Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 3/23/2012

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Men News

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ARGENTINA

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

Joe SMITH
  La Union
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 17.5

1. Smith, La Union	17.5
2. Gutierrez, Obras	17.0
3. Villegas, Sionista	16.9
4. OBannon, Boca Jrs	16.0
5. DeGroat, Olimpico.	16.0
6. Pittman, Libertad.	15.6
7. McHopson, Quilm.	15.6
8. Meyinsse, Wuber-.	15.4
9. Lo Grippo, Quimsa	15.3
10. Cowan, Club 9	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Jack Michael MARTINEZ
  San M.
  (203-F/C-81)
  Avg: 12.5

1. Martinez, San M.	12.5
2. Battle, Libertad S.	10.0
3. Garces, Atenas	9.4
4. Sandes, Sionista	9.3
5. Davis, GECR I.	9.0
6. Lloreda, Olimpico.	8.8
7. Gutierrez, Obras	8.5
8. Williams, Quimsa	7.5
9. DeGroat, Olimpico.	7.5
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	3.7
7. Laprovittola, Lanus	3.7
8. Victoriano, San M.	3.6
9. Osimani, Obras	3.5
10. Labaque, Atenas	3.4

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	1.9
4. Quinteros, Regat.	1.7
5. McHopson, Quilm.	1.7
6. Sanchez, Wuber-.	1.6
7. Stanic, Boca Jrs	1.5
8. Treise, Libertad S.	1.4
9. Beitzel, San M.	1.4
10. Ibarra, Olimpico.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Battle, Libertad S.	1.5
2. Clancy, Club 9	1.3
3. Rollins, Sionista	1.2
4. Matthews, Quilm.	1.1
5. Gutierrez, Obras	1.1
6. Meyinsse, Wuber-.	1.1
7. Roe, Regatas C.	1.1
8. Jackson, Olimpico.	1.0
9. Humphrey, Atenas	0.9
10. Ayarza, Club 9	0.9

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AUSTRIA

Standings - A Bundesliga

A Standings

Group A
1. Gmunden		22-6
2. Kapfenberg		20-8
3. Klosterneub.		19-9
4. Wels		18-9
5. Oberwart		17-11
6. Gussing		11-16
Group B
1. Furstenfeld		13-13
2. BC Vienna		11-15
3. UBSC Graz		8-17
4. Arkadia		7-18
5. St.Polten		1-25

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Stjepan STAZIC
  BC Vienna
  (199-G-78)
  Avg: 26

1. Stazic, BC Vienna	26.0
2. Drenovac, Arkadia	22.4
3. Reed, Oberwart	19.9
4. Shavies, Furstenf.	18.8
5. Djuric, Gussing	17.8
6. Shaw, Oberwart	17.8
7. Grum, UBSC G.	17.3
8. Fears, Kapfenberg	16.9
9. Nagler, Klostern.	16.6
10. Moric, UBSC G.	16.5

Rebounds Per Game

Joe WERNER
  Wels
  (201-C-84)
  Avg: 9.3

1. Werner, Wels	9.3
2. Gordon, Kapfenberg	8.1
3. Reed, Oberwart	7.8
4. Oppland, Gmunden	7.6
5. Skurdauskas, Arkad.	7.2
6. Ware, Furstenfeld	7.2
7. Moric, UBSC G.	7.1
8. Robinson, Furstenf.	7.1
9. Nelson, Kapfenberg	7.0
10. Scott, Gussing	6.9

Assists Per Game

Benedikt DANEK
  Arkadia
  (176-PG-86)
  Avg: 7

1. Danek, Arkadia	7.0
2. Fears, Kapfenberg	5.8
3. Shavies, Furstenf.	5.6
4. Schreiner, Kapfe.	5.4
5. Stazic, BC Vienna	4.7
6. Klepeisz, Gussing	4.7
7. Schaal, UBSC G.	4.2
8. Milosevic, St.Polt.	4.1
9. Lanegger, Klostern.	4.0
10. Curry, Gmunden	4.0

Steals Per Game

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

1. Fears, Kapfenberg	2.5
2. Shavies, Furstenf.	2.4
3. Pryor, Wels	2.1
4. Schreiner, Kapfe.	2.1
5. Brown, Wels	1.6
6. Scott, Gussing	1.5
7. Mayer, Gmunden	1.4
8. Jandl, Oberwart	1.4
9. Bobb, Klosterneub.	1.3
10. Danek, Arkadia	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Gary WARE
  Furstenfeld
  (205-F/C-83)
  Avg: 1.1

1. Ware, Furstenfeld	1.1
2. Scott, Gussing	1.1
3. Koch, Gussing	0.9
4. Kohlmaier, Wels	0.8
5. Skurdauskas, Arkad.	0.8
6. Moric, UBSC G.	0.6
7. Brown, Wels	0.6
8. Francois, BC Vienna	0.5
9. Chappell, Klostern.	0.5
10. Nelson, Kapfenbe.	0.5

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Triumph withdraws from BBL quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News
Triumph Lyubertsy have announced their withdrawal from the BBL quarterfinals. The Russian team motivated the decision by the need to concentrate on their EuroChallenge campaign. Triumph Lyubertsy have reached the semifinal stage at the tournament. The decision automatically put Siauliai into the Baltic League semifinals.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

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

1. Bowles, Siauliai	19.3
2. Cipruss, Tarvas	17.3
3. Mayo, Liepaja	16.2
4. Amis, Tartu Ulikool	15.9
5. Young, Ventspils	15.1
6. Hallik, Tarvas	15.0
7. Vasylius, Siauliai	14.6
8. Lucas, Valmiera	14.3
9. Umbrasko, Tarvas	14.3
10. Karasev, Triumph	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

Kaspars CIPRUSS
  Tarvas
  (210-C-82)
  Avg: 9.4

1. Cipruss, Tarvas	9.4
2. McClure, Kedainiai	9.3
3. Arnold, TTU	7.7
4. Johnson, Naglis P.	7.7
5. Bowles, Siauliai	7.4
6. Rozitis, Valmiera	6.9
7. Willard, Ventspils	6.4
8. Amis, Tartu Ulikool	6.3
9. Delas, Baltai Kaun.	6.2
10. Fall, Kalev/Cramo	6.0

Assists Per Game

Rashaun BROADUS
  Siauliai
  (183-PG-84)
  Avg: 4.6

1. Broadus, Siauliai	4.6
2. Maceina, Juventus	4.3
3. Ezerskis, Lietkabe.	4.0
4. Lucas, Valmiera	3.8
5. McKee, Triumph	3.8
6. Rinkevicius, Nagli.	3.8
7. Kulagin, Triumph	3.8
8. Janavicius, Baltai	3.7
9. Kadziulis, Rudupis	3.6
10. Viskontas, Rudup.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Tywain MCKEE
  Triumph
  (188-PG-86)
  Avg: 2.8

1. McKee, Triumph	2.8
2. Young, Ventspils	1.8
3. Keedus, TTU	1.8
4. Akenparg, TTU	1.8
5. Virsis, Valmiera	1.8
6. Long, Siauliai	1.7
7. Janavicius, Baltai	1.7
8. Hughes, Pieno Z.	1.6
9. Kulevicius, Lietka.	1.5
10. Butkevicius, Saka.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Bamba FALL
  Kalev/Cramo
  (216-C-86)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Fall, Kalev/Cramo	2.6
2. Rozitis, Valmiera	2.1
3. Johnson, Naglis P.	1.7
4. Gumeniuk, Juventus	1.6
5. Amis, Tartu Ulikool	1.2
6. Staniulis, Lietkab.	1.1
7. Leiteris, Liepaja	1.1
8. Toome, Kalev/Cramo	1.0
9. Morgan, Pieno Z.	1.0
10. Soloviev, Triumph	0.9

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BELGIUM

Standings - Division I

D1 Standings

1. Spirou		15-6
2. Oostende		15-7
3. Antwerp		14-7
4. Aalstar		12-8
5. Leuven		12-9
6. M.Hainaut		10-11
7. Liege		7-14
8. Gent		7-16
9. Verviers-Pep.		4-18

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. Lojeski, Oostende	15.8
4. Black, Antwerp	14.4
5. Taylor, M.Hainaut	14.2
6. Freeman, Leuven	14.2
7. Haynes, Gent	14.2
8. Green, Spirou	14.1
9. Love, Verviers-Pep.	13.4
10. Tofi, Leuven	13.1

Rebounds Per Game

Graham BROWN
  Gent
  (205-C-84)
  Avg: 8

1. Brown, Gent	8.0
2. Love, Verviers-Pep.	7.4
3. Mejri, Antwerp	7.3
4. McLean, Leuven	7.3
5. Merriex, Verviers.	7.0
6. Young, Aalstar	6.9
7. Booker, Oostende	6.1
8. Mukubu, Verviers.	6.1
9. Green, Spirou	5.8
10. De Zeeuw, Vervier.	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. Marnegrave, Leuven	3.5
4. Bosco, Gent	3.3
5. Black, Antwerp	3.1
6. Slaughter, M.Hai.	3.0
7. Bostic, Liege	3.0
8. Singletary, M.Hain.	3.0
9. Winston, Oostende	2.8
10. Taylor, M.Hainaut	2.6

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.	2.1
5. Wilson, Antwerp	2.0
6. Bostic, Liege	1.7
7. Steinbach, Aalstar	1.7
8. Bosco, Gent	1.7
9. Slaughter, M.Hai.	1.7
10. Haynes, Gent	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Salah MEJRI
  Antwerp
  (216-C-86)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Mejri, Antwerp	2.4
2. Riddick, Spirou	1.9
3. Jennings, Liege	1.8
4. Young, Aalstar	1.1
5. Love, Verviers-Pep.	1.1
6. Booker, Oostende	0.8
7. Holiday, Aalstar	0.6
8. Copeland, Aalstar	0.6
9. Nivins, M.Hainaut	0.6
10. Vaughn, Antwerp	0.5

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BOSNIA

BOSNIA and HERCIGOVINA REGULAR SEASON RECAP! - by Chris Mathieu
BOSNIA and HERCIGOVINA REGULAR SEASON RECAP!
HKK SIROKI WWIN 15-11 (in the Adriatic League)
An outstanding season for Siroki in the Adriatic League, the team by far exceeded expectations going into the season. For years now the best run and organized team in Bosnia, the team is already making changes to its roster to keep it competitive next season. The team took a gamble on injured international guard Jakov Vladovic and it paid off big time for the team. The team has young talented bigs in Ivan Ramljak, Boris Barac and Darko Planinic and a deep roster and good young players coming up through the system. Ivan Velic did an excellent job coaching the team this season. The team did a great job in both player development and acquisition of proven talent from other organizations.
TEAM GRADE: A
Biggest Surprise: Jakov Vladovic after suffering a devastating knee injury a couple of years ago appeared to have had his best years behind him. He bounced back in a big way to have a great season for the team. Fran Pilepic had a great season as well in the Adriatic league and has already been sold off to another team for next season
Biggest disappointment: Coleman Collins he didnt have a bad season, he was just outplayed by many of the domestic Bosnians who played for the team in the frontcourt.

BC IGOKEA ALEKSANDROVAC 22-2
The team almost completely relies on castoffs from Serbia and Montenegro but proved to be the most seasoned professional team in the Bosnian League when all was said and done. The team has some talent and appears to be the most serious challenger to end Sirokis dominance this season. The team is two deep at every position and has a talented youngster in Marko Miletic.
TEAM GRADE: A
Biggest Surprise: Marko Miletic is one of the most talented young players in Bosnia and put on a shooting exhibition in the last game of the season when they crushed Hercegovac.
Biggest disappointment: Milijan Bocka a veteran guard who played many years in Bosnia and Serbia he proved to be a bit of a disappointment this season for the team. He is still a decent floor general for the team; he looks a bit like Mike Bibby late in his career.

BOSNA ASA BH TELECOM SARAJEVO 18-6
The most storied team in the history of Bosnian basketball, the one time champion of Europe fell on hard times the last couple of years due to mismanagement of funding for the team. This year was supposed to be a rebuilding year were they get their finances in order. The team under the leadership of Hamdo Fraljak played above expectations and ended up the second best team in the regular season. The chances of winning it all this year are slim however. They did finally seem to turn the corner on some of their mistakes they had brought in the past like Marko Batina and Sven Smajlagic.
TEAM GRADE: A-
Biggest Surprise: Ramo Rizvic/Armin Avidbegovic both castoffs of Celik Zenica they both would have contributed mightily to keeping the team out of regulation to D2 next year. Ramo was a revelation for the team and contributed greatly to the teams success down the stretch when Camdzic and Demic were struggling. Avidbegovic played above expectations as well and was a very steady floor general for the team
Biggest disappointment: Edin Alispahic left Bosnia a few years ago for Slovenia as a highly regarded young talent. He returned this year under great fainfare only to prove that the serious knee injury he suffered a few years ago changed the trajectory of his career. He played decently at times but is now a limited athlete.
HKK CAPLJINA LASTA 17-7
Impressive results for a team that turned over its roster in the summer, they lost many quality players yet didnt skip a beat at the team reinforcements played above their expectations. The team had the right mix of young players and veterans that mixed well into a team. Everyone contributed and Marko Jagodic Kuridza played as well as anyone in the league. Marko and Jozo Brkic made a lethal 1-2 punch inside for many teams to matchup against. The team could cause some problems in league 6 with two solid inside players.
TEAM GRADE:
Biggest Surprise: Marko Jagodic Kuridza/Jozo Brkic provided a lethal scoring combo on the inside for the team. Marko scored at will, is an excellent rebounder and passer. Jozo Brkic contributed much the same; both however even though they are excellent passers, made way too many turnovers.
Biggest disappointment: Mile Galic not expected to be a team leader Mile did prove to be somewhat a disappointment with the team this year.

KK VARDA HIDROELEKTRANA VISEGRAD 15-9
A balanced team of veterans the team played over its talent level the entire year. Not an exciting team that plays an exciting brand of basketball. The team is well coached, methodical and fundamentally sound in its approach. It had impressive results considering its talent level and expectations. The team has no real shot at get out of the final 6 but just getting in is a good result for this team of overachievers.
TEAM GRADE: B+
Biggest Surprise: Nenad Durdevic is not an exciting player by any means but very fundamentally sound player who played every aspect of the game well. He played under control, valued every possession and played like a point guard should, an extra coach on the floor.
Biggest disappointment: Its hard to pick out one on a team that really overachieved and played well as a team. Darko Damjanovic is probably as close to a disappointment as it comes. A highly regarded prospect for years, Darko is still only 21 and played well in a limited role. However his free throw shooting was atrocious and his assist to turnover ratio was terrible as well 1-2.

KK MLADOST MRKONJIC GRAD 14-10
The team played as well as expected maybe a little above considering the challenges some other teams went through in Bosnia. The imports proved to be a little suspect, mostly but the young players stepped up and played well and Samir Leric played very well in limited minutes for the team and saved them more than once.
TEAM GRADE: B
Biggest Surprise: Samir Leric a savvy veteran who has played for many years, now 38 no one expected him to play at such a high level at his advanced age. Yet he played and extremely well and shot a high percentage from the field and free throw line. He adds a level of savvy and toughness any good team needs.
Biggest disappointment: Milos Trikic he didnt play badly, really no one did on the team but he shot below 50% from the free throw line so he ended up on this list.

SL TAKOVO LEOTAR TREBINJE 14-10
For a team that turned over its roster, it is remarkable the results and the team almost made the final 6. For a team lacking in real star or firepower the results of the team were excellent. The young players on the team didnt play particularly well, including young revelation Marko Rikalo.
TEAM GRADE: B
Biggest Surprise: Igor Josipovic for a younger player without a great background or reputation Igor stepped up to be the best player on the floor most nights for his team.
Biggest disappointment: Zoran Kascelan one of only two import players, Zoran didnt provide the kind of firepower that the team expected.
KK SERVITIUM GRADISKA 10-14
TEAM GRADE: B
For a team that usually sits at the bottom of the cellar, the almost .500 record was an impressive result. The team used its money pretty well, didnt overspend on a bunch of bad players. It also is a team with some good young talent. The team made a good investment in its young players and it paid off well for the team as they contributed nicely to the team.
Biggest Surprise: Nenad Doric for a veteran point guard who lived off of the three he shot a high percent (close to 40%) he ran a solid offense, scored well (15ppg) and knocked down his free throws (over 90%) you couldnt as more from a veteran point guard in Bosnia.
Biggest disappointment: Jugoslav Dasic his 3 point shot (28.6%) and free throw shooting (35%) were atrocious for a veteran guard who lived off of his scoring and has good international experience.
HERCEGOVAC BILECA 10-14
The team came in with no real high expectations and did about as well as what you could have expected. The team didnt lose any great players in the offseason and didnt add anyone special.
TEAM GRADE:C
Biggest Surprise: Goran Gajovic was the biggest scorer on the team and its best player.
Biggest disappointment: Nikola Lalic not the worst player in the world and played a decent game but his 3 point shooting (under 20%) and his high turnovers 3 a game keep him from excelling.
BORAC NEKTAR BANJA LUKA 8-16
TEAM GRADE: C+
Borac lost many talented players in the offseason yet still competed and stayed well away from regulation. The team lost for genuine international level talents and kept itself competitive that in itself is quite the accomplishment. For a team that was once the powerhouse of RS though middling in the middle of the Bosnian first division wont do.
Biggest Surprise: Darko Kastratovic Darko was a revelation for the team, team leader and an excellent playmaker for the team. He struggled with his three point shooting and his ball handling but overall was an excellent player for the team that was loaded with young backcourt talent.
Biggest disappointment: Srdjan Blanusa The team needed a big inside presence and lacked one. Srdjan was the closest thing to one and he was far from what was required for the team to surprise in their division.
KK VOGOSCA SARAJEVO 8-16
TEAM GRADE: D+
Vogosca has been a perennial bottom dweller in the KSBiH first division, it was actually quite impressive they were able to move up and avoid regulation over a team like Zrinjski which expended so many resources and still ended up in D2. Vogosca had very good front courts play in Hazifejzovic, Armin Cengic and the late season addition of former Mujo Tuljkovic.
Biggest surprise: Sead Hadzifejzovic probably the player of the year for the regular season he was unbelievable 21ppg almost 10 rebounds and over 2 assists a game while shooting a high percentage from both the two and three. He played so well Bosnia should naturalize him (if he doesnt count as the foreigner on the team) and give him a shot at making the Bosnian National Team.
Biggest disappointment: Vedran Zivic not really fair to single him out but the backcourt played poorly and he was one of the worse. No one had really high expectations of him or his play, but if they would have had better guard play the team could have really surprised.
HKK ZRINJSKI HT MOSTAR 8-16 (1-8 in Balkan League)
TEAM GRADE: F-
A nightmare season for Zrinjski they came in with very high expectations and committed a lot of resources in the team and competing in the Balkan League and it was a monumental implosion for the very beginning. Possible the worst season by a team in modern Bosnian basketball and one the organization will not soon forget. Zrinjski went through a massive change over in the roster, leaving few players from the previous team. It was apparent from the start it was an ill-conceived team of players instead of a team. Not only did they experience massive turnover before the season the roster turned over again during the season, players and coaches shipped out and shipped in again. They did eventually find some players that helped but by that time it was too late. Boris Lalovic, Marcel Jones, Edi Sinadinovic and Almir Hasandic all played well for the team.
Biggest surprise: the awful season 8-16 is hard to come by in Bosnia especially with American import players and a high payroll. 1-8 in a mediocre Balkan League is inexcusable.
Biggest disappointment: Luka Klaric was awful, but so were so many others that its hard to point out just one. The effort was lacking on the team and the chemistry was awful.

HKK BROTNJO CITLUK 7-17
TEAM GRADE: F
A former quality team that fell on hard times this season, Citluk ended up in relegation and will have to start anew next season. Financial issues and a lack of leadership doomed the season from the beginning. The team was built around two quality players in Mario Planinic and Domagoj Pinjuh (former member of the BiH National Team). Unfortunatly Pinjuhs best days are behind him and Marios best days never arrived. It doesnt look good for the future as the team lacks young talent.
Biggest Surprise: Mario Planinic hard call as you got about what you expected from him, but he did shoot the ball well for a team that lacked outside shooting and passing.
Biggest disappointment: Young players hard to pick just one but with the rule changes of at least one young player on the court at a time, often Citluk was playing 4 on 5, or so it seemed.
KK CELIK ZENICA 5-19
TEAM GRADE: F
This season started slowly for this famous team from Zenica whos only goal in the preseason was to avoid regulation, a situation which they were unable to avoid. They brought in diminutive PG Keith Richardson who provided both good and bad highlights throughout the season. His small stature of 59 proved to be quite an obstacle against quality opponents. The biggest mistake appeared to be not resigning Ramo Rizvic who proved to be a solution for Bosnian powerhouse KK Bosna ASA. They were unable to replace his firepower at the two guard which proved costly to the team. Also the loss in season of Ashar Dedic and Almin Hodzic during the season was a bigger blow to the team than expected. Both players were excellent role players who they were unable to replace. Mirza Hrncic was possibly the best player on the team this year but was asked to carry too much of the scoring burden for the team.
Biggest Surprise: Eldar Merdanovic played well at times for such a young player. He outside shooting is suspect but he was the best player on the court at times for Celik.
Biggest disappointment: Dino Begagic a long time Bosnian prospect he had a chance to shine for the team this year but was terribly inconsistent. It will be interesting to see where he ends up going and developing next year.

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

BRAZIL

Standings - BNL

NBB Standings

1. Pinheiros/Sky		20-5
2. S.Jose/Unimed		20-5
3. Flamengo		18-6
4. Uniceub/BRB		18-6
5. Paulistano		16-9
6. Unitri/Universo		16-10
7. Itabom/Bauru		15-10
8. Cia do Terno		13-12
9. Vivo/Franca		12-14
10. Winner/Limeira		11-14
11. Minas		9-16
12. Liga Sorocaba		9-16
13. Tijuca TC		8-17
14. Araraquara		2-23
15. Vila Velha		1-25

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CANADA

Lightning 'meltdown' as Rainmen force Game 4 - by Eurobasket News
Chris Hagan (5'9''-G-89, college: Midwestern St.), wonky lower body and all, simply delivered for the Halifax Rainmen Wednesday night.

The 5-foot-9, 165-pound guard lifted his squad to a 95-93 victory over the London Lightning by hitting a fade away jumper near the baseline with only a couple of seconds remaining in regulation.

Game 3 of the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL of Canada) final series was an absolute thriller. And, from Londons perspective, a thriller for all the wrong reasons.

We had a meltdown, Lightning general manager Taylor Brown said moments after the game via phone. We had a couple of mental errors at the end, and here we are going to Game 4.

Untimely mishaps were aplenty. The list starts at costly turnovers including an overthrown pass from Gabe Freeman (6'6''-F-85, college: Costa Mesa JC) to DeAnthony Bowden (6'1''-G-80, college: Creighton) with under a minute left and four missed free-throws, two each by Shawn Daniels and Tim Ellis.

Unable to halt the Rainmens relentless late game attack, London watched not only a four-point lead evaporate over the final 20 seconds, but a sweep of the final as well.

The mental lapses can be partially attributed to some foul trouble coming into the last 12 minutes of play. Free-throw machine Eddie Smith started the quarter with five fouls, while league MVP Freeman and court general Bowden had already been assessed four each.

We still havent lost two games in a row all year, Brown reiterated, adding the squad will not be pushing the panic button. Were going to come out, battle and just keep our heads up.

At halftime, Halifax had a slight edge on the scoreboard with a 48-47 lead. They would end the third quarter with another one-point lead, 69-68, fighting off a tremendous 11-0 run by the visitors to begin the second half.

Christoph Hagensieker (6'6''-F/C-80) certainly hit the glory jackpot by sinking the final bucket and collecting a team-high 16 points. He didnt do it alone, though, receiving substantial help from three other Rainmen starters Joey Haywood (6'1''-G-84), Lawrence Wright (6'5''-F-84, college: Bradley) and Tyrone Levett (6'5''-F-80, college: Alabama St.) all of which contributed 14 points or more.

Courtesy of www.metronews.ca

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

A1
1. CEZ Nymburk		30-1
2. BK Prostejov		23-9
3. BK Decin		22-10
4. BK Pardubice		22-10
5. BC Kolin		21-21
6. USK Praha		15-16
A2
1. NH Ostrava		23-14
2. Levice		16-21
3. Svitavy		16-21
4. Chomutov		15-22
5. Usti n/Labem		13-24
6. Inter Bratislava		10-27
7. Plzen		9-28
8. B&W Opava		8-29

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Patrick POPE
  Chomutov
  (183-G-81)
  Avg: 20.2

1. Pope, Chomutov	20.2
2. Sedmak, USK Praha	19.6
3. Grant, Levice	19.0
4. McFadden, Usti n.	18.3
5. Wright, Chomutov	17.9
6. Hruban, USK Praha	17.5
7. Lowery, Chomutov	17.4
8. Longmire, Usti n.	15.9
9. Houska, BK Decin	15.7
10. Arnold, BK Pardu.	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Votroubek, USK P.	9.2
2. Naymick, CEZ N.	8.3
3. Meno, Svitavy	8.2
4. Arnold, BK Pardu.	8.1
5. Gottselig, Usti n.	8.0
6. Pesic, Inter B.	7.9
7. Peterson, BK Prost.	7.5
8. Gadri-N., BK Prost.	7.4
9. Houska, BK Decin	7.2
10. Gavran, Inter B.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Emanuel UBILLA
  Inter B.
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 5.4

1. Ubilla, Inter B.	5.4
2. Deloach, Svitavy	5.0
3. Wright, Chomutov	4.6
4. Sotnar, USK Praha	4.6
5. Wright, NH Ostrava	4.5
6. Vrubl, Plzen	4.4
7. Barnes, BC Kolin	4.3
8. Sirina, B&W Opava	4.0
9. Lawrence, CEZ N.	3.9
10. George, Svitavy	3.9

Steals Per Game

Emanuel UBILLA
  Inter B.
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Ubilla, Inter B.	2.5
2. Ames, BC Kolin	2.5
3. Wright, Chomutov	2.4
4. Wright, NH Ostrava	2.2
5. McFadden, Usti n.	2.2
6. Klecka, B&W Opava	2.0
7. Sirina, B&W Opava	1.9
8. Pumprla, CEZ N.	1.8
9. Lowery, Chomutov	1.8
10. Pope, Chomutov	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Andrew NAYMICK
  CEZ N.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Naymick, CEZ N.	1.6
2. Miklosik, B&W O.	1.5
3. Hughes, NH Ostrava	1.3
4. Gadri-N., BK Prost.	1.3
5. Reese, Usti n.	1.1
6. Grant, Levice	1.0
7. Williams, BK Decin	1.0
8. Arnold, BK Pardu.	0.9
9. Meno, Svitavy	0.9
10. Pumprla, CEZ N.	0.8

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

DENMARK

Standings - 1st Division

1st Division Standings

1. Randers		18-3
2. Amager BK		17-4
3. Lemvig		15-6
4. Koge BK		13-8
5. Stevnsgade		12-9
6. Aarhus BF		12-10
7. Virum		10-11
8. Glostrup		9-12
9. Haderslev		8-13
10. Jonstrup		6-15
11. ALBA		6-15
12. Solrod		1-21

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

D-LEAGUE

Rockets re-assign Greg Smith to D-League - by Eurobasket News
Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced today that the team has re-assigned center/forward Greg Smith (6'10''-C-91, college: Fresno St.) back to Houstons single-affiliation NBA D-League partner Rio Grande Valley. This marks the second assignment of Smiths career.

Smith (6-10, 250, Fresno State) has averaged 0.9 points, 1.4 rebounds and 0.71 blocks in seven games with the Rockets this season. Signed from Rio Grande Valley on Feb. 8, Smith was originally assigned to the Vipers on Feb. 9. He was recalled by Houston from Rio Grande Valley on Feb. 19. Selected as a 2012 NBA D-League All-Star, Smith has averaged 16.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.33 blocks in 21 games (17 starts) with the Vipers in 2011-12. At the time of his last recall, Smith was the D-League leader in field goal percentage (.664, 150-226 FG), was tied for sixth in the league in double-doubles (eight), 10th in rebounding average (7.9), 13th in scoring (16.7) and 14th in blocks per game (1.33).

In his first stint with the Rockets, Smith averaged 1.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in two preseason games with Houston before being waived on Dec. 22, 2011. In college, Smith averaged 11.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game as a sophomore last season at Fresno State. He was also the 2009-10 WAC Freshman of the Year, which was voted on by the WAC head coaches.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Charge keep winning, top Mad Ants 106-87 - by Eurobasket News
The scenario screamed for a letdown.

The Canton Charge, a team rolling for more than a month, faced the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, a team that had one win in the last 52 days but trotted out an improved roster Wednesday night.

Whatever the situation, the Charge seem to find a way to win these days.

Canton took control in the second half of a physical NBA Development League game and pulled away for a 106-87 win in front of 2,378 fans at Memorial Civic Center.

It was the Eastern Conference-leading Charges sixth straight win and their eighth in the last nine games.

Were an older team, Charge wing player Alan Anderson (6'6''-G/F-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Michigan St.) said. Guys have played all over the world. Couple of guys have played in the NBA. I mean, guys want to win. We want to have fun, but weve got to win also.

Anderson and Fort Waynes Stephen Graham (6'6''-F/G-82, college: Oklahoma St.), both former NBA players, seemed to be engaged in hand-to-hand combat most of the night. Anderson won.

He scored a game-high 24 points on 11-of-17 shooting and nearly fouled out Graham in the process.

Luke Harangody, on assignment from the Cavaliers, had 20 points and 15 rebounds for the Charge, who shot 55.3 percent from the floor.

Fort Wayne stayed in the game thanks to a big, strong front line of Vernon Macklin and Charles Garcia. Both Macklin on assignment from the Pistons and Garcia stand 6-foot-10.

Garcia, an animated player who always seems to be on the verge of a meltdown, contributed 20 points and nine rebounds off the bench before fouling out to the delight of the home crowd. Macklin added 14 points and 13 rebounds.

But the pair combined for 12 turnovers as Fort Wayne (11-32) lost its sixth straight and 16th in the last 17 games.

Its a great thing and a fun thing to win games like that, Charge head coach Alex Jensen said, where it gets physical and you come out on top.

Quinton Ross (6'6''-G/F-81, college: SMU) scored 14 points, while Dante Milligan (6'9''-F/C-84, agency: Interperformances, college: Massachusetts) totaled 13 points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots for the Charge.

Fort Wayne went scoreless for almost six minutes of the first quarter. Canton countered by going scoreless for almost six minutes in the second quarter.

The Charge then took control with a 10-0 run during the middle of the third quarter.

Anderson hit a short jumper. Ross made two free throws and missed the third after being fouled on a 3-point attempt, but Harangody got the offensive rebound. That led to a corner 3 from T.J. Campbell for a five-point trip.

After one of Fort Waynes 25 turnovers on the night, Harangodys driving three-point play put the Charge up 71-60 with 3:34 left. Their lead never dipped below nine the rest of the way.

Campbell, who had eight points and six assists, suffered a right eye abrasion at the 3:12 mark of the third quarter and did not return. He was taken to Aultman Hospital for treatment. His status for tonights game in Erie is questionable.

Kyle Gibson, a natural shooting guard, finished the night at point guard and provided good minutes. During a stretch of the fourth quarter where points were hard to come by, he scored a driving bucket and knocked down a deep 3 on a broken play to help the Charge hold their lead.

Gibson totaled 11 points.

Kyle did a great job, Jensen said. Its funny how much harder it is to be the guy that brings it up and guards the point guard.

Courtesy of www.timesreporter.com

Standings

D-League Standings

East Conference
1. Canton C.		25-18
2. Dakota W.		23-19
3. Springfield A.		23-19
4. Erie Bay H.		22-19
5. Iowa E.		22-19
6. Maine RC		18-26
7. Sioux Falls S.		13-30
8. Ft.Wayne MA		11-32
West Conference
1. Los Angeles D.		31-11
2. Austin T.		27-16
3. Bakersfield J.		24-17
4. Texas L.		22-20
5. Rio Grande VV		22-22
6. Tulsa 66ers		21-22
7. Reno B.		19-23
8. Idaho S.		17-27

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Andre EMMETT
  Reno B.
  (196-G/F-82)
  Avg: 24

1. Emmett, Reno B.	24.0
2. Ahearn, Reno B.	23.8
3. Almond, Maine RC	23.8
4. Dentmon, Austin T.	22.9
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. Smith, Springfield	19.1
10. Green, Los A.	19.1

Rebounds Per Game

Marcus LEWIS
  Tulsa 66ers
  (203-F/C-86)
  Avg: 13

1. Lewis, Tulsa 66ers	13.0
2. Dawson, Austin T.	10.4
3. Thomas, Los A.	9.1
4. Criswell-L., Austi.	8.9
5. Foote, Springfield	8.7
6. Reid, Tulsa 66ers	8.5
7. Williams, Texas L.	8.5
8. Milligan, Canton C.	8.3
9. Horner, Springfi.	8.1
10. Goldcamp, Erie B.	8.1

Assists Per Game

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

1. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	9.9
2. Conroy, Rio G.	9.4
3. Daniels, Texas L.	8.4
4. Wise, Bakersfield	6.6
5. Curry, Springfield	6.1
6. Stinson, Iowa E.	6.0
7. Baker, Dakota W.	6.0
8. Fortson, Los A.	5.9
9. Bailey, Idaho S.	5.9
10. Bozeman, Reno B.	5.5

Steals Per Game

Marqus BLAKELY
  Sioux F.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Blakely, Sioux F.	2.2
2. Fortson, Los A.	2.1
3. Coleman, Sioux F.	2.1
4. Curry, Springfield	2.0
5. Hannah, Dakota W.	2.0
6. Smith, Springfield	1.9
7. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	1.9
8. Millsap, Los A.	1.8
9. Baker, Dakota W.	1.8
10. Bobbitt, Idaho S.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Foster, Idaho S.	2.9
2. Williams, Texas L.	2.5
3. Saunders, Rio G.	2.4
4. Thomas, Los A.	2.1
5. Daniels, Erie B.	2.1
6. Dawson, Austin T.	1.7
7. Hill, Maine RC	1.7
8. Ojougboh, Tulsa	1.6
9. Blakely, Iowa E.	1.5
10. Dove, Dakota W.	1.5

Sean Williams will stay with Mavs for remainder of season - by Eurobasket News
Forward Sean Williams (6'10''-F-86, college: Boston Coll.) will not be making any more return trips to the Texas Legends this season.

Because of an NBA rule that limits the number of times a player can be assigned to the Development League, Williams will remain with the Mavericks, unless for some reason he is waived.

That will be the Frisco-based Legends' loss. Coach Del Harris, who was working the Mavericks' game Wednesday as part of the Spanish telecast, said the Legends definitely have benefited from Williams' three visits to Frisco.

That's the maximum number of assignments to the D-League any player drawing an NBA paycheck can make.

In 24 games with the Legends, Williams averaged 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.54 blocks.

Courtesy of http://mavsblog.dallasnews.com

Joseph helps Toros rally - by Eurobasket News
Former Longhorn Cory Joseph (6'3''-PG-91, college: Texas), re-assigned from the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, scored a season-high 25 points, and the Austin Toros overcame a slow start to beat the Iowa Energy 113-103 at Cedar Park Center on Wednesday night.

Lester Hudson (6'3''-G-84, college: Tenn-Martin) added 24 points and 11 rebounds for the Toros.

The Energy went on runs of 12-0 and 10-0 in the first quarter to build a 31-17 lead after one period.

Hudson's three-pointer tied the score at 42, and Iowa led 55-53 at halftime.

The third quarter included nine lead changes, and Joseph's 12 points helped Austin take an 87-82 lead going into the fourth period.

Austin led by as many as 18 points in the final quarter.

Michael Efevberha (6'7''-G-84, college: CS Northridge) led the Energy with 28 points, and Ben Strong (6'11''-C-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Guilford) had 16 points and 17 rebounds.

Courtesy of www.statesman.com

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

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Standings - LIDOBA

SRT Standings

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

Allen Iverson inks deal with Pueblo Nuevo - by Eurobasket News
Allen Iverson (184-G-75, college: Georgetown) signed a short-term deal in Dominican Republic. The star guard will play for Pueblo Nuevo. The teams president confirmed the signing. Allen Iverson is expected to join his new teammates at the weekend. The guard spent the last season in Turkey. He played for Besiktas Istanbul. Allen Iverson posted 9.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game in EuroCup. In TBL his stats read 14.3 points, 4.7 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals per appearance. Previously Allen Iverson played for the Grizzlies, Nuggets, 76ers in the NBA. He was twice named NBA All-Star Game MVP in 2001 and 2005. Allen Iverson was also trumped NBA Regular Season MVP in 2001.

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

EBA

NOVA's Joe Flegler E.B.A. player of the week - by Calvin Brown
Joseph 'Jo Jo' Flegler, of the NOVA Hawks, turned in one of the most dominating performances of the season against the Washington Madness. Mr. Flegler, participated in the 2012 Tour of Peru the past two weeks and was one of the crowd favorites there. The Peru tour was facilitated by Calvin Brown, Jr. of the Metroplitan All-Stars. The tour was met by standing room only crowds in every city that they played in. It was such a tremendous success that the tour sponsors are eager to do it again next year. Several teams will be signing players from the tour during the upcoming weeks.

Here is a quote from the E.B.A. website:

Fresh off the plane from a two week stint in Peru, NoVa Hawks 5' 10'' Guard Joe Flegler played one of the finest games ever registered in the EBA. Not only did he break the All-Time assist record with 22, but he tallied 40 points and 6 rebounds to lead his team to a 140-122 victory over the Washington Madness.

Congratulation to Jo Jo on his magnificant acheivements, Peru is looking!

Calvin Brown, Sr.

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

EUROLEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

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

1. Teletovic, Caja L.	22.0
2. Spanoulis, Olympia.	17.9
3. McCalebb, Montepa.	17.2
4. Weems, Zalgiris	15.5
5. Domercant, Unics	15.3
6. Macvan, Partizan	15.3
7. Krstic, CSKA	14.9
8. Lorbek, FCB Regal	14.2
9. Carroll, Real Madr.	14.2
10. Vujacic, Anadolu	13.9

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Macvan, Partizan	8.2
2. Motiejunas, Asseco	7.9
3. Slaughter, Brose B.	6.9
4. Kirilenko, CSKA	6.8
5. Freeland, Unicaja	6.7
6. Reyes, Real Madrid	6.3
7. Veremeenko, Unics	6.2
8. Tucker, Brose B.	6.2
9. Zoric, Unicaja	6.1
10. Krstic, CSKA	6.1

Assists Per Game

Sergio RODRIGUEZ
  Real M.
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 5.4

1. Rodriguez, Real M.	5.4
2. Diamantidis, Panat.	5.2
3. Teodosic, CSKA	4.9
4. Prigioni, Caja L.	4.6
5. Huertas, FCB Regal	4.6
6. Blassingame, Assec.	4.5
7. Tunceri, Anadolu	4.5
8. Linehan, Nancy	4.0
9. Spanoulis, Olympia.	4.0
10. Kalnietis, Zalgir.	3.7

Steals Per Game

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

1. Prigioni, Caja L.	2.2
2. Linehan, Nancy	2.0
3. Gordon, Galatasaray	1.9
4. Kirilenko, CSKA	1.8
5. Slaughter, Brose B.	1.8
6. Diamantidis, Panat.	1.6
7. McCalebb, Montepa.	1.4
8. Lafayette, Asseco	1.4
9. Moerman, Nancy	1.4
10. Ohayon, Maccabi	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Andrei KIRILENKO
  CSKA
  (205-F-81)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Kirilenko, CSKA	2.2
2. Begic, Real Madrid	1.7
3. Slaughter, Brose B.	1.3
4. Fischer, Gescrap BB	1.3
5. Vazquez, FCB Regal	1.2
6. Hendrix, Maccabi	1.2
7. Hines, Olympiakos	1.1
8. Ndong, FCB Regal	1.1
9. James, Maccabi T-A	1.0
10. Perovic, FCB Regal	1.0

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

FINLAND

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Walter BAXLEY
  Lapua
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 28.1

1. Baxley, Lapua	28.1
2. Phillips, Oulun N.	24.2
3. Williams, Lapua	21.6
4. Nofflet, Oulun N.	21.4
5. Manning, Huima	20.8
6. Henderson, Porvoo.	20.6
7. Abdullah, SayRi	19.7
8. Green, Ura Basket	19.4
9. Cooper, SayRi	19.2
10. January, BC Nokia	19.1

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	11.0
4. Townes, BC Nokia	10.7
5. Green, Ura Basket	10.2
6. Andrews, Ura B.	10.0
7. Williams, Lapua	9.8
8. Nofflet, Oulun N.	9.6
9. Coleman, FoKoPo	8.8
10. Abdullah, SayRi	8.6

Assists Per Game

Lloyd PHILLIPS
  Oulun N.
  (178-PG-85)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Phillips, Oulun N.	5.1
2. Manning, Huima	4.9
3. Viertola, Huima	3.7
4. Henderson, Porvoo.	3.7
5. Ikavalko, FoKoPo	3.7
6. Harjula, Pyrinto II	3.2
7. Storrs, Jyvaskyla	3.1
8. Jackson, Lapua	3.0
9. Riihela, BC Nokia	3.0
10. Abdullah, SayRi	2.7

Steals Per Game

Darren TOWNES
  BC Nokia
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Townes, BC Nokia	2.1
2. Jackson, Lapua	2.1
3. Abdullah, SayRi	2.0
4. Baxley, Lapua	2.0
5. Andrews, Ura B.	1.9
6. January, BC Nokia	1.8
7. Green, Ura Basket	1.8
8. Still, Porvoon Tar.	1.6
9. Nofflet, Oulun N.	1.5
10. Phillips, Oulun N.	1.4

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. Pulkkinen, Pyrin.	1.0
6. Townes, BC Nokia	1.0
7. Nuolivirta, ToPo A.	0.8
8. Laitinen, Tapiol.	0.8
9. Still, Porvoon Tar.	0.8
10. Rajala, ToPo A.	0.7

1.DIVISION: FoKoPo and Lapua to the Finals - by Rauno Hurmalainen
1.Division Semi-Finals, Game # 5: FoKoPo (Forssa) and Korikobrat (Lapua) have made it to the Finals. Tonight FoKoPo defeated BC Nokia 68-58 (37-26) and won the series 3-2. At the same time Honka (Tapiola) lost at home in Espoo vs Korikobrat (Lapua) 84-92 (48-48). Lapua was better with 2-3 victories. Honka had won two first contests, but Lapua won then three in a row. This means FoKoPo and Lapua will meet in the Finals, which games will start on Sunday, March 25 at Forssa (FoKoPo - Lapua). Three victories will be needed to win it all. The winner goes up to Top League (Korisliiga). FoKoPo has played earlier 19 seasons on top level, Lapua has never been on that level.
FoKoPo - BC Nokia 68-58 (37-26). (Sami Ikavalko 17, Tracy Robinson 15, Brian Moultrie 10 - Gerald January 22, Darren Townes 14/12, Timo Riihela 8. A: 533).
Honka, Tapiola - Lapua 84-92 (48-48). (Villematti Kopio 18, Lloyd Phillips 17, Ilkka Sirola 16/8 - Eric Williams (198-F-85, college: Tarleton St.) 27, Walter Baxley 26, Kim Siven 16/9. A: 499).

1st Division Round 5 of Semi-Finals - by Eurobasket News
Tapiolan Honka - Lapua 84-92

American guard Walter Baxley (193-84, college: Mars Hill) orchestrated the victory by scoring 26 points and 5 rebounds. His fellow American import forward Eric Williams (198-85, college: Tarleton St.) contributed with 27 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Forward Ilkka Sirola (197-86) answered with 16 points and 8 rebounds and point guard Villematti Kopio (182-92) added 18 points in the effort for Tapiolan Honka. Four Lapuan Korikobrat and five Tapiolan Honka players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Lapua: E.Williams 27+5reb, W.Baxley 26+5reb+3ast, K.Siven 16+9reb, E.Jackson 10+5reb+7ast, V.Turja 6+2reb+1ast, J.Turja 5+4reb
Tapiolan Honka: V.Kopio 18+4reb+2ast, L.Phillips 17+1reb+3ast, I.Sirola 16+8reb+1ast, V.Tarjanne 10+3reb, T.Laitinen 10+5reb, D.Dolenc 6+1reb

FoKoPo - BC Nokia 68-58

It looked good early as BC Nokia took an 2-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Forssan Koripojat had a 19-6 second period charge getting the lead and BC Nokia was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 58-68. Forssan Koripojat dominated on the defensive end, holding BC Nokia to just 6 points in second quarter. Forssan Koripojat shot 19 for 28 from the free-throw line, while BC Nokia only scored three points from the stripe. American forward Tracy Robinson (201-86, college: Loyola, IL) stepped up and scored 15 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and guard Sami Ikavalko (188-89) chipped in 17 points. American-British power forward Gerald January (201-88, college: Montevallo, agency: Hightower Law Firm) responded with 22 points and 7 rebounds and American forward Darren Townes (201-86, college: Hofstra) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Top scorers:
FoKoPo: S.Ikavalko 17+3reb+2ast, T.Robinson 15+7reb, B.Moultrie 10+8reb, H.Coleman 8+9reb+3ast, J.Helenius 8+2reb+1ast, M.Molenius 5+4reb
BC Nokia: G.January 22+7reb+1ast, D.Townes 14+12reb+3ast, T.Riihela 8+8reb+1ast, M.Ovaska 4+3reb, A.Keski-Koukkari 4+1reb, T.Kankaanpaa 3+4reb+1ast

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FRANCE

Andrew Lovedale leaves Quimper - by Eurobasket News
Andrew Lovedale (203-C/F-85, college: Davidson) is no longer the player of Quimper. The player announced his decision to leave the team. The Nigerian centre joined Quimper at the start of the season. He averaged 10.8 points, 6.3 rebounds per game. Last season Andrew Lovedale spent in Switzerland. He played for BBC Monthey. His stats read 7.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per appearance. Previously Andrew Lovedale had stints with Le Havre, Quimper and Manchester Magic. The centre also studied and played for the Davidson College basketball team in 2005/09 seasons. Eurobasket.com named the centre into French ProB All-Bosmans Team in 2010.

Miami Heat signs journeyman Ronny Turiaf to help at center - by Eurobasket News
Ronny Turiaf (6'10''-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga), a journeyman center signed Wednesday by the Heat, broke his left hand Jan. 1 with Washington and hasn't played since. He will try to overcome that injury and ensuing layoff to become a factor for the Heat down the stretch.

He already has overcome far more.

Turiaf, who starred at Gonzaga, had open-heart surgery after being drafted in 2005 by the Los Angeles Lakers. He has since played for four franchises in seven seasons, although the Wizards got only four games out of him because of the hand injury.

Washington dealt him to Denver, the Nuggets cut him to make room to re-sign Wilson Chandler and Miami and Boston courted him to add front-court depth.

Unlike last season, when the Heat and Celtics both went after power forward Troy Murphy, Pat Riley got his man.

The move costs Miami little. The Heat had a roster spot since choosing not to keep 6-foot-11 Mickell Gladness. And it had to offer Turiaf (6-10, 245 pounds) only the pro-rated minimum.

Now the question is: Will Turiaf help Miami more than Murphy (now with the Lakers) helped Boston?

That depends, first, on how long it takes Turiaf to get not just in basketball shape, but in Heat shape, which is another level altogether.

Dexter Pittman and Eddy Curry, who were the Heat's hopes to serve as Joel Anthony's primary backups this season, have worked off plenty of weight, but Curry's troubles with timing, touch and pick-and-roll coverage have limited his opportunities.

Miami still sees something in Pittman because of his nasty streak on the court, but his rawness was evident again Tuesday when he committed four fouls in less than 14 minutes against Phoenix in his first NBA start.

Turiaf, 29, has a reputation as a plus-rebounder, a reputation the numbers don't support. But he does play with energy, and he's an excellent passer for his position, an attribute Anthony does not possess.

The likelihood is that Anthony will continue to start, with Turiaf receiving spot minutes over time. In the playoffs, Turiaf will need to prove not only that he deserves some of Anthony's time, but also some that Erik Spoelstra usually gives to Udonis Haslem, who plays plenty of power forward with Chris Bosh sliding to center.

Courtesy of www.palmbeachpost.com

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GERMANY

The Fraport Skyliners Keep Captain Marius Nolte Until 2014 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Fan favorite Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops) who can sport that huge smile and compete showcasing the whities with a Michael hakim Jordan, Titus Ivory or Immanuel Mcelroy may have set his own smiling record today after the Fraport Skyliners made it official that they will keep the services of the native Paderborn center until 2014. Nolte is playing his third season in Frankfurt and shines best with his energy and never die attitude on the court as well as his captain abilites. This season, Nolte is averaging 3,2ppg and 2,2rpg. 'I think the decision to keep the working relationship going was natural. Marius is the captain of the team and the leader on and off the court. He is a positive guy that always gives 100% and drives his teammates forward to work harder in parctice and games. Besides his experience that is so importnat is that the team is always in first place for him', stressed Fraport Skyliners head coach Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman ). Besides his strength on the court, Nolte will also serve a second purpose for the organization in the office with marketing for sponsoring. 'I am very happy that I can stay in Frankfurt. The last years have been great and and that has shown that I feel comfortable in the city and club. I am happy that teh agreement worked so well from both sides. I also hope that I can use the things I learned during my university time and use it in the practical experience', stressed Marius Nolte. 'I am very happy about the contract extension for Marius. He isnt only importnat as captain, but also every minute where he is on the floor and works for the team. We have set a positive signal in the direction of consistency', stressed Skyliner sport director Kamil Novak

Source: Fraport Skyliners

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GREECE

Ikaros and Jimmy Baxter split - by Eurobasket News
Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Florida) is no longer a member of Ikaros. Two sides agreed to terminate thier deal. Baxter arrived to Ikaros in January. He appeared 12 times for the club averaging 12.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2 assists. Ikaros currently has 6-17 record in A1 league. Jimmy Baxter started the season with Krka Novo Mesto. He had 9.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 1.5 apg for 6 EuroCup games. Baxter also added 10.5 ppg, 4 rpg and 2 apg for 12 games in Adriatic league. Jimmy Baxter played in Greece last season as well. He had 15.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2 apg and 1.8 spg for 22 games with Ilysiakos. At the end of the season he moved to Iran. Baxter played for Ironi Ashkelon, Besiktas, Oostnde and Venstpils in the past. He also has experience from Italy and France.

Rethymno tab Jerome Coleman - by Eurobasket News
Rethymno strengthened their backcourt. They signed a deal with Jerome Coleman (187-PG-81, college: Rutgers). The guard was released from MBC Mykolaiv earlier this month. Jerome Coleman started the season in Ukraine. He tallied 10.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in Superleague. Last season Jerome Coleman started in Romania with Steauau Turabo. His stats read 10.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game in Division A. In EuroChallenge the guard posted 11.3 points, 2.3 boards and 2.0 steals per game. Later on Jerome Coleman moved to Greece to join Iraklis Thessaloniki. His stats read 10.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists for Iraklis. Previously Jerome Coleman had stints in Ukraine, Hungary, Germany, France, Sweden, Lithuania, Venezuela and USBL. Eurobasket.com named him All-Lithuanian LKL Guard of the Year in 2006. He was also trumped All-Swedish Basketligan Import Player of the Year in 2007.

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HOLLAND

Stats Leaders - Eredivisie

Points Per Game

Tyrone SALLY
  Rotterdam
  (201-F-82)
  Avg: 18.3

1. Sally, Rotterdam	18.3
2. Jeter, Leeuwarden	18.1
3. Anderson, Weert	17.2
4. Hargrove, Nijmegen	16.3
5. Wesley, Den Bosch	15.8
6. Humphrey, Nijmegen	15.5
7. Boxley, Leiden	15.4
8. Acker, Nijmegen	14.7
9. Wesby, Groningen	14.3
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. Wesley, Den Bosch	6.8
6. Humphrey, Nijmegen	6.8
7. Saaka, Zwolle	6.7
8. Hargrove, Nijmegen	6.6
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	3.8
5. Wells, Zwolle	3.6
6. Jeter, Leeuwarden	3.6
7. Slagter, Leiden	3.5
8. Fletcher, Weert	3.3
9. Jansen, Den Bosch	3.1
10. Defares, Groningen	3.0

Steals Per Game

David GONZALVEZ
  Den B.
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Gonzalvez, Den B.	2.5
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	1.9
7. de Jong, Leiden	1.7
8. Anderson, Weert	1.7
9. Fletcher, Weert	1.7
10. Wessels, Den Bos.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Maddox, Zwolle	1.6
2. Wyatt, Groningen	1.2
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. Poels, Leeuwarden	0.7
9. Hilliman, Leiden	0.7
10. Hulzebos, Zwolle	0.6

Standings - Eredivisie

Eredivisie Standings

1. Groningen		20-5
2. Leiden		18-6
3. Den Bosch		18-6
4. Nijmegen		15-10
5. Zwolle		10-14
6. Leeuwarden		9-15
7. Weert		4-20
8. Rotterdam		3-21

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HUNGARY

Standings - B Division

B Division Standings

East
1. EKF Hesz Gep.		15-3
2. MTK Torokbalint		15-3
3. Salgotarjani		15-3
4. Bajai FKE		11-7
5. Kecskemeti Foi.		10-8
6. Nagykorosi		9-9
7. EnterNet Vas.		8-10
8. Phoenix KK		7-12
9. DEAC		5-13
10. Obudai		4-14
11. Szerencs		0-17
West
1. Kanizsa		16-4
2. Bonyhadi		15-5
3. Veszpremi		14-6
4. Gyorszol		13-7
5. SMAFC-NYME		13-7
6. PTE-PEAC PVSK		12-7
7. Bp. Honved		11-9
8. TF Budapest		9-11
9. MAFC		7-13
10. Ceragem		5-14
11. Treff		3-17
12. FKSZC-Sarvar		1-19

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ICELAND

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

Logi Gunnarsson

#1. This week's number one is former international guard Logi Gunnarsson (190-81), who plays in the Swedish Basketligan. He could not help Solna Vikings (17-19) in their last game. Despite Gunnarsson's good performance Solna Vikings lost 82-86 on the road to the leading Sodertalje Kings. He recorded 11 points in 32 minutes on the court. It was Solna Vikings' fourth consecutive loss in a row. Gunnarsson has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 16.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.6apg, 2FGP: 47.0%, 3FGP: 36.8% and FT: 86.5% in the 37 games he played so far. Gunnarsson played for the Icelandic senior national team three years ago.

Helgi Magnusson

#2. Second place goes to former international swingman Helgi Magnusson (198-82, college: Catawba), who plays in the Swedish Basketligan. He was not able to help 08 Stockholm (17-19) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite Magnusson's good performance 08 Stockholm was edged 75-72 in Norrkoping by the second-ranked Dolphins. He recorded 11 points. Magnusson has relatively good stats this season: 13.3ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 46.2%, 3FGP: 41.6% and FT: 82.9%. He played for the Icelandic national team in 2009.

Darrel Lewis

#3. The Icelandic player who performed third best last week abroad was an experienced former international guard Darrel Lewis (192-76, agency: Two Points, college: Lincoln, MO), who plays in the Greek A2 (second division). Lewis was not able to secure a victory for OFI (12-11) in their last game. Despite his good performance OFI lost 71-82 in Athens to the higher-ranked (#4) AEK. Lewis scored 11 points and had 6 steals in 34 minutes. Lewis is currently first on the league's list of most steals with 2.0spg. This year his other stats are: 15.2ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 58.9%(132-224), 3FGP: 23.5% and FT: 80.4% in the 23 games. Lewis is a naturalized American. He played for the Icelandic national team seven years ago. Lewis used to play for Reynir S. in Icelandic league.

Axel Karason

#4. Forward Axel Karason (193-83) couldn't help Vaerlose (11-16) in their game against Svendborg (23-4) in the Danish Ligaen. He scored only 4 points, had 8 rebounds and dished 4 assists. Vaerlose was crushed 100-72 on the opponent's court by the second-ranked Svendborg. This season Karason has relatively solid stats: 11.4ppg, 6.8rpg and 1.2apg. He used to play for the Icelandic national team back in 2006.

Hoerdur Vilhjalmsson

#5. Former international guard Hoerdur Vilhjalmsson (188-88) managed to help Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels in a victory against the ninth-ranked BG Karlsruhe (9-12) 82-68 in the German ProA (second division) last Friday. Vilhjalmsson scored only 4 points in 28 minutes. Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (20-5) is placed first in the ProA. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Vilhjalmsson has reliable stats this year: 11.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.4apg and 1.2spg in the 25 games. He used to play for the Icelandic national team three years ago.

Olafur Sigurdsson

#6. Point guard Olafur Sigurdsson (180-82) contributed to Aabyhoj's victory against the league outsider Falcon (7-20) 86-74 in the Danish Ligaen on Saturday night. Sigurdsson recorded 8 points. Aabyhoj IF (8-19) is placed second from the bottom (#9) in the Ligaen. It's Sigurdsson's first season with the team. His overall stats this year are: 6.6ppg, 2.0rpg and 1.5apg. Sigurdsson is a former U18 international player as he played for the Icelandic team twelve years ago.

Other top Icelandic players, who play abroad:

Jon Stefansson (196-G-82) plays for CAI Zaragoza in Spanish ACB
Haukur Palsson (198-F-92) plays for Assignia Manresa in Spanish ACB
Pavel Ermolinskij (202-G/F-87) plays for Sundsvall Dragons in Swedish Basketligan
Hlynur Baeringsson (200-F/C-82) plays for Sundsvall Dragons in Swedish Basketligan
Jakob Sigurdarson (192-G-82) plays for Sundsvall Dragons in Swedish Basketligan
Brynjar Bjornsson (191-G-88) plays for KFUM Jamtland in Swedish Basketligan
Sigurdur Einarsson (187-G-82) plays for Horsens IC in Danish Ligaen
Aske Thorsteinsson (185-F-86) plays for Aalborg in Danish Ligaen
Gudni Valentinusson (204-C-85) plays for Aabyhoj in Danish Ligaen

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

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ISRAEL

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

Gal Mekel

#1. This week's number one is an international point guard Gal Mekel (192-88, college: Wichita St.). He led Benetton Treviso to an overtime victory against the closely-ranked Angelico Biella (11-13) 96-94 in the Italian SerieA in Sunday night's game. Mekel recorded 13 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists in 29 minutes on the court. Benetton Treviso (10-13) is placed 13th in the SerieA. This year Mekel averages: 5.5ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.2apg, 2FGP: 57.4%(27-47), 3FGP: 25.0% and FT: 64.3% in the 13 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Israeli and Polish. Mekel is currently a member of the Israeli senior national team.

Oded Brandwein

#2. Second place goes to former U20 international guard Oded Brandwein (188-88, agency: N.E.T.), who plays in the Polish PLK. He could not help Kotwica (16-15) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite Brandwein's very good performance the second-placed Kotwica was edged in an overtime 74-73 on the road by the lower-ranked AZS Politechnika Warszawska (#5) in the Group B. He was the top scorer with 21 points. Brandwein also added 4 rebounds and 3 assists. It's Brandwein's first season with the team. He has relatively good stats this year: 11.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 3.8apg, 2FGP: 38.7%, 3FGP: 38.5% and FT: 80.4%. Brandwein is another player who holds two passports: Israeli and Polish. Former Elitzur Yavne starter played for the Israeli U20 national team in 2008.

Robert Rothbart

#3. The Israeli player who performed third best last week abroad was former international center Robert Rothbart (217-86). He was not able to help Amit12 (14-12) in their game against Hemofarm (7-19) in the Adriatic League. Rothbart recorded 8 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in only 14 minutes. Amit12 (#6) was edged 78-75 in Vrsac by the lower-ranked (#12) Hemofarm in the group A of Adriatic League. The Regular Season already ended in the Adriatic League. This year Rothbart's overall stats are: 5.0ppg, 3.3rpg, 2FGP: 52.4% and FT: 80.6% in the 22 games. He has both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Israeli nationalities. Former Hapoel Galil Elyon starter played for the Israeli national team two years ago.

Omri Casspi

#4. Swingman Omri Casspi (204-88) was not able to secure a victory for the Cleveland Cavaliers (17-27) in their game against the Atlanta Hawks (27-20) in the NBA. Casspi scored only 4 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 14 minutes. The Cleveland Cavaliers were edged in an overtime 103-102 in Atlanta by the Hawks. This year Casspi's total stats are: 6.9ppg, 3.6rpg and 1.1apg in the 44 games. He is also Israeli national team player.

Afik Nissim

#5. International point guard Afik Nissim (180-81, agency: Beo Basket) managed to help Krka Novo Mesto to win against the bottom-ranked Zlatorog (2-24) 67-57 in the Adriatic League on Saturday night. Nissim scored 5 points and had 3 steals. Krka Novo Mesto (9-17) is placed 11th in group A. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. The Regular Season already ended in the Adriatic League. Nissim has averaged so far 8.3ppg, 2.1rpg and 3.7apg. He also holds two passports: Israeli and French. Nissim plays currently for the Israeli national team.

Yotam Halperin

#6. Guard Yotam Halperin (196-84) contributed to a Spartak St.Petersburg's victory against the closely-ranked CEZ Nymburk (3-3) 68-64 in the Eurocup in Monday night's game. He recorded only 3 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 19 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 2 ranked teams in group K. Spartak St.Petersburg (5-1) is placed first. It was his team's 11th consecutive victory in a row. Halperin is ranked fourth on the list of the best passers in the league with 5.2apg. He also averaged so far 8.6ppg and 2.8rpg in the 13 games. Halperin is an international player who is currently on the senior Israeli National Team roster.

Ram Elias-Pour

   #7. U20 international center Ram Elias-Pour (208-93) couldn't help Zwolle (10-14) in their game against Den Bosch (18-6) in the Dutch Eredivisie. Elias-Pour cannot count Thursday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 2 points. Zwolle was badly defeated 82-65 in Den Bosch by the higher-ranked Den Bosch (#3). It was Zwolle's fourth 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. This season Elias-Pour averages just 1.8ppg. He is also Israeli U20 national team player.

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

   #1. Chanan Colman (191-G-84, college: Chipola) was the major contributor in Svendborg's victory against the seventh-ranked Vaerlose (11-16) crushing them 100-72 in the Danish Ligaen in Thursday night's game. Colman scored 21 points and added 5 assists. Svendborg Rabbits (23-4) is placed second in the Ligaen. Colman belongs to league's best passers and is ranked #5. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Colman averages: 16.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.4apg and 1.2spg. He has a dual citizenship: Israeli and Danish. Despite Colman's Israeli passport, he previously played for the Danish national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Israeli team.

   #2. Experienced Facundo Sucatzky (176-G-72), who plays in the Argentinian LigaA could not help Atenas (16-14) to beat Regatas Corrientes (15-15). He scored 6 points and added 3 passes. Atenas was defeated in an overtime 86-81 on the road by the lower-ranked Regatas Corrientes (#10). Sucatzky is currently sixth on the league's list of best passers. He has averaged so far 6.4ppg, 1.9rpg and 3.7apg. Sucatzky is another player who holds two passports: Israeli and Argentinian. Despite his Israeli nationality, Sucatzky previously played for the Argentinian national team and probably cannot be called to the Israeli team.

   #3. Guy Aud (182-G-89), who plays in the German ProB (third division) was not able to help Licher Baeren (11-11) in their last game. Despite Aud's good performance Licher Baeren (#9) lost 84-98 in Bernau to the lower-ranked (#13) SSV Lok in the Group South. He scored 10 points in 28 minutes. Aud has averaged so far 9.5ppg, 2.8rpg and 1.9apg in the 23 games he played so far. He has also German nationality. Worth to mention he played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

   #4. Shawn Weinstein (186-G-85, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: St.Edward's) managed to help Barako Bull Energy in a victory against the closely-ranked Petron Blaze (3-5) 94-80 in the Filipino PBA last Wednesday. Weinstein scored only 2 points in 16 minutes. Barako Bull Energy (4-4) is placed fifth in the PBA. His team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And that game will be critical. This year Weinstein averages just 2.0ppg in the four games. He is a naturalized American. Weinstein used to play for Elitzur Maccabi Netanya in Israeli league.

Maccabi T-A won Panathinaikos in OT- Post Game Quotes - by Netanel Dahan
Maccabi Tel Aviv managed to win Panathinaikos in overtime at PAO's home court (OAKA Olympic Arena) 94-92 to tie the series at 1-1. And that's only 48 hours after losing the 1st game also at PAO's home court by 20 (93-73).

Top Scorers:

Tel Aviv:
Langford- 17 pts.
Blu- 16 pts.
Ohayon& Smith- 15 pts each.

Panathinaikos:
Kaimakoglou-20 pts (season high).
Batiste- 15 pts.

Post Game Quotes:

David Blatt- Maccabi T-A HC:'

Ιt was an unbelievable game. The spectators saw tonight what they expect to see in a basketball game. Great players, big shots, comebacks, ups and downs. Both teams could have won the game and I am proud because we finally did it. On Tuesday I said that we need to improve our rebounding and ball handling. We returned tonight better prepared and with a great desire. David Blu made two big shots in the last seconds and sealed the victory. I have to mention Yogev Ohayon, who had a great game too. You probably don't know him, he is a Euroleague rookie and he is not famous outside the country, but he deserves a lot of credit for everything he has done. In the first game I knew that we had a mission impossible and I decided to use some tricks just to bother Panathinaikos. Today it was much different. I was sure that we could do it. Call it inspiration or whatever. We played a tactical game and it worked. We tied the series, but this doesn't mean anything yet. We have to go back and see what we can do against a great team and a great coach.'

Zeljko Obradovic- Panathinaikos HC:'

Two days ago, I stated here that Game 2 should be much different and you saw what happened tonight. We lacked energy and didn't play the same way. If you don't put pressure on your opponent, they will score and in such a case you pay for the lack of concentration. Individually and as a team we have the experience needed to react and fight. We paid for our mistakes and this is the reason we lost. I don't think that Maccabi improved its game, but they showed their team character. However it is hard to play two games of that level in 48 hours.'

The following games of this series wil take place in Israel on the 27th and the 29th of March. In case of needing an extra game/s they will be scheduled in April.

Best players of Israeli National League round 23 - by Eurobasket News
American Nate Miller (193-G-87) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's second-best Macc.B.Yaakov and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com National League Player of the Week award for round 23.
The 24-year old guard had a double-double of 38 points and twelve rebounds, while his team edged out Kiryat Tivon (#5, 12-11) 95-93. Macc.B.Yaakov maintains the 2nd position in Israeli National League. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Macc.B.Yaakov will need more victories to improve their 18-5 record. In the team's last game Miller had a remarkable 83.3% from 2-point range and got four three-pointers out of 8 attempts. He turned to be Macc.B.Yaakov's top player in his first season with the team. Bowling Green State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Miller is in league's top in points (4th best: 22.9ppg) and averages solid 2.8spg and 54.5% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 24-year old American swingman Marcus Ginyard (196-G/F-87) of Ironi Nahariya. Ginyard impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 34 points and 11 rebounds. Of course he lead Ironi Nahariya to another comfortable win 90-76 over the higher-ranked Hod Hasharon (#6, 12-11) being unquestionably team leader. Ironi Nahariya's 10th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 9-14 record. Ginyard is a newcomer at Ironi Nahariya and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.8ppg (#7). He also registered 7.2 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was American Ramon Clemente (200-PF-85) of Kiryat Tivon (#5). Clemente scored 28 points and grabbed sixteen rebounds (!!!). Despite Clemente's great performance Kiryat Tivon lost 93-95 to the higher-ranked Macc.B.Yaakov (#2, 18-5). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Kiryat Tivon needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 12 victories and 11 lost games. Clemente has a great season in Israel. After 23 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 22.0ppg (6th best) and rebounds with 15.4rpg (#1 in league). He also has 1.4bpg and FGP: 59.6%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Gregg Thondique (201-F-87) of Hapoel Afula - 17 points and 14 rebounds
5. Rahshon Turner (201-F/C-75) of Hapoel Y/M - 19 points, 15 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Demontez Stitt (186-PG-89) of Hapoel T-A - 14 points, 15 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Raviv Pitshon (201-C/F-89) of Ironi Ramat Gan - 16 points and 18 rebounds
8. Charles Dewhurst (195-G-87) of Hod Hasharon - 17 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Eric Traimel (201-F-88) of Ironi Nahariya - 25 points and 7 rebounds
10. Stacey Moragne (195-F-83) of Elitzur Ramla - 21 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists

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

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IVORY COAST

Pape-Philippe Amagou selected the top Ivorian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center
Here is the weekly review of the top performing Ivorian players, who play currently abroad.

Pape-Philippe Amagou

#1. This week's number one is former international guard Pape-Philippe Amagou (185-85, agency: Beo Basket), who plays in the French ProA. Amagou could not help Sluc Nancy (14-8) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his very good performance Sluc Nancy was defeated 82-73 on the road by the lower-ranked Strasbourg IG (#11). Amagou was the top scorer with 15 points. He also added 3 passes. It's Amagou's first season with the team. Amagou has relatively good stats this year: 10.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.3apg, 2FGP: 53.8%, 3FGP: 37.8% and FT: 83.1%. He has a dual citizenship: Ivorian and French. Despite Amagou played previously for the French U20 national team, he played also for the Ivorian national team in 2010.

Mamadi Diane

#2. Second place goes to an international swingman Mamadi Diane (196-86, college: Virginia), who plays in Latvia. Diane was not able to help Ventspils (4-2) in their last game. Despite his good performance the first-placed Ventspils lost 78-82 at home to the second-ranked Szolnok in the group I of EuroChallenge. Diane scored 13 points in 28 minutes. This year Diane has relatively solid stats: 12.4ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.8apg, 2FGP: 42.7%, 3FGP: 53.3%(8-15) and FT: 72.7% in the nine games he played so far. He is another player who holds two passports: Guinean and Ivorian. Diane is in the roster of the Ivorian senior national team.

Mamadou Lamizana

#3. The Ivorian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international power forward Mamadou Lamizana (207-81, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: Rutgers). He was not able to secure a victory for Vaqueros (6-4) in their game against Mets (7-3) in the Puerto Rican BSN. Despite his very good performance in Tuesday night's game Lamizana was the second best scorer with 18 points. He also added 8 rebounds and made 2 blocks (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. Lamizana is currently first on the list of best blockers. He has very reliable stats this season: 11.1ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.1apg, 2.9bpg, 2FGP: 47.0%, 3FGP: 26.7% and FT: 75.0%. Lamizana has both Ivorian and French nationalities. He is also a member of the Ivorian senior national team.

Jonathan Kale

#4. Forward Jonathan Kale (203-85, college: Providence) led Lleida Basquet to a victory over one of league's weakest teams CB Granada (6-22) 71-52 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) on Friday night. Kale was MVP of the game. He recorded 17 points and grabbed 9 rebounds; not bad, considering it's only Kale's third season in pro basketball. CE CIP Lleida Basquetbol (18-10) is placed fourth in the LEB Gold. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. Kale has reliable stats this season: 12.0ppg and 5.6rpg. He also holds two passports: Ivorian and American. Kale is also Ivorian national team player.

Mohamed Kone

#5. International center Mohamed Kone (211-81, college: Valparaiso) contributed to a Meridiano Alicante's victory against the closely-ranked Lagun Aro GBC (14-11) 79-68 in the Spanish ACB in Sunday night's game. He recorded 6 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 16 minutes. Lucentum Alicante (14-11) is placed fifth in the ACB. They ended the series of five consecutive loses. This year Kone's overall stats are: 4.2ppg and 3.4rpg in the 24 games. He has dual citizenship: Ivorian and French. Kone plays currently for the Ivorian national team.

Errick Craven

#6. Guard Errick Craven (188-83, college: USC) was the major contributor in a 3-point JA Vichy's victory against the closely-ranked Denain Voltaire (10-16) 87-84 in the French ProB (second division) last Friday. He scored 20 points, made 4 passes and 5 steals. JA Vichy Val d'Allier Auvergne basket (7-19) is placed 17th in the ProB. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. This season Craven averages: 10.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.5apg and 1.8spg. He holds both American and Ivorian passports. Craven is an international player who is currently on the senior Ivorian National Team roster.

Mouloukou Diabate

#7. International point guard Mouloukou Diabate (183-87) couldn't help Chorale de Roanne (3-3) in their game against Chalon/Saor (3-3) in the EuroChallenge. Diabate scored 6 points and added 6 passes. Chorale de Roanne (#2) was edged 78-76 on the opponent's court by the leading Chalon/Saor in the group I of EuroChallenge. Diabate's total stats this season are: 5.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 4.0apg and 1.3spg. He is also Ivorian national team player.

Frejus Zerbo

#8. Center Frejus Zerbo (205-89) helped Limoges CSP Elite win their game against the 14th-ranked Le Portel (10-16) crushing them 80-48 in the French ProB (second division) last Friday. Zerbo scored 8 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in 18 minutes. Limoges CSP Elite (21-5) is placed first in the ProB. This year Zerbo's total stats are: 2.5ppg and 3.3rpg in the 19 games. He used to play for the Ivorian national team back in 2010.

Francis Koffi

#9. Former international forward Francis Koffi (202-81, college: Fresno St.) helped Ourense win their game against the league leader River Andorra (16-3) 82-66 in the Spanish LEB Silver (third division) on Sunday night. Koffi scored 10 points. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Aquas De Sousas Club Ourense Baloncesto (13-6) is placed second in the LEB Silver. Koffi averaged so far 12.1ppg, 6.2rpg and 1.2spg. He used to play for the Ivorian national team two years ago.

Guy Landry Edi

   #10. Forward Guy Landry Edi (198-86) helped Gonzaga win their game against the West Virginia University (23-8) crushing them 77-54 in the NCAA National Tournament Round 2 in Thursday night's game. Edi scored 6 points in 21 minutes. The Gonzaga University has a very good 12-3 conference record this season. The National Tournament Round 2 already ended in the NCAA. Edi's stats this year are: 12.1ppg, 6.2rpg and 1.2spg in the 19 games. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Ivorian National Team roster.

   #11. Former international swingman Charles Abouo (195-89) couldn't help the BYU in their game against the Marquette University in the NCAA National Tournament Round 2. Abouo cannot count Thursday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 3 points. His team was badly defeated by 20 points 88-68. Abouo averaged so far 12.1ppg, 6.2rpg and 1.2spg. He used to play for the Ivorian national team two years ago.

   #12. Former international forward Issife Soumahoro (197-88) couldn't help Boulazac Basket in their game against Fos Ouest in the French ProB (second division). Soumahoro cannot count Friday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 3 points in 7 minutes on the court. His team was edged in an overtime 80-78. Soumahoro has averaged so far 4.1ppg and 1.3rpg in the 24 games. He used to play for the Ivorian national team back in 2010.

   #13. International point guard Mickael Toti (181-87) couldn't help Saint Vallier in their game against Nantes in the French ProB (second division). Toti cannot count Friday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 2 points and added 3 passes. His team was defeated 78-68. Toti has averaged so far 3.0ppg, 1.2rpg and 1.8apg. He is also Ivorian national team player.

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

   #1. Walter Hodge (183-PG-86, college: Florida), who plays in the Polish PLK could not help Zastal ZG (2-2) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the third-placed Zastal ZG was edged 88-87 on the road by the second-ranked Trefl Sopot in the Group A. Hodge had a double-double by scoring 38 points and making 10 passes in 40 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only his third season in pro basketball. It's Hodge's first year with the team. Hodge is currently first on the list of top scorers and also on the list of best passers (second place). He has individually a very good year with high stats. Hodge averages: 18.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 6.1apg and 1.4spg in the 28 games he played so far. He has also Puerto Rican passport.

   #2. Alain Koffi (207-C-83, agency: Beo Basket) contributed to a Le Mans' victory against the closely-ranked ASVEL (10-12) 84-73 in the French ProA last Friday. Koffi recorded 7 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 15 minutes. Le Mans Sarthe Basket (14-8) is placed sixth in the ProA. This year Koffi's overall stats are: 6.9ppg and 3.6rpg in the 11 games. He has a dual citizenship: Ivorian and French. Despite Koffi's Ivorian passport, he previously played for the French national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Ivorian team.

   #3. Andre Oupoh (196-F-84, college: Abil.Christian) led Caballeros de Culiacan to a victory against the closely-ranked Mineros de Cananea (3-5) 82-74 in the Mexican CIBACOPA on Wednesday night. He scored 15 points in 20 minutes. Caballeros de Culiacan (2-6) is placed second from the bottom (#9) in the CIBACOPA. But the season is still in it's first stage and everything can happen. This year Oupoh's total stats are: 6.8ppg, 1.2rpg and 1.6apg in the five games. He is another player who holds two passports: Ivorian and American.

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JAMAICA

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

Roy Hibbert

#1. This week's number one is former international center Roy Hibbert (218-86, college: Georgetown), who plays in the NBA. He could not help the Indiana Pacers (26-18) in their last game. Despite Hibbert's very good performance the Indiana Pacers lost 88-102 on the road to the New York Knicks. He had a double-double by scoring 24 points and getting 12 rebounds. Hibbert also added 2 blocks in 36 minutes on the court. It's Hibbert's fourth season with the team. He has individually a very good year with high stats. Hibbert averages: 12.8ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.8bpg, 2FGP: 49.5% and FT: 70.2% in the 44 games he played so far. He is a naturalized American. Despite Hibbert played previously for the USA national team, he played also for the Jamaican national team in 2010.

Samardo Samuels

#2. Second place goes to former international power forward Samardo Samuels (206-89, college: Louisville). He contributed to a Cleveland Cavaliers' victory against the New Jersey Nets (15-33) 105-100 in the NBA on Monday night. Samuels recorded 10 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 19 minutes. The Cleveland Cavaliers have 17-27 record this season. It's Samuels' first year with the team. This year his overall stats are: 4.9ppg, 3.0rpg, 2FGP: 42.1% and FT: 68.5% in the 32 games. Samuels played for the Jamaican national team in 2009.

Oritseweyinmi Efejuku

#3. The Jamaican player who performed third best last week abroad was former international guard Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-86, college: Providence). He led Indios to a 1-point victory against the closely-ranked Quebradillas (6-3) 82-81 in the Puerto Rican BSN on Tuesday night. Efejuku scored 11 points, made 5 passes and 6 steals in 29 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Indios de Mayaguez (6-3) is placed second in the BSN. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. Efejuku is currently first on the league's list of most steals with 2.3spg. This year his other stats are: 9.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.3apg, 2FGP: 57.1%(12-21) in the three games. Efejuku has a dual citizenship: Nigerian and Jamaican. He played for the Jamaican national team three years ago.

Ronald Yates

#4. Forward Ronald Yates (201-83, college: St.Peter's) led Fribourg to a victory over one of league's weakest teams SAM Massagno (3-20) crushing them 94-61 in the Swiss LNA last Tuesday. He was MVP of the game. Yates scored 19 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 25 minutes. Benetton Fribourg Olympic (4-0) is placed second in the LNA. So far his team won all four games in the Regular Season. They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. It's Yates' first season with the team. He has very impressive stats this year: 16.7ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.4apg and 1.4spg in the 22 games. Yates is a naturalized American. He used to play for the Jamaican national team back in 2010.

Jerome Jordan

#5. Former international center Jerome Jordan (213-86, college: Tulsa) managed to help New York Knicks in a victory against the Portland Trail Blazers (21-25) crushing them 121-79 in the NBA in Wednesday night's game. Jordan scored only 2 points in 4 minutes on the court. The New York Knicks have 23-24 record this season. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. This year Jordan's total stats are: 1.5ppg and 1.2rpg in the 15 games. He used to play for the Jamaican national team six years ago.

Kevin Young

   #6. Center Kevin Young (206-84, college: Missouri) helped Aishin Sea Horses win their game against one of league's weakest teams Mitsubishi Dolphins (12-28) 78-69 in the Japanese JBL last Saturday. Young scored 10 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Aishin Sea Horses (30-10) are placed first in the JBL. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. Young has averaged so far 8.9ppg and 6.6rpg. He is a former international player as he played for the Jamaican senior team six years ago.

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

   #1. Garry Gallimore (192-G-84) led CSM Bucuresti to a 1-point victory over the 14th-ranked Perla Harghitei (2-24) 99-98 in the Romanian Division A last Wednesday. Gallimore was MVP of the game. He scored 34 points (!!!), made 4 passes and 3 steals. CS Municipal Bucuresti (17-8) is placed sixth in the Division A. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. It's Gallimore's first season with the team. Gallimore has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 17.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.3apg and 1.3spg. Gallimore has a dual citizenship: Jamaican and Canadian. Despite his Jamaican passport, Gallimore previously played for the Canadian university national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Jamaican team.

   #2. Maurice Bailey (183-G-81, college: Sacred Heart) was the major contributor in a VEF Riga's victory against the closely-ranked Turiba (9-15) crushing them 84-61 in the Latvian LBL in Wednesday night's game. He scored 13 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and dished 4 assists. VEF Riga (11-1) is placed fourth in the LBL. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial. Bailey's total stats this season are: 8.0ppg, 3.7rpg and 4.0apg. He is a naturalized American.

   #3. Adrian Uter (201-F/C-84, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Hofstra) led Maccabi Rishon to a victory against the closely-ranked Hapoel J-M (10-9) 69-64 in the Israeli Premier League last Sunday. Uter scored 15 points, had 8 boards, passed 3 assists and added 3 steals in 43 minutes. Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion (11-8) is placed fourth in the Premier League. His team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is quite important. Uter is currently third on the league's list of best blockers with 1.9bpg. This year he also averages: 13.7ppg, 7.0rpg, 2.2apg and 1.6spg in the 19 games he played so far. Uter is a naturalized American.

   #4. Corey Muirhead (198-F-83, college: W.Carolina) contributed to an overtime BK Pardubice's victory against the second-ranked BK Prostejov (23-9) 81-79 in the Czech Republic NBL on Saturday night. He scored 17 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 4 assists. BK JIP Pardubice (22-10) is placed fourth in A1 group. There are only four games left until the end of the Second Stage. So now every game will be important. It's Muirhead's first season with the team. Muirhead has relatively good stats this year: 11.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.0apg and 1.1spg. He has also Canadian nationality.

   #5. Bryan Bailey (185-PG-80, college: Bucknell), who plays in the German BBL could not help Artland Dragons (18-9) in their last game. Despite Bailey's good performance Artland Dragons lost 60-66 on the road to the much lower-ranked (#11) Deutsche Bank Skyliners. He recorded 10 points (made all of his six free throws) in 21 minutes. This year Bailey's total stats are: 6.2ppg, 1.1rpg and 2.4apg in the 13 games. He is a naturalized American.

   #6. Hugh Robinson (202-C-83) led Brahe Basket to a victory over the ninth-ranked IK Eos 79-74 in the Swedish Basketettan (second division) last Saturday. Robinson was MVP of the game. He recorded a double-double by scoring 36 points and getting 14 rebounds. Robinson also added 3 assists and 3 blocks. Robinson is currently third on the list of best blockers. This season he has very high stats. Robinson averages: 17.7ppg, 9.4rpg and 2.0bpg.

   #7. Experienced Corey Williams (191-G-77, college: Alabama St.) managed to help Pirates de Quebradillas to win against the league outsider Caciques 91-78 in the Puerto Rican BSN in Sunday night's game. Williams scored 5 points, grabbed 6 boards, dished 9 assists and stole 4 balls. Williams is currently fourth on the league's list of best passers and also on the list of most steals (fifth place). He has very reliable stats this season: 12.3ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.4apg and 1.6spg. Williams is a naturalized American.

   #8. Sherman Gay (201-PF-82, college: Loyola Mary) contributed to an overtime Fos Ouest's victory against the closely-ranked Boulazac Basket 80-78 in the French ProB (second division) on Friday night. Gay scored 13 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and made 2 blocks. Gay is currently eighth on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of best blockers (second place). This season he has very high stats. Gay averages: 15.4ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.3apg and 1.7bpg. He is a naturalized American.

   #9. Jermaine Bucknor (199-F-83, college: Richmond) was not able to help one of league's weakest teams s Oliver Baskets in their game against Bayern Muenchen in the German BBL. Bucknor recorded 5 points in 11 minutes. His team lost 62-72. Bucknor has averaged so far 2.4ppg and 3.0rpg in the five games. He is another player who holds two passports: Jamaican and Canadian.

   #10. Richard Anderson (199-F-77) contributed to a Halifax Rainmen's victory against the Quebec Kebs 106-95 in the NBL Canada in Friday night's game. Anderson scored 8 points. Anderson has averaged so far 2.4ppg and 3.0rpg. He has both Jamaican and Canadian nationalities. Despite Anderson's Jamaican passport, he previously played for the Canadian national team and probably cannot be called to the Jamaican team.

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JUCO

D2: Latest scores and schedule - by Eurobasket News
NJCAA Division II National Championship started two days ago. Latest scores and schedule are below.

Tuesday, March 20
Game 1: Johnson County def. #7 Moraine Valley, 70-63
Game 2: #2 South Suburban def. Rend Lake - 81-77
Game 3: Baltimore City def. #6 Erie - 89-84
Game 4: #3 CC Rhode Island def. Penn Valley - 91-79
Game 5: #8 Louisburg def. Iowa Central - 79-71
Game 6: #1 Mott def. Danville - 76-59

Wednesday, March 21
Game 7: #5 Lakeland def. Bismarck State - 84-75
Game 8: #4 South Mountain def. Grand Rapids - 76-61
Game 9: Moraine Valley def. Rend Lake - 67-62
Game 10: South Suburban def. Johnson County - 65-60
Game 11: Rhode Island def. Baltimore City, 85-64

Thursday, March 22
Game 12: Erie vs. Penn Valley - 9 am
Game 13: Iowa Central vs. Danville - 11 am
Game 14: Bismarck State vs. Grand Rapids - 1 pm
Game 15: Johnson County vs. Baltimore City - 3 pm
Game 16: Louisburg vs. Mott - 6:30 pm
Game 17: Lakeland vs. South Mountain - 8:30 pm

Friday, March 23
Game 18: Moraine Valley vs. Winner Game 12 - 11 am
Game 19: Winner Game 13 vs. Winner Game 14 - 1 pm
Game 20: Loser Game 16 vs. Loser Game 17 - 3 pm
Game 21: South Suburban vs. Rhode Island - 6 pm
Game 22: Winner Game 16 vs. Winner Game 17 - 8 pm

Saturday, March 24
Game 23 (7th/8th Place): Game 18 Winner vs. Game 19 Winner - 12 pm
Game 24 (5th/6th Place): Game 15 Winner vs. Game 20 Winner - 2 pm
Game 25 (3rd/4th Place): Game 21 Loser vs. Game 22 Loser - 5:30 pm
Game 26 (Championship): Game 21 Winner vs. Game 22 Winner - 7:30 pm

D1: Latest scores and schedule - by Eurobasket News
The Indian Hills basketball team defeated East Mississippi 79 to 70 in the NJCAA basketball tournament. IHCC trailed by five at the half but an 11-0 run turned the game around in the second half. Indian Hills will be back in action Friday.

Latest scores

Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Game 1: South Plains def. East Mississippi, 71-63
Game 2: Monroe def. Indian Hills, 81-69
Game 3: Eastern Oklahoma St. def. College of Southern Idaho - 76-69
Game 4: Spartanburg Methodist def. Three Rivers, 61-58
Game 5: Columbia State def. Gordon - 72-64
Game 6: Seward County def. Wallace State - 71-52

Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Game 7: Otero def. Wabash Valley - 64-62
Game 8: Northwest Florida St. def. Navarro, 70-62
Game 9: Indian Hills def. East Mississippi - 79-70
Game 10: South Plains def. Monroe - 73-60
Game 11: Eastern Oklahoma St. def. Spartanburg Methodist - 78-70

Schedule

Thursday, March 22, 2012
Game 12: Southern Idaho vs. Three Rivers - 10 am
Game 13: Gordon vs. Wallace State - 12 pm
Game 14: Wabash Valley vs. Navarro - 2 pm
Game 15: Monroe vs. Spartanburg Methodist - 4:30 pm
Game 16: Columbia State vs. Seward County - 6:30 pm
Game 17: Otero vs. Northwest Florida State - 8:30 pm

Friday, March 23, 2012
Game 18: Indian Hills vs. Game 12 Winner - 11 am
Game 19: Game 13 Winner vs. Game 14 Winner - 1 pm
Game 20: Game 16 Loser vs. Game 17 Loser - 3 pm
Game 21: South Plains vs. Eastern Oklahoma St. - 6 pm
Game 22: Game 16 Winner vs. Game 17 Winner - 8 pm

Saturday, March 24, 2012
Game 23 (7th/8th Place): Game 18 Winner vs. Game 19 Winner - 12 pm
Game 24 (5th/6th Place): Game 15 Winner vs. Game 20 Winner - 2 pm
Game 25 (3rd/4th Place): Game 21 Loser vs. Game 22 Loser - 6 pm
Game 26 (Championship): Game 21 Winner vs. Game 22 Winner - 8 pm

D1: EMCC men lose to South Plains in NJCAA tournament - by Eurobasket News

The No. 15 East Mississippi Community College men's basketball team couldn't take advantage of a solid first-half defensive effort in a 71-63 loss to No. 1 and unbeaten South Plains College (Texas) on Tuesday in Game 1 of the 2012 NJCAA Division National Championship at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

Coach Mark White's Lions (23-5) will move to the consolation bracket of the double-elimination tournament and will take on seventh-ranked Indian Hills C.C., out of Ottumwa, Iowa, in Game 9 at 3 p.m. today. Indian Hills (30-4) lost to third-ranked Monroe College (N.Y.) 81-69 in Tuesday's opening-round action.

EMCC used a 13-2 run to overcame a 16-11 deficit and take a 24-18 lead on a Millaun Brown basket with 8 minutes, 22 seconds left before halftime. The Texans cut the lead to 27-26, but EMCC outscored SPC 9-3 to take their largest lead, 36-29, at halftime.

EMCC held South Plains to just 29 percent (12 of 41) from the field in the first half.

'Coming back from the half, I told my assistant (Billy Begley) I was worried whether we could get enough going consistently on offense to hold them off and win the game,' White said.

SPC used an 18-4 spurt to open the second half to take a 47-40 lead six minutes into the half. However, the Region 23 champions and three-time NJCAA tournament participants regrouped to tie the score at 49 on a long 3-pointer by D.J. Evans midway through the half.

Following another tie at 51, EMCC's Tradarrius McPhearson nailed a triple to give the Lions a 54-52 lead with 8:41 remaining. After SPC added a pair of free throws to create another deadlock, reserve forward Lakin Ford nailed a key 3-pointer for EMCC to give the Lions new-found momentum with 7:28 left in the game.

But the Lions didn't score for the next five minutes and missed six free throws. SPC's Stanton Kidd then took over, scoring nine of his game-high 20 points in the game-changing, three-minute stretch. Kidd's final bucket in the run - a 3-pointer with 1:49 left - all but sealed the contest for the Texans (33-0).

'The missed free throws affected us mentally on the other end because it takes your spirit away from you,' White added.

The Lions missed 11 of 13 free throws in the second half, including 10 straight. EMCC was 5 of 20 from the free-throw line.

Evans and Borchert led EMCC with 13 points apiece, while Ford added 11 off the bench.

Along with Kidd's game-high 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting, SPC received 11 points and 10 rebounds from Yanick Moreira (6'9''-C-91).

'South Plains is No. 1 in the country for a reason,' White said. 'They're from a very tough league that has had teams in the national championship game five straight years. They're a great team and they're battle-tested.

'As for us, we had a couple of bad minutes there in the beginning of the second half, but we competed, played hard and we didn't back down. We proved in the first half we could guard them and compete with them.'

Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/sports/article.asp?aid=16173#ixzz1prFVZlYT

Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/sports/article.asp?aid=16173#ixzz1prFLhrT3

Lakeland Community College (Mentor Ohio) Advances to Elite Eight At the Div II Juco National Championship Tournament!! - by Vance Marbury
No. 5 Lakeland Dispatches Bismarck State 84-73, Advances to Elite Eight
DANVILLE, Ill. - Freshman guard Martell Medley (Cleveland, Ohio / Euclid) poured in a career-high 25 points and classmate Chaz Rollins (Warrensville Heights, Ohio / John Hay) recorded a double-double to power the Lakeland men's basketball team past Bismarck State in the opening round of the 2012 NJCAA Division II National Tournament.

After two days of play the Lakers (26-7) are just one of eight teams in the nation still vying for a national title. Lakeland will take on No. 4 South Mountain (26-7) on Thursday night at 8:30 p.m with a berth in the Final Four on the line.

Medley went 9-for-18 from the floor including 3-for-7 from long range, helping the Lakeland bench to a 35-8 advantage over Bismarck State. Rollins added 17 points and a team-high 14 rebounds while sophomore Brendan Cooper (Parma, Ohio / Parma) filled the stat sheet with 15 points, six rebounds, and six assists.

Freshmen Duran Banton (Jamaica, N.Y.) aided the cause with 13 points while classmate Richard Smith (Cleveland, Ohio / Lutheran East) denied five shots in the win.

The Lakers jumped out to an 8-2 through the opening minutes of the game and led by as many as 10 in the first half before settling for a 36-30 lead at the break. Medley led the way with 12 points through the opening period while Rollins tallied six points and ten rebounds.

Lakeland never surrendered the lead despite allowing Bismarck State to close the gap to just one with five minutes remaining. The Lakers responded by scoring seven straight points to build an eight point lead and pushed the advantage to 11 behind solid free throw shooting down the stretch.

LCC held a commanding 54-28 advantage in points in the paint to get within a win of a spot in the Final Four. One year removed from its first NJCAA National Tournament appearance, the Lakers are just three wins away from the program first National Championship.

Lakeland will play #4 South Mountain State on Thursday @ 8:30 p.m.

Box Score
Bismarck State College vs Lakeland Community College

LAKELAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE 84, BISMARCK STATE COLLEGE 73

BISMARCK STATE COLLEGE (22-12)
Malik Wood 11-21 10-11 35; Garet Tucker 5-11 2-4 12; DeWayne Liggins 4-17
0-0 9; Kameron Wingenbach 2-6 0-0 5; Sheldon Weisbeck 1-7 2-2 5; Gabe Deng
2-6 0-0 4; Alex Baker 1-6 0-0 3. Totals 26-74 14-17 73.

LAKELAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE (26-7)
Martell Medley 9-18 4-4 25; Chaz Rollins 7-11 3-7 17; Brendan Cooper 4-9 7-8
15; Deran Banton 6-12 1-2 13; Isiah Boddie 3-5 1-2 8; Daishon Robinson 2-5
0-2 4; Gary Little 1-4 0-1 2; Marius Paulauskas 0-1 0-0 0; Richard Smith 0-6
0-2 0. Totals 32-71 16-28 84.

Bismarck State College........ 30 43 - 73
Lakeland Community College.... 36 48 - 84
3-point goals-Bismarck State College 7-21 (Malik Wood 3-5; DeWayne Liggins
1-3; Kameron Wingenbach 1-3; Sheldon Weisbeck 1-6; Alex Baker 1-3; Gabe Deng
0-1), Lakeland Community College 4-17 (Martell Medley 3-7; Isiah Boddie 1-2;
Brendan Cooper 0-2; Deran Banton 0-1; Daishon Robinson 0-2; Gary Little 0-1;
Marius Paulauskas 0-1; Richard Smith 0-1). Fouled out--Bismarck State
College-Malik Wood, Lakeland Community College-None. Rebounds-Bismarck State
College 41 (Garet Tucker 17), Lakeland Community College 49 (Chaz Rollins
14). Assists-Bismarck State College 10 (Malik Wood 5), Lakeland Community
College 16 (Brendan Cooper 6).

NJCAA Division II National Tournament - First Round
#5 Lakeland advances to the Elite Eight
#5 Lakeland will play #4 South Mountain on Thursday at 8:30 p.m.

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

KOSOVO

Prishtina too strong for Bashkimi - by Dren Shporta
Players of Sigal Prishtina got serious after the first quarter, to close the advantage of oranges and to create the difference in the end, for 75-59 win, in a 21st round match against
Bashkimi. John Gilchrist (187-G-84, college: Maryland) was the top scorer for Sigal Prishtina with his 16 points in a derby match of the just finished round.

In their 19th victory of the season, and the third against Bashkimi, also contributed Fisnik Rugova with 12 points, Gerald Inman with 11 and captain, Edmond Azemi, which added 11
more. The oranges from Prizren where good only in the first quarter of the match when they created the difference (15:24) and their centers duo of Charles Bronson and Rolando
Little where looking unstoppable. Samir Shaptahovic and Qendrim Biraj scored 16 points each to be the best pointers of the game for the oranges.

In the end Sigal Prishtina registered their 19th victory of the season and they kept the run with league leaders Trepca. In the next match they have a hard job while they visit Peja in
Karagac. On the other hand Bashkimi will have to show themselves in a great match against Trepca.

Standings - Superleague

SuperLeague Standings

1. Sigal Prishtina		19-2
2. Trepca		19-2
3. Peja		13-8
4. Bashkimi		12-9
5. Kolegji Univer.		9-12
6. Kosova		5-16
7. Futura		4-17
8. Drita		3-18

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

KUWAIT

Gemini see off feisty Knights, 73-66 - by Eurobasket News
Fil-Am top Berksmen; Kuwait Steel edge Buffalo
KUWAIT CITY, March 18: The UAE Exchange/Xpress Money Philippines Basketball Association in Kuwait (PABAK) played 7 games Friday opening with a win for Gemini Global Cargo against a feisty Knights, 73-66.
Joel Mallari wrought magic for Gemini with 18 points and numerous rebounds. Captain Jonas Espiritu bulldozed into the game in the dying minutes with crucial go-ahead points to nail the Gemini victory.
The Knights found their trump card in Nick Nasayu, who was uncontainable in the start and end, finishing with 12 points despite a temporary lull in the mid quarters.
Popong Lumbajon inflicted a slow damage on the opposition taking 9 points quietly, enchashing on the cracks in the defense. The Knights finished the first quarter with a one-point lead, 9-10, and blew the next two rounds so badly (22-28 and 37-43) rendering their last quarter pickup, though impressive, ineffectual, game ending 66-73 on the side of Geminis.
Buffalo Caf, in the next game, seemed to exhaust their steam in the first round to limp from thereon against Kuwait Steel, who won 72-69.

Jeffrery Jacintos spectacular play to score 19 including two impossible 3-pointers from miles away did not avail the Buffaloes much. Johan Laban for the Steel scored 25, designing a win for his team.
The rounds ended 16-10, 28-29, 50-56 and finally 69-72 in favor of Steels.
The game between D Brothers and Batee Design was an entertainer with prolific scoring by both teams, though D Brothers proved to be the dominant pack. The game ended in the Brothers pocket 93-83.
The first round belonged to the Mayan-sounding Jaguar Rocreo, who monopolized the Batee basket with practice-session lan, scoring 10 for the Brothers. After paling temporarily in the second quarter, Jaguar roared back in to continue his raid.
Jun Ninon also joined Jaguars loot for an overall haul of 13 for the Brothers. Meanwhile, Jophet Matias was a constant thorn in the Brothers flesh with his regular forays that kept the Batees in the game. Matias scored 19, including a distant 3-pointer in the last moments.
Fil-AM were on top against Berks Men in the fourth game of the day, winning 66-56. Berks Men lagged feebly behind right from the start, closing in at 46-45 in the third quarter, their best reply to the AM broadside.

The no. 11 players on both sides were the fiercest scorers, Marlon Bautista for Berks and J Viloria for AM. Bautista scored 22, and Viloria scored 29. The two were all over the court, leaving star-eyed players in the wake of their baskets.
The rounds were 90 percent dominated by AM 19-12, 33-26, 45-46 and 66-56. Bautista bombarded the hoop to score 11 in just the last round.
In the next game, the Caporia were mauled by a bloodthirsty Chronos, 102-85. The Caporias always had their backs to the wall, never challenging the Chronos affront. The rounds moved 21-13, 51-33, 76-61 and 102-85.
Janson Manalo delivered the meanest blows to Caporia, along with Tophy. Marco Cabico was the leading scorer for Caporia.
Gelato Natasha downed Corpro in the sixth game of the tournament Friday 102-89. The Corpros began strong leading 25-22 in the first round. However, a Gelato surge was scripted by Allie Adorador when he fired on all cylinders in the second round. The round ended 44-37, Gelato on top.
The Corpros fret was contained in the third quarter when they bounced back to lead 65-64. But the reprise was too short lived as Jon De La Cruz, Eric Barbeito and Joso Obordo took charge for Gelato in the last round. The Gelatos scored a total of 37 points the last round
The LJD Club X trounced Destroyer in the last game of the day, 44-26, keeping the prospect of an LJD upset remote. LJD are on a glorious win run, a trend many teams burned their fingers trying to buck.
LJD was placed comfortably from the start and ambled to a leisurely win. The Destroyers seemed resigned to their fate after a grim first round, 25-19. The points came in a drip from there onwards, as LJD took it easy with victory in clear sight.
Courtesy of: www.arabtimesonline.com

Kazma wins the Kuwaiti Basketball League 2011/2012 - by Eurobasket News
Kazma wins the Kuwaiti Basketball League 2011/2012. The team lost the Final opener to Al Kuwait but managed to win the series. In Game 2 Kazma celebrated a 76:69 win and added 78:65 success in Game 3. Both etams nailed 22 points in the opening period and exchanged 13 points in the second quarter. The final period became decisive in the game and brought the Gold for Kazma.

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

LATVIA

Standings - LBAL

LBL2 Standings

1. Barons kvartals		24-2
2. BK VEF		24-3
3. Liepaja-2		23-4
4. Saldus		21-5
5. RSU		16-10
6. VEF Kadeti		16-12
7. BS Riga		14-11
8. VA		14-14
9. DSN		13-13
10. Livani		9-18
11. Valmiera BSS		8-17
12. Ogres		8-19
13. Jelgava/LLU		8-20
14. Cesis		8-21
15. Gulbene		6-23
16. Ridzene		4-24

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Ernests KALVE
  Valmiera
  (200-F-87)
  Avg: 18.8

1. Kalve, Valmiera	18.8
2. Peiners, LU	18.5
3. Mayo, Liepaja	17.9
4. Lucas, Valmiera	17.4
5. Krumins, Jelgava	16.5
6. Ozols, Jurmala	16.2
7. Mediss, Turiba	15.5
8. Kravcenko, Liepaja	13.6
9. Dargais, LU	12.9
10. Timma, Liepaja	12.6

Rebounds Per Game

Ervins JONATS
  Jurmala
  (199-F-91)
  Avg: 9.6

1. Jonats, Jurmala	9.6
2. Willard, Ventspils	8.5
3. Dargais, LU	8.3
4. Rozitis, Valmiera	8.0
5. Mednis, Turiba	7.0
6. Kalve, Valmiera	6.3
7. Nelson, Jelgava	6.1
8. Butjankovs, Valmi.	6.0
9. Timma, Liepaja	5.7
10. Osins, LU	5.3

Assists Per Game

Josh MAYO
  Liepaja
  (182-G-87)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Mayo, Liepaja	5.1
2. Lucas, Valmiera	4.4
3. Kravcenko, Liepaja	3.8
4. Coders, Jurmala	3.6
5. Krumins, Jelgava	3.2
6. Silavs, Jelgava	3.1
7. Peiners, LU	2.9
8. Vitols, LU	2.4
9. Osins, LU	2.4
10. Antrops, Turiba	2.4

Steals Per Game

Zanis PEINERS
  LU
  (203-G-90)
  Avg: 2

1. Peiners, LU	2.0
2. Kanbergs, Jelgava	1.8
3. Osins, LU	1.8
4. Mayo, Liepaja	1.6
5. Timma, Liepaja	1.5
6. Ozols, Jurmala	1.4
7. Kosuskins, Jurmala	1.4
8. Krumins, Jelgava	1.4
9. Virsis, Valmiera	1.3
10. Strelnieks, Vents.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Jekabs ROZITIS
  Valmiera
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Rozitis, Valmiera	1.7
2. Ozols, Jurmala	1.0
3. Jonats, Jurmala	0.8
4. Rubenis, LU	0.6
5. Willard, Ventspils	0.6
6. Plivda, LU	0.6
7. Duselis, Jelgava	0.6
8. Gromovs, U18	0.5
9. Peiners, LU	0.5
10. Grasmanis, Jelgava	0.4

LBL Standing

LBL Standings

1. Liepaja		15-8
2. Ventspils		13-0
3. Valmiera		12-12
4. VEF Riga		11-1
5. LU		11-11
6. Jelgava		11-14
7. Turiba		9-15
8. Jurmala		8-16
9. U18		1-14

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

LITHUANIA

Stats Leaders - NKL

Points Per Game

Sarunas VINGELIS
  LKKA-.
  (192-G-89)
  Avg: 21.4

1. Vingelis, LKKA-.	21.4
2. Uzkuraitis, Delika.	19.1
3. Birgelis, Matinga-.	18.6
4. Rakauskas, Radvili.	18.2
5. Jucikas, AB.	17.8
6. Maneikis, Meresta	17.8
7. Sragauskis, LKKA-.	16.9
8. Varnelis, S.Marc.	16.8
9. Giedraitis, ABRO-.	16.1
10. Lengvinas, Nafta	15.8

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Gudaitis, Gargzdai	10.8
2. Ambrulaitis, Ezeru.	8.3
3. Mineikis, Radvilis.	7.9
4. Urbonas, LK.	7.8
5. Jucikas, AB.	7.4
6. Kalvelis, Matinga-.	7.4
7. Pikalavicius, Deli.	7.3
8. Ramanauskas, Radvi.	7.3
9. Linkevicius, Triob.	7.3
10. Mockevicius, S.Ma.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Matas SAPIEGA
  LK.
  (179-PG-90)
  Avg: 8.1

1. Sapiega, LK.	8.1
2. Kurauskas, AB.	5.3
3. Razutis, Silute	5.1
4. Semaska, Perla.	4.7
5. Malasauskas, LKKA.	4.4
6. Varanauskas, Stat.	4.3
7. Vileita, Perla.	4.3
8. Birgelis, Matinga-.	4.3
9. Kuklierius, Mating.	4.3
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	2.1
5. Uzkuraitis, Delika.	2.0
6. Jogela, Zalgir.	2.0
7. Birgelis, Matinga-.	1.9
8. Paliukenas, S.Marc.	1.9
9. Vasiliauskas, Trio.	1.8
10. Semaska, Perla.	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. Gudaitis, Nafta U.	1.5
5. Ramanauskas, Garg.	1.4
6. Kaubrys, Silute	1.3
7. Jucikas, AB.	1.1
8. Krestinin, S.Marc.	1.1
9. Ramanauskas, Sil.	1.0
10. Kymantas, Zalgir.	1.0

Sarunas Jasikevicius selected the top Lithuanian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center
Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Lithuanians who are currently playing abroad.

Sarunas Jasikevicius

#1. This week's number one is an experienced international guard Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-76, college: Maryland). He led Panathinaikos to a victory over the 11th-ranked Peristeri GS (6-16) crushing them 97-64 in a derby game in the Greek A1 in Friday night's game. Jasikevicius was MVP of the game. He scored 18 points and added 3 passes in only a mere 12 minutes on the court. Panathinaikos Athens (20-2) is placed second in the A1. 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. It's Jasikevicius' first season with the team. This year Jasikevicius averages: 7.9ppg, 2.9apg, 2FGP: 59.0%(49-83), 3FGP: 40.9% and FT: 75.0% in the 22 games he played so far. He is currently a member of the Lithuanian senior national team.

Donatas Motiejunas

#2. Second place goes to an international power forward Donatas Motiejunas (213-90, agency: Interperformances). Motiejunas was the main contributor in an Asseco Prokom's victory against the sixth-ranked PGE Turow (0-4) crushing them 93-63 in the Polish PLK last Sunday. He was the best player in that game. Motiejunas recorded 19 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. Asseco Prokom Gdynia (3-1) is placed first in Group A. Motiejunas has relatively good stats this season: 15.0ppg, 4.3rpg, 2FGP: 57.9%(22-38), 3FGP: 22.2% and FT: 76.9%. He is in the roster of the Lithuanian senior national team.

Ksistof Lavrinovic

#3. The Lithuanian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international center Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-79). Lavrinovic contributed to an easy victory against the 15th-ranked Vanoli-Braga (8-16) 79-61 in the Italian SerieA on Sunday night. He recorded 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 24 minutes. Montepaschi Siena (18-6) is placed first in the SerieA. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Lavrinovic is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fifth year in Montepaschi Siena's roster. This season Lavrinovic's overall stats are: 7.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 2FGP: 45.2%, 3FGP: 28.6% and FT: 82.4% in the nine games. He is also a member of the Lithuanian senior national team.

Arvydas Eitutavicius

#4. Point guard Arvydas Eitutavicius (188-82, college: American), who plays in the Ukrainian Superleague could not help one of league's weakest teams Khimik (20-14) in their last game on Friday. Despite Eitutavicius' very good performance Khimik was defeated 82-75 on the road by the higher-ranked Ferro-ZNTU (#4). He was the top scorer with 29 points. Eitutavicius' team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial. This season Eitutavicius has relatively solid stats: 12.2ppg and 2.2apg. He used to play for the Lithuanian national team back in 2010.

Ramunas Siskauskas

#5. Former international guard Ramunas Siskauskas (197-78) was the major contributor in a CSKA Moscow's victory against the fourth-ranked Lokomotiv (9-7) 88-73 in the VTB United League last Friday. Siskauskas recorded 11 points in only a mere 11 minutes. CSKA Moscow (14-2) is placed first in group B. The Regular Season already ended in the VTB United League. Siskauskas has been at the team for five years. This season his total stats are: 6.6ppg, 2.2rpg and 1.4apg in the 11 games. Siskauskas used to play for the Lithuanian national team two years ago.

Antanas Kavaliauskas

#6. Center Antanas Kavaliauskas (208-84, also represented by Interperformances, college: Texas A&M) contributed to a VEF Riga's victory against the closely-ranked Kalev/Cramo (12-7) 64-56 in the LBL on Thursday night. He was the top player that evening. Kavaliauskas recorded 17 points. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. VEF Riga (11-1) is placed fourth in the LBL. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. Kavaliauskas has averaged so far 7.4ppg and 3.1rpg. He is a former university international player as he played for the Lithuanian team five years ago.

Linas Kleiza

#7. Former international forward Linas Kleiza (203-85, college: Missouri), who plays in the NBA was not able to help the Toronto Raptors (15-32) in their last game. Despite Kleiza's good performance the Toronto Raptors lost 103-107 in Charlotte to the Bobcats. He scored 13 points in 27 minutes. It was Raptors' third consecutive loss in a row. Kleiza has reliable stats this year: 9.5ppg and 4.0rpg in the 33 games. He used to play for the Lithuanian national team two years ago.

Donatas Zavackas

#8. Forward Donatas Zavackas (203-80, college: Pittsburgh) is a teammate of previously mentioned Antanas Kavaliauskas. But that was another game of his team in VTB United League which we would like to mention. Zavackas, who plays in Latvia was not able to secure a victory for VEF Riga (8-8) in their last game on Sunday. Despite his good performance the fifth-placed VEF Riga was crushed 93-56 in Kaunas by the higher-ranked Zalgiris (#3) in the group A of VTB United League. Zavackas was the second best scorer with 11 points. He also added 5 rebounds. Zavackas' stats this season are: 13.3ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.3apg. He used to play for the Lithuanian U20 national team back in 2000.

Michailis Anisimovas

#9. Former University international center Michailis Anisimovas (214-84) helped Budivelnyk win their game against one of league's weakest teams Cherkasy (8-25) 75-69 in the Ukrainian Superleague on Wednesday night. Anisimovas recorded 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists (made all of his six free throws) in 21 minutes. Budivelnyk Kyiv (26-6) is placed first in the Superleague. It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important. Anisimovas' stats this year are: 10.7ppg, 4.3rpg and 1.1apg in the 32 games. He used to play for the Lithuanian university national team five years ago.

Simonas Serapinas

   #10. Forward Simonas Serapinas (197-82) couldn't help Telekom Baskets (14-13) in their game against ratiopharm Ulm (23-5) in the German BBL. Despite his very good performance in Saturday night's game Serapinas was the top scorer with 18 points. Serapinas has averaged so far 9.8ppg, 3.0rpg and 1.1apg. He is a former international player as eight years ago he still played for the Lithuanian senior national team.

   #11. International guard Martynas Gecevicius (193-88) helped Olympiakos win their game against the fifth-ranked Panionios 73-64 in a derby game in the Greek A1 last Friday. Gecevicius scored 8 points in only 10 minutes. Gecevicius has averaged so far 8.5ppg, 1.4rpg and 1.2apg in the 20 games. He plays currently for the Lithuanian national team.

   #12. International center Darjus Lavrinovic (212-79) is a teammate of previously mentioned Ramunas Siskauskas and both played together in the last VTB United League game. Lavrinovic managed to help CSKA Moscow in a victory against the fourth-ranked Lokomotiv 88-73. He recorded 5 points in 4 minutes. Lavrinovic has averaged so far 8.0ppg and 3.6rpg in the 11 games. He is also in the roster of the Lithuanian national team.

   #13. International small forward Simas Jasaitis (201-82) helped Turk Telekom win their game against the closely-ranked Aliaga 89-86 in the Turkish TBL last Sunday. Jasaitis scored 11 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Jasaitis has averaged so far 8.8ppg and 3.8rpg. He is also Lithuanian national team player.

   #14. Former University international guard Arvydas Cepulis (196-79) helped Ploiesti win their game against the ninth-ranked CSU Sibiu 98-83 in the Romanian Division A on Saturday night. Cepulis scored 18 points and added 4 assists in 29 minutes. Cepulis averaged so far 13.7ppg, 2.7rpg and 2.2apg in the 11 games. He used to play for the Lithuanian university national team back in 2005.

   #15. International guard Martynas Pocius (196-86, another player represented by Interperformances, college: Duke) helped Real Madrid win their game against the tenth-ranked CAI Zaragoza 85-71 in the Spanish ACB in Sunday night's game. Pocius recorded only 2 points. Pocius has averaged so far 6.4ppg and 2.0rpg. He is also in the roster of the Lithuanian national team.

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

   #1. Benas Veikalas (192-G-83, college: Metro St.) led Telekom Baskets to a victory against the 15th-ranked Phoenix Hagen (8-19) 89-77 in the German BBL on Wednesday night. Veikalas scored 14 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 5 assists (went 6 for 6 at the free throw line). Telekom Baskets Bonn (14-13) is placed eighth in the BBL. Veikalas averaged so far 13.0ppg, 3.7rpg and 1.8apg.

   #2. Zygimantas Jonusas (200-F-82) was the major contributor in a Phoenix Hagen's surprising victory against the seventh-ranked New Yorker Phantoms (14-13) crushing them 96-75 in the German BBL on Sunday night. Jonusas recorded 16 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Phoenix Hagen (8-19) is placed 15th in the BBL. It was his team's first victory after eight consecutive loses. Jonusas is currently seventh on the league's list of top scorers. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Jonusas averages: 15.2ppg, 4.9rpg and 1.5apg.

   #3. Gintaras Leonavicius (194-G-83, agency: Players Group) led Lobe Huesca to a victory over the 12th-ranked Caceres 2016 (13-15) 71-66 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) in Friday night's game. He was the top player that evening. Leonavicius recorded 17 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 34 minutes. CB Lobe Huesca (10-18) is placed 16th in the LEB Gold. It was his team's first victory after three consecutive loses. Leonavicius averaged so far 14.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.4apg and 1.4spg in the 27 games he played so far.

   #4. Deividas Dulkys (195-G-88), who plays in the NCAA could not help the one of league's weakest teams Florida St. (12-4) to beat the University of Cincinnati (12-6). He scored 8 points, made 3 passes and 3 steals. The Florida St. was defeated 62-56 at home by the University of Cincinnati. The National Tournament Round 3 already ended in the NCAA. Dulkys plays fourth season for the team. Dulkys averaged so far 14.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.4apg and 1.4spg.

   #5. Mantas Griskenas (200-F-85, college: Wichita St.) contributed to a Sodertalje Kings' victory against the eighth-ranked Solna Vikings (17-19) 86-82 in the Swedish Basketligan in Tuesday night's game. He recorded 13 points and added 3 assists. Sodertalje Kings (23-13) is placed first in the Basketligan. Griskenas averaged so far 12.2ppg, 5.4rpg and 1.1apg.

   #6. Petras Balocka (205-C-86, college: Hawaii) helped Norrkoping Dolphins win their game against the seventh-ranked 08 Stockholm 75-72 in the Swedish Basketligan last Tuesday. He recorded 8 points. Balocka has averaged so far 8.6ppg and 4.8rpg.

   #7. Nerijus Brasas (200-F-85) helped Naestved win their game against the closely-ranked Horsholm crushing them 77-56 in the Danish Ligaen in Wednesday night's game. He scored 10 points and blocked 2 blocks. Brasas averaged so far 10.3ppg, 3.3rpg and 1.1apg.

   #8. Experienced Klemensas Patiejunas (186-PG-77) was not able to help SPO Rouen in their game against Quimper UJAP in the French ProB (second division). He scored 7 points and had 3 steals. His team was edged 69-67. Patiejunas is ranked sixth on the list of the best passers in the league. He has averaged so far 7.2ppg, 2.4rpg, 5.0apg and 1.3spg. Patiejunas has also Slovenian passport.

   #9. Evaldas Juozapaitis (189-G-84), who plays in the Swedish Basketettan (second division) was not able to secure a victory for Hoganas (15-6) in their last game on Sunday. Despite his good performance Hoganas (#3) was badly defeated 84-66 on the road by the lower-ranked Srbija (#5) in the South group. Juozapaitis was the second best scorer with 11 points. He also added 3 assists. Juozapaitis averaged so far 11.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.5apg and 1.4spg.

   #10. Daivis Sutkevicius (192-F-84) is a teammate of previously mentioned Evaldas Juozapaitis and both played together in the last Swedish Basketettan game. Sutkevicius couldn't help Hoganas in their game against Srbija. Despite his good performance in Sunday night's game He was the top scorer with 12 points. Sutkevicius also added 4 rebounds. He has averaged so far 9.3ppg, 5.7rpg and 1.1apg.

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

MEXICO

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Ronald SELLEAZE
  Navolato
  (197-F-76)
  Avg: 22.4

1. Selleaze, Navolato	22.4
2. Wiley, Los Mochis	20.8
3. Quintero, Tijuana	20.7
4. McSwine, Navolato	20.3
5. Thomas, Cananea	19.3
6. McCullough, Nogales	19.3
7. George, Nogales	19.0
8. Johnson, Guaymas	18.7
9. Simmons, Tepic	18.0
10. Harris, Cananea	18.0

Rebounds Per Game

Ronald SELLEAZE
  Navolato
  (197-F-76)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Selleaze, Navolato	11.3
2. Terrell, Tepic	10.4
3. Clay, Los Mochis	8.8
4. McCullough, Nogales	8.7
5. Lopez, Hermosillo	8.6
6. Zamora, Culiacan	8.0
7. Strobbe, Nogales	7.8
8. Spicer, Guasave	7.0
9. Robinson, Culiacan	7.0
10. Sanders-F., Nogal.	6.8

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	5.4
4. Monreal, Hermosillo	5.3
5. George, Nogales	4.8
6. Simmons, Tepic	4.0
7. Dorsey, Guaymas	4.0
8. Heredia, Nogales	3.5
9. Pulido, Culiacan	3.4
10. Quintero, Tijuana	3.0

Steals Per Game

Ravone GEORGE
  Nogales
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 2.7

1. George, Nogales	2.7
2. Snow, Tepic	2.0
3. Dorsey, Guaymas	2.0
4. Thomas, Cananea	2.0
5. Heredia, Nogales	1.7
6. Dugat, Guasave	1.6
7. Monreal, Hermosillo	1.5
8. Holloway, Guaymas	1.5
9. Simmons, Tepic	1.4
10. Nungaray, Guaymas	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Sylvester SEAY
  Tijuana
  (208-F-85)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Seay, Tijuana	2.2
2. Habel, Guaymas	1.5
3. Wiley, Los Mochis	1.2
4. Clay, Los Mochis	1.0
5. Johnson, Guaymas	1.0
6. Robinson, Culiacan	1.0
7. McCullough, Nogales	1.0
8. Spicer, Guasave	1.0
9. Zamora, Culiacan	0.9
10. Avila, Culiacan	0.9

Standings - CIBACOPA

CIBACOPA Standings

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

CIBACOPA Round 8: Rayos de Hermosillo defeats Tijuana Zonkeys in the game between Top 4 teams - by Eurobasket News
There were just 8 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.

An interesting game for Rayos de Hermosillo (7-1) which hosted in Hermosillo second-ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (5-2). First ranked Rayos de Hermosillo had an easy win 87-66. The game was mostly controlled by Rayos de Hermosillo. Tijuana Zonkeys managed to win second period 20-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Rayos de Hermosillo looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Tijuana Zonkeys' players. Naturalized American point guard Steve Monreal (180-PG-86, college: CS Monterey) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 7 rebounds and 11 assists. American center Sam Coleman (208-87, college: Coppin St.) contributed with 12 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. The former international point guard Omar Quintero (183-81, college: S.Nazarene) replied with 18 points for Tijuana Zonkeys. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Rayos de Hermosillo have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 7-1 record. Tijuana Zonkeys at the other side dropped to the third place with two games lost. Rayos de Hermosillo are looking forward to face Caballeros de Culiacan (#9) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Tijuana Zonkeys will play against Frayles de Guasave (#8) and are hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Bottom-ranked Coras de Tepic is still unable to win any game. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their seventh consecutive match to third ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (6-2) 88-59. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Jerome Habel (208-85, college: San Diego St.) who helped to win the game recording 15 points and 6 rebounds and Hector Nungaray who added 13 points and 4 assists during the contest. American power forward Jamil Terrell (200-80, college: W.Texas A&M, agency: TSS Management) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ostioneros de Guaymas have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Coras de Tepic at the other side still closes the standings with seven games lost. Ostioneros de Guaymas will play against Garra Canera de Navolato (#4) on the road in the next round. Coras de Tepic will play against Mineros de Cananea (#7) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
The game in Navolato was also quite interesting. One of their biggest challengers Pioneros Los Mochis (4-4) played at the court of fifth ranked Garra Canera de Navolato (5-3). Garra Canera de Navolato defeated Pioneros Los Mochis 76-65 on Wednesday. Garra Canera de Navolato moved-up to fourth place. Loser Pioneros Los Mochis dropped to the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with Nogales. Garra Canera de Navolato will meet at home league's second-placed Ostioneros de Guaymas in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Pioneros Los Mochis will play against Fuerza Guinda Nogales and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last two games of round 8 Guasave was beaten by Nogales on the road 92-88. Culiacan won against Cananea on its own court 82-74.

Navolato - Los Mochis 76-65
The game in Navolato was also quite interesting. One of their biggest challengers Pioneros Los Mochis (4-4) played at the court of fifth ranked Garra Canera de Navolato (5-3). Garra Canera de Navolato defeated Pioneros Los Mochis 76-65 on Wednesday. Garra Canera de Navolato moved-up to fourth place. Loser Pioneros Los Mochis dropped to the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with Nogales. Garra Canera de Navolato will meet at home league's second-placed Ostioneros de Guaymas in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Pioneros Los Mochis will play against Fuerza Guinda Nogales and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Hermosillo - Tijuana 87-66
An interesting game for Rayos de Hermosillo (7-1) which hosted in Hermosillo second-ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (5-2). First ranked Rayos de Hermosillo had an easy win 87-66. The game was mostly controlled by Rayos de Hermosillo. Tijuana Zonkeys managed to win second period 20-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Rayos de Hermosillo looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Tijuana Zonkeys' players. Naturalized American point guard Steve Monreal (180-86, college: CS Monterey) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 7 rebounds and 11 assists. American center Sam Coleman (208-87, college: Coppin St.) contributed with 12 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Coleman is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Rayos de Hermosillo players scored in double figures. The former international point guard Omar Quintero (183-81, college: S.Nazarene) replied with 18 points and American swingman Marcus Morrison (198-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.) added 13 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Tijuana Zonkeys. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Rayos de Hermosillo have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 7-1 record. Tijuana Zonkeys at the other side dropped to the third place with two games lost. Rayos de Hermosillo are looking forward to face Caballeros de Culiacan (#9) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Tijuana Zonkeys will play against Frayles de Guasave (#8) and are hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Hermosillo: J.Camacho 17+3reb, S.Monreal 16+7reb+11ast, P.Sanders 13+4reb+1ast, S.Coleman 12+9reb+1ast, J.Lopez 10+4reb+3ast, E.Little 8+7reb+4ast
Tijuana: O.Quintero 18+3reb+2ast, M.Morrison 13+7reb, S.Seay 7+5reb+2ast, E.Medina 6+2ast, L.Ramirez 5+2reb, A.Solares 5+6reb+1ast

Nogales - Guasave 92-88
Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both sixth ranked Fuerza Guinda Nogales and 8th ranked Frayles de Guasave had identical 3-4 record. This time Fuerza Guinda Nogales used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Guasave 92-88 on Wednesday night. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 26-22. But Frayles de Guasave won second period 19-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Fuerza Guinda Nogales forced 19 Frayles de Guasave turnovers. The winners were led by guard Brandon Heredia (180-85, college: Lon Morris JC) who scored that evening 24 points and 5 assists and American swingman O'Louis McCullough (198-82, college: Francis Marion) supported him with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Even a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds by American forward Charles Moore (201-86, college: S.Arkansas) did not help to save the game for Frayles de Guasave. His fellow American import forward Sylvester Spicer (198-86, college: Rogers St.) added 16 points and 8 rebounds for the guests. Four Fuerza Guinda Nogales and five Frayles de Guasave players scored in double figures. Fuerza Guinda Nogales (4-4) moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Los Mochis. Loser Frayles de Guasave dropped to the seventh position with five games lost. They share it with Cananea. Fuerza Guinda Nogales will meet Pioneros Los Mochis (#5) on the road in the next round. Frayles de Guasave will play against Tijuana Zonkeys and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Nogales: B.Heredia 24+5ast, R.George 20+6ast, O.McCullough 20+6reb+3ast, M.Strobbe 10+6reb+4ast, M.Sanders-Frison 8+5reb+1ast, J.Mercado 8+1reb+1ast
Guasave: C.Moore 22+10reb+2ast, V.Buelna 18+3reb+3ast, G.Giron 17+4reb+2ast, S.Spicer 16+8reb+1ast, A.Izaguirre 15+5reb+2ast, O.Retamoza 0+1ast

Tepic - Guaymas 59-88
Bottom-ranked Coras de Tepic is still unable to win any game. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their seventh consecutive match to third ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (6-2) 88-59. The game without a history. Ostioneros de Guaymas led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Coras de Tepic's 34 and made 18-of-22 charity shots (81.8 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Jerome Habel (208-85, college: San Diego St.) who helped to win the game recording 15 points and 6 rebounds and point guard Hector Nungaray (178-78) who added 13 points and 4 assists during the contest. Four Ostioneros de Guaymas players scored in double figures. American power forward Jamil Terrell (200-80, college: W.Texas A&M, agency: TSS Management) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists and Jerard Anderson scored 21 points. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ostioneros de Guaymas have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Coras de Tepic at the other side still closes the standings with seven games lost. Ostioneros de Guaymas will play against Garra Canera de Navolato (#4) on the road in the next round. Coras de Tepic will play against Mineros de Cananea (#7) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Guaymas: J.Habel 15+6reb+1ast, F.Benitez 15+5reb, H.Nungaray 13+4reb+4ast, D.Holloway 12+1reb+2ast, H.Carrillo 10+3reb+4ast, A.Pedroza 8+5reb+6ast
Tepic: J.Anderson 21+4reb+1ast, J.Terrell 12+12reb+5ast, J.Simmons 12+3reb+4ast, Z.Alvidrez 6+1reb, J.Antonio de la Garza 4+2reb+2ast, O.Pulido 2

Culiacan - Cananea 82-74
There was a minor upset when 7th ranked Mineros de Cananea (3-5) lost on the road to ninth ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (2-6) 82-74 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 7 points at the halftime before their 32-16 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Caballeros de Culiacan outrebounded Mineros de Cananea 40-24 including a 19-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. The winners were led by American forward Rob Robinson (203-87, college: Robert Morris, agency: SDJ Sports) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds and the former international center Rodrigo Zamora (206-86, college: Montana St.) supported him with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Even 19 points and 8 rebounds by center Jose Arturo Farrera Chantiri (204-85) did not help to save the game for Mineros de Cananea. American forward Derek Thomas (193-84, college: Appalachian St.) added 17 points for the guests. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Caballeros de Culiacan maintains ninth position with 2-6 record. Defending champion Mineros de Cananea keeps the seventh place with five games lost. They share the position with Guasave. Caballeros de Culiacan will meet at home league's leader Rayos de Hermosillo in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Mineros de Cananea will play against Coras de Tepic (#10) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Culiacan: R.Zamora 18+8reb+2ast, R.Robinson 17+10reb+2ast, A.Oupoh 15+1reb+2ast, R.Navarro 11+7reb, L.Pulido 10+1reb+8ast, V.Avila 4+3reb+1ast
Cananea: J.Arturo Farrera Chantiri 19+8reb, D.Thomas 17+4reb, K.Waller 15+2reb+3ast, F.Harris 12+2reb, C.Clemmons 11+6reb+1ast, F.Monroy 0

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

MONTENEGRO

Interview with Milos Lopicic, EBL regular season MVP - by Darko Pekic
The Superleague day 1 in Montenegro is nearing and Eurobasket.com took the opportunity to interview the regular season MVP Milos Lopicic (216-C-90) (MVP index 22.5) and ask him about his expectations and future plans.. Milos averaged 17.4 ppg and 8.1 rpg and the giant from Cetinje is currently the key member of the young Dragan Radovic 's squad.

Milos, could you tell us something about your basketball beginnings? Has basketball been your first choice?

Since my father hasplayed many years for Lovcen there was no doubt about that- I chose basketball. I started to train at the age of 11.

Who are the most responsible people for your basketball development?

People most responsible for my basketball development are Miodrag Kadija and Dragan Radovic .

At the age of 15 you joined the first team in the Second League (Serbia & Montenegro). Do you remember your first game and how did it feel when you got the chance to step on the floor?

I got the chance in the first team at the age of 15 thanks to Dragan Radovic and I remember my first game against Ulcinj. The feeling was great because at that time I played with older and better players than myself.

You played for all selections of the national team (U17, U18, U20 and B team of Montenegro). Which experience, or competition can be considered most important for you so far?

I have played four years for Montenegro junior national teams and I am currently a member of B National team. The competition that I particularly remember is U20 European Championship in Croatia, when we finished at the 6th place, which is a great result.

In 2010 with Lovcen you had the highest achieved international success in the history of the club and qualified for the Finals in the Balkan League. The team was very young, led by current players of Buducnost Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) and Aleksa Popovic (201-G/F-87). Could you explain us what was the key to success in that season?

That was the biggest success ever of our club. We had a very young squad and a great atmosphere in the team, sacrifying for eachother all the time, and Miodrag Kadija splendidly led the team. I think he is the person to be blamed for success in 2010.

Lovcen opened the doors of domestic league finals twice (in 2007 and in 2010). Both times Buducnost stood in front of you and vanished your title dreams. How important were these games for your basketball development? Does Buducnost in particular motivates you?

Buducnost is the institution of the Montenegrin basketball. The fact that they have lost just one league game in Montenegro in the last six years show how dominant they are. Every game with such a strong team is an opportunity to further progress.

This season, you are playing in a great shape and are currently among the best rebounders and league scorers. Knowing the fact that you have played for many years in the first division could you explain this sudden statistics improvement?. Is it a consequence of the hard work or simply you have matured as a player?

I think I've matured as a player this year, but also improved some things that created problems in past seasons. Of course, hard work is a key to success.

What are the ambitions of Lovcen in the Super League? Do you think you can be an equal rival against the clubs such as Mornar and Buducnost, though you have a very young team?

Lovcen achieved its goal with the qualification for the Superleague. Almost all Super league teams have more expensive rosters than ours, but this does not mean that we surrender. In every match we will be motivated and combat hard and of course try to win.

Do you plan to stay next season in Lovcen or you think it is time to go abroad?

This year, my four year contract with Lovcen expires, so I will be a free player. I do not know where I will play next season but, of course, I would love to move abroad.

Thank you Milos for the interview. Eurobasket.com and myself wish you a lot of success in the upcoming playoffs.

Thank you for this opportunity. I wish you all the best.

Vojvodina signed Radomir Marojevic - by Darko Pekic
KK Vojvodina Srbija Gas from Novi Sad , the first placed team in Agroziv Serbian basketball league, wants to play an important role in Serbian Superleague and play-offs this year. They decided to land experienced center Radomir Marojevic (207-C-81) who came from Metalac where he averaged 11.4 ppg and 4.2 rpg in the regular season. Vojvodina will count on his experience and proven skills under the basket as he has already played for Radnicki Kragujevac, Borac Cacak, Primorka Bar, Napredak Krusevac, Metalac Valjevo and Romanian team CS Municipal Bucuresti. Marojevic is also known as the twin brother of ex Ulcinj's player Dragomir Marojevic (207-C-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza) who is now playing in Balkan (Bulgaria)

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

MOROCCO

Crazy march madness - by Christopher Rodgers
Assalamu alaikum wa rahman tulah wa barakatuh; Hello everyone;

March madness is the month of craziness in the basketball world as college team fight for the title and pro teams gear up for the playoffs. Similarily, Our team is fighting for good positioning for the playoffs. There's a bit of march madness circling around our team. There are talks of coaching changes; new systems, cup games getting postponed; all types of things are circling around. This week out of all weeks is especially important to stay focus with all the team distractions taking place. When you dont play games for an extended period of time you tend to get restless just inching to play a match; This week I feel that way. Saturday seems so far away. One good thing that has happen this week in training, is that we put in another system. Its called 'wahid' which means one in arabic. This new play to me is the best out of all of them. The reason being is the ball movement and screens. There is at least 5 different passes and screens in 3 different series all in a fast paced motion. This allows the offense to run more efficiently. So, i think things will come alot easier for our team on the offensive end if we can execute. The key to great teams who usually win championships are those teams who know how to execute.

REamped up my weight training program so im excited about that this week to see even more improvement. I have also been focusing on my footwork and flexibility. These things which dont seem to be of that much importance from a far eye away, actually can benefit all aspects of your basketball game.

Will continue inchalah with another blog later this weekend after our next match.

For those of you who have been keeping up with me and reading my blog; I cant thank you enough for your interest and support; Furthermore; i posted a link to one of my great games this year against FUS; So check that out if you get a chance. Most appreciated to all you out there taking the time out to read my blog.

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

NBA

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Philadelph.76		26-21
2. Boston C.		25-21
3. New York K.		23-24
4. Toronto R.		15-32
5. New Jersey N.		15-33
Central Div.
1. Chicago B.		39-10
2. Indiana P.		27-18
3. Milwaukee B.		21-25
4. Cleveland C.		17-27
5. Detroit P.		16-30
Southeast Div.
1. Miami Heat		34-11
2. Orlando M.		30-18
3. Atlanta H.		27-20
4. Washington W.		11-35
5. Charlotte B.		7-37
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Oklah.City T.		35-12
2. Denver N.		26-21
3. Utah Jazz		25-22
4. Minnesota T.		23-25
5. Portland TB		22-25
Pacific Div.
1. LA Lakers		29-18
2. LA Clippers		26-21
3. Phoenix Suns		23-24
4. Golde State W.		19-26
5. Sacramento K.		17-30
Southwest Div.
1. San Antonio S.		30-14
2. Dallas M.		27-21
3. Houston R.		26-22
4. Memphis G.		25-20
5. N.Orleans H.		12-35

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kobe BRYANT
  LA Lakers
  (198-G-78)
  Avg: 28.7

1. Bryant, LA Lakers	28.7
2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	27.6
3. James, Miami Heat	27.2
4. Love, Minnesota T.	25.7
5. Westbrook, Oklah..	23.8
6. Wade, Miami Heat	22.9
7. Rose, Chicago B.	22.8
8. Williams, New J.	22.0
9. Ellis, Golde S.	21.9
10. Aldridge, Portlan.	21.2

Rebounds Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 14.8

1. Howard, Orlando M.	14.8
2. Love, Minnesota T.	13.7
3. Bynum, LA Lakers	12.6
4. Varejao, Clevelan.	11.5
5. Humphries, New J.	11.0
6. Cousins, Sacramen.	10.9
7. Griffin, LA Clipp.	10.9
8. Gasol, LA Lakers	10.2
9. Noah, Chicago B.	10.1
10. Gortat, Phoenix	10.0

Assists Per Game

Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-PG-74)
  Avg: 11

1. Nash, Phoenix Suns	11.0
2. Rondo, Boston C.	10.5
3. Paul, LA Clippers	8.5
4. Calderon, Toron.	8.5
5. Rubio, Minnesot.	8.2
6. Parker, San A.	8.0
7. Rose, Chicago B.	8.0
8. Williams, New J.	8.0
9. Wall, Washington W.	7.9
10. Conley, Memphis G.	7.4

Steals Per Game

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

1. Conley, Memphis G.	2.5
2. Paul, LA Clippers	2.4
3. Rubio, Minnesot.	2.2
4. James, Miami Heat	1.9
5. Lowry, Houston R.	1.8
6. Rondo, Boston C.	1.8
7. Millsap, Utah Jazz	1.8
8. Iguodala, Philadel.	1.8
9. Shumpert, New Y.	1.8
10. Kidd, Dallas M.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Serge IBAKA
  Oklah.Ci.
  (208-C/F-89)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.	3.3
2. McGee, Washingt.	2.5
3. Howard, Orlando M.	2.2
4. Jordan, LA Clippers	2.2
5. Bynum, LA Lakers	2.0
6. Gasol, Memphis G.	1.9
7. Dalembert, Houst.	1.9
8. Smith, Atlanta H.	1.9
9. Hibbert, Indiana P.	1.8
10. Biyombo, Charlott.	1.8

Wednesday's games review (10): Thunder drill Clippers in Fisher's debut - by Eurobasket News
San Antonio S. - Minnesota T. 116-100
The San Antonio Spurs continue to win games while losing players. Tim Duncan (6'11''-F/C-76, college: Wake Forest) had 21 points and 15 rebounds, and the Spurs beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-100 on Wednesday night despite playing most of the game without All-Star guard Tony Parker. Earlier this season, the team played a stretch of 22 straight games without Manu Ginobili, and San Antonio lost backup point guard T.J. Ford to an injury-related retirement earlier this month. Parker left with a left hamstring strain with 8:03 remaining in the second quarter. He spoke briefly with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich before heading to the locker room with two points and six assists. 'I think they said mild hamstring, so we won't know much until tomorrow,' Popovich said. 'Not good timing.' Stephen Jackson and Gary Neal showed they can step up if needed, scoring 16 points for the Spurs (30-14), who won their fourth straight game and fifth in their last six. Minnesota was playing catch-up the entire game after trailing 32-16 following the first quarter. 'Things are going to be difficult for a minute until we figure it out without Tony,' Jackson said. 'He's the head to our monster, but at the same time, we're in a good position when we have Ginobili being able to play point, be able to move the ball. We just have to figure it out. Gary and Ginobili did a great job of picking up the slack.' Kevin Love had 17 points and 12 rebounds for his league-leading 40th double-double, but Minnesota (23-25) lost for the fourth time in six games to fall further behind in the Western Conference playoff race. With Parker out, Neal is the primary backup point guard. The team sent rookie point guard Cory Joseph to the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League on Tuesday. 'Gary did a great job (at point guard) for a 2-guard,' Popovich said. 'He's not a 1, but he kind of likes it for some strange reason. So we're happy he can do what he does at that position. Manu does a little bit, so the two of them share it.' Minnesota had won the previous two games in the season series, which concluded Wednesday. The first victory snapped a 16-game skid for the Timberwolves in San Antonio, while Ginobili broke his left hand in the second game. Duncan, though, made sure there was no series sweep. 'Tim's been really fresh all year long,' Popovich said. 'I'm really enthused about his health, his body, the way he's been taking care of himself. He's got quickness and he's got more agility than he's had in a while. He's had it for the whole season. It's been fun to watch.' The Timberwolves were playing without starting center Nikola Pekovic, their second-leading scorer and rebounder. The second-year big man went back to Minnesota before the game to have his sore left ankle examined. He also will miss Friday's game at Oklahoma City, which ends the team's seven-game road trip. 'Pek is huge for us,' Love said. 'He's the guy we can throw it into and know we can get easy buckets. He can keep the other team off the glass. It was tough for us.' Danny Green had 14 points and seven rebounds for the Spurs, who outrebounded the Timberwolves 56-41. San Antonio had 17 offensive rebounds. 'As a group they did a good job on the offensive boards,' Love said. 'They had three days' rest, and we seemed to not have any legs, me included.' J.J. Barea added 18 points and 11 assists for the Timberwolves, and Anthony Tolliver had 16. With Pekovic out, Minnesota went with a smaller lineup, starting Love at center. Before the game, Minnesota coach Rick Adelman was blunt in his assessment of the team's other likely option, starting Darko Milicic at center. 'He hasn't done anything to give you faith that he's going to go out and do the job,' Adelman said before the game. 'He's gotten himself out of shape, and I don't think he's been as driven as you'd like.' Milicic didn't play. *Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Dallas M. - LA Lakers 93-109
The Los Angeles Lakers expect offensive production from Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) and Pau Gasol. Now they're learning what newcomer Ramon Sessions can do. Bryant scored 30 points, Gasol added 27 points and nine rebounds, and the Lakers stopped the Dallas Mavericks' four-game winning streak with a 109-93 victory on Wednesday night. Sessions contributed 17 points and nine assists in his fourth game since he was acquired in a trade with Cleveland on March 15. Sessions' ability to penetrate into the heart of the defense led to points for himself and easy shots for teammates. 'The kid Sessions made the game easy for everybody,' Lakers coach Mike Brown said. 'He had a very good all-around game. You can see how his speed can help us, his ability to ... turn the corner and get into the teeth of the defense.' Gasol said Sessions brings something fresh to the mix. 'He definitely is a point guard that creates a lot of pick-and-rolls, and gets us points in transition, too,' said Gasol, who went 13 for 16 from the field. 'He gets in the lane, and he can knock down the shot himself.' Sessions is learning the Lakers' offense on the fly. '[Tuesday] night was the first time I was really in the game down the stretch, and I didn't feel I really knew the plays,' Sessions said. 'I went over them today, and I feel more confident now.' Dirk Nowitzki had 26 points and 10 rebounds, and Jason Terry scored 23 points for the defending NBA champion Mavericks, who fell to 0-3 against the Lakers this season. The Lakers ended a two-game skid and have won six of eight overall. They were on the second leg of a back-to-back following Tuesday night's 107-104 loss at Houston. The Lakers broke open the game with a 24-6 spurt in the second quarter, capped by consecutive 3-pointers from Matt Barnes and Sessions for a 51-38 advantage. Barnes and Bryant added 3-pointers during the decisive run, with the Lakers building a 57-44 halftime edge. Los Angeles shot 57 percent (25 for 44) in the first half, led by Gasol's 6 for 7 and Sessions' 5 for 6. Bryant pulled off a spectacular three-point play midway through the third quarter, first spinning in a no-look reverse layup after Gasol's alley-oop pass. He was fouled on the attempt by Jason Kidd, and Bryant added a free throw that put his team in front, 69-55. Dallas finished the third quarter with a 12-6 run to narrow the deficit to 80-72. But the Lakers took control by opening the final quarter with a 10-4 spurt, capped by Gasol's 3-pointer with 8:04 left for a 90-76 lead. 'It was tough all night,' Nowitzki said. 'You give up [58 percent shooting by the Lakers] on your home floor, that won't cut it. Every time we made a little push, they answered.' Mavericks starters Shawn Marion (sore left knee) and Brendan Haywood (sprained right knee) each missed their third straight game. Dallas is also minus a third starter, Delonte West, who sat out his 18th straight game with a fractured right ring finger. Marion tried to talk his way back into the lineup, but was overruled by coach Rick Carlisle and team medical personnel. Carlisle said it wouldn't be fair to Marion 'to throw him out there against Kobe Bryant' after a layoff. The Mavericks especially missed Marion's defense against Bryant. In the first two meetings, Bryant went 11 for 37 from the floor and scored a total of 29 points with Marion as the primary defender. This time, Bryant went 11 for 18, although Carlisle refused to use Marion's absence as an excuse. 'We can't bellyache about guys being out with injuries,' Carlisle said. 'It's one of the realities of the season. I'm not into that.' It was another tough night for former Laker Lamar Odom, who finished with one point, one rebound and one assist in almost 24 minutes. 'I'm not going to blame it on anything,' Odom said. 'It's just something I have to figure out.' *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

New Jersey N. - Washington W. 89-108
Deron Williams (6'3''-PG-84, college: Illinois) couldn't take it anymore. One game after the Nets' point guard left the locker room without talking to the media following a frustrating loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Williams was ejected in the third quarter of tonight's 108-89 loss to the Washington Wizards at Prudential Center for arguing with a referee. Williams again opted not to speak after the game. He was gone by the time reporters entered the locker room. Nets coach Avery Johnson also was ejected at the same time as Williams, with 5:18 remaining in the third quarter. The Nets, who lost their fourth straight, trailed, 72-64, when Williams was hit with two technical fouls by referee Josh Tiven during a timeout. Jordan Crawford hit both free throws, and then Johnson was T'd up twice by Tiven. Crawford hit both of those free throws as well, and the Nets quickly trailed, 76-64. But Johnson, who did talk to the media after the game, said that sequence wasn't the reason the Nets lost. 'The technicals didn't decide the game,' he said. 'What decided the game was, they have 14 offensive rebounds; we shoot 16-for-38 in the paint, offensively, so those are more things that decided the game.' Johnson said the initial problem with Williams and the referees 'started with a drive to the basket,' and also involved two instances where the Nets felt the Wizards should have been called for a turnover - but weren't - for not getting the ball across the halfcourt line within eight seconds. The coach called it 'a difference of opinion.' Asked if he sort of tried to get himself thrown out on purpose, Johnson wouldn't admit to that, but he did say, 'Unfortunately, it didn't spark our team.' For Johnson, it was his first ejection of the season and his second as Nets coach. It was Williams' second ejection of the season and his career - he was thrown out for arguing during a loss in Denver on Jan. 11. Williams had been hit with a technical foul in the first quarter of Monday's 105-100 loss to Cleveland , when he brushed away the hand of an official who was attempting to escort him to the bench after he got his second foul of the game. After that game, Williams walked out of the locker room without talking to reporters. The next day at practice, he said he chose not to talk because, 'I just wanted to keep my money, so I thought it was better to leave than talk with a hot head.' As the Nets (15-33) play out the string on the 2011-12 season and their time in New Jersey, these could also be the final games in Williams' Nets career. Williams was asked today at shootaround if there was anything that could happen in the final 19 games of the season that would sway his decision whether to leave the Nets as a free agent or move with the team to Brooklyn. 'Not really,' he said. After the way the past two games have gone for Williams, the Nets have to hope that's true. *Courtesy of www.nj.com

N.Orleans H. - Golde State W. 92-101
Rookie Klay Thompson (6'6''-G-90, college: Washington St.) scored a career-high 27 points, David Lee added 25 and the Golden State Warriors ended a four-game losing streak with a 101-92 win over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night. The Warriors trailed 58-51 midway through the third quarter before Thompson sparked a 20-5 run. He hit a 3-pointer and converted a three-point play to give the Warriors a 60-58 lead. He also got the assist on Brandon Rush's wide open 3-pointer that gave Golden State the lead for good, 63-60. Lee, who also had 11 rebounds, finished the spurt with a jumper that made it 71-63. Jarrett Jack had his first career triple double for the Hornets with 17 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. Chris Kaman and Xavier Henry added 13 points apiece. Rush had 16 points for Golden State, which hit 14 3-pointers - the most New Orleans has allowed this season. *Courtesy of www.fox8live.com

Oklah.City T. - LA Clippers 114-91
The lasting image from the previous time the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers played was Blake Griffin's emphatic dunk over Kendrick Perkins. It was Perkins who delivered the facial this time. Perkins hit Griffin in the face on a hard foul in the first quarter, setting the tone as the Thunder shut down the Clippers' All-Star and beat Los Angeles 114-91 on Wednesday night. Playing in his hometown, Griffin was held to a career-low seven points and he didn't come close to dunking this time. 'I know with Blake, it seems like he feeds off of dunks,' Perkins said. 'If he gets a couple early dunks, he gets going.' Instead, Griffin ended up settling mostly for long jumpers and hook shots, and went just 3 for 11 from the field. Perkins was called for a personal foul and his league-leading 11th technical foul a little over 5 minutes into the game when he clocked Griffin in the face at the right block. 'I wasn't trying to intentionally foul him,' Perkins said. 'It's just a part of it. It just happened.' Griffin called it 'a little bit' of a hard foul. He never could get going offensively, though, and failed to score in double figures for the first time all season. 'They load up on Blake,' coach Vinny Del Negro said. 'He's shouldered a lot of the load for us most of the season and just had one of those games. ... He's trying to do all the little things. Just tonight he didn't have it going for us.' Kevin Durant had 32 points and nine rebounds, Russell Westbrook added 19 points and the Thunder dominated the interior, outrebounding Los Angeles 49-31 and holding a 44-22 scoring edge in the paint. A night earlier, Oklahoma City was outscored 50-20 in the paint in a loss at Utah. 'I think we just protected the paint and played physical,' Perkins said. 'Before the game, Coach told us that they were more physical the last time we played them. So, I thought we came out and did what we needed to do to get the win and played physical.' Randy Foye started in place of Caron Butler and scored 23 points to lead Los Angeles, which hit 37 percent on a miserable shooting night from inside the 3-point line and failed to score 100 points for the eighth straight game. After Oklahoma City's lead reached its largest point at 20 late in the third quarter, the Clippers reeled off 11 straight points to prompt Thunder coach Scott Brooks to call timeout and put both of his All-Stars back in the game 90 seconds into the fourth quarter. Westbrook drove for a layup and Derek Fisher (6'1''-PG-74, agency: Priority Sports, college: UALR) -- signed just before the game after he bought out of his contract with Houston -- followed a few possessions later with a 3-pointer from the left side for his first basket with the Thunder during a 12-2 response that restored the cushion to 100-81 with 6:13 left. About 2 minutes later, Del Negro waved the white flag and sent in his reserves. The Clippers were in the middle game of a back-to-back-to-back set played entirely on the road. Los Angeles fell to 11-12 on the road this season, having lost six of its last eight. Chris Paul finished with 13 points and 10 assists, and Nick Young scored 12 points in his second start with the Clippers after coming over in a trade with Washington. Paul pointed out that Los Angeles is a different team from the first meeting, a 112-100 victory. Chauncey Billups was lost to a season-ending knee injury and the Clippers have lost 11 of 18 during a series of roster moves. Paul said 'it's getting to be a little bit embarrassing.' 'A couple losses here and there and we're out of the playoffs,' he added. 'So, we've got to play with a sense of urgency. But most of all, we've got to be better.' The Thunder squandered an early 10-point lead after Perkins' hard foul but recovered to go up 66-50 at halftime behind a 30-16 scoring advantage in the paint. Durant converted a nifty reverse layup to start a string of eight straight points to finish the half. At one point late in the third quarter, the Clippers were 10 for 18 from 3-point range but only 10 for 34 from inside the arc. For the game, they were 12 for 26 (46 percent) on 3s and 17 for 53 (32 percent) on 2-point attempts. 'We've got to understand that that team's been together but we've got to be better. We've got to figure out ways to score easier but most of all we've got to defend,' Paul said. 'They scored on basic plays against us. We've got to be willing to defend better in order to give ourselves a chance.' *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Denver N. - Detroit P. 116-115
Javale McGee's (7'0''-C/F-88, college: Nevada) debut with the Denver Nuggets was punctuated by a smashing finish. And the Nuggets needed it to overcome Ben Gordon's record-tying night from 3-point range. McGee soared into the lane to rebound a teammate's missed free throw and dunk with 5 seconds remaining, and the Nuggets withstood Gordon's season-high 45 points for a 116-115 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. McGee's rebound and slam followed a missed foul shot by Arron Afflalo, who was fouled while making a driving layup with 5.6 seconds left. That basket pulled the Nuggets within 115-114 after they had blown a 25-point lead. 'I didn't think Arron was going to miss the free throw, but if he did, as long as I went hard, I figured I'd maybe get the tip-in or at least the tip out,' said McGee, playing in his first game since being acquired by Denver a week ago in the trade that sent Nene to Washington. 'I just went hard and pushed (Greg) Monroe under the rim and I was wide open. It bounced and bounced and I was trying not to goaltend it and I just dunked it. It was definitely exciting, my first game winner. I'm definitely excited to be in Denver, my new home.' Afflalo went from dismay over missing the foul shot to relief once he saw McGee flying through the lane to grab the rebound and put it back in. 'I'm very happy he made a great play,' Afflalo said. 'Forget my free throw percentage. I'll take the 'W' any time. You want to come through in those moments, but if we could plan that, I would do it again.' Gordon, who tied the NBA record by going 9 for 9 behind the arc, said the loss was especially tough to take after coming all the way back. 'We had our shots, we just had two bad possessions at the end,' Gordon said. 'Obviously the Afflalo drive; we fouled him while he was driving to the basket while we were up three. Should have just let him get the two. And the tip dunk by McGee. It came off the rim so fast and he got up there.' Ty Lawson led the Nuggets with 25 points and Afflalo had 23. McGee finished with 15. 'I'm sure it's a proud moment for him, coming here and in the first game that he plays in, to win a game,' Nuggets coach George Karl said of McGee. 'It's pretty classy, a pretty good chapter.' Brandon Knight had 16 points for Detroit. Monroe added 13 points and Jonas Jerebko had 12. The Pistons trailed 45-20 early in the second quarter, but took their first lead 78-76 on Gordon's eighth 3-pointer with 5:48 left in the third quarter. Knight hit a 16-foot jumper less than three minutes later that gave Detroit a six-point lead, but Afflalo hit a 3-pointer and, after being fouled on a shot from beyond the arc, hit all three free throws to tie it at 91 going into the fourth. Gordon's ninth 3-pointer gave the Pistons a 112-109 lead with 2:51 to play. After Wilson Chandler drove in for a layup, Knight hit a 3-pointer for Detroit for a four-point lead. Gordon got off a long jumper at the buzzer but it hit the back of the rim and bounced away. 'It's a painful, painful way to lose,' Pistons coach Lawrence Frank said. 'We put ourselves in a position to win and we put ourselves in a position to lose. It's one or two plays that can determine if you win the game or sweep the trip. We're not quite ready for it yet. It's going to take some painful experiences like this.' The Nuggets led 62-57 at the half after being outscored 39-22 in the second period. Gordon scored 21 points in the quarter, going 5 for 5 from 3-point range. *Courtesy of www.chron.com

Philadelph.76 - New York K. 79-82
As Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) walked into the New York locker room with a towel over his shoulders, the coaching staff followed. When the door closed, one jubilant voice inside screamed: 'How 'Bout Those Knicks!' How about 'em, indeed. Fueled by a dose of Linsanity and a timely coaching change, the Knicks are making a furious charge toward a division title. Knocking off a 76ers team in full swoon was the latest step. Stoudemire had 21 points and nine rebounds to lead the Knicks to their fifth straight victory, 82-79 over fading Philadelphia on Wednesday night. Jeremy Lin scored 16 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, and Carmelo Anthony had 10 to help the Knicks pull within three games of the Atlantic Division leaders and clinch the head-to-head tiebreaker. 'It's been our goal,' Anthony said. 'That's never changed.' The game ended with thousands of New York fans chanting, 'Let's go Knicks!' They had reason to celebrate after Stoudemire hit a pair of big buckets down the stretch to clinch the win. The Knicks scored fewer than 83 points in a win for the first time since Nov. 14, 2005, vs. Utah (73-62). Linsanity has turned into Winsanity as the Knicks are unbeaten since Mike D'Antoni stepped down exactly a week earlier. 'I was sweating a little bit tonight,' interim coach Mike Woodson said. 'But I learned that my team is not going to buckle, and I honestly believe that they believe they can win any game that they play now.' Elton Brand had 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Sixers. Jrue Holiday scored 16. This could be a crushing week for the Sixers with Boston set to visit on Friday. The Celtics are only a game back for the division lead and an automatic top-four seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. 'You've got to look at the division right now. Have to,' Brand said. 'We have to step up, win some games, and find a way to get some separation from New York and Boston.' Each team was backed by a Hollywood heavyweight supporter: Co-owner Will Smith rooted on the Sixers and Spike Lee sat adjacent to the Knicks bench. Smith and Lee exchanged some laughs, and Smith pointed to his black 76ers cap when he was shown on the big screen in front of 20,470 fans. The Sixers shook off a miserable start and a double-digit hole to make a run at the Knicks in the fourth. Lou Williams, perhaps the NBA's best sixth man, nailed a 3-pointer that tied the game at 63-all. Stoudemire, though, returned the favor with a monster dunk and a loud roar that was gleefully met with cheers by all the Knicks fans. Stoudemire hit a pull-up jumper next time down and the Knicks led by four. Lin followed with a runner and Lee, wearing a No. 17 jersey, leapt from his seat and applauded as the Knicks ran his way for a timeout. Lin delivered from the free throw line, sinking two for an eight-point lead, then feeding Anthony for a 16-footer that gave the Knicks the breathing room they needed. Lin was 10 for 10 from the line. The Sixers kept coming, and nearly turned the game around in the final 2 minutes. Trailing by three, Brand blocked Lin's shot that led to a fast-break attempt for Andre Iguodala. Iguodala missed the layup, and the empty possession would finish off the Sixers. For good measure, Iguodala shot an airball in the final minute. 'We have to do a better job of being a better unit,' Iguodala said. Meanwhile, the orange and blue took over, and chanted for the Knicks, completing a double-dose of defeat for Philadelphia. The Sixers never led and trailed by as many as 12 points when they finally found a groove in the third. Thaddeus Young's dunk pulled them within two and Iguodala buried a 3-pointer from the corner - only his third basket - for a 49-48 lead. Philadelphia was invaded by a fleet of Knicks fans that gave this one a postseason feel - for Madison Square Garden. But the Sixers fans came alive along with their team and went wild when, after the Sixers blew the lead, Williams nailed a 3 to pull them to 59-58 to end the quarter. Only 10 days earlier, the Sixers handed the Knicks their fifth straight loss, 106-94. Stoudemire sat alongside Anthony for the entire fourth quarter. Both were needed this time around, especially with Lin having a miserable first three quarters. He missed 10 of his first 11 shots and had only two assists - one on a long pass to a streaking Anthony for a thunderous dunk. Lin wasn't the only scorer who couldn't buy a bucket. Iguodala, who averages 12.2 points, didn't score his first field goal until there was 45 seconds left in the first half. He scored 13 points. Of course, Linsanity is so 15 minutes ago now that Tebowmania headlines New York. 'I'm just excited for him and to see what he does,' Lin said after the Jets acquired Tim Tebow. 'We'll see what happens next year. But I'm excited, obviously, that he's going to be in New York.' The Sixers missed their first 14 shots - Spencer Hawes even fired an airball on the 10th attempt - and committed five turnovers in the first quarter. 'Never seen anything like that before. 0-14?' Brand said. The only part more amazing than their futility from the court was that they only trailed by eight points. The Knicks did their part at the end. 'We're building, we're getting better, we're feeling more confident,' Lin said. 'We're creating a team identity.' *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Toronto R. - Chicago B. 82-94
John Lucas (5'11''-PG-82, college: Oklahoma St.) scored all 13 of his points in the fourth quarter, Luol Deng had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and the Chicago Bulls rallied to beat the Toronto Raptors 94-82 on Wednesday night. Kyle Korver also came up big in the final quarter, scoring all 10 of his points in the fourth as the Bulls came back after trailing by 12 early in the second half. C.J. Watson scored 15 points and Ronnie Brewer had 12 for the Bulls, who won their third straight. League-leading Chicago (39-10) has won six of eight since an eight-game winning streak from Feb. 20 to March. 7. The Bulls outscored the Raptors 32-13 in the fourth to win their sixth straight road game, improving to an NBA-best 20-6 away from home. Chicago's last road loss was Feb. 12 at Boston. *Courtesy of www.cbsnews.com

Orlando M. - Phoenix Suns 103-93
Two nights after ambling through one of their worst offensive outputs of the season, almost anything would have been an improvement for the Orlando Magic. That sentiment was not lost on them. Ryan Anderson (6'10''-F-88, college: California) hit seven 3-pointers and scored 29 points, Dwight Howard added 28 points and 16 rebounds, and the Magic held off the Phoenix Suns 103-93 on Wednesday night. Minus a few flat moments, the Magic were swift with the ball and they kept the Suns playing catch-up most of the night. But that fluidity was definitely tempered by their 17 turnovers, just two less than they had in a Monday night loss to Chicago in which they managed just 59 points. 'We just wanted to play our game, no matter what the situation was or what we scored,' said Magic point guard Jameer Nelson. 'Whoever's out there, just go out and play to our capabilities so we could be good collectively.' Orlando led by as many as 22 before the Suns surged with under 5 minutes to play. But the Magic, who were 11 for 23 from beyond the arc, were able to string together enough baskets down the stretch to hold on. The Magic snapped a two-game losing streak and won for the sixth time in seven matchups with the Suns in Orlando. Jared Dudley had 17 points and Robin Lopez added 14 points and eight rebounds for the Suns, who lost their second straight game since a season-best, four-game win streak. Of Anderson's performance, Dudley said the Suns 'basically let him have shooting practice' and suffered from several defensive mishaps against Howard. 'That's how they want to play and Dwight had a smile on his face the whole time,' Dudley said. 'Anytime he has a smile and is not getting technical you're going to be in trouble.' The Magic committed 59 turnovers in their previous three games but had just six in the first half, which made for a much more productive night in their half-court sets early on. But with 17 for the game, their turnover woes clearly aren't yet over. After building a double-digit halftime lead, Orlando started slowly in the second half before pushing it to 22 with less than 8 minutes to play. The Suns used a 15-4 run to cut it to 96-85 with 4:30 left before Nelson's basket and Anderson's seventh 3 helped close things out. Anderson hit four 3-pointers and had 15 points to help the Magic dominate the first half, building as much as a 14-point advantage Howard also had his way on the inside with 16 points and nine rebounds. Nine turnovers also contributed to what wound up being a 13-point halftime deficit for the Suns. Dudley and Steve Nash were the bright spots with 13 and 12 points, respectively. There were few after that, though, with center Marcin Gortat managing just four points in his first visit to Orlando since being dealt in a blockbuster trade in December 2010 that also included the Magic dealing Vince Carter and Mickael Pietrus for Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Richardson and Earl Clark. To underscore just how odd the night was for Phoenix, Gortat's three assists were one more than Nash had. 'I probably gave him too much respect,' Gortat said of Howard. 'I should have played him a bit stronger in fighting for my position, but now it's over. He basically destroyed me and the whole team so that's what happened. I try to hold up to him in the first half and then in the second half I kind of fell asleep and he started scoring like crazy.' Orlando's turnover problems don't seem to have a particular theme. The Magic had five in the first quarter Wednesday, just one in the second and 11 the rest of the way. The giveaways were also spread throughout the rotation, with four of the five starters each having at least two and reserve J.J. Redick committing four coming in his 23 minutes. Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said there were moments when he liked how his team looked -- and that is certainly a positive for a team that had been dragging for two games. 'I thought for three quarters we made a really concerted defensive effort,' Van Gundy said. 'Then we got a big lead and shut down and didn't do a damn thing for three quarters. But for three quarters I thought our guys really, really tried.' *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Atlanta H. - Cleveland C. 103-102 OT
Joe Johnson (6'7''-G-81, college: Arkansas) hit a tying 3-pointer at the end of regulation and knocked down a baseline jumper with 10 seconds left in overtime, giving the Atlanta Hawks a 103-102 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. The Hawks rallied from 16 points down early on and a six-point deficit in OT, pulling even on Johnson's third trey of the night and a three-point play by Josh Smith, who led Atlanta with 32 points and 17 rebounds. Cleveland reclaimed the lead when Tristan Thompson made one of two free throws. After a timeout, the Hawks went to Johnson, who spun away from Kyrie Irving and made the shot over Alonzo Gee. Cleveland had two shots at the end. Irving missed and Gee botched a follow from right underneath the hoop. Johnson, who wasn't a factor much of the game, rallied to finish with 22 points. Irving nearly had a triple double for the Cavaliers, scoring 29 points to go along with nine rebounds and nine assists. Antawn Jamison added 23 points. The fourth quarter was sloppy, but Irving and Johnson provided plenty of thrills in the closing seconds. First, with Cleveland clinging to an 89-88 lead and a difference of about 2 seconds between the shot clock and the game clock, Irving dribbled the clock down near midcourt, then did a complete spin to get away from Kirk Hinrich and burst toward the basket. He flipped in the layup, despite a bump from the late-arriving Hinrich that wasn't called with 5.4 seconds left. The Hawks had one final chance, and they had to have a 3. Johnson got a pick from Zaza Pachulia, broke free at the top of the arc and got off the shot over the outstretched left arm of Anthony Parker, flying out in a desperate bid to distract the shooter. No chance. Johnson hit nothing but net, the ball clearing the rim as the red light went off. A clear path foul on Hinrich helped the Cavaliers push to a 101-95 lead with just 1:27 remaining in the extra period. Back came the injury-plagued but resilient Hawks, playing their third straight game with only 10 available bodies. Johnson made the 3 right off a timeout, Jamison missed for Cleveland and the Hawks took off the other way. Smith appeared to drag his pivot foot a bit as he pulled up, but it wasn't called. Instead, he made the shot and drew the foul on Jamison, leading to a three-point play that tied it at 101. Pachulia missed a wide-open lay-in after Smith zipped a pinpoint pass to the big center, but all was forgiven when Irving's bank shot was a little too strong, and Gee flew in but left the follow was short despite a look that was just about as easy as Pachulia's. Cleveland started like it was going to blow the Hawks right out of their own building. The Cavaliers made eight of their first nine shots, including three from outside the arc, and jumped out to a double-digit lead before the game was 6 minutes old. Irving was knocking down shots or setting up his teammates, and Atlanta's frustration boiled over when Smith griped about a call a little too vehemently, drawing a technical foul. The Cavaliers led 36-21 at the end of the first quarter and had their biggest edge, 42-26, when Omri Casspi soared through the lane for a thunderous dunk with 8 1/2 minutes left in the half. From there until halftime, it was all Hawks. The Cavaliers got sloppy with the ball and the bounces started going Atlanta's way. Smith threw an errant pass trying to finish off a fast break, but it bounced off a Cleveland player and right into the hands of Pachulia, who laid it in. For the most part, though, the Hawks simply outhustled the Cavaliers - led by an unlikely spark from the far end of the bench, 37-year-old Jerry Stackhouse. Barely used most of the season, he came in with 3:46 left in the period and the Hawks still down 48-40. Right off the bat, he doled out a pass to Teague for a layup, then scored eight points of his own to amazingly send Atlanta to the locker room with the lead, 54-53. Stackhouse connected on a couple of 3-pointers, sandwiched around a dunk that showed he still has a little bounce in those old legs. He trotted off the court at halftime breathing heavy but savoring chants of 'Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!' *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Why Less is More for the Mamba - by Miguel Rivera
Prior to last night's 109-93 road victory for the Lakers, Kobe Bryant had shot just 32-90 over his last three games. It shouldn't come as much surprise that the Lakers lost two of those three contests. The Lakers would like to consider themselves Finals contenders, especially after the addition of point guard Ramon Sessions, but the Lakers will only guy as far as Kobe allows his two big men to take them.

Kobe Bryant is one of the best and most creative scorers of not only this generation, but of all time as well. He can score 30 points in many different ways, but in order for his current team to flourish, he may have to go to the 'less is more' approach. With as often as Kobe gets to the charity stripe, he can score 25-30 points a night without eclipsing the 20-shot marker. This opens up opportunities for his 7-footers, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, to get more looks down low. Everyone knows that if dominant big men can draw double-teams, it only opens things up for the perimeter players to do their thing.

Last night, Bryant scored 30 points on 11-18 shooting. But the real story was Pau Gasol scoring 27 points on 13-16 shooting, which opened things up for Matt Barnes and Ramon Sessions to make three 3-pointers apiece. The Lakers, who have struggled mightily on the road this year, cruised to an easy victory on the defending champs' home court.

For the Lakers to be considered a 'Big 3', Kobe Bryant needs to defer some to his teammates down low. If that happens, Bryant could add another piece of jewelry to his already impressive collection.

Is Vinny Del Negro on his way out - by Bryan Floyd
The Clippers may be close to letting go of head coach Vinny Del Negro. ESPN Analyst Bill Simmons has heard that Vinny Del Negro 'is on super-thin, could-go-any-day ice.' Simmons is one of the most respected and accurate people in the business, he is actually the one who broke the news of the Chris Paul trade before anyone else. This is interesting because the Clippers are in the thick of the playoff race and a move like this could either jump start or stall them out as they push for a playoff spot.

Kings officially sign Terrence Williams to a 10-day contract - by Eurobasket News
The Sacramento Kings have signed free agent Terrence Williams (6'6''-F/G-87, college: Louisville) to a 10-day contract.

Kings President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie announced Williams signing Wednesday. Williams sat courtside for Sacramento's 119-110 victory over Memphis on Tuesday night and was in the Kings locker room after the game.

Williams averaged 4.5 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12 games for the Houston Rockets this season before being waived March 16. The New Jersey Nets drafted Williams 11th overall out of Louisville in 2009.

He has averaged 7.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists in about 20 minutes per game through three seasons with the Nets and Rockets.

Courtesy of http://sacramento.cbslocal.com

Miami Heat signs journeyman Ronny Turiaf to help at center - by Eurobasket News
Ronny Turiaf (6'10''-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga), a journeyman center signed Wednesday by the Heat, broke his left hand Jan. 1 with Washington and hasn't played since. He will try to overcome that injury and ensuing layoff to become a factor for the Heat down the stretch.

He already has overcome far more.

Turiaf, who starred at Gonzaga, had open-heart surgery after being drafted in 2005 by the Los Angeles Lakers. He has since played for four franchises in seven seasons, although the Wizards got only four games out of him because of the hand injury.

Washington dealt him to Denver, the Nuggets cut him to make room to re-sign Wilson Chandler and Miami and Boston courted him to add front-court depth.

Unlike last season, when the Heat and Celtics both went after power forward Troy Murphy, Pat Riley got his man.

The move costs Miami little. The Heat had a roster spot since choosing not to keep 6-foot-11 Mickell Gladness. And it had to offer Turiaf (6-10, 245 pounds) only the pro-rated minimum.

Now the question is: Will Turiaf help Miami more than Murphy (now with the Lakers) helped Boston?

That depends, first, on how long it takes Turiaf to get not just in basketball shape, but in Heat shape, which is another level altogether.

Dexter Pittman and Eddy Curry, who were the Heat's hopes to serve as Joel Anthony's primary backups this season, have worked off plenty of weight, but Curry's troubles with timing, touch and pick-and-roll coverage have limited his opportunities.

Miami still sees something in Pittman because of his nasty streak on the court, but his rawness was evident again Tuesday when he committed four fouls in less than 14 minutes against Phoenix in his first NBA start.

Turiaf, 29, has a reputation as a plus-rebounder, a reputation the numbers don't support. But he does play with energy, and he's an excellent passer for his position, an attribute Anthony does not possess.

The likelihood is that Anthony will continue to start, with Turiaf receiving spot minutes over time. In the playoffs, Turiaf will need to prove not only that he deserves some of Anthony's time, but also some that Erik Spoelstra usually gives to Udonis Haslem, who plays plenty of power forward with Chris Bosh sliding to center.

Courtesy of www.palmbeachpost.com

Blazers claim J.J. Hickson off waivers, release Okur - by Eurobasket News
The Portland Trail Blazers have picked up forward J.J. Hickson (6'9''-F/C-88, college: N.Carolina St.) off waivers.

Hickson was waived by Sacramento on Monday. The Kings acquired him last June from Cleveland for forward Omri Casspi and a conditional future first-round draft pick. He played 35 games for the Kings, averaging 4.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 18.4 minutes per contest.

Golden State and Phoenix had also been reported to have interest in the 6-foot-9 Hickson, who had been bothered recently by back spasms and had played only six minutes in the past 10 games.

Hickson was a first-round pick by Cleveland out of North Carolina State in 2008. For his career, he has averaged 8.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen confirmed the move via Twitter.

It was not known if Hickson would be able to join the team for its game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night at the Rose Garden. Portland has lost nine of its last 12 games.

The addition of Hickson was the latest in a flurry of recent moves by the Blazers, the most notable being the dismissal of head coach Nate McMillan after six-plus years with the team.

McMillan was fired last Thursday, when the Blazers also pulled off two deals at the NBA's trade deadline.

Portland traded veteran center Marcus Camby to Houston in exchange for guard Jonny Flynn, center Hasheem Thabeet and a second-round pick in the NBA draft. The Blazers also sent forward Gerald Wallace to New Jersey in exchange for center Mehmet Okur (6'11''-C/F-79), forward Shawne Williams and a first-round draft pick.

Portland also waived often-injured center Greg Oden, the No. 1 draft pick in 2007, and made 33-year-old assistant coach Kaleb Canales interim head coach.

In addition to claiming Hickson, the Blazers waived Okur on Wednesday.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Jeff Foster retires from the NBA - by Eurobasket News
After 13 seasons in the NBA, all with the Indiana Pacers, forward/center Jeff Foster (6'11''-F/C-77, college: Texas St.) announced his retirement Wednesday due to chronic back problems.

Its with deep regret that I have to conclude my basketball career, said Foster. Ive given my all to the Pacers and the community the last 13 years. I had hoped to be able to finish the season, but unfortunately my back problems prevented that from occurring. I want to thank the Simon family and the Pacers organization for 13 memorable years.

Foster played in just 11 games this season, averaging 2.3 points per game. One of the more popular players in team history for his on-court hustle, he retires in the Pacers top 10 career list in 11 different categories in the teams NBA history, eight different categories in franchise history.

The 35-year-old Foster had career averages of 4.9 points per game and 6.9 rebounds per game.

Jeff has meant a lot to the team and the community for 13 seasons, said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird. He played hard every night, he always gave his all. He is a great role model for our younger players and we cant thank him enough for his contributions on and off the court.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

With title in mind, Thunder add veteran Derek Fisher - by Eurobasket News
In need of an experienced point guard behind All-Star Russell Westbrook, the Oklahoma City Thunder have added Derek Fisher (6'1''-PG-74, agency: Priority Sports, college: UALR).

Fisher, who was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Houston Rockets and then released, arrived in Oklahoma to sign for the rest of the season with the Thunder. Wednesday night, he was in uniform wearing No. 37 - same as his age - vs. the Los Angeles Clippers.

'There were specific things I was looking for, the type of players, coaches, atmosphere and everything fit here with what I wanted to be a part of,' Fisher said. 'When you can be a part of something special you have to do it.'

The Thunder lost backup Eric Maynor to a season-ending right knee injury Jan. 7. Though Maynor averaged 4.2 points a game, he had given them a steady ball-handler.

Fisher averaged 5.9 points - the lowest since his second season in 1997-98 - with the Lakers. He never played for the Rockets.

He won five NBA championships with the Lakers, but Fisher's value goes deeper than numbers. The president of the players' union, he's considered a positive locker room presence which could pay dividends with a young team such as Oklahoma City.

After Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak traded him, he lamented the loss of Fisher, who could be a buffer between Kobe Bryant's periodic abrasiveness with teammates.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

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

NBLCANADA

NCAA1

Stats Leaders - NCAA1

Points Per Game

John SHURNA
  Northwes.
  (205-F-90)
  Avg: 19.8

1. Shurna, Northwes.	19.8
2. Frazier, Penn St.	18.8
3. Sullinger, Ohio St.	17.6
4. Hummel, Purdue	16.4
5. Thomas, Ohio St.	16.2
6. Green, Michigan.	16.2
7. Crawford, Northwes.	16.1
8. Gatens, Iowa	15.7
9. Zeller, Indiana	15.5
10. Spencer, Nebraska	15.4

Rebounds Per Game

Draymond GREEN
  Michigan.
  (200-F-90)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Green, Michigan.	10.6
2. Sullinger, Ohio St.	9.2
3. Leonard, Illinois	8.2
4. Hummel, Purdue	7.2
5. Evans, Wisconsin	6.8
6. Zeller, Indiana	6.5
7. Watford, Indiana	5.8
8. Williams, Minnesota	5.6
9. Morgan, Michigan	5.6
10. White, Iowa	5.5

Assists Per Game

Tim FRAZIER
  Penn St.
  (185-G-90)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Frazier, Penn St.	6.2
2. Craft, Ohio St.	4.7
3. Burke, Michigan	4.6
4. Cartwright, Iowa	4.4
5. Jackson, Purdue	4.2
6. Taylor, Wisconsin	4.1
7. Appling, Michigan	3.9
8. Green, Michigan.	3.8
9. Sobolewski, Northw.	3.6
10. Devyn, Iowa	3.6

Steals Per Game

Aaron CRAFT
  Ohio St.
  (187-G-91)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Craft, Ohio St.	2.5
2. Frazier, Penn St.	2.4
3. Richardson, Nebra.	1.8
4. Devyn, Iowa	1.5
5. Gatens, Iowa	1.5
6. Green, Michigan.	1.5
7. Paul, Illinois	1.4
8. Zeller, Indiana	1.4
9. Cobb, Northwestern	1.4
10. Oladipo, Indiana	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Jorge Brian DIAZ
  Nebraska
  (210-C-89)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Diaz, Nebraska	1.9
2. Leonard, Illinois	1.9
3. Berggren, Wisco.	1.7
4. Shurna, Northwes.	1.6
5. Williams, Minnesota	1.5
6. Sampson III, Minn.	1.3
7. Hummel, Purdue	1.2
8. Zeller, Indiana	1.2
9. Payne, Michigan.	1.1
10. Basabe, Iowa	1.0

Top 25 - Men

TOP25 Standings

1. Kentucky		16-0 (33-2)
2. Syracuse		17-1 (32-2)
3. Missouri		14-3 (30-4)
4. N.Carolina		14-2 (30-5)
5. Michigan St.		13-5 (27-7)
6. Kansas		14-2 (27-6)
7. Ohio St.		13-5 (28-7)
8. Duke		13-3 (27-7)
9. Baylor		10-6 (27-7)
10. Florida St.		12-4 (25-9)
11. Marquette		14-4 (26-7)
12. Murray St.		15-1 (30-1)
13. Michigan		13-5 (24-9)
14. Wisconsin		12-6 (25-9)
15. Georgetown		12-6 (23-8)
16. Indiana		11-7 (26-8)
17. Louisville		10-8 (27-9)
18. Wichita St.		16-2 (27-5)
19. Creighton		13-3 (28-5)
20. Vanderbilt		10-6 (25-10)
21. N.Mexico		10-4 (27-6)
22. San Diego St.		10-4 (26-8)
23. UNLV		9-5 (26-8)
24. St.Mary's, CA		14-2 (27-5)
25. Florida		10-6 (24-10)

Shaka Smart staying at VCU; Illini search moves on - by Eurobasket News
Virginia Commonwealth basketball coach Shaka Smart on Wednesday ended speculation that he might take the open job at Illinois by announcing that he'll stay with the Rams.

The decision by the young coach was cause for celebration among VCU fans and disappointment for their Illini counterparts - Illinois' search for a replacement for fired coach Bruce Weber has begun to resemble the search last year for a new football coach, when the school's top choices reportedly turned down the Illini.

VCU said in a news release that Smart's $1.2 million contract will be adjusted, but provided no details.

He said in the release that he appreciates VCU's support of him and his staff.

'There are great things to accomplish at VCU and I'm looking forward to building on the successes of our program and university,' the 34-year-old Smart said.

'Coach Smart recognizes - as do the rest of the university community, alumni and fans - that VCU is the place to be right now,' VCU President Michael Rao added.

At Illinois, Athletic Director Mike Thomas declined comment through a school spokesman.

Smart will bring back one of the country's youngest teams. The Rams went 29-7 (15-3 in the Colonial Athletic Association) and were eliminated in the second round of the NCAA tournament this year after making an improbable Final Four run last season.

Neither school would say how much money Illinois offered Smart.

While VCU fans took to Twitter to celebrate - 'Shaka is here to stay!' one wrote Wednesday afternoon - Illinois' fans were dejected.

'So which stage of grief are we in right now?' one wrote.

'Still anger here,' came the quick answer.

Thomas now continues to look for a replacement for Weber from a field that reportedly includes Alabama coach Anthony Grant and Stanford's Johnny Dawkins.

Alabama spokesman Ty Patton declined comment, as did Stanford spokesman Jim Young.

In Chicago, where some of Weber's toughest critics found ammunition in the fact that he didn't land the basketball-rich city's top players, an AAU coach with a number of former players on the Illini roster said Smart's decision would likely fuel skepticism about both Thomas and the Illini program.

'I would have assumed if you were swift in firing in that you would have the other one already locked up and ready to go,' said Mike Mullins, whose Illinois Wolves produced current Illini players Joseph Bertrand, Tracy Abrams and Nnanna Egwu.

Thomas fired Weber on March 9 after Illinois finished 17-15, including a 2-12 collapse to finish the season, and tied for ninth place in the Big Ten. The Illini missed the postseason, and it was the third time in five seasons they didn't make the NCAA tournament.

Weber was the third coach Thomas fired in less than four months, along with women's basketball coach Jolette Law and football coach Ron Zook.

Illinois hired Tim Beckman from Toledo to replace Zook, but only after reportedly being turned down by Houston's Kevin Sumlin, who took over at Texas A&M.

Thomas acknowledged the day he fired Weber that, in getting rid of high-profile coaches so quickly and naming their replacements, he'd be putting himself up for fans to quickly judge, too. He also said that hiring Weber's replacement was particularly crucial at Illinois.

'This program, this school is looked at in a different way than some of our other programs,' Thomas said. 'So it's under a spotlight and people are paying attention.'

Illinois is also still looking for a replacement for Law, too. Buyouts for the three fired coaches total $7.1 million, money the university has said will come from private funds.

The search for Weber's replacement includes a potentially complicating racial component. Two university trustees earlier this year refused to vote in favor of Beckman's contract because they said the school hadn't done enough to hire black head football or men's basketball coaches, something it's never had.

That condition and Smart's resume and charisma put him at the top of the Illini wish list.

After last year's Final Four run, Smart turned down an offer to jump to North Carolina State and was rewarded with his current eight-year deal.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Tar Heels' Marshall out of cast - by Eurobasket News
North Carolina point guard Kendall Marshall (6'3''-PG-91) is out of his cast following surgery on his broken right wrist.

In a text message to The Associated Press on Wednesday, Marshalls father Dennis said his son is wearing a removable splint now. Marshall said on Twitter he had shed the cast earlier in the afternoon.

Dennis Marshall said it was still too early to know if his son could play against Ohio on Friday in the NCAA Tournaments round of 16 in St. Louis. He said his son hasnt been ruled out, but not cleared to play either.

The school had no update on Marshalls status Wednesday.

The lefthanded Marshall was hurt when he was fouled on a drive against Creighton and had surgery Monday to install a screw in the wrist.

Marshall is averaging about 8 points and 10 assists for the top-seeded Tar Heels (31-5) in the Midwest Regional. He has scored in double figures for six straight games and has been the teams most irreplaceable player at the helm of its fast-paced attack.

If he is unable to play, freshman Stilman White or versatile senior Justin Watts would handle the point guard duties.

Courtesy of www.boston.com

Stanford men whip Nevada to make NIT semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Thanksgiving in New York followed by spring break in the City That Never Sleeps.

That's Stanford's past and future travel itinerary after the Cardinal dusted Nevada 84-56 in a third-round NIT game Wednesday night at Maples Pavilion.

In the Preseason NIT, Stanford beat Oklahoma State 82-67 in the semifinals and lost 69-63 to Syracuse in New York in late November.

In the postseason version, the Cardinal (24-11) will face Massachusetts in one semifinal at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. The other semi matches Washington against Minnesota.

Against the Wolf Pack (28-7), Stanford did not trail, shot 17-for-26 (65.4 percent) from the floor in the first half and led by as many as 32 in the second half.

'I think we were about as efficient as we've been all year on both ends of the floor,' Stanford head coach Johnny Dawkins said. 'I'm just really proud of our guys, especially our seniors.'

One of those seniors, center Josh Owens (6'8''-F/C), scored 15 points, tying Stanford freshman guard Chasson Randle (6'1''-G-93) for game-high honors. An indication of how balanced the Cardinal's offense was: Seven men scored at least eight points.

'When everybody's playing well,' Owens said, 'the game's always fun. It comes easy, and that's how it was today.'

Said forward Josh Huestis (6'7''-F): 'We're just playing our best basketball right now.'

Stanford is 5-1 in March, the lone loss a 77-71 decision to Cal in the Pac-12 tournament. The Cardinal improved to 17-3 at Maples, setting a record for home wins in a season. The 2007-08 team went 16-1.

One neat part of Wednesday's victory: It enables assistant coach Dick Davey to finish his career in New York. Davey, a longtime Santa Clara head and assistant coach, announced his retirement early this month, effective at the end of the season.

Dawkins said trying to send Davey out on a high note is 'always in the back of our minds.'

Said Dawkins: 'As a team and a staff, we talked about making sure that we honor him, and we honor him by just winning and going out the right way. That's what we're trying to do. I think every player will acknowledge that.'

Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

Iowa State star forward Royce White to go pro - by Eurobasket News
Iowa State sophomore forward Royce White (6'8''-F-91) says he's leaving the school after playing one season and declaring for the NBA draft.

White, the Big 12's Newcomer of the Year, said at a news conference Wednesday that he intended to sign with an agent soon. The 6-8, 270-pound forward from Minneapolis led the Cyclones with 13.4 points and 9.3 rebounds a game this season and helped Iowa State reach the NCAA tournament for the first time in seven years.

White was at his best in the tournament, scoring 23 points with nine rebounds in an 87-71 loss to top-seeded Kentucky on Saturday.

White began his career at Minnesota in 2009-10 but transferred to Iowa State without playing a game. He sat out the 2010-11 season before blossoming into the Cyclones' most indispensable player.

White left the hometown Gophers after a year filled with off-the-court issues. But he instantly became a team and fan favorite in Ames with his outgoing personality and unique game.

Strong and physical, he was also at times the team's best ball-handler. White was the rare big man who could take his defender off the dribble and attack the basket, which helped him become the only player in the country to lead his team in points, rebounds, steals, assists and blocks.

White was also terrible from the foul line in his one season with the Cyclones, shooting just 49.8 percent, and he was upfront about his ongoing battle with anxiety issues.

Nonetheless, White feels he's ready to test himself against the world's best players.

Despite losing White, the Cyclones should be in contention for another NCAA tournament berth in 2012-13.

Iowa State will add former Michigan State point guard Korie Lucious and wing player Will Clyburn, a first-team all-Mountain West pick at Utah in 2010-11 after averaging 17.1 points and 7.8 rebounds. Guard Chris Babb and forward Melvin Ejim also return, and they'll be bolstered by a recruiting class headlined by top-rated power forward Georges Niang - who could help fill White's void in the post.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Gophers advance to NIT semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Even when the Gophers are playing their best - which they are now - they find a way to make things interesting.

In Wednesdays National Invitation Tournament quarterfinal against No. 4 seed Middle Tennessee State, No. 6 seed Minnesota turned a solid performance into a late scare before regrouping for a 78-72 win in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

The Gophers led by nine points when the Blue Raiders made a ferocious rally to climb within two points with 7.2 seconds left.

But freshman Andre Hollins (6'1''-G-92) made two free throws after MTSU's Laron Dendy (6'9''-C-88) received a technical foul for reaching across the baseline on an inbound play, and the Gophers hung on for their third-consecutive upset win.

Hollins and Rodney Williams (6'7''-F-91) scored 24 points apiece to lead all scorers. Williams fell to the floor in the final minute with what looked to be a severe leg cramp, but he returned for the final two possessions.

Minnesota will play Washington, a No. 1 seed, on March 27 in the semifinals of the NIT at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Throughout the NIT, the Gophers have looked like a different team on offense from the one that struggled to take care of the ball and score during Big Ten play. Minnesota continued its offensive outburst Wednesday, scoring 50 points in the second half and shooting 49 percent from the field overall.

The Gophers bench, which was key to their win Monday against Miami (Fla.), managed just one point on 0-for-4 shooting. During one stretch in the first half, both teams were scoreless for more than four minutes while their starters sat.

Minnesota starters Andre Hollins, Austin Hollins (6'4''-G) and Williams each played 36 minutes and combined to make 16 of 18 free throws.

Despite poor execution on inbound plays late in the game, the Gophers were able to maintain their lead because of excellent free-throw shooting.

Freshman Elliott Eliason (6'11''-C-92) chipped in a career-high 12 points on 6-for-8 shooting in 32 minutes while staying out of foul trouble something he didnt do in the teams first two NIT games.

Eliason handled the tough matchup with Dendy, who scored 11 points on 3-for-9 shooting and had five rebounds.

MTSU broke down Minnesotas perimeter defense throughout the game, but the Gophers were solid inside, blocking five shots and forcing 17 turnovers.

On offense, Minnesota made timely 3-pointers to turn a four-point halftime deficit into a 51-45 lead with 11:54 left in the second half.

After scoring four points in the first half, Andre Hollins carried the team with 20 points in the second half. The freshman has averaged 18.1 points in his last seven games.

Courtesy of www.mndaily.com

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NCAA2

Western Washington advance to national semifinals - by Eurobasket News
The Western Washington Vikings overcame a six-minute scoring drought to open the game and rallied to beat Midwestern State 64-63 Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II men's basketball tournament.

Western (29-5) faces Stonehill College (Mass.) at 4 p.m. Thursday in the semifinals. With Wednesday's win, the Vikings set a team record for victories in a season and matched their deepest ever run in the national tournament. They also reached the semifinals in 2001.

Senior forward Rory Blanche (6'6''-F) led Western with 15 points, 13 of them in the second half.

'We're pleased to be able to move on,' Western coach Brad Jackson said. 'It was a very hard-fought game. We were rattled by their defense early on, but did much better in the second half.'

The Vikings got off to a terrible start, turning the ball over on four of their first six possessions and falling behind 16-2 after 10 minutes. Western's only points in the opening 10 minutes came on a driving layin by Mountlake Terrace High School graduate John Allen (6'1''-G-89) at the 13:49 mark.

'They jumped on us,' Blanche said. 'We were a little shell-shocked and flat-footed. But once we got into the flow of the game, we were able to make our run.'

The Vikings clawed their way back into the game by holding Midwestern State scoreless for four minutes. Western eventually tied the game 25-25 on a basket by Allen and went into halftime tied 27-27.

'We've been a composed team all year long and I didn't sense any panic,' Jackson said of the slow start. 'When we closed the gap at halftime, that was big for us.'

A layup by Western's Paul Jones (6'4''-F/G) with 7:47 left in the game put the Vikings in front to stay, but they never led by more than five points. Western entered the final minute with a 64-60 edge, but a Michael Loyd 3-pointer with 41 seconds left cut the margin to one.

Western missed three free throws in the final nine seconds, the last two by Jones with 4.2 seconds left. MSU's Kevin Grayer (6'3''-G/F) grabbed the rebound and dribbled the length of the floor, but did not get a shot off before time expired.

Jones came off the bench to contribute 12 points and a team-high nine rebounds for the Vikings. Allen scored 14 points and Richard Woodworth added 13 points and eight rebounds.

Midwestern State, located in Wichita Falls, Texas, had its seven-game winning streak snapped and finished its season 29-4.

Courtesy of www.heraldnet.com

Knights rally past Chargers 82-73 to advance to national semifinals - by Eurobasket News
The No. 4 Bellarmine Knights advanced to the final four of the NCAA Division II National Championship with a thrilling 82-73 come-from-behind victory over the No. 2 Alabama-Huntsville Chargers tonight in front of 4,281 fans at the Bank of Kentucky Center on the campus of Northern Kentucky University.

The Chargers surged out to a 41-32 halftime behind 54.2 percent first half shooting and converting all 11 of their free throws. The Knights struggled in the opening half shooting just 41.4 percent including just 4-of 14 from long range.

The second half was a completely different story as Bellarmine stormed out of the gates with a quick 6-1 spurt to open the final period. The flurry, 3-pointers by Chris Dowe (6'2''-G) and Luke Sprague sandwiching a UAH free throw, put Bellarmine right back in it, and the Knights never took their foot off the accelerator the rest of the way. Bellarmine scorched the nets with 70 percent second half shooting while their defense put the clamps on UAH, holding the Chargers to just 12 of 30 shooting in the second period, which included just four of 18 3-point attempts.

Bellarmine overtook the Chargers just 2:57 into the second half and eventually built a 10-point lead at 67-57 at the 8:06 mark. However, the Chargers battled back and after the Knights missed two missed front ends of the one and one and committed a turnover, UAH whittled the Bellarmine margin to just one on a Jaime Smith trey at the 3:12 mark.

Dowe answered for the Knights converting an old-fashioned 3-point play.

Smith again pulled the Chargers back to within in one as he drew a foul while shooting a triplethe third time in the game he was awarded three free throws, and as he did the first two times, the UAH sharpshooter drained all three charity tosses.

On Bellarmine's ensuing possession, Richie Phares (6'7''-F-91) was whistled for a charge, and the Chargers converted on the other end to take a 1-point lead, 73-72, with just 2:25 remaining.

Bellarmine answered quickly, as Braydon Hobbs (6'5''-G) found a cutting Jelani Johnson for a wide open layup to regain the lead. After the Chargers misfired on a three, Bellarmine took it the other way with Jeremy Kendle (6'1''-G) drawing a foul and nailing both free throws to put the Knights up 76-73.

Dowe came up with a steal on UAH's next possession and was fouled. The junior hit one of two free throws to give Bellarmine a 4-point lead with just 1:03 remaining.

The Chargers' Josh Magette (6'1''-G) appeared to have an easy layup on the other end, but Hobbs swooped in from the weak side to come up with a big block to deny the UAH All-American.

UAH was then forced to foul and shoot 3-pointers the final 50 seconds. The Knights closed by hitting five of six from the line and holding the Chargers scoreless as Bellarmine ended the game on a 10-0 run.

Dowe led the Knights with his third straight double-double collecting 24 points and a career-high 12 rebounds. Kendle poured in 23, and Hobbs handed out seven assists and came up with five steals as the Knights got another outstanding team performance.

Alabama-Huntsville, which saw its 20-game win streak come to an end, was led by Zane Campbell with a game-high 26 points, and Smith added 24. Magette, the nation's assist leader, dished out 10 on the night.

For Bellarmine, the victory didn't come without a price. While the Knights were pleased to welcome Sprague back into the lineup, they lost Keisten Jones with a knee injury. Just 9:39 into the game, Jones went high for a rebound but was undercut and fouled by Smith, causing Jones to fall awkwardly and dislocate his kneecap. It is doubtful the sophomore will return to action on Thursday night.

The Knights move to 29-3 on the season while the Chargers end their season 29-4.

Bellarmine will face the University of Montevallo in the national semifinal game, who slid past Metropolitan State 67-65 in the evening session's second game.

The Bellarmine-Montevallo game is scheduled to tip at 9:30 p.m. after the other semifinal which pits Stonehill against Western Washington. Both games will be aired on the CBS College Sports television network.

BOX-SCORE

Courtesy of http://athletics.bellarmine.edu

Late free throws boost Montevallo past Metro St. - by Eurobasket News
Antoine Davis (5'9''-G-86) hit two free throws with 3.1 seconds to play to lift Montevallo to a 67-65 comeback win against Metro State on Wednesday night.

The Falcons will play defending national champion Bellarmine, an 82-73 winner against Alabama Huntsville, in Thursdays national semifinal.

Davis was fouled by Roadrunners junior forward Jonathan Morse (6'7''-F/C-91) on his way to the basket.

'We were trying to run a high screen right there and get the big guy, junior forward Drico Hightower (6'7''-F), the ball,' Montevallo head coach Danny Young said. 'If not, try to get [Davis] coming off the other side and get to the basket or get to the line.'

It was Morses fifth foul and Metro State was unable to get off a final shot at the buzzer.

We came out of a timeout and I wanted to change it a little bit, Roadrunners coach Derrick Clark said. We were in a 2-3 zone to give them a little bit of a [different] look. Our whole strategy was to see if we could get them to shoot a jump shot. They set a ball screen against the zone and [Morse] was just a little bit too aggressive. But thats who we are though. We dont look in hindsight and say we shouldnt have been as aggressive.

Davis made only 4 of 8 free throw attempts in the game and Montevallo hit only 9 of 16 as a team, so there was some pressure for the Falcons senior.

Its what Id been waiting for, man, Davis said. I had been struggling the whole game at the free throw line. I was trying to concentrate and make sure I made these for my team. They were looking for me to step up. Im a senior, so Im glad they fell my way.

Davis had earlier hit a put-back and completed a three-point play with 1:15 remaining to give the Falcons their first lead since the opening possession of the second half at 63-62.

It still was a struggle because we couldnt get over that hump, Davis said. Wed get it to one point or two points and theyd come down and make a 3. That hurts you a little bit, but we stuck together as a team and played hard.

Davis led Montevallo with 18 points. Senior guard D.J. Rivera (6'2''-G-88) added 14, Hightower scored 11 and Ryan May added 10.

Our guys played good, Young said. I thought we battled hard all night long. It just seemed to be 1-5 points and we couldnt get over the hump it seemed until the very end right there.

While Davis finally got his free throws to fall at the end, it seemed nothing fell the Roadrunners way during the final few minutes. Metro State led by eight at 60-52 inside the six-minute mark, but the Roadrunners were outscored 15-5 the rest of the way. Metro State turned the ball over four times in the last several minutes and finished with 15 giveaways.

We were up six with about two and a half minutes left, but we just didnt close it out, Clark said. We had some bounces that didnt go our way.

We typically dont turn the ball over 15 times. We were under 11 turnovers and they came in bad stretches inthat two and a half minutes. I thought we lost our aggression and they picked up their defensive pressure. We had a couple costly turnovers and when we needed a big rebound, we didnt quite get to those rebounds. I thought Daviss rebound and put-back off a miss was a huge play.

Metro State tied the game twice in the final two minutes, but could not retake the lead.

Senior guard Reggie Evans led Metro State with 20 points. Junior guard Demetrius Miller added 16 points despiteplaying most of the game mired in foul trouble. Miller committed three fouls in the first half and picked up his fourth foul less than four minutes into the second half, but was never tagged with a fifth.

Demetrius was being aggressive, Evans said. Its not all on him at the end of the day. All of our guards, weve got to stay aggressive with the attack mindset. We needed him like we need everyone else to contribute.

Senior forward Paul Brotherson added seven of his 13 points in the second half and grabbed 12 rebounds for his first career double-double for Metro State.

I just felt like its my time, Brotherson said. I was just going as hard as I could in practice. I just felt confident in myself.

The Roadrunners were after their third national title in Division II after winning championships in 2000 and 2002, but will have to settle for a Central Region championship.

I couldnt be prouder of a group of guys, Clark said. These guys achieved.

The Falcons, making their third appearance in the Elite Eight (2006 and 2007), now turn their attention to the defending champs, Bellarmine.

Theyre smart and have a lot of returning players, Young said. Obviously, theyve been here before. They played with a lot of poise tonight, knowing what they were going to do down the stretch. They made some big defensive plays tonight down the stretch. So, hopefully, were going to have to try to spread them out and try to get them on the move a little bit and try to get after them.

Courtesy of www.ncaa.com

Tongo sparks Stonehill into semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Stonehill had absorbed a 21-7 run over a seven-minute stretch of the second half from third-ranked West Liberty, the most prolific offensive attack (103 points per game) in the country. The deficit was 69-60 with 10:11 remaining in the NCAA Division 2 quarterfinal matchup Wednesday at the Bank of Kentucky Center in Highland Heights, Ky.

David McLaughlin felt it was time for a little perspective.

'I just told the guys in the timeout, Listen, they've had their run - we expected that - now we need to step up on defense, and get good looks on offense', the nine-year coach said after his Skyhawks pulled out a thrilling 91-90 victory in their first Elite Eight appearance since 2006.

Slowly but surely, Stonehill started to surge.

Sophomore Mitch Amelio (6'4''-G) buried a pair of treys, the first cutting the margin to 71-70, the second, with 5:29 left, pushing Stonehill ahead for good, at 78-75.

Patrick Lee (6'5''-F-89) (14 points, six rebounds) soared in for a silky putback for an 86-83 lead with 53 seconds left. Then, using all of his 6-foot-5-inch frame and the skills that earned the senior forward Defensive Player of the Year honors in the Northeast-10, he blocked a layup in transition and later swished a pair of clinching free throws for a 91-87 cushion with five ticks left.

West Liberty (32-3) did not go quietly.

All-America guard Alex Falk (6'3''-G) (8 of 11 from the floor for a game-high 26 points in 40 minutes) drained a pair of 3-pointers in the final six seconds, including a knifing leaner at :02, but Stonehill (25-8) survived, advancing to a semifinal matchup Thursday night against a 29-5 Western Washington team that slipped by Midwestern State, 64-63.

Stonehill survived thanks to a stellar 24-point, 8-rebound, 6-steal line from senior guard Andre Tongo (6'1''-G-90). The Acton-Boxboro products 37-minute effort even more critical after the other two starters in the backcourt, Brian Hamor and Sam Markle, fouled out. He took the game over, said McLaughlin.

Freshman center Jack Cole (6'7''-F) (15 points in 21 minutes) drilled all five of his attempts from the floor and junior Raheem May-Thompson added 14 points. The Skyhawks shot 53.8 percent from the floor.

[West Liberty] is the type of team, and tempo that we just dont see in our region, said McLaughlin. They average 88 possessions per game, were in the 50s . . . on 45 to 50 possesssions, they press full-court, they trap the rebounder on missed baskets . . . very difficult to prepare for.

And so is Western Washington.

We need to get the guys some rest, they need it very badly, said McLaughlin. Western Washington is very disciplined, an inside-outside team, it will be quite a challenge.

Courtesy of www.bostonglobe.com

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NEW ZEALAND

Standings Men

NBL Standings

1. Bay Hawks		3-0
2. Auckland P.		3-2
3. Manawatu J.		2-1
4. Taranaki MA		2-1
5. OceanaGold N.		2-2
6. Nelson G.		1-1
7. Harbour H.		1-3
8. Southland S.		1-3
9. Wellington S.		1-3

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

PBL

Drive to play final regular season home games Friday and Saturday - by Eurobasket News
The Central Division Champion Central Illinois Drive, presented by Sonic, will finish their home regular season this weekend. On Friday night at 7:05 they will take on the 3-11 St. Louis Phoenix. Then on Saturday afternoon at 1:05 the Drive will play the 3-12 Indiana Diesels. The Drive are 16-1 on the season and have won all previous games played against these two opponents.

Last Saturday the Drive beat the Indiana Diesels 133-81 at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. The 52 point differential was the largest for Central Illinois this season. Early in the game both teams exchanges offense but the Drive force Indiana mistakes and capitalized. Jemal Farmer (6'5''-G/F-89, college: Arkansas) scored his highest point total of the season with 26. Todd Peterson (6'8''-F-84, college: N.Illinois) had 19 points. He made 6 of 9 three-point shots and had 9 rebounds. The Diesels have not played since Saturday and will not until they play the Drive this weekend.

The St. Louis Phoenix lost a close one last Sunday as they were beat 102-100 at home by the Sauk Valley predators.

They went up 26-20 in the opening quarter and both teams added 25 points in the second. In the third the Predators outscored the Phoenix 36-16 and took the lead 81-67. St. Louis almost came back with a 33-21 fourth quarter but it wasn't enough. Corey Hill (6'4''-G/F) led scoring led scoring and had a double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Lonnell Johnson (6'2''-G) had 22 points.

The Drive finish up the regular season in Chicago next Friday as they take on the Muscle at 1:05 pm. The Muscle are 8-8 with four game remaining, three before the matchup with the Drive.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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PHILIPPINES

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Rodney WHITE
  Barako Bull
  (206-C/F-80)
  Avg: 32.5

1. White, Barako Bull	32.5
2. Fazekas, Petron B.	30.6
3. Bowles, B-Meg L.	29.1
4. Crews, Rain o.	27.3
5. David, Powerade T.	26.6
6. Barron, Meralco	26.4
7. Famous, Meralco	26.0
8. Vroman, Ginebra	22.0
9. Cardona, Meralco	20.4
10. Parada, Alaska A.	20.3

Rebounds Per Game

Donnell HARVEY
  Talk N Text
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 21.3

1. Harvey, Talk N Te.	21.3
2. Alexander, Ginebr.	20.3
3. Douthit, Air21 E.	19.9
4. Fazekas, Petron B.	18.4
5. Barron, Meralco	17.6
6. Jones, Powerade T.	17.0
7. Famous, Meralco	15.0
8. Crews, Rain o.	14.6
9. White, Barako Bull	14.0
10. Parada, Alaska A.	13.8

Assists Per Game

Chris ROSS
  Meralco .
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 8

1. Ross, Meralco	8.0
2. Casio, Powerade T.	7.3
3. Alapag, Talk N Te.	7.0
4. Cabagnot, Petron	6.8
5. White, Barako Bull	6.3
6. Tenorio, Alaska A.	6.1
7. Helterbrand, Gineb.	5.4
8. Vroman, Ginebra	5.3
9. Hubalde, Air21 E.	4.6
10. Castro, Talk N T.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Chris ROSS
  Meralco .
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Ross, Meralco	1.9
2. Johnson, Barako B.	1.8
3. White, Barako Bull	1.5
4. Vroman, Ginebra	1.5
5. Lassiter, Powerade.	1.4
6. Barroca, B-Meg L.	1.4
7. Castro, Talk N Te.	1.3
8. Douthit, Air21 E.	1.3
9. Tenorio, Alaska A.	1.3
10. Hatfield, Ginebra	1.2

Blocks Per Game

Omar SAMHAN
  Talk N.
  (211-C-88)
  Avg: 4

1. Samhan, Talk N.	4.0
2. Vroman, Ginebra	3.3
3. Jones, Powerade T.	2.9
4. Parada, Alaska Ac.	2.4
5. Fazekas, Petron B.	2.3
6. Douthit, Air21 E.	2.0
7. Santos, Petron B.	2.0
8. Crews, Rain o.	1.8
9. Famous, Meralco	1.7
10. Alexander, Ginebr.	1.7

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Standings

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

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

POLAND

Mateusz Szwed gets MVP of the Week award for Polish 2Liga - by Eurobasket News
Talented Mateusz Szwed (197-C-91) had an amazing evening in the last round for Zyrardowianka and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com 2Liga Player of the Week award for round 24.
The 20-year old center had a double-double of 29 points and twenty four rebounds, while his team lost overtime game against Korsarz Gdansk (#5, 11-9) 98-103. Zyrardowianka maintains the 12th position in Polish 2Liga. The season is in a full swing, so it's only a dream for the team to make it into top half of the standings. For contrary they may face relegation if the situation turns from bad to worse. Zyrardowianka have already lost 18 games and recorded just four victories. Szwed has many years of experience at Zyrardowianka, through which he has constantly improved. Szwed has impressive league stats. He leads league in rebounds with 12.6rpg. Szwed is in league's top in and averages solid 2.2bpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 27-year old guard Grzegorz Dudzik (190-G-84) of AZS AGH Alstom. Dudzik impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 29 points and 12 rebounds. Of course he lead AZS AGH Alstom to another comfortable win 84-70 over the lower-ranked Mickiewicz (#13, 6-18) being unquestionably team leader. AZS AGH Alstom's 6th position in Group B has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 13-11 record is not bad and everything may still change. Dudzik is a newcomer at AZS AGH Alstom 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 former international forward Radoslaw Hyzy (203-F-77) of top-ranked Slask II W.. Hyzy scored 19 points and grabbed fourteen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Slask II W., leading his team to a 98-47 easy win against the lower-ranked MCKiS Jaworz. (#11, 8-16). Slask II W. confirms their top position in Group B Hyzy has a very solid season. In 17 games in Poland he scored 16.5ppg. He also has 8.3rpg, 1.8bpg and FGP: 59.8%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Mariusz Lapinski (194-G/F-82) of Zyrardowianka - 31 points and 13 rebounds
5. Piotr Mis (204-F/C-77) of Handlopex AZS - 20 points and 18 rebounds
6. Arkadiusz Zabielski (195-F-84) of Tur Bielsk Pdl. - 19 points, 17 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Dominik Majewski (185-G-83) of PWiK Piaseczno - 33 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Radoslaw Bojko (196-F-91) of Wilki Morskie - 13 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists
9. Adam Spychala (197-F/C-84) of Alba Chorzow - 27 points and 6 rebounds
10. Damian Kalinowski (201-F-91) of UMKS Piotrc. - 22 points and 11 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)

Standings - 2 Liga

2Liga Standings

Group A
1. Open Florentyna		22-0
2. Astoria Bydg.		17-5
3. Ksiezak Lowicz		16-6
4. AZS PP Poznan		15-5
5. Korsarz Gdansk		11-9
6. AZS UWM Olsz.		11-11
7. Zuraw Gniewno		10-11
8. KK Swiecie		10-12
9. Trefl II Sopot		8-13
10. Wilki Morskie		7-15
11. GKK Gorzow		6-16
12. Zyrardowianka		4-18
13. SMS PZKosz		3-19
Group B
1. Slask II W.		21-3
2. BM Wegiel Stal		18-6
3. AZS AWF K-ce		17-7
4. Pogon Prudnik		15-9
5. WKK Obiekty		15-9
6. AZS AGH Alstom		13-11
7. Alba Chorzow		12-12
8. GTK Gliwice		12-12
9. MKS Skierniew.		11-13
10. HK Zory		10-14
11. MCKiS Jaworz.		8-16
12. Nysa Klodzko		7-17
13. Mickiewicz		6-18
14. UMKS Piotrc.		3-21
Group C
1. PWiK Piaseczno		20-2
2. UMKS Kielce		17-5
3. Tur Bielsk Pdl.		15-7
4. Handlopex AZS		14-8
5. MKS Limbach		12-10
6. Novum Lublin		10-12
7. Unia Tarnow		10-12
8. Staco MNLK		10-12
9. Wisla AWF Kr.		10-12
10. Rosa II Radom		9-13
11. UKS Siemaszka		8-15
12. Pulaski Warka		5-17
13. AZS II Polit.W-wa		3-18

Damian Kulig close to PGE Turow - by Eurobasket News
PGE Turow is about to announce another signing. Shortly after they landed Arthur Lee (185-G-77, agency: Interperformances, college: Stanford) PGE Turow is close to Damian Kulig (205-F/C-87). The centre started the season with PBG Basket. He tallied 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists per game in PLK. It was the second straight season with PBG Basket for Damian Kulig. Previously he had stints with Polpharma, Big Star Tychy, UMKC Piotrocovia, Katowice. Damian Kulig participated at 2010 and 2012 PLK All-Star Games. He was the member of U18 and U20 National Teams. He has been the member of Polish National Team since 2011. Eurobasket.com awarded Damian Kulig with All-Polish 1Liga Honourable Mention in 2009.

2Liga Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jakub KAROLAK
  Novum Lublin
  (196-G/F-93)
  Avg: 21.4

1. Karolak, Novum Lub.	21.4
2. Kuczynski, Tur B.	20.9
3. Kowalewski, AZS U.	20.5
4. Peciak, MKS L.	19.8
5. Sobilo, Pulaski Wa.	19.6
6. Swiech, MKS S.	19.4
7. Lapinski, Zyrardow.	19.4
8. Ejsmont, GKK G.	18.8
9. Zurawski, Open F.	18.4
10. Majewski, PWiK P.	18.2

Rebounds Per Game

Mateusz SZWED
  Zyrardow.
  (197-C-91)
  Avg: 12.6

1. Szwed, Zyrardow.	12.6
2. Zabielski, Tur B.	12.2
3. Cygan, Unia Tarnow	11.2
4. Kwandrans, MKS L.	10.4
5. Niedzwiedzki, WKK	10.4
6. Mis, Handlopex AZS	10.3
7. Fras, Trefl I.	9.8
8. Kuczynski, Tur B.	9.7
9. Zurawski, Open F.	9.2
10. Kowalewski, AZS U.	9.0

Assists Per Game

Marcin STOKLOSA
  Open F.
  (188-G-77)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Stoklosa, Open F.	11.4
2. Wluczynski, Ksieza.	6.5
3. Paszkiewicz, PWiK	6.3
4. Hybiak, AZS P.	6.0
5. Jarosz, MKS S.	5.9
6. Kindlik, MKS L.	5.6
7. Grzelinski, WKK O.	5.4
8. Gospodarek, Novum	5.4
9. Rapucha, Tur B.	5.3
10. Lipinski, Nysa K.	5.0

Steals Per Game

Marcin STOKLOSA
  Open F.
  (188-G-77)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Stoklosa, Open F.	5.3
2. Rapucha, Tur B.	4.4
3. Bojko, Wilki Morsk.	4.2
4. Jarosz, MKS S.	4.1
5. Misztela, UMKS P.	4.0
6. Adamczyk, Pulaski	3.9
7. Chojecki, Zyrardow.	3.9
8. Zych, Unia Tarnow	3.7
9. Maksymiuk, SMS P.	3.4
10. Paszkiewicz, PWiK	3.4

Blocks Per Game

Tomasz ZYCH
  Unia Tarnow
  (188-G-87)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Zych, Unia Tarnow	3.1
2. Lewandowski, Astor.	2.7
3. Kunc, Staco M.	2.4
4. Szewczyk, Unia T.	2.3
5. Misztela, UMKS P.	2.3
6. Szwed, Zyrardow.	2.2
7. Labedz, Rosa I.	2.2
8. Fediuk, UKS S.	2.2
9. Rostalski, AZS P.	2.1
10. Ecka, AZS A.	2.0

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

PUERTO RICO

Caciques de Humacao bring in new players - by Eurobasket News
Caciques de Humacao made some changes on the roster. After an 1-8 start to the BSN season the team decided to part ways with Rashad McCants (193-G/F-84, college: N.Carolina) and Julius Hodge (201-G-83, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: N.Carolina St.). They replaced them with Lewis Clinch (191-G-87, college: Georgia Tech) and Noe Alonzo (200-F-83, college: Grand Canyon).
Lewis Clinch started the season in Israel. The guard played for Hapoel Lev Hasharon. He tallied 22.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game in National League. Lewis Clinch is not new to Puerto Rico. He played for Galitos de Isabela last season. His stats read 16.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game then.
Noe Alonzo tipped off the season in Mexico. The forward played for Halcones Rojos in LNBP. He averaged 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 assists per appearance. Noe Alonzo is the member of Mexican NationaL Team. He participated at 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games.

Capitanes dominate Caciques 97-82: - by Luis Modestti
Capitanes de Arecibo dominated Caciques de Humacao 97-82 in the only game played Wednesday.

The defending champions had control of the game from the start thanks to their dominance inside as they won the rebound battle 45-24. Arecibo grabbed a total of 19 offensive rebounds.

Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: G.Washington) scored 20 points; Larry Ayuso along with Jeffrion Aubry (205-C-76, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Cornell) netted 12 each, Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) 11 and David Cortes (190-G/F-81) 10. Ruben Garces (206-C/F-73, college: Providence) grabbed 16 boards.

Arecibo won the first quarter 26-18 and at halftime they had a 48-37 lead. They took of with a 25-16 third quarter.

Julius Hodge (201-G-83, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: N.Carolina St.) scored 21 points and Julian Sensley (206-F-82, agency: VVG Sports, college: Hawaii) 14 in the loss.

Arecibo has a 5-5 record while Humacao is last with a 1-8 mark.

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

1. Guaynabo		7-3
2. Mayaguez		6-3
3. Quebradillas		6-3
4. Bayamon		6-4
5. Arecibo		5-5
6. San German		4-6
7. Guayama		3-6
8. Humacao		1-8

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game

Al THORNTON
  Guayama
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 23.6

1. Thornton, Guayama	23.6
2. Ramos, Quebradillas	20.3
3. Dalmau, Bayamon	20.2
4. Hodge, Humacao	18.0
5. McCants, Humacao	18.0
6. Rivera, San German	17.8
7. Ayuso, Arecibo	16.0
8. Maye, Guaynabo	15.3
9. Smith, Mayaguez	15.2
10. Figueroa, Guayna.	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

Evan BROCK
  Guayama
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 10.5

1. Brock, Guayama	10.5
2. Ramos, Quebradillas	9.7
3. Thornton, Guayama	8.9
4. Shannon, Quebradil.	8.6
5. Burgess, Guaynabo	8.5
6. Pinkney, San G.	8.3
7. O''Bryant, Mayaguez	8.0
8. Sweetney, Bayamon	8.0
9. James, Humacao	7.4
10. Smith, Mayaguez	7.3

Assists Per Game

Donta SMITH
  Mayaguez
  (201-G-83)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Smith, Mayaguez	6.6
2. Rivera, San German	5.8
3. Guzman, Guaynabo	4.6
4. Williams, Quebradi.	4.4
5. Dalmau, Bayamon	4.3
6. Hodge, Humacao	4.0
7. Rivera, Mayaguez	3.7
8. Pagan, Guayama	3.7
9. Cruz, Quebradillas	3.4
10. Ramirez, Mayaguez	3.2

Steals Per Game

Oritseweyinmi EFEJUKU
  Mayaguez
  (196-G-86)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Efejuku, Mayaguez	2.3
2. Ramirez, Mayaguez	2.2
3. Smith, Mayaguez	2.2
4. McCants, Humacao	1.7
5. Williams, Quebradi.	1.6
6. Ortiz, Mayaguez	1.6
7. Mojica, Bayamon	1.6
8. Thornton, Guayama	1.3
9. Hodge, Humacao	1.3
10. Pagan, Guayama	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Mamadou LAMIZANA
  Bayamon
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Lamizana, Bayamon	2.9
2. Shannon, Quebradil.	2.0
3. Burgess, Guaynabo	1.9
4. Thornton, Guayama	1.6
5. Santiago, Arecibo	1.4
6. O''Bryant, Mayaguez	1.4
7. Smith, Mayaguez	1.3
8. James, Humacao	1.3
9. Ramos, Quebradillas	1.2
10. Aubry, Arecibo	1.0

McCants signs with Quebradillas: - by Luis Modestti
Rashad McCants (193-G/F-84, college: N.Carolina) wasn't without a job for long as he signed with Piratas de Quebradillas. The former Caciques de Humacao import replaces Ricky Davis (201-F/G-79, college: Iowa) who has a fractured finger.

Davis played nine games for Quebradillas and had an average of 13.67 points per game. He performed well for this team, especially in clutch situations.

McCants was released this morning by Caciques and averaged 18 points and 5.2 rebounds in six games.

Piratas have a 6-3 mark this season and their next game is today at Bayamon.

Manuel Antonio Narvaez gets MVP of the Week award for Puerto Rican BSN - by Eurobasket News
Experienced former international center Manuel Antonio Narvaez (211-C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) had an amazing evening in the last week for league's leader Guaynabo and that's him to receive a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for week 9.
The 30-year old center had a double-double of 11 points and fourteen rebounds, while his team beat Bayamon (#4, 6-4) 80-74. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. It allowed Guaynabo to jump to the first place in the Puerto Rican BSN. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Guaynabo has a very solid 7-3 record, but they cannot be too comfortable about keeping top position. Narvaez just recently signed at Guaynabo, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Manuel Antonio Narvaez averages this season 5.9ppg and 6.7rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last week's games was 26-year old American center Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) of Quebradillas. Ramos impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 27 points and 11 rebounds. Bad luck as Quebradillas was edged by slightly higher-ranked Mayaguez (6-3) 82-81. It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Quebradillas still maintains its place in the top 3 of the standings, even despite this loss. His team's 6-3 record is not bad at all. Ramos is one of the most experienced players at Quebradillas and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 20.3ppg (#2). He also registered 9.7 boards per game.

The third best performed player last week was American Evan Brock (204-F-84) of Guayama (#7). Brock scored 16 points and grabbed thirteen rebounds (!!!). Despite Brock's great performance Guayama lost 68-74 to slightly higher-ranked Arecibo (#5, 5-5). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Guayama not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 6 games, recording just three victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Brock could try to bring Guayama's a little bit higher in the standings. Brock has individually a great season in Puerto Rico. After only 4 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 10.5rpg (#1 in league).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Julius Hodge (201-G-83) of Humacao - 21 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists
5. Joel Jones (196-G/F-81) of Quebradillas - 18 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists
6. Jeffrion Aubry (205-C-76) of Arecibo - 12 points and 7 rebounds
7. Daniel Santiago (216-C-76) of Arecibo - 14 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Ruben Garces (206-C/F-73) of Arecibo - 8 points and 16 rebounds
9. Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83) of Arecibo - 20 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Michael Sweetney (203-F-82) of Bayamon - 13 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists

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

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

QATAR

Imports news - by Ali Ahmed
-Shelton Colwell (202-C/F-80, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Missouri St.) will play for Al Arabi Club Doha till the end of the season.
Outlook:
An athletic power forward who has the ability to score around the basket and can step outside and make jump shots. Very good shot blocker who has the strength to guard back to the basket big men and the quickness to guard off the dribble.

-DeVon Hardin (211-C-86) will play for Al Rayyan Doha till the end of the season.
Outlook:
Very athletic. Runs the floor well. Has good footwork, especially on the defensive end ... a solid shot blocker and rebounder.

-Michael Cuffee (193-F-83, college: Middle Tenn.St.) will play for Al Gharrafah Doha till the end of the season.
Outlook:
Michael is an extremely athletic position 2/3 player that gets it done at both ends of the floor. He is an exciting player that plays above the rim, can create his own shot, and makes people around him better.

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

RUSSIA

SERBIA

Miljan Rakic signs in Greece, KAO Dramas - by Eurobasket News
Miljan Rakic (195-G-86, agency: BeoExcell) is a new member of the Greek team KAO Dramas. The Serbian guard penned a deal for rest of the season. KAOD competes in A1 and currently has 8-14 record (ninth place). Rakic started the season with Sloboda Uzice. He joined them in December averaging 11.2 points, 3.8 assists and 2.2 rebounds for 17 games in A League. Last season he spent with Radnicki Kragujevac. For 20 Adriatic league games Rakic had 8.3 ppg, 3.3 apg and 2.3 rpg. He joined Radnicki in April of 2010. Before his move to Radnicki, Rakic had 15.3 ppg, 4.2 apg and 4 rpg for 23 games with Novi Sad. In the past, he spent few years with Hemofarm and also has experience from Bosna ASA BHT. Rakic won Adriatic league title with Hemofarm in 2005.

Vojvodina lands Radomir Marojevic - by Zoran Popovic
Vojvodina Srbija Gas, who took first place in Agroziv Serbian basketball league, decides to lands experienced center Radomir Marojevic (207-C-81) and complete team for Serbian Super league. Coach Matic decides to hires Marojevic counting on his experience and good skills on power center position. During the career Marojevic played for Radnicki Kragujevac, Borac Cacak, Primorka Bar, Napredak Krusevac, Metalac Valjevo and Romanian team CS Municipal Bucuresti.

Superleague transfers - by Ivan Milenkovic
Eight teams who played in final tournament of Radivoj Korac Cup will play in Superleague with different ambitions.
For Partizan MTS, everything except another trophy would be disappointment. Radnicki Kragujevac and Crvena zvezda Beograd Diva will try to reach final and surprise Serbian and Adriatic champions. Two teams from Vojvodina, Hemofarm Stada and Vojvodina Srbijagas, should fight for 4th place which could bring them Adriatic league next season (if Maccabi officially decide not to play). Remaining three teams, Mega Vizura, BKK Radnicki and Radnicki FMP, will fight to avoid last position.
Partizan, Crvena zvezda and Radnicki FMP are teams who didn't sign new players. Radnicki Kragujevac added Aleksej Nesovic (189-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) from Hemofarm, who signed Bojan Bakic (197-G-83, agency: Alti Sport) and Boris Lalovic (206-C-81). Vojvodina failed to sign big names like Vladimir Golubovic or Ratko Varda, but added Radomir Marojevic (207-C-81). Mega Vizura loaned Dejan Musli (213-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) from Caja Laboral and Nemanja Jaramaz (201-G-91, agency: Beo Basket) from Partizan. Finally, Darko Balaban (211-C-89, agency: Beo Basket) and Mladen Sljivancanin (200-G/F-85, agency: Interperformances) are new players of BKK Radnicki.
Five out of 8 teams are from Belgrade (including Zeleznik). Certainly not good news for basketball fans all over the country.

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

SLOVENIA

Standings - 1A

Telemach Standings

Championship Group
1. Elektra		0-0
2. Helios		0-0
3. Krka		0-0
4. Sentjur		0-0
5. Union Olimpija		0-0
6. Zlatorog		0-0
Play-out
1. Rogaska		2-0
2. Polzela		2-0
3. Maribor Messer		1-1
4. Geoplin Slovan		1-1
5. LTHcast Mercator		0-2
6. Parklji		0-2

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Travis NELSON
  Sentjur
  (211-C-87)
  Avg: 17.8

1. Nelson, Sentjur	17.8
2. Rizvic, Parklji	16.5
3. Prepelic, Helios	15.2
4. Tomic, Rogaska	14.8
5. Maric, Sentjur	14.5
6. Pajic, Geoplin Slo.	14.3
7. Julevic, Elektra	13.4
8. Pasalic, Helios	13.4
9. Rembert, Sentjur	13.4
10. Hohler, Polzela	13.1

Rebounds Per Game

Esmir RIZVIC
  Parklji
  (213-C-82)
  Avg: 9.3

1. Rizvic, Parklji	9.3
2. Miljkovic, Rogaska	8.5
3. Djugum, Geoplin	7.9
4. Pajic, Geoplin Slo.	7.9
5. Nelson, Sentjur	7.4
6. Mucic, Maribor	6.9
7. Nuhanovic, Elektra	6.6
8. Maric, Sentjur	6.4
9. Soldo, LTHcast	6.4
10. Sviridov, Polzela	6.3

Assists Per Game

Luka RUPNIK
  Geoplin .
  (184-PG-93)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Rupnik, Geoplin	5.2
2. Rembert, Sentjur	5.2
3. Vujasinovic, Zlato.	4.4
4. Hohler, Polzela	4.2
5. Jovanovic, Maribo.	3.9
6. Tomic, Rogaska	3.6
7. Prepelic, Helios	3.4
8. Zagorc, Elektra	3.3
9. Gay, Helios	3.0
10. Fon, Geoplin Slov.	2.9

Steals Per Game

Miha FON
  Geoplin Slovan
  (194-G-84)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Fon, Geoplin Slovan	1.8
2. Tomic, Rogaska	1.8
3. Vujasinovic, Zlato.	1.7
4. Vasl, Polzela	1.7
5. Gay, Helios	1.6
6. Maric, Sentjur	1.6
7. Mahkovic, LTHcas.	1.5
8. Hohler, Polzela	1.4
9. Lelic, Elektra	1.4
10. Miljkovic, Rogaska	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Travis NELSON
  Sentjur
  (211-C-87)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Nelson, Sentjur	1.3
2. Nuhanovic, Elektra	1.2
3. Sviridov, Polzela	1.2
4. Omic, Zlatorog	1.1
5. Sebic, Sentjur	0.8
6. Hannibal, Polzela	0.8
7. Rizvic, Parklji	0.7
8. Djugum, Geoplin	0.7
9. Primorac, Sentjur	0.6
10. Pasalic, Helios	0.6

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

SOUTH KOREA

KBL Round 3 of Semi-Finals - by Eurobasket News
Mobis Phoebus - Dongbu Promy 50-70 (1-2)

The game was mostly controlled by Dongbu Promy. Mobis Phoebus was better in second period 13-9. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Mobis Phoebus 38-24 including 27 on the defensive glass. It was a quality performance for American power forward Rodrique Benson (207-84, college: California) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 19 rebounds. Forward Ho-Young Yoon (198-84) accounted for 12 points and 4 assists for the winning side. Dongbu Promy's coach Dong Hae Kang allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. The former international power forward Ji-Hoon Ham (198-84) came up with 22 points and 7 rebounds and the former international guard Dong-Geun Yang (181-81) added 10 points (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) respectively for Mobis Phoebus in the defeat.
Top scorers:
Mobis Phoebus: J.Ham 22+7reb+1ast, D.Yang 10+4reb+2ast, T.Leather 5+6reb+2ast, G.Park 4+1reb, D.Kim 3+3reb+1ast, S.Hwa Hong 3+1ast
Dongbu Promy: J.Park 14+3reb+2ast, H.Yoon 12+4reb+4ast, R.Benson 11+19reb+3ast, K.Lee 8+2reb+1ast, J.Kim 8+6reb+1ast, J.Ahn 8+1reb

Sonic Boom KT - Anyang KGC 83-67 (1-2)

The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Sonic Boom KT looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a great evening for the former international forward Sung-Min Cho (197-83) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points, 8 assists and 5 steals. American power forward Charles Rhodes (203-85, college: Mississippi St.) helped adding 19 points and 8 rebounds. Four Sonic Boom KT players scored in double figures. Sonic Boom KT's coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was American center Chris Daniels (211-84) with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds and international center Sek-Eun Oh (200-87) scored 17 points and 7 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Anyang KGC: C.Daniels 17+12reb, S.Oh 17+7reb+2ast, I.Kim 12, H.Yang 7+6reb+1ast, T.Kim 6+6reb+13ast, J.Lee 5+1reb+2ast
Sonic Boom KT: S.Cho 20+3reb+8ast, C.Rhodes 19+8reb+2ast, H.Kim 14+3reb+2ast, W.Yaung 13+3reb+2ast, S.Park 8+7reb+3ast, D.Cho 4+2reb

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

SWEDEN

Stats Leaders - Basketligan

Points Per Game

Evaldas ZABAS
  Jamtland
  (188-PG-88)
  Avg: 21.9

1. Zabas, Jamtland	21.9
2. Sigurdarson, Sunds.	19.3
3. Krayem, Boras	19.3
4. Flowers, Solna	19.2
5. Smith, Sodertalje	18.3
6. Palm, Boras	17.6
7. Mbemba, LF Basket	16.7
8. Watt, Eco Orebro	16.6
9. McKnight, Boras	16.5
10. Zamroz, Boras	16.2

Rebounds Per Game

Michael PALM
  Boras
  (208-C-79)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Palm, Boras	10.4
2. Johnson, Uppsala	10.2
3. Baeringsson, Sunds.	9.9
4. Toombs, Eco Orebro	9.6
5. Simms, Sodertalje	8.9
6. Ramsey, LF Basket	8.9
7. Watt, Eco Orebro	8.5
8. Lalugba, Jamtland	8.4
9. Stamper, Jamtland	8.0
10. McKnight, Boras	7.9

Assists Per Game

Rudy MBEMBA
  LF Basket
  (184-G-87)
  Avg: 6.7

1. Mbemba, LF Basket	6.7
2. Pleick, Eco Orebro	6.4
3. Krayem, Boras	6.3
4. Carter, Uppsala	5.8
5. Ermolinskij, Sunds.	5.5
6. Chuk, Sodertalje	4.7
7. Beck, Solna	4.6
8. Zabas, Jamtland	4.6
9. Mitchell, Norrkopi.	4.1
10. Jeromanovs, Norrk.	3.7

Steals Per Game

Johnell SMITH
  Sodertalje
  (185-PG-80)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Smith, Sodertalje	2.9
2. Flowers, Solna	2.9
3. Carter, Uppsala	2.5
4. Mbemba, LF Basket	2.4
5. Krayem, Boras	2.0
6. Mitchell, Norrkopi.	1.9
7. Ermolinskij, Sunds.	1.9
8. Ramsey, LF Basket	1.8
9. Johnson, Sundsvall	1.8
10. Grundberg, Uppsala	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Kenneth SIMMS
  Sodertalje
  (203-C-86)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Simms, Sodertalje	1.7
2. Johnson, Uppsala	1.6
3. Ramsey, LF Basket	1.5
4. Gregory, Sundsvall	1.4
5. Toombs, Eco Orebro	1.3
6. Lalugba, Jamtland	1.1
7. Doychinov, Solna	1.0
8. Watt, Eco Orebro	1.0
9. Palm, Boras	0.9
10. Akesson, 08	0.7

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

SWITZERLAND

Standings - LNA

LNA Standings

1. Lugano Tigers		19-3
2. Monthey		17-5
3. Geneve Lions		17-6
4. Fribourg		16-7
5. SAV Vacallo		12-10
6. Starwings		9-14
7. Boncourt		6-16
8. SAM Massagno		3-20
9. BBC Nyon		2-20

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

TUNISIA

Standings - D1

D1 Standings

Places 1-8
1. ES Sahel		11-0
2. Stade Nabeulien		7-4
3. C Africain		7-4
4. ES Rades		6-5
5. Ezzahra		5-6
6. US Monastir		4-7
7. JS Kairouan		4-7
8. ESG		0-11
Places 9-14
1. C Cheminots		4-1
2. ASC Bizerte		3-2
3. CA Bizerte		3-2
4. JS Manazeh		3-3
5. AS Hammamet		2-3
6. Tunisair		0-5

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

TURKEY

Blazers release Mehmet Okur - by Eurobasket News
Portland Trail Blazers released Mehmet Okur (210-C/F-79) yesterday. They waived Okur to make a room for J.J. Hickson. The Turkish center was acquired by Portland last week in the deal that sent Gerald Wallace to the New Jersey Nets. However, he never took the court for Portland. Mehmet Okur averaged 7.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists for 17 games with the Nets this season. He started it with Turk Telekom due to NBA lockout. Okur had 12 ppg and 8.2 rpg for 6 games in TBL. He also added 15.8 ppg and 8 rpg in four EuroChallenge games with Turk Telekom. He spent last seven years with Utah Jazz. Okur also played two years for Detroit Pistons and before that he was a member of Efes Pilsen, Tofas and Oyak Renault. Okur played to the Turkish National Team from 1998 to 2007.

TB2L Round 32: Gaziantep is upset by Final Genclik - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in TB2L is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 6 rounds. There were many interesting games last round. The round ended with derby games and favorites losing the games.

The most important game in the last round took place in Gaziantep between third ranked Gaziantep (21-10) and seventh ranked Final Genclik (21-10) on Wednesday night. Gaziantep was defeated by Final Genclik in a tough game at home 56-60. Gaziantep was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 5-point lead after three quarters before a 20-11 charge of Final Genclik, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was forward Orcun Okkali (201-87) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds. Cameroonian power forward Alfred Aboya (206-85, college: UCLA) chipped in 11 points and 15 rebounds. Final Genclik's coach Ali Ozbay used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Guard Murat Goektas (201-87) produced 11 points and 9 rebounds for the hosts. Final Genclik have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Gaziantep. Final Genclik is looking forward to face Baskent Genclik (#18) in Ankara in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Gaziantep will play on the road against Orman Genc (#19) in Ankara and is hoping to win this game.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Selcuk Universitesi (24-7) against eighth ranked Akhisar Bld (19-11) on Wednesday night. Visiting Selcuk Universitesi was defeated by Akhisar Bld in a tough game in Akhisar 83-88. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Selcuk Universitesi. American forward Tyrone Nelson (206-85, college: N.Mexico St.) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 29 points and 13 rebounds. Guven Esmer contributed with 19 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American guard JaJuan Smith (188-85, college: Tennessee) replied with 21 points for Selcuk Universitesi. Akhisar Bld have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain eighth position with 19-11 record. Selcuk Universitesi at the other side keeps the second place with seven games lost. Akhisar Bld will play against Istanbul B.B. (#12) on the road in the next round. Selcuk Universitesi will play against Balikesir (#10) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked TED Istanbul managed to get a seventh victory, breaking the five-game losing streak on Wednesday night. This time they won against seventeenth-ranked Baskent Genclik in Ankara 87-73. Worth to mention a great performance of Shawn Taggart who helped to win the game recording 31 points and 9 rebounds. Melih Sevda responded with 24 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. TED Istanbul maintains twentiethth position with 7-25 record. Baskent Genclik lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the eighteenth place with 21 games lost. TED Istanbul will meet at home higher ranked Pamukkale (#15) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Baskent Genclik will play against Final Genclik in Bursa and hope to secure a win.
Leader Optimum TED delivered the twentieth fifth victory. This time they beat 9th ranked Darussafaka (13-18) 74-65 in Istanbul. The winners were led by Hakan Yapar who scored that evening 16 points. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Optimum TED (25-5) have an impressive 14-game winning streak. They maintain first position. Darussafaka at the other side keeps the ninth place with 18 games lost. Optimum TED's next round opponent will be Gelisim (#11) in Izmir and are hoping to win another game. Darussafaka will play on the road against Genc Telekom in Ankara.
We should mention about the upset which took place in Usak, where higher ranked Tire Gucu (12-19) lost to eighteenth ranked Usak (11-20) in a road game 67-80 on Wednesday. The best player for the winners was Cem Coskun who scored 19 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Usak moved-up to sixteenth place, which they share with Istanbulspor. Loser Tire Gucu keeps the thirteenth position with 19 games lost. Usak will face Istanbulspor (#16) on the road in the next round.

Rest of the games of round 32 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Gelisim was defeated by Maliye Milli in Ankara 83-79. Pamukkale was beaten by Vestel at home 61-66. Istanbulspor won against Balikesir on the opponent's court 79-73. Pertevniyal managed to outperform Istanbul B.B. in a home game 85-68. Orman Genc was rolled over Genc Telekom on the road 84-64.

Gaziantep - Final Genclik 56-60

The most important game in the last round took place in Gaziantep between third ranked Gaziantep (21-10) and seventh ranked Final Genclik (21-10) on Wednesday night. Gaziantep was defeated by Final Genclik in a tough game at home 56-60. Gaziantep was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 5-point lead after three quarters before a 20-11 charge of Final Genclik, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was forward Orcun Okkali (201-87) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds. Cameroonian power forward Alfred Aboya (206-85, college: UCLA) chipped in a double-double by scoring 11 points and 15 rebounds. Four Final Genclik players scored in double figures. Final Genclik's coach Ali Ozbay used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Guard Murat Goektas (201-87) produced 11 points and 9 rebounds and power forward Ahmet Kaplan (206-79, agency: 1x1 Sports) added 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks respectively for the hosts. Final Genclik have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Gaziantep. Final Genclik is looking forward to face Baskent Genclik (#18) in Ankara in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Gaziantep will play on the road against Orman Genc (#19) in Ankara and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Final Genclik: O.Okkali 16+11reb+1ast, E.Ilter 15+8reb+3ast, A.Aboya 11+15reb+2ast, M.Esen 11+2reb, O.Sungur 4, E.Sinanoglu 2+2reb+3ast
Gaziantep: M.Goektas 11+9reb, A.Kaplan 10+7reb+1ast, S.Ugur 8+3ast, A.Waller 6+4reb+2ast, M.Ademoglu 6+8reb, H.Dogan 6+5reb

Maliye Milli - Gelisim 83-79

There was no surprise in Ankara where 11th ranked Gelisim (13-18) was defeated by sixth ranked Maliye Milli (21-10) 83-79 on Wednesday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Gelisim was trailing by 2 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 22-17 charge of Maliye Milli, which allowed them to win the game. Maliye Milli shot 18 for 24 from the free-throw line, while Gelisim only scored two points from the stripe. The best player for the winners was American power forward Arthur Johnson (206-81, college: Missouri) who scored 19 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Barkin Cinar (193-83) chipped in 14 points. Four Maliye Milli players scored in double figures. Maliye Milli's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Guard Sertay Gursu (195-87, agency: EM-PA) produced 14 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists and point guard Onat Akis (187-87) added 9 points and 8 assists respectively for the guests. Maliye Milli moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Gelisim dropped to the ninth position with 18 games lost. Maliye Milli will face Tire Gucu (#14) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Gelisim will play against the league's leader Optimum TED (#1) in Ankara.
Top scorers:
Maliye Milli: A.Johnson 19+8reb+1ast, B.Cinar 14+2reb+3ast, O.Altinmakas 11+5reb+3ast, T.Garrison 10+3reb+1ast, C.Erdeniz 9+3reb+1ast, T.Tekinalp 6+5reb+2ast
Gelisim: S.Gursu 14+8reb+5ast, O.Onver 11+1reb+3ast, E.Ocakturk 11+6reb+1ast, F.Kizilca 10+2reb, O.Akis 9+1reb+8ast, M.Erdogan 7+4reb+2ast

Darussafaka - Optimum TED 65-74

Leader Optimum TED delivered the twentieth fifth victory. This time they beat 9th ranked Darussafaka (13-18) 74-65 in Istanbul. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 19-15. But Darussafaka won second period 19-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. 26 personal fouls committed by Darussafaka helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The winners were led by center Hakan Yapar (202-84) who scored that evening 16 points and center Ufuk Gurgen (208-77, agency: EM-PA) supported him with 9 points and 10 rebounds. Even 20 points by American guard Jawan Carter (180-87, college: Delaware) did not help to save the game for Darussafaka. His fellow American import forward Joshua Dollard (203-86, college: USC Aiken) added 16 points for the hosts. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Optimum TED (25-5) have an impressive 14-game winning streak. They maintain first position. Darussafaka at the other side keeps the ninth place with 18 games lost. Optimum TED's next round opponent will be Gelisim (#11) in Izmir and are hoping to win another game. Darussafaka will play on the road against Genc Telekom in Ankara.
Top scorers:
Optimum TED: H.Yapar 16+4reb+3ast, A.Kavaklioglu 11+1reb, C.Sahin 9+6reb+4ast, U.Gurgen 9+10reb+3ast, I.Turel 7+1reb+3ast, O.Famutimi 7+4reb
Darussafaka: J.Carter 20+1reb, J.Dollard 16+2reb+1ast, C.Korkmaz 7+2reb+4ast, G.Sunter 7+9reb+1ast, B.Selen 6+5reb+2ast, E.Balto 4+1reb

Akhisar Bld - Selcuk Univ. 88-83

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Selcuk Universitesi (24-7) against eighth ranked Akhisar Bld (19-11) on Wednesday night. Visiting Selcuk Universitesi was defeated by Akhisar Bld in a tough game in Akhisar 83-88. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Selcuk Universitesi. The hosts were ahead by 2 points but lost the second period ending it with a 5-point deficit before their 33-23 run, which allowed them to win the game. Akhisar Bld made 27-of-35 charity shots (77.1 percent) during the game, while Selcuk Universitesi only scored eight points from the stripe. Selcuk Universitesi was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. American forward Tyrone Nelson (206-85, college: N.Mexico St.) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 29 points and 13 rebounds. Guard Guven Esmer (193-80) contributed with 19 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American guard JaJuan Smith (188-85, college: Tennessee) replied with 21 points and the former international forward Onur Aydin (203-79, agency: 1x1 Sports) added 12 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Selcuk Universitesi. Akhisar Bld have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain eighth position with 19-11 record. Selcuk Universitesi at the other side keeps the second place with seven games lost. Akhisar Bld will play against Istanbul B.B. (#12) on the road in the next round. Selcuk Universitesi will play against Balikesir (#10) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Akhisar Bld: T.Nelson 29+13reb+1ast, G.Esmer 19+6reb+3ast, L.Demirci 10+1reb+2ast, O.Bugra Dag 9+1reb, B.Gacemer 8+3reb+1ast, M.Eken 8+2reb+1ast
Selcuk Univ.: J.Smith 21+4reb+2ast, H.Antwan Dobie 13+1reb+2ast, O.Aydin 12+10reb+3ast, E.Turetken 9+6reb, M.Okay 8+4reb+1ast, M.Gucyetmez 7+3reb+3ast

Usak - Tire Gucu 80-67

We should mention about the upset which took place in Usak, where higher ranked Tire Gucu (12-19) lost to eighteenth ranked Usak (11-20) in a road game 67-80 on Wednesday. The game without a history. Usak led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Tire Gucu's 28. They outrebounded Tire Gucu 43-21 including a 30-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was center Cem Coskun (209-87) who scored 19 points and 9 rebounds. Forward Nikolay Pastal (202-83) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds. Four Usak players scored in double figures. American forward Justin Carter (193-87, college: Creighton, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) produced 24 points and 6 rebounds (was perfect 14-for-14 from the free throw line !!!) and guard Ahmet Yolcu (184-78, agency: EM-PA) added 12 points respectively for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Usak moved-up to sixteenth place, which they share with Istanbulspor. Loser Tire Gucu keeps the thirteenth position with 19 games lost. Usak will face Istanbulspor (#16) on the road in the next round.
Top scorers:
Usak: C.Coskun 19+9reb+2ast, N.Pastal 12+8reb, A.Turgut 11+3reb+3ast, C.Karabulut 10+3reb+1ast, V.Volkan Basaran 7+4reb+1ast, M.Bayrak 6+5reb+9ast
Tire Gucu: J.Carter 24+6reb+3ast, A.Yolcu 12+2reb+3ast, E.Yoldas 8+2reb, A.Cetinkaya 6+1reb, A.Yuce 5+5reb, V.Incekara 5+1reb

Baskent Genclik - TED Istanbul 73-87

Bottom-ranked TED Istanbul managed to get a seventh victory, breaking the five-game losing streak on Wednesday night. This time they won against seventeenth-ranked Baskent Genclik in Ankara 87-73. The guests trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 43-27 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. TED Istanbul made 24-of-30 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. TED Istanbul outrebounded Baskent Genclik 39-28 including 27 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Shawn Taggart (207-85, college: Memphis) who helped to win the game recording 31 points and 9 rebounds and forward Can Uzun (195-86) who added 13 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Forward Melih Sevda (200-78) responded with 24 points and 6 rebounds and forward Recai Ozturk (198-82) scored 11 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. TED Istanbul maintains twentiethth position with 7-25 record. Baskent Genclik lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the eighteenth place with 21 games lost. TED Istanbul will meet at home higher ranked Pamukkale (#15) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Baskent Genclik will play against Final Genclik in Bursa and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
TED Istanbul: S.Taggart 31+9reb+1ast, C.Uzun 13+9reb+3ast, A.Ozer 11+2reb+5ast, E.Ozseven 8+8reb+3ast, S.Gunes 8+6reb, N.Evans 8+1reb+1ast
Baskent Genclik: M.Sevda 24+6reb+1ast, R.Ozturk 11+7reb+3ast, E.Yavuklu 9+2ast, G.Ezel Akgor 8+2reb+2ast, M.Gray 7+2reb, J.Horton 6+3reb

Pamukkale - Vestel 61-66

No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked Vestel (21-10) defeated on the road 14th ranked Pamukkale (11-19) 66-61 on Wednesday. Pamukkale was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Pamukkale was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was forward Hadi Ozdemir (203-83) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks. American power forward Pervis Pasco (206-81, college: Kansas St., agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points and 11 rebounds. American center Will Caudle (206-82, college: Xavier) produced 15 points and 5 rebounds and Feyzi Celebioglu (-88) added 14 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Vestel have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Pamukkale dropped to the fifteenth position with 19 games lost. Vestel will face Pertevniyal (#13) in Istanbul in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Pamukkale will play on the road against TED Istanbul.
Top scorers:
Vestel: H.Ozdemir 13+16reb+2ast, S.Yavuz 10+1ast, P.Pasco 10+11reb+1ast, S.Topcu 9+2reb+4ast, A.Ozdemir 8+3reb+1ast, H.Cantopcu 8+1reb+1ast
Pamukkale: W.Caudle 15+5reb, F.Celebioglu 14+5reb+1ast, B.Sasmaz 8+6reb+1ast, C.Turan 7+7reb, I.Esmeray 6+7reb+1ast, G.Senol 5+2reb

Balikesir - Istanbulspor 73-79

There was an upset when higher ranked Balikesir (13-18) was defeated at home by sixteenth ranked Istanbulspor (11-20) 79-73 on Wednesday. Balikesir was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 4-point lead after three quarters before a 28-18 charge of Istanbulspor, which allowed them to win the game. They made 26-of-30 free shots (86.7 percent) during the game, while Balikesir only scored eight points from the stripe. Balikesir was plagued by 30 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was guard Onur Sonsirma (190-85) who scored 21 points and 5 rebounds. Guard Admir Kan (185-83) chipped in a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 assists. Four Istanbulspor players scored in double figures. American forward Charles Jackson (203-87, college: Hawaii-Pacific, agency: Court Side) produced a double-double by scoring 23 points and 18 rebounds and power forward Orbay Kaya (205-82) added 17 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) respectively for the hosts. Balikesir's coach Ismail Dogrutekin rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Istanbulspor maintains sixteenth position with 11-20 record, which they share with Usak. Newly promoted Balikesir dropped to the ninth place with 18 games lost. Istanbulspor will face Usak (#17) at home in the next round.
Top scorers:
Istanbulspor: O.Sonsirma 21+5reb+3ast, K.Barber 17+3reb+1ast, K.Ulukaya 16+6reb, A.Kan 13+2reb+10ast, O.Surucu 6+6reb+1ast, T.Barnies 4+2reb
Balikesir: C.Jackson 23+18reb, O.Kaya 17+3reb+2ast, A.Uruk 13+8reb+1ast, M.Ozdogan 7+2reb+2ast, Y.Akcay 5+1reb+3ast, S.Akyol 3+8ast

Pertevniyal - Istanbul B.B. 85-68

There was a small surprise when fifteenth ranked Pertevniyal (12-19) beat at home 12th ranked Istanbul B.B. (13-18) 85-68 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Pertevniyal. Istanbul B.B. was better in third quarter 21-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was Burak Can who scored 15 points and 7 rebounds. point guard Soykan Yikilmaz (185-92) chipped in 10 points and 7 assists. Four Pertevniyal players scored in double figures. Pertevniyal's coach Menderes Gumusdal allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Serbian power forward Marko Kolaric (213-84, college: Chaminade) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 17 rebounds and guard Umutcan Ozyildirim (196-83, agency: 1x1 Sports) added 19 points respectively for the guests. Pertevniyal moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with Tire Gucu. Loser Istanbul B.B. dropped to the ninth position with 18 games lost. Pertevniyal will face higher ranked Vestel (#4) in Manisa in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game.
Top scorers:
Pertevniyal: O.Sirin 16+3reb+1ast, B.Can 15+7reb+1ast, R.Tekin 11+4reb+1ast, S.Yikilmaz 10+4reb+7ast, O.Sancakli 9+2reb, W.Galick 6+5reb+3ast
Istanbul B.B.: U.Ozyildirim 19+2ast, M.Kolaric 16+17reb, S.Eris 15+1reb+3ast, C.Mumcuogullari 9+5reb+1ast, R.Dogrusoez 7+3ast, S.Sahin 2+5reb+2ast

Genc Telekom - Orman Genc 84-64

Not a big story in a game in Ankara where 19th ranked Orman Genc (9-22) was outplayed by fourth ranked Genc Telekom (22-9) 84-64 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Genc Telekom. Orman Genc was better in second period 26-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Genc Telekom dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Orman Genc's 22. The best player for the winners was forward Hazer Avci (206-87, agency: Court Side) who scored 18 points and 8 rebounds. Croatian power forward Nenad Delic (210-84, agency: TSS Management) chipped in 14 points and 9 rebounds. Four Genc Telekom players scored in double figures. Forward Hasan Karabulut (202-81) produced 15 points and 6 rebounds and forward Arif Erhan Kocamis (196-86, agency: 1x1 Sports) added 14 points and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Genc Telekom moved-up to third place. Loser Orman Genc keeps the nineteenth position with 22 games lost. Genc Telekom will face Darussafaka (#9) in Istanbul in the next round where they are favorite. Orman Genc will play at home against Gaziantep (#5).
Top scorers:
Genc Telekom: H.Avci 18+8reb, N.Delic 14+9reb+2ast, K.Cipa 14+1reb, M.Goerur 14+6reb+4ast, C.Ugur Ogut 8+2reb+6ast, S.Ekmen 8+2reb+2ast
Orman Genc: H.Karabulut 15+6reb+2ast, A.Erhan Kocamis 14+4reb+4ast, E.Bozkurt 9+4reb, Y.Poturoglu 5+2reb, M.Tachi 5+4reb+2ast, O.Bolat 4+3reb+1ast

TB2L Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Tyrone NELSON
  Akhisar Bld
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 22.5

1. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	22.5
2. Jackson, Balikesir	19.1
3. Waller, Gaziantep	19.0
4. Gray, Baskent	18.5
5. Carter, Tire Gucu	18.4
6. Delic, Genc Telekom	18.2
7. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	18.1
8. Senol, Pamukkale	15.9
9. Can, Pertevniyal	15.6
10. Harris, Usak	15.4

Rebounds Per Game

Tyrone NELSON
  Akhisar Bld
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 11.5

1. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	11.5
2. Jackson, Balikesir	11.3
3. Kolaric, Istanbul.	10.6
4. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	10.2
5. Gray, Baskent	9.5
6. Can, Pertevniyal	9.1
7. Ozseven, TED I.	9.0
8. Caudle, Pamukkale	8.5
9. Ozdemir, Vestel	8.3
10. Taggart, TED I.	8.2

Assists Per Game

Admir KAN
  Istanbulspor
  (185-G-83)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Kan, Istanbulspor	6.3
2. Eryuz, Gaziantep	5.7
3. Rizvanoglu, Genc T.	5.1
4. Sinanoglu, Final G.	5.1
5. Bayraktar, Tire G.	4.8
6. Eris, Istanbul B.B.	4.8
7. Kavaklioglu, Optim.	4.7
8. Senol, Pamukkale	4.6
9. Yikilmaz, Pertevni.	4.4
10. Dobie, Selcuk Uni.	4.4

Steals Per Game

Emre YAVUKLU
  Basken.
  (--88)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Yavuklu, Basken.	2.7
2. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	2.7
3. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	2.0
4. Akcay, Balikesir	1.8
5. Okkali, Final Genc.	1.8
6. Ufuk Kacar, Selcuk	1.6
7. Carter, Tire Gucu	1.6
8. Dobie, Selcuk Univ.	1.6
9. Mentese, Gelisim	1.6
10. Jackson, Balikesir	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Ismail CEVIK
  Selcuk Univ.
  (206-F-81)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Cevik, Selcuk Univ.	1.3
2. Washington, Gelisim	1.3
3. Ozseven, TED I.	1.3
4. Gray, Baskent	1.3
5. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	1.2
6. Kaplan, Gaziantep	1.1
7. Brown, TED I.	1.1
8. Carter, Vestel	1.0
9. Delic, Genc Telekom	1.0
10. Tekin, Pertevniyal	1.0

Standings - TB2L

TB2L Standings

1. Optimum TED		25-5
2. Selcuk Univ.		24-7
3. Genc Telekom		22-9
4. Vestel		21-10
5. Gaziantep		21-10
6. Final Genclik		21-10
7. Maliye Milli		21-10
8. Akhisar Bld		19-11
9. Darussafaka		13-18
10. Balikesir		13-18
11. Gelisim		13-18
12. Istanbul B.B.		13-18
13. Pertevniyal		12-19
14. Tire Gucu		12-19
15. Pamukkale		11-19
16. Istanbulspor		11-20
17. Usak		11-20
18. Baskent Genclik		10-21
19. Orman Genc		9-22
20. TED Istanbul		7-25

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

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

Frank Elegar

#1. This week's number one is former international center Frank Elegar (206-86, college: Drexel). He led Antalya to a victory against the league leader Galatasaray (19-4) 92-82 in the Turkish TBL last Saturday. Elegar recorded a double-double by scoring 18 points and getting 12 rebounds. He also added 3 blocks and 3 steals. Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye (6-17) is placed 14th in the TBL. It was his team's first victory after three consecutive loses. Elegar has relatively good stats this season: 10.8ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 75.0%(21-28) and FT: 57.1%. He played for the U.S. Virgin Islands senior national team two years ago.

Raja Bell

#2. Second place goes to an experienced international swingman Raja Bell (196-76, agency: Interperformances, college: FIU), who plays in the NBA. Bell could not help the Utah Jazz (24-22) to beat the Phoenix Suns (23-24). He scored 7 points in 21 minutes. The Utah Jazz lost 111-120 on the road to the Suns. This year Bell averages: 6.6ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 55.3%(47-85), 3FGP: 40.5% and FT: 84.0% in the 33 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: U.S. Virgin Islands and American. Bell is in the roster of the U.S. Virgin Islands senior national team.

Jason Edwin

#3. The U.S. Virgin Islands player who performed third best last week abroad was an international swingman Jason Edwin (197-81, college: Kent St.), who plays in the Venezuelan LPB. He was not able to help Gaiteros (8-18) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite Edwin's very good performance Gaiteros was defeated 94-90 in Valencia by the higher-ranked Trotamundos (#4). He was the second best scorer with 21 points. Edwin also added 4 rebounds. Edwin has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 17.8ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg. Edwin is also a member of the U.S. Virgin Islands senior national team.

Ivan Aska

   #4. Forward Ivan Aska (200-90) was not able to secure a victory for the Murray St. (15-1) in their game against the Marquette University (14-4) in the NCAA National Tournament Round 3. Aska scored 7 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in 29 minutes. The Murray St. lost 53-62 in Milwaukee, WI to the Marquette University. The National Tournament Round 3 already ended in the NCAA. It's Aska's fourth season with the team. He has very impressive stats this year: 18.0ppg, 6.8rpg, 4.0apg and 1.3spg in the nine games. Aska is also U.S. Virgin Islands national team player.

The list of other players, who all have U.S. Virgin Islands passport but never been selected to any of U.S. Virgin Islands national teams:

   #1. Experienced Tim Duncan (211-F/C-76, college: Wake Forest) led San Antonio Spurs to a victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves (23-25) 116-100 in the NBA in Wednesday night's game. He was MVP of the game. Duncan had a double-double by scoring 21 points and getting 15 rebounds. He also added 4 assists in 24 minutes. The San Antonio Spurs have a solid 30-14 record this season. It's Duncan's 15th year with the team. Duncan has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 14.7ppg, 8.9rpg, 2.5apg and 1.5bpg in the 42 games he played so far. Duncan has a dual citizenship: U.S. Virgin Islands and American. Despite his U.S. Virgin Islands passport, Duncan previously played for the USA national team and is probably not eligible to play for the U.S. Virgin Islands team.

   #2. Julius Hodge (201-G-83, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: N.Carolina St.), who plays in the Puerto Rican BSN could not help Caciques (1-8) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the bottom-ranked Caciques lost 82-97 on the road to the higher-ranked (#5) Capitanes. Hodge was the top scorer with 21 points. He also added 5 assists in 29 minutes. It was Caciques' fifth consecutive loss in a row. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. Hodge is currently fourth on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of best passers (sixth place). He has very impressive stats this year: 18.0ppg, 6.8rpg, 4.0apg and 1.3spg in the nine games. Hodge is another player who holds two passports: U.S. Virgin Islands and Antiguan. Despite his U.S. Virgin Islands nationality, Hodge currently plays for the Antiguan national team and cannot be called to the U.S. Virgin Islands team.

   #3. Carl Krauser (185-G-81, college: Pittsburgh), who plays in the NBL Canada was not able to help the one of league's weakest teams Quebec Kebs (22-14) in their last game on Friday. Despite his very good performance the Quebec Kebs were defeated 106-95 in Halifax, NS by the second-ranked Halifax Rainmen. Krauser was the top scorer with 19 points. This season Krauser has very high stats. He averages: 18.0ppg, 6.8rpg, 4.0apg and 1.3spg.

Other top U.S. Virgin Islands players, who play abroad:

Cuthbert Victor (197-F-83) plays for Spartak Primorie Vladivostok in Russian PBL
Phillip Michael Jones (209-C/F-85) plays for U-Mobitelco in Romanian Div.A
JaJa Richards (207-C-75) plays for Barreteros in Mexican LNBP
Rashaan Griffin (95) plays for Raiffeisen Wels in Austrian A Bundesliga
Kitwana Rhymer (208-C-78) plays for Hoops Club in Lebanese Div.A
Devon Peltier (180-PG-87) plays for Feve Oviedo in Spanish LEB Silver
Jerome Gumbs (194-F-82) plays for Residence in Luxembourg Diekirch League

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UNITED KINGDOM

Chapman Prepares For Battle - by Jeff King
Newcastle Eagles star shooting guard Joe Chapman (193-G-84, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: Marquette) has had a few days to lick his wounds after Sunday's BBL Trophy first leg loss to Plymouth Raiders. Now it's about getting his mindset right for the second leg when The Eagles look to turn the 97 - 88 loss around and pick up their second National title of the season.

Chapman doesn't think things went that far wrong for The Eagles in that first leg, just that they lost a bit of focus at the wrong time which made all the difference and left them facing a tough second leg.

'I think it wasn't the fact that we went wrong I think that the last five minutes was the deciding factor of the game. We didn't stick to our game plan and we didn't execute on defence. We watched film with the team and the coaches and it's really up to us to go out and execute now.'

However, with the second leg on the Eagles home court Chapman assessed the keys to the game.

'For the most part it's about our energy and our effort really. It's not really changing up a lot. We're just getting ready for the game, we just got to know that we've got to come out with a lot of aggression and a lot of passion. The crowds going to be behind us but it's really up to us.'

'It's only a nine-point lead and it's only half-time so we'll look at it that way. We've got come out and play hard and just play aggressive.'

One of the keys for Newcastle and something that has long been their trademark during Head Coach Fabulous Flournoy (192-G/F-73, college: McNeese St.)'s tenure is their trademark defence and Chapman focused in on the need for that to be a big part of the recovery plan.

'Yes, always, always defence. In the last couple of games we've given up 30-something points in the fourth quarter so it really comes down to our energy and that's the key. We need all seven or eight guys to show up and then we can play the defence we know how.'

'We're confident as a group. We know that we have to play even harder than we usually do as we've got a nine-point deficit but at the same time we're a happy team and we're ready to go out there and prove we're winners.'

What of Plymouth though? They are unbeaten in six games during March including a win at Newcastle in the BBL Championship to kick start that run, surely they have the advantage now going in to the second game?

'They haven't really won twice against us. They won one time and this one's at half-time right now and we've got to look at it that way since this was always a two-legged game. They won one game and they just played harder than us.'

'Tha'st a great tribute to them and to us as they know they've got to play at their highest level to beat us and now that we know that we've got to play at our highest level to beat them. We've got to come out like its half-time and were ready to play.'

And Chapman's final rallying call was to the loyal Newcastle fan base that he hopes will pack out the Arena for the decisive and telling task on Friday.

'Be ready to cheer and stand up and be loud and be like our March Madness and make Sport Central as best as we can as loud as we can and with everyone standing up and cheering for us.'

One thing's for sure, Sport Central, Northumbria University, Newcastle will be no place for the faint-hearted come 7:30pm on Friday night.

Standings - BBL

BBL Standings

1. Newcastle E.		21-2
2. Worcester W.		18-5
3. Plymouth R.		16-5
4. Leicester R.		15-6
5. Glasgow Rocks		12-12
6. Sheffield S.		11-12
7. Guildford Heat		9-14
8. MK Lions		8-14
9. Cheshire Jets		7-15
10. Mersey Tigers		6-18
11. Durham W.		2-21

Lavery Calm Amidst Play-Off Scramble - by Paul Nilsen
Cheshire Jets coach John Lavery isnt hitting the panic button just yet as his team bids to squeeze into the play-offs.

Sat in ninth position and still not occupying a play-off berth despite their morale boosting north-west derby success last weekend against Mersey Tigers, the Jets must overhaul some of their play-off rivals in the coming month or so to make it to the post-season.

But, far from worrying too much, a relaxed Lavery is trying not to look past this weekend when his team will have to play to the peak of their powers to grab a home success against high flying Worcester Wolves.

It is hard to say how many wins we need to make a play off spot and so were just taking one game at a time explained Lavery.

Hopefully pick up as many wins as possible and just see what happens around the league.

Realistically it looks as if Jets will have to squeeze out either Prestige Homes MK Lions or Guildford Heat who lie in seventh and eighth with their win against Tigers striking a near fatal blow to the respective chances of their neighbours.

However, Tony Garbelotto and his players will still think a late run might save them although Tigers have a tricky road trip tonight against One Health Sharks Sheffield who have played well in the last couple of weeks with Ryan Patton, Jimmy Langhurst and Mike Tuck all in good form.

Its getting to the must-win stage now for Tony Garbelotto and his team although they will be highly confident of securing an away victory when they head to basement dwellers Durham Wildcats tomorrow.

The same can probably be said of Guildford who also look like strong favourites to pick up a precious win when they host the Wildcats at Surrey Sports Park on Sunday afternoon.

While Jets have that tough looking match-up with Wolves, perhaps most vulnerable this weekend when it comes to the race for the last few play-off spots are Prestige Homes MK Lions who travel to Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders.

Its a bitter-sweet fixture for Mike New and his team since they have won at Riders this season which will give them confidence but they will also know their opponent will be gunning for revenge and really fired-up.

At the higher end of the BBL championship standings, Worcester Wolves will host One Health Sharks Sheffield before their trip to Jets and a win-double would maintain their position in second place at the top of the standings as they try to keep their nearest rivals at bay.

One of those rivals is UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders who dont just have the small matter of heir BBL Trophy Final second leg at Newcastle Eagles tonight to focus on. They must also head to Kelvin Hall on Sunday to face Glasgow Rocks.

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VENEZUELA

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings

1. Marinos		21-5
2. Cocodrilos		19-5
3. Gigantes		15-7
4. Trotamundos		15-11
5. Guaiqueries		14-12
6. Bucaneros		11-11
7. Gaiteros		8-18
8. Guaros		7-15
9. Panteras		6-16
10. Toros		4-20

Stats Leaders - LPB

Points Per Game

Delonte HOLLAND
  Toros
  (201-F-82)
  Avg: 23.2

1. Holland, Toros	23.2
2. Sims, Gaiteros	22.8
3. Romero, Trotamun.	21.5
4. Pena, Toros	21.4
5. Adams, Guaiqueries	20.2
6. Rodgers, Marinos	19.5
7. Oguchi, Panteras	18.8
8. Elliott, Cocodrilos	17.9
9. Braggs, Gaiteros	17.6
10. Stoll, Gigantes	17.5

Rebounds Per Game

Torraye BRAGGS
  Gaiteros
  (203-F/C-76)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Braggs, Gaiteros	10.8
2. Pruitt, Trotamun.	9.4
3. Gransberry, Cocod.	8.5
4. Urbina, Toros	8.3
5. Sucre, Marinos	7.5
6. Feeley, Gigantes	7.5
7. Lugo, Guaiqueries	7.4
8. Graterol, Cocodril.	7.2
9. Bayona, Guaros	7.1
10. Warner, Bucaneros	6.9

Assists Per Game

Paul STOLL
  Gigantes
  (178-PG-85)
  Avg: 7.2

1. Stoll, Gigantes	7.2
2. Vargas, Marinos	6.3
3. Cubillan, Trotamun.	5.5
4. Braggs, Gaiteros	4.7
5. Guillent, Bucaneros	4.6
6. Pena, Toros	4.1
7. Centeno, Cocodrilos	4.0
8. Adams, Guaiqueries	3.7
9. Parker, Guaros	3.6
10. Elliott, Cocodril.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Paul STOLL
  Gigantes
  (178-PG-85)
  Avg: 4.6

1. Stoll, Gigantes	4.6
2. Vargas, Marinos	3.1
3. Adams, Guaiqueries	3.0
4. Guillent, Bucaneros	2.8
5. Pena, Toros	2.8
6. Sims, Gaiteros	2.8
7. Meza Rogel, Trotam.	2.4
8. Horton, Panteras	2.4
9. Macuare, Gigantes	2.4
10. Griffin, Gigantes	2.4

Blocks Per Game

Ryan MOSS
  Marinos
  (200-F/C-74)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Moss, Marinos	2.2
2. Lugo, Guaiqueries	1.8
3. Bayona, Guaros	1.7
4. Graterol, Cocodril.	1.5
5. Osorio, Panteras	1.5
6. Hardin, Marinos	1.4
7. Romero, Trotamun.	1.4
8. Clarkson, Panteras	1.3
9. Hickerson, Bucan.	1.0
10. Warner, Bucaneros	0.9

Dior Lowhorn joins Gaiteros - by Eurobasket News
Gaiteros strengthened their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Dior Lowhorn (201-F-87, college: USF). The forward started the season in Ukraine. He played for DniproAzot Dniprodzerzhynsk. The forward averaged 7.8 points, 3.0 rebounds per game in Superleague. Later Dior Lowhorn moved to Astrum Levice. He tallied 13.7 points, 5.2 rebounds per game in Czech NBL. The forward also played with his team in Slovakian League. There Dior Lowhorn posted 14.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists. His first pro season Dior Lowhorn spent in Belgium with Leuven Bears.

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Women News

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BALTIC LEAGUE - Women

Round 5 (Second Stage) results and stats - by Eurobasket News
There are only two more rounds left in the Second Stage in Baltic League.

The most exciting game of round 5 in the Baltic League took place in Riga. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of second-ranked Belarusian Minsk-2006 (2-3) to third ranked Latvian TTT Riga (3-3) 65-63 in the game for the second place. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The hosts trailed by 12 points after three quarters before their 30-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. TTT Riga forced 22 Minsk-2006 turnovers. Strangely Minsk-2006 outrebounded TTT Riga 41-28 including a 29-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. 25 personal fouls committed by Minsk-2006 helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Swingman Ieva Krastina (175-90, agency: LBM Management) orchestrated the victory by scoring 16 points and 7 assists. Forward Dita Rozenberga (181-92) contributed with 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Forward Viktoryia Pantsiukh (185-87) answered with 12 points and 7 rebounds for Minsk-2006. Defending Latvian champion moved-up to second place. Minsk-2006 at the other side dropped to the third position with three games lost. They share it with Lemminkainen and Tim-Scuf. TTT Riga will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Minsk-2006 will play at home against the league's leader VICI-Aistes in Kaunas and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
One of the most interesting games of round 5 was a derby match between two teams from Belarus. The game took place in Grodno where third ranked Olimpia GrGAU outleveled visiting Berezina-RCOR (0-5) 86-47. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Berezina-RCOR. Russian-Ukrainian center Lyubov Alyoshkina (203-81) stepped up and scored 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and Megan Shoniker chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Galina Shylovich (182-91) responded with 9 points and 8 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. Olimpia GrGAU (3-2) moved-up to second place. Berezina-RCOR at the other side still closes the standings with five games lost. Olimpia GrGAU will play against Tim-Scuf (#3) in Kyiv in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Berezina-RCOR will play on the road against the league's leader Gorizont in Minsk and hopes to get finally their first victory.
One of the most interesting games of round 5 was a derby match between two teams from Belarus. The game took place in Borisovo where leader Gorizont won against host Berezina-RCOR (0-5) 80-68. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Berezina-RCOR. Maryna Ivashchanka nailed 17 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side. Hanna Kalenta came up with 18 points and 7 rebounds for Berezina-RCOR in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Undefeated Gorizont (5-0) have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Defending Belarusian champion maintains first place with a perfect record of 5 victories in a row. Loser Berezina-RCOR still closes the standings with five games lost. Gorizont will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Berezina-RCOR will play again against the league's leader Gorizont (#1) in Minsk and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
One of the most interesting games of round 5 was a derby match between two teams from Belarus. The game took place in Borisovo where third ranked Olimpia GrGAU outleveled host Berezina-RCOR (0-5) 92-47. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Berezina-RCOR. The best player for the winners was Megan Shoniker who scored 18 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. Olimpia GrGAU (3-2) moved-up to second place. Berezina-RCOR at the other side still closes the standings with five games lost. Olimpia GrGAU's next round opponent will be Tim-Scuf (#3) in Kyiv, which may be the game of the day. Berezina-RCOR will play on the road against the league's leader Gorizont in Minsk and looks forward to get finally their first victory.

Olimpia - Berezina 86-47

One of the most interesting games of round 5 was a derby match between two teams from Belarus. The game took place in Grodno where third ranked Olimpia GrGAU outleveled visiting Berezina-RCOR (0-5) 86-47. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Berezina-RCOR. It looked good early as Berezina-RCOR took an 3-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Olimpia GrGAU had a 23-13 second period charge getting the lead and Berezina-RCOR was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 47-86. Olimpia GrGAU dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Berezina-RCOR's 30. Olimpia GrGAU forced 20 Berezina-RCOR turnovers. Russian-Ukrainian center Lyubov Alyoshkina (203-81) stepped up and scored 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and American guard Megan Shoniker (175-89, college: Rhode Island, agency: Two Points) chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds. Five Olimpia GrGAU players scored in double figures. Forward Galina Shylovich (182-91) responded with 9 points and 8 rebounds and forward Yuliya Haponava (184-94) scored 11 points and 6 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. Olimpia GrGAU (3-2) moved-up to second place. Berezina-RCOR at the other side still closes the standings with five games lost. Olimpia GrGAU will play against Tim-Scuf (#3) in Kyiv in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Berezina-RCOR will play on the road against the league's leader Gorizont in Minsk and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Berezina: K.Turomsha 11+4reb, Y.Haponava 11+6reb, G.Shylovich 9+8reb, O.Dauharukava 7+7reb, K.Pratasevich 5, K.Kalvinkoskaya 2
Olimpia: L.Alyoshkina 14+7reb+3ast, M.Shoniker 13+7reb+3ast, A.Pokoiova 12+4reb+2ast, V.Shmatova 11+3reb+2ast, A.Iordan 10+5reb+3ast, N.Kozun 7+3reb+1ast

Berezina - Gorizont 68-80

One of the most interesting games of round 5 was a derby match between two teams from Belarus. The game took place in Borisovo where leader Gorizont won against host Berezina-RCOR (0-5) 80-68. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Berezina-RCOR. The game was mostly controlled by Gorizont. Berezina-RCOR managed to win second period 23-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Gorizont forced 24 Berezina-RCOR turnovers. Center Maryna Ivashchanka (190-93) nailed 17 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side and guard Natalia Anufryienka (174-85, agency: LBM Management) accounted for 18 points (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Center Hanna Kalenta (187-94) came up with 18 points and 7 rebounds and forward Oksana Dauharukava (186-73) added 15 points (perfect from the field making all six shots) respectively for Berezina-RCOR in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Gorizont (5-0) have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Defending Belarusian champion maintains first place with a perfect record of 5 victories in a row. Loser Berezina-RCOR still closes the standings with five games lost. Gorizont will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Berezina-RCOR will play again against the league's leader Gorizont (#1) in Minsk and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Berezina: H.Kalenta 18+7reb+1ast, O.Dauharukava 15+4reb, V.Pankova 10+3reb+1ast, Y.Haponava 9+4reb+1ast, G.Shylovich 7+5reb, K.Pratasevich 4+2reb
Gorizont: N.Anufryienka 18+3reb, M.Ivashchanka 17+6reb, N.Baklaha 14+1reb+1ast, S.Valko 7+1reb+3ast, D.Lipinskaya 7+7reb+2ast, A.Khomenchuk 7+7reb

Berezina - Olimpia 47-92

One of the most interesting games of round 5 was a derby match between two teams from Belarus. The game took place in Borisovo where third ranked Olimpia GrGAU outleveled host Berezina-RCOR (0-5) 92-47. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Berezina-RCOR. The game without a history. Olimpia GrGAU led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Berezina-RCOR to just 6 points in third quarter. Olimpia GrGAU forced 22 Berezina-RCOR turnovers. It was a great shooting night for Olimpia GrGAU especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 61.5 percentage. The best player for the winners was American guard Megan Shoniker (175-89, college: Rhode Island, agency: Two Points) who scored 18 points. Maryia Rashchenia (185-92) chipped in 11 points and 8 rebounds. Center Hanna Kalenta (187-94) produced 12 points and 8 rebounds and forward Yuliya Haponava (184-94) added 13 points and 7 rebounds 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 rest. Olimpia GrGAU (3-2) moved-up to second place. Berezina-RCOR at the other side still closes the standings with five games lost. Olimpia GrGAU's next round opponent will be Tim-Scuf (#3) in Kyiv, which may be the game of the day. Berezina-RCOR will play on the road against the league's leader Gorizont in Minsk and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Berezina: Y.Haponava 13+7reb+1ast, H.Kalenta 12+8reb+1ast, O.Dauharukava 6+7reb, I.Chubkavets 5+5reb, G.Shylovich 5+7reb+2ast, K.Pratasevich 2+1reb+1ast
Olimpia: M.Shoniker 18+3reb+2ast, A.Pokoiova 14+1reb+1ast, M.Rashchenia 11+8reb+1ast, V.Shmatova 10+2reb+4ast, M.Papova 9+5reb+2ast, N.Kozun 6+4reb+1ast

TTT Riga - Minsk-2006 65-63

The most exciting game of round 5 in the Baltic League took place in Riga. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of second-ranked Belarusian Minsk-2006 (2-3) to third ranked Latvian TTT Riga (3-3) 65-63 in the game for the second place. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The hosts trailed by 12 points after three quarters before their 30-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. TTT Riga forced 22 Minsk-2006 turnovers. Strangely Minsk-2006 outrebounded TTT Riga 41-28 including a 29-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. 25 personal fouls committed by Minsk-2006 helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Swingman Ieva Krastina (175-90, agency: LBM Management) orchestrated the victory by scoring 16 points and 7 assists. Forward Dita Rozenberga (181-92) contributed with 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Four TTT Riga players scored in double figures. Forward Viktoryia Pantsiukh (185-87) answered with 12 points and 7 rebounds and power forward Volha Istseliatsova (189-88) added 8 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Minsk-2006. Defending Latvian champion moved-up to second place. Minsk-2006 at the other side dropped to the third position with three games lost. They share it with Lemminkainen and Tim-Scuf. TTT Riga will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Minsk-2006 will play at home against the league's leader VICI-Aistes in Kaunas and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Minsk-2006: V.Pantsiukh 12+7reb+3ast, A.Lalovich 12+6reb, N.Yakovits 12+3reb+3ast, Y.Shcharbakova 9+2reb+2ast, G.Ignatovich 9+5reb+2ast, V.Istseliatsova 8+10reb+3ast
TTT Riga: I.Krastina 16+4reb+7ast, D.Rozenberga 15+8reb+2ast, R.Veidere 10+3reb, L.Surkusa 10+6reb+1ast, S.Dukate 6+1reb+2ast, A.Aizsila 3+1reb

Standings

Baltic League Standings

Group W
1. Eclex Tallinn			0-0
2. Frankivsk-Hal.			0-0
3. Kibirkstis-Tiche			0-0
4. KK Tallina U.			0-0
5. Sirenos			0-0
6. TTT Juniores			0-0
7. Victoria			0-0
Group C
1. VICI-Aistes			3-1
2. TTT Riga			3-3
3. Lemminkainen			2-3
4. Minsk-2006			2-3
Group D
1. Gorizont			5-0
2. Olimpia			3-2
3. Tim-Scuf			2-3
4. Berezina			0-5

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Olga MAZNICHENKO
  Tim-S.
  (187-F-91)
  Avg: 19.9

1. Maznichenko, Tim-S.	19.9
2. Basko, TTT Riga	19.9
3. Krastina, TTT Riga	18.7
4. Nikolai, KK Talli.	16.4
5. Zemantauskai., Sir.	15.7
6. Gavryliuk, Tim-Scuf	14.9
7. Alminaite, Sirenos	14.8
8. Kalenta, Berezina	14.7
9. Puu, KK Tallina U.	14.6
10. Wallace, KK Talli.	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Ashley WALLACE
  KK Talli.
  (183-C-85)
  Avg: 11.5

1. Wallace, KK Talli.	11.5
2. Alyoshkina, Olimpia	10.1
3. Taraseviciut., Sir.	9.2
4. Maznichenko, Tim-S.	9.1
5. Alminaite, Sirenos	9.0
6. Pazyuk, Frankivs.	9.0
7. Istseliatsov., Min.	8.7
8. Matsko, Tim-Scuf	7.4
9. Basko, TTT Riga	7.1
10. Ignatovich, Minsk.	6.8

Assists Per Game

Sakellie DANIELS
  Kibirk.
  (170-G-84)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Daniels, Kibirk.	6.3
2. Krastina, TTT Riga	4.8
3. Basko, TTT Riga	3.9
4. Kashlei, Olimpia	3.9
5. Yakovits, Minsk.	3.4
6. Zemantauskai., Sir.	3.3
7. Miil, KK Talli.	3.0
8. Maznichenko, Tim-S.	2.7
9. Gavryliuk, Tim-Scuf	2.7
10. Puu, KK Tallina U.	2.6

Steals Per Game

Ieva KRASTINA
  TTT Riga
  (175-G/F-90)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Krastina, TTT Riga	3.2
2. Basko, TTT Riga	2.9
3. Daniels, Kibirk.	2.3
4. Nikolai, KK Talli.	2.3
5. Puu, KK Tallina U.	2.2
6. Basalyk, Frankivs.	2.1
7. Bridina, TTT Riga	2.1
8. Matsko, Tim-Scuf	2.1
9. Wallace, KK Talli.	2.0
10. Pazyuk, Frankivs.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Kristina ALMINAITE
  Sirenos
  (204-C-90)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Alminaite, Sirenos	2.7
2. Alyoshkina, Olimpia	1.6
3. Komarnyak, Franki.	1.5
4. Preskienyte, Kibir.	1.3
5. Kalenta, Berezina	1.2
6. Jallai, Eclex Tall.	1.0
7. Duboiyskaja, Berez.	0.9
8. Surkusa, TTT Riga	0.9
9. Nimane, TTT Riga	0.8
10. Pantsiukh, Minsk.	0.8

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BELARUS - Women

Olimpia beat Berezina twice - by Eurobasket News
Olimpia beat Berezina twice In Baltic League. Olimpia GrGAU outleveled visiting Berezina-RCOR 86:47. Lyubov Alyoshkina (203-C-81) stepped up and scored 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and Megan Shoniker chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds. Galina Shylovich (182-F-91) responded with 9 points and 8 rebounds and forward Yuliya Haponava (184-F-94) scored 11 points and 6 rebounds.
Olimpia also won 92:47 as Megan Shoniker scored 18 points. Maryia Rashchenia chipped in 11 points and 8 rebounds. Hanna Kalenta (187-94) produced 12 points and 8 rebounds and Yuliya Haponava added 13 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the hosts.
The most exciting game of round 5 in the Baltic League took place in Riga. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of second-ranked Belarusian Minsk-2006 to third ranked Latvian TTT Riga 65:63 in the game for the second place.
The hosts trailed by 12 points after three quarters before their 30-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. TTT Riga forced 22 Minsk-2006 turnovers. Strangely Minsk-2006 outrebounded TTT Riga 41-28 including a 29-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. 25 personal fouls committed by Minsk-2006 helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Swingman Ieva Krastina orchestrated the victory by scoring 16 points and 7 assists. Dita Rozenberga (181-F-92) contributed with 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Viktoryia Pantsiukh (185-F-87) answered with 12 points and 7 rebounds and power forward Volha Istseliatsova added 8 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Minsk-2006. Defending Latvian champion moved-up to second place.

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BELGIUM - Women

D1 Stats Leaders

Division I Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Lucet, Castors . 18.5
2 Meesseman, Blue C. 18
3 Greene, Point Chaud 17.8
4 Conicelli, Jeugd G. 17.5
5 Vasovic, Houthalen 17.2
6 Mayombo, Point C. 16.8
7 Tetschlag, Waregem 16.5
8 Celus, Sint Katelijne 15.2
9 Ballau, Spirou M. 15.1
10 Rosseel, Blue Cats 14.5

Rebounds Per Game

1 Phillips, Spirou M. 14
2 Tetschlag, Waregem 12.3
3 Conicelli, Jeugd G. 11.9
4 Lucet, Castors . 11.8
5 Greene, Point Chaud 11.5
6 Demirer, Spirou M. 10.5
7 Meesseman, Blue C. 9
8 Burks-Wiley, Castor. 8.8
9 Maes, Tulikivi. 8.5
10 Arrondo, Castors . 7.9

Assists Per Game

1 Ballau, Spirou M. 3.3
2 Arrondo, Castors . 3.2
3 Blommaers, Houth. 3
4 Devliegher, Blue Cats 3
5 Deyaert, Waregem 2.3
6 Rosseel, Blue Cats 2.3
7 Salvi, Houthalen 2.2
8 Meesseman, Blue C. 2
9 Tetschlag, Waregem 2
10 Delaere, Kangoero. 2

Steals Per Game

1 Mayombo, Point C. 2.7
2 Celus, Sint Katelijne 2.7
3 Conicelli, Jeugd G. 2.4
4 Blommaers, Houth. 2.4
5 Ibekwe, Dexia N. 2.3
6 Rosseel, Blue Cats 2.2
7 Greene, Point Chaud 2.2
8 Jones, Dexia Namur 2
9 Meesseman, Blue C. 2
10 Meylemans, Kangoe. 1.9

Blocks Per Game

1 Meesseman, Blue C. 1.6
2 Dochez, Willebroek 1.4
3 Boonen, Kangoero. 0.9
4 VanMalderen, Dexia N. 0.7
5 Hendrickx, Kangoe. 0.7
6 Ben Abdelkad., Dexia N. 0.7
7 Jones, Dexia Namur 0.6
8 Lucet, Castors . 0.6
9 Medvedeva, Tuliki. 0.6
10 Nauwelaers, Sint K. 0.6

Standings - Women

D1 Standings

Play-Off
1. Dexia Namur		18-1
2. Kangoeroes-B.		18-4
3. Blue Cats		17-5
4. Waregem		17-5
5. Sint Katelijne		13-9
6. Point Chaud		12-10
7. Houthalen		10-12
8. Spirou Monceau		8-14
Play-Out
1. Castors Braine		1-0
2. Willebroek		1-0
3. Jeugd Gentson		0-1
4. Tulikivi Deerlijk		0-1

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BOSNIA - Women

Celik, Mladi Krajisnik and Sloboda stay unbeaten - by Eurobasket News
Round Two of the second stage was completed last night. Mladi Krajisnik managed to beat Jedinstvo on the road 74-87 keeping the perfect record after two games. At the same time, it was the second loss to Jedinstvo. Also as a part of Round Two, Sloboda destroyed Rudar Sport 83-50. Martina Osterman (188-F-88) led the hosts in scoring with 18 points (7 rebs). Dragana Stankovic (188-F-95) also was great with double-double of 15 points and 16 rebs. Sloboda jumped to 2-0, while Rudar dropped to 0-2. In the opening game of this round, Celik handed 76-65 loss to Zeljeznicar. Matea Tavic (178-G-92) shined for the hosts with 21 points. Celik 2-0, Zeljeznicar 0-2. Round Three is scheduled for March 27. Bosnian Cup will be played next weekend.

Standings - Women

D1 Stage Two Standings

Liga 6
1. Celik		2-0
2. Mladi Krajisnik		2-0
3. Sloboda		2-0
4. Zeljeznicar		0-2
5. Jedinstvo		0-2
6. Rudar Sport		0-2
Places 7-10
1. Borac ML-IEFK		7-5
2. RMU Banovici		6-6