Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 3/17/2012

Copyright � 1997-2012 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com

Men News

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

ABA

ABA SoCal Championships in San Diego this weekend - by Gianni Pascucci
The SoCal Division Champion of the American Basketball Association (ABA) will be crowned this weekend as four playoff teams compete in San Diego this Saturday, March 17 inside the SportCenter at Alliant University in Scripps Ranch.
The #1 seeded San Diego Sol will play the #4 seeded Central Valley Titans at 3:00 p.m. That game will be followed by the #2 seeded Arizona Scorpions facing-off against the #3 seeded Los Angeles Slam at 6:00 p.m. The winners of Saturday's game will play in the final on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. at the SportCenter.
During last year's playoffs, the San Diego Sol unseated the reigning division champion LA Slam to become the 2010 - 2011 ABA SoCal Division Champion. San Diego is ranked third in the nation while Arizona is ranked fifth. The ABA boasts 70 teams nationwide. There are 32 teams in the playoff brackets.
'We are excited to have the opportunity to host the SoCal Division Championship for the second year in a row,' says head coach, Zack Jones . This is our highest ranking since we've been participating in the ABA and we'd like to thank all those who have supported us.'

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

ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Standings

Adriatic League Standings

1. Maccabi T-A			23-1
2. Cedevita			18-7
3. Partizan			18-7
4. Buducnost			17-7
5. Siroki WWin			15-11
6. Union Olimpija			13-12
7. Radnicki K.			12-13
8. Cibona			12-13
9. KK Zagreb CO			12-14
10. Crvena Zvezda			11-14
11. Krka			8-17
12. Hemofarm			7-18
13. Helios			7-18
14. Zlatorog			2-23

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

David SIMON
  Radnicki K.
  (207-C-82)
  Avg: 19.8

1. Simon, Radnicki K.	19.8
2. Kasun, KK.	17.9
3. Scott, Radnicki K.	17.5
4. Vucevic, Buducnost	16.9
5. Simon, KK.	15.0
6. Pilepic, Siroki W.	14.8
7. Pasalic, Helios	14.2
8. Prepelic, Helios	14.0
9. Macvan, Partizan	13.5
10. Pavkovic, Radnick.	13.3

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Savovic, Hemofarm	11.4
2. Vucevic, Buducnost	9.7
3. Macvan, Partizan	8.4
4. Kasun, KK.	8.3
5. Scott, Radnicki K.	6.6
6. Simon, Radnicki K.	6.6
7. Pavic, Krka	6.4
8. Omic, Zlatorog	6.3
9. Markota, KK.	6.2
10. Pasalic, Helios	6.2

Assists Per Game

Steven MARKOVIC
  Radnicki K.
  (190-G-85)
  Avg: 7

1. Markovic, Radnicki	7.0
2. Pavkovic, Radnicki	6.7
3. Vladovic, Siroki W.	5.0
4. Vujasinovic, Zlato.	4.8
5. Papaloukas, Macca.	4.3
6. Jeretin, Union O.	4.1
7. Nissim, Krka	3.9
8. Mulaomerovic, KK Z.	3.9
9. Simon, KK.	3.8
10. Draper, Cedevita	3.6

Steals Per Game

D.J. GAY
  Helios
  (183-G-89)
  Avg: 2

1. Gay, Helios	2.0
2. Dragic, Krka	1.7
3. Markovic, Radnicki	1.7
4. Simon, KK.	1.6
5. Papaloukas, Macca.	1.6
6. Ohayon, Maccabi	1.5
7. Ramljak, Siroki W.	1.5
8. Dasic, Union Olimp.	1.5
9. Draper, Cedevita	1.4
10. Scott, Radnicki K.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

David SIMON
  Radnicki K.
  (207-C-82)
  Avg: 1.5

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

Macvan's 17 points and 9 rebounds give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
22-year old center Milan Macvan (206-C-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) put on an amazing game in the last round for Partizan and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 25.
He had the game-high 17 points adding nine rebounds for Partizan in his team's victory, helping them to edge out Cedevita (18-7) 67-63. Partizan maintains the 3rd position in Adriatic League. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Partizan will need more victories to improve their 18-7 record. Macvan turned to be Partizan's top player in his first season with the team. Macvan has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (9th best: 13.5ppg), rebounds (3rd best: 8.4rpg) and averages solid 56.2% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Zoran Dragic (196-F/G-89) of Krka. He is a swingman in his second season at Krka. In the last game Dragic recorded impressive 21 points and 9 rebounds. It was enough for Krka to edge the higher-ranked Radnicki K. (#7, 12-13) by 4 points 73-69. Krka's 11th position in has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 8-17 record. Dragic is well-known at Krka and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders.

Third place about best performers goes to swingman Keith Langford (193-G/F-83) of league's leader Maccabi T-A. Langford scored 17 points and passed four assists. He was a key player of Maccabi T-A, leading his team to a 101-66 easy win against the lower-ranked Crvena Zvezda (#10, 11-14). Many experts and fans count Maccabi T-A as a contender for championship title. Another victory and another confirmation that they may be right. Just look at their record: 23 victories and only one lost games. They are currently at the very top of the standings in Round 23. Langford has a very solid season. In 16 games in Adriatic League he scored 10.8ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Mike Scott (203-F-86) of Radnicki K. - 21 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Goran Suton (209-C-85) of Cibona - 16 points and 11 rebounds
6. Tal Burstein (198-G/F-80) of Maccabi T-A - 10 points, 4 rebounds and 10 assists
7. Mladen Pantic (209-C-82) of Hemofarm - 15 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88) of Hemofarm - 21 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Lior Eliyahu (206-F/C-85) of Maccabi T-A - 13 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Cedomir Vitkovac (201-F-82) of Buducnost - 11 points and 8 rebounds

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

Wright in Cibona! - by Dani Erceg
KK Cibona signed US guard Zack Wright (188-G-85, college: Central Mo.) ( Rize Management-Scott Nichols). Wright played this season for Greek team A.G.O Rethymno, had 21 appearance in Greek A1 League, averaging 13.1ppg, 5.3rpg, 4.0apg, 2.4spg. As a student he played for UALR and Cent.Missouri St. and proffesionally he played for Spot Up Medien Baskets Braunschweig, ES Chalon-Sur-Saone , Le Mans Sarthe Basket and Limoges CSP Elite. In 2009. he played in French ProA All Star game.

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

ALBANIA

Standings - A1

A1 Standings

Group A
1. SK Tirana		10-0
2. Kamza Basket		8-2
3. Vllaznia Shk.		5-5
4. Flamurtari		4-6
5. Teuta Durres		3-7
6. U.A.T.		0-10
Group B
1. Apolonia		3-0
2. Partizani Tirana		2-2
3. Pogradeci		0-3

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

ARGENTINA

Mateo Bolivar joins Ciclista - by Eurobasket News
Ciclista Juninense deepened their roster. They brought in Mateo Bolivar (187-G-92). The talented guard started the season with Firmat FC Santa Fe. Last season Mateo Bolivar played for San Martin Corrientes. He averaged 1.4 points per game in TNA. Mateo Bolivar was the member of U18 Argentinean National Team. He participated at U18 Fiba Americas Championship in San Antonio in 2010. His stats read 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.4 assists per game at the tourney.

San Isidro tab Exequiel Cassinelli - by Eurobasket News
San Isidro deepened their roster. They agreed on terms of contract with Exequiel Cassinelli (196-F-92). The forward spent the last three seasons with San Martin Marcos Juarez. Exequiel Cassinelli averaged 4.8 points and 1.7 rebounds per game in TNA last season. This season his stats came up to 14.2 points per appearance.

Lanus bring in Pablo Albertinazzi - by Eurobasket News
Lanus bolstered their backcourt. They signed a deal with Pablo Albertinazzi (174-G-78). He is meant to replace injured Juan Pablo Cantero (184-G-82). Pablo Albertinazzi started the season with Orlandina Basket in Italian Nazionale A. He tallied 6.5 points, 2.3 assists, 2.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Later the guard moved to Argentina. He joined San Martin Corrientes. Pablo Albertinazzi averaged 4.2 points, 2.0 assists and1.3 boards per game in LigaA. Previously Pablo Albertinazzi had stints with Capo dOrlando, Maddaloni, Corato, Cagliari, Catanzaro, Ben Hur, Comodoro Rivadavia, San Severo, Rieti, Belgrano, Deportivo Roca and Tiro Federal. He was Argentinean LigaA champion in 2005. Pablo Albertinazzi has already joined Lanus for trainings.

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Stage Two Standings

1. Penarol		21-9
2. Libertad S.		20-10
3. Obras		20-10
4. Lanus		19-11
5. Sionista		17-13
6. Quimsa		17-13
7. La Union		16-14
8. GECR Indalo		16-14
9. Atenas		16-14
10. Regatas C.		15-15
11. Wuber-Est.Bahia		13-17
12. Boca Jrs		11-19
13. Olimpico LB		11-19
14. Club 9		11-19
15. Quilmes MP		9-21
16. San Mart.C.		8-22

Stage One Standings

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

Joe SMITH
  La Union
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 17.4

1. Smith, La Union	17.4
2. Villegas, Sionista	17.2
3. Gutierrez, Obras	17.0
4. OBannon, Boca Jrs	16.0
5. DeGroat, Olimpico.	15.9
6. McHopson, Quilm.	15.8
7. Pittman, Libertad.	15.6
8. Meyinsse, Wuber-.	15.6
9. Lo Grippo, Quimsa	15.3
10. Cowan, Club 9	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Jack Michael MARTINEZ
  San M.
  (203-F/C-81)
  Avg: 12.3

1. Martinez, San M.	12.3
2. Battle, Libertad S.	10.0
3. Garces, Atenas	9.4
4. Sandes, Sionista	9.3
5. Davis, GECR I.	9.1
6. Lloreda, Olimpico.	8.8
7. Gutierrez, Obras	8.5
8. Williams, Quimsa	7.5
9. DeGroat, Olimpico.	7.4
10. Truscott, Quilm.	7.3

Assists Per Game

Facundo CAMPAZZO
  Penarol
  (180-G-91)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Campazzo, Penarol	6.4
2. Sanchez, Wuber-.	5.6
3. Stanic, Boca Jrs	5.5
4. Martinez, Regat.	4.9
5. Cequeira, Sionista	4.9
6. Sucatzky, Atenas	3.8
7. Laprovittola, Lanus	3.7
8. Victoriano, San M.	3.5
9. Smith, La Union	3.5
10. Osimani, Obras	3.5

Steals Per Game

Facundo CAMPAZZO
  Penarol
  (180-G-91)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Campazzo, Penarol	2.3
2. Lescano, Atenas	2.3
3. Moldu, Olimpico LB	2.0
4. McHopson, Quilm.	1.7
5. Sanchez, Wuber-.	1.6
6. Quinteros, Regat.	1.6
7. Stanic, Boca Jrs	1.5
8. Treise, Libertad S.	1.4
9. Beitzel, San M.	1.4
10. Pau, La Union	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Robert BATTLE
  Libertad S.
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Battle, Libertad S.	1.5
2. Rollins, Sionista	1.3
3. Clancy, Club 9	1.3
4. Matthews, Quilm.	1.1
5. Gutierrez, Obras	1.1
6. Jackson, Olimpico.	1.1
7. Meyinsse, Wuber-.	1.1
8. Roe, Regatas C.	1.1
9. Ayarza, Club 9	0.9
10. Garces, Atenas	0.9

Robert Battle claims Argentinian LigaA weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Experienced American Robert Battle (204-C-81, agency: Dream Team Management) had an amazing evening in the last round for Libertad S. and that's him to receive a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for round 30 (Second Stage). The 30-year old center had a double-double of 15 points and twelve rebounds, while his team edged out Atenas (16-14) 73-72. Battle turned to be Libertad S.'s top player in his first season with the team. Drexel University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Battle is in league's top in rebounds (2nd best: 9.9rpg) and averages solid 1.5bpg and 61.2% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 32-year old Italian guard Julio Mazzaro (190-G-79) of Obras. Mazzaro impressed basketball fans with 36 points and 3 rebounds. Of course he lead Obras to another comfortable win outscoring Sionista (17-13) 96-76. Mazzaro is a newcomer at Obras 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 Louis Roe (200-F-72) of Regatas C.. Roe scored 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He was a key player of Regatas C., leading his team to a 96-85 win against GECR Indalo (16-14). Roe has a very solid season. In 33 games in Argentina he scored 13.7ppg. He also has 6.4rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 53.0% and 3PT: 40.7%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Tony Washam (200-F-82) of Obras - 23 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists
5. Roberto Gabini (198-F-75) of GECR Indalo - 28 points and 7 rebounds
6. William McFarlan (201-F-76) of San Mart.C. - 18 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Marcos Mata (202-F-86) of Penarol - 20 points and 9 rebounds
8. James Williams (204-F/C-79) of Quimsa - 9 points and 13 rebounds
9. Juan Gutierrez (205-F/C-83) of Obras - 10 points and 13 rebounds
10. Terrell Taylor (203-C-81) of Regatas C. - 18 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists

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

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

ASEAN LEAGUE

Standings

O Standings

1. Philip.Patriots			9-2
2. Petron Blaze			9-3
3. KL Dragons			7-4
4. Bangkok C.			5-6
5. Satria Muda			5-7
6. Singapore S.			4-8
7. Thailand S.			4-8
8. Saigon H.			3-8

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

AUSTRALIA

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

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

1. Mills, Tigers	18.6
2. Lisch, Wildcats	17.6
3. Tragardh, Tigers	17.0
4. Wilson, Taipans	16.9
5. Deleon, Blaze	16.7
6. Johnson, 36ers	16.6
7. Wilkinson, Breakers	16.4
8. Khazzouh, Kings	16.3
9. Abercrombie, Break.	15.2
10. Bose, Kings	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Julian KHAZZOUH
  Kings
  (209-C-86)
  Avg: 11

1. Khazzouh, Kings	11.0
2. Holmes, Crocodiles	9.2
3. Simpsons, 36ers	8.3
4. Grant, Kings	8.1
5. Crosswhite, Taipa.	7.8
6. Johnson, 36ers	7.8
7. Worthington, Blaze	6.4
8. Bose, Kings	6.3
9. Vukona, Breakers	6.3
10. Martin, Wildcats	6.0

Assists Per Game

Cedric JACKSON
  Breakers
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Jackson, Breakers	6.4
2. Mills, Tigers	5.0
3. Crosswell, 36ers	4.7
4. Gibson, Blaze	4.5
5. Bruce, Kings	4.4
6. Gill, Crocodiles	3.9
7. Martin, Wildcats	3.6
8. Martin, Hawks	3.4
9. Ubaka, Tigers	3.3
10. Dillon, Tigers	3.2

Steals Per Game

Cedric JACKSON
  Breakers
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Jackson, Breakers	2.5
2. Martin, Wildcats	2.2
3. Robbins, Wildcats	1.6
4. Deleon, Blaze	1.5
5. Gill, Crocodiles	1.4
6. Mims, Crocodiles	1.3
7. Tovey, Wildcats	1.3
8. Gibson, Blaze	1.2
9. Glover, Hawks	1.2
10. Lisch, Wildcats	1.1

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Khazzouh, Kings	2.1
2. Simpsons, 36ers	1.6
3. Grant, Kings	1.5
4. Nevill, Wildcats	1.2
5. Johnson, 36ers	1.1
6. Abercrombie, Break.	1.0
7. Crosswhite, Taipa.	1.0
8. Martin, Wildcats	0.9
9. Worthington, Blaze	0.8
10. Forman, Hawks	0.8

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Breakers		20-6
2. Wildcats		18-9
3. Blaze		15-11
4. Crocodiles		15-12
5. Taipans		14-12
6. Tigers		11-15
7. Kings		10-16
8. 36ers		8-17
9. Hawks		6-19

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

BELARUS

Stats Leaders - Premier League

Points Per Game

Ronaldas RUTKAUSKAS
  Minsk-.
  (203-F-92)
  Avg: 20.8

1. Rutkauskas, Minsk.	20.8
2. Sitnik, SBK O.	17.1
3. Ignatchik, Minsk-.	15.3
4. Mishukov, SBK O.	14.8
5. Maze, Minsk-2006	14.6
6. Knox, Minsk-2006	13.9
7. Hawkins, Minsk.	13.7
8. Matyukevych, Grod.	13.6
9. Patupchyk, Sozh G.	13.4
10. Yafremov, Grodn.	13.0

Rebounds Per Game

Pavel BLIZNETS
  Sozh Gomel
  (205-C-94)
  Avg: 11.5

1. Bliznets, Sozh Gom.	11.5
2. Rutkauskas, Minsk.	10.4
3. Zakhar, BG.	9.4
4. Mishukov, SBK O.	8.2
5. Krisevich, Minsk-.	7.3
6. Ovsepian, Rubon	7.1
7. Drobyshevski., Soz.	6.8
8. Kojenets, Minsk.	6.7
9. Matyukevych, Grod.	6.4
10. Knox, Minsk-2006	6.1

Assists Per Game

Dzmitry KUZMIN
  Grodno-93
  (196-G-75)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Kuzmin, Grodno-93	5.3
2. Akulich, Rubon	4.6
3. Charykau, SBK O.	4.2
4. Kudrautsau, Minsk.	3.6
5. Papruha, BG.	3.4
6. Maze, Minsk-2006	3.1
7. Volk, SBK O.	3.0
8. Ignatchik, Minsk-.	2.9
9. Eldridge, Minsk-20.	2.8
10. Sitnik, SBK O.	2.5

Steals Per Game

Siarhei CHARYKAU
  SBK O.
  (184-PG-82)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Charykau, SBK O.	2.5
2. Akulich, Rubon	2.5
3. Papruha, BG.	2.2
4. Zakhar, BG.	2.2
5. Sapegin, Rubon	1.9
6. Sitnik, SBK O.	1.9
7. Eldridge, Minsk-20.	1.9
8. Yafremov, Grodn.	1.7
9. Vabischevich, SBK	1.7
10. Shestilovski., So.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Kurapau, Minsk-20.	0.0
2. Akulich, Rubon	0.0
3. Kudrautsau, Minsk.	0.0
4. Sinica, Minsk-2006	0.0
5. Krisevich, Minsk-.	0.0
6. Shilovich, Rubon	0.0
7. Korzh, Grodno-93	0.0
8. Shemet, Sozh Gomel	0.0
9. Korneenkov, Minsk-.	0.0
10. Sharamet, Minsk-2.	0.0

Standings - Premier League

Premier League Standings

1. Minsk-2006		20-1
2. Grodno-93		18-3
3. Rubon		11-9
4. BGUIR-RTI		9-12
5. SBK Osipovichi		8-13
6. Minsk-2006 II		7-14
7. Sozh Gomel		0-21

Premier League Round 20: Minsk-2006 beats BGUIR-RTI in a derby game - by Eurobasket News
The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Minsk: Minsk-2006 (#1) and BGUIR-RTI (#4). BGUIR-RTI was defeated at home 88-99 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. The game was mostly controlled by Minsk-2006. BGUIR-RTI managed to win third quarter 27-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 23-of-26 free shots (88.5 percent) during the game. Minsk-2006 forced 19 BGUIR-RTI turnovers. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Aliaksei Lashkevich (204-78) who scored 17 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). American forward Justin Knox (205-89, college: N.Carolina) chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds. Minsk-2006's coach Andrei Krivonos used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Evgeniy Sugoniako (198-92) produced 23 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. Minsk-2006 (20-1) have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position. BGUIR-RTI at the other side keeps the fourth place with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
An exciting game was played in Grodno. First ranked Minsk-2006 faced second-ranked Grodno-93. Guests from Minsk (20-1) defeated host Grodno-93 (18-3) 71-61. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Grodno-93. American guard Bobby Maze (188-86, college: Tennessee) orchestrated the victory by scoring 17 points and 4 assists. Justin Knox contributed with 10 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. The former international guard Dzmitry Kuzmin (196-75) replied with 6 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for Grodno-93. Grodno-93's coach Andrei Vasileuka rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Minsk-2006 have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 20-1 record. Grodno-93 at the other side keeps the second place with three games lost. Minsk-2006 will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Grodno-93 will play on the road against Rubon in Vitebsk and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Bottom-ranked Sozh Gomel (0-21) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 105-69 loss to fifth ranked SBK Osipovichi (8-13) in Gomel on Friday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Yury Mishukov who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points and 14 rebounds. Yahor Patupchyk responded with 22 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. SBK Osipovichi maintains fifth position with 8-13 record. Loser Sozh Gomel still closes the standings. SBK Osipovichi will meet at home Minsk-2006 II (#6) in the next round. Sozh Gomel will have a break next round.
Bottom-ranked Sozh Gomel (0-21) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 101-62 loss to fourth ranked BGUIR-RTI (9-12) in Gomel. The winners were led by Aliaksandr Kuzmitski who scored that evening 23 points. 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. BGUIR-RTI maintains fourth position with 9-12 record. Sozh Gomel at the other side still closes the standings. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Bottom-ranked Sozh Gomel (0-21) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 138-40 loss to second ranked Grodno-93 (18-3) in Gomel on Tuesday evening. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. The best player for the winners was Sergej Vasilevich who scored 19 points and 7 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots). Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Grodno-93 have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 18-3 record having just two points less than leader Minsk-2006. Loser Sozh Gomel still closes the standings. Grodno-93 will face Rubon (#3) in Vitebsk in the next round, which may be the game of the day.

In the last game of round 20 Rubon defeated Minsk-2006 II in Vitebsk 74-65.

Minsk-2006 II - Rubon 65-74

There was no surprise when 6th ranked Minsk-2006 II (7-14) was defeated at home by third ranked Rubon (11-9) 74-65 on Friday. Minsk-2006 II trailed by 11 points at halftime and as many as 15 after three quarters before a 22-16 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 65-74 at the end of the game. Rubon forced 24 Minsk-2006 II turnovers. Strangely Minsk-2006 II outrebounded Rubon 54-30 including a 29-12 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Dmitri Akulich (192-86) who scored 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. point guard Artem Malkov (185-88) chipped in 14 points and 4 assists. Akulich is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas. Four Rubon players scored in double figures. Lithuanian forward Ronaldas Rutkauskas (203-92) produced a double-double by scoring 28 points and 19 rebounds and the former international guard Maksim Shustau (184-86) added 8 points and 7 assists respectively for the hosts. Rubon maintains third position with 11-9 record having ten points less than leader Minsk-2006. Minsk-2006 II lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth place with 14 games lost. Rubon will face league's second-placed Grodno-93 at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Minsk-2006 II will play against SBK Osipovichi (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Minsk-2006 II: R.Rutkauskas 28+19reb+2ast, A.Vashkevich 11, V.Nakic 9+2reb+1ast, M.Shustau 8+4reb+7ast, Y.Kurapau 5+7reb+2ast, V.Krisevich 2+14reb
Rubon: D.Akulich 14+7reb+4ast, M.Ovsepian 14+5reb, A.Malkov 14+2reb+4ast, S.Sapegin 11+3reb+3ast, M.Dabravolski 7+1reb+1ast, D.Sivalko 6+3reb+1ast

Sozh Gomel - SBK Osipovichi 69-105

Bottom-ranked Sozh Gomel (0-21) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 105-69 loss to fifth ranked SBK Osipovichi (8-13) in Gomel on Friday evening. They also forced 23 Sozh Gomel turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international center Yury Mishukov (205-85) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points and 14 rebounds and guard Kiril Sitnik (190-89) who added 20 points and 6 assists during the contest. Five SBK Osipovichi players scored in double figures. point guard Yahor Patupchyk (186-94) responded with 22 points and 5 rebounds and center Pavel Bliznets (205-94) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 13 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. SBK Osipovichi maintains fifth position with 8-13 record. Loser Sozh Gomel still closes the standings. SBK Osipovichi will meet at home Minsk-2006 II (#6) in the next round. Sozh Gomel will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Sozh Gomel: Y.Patupchyk 22+5reb, P.Bliznets 13+13reb+1ast, I.Drobyshevskiy 10+6reb, A.Shestilovskiy 9+2reb+1ast, N.Samusenko 5, D.Fedorovskiy 4+3reb+1ast
SBK Osipovichi: Y.Mishukov 22+14reb, A.Svirydov 21+6reb+2ast, K.Sitnik 20+4reb+6ast, I.Sharipov 14+6reb, S.Charykau 13+5reb+8ast, V.Skidan 6+5reb

Sozh Gomel - BGUIR-RTI 62-101

Bottom-ranked Sozh Gomel (0-21) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 101-62 loss to fourth ranked BGUIR-RTI (9-12) in Gomel. The game without a history. BGUIR-RTI led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. BGUIR-RTI forced 29 Sozh Gomel turnovers. The winners were led by forward Aliaksandr Kuzmitski (198-92) who scored that evening 23 points and forward Yuriy Ignatiev (198-91) supported him with 14 points and 10 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Four BGUIR-RTI players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 25 points and 12 rebounds by center Igor Drobyshevskiy (206-93) did not help to save the game for Sozh Gomel. point guard Yahor Patupchyk (186-94) added 22 points for the hosts. 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. BGUIR-RTI maintains fourth position with 9-12 record. Sozh Gomel at the other side still closes the standings. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Sozh Gomel: I.Drobyshevskiy 25+12reb+1ast, Y.Patupchyk 22+4reb+2ast, D.Kasenkau 8+9reb+2ast, S.Bondar 4, N.Samusenko 3+3reb, R.Rogovets 0
BGUIR-RTI: A.Kuzmitski 23+4reb, Y.Ignatiev 14+10reb, E.Sugoniako 13+1reb+1ast, A.Papruha 12+1reb+1ast, A.Hrumiantsau 10+6reb+1ast, G.Zakhar 8+6reb+1ast

Grodno-93 - Minsk-2006 61-71

An exciting game was played in Grodno. First ranked Minsk-2006 faced second-ranked Grodno-93. Guests from Minsk (20-1) defeated host Grodno-93 (18-3) 71-61. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Grodno-93. It looked good early as Grodno-93 took an 10-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Minsk-2006 took control getting tie in the second period and winning the second half and eventually winning the game that evening by 10 points. Minsk-2006 dominated on the defensive end, holding Grodno-93 to just 7 points in fourth quarter. They made 16-of-20 charity shots (80.0 percent) during the game. American guard Bobby Maze (188-86, college: Tennessee) orchestrated the victory by scoring 17 points and 4 assists. The other American import forward Justin Knox (205-89, college: N.Carolina) contributed with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Knox is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Minsk-2006 players scored in double figures. The former international guard Dzmitry Kuzmin (196-75) replied with 6 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and Ukrainian guard Stanislav Ovdeenko (192-84) added 13 points in the effort for Grodno-93. Grodno-93's coach Andrei Vasileuka rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Minsk-2006 have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 20-1 record. Grodno-93 at the other side keeps the second place with three games lost. Minsk-2006 will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Grodno-93 will play on the road against Rubon in Vitebsk and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Grodno-93: A.Mastou 13+1reb, S.Ovdeenko 13+2reb+1ast, K.Yafremov 10+4reb, D.Kuzmin 6+6reb+5ast, V.Matyukevych 6+9reb, Y.Hlebovich 4+4reb+1ast
Minsk-2006: B.Maze 17+3reb+4ast, A.Kudrautsau 13+4reb+3ast, A.Trastsinetski 13+3reb, A.Fomin 11+5reb, J.Knox 10+10reb, U.Charko 3+5reb

Sozh Gomel - Grodno-93 40-138

Bottom-ranked Sozh Gomel (0-21) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 138-40 loss to second ranked Grodno-93 (18-3) in Gomel on Tuesday evening. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. Grodno-93 dominated down low during the game scoring 74 of its points in the paint compared to Sozh Gomel's 32 and made 31-of-40 free shots (77.5 percent) during the game, while Sozh Gomel only scored five points from the stripe. Grodno-93 forced 26 Sozh Gomel turnovers and outrebounded them 44-29 including a 31-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Sozh Gomel was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was forward Sergej Vasilevich (202-92) who scored 19 points and 7 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots). The former international forward Kanstantin Yafremov (202-86) chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Four Grodno-93 players scored in double figures. point guard Yahor Patupchyk (186-94) produced 11 points and 5 rebounds and forward Dmirtiy Fedorovskiy (196-93) added 9 points respectively for the hosts. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Grodno-93 have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 18-3 record having just two points less than leader Minsk-2006. Loser Sozh Gomel still closes the standings. Grodno-93 will face Rubon (#3) in Vitebsk in the next round, which may be the game of the day.
Top scorers:
Sozh Gomel: Y.Patupchyk 11+5reb+2ast, D.Fedorovskiy 9+2reb, S.Bondar 6+2reb, D.Kasenkau 5+1reb+1ast, A.Shestilovskiy 4+2reb+2ast, I.Drobyshevskiy 4+7reb
Grodno-93: S.Vasilevich 19+7reb, K.Yafremov 17+5reb+1ast, Y.Hlebovich 14+5reb+2ast, I.Konuyshenko 13+4reb, A.Navoichyk 12+5reb+1ast, V.Matyukevych 11+4reb

BGUIR-RTI - Minsk-2006 88-99

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Minsk: Minsk-2006 (#1) and BGUIR-RTI (#4). BGUIR-RTI was defeated at home 88-99 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. The game was mostly controlled by Minsk-2006. BGUIR-RTI managed to win third quarter 27-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 23-of-26 free shots (88.5 percent) during the game. Minsk-2006 forced 19 BGUIR-RTI turnovers. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Aliaksei Lashkevich (204-78) who scored 17 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). American forward Justin Knox (205-89, college: N.Carolina) chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds. Knox is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Minsk-2006's coach Andrei Krivonos used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Evgeniy Sugoniako (198-92) produced 23 points and 7 rebounds and forward Aliaksandr Hrumiantsau (205-91) added 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!) respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Minsk-2006 (20-1) have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position. BGUIR-RTI at the other side keeps the fourth place with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
BGUIR-RTI: E.Sugoniako 23+7reb+2ast, A.Hrumiantsau 18+6reb+4ast, A.Papruha 11+1reb+3ast, A.Kuzmitski 11+4reb, Y.Ignatiev 9+3reb, G.Zakhar 7+7reb+1ast
Minsk-2006: A.Lashkevich 17+7reb+2ast, J.Knox 15+7reb+2ast, A.Kudrautsau 15+3reb+1ast, B.Maze 13+5reb+5ast, A.Fomin 8+4reb, A.Trastsinetski 8+3reb

Minsk-2006 is defeated in Vilnius - by Eurobasket News
VTB League
Lietuvos rytas - Minsk-2006 112:86

Minsk-2006 is defeated in Vilnius at VTB League. Local Lietuvos rytas outscored Belarusian Minsk-2006 112:86. The game was mostly controlled by Lietuvos rytas. Minsk-2006 was better in third quarter 25-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Lietuvos rytas forced 19 Minsk-2006 turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists. 32 personal fouls committed by Minsk-2006 helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) nailed a double-double by scoring 14 points and 14 rebounds for the winning side and Renaldas Seibutis (195-G-85) accounted for 20 points and 4 assists. Bobby Maze (188-G-86, college: Tennessee) came up with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists and the other American import forward Justin Knox (205-F-89, college: N.Carolina) added 18 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Minsk-2006 in the defeat. Lietuvos rytas maintains third place with 10-6 record having four points less than leader CSKA. Minsk-2006 lost third consecutive game. Defending Belarusian champion keeps the ninth position with 15 games lost.

Lietuvos rytas: Renaldas Seibutis 20, Jonas Valanciunas 14+14rebs, Steponas Babrauskas (197-G/F-84) 13
Minsk-2006: Justin Knox 18, Aliaksandr Kudrautsau (190-G-80) 15, Bobby Maze 13, Aliaksei Trastsinetski (200-F-86) 12

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

BELGIUM

Standings - Division I

D1 Standings

1. Oostende		15-7
2. Antwerp		14-6
3. Spirou		14-6
4. Aalstar		12-8
5. Leuven		11-9
6. M.Hainaut		9-11
7. Liege		7-14
8. Gent		6-15
9. Verviers-Pep.		4-16

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Christopher COPELAND
  Aalstar
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 19.9

1. Copeland, Aalstar	19.9
2. Bostic, Liege	16.5
3. Mallet, Spirou	16.3
4. Lojeski, Oostende	15.8
5. Rich, Oostende	15.7
6. Taylor, M.Hainaut	14.7
7. Green, Spirou	14.6
8. Black, Antwerp	14.5
9. Haynes, Gent	14.2
10. Freeman, Leuven	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Graham BROWN
  Gent
  (205-C-84)
  Avg: 8.3

1. Brown, Gent	8.3
2. Love, Verviers-Pep.	7.4
3. McLean, Leuven	7.4
4. Mejri, Antwerp	7.3
5. Merriex, Verviers.	6.9
6. Young, Aalstar	6.9
7. Booker, Oostende	6.1
8. Green, Spirou	5.8
9. Chaney, Gent	5.6
10. Matela, Liege	5.6

Assists Per Game

Dominic WATERS
  Liege
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 3.9

1. Waters, Liege	3.9
2. Djordjevic, Ooste.	3.8
3. Wisniewski, Spirou	3.7
4. Marnegrave, Leuven	3.5
5. Bosco, Gent	3.4
6. Black, Antwerp	3.1
7. Singletary, M.Hain.	3.0
8. Bostic, Liege	3.0
9. Slaughter, M.Hai.	2.9
10. Rich, Oostende	2.9

Steals Per Game

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

1. Singletary, M.Hain.	2.5
2. Dagunduro, Leuven	2.4
3. Black, Antwerp	2.3
4. Mukubu, Verviers.	2.2
5. Wilson, Antwerp	2.1
6. Mallet, Spirou	1.9
7. Slaughter, M.Hai.	1.8
8. Ruoff, Aalstar	1.8
9. Bostic, Liege	1.7
10. Steinbach, Aalstar	1.7

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Mejri, Antwerp	2.5
2. Riddick, Spirou	1.8
3. Jennings, Liege	1.8
4. Young, Aalstar	1.1
5. Love, Verviers-Pep.	0.8
6. Booker, Oostende	0.8
7. Copeland, Aalstar	0.6
8. Holiday, Aalstar	0.6
9. Vaughn, Antwerp	0.6
10. Nivins, M.Hainaut	0.6

Charleroi News - by Peter Buyse
Just like last year Sacha Massot (205-F/C-83) is joining the Charleroi roster for the rest of the season. Due to various injuries, the last being a broken hand, he only played 10 games this season for Antibes and averaged 11.3 ppg and 6.4 rpg. He played his last game for Antibes on Jan 20th and has been recovering in Belgium.
Charleroi is still waiting for the return of Tornike Shengalia and adding Massot a former Spirou should bolster the roster.

Another Antibes and also former Charleroi player Trevor Huffman (185-PG-79, Kent St.) could also join Spirou as soon as Antibes is safe from relegation. His may come back to replace the player who replaced him, Andrew Wisniewski who suffered a season ending injury and has been out of action since early March.

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

BOSNIA

Siroki routs Zagreb on the road for a historical 5th place - by Nedzad Kladusak
Today KK Siroki ended its ABA season with a humiliating 72-48 win in Zagreb. With this win Siroki equalised the record of KK Sloboda Dita. For the reigning Bosnian champion Darko Planinic (211-C-90) added 12 points in only 12 minutes against the fomer NBA player Mario Kasun. Ivan Ramljak (203-F-90, agency: PEPI SPORT) scored nine and pulled down 3 rebounds. For the hosts BIH NT candidate Ante Masic (200-F-85, agency: Interperformances) was in a excellent shape and was with his 9 points and seven rebounds one of the best players. Young Miralem Halilovic (205-F-91) did a great job as well scoring 8 points and grabbing 5 rebounds.
Despite KK Bosna won the Europe Champions Cup (Euroleague) and reached the second stage of ULEB Cup Siroki dominates the BIH basketball scene through its superb organisation, professional work with young players and a capable managment. KK Siroki has got a budget of only 400 000 but it is regularly producing young talents like Stanko Barac, Vedran Princ or Darko Planinic, Boris Barac or Ivan Ramljak thus funding its team.

Kuzmic and Todorovic led Rincon to a lead over Mellila - by Nedzad Kladusak
Aleksandar Petrovic and Harun Mahmutovic will be satisfied with Ognjen Kuzmic and Dejan Todorovic. Tonight Kuzmic and Todorovic led their team to a win against the much higher ranked Mellila. Kuzmic had 8 points, 5 rebs and 2 blocks while Todorovic added 12 points and 1 rebound.
Since today they want to meet Bosnian players in Spain and discuss with them their participation in the EC qualifiers.
Next to Mirza Teletovic who has been become the new captain of the BIH NT Aleksandar Petrovic is interested particularly in Ognjen Kuzmic and Dejan Todorovic who
will get a shot with the senior NT despite being very young. Ognjen Kuzmic has developed in one of the most talented big man in Europe and even NBA scouts are setting their sights on the Doboj native 214cm Bosnian. Petrovic announced several times that Kuzmic might be a solution over the next years. However even Serbia that has a wide range of centers shows some interest to add him to his center pool.
Dejan Todorovic has also excellent chances to get notable playtime even on senior level in near future since he play the SF position. He has above average athletic skills and is continously on his ballhandling and his shot. If he keeps up that development he can bring a new quality on the SF position
Petrovic will also meet Nedim Djedovic, Sandro Gacic, Dino Muminovic and Adnan Omeragic. They are eligible to play for the U16 NT which would make BIH not only a top favourite in the B but also in the elite A division.

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

BRAZIL

NBB Standings

1. Pinheiros/Sky		20-5
2. S.Jose/Unimed		19-5
3. Uniceub/BRB		18-6
4. Flamengo		17-6
5. Unitri/Universo		16-9
6. Paulistano		15-9
7. Itabom/Bauru		15-10
8. Cia do Terno		11-12
9. Winner/Limeira		11-13
10. Vivo/Franca		11-13
11. Liga Sorocaba		9-15
12. Minas		9-16
13. Tijuca TC		8-16
14. Araraquara		2-22
15. Vila Velha		1-25

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

CANADA

Semifinals: Kebs force deciding game - by Eurobasket News
The Halifax Rainmen and Quebec Kebs are headed to a third and deciding game in their National Basketball League of Canada playoff series.

In a Thursday night thriller at the Metro Centre that featured seven lead changes in the final two and a half minutes, the Kebs shaded the Rainmen 112-109 behind the two-man wrecking crew of Royce Parran (5'9''-G-85, college: Chicago St.) and Ralphy Holmes (6'4''-G-79, college: CS Fullerton) to even the best-of-three semifinal at one win apiece.

Game 3 is tonight at 7 p.m. in Halifax. The winner will open the best-of-five NBL final on the road Sunday in London against the regular-season champion Lightning.

Parran poured in 39 points, including 14 of Quebec's final 16, and Holmes added 31 to power the Kebs offence.

'Hes a clutch player,' Rainmen forward Lawrence Wright (6'5''-F-84, college: Bradley) said of Parran after the five-foot-10, 160-pound guard stunned the Metro Centre crowd of 2,842 time and time again down the stretch.

'We tried to throw some different matchups at him but he was just on fire and when a guys on fire like that, hes just really hard to stop.'

Tyrone Levett (6'5''-F-80, college: Alabama St.) scored 24 points and hauled down 10 rebounds to pace the Rainmen, who lost for just the third time in 19 home games this season.

Darnell Hugee (6'7''-F-85, college: Prairie View A&M) also posted a double-double, with 23 points and 10 boards. Taliek Brown (6'1''-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Connecticut) added 17 points, Wright had 14 and Eric Crookshank snagged a game-high 15 rebounds.

Halifax, though, struggled from the three-point line and the charity stripe while the Kebs shone in both areas. The visitors dropped 13 of 22 tries from beyond the arc and went 33-for-37 in free throws, while the Rainmen were just 7-for-24 from long range and missed 18 of 44 foul shots.

'They just wanted it more from the beginning,' said Rainmen forward Bryan McCullough. 'We tried to turn it on in the fourth quarter but to win these kinds of games in the playoffs we gotta play all 48 minutes, all 11 players.'

Quebec came out blazing, nailing six of its first seven tries from three-point territory to assume a nine-point edge after seven minutes. The Kebs were up 29-23 after one quarter and scored the last six points of the second to carry a 57-51 advantage into halftime.

In the third, Halifax fought almost all the way back from eight-point deficits three times but a critical turnover on its last possession gave Parran another touch and he sank a triple at the buzzer to extend Quebecs lead to 86-78.

He was just warming up.

Levetts trey with under five minutes to go put the Rainmen up 95-94 and the Metro Centre faithful responded with a deafening roar.

Two minutes later, though, Parran took over. His three-pointer with 2 minutes remaining gave the Kebs a 99-98 edge and he had an answer for each Halifax basket that followed.

After four more lead changes, Levett nailed a triple with under a half-minute to go for a 109-108 Halifax lead but Parran replied with an acrobatic jumper off one foot with 11 seconds left.

Coming out of a timeout, the Rainmen had an opportunity to forge ahead once more. But they turned it over on the in-bounds pass, forcing Wright to foul Parran to stop the clock.

Parran converted both free throws to put Quebec up by three and Levett missed a three-point try at the buzzer for the tie.

Wright agreed with McCullough that the game was lost long before Parrans late-game heroics.

'Our defence wasnt there tonight,' he said. 'We didnt really step it up till the fourth quarter and it was already too late by then.'

Halifax beat the Kebs 96-87 in Quebec City on Sunday, handing the Kebs their sixth loss in seven head-to-head meetings this season. But the Kebs, whose eight road wins during the regular season were second-best in the NBL, shrugged off that setback in a tough and sometimes dirty contest that officials Dave McGrattan, J.P. Richard and Brent Stocker struggled to control.

'They deserved to win,' McCullough said. 'They played harder than us. But tomorrow it wont happen the same way.'

Courtesy of http://thechronicleherald.ca

Raptors trade Barbosa to the Pacers, waive Carter - by Eurobasket News
The Toronto Raptors suddenly have more money in their pocket to go shopping with this summer.

The Raptors traded guard Leandrinho Barbosa (190-PG-82) to the Indiana Pacers for a second-round draft pick and cash Thursday in a move made with the future in mind.

Team president and GM Bryan Colangelo said dealing Barbosa, whose expiring contract will pay him US$7.6 million this season, was about creating financial flexibility for this summer's free-agency period.

The Raptors also waived guard Anthony Carter (187-PG-75, college: Hawaii).

'This is really a positive situation not only for Leandro but positive for us because of the flexibility that it opens up,' Colangelo said.

'Right now we're all about making this team better, taking steps forward and although we're losing some talent on the floor, we think this creates more flexibility, more options for us as we continue to build this roster.'

The Raptors have about $10.5 million to go to market when free agency opens July 1, Colangelo said. The move also allows Colangelo and his staff to get a better look at young guards Jerryd Bayless and Gary Forbes.

The 29-year-old Barbosa has averaged 12.6 points per game in his nine-year career. He averaged 12.2 points per game this season as a reserve for the Raptors.

Colangelo said the Brazilian guard's preference was to remain with the Raptors.

'I view this as a great opportunity for Leandro to go to a playoff team, a young upstart team that really does need some scoring punch off the bench right now,' Colangelo said about the popular player.

Raptors swingman DeMar DeRozan wrote on Twitter: 'One of the best teammates I ever had. Great dude ima miss (at)leandrinhooo20 learn a lot from him! Best of luck.'

Raptors coach Dwane Casey said the move in no way meant the team was packing it in on a disappointing campaign. Toronto was 14-29 heading into Friday's game at Memphis.

'I don't want to send the wrong message to our players. In no way, shape or form are we saying 'Hey, we're giving up on the season,'' Casey told reporters in Memphis. 'We're still going to fight, compete, play hard, the coaching staff is going to coach hard until that last game is played.

'That's the message that we want to send to our players and the rest of the league.'

Colangelo said there's reason for optimism heading into this NBA off-season. Jonas Valanciunas, the Raptors' first pick --fifth overall -- in last year's draft, will make his North American debut next season. Toronto opted to leave the Lithuanian centre in Europe for another year of seasoning.

And currently tied for fourth-last in the league, the Raptors will have a high pick come the June 28 NBA draft.

'I feel great going into this draft. As we like to say upstairs, we've already got the second-best player in the draft (in Valanciunas),' Colangelo said. 'If you look at Jonas we think he would be No. 2 on the board right now.

'The addition of Valanciunas, the addition of a new player that we might select, the flexibility that could net another player, we feel very good about where we stand.'

Colangelo said several teams inquired about starting point guard Jose Calderon.

'He's an important piece to us right now, he's our No. 1 point guard, he's our starting point guard, and until we're in a position to replace that, that obviously is going to stay the case,' Colangelo said. 'We like what he's doing with this group, he's really playing at a high level under coach (Dwane) Casey.'

Barbosa, meanwhile, has long been one of the NBA's most explosive reserves. He was the league's 2006-07 Sixth Man of the Year, averaging 18.1 points per game for the Phoenix Suns despite starting just 18 times. He is a career 39 per cent three-point shooter who has made more than 800 triples in his career.

The nine-year NBA veteran was acquired by Toronto, along with centre Dwayne Jones, on July 14, 2010 for forward Hedo Turkoglu.

Carter, in his 13th NBA campaign, signed with Toronto as a free agent Dec. 12. He appeared in 24 games, averaging 2.0 points, 1.4 assists and 8.4 minutes.

Courtesy of www.tsn.ca

Lievin Basket 62 adds Douse to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
Lievin Basket 62 (NM1) added to their roster 26-year old Canadian-British forward Kris Douse (198-F-86, college: Point Park). In his first game he scored 10 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Brest 48-74. Douse played most recently at Keflavik (Iceland). While playing 6 games for Keflavik this season he averaged 9.5ppg, 4.2rpg and 1.7spg. Douse helped them to win the cup. He played also pro basketball in Iceland and United Kingdom. Douse just graduated Point Park University and it will be his first season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

CHILE

Dimayor: 1 on 1 with Jeremiah Wilson - by Daniel Valencia
We had a 1 on 1 with Union Espanola Santiago's forward/center Jeremiah Wilson (203-F-88, college: Tarleton St.). He have been one of the keys for Union Espanola Santiago, the most surprising team of the tournament.

LAT: What was your first reaction when you heard about the chance to play in Chile ? Did you know anything about the country or the league ?

J.W: When I first heard of the opportunity to come and play in Chile I was very anxious and excited, One of my old teammates from College played in this league 3 years ago and informed me on the style of play, but other than that I had not heard much about the Dimayor league in Chile but I was motivated for the challenge.

LAT: Union Espanola Santiago was an undervalued team at the beggining of the season, because it was a new team without experience in pro-basketball. What was the key to success in your opinion ?

J.W: Our teams success comes from the dedication that the players and coaches put in everyday in Practice and in Games, We also have a lot of young players including myself that are willing to Listen and Learn from the coaches, Also the leadership of our captain Willians Bustos (188-G-83), and the Coaching staff.

LAT: How about the relationship with your teammates, specially with Decorey Young (your fellow american), in terms of adjusting to a new place, a new language and a new culture.

J.W: The relationship with my team is great, our team has a great bond on and off the basketball court which helps a lot when it comes to trust on the court. Our teammates really helped DeCorey and I adjust to the country, language, etc, because they understand our struggle so I am thankful for them. Decorey Young (201-F-85, college: Cumberland) and I played in Argentina last year against each other we are familiar with each others games, it is good to have another American on your team that is dedicated to be successful.

LAT: After your first season playing abroad, (Argentina and Chile) what do you expect for the upcoming season. An opportunity in Europe or gain more confidence with a new chance in SouthAmerica ?

J.W: After last year in Argentina and this year in Chile where I have been able to show my basketball skill by being 1st in rebounding and 3rd in Scoring not to mention top 5 in multiple other categories in the Dimayor I hope that this opens unlimited doors for my basketball Career. I would Love to play in Europe, or back in the USA, but I am willing and ready to play for whatever Club that chooses me.

LAT: Now that you have experience playing overseas, what aspects of your game do you need to improve ?

J.W: The experience in Argentina and Chile really showed me that I need to improve my upper body strength, because I am more of a finesse player, also to work on my guard skills so I can give teams more minutes at the small forward position. These will be my main objectives for the off-season.

LAT: Finally, as a young player with long career ahead. What are your main goals as a proffesional basketball player ?

J.W: My main goal is towork hard to reach my full potential as a professional basketball player, win multiple championships, and be mentioned as the one of the top players, mainly to be very successful and take advantage of every opportunity that is given to me.

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

CHINA

China Names 21-man Olympic Training Squad - by Arthur Volbert
The CBA has announced a 21-man roster to enter closed door training to prepare for the 2012 London Olympics

To report on March 20th:

Wang ZhiZhi (214-C-77), Zhang Bo (Bayi Rockets), Han Dejun, Li Xiaoxu, Yang Ming (Liaoning Jiebao), Max Zhang Zhaoxu (Shanghai MAXXIS Sharks), Ding Jinhui (Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank), Yi Li (Jiangsu Nangang), Wang Zhelin (Fujian, China U18).

To report on April 8:

Liu Wei (Shanghai MAXXIS Sharks), Xirelijiang (Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers)

o report 15 days after the end of the CBA playoffs;

Yi Jianlian (Dallas Mavericks), Zhou Peng, Wang shipeng, Zhu Fangyu, Chen Jianghua, Su Wei (Guangdong Dongguan Bank Hongyuan Tigers), Sun Yue (Beijing Aoshen Olympians), Zhai Xiaochuan, Zhu Yanxi (Beijing Jinyu Capital Steel Ducks), Duan Jiangpeng (Shanxi Fenjiu Zhongyu).

A 20-man roster was announced for a development team. These players are to report on March 25 for closed door training.

This squad (to be reduced down to 12 men) is to represent China to play in the FIBA Stankovic Continental Cup to be held in Japan September 2012 and to compete in the 2013 East Asian Games in Tianjin. Fan Bin is the coach of this team.

Roster:
Li Muhao, He Zhongmian (Dongguan New Century Leopards), He Tianju, Guo Ailun (Liaoning Jiebao), Wang Zirui (Zhejiang Guangsha Lions), Dong Hanlin (Guangdong Dongguan Bank Hongyuan Tigers), Xu Zhonghao, Cao Yan, Tian Yuxiang (Fubong Bayi Rockets), Ge Zhaobao, Yan Pengfei, Xing Zhiqiang (Shanxi Fenjiu Zhongyu), Yu Zhangdong (Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers), Ding Yan Yuhang, Sui Ran (Shandong Kingston), Zhang Zhihan (Tianjin Ronggang), Li Gen (Qingdao Double Stars), Zhao Tailong (Fujian SBS Xunxin), Cao Fei (Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank), Yu Shulong (Jilin Longrun Tea Northeast Tigers).

The only real question mark is why Li Gen of Qingdai was placed on the development team while Duan Jiangpeng made the main team. Li was the best perimeter scorer in China this season. Duan had an awful season and is not even starting for Shanxi in the playoffs. He should have been relegated to the development squad as was the equally disappointing Yu Shulong.

For more information:
http://www.yaomingmania.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15559

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

CROATIA

Wright in Cibona! - by Dani Erceg
KK Cibona signed US guard Zack Wright (188-G-85, college: Central Mo.) ( Rize Management-Scott Nichols). Wright played this season for Greek team A.G.O Rethymno, had 21 appearance in Greek A1 League, averaging 13.1ppg, 5.3rpg, 4.0apg, 2.4spg. As a student he played for UALR and Cent.Missouri St. and proffesionally he played for Spot Up Medien Baskets Braunschweig, ES Chalon-Sur-Saone , Le Mans Sarthe Basket and Limoges CSP Elite. In 2009. he played in French ProA All Star game.

Andrej Stimac claims Croatian A1 weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Experienced Andrej Stimac (204-F/C-79) had an amazing evening in the last round for Svjetlost and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 22.
The 32-year old power forward had the game-high 23 points adding six rebounds and two assists for Svjetlost in his team's victory, helping them to edge out Darda (#7, 8-12) 73-70. In the team's last game Stimac had a remarkable 72.7% from 2-point range. He just recently signed at Svjetlost, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Stimac has impressive league stats. He leads league in rebounds with 7.7rpg. Stimac is in league's top in and averages solid 60.9% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 23-year old forward Dino Cinac (198-F-88) of Kvarner 2010. Cinac impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Bad luck as Kvarner 2010 lost that game 78-83 to the higher-ranked Jolly (#2, 15-5). Cinac is a newcomer at Kvarner 2010 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 Domagoj Bubalo (214-C-91) of Zabok (#4). Bubalo scored 14 points and grabbed fourteen rebounds (!!!). Despite Bubalo's great performance Zabok lost 64-74 to slightly lower-ranked Alkar Sinj (#6, 9-11). Bubalo has a great season in Croatia. After 20 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 0.6apg (8th best). He also has 1.1bpg and FGP: 62.5%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Roko Rogic (185-G-92) of Alkar Sinj - 10 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Tadej Kostomaj (186-G-87) of Svjetlost - 16 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Ive Ivanov (201-C-85) of Zadar - 12 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Luka Drezga (196-G-87) of Borik - 18 points and 6 rebounds
8. Marino Sarlija (207-F/C-89) of Borik - 19 points and 4 rebounds
9. Mato Peraica (203-C-81) of Darda - 19 points and 6 rebounds
10. Veljko Budimir (199-G/F-85) of Darda - 23 points and 7 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)

Svjetlost land Pankracije Barac - by Eurobasket News
Pankracije Barac (196-G-81, agency: Court Side) will continue his career in Croatia. The guard signed a deal with Svjetlost Slavonski Brod. Pankracije Barac started the season in Ukraine. The guard played for BC Kyiv. Pankracije Barac averaged 8.0 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in Superleague. Last season Pankracije Barac played for KK Cibona. His stats read 3.8 points and 1.5 rebounds per game in Adriatic League. In Croatian League the guard delivered 6.5 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists per appearance. Eurobasket.com named Pankracije Barac All-Croatian A1 League Newcomer of the Year in 2005. He was also Croatian League All-Star Game MVP and Slam Dunk Contest Winner in 2008 and 2007 respectively.

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

Standings - D2

1Liga Standings

1. J.Hradec		25-1
2. Sparta Praha		21-5
3. Opava B		18-7
4. Sokol H.Kralove		15-10
5. Proton Zlin		15-10
6. Sokol Prazsky		14-12
7. Trutnov		13-12
8. Liberec		12-14
9. Vysehrad		12-14
10. Benesov		11-14
11. Litomerice		9-16
12. Prostejov B		9-17
13. Kladno		2-23
14. Mlada Boleslav		2-23

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

DENMARK

Rabbits and Bears advance to Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Third games of the Ligaen Quarterfinals were played last night. Svendborg Rabbits and Bakken Bears outplayed their rivals once again winning the series with perfect 3-0. Of course, they advanced to the Semifinals. Horsens grabbed 2-1 lead against SISU, while Horsholm survived against Naestved as a guest coming to 1-2. They will meet again on Monday (1-2).

Svendborg - Vaerlose 100-72 (3-0)
The game without a history. Svendborg led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They shot the lights out from three nailing 13 long-distance shots on high 52.0 percentage. Svendborg players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Vaerlose's players. It was a good game for the former international guard Adama Darboe (190-G-86) who led his team to a victory with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. The former international guard Chanan Colman (191-84, college: Chipola) contributed with 21 points and 5 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. Four Svendborg players scored in double figures. American power forward Christopher Sprinker (205, college: Cent.Washington) answered with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 15 rebounds and the other American import guard Reginald Delk (193-86, college: Louisville) added 20 points in the effort for Vaerlose. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Svendborg: A.Darboe 23+7reb+5ast, C.Colman 21+3reb+5ast, M.Kingsley 16+10reb+2ast, D.Vinson 12+8reb+2ast, M.Mariegaard 6+4ast, C.Magaard 6+2reb+2ast
Vaerlose: C.Sprinker 22+15reb+3ast, R.Delk 20+4reb+1ast, M.Rasmussen 9+1reb, P.Simonsen 6, S.Jensen 5+4reb+3ast, A.Karason 4+8reb+4ast

Horsens IC - SISU 96-84 (2-1)
The game was mostly controlled by Horsens IC. SISU managed to win fourth quarter 27-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded SISU 41-25 including a 29-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was the former international power forward Hans Schur (203-83, college: Lynn) who had a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). American power forward Mike St.John (203-84, college: La Salle) chipped in a double-double by scoring 13 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists. St.John is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. At the other side the best for losing team was American swingman Mickey Dennis (190-78, college: JMU) who recorded 18 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import forward Donald Rutherford (198-87, college: Catawba) added 21 points respectively. Five Horsens IC and four SISU players scored in double figures. SISU's coach Almir Zeco rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Horsens IC: H.Schur 25+12reb+1ast, D.Sattler 20+2reb+6ast, W.Harris 19+8reb+3ast, J.Larsen 15+1reb+2ast, M.St.John 13+15reb+5ast, M.Sakne 2+1reb+2ast
SISU: D.Rutherford 21+4reb, D.Harder 19+3reb+2ast, M.Dennis 18+8reb+3ast, M.Flowers 14+3reb+1ast, M.Nielsen 9+3reb+10ast, M.Glahn 2+2reb

Naestved - Horsholm 65-77 (2-1)
The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Strangely Naestved outrebounded Horsholm 39-24 including a 20-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. Americans were the main players on the court. It was a great evening for forward Bonell Colas (205-82, college: Florida) who led his team to a victory scoring 23 points and 7 rebounds. Power forward Joe Benjamin (201-83, college: W.Virginia St.) helped adding 9 points and 9 rebounds. The best for the losing side was point guard Corin Henry (180-88, college: Tarleton St.) with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals and forward Jordan Glynn (200-89, college: SF Austin, agency: I.D.S. Law) scored 23 points and 8 rebounds (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field).
Top scorers:
Horsholm: B.Colas 23+7reb+1ast, P.Hertz 13+3reb+2ast, A.Bak 11+1reb+2ast, J.Benjamin 9+9reb+1ast, J.Bro 9+2reb+2ast, V.Aleksic 6+1ast
Naestved: J.Glynn 23+8reb, C.Henry 16+10reb+6ast, P.Johansen 8+7reb+3ast, N.Brasas 7+5reb+3ast, L.Hoirup 6+1reb+1ast, M.Hoirup 4+4reb

Bakken - Aalborg 95-78 (3-0)
The game was mostly controlled by Bakken. Aalborg was better in second period 22-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Aalborg 41-27 including a 27-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Bakken players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. It was a quality performance for American guard Joshua Alexander (193-87, college: SF Austin) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 12 rebounds. The former international power forward Nicolai Iversen (205-80, college: San Jose City JC) accounted for 15 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side. Bakken's coach Philip Dejworek used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Tony Bishop (201-89, college: Texas St.) came up with 16 points and 9 rebounds and the other American import point guard Ryan White (177-88, college: Texas St.) added 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for Aalborg in the defeat. Four Bakken and five Aalborg players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Bakken: J.Alexander 33+12reb+2ast, C.Christoffersen 17+7reb+1ast, N.Iversen 15+7reb+3ast, A.Jakobsen 10+2reb+11ast, F.Nielsen 7+2reb+2ast, M.Dejworek 6+6reb
Aalborg: M.Christensen 17+3reb+1ast, R.White 16+6reb+4ast, T.Bishop 16+9reb+2ast, M.Rasmussen 12+3reb+1ast, S.Eleraky 11+5reb+1ast, S.Sorensen 6+1reb+1ast

Standings - 1st Division

1st Division Standings

1. Randers		18-3
2. Amager BK		16-4
3. Lemvig		15-6
4. Koge BK		13-8
5. Aarhus BF		12-9
6. Stevnsgade		11-9
7. Virum		10-10
8. Glostrup		9-11
9. Haderslev		7-13
10. Jonstrup		5-15
11. ALBA		5-15
12. Solrod		1-19

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

D-LEAGUE

Vernon Macklin is a newcomer at Fort Wayne Mad Ants - by Eurobasket Center
Fort Wayne Mad Ants added to their roster 26-year old power forward Vernon Macklin (208-F/C-109kg-86, college: Florida). In his first game he scored 18 points, grabbed 18 rebounds and 3 assists. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Erie Bay H. 83-95. Macklin played most recently at Detroit Pistons (NBA). While playing 18 games for Detroit P. this season he averaged 1.2ppg. Macklin just graduated University of Florida and it will be his first season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Standings

D-League Standings

East Conference
1. Canton C.		23-18
2. Springfield A.		22-17
3. Iowa E.		22-17
4. Erie Bay H.		21-18
5. Dakota W.		21-19
6. Maine RC		17-25
7. Sioux Falls S.		12-29
8. Ft.Wayne MA		11-30
West Conference
1. Los Angeles D.		30-11
2. Austin T.		25-16
3. Bakersfield J.		23-17
4. Texas L.		22-19
5. Rio Grande VV		22-20
6. Tulsa 66ers		20-22
7. Reno B.		18-22
8. Idaho S.		17-26

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Blake AHEARN
  Reno B.
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 24.2

1. Ahearn, Reno B.	24.2
2. Emmett, Reno B.	23.6
3. Almond, Maine RC	23.4
4. Dentmon, Austin T.	23.2
5. Harris, Canton C.	21.4
6. Costner, Los A.	20.9
7. Ubiles, Dakota W.	20.4
8. Mitchell, Sioux F.	19.6
9. Howard, Ft.Wayne.	19.5
10. Smith, Springfiel.	19.1

Rebounds Per Game

Marcus LEWIS
  Tulsa 66ers
  (203-F/C-86)
  Avg: 12.9

1. Lewis, Tulsa 66ers	12.9
2. Dawson, Austin T.	10.4
3. Criswell-L., Austi.	8.9
4. Thomas, Los A.	8.8
5. Foote, Springfield	8.6
6. Williams, Texas L.	8.5
7. Milligan, Canton C.	8.5
8. Horner, Springfi.	8.4
9. Andrews, Los A.	8.1
10. Gilder, Sioux F.	8.0

Assists Per Game

Walker RUSSELL
  Ft.Wayne.
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 9.9

1. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	9.9
2. Conroy, Rio G.	9.7
3. Daniels, Texas L.	8.5
4. Wise, Bakersfield	6.4
5. Curry, Springfield	6.2
6. Bailey, Idaho S.	6.0
7. Baker, Dakota W.	6.0
8. Stinson, Iowa E.	6.0
9. Fortson, Los A.	5.9
10. Bozeman, Reno B.	5.5

Steals Per Game

Dominique COLEMAN
  Sioux F.
  (190-G-84)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Coleman, Sioux F.	2.2
2. Fortson, Los A.	2.1
3. Hannah, Dakota W.	2.0
4. Curry, Springfield	2.0
5. Smith, Springfield	1.9
6. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	1.9
7. Stinson, Iowa E.	1.8
8. Bobbitt, Idaho S.	1.8
9. Millsap, Los A.	1.8
10. Owens, Tulsa 66e.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Will FOSTER
  Idaho S.
  (226-C-88)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Foster, Idaho S.	2.9
2. Saunders, Rio G.	2.5
3. Williams, Texas L.	2.5
4. Thomas, Los A.	2.3
5. Daniels, Erie B.	2.1
6. Ojougboh, Tulsa	1.7
7. Dawson, Austin T.	1.7
8. Hill, Maine RC	1.7
9. Dove, Dakota W.	1.5
10. Blakely, Iowa E.	1.5

Springfield Armor lands Hamilton - by Eurobasket Center
Springfield Armor strengthened their roster with addition of 37-year old center Zendon Hamilton (209-C-115kg-75, college: St.John's). In his first game he scored 13 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Tulsa 66ers 97-106. Hamilton played most recently at Politekhnika-Halychyna (Ukraine). He is a very experienced player. Hamilton played also pro basketball in Greece, Poland, Russia, Spain, Syria and Ukraine. He graduated St.John's University in 1998 and actually missed last season. It will be his 14th season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Latest games - by Eurobasket Center
Ft.Wayne MA - Erie Bay H. 83-95
The Erie BayHawks rebounded from their worst loss of the season to upend the Fort Wayne Mad Ants 95-83 Thursday night at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Rookie D.J. Kennedy and forward Kyle Goldcamp responded after getting hurt in Tuesday's 125-86 loss at Sioux Falls to lead Erie (21-18) to victory Thursday. Wearing a wrap on his non-shooting right hand after injuring his thumb, Kennedy finished with a game-high 27 points and eight rebounds. Goldcamp, who injured his right knee Tuesday, had 18 points and 12 rebounds Thursday. He played with a wrap on his right knee. The BayHawks had five players score in double figures. Rookie forward Mychel Thompson (6'7''-F-88, college: Pepperdine) had 19 points, Marvin Phillips (6'7''-F-83, college: Claflin) had 14 points off the bench while Tyrone Brazelton added 10. Rookie center Vernon Macklin (6'10''-F/C-86, college: Florida) led the Mad Ants (11-30) with 18 points, 18 rebounds and four blocks. The Detroit Pistons sent Macklin down. The Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers and Pistons are affiliated with Fort Wayne. Anthony Goods led Fort Wayne with 22 points. Before Thursday's game, the Cleveland Cavaliers brought in Erie point guard Donald Sloan for the rest of this season. In eight games with Erie, Sloan, 24, averaged 22.8 points, 7.4 assists and 5.1 rebounds. Out of Texas A&M, the 6-foot 3-inch, 205-pound Sloan had previous NBA stints this season with the Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Hornets. The BayHawks waived Keith McLeod and Sharrod Ford and added Dominic Calegari and Billy White from the D-League player pool before Thursday's game. The BayHawks were first on the D-League waiver wire. A 6-foot 10-inch, 240-pound forward, Calegari, 24, averaged 6.2 points and 3.9 rebounds in 33 games for Maine before the Red Claws waived him March 6. Calegari did not score in 3 minutes, 1 second of play in his Erie debut Thursday. He attempted one shot. White, 23, a 6-foot 8-inch, 235-pound forward, averaged two points in three games with defending D-League champion Iowa Energy. White expected to make his Erie debut in Saturday's 8 p.m. game at expansion Canton. Erie still retains the rights of McLeod, 32, a former NBA veteran point guard, and Ford, 30, a veteran center, because it waived the two players because of injury. McLeod had missed six games since pulling his left hamstring in a win at Fort Wayne last month. The BayHawks acquired him from Canton in three-team trade in January. The 2012 D-League All-Star selection averaged 14.9 points and 6.2 two assists in nine games with the BayHawks. Ford had missed two games before trying to return in Tuesday's loss at Sioux Falls. He reinjured his calf. The BayHawks acquired Ford out of the D-League player pool in February. Erie tried to trade him to Canton for forward Frank Hassell, but Hassell didn't pass Erie's team physical and the trade was voided. *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Idaho S. - Texas L. 92-94
The night after ending Texas' 8-game winning streak, the Legends returned the favor to Idaho, handing them a 94-92 loss at CenturyLink Arena on Thursday. Idaho (17-26) - who trailed by as many as 13 points in the contest - managed to tie the game with under a minute to go. However, an Antonio Daniels lay-up with 13.8 seconds remaining gave the Legends the lead for good. Former Boise State standout Reginald Larry (6'7''-F-86, college: Boise St.) recorded his second straight double-double, with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Tony Bobbitt (6'4''-G-79, agency: VVG Sports, college: Cincinnati) added 16 points, while Antoine Walker (13), Seth Tarver (10) and Mikki Moore (10) all scored in double-figures. The Stampede play on Saturday in Los Angeles at 7:30 p.m. before returning home for two games against Fort Wayne on March 23 and 24. *Courtesy of www.ktvb.com

Dakota W. - Sioux Falls S. 88-97
The Dakota Wizards' 97-88 loss to the Sioux Falls Skyforce on Wednesday was bad. The only question was how bad. How about in the fourth quarter, with the game still in reach, going scoreless for nearly seven minutes - 0-for-10 from the floor, 0-for-4 from the line, two turnovers. 'We played really bad,' Wizards coach Nate Bjorkgren said. 'Coming out flat, not being ready to play - I've got no real specific reason. I just thought we played bad tonight. 'Shots weren't falling,' he added. 'We were scrambling a little bit, trying to find what worked and what didn't. We couldn't find anything that worked.' And this against a Skyforce team coming into the game with an 11-29 record, tied for worst in the D-League. This against a Skyforce team that had won just three times in 19 tries on the road. This against a Skyforce team that the Wizards had defeated 10 times in their last 11 matchups. 'Just because they're the last-place team doesn't mean they're going to come out and let us make shots,' Wizards point guard Maurice Baker said. 'They're pros, and they have pride, too.' And that has showed of late. The Skyforce has now won three of four, including a 125-86 thrashing of Erie on Tuesday. That fact made Bjorkgren soften his assessment a bit. 'They're a good team. They won by 40 last night over Erie,' he said. 'You're going to play well at certain times of the year. They're playing really well right now. We're not. We're struggling right now, and that combination showed tonight.' Powered by Keith Benson (6'11''-C-88, college: Oakland), who scored a game-high 24 points, and Marqus Blakely, who poured in 21, the Skyforce led pretty much the entire night. With Benson and Blakely grabbing a dozen rebounds each, Sioux Falls won the battle of the boards, early on by a wide margin. The Skyforce led 27-19 after one quarter, 50-47 at intermission, and never trailed in the second half. 'We just didn't come out ready,' Baker said. 'We weren't focused. Coach got us ready all week in practice, and we came out and played like this.' Sioux Falls began pulling away (69-58) with a 12-4 run in the middle stages of the third quarter. The Skyforce was getting plenty of easy buckets - dunks from Anthony Mason and Benson, putbacks by Mason and Blakely, plus a transition bucket from Blakely. Still the Wizards were hanging around early in the fourth quarter when they completely imploded. Sioux Falls only scored seven points during that span of 6:46, but that was more than enough to put the game out of reach. Hannah had 17 points for the Wizards, and Marcus Dove 16. Mike Anderson had 10 points, six rebounds and five blocks in just 23 minutes. 'I thought we were fighting. We just didn't play very good,' Bjorkgren said. 'Our passes were loose. We turned it over too much. We were just not in sync. 'I don't think it was due to a lack of effort. I've never thought that all year with this team.' Nonetheless, the Wizards have lost five of their last six games. In the process they've fallen out of the top eight - and playoff position - in what is shaping up as a very tight race. 'I'm not worried,' Bjorkgren said. 'It's not the end of the world. It's not as bad it seems.' *Courtesy of www.bismarcktribune.com

Austin T. - Rio Grande VV 129-116
Jermaine Taylor scored 31 points and Ben Uzoh (6'3''-PG-88, college: Tulsa) and Derrick Caracter both added 20 but the Vipers fell 129-116 to the Austin Toros on Wednesday night. Caracter also had 16 rebounds. Austin was led by Eric Dawson and Justin Dentmon with 25 points. Terrance Woodbury had 19 off the bench for the Toros, who improved to 24-16 on the season. The Vipers dropped to 22-19. *Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

Idaho S. - Texas L. 101-95
On the same day Idaho announced a new three-year agreement to continue playing at CenturyLink Arena in Boise, the Stampede defended their home floor with a 101-95 victory over the Texas Legends. All five Idaho starters scored in double-figures, but it was Marcus Banks (6'2''-G-81, college: UNLV) who contributed with a team-high 24 points off the bench. Banks put the game on ice at the free-throw line in the fourth quarter, sinking all six of his attempts. On the night, Banks finished 13-of-15 from the charity stripe, with the Stampede shooting 21-of-26 as a team. The Idaho (17-25) victory snaps Texas' (21-19) eight-game winning streak. The Stampede and Legends play again on Thursday at CenturyLink Arena. Tipoff is at 7 p.m *Courtesy of www.ktvb.com

Rio Grande VV - Texas L. 100-107
The stage was set for a Rio Grande Valley Vipers loss on Monday. After all, the Vipers had played just two games in the last 18 days and their first in nine. They were facing the hottest team in the NBA Development League the Texas Legends, owners of seven-game winning streak. For much of the game, the Vipers played a like a team trying to shake off the rust. Their shooting touch, timing and chemistry were just a tad off. Sure enough, it added to a Vipers 107-100 defeat at State Farm Arena. It looked like we had three weeks off instead of nine days, Vipers coach Nick Nurse said. Despite their troubles, the Vipers still managed to make it a game after they cut an 18-point deficit in the fourth quarter to three with 2:19 left thanks to a 22-7 run over a 6:21 span. But, the things that had hampered the Vipers blown layups, missed rebounding opportunities, turnovers returned at the worst possible time. As a result, the Legends were able to put away the Vipers with a strong finish that gave them their eighth-straight victory. Those things came back to bite us in our butts, said Vipers point guard Will Conroy, who had 13 points and seven assists. We had a couple of tips that would have cut it to one. Instead, they got the rebound, scored and made it a five-point game. As badly as the Vipers played on Monday, Nurse didnt seem to be as bothered by it as much as some previous defeats. Instead, he focused on the positive things. There were a lot of good segments tonight, Nurse said. We won three of the four quarters. We didnt shoot well enough tonight, and they made shot when they needed them. We didnt finish worth a darn. Usually when you miss three or four layups, you are disappointed. It was more like 13 or 14, and a couple of them at crucial times. In addition to the missed layups, the Vipers were severely cold from one of their normally-reliable weapons the 3-point arc. The Vipers made just 5 of 23 threes. I dont think we made any shots and we had good looks, Conroy said. Damian Saunders returned to the Vipers lineup following an ankle injury to lead the team with 21 points and nine rebounds off the bench. He had made some crucial tip-in and knocked down a pair of threes that helped the Vipers come back. Guys like Will and Ben Uzoh got us back on the right track to get in good position to get the game in the end, but things werent falling for us, Saunders said. Uzoh finished with 19 points and Scott VanderMeer (7'0''-C-86, agency: Edge Sports, college: Ill.-Chicago) had 14 points and seven rebounds. Newly-acquired center Derrick Caracter (6'9''-F-88, college: UTEP) played well early, but got into foul trouble. He finished with 11 points. The Legends were led by Alando Tuckers 20 points. However, it was Dominique Johnson's (6'3''-G-87, college: Azusa Pacific) 17 points many of them produced on jumpers that had dagger-like effects at crucial times that hurt the most. These guys (Legends) came out and played a good game, Conroy said. They capitalized on our mistakes. They beat us up on the glass and got some second shots early, and we got into a hole. We were pretty much coming from behind for three quarters. Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

Los Angeles D. - Idaho S. 108-99
The Los Angeles D-Fenders grabbed the lead near the end of the first quarter, extended it by as many as 22 points, and did not trail for the remainder of the game en route to a 108-99 win over the Idaho Stampede on Monday night at Toyota Sports Center. Now riding a three-game win streak, the D-Fenders, who are 13-1 in their last 14 games, become the first NBA Development League team to 30 wins. In a physical game from tip-off until the final buzzer, Los Angeles (30-11) and Idaho shot a combined 93 free-throws, including 62 by the D-Fenders (48 FTs made), who surpassed franchise single-game highs for free-throws made and attempted in a game. Los Angeles Jamario Moon (6'8''-F-80, college: Meridian CC) finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and two steals, Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, agency: Interperformances, college: UAB) tallied 17 points, six rebounds and three steals, and Otis George added 15 points along with three steals in the win. In addition, Courtney Fortson (5'11''-G-88, college: Arkansas) (13 points, 6 assists, 2 steals), Zach Andrews (13 points [5-7 FG]), Malcolm Thomas (12 points, 9 rebounds) as well as Orien Greene (12 points, 6 rebounds) all finished in double-figures for the D-Fenders. Idaho (16-25) was led by Marcus Banks (6'2''-G-81, college: UNLV), who scored a game-high 24 points and Seth Tarver, who registered 19 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Meanwhile, Willie Jenkins added 12 points and five rebounds, and Reginald Larry pitched in 10 points to go with two steals in the win. The D-Fenders next play at home on Saturday, March 17th in their final meeting of the season with the Stampede. Tip-off is slated for 6:30 p.m. and the game is available for viewing online through NBA Futurecast. Courtesy of www.sportspagemagazine.com

Sioux Falls S. - Erie Bay H. 125-86
The Erie BayHawks (20-18) allowed 48 points and fell behind by 31 points in the first quarter Tuesday night and never recovered, losing 125-86 to the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the worst team in the NBA D-League with an 11-29 record. Trey Gilder (6'9''-F-85, college: Northwestern St.) scored 31 points and collected 13 rebounds for the Skyforce, while Marqus Blakely (6'5''-F-89, college: Vermont) also had a double-double with 24 points and 11 boards. Erie couldn't get anything going from the field, shooting 33.7 percent, including just 4-of-18 from outside the arc. D.J. Kennedy (6'6''-G/F-89, agency: Interperformances, college: St.John's) scored a team-high 17 points in the blowout loss for the 'Hawks, while Kyle Goldcamp added another 15. Mychel Thompson (6'7''-F-88, college: Pepperdine) had a rough night, shooting 0-for-8 from the field, scoring just five points on six free-throw attempts. Erie will look to get back on the winning track on Thursday when it continues its road trip in Fort Wayne against the Mad Ants. Courtesy of www.goerie.com

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

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Standings - LIDOBA

SRT Standings

1. Plaza		5-1
2. CDP		3-2
3. Capitanes		3-2
4. Cupes		2-3
5. GUG		2-4
6. Sameji		1-4

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

EL SALVADOR

First Division-Apertura starts tomorrow - by Jaime Arevalo
Tomorrow, saturday March 17, starts the 2012 edition of Salvadorean First Division-Apertura. The teams' line up is made of eight clubs, as follows down:

SAN MARCOS
LEONES AUTOMOTO
DENVER
EXSAL
CHALECO-SANTA TECLA
ROLL ROYCE
UTEC
DELGADENSE

The first two games scheduled will be Denver-ExSal and Leones-Roll Royce.

All the clubs have been allowed to register only domestic players and each team will play 14 games in a round robin format. At the end of Regular Season, the best four teams will advance to Semifinals, best of three games, and the two winners will battle themselves in the Apertura Final, best of three games it too.

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

ESTONIA

Standings - KML

KML Standings

1. Tartu Ulikool		21-2
2. Kalev/Cramo		16-2
3. Tarvas		15-8
4. Rapla		14-10
5. TTU		10-12
6. Tln Kalev		10-15
7. Parnu		3-21
8. Valga		3-22

VTB: Kalev/Cramo beats Budivelnyk again - by Janar
BC Kalev/Cramo ended the regular season of VTB-League with a 81:73 win against the Ukrainian champion Budivelnyk Kiev in home court, Saku Suurhall, Tallinn.
The hosts quickly fell behind 6:13 as Budivelnyk had made three triples, already (Jack McClinton (185-PG-85, college: Miami, FL) - 2). Two baskets by Gregor Arbet (194-F/G-83) made it 11:13 but the hosts trailed for the whole first quarter. Zabirchenko's three-pointer made it 29:34 with 16 minutes played but then Kalev/Cramo started to dominate. Three-pointers by Ulyanko and Arbet, more baskets by Skele, Toome and Tanel Sokk (184-G-85) - the hosts made 14:0 run and never let the guests to lead again. First half ended 46:36.
In 3rd, the hosts led by 15 but the end became quite interesting, again. A 5:14 run decreased the gap to five (71:66) with one and half minutes to play. The hosts had enough confidence to secure the victory, though.
Tanel Sokk led the winners with 17 points. Gregor Arbet added 16 and Armands Skele (192-G-83) 12 points, 9 rbs and 6 assists. Bamba Fall (216-C-86, college: SMU) scored 8 pts and 11 rbs.
For Budivelnyk, Jack McClinton scored 22 points. Luis Flores (188-G-81, college: Manhattan) added 17.

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

FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: ToPo scored 101 points - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korisliiga, round 36/40: Torpan Pojat visiting on Friday evening Lahti and when scoring 101 points defeating YMCA Lahti by 14 points: 87-101 (45-53). Quarters: 20-30, 25-23, 20-30, 22-18. ToPo won also the rebounds 25-37 as YMCA Lahti got zero (0) offensive rbs! ToPo grabbed 16 offensive rbs. Ryan Brooks (193-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Temple) led the hosts with 28 pts (1 - 8/9, 2 - 4/6, 3 - 4/7) and Malik Moore (192-G-77, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Amer.Internat.) added 24 pts. Timo Heinonen (198-F-81) was ToPo's leading scorer with 26 points. Carl Lindbom (204-F-91) netted 24 pts. American Josh Wilson (188-PG-87, agency: Hightower Law Firm, college: N.Arizona) added 17 pts and gave six assists. Wilson was 5/6 from behind the arc. Kimmo Muurinen and Hanno Mottola DNP. YMCA Lahti position will be # 11 and team will not make the play-off-games. ToPo will be # 4 or 5 after the regular season.
YMCA Lahti - Torpan Pojat 87-101 (45-53). (Ryan Brooks 28, Malik Moore 24/5a, Roope Suonio 11/5a - Timo Heinonen 26, Carl Lindbom 24, Josh Wilson 17/6a. A: 802).

Standings - Korisliiga

Korisliiga Standings

1. Kataja		27-8
2. Nilan Bisons		24-10
3. Pyrinto		23-11
4. Kauhajoki		21-14
5. ToPo		20-15
6. KTP		15-20
7. Salon Vilpas		15-20
8. LrNMKY		13-21
9. Kouvot		12-22
10. Korihait		12-23
11. Namika Lahti		9-27

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Walter BAXLEY
  Lapua
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 29.1

1. Baxley, Lapua	29.1
2. Phillips, Oulun N.	24.2
3. Simmons, Porvoon	24.0
4. Williams, Lapua	21.8
5. Nofflet, Oulun N.	21.4
6. Conerly, SayRi	21.1
7. Manning, Huima	20.8
8. Henderson, Porvoo.	20.6
9. Abdullah, SayRi	19.7
10. Green, Ura Basket	19.4

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Cooper, SayRi	13.9
2. Moultrie, Oulun N.	13.1
3. January, BC Nokia	11.2
4. Britton, Huima	10.8
5. Bojang, FoKoPo	10.8
6. Townes, BC Nokia	10.5
7. Green, Ura Basket	10.2
8. Andrews, Ura B.	10.0
9. Williams, Lapua	9.8
10. Nofflet, Oulun N.	9.6

Assists Per Game

Aubrey CONERLY
  SayRi
  (182-G-83)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Conerly, SayRi	5.5
2. Phillips, Oulun N.	5.1
3. Manning, Huima	4.9
4. Ikavalko, FoKoPo	3.8
5. Henderson, Porvoo.	3.7
6. Viertola, Huima	3.7
7. Harjula, Pyrinto II	3.2
8. Riihela, BC Nokia	3.1
9. Storrs, Jyvaskyla	3.1
10. Jackson, Lapua	2.9

Steals Per Game

Aubrey CONERLY
  SayRi
  (182-G-83)
  Avg: 3

1. Conerly, SayRi	3.0
2. Jackson, Lapua	2.3
3. Townes, BC Nokia	2.3
4. Abdullah, SayRi	2.0
5. January, BC Nokia	2.0
6. Baxley, Lapua	1.9
7. Andrews, Ura B.	1.9
8. Bojang, FoKoPo	1.8
9. Green, Ura Basket	1.8
10. Little, Porvoon	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Brian MOULTRIE
  Oulun N.
  (198-C/F-87)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Moultrie, Oulun N.	2.3
2. Andrews, Ura B.	1.8
3. January, BC Nokia	1.4
4. Cooper, SayRi	1.1
5. Townes, BC Nokia	1.1
6. Pulkkinen, Pyrin.	1.0
7. Nuolivirta, ToPo A.	0.8
8. Britton, Huima	0.8
9. Still, Porvoon Tar.	0.8
10. Laitinen, Tapiol.	0.8

Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

Points Per Game

Tim BLUE
  KTP
  (205-F-84)
  Avg: 22.6

1. Blue, KTP	22.6
2. Zeno, Nilan Bisons	20.0
3. Beidler, Kauhajoki	19.5
4. Newson, Kataja	18.8
5. Holloway, Salon V.	18.8
6. Brooks, Namika L.	18.6
7. Durham, Salon Vilp.	18.5
8. Hannah, Kauhajoki	18.4
9. Tiedeman, LrNM.	18.3
10. Crocker, KTP	18.2

Rebounds Per Game

John FIELDS
  Salon Vilpas
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 13.1

1. Fields, Salon Vilp.	13.1
2. Durham, Salon Vilp.	11.5
3. Blue, KTP	10.5
4. Beidler, Kauhajoki	10.0
5. Williams, Pyrinto	9.1
6. Newson, Kataja	8.8
7. Zeno, Nilan Bisons	8.6
8. McDade, Nilan B.	8.3
9. Brown, Kouvot	8.0
10. Jordan, Kouvot	7.7

Assists Per Game

Malik MOORE
  Namika L.
  (192-G-77)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Moore, Namika L.	5.1
2. Ivey, Nilan Bisons	4.8
3. Hannah, Kauhajoki	4.6
4. Haynes, LrNM.	4.4
5. Virtanen, Kataja	4.2
6. Sarcevic, KTP	4.2
7. Williams, Pyrinto	4.2
8. Walker, Kataja	3.9
9. Holloway, Salon V.	3.3
10. Nikkarinen, Kouvot	3.3

Steals Per Game

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

1. Sten, Kataja	2.5
2. Moore, Korihait	2.3
3. Williams, Pyrinto	2.3
4. Beidler, Kauhajoki	2.1
5. Williams, Pyrinto	1.9
6. Haynes, LrNM.	1.8
7. Holloway, Salon V.	1.8
8. Newson, Kataja	1.7
9. Jordan, Kouvot	1.7
10. Sarcevic, KTP	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Kelly BEIDLER
  Kauhajoki
  (199-F-88)
  Avg: 2

1. Beidler, Kauhajoki	2.0
2. Fields, Salon Vilp.	2.0
3. Blue, KTP	1.4
4. Zeno, Nilan Bisons	0.9
5. Lehtoranta, Kataja	0.8
6. Jones, Nilan Bisons	0.8
7. Hamm, LrNM.	0.7
8. Williams, Pyrinto	0.7
9. McDade, Nilan B.	0.6
10. Brown, Kouvot	0.6

1st Division: Tapiolan Honka takes 2-0 Semi-Finals lead - by Eurobasket News
Tapiolan Honka - Lapua 73-57

It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Tapiolan Honka's pressure prevailed and they won that period 22-12 extending their advantage to 16 points. Tapiolan Honka forced 21 Lapuan Korikobrat turnovers. 26 personal fouls committed by Lapuan Korikobrat helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American point guard Lloyd Phillips (178-85, college: Illinois St.) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points and 5 rebounds. point guard Villematti Kopio (182-92) contributed with 21 points for the winners. American guard Walter Baxley (193-84, college: Mars Hill) replied with 20 points and guard Jussi Turja (193-90) added 15 points in the effort for Lapuan Korikobrat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Lapua: W.Baxley 20+2reb+1ast, J.Turja 15+1reb+1ast, E.Williams 8+9reb, E.Jackson 6+7reb+1ast, V.Turja 6+2reb, P.Peltokangas 2
Tapiolan Honka: L.Phillips 22+5reb+2ast, V.Kopio 21+1reb, A.Vanjoki 9+4reb+2ast, I.Sirola 9+9reb+1ast, B.Thomas 6+8reb, T.Laitinen 5+3reb

BC Nokia - FoKoPo 74-96

It looked good early as BC Nokia took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Forssan Koripojat had a 22-20 second period charge getting the lead and BC Nokia was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 74-96. Forssan Koripojat made 21-of-25 charity shots (84.0 percent) during the game. Guard Sami Ikavalko (188-89) scored 26 points and 6 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and American forward Tracy Robinson (201-86, college: Loyola, IL) chipped in 19 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. American-British power forward Gerald January (201-88, college: Montevallo, agency: Hightower Law Firm) responded with 21 points and 9 rebounds and American forward Darren Townes (201-86, college: Hofstra) scored 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
BC Nokia: G.January 21+9reb, T.Riihela 17+1ast, D.Townes 13+8reb+4ast, T.Kankaanpaa 11+1reb+2ast, A.Keski-Koukkari 6+6reb, V.Tuominen 4+3reb+2ast
FoKoPo: S.Ikavalko 26+6reb+2ast, T.Robinson 19+8reb+2ast, H.Coleman 19+6reb, B.Moultrie 14+7reb+1ast, J.Heinikoski 9+2reb, M.Molenius 5+3reb

1.DIVISION: FoKoPo and Honka winning tonight - by Rauno Hurmalainen
1.Division, semi-finals, Game 2: The basketball games are lasting at least four quarters/ 40 minutes. Tonight hosting BC Nokia lost the last quarter vs FoKoPo (Forssa) 12-29 and by the same the contest 74-96 (44-45). FoKoPo tied the series into 1-1. In Espoo almost the same story. Hosting Honka (Tapiola) was leading though the close contest vs Korikobrat (Lapua) all the time, but the final run and difference came during quarter four, which Honka won 22-12 and by the same the game 73-57 (34-30). Honka is leading now 2-0 and is one victory short from the Finals. Games # 3 on Sunday, March 18: Honka - Lapua, FoKoPo - BC Nokia.
BC Nokia - FoKoPo 74-96 (44-45). (Gerald January 21/9, Timo Tiihela 17, Darren Townes 13 - Sami Ikavalko (188-G-89) 26, Tracy Robinson 19/8, HL Coleman 19. A: 420).
Honka, Tapiola - Lapua 73-57 (34-30). (Lloyd Phillips (178-PG-85, college: Illinois St.) 22, Villematti Kopio 21, Ilkka Sirola 9 - Walter Baxley 20, Jussi Turja 15, Eric Williams 8/9. A: 556).

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

FRANCE

Lievin Basket 62 adds Douse to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
Lievin Basket 62 (NM1) added to their roster 26-year old Canadian-British forward Kris Douse (198-F-86, college: Point Park). In his first game he scored 10 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Brest 48-74. Douse played most recently at Keflavik (Iceland). While playing 6 games for Keflavik this season he averaged 9.5ppg, 4.2rpg and 1.7spg. Douse helped them to win the cup. He played also pro basketball in Iceland and United Kingdom. Douse just graduated Point Park University and it will be his first season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Stats Leaders - N1

Points Per Game

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

1. Kaunisto, Blois	18.5
2. Bigote, Cognac	17.7
3. Pridotkas, Brest	17.1
4. Almanson, Challans	16.8
5. Pearson, Angers B.	16.6
6. Bluntt, Orchy	16.5
7. Petrovic, Orchy	16.4
8. Thomas, Roche	15.8
9. Belser, Charleville	15.7
10. Avramovic, Chart.	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Ville KAUNISTO
  Blois
  (204-F-82)
  Avg: 12.1

1. Kaunisto, Blois	12.1
2. Jaiteh, CFBB	10.3
3. Caskill, Cognac	10.2
4. Pearson, Angers B.	9.0
5. Sanborn, Lievin	8.3
6. Avramovic, Chart.	8.3
7. Toney, Charleville	8.0
8. Cabarkapa, Rueil	7.8
9. Pridotkas, Brest	7.8
10. McClark, Clermont	7.7

Assists Per Game

Johan RATHIEUVILLE
  Brest
  (177-G-85)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Rathieuville, Brest	6.6
2. Calvez, Charleville	5.2
3. Ball, St Quentin	4.6
4. Barbry, Orchy	4.6
5. Brochard, Blois	4.5
6. Daube, Le Puy	4.5
7. Godin, Cognac	4.4
8. Tillon, Montbrison	4.4
9. Cortey, Clermont	4.3
10. Dessart, Lievin	4.3

Steals Per Game

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

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

Blocks Per Game

Jacques ALINGUE
  Souffel
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Alingue, Souffel	1.7
2. N''Diaye, Souffel	1.6
3. Morin, CFBB	1.5
4. Caskill, Cognac	1.5
5. Sanborn, Lievin	1.3
6. Traore, Angers B.	1.3
7. Davis, Blois	1.2
8. Ipouck, Chartres	1.1
9. Diame, Rueil	1.1
10. Tornato, Blois	1.0

Ronny Turiaf to Denver Nuggets - by Eurobasket News
Denver has traded forward Nene to Washington for JaVale McGee and Ronny Turiaf (208-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) in a three-team deal that also sends Nick Young from Washington to the Clippers, according to two NBA sources.

Denver also gets a future second-round pick. Other players may be added to the deal, which came right before the NBA trade deadline on Thursday.

Nene signed a five-year deal worth up to $67 million with the Nuggets before this season. He joined the Nuggets in 2002 after being drafted in the first round by New York Knicks.

The 7-foot McGee, 24, is a third-year pro out of Nevada and is averaging 11.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 27.4 minutes per game. He has played in 41 games.

Ronny Turiaf appeared 4 times with Washington this season. He started it with ASVEL, later moved to NY Knicks and than to Wizards. He will finish the season with Denver.

Courtesy of www.9news.com

Soliman is back at Fos Ouest Provence Basket - by Eurobasket Center
Fos Ouest Provence Basket (ProB) agreed terms with 32-year old forward Williams Soliman (201-F-80). It's actually Soliman's comeback to Fos Ouest as he played here before. In his first game he scored 8 points and grabbed 3 rebounds helping his new team beat Boulazac 80-78. Soliman played most recently at Chalons-Reims (ProB). He is a very experienced player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Standings - ProA

ProA Standings

1. Chalon		18-3
2. Gravelines		18-3
3. Orleans		14-7
4. Nancy		14-7
5. Paris-Levallois		14-7
6. Le Mans		14-8
7. Roanne		10-11
8. Dijon		10-11
9. Cholet		10-11
10. ASVEL		10-12
11. Strasbourg		9-12
12. Nanterre		8-13
13. Le Havre		6-15
14. Poitiers		6-15
15. Pau-Lacq-Orthez		6-15
16. Hyeres-Toulon		2-19

Standings - ProB

ProB Standings

1. Limoges		21-5
2. Boulazac		20-6
3. Chalons-Reims		17-9
4. Fos Ouest		17-9
5. Maurienne		16-10
6. Bordeaux		14-12
7. Lille		14-12
8. Boulogne		13-13
9. Antibes		12-14
10. Bourg		12-14
11. Nantes		12-14
12. Evreux		12-14
13. St Vallier		11-15
14. Le Portel		10-16
15. Denain		10-16
16. Rouen		9-16
17. Vichy		7-19
18. Quimper		6-19
19. St Etienne		0-0

Standings - N1

NM1 Standings

1. Charleville		19-6
2. St Quentin		18-6
3. Orchy		18-7
4. Souffel		17-8
5. Roche		17-9
6. Cognac		16-9
7. Blois		16-9
8. Sorgues		14-11
9. Brest		14-12
10. Lievin		14-12
11. Challans		13-12
12. Angers BC 49		12-14
13. Chartres		10-15
14. Rueil		10-15
15. Clermont		8-17
16. Montbrison		4-21
17. Le Puy		4-21
18. CFBB		2-22

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game

Eric CHATFIELD
  Paris-.
  (191-G-79)
  Avg: 21

1. Chatfield, Paris-.	21.0
2. Rochestie, Le Mans	19.0
3. Hamilton, Paris-.	16.8
4. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	16.8
5. Causeur, Cholet	16.5
6. Williams, Paris-.	16.3
7. Cox, Le Havre	15.5
8. Morlende, Hyeres-T.	15.0
9. Schilb, Chalon	15.0
10. Delaney, Chalon	14.9

Rebounds Per Game

Chinemelu ELONU
  Pau-Lacq.
  (206-F/C-87)
  Avg: 8.6

1. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.	8.6
2. Hamilton, Paris-.	8.1
3. Akingbala, Nancy	7.5
4. Aminu, Chalon	7.3
5. Greer, Strasbourg	7.3
6. Allen, Strasbourg	7.2
7. Armstrong, AS.	7.0
8. Falker, Cholet	6.8
9. Nsonwu-Amadi, Roa.	6.8
10. Vebobe, Cholet	6.7

Assists Per Game

Kareem REID
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (178-PG-75)
  Avg: 7.6

1. Reid, Hyeres-Toulon	7.6
2. Rochestie, Le Mans	6.4
3. Parker, AS.	6.3
4. Wise, Le Havre	5.7
5. Pellin, Orleans	5.3
6. Linehan, Nancy	5.3
7. Dixon, Dijon	5.0
8. Barrett, Roanne	4.9
9. Schilb, Chalon	4.7
10. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	4.6

Steals Per Game

Andrew ALBICY
  Gravelines
  (178-PG-90)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Albicy, Gravelines	2.5
2. Batum, Nancy	2.1
3. Linehan, Nancy	2.0
4. Riley, Nanterre	2.0
5. Melody, Dijon	2.0
6. Wise, Le Havre	1.9
7. Causeur, Cholet	1.7
8. Pellin, Orleans	1.7
9. Acker, Le Mans	1.7
10. Mendy, Pau-Lacq.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Alexis AJINCA
  Strasbourg
  (215-C-88)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Ajinca, Strasbourg	2.5
2. Falker, Cholet	1.5
3. Gobert, Cholet	1.1
4. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.	1.1
5. Akingbala, Nancy	1.1
6. Batum, Nancy	1.1
7. Akpomedah, Grave.	1.0
8. Nichols, Cholet	1.0
9. Hamilton, Paris-.	1.0
10. Issa, Gravelines	1.0

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game

Chris DAVIS
  Le Portel
  (195-F/G-80)
  Avg: 18

1. Davis, Le Portel	18.0
2. Siggers, Rouen	17.3
3. Denave, St Vallier	16.8
4. Wood, Evreux	16.3
5. Paelay, Quimper	16.1
6. Brown, Maurienne	16.0
7. Coleman, Vichy	15.6
8. Gay, Fos Ouest	15.4
9. Prowell, St Vallier	15.4
10. Monroe, Boulazac	15.4

Rebounds Per Game

Christophe MASSIE
  Limoges
  (206-C/F-77)
  Avg: 11.7

1. Massie, Limoges	11.7
2. Wood, Evreux	11.5
3. Osby, Maurienne	9.5
4. Monroe, Boulazac	9.5
5. Rossiter, Denain	9.4
6. Allen, Antibes	8.6
7. Daniels, Chalons-.	8.4
8. Barro, Bourg	8.4
9. Badiane, Nantes	8.3
10. Brown, Maurienne	7.8

Assists Per Game

Ronnie TAYLOR
  Le Portel
  (188-PG-81)
  Avg: 7

1. Taylor, Le Portel	7.0
2. Rowland, Evreux	5.5
3. Copeland, Bourg	5.3
4. Mullins, Chalons-.	5.3
5. Patiejunas, Rouen	5.2
6. Darnauzan, Mauri.	5.0
7. Darrigand, Bordeaux	4.9
8. Denave, St Vallier	4.9
9. Mouillard, Quimper	4.7
10. Sauret, Lille	4.5

Steals Per Game

Armand CHARLES
  Nantes
  (193-SF-83)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Charles, Nantes	2.6
2. McCray, Boulogne	2.5
3. Shiloh, St Vallier	2.1
4. Allen, Antibes	2.0
5. Eito, Vichy	2.0
6. Paelay, Quimper	2.0
7. Mullins, Chalons-.	1.9
8. Rowland, Evreux	1.9
9. Denave, St Vallier	1.8
10. Driss, Bordeaux	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Moussa BADIANE
  Antibes
  (205-C-81)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Badiane, Antibes	1.9
2. Gay, Fos Ouest	1.7
3. Badiane, Antibes	1.6
4. Jefferson, Vichy	1.5
5. Osby, Maurienne	1.5
6. Massie, Limoges	1.1
7. Fields, Nantes	1.0
8. Ford, Bordeaux	1.0
9. Prowell, St Vallier	0.9
10. McKenzie, Boulaz.	0.9

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

FYR MACEDONIA

Jeremiah Massey selected the top FYR Macedonian playing abroad in last week''s games - by Eurobasket Center
Here is the weekly review of the top performing FYR Macedonian players, who play currently abroad.

Jeremiah Massey

#1. This week''s number one is former international forward Jeremiah Massey (202-82, college: Kansas St.), who plays in the Russian PBL. He could not help Lokomotiv (7-6) in their last game. Despite Massey''s very good performance Lokomotiv lost 80-88 on the road to the second-ranked Khimky. He was the top scorer with 16 points. Massey also added 8 rebounds in 28 minutes on the court. Massey is ranked third on the list of the best rebounders in the league and also on the list of most steals (first place). He has very reliable stats this year: 13.7ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.5apg, 2.4spg, 2FGP: 56.8%(50-88), 3FGP: 28.6% and FT: 65.6% in the 13 games he played so far. Massey is a naturalized American. He played for the FYR Macedonian senior national team three years ago. Strangely Massey has never played in FYR Macedonia.

Vlado Ilievski

#2. Second place goes to an international point guard Vlado Ilievski (189-80, agency: World Sport Agency) is a teammate of previously mentioned Jeremiah Massey and both played together in the last Russian PBL game. Ilievski, who plays in the Russian PBL. He was not able to help Lokomotiv (7-6) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite Ilievski''s good performance Lokomotiv was defeated 88-80 in Khimki by the second-ranked Khimky. He scored 13 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 5 assists. This season Ilievski averages: 6.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.5apg, 3FGP: 28.6% and FT: 83.3%. He has a dual citizenship: FYR Macedonian and Slovenian. Ilievski is in the roster of the FYR Macedonian senior national team.

Vojdan Stojanovski

#3. The FYR Macedonian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international guard Vojdan Stojanovski (193-87). He was the major contributor in a BC Donetsk''s victory against the league outsider Halychyna (7-26) 90-78 in the Ukrainian Superleague on Thursday night. Stojanovski scored 16 points and added 3 passes (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) in 23 minutes. BC Donetsk (24-8) is placed second in the Superleague. It was his team''s sixth consecutive victory in a row. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. This year Stojanovski''s overall stats are: 9.7ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.0apg, 3FGP: 46.2%(6-13) in the seven games. He is also a member of the FYR Macedonian senior national team.

Predrag Samardziski

#4. Center Predrag Samardziski (214-86, agency: Beo Basket) managed to help Lietuvos rytas Vilnius in a victory against the league outsider Lietkabelis (3-15) crushing them 77-49 in the Lithuanian LKL last Friday. He scored 5 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 18 minutes. Lietuvos rytas Vilnius (17-2) is placed first in the LKL. It was his team''s sixth consecutive victory in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. This year Samardziski''s total stats are: 7.5ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.2apg in the 17 games. He is also FYR Macedonian national team player.

Riste Stefanov

   #5. International guard Riste Stefanov (198-81, agency: Interperformances) was not able to secure a victory for one of league''s weakest teams Ilysiakos (7-15) in their game against KAOD (8-13) in the Greek A1. He cannot count Wednesday''s game as one of the best ones. Stefanov scored only 3 points. Ilysiakos was defeated 94-81 in Dramas by the higher-ranked KAOD (#9). It was Ilysiakos'' fourth consecutive loss in a row. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important. This season Stefanov averages just 2.2ppg. He is another player who holds two passports: Bulgarian and FYR Macedonian. Stefanov plays currently for the FYR Macedonian national team.

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

   #1. Darius Washington (188-PG-85, college: Memphis) led Turk Telekom to a victory against the closely-ranked Erdemir (10-12) 80-76 in the Turkish TBL in Saturday night''s game. Washington recorded 11 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Turk Telekom Ankara (9-13) is placed tenth in the TBL. It was his team''s first victory after five consecutive loses. It''s Washington''s first season with the team. Washington is currently seventh on the league''s list of top scorers. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Washington averages: 16.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.6apg and 1.1spg. He is a naturalized American. Apparently Washington has never played in FYR Macedonia.

   #2. Michael Wilkinson (204-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Wisconsin), who plays in the Russian PBL could not help Unics Kazan (5-6) to beat CSKA Moscow (12-1). Wilkinson scored 5 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Unics Kazan was badly defeated 75-57 on the road by the leading CSKA Moscow. Wilkinson has averaged so far 8.2ppg and 5.5rpg. He is a naturalized American. Apparently Wilkinson has never played in FYR Macedonia.

   #3. Blagoj Janev (203-F-84, college: New Hampshire) was the major contributor in a Thor Thorl''s victory against the league leader Grindavik (17-3) 79-69 in the Icelandic Express League in Friday night''s game. He had a double-double by scoring 20 points and getting 10 rebounds in 33 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Thor Thorl (13-6) is placed second in the Express League. It was his team''s fifth consecutive victory in a row. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Janev has very impressive stats this year: 15.4ppg and 6.0rpg in the 11 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: FYR Macedonian and Australian. Despite Janev''s FYR Macedonian passport, he previously played for the Australian U21 national team and is probably not eligible to play for the FYR Macedonian team.

   #4. Kiril Pavlovski (210-C-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza), who plays in the Bulgarian NBL was not able to help Chernomorets (2-19) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Pavlovski''s very good performance the bottom-ranked Chernomorets was defeated 82-74 in Samokov by the higher-ranked Rilski Sportist (#6). He recorded a double-double by scoring 18 points and getting 10 rebounds. Pavlovski is currently eighth on the list of top scorers and also on the list of best rebounders (second place). This season he has very high stats. Pavlovski averages: 15.3ppg, 10.2rpg and 1.1bpg.

   #5. Milos Pejanovic contributed to a Mladost Cacak''s victory against the eighth-ranked Napredak Aleksinac (10-11) 79-74 in the Serbian B League (second division) on Saturday night. He scored 17 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 26 minutes. Mladost Cacak (13-8) is placed first in the B League. Pejanovic has relatively good stats this year: 10.3ppg, 2.6rpg and 2.3apg in the 16 games.

   #6. Nenad Zivcevic (204-F-87) was not able to secure a victory for one of league''s weakest teams Sundsvall Dragons in their game against LF Basket in the Swedish Basketligan. He scored 9 points. His team was crushed by 22 points 105-83. Zivcevic has relatively good stats this season: 13.8ppg, 3.4rpg and 2.3apg. He is another player who holds two passports: Serbian and FYR Macedonian. Despite Zivcevic''s FYR Macedonian nationality, he previously played for the Serbian U20 national team and probably cannot be called to the FYR Macedonian team.

   #7. Jovan Zdravevski (197-F-80), who plays in the Icelandic Express League couldn''t help Stjarnan (12-7) in their last game. Despite Zdravevski''s good performance Stjarnan lost 98-102 at home to the lower-ranked (#9) IR. He recorded 13 points in 30 minutes. Zdravevski has averaged so far 9.4ppg, 3.7rpg and 1.3apg in the 10 games.

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

GEORGIA

Highest League Standing

Superleague Standings

1. Armia		15-0
2. Kutaisi		13-4
3. Olimpi		12-3
4. Sokhumi		10-7
5. MIA Academy		9-7
6. Dinamo Tbilisi		8-8
7. Samedicino		6-10
8. TSU Tbilisi		5-10
9. STU Tbilisi		5-10
10. Batumi		2-13
11. Rustavi		1-14

Geogian Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Larry BLAIR
  MIA Academy
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 28.2

1. Blair, MIA Academy	28.2
2. Parghalava, Sokhu.	23.2
3. Carter, Dinamo T.	23.2
4. Kreps, MIA Academy	23.1
5. Patsatsia, Sokhumi	22.1
6. Smith, MIA Academy	18.7
7. Woodside, Armia	18.3
8. Chikviladze, Samed.	17.6
9. Khmelidze, Rustavi	17.1
10. Mikeladze, Batumi	16.4

Rebounds Per Game

Keyon CARTER
  Dinamo T.
  (203-F-88)
  Avg: 13.3

1. Carter, Dinamo T.	13.3
2. Dvalishvili, Samed.	10.7
3. Toudjani, Rustavi	10.6
4. Patsatsia, Sokhumi	10.6
5. Revazashvili, Batu.	10.0
6. Matiashvili, Kutai.	9.8
7. Smith, MIA Academy	9.5
8. Bekauri, Samedicino	9.4
9. Milutinovic, Olimpi	9.1
10. Keshelava, Batumi	9.0

Assists Per Game

Giorgi GAMQRELIDZE
  Olimpi
  (183-G-86)
  Avg: 9.5

1. Gamqrelidze, Olimpi	9.5
2. Woodside, Armia	7.0
3. Blair, MIA Academy	6.9
4. Chitashvili, TSU T.	6.5
5. Gaines, Armia	6.5
6. Parghalava, Sokhu.	5.6
7. Mikeladze, Batumi	5.5
8. Artsividze, Rustavi	5.4
9. Tsivtsivadze, Dina.	5.3
10. Tsekvava, Kutaisi	4.8

Steals Per Game

Larry BLAIR
  MIA Academy
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Blair, MIA Academy	3.8
2. Woodside, Armia	2.9
3. Kokhreidze, TSU T.	2.7
4. Gaines, Armia	2.5
5. Ramishvili, Batumi	2.5
6. Beruashvili, STU T.	2.3
7. Machaladze, STU T.	2.1
8. Mikeladze, Batumi	2.1
9. Chachanidze, Rust.	2.0
10. Patsatsia, Sokhu.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Milan OLUIC
  Dinamo Tbilisi
  (210-C-84)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Oluic, Dinamo Tbil.	4.3
2. Bekauri, Samedicino	2.4
3. Nozadze, STU T.	1.6
4. Toudjani, MIA A.	1.5
5. Kjellbom, Armia	1.5
6. Beruashvili, STU T.	1.4
7. Matiashvili, Kutai.	1.4
8. Atuashvili, Sokhumi	1.3
9. Milutinovic, Olimpi	1.1
10. Hoger, Olimpi	1.0

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

GERMANY

Gordon Herbert (Alba Berlin) Basketball Is A Great Game. All You Need Is A Basket And Ball - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Gordon Herbert is currently in his first season as head coach for 8 time Beko BBL champion Alba Berlin. He played at Idaho State and played professional basketball from 1982-1994. He started his coaching career in 1996 and has coached for teams like Tapiolan Honka (Finland)Oberwart (Austria), DJK S. Oliver Wurzburg (Germany), Frankfurt Skyliners (Germany), Paris Basket Racing (France-ProA), Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez (France-ProA), Aris Thessaloniki (Greece-A1), Honka Espoo Playboys (Finland-Korisliiga) and was ana ssistant for the Toronto Raptors in 2008-2009. He also coached the Georgian National Team in 2005-2006. He won the German title in 2004 with the Opel Skyliners, French cup in 2007 and Finish cups in 2009 and 2010. He spoke to Eurobasket about basketball.

Congrats to the 76-70 win against the Fraport Skyliners. How many nerves did this win cost you?

It was a pretty intense game like any other, but Frankfurt played well. I felt that Frankfurt controlled the tempo in the first, third and fourth quarters. Iam glad we got the win at the end.

Did Derrick Allen, Dashaun Wood and Gordon Herbert want the win a bit more than Quantez Robertson, Jimmy Mckinney and Marius Nolte?

It is always most difficult playing against an ex team or players in that first year. I would be lying if I said this wasnt a special game. It was nice seeing guys like Klaus Perwas and Kamil Novak.

After Alba Berlin beat Frankfurt on the road, many wanted the head of Muli Katzurin. How sure were you that he would find a way to get his team going?

I never really thought about it. I always focus first on my team. I always hope or the ebst of any coach. I know how much pressure there is for a coach.

How much pressure is there to win the title in June?

It was disappointing losing to Braunschweig and not getting to the Top 4. The two favorites before the season were Bamberg and Munich. Of course we want to get back to the final. But now we have to focus on getting better.

Before the season, it was clear that Dashaun wood would not have to do as much scoring as in Frankfurt and could focus more on defense. However in the last weeks, he has been scoring much including 30 points against Artland. Is Alba Berlin a little to dependent on him than you would like?

In some games, we are dependent on him and in other games on other guys. Back in November/December, we had 2-3 guys that could step up on any given night. We were playing very well then and that was our strength. We have to focus on getting back to that if we want to be good.

You said in a Five interview that a good team needs its race horses and fighting pigs to be successful. How well would a Jacob Burtschi fit to be a fighting pig on your team?

I like him a lot. He has been a big reason why Frankfurt has turned the corne rin the last 10-14 games. He is like a point forward. He moves the ball well, can pass and shoot. He is a nice fit in their puzzle. He has a good chance to become a good European player. He reminds me of Marko Simonovic.

Alba Berlin has many talented players. How difficult is it getting the best out of good players?

To be successful, all players have to play defense, rebound and execute in the half court and going where it hurts. You need a good mix out of race horses and pigs. All have to do the dirty work, but that hasnt happened in the last months. This has to happen again if we want to compete.

Alba Berlin has developed many good young players, but most go elsewhere for their break through like Philipp Zwiener has with TBB Trier. Could young German Joey Ney become a good role player in your system?

He could become a good role player. He is a tough kid that goes where it hurts. The problem here is that there is a lot of pressure to have success and we cant get every guy into our rotation. Those that dont go to smaller programes. Heiko Schaffartzik started here, left and came back. Guys leave to get experience and get minutes.

How is the development of Lucca Staiger coming along? He is known as a shooter, but penetrated nicely to the hoop twice against Frankfurt.

We had big plans with him at the start of the season. He started games, but got off to a tough start and dropped out of the rotation. We play only 9 guys and he was our 10th player. He got out of condition, but he is working hard at getting fit again. He is still in our plans and we are sure that he will help us.

How much of this ice hockey mentality has Alba Berlin gotten this season that you would like the team to have? It must of paid off in the close wins against Bremerhaven and Frankfurt?

We didnt play too well in both games, but it was good that the team found a way to win. It would be nice if the team had that toughness of a canadian hockey team, but they are more like a European team with their finesse. I dont think that they will never be like a Canadian hockey team.

What does Frankfurt have that Berlin doesnt have and vice versa?

Both are great organizations. I have a lot of respect for Gunnar Wobke in how he has developed the program in Frankfurt the last 14-15 years. The only difference is the arena. Both clubs have the best training facilities as well.

You have coached in many places in the basketball world. Where would you rank Frankfurt?

Frankfurt is one of the best organizations that I have been at. I came back for a second time and I had back problems and they treated me super. Then I left and had an opportunity with Alba Berlin. I really wanted to stay longer in Frankfurt. I really liked my time in Frankfurt. On top of that, I love Germany. I respect the culture and professionalism very much.

How big was the success with Canada getting a fourth place at the 1984 Olympics?

It looks good now with how Canada has developed with basketball. We were very disappointed that we lost a heart breaker to Spain and then had to play USA in the semi finals and not get a medal. It was a great experience that I wouldnt trade for anything.

What play do you remember from the game against USA at the 1984 Olympics?

I remember Michael Jordan hitting a long jumper and USA coach Bobby Knight yelling at him. Jordan then dunked over me after I had hit a jumper over him.

Both your sons are Finish junior national players. What tips can you give him?

I had coached their junior team sin the past. I tell them that they can develop only about 35% with the team and the rest is doing individual work. That is where a player develops most. In the winter, you develop with the team and in the summer is where you have to work on your game yourself. Basketball is a great game. All you need is a basket and ball.

What are your early 2012 NCAA Final 4 picks?

I have no idea. I have lost track, because I dont have the channel. I watch CNN and BBC.

A few years ago Derrick Allen ran a 10,7 in the 100 meters. Could Quantez Robertson break that mark?

Yes I think that he can. Tez is one of the fastest players in Europe. He has the potential to become a Euroleague player if he works on his ball handling and shot and gets better habits. He has unbelievable potential.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

21.

Thanks coach for the chat.

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

GREECE

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

Nestoras KOMMATOS
  Marousi
  (203-F-77)
  Avg: 20.4

1. Kommatos, Marousi	20.4
2. Christmas, AGOR	18.6
3. Charalampidi., KAO.	17.0
4. Roby, Peristeri GS	16.4
5. Beck, Ikaros	15.9
6. Gagaloudis, Marousi	15.6
7. Dikoudis, PAOK	15.4
8. Tapoutos, Aris	14.8
9. James, Aris	14.5
10. Baynes, Ikaros	14.1

Rebounds Per Game

Aron BAYNES
  Ikaros
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 8.9

1. Baynes, Ikaros	8.9
2. Haritopoulos, Maro.	7.6
3. NaNa, Ilysiakos	7.6
4. Goree, PAOK	7.1
5. Stepheson, Panio.	7.1
6. Kommatos, Marousi	6.6
7. Symtsak, Kavala	6.2
8. O''Bryant, Kavala	5.9
9. Boykin, Kolossos	5.9
10. Tapoutos, Aris	5.9

Assists Per Game

Yannis GAGALOUDIS
  Marousi
  (192-G-78)
  Avg: 6

1. Gagaloudis, Marousi	6.0
2. Spanoulis, Olympia.	5.1
3. Diamantidis, Panat.	4.6
4. Charalampidi., KAO.	4.4
5. James, Aris	4.1
6. Xanthopoulos, Pani.	4.1
7. Wright, AGOR	4.0
8. Thompson, Ilysi.	3.6
9. Tsamis, Kolossos	3.4
10. Calathes, Panathi.	3.2

Steals Per Game

Zack WRIGHT
  AGOR
  (188-G-85)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Wright, AGOR	2.4
2. James, Aris	1.9
3. Calathes, Panathin.	1.8
4. Hatten, Kolossos	1.7
5. Logan, Panathin.	1.7
6. Thompson, Ilysi.	1.7
7. Christmas, AGOR	1.6
8. Dorsey, Olympiakos	1.6
9. Perperoglou, Panat.	1.5
10. Gagaloudis, Marou.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Patrick O''BRYANT
  Kavala
  (213-C-86)
  Avg: 1.5

1. O''Bryant, Kavala	1.5
2. Muldrow, Aris	1.4
3. Elegar, Marousi	1.1
4. Johnson, Ikaros	1.0
5. Michel, KAOD	1.0
6. Hines, Olympiakos	1.0
7. Vougioukas, Panat.	0.9
8. Stepheson, Panio.	0.9
9. Petway, AGOR	0.9
10. Tsontzos, Marousi	0.7

Standings - A1

A1 Standings

1. Olympiakos		21-1
2. Panathinaikos		20-2
3. Kolossos		15-6
4. Panionios		14-8
5. AGOR		13-8
6. Kavala		12-10
7. Aris		9-12
8. PAOK		9-13
9. KAOD		8-13
10. Ilysiakos		7-15
11. Peristeri GS		6-16
12. Ikaros		5-17
13. Marousi		1-21

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

HOLLAND

Standings - Eredivisie

Eredivisie Standings

1. Groningen		19-5
2. Den Bosch		17-6
3. Leiden		16-6
4. Nijmegen		15-8
5. Zwolle		10-14
6. Leeuwarden		9-14
7. Weert		4-19
8. Rotterdam		3-21

Stats Leaders - Eredivisie

Points Per Game

Lance JETER
  Leeuwarden
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 18.3

1. Jeter, Leeuwarden	18.3
2. Sally, Rotterdam	18.3
3. Anderson, Weert	17.2
4. Hargrove, Nijmegen	16.5
5. Wesley, Den Bosch	15.6
6. Boxley, Leiden	15.2
7. Humphrey, Nijmegen	15.2
8. Acker, Nijmegen	15.1
9. Wesby, Groningen	14.7
10. Wells, Zwolle	14.1

Rebounds Per Game

Yamene COLEMAN
  Weert
  (206-C-86)
  Avg: 9.3

1. Coleman, Weert	9.3
2. Sanchez, Leeuw.	9.0
3. Robinson, Zwolle	7.4
4. Boxley, Leiden	6.9
5. Humphrey, Nijmegen	6.8
6. Wesley, Den Bosch	6.8
7. Saaka, Zwolle	6.7
8. Hargrove, Nijmegen	6.7
9. Bekkering, Nijme.	6.5
10. Oudendag, Rotte.	6.4

Assists Per Game

Frank TURNER
  Den Bosch
  (178-PG-88)
  Avg: 5

1. Turner, Den Bosch	5.0
2. Anderson, Weert	4.6
3. Harman, Weert	4.3
4. Acker, Nijmegen	3.7
5. Jeter, Leeuwarden	3.7
6. Wells, Zwolle	3.6
7. Slagter, Leiden	3.4
8. Fletcher, Weert	3.3
9. Jansen, Den Bosch	3.1
10. Huffman, Zwolle	2.8

Steals Per Game

David GONZALVEZ
  Den B.
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Gonzalvez, Den B.	2.6
2. Wells, Zwolle	2.4
3. Huffman, Zwolle	2.2
4. Harman, Weert	2.1
5. Turner, Den Bosch	2.0
6. Wesley, Den Bosch	2.0
7. Anderson, Weert	1.7
8. Wessels, Den Bosch	1.7
9. de Jong, Leiden	1.7
10. Acker, Nijmegen	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Kareem MADDOX
  Zwolle
  (203-F-89)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Maddox, Zwolle	1.6
2. Wyatt, Groningen	1.3
3. Wesley, Den Bosch	1.0
4. Boxley, Leiden	0.9
5. Bekkering, Nijme.	0.9
6. Minter, Weert	0.8
7. Zondervan, Zwolle	0.7
8. Hilliman, Leiden	0.7
9. Poels, Leeuwarden	0.7
10. Hulzebos, Zwolle	0.6

Sanchez number one in Holland for round 27 - by Eurobasket News
American-Mexican forward Mark Sanchez (201-F-87, agency: Court Side) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Leeuwarden, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 27.
The 24-year old player had a double-double of 22 points and 14 rebounds, while his team Leeuwarden maintains the 6th position in Dutch Eredivisie. Leeuwarden is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. But it was their 14th lost game this season out of 23 games. It's Sanchez's second year at Leeuwarden and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Former Boise State University star has very solid stats this year. Sanchez is in league's top in rebounds (2nd best: 9.0rpg) and averages impressive 59.1% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 24-year old American David Gonzalvez (193-G-87) of league's second-best Den Bosch. Gonzalvez had a very good evening with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds. Of course he lead Den Bosch to another comfortable win 82-65 over the lower-ranked Zwolle (#5, 10-14) being unquestionably team leader. This victory allowed Den Bosch to move up to second position in the standings. His team's 17-6 record is not bad at all. Gonzalvez is a newcomer at Den Bosch and despite he is not a team leader yet, every game he becomes more reliable player. Hopefully performances like the last one will happen more often.

Third on the list of top players last round was American center Yamene Coleman (206-C-86, agency: Court Side) of Weert (#7). Coleman scored 23 points and grabbed twelve rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Weert, leading his team to a 81-71 win against slightly higher-ranked Leeuwarden (#6, 9-14). Weert can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 4-19 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Coleman he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Coleman has individually a great season in Holland. After 23 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 9.3rpg (#1 in league).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Tai Wesley (200-F-86) of Den Bosch - 15 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists
5. Kenrick Zondervan (206-F/C-85) of Zwolle - 14 points and 6 rebounds
6. Alex Wesby (196-G-80) of Groningen - 10 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Frank Turner (178-PG-88) of Den Bosch - 15 points and 7 assists
8. Seamus Boxley (201-F-82) of Leiden - 13 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Rahmon Fletcher (177-PG-88) of Weert - 17 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Gerald Robinson (204-F-84) of Zwolle - 20 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)

Charlon Kloof selected the top Dutch playing abroad in last week''s games - by Eurobasket Center
Here is the weekly review of the top performing Dutch players, who play currently abroad.

Charlon Kloof

   #1. This week''s number one is former U20 international guard Charlon Kloof (190-90). Kloof led St.Bonaventure to a victory against the Saint Joseph''s University (18-3) 71-68 in the conference tournament on Friday night. He scored 19 points in 36 minutes on the court. The St.Bonaventure University has a very good 10-3 conference record this season. It''s Kloof''s first year with the team. Kloof has relatively good stats this year: 10.8ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 51.1%, 3FGP: 14.3% and FT: 71.1% in the 21 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Surinamese and Dutch. Kloof played for the Dutch U20 national team two years ago.

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

   #1. Daniel Kickert (208-C-83, college: St.Mary''s, CA), who plays in the Polish PLK could not help PGE Turow (0-3) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the sixth-placed PGE Turow lost 78-87 at home to the leading Trefl Sopot in the Group A. Kickert was the second best scorer with 20 points. He also added 5 rebounds in 36 minutes. So far PGE Turow lost all three games in the Second Stage. Kickert has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 15.1ppg and 3.9rpg in the 26 games he played so far. Kickert has a dual citizenship: Australian and Dutch. Despite his Dutch passport, Kickert currently plays for the Australian national team and is not eligible to play for the Dutch team.

   #2. Kim Tillie (210-F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Utah), who plays in the French ProA was not able to help ASVEL (10-11) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his very good performance ASVEL was badly defeated 73-53 on the road by the second-ranked Gravelines-Dunkerque. Tillie was the top scorer with 19 points. He also added 5 rebounds. Tillie has relatively good stats this season: 10.8ppg, 5.0rpg and 1.4apg. He has also French citizenship.

Other top Dutch players, who play abroad:

Francisco Elson (212-C-76) plays for Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA
Travis Stel (202-F-71) plays for Antwerp Giants in Belgian D1
Henk Norel (212-F/C-87) plays for FIATC Joventut in Spanish ACB
Robin Smeulders (208-F-87) plays for EWE Baskets in German BBL
Aaron Doornekamp (198-F-85) plays for Otto Caserta in Italian SerieA
Dewayne Johns (191-G-64) plays for BBC Bayreuth in German BBL
Ewoud Kloos (185-G/F-89) plays for UB La Palma in Spanish LEB Gold
Roeland Schaftenaar (211-F/C-88) plays for UB La Palma in Spanish LEB Gold
Kasper Averink (183-PG-93) plays for Prievidza in Slovakian Extraliga
Devon Van Oostrum (190-G-93) plays for CB Tarragona 2017 in Spanish LEB Gold
Marc Peutz (205-C-92) plays for Cape Breton University in Canadian university league CIS
Gijs Geerders (208-C-69) plays for Kapfenberg Bulls in Austrian A Bundesliga
Daan Wiersum (F-91) plays for University of Calgary in Canadian university league CIS

Notice: The list above includes only some of the Dutch playing currently abroad. Go to Dutch Abroad Page to see completed list.

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

IBA

Albany Legends land Guy Dupuy - by Eurobasket News
Albany Legends strengthened their roster prior to the start of the new championship. They signed a deal with Guy Dupuy (6'4''-F-87). The French spent pre-season for Guaiqueries de Magarita in Venezuela. The forward was released in February. Previously Guy Dupuy had stints in the United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium and France.

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

IBL

Salem's IBL team quickly taking shape - by Kip Leonetti
The International Basketball League's return to Salem is looking to be a strong one, if early moves are any indication.

The IBL team announced last month has chosen to re-brand itself as the Salem Soldiers and have also unveiled a new team logo today.

''We wanted to have a strong team name and salute our military, and competing as the Salem Soldiers we accomplish that and our sponsors support the initiative,'' commented team owner Price Johnson on the reasoning behind the selection of the team name.

Further, the Soldiers will offer free admission to their home games at The Hoop to anyone with military identification.

On the court, the team is taking shape with the announcement that Johnson will also serve as Head Coach for the 2012 season. Johnson brings with him an impressive resume that includes coaching the EA Sports All-Star touring team for several years and serving as a special assignment coach in the NBA for both George Karl and Nate McMillan. Johnson also coached the Salem Stampede last season, helping lead the team to NABL finals.

The Soldiers have also announced they have added a pair of Portland State Vikings who have just wrapped up their senior seasons, Chehales Tapscott (6'5''-F-90) and Nate Lozeau (6'10''-C-88).

Tapscott provided an outstanding inside presence for the Vikings this season, averaging 14.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. He was also named first team all-Big Sky Conference as a senior, after leading the conference in rebounding, steals and double-doubles.

Lozeau, at 6-foot-10 and 270 pounds, will provide size in the post for the Soldiers are doing the same at Portland State, where he averaged seven points per game on 56 percent shooting from the floor, along with 4.6 rebounds per game, as a senior. Prior to joining the Vikings, he spent his first two collegiate seasons at the University of San Diego.

''Chehales expressed an interested in playing right away after college, and the Soldiers position as a spring team allows him to do that,'' Coach Johnson explained. ''Our teams up-tempo style should serve him well and I expect him to be a dominant player in the IBL.''

These two new roster additions are supplemented by guard Jeremiah Dominguez and forward Phil Nelson, both previously announced as joining the team, giving the Soldiers lineup for 2012 a distinctly Viking feel.

''We have heard from a lot of people that Salem is hungry for basketball to return,'' added Johnson. ''I am proud to be able to do this for the community and I think they will be very excited about the team we put on the floor.''

The Soldiers tip-off the 2012 season on the road April 21 against the Bellingham Slam. The first of ten home games at The Hoop in Salem will take place on May 11 versus the Vancouver Volcanoes, the 2011 IBL champions. The Soldiers' complete schedule may be viewed on the IBL's website at www.ibl.com.

Two hours prior to each home game, the Soldiers will host a free basketball clinic for children, with each clinic focusing on a different aspect of the game. Clinic participants will also receive free admission to that nights game.

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

ICELAND

Standings - Iceland Express League

Express L. Standings

1. Grindavik		17-3
2. Thor Thorl		13-6
3. Stjarnan		12-7
4. KR		12-7
5. Keflavik		12-7
6. Snaefell		11-9
7. Tindastoll		9-10
8. Njardvik		9-11
9. IR		8-12
10. Fjolnir		8-12
11. Haukar		6-14
12. Valur		0-19

Stats Leaders (Men)

Points Per Game

Robert JARVIS
  IR
  (180-G-87)
  Avg: 24

1. Jarvis, IR	24.0
2. Holmes, Njardvik	23.3
3. Govens, Thor Thorl	23.3
4. Echols, Njardvik	23.2
5. Dagostino, Keflavik	22.9
6. Shuler, Haukar	22.7
7. Walkup, Fjolnir	22.3
8. Johnson, Valur	22.0
9. Bullock, Grindavik	21.9
10. Tairu, KR	21.4

Rebounds Per Game

Junior HAIRSTON
  Thor T.
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 14.9

1. Hairston, Thor T.	14.9
2. Hankins-Cole, Snae.	13.3
3. Echols, Njardvik	11.8
4. Ringgold, Thor Tho.	11.3
5. Smith, Haukar	11.2
6. Tratnik, Valur	10.4
7. Bullock, Grindavik	10.3
8. Walkup, Fjolnir	10.2
9. Shuler, Haukar	10.0
10. Hampton, Tindasto.	9.9

Assists Per Game

Justin SHOUSE
  Stjarnan
  (180-G-81)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Shouse, Stjarnan	6.9
2. Miller, Tindastoll	6.5
3. Watson, Grindavik	6.4
4. Pauline, Haukar	5.6
5. Hall, Snaefell	5.6
6. Dagostino, Keflavik	4.8
7. Fridriksson, Njard.	4.7
8. Haraldsson, Haukar	4.6
9. Brown, KR	4.6
10. O''Neil, Fjolnir	4.3

Steals Per Game

Travis HOLMES
  Njardvik
  (193-G-86)
  Avg: 3

1. Holmes, Njardvik	3.0
2. Cothran, Stjarnan	2.7
3. Brown, KR	2.6
4. Hall, Snaefell	2.5
5. Shuler, Haukar	2.5
6. Shouse, Stjarnan	2.4
7. Parker, Keflavik	2.3
8. Allen, Tindastoll	2.3
9. Pauline, Haukar	2.3
10. Gunnarsson, Kefla.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Junior HAIRSTON
  Thor T.
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 4.7

1. Hairston, Thor T.	4.7
2. Smith, Haukar	3.6
3. Hugee, Valur	2.3
4. Tratnik, Valur	2.2
5. Lindmets, Stjarnan	1.3
6. Hampton, Tindastoll	1.3
7. Tratnik, Tindastoll	1.3
8. Ragnarsson, Fjolnir	1.1
9. Holmes, Njardvik	1.1
10. Ferguson, KR	1.1

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

INDONESIA

Standings - IBL

NBL Standings

1. Satria Muda		23-3
2. Aspac		22-4
3. Garuda		20-6
4. Pelita Jaya		19-7
5. CLS Knights		18-8
6. Muba Hangtuah		15-10
7. Stadium Jak.		13-13
8. Pacific Caesar		9-18
9. Bima Sakti		8-18
10. Comfort Mobile		5-22
11. Satya Wacana		4-23
12. NSH GMC Riau		1-25

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Yanuar DWI PRIASMORO
  Bima S.
  (178-SG-89)
  Avg: 16

1. Dwi Priasmor., Bim.	16.0
2. Ferdiansyah, Stadi.	14.9
3. Wisnu, Satria Muda	13.8
4. Nagata, Pacific	13.4
5. Sapto, Muba H.	13.2
6. Rizky Ardian., Bim.	12.9
7. Regowo, Aspac	12.4
8. Ahmad, Satria Muda	12.3
9. Chandra, Pelita J.	12.2
10. Prawiro, Aspac	11.5

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Gunawan, Satria M.	10.8
2. Regowo, Aspac	8.8
3. Yanto, NSH G.	7.9
4. Sitepu, Satria M.	7.7
5. Thoyib, Aspac	7.7
6. Rizky Ardian., Bim.	7.3
7. Heryadi, Muba H.	7.2
8. Nasution, Satya W.	6.9
9. Nolland, Garuda	6.8
10. Wisnu, Satria Muda	6.7

Assists Per Game

Dirk GERUNGAN
  Aspac
  (182-PG-87)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Gerungan, Aspac	4.3
2. Sartika, Bima Sakti	4.2
3. Muharri, CLS K.	3.5
4. Purwanto, Pelita J.	3.5
5. Widyanto, Pacifi.	3.1
6. Ahmad, Satria Muda	2.5
7. Wilopo, Muba H.	2.5
8. Uniputty, Comfor.	2.4
9. Husnuzan, NSH G.	2.4
10. Yusran, Stadium	2.3

Steals Per Game

Kelly PURWANTO
  Pelita J.
  (177-PG-83)
  Avg: 3

1. Purwanto, Pelita J.	3.0
2. Poedjakesuma, Peli.	2.7
3. Muharri, CLS K.	2.6
4. Sartika, Bima Sakti	2.3
5. Uniputty, Comfor.	2.2
6. Ferdiansyah, Stadi.	2.1
7. Sapto, Muba H.	2.1
8. Sunarya, Muba H.	2.0
9. Ramli, Garuda	2.0
10. Gerungan, Aspac	2.0

Blocks Per Game

R RUSLAN
  Stadium .
  (197-C-89)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Ruslan, Stadium	2.5
2. Sitepu, Satria M.	2.0
3. Thoyib, Aspac	2.0
4. Arizki, Aspac	1.7
5. Gunawan, Satya W.	1.7
6. Teguh, Muba H.	1.4
7. Damanik, NSH G.	1.3
8. Indrawan, Pelita J.	1.2
9. Sasmito, Pacific	1.1
10. Listiyono, Pacifi.	1.1

NBL Round 43 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
The game in Sakti was quite interesting. Seventh ranked Stadium Jakarta (13-13) played at the court of 8th ranked Bima Sakti (8-18). Stadium Jakarta managed to secure a 9-point victory 72-63 on Friday. Bima Sakti trailed by 13 points at halftime and as many as 17 after three quarters before a 19-11 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 63-72 at the end of the game. Stadium Jakarta forced 28 Bima Sakti turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of Merio Ferdiansyah (176-85) who helped to win the game recording 18 points. Center R Ruslan (197-89) contributed with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 4 blocks for the winners. Yanuar Dwi Priasmoro (178-89) answered with 25 points and 4 assists for Bima Sakti. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Stadium Jakarta maintains seventh place with 13-13 record. Bima Sakti lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth position with 18 games lost. Stadium Jakarta are looking forward to face higher ranked Muba Hangtuah (#6) in Pandang in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Bima Sakti will have a break next round.
The game between fourth ranked Pelita Jaya (19-7) and 12th ranked NSH GMC Riau (1-25) in Jakarta ended with biggest points difference. Pelita Jaya outscored guests from Riau 88-36. Worth to mention a quality performance of the former international guard Erick Sebayang (180-83) who helped to win the game recording 17 points. Romy Christanto Chandra helped adding 10 points and 9 rebounds. At the losing side center Max Yanto (215-83) responded with 9 points and 16 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. Defending champion maintains fourth place with 19-7 record. NSH GMC Riau lost twentieth second consecutive game. They stay dead last with 25 lost games. Pelita Jaya will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. NSH GMC Riau will play on the road against Comfort Mobile (#10) in Jakarta and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 43 Pacific Caesar beat Satya Wacana on the road 68-54.
The most impressive performance of 43th round was 24 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks by Eko Sasmito of Pacific Caesar.

Bima Sakti - Stadium Jak. 63-72

The game in Sakti was quite interesting. Seventh ranked Stadium Jakarta (13-13) played at the court of 8th ranked Bima Sakti (8-18). Stadium Jakarta managed to secure a 9-point victory 72-63 on Friday. Bima Sakti trailed by 13 points at halftime and as many as 17 after three quarters before a 19-11 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 63-72 at the end of the game. Stadium Jakarta forced 28 Bima Sakti turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of Merio Ferdiansyah (176-85) who helped to win the game recording 18 points. Center R Ruslan (197-89) contributed with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 4 blocks for the winners. Yanuar Dwi Priasmoro (178-89) answered with 25 points and 4 assists and Bima Rizky Ardiansyah (182-90) added 16 points and 11 rebounds in the effort for Bima Sakti. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Stadium Jakarta maintains seventh place with 13-13 record. Bima Sakti lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth position with 18 games lost. Stadium Jakarta are looking forward to face higher ranked Muba Hangtuah (#6) in Pandang in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Bima Sakti will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Stadium Jak.: M.Ferdiansyah 18+4reb+1ast, D.Leonardo 14+3reb, R.Ruslan 9+6reb+2ast, A.Sujarwo 7, F.Budianto 7+1reb+6ast, D.Iskandar 5+4reb
Bima Sakti: Y.Dwi Priasmoro 25+3reb+4ast, B.Rizky Ardiansyah 16+11reb+1ast, U.Gendro Maryono 7+1reb, G.Virgian 7+1reb, M.Indra 4+10reb+1ast, G.Sudrajat 2+1reb

Satya Wacana - Pacific Caesar 54-68

No shocking result in a game when ninth ranked Pacific Caesar (9-18) beat 11th ranked Satya Wacana (4-23) in Salatiga 68-54. It looked good early as Satya Wacana took an 8-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Pacific Caesar took control and eventually winning the game that evening by 14 points. They also forced 19 Satya Wacana turnovers. Pacific Caesar brought some defensive toughness making 9 blocks. It was a great evening for center Eko Sasmito (188-85) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks. Forward Gege Nagata (185-88) helped adding 15 points. Pacific Caesar's coach Arturo Lozada allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the losing side guard Respati Pamungkas (180-91) responded with 15 points and 9 rebounds and guard Jerry Lolowang (183-86) scored 13 points and 4 assists. Pacific Caesar moved-up to eighth place. Satya Wacana lost third consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with 23 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Pacific Caesar: E.Sasmito 24+11reb+3ast, G.Nagata 15+4reb, M.Fauzia 12+4reb+1ast, P.King Dhay 9+5reb+5ast, D.Yulyanto 3+2reb, I.Widyanto 3+6reb+1ast
Satya Wacana: R.Pamungkas 15+9reb+2ast, J.Lolowang 13+1reb+4ast, M.Ramadhan 8+5reb, J.Hasoloan 6+1reb, Y.Sua 6+5reb+2ast, E.Wiratama Nasution 6+7reb+1ast

Pelita Jaya - NSH GMC Riau 88-36

The game between fourth ranked Pelita Jaya (19-7) and 12th ranked NSH GMC Riau (1-25) in Jakarta ended with biggest points difference. Pelita Jaya outscored guests from Riau 88-36. The game without a history. Pelita Jaya led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding NSH GMC Riau to just 3 points in first quarter and to 11 points in first half. Pelita Jaya dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to NSH GMC Riau's 20. Pelita Jaya forced 42 NSH GMC Riau turnovers and had a 21-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. NSH GMC Riau was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a quality performance of the former international guard Erick Sebayang (180-83) who helped to win the game recording 17 points. The former international forward Romy Christanto Chandra (189-73) helped adding 10 points and 9 rebounds. Four Pelita Jaya players scored in double figures. At the losing side center Max Yanto (215-83) responded with 9 points and 16 rebounds and Ryan Febriyan (194-87) scored 8 points and 11 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. Defending champion maintains fourth place with 19-7 record. NSH GMC Riau lost twentieth second consecutive game. They stay dead last with 25 lost games. Pelita Jaya will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. NSH GMC Riau will play on the road against Comfort Mobile (#10) in Jakarta and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Pelita Jaya: E.Sebayang 17+3reb, P.Indrawan 12+5reb, R.Christanto Chandra 10+9reb+1ast, J.Iroth 10+5reb+2ast, G.Gumilar 9+1ast, F.Dini 8+4reb
NSH GMC Riau: A.Amier 12+3reb+1ast, M.Yanto 9+16reb+1ast, R.Febriyan 8+11reb, M.Yesyurun 2+1reb, K.Harun 2+2reb+1ast, N.Fadhilah 1+2reb+1ast

Best players of Indonesian NBL round 42 - by Eurobasket News
Pringgo Regowo (190-F-87) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's second-best Aspac and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 42.
The 24-year old forward had a double-double of 19 points and nineteen rebounds, while his team beat Bima Sakti (#8, 8-17) 64-49. Aspac maintains the 2nd position in Indonesian NBL. They are still close to the very top. Aspac would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 22-4 record. It's Regowo's second year at Aspac and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Regowo has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (8th best: 12.4ppg) and rebounds (2nd best: 8.8rpg).

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 24-year old power forward Galank Gunawan (194-PF-87) of league's best team Satria Muda. Gunawan impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 16 points and 16 rebounds. Of course he lead Satria Muda to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Comfort Mobile (#10, 5-22) 98-55. Of course Satria Muda still keep the league's top spot. His team lost just three games this season, while they won 23 matches. Gunawan is one of the most experienced players at Satria Muda and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

The third best performed player last round was another Satria Muda's star - Arki Wisnu (187-G-88). Wisnu scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds. He was another key player of Satria Muda, helping his team with a 98-55 easy win against the lower-ranked Comfort Mobile (#10, 5-22). Satria Muda confirms their top position in the standings Wisnu has a great season in Indonesia. After 30 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 13.8ppg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Ary Sapto (188-F-80) of Muba Hangtuah - 11 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Dian Heryadi (194-F/C-80) of Muba Hangtuah - 13 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Hendrik Agustinus (203-C-82) of Garuda - 11 points and 7 rebounds
7. Bima Rizky Ardiansyah (182-PF-90) of Bima Sakti - 16 points and 5 rebounds
8. Kelly Purwanto (177-PG-83) of Pelita Jaya - 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Schiffo Liogu (190-PF-91) of Satria Muda - 9 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Mei Joni (188-G-89) of Muba Hangtuah - 13 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)

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

IRELAND

National League Semi Finals Preview - by Patrick Maher
NATIONAL LEAGUE SEMI FINAL PREVIEWS

SIDES FIGHT FOR FINAL PLACE

This weekend marks the penultimate series of games in both the Nivea for Mens and Nivea Womens SuperLeagues as the play-off semi-finals in both codes are set to take place.

The clash of the weekend will see UCC Demons and UL Eagles do battle at the Mardyke Arena on Sunday.

There is an all Dublin clash in the other semi-final with UCD Marian, surprise conquerors of Bord Gais Neptune, set to go head to head with Northern Conference champions DCU Saints.

UL Eagles semi-final clash away to UCC Demons is a repeat of this years enthralling National Cup Final. On that occasion, Eagles prevailed but the Cork side have inflicted three defeats on them in league affairs this season.

Demons actually defeated UL three weeks ago after the cup final but coach Paul Kelleher believes past clashes between the sides will count for nothing in this game. Demons response since their cup final loss to UL has been impressive, winning their last six straight games in the league.

'UL Eagles have upped their level in recent weeks and having taken in their game against Killester very few teams if any would have lived with them the way they played, said Demons Head Coach Paul Kelleher. Their tenacity and intensity was impressive and we will have to be smart, poised and able to match their aggression will be paramount to getting the desired result we are looking for. We have come off an incredible few weeks with three double headers and I'm hoping this amount of basketball has made us sharp.

Eagles would have been forgiven for taking their foot off the gas after claiming their first silverware for 10 years in February but their performance against 11890 Killester in the quarter finals suggests a double is still a huge prospect.

Having overcome Killester in Dublin we now face another massive task in taking on UCC Demons on their home turf in next Sundays semi-final, said Eagles Head Coach Mark Keenan. We know how difficult it is to come away from Cork with a victory so we will need to be at our best in order to win. Demons have been playing really well of late & possess great experience & fire power in their squad. I expect nothing other than a tight & fiercely competitive game next Sunday.

Both sides have major injury worries, with Niall Murphy ruled out for Demons, while Matt Hall is a doubt for Eagles.

UCD Marian stunned Bord Gais Neptune to reach the last four and set up a mouth-watering all capital clash with fierce rivals DCU Saints.

Marian belied a run of six straight defeats in the league to record a famous win at the Neptune Stadium and they will require similar heroics if they are to overcome Saints, according to their Head Coach Fran Ryan.

'It is probably the toughest game one could get, said Marian Head Coach Fran Ryan. Saints have had a tremendous season with a record up to recently, which was clearly the best in the country.

They are the deepest team in country with an ideal mix of size and shooting skill and are definitely the smartest team on court.

I think they have lost 3 of their last 4 games and scored less than 60 in two of those games which demonstrates they can be stopped if tactics and commitment of the other team is in the right place.

The Saints coach David Donnelly will not hear of complacency as he bids to lead his team to the SuperLeague final.

There are no guarantees and although we will go into this final as favourites Neptune found to their cost last week that UCD Marian are a dangerous side when producing their best basketball, David said.

We have defeated them in all three league games in the Northern Conference but this is a one off and with nothing to lose they are sure to put it up to us.

National League Semi Final Play Offs

Friday, March 16th 2012

Basketball Ireland Mens Division One Semi Final Play Offs
Team Garveys St Marys (Kerry) v Matt OFlaherty Chemist Titans (Galway), Castleisland Community Centre, 20:30

Saturday, March 17th 2012

Basketball Ireland Mens Division One Semi Final Play Offs
Ballon (Dublin) v Maree (Galway), Palmerstown, 19:30

Sunday, March 18th 2012

Nivea For Mens SuperLeague Semi Final Play Offs

UCC Demons (Cork) v UL Eagles (Limerick), Mardyke Arena, 15:15; DCU Saints (Dublin) v UCD Marian (Dublin), DCU Sports Complex, 15:30

Courtesy :Shane Whelan .... www.basketballireland.ie

Matthew Hall (186-G-75, college: Earlham)

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

ITALY

stats leader

Points Per Game

Bernardo MUSSO
  Napoli
  (192-G-86)
  Avg: 19.5

1. Musso, Napoli	19.5
2. Evangelisti, Recan.	17.3
3. Portannese, Torino	16.3
4. Ferrarese, Castell.	15.4
5. Prandin, Casalp.	14.9
6. Mei, Comsum.it SI	14.6
7. Benevelli, Orlandi.	14.4
8. Poltroneri, Perugia	14.4
9. Tessitori, Comsum..	14.3
10. Ruggiero, Bari	14.1

Rebounds Per Game

Emanuele ROSSI
  Chieti
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 12.9

1. Rossi, Chieti	12.9
2. Iannilli, Napoli	9.6
3. Borra, Treviglio	8.4
4. Benevelli, Orlandi.	8.2
5. Gandini, Trieste	8.1
6. Baldi Rossi, Perug.	8.0
7. Tessitori, Comsum..	8.0
8. Simeoli, Comsum.i.	8.0
9. Tagliabue, Ruvo	7.6
10. Iannuzzi, Ferenti.	7.6

Assists Per Game

Matteo BERTOLAZZI
  Omegna
  (181-G-79)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Bertolazzi, Omegna	4.3
2. Circosta, Anagni	4.2
3. Musso, Napoli	4.1
4. Stanic, Fabriano	3.6
5. Guarino, Ferentino	3.4
6. Santolamazza, Ana.	3.0
7. Parente, Torino	2.9
8. Vico, Matera	2.9
9. Ferrarese, Castell.	2.9
10. Ruggiero, Bari	2.8

Steals Per Game

Matteo BERTOLAZZI
  Omegna
  (181-G-79)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Bertolazzi, Omegna	3.1
2. Iardella, Fabriano	3.0
3. Rivali, Santarcang.	2.9
4. Malamov, Anagni	2.9
5. Maggio, Pavia	2.9
6. Portannese, Torino	2.8
7. Musso, Napoli	2.8
8. Rossi, Chieti	2.8
9. Mei, Comsum.it SI	2.7
10. Truccolo, Perugia	2.7

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Capitanelli, Firen.	1.7
2. Ancellotti, Santar.	1.6
3. Borra, Treviglio	1.5
4. Pascolo, Trento	1.1
5. Candido, San Seve.	1.0
6. Cazzaniga, Pavia	1.0
7. Gandini, Trieste	1.0
8. Tessitori, Comsum..	1.0
9. Rossi, Chieti	0.9
10. Benevelli, Orland.	0.9

Standings - B1

Nazionale Standings

Div.North-East
1. Trento		20-9
2. Trieste		20-10
3. Perugia		13-15
4. Santarcangelo		12-18
5. Comsum.it SI		9-20
6. Firenze		8-22
Div.North-West
1. Omegna		26-4
2. Torino		18-12
3. Treviglio		18-12
4. Casalpusterlengo		17-13
5. Pavia		14-16
6. Castelletto		10-19
Div.South-East
1. Chieti		17-13
2. Recanati		15-13
3. Bari		15-15
4. San Severo		13-16
5. Fabriano		8-21
6. Ruvo		3-26
Div.South-West
1. Napoli		24-6
2. Ferentino		18-11
3. Orlandina		17-12
4. Latina Basket		14-15
5. Matera		13-16
6. Anagni		11-17

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

JAPAN

Standings - JBL

JBL Standings

1. Aishin SH		28-10
2. Toyota Alvark		27-12
3. Panasonic T.		22-16
4. Hitachi SR		22-17
5. Hokkaido L.		20-19
6. Tochigi Brex		16-22
7. Mitsubishi DD		12-26
8. Toshiba BT		7-32

Stats Leaders - JBL Superleague

Points Per Game

Takuya KAWAMURA
  Tochigi .
  (193-G-86)
  Avg: 20.8

1. Kawamura, Tochigi	20.8
2. Hale, Mitsubis.	17.4
3. Sakuragi, Aishin SH	16.6
4. Kanamaru, Panasoni.	16.2
5. Orimo, Hokkaido L.	16.2
6. McFarlin, Tochigi	15.4
7. Lewis, Hokkaido L.	14.0
8. Igarashi, Mitsubis.	13.9
9. Takeuchi, Hitac.	13.1
10. Ricci, Toyota Alv.	12.8

Rebounds Per Game

J.R. SAKURAGI
  Aishin SH
  (206-F/C-76)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Sakuragi, Aishin SH	11.8
2. McFarlin, Tochigi	9.6
3. Takeuchi, Hitac.	9.6
4. Moss, Toshiba BT	8.8
5. Diouf, Hokkaido L.	8.4
6. Gibbs, Toyota A.	7.8
7. Hale, Mitsubis.	7.4
8. Allen, Mitsubis.	7.1
9. Ricci, Toyota Alva.	7.0
10. Lewis, Hokkaido L.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Takuya KAWAMURA
  Tochigi .
  (193-G-86)
  Avg: 4.2

1. Kawamura, Tochigi	4.2
2. Sakurai, Hokkaido.	4.0
3. Igarashi, Mitsubis.	3.8
4. Sakuragi, Aishin SH	3.7
5. Kashiwagi, Aishin	3.2
6. Takeuchi, Hitac.	2.9
7. Kashiwakura, Hitac.	2.8
8. Watanabe, Panason.	2.8
9. Hirose, Panasoni.	2.7
10. Nishimura, Hitac.	2.6

Steals Per Game

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

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

Blocks Per Game

Joji TAKEUCHI
  Hitac.
  (206-F/C-85)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Takeuchi, Hitac.	1.4
2. Richardson, Aishin	1.4
3. Takeuchi, Toyota	1.2
4. Ricci, Toyota Alva.	1.1
5. Diouf, Hokkaido L.	0.9
6. Merritt, Toshi.	0.8
7. McFarlin, Tochigi	0.8
8. Hale, Mitsubis.	0.8
9. Aono, Panasonic T.	0.8
10. Moss, Toshiba BT	0.8

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

KAZAKHSTAN

BC Astana shock Khimky in Kazakhstan - by Eurobasket News
VTB League
BC Astana - Khimky 84:73

BC Astana shock Khimky in Kazakhstan at VTB League Friday game. Visiting Khimky was defeated by BC Astana in Astana 84:73. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Khimky.
The game was mostly controlled by BC Astana. Khimky was better in third quarter 19-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 21-of-24 charity shots (87.5 percent) during the game. BC Astana had a 30-18 advantage in offensive rebounds. Khimky was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of Jerry Johnson (183-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Rider) who helped to win the game recording 19 points and 5 assists. Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Oakland) contributed with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83, agency: Alti Sport) answered with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds and Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Washington St.) added 21 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Khimky.
BC Astana moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Krasnie Krilya. Khimky at the other side keeps the second position with four games lost.

BC Astana: Jerry Johnson 19, Goran Cakic (208-C/F-80, agency: Beo Basket) 16, Luka Drca (195-PG-87, agency: Beo Basket, college: Utah) 14, Rawle Marshall 13
Khimky: Thomas Kelati 21, Vitaly Fridzon (195-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) 17, Kresimir Loncar 17+12rebs, Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) 14

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

KUWAIT

AlKuwait SC won the Final opener - by Eurobasket News
AlKuwait SC won the Final opener over Kazma 79:61. They started with 20-14 and added 21-15 in the second frame. Game 2 is planned for March 18th.
In the series for the third place AlSahel overcame AlQadsia 82:60. Their second game will be also played on March 18th.

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

LATVIA

LBL2 Round 32 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in LBL2 is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 4 rounds.

The game in Riga was quite interesting. 4th ranked Saldus (21-5) played at the court of sixth ranked RSU (15-10). RSU managed to secure a 7-point victory 76-69 on Thursday. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Saldus. The hosts trailed by 11 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 5-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 76-69. RSU have a solid three-game winning streak. Newly promoted RSU maintains sixth position with 15-10 record. Saldus at the other side keep the fourth place with five games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Jelgava. Local Zemgale/Juniors (8-18) were outscored by fifth ranked VEF Kadeti (16-10) 81-54. VEF Kadeti maintains fifth position with 16-10 record. Zemgale/Juniors at the other side keep the tenth place with 18 games lost. They share the position with Livani. VEF Kadeti's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Riga DSN.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Riga: BS Riga (#7) and Ridzene (#16). Ridzene was defeated at home 58-70. BS Riga maintains seventh position with 14-11 record. Loser Ridzene stay dead last with 23 lost games. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

Rest of the games of round 32 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Gulbene were crushed by Valmiera BSS in a road game 68-47. DSN smashed Ogres at home 88-64. Ogres were destroyed by Liepaja-2 on the opponent's court 99-72. BK VEF managed to outperform Cesis in a home game 62-52.

Ridzene - BS Riga 58-70

Another interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Riga: BS Riga (#7) and Ridzene (#16). Ridzene was defeated at home 58-70. The guests trailed by 6 points at the halftime before their 43-25 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. BS Riga maintains seventh position with 14-11 record. Loser Ridzene stay dead last with 23 lost games. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

Valmiera BSS - Gulbene 68-47

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 15th ranked Gulbene's (6-22) road loss to fourteenth ranked Valmiera BSS (7-17) 47-68 on Thursday. The game without a history. Valmiera BSS led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Valmiera BSS have a solid three-game winning streak. Newly promoted Valmiera BSS maintains fourteenth position with 7-17 record. Gulbene lost third consecutive game. Gulbene at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the fifteenth place with 22 games lost. Valmiera BSS will meet at home higher ranked Ventspils Augstskola (#8) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Gulbene will play against BS Ogre (#12) and hope to secure a win.

RSU - Saldus 76-69

The game in Riga was quite interesting. 4th ranked Saldus (21-5) played at the court of sixth ranked RSU (15-10). RSU managed to secure a 7-point victory 76-69 on Thursday. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Saldus. The hosts trailed by 11 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 5-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 76-69. RSU have a solid three-game winning streak. Newly promoted RSU maintains sixth position with 15-10 record. Saldus at the other side keep the fourth place with five games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

Jelgava/LLU - VEF Kadeti 54-81

The game with biggest result difference took place in Jelgava. Local Zemgale/Juniors (8-18) were outscored by fifth ranked VEF Kadeti (16-10) 81-54. It looked good early as Zemgale/Juniors took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then VEF Kadeti had a 25-10 second period charge getting the lead and Zemgale/Juniors were not able to take back game control losing it eventually 54-81. VEF Kadeti maintains fifth position with 16-10 record. Zemgale/Juniors at the other side keep the tenth place with 18 games lost. They share the position with Livani. VEF Kadeti's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Riga DSN.

DSN - Ogres 88-64

No shocking result in a game in Riga where ninth ranked DSN (11-13) smashed 12th ranked BS Ogre (8-19) 88-64 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by DSN. BS Ogre managed to win second period 23-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Newly promoted DSN maintains ninth position with 11-13 record. BS Ogre lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the twelfth place with 19 games lost. They share the position with Cesis. DSN's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Riga to the arena VEF Kadeti.

Liepaja-2 - Ogres 99-72

Very expected game when 12th ranked BS Ogre (8-19) was rolled over on the road by third ranked Liepaja-2 (22-3) 99-72 on Tuesday. The game was mostly controlled by Liepaja-2. BS Ogre managed to win fourth quarter 25-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Liepaja-2 have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 22-3 record behind leader Barons kvartals. BS Ogre lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the twelfth place with 19 games lost. They share the position with Cesis. Liepaja-2 will meet league's leader Barons kvartals in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. BS Ogre will play against Gulbene (#15) and hope to secure a win.

BK VEF - Cesis 62-52

Very predictable result when second ranked VEF Riga junior (23-3) beat at home 12th ranked Cesis (8-19) 62-52 on Tuesday. The game without a history. VEF Riga junior led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. VEF Riga junior maintains second position with 23-3 record having just -1 point less than leader Barons kvartals. Cesis lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keep the twelfth place with 19 games lost. They share the position with Ogres. VEF Riga junior's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Riga to the arena .

Standings - LBAL

LBL2 Standings

1. Barons kvartals		23-2
2. BK VEF		23-3
3. Liepaja-2		22-3
4. Saldus		21-5
5. VEF Kadeti		16-10
6. RSU		15-10
7. BS Riga		14-11
8. VA		13-13
9. DSN		11-13
10. Livani		9-18
11. Ogres		8-19
12. Jelgava/LLU		8-19
13. Cesis		8-20
14. Valmiera BSS		7-17
15. Gulbene		6-22
16. Ridzene		4-23

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

LEBANON

Anibal continues its winning streak, this time against Moutahed - by Asia-Basket Lebanon
After creating a Big upset in the previous round against Riyadi in Manara, Anibal continued its good performance this time against Moutahed , who is passing in a stable period , Anibal local players once again contributed strongly in the win . Four Local players with the 2 foreign players finished in Double Figures. On the other side Bassel Bawji (203-F/C-89, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Tulsa) is continuing his big performance this season; he had a season high with 27 points and led all scorers in the game. Moutahed played the game with Jiri Hubalek instead of Mika Brand but the new comer didnt had enough time to integrate fully in the team, he was fouled out from the game with 10 points and 2 rebound in 24 minutes of action. The other import player Austin Johnson contributed with 25 points.
Jay Youngblood who had a huge performance in the previous round against Riyadi with 38 points led his team with 23 points, Leroy Heard again showed that he was a good choice to replace the injured Ebi Ndudi, he finished the game with 18 points and 9 rebounds.
Ghaleb Reda had 17 points in the game, Rodrigue Akl had a good offensive contribution with 14 points and 5 assists, Mazen Meneimneh finished with 10 points and Bashir Ammoury with 12 points.
The big battke for the leader position will continue this week end between Riyadi and Champville , Anibal is confirming its 3rd position m as for the last position for the final 4 , a big battle is expected between Sagesse , Moutahed and Byblos, the two teams are within 1 game.

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

LIGA AMERICAS

Standings

Liga Americas Standings

Group A
1. Pioneros			2-1
2. La Union			2-1
3. Vivo/Franca			1-2
4. Fuerza Regia			1-2
Group B
1. Obras			3-0
2. Guaros			0-3
3. Bucaneros			2-1
4. Regatas C.			1-2
Group C
1. Arecibo			3-0
2. Cocodrilos			2-1
3. Leones SD			1-2
4. Cia do Terno			0-3
Group D
1. Itabom/Bauru			1-0
2. Uniceub/BRB			1-0
3. Los Leones			0-1
4. Quimsa			0-1

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Diego LO GRIPPO
  Quimsa
  (198-F-78)
  Avg: 23

1. Lo Grippo, Quimsa	23.0
2. Smith, La Union	22.3
3. Rodgers, Los Leon.	22.0
4. Giovannoni, Unice.	22.0
5. Ayuso, Arecibo	21.3
6. Silva, Un.	21.0
7. Washam, Obras	21.0
8. Gransberry, Cocod.	20.7
9. Basden, Vivo/Fran.	20.3
10. Brock, Leones SD	20.0

Rebounds Per Game

Kentrell GRANSBERRY
  Cocod.
  (206-C-85)
  Avg: 11.7

1. Gransberry, Cocod.	11.7
2. Fuller, Fuerza Reg.	11.3
3. Lewis, La Union	11.3
4. Echenique, Los L.	11.0
5. Brock, Leones SD	10.7
6. Drudi, Vivo/Franca	10.0
7. Polk, Los Leones	9.0
8. Colmenares, Cocod.	8.0
9. Agba, Itabom/Bauru	8.0
10. Aubry, Arecibo	8.0

Assists Per Game

Welington DOS SANTOS
  Unice.
  (185-PG-81)
  Avg: 7

1. Dos Santos, Unice.	7.0
2. Mensah, Cia d.	6.3
3. Martinez, Regat.	5.5
4. Konsztatd, Obras	5.3
5. Smith, La Union	4.3
6. Coronado, Leones	4.3
7. De los Santo., Reg.	4.3
8. Penna, Vivo/Franca	4.3
9. Harris, Pioneros	4.0
10. Basden, Vivo/Fra.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Alex RIBEIRO
  Un.
  (191-G-80)
  Avg: 4

1. Ribeiro, Un.	4.0
2. Parker, Guaros	3.5
3. Deodato, Itabom/B.	3.0
4. Espinoza, Los L.	3.0
5. Agba, Itabom/Bauru	3.0
6. Elsener, Obras	3.0
7. Dos Santos, Unice.	3.0
8. Colmenares, Cocod.	2.7
9. Adams, Guaros	2.3
10. Mensah, Cia d.	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Alirio DE SOUZA
  Un.
  (208-C-77)
  Avg: 2

1. de Souza, Un.	2.0
2. Aubry, Arecibo	1.7
3. Graterol, Cocodril.	1.3
4. Gransberry, Cocod.	1.3
5. Polk, Los Leones	1.0
6. Quinteros, Regat.	1.0
7. Rodgers, Los Leon.	1.0
8. Lima, Cia do Terno	1.0
9. Nunes, Itabom/B.	1.0
10. Pinnock, Arecibo	1.0

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

LITHUANIA

Lietuvos Rytas improved to 10-6 record - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas improved to 10-6 record in VTB League. The Lithuanian team thrashed Minsk-2006 112:86. Lietuvos rytas made 35-of-42 charity shots during the game, while Minsk-2006 only scored nineteen points from the stripe. Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) nailed a double-double by scoring 14 points and 14 rebounds for the winning side and Renaldas Seibutis (195-G-85) accounted for 20 points and 4 assists. Bobby Maze (188-G-86, college: Tennessee) came up with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists and the Justin Knox added 18 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Minsk-2006 in the defeat.
Zalgiris meanwhile lost to Unics 73:77. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Zalgiris. The guests trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 23-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Nathan Jawai stepped up and scored 16 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and Petr Samoylenko (185-PG-77) chipped in 13 points and 5 rebounds. At the losing side Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) responded with 19 points and Croatian guard Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC) scored 15 points.

NKL Round 13: Leader LKKA-Atletas lose to Delikatesas - by Eurobasket News
Top ranked LKKA-Atletas (27-16) recorded its sixteenth loss in Kaunas on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by tenth ranked Delikatesas (23-20) 78-66. The guests trailed by 10 points after first quarter, but they stormed back and won the game by 12 points. Delikatesas dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to LKKA-Atletas' 30. Center Tautvydas Slezas (207-90, agency: Interperformances) fired a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Guard Vidmantas Uzkuraitis (189-85) chipped in 15 points and 4 assists. point guard Matas Sapiega (179-90) produced 17 points and 7 assists (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) for lost side. LKKA-Atletas' coach Edas Nickus rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Delikatesas moved-up to ninth place in . LKKA-Atletas at the other side still keeps top position with 16 games lost. Delikatesas are looking forward to face higher ranked Nafta Universitetas (#3) in Klaipeda in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. LKKA-Atletas will play on the road against Matinga-Juod. in Marijampole and is hoping to win this game.
Another exciting game where sixth ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio (24-19) edged by one point 7th ranked Mazeikiai (23-20) 87-86. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Vaidas Kariniauskas (198-93) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 6 rebounds. Marius Grigonis contributed with 17 points for the winners. Zalgiris-Sabonio's coach Tomas Masiulis used entire bench in such tough game. American swingman Calvin Brock (196-86, college: Illinois) answered with 21 points and 7 rebounds for Mazeikiai. Zalgiris-Sabonio maintains sixth place in with 24-19 record. Mazeikiai at the other side dropped to the eighth position with 20 games lost. Zalgiris-Sabonio will play against Triobet (#7) in Jonava in the next round. Mazeikiai will play on the road against the league's second-placed Radviliskis and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Vilnius: Statyba (#5) and S.Marciulionio (#8). Statyba (25-18) won against visiting S.Marciulionio (23-20) 96-89. Ovidijus Varanauskas stepped up and scored 17 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists (made all of his seven free throws) for the winners. Statyba's coach Gintautas Regina used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side Robertas Bitinas responded with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Statyba maintains fifth place in with 25-18 record. Loser S.Marciulionio dropped to the tenth position with 20 games lost. Statyba will meet Meresta (#12) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. S.Marciulionio will play against Ezerunas-Karys in Moletai and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Klaipeda. Third ranked Nafta Universitetas faced their biggest opponent Radviliskis. Host Nafta Universitetas (26-17) defeated guests from Radviliskis (27-16) 70-62. Viktoras Chodosovskis nailed 19 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. Nafta Universitetas maintains third place in with 26-17 record behind leader LKKA-Atletas. Radviliskis at the other side keeps the second position with 16 games lost. Nafta Universitetas' next round opponent will be Delikatesas (#9) in Joniskis which should be theoretically an easy game. Radviliskis will play at home against Mazeikiai (#8).
Sixteenth-ranked ABRO-Universitetas (7-36) made lots of trouble for fourteenth ranked Silute (17-26) in Siauliai on Friday. The visitors from Silute managed to secure only one-point victory 82-81. However their fans expected easier game. Ignas Razutis fired 19 points, 9 assists and 9 steals for the winners. Silute maintains fourteenth place in with 17-26 record. Loser ABRO-Universitetas stay dead last with 36 lost games. Silute will face Gargzdai-Bremena (#15) at home in the next round. ABRO-Universitetas will play against Perlas-MRU in Vilnius.

Other games of round 13 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Matinga-Juod. was defeated by Triobet in Jonava 90-82. Gargzdai beat Meresta at home 81-79. Perlas-MRU lost to Ezerunas-Karys on the opponent's court 73-83.
The best stats of 13th round was 34 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 6 assists by Sarunas Vingelis of LKKA-Atletas.

Group A

Mazeikiai - Zalgiris-Sabonio 86-87

Another exciting game where sixth ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio (24-19) edged by one point 7th ranked Mazeikiai (23-20) 87-86. Mazeikiai was tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. They outrebounded Mazeikiai 40-26 including 16 on the offensive glass. Mazeikiai was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Vaidas Kariniauskas (198-93) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 6 rebounds. Forward Marius Grigonis (194-94) contributed with 17 points for the winners. Zalgiris-Sabonio's coach Tomas Masiulis used entire bench in such tough game. American swingman Calvin Brock (196-86, college: Illinois) answered with 21 points and 7 rebounds and forward Janas Jurgo (200-83) added 19 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Mazeikiai. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Zalgiris-Sabonio maintains sixth place in with 24-19 record. Mazeikiai at the other side dropped to the eighth position with 20 games lost. Zalgiris-Sabonio will play against Triobet (#7) in Jonava in the next round. Mazeikiai will play on the road against the league's second-placed Radviliskis and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Zalgiris-Sabonio: V.Kariniauskas 18+6reb+1ast, M.Grigonis 17+4reb+2ast, T.Dimsa 11+6reb+3ast, T.Jogela 10+7reb, R.Jakstas 9+5reb+1ast, R.Simanavicius 6+1reb
Mazeikiai: C.Brock 21+7reb+1ast, J.Jurgo 19+7reb, M.Norkus 13+3reb, P.Brown 10+1reb+5ast, A.Aleksandrovas 7+3reb+4ast, R.Trakimas 6

LKKA-Atletas - Delikatesas 66-78

Top ranked LKKA-Atletas (27-16) recorded its sixteenth loss in Kaunas on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by tenth ranked Delikatesas (23-20) 78-66. The guests trailed by 10 points after first quarter, but they stormed back and won the game by 12 points. Delikatesas dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to LKKA-Atletas' 30. Center Tautvydas Slezas (207-90, agency: Interperformances) fired a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Guard Vidmantas Uzkuraitis (189-85) chipped in 15 points and 4 assists. point guard Matas Sapiega (179-90) produced 17 points and 7 assists (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) and guard Sarunas Vingelis (192-89) added 21 points respectively for lost side. LKKA-Atletas' coach Edas Nickus rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Delikatesas moved-up to ninth place in . LKKA-Atletas at the other side still keeps top position with 16 games lost. Delikatesas are looking forward to face higher ranked Nafta Universitetas (#3) in Klaipeda in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. LKKA-Atletas will play on the road against Matinga-Juod. in Marijampole and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Delikatesas: T.Slezas 23+10reb+3ast, V.Jatulevicius 18+1reb, V.Uzkuraitis 15+3reb+4ast, Z.Petraitis 7+3reb+3ast, P.Klemas 4+1reb+1ast, A.Kvedaravicius 4+7reb+1ast
LKKA-Atletas: S.Vingelis 21+2reb, M.Sapiega 17+1reb+7ast, V.Sragauskis 11+2reb, P.Malasauskas 7+1reb+4ast, T.Tamosiunas 5+1reb, D.Gricius 3+3reb

Triobet - Matinga-Juod. 90-82

There was an upset in Jonava where 4th placed Matinga-Juod. (25-18) was defeated by ninth ranked Triobet (23-20) 90-82 on Friday. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 5-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 90-82. Matinga-Juod. was plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. Forward Henrikas Vorotnikovas (203-90) fired 24 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Forward Martynas Linkevicius (197-85) chipped in 15 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Triobet's coach Kestutis Narusevicius allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Guard Aurimas Birgelis (190-88) produced 21 points and 6 rebounds and forward Marius Valukonis (198-88) added 16 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Triobet moved-up to seventh place in . Newly promoted Matinga-Juod. keeps the fourth position with 18 games lost. Triobet will face higher ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio (#6) in Kaunas in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Matinga-Juod. will play at home against the league's leader LKKA-Atletas having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Triobet: H.Vorotnikovas 24+5reb, M.Linkevicius 15+9reb+5ast, R.Juknevicius 14+4reb+2ast, T.Sebeziovas 11+3reb+2ast, P.Vaitiekunas 10+8reb, A.Vasiliauskas 8+4reb+4ast
Matinga-Juod.: A.Birgelis 21+6reb+3ast, M.Valukonis 16+9reb, Z.Kuklierius 12+4reb+3ast, K.Pupinis 10+6reb+1ast, M.Kalvelis 10+5reb+1ast, A.Krivonis 6+4reb

Nafta Universitetas - Radviliskis 70-62

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Klaipeda. Third ranked Nafta Universitetas faced their biggest opponent Radviliskis. Host Nafta Universitetas (26-17) defeated guests from Radviliskis (27-16) 70-62. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Radviliskis won third quarter 19-16. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Forward Viktoras Chodosovskis (200-89) nailed 19 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side and guard Haroldas Venskus (180-91) accounted for 13 points and 5 assists. Forward Audrius Mineikis (201-77) came up with 18 points and 8 rebounds and center Juozas Ramanauskas (207-85) added 10 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for Radviliskis in the defeat. Nafta Universitetas maintains third place in with 26-17 record behind leader LKKA-Atletas. Radviliskis at the other side keeps the second position with 16 games lost. Nafta Universitetas' next round opponent will be Delikatesas (#9) in Joniskis which should be theoretically an easy game. Radviliskis will play at home against Mazeikiai (#8).
Top scorers:
Nafta Universitetas: V.Chodosovskis 19+5reb, H.Venskus 13+3reb+5ast, M.Kumpys 9+7reb+3ast, P.Zurna 9+1ast, D.Norkus 6+6reb+1ast, A.Gudaitis 4+1reb
Radviliskis: A.Mineikis 18+8reb+3ast, R.Rauktys 12+3reb, J.Ramanauskas 10+8reb+6ast, L.Valantinas 9+2reb+1ast, M.Pukinskas 5+3reb, E.Zukauskas 4+9reb+2ast

Group B

Gargzdai - Meresta 81-79

There was a surprise result when fifteenth ranked Gargzdai-Bremena (14-29) edged at home higher ranked Meresta (21-22) 81-79 on Friday. Meresta was trailing by 5 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 27-24 charge of Gargzdai-Bremena, which allowed them to win the game. Forward Laurynas Lucinskas (201-93) fired a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Swingman Tadas Mazelis (194-92) chipped in 15 points and 4 assists. Center Aivaras Galkauskas (203-91) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks and forward Darius Griskenas (194-84) added 17 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Newly promoted Gargzdai-Bremena maintains fifteenth place in with 14-29 record. Loser Meresta dropped to the twelfth position with 22 games lost. Gargzdai-Bremena will face higher ranked Silute (#14) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Gargzdai: L.Lucinskas 18+11reb+1ast, T.Mazelis 15+4reb+4ast, D.Matutis 11+2reb, R.Jonelis 10+4reb+1ast, K.Timofejevas 8, E.Ramanauskas 8+8reb+1ast
Meresta: A.Maneikis 18+6reb, D.Griskenas 17+5reb+2ast, S.Slivka 15+2reb, A.Galkauskas 11+14reb, K.Artamonov 7+2reb+4ast, L.Radavicius 5+3reb+1ast

ABRO-Univ. - Silute 81-82

Sixteenth-ranked ABRO-Universitetas (7-36) made lots of trouble for fourteenth ranked Silute (17-26) in Siauliai on Friday. The visitors from Silute managed to secure only one-point victory 82-81. However their fans expected easier game. The guests trailed by 10 points after first quarter, but they rallied back getting tie in the second period and winning the second half and won the game by 1 point. Silute forced 26 ABRO-Universitetas turnovers. Guard Ignas Razutis (185-87) fired 19 points, 9 assists and 9 steals for the winners. Guard Vitalis Pancerevas (185-87, college: Weatherford JC) chipped in 25 points. Guard Rokas Giedraitis (195-92) produced 23 points and 5 steals and center Agnius Gurklys (205-88) added 18 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. Silute maintains fourteenth place in with 17-26 record. Loser ABRO-Universitetas stay dead last with 36 lost games. Silute will face Gargzdai-Bremena (#15) at home in the next round. ABRO-Universitetas will play against Perlas-MRU in Vilnius.
Top scorers:
Silute: V.Pancerevas 25+3reb+2ast, I.Razutis 19+2reb+9ast, E.Saulys 15+4reb+3ast, R.Rackauskas 8+5reb+1ast, R.Brencius 6+5reb+3ast, A.Kaubrys 5+8reb+1ast
ABRO-Univ.: R.Giedraitis 23+4reb, A.Kurauskas 19+3reb+4ast, A.Gurklys 18+9reb, A.Danusevicius 8+4reb, E.Grikstas 4+1reb+7ast, D.Dauskurdis 4

Ezerunas-Karys - Perlas-MRU 83-73

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 13th ranked Perlas-MRU's (18-25) road loss to twelfth ranked Ezerunas-Karys (21-22) 73-83 on Friday. The hosts trailed by 5 points at the halftime before their 58-43 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Perlas-MRU was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Guard Paulius Lescinskas (188-93) fired 27 points for the winners. Forward Andrius Slezas (200-75) chipped in 13 points and 5 rebounds. Four Ezerunas-Karys players scored in double figures. Guard Gintautas Vileita (193-75, college: Monmouth) produced 25 points and 4 steals and forward Mantas Kazonas (201-89) added 13 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Ezerunas-Karys moved-up to eleventh place in . Loser Perlas-MRU keeps the thirteenth position with 25 games lost. Ezerunas-Karys will face higher ranked S.Marciulionio (#10) in Vilnius in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Perlas-MRU will play at home against ABRO-Universitetas in Siauliai.
Top scorers:
Ezerunas-Karys: P.Lescinskas 27+3reb+2ast, E.Narusis 14+2reb+1ast, A.Slezas 13+5reb+1ast, G.Kulbis 11+3reb+4ast, K.Alekna 6+4reb, M.Janisius 6+2reb
Perlas-MRU: G.Vileita 25+3reb+3ast, M.Kazonas 13+8reb, P.Semaska 11+3ast, Z.Stankus 7+3reb+1ast, M.Virbalas 7+9reb+1ast, E.Molosciakas 6+1reb+3ast

Statyba - S.Marciulionio 96-89

Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Vilnius: Statyba (#5) and S.Marciulionio (#8). Statyba (25-18) won against visiting S.Marciulionio (23-20) 96-89. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But S.Marciulionio won fourth quarter 28-27. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Statyba shot the lights out from three sinking 13 long-distance shots on high 56.5 percentage. Guard Ovidijus Varanauskas (187-91) stepped up and scored 17 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists (made all of his seven free throws) for the winners and center Vitalijus Luksa (206-86) chipped in 11 points and 13 rebounds. Statyba's coach Gintautas Regina used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side point guard Robertas Bitinas (182-84) responded with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) and center Egidijus Mockevicius (204-92) scored 13 points and 8 rebounds. Five Statyba and four S.Marciulionio players scored in double figures. Statyba maintains fifth place in with 25-18 record. Loser S.Marciulionio dropped to the tenth position with 20 games lost. Statyba will meet Meresta (#12) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. S.Marciulionio will play against Ezerunas-Karys in Moletai and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Statyba: T.Rinkunas 18+1reb+2ast, O.Varanauskas 17+5reb+7ast, D.Tarvydas 16+2reb, R.Sugintas 16+3reb+1ast, V.Luksa 11+13reb+2ast, L.Kazlauskas 7+1reb+4ast
S.Marciulionio: R.Bitinas 25+6reb+5ast, N.Varnelis 19+1ast, E.Mockevicius 13+8reb+2ast, T.Lekunas 11+2ast, M.Pociukonis 9+2reb+2ast, O.Olisevicius 7+1reb+2ast

Standings - NKL

NKL Standings

1. LKKA-Atletas		27-16
2. Radviliskis		27-16
3. Nafta Universitetas		26-17
4. Matinga-Juod.		25-18
5. Statyba		25-18
6. Zalgiris-Sabonio		24-19
7. Triobet		23-20
8. Mazeikiai		23-20
9. Delikatesas		23-20
10. S.Marciulionio		23-20
11. Ezerunas-Karys		21-22
12. Meresta		21-22
13. Perlas-MRU		18-25
14. Silute		17-26
15. Gargzdai		14-29
16. ABRO-Univ.		7-36

Stats Leaders - LKL

Points Per Game

Jonas VALANCIUNAS
  Lietuv.
  (210-C-92)
  Avg: 15.5

1. Valanciunas, Lietu.	15.5
2. Mazeika, Neptunas	15.0
3. Urbonas, Juventus	14.9
4. Butkevicius, Rudup.	14.9
5. Mikalauskas, Neptu.	14.6
6. Benn, Naglis Palan.	14.5
7. Vasylius, Siauliai	14.4
8. Cepukaitis, Lietka.	14.1
9. Johnson, Naglis P.	13.9
10. Baniulis, Sakalai	13.5

Rebounds Per Game

Dane JOHNSON
  Naglis P.
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 10.3

1. Johnson, Naglis P.	10.3
2. Butkevicius, Rudup.	7.8
3. Valanciunas, Lietu.	7.5
4. Benn, Naglis Palan.	7.5
5. McClure, Kedainiai	7.3
6. Petrukonis, Juven.	7.1
7. Mikalauskas, Neptu.	6.8
8. Bowles, Siauliai	6.4
9. Adomaitis, Kedaini.	6.1
10. Katelynas, Lietuv.	5.9

Assists Per Game

Evaldas DAINYS
  Neptunas
  (180-PG-82)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Dainys, Neptunas	5.3
2. Kalnietis, Zalgiris	5.2
3. Peciukeviciu., Sak.	4.8
4. Rice, Lietuvos.	4.6
5. Broadus, Siauliai	4.6
6. Kadziulis, Rudupis	3.9
7. Ezerskis, Lietkabe.	3.7
8. Kelys, Pieno Z.	3.7
9. Maceina, Juventus	3.6
10. Salenga, Rudupis	3.4

Steals Per Game

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

1. Hughes, Pieno Z.	2.4
2. Salenga, Zalgiris	2.0
3. Broadus, Siauliai	1.9
4. Benn, Naglis Palan.	1.7
5. Long, Siauliai	1.6
6. Collins, Zalgiris	1.5
7. Kelys, Pieno Z.	1.5
8. Ginevicius, Kedain.	1.5
9. Weems, Zalgiris	1.4
10. Roberts, Lietuvos.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Dane JOHNSON
  Naglis P.
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Johnson, Naglis P.	1.9
2. Valanciunas, Lietu.	1.9
3. Morgan, Pieno Z.	1.3
4. Petrukonis, Juven.	1.3
5. Kairys, Pieno Z.	1.1
6. Staniulis, Lietkab.	1.1
7. Zelionis, Rudupis	0.9
8. Samardziski, Lietu.	0.9
9. McClure, Kedainiai	0.9
10. Butkevicius, Rudu.	0.8

Stats Leaders - NKL

Points Per Game

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

1. Vingelis, LKKA-.	21.5
2. Uzkuraitis, Delika.	19.1
3. Birgelis, Matinga-.	18.5
4. Rakauskas, Radvili.	18.2
5. Jucikas, AB.	17.8
6. Maneikis, Meresta	17.6
7. Varnelis, S.Marc.	16.9
8. Sragauskis, LKKA-.	16.8
9. Giedraitis, ABRO-.	16.0
10. Brown, Mazeikiai	15.9

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Gudaitis, Gargzdai	10.8
2. Ambrulaitis, Ezeru.	8.5
3. Mineikis, Radvilis.	8.0
4. Urbonas, LK.	7.9
5. Kalvelis, Matinga-.	7.4
6. Ramanauskas, Radvi.	7.4
7. Linkevicius, Triob.	7.4
8. Jucikas, AB.	7.4
9. Pikalavicius, Deli.	7.3
10. Kazakauskas, Naf.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Matas SAPIEGA
  LK.
  (179-PG-90)
  Avg: 8.3

1. Sapiega, LK.	8.3
2. Kurauskas, AB.	5.4
3. Razutis, Silute	5.1
4. Semaska, Perla.	4.7
5. Malasauskas, LKKA.	4.4
6. Varanauskas, Stat.	4.4
7. Kuklierius, Mating.	4.3
8. Vileita, Perla.	4.3
9. Birgelis, Matinga-.	4.2
10. Vasiliauskas, Tri.	4.2

Steals Per Game

Ignas RAZUTIS
  Silute
  (185-G-87)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Razutis, Silute	2.9
2. Vileita, Perla.	2.4
3. Brown, Mazeikiai	2.3
4. Slivka, Meresta	2.2
5. Jogela, Zalgir.	2.1
6. Birgelis, Matinga-.	1.9
7. Uzkuraitis, Delika.	1.9
8. Paliukenas, S.Marc.	1.9
9. Vasiliauskas, Trio.	1.8
10. Kulbis, Ezerunas.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Tomas URBONAS
  LK.
  (218-C-92)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Urbonas, LK.	2.8
2. Mockevicius, S.Mar.	2.0
3. Gudaitis, Gargzdai	1.7
4. Kaubrys, Silute	1.3
5. Ramanauskas, Garg.	1.2
6. Krestinin, S.Marc.	1.1
7. Jucikas, AB.	1.1
8. Kymantas, Zalgir.	1.0
9. Pupinis, Matinga-.	1.0
10. Ramanauskas, Sil.	1.0

Standings - LKL

LKL Standings

1. Lietuvos rytas		17-2
2. Zalgiris		15-0
3. Rudupis		15-3
4. Siauliai		12-6
5. Pieno Zvaigzdes		9-7
6. Baltai Kaunas		8-9
7. Kedainiai		7-11
8. Neptunas		6-12
9. Juventus		6-13
10. Naglis Palangos		4-14
11. Sakalai		4-14
12. Lietkabelis		3-15

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

MALI

Amara Sy selected the top Malian playing abroad in last week''s games - by Eurobasket Center
We bring you last week''s top performances from Malians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Amara Sy

#1. This week''s number one is an international forward Amara Sy (202-81). He led Entente Orleans 45 to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Paris-Levallois (14-7) crushing them 85-61 in the French ProA in Saturday night''s game. Sy scored 12 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 29 minutes on the court. Entente Orleans 45 (14-7) is placed third in the ProA. Sy has relatively good stats this year: 12.7ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.1apg, 2FGP: 55.0%, 3FGP: 28.6% and FT: 82.7% in the 21 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Mali and French. Sy is currently a member of the Mali senior national team.

Sambou Traore

#2. Second place goes to an experienced international power forward Sambou Traore (199-79). Traore managed to help Limoges CSP Elite in a victory against the eighth-ranked Lille Metropole (13-12) 81-72 in the French ProB (second division) last Saturday. He recorded only 3 points in 10 minutes. Limoges CSP Elite (20-5) is placed second in the ProB. This year Traore averages: 9.3ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 46.4%, 3FGP: 22.2% and FT: 64.6% in the 24 games. He is another player who holds two passports: Mali and French. Traore is in the roster of the Mali senior national team.

Mahmoud Diakite

#3. The Mali player who performed third best last week abroad was an international swingman Mahmoud Diakite (197-86, college: Wyoming), who plays in the French NM1 (third division). He could not help Stade Clermont (8-17) to beat Blois (16-9). Diakite recorded 6 points. Stade Clermont was defeated 68-61 on the road by the much higher-ranked Blois (#6). Diakite''s overall stats this season are: 8.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 2FGP: 46.5% and FT: 58.0%. Similarly like Traore and Sy above he has both Mali and French nationalities. Diakite is also a member of the Mali senior national team.

Tahirou Sani

#4. Forward Tahirou Sani (204-85) faced previously mentioned Mahmoud Diakite in the French NM1 last game. Sani contributed to Blois'' victory against the 15th-ranked Stade Clermont (8-17) 68-61. He recorded only 2 points in 11 minutes. This year Sani''s overall stats are: 7.5ppg and 3.6rpg in the 25 games. Similarly like three previous players above, he also holds two passports: Mali and French. Sani is also Mali national team player.

Ibrahim Saounera

   #5. International guard Ibrahim Saounera (179-87) was not able to help one of league''s weakest teams Cognac (16-9) in their game against Roche (12-8) in the French NM1 (third division). He cannot count Friday''s game as one of the best ones. Saounera recorded only 2 points. Cognac was defeated 74-69 on the opponent''s court by the higher-ranked Roche (#4). They ended the series of three consecutive victories. Saounera''s total stats this season are: 5.9ppg, 1.8rpg and 1.8apg. He holds both Mali and French passports. Saounera plays currently for the Mali national team.

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

   #1. Yohann Sangare (193-G-83) led Entente Orleans 45 to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Paris-Levallois (14-7) crushing them 85-61 in the French ProA last Saturday. He scored 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Entente Orleans 45 (14-7) is placed third in the ProA. This season Sangare averages: 5.7ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.4apg and 1.4spg. He has a dual citizenship: Mali and French. Despite Sangare''s Mali passport, he previously played for the French national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Mali team.

   #2. Souarata Cisse (197-G/F-86), who plays in the French ProA could not help Hyeres-Toulon (2-19) in their last game. Despite Cisse''s very good performance the bottom-ranked Hyeres-Toulon was crushed 94-72 on the road by the higher-ranked (#10) Cholet. He was the second best scorer with 18 points. Cisse also added 7 assists in 36 minutes. It was Hyeres-Toulon''s 13th consecutive loss in a row. This year Cisse averages: 7.9ppg, 1.5rpg and 1.6apg in the 19 games he played so far. He is another player who holds two passports: Mali and French. Despite Cisse''s Mali nationality, he previously played for the French U20 national team and probably cannot be called to the Mali team.

   #3. Bandja Sy (203-F), who plays in the NCAA was not able to help the N.Mexico St. (10-3) in their last game on Thursday. Despite Sy''s good performance the N.Mexico St. was defeated 79-66 in Bloomington, IN by the Indiana University. He scored 12 points. The National Tournament Round 2 already ended in the NCAA. This season Sy averages: 7.9ppg, 1.5rpg and 1.6apg. Similarly like Cisse and Sangare above he has also French passport.

Other top Mali players, who play abroad:

Mamoutou Diarra (200-F-80) plays for JSF Nanterre in French ProA
Bakary Konate (208-C/F-93) plays for UB La Palma in Spanish LEB Gold
Negueba Samake (211-C-90) plays for Boulazac Basket in French ProB
Djibril Diallo (207-C-91) plays for Hyeres-Toulon in French ProA
Mahamadou Drame (188-SG-86) plays for Nantes in French ProB
Dramane Diarra (203-F/C-80) plays for Saint Vallier in French ProB
Ludovic Chelle (183-G-83) plays for SPO Rouen in French ProB
Cheick Soumaoro (205-F/C-90) plays for SPO Rouen in French ProB
Nouha Diakite (207-C-80) plays for JA Vichy in French ProB
Soumaila Samake (215-C-78) plays for Quebec Kebs in the NBL Canada
Mamoudou Sy (196-F-83) plays for Blois in French NM1

Notice: The list above includes only some of the Mali playing currently abroad. Go to Mali Abroad Page to see completed list.

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

MEXICO

Standings - CIBACOPA

CIBACOPA Standings

1. Tijuana		5-0
2. Hermosillo		4-1
3. Navolato		4-1
4. Guaymas		3-2
5. Los Mochis		3-2
6. Cananea		2-3
7. Guasave		2-3
8. Nogales		2-4
9. Tepic		0-4
10. Culiacan		0-5

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Josh SIMMONS
  Tepic
  (193-F-88)
  Avg: 25.5

1. Simmons, Tepic	25.5
2. Wiley, Los Mochis	22.3
3. Selleaze, Navolato	21.8
4. Harris, Cananea	21.5
5. George, Nogales	20.5
6. McSwine, Navolato	20.2
7. Cook, Cananea	20.0
8. Thomas, Cananea	19.3
9. Habel, Guaymas	19.0
10. Sanders, Hermosil.	18.8

Rebounds Per Game

Ronald SELLEAZE
  Navolato
  (197-F-76)
  Avg: 12.2

1. Selleaze, Navolato	12.2
2. Terrell, Tepic	10.8
3. McCullough, Nogales	9.5
4. Lopez, Hermosillo	9.2
5. Strobbe, Nogales	8.3
6. Clay, Los Mochis	8.0
7. Simpson, Guasave	8.0
8. Ibarra, Los Mochis	7.5
9. Tate, Tijuana	7.5
10. Sanders-F., Nogal.	7.5

Assists Per Game

Tayloe TAYLOR
  Los Mochis
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Taylor, Los Mochis	6.3
2. Snow, Tepic	5.5
3. Nungaray, Guaymas	5.2
4. Dorsey, Guaymas	4.0
5. Simmons, Tepic	4.0
6. Monreal, Hermosillo	4.0
7. George, Nogales	3.8
8. Quintero, Tijuana	3.5
9. Habel, Guaymas	3.0
10. Morrison, Tijuana	3.0

Steals Per Game

Letheal COOK
  Cananea
  (208-C/F-80)
  Avg: 4

1. Cook, Cananea	4.0
2. Purnell, Tepic	3.0
3. George, Nogales	3.0
4. Thomas, Cananea	3.0
5. Snow, Tepic	2.0
6. Dorsey, Guaymas	2.0
7. Holloway, Guaymas	1.8
8. Nungaray, Guaymas	1.8
9. Gibson, Navolato	1.6
10. Dugat, Guasave	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Sylvester SEAY
  Tijuana
  (208-F-85)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Seay, Tijuana	2.8
2. Habel, Guaymas	2.3
3. Robinson, Culiacan	1.5
4. Wiley, Los Mochis	1.3
5. Clay, Los Mochis	1.3
6. McCullough, Nogales	1.3
7. Tate, Tijuana	1.0
8. Purnell, Tepic	1.0
9. Avila, Culiacan	1.0
10. Cook, Cananea	1.0

CIBACOPA Round 5: Change at the top of the standings - by Eurobasket News
There were just five rounds played in Regular Season of CIBACOPA and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with change at the leadership position, extra overtimes, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

CIBACOPA round 5 caused change at the leadership position. First defeat of league's leader Garra Canera de Navolato (4-1) against seventh ranked Mineros de Cananea (2-3) 86-83 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Garra Canera de Navolato. Garra Canera de Navolato was trailing by 2 points at halftime but managed to get 4-point lead after three quarters before a 19-12 charge of Mineros de Cananea, which allowed them to win the game. Naturalized American guard Franco Harris (183-G-83, college: Boise St.) orchestrated the victory by scoring 25 points. American forward Derek Thomas (193-84, college: Appalachian St.) contributed with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 steals for the winners. American forward Ronald Selleaze (197-76, college: CSU Bakersfield, agency: Dream Team Management) answered with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 17 rebounds for Garra Canera de Navolato. Defending champion moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Guasave. Garra Canera de Navolato at the other side dropped to the second position with one game lost. They share it with Hermosillo. They were replaced at the leadership position by Tijuana. Garra Canera de Navolato will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest and make it back to the top of the standings. Mineros de Cananea will try to continue on its current victory against third ranked Garra Canera de Navolato at home.

Cananea - Navolato 86-83
CIBACOPA round 5 caused change at the leadership position. First defeat of league's leader Garra Canera de Navolato (4-1) against seventh ranked Mineros de Cananea (2-3) 86-83 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Garra Canera de Navolato. Garra Canera de Navolato was trailing by 2 points at halftime but managed to get 4-point lead after three quarters before a 19-12 charge of Mineros de Cananea, which allowed them to win the game. Naturalized American guard Franco Harris (183-83, college: Boise St.) orchestrated the victory by scoring 25 points. American forward Derek Thomas (193-84, college: Appalachian St.) contributed with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 steals for the winners. American forward Ronald Selleaze (197-76, college: CSU Bakersfield, agency: Dream Team Management) answered with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 17 rebounds and Dominican-American guard Damien McSwine (193-78, college: Loyola, IL) added 21 points in the effort for Garra Canera de Navolato. Four Garra Canera de Navolato players scored in double figures. Defending champion moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Guasave. Garra Canera de Navolato at the other side dropped to the second position with one game lost. They share it with Hermosillo. They were replaced at the leadership position by Tijuana. Garra Canera de Navolato will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest and make it back to the top of the standings. Mineros de Cananea will try to continue on its current victory against third ranked Garra Canera de Navolato at home.
Top scorers:
Cananea: F.Harris 25+1reb+2ast, K.Waller 19+5reb+2ast, D.Thomas 17+5reb+5ast, J.Casillas 8+3reb+2ast, C.Clemmons 6+3reb+1ast, A.Mojardin 4+2ast
Navolato: R.Selleaze 25+17reb+3ast, D.McSwine 21+3reb+2ast, F.Verdugo 16+1reb+1ast, M.Gibson 15+1reb+4ast, M.Godoy 2, J.Angel Reatiga 2+1reb

Guaymas - Culiacan 83-78
No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (3-2) beat at home bottom-ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (0-5) 83-78 on Friday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. The hosts trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 24-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Ostioneros de Guaymas made 8 blocks. Point guard Hector Nungaray (178-78) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 assists. American guard Desmond Holloway (190-88, college: Co.Carolina, agency: SDJ Sports) contributed with 20 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Four Ostioneros de Guaymas players scored in double figures. The former international center Rodrigo Zamora (206-86, college: Montana St.) answered with 27 points and 8 rebounds and American forward Rob Robinson (203-87, college: Robert Morris, agency: SDJ Sports) added 15 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Caballeros de Culiacan. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Ostioneros de Guaymas moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Los Mochis. Loser Caballeros de Culiacan still closes the standings with five games lost. Ostioneros de Guaymas will face again bottom-ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (#10) at home in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game.
Top scorers:
Guaymas: H.Johnson 20+2reb, D.Holloway 20+5reb, J.Habel 14+5reb+2ast, H.Nungaray 13+4reb+11ast, H.Carrillo 8+7reb+4ast, J.Sanchez 6+1reb
Culiacan: R.Zamora 27+8reb+1ast, R.Robinson 15+8reb+2ast, L.Pulido 14+4reb+5ast, R.Navarro 8+5reb+2ast, L.Ochoa 6, R.Lopez 3+1ast

Los Mochis - Hermosillo 85-86 OT
Top scorers:
Hermosillo: P.Sanders 22+2reb+1ast, S.Coleman 18+6reb+2ast, J.Manuel Esteva 13+11reb+1ast, S.Monreal 12+5reb+1ast, J.Lopez 8+7reb+5ast, E.Little 7+7reb+4ast
Los Mochis: B.Wiley 28+3reb+2ast, C.Clay 18+7reb, J.Favela 15+4reb+1ast, T.Taylor 13+3reb+7ast, F.Ibarra 7+11reb, C.M. Toussaint 4+2reb

Guasave - Tepic 100-70
The game between closely ranked teams ended with bottom-ranked Coras de Tepic's (0-4) road loss to eighth ranked Frayles de Guasave (2-3) 70-100 on Friday. The game without a history. Frayles de Guasave led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Coras de Tepic's 38. American forward Charles Moore (198, college: S.Arkansas) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 14 rebounds. The former international swingman Alonso Izaguirre (200-76) contributed with 19 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Moore is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Frayles de Guasave players scored in double figures. American forward Josh Simmons (193-88, college: Ark.-Fort Smith) answered with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds and Jerard Anderson added 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Coras de Tepic. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Frayles de Guasave moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Cananea. Loser Coras de Tepic still closes the standings with four games lost. Frayles de Guasave will face again Coras de Tepic (#9) at home in the next round.
Top scorers:
Guasave: A.Izaguirre 19+6reb+2ast, C.Moore 17+14reb+3ast, V.Buelna 14+3reb+1ast, J.Jackson 12+2reb+1ast, H.Dugat 12+4reb+2ast, G.Giron 9+3reb+4ast
Tepic: J.Simmons 25+12reb+1ast, J.Anderson 13+5reb+5ast, Z.Alvidrez 11+7reb+4ast, J.Terrell 7+11reb, M.Ayala 7+3reb, O.Pulido 5

Tijuana - Nogales 76-68
Very predictable result when leader Tijuana Zonkeys (5-0) won against at home 6th ranked Fuerza Guinda Nogales (2-4) 76-68 on Friday. Tijuana Zonkeys have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 5-0 record. Fuerza Guinda Nogales lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth position with four games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

CIBACOPA Round 4: Top-ranked Garra Canera de Navolato wins another game - by Eurobasket News
This is still too early stage of the Regular Season in CIBACOPA and we should expect many changes in upcoming rounds.

CIBACOPA top team - Garra Canera de Navolato (4-0) managed to deliver another win on Wednesday. This time they beat eighth ranked Frayles de Guasave (1-3) 70-58. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 6-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 70-58. Garra Canera de Navolato outrebounded Frayles de Guasave 40-24 including 26 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Ronald Selleaze (197-76, college: CSU Bakersfield, agency: Dream Team Management) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points and 16 rebounds. Forward Froylan Verdugo (196-79) contributed with 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. The former international swingman Alonso Izaguirre (200-76) replied with 20 points for Frayles de Guasave. Frayles de Guasave's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Garra Canera de Navolato have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record, which they share with Tijuana. Frayles de Guasave at the other side dropped to the seventh place with three games lost. They share the position with Cananea. Garra Canera de Navolato is looking forward to face Mineros de Cananea (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Frayles de Guasave will play against Coras de Tepic and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Bottom-ranked Caballeros de Culiacan is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their fourth consecutive match to fourth ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (3-1) 88-83. Pioneros Los Mochis moved-up to third place, which they share with Hermosillo. Caballeros de Culiacan at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. Pioneros Los Mochis will play against Rayos de Hermosillo (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Caballeros de Culiacan will play against Ostioneros de Guaymas (#5) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
The game between top-ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (4-0) and 5th ranked Fuerza Guinda Nogales (2-3) in Tijuana on Thursday ended with biggest points difference. Tijuana Zonkeys outscored guests from Nogales 83-64. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by Cyrus Tate who scored that evening 19 points and 8 rebounds. Tijuana Zonkeys' coach Luis Lopez used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 16 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists by O'Louis McCullough did not help to save the game for Fuerza Guinda Nogales. Tijuana Zonkeys have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Navolato. Loser Fuerza Guinda Nogales dropped to the sixth place with three games lost. Tijuana Zonkeys will again meet at home Fuerza Guinda Nogales (#6) in the next round where they are favorite. Fuerza Guinda Nogales will have a break next round.

In the last game of round 4 Cananea was beaten by Hermosillo on the road 93-84.
The most impressive performance of 4th round was 28 points and 10 rebounds by Derek Thomas of Cananea.

Tijuana - Nogales 83-64

The game between top-ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (4-0) and 5th ranked Fuerza Guinda Nogales (2-3) in Tijuana on Thursday ended with biggest points difference. Tijuana Zonkeys outscored guests from Nogales 83-64. The game was mostly controlled by Tijuana Zonkeys. Fuerza Guinda Nogales managed to win fourth quarter 15-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Tijuana Zonkeys looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Tijuana Zonkeys made 9 blocks. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by power forward Cyrus Tate (203-85, college: Iowa, agency: Edge Sports) who scored that evening 19 points and 8 rebounds and forward Sylvester Seay (208-85, college: Fresno St., agency: Edge Sports) supported him with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 6 blocks. Four Tijuana Zonkeys players scored in double figures. Tijuana Zonkeys' coach Luis Lopez used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 16 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists by swingman O'Louis McCullough (198-82, college: Francis Marion) did not help to save the game for Fuerza Guinda Nogales. Guard Ravone George (193-83, college: Alabama) added 19 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Tijuana Zonkeys have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Navolato. Loser Fuerza Guinda Nogales dropped to the sixth place with three games lost. Tijuana Zonkeys will again meet at home Fuerza Guinda Nogales (#6) in the next round where they are favorite. Fuerza Guinda Nogales will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Tijuana: S.Seay 20+7reb+1ast, C.Tate 19+8reb+2ast, L.Ramirez 16+3reb+3ast, M.Morrison 10+2reb+6ast, O.Quintero 8+4reb+7ast, A.Solares 8+5reb+2ast
Nogales: R.George 19+5reb+2ast, O.McCullough 16+12reb+4ast, B.Heredia 9+2reb+3ast, M.Sanders-Frison 8+13reb, M.Strobbe 7+9reb, A.Vazquez 3+2reb

Hermosillo - Cananea 93-84

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Rayos de Hermosillo (3-1) beat at home 7th ranked Mineros de Cananea (1-3) 93-84 on Wednesday. The game without a history. Rayos de Hermosillo led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 24-of-29 free shots (82.8 percent) during the game. The winners were led by American forward Emmanuel Little (196-85, college: N.Dakota) who scored that evening 27 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and naturalized American point guard Steve Monreal (180-86, college: CS Monterey) supported him with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Little is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Rayos de Hermosillo players scored in double figures. Rayos de Hermosillo's coach Dan Tacheny used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Even a double-double of 28 points and 10 rebounds by American forward Derek Thomas (193-84, college: Appalachian St.) did not help to save the game for Mineros de Cananea. Naturalized American guard Franco Harris (183-83, college: Boise St.) added 20 points for lost side. Rayos de Hermosillo maintains third position with 3-1 record behind leader Navolato, which they share with Los Mochis. Defending champion Mineros de Cananea keeps the seventh place with three games lost. They share the position with Guasave. Rayos de Hermosillo will meet Pioneros Los Mochis (#4) on the road in the next round. Mineros de Cananea will play against the league's leader Garra Canera de Navolato.
Top scorers:
Hermosillo: E.Little 27+8reb+4ast, P.Sanders 19+3reb+2ast, S.Monreal 17+5reb+5ast, J.Lopez 16+8reb+3ast, S.Coleman 12+4reb+1ast, J.Manuel Esteva 2+3reb
Cananea: D.Thomas 28+10reb+1ast, F.Harris 20+1reb, J.Casillas 13+1reb+3ast, J.Arturo Farrera Chantiri 8+5reb, K.Waller 6+1reb+2ast, J.Valdez 4+2reb

Culiacan - Los Mochis 83-88

Bottom-ranked Caballeros de Culiacan is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their fourth consecutive match to fourth ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (3-1) 88-83. Pioneros Los Mochis moved-up to third place, which they share with Hermosillo. Caballeros de Culiacan at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. Pioneros Los Mochis will play against Rayos de Hermosillo (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Caballeros de Culiacan will play against Ostioneros de Guaymas (#5) and hopes to get finally their first victory.

Navolato - Guasave 70-58

CIBACOPA top team - Garra Canera de Navolato (4-0) managed to deliver another win on Wednesday. This time they beat eighth ranked Frayles de Guasave (1-3) 70-58. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 6-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 70-58. Garra Canera de Navolato outrebounded Frayles de Guasave 40-24 including 26 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Ronald Selleaze (197-76, college: CSU Bakersfield, agency: Dream Team Management) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points and 16 rebounds. Forward Froylan Verdugo (196-79) contributed with 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Four Garra Canera de Navolato players scored in double figures. The former international swingman Alonso Izaguirre (200-76) replied with 20 points and naturalized Panamanian forward Gabriel Giron (192-88) added 13 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Frayles de Guasave. Frayles de Guasave's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Garra Canera de Navolato have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record, which they share with Tijuana. Frayles de Guasave at the other side dropped to the seventh place with three games lost. They share the position with Cananea. Garra Canera de Navolato is looking forward to face Mineros de Cananea (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Frayles de Guasave will play against Coras de Tepic and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Navolato: R.Selleaze 18+16reb+2ast, D.McSwine 16+2reb+5ast, F.Verdugo 15+8reb+2ast, M.Gibson 13+5reb+1ast, J.Pablo Mora 6+6reb, J.Angel Reatiga 2+2reb+1ast
Guasave: A.Izaguirre 20+3reb+1ast, G.Giron 13+6reb+2ast, H.Dugat 11+5reb+3ast, V.Buelna 7+2reb, C.Moore 4, J.Jackson 3+5reb+1ast

Gustavo Ayon selected the top Mexican playing abroad in last week''s games - by Eurobasket Center
Here is the weekly review of the top performing Mexican players, who play currently abroad.

Gustavo Ayon

#1. This week''s number one is former international power forward Gustavo Ayon (209-85, agency: Duran International, college: San Jose St.), who plays in the NBA. He could not help the New Orleans Hornets (10-34) in their last game. Despite Ayon''s very good performance the New Orleans Hornets lost 89-99 on the road to the Washington Wizards. He was the second best scorer with 16 points. Ayon also added 9 rebounds in 37 minutes on the court. It was Hornets'' third consecutive loss in a row. It''s Ayon''s first season with the team. This year he averages: 6.5ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 56.6%(103-182) and FT: 59.6% in the 36 games he played so far. Ayon played for the Mexican senior national team two years ago.

Earl Watson

#2. Second place goes to an experienced former international point guard Earl Watson (185-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: UCLA). He was not able to help the Utah Jazz (21-22) in their game against the Philadelphia 76ers (25-18) in the NBA. Watson scored 7 points and added 5 passes. The Utah Jazz was defeated 104-91 in Philadelphia by the 76ers. Watson''s overall stats this season are: 3.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.5apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 42.6%, 3FGP: 19.6% and FT: 68.8%. He is a naturalized American. Watson played for the Mexican national team in 2007. Strangely he has never played in Mexico.

Eduardo Najera

#3. The Mexican player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Eduardo Najera (202-76, college: Oklahoma). Najera was not able to secure a victory for the Charlotte Bobcats (6-36) in their game against the New Jersey Nets (15-29) in the NBA. He scored 9 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 23 minutes. But the Charlotte Bobcats lost 74-83 in New Jersey to the Nets. This year Najera''s overall stats are: 2.9ppg, 1.9rpg, 2FGP: 45.0%, 3FGP: 36.8% in the 14 games. He played for the Mexican national team nine years ago.

Paul Stoll

#4. Point guard Paul Stoll (178-85), who plays in the Venezuelan LPB couldn''t help Gigantes (14-7) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Stoll''s very good performance Gigantes was edged 79-77 at home by the lower-ranked Trotamundos (#5). He was the top scorer with 24 points. Stoll also added 8 passes. Stoll is ranked second on the list of the best passers in the league and also on the list of most steals (first place). He has individually a very good season with high stats. Stoll averages: 16.4ppg, 2.0rpg, 6.5apg and 4.7spg. He is a naturalized American. Stoll is also Mexican national team player. He used to play for Algodoneros de La Comarca - Torreon in Mexican league.

Romel Beck

#5. Former international swingman Romel Beck (203-82, college: UNLV), who plays in the Greek A1 couldn''t help Ikaros (5-17) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite Beck''s very good performance Ikaros was defeated 79-71 on their home court in Kalitheas by the higher-ranked Kavala (#6). He was the top scorer with 20 points. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Beck is currently fifth on the list of top scorers. This season he has very high stats. Beck averages: 15.9ppg, 2.1rpg and 1.7apg. He is a naturalized American. Beck used to play for the Mexican national team three years ago. He played also for Correcaminos Victoria in Mexican league.

Jorge Gutierrez

#6. Guard Jorge Gutierrez (190-88) led California to a victory against the Stanford University (31-1) 77-71 in the conference tournament in Thursday night''s game. Gutierrez scored 22 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 7 assists in 36 minutes. The University of California has a solid 13-5 conference record this season. Gutierrez is one of the most experienced players in a team as it''s his fourth year in California''s roster. He has very impressive stats this season: 15.9ppg, 2.1rpg and 1.7apg in the 13 games. Gutierrez is university international player who is currently on the Mexican National Team roster.

Adam Parada

   #7. International center Adam Parada (213-81, college: Cal-Irvine), who plays in the Filipino PBA couldn''t help one of league''s weakest teams Alaska Aces (4-3) in their last game on Friday. Despite his very good performance Alaska Aces were edged 88-85 by the second-ranked Air21 Express. Parada recorded a double-double by scoring 26 points and getting 10 rebounds. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. Parada is ranked fifth on the list of the best blockers in the league. This season he has very high stats. Parada averages: 19.7ppg, 14.0rpg, 1.7apg and 2.3bpg. He is also Mexican national team player.

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

   #1. Mark Sanchez (201-F-87, agency: Court Side, college: Boise St.), who plays in the Dutch Eredivisie could not help Leeuwarden (9-14) in their last game. Despite Sanchez''s very good performance Leeuwarden lost 71-81 on the road to the one of league''s weakest teams (#7) Weert. He had a double-double by scoring 22 points and getting 14 rebounds. Sanchez also added and 3 steals in 34 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it''s only his third season in pro basketball. It was Leeuwarden''s third consecutive loss in a row. Sanchez is ranked second on the list of the best rebounders in the league with 9.0rpg. This year he also averages: 13.4ppg and 2.0apg in the 23 games he played so far. Sanchez is a naturalized American. He used to play for Lobos Grises de la UAD Durango in Mexican league.

   #2. Diego Gonzalez (175-PG-84) led Aguada to an easy victory against the third-ranked Bohemios (5-5) 77-62 in the Uruguayan LUB on Thursday night. Gonzalez scored 14 points, grabbed 6 boards, dished 6 assists and stole 4 balls in 37 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Serie 2. Atletico Aguada (8-2) is placed first. It was his team''s seventh consecutive victory in a row. Gonzalez belongs to league''s best passers and is ranked #2 with 6.1apg. This year his other stats are: 9.1ppg, 3.0rpg and 1.6spg in the 38 games. Gonzalez has a dual citizenship: Mexican and Uruguayan. Despite his Mexican passport, Gonzalez previously played for the Uruguayan national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Mexican team.

   #3. Robert Fields, who plays in the Danish Ligaen was not able to help one of league''s weakest teams one of league''s weakest teams Falcon (7-20) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his very good performance the bottom-ranked Falcon was defeated 84-74 at home by the one of league''s weakest teams Aabyhoj (#9). Fields was the second best scorer with 19 points. He also added 6 boards, dished 4 assists and stole 4 balls. Fields is ranked ninth on the list of the top scorers in the league. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Fields averages: 17.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.6apg and 2.2spg.

   #4. Enrico Tucker (183-PG-86, agency: TSS Management, college: San Diego), who plays in the Romanian Division A was not able to secure a victory for Perla Harghitei (2-23) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Perla Harghitei was edged 99-98 on their home court in Miercurea by the much higher-ranked (#5) CSM Bucuresti. Tucker was the second best scorer with 24 points. He also added 3 passes in 38 minutes; not bad, considering it''s only Tucker''s third season in pro basketball. It was Perla Harghitei''s ninth consecutive loss in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Tucker is currently fifth on the list of most steals with 2.0spg. This year he also averages: 16.8ppg, 3.1rpg and 2.3apg in the 25 games. Tucker is a naturalized American. He used to play for Cosmos de Tijuana in Mexican league.

   #5. Jaime Serna (205-F-89) contributed to UCSB''s victory against the Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo (12-4) 64-52 in the conference tournament on Friday night. Serna scored 10 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. The Univ. of California-Santa Barbara has a solid 12-4 conference record this season. It was UCSB''s third consecutive victory in a row. Serna has been at the team for four years. This season he has very high stats. Serna averages: 16.8ppg, 3.1rpg and 2.3apg. He has also Spanish nationality.

   #6. Cezar Guerrero (182-G-92) couldn''t help the Oklahoma St. in their game against the University of Missouri in the conference tournament. Guerrero scored 9 points in 35 minutes. His team was badly defeated in an overtime by 18 points 88-70. He has very impressive stats this year: 16.8ppg, 3.1rpg and 2.3apg in the 25 games.

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

MONTENEGRO

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Nemanja VRANJES
  Sutjeska
  (188-G-88)
  Avg: 28.9

1. Vranjes, Sutjeska	28.9
2. Mugosa, KK Podgo.	21.3
3. Vucurovic, Mogren	19.3
4. Radulovic, Teodo T.	18.7
5. Lekovic, Jedinstvo	17.7
6. Petkovic, Danilovg.	17.4
7. Lopicic, Lovcen	17.4
8. Bulatovic, ABS P.	17.2
9. Nicaj, KK Podgorica	16.2
10. Ljujic, Jedinstvo	14.9

Rebounds Per Game

Ljeko NICAJ
  KK Podgorica
  (210-C-87)
  Avg: 8.4

1. Nicaj, KK Podgorica	8.4
2. Lopicic, Lovcen	8.1
3. Mugosa, KK Podgo.	7.1
4. Djurkovic, Ulcinj	6.9
5. Popovic, Sutjeska	6.8
6. Radulovic, Teodo T.	6.7
7. Pejovic, Sutjeska	6.7
8. Devrnja, ABS P.	6.4
9. Vranjes, Sutjeska	6.4
10. Jocovic, Sutjeska	6.0

Assists Per Game

Nemanja VRANJES
  Sutjeska
  (188-G-88)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Vranjes, Sutjeska	3.6
2. Scott, Mornar Bar	3.5
3. Bogojevic, KK Podg.	3.4
4. Bulatovic, ABS P.	3.3
5. Jelenic, Mornar B.	3.1
6. Mugosa, KK Podgo.	2.8
7. Mijovic, Teodo Tiv.	2.7
8. Tepavcevic, Ulcinj	2.5
9. Seferovic, Mogren	2.4
10. Jovovic, Danilovg.	2.4

Steals Per Game

Akeem SCOTT
  Mornar Bar
  (186-PG-83)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Scott, Mornar Bar	2.7
2. Bulatovic, ABS P.	2.5
3. Vranjes, Sutjeska	2.3
4. Miljic, Jedinstvo	1.6
5. Jovovic, Danilovgr.	1.6
6. Pavlicevic, Lovcen	1.6
7. Mijovic, Teodo Tiv.	1.5
8. Vucurovic, Mogren	1.5
9. Jelenic, Mornar B.	1.5
10. Tepavcevic, Ulcinj	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Ljeko NICAJ
  KK Podgorica
  (210-C-87)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Nicaj, KK Podgorica	2.4
2. Radulovic, Teodo T.	1.5
3. Vujosevic, Mornar	1.0
4. Cebalovic, Danilov.	0.9
5. Pejovic, Sutjeska	0.8
6. Lopicic, Lovcen	0.8
7. Djurkovic, Ulcinj	0.8
8. Pavic, Mornar Bar	0.8
9. Popovic, Sutjeska	0.7
10. Jocovic, Sutjeska	0.7

Standings - 1A

1A Standings

1. Mornar Bar		17-2
2. Teodo Tivat		13-6
3. Sutjeska		12-6
4. Lovcen		12-7
5. Ulcinj		9-10
6. KK Podgorica		8-10
7. Jedinstvo		7-12
8. Danilovgrad		4-15
9. ABS Primorje		4-15
Folded
1. Mogren		8-11
Play in international cups:
1. Buducnost		-

Nikola Pekovic''s double-double lands him Player of the Week award among Montenegrins playing currently abroad. - by Eurobasket Center
Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Montenegrins who are currently playing abroad.

Nikola Pekovic

#1. This week''s number one is an international center Nikola Pekovic (210-86, agency: Beo Basket), who plays in the NBA. He could not help the Minnesota Timberwolves (22-22) in their last game. Despite Pekovic''s very good performance the Minnesota Timberwolves were edged 105-102 on the road by the Los Angeles Lakers. He had a double-double by scoring 25 points and getting 13 rebounds in 40 minutes on the court. It''s Pekovic''s first season with the team. Pekovic has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 13.5ppg, 7.5rpg, 2FGP: 58.1%(179-308) and FT: 78.1% in the 33 games he played so far. Pekovic is currently a member of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Vladimir Dasic

#2. Second place goes to an international forward Vladimir Dasic (206-88, also represented by Beo Basket), who plays in Slovenia. He was not able to help Union Olimpija (13-12) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite Dasic''s very good performance the sixth-placed Union Olimpija was edged 78-75 in Vrsac by the higher-ranked Hemofarm (#3) in the group A of Adriatic League. He was the top scorer with 15 points. Dasic also added 5 rebounds. His team will play only one more game in the Adriatic League Regular Season. And that game will be critical. Dasic''s overall stats this season are: 9.7ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 43.1%, 3FGP: 28.2% and FT: 56.8%. He is in the roster of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Goran Jeretin

#3. The Montenegrin player who performed third best last week abroad was an experienced international guard Goran Jeretin (192-79, another player represented by Beo Basket) is a teammate of previously mentioned Vladimir Dasic. But that was another game of his team in Adriatic League which we would like to mention. Jeretin led his Slovenian team Union Olimpija to a victory over the leader Partizan (17-1) 70-57. He was MVP of the game. Jeretin scored 15 points in 29 minutes. Union Olimpija Ljubljana (13-12) is placed sixth in group A. Jeretin belongs to league''s best passers and is ranked #6 with 4.1apg. This year his other stats are: 9.4ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 55.9%(19-34), 3FGP: 22.9% and FT: 88.5% in the nine games. Jeretin is also a member of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Goran Martinic

#4. Point guard Goran Martinic (184-87, agency: BeoExcell), who plays in the Romanian Division A was not able to secure a victory for CSM Bucuresti (16-8) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his very good performance CSM Bucuresti was crushed 125-90 at home by the leading Gaz Metan. Martinic was the top scorer with 32 points. He also added 8 assists. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. Martinic is one of the most experienced players in a team as it''s his fifth year in CSM Bucuresti''s roster. Martinic is currently first on the list of top scorers. This season he has very high stats. Martinic averages: 23.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 5.0apg and 1.6spg. He used to play for the Montenegrin U21 national team back in 2007.

Sasha Pavlovic

#5. Former international swingman Sasha Pavlovic (200-83) contributed to an easy victory against the Portland Trail Blazers (20-23) 104-86 in the NBA last Friday. Pavlovic scored 10 points in 22 minutes. The Boston Celtics have 23-19 record this season. This year Pavlovic''s overall stats are: 2.6ppg and 1.1rpg in the 23 games. He has a dual citizenship: Montenegrin and Serbian. Pavlovic used to play for the Montenegrin national team four years ago.

Bojan Bakic

#6. Guard Bojan Bakic (197-83) was the main contributor in Metalac''s victory against the closely-ranked Napredak Rubin (7-18) 92-85 in the Serbian A League on Saturday night. He was the best player in that game. Bakic scored 29 points (!!!), had 6 rebounds and dished 3 assists. Vujic Metalac Valjevo (9-16) is placed 11th in the A League. His team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is quite important. Bakic is currently first on the league''s list of top scorers. This season he has very high stats. Bakic averages: 24.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.9apg and 1.6spg. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Montenegrin National Team roster.

Nikola Vucevic

#7. International forward Nikola Vucevic (208-90, college: USC) contributed to a Philadelphia 76ers'' victory against the Utah Jazz (21-22) 104-91 in the NBA in Friday night''s game. Vucevic scored 6 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 18 minutes. The Philadelphia 76ers have 25-18 record this season. It was his team''s third consecutive victory in a row. This year Vucevic''s total stats are: 6.4ppg and 5.0rpg in the 34 games. He is also Montenegrin national team player.

Vladimir Dragicevic

#8. Power forward Vladimir Dragicevic (206-86) helped his Russian team Spartak St.Petersburg win their game against the closely-ranked Lietuvos rytas (9-6) 72-65 in the VTB United League last Tuesday. Dragicevic scored 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Spartak St.Petersburg (11-5) is placed second in group B. They ended the series of three consecutive loses. The Regular Season already ended in the VTB United League. Dragicevic has averaged so far 9.9ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.1apg. He plays currently for the Montenegrin national team.

Suad Sehovic

#9. International swingman Suad Sehovic (197-87), who plays in Ukraine couldn''t help Budivelnyk (5-10) in their last game. Despite Sehovic''s very good performance Budivelnyk (#8) lost 79-90 on their home court in Kyiv to the higher-ranked (#3) Zalgiris in the group A of VTB United League. He was the top scorer with 16 points. Sehovic also added 4 rebounds in 30 minutes. His team will play only one more game in the VTB United League Regular Season. And now that game is extremely important. Sehovic has averaged so far 9.4ppg and 4.5rpg in the 15 games. He is also in the roster of the Montenegrin national team.

Slavko Vranes

   #10. Center Slavko Vranes (230-83, another player represented by Beo Basket), who plays in Iran couldn''t help Mahram (22-0) in their last game on Monday. Despite Vranes'' good performance the league leader Mahram was edged in an overtime 91-88 in Esfahan by the lower-ranked Zob Ahan (#3). He scored 12 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and made 4 blocks. Vranes has averaged so far 9.4ppg and 4.5rpg. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Montenegrin National Team roster.

   #11. International center Milko Bjelica (207-84, another player represented by Beo Basket) couldn''t help Caja Laboral in their game against Lagun Aro GBC in the Spanish ACB. He scored only 4 points. His team was defeated 81-73. Bjelica has averaged so far 8.3ppg and 3.5rpg. He plays currently for the Montenegrin national team.

   #12. Former international guard Nenad Mijatovic (193-87), who plays in the Serbian A League couldn''t help Sloga (12-13) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite his very good performance Sloga was crushed 87-50 in Beograd by the higher-ranked Radnicki Basket (#4). Mijatovic was the top scorer with 17 points. This season Mijatovic has very high stats. He averages: 15.1ppg, 2.2rpg and 1.5apg. Mijatovic used to play for the Montenegrin national team back in 2008.

   #13. Former international forward Ivan Ivanovic (206-80) faced previously mentioned Goran Martinic in the Romanian Division A last game. Ivanovic helped Gaz Metan win their game against the fifth-ranked CSM Bucuresti crushing them 125-90. He recorded 12 points and added 4 assists. Ivanovic has relatively good stats this season: 14.4ppg, 6.0rpg and 2.7apg. He used to play for the Montenegrin national team four years ago.

   #14. U20 international forward Nemanja Djurisic (203-92) helped Georgia win their game against the Mississippi State University 71-61 in the conference tournament in Thursday night''s game. Djurisic recorded a double-double by scoring 11 points and getting the same number of rebounds. This season he has relatively solid stats: 13.3ppg, 2.6rpg and 1.2spg. Djurisic plays currently for the Montenegrin U20 national team.

   #15. U20 international forward Halil Kanacevic (203-91) couldn''t help the one of league''s weakest teams St.Joseph''s in their game against the St.Bonaventure University in the conference tournament. He scored 8 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished 5 assists in 26 minutes. His team was edged 71-68. Kanacevic has reliable stats this year: 13.3ppg, 2.6rpg and 1.2spg in the 19 games. He is a naturalized American. Kanacevic is also in the roster of the Montenegrin U20 national team. Strangely he has never played in Montenegro.

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

   #1. Dusan Djordjevic (195-G-83, agency: Beo Basket), who plays in the Belgian D1 could not help Base Oostende (14-7) in their last game. Despite Djordjevic''s good performance Base Oostende was edged 91-90 on the road by the league outsider (#9) VOO Verviers-Pepinster. He was the second best scorer with 14 points. Djordjevic also added 7 assists in 28 minutes. It was Base Oostende''s first loss after five consecutive victories. Djordjevic is currently second on the league''s list of best passers with 3.9apg. This year he also averages: 8.9ppg, 3.5rpg and 1.3spg in the 17 games he played so far. Djordjevic has also Serbian citizenship.

   #2. Experienced Branko Cuic (197-G-78, agency: 011 Sports) led Timisoara to an easy victory against the 14th-ranked Perla Harghitei (2-23) crushing them 107-68 in the Romanian Division A on Saturday night. He recorded 13 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists and 3 steals. BC Timisoara (18-5) is placed second in the Division A. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. Cuic has averaged so far 10.0ppg, 5.5rpg and 4.6apg.

   #3. Balsa Radunovic (207-F/C-80), who plays in the FYR Macedonian Superleague was not able to help one of league''s weakest teams Lirija (14-11) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Lirija lost 90-101 in Kavadarci to the second-ranked Feni Indistrija. Radunovic had a double-double by scoring 27 points and getting 10 rebounds. He also added 2 blocks in 39 minutes. It was Lirija''s third consecutive loss in a row. Radunovic''s team will play only one more game in the Second Stage. Radunovic is currently ninth on the list of top scorers and also on the list of best rebounders (seventh place). He has individually a very good year with high stats. Radunovic averages: 16.2ppg, 7.0rpg and 2.1spg in the 11 games.

   #4. Bojan Subotic (206-F/C-90) was the major contributor in Zvezda''s victory against the closely-ranked Cibona (12-13) 80-67 in the Adriatic League on Saturday night. Subotic scored 14 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in a mere 15 minutes. Crvena Zvezda Beograd (11-14) is placed tenth in group A. His team will play only one more game in the Adriatic League Regular Season. Subotic has averaged so far 8.1ppg and 3.9rpg in the 24 games. Despite his Montenegrin passport, Subotic previously played for the Serbian U20 national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Montenegrin team.

   #5. Slobodan Pejovic (192-PG-86), who plays in the Serbian A League was not able to secure a victory for Napredak Rubin (7-18) in their last game. Despite his good performance Napredak Rubin was edged 83-81 in Smederevo by the higher-ranked (#7) Vizura. Pejovic was the second best scorer with 14 points. He also added 6 rebounds in 33 minutes. Pejovic''s team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. Pejovic has been at the team for four years. He has averaged so far 9.5ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.8apg and 1.1spg in the 23 games.

   #6. Ivan Todorovic (214-C/F-84, agency: Interperformances) led Olimpi to an easy victory against the ninth-ranked STU 91-74 in a derby game in the Georgian Superleague in Saturday night''s game. Todorovic scored 13 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in a mere 17 minutes. He has very impressive stats this year: 18.5ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.3bpg and 1.3spg in the four games.

   #7. Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91) managed to help Real Madrid to win against the league outsider Blancos de Rueda crushing them 76-55 in the Spanish ACB last Tuesday. Mirotic scored only 2 points. He has averaged so far 9.0ppg and 4.6rpg. Mirotic has a dual citizenship: Montenegrin and Spanish.

   #8. Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81, also represented by Beo Basket) couldn''t help Radnicki Kragujevac in their game against Krka in the Adriatic League. He recorded 9 points and added 6 assists in 40 minutes. His team lost 69-73. Pavkovic is currently second on the league''s list of best passers with 6.7apg. This year his other stats are: 13.3ppg, 2.6rpg and 1.2spg in the 19 games.

   #9. Darko Vujacic (199-G-79) led Pitesti to a victory against the closely-ranked Giurgiu 94-85 in the Romanian Division A on Wednesday night. Vujacic scored 18 points. This season he has very high stats. Vujacic averages: 15.9ppg, 3.8rpg and 1.6apg.

   #10. Nikola Rakocevic (192-G-91) couldn''t help Grupo Iruna Navarra in their game against Basquet Mallorca in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division), despite his very good performance in Friday night''s game. He scored 14 points in 24 minutes. But his team was edged 80-77. Rakocevic has averaged so far 7.6ppg and 1.8rpg in the 24 games.

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

MOROCCO

Yassine Bassine selected the top Moroccan playing abroad in last week''s games - by Eurobasket Center
We bring you last week''s top performances from Moroccans who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Yassine Bassine

   #1. This week''s number one is former international guard Yassine Bassine (198-84), who plays in the French NM1 (third division). He could not help Sorgues (14-11) to beat Souffelweyersheim (17-8). Bassine recorded 5 points in 23 minutes on the court. Sorgues lost 53-67 on the road to the higher-ranked (#4) Souffelweyersheim. This year Bassine averages: 10.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.2apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 42.6%, 3FGP: 35.7% and FT: 85.0% in the 25 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Moroccan and French. Bassine played for the Moroccan senior national team seven years ago.

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

   #1. Yassin Idbihi (208-F-83, college: Buffalo) led ALBA Berlin to a victory over the closely-ranked s Oliver Baskets (17-10) 81-73 in the German BBL in Wednesday night''s game. He was MVP of the game. Idbihi scored 20 points, had 7 rebounds and made 2 blocks in 29 minutes. ALBA Berlin (20-6) is placed third in the BBL. It was his team''s ninth consecutive victory in a row. This year Idbihi averages: 7.6ppg and 3.9rpg in the 18 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Moroccan and German. Despite Idbihi''s Moroccan passport, he previously played for the German national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Moroccan team.

   #2. Mohammed Kherrazi (200-F-90, agency: R.H.Consultancy) contributed to an easy victory against the league outsider Rotterdam (3-21) crushing them 82-59 in the Dutch Eredivisie last Saturday. Kherrazi scored 6 points. Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (16-6) is placed third in the Eredivisie. It''s Kherrazi''s first season with the team. This year he averages: 5.4ppg and 3.1rpg. Kherrazi is another player who holds two passports: Moroccan and Dutch. Despite his Moroccan nationality, Kherrazi previously played for the Dutch U20 national team and probably cannot be called to the Moroccan team.

   #3. Tarik Gourari (183-G-84) managed to help Rueil Athletic Club to win against the closely-ranked Montbrison (4-21) 77-66 in the French NM1 (third division) in Saturday night''s game. He recorded only 2 points. Rueil Athletic Club (10-15) is placed 14th in the NM1. It was his team''s first victory after three consecutive loses. It''s Gourari''s fourth season with the team. Gourari''s overall stats this year are: 1.0ppg, 1.1rpg and 1.1apg. He has also French passport.

Other top Moroccan players, who play abroad:

Moustapha Hadji (184-G-71) plays for Sluc Nancy in French ProA
Khalid Boukichou (208-C-92) plays for Base Oostende in Belgian D1
Mohamed Hachad (194-SG-83) plays for Fos Ouest in French ProB
Abdelmajid Naji (207-F/C-89) plays for Denain Voltaire in French ProB
Mokthar Benbouazza plays for Kronberg in German 2.Regionalliga
Jawad Dahbi (196-F-85) plays for La Rochelle in French NM2
Saad Ben Kassaoui (195-F-87) plays for Oullins in French NM2
Bendriss El-Hassani (190-G-78) plays for Agen in French NM3
Aberahim Nasser (193-G-85) plays for Frankfurt GSU in German Oberliga
Bending Sidi Mohamed (187-G-79) plays for Huy in Belgian D3

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

NAIA

Southern-New Orleans shocks No. 3 Robert Morris - by Eurobasket News
Kevin Dukes' (5'9''-G-90) fade-away jumper in the lane with 3.9 seconds remaining lifted unseeded Southern-New Orleans to an improbable 94-92 overtime victory over No. 3 Robert Morris (Ill.) tonight at the 75th Anniversary of the 2012 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship. Appearing in their first championship since 2004, the Knights completed a comeback after trailing by 11 points with nine minutes remaining.

Southern-New Orleans advances to play No. 14 Georgetown (Ky.) on Friday at 9:45 p.m. CDT.

'I just thought the second half we played much better defense and were more under control on offense,' said Southern-New Orleans head coach Dale Valdery. 'Those were the things that carried us. Also, we knew (Diante Watkins (5'9''-PG)) was going to get his points, so we had to limit the other guys and we did a pretty good job of taking them out of the game in the second half. That's a tremendous team. My hat goes off to them. If we continue to play defense the way we are, we'll probably be in every game we play.'

Clyde Moore (6'4''-G/F) of Southern-New Orleans and Robert Morris' Diante Watkins were the highlight shows. Moore finished with 34 points and 21 rebounds, while Watkins went for a career-tying 38 points before fouling out in 39 minutes of play.

Valdery commented on the play of his junior forward. 'Clyde is one of those guys who gives you everything he has out there on the floor, whether it be on offense or on defense. He's our inspirational leader. When he plays hard, it's a follow up for the rest of the players. He's just somebody that we go to when we really need a bucket. Twenty-one rebounds and thirty-something points; that's amazing.'

This was a game of runs with the Knights striking first. They took their largest lead of the game at 24-17 at the 6:30 mark. Then, the Eagles rattled off a 20-4 spurt to head into the locker room with a 37-28 advantage. Watkins had 12 points to lead the charge and the defense held Southern-New Orleans to 29 percent shooting.

Watkins made a two-point basket at the 16:32 mark in the second half and things appeared to be going smoothly with Robert Morris leading 46-34. But that is when Moore and the Knights had an answer. In the game's next 16-plus minutes, Moore scored 20 points and was the hero.

Trailing 64-53 at the 9:15 mark, Nicholas Washington's two points in the paint fueled a 14-2 run that made the upset seem a reality. Robert Morris was poised for the win in regulation, but allowed two baskets in the final minute as the game went to overtime.

In the extra session, Brian Bradley for Robert Morris made the first shot of a bonus free throw and on his second attempt, his miss was cleaned up by Tyler Warden. That lay-up tied the score at 92-92 with 37 seconds left. But, Dukes would have the final answer as he dribbled down the lane and made the bucket for the Knights first win in the tournament since 2004.

'Give Southern-New Orleans a lot of credit for a great effort,' said Robert Morris head coach Al Bruehl. 'We made a lot of mistakes tonight that we don't normally make and we weren't strong enough on the boards. Besides rebounding, I thought we played good defense and our guys played hard the whole game, especially our bench players who haven't seen much time. It's the national tournament and you need to make plays to win. Unfortunately, we didn't make enough of them to win tonight.'

Robert Morris exits the tournament in the first round for the first time in five years as it snaps a four-game opening round win streak. The Eagles head home with a 27-5 record.

Game notes:
Robert Morris: Robert Morris made its ninth-straight national tournament appearance and had won each of its previous eight first round contests (2007 win vs. Westmont was later forfeited) before losing to Southern-New Orleans ... The Eagles dropped to 17-9 all-time in the national tournament and 1-3 in overtime contests ... Under the guidance of head coach Al Bruehl, Robert Morris has advanced to the Fab Four on three occasions with the most recent appearance coming in 2010 ... The Eagles have averaged almost 29 wins over the past nine seasons including five campaigns with at least 30 victories ... Robert Morris entered the national tournament ranked No. 3 in the NAIA in scoring offense (87.5), No. 4 in scoring margin (14.7) and 3-point field goal made per game (9.9), and seventh in blocks per game (4.6) and turnover margin (+4.6) ... Robert Morris was the highest-seeded team to lose in the first round since No. 1-seeded Rogers State fell in the 2009 opener.

Southern-New Orleans: Southern-New Orleans is appearing in its seventh national tournament with an all-time record now sitting at 3-6, including a 3-4 mark in opening round contests ... The Knights are making their first appearance in the national tournament since 2004 when they advanced to the second round ... Southern-New Orleans brought a five-game winning streak into the national tournament that included three-straight victories to claim the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament championship ... Junior forward Clyde Moore posted the highest single-game rebounding total in the first round of this year's tournament with 21 boards.

Courtesy of www.naia.org

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

NBA

Wizards pick up Nene from Nuggets in 3-team trade involving Clippers - by Eurobasket News
The Denver Nuggets sent talented yet often-injured big man Hilario Nene (6'10''-C-82) to Washington in a three-team deal Thursday, with the Wizards shipping Javale McGee (7'0''-C/F-88, college: Nevada) and Ronny Turiaf (6'10''-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) to Denver and Nick Young (6'6''-G/F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: USC) to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Washington also picked up forward Brian Cook in the deal along with a second-round pick in 2015 from the Clippers, the Wizards and Nuggets both announced.

The Nuggets signed Nene to a new five-year, $67 million contract in December. He was averaging 13.4 points and 7.4 rebounds in an injury-plagued season. But the recent play of rookie forward Kenneth Faried made Nene expendable.

Nenes most productive season was in 2008-09 after overcoming a bout with testicular cancer. He averaged nearly 15 points and 8 rebounds that season.

Nene is a versatile player who will bring experience and a physical presence to our frontcourt, Washington general manager Ernie Grunfeld said. He is a strong rebounder, tough defender and a fierce competitor. His veteran leadership and postseason experience will be a positive influence in our locker room.

ESPN was among the first to report the trade.

Its the second straight season the Nuggets have orchestrated a deal at the deadline. They sent Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks in a blockbuster deal in February 2011. That move ignited the Nuggets, who went 18-7 down the stretch before falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.

The Nuggets, who are in the thick of the playoff chase once again this season, are a team without a superstar. Instead, coach George Karl relies on his superior depth to wear teams down and McGee figures to help in that regard. Turiaf is on the mend after breaking his left hand on Jan. 1.

Denver hosted Oklahoma City on Thursday night.

The deal ends up costing the Clippers virtually nothing. Cook hasnt cracked their rotation since signing with the club before last season.

This also will be a homecoming for Young, a Los Angeles native and a two-time all-conference standout at Southern California before becoming a consistent NBA scorer in five seasons with Washington, averaging 17.4 points per game last season and 16.6 this year. The versatile swingman seems to be an ideal fit for the Clippers, who have been eager to add perimeter scoring punch to their talented lineup after losing veteran guard Chauncey Billups to a season-ending Achilles tendon injury last month.

Although Young is notorious for his reluctance to pass, the Clippers have plenty of playmakers with Chris Paul, Eric Bledsoe and even Blake Griffin. Young, a free agent after the season, will be asked to provide some added offense as the Clippers move toward their second playoff berth in 15 years and just their second winning season in two decades.

This represents Grunfelds latest and perhaps last attempt to reconfigure the roster of a team that used to be built around All-Stars Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler.

The Wizards are pretty much starting over yet again now, constructing a team around point guard John Wall, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 draft.

Having already fired coach Flip Saunders this season, Washington was 9-32 heading into its game at New Orleans on Thursday night. Young was their second-leading scorer, and McGee was their leading rebounder, averaging 8.8, along with 11.9 points.

At one point, Young and McGee were considered potential building blocks for Washington. But their play often has been selfish or undisciplined.

And their behavior off the court had the Wizards wary as well.

During last offseason, a video circulated on the Internet showing Young and McGee engaging in something called the Cinnamon Challenge, in which they swallowed spoonfuls of the spice.

As Saunders put it after the lockout ended: The biggest thing is theyre not young players anymore. So they have to show the discipline, maturity, not only on the floor but off the floor.

And then Saunders added: The cinnamon that thing doesnt cut it.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Clippers acquire Nick Young from Wizards - by Eurobasket News
The Clippers acquired shooting guard Nick Young (6'6''-G/F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: USC) from the Washington Wizards for Brian Cook (6'10''-C/F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) on Thursday.

Cook said he was informed of the trade by Clippers management that he would be sent to the Wizards.

The Clippers have been looking for a shooting guard since Chauncey Billups suffered a season-ending torn left Achilles tendon injury Feb. 6.

Young was averaging 16.6 points per game for the Wizards this season, and he has a career average of 11.6 points over four seasons.

Young, a 6-7 guard who was a star at USC, is shooting 40.6% from the field and 37.1% from three-point range this season.

Yahoo Sports was the first to report the story, and it also said the Clippers would send the Wizards a future second-round draft pick along with Cook.

Im up out of here, Cook said in a phone interview Thursday. I wish the Clippers well. Its part of the business. Ill go work hard for the Wizards.

Courtesy of www.latimes.com

Thursday's games review (5): Brown scores 21 points to help short-handed Suns beat Clippers 91-87 - by Eurobasket News
LA Clippers - Phoenix Suns 87-91
Shannon Brown (6'3''-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Michigan St.) scored a season-high 21 points, including four free throws in the final 1:33, and the short-handed Phoenix Suns beat the Los Angeles Clippers 91-87 on Thursday night to end a four-game road losing streak. With his team playing the middle game in a stretch of three in three nights, Suns coach Alvin Gentry had Steve Nash and Grant Hill both sit out in street clothes. Last month, when the 38-year-old Nash and the 39-year-old Hill sat out, they watched their teammates lose 109-92 at Denver. Channing Frye (6'11''-C/F-83, college: Arizona) had 12 points for Phoenix and Jared Dudley added 11 points and six rebounds. Sebastian Telfair, filling in for Nash at point guard, had seven points, eight assists and a critical steal of Chris Paul in the final seconds in his first start since Nov. 22, 2010, with Minnesota. Blake Griffin had 25 points and eight rebounds for the Clippers, who fell 2 1/2 games behind the first-place Lakers in the Pacific Division race. Paul had 10 points and 11 rebounds. Trailing by 12 early in the fourth, the stubborn Suns went on a 10-2 run and closed to 78-76 with 6:57 to play. Reserve guard Ronnie Price hit a driving layup and followed that with a breakaway layup off his steal of Mo Williams to cap the rally. Dudley's two free throws tied the score 84-all with 2:56 remaining, and Brown put Phoenix ahead 87-85 on a 3-pointer with 2:25 to go - the Suns' first lead since early in the first quarter. After DeAndre Jordan tied it with two foul shots, Brown gave the Suns the lead for good with two at the other end. Dudley missed a 3-pointer that would have sealed the win, but Telfair stole the ball from Paul near the Clippers' basket, and Brown closed it out with two more free throws. Los Angeles did not get a field goal after Griffin's 16-footer with 4:37 remaining. Playing on the road for only the second time in 12 games, the Suns made only six of 23 shots in the first quarter and fell behind 29-17. The Clippers' frontcourt of Griffin, Jordan and Caron Butler outscored their Phoenix counterparts - Dudley, Frye and Marcin Gortat - by a 21-3 margin during the quarter and 50-31 altogether. The Clippers extended a seven-point lead to 47-30 with a 10-2 run capped by Jordan's alley-oop dunk off a lob from Paul with 2:32 left in the second quarter, but the Suns responded by scoring the final nine points of the half - including Frye's first 3-pointer of the game. Griffin got a technical foul from referee Gary Zielinski with 8:45 left in the third quarter for complaining about an offensive foul and a subsequent delay-of-game call against him after Phoenix closed to 52-44 on Brown's 20-foot jumper. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Dallas M. - Charlotte B. 101-96
The Dallas Mavericks don't care about style points at the moment. Any victory is welcome for the defending NBA champs. Dirk Nowitzki (7'0''-F-78) scored 27 points and the Mavericks rallied from 14 points down in the second quarter to beat the Charlotte Bobcats 101-96 on Thursday night. Dallas won its second straight -- improving to 15-0 all-time against the Bobcats -- although the victories have come against lottery-bound Washington and Charlotte. Jason Terry added 18 points and Rodrigue Beaubois 14 for the Mavs, who had lost eight of their previous 11. 'The most important thing is to come out of it with a win,' said Dallas' Vince Carter, who finished with 11 points. 'When we're playing against a better basketball team, we'll have to be better.' Corey Maggette (6'6''-G-79, college: Duke) scored 21 points and Tyrus Thomas had 14 for the league-worst Bobcats (6-36). The upcoming schedule gets a lot more challenging for the Mavs, who face playoff contenders in their next 10 games starting with Saturday night's home date against San Antonio. 'It's two [straight] wins and we're doing good things, but if you look at our schedule, it gets significantly more difficult,' Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. After trailing most of the first half, Dallas took control with a third-quarter surge led by consecutive 3-pointers from Nowitzki. Nowitzki scored eight straight points while his team was on a 17-8 run capped by Carter's 3-pointer, giving Dallas a 74-68 edge entering the final quarter. The Mavs turned up the defensive pressure in the third with the second unit on the floor for much of the 12 minutes, going to a zone and limiting Charlotte to 5-of-21 shooting from the field. 'We played as well as we could play,' Bobcats coach Paul Silas said. 'The third quarter gives us problems. They put a zone on us and we couldn't make a shot.' Beaubois connected on back-to-back layups early in the fourth to stretch Dallas' lead to 83-72, and Nowitzki's 3-pointer from the top of the key gave the Mavs a 14-point lead with 6:41 to play. Charlotte was behind by 17 before pulling to 99-96 on D.J. Augustin's layup with 19 seconds left. But Nowitzki converted two free throws on his team's next possession to clinch the victory. Charlotte tied the score at 23 after one quarter when Augustin banked in a desperation 3 from the right wing just ahead of the buzzer. Rookie Kemba Walker scored eight of his 12 points -- including two 3-pointers -- during his team's 14-2 spurt midway through the second quarter as the Bobcats built a 42-32 lead. 'We are probably the oldest starting lineup in the history of the league so we've got to hype ourselves up a little more and get a little more pep in our step to start the game,' Nowitzki said of his team's slow start. 'We let them hang on and they got some confidence.' Charlotte's halftime advantage was 54-48 after Dallas finished the second quarter with a 9-2 run. Once again, the third quarter proved the Bobcats' undoing. Walker said his team was simply too passive against Dallas' zone. 'We didn't penetrate enough, didn't put a man in the middle enough and we weren't cutting,' Walker said. 'We were just standing.' *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Utah Jazz - Minnesota T. 111-105 OT
This time, there was no magic left in the night for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The last time the Wolves and Utah Jazz played, the Wolves literally danced off the Target Center court after the most improbable of victories. This time, they flailed their arms in exasperation and trudged into a tunnel at Energy Solution Arena after a 111-105 overtime loss in which they lamented offensive rebounds and opportunity lost from a game they probably again had little business winning. Six days after Ricky Rubio suffered a season-ending knee injury, the Wolves also collectively held their breath when two-time All-Star Kevin Love (6'10''-C-88, college: UCLA) learned that his left thumb injured at the end of the third quarter was diagnosed as only a sprain. Three weeks ago, the Wolves trailed Utah by 15 points with 8 minutes remaining and still prevailed thanks to a 30-13 finishing flourish and Luke Ridnour's running floater at the buzzer. On Thursday, they trailed by 12 points with less than 5 minutes left and yet made it as far as overtime after Nikola Pekovic (6'11''-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) tied the score with a putback basket with 0.7 seconds left and Utah forward Paul Millsap broke free for the winning basket at the buzzer but his sure-fire layup rolled around and off the rim. In overtime, the Wolves three times led by a basket but surrendered the lead after making a defensive stop. They couldn't get their hands on an offensive rebound and former Timberwolves center Al Jefferson scored on a putback basket of his own missed shot with 1:16 left. That started the Jazz on an 8-0 run to end the game. The Jazz won the three-game season series 2-1, a potentially important tiebreaker distinction should the two teams fighting for the West's eighth playoff spot end the season tied. The Wolves watched a chance to start this seven-game, 13-day road trip with two consecutive victories slip away. 'We were a rebound, maybe two rebounds away from winning the game,' said Love, whose team allowed the Jazz to beat it on the offensive backboards 17-9. 'It would have been nice to start the road trip off 2-0. This game meant a lot.' Love played the final quarter with that thumb taped after he fell on it and came to the bench at third quarter's end clutching it in pain. David Kahn, Wolves president of basketball operations, later called the pictures 'normal.' The Wolves called it a sprain and said Love is probable for Friday's game against the Lakers in Los Angeles. 'At first, it scared me a little bit because I've broken this thumb a couple of times before, but it's fine,' said Love, who has missed the past two games against the Lakers because he was ill and then because he had back spasms. 'It's just jammed, something that will subside hopefully in a couple days or hopefully tomorrow.' The Wolves outscored the Jazz 13-3 in the final 3:02 of regulation time and then played five minutes more after Millsap's wide-open layup off an in-bounds play with just those 0.7 seconds left somehow missed. 'We had a chance, we got lucky there at the end,' Wolves coach Rick Adelman said. 'I don't know what we were thinking. He (Millsap) ran right by two guys, but we got lucky there and didn't take advantage. I'd take a win anytime. If you win, you deserve to win, but they made plays to win it in overtime.' *Courtesy of www.sunherald.com

N.Orleans H. - Washington W. 89-99
John Wall (6'4''-PG-90, college: Kentucky) hardly seemed fazed by a trade that left the Wizards without their starting center and one of their top scorers. The Washington reserves who had to step in didn't shy away from their chance to show what they could do, either. Wall had 26 points and 12 assists, and the Wizards won hours after making a multiplayer deal at the NBA trade deadline, 99-89 over the New Orleans Hornets on Thursday night. 'Today was a chaotic day,' Washington coach Randy Wittman said. 'It is always tough losing teammates, but that is the nature of the business. 'Bottom line, somebody is going to get an opportunity,' Wittman added. Roger Mason (6'5''-G/F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Virginia) was one such player and scored 17 of his season-high 19 points in the second half to help theWizards snap a three-game skid and win for only the 10th time this season. 'Our guys found me and they made great passes,' Mason said. 'I felt really good and was able to knock down some shots.' Chris Kaman scored 20 points for the Hornets, who erased a 16-point deficit and took a brief lead in the fourth quarter, only to watch Mason hit three 3-pointers during Washington's 13-0 run that put the game away. 'We used up so much energy to get back into the game and they hit a couple 3's and got an easy one in transition,' Hornets coach Monty Williams said. 'After that, you feel like you have to hit a home run to get back in it.' Earlier in the day, the Wizards traded guard Nick Young and centers JaVale McGee and Ronny Turiaf to Denver as part of a three team deal. The Nuggets sent Nene to Washington, which also received forward Brian Cook along with a 2015 second-round pick from the Los Angeles Clippers. McGee was replaced in the starting lineup by Kevin Seraphin, while Mason, who came in averaging only 3.6 points, picked up more minutes in Young's absence. For this game at least, Mason more than made up for Young's 16.6 points per game, shooting 7 for 9, including 4 for 6 from 3-point range. Seraphin had 12 points and nine rebounds in only his second start of the season. Jordan Crawford added 17 points and Trevor Booker 14. Wall was all over the court, hitting 11 of his 16 shots, mostly on layups and dunks, including a couple of alley-oop jams. 'Everybody stepped up and we got a good team win,' Wall said. 'Lately, we've been playing as a team and playing hard. When (we) do that, we give ourselves a chance.' *Courtesy of www.washingtontimes.com

Denver N. - Oklah.City T. 90-103
The Oklahoma City Thunder played like the top team in the Western Conference. The Denver Nuggets looked like a team still searching for the right parts. Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) scored 24 points, Russell Westbrook (6'3''-PG-88, college: UCLA) had 23 and Oklahoma City beat the short-handed Nuggets 103-90 on Thursday night. Andre Miller had 17 to lead the Nuggets, who sent the talented yet often-injured Nene to Washington for JaVale McGee and Ronny Turiaf. The deal was widely known before the game started but wasn't finalized until the first half, leaving Denver without another big man to face the Thunder. It also had an impact mentally. 'Anytime you trade a guy that's been with me since I've been here, and we have a personal connection because of our situations with cancer, it's very difficult,' Nuggets coach George Karl said. 'I hope to be friends with Nene for a long, long time after basketball.' Denver signed Nene to a new five-year, $67 million contract in December. He was averaging 13.4 points and 7.4 rebounds in an injury-plagued season. But the recent play of rookie forward Kenneth Faried made Nene expendable. The Nuggets, who are in the thick of the playoff chase again this season, are a team without a superstar. Instead, Karl relies on his superior depth to wear teams down and McGee figures to help in that regard. Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri said the team plans to waive Turiaf. 'We did (this trade) with the intention of the big picture. Make the team better,' Ujiri said. 'We felt that the direction of the organization at this time was we wanted to go a little bit younger.' Without Nene, the Nuggets didn't have enough to stay with the Thunder in the second half Thursday. Trailing by one, Durant asserted himself to start the third quarter. He scored nine points to help the Thunder surge past the cold-shooting Nuggets. His fast-break dunk with 4:08 left in the third gave Oklahoma City a 68-57 lead. 'We came out and did what we wanted,' Durant said. 'We knew they were going to be playing with a heavy heart and we wanted to come out and take advantage.' James Harden followed with a dunk and Westbrook drained a 3-pointer to put the Thunder ahead 73-59 before Denver cut the deficit to eight late in the period. Harden finished with 18 points. A 3-pointer by Daequan Cook, his third of the game, made it 78-65 heading into the fourth. 'Early in the quarter, we took too many jumpers and didn't make any of them,' Karl said. 'Our offense was very inefficient and ineffective and they're such a solid offense team I don't think you can give them a bad quarter.' Nick Collison scored all six of his points early in the final period and Harden hit a long 3-pointer to push the lead to 90-72 with 7:04 left. 'We moved the ball and moved it quickly and got the good hockey assist and we made the shots,' Durant said. 'And once we make shots and once we defend with all your heart, it is a fun game.' The Thunder took a 14-point lead early in the second quarter on the strength of hot shooting. Oklahoma City hit 57 percent of its shots in the first quarter. Down 44-32 midway through the period, Denver rallied. Danilo Gallinari hit two 3-pointers to spur a 19-3 run that gave Denver a 51-47 lead late in the first half. Westbrook hit three free throws in the final 46 seconds to pull the Thunder to within 51-50 at the break. *Courtesy of www.krdo.com

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Philadelph.76		25-19
2. Boston C.		23-20
3. New York K.		20-24
4. Toronto R.		15-29
5. New Jersey N.		15-30
Central Div.
1. Chicago B.		36-10
2. Indiana P.		25-17
3. Milwaukee B.		20-24
4. Cleveland C.		16-25
5. Detroit P.		16-28
Southeast Div.
1. Miami Heat		32-11
2. Orlando M.		29-16
3. Atlanta H.		25-19
4. Washington W.		10-33
5. Charlotte B.		6-36
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Oklah.City T.		33-11
2. Denver N.		24-20
3. Minnesota T.		22-23
4. Utah Jazz		21-22
5. Portland TB		21-23
Pacific Div.
1. LA Lakers		28-16
2. LA Clippers		24-18
3. Phoenix Suns		22-22
4. Golde State W.		18-23
5. Sacramento K.		15-29
Southwest Div.
1. San Antonio S.		29-13
2. Dallas M.		25-20
3. Memphis G.		24-18
4. Houston R.		24-20
5. N.Orleans H.		10-34

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kobe BRYANT
  LA Lakers
  (198-G-78)
  Avg: 29

1. Bryant, LA Lakers	29.0
2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	27.8
3. James, Miami Heat	27.7
4. Love, Minnesota T.	25.7
5. Westbrook, Oklah..	23.9
6. Rose, Chicago B.	22.8
7. Wade, Miami Heat	22.8
8. Williams, New J.	22.0
9. Ellis, Golde S.	21.9
10. Aldridge, Portlan.	21.5

Rebounds Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 15

1. Howard, Orlando M.	15.0
2. Love, Minnesota T.	13.7
3. Bynum, LA Lakers	12.9
4. Varejao, Clevelan.	11.5
5. Cousins, Sacramen.	11.1
6. Griffin, LA Clipp.	11.0
7. Humphries, New J.	10.7
8. Gasol, LA Lakers	10.4
9. Noah, Chicago B.	10.3
10. Gortat, Phoenix	10.1

Assists Per Game

Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-PG-74)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Nash, Phoenix Suns	11.3
2. Rondo, Boston C.	10.2
3. Calderon, Toron