellum, Hampton18.2 
 2. Riley, S.Caroli.17.2 
 3. Gallo, Coppin St.17.1 
 4. Stevens, Florida16.3 
 5. O''Quinn, Norfolk16.3 
 6. Sutton, N.C.Central16.0 
 7. Clement, N.C.Cent.15.9 
 8. Willis, N.C.Cent.15.8 
 9. Tate, Delaware St.15.5 
 10. Andrews, Howard13.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kyle O''QUINN
  Norfolk .
  (208-F-90)
  Avg: 10.4
 1. O''Quinn, Norfolk10.4 
 2. Stevens, Florida9.8 
 3. Thompson, Morgan8.5 
 4. Louis, Savannah S.8.5 
 5. Bruce, Hampton8.4 
 6. Spencer, Md-E S.7.9 
 7. Sanders, S.Caroli.7.7 
 8. Williams, Coppin S.7.7 
 9. Sutton, N.C.Central7.5 
 10. Oliver, Delaware7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Emanuel CHAPMAN
  N.C.Cent.
  (185-G-91)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Chapman, N.C.Cent.5.9 
 2. Threatt, Delaware.5.8 
 3. Blackmon, Savanna.5.2 
 4. Tuitt, Hampton5.0 
 5. Toombs, S.Caroli.4.5 
 6. Gallo, Coppin St.3.8 
 7. Hill, N..3.6 
 8. Pitt, Md-E Shore3.4 
 9. Ellis, Coppin St.3.3 
 10. Frazier, Howard3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Jay THREATT
  Delaware.
  (180-G-89)
  Avg: 3
 1. Threatt, Delaware.3.0 
 2. Sutton, N.C.Central2.3 
 3. Stevens, Florida1.9 
 4. Woods, Md-E Shore1.8 
 5. Jackson, Morgan S.1.6 
 6. Tuitt, Hampton1.6 
 7. Powell, N.Car.1.6 
 8. Gallo, Coppin St.1.5 
 9. Willis, N.C.Cent.1.5 
 10. Tolson, Hampton1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Kendall GRAY
  Delaware St.
  (208-C-92)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Gray, Delaware St.3.2 
 2. O''Quinn, Norfolk2.5 
 3. Oliver, Delaware S.2.2 
 4. Sanders, S.Caroli.2.1 
 5. Agbelese, Hampton2.1 
 6. Chiles, Morgan St.1.9 
 7. Crowder, Florida1.8 
 8. Smith, Savannah.1.7 
 9. Stevens, Florida1.6 
 10. Thompson, Morgan1.4 


Dieng, No. 24 Louisville top Connecticut 80-59 - by Eurobasket News
Gorgui Dieng (6'10''-C-90) returned from a sprained right ankle to score 15 points and freshman Chane Chane Behanan (6'7''-F-92) added 12 rebounds as No. 24 Louisville beat Connecticut 80-59 on Monday night, the Cardinals' fifth straight win.

Louisville (19-5, 7-4) is quickly ascending the Big East standings after a rough start. While most of the 31 credential NBA personnel were scouting the Huskies, it was the Cardinals who outworked them all evening.

Dieng was questionable after Saturday's injury in a win over Rutgers, but he clogged up the lane and kept Connecticut freshman Andre Drummond in check.

Freshman Ryan Boatright (6'0''-G-92) led the Huskies (15-8, 5-6) with 18 points. Drummond went scoreless, missing all six shots, and Jeremy Lamb finished with seven points, well short of his average of 17.6.

Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun missed his second game on an indefinite medical leave of absence after he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis.

Everyone contributed as Louisville looked similar to the team ranked fourth in the nation at 12-0 and nothing like the one that dropped five out of seven to tumble out of the poll three weeks ago.

Chris Smith (6'2''-G-87) scored 16 points, Kyle Kuric (6'4''-G/F-89) added 10 and Peyton Siva had nine assists while Chane Behanan again made a mark coming off a 23-point, 11-rebound performance in a win over the Scarlet Knights.

Dieng appeared to have some early problems with his ankle, but was a key contributor in the Cardinals' decisive 21-4 run that gave them a 65-36 lead with 6:18 left.

Siva's 3-pointer made it 49-32 with just over 9 1/2 minutes to play as the Huskies called a timeout. It didn't help.

Drummond missed a layup and Dieng's long outlet pass went to Siva, who feathered a touch pass to Jared Swopshire for a layup.

On the next possession, Swopshire intercepted a pass to start a four-on-one. Dieng couldn't convert the dunk, but grabbed his own rebound and finished it on the second try.

Lamb made a jumper to momentarily slow Louisville, but Swopshire hit a 3 and Siva was off and running again, cutting across the lane and finding Kuric, who finished with a one-handed slam that put the Cardinals ahead 58-34.

Connecticut called for another timeout as Siva ran to midcourt and spread his arms after Kuric's dunk. Chane Behanan grabbed the frenetic point guard and carried him all the way to the bench. The Cardinals led by as many as 30 points in the closing minutes.

Assistant coach George Blaney ran the Huskies because of Calhoun's back problems. He fell to 3-2 in the games he's coached this season. Alex Oriakhi scored 11 points and Roscoe Smith added 10 for the Huskies.

Chane Behanan set the tone in the second half, getting inside position for an offensive rebound and putback on the first play. After Boatright missed a 3, Chane Behanan hit one that gave the Cardinals their first 10-point lead, 34-24, just over a minute into the second half.

It was only Chane Behanan's fifth 3-pointer in 29 attempts this season.

Connecticut, which led by as many as three points in the first half, missed its first eight 3-point attempts until Lamb scored for the first time in the game with 16:48 left, then he completed an alley-oop pass to the 6-foot Boatright that cut it to 40-30.

The burst only temporarily slowed the Cardinals.

Courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com

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


LSBBA reposition, set up committees - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Lagos State Basketball Association, LSBBA held its inaugural meeting last Friday at the board room of the Lagos State Sports Council, Rowe Park Yaba, Lagos with almost all members in attendance.

The meeting chaired by the association chairman, Babatunde Ogunade deliberated on ways to reposition the association for better performance and leave a legacy behind for other boards to come for the benefit of the teeming youths in Lagos State.

The LSBBA chairman and the first vice chairman Niyi Adekoya are to map out plans on ways to market and secure sponsorship for the associations various programmes.

Gbade Olatona alongside the state coach Yinka Oyewunmi are to lead the technical committee, media and publicity committee has the LSBBA Honourary Secretary Segun Ikuesan and Tunde Coker, second vice chairman Abimbola Faniran, Bereofori George and Mobolaji Akiode are to fashion out ways the association can impact positively in schools across Lagos State while Oladamoye Oyesiku and other secretariat staffs are in charge of facility committee.


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


Leszek Karwowski to miss 5-6 weeks - by Michal Koza
Leszek Karwowski (209-F/C-75) broke his jaw in a Sundays game against LKS Sphinx Petrolinvest Lodz . The 37 years old veteran is currently playing for AZS Politechnika Warszawa. He averages 9.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game this season. He is a leader and captain for a young fighting team which includes only Polish players. AZS Politechnika Warszawa is currently 12th in the league standings. This injury may mean the end of the season for a well known forward/center. The next game for AZS Politechnika Warszawa will be a difficult one as they host PGE Turow Zgorzelec on 8th February.

Hajric number one in Poland for round 25 - by Eurobasket News
Bosnia and Herzegovina forward Seid Hajric (203-F-83) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked Anwil, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 25.
The 28-year old player had a double-double of 29 points and 16 rebounds, while his team crushed Siarka Jezioro (#9, 10-13) with 16-point margin 86-70. Anwil is placed at 2nd position in Polish PLK. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Anwil will need more victories to improve their 16-7 record. It was one of impressive evenings for Hajric as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Seid Hajric averages this season 8.9ppg and 5.4rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 27-year old American Darrell Harris (208-F/C-84) of Kotwica. Harris had a very good evening with a double-double of 19 points and 14 rebounds. Bad luck as Kotwica lost that game 60-82 to slightly higher-ranked Slask Wroclaw (#6, 13-10). Kotwica managed to keep the same 7th spot in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 12-11 record is not bad and everything may still change. Harris is a newcomer at Kotwica, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was former international center Rafal Bigus (215-C-76) of AZS Koszalin (#8). Bigus scored 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Despite Bigus' great performance AZS Koszalin lost 76-84 to the higher-ranked Trefl Sopot (#1, 18-5). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of AZS Koszalin ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 13 games, recording just ten victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Bigus could help AZS Koszalin to bring them higher in the standings. Bigus has a very solid season. In 16 games in Poland he scored 8.5ppg. He also has 6.1rpg and FGP: 60.0%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Michael Hicks (193-G-83) of Polpharma - 27 points and 6 rebounds
5. Mateusz Ponitka (196-G-93) of AZS PW - 15 points and 8 rebounds
6. Jeremy Simmons (203-F-89) of Polpharma - 14 points and 10 rebounds
7. John Turek (205-F/C-83) of Trefl Sopot - 16 points and 7 rebounds
8. Aleksandar Mladenovic (207-F/C-84) of Slask Wroclaw - 14 points and 8 rebounds
9. Jakub Dluski (200-F-87) of LKS Lodz - 16 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Patryk Pelka (202-F-89) of AZS PW - 17 points and 3 rebounds

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

*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL   


Dain Swetalla gets MVP of the Week award for Portuguese Proliga - by Eurobasket News
American Dain Swetalla (206-C-86) had an amazing evening in the last round for Illiabum and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Proliga Player of the Week award for round 13.
The 25-year old center had a double-double of 22 points and fourteen rebounds, while his team beat Guifoes (#10, 4-9) 73-67. Illiabum maintains the 3rd position in Portuguese Proliga. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Illiabum will need more victories to improve their 9-4 record. In the team's last game Swetalla had a remarkable three three-pointers out of 6 attempts. He turned to be Illiabum's top player in his first season with the team. Augustana College, IL graduate has very impressive stats this year. Swetalla is in league's top in points (3rd best: 19.2ppg), rebounds (7th best: 9.1rpg) and averages solid 56.5% FGP and 44.4% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 25-year old American forward DeSean White (203-F-86) of league's best team Alges. White impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 25 points and 18 rebounds. Of course he lead Alges to another comfortable win 84-70 over the lower-ranked Maia Basket (#9, 5-8) being unquestionably team leader. Of course Alges still keep the league's top spot. His team belongs to top of the standings with 12-1 record and is considered one of the main candidates for the league title. White is a newcomer at Alges and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 19.7ppg (#2). He also registered 10.0 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was Guinea-Bissau Josimar Cardoso (201-F-87) of Fisica (#5). Cardoso scored 22 points and grabbed fourteen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Fisica, leading his team to a 82-80 win against the lower-ranked Povoa (#12, 2-11). Fisica needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 7 victories and 6 lost games. Cardoso has a very solid season. In 12 games in Portugal he scored 13.8ppg. He also has 7.6rpg, FGP: 51.2% and 3PT: 51.5%. Josimar Cardoso has also Portuguese passport and can play in the league with a status of domestic player.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Terrence Mack (198-F/C-84) of Angra - 25 points and 8 rebounds
5. Emanuel Silva (188-G/F-79) of Sangalhos - 23 points and 8 rebounds
6. Joao Lanzinha (188-G-89) of Electrico FC - 23 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Joao Gaspar (196-F-89) of Guifoes - 22 points and 4 rebounds
8. Ricardo Rodrigues (185-G-81) of Fisica - 18 points, 4 rebounds and 10 assists
9. Mario Neves (190-G/F-77) of Electrico FC - 9 points and 11 rebounds
10. Joao Pereira (186-G-83) of Angra - 22 points and 5 rebounds

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

Nuno Cortez gets MVP of the Week award for Portuguese LPB - by Eurobasket News
Former international center Nuno Cortez (205-C-82) had an amazing evening in the last round for Ovarense and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 15.
The 29-year old center had the game-high 18 points adding seven rebounds for Ovarense in his team's victory, helping them to crush Lusitania (#6, 8-7) with 18-point margin 74-56. Ovarense maintains the 3rd position in Portuguese LPB. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Ovarense will need more victories to improve their 11-4 record. Cortez has many years of experience at Ovarense, through which he has constantly improved. Nuno Cortez averages this season 6.0ppg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 29-year old Spanish power forward Sergi Coll (204-F/C-82) of Barcelos. Coll impressed basketball fans with 25 points and 7 rebounds. Bad luck as Barcelos lost that game 64-74 to the higher-ranked CAB Madeira (#5, 9-6). This loss caused Barcelos to drop to 10th position in the standings. 11 lost games are too many comparing to just four victories Barcelos managed to get this year. Coll is a newcomer at Barcelos and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was American Brian Morris (205-F-87) of Vitoria SC (#9). Morris scored 20 points and grabbed ten rebounds. He was a key player of Vitoria SC, leading his team to a 72-62 win against Ginasio (#12, 0-15). The chances of Vitoria SC not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 10 games, recording just five victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Morris could try to bring Vitoria SC's a little bit higher in the standings. Morris has individually a great season in Portugal. After only 6 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 9.3rpg (5th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Paulo Cunha (199-G/F-80) of Vitoria SC - 11 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Mohamed Camara (196-F-83) of Lusitania - 15 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Stefan Djukic (197-G/F-89) of Ginasio - 13 points and 10 rebounds
7. Ivan Almeida (198-G-89) of Sampaense - 20 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Joao Reveles (187-G-80) of Sampaense - 17 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists
9. Jaime Silva (187-PG-80) of CAB Madeira - 21 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Heshimu Evans (198-F-75) of Benfica - 12 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists

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

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


Puerto Rican league trying to woo Allen Iverson - by Eurobasket News
Allen Iverson (184-G-75, college: Georgetown) and Puerto Ricos professional basketball league are engaged in exploratory talks about a possible deal for the 11-time NBA All-Star, sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Iverson's business manger Gary Moore has talked with Puerto Rico officials, and the leagues teams are discussing a bidding process to woo Iverson.

The Puerto Rican league, which starts its 30-game season in March, pays its stars about $20,000 a month, plus living expenses, sources said. The leagues commissioner is selling Iverson on the chance to work his way back to a possible return to the NBA.

The league is hoping to convince Iverson to take a trip to the island and look closer at the possibility. Since Iverson returned from an ill-fated stay in Turkey last season, its unclear if he has had much, if any, interest among professional leagues outside the NBA.

The Puerto Rican league sees Iverson as a potential ticket seller and iconic addition. In recent years, the league has been a landing place for players trying to return to the NBA. The Caciques de Humacao team recently signed former NBA players Rashad McCants and Ike Diogu for the 2012 season. Puerto Rico has a rich history and tradition in basketball, spawning several fine NBA and international players.

NBA front-office executives say Iverson has had his representatives reach out to teams on his behalf this season, but theres been no interest in signing him. Iverson has been out of the NBA since 2010, when he had brief stays with the Memphis Grizzlies and Philadelphia 76ers. He played part of an unproductive season in Turkey in 2010-11 before returning to the United States.

Iverson has been living in Atlanta and working out in hope of a comeback.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

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


Vladimir Tica joins Ploiesti - by Eurobasket News
Ploiesti strengthened their frontcourt. They signed a deal with experienced centre Vladimir Tica (208-C/F-81, agency: BeoExcell). The Serbian player started the season with Buducnost. He tallied 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds per EuroCup game. In Adriatic League Vladimir Tica notched 3.0 points and 1.7 rebounds. Last season the centre spent in Poland. Vladimir Tica played for PBG Basket. He averaged 11.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 steals per appearance. The centre also had stints in Poland, Germany, Serbia, Ukraine, Belgium and Russia. He was the member of Yugoslavian University National Team. Vladimir Tica also played for Yugoslavian National Team in 2001.


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


EuroCup: Benetton edge Lokomotiv in Treviso - by Eurobasket News
Benetton - Lokomotiv Kuban 87:76

Benetton Treviso registered the third win in EuroCup Last 16 Group L. They held off Lokomotiv Kuban in Treviso tonight. The win helped the Italian team reach 3-1 record in the group, while Lokomotiv slipped at 2-2 record. Jeffrey Viggiano (197-F-84, college: Massachusetts) accounted for 17 points to lead the effort.
Benetton did not waste too much time surging ahead early in the encounter. The hosts piled up a 23:15 lead ten minutes into the game. Lokomotiv however quickly came back to life and bounced back in the second quarter. Led by Ali Traore (207-C-85, agency: Beo Basket, college: S.Idaho JC) the visitors narrowed the gap to just two points at halftime 38:40. Benetton managed to stay in the drivers seat in the third quarter. The Italian team posted a 62:59 advantage with ten minutes remaining. Benetton outscored the visitors 25:17 in the final frame and escaped with a key win at the end.
Sani Becirovic (196-G-81) and Jobey Thomas (194-G-80, college: Charlotte) delivered 13 points each for Benetton. Gal Mekel added 9 points in the victory. Ali Traore answered with 26 points and 9 rebounds for Lokomotiv Kuban. Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) netted 14 points in the loss.

Benetton Treviso: Jeffrey Viggiano 17, Sani Becirovic 13, Jobey Thomas 13
Lokomotiv Kuban: Ali Traore 26, Jeremiah Massey 14


Standings - Higher League
Higher League Standings
Group A
 1. Kamit-Univ. 14-4
 2. AltajBasket 13-5
 3. Novosybirsk 11-7
 4. Dynamo Mo. 9-9
 5. Rodniki Izh. 8-10
 6. Planeta-Univ. 7-11
 7. Stary Sobol NT 6-12
 8. Neftekhimik T. 4-14
Group B
 1. Sogdiana-Skif 17-6
 2. Avtodor S. 16-3
 3. Dynamo Kursk 15-7
 4. Dynamo-MGTU 15-8
 5. Elbrus Cherk. 10-11
 6. Dynamo-Stavr. 9-12
 7. BK Tambov 8-15
 8. Volzhan.-GES 6-14
 9. Desna Bryansk 1-21


EuroCup: Spartak SP better Krka - by Eurobasket News
Spartak SP - Krka 71:57

Spartak Saint Petersburg booked their EuroCup quarterfinal ticket. They overcame Krka tonight to stay undefeated at the tournament. Spartak improved at 4-0 record in Last 16 Group K. Krka suffered the fourth defeat in a row and remained at the bottom of the ladder. Vladimir Dragicevic (205-C/F-86) scored 19 points to lead the hosts.
Spartak stormed into this one scoring 29 points in the first quarter. They piled up a comfortable 14-point lead and maintained it throughout the second quarter. Spartak arrived at halftime up by 15 points 49:34. The teams slowed down in the third term combining for just 20 points. Spartak remained in charge leading by 15 points 59:44 at the final break. Krka outscored the hosts in the final frame but never threatened the gap. Anatoly Kashirov (215-C-87) finished with 15 points, while Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) added 11 points in the win. Zoran Dragic (196-F/G-89) answered with 12 points for Krka. Jure Balazic (204-F-80), Jure Lalic (212-C-86) and Matej Rojc (198-G-93) had 9 points each in the loss.

Spartak SP: Vladimir Dragicevic 19, Anatoly Kashirov 15, Yotam Halperin 11
Krka: Zoran Dragic 12, Jure Balazic 9, Jure Lalic 9, Matej Rojc 9


EuroCup: BC Donetsk with comfortable win over Khimky - by Eurobasket News
BC Donetsk - Khimky 85:67

BC Donetsk made a huge step towards reaching EuroCup quarterfinals. They held off Khimky at home court to catch up with their opponents at 3-1 record on top of Group J. Ramel Curry (192-G-80, college: CSU Bakersfield) and Vule Avdalovic (189-PG-81, agency: Beo Basket) scored 18 points each to lead the winners.
BC Donetsk and Khimky stayed well-matched in the opening ten minutes. The hosts snatched a narrow 19:18 lead after the opening quarter. BC Donetsk stretched the margin in the second frame. They established a 44:35 halftime advantage. Khimky tried hard but could not get within striking distance throughout the third period. They still trailed by as many as 8 points with ten minutes to go. BC Donetsk quickly opened a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter and cruised to the win at the end. Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona) provided 13 points for the winners. Egor Vyaltsev (192-G-85) answered with 19 points for Khimky. Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) had 16 points and 6 boards in the loss.

BC Donetsk: Ramel Curry 18, Vule Avdalovic 18, Ivan Radenovic 13
Khimky: Egor Vyaltsev 19, Zoran Planinic 16


Enisey eyes wantaway guard Strawberry - by Vladimir Lobanov
Enisey Krasnoyarsk are plotting a move for American guard D.J. Strawberry (196-G-85, college: Maryland) who plays at Israeli side Hapoel Jerusalem.
Enisey,who are looking for reinforcements are in the market for a guard and and Strawberry seems to tick all the boxes as all-around player.
The Maryland Grad is not happy with the situation in his team and already asked to be released from the Israeli side,
Einsey are waiting for the release to make a move.
This season Strawberry avreged: 14.ppg 1.8rpg 1.8apg in the Eurocup and 15ppg 3.4rpp 3.2 in the Israeli Premier-League.


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


Crvena Zvezda signs long-term deal with Nikola Cvorovic - by Eurobasket News
Crvena Zvezda announced signing of Nikola Cvorovic (201-F-94) to a 4-year deal. The young forward plays for Crvena Zvezda juniors. He was a member of their cadet team earlier. Cvorovic played for U17 Serbia at the World Championships U17 in Hamburg, 2010. He had 2.5 ppg and 1.7 rpg for 6 games at this event. That same year Cvorovic also was a member of U16 Serbian National Team. He averaged 3 points and 2.3 rebounds for them at U16 EuroBasket in Bar. Last season Cvorovic helped Crvena Zvezda to reach Nike Euroleague Junior Tournament. It is unofficial European club junior championship. Before that, Crvena Zvezda won the International Belgrade Tournament. In Serbia, Crvena Zvezda U18 reached Finals last season. Nikola Cvorovic already made debut with the senior squad last season.

Big guy Vladimir Tica joins former Romanian champs Asesoft - by Eurobasket News
CSU Asesoft Ploiesti announced important singing for rest of the season. The former Romanian champion penned a deal with big guy Vladimir Tica (208-C/F-81, agency: BeoExcell). The 30-year-old Tica recently parted ways with Montenegrin champions Buducnost Podgorica, where he joined in December for a short term deal. Tica spent last three seasons in Poland. In the latest one he had 11.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 1.1 apg for 26 games with PBG Basket Poznan. In 2010, Vladimir Tica helped AZS Koszalin to win the Polish Cup. He also had 11.9 ppg and 4.2 rpg for 26 games in PLK. Before Koszalin, the center played for Banks BPS Basket Kwidzyn, Poplak Swecie, Crvena Zvezda and Braunschweig. In 2006, Tica won the Belgian Cup with Dexia Mons-Hainaut and they also reached Belgian league Finals. In the past, Vladimir Tica was a member of Khimik-OPZ Yuzny, Dynamo Moscow Region, Hemofarm and Crvena Zvezda. With Hemofarm and later with Dexia, Tica reached Serbian league finals, FIBA Europe Cup Semifinals and FIBA EuroCup Quarterfinals in 2004, 2005 and 2006. CSU Asesoft Ploiesti currently has 11-7 record in Romanian league. They won seven straight titles in Romania from 2004 to 2010. Asesoft also won six Cup trophies from 2004-2009.

Igor Milosevic signs in Germany - by Eurobasket News
Igor Milosevic (193-G-86, agency: Beo Basket) will continue his career in Germany. The Serbian/Greek point guard signed a deal with New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. Milosevic started this season with BC Astana, which competes in VTB United League. He had 3 ppg and 2.3 rpg in four games. Milosevic split last season between Lietuvos Rytas and Trabzon. With Rytas he had 4.5 ppg and 2.2 apg for 6 Euroleague games. Almost the same numbers Milosevic had for 5 games in LKL. Later with Trabzon, the player added 9.7 ppg, 3.1 apg and 1.8 rpg for 15 games in Turkey. In the past, Milosevic played for Marousi, Olympiakos, Crvena Zvezda and Iraklis.

'He has played many years at the highest level. He can give us a lot on offense and defense. He is able to stop fast players with his athleticism', stressed Phantoms head coach Sebastian Machowski (agency: Limelight Hoops). Already in 2008, he was seen as an NBA draft pick in that he can organize the game of his team with characteristic easyness, he is the coach in the court. He has very good penetration skills and his basketball IQ is quite high. He can pass the ball off the drive with positive results. In the shooting department he looks quite consistent. He enjoys range out to the three point line. He has great ball-handling and dribbling skills as well.' *by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Dominic James officially sings for Partizan - by Zoran Popovic
After two weeks of negotiations Dominic James (180-PG-86, college: Marquette) officially sings for Serbian Champion. James started this season in Aris Thessaloniki and on 7 games in Eurocup average scored 14.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1,4 steals and in Greek championship on 13 games average scored 15 points 2.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Before Aris and Partizan Dominic James played for Marquette University, pre-season games for Milwaukie Bucks Mersin and Lukoil Akademik.

*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA   


D2 - Standings
League One Stage Two Standings
Places 1-8
 1. Petrzalka 2-0
 2. Slavia Kosice 2-0
 3. Karlovka 1-1
 4. Nova Ves B 1-1
 5. Ziar/Hronom 1-1
 6. Inter B 0-0
 7. Sabinov 0-2
 8. Trnava 0-2
Places 9-16
 1. BSC Bratislava 2-0
 2. Holic 2-0
 3. SKP Filozof 2-0
 4. BKM Svit 1-1
 5. Liptovsky M. 1-1
 6. Lucenec 0-2
 7. Roznava 0-2
 8. Sered 0-2
Stage One Standings


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


EuroCup: Spartak SP better Krka - by Eurobasket News
Spartak SP - Krka 71:57

Spartak Saint Petersburg booked their EuroCup quarterfinal ticket. They overcame Krka tonight to stay undefeated at the tournament. Spartak improved at 4-0 record in Last 16 Group K. Krka suffered the fourth defeat in a row and remained at the bottom of the ladder. Vladimir Dragicevic (205-C/F-86) scored 19 points to lead the hosts.
Spartak stormed into this one scoring 29 points in the first quarter. They piled up a comfortable 14-point lead and maintained it throughout the second quarter. Spartak arrived at halftime up by 15 points 49:34. The teams slowed down in the third term combining for just 20 points. Spartak remained in charge leading by 15 points 59:44 at the final break. Krka outscored the hosts in the final frame but never threatened the gap. Anatoly Kashirov (215-C-87) finished with 15 points, while Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) added 11 points in the win. Zoran Dragic (196-F/G-89) answered with 12 points for Krka. Jure Balazic (204-F-80), Jure Lalic (212-C-86) and Matej Rojc (198-G-93) had 9 points each in the loss.

Spartak SP: Vladimir Dragicevic 19, Anatoly Kashirov 15, Yotam Halperin 11
Krka: Zoran Dragic 12, Jure Balazic 9, Jure Lalic 9, Matej Rojc 9


*****************************************************
  SOUTH KOREA   


Standings
KBL Standings
 1. Dongbu Promy 37-7 
 2. Anyang KGC 30-14 
 3. Sonic Boom KT 27-16 
 4. KCC Egis 25-20 
 5. ET Land 23-21 
 6. Mobis Phoebus 20-24 
 7. LG Sakers 17-27 
 8. SK Knights 16-28 
 9. Goyang Orions 15-29 
 10. Samsung Th. 10-34 


*****************************************************
  SPAIN   


EuroCup: Valencia snatch victory against Nymburk - by Eurobasket News
Valencia - Nymburk 73:72

Valencia earned a narrow home win over Nymburk in EuroCup Last 16 stage. The win propelled the Spanish team at 4-0 record on top of Group I. Nymburk fell at 2-2 record and share the second spot with VEF Riga. Rafael Martinez (191-G-82) came up with 15 points to pace well-balanced effort from Valencia.
Valencia held their opponents to 11 points in the starting quarter to build an 8-point lead 19:11. The hosts maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They ensured a 40:28 halftime advantage. But Nymburk refused to surrender. The Czech champions cut the deficit to 9 points heading into the fourth frame. Nymburk eventually erased the deficit after a three-pointer from Pavel Pumprla (200-F-86) 72:72. Rodrigo San Miguel answered with a free throw to put Valencia back in front. Lamayne Wilson had a chance to win the game for Nymburk but missed a jumper. Niklas Caner-Medley (203-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland) accounted for 11 points in the win. Victor Claver (207-F/C-88), Vitor Faverani (211-C-88) and Nando De Colo (202-G-87) added 9 points each for Valencia. Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) and Pavel Pumprla answered with 18 points each in defeat.

Valencia: Rafael Martinez 15, Niklas Caner-Medley 11
Nymburk: Petr Benda 18, Pavel Pumprla 18


Taurean Green leaves Spain, heads Turkey - by Natxo Mendaza
Taurean Green (185-G-85, college: Florida) won't continue in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria after reaching an agreement to break his contract, the club announced today. Green played 14 games of the regular season, averaging just 3.5ppg and 2.2apg in 15 minutes. This was his second season in Gran Canaria 2014, after joining the yellows two summers ago coming from AEK Athens. Green, holder of a Georgian passport, got a slight injury on his right ankle in early January, and remained sidelined since then, even after getting recovered. Green is rumored to be heading to Turkey (Tofas).

*****************************************************
  SWEDEN   


Standings - BasketEttan
Basketettan Standings
North
 1. Eagles 16-0 
 2. Taby 14-3 
 3. Akropol 12-5 
 4. LF Future 11-6 
 5. Orongo 9-8 
 6. Haga Haninge 9-8 
 7. Blackeberg 8-8 
 8. Talje 7-10 
 9. Jarva Devils 6-11 
 10. Uppsala KFUM 5-11 
 11. Eskilstuna 2-15 
 12. BG Lulea 1-15 
South
 1. Malbas 16-1 
 2. Nassjo 15-2 
 3. Hoganas 12-4 
 4. Srbija 11-6 
 5. Brahe Basket 11-7 
 6. Helsingborg 7-9 
 7. Solna Branten 6-9 
 8. Fryshuset 6-11 
 9. Sanda 5-12 
 10. Hogsbo 5-12 
 11. Eos 3-13 
 12. Norrkoping BK 2-13 


Stats Leaders - BasketEttan
Points Per Game
 Binyam FEGHADU
  Jarva D.
  (195-G-89)
  Avg: 30.5
 1. Feghadu, Jarva D.30.5 
 2. Fitzgerald, Malbas26.7 
 3. Bergstrom, Black.22.3 
 4. Ganstrand, Sanda20.8 
 5. Vukovic, Helsingbo.20.1 
 6. Banks, Taby19.8 
 7. Nordin, Taby18.4 
 8. Karovic, Eos18.0 
 9. Hartmann, Akropol17.9 
 10. Cedermarker, Srb.17.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Todorce PETKOVSKI
  Srbija
  (200-F-80)
  Avg: 11.8
 1. Petkovski, Srbija11.8 
 2. Nilsson, Orongo11.7 
 3. Rawlins, Up.11.3 
 4. Damjanovic, Nassjo11.1 
 5. Eliassson, Solna B.10.8 
 6. Hartmann, Akropol10.6 
 7. Ali Hussein, LF Fu.9.8 
 8. Vukovic, Helsingbo.9.7 
 9. Urban, Eskilstuna9.5 
 10. Nordin, Taby9.4 
Assists Per Game
 Farzad NOURI
  Blackeberg
  (179-G-82)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Nouri, Blackeberg5.5 
 2. Fitzgerald, Malbas4.9 
 3. Lundin, Taby4.9 
 4. Kovacek, Talje4.8 
 5. Nguyen, Fryshuset4.7 
 6. Rawlins, Up.4.6 
 7. Kutra, Hoganas4.5 
 8. Hultman-Boye, Hag.4.3 
 9. Wazzi, Nassjo4.2 
 10. Strazdauskas, Ho.4.2 
Steals Per Game
 John FITZGERALD
  Malbas
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 4.5
 1. Fitzgerald, Malbas4.5 
 2. Wazzi, Nassjo3.2 
 3. Feghadu, Jarva D.3.1 
 4. Rawlins, Up.2.8 
 5. Kutra, Hoganas2.8 
 6. Strazdauskas, Hog.2.7 
 7. Taylor, Eagles2.7 
 8. Dawit, Fryshuset2.7 
 9. Carbone, Jarva D.2.4 
 10. Hultman-Boye, Ha.2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Andre NILSSON
  Orongo
  (204-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Nilsson, Orongo2.9 
 2. Flink, Helsingborg2.1 
 3. Robinson, Brahe B.2.1 
 4. Rawlins, Up.1.9 
 5. Taylor, Eagles1.7 
 6. Bergstrom, Black.1.7 
 7. Femic, Eagles1.5 
 8. Urban, Eskilstuna1.3 
 9. Neffati, Norrkopi.1.2 
 10. Williams, Sanda1.2 


*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND   


Ryan Richards leaves Lugano Tigers - by Luca Maffioli
Ryan Richards (212-C/F-91, agency: Interperformances) decided to leave Lugano Tigers due personal reasons. The 20-years old power forward / center played fifteen games in LNA and he averaged 11.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 0.7 assists. Richards won the 'Coupe de la Ligue' with Lugano against Fribourg. The British player was drafted in 2010 by San Antonio Spurs 2rd (49). He already played in Swiss in 2010 with BBC Monthey.

*****************************************************
  TUNISIA   


Kairouan inks Williams for play-offs - by Kristian Santiago
J.S.Kairouan inked Earnest Williams (193-G-83) who started the season in Bosnia and got finally cleared by FIBA to play for the Kairounais last week.
In his first game, Williams scored 11 points in a 81-71 loss to champions Etoile du Sahel.

In related news, Tomcho Sokolov (205-F/C-84, agency: Prossin Sports Management) inked as well with Kairouan.

Here are all results of the second round:

Etoile du Sahel - J.S.Kairouan 81-71
Etoile Sportive La Goulette - Club Africain Tunis 53-66
U.S.Monastir - Ezzahra Sports Ezzahra Sport Rades 58-66
Ezzahra Sports - Stade Nabeulien 51-61




Results of the third round:
Club Africain Tunis - U.S.Monastir 79 - 61
Ezzahra Sports - Etoile du Sahel 81 - 85
Ezzahra Sport Rades - Stade Nabeulien 85 - 88

Today: J.S.Kairouan - Etoile Sportive La Goulette





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

  TURKEY   


EuroCup: Buducnost outgun Banvit - by Eurobasket News
Buducnost - Banvit 83:73

Buducnost returned the intrigue to EuroCup Last 16 Group K. They defeated Banvit at home court to catch up with their opponents at 2-2 record. Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) fired 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to pace the charge.
The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the first half. Buducnost led by just two points after the opening quarter 24:22. Banvit however cut the deficit to a single point 43:44 at halftime. But the third term turned things around. Buducnost finally adjusted their tempo and cleared off. The hosts limited Banvit at just 10 points to ensure a 13-point lead before the final frame. Banvit went on a desperate comeback rally in the fourth stanza but came up short at the end. Nikola Ivanovic (187-G-94, agency: Beo Basket) and Jermaine Anderson (188-G-83, college: Fordham) posted 16 points each in the victory. Charles Davis (202-F-84, college: Alabama) responded with 18 points for Banvit. Lance Williams (206-C-80, college: De Paul) accounted for 12 points in the loss.

Buducnost: Bojan Dubljevic 24+10 boards, Nikola Ivanovic 16, Jermaine Anderson 16
Banvit: Charles Davis 18, Lance Williams 12


Pinar Karsiyaka add Chaisson Allen - by Eurobasket News
Pinar Karsiyka strengthened their roster. They agreed on terms of contract with Chaisson Allen (192-PG-89, college: Northeastern). The point guard started the season in Israel. He played for Galil Gilboa. Chaisson Allen averaged 8.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game in Balkan League. The guard also delivered 11.7 points, 3.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game in Israeli Premier League. It is the first pro season for the guard. Chaisson Allen graduated from Northeastern University in 2011. He tallied 16.7 points, 6.1 boards, 3.7 assists and 2.1 steals per game in his senior season. Chaisson Allen also participated at Pre-NBA Draft Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. He notched 10.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists per appearance.


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


Vintage Duncan display opens road trip - by David Edole
By Jeff McDonald
MEMPHIS, Tenn. Tony Parker scanned the box score after the Spurs' 89-84 victory over Memphis on Monday.
When he got to the line next to Tim Duncan (208-C/F-76, college: Wake Forest)'s name, Parker's eyes got big.
Nineteen points. Seventeen rebounds. Five blocks. All of it crucial in the Spurs' grind-it-out win to open the nine-game rodeo road trip.
Those are big numbers, Parker said, at 45 years old.
Parker went for the obvious joke, exaggerating the one number that needed exaggerating. Duncan is not yet 45, but at 35 and with the mileage of four title runs on his odometer, there are nights he looks it.
Not Monday in Memphis. And not lately.
With the feisty Grizzlies trying hard to ruin the Spurs' return trip to the FedEx Forum, storming back from 14 points down to take a six-point lead in the fourth quarter, Duncan the Spurs' venerable captain kept the whole thing from capsizing.
The 17 rebounds were a season high for any Spurs player. So were the five blocked shots. For Duncan, who scored seven of the Spurs' final nine points, it was the fourth consecutive game with either 19 points or 15 rebounds.
Two of Duncan's blocks came in the final 34 seconds, with Memphis pushing to crawl within one. First Duncan denied Rudy Gay at the rim, then Marc Gasol.
The blocks are really what did it, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. Those kinds of things are what he does at the end of games, where games are won.
Parker continued his one-man All-Star campaign with 21 points and seven assists, a decent enough follow-up to his 42-point, nine-assist epic Saturday in a victory over Oklahoma City.
Tiago Splitter added 14 points off the bench for the Spurs, who answered a furious Memphis rally with one of their own to notch their season-best fifth win in a row.
With the Spurs (17-9) opening an 18-day, nine-game road swing equaling the longest in franchise history, Monday's victory was an important one.
They earned it in large part with defense, holding Memphis to just 37.3-percent shooting and 11 fourth-quarter points.
More than anything, it was just a mentality, said Popovich, whose team had beaten Memphis (12-13) by 10 here a week earlier. You're on the road, they make a great run.
I've seen teams fold in those circumstances. We just kept banging away.
Earlier this season, Popovich's own team might have folded in those circumstances. Last month, in a 120-98 loss at Miami, Popovich accused his players of exactly that.
In that regard, Monday's game demonstrated how far the Spurs have come. They are still just 4-8 on the road, but have won four of their past six.
A month ago, we probably wouldn't have had enough confidence to win a game like this, said reserve forward Danny Green, who was 0 for 8 but instrumental in helping hold Gay to a 9-for-26 shooting night.
The young guys have grown up a lot.
Of course, when the going gets tough for the Spurs, it also helps to have the old guy around.
There have been nights in the past when Popovich used to glance at a box score like Monday's, shrug his shoulders and laugh about how he'd come to take Duncan's steady greatness for granted.
Asked if Duncan's advancing age has caused him to become more appreciative of what the 13-time All-Star can still give, Popovich, like Parker, went for a joke.
I'm tired of coaching him, actually, Popovich said.
Then, he paused.
He's somebody who is pretty special, Popovich said.
In his 15th season, Duncan can't give Popovich special every night. But he can some nights.
Monday in Memphis was one.
jmcdonald@express-news.net

Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/Vintage-Duncan-display-opens-road-trip-3090018.php#ixzz1lhwUr6NT

*****************************************************
  UBA   


Standings
UBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Cincinnati S. 8-1 
 2. S.Ohio K. 5-2 
 3. SE Hoopstars 4-3 
 4. Buckeye B. 3-2 
 5. Midwest M. 3-5 
 6. Ohio R. 1-3 
 7. Cleveland R. 1-6 
 8. Louisville S. 0-3 
Southern
 1. GIE Morrow D. 10-1 
 2. Tennessee D. 7-3 
 3. Atlanta A. 5-2 
 4. Georgia L. 3-4 
 5. S.Generals 2-3 
Western
 1. C.Texas C. 8-2 
 2. Cleveland H. 5-4 
 3. Houston E. 4-2 
 4. Austin K. 4-5 
 5. DFW Warriors 0-9 
D-League
 1. Queen City G. 1-4 
 2. Nashville M. 1-7 
Traveling Teams
 1. Ohio H.G. 5-0 
 2. Dallas Stars 2-1 
 3. Team Japan 0-0 


URBL Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Jermaine BARNES
  (194-G/F-82)
  Avg: 30.8
 1. Barnes, GIE M.30.8 
 2. Canady Jr., Atlan.25.0 
 3. Williams, GIE M.23.9 
 4. Sims, Georgia L.23.0 
 5. Morgan, Tennesse.23.0 
 6. Franklin, Austin K.22.8 
 7. Jennings, Atlan.22.3 
 8. Levy, Cleveland H.22.3 
 9. Williams, Georgia22.0 
 10. Webb, Tennessee20.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jermaine DAILEY
  USA
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 16.3
 1. Dailey, Georgia L.16.3 
 2. Moore, GIE M.13.8 
 3. Terrell, Dallas St.12.7 
 4. Joseph, S.Generals12.0 
 5. Green, GIE M.11.7 
 6. Morning, C.Tex.11.4 
 7. Johnson, Austin K.11.0 
 8. Canady Jr., Atlan.11.0 
 9. Davis, Queen C.11.0 
 10. Blue, Atlanta A.10.0 
Assists Per Game
 DeAndre BRAY
  (168-G-85)
  Avg: 12.5
 1. Bray, S.Generals12.5 
 2. Horton, C.Texas C.9.0 
 3. Webb, Tennessee D.6.6 
 4. Sims, Georgia L.6.5 
 5. Barnes, GIE M.6.4 
 6. Ragsdale, GIE M.6.1 
 7. Glover, C.Texas C.5.7 
 8. Morgan, Tennesse.5.3 
 9. Beaulah, Queen C.5.3 
 10. Johnson, S.Genera.4.8 
Steals Per Game
 Freddie WILLIAMS
  (188-G-87)
  Avg: 4.7
 1. Williams, GIE M.4.7 
 2. Bray, S.Generals4.5 
 3. Horton, C.Texas C.3.3 
 4. Barnes, GIE M.3.2 
 5. Glover, C.Texas C.2.3 
 6. Bowdy, Dallas S.2.3 
 7. Johnson, S.Generals2.3 
 8. Ragsdale, GIE M.2.2 
 9. Jennings, Atlan.2.0 
 10. Williams, Georgia2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Justin EDWARDS
  (--)
  Avg: 0
 1. Edwards, Clevelan.0.0 
 2. Adkins, Austin K.0.0 
 3. Destin, DFW W.0.0 
 4. Moore, GIE M.0.0 
 5. Davis, Queen C.0.0 
 6. McClinic, Dallas S.0.0 
 7. Daniels, Tennesse.0.0 
 8. Maxtion, Tennesse.0.0 
 9. Dailey, Georgia L.0.0 
 10. Lewis, Austin K.0.0 


2012 UBA All-Star Rosters Unveiled - by David Walls
2012 UBA All-Star Rosters Unveiled
David Walls Reports:

ATLANTA, Feb. 7, 2012 Twelve players with UBA experience highlight the rosters for the third annual UBA All-Star Game, which will be played on Sunday, Feb. 26 at Morrow High School presented by Hooters. The game will tip off at 5 p.m.

Twenty of the UBA's top prospects were selected to be All-Stars by a combination of fan balloting on ubabasket.com and voting by the leagues 20 head coaches. The two 10-man teams will be divided by conference with the South team playing host to the North team in Atlanta. Players who have been selected by coaches and fans must be on an active roster to compete in the UBA All-Star game.

The South Team will be coached by GIE Morrow Disciples head coach D.J. Douglas and assistant Steve Dolan (Dragons) and Chris Brown (Assault), who make a second appearance as UBA All-Star coaches. The North team will be coached by Cincinnati Slam head coach Travis McAvene and assistants Jeremy Ware (Cyclones), Kevin Franklin (Havok). Both coaching staffs were selected based on their teams having the highest winning percentage by Feb. 6. Prior to the game Douglas and McAvene will choose starting lineups for their respective teams.

The UBA All-Star game is not only a fantastic opportunity for the fans in Atlanta to see an exceptionally talented group of UBA prospects compete in person,' said Michael Davis , Commissioner of the UBA. It is also a great chance for our players to showcase their skills for overseas team personnel who will gather for the All-Star festivities.'

The South will be headlined by 3-time UBA MVP Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Atlanta Christian) who was voted #1 in international fan pool done by Usbasket.com. Barnes is the UBAs top scorer with 30.0ppg along with leading the Disciples to the top record in the UBA. Three other Disciples (Chris Moore (6'8''-F-88, college: Morgan St.), Freddie Williams (6'2''-G-87, college: Clayton St.), John Cantrell (6'2''-G, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Chicago St.)) were selected from the Disciples for their great team and individual play.

As for the North Edward Horton (6'4''-G-85, college: Murray St.) was the top vote getter after returning from Iceland. Horton has led the Cyclones to the best record in the West and looks to be a favorite for a UBA title. As for the East, Jonathon Avery (6'7''-F, college: IUPUI) has come into his owe to led the Slam.
UBA All-Star rosters below..

UBA South All-Stars
#s#
DeAndre Bray
Bray
Freddie Williams
Williams
Jermaine Barnes
Barnes
Anthony Joseph
Joseph
Chris Moore
Moore
#e#5

Player (Team): Stats

PG: DeAndre Bray (5'6''-G-85-Generals): 13.5ppg, 11.3apg, 3.5spg, FGP: 50.0%
SG: Freddie Williams (6'2''-G-87-Disciples): 24.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 4.5spg, FGP: 49.0%
SF: Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G-F-Disciples): 30.0ppg, 7.8rpg, 6.4apg, FGP: 50.5%
PF: Anthony Joseph (6'8''-F-C-Generals): 19.0ppg, 11.3rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 60.0%
C: Chris Moore (6'8''-F-C-Disciples): 14.0ppg, 13.5rpg, 6.0bpg, FGP: 53.5%
Res.
PG: John Cantrell (6'2''-86-Disciples): 20.5ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 50.0%
SG: James Williams (6'3''-G/F-85-Lions): 24.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 4.5spg, FGP: 49.0%
SF: Marques Johnson (6'5''-G-Generals): 17.0ppg, 7.8rpg, 5.0apg, FGP: 50.5%
PF: Jay Bowdy (6'6''-F-83-Stars): 19.5ppg, 7.3rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 50.0%
C: Desmond Blue (6'11''-C-88-Assault): 14.0ppg, 11.5rpg, 3.0bpg, FGP: 53.5%
SF: Brent 'BJ' Jennings (6'5''-F-Assault): 22.5ppg, 7.8rpg, 2.5spg, FGP: 50.0%

****Joshua Walker (6'4''-F-84-Dragons): 17.0ppg, 6.5rpg, 4.0apg, FGP: 48.9%

****Will replace if any injuries

Coaches: D.J. Douglas (Disciples), Steve Dolan (Dragons), Chris Brown (Assault)

UBA North All-Stars
#s#
Edward Horton
Horton
Justin Taylor
Taylor
Jonathon Avery
Avery
Will Morning
Morning
Ervin Williams
Williams
#e#5

Player (Team): Stats

PG: Edward Horton (6'3''-G-85-Cyclones): 18.5ppg, 8.3apg, 2.5spg, FGP: 50.0%
SG: Justin Taylor (6'3''-G-85-Slam): 17.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 4.5spg, FGP: 49.0%
SF: Jonathon Avery (6'7''-F-88-Slam): 20.0ppg, 10.0rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 49.8%
PF: Will Morning (6'8''-F-C-87-Cyclones): 18.0ppg, 12.5rpg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 53.5%
C: Ervin Williams (6'9''-F/C-88-Slam): 18.0ppg, 11.3rpg, 2.3bpg, FGP: 58.8%
Res.
PG: Ethan Bradshaw (6'1''-G-87-Kings): 16.5ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 50.0%
SG: Sam Brown (6'4''-G-87-Havok): 20.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 4.5spg, FGP: 49.0%
SF: Cordaryl Ballard (6'5''-G/F-87-Slam): 21.0ppg, 7.8rpg, 5.0apg, FGP: 50.5%
PF: Anthony Allison (6'7''-F-86-Express): 10 games: 16.5ppg, 7.3rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 50.0%
C: Dwayne McNeal (6'9''-F/C-80-Kings): 18.0ppg, 11.5rpg, 3.0bpg, FGP: 53.5%
PF: Jamarkus Holt (6'9''-F-87-Cyclones): 17.3ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.2bpg, FGP:47.8%

****Lorenzo Davis (6'10''-C-82-Gambers): 13.0ppg, 10.6rpg, 2.3bpg, FGP: 52.3%

****Will replace if any injuries

Coaches: Travis McAvene (Slam), Jeremy Ware (Cyclones), Kevin Franklin (Havok)

UBA Dunk Contest:
Terry Turner
James Williams
Freddie Williams
Christian Simmons
Jermaine Barnes (2011 winner)
John Cantrell
Justin Taylor
Jay Bowdy

UBA 3-Point Contest:
Edward Horton
Jermaine Barnes (2011 runner up)
DeAndre Bray
John Cantrell
Dante Curry
Freddie Williams
James Williams
Jay Bowdy



Exciting Sunday (10 games): Barnes 30 points lead Disciples past Lions in 101-100 - by David Walls

GIE Morrow D. Georgia L. 104-103
Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Atlanta Christian) scored 30 points (game winning FT), and Freddie Williams (6'2''-G-87, college: Clayton St.) added 24 points and 7 rebounds to lead the GIE Morrow Disciples to an 101-100 victory over the Georgia Lions on Sunday night. Barnes scored 18 of his points in the second half as the Disciples opened a nine-game road trip with a win. To add to his dramatics, Barnes attempted a game-winning 3 pointer with no time remaining but was fouled. Barnes hit 2 of 3 FT as the Disciples excaped with the win. Jermaine Dailey (6'8''-F-86, college: Ill.-Chicago) had a monster game scoring 28 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Lions. James Williams (6'3''-G/F-85, college: Victory) scored 25 and Tony Omotayo (6'4''-F-85, college: Ft.Valley St.) had 20 for the Lions. The Lions trailed by 13 at 61-48 early in the third quarter, but rallied behind a 25-6 run to end the period. But the Lions couldn't sustain the momentum, missing their first nine shots in the final period and allowing the Disciples to regain the lead. Shooting 5 of 7 on 3-pointers in the first half, the Disciples led by as many as 14 late in the fourth quarter. John Cantrell (6'2''-G, agency: