Eurobasket Daily News Report: 4/24/2012 1:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 4/24/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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ANGOLA

Angolan U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Petroleos

Petroleos

Petroleos

Petroleos

Petroleos

Petroleos

Petroleos

Petroleos

1 De Agosto Angola

1 De Agosto Angola

190-G-95

1 De Agosto Angola

1 De Agosto Angola

1 De Agosto Angola

1 De Agosto Angola

194-F-95

1 De Agosto Angola

ASA

ASA

Sambizanga Angola

Interclube Angola

Head Coach

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ARGENTINA

Emanuel Ginobili selected the top Argentinian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

We bring you last week's top performances from Argentinians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Emanuel Ginobili

#1. This week's number one is an experienced international guard Emanuel Ginobili (198-77, agency: Interperformances). He led San Antonio Spurs to an easy victory against the Los Angeles Lakers (41-24) crushing them 121-97 in the NBA in Friday night's game. Ginobili scored 20 points, had 6 rebounds and dished 7 assists in 25 minutes on the court. The San Antonio Spurs have a solid 47-16 record this season. It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row. There are only three games left until the end of the NBA Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. It's Ginobili's tenth year with the team. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Ginobili averages: 13.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.5apg, 2FGP: 59.6%(96-161), 3FGP: 43.7% and FT: 86.9% in the 33 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Argentinian and Italian. Despite Ginobili played previously for the Italian national team, he is currently a member of the Argentinian senior national team.

Luis Scola

#2. Second place goes to former international power forward Luis Scola (206-80), who plays in the NBA. Scola could not help the Houston Rockets (33-32) in their last game on Monday. Despite his good performance the Houston Rockets were edged 105-102 on the road by the Denver Nuggets. Scola recorded a double-double by scoring 14 points and getting 13 rebounds. He also added 7 assists. Scola's team will play only one more game in the NBA Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial. Scola is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fifth year in Rockets' roster. This season he has very high stats. Scola averages: 15.8ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.1apg, 2FGP: 49.7% and FT: 77.3%. He is another player who holds two passports: Argentinian and Spanish. Despite Scola played previously for the Spanish national team, he played also for the Argentinian national team in 2010.

Pablo Prigioni

#3. The Argentinian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international guard Pablo Prigioni (191-77). Prigioni was not able to help Caja Laboral (21-9) in their game against Assignia Manresa (14-16) in the Spanish ACB. He scored 6 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 30 minutes. Caja Laboral was edged 72-70 in Manresa by the much lower-ranked (#10) Assignia. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important. Prigioni is ranked first on the list of the most steals in the league with 2.0spg. This year his other stats are: 6.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.4apg, 2FGP: 58.7%(37-63), 3FGP: 26.7% and FT: 85.0% in the 30 games. Prigioni has both Italian and Argentinian nationalities. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Prigioni is currently a member of the Argentinian senior national team.

Antonio Porta

#4. Guard Antonio Porta (187-83, agency: Players Group) was not able to secure a victory for Tezenis Verona (12-14) in their game against MarcoPoloShop.it (8-18) in the Italian Lega2 (second division). Despite his very good performance in Sunday night's game He was the top scorer with 28 points. Porta also added 5 steals. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be extremely important. Porta is ranked third on the list of the best passers in the league. This season he has very high stats. Porta averages: 15.2ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.5apg and 2.3spg. He also holds two passports: Argentinian and Italian. Despite Porta played previously for the Italian national team, he is currently in the Argentinian national team roster.

Patricio Prato

#5. Former international guard Patricio Prato (196-79) led Aget Imola to a victory over the seventh-ranked Fileni BPA (13-13) 93-80 in the Italian Lega2 (second division) last Sunday. Prato was MVP of the game. He recorded 27 points (!!!) and grabbed 7 rebounds in 32 minutes. Aget Service Imola (10-16) is placed 12th in the Lega2. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. Prato has relatively good stats this year: 13.5ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.8apg and 2.1spg in the 25 games. Similarly like Porta and Prigioni above he holds both Argentinian and Italian passports. Despite Prato played previously for the Italian national team, he is currently in the Argentinian national team roster.

Andres Nocioni

#6. Forward Andres Nocioni (199-79) is a teammate of previously mentioned Pablo Prigioni and both played together in the last Spanish ACB game. Nocioni couldn't help Caja Laboral (21-9) in their game against Assignia Manresa (14-16). He scored 6 points. Caja Laboral was edged 72-70 in Manresa by the much lower-ranked Assignia (#10). Nocioni's overall stats this season are: 8.5ppg and 3.3rpg. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Nocioni is also an international player who is currently on the senior Argentinian National Team roster.

Diego Garcia

#7. Former international guard Diego Garcia (190-79) couldn't help Blancos de Rueda (7-23) in their game against Gescrap BB (17-13) in the Spanish ACB, despite his very good performance in Sunday night's game. He was the top scorer with 15 points. Garcia also added 5 boards, passed 5 assists and added 4 steals in 30 minutes. But the bottom-ranked Blancos de Rueda lost 77-89 in Bilbao to the much higher-ranked (#7) Gescrap BB. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. This year Garcia has relatively solid stats: 11.4ppg, 2.0rpg and 1.9apg in the 30 games. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Garcia is currently in the Argentinian national team roster.

Bernardo Musso

#8. Guard Bernardo Musso (192-86) was the main contributor in Napoli's victory against the second-ranked Trento (23-11) 81-79 in the Italian Nazionale A (third division) last Sunday. He was the best player in that game. Musso recorded 22 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Division South-West. BPMed Basket Napoli (27-7) is placed first in South-West Division. The Regular Season already ended. It's Musso's first season with the team. Musso is currently first on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of best passers (first place). This season he has very high stats. Musso averages: 19.8ppg, 6.6rpg, 4.2apg and 2.7spg. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Musso is currently in the Argentinian national team roster.

Leonardo Mainoldi

#9. International forward Leonardo Mainoldi (203-85) couldn't help Baloncesto Fuenlabrada (11-19) in their game against Valencia Basket (18-12) in the Spanish ACB. He scored 9 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 25 minutes. But Baloncesto Fuenlabrada was crushed 90-68 in Valencia by the much higher-ranked (#4) Basket. It was Baloncesto Fuenlabrada's third consecutive loss in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. Mainoldi has been at the team for four years. Mainoldi has reliable stats this season: 10.3ppg and 5.9rpg in the 27 games. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Mainoldi is currently in the Argentinian national team roster.

Mario Jose Ghersetti

   #10. Forward Mario Jose Ghersetti (201-81) contributed to a 1-point Centrale Latte's victory against the 12th-ranked Aget Imola (10-16) 63-62 in the Italian Lega2 (second division) in Sunday night's game. He was the top player that evening. Ghersetti scored 21 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Centrale del Latte Brescia (14-12) is placed sixth in the Lega2. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. This season Ghersetti has very high stats. He averages: 15.1ppg, 6.1rpg and 2.2spg. Despite Ghersetti played previously for the Italian national team, he is also an international player who is currently on the senior Argentinian National Team roster.

   #11. International forward Demian Filloy (198-82, also represented by Interperformances) was the major contributor in a Trenkwalder RE's victory against the seventh-ranked Fileni BPA 78-65 in the Italian Lega2 (second division) last Sunday. Filloy scored 15 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 24 minutes. This year Filloy's overall stats are: 9.0ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.2apg and 1.5spg in the 25 games. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Filloy is currently in the Argentinian national team roster.

   #12. Former international guard Federico Van Lacke (191-80) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked CAI Zaragoza crushing them 85-63 in the Spanish ACB on Sunday night. He scored 10 points and added 4 assists. Van Lacke's total stats this season are: 8.2ppg, 2.6rpg and 2.6apg. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Van Lacke is currently in the Argentinian national team roster.

   #13. International guard Carlos Delfino (198-82) couldn't help the Milwaukee Bucks in their game against the Washington Wizards in the NBA. He recorded only 4 points in 14 minutes. His team lost 112-121 in the NBA. Delfino's stats this year are: 9.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.3apg and 1.5spg in the 54 games. He is also Argentinian national team player.

   #14. International forward Juan Ignacio Jasen (196-85) contributed to an UCAM Murcia's victory against the 11th-ranked Unicaja Malaga 86-77 in the Spanish ACB last Sunday. Jasen scored 10 points. Jasen's total stats this season are: 3.5ppg and 2.0rpg. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Jasen is currently in the Argentinian national team roster.

   #15. Former international forward Fabricio Vay (206-86, another player represented by Interperformances) contributed to a SAV Vacallo's victory against the closely-ranked Fribourg 83-76 in the Swiss LNA on Tuesday night. He recorded 17 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and made 2 blocks in 37 minutes. Vay averaged so far 14.2ppg, 7.8rpg and 2.6apg in the five games. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Vay is currently in the Argentinian national team roster.

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AUSTRALIA

David Andersen selected the top Australian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Australian players, who play currently abroad.

David Andersen

#1. This week's number one is former international center David Andersen (212-80). He was the major contributor in a Montepaschi Siena's victory against the 12th-ranked Benetton Treviso (12-16) crushing them 90-67 in the Italian SerieA in Sunday night's game. Andersen scored 16 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 27 minutes on the court. Montepaschi Siena (21-7) is placed first in the SerieA. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. It's Andersen's first season with the team. He has individually a very good year with high stats. Andersen averages: 15.4ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 52.8%, 3FGP: 43.2% and FT: 85.3% in the 26 games he played so far. He played for the Australian senior national team two years ago.

Kyrie Irving

#2. Second place goes to former international guard Kyrie Irving (191-92, college: Duke). Irving led Cleveland Cavaliers to a victory over the New York Knicks (34-30) 98-90 in the NBA last Friday. He was MVP of the game. Irving scored 21 points and added 3 passes (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line); quite an impressive performance considering it's only his third season in pro basketball. The Cleveland Cavaliers have rather weak 21-42 record this season. There are only three games left until the end of the NBA Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. This season Irving has very high stats. He averages: 18.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 5.5apg, 2FGP: 48.2%, 3FGP: 40.9% and FT: 88.0%. Irving is a naturalized American. Despite he played previously for the USA U18 national team, Irving played also for the Australian national team in 2010. Strangely he has never played in Australia.

Aleks Maric

#3. The Australian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international center Aleks Maric (211-84, college: Nebraska). Maric contributed to an easy victory against the seventh-ranked Aris (11-13) 83-68 in the Greek A1 on Thursday night. He recorded 9 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in only 13 minutes. Panathinaikos Athens (22-2) is placed second in the A1. It was his team's eighth consecutive victory in a row. This year Maric's overall stats are: 6.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 2FGP: 75.8%(50-66) and FT: 59.3% in the 22 games. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Maric is currently a member of the Australian senior national team.

Joe Ingles

#4. Swingman Joe Ingles (203-87, agency: Priority Sports) contributed to an easy victory against the fifth-ranked Lagun Aro GBC (17-13) 77-61 in the Spanish ACB in Sunday night's game. He scored 6 points and added 4 assists. Regal FC Barcelona (25-5) is placed first in the ACB. It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important. Ingles' total stats this season are: 5.7ppg, 1.6rpg and 1.9apg. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Ingles is currently in the Australian national team roster.

Brad Newley

#5. International forward Brad Newley (201-85, agency: Beo Basket) contributed to an easy victory against the 14th-ranked Baloncesto Fuenlabrada (11-19) crushing them 90-68 in the Spanish ACB last Wednesday. He scored 9 points and had 4 steals in 19 minutes. Valencia Basket (18-12) is placed fourth in the ACB. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be extremely important. This year Newley's total stats are: 4.4ppg and 1.6rpg in the 13 games. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Newley is currently in the Australian national team roster.

Patrick Mills

#6. Point guard Patrick Mills (183-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) contributed to an easy victory against the Sacramento Kings (21-43) crushing them 127-102 in the NBA on Wednesday night. He recorded 9 points. The San Antonio Spurs have a solid 47-16 record this season. It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row. There are only three games left until the end of the NBA Regular Season. Mills has relatively good stats this season: 7.3ppg, 1.5rpg and 1.5apg. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Mills is also a former international player as he played for the Australian senior team three years ago.

Daniel Kickert

#7. International center Daniel Kickert (208-83, college: St.Mary's, CA), who plays in the Polish PLK could not help PGE Turow (2-8) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the sixth-placed PGE Turow was edged 79-76 at home by the higher-ranked (#4) Anwil in the Group A. Kickert was the top scorer with 16 points in 26 minutes. It was PGE Turow's third consecutive loss in a row. There are only three games left until the end of the Second Stage. Kickert has very impressive stats this year: 15.1ppg and 4.1rpg in the 33 games. Despite he played previously for the Dutch national team, Kickert is currently in the Australian national team roster.

Steven Markovic

#8. Guard Steven Markovic (190-85) was the main contributor in a Radnicki Kragujevac's victory against the third-ranked Zvezda (5-3) 80-68 in the Serbian A League last Tuesday. He was the best player in that game. Markovic recorded 21 points. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group SuperLiga. Radnicki Kragujevac (6-2) is placed second. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Markovic has averaged so far 8.4ppg, 1.1rpg and 3.9apg. Despite he played previously for the Serbian national team, Markovic is currently in the Australian national team roster.

Matt Nielsen

#9. An experienced international power forward Matt Nielsen (208-78) was not able to help Khimky (12-4) in their game against Lietuvos rytas (10-6) in the VTB United League. He scored 5 points in 15 minutes. Khimky (#2) was crushed 103-78 on their home court in Khimki by the lower-ranked (#3) Lietuvos rytas in the group A of VTB United League. Nielsen has averaged so far 3.5ppg and 2.4rpg in the 14 games. He is also in the roster of the Australian national team.

John Fitzgerald

   #10. Guard John Fitzgerald (193-84, college: Lindsey Wilson), who plays in the Swedish Basketettan (second division) was not able to secure a victory for Malbas (21-1) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Fitzgerald's very good performance Malbas was badly defeated 102-84 on their home court in Malmo by the second-ranked Nassjo in the South group. He recorded a double-double by scoring 32 points and getting 12 rebounds. Fitzgerald also added 4 assists and 5 steals. Fitzgerald belongs to league's top scorers (ranked #2) and also on the list of best rebounders (seventh place). This season he has very high stats. Fitzgerald averages: 26.3ppg, 9.3rpg, 4.7apg and 4.3spg. Despite he played previously for the Serbian national team, Fitzgerald is also an international player who is currently on the senior Australian National Team roster.

   #11. International forward David Barlow (205-83, college: Metro St.) contributed to an UCAM Murcia's victory against the 11th-ranked Unicaja Malaga 86-77 in the Spanish ACB last Sunday. He scored 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 37 minutes. Barlow has averaged so far 7.9ppg and 4.7rpg in the 30 games. Despite he played previously for the Serbian national team, Barlow is currently in the Australian national team roster.

   #12. International center Adrien Sturt (209-86) contributed to a Milton Keynes Lions' victory against the closely-ranked Durham Wildcats 96-91 in the British BBL on Saturday night. He recorded 20 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks. Sturt has averaged so far 9.7ppg, 5.8rpg and 1.4apg. Despite he played previously for the Serbian national team, Sturt is currently in the Australian national team roster.

   #13. Former international forward Ater Majok (208-87, college: Connecticut), who plays in the Slovakian Extraliga couldn't help Nitra (21-11) in their last game. Despite his good performance Nitra was badly defeated 93-74 on the road by the lower-ranked (#4) Svit. Majok scored 10 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 20 minutes. Majok belongs to league's best rebounders (ranked #7) and also on the list of best blockers (second place). He has very reliable stats this year: 11.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.4apg and 2.6bpg in the 41 games. Despite Majok played previously for the Serbian national team, he is currently in the Australian national team roster.

   #14. Former U21 international forward Blagoj Janev (203-84, college: New Hampshire) helped Thor Thorl win their game against the closely-ranked KR 100-86 in the Icelandic Express League last Sunday. Janev scored 18 points and had 3 steals. This season he has relatively solid stats: 15.0ppg and 6.2rpg. Despite Janev played previously for the FYR Macedonian national team, he is currently in the Australian U21 national team roster.

   #15. Former international center Mick Pennisi (210-75, college: E.Michigan) couldn't help Barako Bull in their game against Talk N Text in the Filipino PBA. Pennisi recorded 9 points in 19 minutes. His team was badly defeated by 18 points 108-90. He has averaged so far 5.8ppg and 3.2rpg in the 17 games. Despite Pennisi played previously for the Filipino national team, he is currently in the Australian national team roster.

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AUSTRIA

Benjamin Ortner selected the top Austrian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Austrians who are currently playing abroad.

Benjamin Ortner

#1. This week's number one is former international power forward Benjamin Ortner (206-83, college: Metro St.). He led Benetton Treviso to a victory against the seventh-ranked CS Bologna (16-12) 63-59 in the Italian SerieA in Sunday night's game. Ortner scored 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 20 minutes on the court. Benetton Treviso (12-16) is placed 12th in the SerieA. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Ortner has relatively good stats this year: 10.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 63.4%(85-134) and FT: 65.6% in the 18 games he played so far. He played for the Austrian senior national team five years ago.

Jason Detrick

#2. Second place goes to an international guard Jason Detrick (198-80, agency: Court Side, college: Oklahoma), who plays in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division). Detrick could not help Lleida Basquet (20-13) in their last game on Friday. Despite his good performance Lleida Basquet was edged 61-58 on the road by the lower-ranked Melilla_Baloncesto (#7). Detrick scored 11 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. His team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial. Detrick has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 15.1ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.9apg, 2FGP: 49.4%, 3FGP: 31.2% and FT: 74.5%. Detrick is a naturalized American. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Detrick is currently a member of the Austrian senior national team. He used to play for UBC Stahlbau Oberwart Gunners in Austrian league.

Hermann Opoku

#3. The Austrian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international power forward Hermann Opoku (205-86, agency: Dynamics Global Management, college: G.Washington). Opoku was not able to help BK Pardubice (24-12) in their game against BC Kolin (22-24) in the Czech Republic NBL. He scored only 4 points and blocked 2 blocks in 9 minutes on the court. The fourth-placed BK Pardubice lost 63-77 at home to the lower-ranked (#5) BC Kolin in the A1 group. This year Opoku's overall stats are: 2.6ppg, 2.1rpg, 2FGP: 51.2% and FT: 64.0% in the 23 games. He played for the Austrian national team two years ago.

Anton Maresch

#4. Guard Anton Maresch (192-91, agency: Two Points) was not able to secure a victory for River Andorra (20-10) in their game against Barca Regal II (13-10) in the Spanish LEB Silver (third division). Maresch recorded 9 points. But River Andorra was defeated 93-88 in Barcelona by the lower-ranked Barca Regal II (#5). His team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is quite important. Maresch's total stats this season are: 7.8ppg and 2.5rpg. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Maresch is currently in the Austrian national team roster.

Ivan Djerman

#5. International forward Ivan Djerman (203-83) couldn't help Amicale (11-13) in their game against Sparta (21-6) in the Luxembourg Diekirch League, despite his very good performance last Friday. He scored 15 points, had 6 rebounds and dished 4 assists in 35 minutes. But Amicale lost 79-85 in Bertrange to the second-ranked Sparta in the 1-6 places group. Djerman's team will play only one more game in the Second Stage. And now that game is extremely important. This year Djerman has relatively solid stats: 14.7ppg, 8.6rpg and 1.6apg in the 26 games. He has a dual citizenship: Croatian and Austrian. Despite Djerman played previously for the Croatian national team, he is currently in the Austrian national team roster.

Matej Kljaic

#6. Forward Matej Kljaic (193-91) couldn't help Svjetlost (2-8) in their game against Cedevita (7-3) in the Croatian A1. Kljaic did not beat the league record on Tuesday evening. He scored only 2 points. Svjetlost (#7) was crushed 90-63 in Zagreb by the second-ranked Cedevita in the Championship Group. It was Svjetlost's third consecutive loss in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the Second Stage. This season Kljaic averages just 3.7ppg. He is a former U16 international player as he played for the Austrian team five years ago.

Other top Austrian players, who play abroad:

Rasid Mahalbasic (210-F/C-90) plays for Zlatorog in Slovenian Telemach League
Peter Klemm (197-F-85) plays for Tuebingen II in German Regionalliga
Michael Kaiser (195-G-82) plays for TS Longhorns Herzogenaurach in German Regionalliga
Gunther Zajic (183-G-85) plays for Werne in German Regionalliga
Alexander Schreiner (208-C-90) plays for Bamberg in German 2.Regionalliga
Hansjorg Schuetzinger (190-G/F-90) plays for Birsfelden in Swiss 1LN

Aleksandar Djuric stays put - renews contract with Gussing Knights - by Stefan Prager

Aleksandar Djuric (210-F/C-82) renewed his outrunnig contract with the Gussing Knights just a few days after the franchise' season came to an end. Djuric stays put and earned a three year contract extension. As one of Austrias most successfull players abroad all time Djuric was a big part of the Knights best season in frnachise history. As the downright leader of a very young Knights team Djuric led Gussing to the Cup FInal Four as well as to their first playoff appearance all time finishing the season in 6th place. Gussing gave the Kapfenberg Bulls all they had in the first round of the playoffs but the Knights came up short losing the series in four hard fought games. In the last game of the series Djuric put up 29 points along with 7 boards in a dramatic overtime loss. Over the season Djuric averaged 17.2 ppg along with 5.8 rpg while shooting 55.1% from the field. The 6'11'' big man is in serious consideration for this seasons MVP trophy as well as the MVAP.

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BALKAN LEAGUE

Galil Gilboa is the new champion after an OT drama against Levski - by Eurobasket News

Levski Sofia - Galil Gilboa 84-89 OT
Israeli side Galil Gilboa are the new EUROHOLD Balkan League champions. Lior Lubins boys lifted the championshiup trophy after a great final game against Levski, which they won 89:84 after overtime. In regulation the game finished 75:75. The game started with a bit of tension in both teams, as neither side could break ahead of the opposition in the opening minutes. The score was tied four times in the opening five and a half minutes, before Galil Gilboa finally went on a four-to-nothing run and led the score 11:15 after Dagan Yivzori made a three-point shot with 4.36 remaining. Levski didnt allow thei opposition to get a bigger lead, as they quickly tied the score at 15:15 and after that at 17:17. After one quarter of basketball in Gan Ner the score was 21:17, as Levski scored four unanswered points in the end. Levski manage to keep their momentum going in the second period as well and after a strong start they extended their lead to eight points - 31:23 after a three-pointer by Jarrett Howell. The Blues remained in control despite the tries of Galil Gilboa and were leading the score 37:32 with 2.32 to go. However Dimitar Angelov was called a technical foul which gave Gilboa a chance to decrease their deficit. Thats exactly what they did as they managed to cut the difference down to just a single point - 39:38 with 25 seconds left before halftime. Halfway through the game the score wasw 41:38 for Levski. The 2010 BIBL champions started the second half in a great way, scoring 10 points against just 2 for Galil in the opening 2.50, as Marcus Hall (185-G-85, college: Colorado) converted an and-one play for Levskis first double-digit lead of the night - 51:42.Halfway through the third period Levski were up by 12 - 57:45. The Bulgarian side remained ahead by a solid margin after 30 minutes have been played - 64:53 for Levski, after Hrisi Dimitrov tipped the ball in the basket in the last seconds of the third. Galil started the fourth quarter strong and quickly erased the deficit to just five points - 68:63 with 5.18 to go, after going on an 10-4 run. Galil were having strong moments, as they didnt allow Levski to break ahead. Courtney Fells (198-SF-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) tried to block one shot by Marcus Hall and both of them were taken off the field after falling on the floor, but fortunately nothing was serious. Gilboa managed to reduce the difference to just four - 72:68 with 2.00 left. Jarrett Howell responded with a three - 75:68, before Tishman made two FT attempts for 75:70. Romeo Travis (200-PF-84, college: Akron) was fouled twice in a row and got the rebound inbetween, as he made three out of four free-throws - 75:73 (35 seconds before the end). Marcus Halls shot was blocked by Joseph Jones (204-C/F-86, college: Texas A&M) and Courtney Fells was at the line with 3 seconds to go - he made both free-throws 3 seconds before the end, tying the score at 75:75. Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Mississippi) missed a last-second shot and the game went into overtime. Both sides exchanged baskets in the start of the OT, as the game at 82:82 with 2.39 to go. Romeo Travis converted the basket and the foul (82:85), but Vassil Evtimov kept Levski alive (84:85). Joseph Jones made two FT - 84:87 with 53 seconds to go. Courtney Fells scored for 84:89 and Galil Gilboa were the winners - 84:89 after OT. Joseph Jones led Galil Gilboa with 22 points and 12 rebounds and an efficiency rating of 35. Romeo Travis also had 22 points, along with 9 rebounds, while Courtney Fells and Dagan Yavzuri (193-G-85) scored 14 points each. Marcus Hall scored 20 points and added 6 rebounds for Levski, while Aaron Harper added 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. *Courtesy of www.balkanleague.net (BIBL)

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BELARUS

Vladimir Veremeenko's double-double lands him Player of the Week award among Belarusians playing currently abroad - by Eurobasket Center

We bring you last week's top performances from Belarusians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Vladimir Veremeenko

#1. This week's number one is former international forward Vladimir Veremeenko (208-84, agency: RU-Basket Management). He led Unics Kazan to a victory over the closely-ranked Krasnie Krilya (7-11) 84-68 in the Russian PBL in Tuesday night's game. Veremeenko was MVP of the game. He had a double-double by scoring 22 points and getting 15 rebounds in 30 minutes on the court. Unics Kazan (7-10) is placed seventh in the PBL. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. It's Veremeenko's fourth season with the team. This year Veremeenko averages: 8.5ppg, 5.9rpg, 2FGP: 53.8% and FT: 74.6% in the 16 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Belarusian and Russian. Despite Veremeenko played previously for the Russian national team, he played also for the Belarusian national team in 2007.

Pavel Ulyanko

#2. Second place goes to an experienced former international power forward Pavel Ulyanko (204-79). Ulyanko contributed to Kalev/Cramo's victory against the closely-ranked BC Rakvere (19-9) 92-84 in the Estonian KML last Monday. He recorded 10 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. BC Kalev/Cramo Tallinn (23-5) is placed third in the KML. Ulyanko belongs to league's best blockers and is ranked #5. His overall stats this season are: 8.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 68.0%(34-50), 3FGP: 31.3% and FT: 68.2%. Despite Ulyanko played previously for the Russian national team, he played also for the Belarusian national team in 2008.

Vitali Liutych

#3. The Belarusian player who performed third best last week abroad was U20 international swingman Vitali Liutych (198-92). Liutych contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Neptunas (10-12) 89-74 in the Lithuanian LKL on Monday night. He recorded 9 points in 20 minutes. BC Siauliai (16-6) is placed third in the LKL. It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row. This year Liutych's overall stats are: 4.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2FGP: 70.5%(31-44) and FT: 61.5% in the 19 games. Despite he played previously for the Russian national team, Liutych is currently a member of the Belarusian U20 national team.

Artsiom Parakhouski

#4. Center Artsiom Parakhouski (211-87, college: Radford), who plays in the Ukrainian Superleague could not help Budivelnyk (30-9) to beat BC Odessa (22-17). He scored 8 points and added 3 passes. Budivelnyk was defeated 95-90 at home by the lower-ranked BC Odessa (#7). It's Parakhouski's first season with the team. Parakhouski's total stats this year are: 7.9ppg, 3.9rpg and 1.2bpg. Despite he played previously for the Russian national team, Parakhouski is currently in the Belarusian national team roster.

Heorhi Kandrusevich

#5. Former international forward Heorhi Kandrusevich (198-78, agency: New Trend Agency) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Khimik (23-16) 93-76 in the Ukrainian Superleague last Thursday. He scored 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 23 minutes. Ferro-ZNTU Zaporozhye (23-16) is placed fourth in the Superleague. Kandrusevich is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fourth year in Ferro-ZNTU's roster. This season Kandrusevich's total stats are: 9.1ppg, 3.3rpg and 1.4apg in the 36 games. Despite he played previously for the Russian national team, Kandrusevich is currently in the Belarusian national team roster.

Dzianis Korshuk

#6. Forward Dzianis Korshuk (202-78, also represented by New Trend Agency) faced previously mentioned Artsiom Parakhouski in the Ukrainian Superleague last game. Korshuk contributed to a BC Odessa's victory against the second-ranked Budivelnyk (30-9) 95-90. He scored 8 points. Korshuk has averaged so far 7.3ppg, 3.2rpg and 1.4apg. Despite he played previously for the Russian national team, Korshuk is also a former international player as he played for the Belarusian senior team three years ago.

Dante Stiggers

#7. Former international point guard Dante Stiggers (187-82, college: S.Mississippi) was not able to help PAOK (10-14) in their game against Olympiacos (23-1) in the Greek A1. He scored 5 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 17 minutes. PAOK lost 61-68 on their home court in Thessaloniki to the leading Olympiacos. Stiggers has averaged so far 5.1ppg, 2.0rpg and 1.4apg in the 26 games. He is a naturalized American. Stiggers used to play for the Belarusian national team two years ago. He played also for BK Minsk-2006 in Belarusian league.

Aliaksandr Pustahvar

#8. Forward Aliaksandr Pustahvar (201-85, another player represented by RU-Basket Management) was not able to secure a victory for BC Nizhny Novgorod (3-15) in their game against Triumph Lyubertsy (12-6) in the Russian PBL. Pustahvar scored 7 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. BC Nizhny Novgorod was defeated 83-70 on the road by the higher-ranked Triumph Lyubertsy (#3). The Regular Season already ended. Pustahvar has averaged so far 2.4ppg and 1.3rpg. Despite he played previously for the Russian national team, Pustahvar is currently in the Belarusian national team roster.

Mikalai Aliakseyeu

#9. International center Mikalai Aliakseyeu (212-78, agency: TSS Management, college: Buffalo) helped Targu Mures win their game against the closely-ranked U-Mobitelco (20-8) 82-76 in the Romanian Division A on Wednesday night. He scored 6 points in only 8 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. BC Mures Targu-Mures (3-0) is placed first in the Division A. So far his team won all three games in the Quarter-Finals. Aliakseyeu has averaged so far 4.1ppg and 2.6rpg in the 30 games. Despite he played previously for the Russian national team, Aliakseyeu is currently in the Belarusian national team roster.

Valentin Yurchyk

#10. Forward Valentin Yurchyk (207-87, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) is a teammate of previously mentioned Aliaksandr Pustahvar and both played together in the last Russian PBL game. Yurchyk couldn't help BC Nizhny Novgorod (3-15) in their game against Triumph Lyubertsy (12-6). He cannot count Thursday's game as one of the best ones. Yurchyk scored only 2 points. BC Nizhny Novgorod was defeated 83-70 in Lubertsy by the higher-ranked Triumph Lyubertsy (#3). Yurchyk has averaged so far 3.7ppg and 1.3rpg. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Belarusian National Team roster.

#11. International guard Valery Gandlin (191-86) couldn't help Kiryat Tivon in their game against Elitzur Yavne in the Israeli National League (second division). Gandlin cannot count Monday's game as one of the best ones. He recorded only 3 points in 22 minutes. His team was badly defeated by 17 points 105-88. Gandlin has relatively good stats this year: 10.2ppg, 1.4rpg and 2.1apg in the 12 games. He plays currently for the Belarusian national team.

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BELGIUM

Axel Hervelle selected the top Belgian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Belgians who are currently playing abroad.

Axel Hervelle

#1. This week's number one is an international forward Axel Hervelle (205-83), who plays in the Spanish ACB. He could not help Gescrap BB (17-13) to beat Valencia Basket (18-12). Hervelle scored only 4 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 23 minutes on the court. Gescrap BB was edged 66-63 on the road by the higher-ranked (#4) Valencia Basket. It was Gescrap BB's first loss after six consecutive victories. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. This year Hervelle averages: 5.2ppg, 3.7rpg, 2FGP: 49.5%, 3FGP: 30.8% and FT: 54.5% in the 24 games he played so far. He is currently a member of the Belgian senior national team.

Beye Tabu-Eboma

#2. Second place goes to an international point guard Beye Tabu-Eboma (190-85). Tabu-Eboma led Vanoli-Braga to a victory against the fifth-ranked Umana Venezia (17-11) 89-80 in the Italian SerieA last Sunday. He scored 16 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Vanoli-Braga Cremona (12-17) is placed 13th in the SerieA. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. Tabu-Eboma has relatively good stats this season: 10.4ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.9apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 50.5%, 3FGP: 39.7% and FT: 75.4%. He is in the roster of the Belgian senior national team.

Aleksander Lichodzijewski

#3. The Belgian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international center Aleksander Lichodzijewski (202-84), who plays in the Polish PLK. Lichodzijewski was not able to help PBG Basket (11-27) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the seventh-placed PBG Basket lost 60-73 in Kolobrzeg to the higher-ranked (#3) Kotwica in the Group B. Lichodzijewski was the top scorer with 16 points. He also added 3 steals in 29 minutes. It was PBG Basket's third consecutive loss in a row. The Second Stage already ended. It's Lichodzijewski's first season with the team. This year Lichodzijewski has relatively solid stats: 12.0ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 50.6%, 3FGP: 38.1% and FT: 71.3% in the 28 games. He has a dual citizenship: Belgian and Polish. Despite Lichodzijewski played previously for the Polish national team, he played also for the Belgian national team in 2008.

Sam Van Rossom

#4. Guard Sam Van Rossom (188-86) was not able to secure a victory for CAI Zaragoza (15-15) in their game against FIATC Joventut (13-17) in the Spanish ACB. Van Rossom's contribution was not very remarkable in Sunday's game. He scored only 3 points and added 6 assists. CAI Zaragoza was crushed 85-63 in Badalona by the lower-ranked FIATC Joventut (#12). It was CAI Zaragoza's third consecutive loss in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important. Van Rossom's overall stats this season are: 6.5ppg, 2.9rpg and 2.9apg. He is also Belgian national team player.

Ryan Hoover

#5. An experienced international guard Ryan Hoover (188-74, agency: SportsTalent, college: Notre Dame) couldn't help Fileni BPA (13-13) in their game against Trenkwalder RE (19-7) in the Italian Lega2 (second division). Hoover scored 6 points and grabbed 5 rebounds (went 6 for 6 at the free throw line) in 31 minutes. Fileni BPA lost 65-78 in Reggio Emilia to the leading Trenkwalder RE. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be extremely important. Hoover has reliable stats this year: 11.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.1apg and 1.3spg in the 26 games. He is a naturalized American. Despite Hoover played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Belgian national team roster. Strangely Hoover has never played in Belgium.

Christopher Jones

#6. best in steals. Jones has very reliable stats this season: 11.9ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.5apg and 2.5spg. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Belgian National Team roster.

Other top Belgian players, who play abroad:

Yannick Driesen (215-C-88) plays for Asefa Estudiantes in Spanish ACB
Sebastien Maio (190-G-78) plays for Plymouth Raiders in British BBL
Mark Acres (210-C-62) plays for Benfica in Portuguese LPB
Marcus Faison (196-G-78) plays for Kryvbasbasket in Ukrainian Superleague
Kandi Mukole (203-F) plays for Guildford Heat in British BBL
Thomas Dreesen (199-F-88) plays for Sparta in Luxembourg Diekirch League
Karim Nesba (188-G-86) plays for RSB Berkane in Moroccan D1
Steve Oelbrandt (200-C-80) plays for Helsingborg in Swedish Basketettan
Dimitri Jorssen (212-C/F-79) plays for Soleuvre in Luxembourg Diekirch League

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

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BOSNIA

Mirza Teletovic selected the top Bosnian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Bosnians who are currently playing abroad.

Mirza Teletovic

#1. This week's number one is an international forward Mirza Teletovic (206-85, agency: Beo Basket), who plays in the Spanish ACB. He could not help Caja Laboral (21-9) in their last game. Despite Teletovic's very good performance Caja Laboral was edged 72-70 on the road by the much lower-ranked (#10) Assignia Manresa. He was the top scorer with 22 points. Teletovic also added 3 blocks in 34 minutes on the court. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. It's Teletovic's sixth season with the team. He is currently second on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of best rebounders (seventh place). Teletovic has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 16.9ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 52.4%, 3FGP: 35.6% and FT: 71.4% in the 30 games he played so far. Teletovic is currently a member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina senior national team.

Zoran Planinic

#2. Second place goes to an international guard Zoran Planinic (199-82). He led his Russian team Khimky to a victory over the leader Valencia Basket (6-0) 77-68 in the Eurocup last Sunday. Planinic was MVP of the game. He recorded 19 points and added 4 assists. It was the game of the round between two top 2 ranked teams in group J. BC Khimky Moscow Region (5-1) is placed second. Planinic belongs to league's best passers and is ranked #3. He has very reliable stats this season: 11.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.9apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 51.9%, 3FGP: 27.3% and FT: 79.6%. Planinic has a dual citizenship: Croatian and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite he played previously for the Croatian national team, Planinic is currently a member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina senior national team.

Goran Suton

#3. The Bosnia and Herzegovina player who performed third best last week abroad was former international center Goran Suton (209-85, college: Michigan St.). He was the main contributor in Cibona's victory against the second-ranked Cedevita (7-3) 79-76 in a derby game in the Croatian A1 on Friday night. Suton was the best player in that game. He had a double-double by scoring 15 points and getting 14 rebounds in 21 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only Suton's third season in pro basketball. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Group Championship. KK Cibona VIP Zagreb (10-0) is placed first in Championship Group. So far his team won all ten games in the Second Stage. It's Suton's first year with the team. This season his overall stats are: 9.6ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 57.6%(34-59), 3FGP: 57.1% and FT: 76.2% in the 10 games. Suton is another player who holds two passports: Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatian. Despite he played previously for the Croatian national team, Suton played also for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team in 2010.

Kenan Bajramovic

#4. Forward Kenan Bajramovic (206-81) contributed to an easy victory against the seventh-ranked Aliaga (14-15) crushing them 101-77 in the Turkish TBL in Sunday night's game. He was the top player that evening. Bajramovic scored 16 points. Banvit Basketbol Kulubu (24-5) is placed second in the TBL. It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row. They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial. Bajramovic has relatively good stats this season: 11.3ppg, 4.7rpg and 1.7apg. Despite he played previously for the Croatian national team, Bajramovic is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

Mirza Begic

#5. International center Mirza Begic (217-85) contributed to a Real Madrid's victory against the eighth-ranked Meridiano Alicante (16-13) 91-87 in the Spanish ACB last Sunday. He scored 8 points and blocked 2 blocks in 15 minutes. Real Madrid (23-7) is placed second in the ACB. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important. Begic is currently fourth on the league's list of best blockers with 1.6bpg. This year he also averages: 5.9ppg and 4.3rpg in the 28 games. Begic has both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenian nationalities. Despite he played previously for the Slovenian national team, Begic is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

Suad Sehovic

#6. Swingman Suad Sehovic (197-87), who plays in the Ukrainian Superleague was not able to help Budivelnyk (30-9) in their last game on Friday. Despite his very good performance Budivelnyk was defeated 95-90 at home by the lower-ranked BC Odessa (#7). Sehovic was the top scorer with 17 points. He also added 7 rebounds. It's Sehovic's first season with the team. This year Sehovic has relatively solid stats: 10.3ppg, 5.7rpg and 1.2spg. Despite he played previously for the Montenegrin national team, Sehovic is also an international player who is currently on the senior Bosnia and Herzegovina National Team roster.

Robert Rikic

#7. International center Robert Rikic (217-90) was the major contributor in a KK Zagreb CO's victory against the eighth-ranked Zabok (1-9) crushing them 96-58 in the Croatian A1 in Tuesday night's game. He scored 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 20 minutes. KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje (5-4) is placed fifth in Championship Group. This year Rikic's total stats are: 6.8ppg and 3.4rpg in the five games. Despite he played previously for the Croatian U20 national team, Rikic is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

Henry Domercant

#8. Guard Henry Domercant (192-80, college: E.Illinois) helped Unics Kazan win their game against the closely-ranked Krasnie Krilya (7-11) 84-68 in the Russian PBL last Tuesday. He scored 14 points. Unics Kazan (7-10) is placed seventh in the PBL. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be extremely important. Domercant has reliable stats this season: 11.3ppg, 2.6rpg and 1.7apg. He is a naturalized American. Despite Domercant played previously for the USA national team, he is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster. Strangely Domercant has never played in Bosnia.

Damir Markota

#9. International power forward Damir Markota (210-85) is a teammate of previously mentioned Robert Rikic and both played together in the last Croatian A1 game. Markota helped KK Zagreb CO win their game against the eighth-ranked Zabok (1-9) crushing them 96-58. He scored 11 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in only a mere 13 minutes. Markota has very impressive stats this year: 17.1ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.2apg and 1.1spg in the nine games. Despite he played previously for the Croatian national team, Markota is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

Nihad Djedovic

   #10. Forward Nihad Djedovic (196-90, also represented by Beo Basket) helped Galatasaray win their double overtime (!!!) game against the 11th-ranked Erdemir (11-18) 85-81 in the Turkish TBL in Saturday night's game. He scored 9 points. Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul (24-5) is placed first in the TBL. Djedovic's team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. Djedovic's stats this season are: 12.2ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.4apg and 1.6spg. Despite he played previously for the Croatian national team, Djedovic is also an international player who is currently on the senior Bosnia and Herzegovina National Team roster.

   #11. International power forward Vanja Plisnic (205-80, another player represented by Beo Basket) helped Banco di Sardegna Sassari edge the 14th-ranked Fabi Shoes Montegranaro 79-77 in the Italian SerieA last Sunday. He scored 14 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 34 minutes. Plisnic has averaged so far 8.0ppg, 3.8rpg and 1.5apg in the 28 games. Despite he played previously for the Serbian national team, Plisnic is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

   #12. International guard Muhamed Pasalic (192-87, agency: PEPI SPORT), who plays in the Greek A1 was not able to secure a victory for Kavala (13-11) in their last game on Friday. Despite his very good performance Kavala was defeated 73-67 on their home court in Kavala by the higher-ranked Kolossos (#3). Pasalic was the second best scorer with 17 points. He also added 3 passes. Pasalic averaged so far 10.1ppg, 2.4rpg and 2.2apg. Despite he played previously for the Serbian national team, Pasalic is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

   #13. International forward Marko Keselj (205-88, another player represented by Beo Basket) managed to help Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus in a victory against the eighth-ranked PAOK crushing them 81-53 in the Greek A1 in Thursday night's game. He recorded only 4 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 21 minutes. Keselj has averaged so far 5.7ppg and 2.7rpg in the 18 games. He is also Bosnia and Herzegovina national team player.

   #14. International guard Goran Ikonic (196-80, another player represented by Beo Basket), who plays in the Turkish TBL couldn't help Karsiyaka (18-11) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Ikonic's good performance Karsiyaka was badly defeated 90-70 on their home court in Karsiyaka by the much lower-ranked Olin Edirne (#14). He scored 13 points. Ikonic averaged so far 12.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.0apg and 1.1spg. Despite he played previously for the Serbian national team, Ikonic is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

   #15. Former international shooting guard Ivan Opacak (201-80) helped Cedevita win their game against the seventh-ranked Svjetlost crushing them 90-63 in the Croatian A1 on Tuesday night. He scored 13 points in only a mere 12 minutes. Opacak has averaged so far 7.9ppg and 1.3rpg in the 10 games. Despite he played previously for the Croatian national team, Opacak is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

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BRAZIL

Tiago Splitter selected the top Brazilian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

We bring you last week's top performances from Brazilians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Tiago Splitter

#1. This week's number one is an international power forward Tiago Splitter (211-85, agency: Interperformances). He led San Antonio Spurs to a victory over the Sacramento Kings (21-43) crushing them 127-102 in the NBA in Wednesday night's game. Splitter was MVP of the game. He recorded 17 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 22 minutes on the court. The San Antonio Spurs have a solid 47-16 record this season. It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row. There are only three games left until the end of the NBA Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. It's Splitter's first year with the team. Splitter has relatively good stats this season: 9.1ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 61.4%(199-324) and FT: 68.1% in the 56 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Brazilian and Spanish. Despite Splitter played previously for the Spanish national team, he is currently a member of the Brazilian senior national team.

Vitor Faverani

#2. Second place goes to an international center Vitor Faverani (211-88). Faverani was the major contributor in a Valencia Basket's victory against the 14th-ranked Baloncesto Fuenlabrada (11-19) crushing them 90-68 in the Spanish ACB last Wednesday. He scored 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Valencia Basket (18-12) is placed fourth in the ACB. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. This season Faverani averages: 7.2ppg, 3.6rpg, 2FGP: 55.9%(62-111), 3FGP: 17.6% and FT: 66.0%. Despite he played previously for the Spanish national team, Faverani is currently a member of the Brazilian senior national team.

Hilario Nene

#3. The Brazilian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international center Hilario Nene (207-82). He contributed to a Washington Wizards' victory against the Milwaukee Bucks (30-33) 121-112 in the NBA on Wednesday night. Nene recorded 14 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks in a mere 18 minutes. The Washington Wizards have rather weak 17-46 record this season. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. There are only three games left until the end of the NBA Regular Season. So now every game will be important. Nene has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 14.3ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.9apg, 2FGP: 56.5%(48-85) and FT: 66.7% in the eight games. Despite Nene played previously for the Spanish national team, he played also for the Brazilian national team in 2007.

Leandrinho Barbosa

#4. Point guard Leandrinho Barbosa (190-82) helped Indiana Pacers win their game against the Milwaukee Bucks (30-33) 118-109 in the NBA in Thursday night's game. Barbosa scored 10 points. The Indiana Pacers have a solid 41-23 record this season. It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row. There are only two games left until the end of the NBA Regular Season. So now every game will be extremely important. This season Barbosa has relatively solid stats: 8.7ppg, 1.9rpg and 1.5apg. Despite he played previously for the Spanish national team, Barbosa is currently in the Brazilian national team roster.

Marcelinho Huertas

#5. International point guard Marcelinho Huertas (191-83, agency: Edge Sports) managed to help Regal FC Barcelona in a victory against the 11th-ranked Unicaja Malaga (14-16) crushing them 89-57 in the Spanish ACB last Sunday. He scored only 4 points in 17 minutes. Regal FC Barcelona (25-5) is placed first in the ACB. It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. It's Huertas' first season with the team. This year Huertas' overall stats are: 8.1ppg, 2.8rpg and 3.2apg in the 30 games. He is another player who holds two passports: Brazilian and Italian. Huertas plays currently for the Brazilian national team.

Rafael Hettsheimer

#6. Center Rafael Hettsheimer (206-86) helped CAI Zaragoza edge the 14th-ranked Baloncesto Fuenlabrada (11-19) 80-78 in the Spanish ACB on Saturday night. He scored 8 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. CAI Zaragoza (15-15) is placed ninth in the ACB. They ended the series of three consecutive loses. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. Hettsheimer is ranked seventh on the list of the top scorers in the league. He has very reliable stats this season: 14.0ppg and 6.9rpg. Despite Hettsheimer played previously for the Spanish national team, he is also an international player who is currently on the senior Brazilian National Team roster.

Paulo Prestes

#7. Former international center Paulo Prestes (210-88), who plays in the Lithuanian LKL could not help one of league's weakest teams Pieno Zvaigzdes (13-9) to beat Rudupis (16-6). Prestes recorded 6 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 17 minutes. Pieno Zvaigzdes was crushed 94-64 on the road by the higher-ranked (#4) Rudupis. This year Prestes' total stats are: 6.9ppg and 5.5rpg in the 11 games. Despite he played previously for the Spanish national team, Prestes is currently in the Brazilian national team roster.

Marcus Vinicius Toledo

#8. Forward Marcus Vinicius Toledo (203-86) helped Ford Burgos win their game against the closely-ranked Grupo Iruna Navarra (20-13) 67-64 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) last Friday. He recorded a double-double by scoring 12 points and getting 10 rebounds. Toledo also added 3 blocks. Autocid Ford Burgos (22-11) is placed second in the LEB Gold. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. Toledo is currently second on the list of most steals. He has averaged so far 7.6ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.6apg and 2.2spg. Despite Toledo played previously for the Spanish national team, he is currently in the Brazilian national team roster.

Raul Neto

#9. International point guard Raul Neto (186-92) helped Lagun Aro GBC win their game against the 12th-ranked FIATC Joventut (13-17) 90-85 in the Spanish ACB on Sunday night. Neto scored only 4 points and added 4 passes in 19 minutes. Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa BC (17-13) is placed fifth in the ACB. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. Neto has averaged so far 5.9ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.0apg and 1.1spg in the 30 games. He is also in the roster of the Brazilian national team.

Hatila Passos

   #10. Center Hatila Passos (211-86, college: N.Mexico St.) helped Hebraica win their game against the third-ranked Malvin (0-0) 79-71 in a derby game in the Uruguayan LUB in Friday night's game. Passos scored 14 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Serie 1. Hebraica Macabi (9-1) is placed first. It was his team's ninth consecutive victory in a row. Passos is currently sixth on the list of best rebounders. This season he has very good stats: 14.4ppg and 11.4rpg. Despite Passos played previously for the Spanish national team, he is also a former international player as two years ago he still played for the Brazilian senior national team.

   #11. International point guard Rafael Freire (188-92) helped Meridiano Alicante win their game against the closely-ranked Assignia Manresa 76-70 in the Spanish ACB last Sunday. Freire scored only 3 points in 13 minutes. He has averaged so far 5.6ppg, 1.5rpg and 1.6apg in the 22 games. Freire plays currently for the Brazilian national team.

   #12. Former international swingman Jonathan Tavernari (198-87, college: BYU) was not able to help one of league's weakest teams one of league's weakest teams Tuscany Pistoia in their game against Givova Scafati in the Italian Lega2 (second division). He recorded 8 points. His team was edged 88-87. Tavernari has averaged so far 9.7ppg, 3.8rpg and 1.5spg. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Tavernari is currently in the Brazilian national team roster.

   #13. Former international center Guilherme Gitterer (204-85) was not able to secure a victory for Gandia Basquet in their game against Feve Oviedo in the Spanish LEB Silver (third division). He recorded 7 points, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks in 25 minutes. His team lost 69-74. Gitterer has averaged so far 6.8ppg and 6.2rpg in the 23 games. Despite he played previously for the Spanish national team, Gitterer is currently in the Brazilian national team roster.

   #14. Former international forward Kazuya Hatano (192-82) couldn't help Shiga L-Stars in their game against Niigata Albirex in the Japanese BJ League. He scored only 4 points. His team were defeated 91-83. Hatano has averaged so far 2.6ppg and 2.8rpg. He used to play for the Brazilian national team back in 2010.

   #15. Former U18 international center Renan Leichtweis (207-89) helped Palencia Baloncesto win their game against the sixth-ranked UB La Palma 84-81 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) on Friday night. Leichtweis scored only 4 points in 7 minutes on the court. He has averaged so far 2.6ppg and 1.5rpg in the 31 games. Leichtweis used to play for the Brazilian U18 national team six years ago.

Jimmy move out of Sao Jose dos Campos just before the Playoffs - by Paulo Freire

The young guard Jimmy de Oliveira (189-F/G-90) is no longer a member of the Sao Jose dos Campos team, the player decided to sign a contract with the young team of Jacarei Basketball/Fibria/JTU/Ativia who is now playing the first phase of the Paulista State Championship.

Jimmy was playing in Sao Jose dos Campos since 2009, but never had a chance to see solid minutes on the floor. On this NBB season Jimmy highlight was on the All-Star Game weekend where he show up on the Dunk Contest.

The weird thing is that Sao jose dos Campos is just a few days to start their playoffs series, and the team is having their best season compare to the last years.

Winner/Limeira rally past Joinville to force decider - by Eurobasket News

Winner/Limeira escaped elimination and forced the decisive fifth game against Joinville. Winner/Limeira celebrated a comfortable 102:74 home win over their opponents to tie things up at 2-2 in the series. Vitor Benite (190-F/G-90) delivered 29 points to lead the winners.
Winner/Limeira aggressively opened the game. The hosts unleashed 29 points in the first period to establish a 17-point lead. Joinville and Winner/Limeira exchanged the baskets throughout the second quarter as the home team enjoyed a 17-point buffer at halftime 50:33. Winner/Limeira extended the lead in the third term. The hosts piled up a comfortable 21-point advantage with one quarter to go. They fired 27 points in the fourth frame and earned a well-deserved win. Ronald Ramon (185-G-86, college: Pittsburgh) secured 13 points, while Tatu Romualdo (185-G-83) contributed 10 in the victory. Kojo Mensah (185-PG-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duquesne) answered with 22 points and 7 assists for Joinville. Tiago Lima (201-C/F-81) and Rashad Bishop (198-F-88, college: Cincinnati) finished with 13 points apiece in the loss.
The fifth game is scheduled for Wednesday.

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

BULGARIA

Levski lost the Balkan league final in OT - by Vladi Lazarova

Levski did not give up to the end against Galil Gilboa, but lost 84:89 in overtime the final of the Balkan league. The Blues from Sofia missed a golden chance to triumph with the Cup for the second time after 2010.

In his fourth consecutive season, the tournament has fourth different winner. In 2009 Balkan league started with golden medals for Bulgarian team Rilski sportist, who won the battle at home in Samokov. In 2010 Levski did it in Sofia and in 2011 the trophy went into the hands of Macedonian Feni Industries in Kavadarci.

50 seconds before the end of the regular time Levski was 7 points ahead, but after couple of unbelievable mistakes, Galil exploded and put the game in OT with two free throws by Courtney Fells (198-SF-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) 75:75. At this moment of the game, for Levski was already impossible to fight under the baskets. The captain of the team Stefan Georgiev (206-C/F-78) and one of the best players of Bulgarian vice-champion - Dimitar Anguelov (203-SF-79, agency: Interperformances) sit on the bench with 5 fouls shortly before the end of the last quarter.

Vasil Evtimov (207-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina) was the only soldier of the rebounds, but both with Pavel Ivanov (200-F-88) were forced to play with 4 fouls in OT. Evtimov was fouled out soon and The Blues finished the match only with guards.
Marcus Hall (185-G-85, college: Colorado) with 20 points and Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Mississippi) with 18 points were the best scorers for Levski at the final. Joseph Jones (204-C/F-86, college: Texas A&M) and Romeo Travis (200-PF-84, college: Akron) made 22 points each for the victory of Galil Gilboa.
Galil Gilboa is the first Israeli team who conquered the Balkan league in the first season of Israeli clubs in the tournament. Galil and Hapoel (Tel Aviv) joined BIBL last autumn and two squads met at the semifinals, where Galil was better team 88:72. Former Israeli National team player and star Lior Lubin is the youngest head coach, who is leading his team to the Balkan league first place. Lubin is 34-years old - younger than Macedonian specialist Aleksandar Todorov, who made Bulgarian Rilski sportist the first ever champion of the tournament in 2009 at the age of 36.

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Peter SEDMAK
  USK Praha
  (207-C-85)
  Avg: 19.7

1. Sedmak, USK Praha	19.7
2. Pope, Chomutov	19.6
3. McFadden, Usti n.	18.2
4. Grant, Levice	17.9
5. Lowery, Chomutov	17.6
6. Hruban, USK Praha	16.7
7. Houska, BK Decin	15.4
8. Arnold, BK Pardu.	14.9
9. Meno, Svitavy	14.8
10. Stanek, Chomutov	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Stanislav VOTROUBEK
  USK P.
  (212-C-81)
  Avg: 8.8

1. Votroubek, USK P.	8.8
2. Pesic, Inter B.	8.6
3. Meno, Svitavy	8.4
4. Gottselig, Usti n.	8.0
5. Arnold, BK Pardu.	7.7
6. Naymick, CEZ N.	7.6
7. Gadri-N., BK Prost.	7.5
8. Peterson, BK Prost.	7.4
9. Modric, Levice	7.2
10. Houska, BK Decin	6.8

Assists Per Game

Emanuel UBILLA
  Inter B.
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Ubilla, Inter B.	5.3
2. Deloach, Svitavy	5.1
3. Sotnar, USK Praha	4.7
4. Wright, NH Ostrava	4.6
5. Wright, Chomutov	4.6
6. Vrubl, Plzen	4.4
7. Lawrence, CEZ N.	4.1
8. Sirina, B&W Opava	4.1
9. McFadden, Usti n.	4.1
10. Barnes, BC Kolin	4.0

Steals Per Game

Rashaan AMES
  BC Kolin
  (184-PG-78)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Ames, BC Kolin	2.7
2. Ubilla, Inter B.	2.5
3. Wright, Chomutov	2.4
4. McFadden, Usti n.	2.3
5. Wright, NH Ostrava	2.1
6. Klecka, B&W Opava	1.9
7. Lowery, Chomutov	1.9
8. Pumprla, CEZ N.	1.8
9. Sirina, B&W Opava	1.8
10. Abrams, CEZ N.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Naymick, CEZ N.	1.7
2. Hughes, NH Ostrava	1.3
3. Miklosik, B&W O.	1.3
4. Gadri-N., BK Prost.	1.2
5. Williams, BK Decin	1.0
6. Grant, Levice	0.9
7. Pumprla, CEZ N.	0.9
8. Reese, Usti n.	0.9
9. Arnold, BK Pardu.	0.8
10. Meno, Svitavy	0.8

BK Decin, Nymburk and Prostejov swept the Quarter-Finals series - by Eurobasket News

BK Pardubice - BC Kolin 63-77 (1-2)

BK Pardubice was ahead by 5 points at the halftime before a 47-28 second half run of BC Kolin. It was an exceptional evening for forward David Machac (204-80) who led the winners and scored 25 points and 5 rebounds. American guard Chadwick-Farrell Barnes (190-83, college: New Orleans) accounted for 13 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side. Four BC Kolin players scored in double figures. International forward Petr Bohacik (204-85) came up with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 12 rebounds and American power forward Marcus Arnold (207-84, college: Illinois, agency: Stanley International) added 13 points and 9 rebounds respectively for BK Pardubice in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest.
Top scorers:
BC Kolin: D.Machac 25+5reb+1ast, C.Barnes 13+6reb+5ast, R.Ames 12+4reb+4ast, S.Licartovsky 10+3reb, S.Zuzak 8+1reb+2ast, R.Field 7+8reb+2ast
BK Pardubice: M.Arnold 13+9reb, P.Bohacik 11+12reb, M.Hampton 9+2reb+4ast, J.Cernosek 7+6reb, O.Peterka 6+2reb, L.Kotas 5+1reb

CEZ Nymburk - Levice 96-46 (3-0)

The game without a history. CEZ Nymburk led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Levice to just 6 points in fourth quarter. CEZ Nymburk dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Levice's 24. CEZ Nymburk forced 22 Levice turnovers. It was a great shooting night for CEZ Nymburk especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 56.3 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists comparing to just 6 passes made by Levice's players. It was an exceptional evening for American guard A.J. Abrams (180-86, college: Texas, agency: Two Points) who led the winners and scored 24 points and 4 assists (perfect behind the arc making all five shots). The former international forward Radek Necas (204-80) accounted for 12 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists for the winning side. Four CEZ Nymburk players scored in double figures. American guard Keaton Grant (193-86, college: Purdue) came up with 10 points and Spanish point guard Eric Sanchez (181-82, agency: Dynamics Global Management) added 7 points respectively for Levice in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
CEZ Nymburk: A.Abrams 24+3reb+4ast, R.Necas 12+9reb+8ast, P.Benda 12+3reb, L.Sokolovsky 11+2reb+1ast, A.Naymick 10+4reb+1ast, M.Lenzly 9+3reb+6ast
Levice: K.Grant 10+4reb, E.Sanchez 7+3reb+1ast, A.Waleskowski 6+2reb, P.Seman 5+3reb+1ast, J.Vojtek 4+2reb, D.Marek 3+1reb+2ast

BK Prostejov - NH Ostrava 90-71 (3-0)

The game was mostly controlled by BK Prostejov. NH Ostrava managed to win second period 22-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great evening for American center Bertengeh Gadri-Nicholson (208-83, college: Denver) who led his team to a victory scoring 15 points and 8 rebounds. His fellow American import Jamar Smith (191-87, college: S.Indiana, agency: KMG Sports Management) helped adding 16 points and 5 assists. BK Prostejov's coach Zbynek Choleva used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was Greek power forward Savvas Manousos (208-85) with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists and American center James Hughes (211-83, college: N.Illinois, agency: I.D.S. Law) scored 22 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
BK Prostejov: J.Smith 16+3reb+5ast, B.Gadri-Nicholson 15+8reb+2ast, T.Peterson 15+6reb+2ast, P.Slezak 12+1reb, K.Svrdlik 11+4reb, M.Venta 9+4reb+3ast
NH Ostrava: J.Hughes 22+5reb, S.Manousos 20+13reb+4ast, R.Luettgerodt 13+5reb+1ast, D.Wright 11+2reb+6ast, A.Ciz 3+2ast, L.Jurecka 2+2reb+1ast

BK Decin - USK Praha 76-67 (3-0)

USK Praha was ahead by 2 points after three quarters before a 22-11 charge of BK Decin, which allowed them to win the game. It was an exceptional evening for international power forward Pavel Houska (204-84) who led the winners and scored 17 points and 6 rebounds. American power forward Dwight Burke (202-86, college: Marquette) accounted for 16 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Burke is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Slovakian center Peter Sedmak (207-85) came up with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international center Stanislav Votroubek (212-81) added 7 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks respectively for USK Praha in the defeat. USK Praha's coach Ken Scalabroni rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
BK Decin: P.Houska 17+6reb+3ast, D.Burke 16+8reb+1ast, L.Stria 11+2reb+4ast, T.Pomikalek 8+4reb+1ast, A.Alic 6+3reb+3ast, M.Soukup 6+1reb+1ast
USK Praha: P.Sedmak 21+7reb+4ast, V.Hruban 12+3reb+5ast, L.Festr 7+2ast, S.Votroubek 7+12reb+2ast, J.Slavik 7+4reb, M.Sotnar 5+2reb+5ast

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

DENMARK

Stats Leaders - Basketligaen

Points Per Game

Ryan WHITE
  Aalborg
  (177-PG-88)
  Avg: 24.9

1. White, Aalborg	24.9
2. Harris, Horsens IC	24.6
3. Henry, Naestved	22.1
4. Alexander, Bakken	21.6
5. Rutherford, SISU	21.0
6. Curry, Aabyhoj	20.7
7. Bishop, Aalborg	19.0
8. Rasmussen, Vaerl.	18.8
9. Sprinker, Vaerlose	17.3
10. Delk, Vaerlose	16.8

Rebounds Per Game

D''Mario CURRY
  Aabyhoj
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Curry, Aabyhoj	11.6
2. Bishop, Aalborg	11.3
3. Glynn, Naestved	10.4
4. St.John, Horsens	10.2
5. Vinson, Svendborg	9.1
6. Phillips, Aabyhoj	8.6
7. Osgood-R., Vaerlose	8.4
8. Benjamin, Horsholm	8.3
9. Ba, Falcon	8.2
10. Rutherford, SISU	8.0

Assists Per Game

Davor SATTLER
  Horsens IC
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 5.4

1. Sattler, Horsens IC	5.4
2. Henry, Naestved	5.1
3. White, Aalborg	4.9
4. Delk, Vaerlose	4.6
5. Colman, Svendborg	4.5
6. Fields, Falcon	3.9
7. McFarlane, Falcon	3.9
8. Nielsen, SISU	3.6
9. Darboe, Svendborg	3.5
10. Curry, Aabyhoj	3.5

Steals Per Game

Corin HENRY
  Naestved
  (180-PG-88)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Henry, Naestved	3.4
2. Wire, Vaerlose	2.9
3. White, Aalborg	2.8
4. Dennis, SISU	2.6
5. Bishop, Aalborg	2.3
6. Fields, Falcon	2.1
7. Sattler, Horsens IC	2.0
8. Nielsen, SISU	1.9
9. Alexander, Bakken	1.9
10. McFarlane, Falcon	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Bonell COLAS
  Horsholm
  (205-F-82)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Colas, Horsholm	1.7
2. Curry, Aabyhoj	1.7
3. Christoffers., Bak.	1.7
4. Phillips, Aabyhoj	1.6
5. Bishop, Aalborg	1.6
6. Vinson, Svendborg	1.3
7. Sprinker, Vaerlose	1.2
8. Marinkovic, Horsho.	1.1
9. Eleraky, Aalborg	0.9
10. Johansen, Naestv.	0.9

Bears are one win away from the title - by Eurobasket News

Svendborg - Bakken 62-93 (1-3)

Fourth game of the Ligaen Finals just ended. Bakken Bears smashed Svendborg on the road 62-93 taking 1-3 lead in the series. The format is best-of-seven, so the Rabbits need just one more win for the title. The first chance to do that they will have on Thursday. The Bears will play at their home court. The game without a history. Bakken led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 51.9 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of international swingman Chris Nielsen (192-85) who helped to win the game recording 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international point guard Frederik Nielsen (180-88, agency: Regeneracom Sports) who added 11 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists during the contest. Five Bakken players scored in double figures. At the losing side the former international guard Chanan Colman (191-84, college: Chipola) responded with 19 points and American forward Durell Vinson (201-85, college: Wagner) scored 8 points and 12 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. Bakken Bears were the regular season champions with 25-2 record. They are also the defending champions from the last season.

Svendborg: C.Colman 19+2reb+3ast, M.Kingsley 12+3reb, A.Darboe 8+5reb+1ast, D.Vinson 8+12reb+2ast, M.Plannthin 6+4reb, M.Mariegaard 4+4ast
Bakken: C.Nielsen 20+6reb+5ast, J.Alexander 17+7reb, C.Christoffersen 15+6reb+1ast, N.Iversen 14+6reb+3ast, F.Nielsen 11+6reb+7ast, M.Kristensen 5+2reb

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

D-LEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Blake AHEARN
  Reno B.
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 23.8

1. Ahearn, Reno B.	23.8
2. Almond, Maine RC	23.4
3. Emmett, Reno B.	23.1
4. Dentmon, Austin T.	22.0
5. Millsap, Los A.	19.7
6. Mitchell, Sioux F.	19.6
7. Efevberha, Iowa E.	19.6
8. Gilder, Sioux F.	19.2
9. Ubiles, Dakota W.	19.2
10. Smith, Springfiel.	18.8

Rebounds Per Game

Marcus LEWIS
  Tulsa 66ers
  (203-F/C-86)
  Avg: 12.7

1. Lewis, Tulsa 66ers	12.7
2. Harangody, Canton	11.7
3. Dawson, Austin T.	10.5
4. Butch, Bakersfi.	10.4
5. Thomas, Los A.	9.3
6. Foote, Springfield	9.0
7. Williams, Texas L.	8.9
8. Criswell-L., Austi.	8.9
9. Reid, Tulsa 66ers	8.6
10. Horner, Springfi.	8.4

Assists Per Game

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

1. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	9.9
2. Conroy, Rio G.	9.0
3. Daniels, Texas L.	8.7
4. Curry, Springfield	6.3
5. Wise, Bakersfield	6.2
6. Fortson, Los A.	5.9
7. Bailey, Idaho S.	5.8
8. Stinson, Iowa E.	5.8
9. Baker, Dakota W.	5.7
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. Coleman, Sioux F.	2.2
3. Smith, Springfield	2.2
4. Fortson, Los A.	2.1
5. Hannah, Dakota W.	2.0
6. Millsap, Los A.	2.0
7. Saunders, Rio G.	1.9
8. Curry, Springfield	1.9
9. Owens, Tulsa 66ers	1.9
10. Bobbitt, Idaho S.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Hamady N''DIAYE
  Maine R.
  (213-C-87)
  Avg: 3.2

1. N''Diaye, Maine R.	3.2
2. Foster, Idaho S.	2.9
3. Williams, Texas L.	2.5
4. Saunders, Rio G.	2.3
5. Daniels, Erie B.	2.1
6. Thomas, Los A.	1.9
7. Hill, Maine RC	1.8
8. Ojougboh, Tulsa	1.7
9. Dawson, Austin T.	1.6
10. Strong, Iowa E.	1.6

Toros crush Canton, advance to D-League Finals - by Eurobasket News

Austin T. - Canton C. 90-68
The Austin Toros took the lead and never looked back, as they beat the Canton Charge, 90-68, on Sunday night at Cedar Park Center. The Toros advance to the NBA D-League finals for the first time since the 2007-08 season. The Toros jumped on top early, leading by as much as 11 points in the first quarter. They would take a 24-16 advantage heading into the second quarter. Austin's lead mounted thanks in part to Cory Joseph's nine points in the second quarter. They took a 46-33 lead into the halftime. The Toros took their largest lead of the game at 27 points in the third quarter. They would take a 73-48 lead into the fourth. Despite being outscored in the fourth quarter, the Toros held on to their lead to win the game. Both Julian Wright (6'8''-F-87, college: Kansas) and Eric Dawson (6'9''-F-84, college: Midwestern St.) recorded double-doubles, Wright with 21 points and 10 rebounds and Dawson with 14 points and 17 rebounds. Joseph added 15 points and six assists. Antoine Agudio (6'3''-G-85) led the Charge in scoring with 16 points. Dante Milligan (6'9''-F/C-84, agency: Interperformances, college: Massachusetts) had a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Game one of the D-League finals between the Toros and the Los Angeles D-Fenders is Tuesday, April 24 at Cedar Park Center at 7:30pm. *Courtesy of http://austin.ynn.com

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Report: Hawks C Al Horford says playoff comeback is not 'realistic' - by Eurobasket News

Pump the brakes on the playoff comeback talk.

Atlanta Hawks All-Star center Alfred Horford (6'10''-F/C-86, college: Florida) said on Monday that he doesn't anticipate being ready for the 2012 NBA Playoffs. Yahoo Sports reported his statements.
'I don't feel like it is realistic that I can play for the playoffs,' Horford said. 'Obviously, if we advance and start going we will see. But as of right now the way I feel I think I am out for the playoffs.'

Last week, Horford was cleared for contact after undergoing surgery on a torn left pectoral muscle back in January. His initial recovery timeline was 3-4 months. Horford just passed the three month mark but the 2012 NBA playoffs begin this weekend.

The Hawks have just two regular season games remaining: home games against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday and the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. The Hawks currently hold a record of 38-26 and reside in the Eastern Conference's No. 5 seed. The Hawks will face the Boston Celtics in the first round.

Horford, 25, was averaging 12.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game prior to his injury.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

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EBA

2012 EBA title belongs to Hudson Valley Hype, Nick Leon MVP of the Big Final - by Eurobasket News

The cinderella season for the Hudson Valeey Hype came to a climax on a rainy Sunday in Corona, New York. After trailing as much as 12 points in the second quarter and tying the game at halftime with a spectacular half court shot by Nick Carter (6'1''-F-86, college: C.W. Post) the Hype finally took the lead with minutes to go in the fourth and never looked back taking the 2012 Eastern Basketball Alliance Championship 103 to 92 over the defending champion Metro All Stars. The All Stars played the Hype as hard and as physical as any team in the EBA, even resulting in stiches for the Hype's big man in the middle Sam Wallace (6'10''-C-85, college: Elizabeth City). Owner Allen Pickett and CEO of Hudson Valley Hype Enterprises, who also hosted the finals this year at Elmcor was as proud as anyone could be, 'this has literally been 16 months in the making. From clinics and training camps, to exhibition games and summer tournaments, I am just glad to see it payoff.' Mr. Pickett continues, 'I dont think there has been an owner in league history that been able to take over an 1-11 team and in one year go 11-1 and win the Championship. Without the dedication and hard of the coaching staff, Mr. Ryans and Mr. Ricketts, this would have not have been possible. The guys played like a team, and a family from the day we came together for the season opener we had one mission, win the title! These guys played their hearts out this weekend and came away with back to back victories.' St. Peters standpoint and Hype point guard Nick Leon (5'11''-PG-88, agency: SDJ Sports, college: St.Peter's) finished the night with 21 points off the bench and Finals MVP honors.

Courtesy of http://hudsonvalleyhype.com

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EGYPT

Superleague Standings

Superleague Standings

1. Al Ahly		3-0
2. Al Gezira		3-0
3. Al Ittihad		2-1
4. Somouha		2-1
5. Sporting		1-2
6. Zamalek		1-2
7. Al Olympi		0-3
8. Geish Army		0-3

Regular Season: Round 3

Apr. 22: Sporting - Al Olympi 83-59
Apr. 22: Al Ittihad - Al Gezira 76-79
Apr. 22: Al Ahly - Somouha 73-70
Apr. 22: Zamalek - Geish Army 65-59

Regular Season: Round 4

Apr. 28: Al Olympi - Al Ittihad
Apr. 28: Al Gezira - Sporting
Apr. 28: Somouha - Zamalek
Apr. 28: Geish Army - Al Ahly

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EL SALVADOR

Standings - Liga Superior

LEBES Standings

1. UTEC		6-1
2. Leones		5-2
3. San Marcos		5-2
4. Denver		4-2
5. ExSAL		4-3
6. Delgadense		2-4
7. Roll Royce		1-6
8. Chaleco		0-7

UTEC and San Marcos win again - by Jaime Arevalo

UTEC defeated Leones Automoto over the past weekend, and now leads the table. The man of the game was Julio Mancia (202-C-80), who completed a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Carlos Valle (169-PG-79) added 18 pts as the game top scorer. The best in Leones was Eduardo Garcia (191-F-88), with 18.
In another game of the same round, San Marcos defeated Delgadense, 83-72 reaching Leones at the second place. With 20 points, Edwin Lopez (183-G/F-85) was the game best performer.

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ESTONIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Reinis STRUPOVICS
  Valga
  (192-G-87)
  Avg: 20.9

1. Strupovics, Valga	20.9
2. Raadik, Parnu	18.1
3. Raley-Ross, Tln K.	17.3
4. Soo, Rapla	16.9
5. Cipruss, Tarvas	16.8
6. Raap, Parnu	16.2
7. Veideman, Tartu U.	15.6
8. Pilk, TTU	15.3
9. Hallik, Tarvas	14.5
10. Akenparg, TTU	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

Kaspars CIPRUSS
  Tarvas
  (210-C-82)
  Avg: 10.2

1. Cipruss, Tarvas	10.2
2. Cricelli, Valga	8.4
3. Fedortchuk, Tln K.	8.2
4. Raadik, Parnu	7.8
5. Arnold, TTU	7.6
6. Shaw, Tln Kalev	7.4
7. Ringmets, Rapla	7.0
8. Pilk, TTU	6.6
9. Fall, Kalev/Cramo	6.4
10. Allingu, Tartu U.	6.2

Assists Per Game

Edgars CUNDA
  Valga
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Cunda, Valga	4.5
2. Laane, Rapla	4.3
3. Sokk, Tartu Ulikool	4.1
4. Sirsnins, Tarvas	3.7
5. Kriisa, Tarvas	3.6
6. Pilk, TTU	3.6
7. Dorbek, Tarvas	3.4
8. Raap, Parnu	3.3
9. Sokk, Kalev/Cramo	3.0
10. Keedus, TTU	3.0

Steals Per Game

Edgars CUNDA
  Valga
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Cunda, Valga	2.5
2. Laane, Rapla	2.2
3. Raley-Ross, Tln K.	2.2
4. Kaldre, Rapla	2.1
5. Leppik, Tartu Ulik.	2.1
6. Veideman, Tartu U.	2.1
7. Skele, Kalev/Cramo	1.9
8. Dorbek, Tarvas	1.9
9. Raap, Parnu	1.8
10. Cricelli, Valga	1.7

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Fall, Kalev/Cramo	1.7
2. Raadik, Parnu	1.4
3. Amis, Tartu Ulikool	1.2
4. Fedortchuk, Tln K.	1.0
5. Ulyanko, Kalev/Cr.	0.7
6. Toome, Kalev/Cramo	0.6
7. Veski, Tarvas	0.5
8. Hallik, Tarvas	0.5
9. Keedus, TTU	0.4
10. Makke, TTU	0.4

KML Round 1 of Semi-Finals - by Eurobasket News

Kalev/Cramo - Tarvas 92-84

Kalev/Cramo came back from behind to knock down visiting Rakvere Tarvas in the semifinal opener. BC Rakvere was trailing by 10 points at halftime but managed to get 3-point lead after three quarters before a 32-21 charge of Kalev/Cramo, which allowed them to win the game. Latvian guard Armands Skele (192-83) fired 19 points and 4 assists for the winners. The former international guard Tanel Sokk (184-85) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 assists. Five Kalev/Cramo players scored in double figures. Kalev/Cramo's coach Aivar Kuusmaa used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Latvian point guard Rinalds Sirsnins (186-85, agency: Promotex) produced 26 points and 5 assists (made all of his eight free throws) and Latvian center Kaspars Cipruss (210-82, agency: Interperformances) added 19 points and 10 rebounds respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Kalev/Cramo: A.Skele 19+4reb+4ast, G.Arbet 14+5reb, B.Fall 12+6reb+1ast, T.Sokk 10+4reb+10ast, P.Ulyanko 10+5reb, G.Dorbek 10+6reb+1ast
Tarvas: R.Sirsnins 26+3reb+5ast, K.Cipruss 19+10reb+1ast, J.Umbrasko 17+3reb, R.Hallik 8+7reb+3ast, M.Dorbek 7+3reb+2ast, T.Oja 4+5reb

Tartu Ulikool - Rapla 108-70

Tartu Ulikool left no chance for visiting Rapla to secure the first win in the series. The game without a history. Tartu Ulikool led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Rapla to just 7 points in first quarter. Tartu Ulikool made 20-of-26 charity shots (76.9 percent) during the game. Tartu Ulikool had a 28-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three nailing 16 long-distance shots on high 61.5 percentage. Tartu Ulikool players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Rapla's players. Rapla was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of international guard Kristo Saage (184-85) who helped to win the game recording 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. International forward Tanel Kurbas (197-88) contributed with 24 points for the winners. Five Tartu Ulikool players scored in double figures. Swingman Janar Soo (199-91) answered with 22 points and point guard Rait-Riivo Laane (179-93) added 6 points and 5 assists in the effort for Rapla. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Tartu Ulikool: T.Kurbas 24+1reb+1ast, K.Saage 18+9reb+4ast, B.Amis 17+2reb+3ast, T.Eichfuss 12+5reb, S.Sokk 12+2reb+8ast, S.Leppik 11+4reb+3ast
Rapla: J.Soo 22+3reb, A.Antson 9+1reb+1ast, I.Kajupank 8+4reb, R.Ringmets 6+4reb+1ast, R.Laane 6+3reb+5ast, A.Parn 6+5reb

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EUROCUP

Khimky keep Rimas Kurtinaitis - by Eurobasket News

Khimky have officiated the new deal with Rimas Kurtinaitis (agency: Alti Sport ). The Lithuanian coach will spend the next two seasons at helm of the Moscow Region team. Rimas Kurtinaitis (agency: Alti Sport ) took over Khimky in March 2011. He led Khimky to the EuroCup title this season. Eurobasket.com named the specialist All-EuroCup Coach of the Year. Rimas Kurtinaitis (agency: Alti Sport ) also guided Khimky to the VTB League title in 2011. Previously Rimas Kurtinaitis (agency: Alti Sport ) worked with VEF Riga, Lietuvos Rytas, Slask Wroclaw, Sakalai, Ural Great and Gala Baku. Rimas Kurtinaitis (agency: Alti Sport ) also worked as Azerbaijan National Team as well Lithuanian U20 National Team head coach. He served as assistant coach with Lithuanian National Team in 2007-2008. Eurobasket.com named him All-Lithuanian LKL Coach of the Year in 2009.

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EUROLEAGUE

Final Four game officials announced - by Eurobasket News

Euroleague Basketball has announced today the names of the eight referees who will work the 2012 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four in Istanbul, Turkey. The referees selected come from seven different countries and boast a wealth of experience. Seven of the referees chosen have previously officiated at Final Fours, three of those having worked Euroleague title games. The full list of referees includes: Recep Ankarali of Turkey, Carl Jungebrand of Finland, Luigi Lamonica of Italy, Olegs Latisevs of Latvia, Robert Lottermoser of Germany, Jose Martin of Spain, Sreten Radovic of Croatia and Tolga Sahin of Turkey. Jungebrand will be working at his seventh Final Four. He officiated five Euroleague finals: in 1995, 1997, 1999, 2005 and 2006. Jungebrand also worked the 2006 FIBA World Championships final and the EuroBasket 1997 and 2001 title games. Lamonica makes his fourth Final Four appearance and officiated the title games in 2007 and 2011. He also officiated he 2010 FIBA World Championship gold medal game, has refereed EuroBasket title games in 2003, 2005 and 2011, and worked the 2010 Eurocup final. Ankarali has been chosen for his third Final Four, after having previously officiated at the event in 2005 and 2008. He also worked in Game 3 of the 2001 Euroleague Finals. Sahin (2006, 2007), Martin (2003), Latisevs (2010) and Lottermoser (2011) also have previous Final Four experience. Martin also worked in the 2005 and 2009 Eurocup title games. Radovic, the only Final Four newcomer, officiated the EuroBasket 2011 final. The Euroleague refereeing department has selected these eight referees to both reward professional competency and diversify the pool of referees with experience in European basketball's signature event. Along with refereeing assignments, the appointment of two game delegates for the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four was announced. They are Tomas Rimkus of Lithuania and Uli Sledz of Germany. The 2012 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four will be held from Friday, May 11 to Sunday, May 13 at Sinan Erdem Arena in Istanbul and features the four best teams of the Euroleague season: CSKA Moscow, FC Barcelona Regal, Olympiacos BC Pireaus and Panathinaikos BC Athens.

Courtesy of Euroleague

Caja Laboral targets Nando de Colo, rumors about Maccabi and Patrick Beverley. - by Dimitris Katsionis

According to Greek based ''Hoopfellas'', Maccabi Tel Aviv targets Patrick Beverley (186-G-88) for the next season. The Eurocups MVP , who has improved a lot as a floor leader at St. Petersburg under coach Jure Zdovc, finished the season averaging 13.8 ppg-4.2 rpg-3.8 apg-2.1 spg. His energy and defensive skills would be a great fit for David Blatt's frontcourt. Although Maccabi would be a great step for Beverley's career, his movement doesn't seem possible during his multi year contract (until 2014) with Spartak St. Petersburg as the Israeli powerhouse doesn't intend to pay money to another club.

There are rumors from Spain too.. Nando De Colo seems to be Caja Laborals first target for the new season. The 25 year old French combo guard would be a free agent this summer and coach Ivanovic wants to pair him with the other French youngster, Thomas Heurtel (188-g-89). However there are some problems in this case too. De Colo's priority is clearly NBA and San Antonio Spurs. The way the Spurs's program works (plus the presence of Tony Parker and Boris Diaw) is a big temptation for any European prospect. Greg Popovic intends to use De Colo at the point guard position (that's probably why Valencia uses him more at 1 spot the last years).

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FINLAND

Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

Points Per Game

Tim BLUE
  KTP
  (205-F-84)
  Avg: 23.2

1. Blue, KTP	23.2
2. Zeno, Nilan Bisons	19.8
3. Crocker, KTP	19.3
4. Beidler, Kauhajoki	19.2
5. Durham, Salon Vilp.	18.9
6. Brooks, Namika L.	18.6
7. Newson, Kataja	18.3
8. Holloway, Salon V.	18.3
9. Hannah, Kauhajoki	18.3
10. Ivey, Nilan Bisons	18.1

Rebounds Per Game

John FIELDS
  Salon Vilpas
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 12.2

1. Fields, Salon Vilp.	12.2
2. Durham, Salon Vilp.	11.2
3. Blue, KTP	10.4
4. Williams, Pyrinto	10.2
5. Beidler, Kauhajoki	9.8
6. Newson, Kataja	8.7
7. Zeno, Nilan Bisons	8.6
8. McDade, Nilan B.	8.4
9. Brown, Kouvot	8.1
10. Hamm, LrNM.	7.8

Assists Per Game

Malik MOORE
  Namika L.
  (192-G-77)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Moore, Namika L.	5.2
2. Ivey, Nilan Bisons	4.8
3. Haynes, LrNM.	4.8
4. Hannah, Kauhajoki	4.5
5. Sarcevic, KTP	4.3
6. Williams, Pyrinto	4.2
7. Virtanen, Kataja	3.8
8. Walker, Kataja	3.7
9. Zeno, Nilan Bisons	3.5
10. Nikkarinen, Kouvot	3.4

Steals Per Game

Kelly BEIDLER
  Kauhajoki
  (199-F-88)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Beidler, Kauhajoki	2.3
2. Moore, Korihait	2.2
3. Williams, Pyrinto	2.1
4. Williams, Pyrinto	2.0
5. Holloway, Salon V.	1.8
6. Haynes, LrNM.	1.7
7. Sarcevic, KTP	1.7
8. Jordan, Kouvot	1.6
9. Newson, Kataja	1.6
10. Moore, Namika L.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Kelly BEIDLER
  Kauhajoki
  (199-F-88)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Beidler, Kauhajoki	1.9
2. Fields, Salon Vilp.	1.8
3. Blue, KTP	1.4
4. Williams, Pyrinto	1.0
5. Zeno, Nilan Bisons	0.9
6. Lehtoranta, Kataja	0.8
7. Mottola, ToPo	0.8
8. Jones, Nilan Bisons	0.8
9. Hamm, LrNM.	0.8
10. McDade, Nilan B.	0.6

Kataja step closer to the Finals - by Eurobasket News

ToPo - Kataja 57-92 (0-2)

Kataja step closer to the Finals taking 2-0 in the series over ToPo. Joensuun Kataja led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Joensuun Kataja made 34-of-42 charity shots (81.0 percent) during the game, while Torpan Pojat only scored eleven points from the stripe. They outrebounded Torpan Pojat 45-28 including a 32-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Torpan Pojat was plagued by 34 personal fouls down the stretch. American swingman Jared Newson (195-84, college: Tenn-Martin, agency: Pro One Sports) notched 21 points and 9 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) to lead the effort and the other American import forward Jeremy Price (203-88, college: Georgia, agency: Strategic Sports) supported him with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Four Joensuun Kataja players scored in double figures. Even 9 points and 6 rebounds by American-Spanish swingman Ronald Clark (196-81, college: Colorado St., agency: Interperformances) did not help to save the game for Torpan Pojat. Forward Carl Lindbom (206-91) added 11 points for the hosts. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
ToPo: C.Lindbom 11+3reb, R.Clark 9+6reb+1ast, H.Mottola 8+1reb+1ast, J.Hawkins 8+4reb+1ast, S.Niskanen 6+3reb, K.Muurinen 4+2reb
Kataja: J.Newson 21+9reb+1ast, B.Walker 19+5reb, J.Price 16+10reb, P.Virtanen 11+1reb+1ast, J.Nenonen 7+7reb+2ast, E.Kajander 7+3reb

Pyrinto - Nilan Bisons 87-99 (1-1)

The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Loimaan Korikonkarit made 19-of-22 free shots (86.4 percent) during the game. 27 personal fouls committed by Tampereen Pyrinto helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Forward Matti Nuutinen (200-90) scored 39 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) to lead the charge for the winners and American guard Jeb Ivey (190-80, college: Portland St.) chipped in 18 points and 5 assists during the contest. American forward Antwine Williams (192-75, college: N.Colorado, agency: Prossin Sports Management) responded with 20 points and 7 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Damon Williams (201-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo, agency: Two Points) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Pyrinto: A.Williams 20+7reb+3ast, D.Williams 19+10reb+1ast, A.Lehto 15+1reb+1ast, A.Nikkila 13+6reb, K.Lowe 11+3reb, J.Niemi 6+1reb
Nilan Bisons: M.Nuutinen 39+7reb+2ast, J.Ivey 18+2reb+5ast, R.McDade 13+8reb+2ast, M.Zeno 11+5reb+6ast, M.Koivisto 10+4reb, C.Jones 6+2reb+1ast

KORISLIIGA: Matti Nuutinen scored 39 points! - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, semi-finals, game # 2: Very talented 21-year-old Finnish Forward Matti Nuutinen (200-F-90) stole the show tonight at Pyynikki sporthall in Tampere. Nuutinen scored his career high 39 points (1 - 8/8, 2 - 5/7, 3 - 7/9) and led Bisons (Loimaa) into 87-99 (49-49) victory over Pyrinto. When Pyrinto won last Saturday at Loimaa after OT, it was Damon Williams (201-F-73, agency: Two Points, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) (Pyrinto), who netted 39 pts as well. Pyrinto - Bisons now 1-1. There were 15 lead changes and 12 ties today before Bisons then won the last quarter by 13 pts (17-30). Game # 3 on Wednesday, April 25, at Loimaa.
In Helsinki Kataja (Joensuu) got an excellent start (0-13) vs hosting Torpan Pojat and the visitors never let ToPo get really into the game. Kataja crushed ToPo 57-92 (24-50). Quarters: 14-25, 10-25, 18-23, 15-19. ToPo had only one player over 10 points. Kataja, winning also the rebounds 32-51 and getting 42 FTs (ToPo - 12 FTs), was better in everything. Jared Newson (195-G/F-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Tenn-Martin) led Kataja with 21pts/9rbs although he and ToPo's American Chase Griffin (188-G-83, college: Pepperdine) were ejected out of the game during the third quarter at time 25:06. Kataja - ToPo now 2-0. Game # 3 on coming Wednesday in Joensuu.
Pyrinto - Bisons 87-99 (49-49). (Antwine Williams 20, Damon Williams 19/10, Antero Lehto 15, Antti Nikkila 13, Kenneth Lowe 11 - Matti Nuutinen 39/7, Jeb Ivey 18, Ryan McDade 13/8, Martin Zeno 11/6a, Mikko Koivisto 10. A: 1147).
ToPo - Kataja 57-92 (24-50). (Carl Lindbom 11, Ronnie Clark 9, Hanno Mottola 8 - Jared Newson 21/9, BA Walker 19, Jeremy Price 16, Petri Virtanen 11. A: 1332).

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FRANCE

Fabien Romeyer is set to leave Lille - by Eurobasket News

Fabien Romeyer is set to leave Lille as his contract expires on June 30th, 2012. The French specialist joined the team in 2010.
Fabien Romeyer started his coaching career in 1997-2000 for CA Saint Etienne younger's teams. In 2001 he became a
Coach Assistant at Saint-Etienne (N1). Immediately after the first year, the team moved from N1 to Pro B. He remained there until season 2007-2008. The year after he became the Head Coach of the team. In 2010-2011 joined Lille Metropole Basket Clubs (ProB).
This season Lille is in the middle of the standings with 16-15 record. In the latest game Lille lost to Bourg 83:85. The guests trailed by 8 points after three quarters before their 26-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Lille Metropole keeps the eighth position with 15 games lost. On April 27th Lille will face Maurienne.

Strasbourg keep Ricardo Greer, Florent Corneo extended with Saint Vallier - by Eurobasket News

Strasbourg keep Ricardo Greer (197-F/G-78, college: Pittsburgh), while Florent Corneo (180-G-91) extended with Saint Vallier for the next season.
Ricardo Greer joined Strasbourg IG (France-ProA, starting five) last season.
Earlier in 2007 he signed a 3-Year contract with Sluc Nancy Basket Pro. In 2007-2008 for Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (France-ProA, starting five) in ULEB Cup he averaged 16.1ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.2apg, FGP: 50%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 86.1%. In French League his stats read 16.0ppg, 6.2rpg, 4.7apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 68.5%.
In 2008-2009 for Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (France-ProA, starting five) the team played in Euroleague as Ricardo Greer showed 12.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.4spg. In French League his stats read 14.8ppg, 7.1rpg, 5.1apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 69.1%.
In 2009-2010 for Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (France-ProA, starting five) he had 15.8ppg, Reb-4 (8.7rpg), Assists-4 (6.1apg), 1.8spg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 75.8%.
The season 2010-2011 he started for KK Zadar (Croatia-A1), parted ways during the preseason, then moved to Strasbourg IG (France-ProA, starting five) and in 28 games averaged 12.6ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.7apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 67.0%.
Florent Corneo meanwhile extended with Saint Vallier Basket Drome. The French Guard joined the team in 2011-2012 and his stats read 0.3 points per game, 0.3 assists.

Up 20 in the 4th............ - by Corey Belser

What a weekend.... I slept zero hours, and unfortunately it wasn't from celebrating! Instead, I was damaged by the image of watching a 20pt lead in the 4th quarter slowly eaten away, to just 4pts. I watched as ADA Blois Basket's flame became a blaze, and their momentum grew to unstoppable. Easily the worst loss I have ever experienced as a player, and the biggest come back I have ever witnessed! Still Shocked!!! Worse, is the fact that just three weeks ago we where sitting pretty, in 1st place and hopes to win it all! Now we are currently in 4th place with a two game losing streak and no chance to win the regular season championship at this point. It started last weekend vs Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball when Jimmal Ball (178-G-78, agency: ACMT, college: Akron) hit a running floater with just seconds left in the game to take a one point lead. That would be the start to our current demise. Here's the video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWRG1mFJu40&feature and this weekend it was the 20pt fourth quarter lead we lost in just 10 minuets! I suppose I prefer the latter of the two. Season's always have there ups and downs, for both players and teams and unfortunately we are down right now. Timing is everything, and with just two weeks left before the playoffs, we need to get our a%$'s back on track and get our momentum and motivation going into the playoffs. I am looking forward to the challenge!

As for Zoi Dimitrakou (188-F-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas), my beautiful balling Greek fiance, who also played here in Charleville this season. Her season has been officially over for a few weeks and she's been in the gym everyday since! She's preparing for this summer's European Championship with the women's Greek National Team! It's actually been a crazy week for Zoi, she finally decided to sign back in France for next year! So, I am happy to be the first to announce she'll be playing Euroleague basketball in Bourges France next season! Cercle Jean Mace Bourges is one of France's top women's teams and big step for her career. The craziness this week came when she found out that the LA Sparks and Washington Mystics where interested in her attending their training camps. She actually decided to pass due to her commitment to her national team, but I think WNBA will be in her near future! I feel like a proud parent!

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned till next time, as the season wraps up here in France.

Signing out Corey Belser (200-F-82, college: San Diego)

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

GEORGIA

Highest League Standing

Superleague Standings

1. Armia		20-0
2. Kutaisi		16-4
3. Olimpi		16-4
4. MIA Academy		12-8
5. Sokhumi		11-9
6. Dinamo Tbilisi		10-10
7. TSU Tbilisi		8-12
8. Samedicino		7-13
9. STU Tbilisi		5-15
10. Rustavi		3-17
11. Batumi		2-18

Regular Season: Round 22

Apr. 21: TSU Tbilisi - Dinamo Tbilisi 98-95 OT
Apr. 21: Sokhumi - STU Tbilisi 93-54
Apr. 10: Kutaisi - Batumi 86-67
Apr. 21: Armia - Olimpi 78-66
Apr. 21: MIA Academy - Rustavi 109-66

Quarter-Finals: Round 1

May. 3: Armia - Samedicino
May. 3: MIA Academy - Sokhumi
May. 3: Olimpi - Dinamo Tbilisi
May. 3: Kutaisi - TSU Tbilisi

Geogian Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Larry BLAIR
  MIA Academy
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 25.9

1. Blair, MIA Academy	25.9
2. Carter, Dinamo T.	23.2
3. Parghalava, Sokhu.	21.9
4. Patsatsia, Sokhumi	20.4
5. Smith, MIA Academy	18.1
6. Woodside, Armia	17.5
7. Keshelava, Batumi	17.3
8. Thomas, Armia	16.8
9. Khmelidze, Rustavi	16.7
10. Niniashvili, TSU	16.4

Rebounds Per Game

Keyon CARTER
  Dinamo T.
  (203-F-88)
  Avg: 13.5

1. Carter, Dinamo T.	13.5
2. Patsatsia, Sokhumi	10.3
3. Smith, MIA Academy	9.4
4. Matiashvili, Kutai.	9.1
5. Milutinovic, Olimpi	9.1
6. Hoger, Olimpi	8.7
7. Keshelava, Batumi	8.6
8. Machaladze, STU T.	8.3
9. Niniashvili, TSU T.	8.1
10. Atuashvili, Sokhu.	8.0

Assists Per Game

Giorgi GAMQRELIDZE
  Olimpi
  (183-G-86)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Gamqrelidze, Olimpi	8.7
2. Woodside, Armia	7.6
3. Blair, MIA Academy	6.8
4. Chitashvili, TSU T.	6.7
5. Mikeladze, Batumi	5.5
6. Parghalava, Sokhu.	5.3
7. Tsekvava, Kutaisi	4.8
8. Artsividze, Rustavi	4.8
9. Pashayev, Kutaisi	4.2
10. Patsatsia, Sokhu.	4.2

Steals Per Game

Larry BLAIR
  MIA Academy
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Blair, MIA Academy	3.6
2. Woodside, Armia	2.8
3. Ramishvili, Batumi	2.5
4. Kokhreidze, TSU T.	2.4
5. Diaz, Armia	2.0
6. Machaladze, STU T.	2.0
7. Patsatsia, Sokhumi	2.0
8. Chitashvili, TSU T.	1.9
9. Antadze, STU T.	1.9
10. Mikeladze, Batumi	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Joakim KJELLBOM
  Armia
  (213-C/F-79)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Kjellbom, Armia	1.8
2. Atuashvili, Sokhumi	1.3
3. Matiashvili, Kutai.	1.2
4. Milutinovic, Olimpi	1.2
5. Shermadini, TSU T.	1.0
6. Hoger, Olimpi	1.0
7. Machaladze, STU T.	1.0
8. Ilic, Samedicino	0.8
9. Eliashvili, Batumi	0.8
10. Antadze, STU T.	0.8

Tornike Shengelia will participate in NBA Draft - by Eurobasket News

Tornike Shengelia (207-F-91) is set to take part in the NBA Draft this summer. The Georgian forward is playing in Belgium at the moment. Tornike Shengelia is the member of Belgacom Spirou squad. He tallied 7.3 points, 2.3 rebounds per game in Euroleague. In Belgian League his stats read 7.5 points, 4.6 boards and 1.1 assists per appearance. Previously Tornike Shengelia had stints with Pepinster, Valencia. Torniek Shengelia was named into Belgian League All-Bosmans Term in 2011. He was the member of Georgian U16, U18, U20 National Teams. The forward has been the member of Georgian National Team since 2008. He participated at 2011 EuroBasket in Lithuania. His stats read 8.8 points, 4.6 boards and 1.1 assists per game at the tournament.

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

GERMANY

Reggie Redding Supplies The Eye Of The Tiger Clawing Tuebingen Past The Fraport Skyliners 96-89 in OT - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

One of the most interesting Beko BBL news stories this spring in Tuebingen hasnt been when Igor Perovic will have a GQ battle with guard Josh Young or when it will come to a new friendly one on one battle between friends Vaughn Duggins and Dashaun Wood, but four Walter Tiger Tuebingen Tiger players staying on board to wear the yellow and green instead moving on to a new cage somewhere else next season. In the world of basketball where money usually reigns, the news of Vaughn Duggins, Tyrone Nash, Reggie Redding and Josh Young staying has been as delightful, but also as seemingly unlikely as believing a woman would be capable of stripping at a Denver airport for fun, singer Melissa Etheridges former domestic partner having the audacity to burn one of their kids, basketball players having the nerve to crack jokes at the disappearing hair line of NBA superstar Lebron James or some filthy rich NBA player deciding to work overtime as a dead beat dad. Despite missing the playoffs, the Walter Tigers Tuebingen and their four Americans who will be returning next season marched into the Fraport arena and showed the Skyliners that they could be a team to be reckoned with next season beating them 96-89 in OT. The key to team sports is keeping the team nucleus. If you look at Bamberg, they have been doing it for years and been successful. I remember when I played with Giessen, we played against Frankfurt who were successful holding guys like Tyrone Ellis and Chris Williams. It has been great playing with the young guys even if it felt weird at times being the oldest this season. I have seen them develop and come into their own and I believe that next season they could be a very dangerous team, warned ex Oldenburg point guard Lou Campbell. Skyliner Jimmy Mckinney rarely changes his demeanor after a win or a loss, but one knows quickly that the team has lost by the brittle tone of his voice. Both teams are very much different and better than the first time they met and the American saw a very much better team than what the standings show. This is a great team with a lot of young talent. There is no reason why this team is where it is in the standings. They hit everything and we just couldnt get over the hump, expressed St Louis native Jimmy Mckinney. Nobody thought that we had a chance at the start of the season with such a young team. Many thought we would go down, but we love to play for each other and coach Igor Perovic. We got better as the season carried on with experience and learning about the league, said Walter Tigers Tuebingen guard Reggie Redding (196-G-88, college: Villanova)
The game had big playoff ramifications for the Fraport Skyliners in that they would have been qualified for the 2012 Beko BBL playoffs with a win, but with a loss would have to keep hoping to reach the promised land with a do or die win in Bonn next weekend. The Fraport Skyliners have been giving up an average of 59 points in the last 10 games prior to the Tuebingen game, but left their physical and team basketball back on the court in Trier as they had given up 82 points after 40 minutes and 15 points in the five minute OT period. Tuebingen played a great game out playing us and out hustling us. They simply wanted to win more than we did. Our defense was awful. But I still have to give them a lot of credit, because they hit a lot of tough shots. We left the middle open all day long. This was similar to the Goettingen game in which they took game from us, stressed ex Phoenix Hagen forward Jacob Burtschi. For the Walter Tigers Tuebingen, their season was over, but they still wanted to finish strong and they also wanted to erase some unwanted history in which the team hadnt won in Frankfurt in more than 6.5 years. The last win for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen was in the 2005-2006 season as Frankfurt lost 73-68 as Ivan Sunara was head coach, Pascal Roller was captain and Dominik Bahiense De Mello was a Beko BBL rookie. This was a big moral win for Tuebingen. After losing here for so many years, coming in here with a young team is just phenomenal. Our young players carried the load today. Gibson and Mckinney gave us some problems, but overall, we shot very well and defended well, added Lou Campbell. It is good to finish the season on a strong note. We started the season very bad and we have many guys coming back next season and our goal for next season is to start strong, stressed ex Villanova star Reggie Redding

Before the jump ball was thrown, there were various interesting pregame things that could be observed on the court as both teams were warming up. Oklahoma natives Jacob Burtschi from Chickasha and Josh Young from Lawton had a lot to discuss while Wright State alumnist Vaughn Duggins was showing his resemblance to Artland Dragon Adam Hess with his blond mop. Many Tuebingen fans were in attendance and had special card board figures of the players including a life size one of Ruben Spoden who comes from the Frankurt area. Frankfurt was without Michael Thompson who hurt his shoulder in practice and Tuebingen without Nicolai Simon who is out for the season. When the game finally did get started it was Dashaun Wood friend Vaughn Duggins that got the first points on the board with a catch and pop jumper. Both teams then exchanged baskets as four lead changes were exchanged. Jimmy Mckinney hit a three pointer, Notre Dame alumnist Tyrone Nash made some pretty stutter steps and hit over Tim Ohlbrecht, but it was Jacob Burtschi that gave Frankfurt the lead for good at 6-4 with a three pointer from the top of the key. Frankfurt started to hit from all cylinders as Devin Gibson scored inside with his typical all business penetration and Mckinney and Quantez Robertson dropped three point bombs for the 14-6 advantage. If there was one guy Frankfurt couldnt control was Iowa native Josh Young who is one of the few players to have made the jump from PRO B to the Beko BBL and made a fruitful transition. Young stopped the Frankfurt momentum carrying his team on a 5-0 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 14-11. Young who like Gibson is dangerous in the penetration somehow scored under the hoop between Burtschi and Ohlbrecht and then the next time down nailed a pull up jumper. In the last minutes, the Fraport Skyliners were able to hold the lead as Duggins scored over Jermareo Davidson and Jimmy Mckinney hit his third three pointer of the afternoon. Frankfurt was hitting their shots, but not able to get much going inside, added Fraport Skyliner junior Jan Novak. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 47% from the field and 83% from outside while the Walter Tigers Tuebingen were shooting 55% from the field and 50% from outside. The rebounding was knotted at 6-6, but Tuebingen had five turnovers and Frankfurt only three turnovers.

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen had the better start in the second quarter escaping out on a mini 4-0 run as Tiger rookie Adnan Hodzic made some moves and finished with a hook shot over ex NBA player Davidson making him search for something he wears below his shorts. Josh Young then nailed a pull up jumper making the shot with the self confidence of an Oklahomian risking to be one minute away from an oncoming tornado as Tuebingen tied score 21-21. After Gibson made two free throws, it was Hodzic who took advantage of the many mismatches on the day making a hook shot over Gibson as the score was 23-23. Robertson then made a swift dribble behind the back split the defense and no look fed Davidson for a thunderous one handed dunk as Frankfurt led 25-23. The game stayed close as Tuebingen was playing more like a team that needed to win than Frankfurt as Reggie Redding scored on the penetration and made four free throws as score was 28-28. Then there was five lead changes as Lou Campbell found Lithuanian Paveles Cukinas with a lob pass and two quick points, Mckinney hit another three pointer, Cukinas scored inside again for the Tigers 32-31 lead, but Gibson used his quickness scoring hard to the hoop as Frankfurt led 33-32. Duggins gave Tuebingen the lead back 34-33 with a lay in via a quick Campbell back door pass. Gibson then hit a jumper and Burtschi another three pointer as Frankfurt led shortly before halftime 38-34. However Tuebingen still had some energy as Campbell got to the free throw line for two buckets and Young found Nash all alone down low with a no look pass as the score was 38-38. Skyliner captain Marius Nolte scored the last basket of the second quarter after a Super Tez Robertson steal. Frankfurt let up a bit in the second quarter as Tuebingen got easy baskets and more on the transition. Frankfurt should of tried more inside. Frankfurt continued to hit big shots keeping the lead, added Jan Novak. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 45% from the field and 64% from the three point line while the Walter Tigers Tuebingen were shooting 61% from the field and 50% from the three point line. Both teams were still knotted at 12 rebounds a piece. Tuebingen had nine turnovers while Frankfurt had seven turnovers.

In the third quarter, the game remained tight and exciting until the second half of the third quarter where the Walter Tigers Tuebingen were able to build a lead. Just like at the start of the second quarter, the Walter Tigers Tuebingen had the better start and sped out on a mini 4-0 run to regain the lead 42-40. Redding scored inside sneaking behind the Frankfurt defense and getting a back door pass from Young. Campbell then made a steal and went coast to coast for a quick two points as the score was tied 42-42. Frankfurt was trying to get the ball more inside as Ohlbrecht drew a foul and gave Frankfurt the 44-42 lead. Then the momentum changed in favor of the Walter Tigers Tuebingen as they made use of their advantage of the fast break as great defense translated into two transition buckets as Campbell made a steal which led to a Redding lay up, and Young then scored on the fast break after Redding made a monster block on Gibson as the Tigers led 47-44 Sometimes one just needs Super Tez Robertson to put on his superman cape and get a quick coast to coast bucket which he did. Tuebingen continued to set the tone on offense as Redding hit a jumper and they could have done more damage as Young saved a ball but passed it to the wide open Tez under the basket who made the easy lay up as Tuebingen only led 49-48. However despite Frankfurt staying with the Tigers, the Schwaben team was the more calm team and executing at a high level as they exploded on their biggest run of game at 11-1 leading 60-50. In this run, Young started it off with a three pointer, Cukinas made a jumper punishing Frankfurt as they couldnt secure two defensive rebounds, Duggins scored twice inside and Redding hit a fade away over Davidson. Basketball remains a game of runs and Frankfurt was able to somewhat weaken the Tigers furry ending the third quarter with a 7-3 run. In the 90s it was Jordan who made basketball house calls, in the millenium it was a Kobe Bryant and this season it has been Jimmy Mckinney in Frankfurt. When Frankfurt needs a spark just say J-roc. Mckinney stepped it up nailing three consecutive shots as Frankfurt trailed only 63-57 after three quarters. We lost our composure on defense and they executed better on offense. We let up easy buckets and we didnt communicate well with our help defense. We were just flat on defense, stressed Ohio native Quantez Robertson. Coach Perovic had told us to stick to our team concept of defending well and getting out on transition and we were able to do that, stressed Lou Campbell. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 42% from the field and 53% from the parking lot while the Walter Tigers Tuebingen were shooting 64% from the field and 44% from the parking lot. Tuebingen had the 23-17 rebound edge, but 13 turnovers while Frankfurt had only 10 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, the Walter Tigers Tuebingen picked up where they had left off in the third quarter blasting out on an 8-0 run to lead 71-57 and silencing the Fraport arena about as quickly as Natchos are being bought during the game. Duggins started the attack with a three pointer, Young scored inside as help defense continued to be off the main course and Redding finished the fast break with a basket as Tuebingen led 71-57. Everybody was wondering when the comeback would commence and it slowly would as Frankfurt retaliated with a 7-0 run battling back to 71-64 slicing the lead in half. Ohlbrecht got to the free throw line twice and Gibson nailed a three pointer. The Frankfurt come back was being annoyed a bit with continued easy baskets inside as Duggins escaped inside and scored high off the glass over Ohlbrecht and Adnan Hodzic made an easy lay up as Tuebingen still led 75-66. Frankfurt continued to use their own claws and kept chipping away at the Tigers lead as Burtschi, Gibson and Tez all scored free throws as Frankfurt suddenly only trailed 75-72 and the 5000 sold out crowd was back to life. The last two minutes were pure excitement as one could feel that the Skyliners would sometime retake the lead. Ohlbrecht made a big offensive rebound and put back and Mckinney three free throws gave Frankfurt the 77-76. But the Tigers also have their array of players that can make big shots as Hodzic hit a clutch bomb from outside giving Tuebingen the 79-77 lead back. Hodzic has improved so much this season. He is a lot more aggressive now, warned Josh Young. Frankfurt didnt get nervous, but erupted on a 5-0 run to lead 82-79 as Gibson scored inside and Gibson and Mckinney made free throws. With 30 seconds to go, Redding hit a mammoth three pointer to knot the game at 82-82. Redding showed his eye of the tiger not only making this shot, but through out the game as he finished with 24 points, eight rebounds and five assists. I play to win. I bring a versatile game and just try to get the big buckets, rebounds and assists, stressed Reggie Redding Redding brings so many different elements to the game. He is so versatile and creates so many mis match problems for teams. His biggest attribute today was his toughness how he hit that big three to bring the game into OT, added Josh Young. With 10,1 seconds to go, the Fraport Skyliners had one more chance to win the game, but Mckinney missed a floater as the game went into OT. We had a nice lead, but let it slip away. They have a great team and made big shots. That is what great teams do, added Reggie Redding We fought back in the fourth quarter. We showed a lot of character and self confidence in making the shots, added Jimmy Mckinney. We had mental lapses in the fourth quarter. Frankfurt is really tough at home. They made many desperation shots, commented Lou Campbell. We limited them on the offensive end and got fast break baskets. Mckinney hit big shots and we got key steals, expressed Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 39% from the field and 43% from outside while the Walter Tigers Tuebingen were shooting 59% from the field and 37% from outside. Tuebingen had the 33-26 rebound edge, but 17 turnovers while Frankfurt only had 11 turnovers.

In the overtime, both teams quickly exchanged baskets as Duggins scored inside as the Tigers punished Frankfurt on the boards again as Hodzic secured two offensive rebounds. Robertson tied the score at 85-85 with a lay in. However then all of a sudden as if the Fraport Skyliners had seen a tiger ghost, the guests sped out on a 6-0 run getting to the foul line as Redding and Young hit free throws for the 91-85 lead. Robertson found one last breath of energy scoring inside cutting the Tuebingen lead to 91-87. However Tuebingen stayed strong as Cukinas scored inside and Duggins hit two free throws as Frankfurt trailed 95-87. Campbell then made a quick steal with one minute to play securing the win for the Tigers. With 30 seconds to play, Mckinney was able to add to his best Beko BBL point total with a lay up and Redding hit one free throw as the Tigers snapped the five game winning streak of Frankfurt. Running out of gas wasnt an option of the Fraport Skyliners. We didnt run out of gas. We just werent focused, didnt get stops and were unable to execute, added Jimmy Mckinney. We didnt lose focus and didnt let Mckinney get going. Many guys made big plays, added Reggie Redding In the OT, it is always, who wants it more and they showed early that they wanted it more getting offensive rebounds, commented Jacob Burtschi.

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen were led by Reggie Redding with 24 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Vaughn Duggins added 22 points and six rebounds. Josh Young contributed 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Adan Hodzic produced 11 points, and six rebounds. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Jimmy Mckinney with 28 points. Devin Gibson had 20 points and six assists. Quantez Robertson had 13 points, three rebounds and six assists. Tim Ohlbrecht had 13 points and nine rebounds. Jacob Burtschi had 10 points. Mckinney is playing in his sixth season and it is a huge amazement that the American has never had more than 22 points in a Beko BBL game which he achieved as a rookie in Karlsruhe. This has been the break out year for Jimmy Mckinney. This is the best that I have seen him. He is very aggressive this year. I always knew that he can score this much. It isnt so much a shock that he had never had more than 22 points in a game before today. If you look at the supporting cast that he has had in Frankfurt the last years, stressed Lou Campbell. Frankfurt had a weak day under the boards being out rebounded 41-29 and got hammered inside with 44 points from Tuebingen. The defense will have to find to its old ways in Bonn. The Fraport Skyliners now have a do or die game in Bonn this weekend. With a win, they will be able to secure a spot in the playoffs. That is going to be a real war in Bonn. These are the type of games that players live for. I would like to see it, but I will be having a game myself. I think that both teams match up well, warned Lou Campbell

German U-20 Roster Is Named - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

German U-20 national coach Frank Menz has named the German U-20 team that will take part in a training seminar in Kienbaum, Berlin from May 14th-May 20t

Mario Blessing (University of South Carolina Upstate), Martin Breunig (University of Washington)Kevin Bright (198-F/G-92) (TuS Urspringschule), Sebastian Flle (ALBA Berlin), Patrick Heckmann (Boston College), Till-Joscha Jnke (Bayer Giants Leverkusen), Maximilian Kleber (s.Oliver Baskets), Florian Koch (Telekom Baskets Bonn), Mathis Mnninghoff (Gonzaga UNiversity), Joey Ney (ALBA Berlin), Bogdan Radosavljevic (FC Bayern Munchen), Jarelle Reischel (Rice University), Dennis Schrder (Spot Up Braunschweig/New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig), Daniel Theis (Spot Up Braunschweig/New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig), Johannes Voigtmann (Funkwerk Baskets SC Jena), Lars Wendt (webmoebel Baskets), Ole Wendt (webmoebel Baskets).

Also avaliable:

Paul Albrecht (TuS Jena), Besnik Bekteshi (EnBW Ludwigsburg/VfL Kirchheim Knights), Stephan Haukohl (TuS Jena), Jakob Krumbeck (TuS Jena), Philipp Neuman (Brose Baskets Bamberg), Josip Peric (TuS Jena), Johannes Richter (TSV Breitengbach), Leon Tolksdorf (ALBA Berlin), Tim Unterluggauer (TuS Jena/BIG Gotha).

On call:

Jonathan Maier (EnBW Ludwigsburg/VfL Kirchheim Knights), Maurice Pluskota (Cuxhaven BasCats), Thomas Reuter (Phoenix Hagen/BSV Wulfen).

Source: DBB

Rich Melzer (New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig) We Have No Other Option But To Win Against Bonn - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Rich Melzer (203-F/C-79, agency: Court Side, college: Wisc.-RiverFal.) is a 32 year old 203cm forward/center from Minneapolis, Minnesota that is playing his first season for the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. He played at : Wisconsim-River Falls (NCAA3) from 2000-2004. In his 8 year professional basketball career, he has played in countries like New Zealand, France, Israel and Australia. He had his first tour of duty in Germany in the 2007-2008 season with Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (Germany-1.Bundesliga): ULEB Cup: 2 games: 5.5ppg, 2.0rpg; German League: 1 game: 11pts, 2reb, 1steal. In his rookie season, he took part at the Washington Wizards training camp. Last season he played for Hapoel Holon (Israel-Premier League, starting five): 30 games: 16.8ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 75.3%. He spoke to Eurobasket before the game against the Telekom Baskets Bonn April 25th.

Congrats on the 99-85 win against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. This was a high scoring game. Did Oldenburg put their feet up on defense?

We did a good job on offense, but also gave up 85 points. It has been a long season for Oldenburg where they have underachieved. It seemed like that they have given up.

After a two game losing streak, the New Yorker Phnatoms braunschweig kept their playoff hopes alive with the win against Oldenburg. Did Immanurl Mcelroy give the team special advice on how to reach the playoffs?

Imac is a man of few words, but when he speaks we listen. He has won so many titles and knows what it takes to get to the playoffs. The atmosphere here is always positive. We are very excited to see what happens wednesday. We have no other option but to win.

The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig beat Bonn in the regular season 80-76, but lost in the cup. What will be key in winning the game?

We have to defend well. They share the ball well and can defend. They can do so many things, go back door, fast break or dunk. We shut down Ensminger pretty well in the cup game. It will be a real war against Bonn.

Who do you rather defend Chris Ensminger or Tony Gaffney?

It doesnt matter. You have to get physical with Ensminger. He doesnt like to get pushed around and is always looking to get the calls. Gaffney is a great player that doesnt need the ball to score.He can do it all, run the floor, do back door and rebound. He just has a nose for ball and getting it. We will need everybody to step up.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I dont watch much, but recently I watched seasons 1-8 of Two and a half men. I wont watch season 9, because of Ashton Kutcher. I am a Charlie Sheen fan.

Thanks Rich for the chat.

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

GREECE

Div.B Standing

B Standings

1. Aiolos Trikallon		25-2
2. Filathlitikos		24-3
3. Niki Volou		19-8
4. Agia Paraskevis		18-9
5. Irakleio		17-10
6. Koroivos		15-12
7. Diagoras		13-14
8. Egaleo		13-14
9. Near East		13-14
10. Doukas		12-15
11. Stratoni		11-16
12. MENT		11-16
13. Iraklis		10-17
14. Aias Evosmou		7-20
15. Anagennisi		7-20
16. Halkidona		1-26

Regular Season: Round 27

Apr. 22: Near East - Diagoras 90-82
Apr. 22: Niki Volou - Koroivos 89-58
Apr. 22: Egaleo - Stratoni 87-86
Apr. 22: Doukas - Aias Evosmou 79-74
Apr. 22: Irakleio - Filathlitikos 71-83
Apr. 22: Anagennisi - Agia Paraskevis 68-97
Apr. 22: MENT - Aiolos Trikallon 63-87
Apr. 22: Halkidona - Iraklis 0-20

Regular Season: Round 28

Apr. 29: Diagoras - Doukas
Apr. 29: Stratoni - Near East
Apr. 29: Koroivos - Egaleo
Apr. 29: Aias Evosmou - Halkidona
Apr. 29: Iraklis - MENT
Apr. 29: Aiolos Trikallon - Anagennisi
Apr. 29: Agia Paraskevis - Irakleio
Apr. 29: Filathlitikos - Niki Volou

Dionte Christmas to Houston Rockets - by Giorgos Diploidis

Dionte Christmas (6'5''-G-86, college: Temple) according to the Greek media (www.basketnet.gr) has agreed to join Houston Rockets. The news were later confirmed by the player on Twitter in his personal account. Christmas was the first scorer of the Greek league by having 18.6 ppg, 4.4rpg and 3 apg in 26 games. He helped the team of A.G.O Rethymno Aegean to finish in the 4th place of the regular season in the Greek league although the team was in their first year after returing to the first category.

Last year Christmas was again in Greece where with PAOK Thessaloniki finished third and qualified for the Euroleague quals. The coming in Greece seems to gave a huge boost in his career.

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

HOLLAND

PromotieDivisie Scores Weeks 25 & 26: Regular season over, who's in and who's out - by Terry Cooper

Weeks 25 and 26 in the league had it's shares of ups and downs as teams in the top and the bottom were fighting for some type of survival. At the top 3 teams were fighting to survive to be in the playoffs with de Hoppers and Cangaroes sealing seeds 3 and 4 for the upcoming semifinals in the Final Four. Binnenland and BC Amsterdam punched their tickets in round 22. This is the first playoff run for the Canagroes of Utrecht and its been a very impressive season for this team with the play of Bob Keijzer (193-G/F-83) and Frank Schaftenaar (201-C/F-86). A combination of veteran and youth like Binnenland has propelled this team to the playoffs and will face #2 seeded BC Amsterdam. Last season championship game will be the first round as Binnenland will play De Hoppers to determine who will be heading to Almere for the finals. Both teams are balanced with great talent and have a high basketball IQ so this 1-4 match up will be a thriller for fans to see. As we look on the other side of things teams are surviving to stay in the league as the Jugglers and BV Hoofddorp will relegate back to the Eerste Divisie for next season. It's tough for any team to stay in the promotiedivisie if they have not did the proper recruiting to have a competitive team. I have said it so many times that you have to have a mixture of the Veteran and youth because this is NOT for everyone that feels they can dribble a basketball or can high fly. It's sad that teams have to drop but this is what happens when you are not fully prepared. Better luck next season...

Round 25 Scores:

Z&Z2 71-66 Goba HS 1
BC A'dam 94-56 Rotterdam2
VBC Akrides 67-90 De Hoppers
Jugglers 59-92 Red Giants
Cangeroes 67-58 BV Hoofddorp
Punch 67-57 Almonte
De Groene Uilen 76-59 Binnenland

Round 26 Scores:

Z&Z2 50-81 De Groene Uilen
Jugglers 71-76 Goba
Binnenland 70-61 Z&Z2
De Hoppers 88-67 Rotterdam2
Red Giants 68-79 Cangeroes
Almonte 89-75 BV Hoofddorp
BC A'dam 71-60 Punch
De Groene Uilen 77-51 VBC Akrides

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IBA

Standings

IBA Standings

1. Albany L.		8-0
2. Gary Splash		8-4
3. Chicago R.		6-1
4. Kankakee S.		5-1
5. Lake County S.		4-5
6. Lansing C.		3-6
7. Kenosha B.		2-6
8. Battle Creek K.		1-6
9. L.Angeles L.		0-0
10. Rockford RD		0-0
11. St.Louis T.		0-0
12. Springfield E.		0-6

Regular Season: Round 13

Apr. 21: Chicago R. - Lansing C. 141-139
Apr. 21: Albany L. - Gary Splash 118-108

Regular Season: Round 15

Apr. 27: Albany L. - Kankakee S.
Apr. 27: Battle Creek K. - Lake County S.

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

IBL

Standings

IBL Standings

Branding
1. Jersey G-F		0-0
2. Orlando V.		0-0
3. Yamhill H.		0-0
Continental
1. Bellingham S.		1-1
2. Vancouver V.		0-0
3. Olympia R.		0-1
International
1. Edmonton E.		0-0
2. Nippon T.		0-0
3. Portland C.		0-0
Travel Team
1. S. Soldiers		1-0
2. Los Angeles		0-0
3. W.Coast H.		0-0

Regular Season: Round 1

Apr. 21: Bellingham S. - S. Soldiers 105-112
Apr. 20: Olympia R. - Bellingham S. 104-133

Regular Season: Round 2

Apr. 27: Bellingham S. - Portland C.
Apr. 27: Orlando V. - Edmonton E.
Apr. 28: Vancouver V. - S. Soldiers
Apr. 28: Portland C. - Olympia R.
Apr. 28: Orlando V. - Edmonton E.

Slam: Comeback falls short in home loss to Salem - by Eurobasket News

The Slam nearly overcame a dismal first half as they fell to the Salem Soldiers, 112-105, in their IBL home opener Saturday at Whatcom Pavilion.

The win for Salem was the first for the franchise, which is playing its first season in the IBL. The Slam's record fell to 1-1 after a win in Olympia on Friday night.

Bellingham shot just 35 percent from the floor in the first half to Salem's 55 percent, and trailed 61-47 at the break.

But after getting behind by 19 at the end of the third quarter on a Phil Nelson (6'8''-F-88) three-pointer, the Slam started to rally in the fourth quarter and was eventually able to trim the margin to two, at 101-99, with 3:41 left. But they couldn't get any closer as Salem always seemed to have an answer on offensive end down the stretch.

Blake Poole (6'5''-C-88, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: St.Martin's) led three Slam players with at least 20 points with 24 to go along with 9 rebounds.

Salem's Chehales Tapscott (6'5''-F-90) led all scorers with 32 points on 14-of-18 shooting, and also added 11 rebounds.

The Slam next play on Friday, April 27 against the Portland Chinooks. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Whatcom Pavilion.

Courtesy of www.bellinghamslam.com

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INDONESIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Yanuar DWI PRIASMORO
  Bima S.
  (178-SG-89)
  Avg: 16.5

1. Dwi Priasmor., Bim.	16.5
2. Ferdiansyah, Stadi.	15.2
3. Wisnu, Satria Muda	14.0
4. Nagata, Pacific	13.7
5. Rizky Ardian., Bim.	13.4
6. Sapto, Muba H.	12.9
7. Regowo, Aspac	12.0
8. Chandra, Pelita J.	11.7
9. Ahmad, Satria Muda	11.6
10. Pamungkas, Satya	11.4

Rebounds Per Game

Galank GUNAWAN
  Satria M.
  (194-PF-87)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Gunawan, Satria M.	10.6
2. Regowo, Aspac	8.9
3. Thoyib, Aspac	8.3
4. Heryadi, Muba H.	7.8
5. Sitepu, Satria M.	7.1
6. Yanto, NSH G.	7.1
7. Rizky Ardian., Bim.	6.9
8. Wuwungan, Satya W.	6.6
9. Nasution, Satya W.	6.6
10. Wisnu, Satria Muda	6.5

Assists Per Game

Denny SARTIKA
  Bima Sakti
  (175-PG-80)
  Avg: 4.4

1. Sartika, Bima Sakti	4.4
2. Gerungan, Aspac	3.9
3. Purwanto, Pelita J.	3.6
4. Muharri, CLS K.	3.5
5. Widyanto, Pacifi.	3.3
6. Yusran, Stadium	3.0
7. Husnuzan, NSH G.	2.8
8. Ahmad, Satria Muda	2.5
9. Wisnu, Satria Muda	2.4
10. Wijaya, Garuda	2.4

Steals Per Game

Dimaz MUHARRI
  CLS K.
  (181-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Muharri, CLS K.	2.9
2. Purwanto, Pelita J.	2.8
3. Poedjakesuma, Peli.	2.5
4. Sartika, Bima Sakti	2.4
5. Ferdiansyah, Stadi.	2.3
6. Wijaya, Garuda	2.2
7. Sapto, Muba H.	2.0
8. Ahmad, Satria Muda	2.0
9. Uniputty, Comfor.	2.0
10. Rizky Ardian., Bi.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

R RUSLAN
  Stadium .
  (197-C-89)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Ruslan, Stadium	2.6
2. Thoyib, Aspac	2.2
3. Sitepu, Satria M.	2.0
4. Gunawan, Satya W.	1.6
5. Arizki, Aspac	1.6
6. Indrawan, Pelita J.	1.3
7. Teguh, Muba H.	1.2
8. Damanik, NSH G.	1.2
9. Listiyono, Pacifi.	1.1
10. Wuwungan, Satya	1.0

NBL Round 1 of 1/8 Finals. Aspac and Satria Muda advance directly into semifinals - by Eurobasket News

Satria Muda - CLS Knights 61-53

Satria Muda advanced into NBL semifinals. They overcame CLS Knights. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But CLS Knights won third quarter 15-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Satria Muda held CLS Knights to an opponent 24.6 percent shooting from the field compared to 30.1 percent accuracy of the winners. Satria Muda forced 22 CLS Knights turnovers. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Satria Muda made 13 blocks. The former international forward Welyanson Situmorang (188-82) nailed 14 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks for the winning side and international power forward Christian Ronaldo Sitepu (200-86) accounted for 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks. Four Satria Muda players scored in double figures. International forward Dwi Haryoko (193-85) came up with 10 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks and the former international Andrie Ekayana (182-82) added 10 points and 4 blocks respectively for CLS Knights in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
CLS Knights: A.Ekayana 10+4reb+2ast, D.Haryoko 10+8reb+2ast, T.Agus 7+3reb, S.Febiansyakh 7+5reb, R.Utomo 6+3reb, H.Herman 5+4reb
Satria Muda: W.Situmorang 14+9reb, C.Ronaldo Sitepu 12+5reb+3ast, A.Wisnu 10+7reb+3ast, F.Julius Ahmad 10+3reb+2ast, V.Michel 5+2reb, B.Siregar 5+7reb+1ast

Stadium Jak. - Muba Hangtuah 80-74

Stadium Jakarta stayed in the race for the title beating Muba Hangtuah. The hosts were already 11 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 25-20 Muba Hangtuah's run in the last quarter cut the lead to 80-74 at the end of the game. Stadium Jakarta forced 26 Muba Hangtuah turnovers. Randolph Ariestedes (197-87) stepped up and scored 19 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and forward Daniel Iskandar (190-71) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds. At the losing side forward Ary Sapto (188-80) responded with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists and the former international power forward Dian Heryadi (194-80) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds. Four Muba Hangtuah players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest.
Top scorers:
Muba Hangtuah: A.Sapto 23+12reb+6ast, A.Sigar 16+2reb, A.Junaidi 12+3reb+2ast, D.Heryadi 12+12reb+1ast, T.Wilopo 6+2reb+3ast, M.Joni 2+1reb
Stadium Jak.: R.Ariestedes 19+6reb, M.Ferdiansyah 15+3reb+2ast, D.Iskandar 14+6reb, F.Budianto 9+1reb+2ast, C.Nurhadi Yusran 8+4reb+8ast, R.Ruslan 7+4reb

Aspac - Pelita Jaya 61-52

Aspac will play in the semis after taking care of Pelita Jaya. The game without a history. Aspac led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They also forced 24 Pelita Jaya turnovers. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Aspac made 9 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Pringgo Regowo (190-87) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. International swingman Xaverius Prawiro (184-86) contributed with 16 points for the winners. The former international forward Andi Poedjakesuma (187-80) answered with 13 points and 5 rebounds and the former international center Ponsianus Indrawan (191-85) added 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks in the effort for Pelita Jaya. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Pelita Jaya: A.Poedjakesuma 13+5reb, A.Chandra 10+2reb+3ast, P.Indrawan 9+7reb+1ast, R.Christanto Chandra 6+4reb, D.Aryo Dewanto 5+2reb+1ast, F.Dini 4+4reb+2ast
Aspac: X.Prawiro 16+3reb+1ast, P.Regowo 13+10reb, F.Andika Ramadhani 11+4reb+3ast, D.Gerungan 9+3reb+4ast, O.Wira Sanjaya 4, S.Harun Nurman 4+3reb+1ast

Bima Sakti - Garuda 63-77

Garuda set up the clash versus CLS Knights for the place in the semifinal after edging Bima Sakti. The game without a history. Garuda led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Bima Sakti's 36. They outrebounded Bima Sakti 43-20 including a 20-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. Vinton Nolland (194-82) nailed a double-double by scoring 12 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists for the winning side and guard Hendru Ramli (188-88) accounted for 18 points. Four Garuda players scored in double figures. Garuda's coach Wan Amran used a ten-player rotation saving starting five for next games. Yanuar Dwi Priasmoro (178-89) came up with 26 points and 4 assists and Bima Rizky Ardiansyah (182-90) added 12 points respectively for Bima Sakti in the defeat.
Top scorers:
Bima Sakti: Y.Dwi Priasmoro 26+4reb+4ast, B.Rizky Ardiansyah 12+3reb, H.Gunawan 8+2reb+2ast, G.Virgian 6+6reb+2ast, M.Indra 4, D.Sartika 3+2reb+2ast
Garuda: H.Ramli 18+4reb+3ast, F.Minallah 12+9reb+2ast, V.Nolland 12+11reb+7ast, C.Gideon 11+10reb+2ast, W.Wijaya 8+1reb, O.Sura 6+3reb+1ast

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ISRAEL

Stats Leaders - National League

Points Per Game

Errick MCCOLLUM
  Hapoel K.
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 24.4

1. McCollum, Hapoel K.	24.4
2. Miller, Macc.B.Y.	23.5
3. Sanders, Hapoel Y.	23.1
4. Clinch, Lev H.	22.7
5. Hall, Macc.B.Y.	22.0
6. Ginyard, Ironi N.	21.6
7. Daniel, Ironi K-A	21.5
8. Clemente, Kiryat T.	21.0
9. Bet-Yosef, Macc.B.	20.8
10. Laing, Elitzur Ya.	20.7

Rebounds Per Game

Ramon CLEMENTE
  Kiryat T.
  (200-PF-85)
  Avg: 14.6

1. Clemente, Kiryat T.	14.6
2. Thondique, Hapoel	13.2
3. Turner, Hapoel Y/M	11.2
4. Moses, Hapoel K/S	10.7
5. Blair, Ironi N.	9.4
6. Webb, Ironi R.	9.3
7. Daniel, Ironi K-A	9.3
8. Traimel, Ironi N.	9.0
9. Bacon, Elitzur Ram.	8.8
10. Sanders, Hapoel Y.	8.6

Assists Per Game

Ilan NANIKASHVILI
  Ironi K.
  (187-G-79)
  Avg: 7.7

1. Nanikashvili, Iron.	7.7
2. Berkowitz, Elitzu.	6.8
3. Bannister, Ironi R.	6.7
4. Eliyahu, Ironi N.	6.6
5. Sukar, Hod Hashar.	6.6
6. Assaf, Ironi N.	5.3
7. Bet-Yosef, Macc.B.	5.2
8. Gonzalez, Hod H.	4.9
9. Rub, Lev Hasharon	4.7
10. Miller, Macc.B.Y.	3.9

Steals Per Game

Yoad BET-YOSEF
  Macc.B.
  (182-PG-87)
  Avg: 3

1. Bet-Yosef, Macc.B.	3.0
2. Miller, Macc.B.Y.	2.9
3. Hofman, Elitzur	2.8
4. Benn, Ironi N.	2.6
5. Sanders, Hapoel Y.	2.4
6. Eliyahu, Ironi N.	2.3
7. Gonzalez, Hod H.	2.3
8. Berkowitz, Elitzu.	2.2
9. McCollum, Hapoel K.	2.2
10. Davidi, Ironi R.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Lenny DANIEL
  Ironi K-A
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Daniel, Ironi K-A	2.6
2. Kelly, Hapoel T-A	2.3
3. Johnson, Hod H.	2.0
4. Blair, Ironi N.	1.8
5. Clemente, Kiryat T.	1.4
6. Thondique, Hapoel	1.4
7. Webb, Ironi R.	1.4
8. Bacon, Elitzur Ram.	1.3
9. Naor, Hapoel T-A	1.1
10. Younger, Ironi K-A	0.9

Balkan league post game comments - by Netanel Dahan

Gilboa/Galil has became the 3rd Israeli team to win a European competition after Maccabi Tel Aviv (Euroleague&Superleague), and Hapoel Jerusalem (Eurocup) by winning the Balkan league F-4 after winning Hapoel Tel Aviv and Levski Sofia after OT.

Lior Lubin:
'I had no effect in the last quarter, the players made the comeback, they showed character, a lot of character. This is an incredible feeling, I have no words to describe it. It′s difficult to try and analyze it under the emotion right now. My players showed a lot of character.'

Ido Kozikaro:
'It's been eight years since I won a title, and now it's getting back at me and it feels great. Everyone did an amazing job'.

Titi Papazov:
'Maybe the pressure was more on us, because we came from a perfect regular season without a loss and we were favorites. We played a really good team. I′m happy that we met in this competition, which gets stronger and stronger every season. I′m glad that they are good teams that make us work harder and I′m happy that Asen Hristov and Shay Shtriks are doing their best to have stronger teams every year.'

National League Round 3 of Quarter-Finals. Ironi Nes-Ziona complete semifinal picture - by Eurobasket News

Ironi Nes-Ziona - Hapoel Afula 78-65

Ironi Nes-Ziona earned the decisive second win over Hapoel Afula and advanced into the semifinals. The game was mostly controlled by Ironi Nes-Ziona. Hapoel Afula managed to win third quarter 19-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Ironi Nes-Ziona forced 25 Hapoel Afula turnovers. It was a good game for swingman Tal Karpeles (196-F/G-90) who led his team to a victory with 20 points. American forward Gabe Blair (203-87, college: Wichita St.) contributed with 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. American forward Gregg Thondique (201-87, college: Virginia Union) answered with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 21 rebounds and point guard Yoni Deri (178-87) added 12 points and 5 assists in the effort for Hapoel Afula. Four Ironi Nes-Ziona and five Hapoel Afula players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Ironi Nes-Ziona: T.Karpeles 20+3reb, G.Blair 15+8reb, D.Assaf 12+3reb+4ast, D.Bank 10+1reb+4ast, B.Benn 10+1reb+4ast, R.Zehavian 6+8reb+4ast
Hapoel Afula: R.Booker 13+2reb+1ast, G.Thondique 12+21reb+2ast, Y.Deri 12+5ast, E.Eliyah 11+3reb+2ast, O.Blayzer 10+5reb+1ast, G.Cohen 5+1reb+2ast

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ITALY

stats leader

Points Per Game

Bernardo MUSSO
  Napoli
  (192-G-86)
  Avg: 19.8

1. Musso, Napoli	19.8
2. Evangelisti, Recan.	17.1
3. Portannese, Torino	16.4
4. Poltroneri, Perugia	16.2
5. Prandin, Casalp.	15.2
6. Rugolo, San Severo	15.1
7. Benevelli, Orlandi.	14.5
8. Tagliabue, Ruvo	14.4
9. Ferrarese, Castell.	14.4
10. Mei, Comsum.it SI	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

Emanuele ROSSI
  Chieti
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 12.7

1. Rossi, Chieti	12.7
2. Iannilli, Napoli	9.9
3. Tagliabue, Ruvo	8.6
4. Baldi Rossi, Perug.	8.1
5. Borra, Treviglio	8.1
6. Gandini, Trieste	7.9
7. Benevelli, Orlandi.	7.9
8. Simeoli, Comsum.i.	7.8
9. Iannuzzi, Ferentino	7.5
10. Tessitori, Comsum.	7.5

Assists Per Game

Bernardo MUSSO
  Napoli
  (192-G-86)
  Avg: 4.2

1. Musso, Napoli	4.2
2. Bertolazzi, Omegna	4.2
3. Stanic, Fabriano	3.6
4. Circosta, Anagni	3.5
5. Traini, Recanati	3.4
6. Guarino, Ferentino	3.3
7. Santolamazza, Ana.	3.2
8. Vico, Matera	3.1
9. Ferrarese, Castell.	3.0
10. Parente, Torino	2.9

Steals Per Game

Roberto MAGGIO
  Pavia
  (183-G-90)
  Avg: 3

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

Blocks Per Game

Andrea CAPITANELLI
  Firenze
  (203-C-86)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Capitanelli, Firen.	2.1
2. Ancellotti, Santar.	1.7
3. Borra, Treviglio	1.5
4. Cazzaniga, Pavia	1.1
5. Pascolo, Trento	1.1
6. Candido, San Seve.	1.0
7. Raminelli, Castell.	1.0
8. Cotani, Castelletto	1.0
9. Benevelli, Orlandi.	0.9
10. Rossi, Chieti	0.9

Virtus Bologna tabs Ivan Paunic. Other announcements to come? - by Giovanni Bargna

As the regular season is coming to an end, some italian teams are looking for additions in order to strengthen their roster.
The first deal was announced earlier today by Virtus Bologna. Ivan Paunic (194-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) will join the team soon. The serbian shooting-guard was playing for Nizhny Novgorod and averaging 10 ppg and 3rpg in Russia.

Next deal can be announced by Montepaschi Siena or EA7 Emporio Armani Milano. Jonas Maciulis (198-G/F-85) has been practicing with Siena for a week and his physical conditions (the player is off an injury) are under evaluation, while Milano is still looking for a combo-guard to sign. As per the most recent rumors (but we had lots of misleading rumors last week) the team is in talks with Justin Dentmon (182-G-85, college: Washington) and Darius Washington (188-PG-85, college: Memphis).
Dentmon was recently named D-League MVP and is playing the finals with the Austin Toros (23ppg and 5,5 apg), while Washington is currently in Turkey playing for Turk Telekom Ankara and averaging 16.6 ppg and 4.2 apg in the Turkish league.

Italian Lega2 round 28 best performance: Donell Taylor - by Eurobasket News

American guard Donell Taylor (198-G-82) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked Trenkwalder, receiving a Eurobasket.com Lega2 Player of the Week award for round 28.
The 29-year old player was the main contributor (28 points, eight rebounds and three assists) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Biancoblu BO (#14, 9-17) 93-81. It allowed Trenkwalder to consolidate first place in the Italian Lega2. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Trenkwalder has a very solid 19-7 record, but they cannot be too comfortable about keeping top position. In the team's last game Taylor had a remarkable 70.0% from 2-point range. He turned to be Trenkwalder's top player in his first season with the team. Former University of Alabama at Birmingham star has very solid stats this year. Taylor is in league's top in points (8th best: 17.7ppg) and averages impressive 2.2spg and 54.0% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 35-year old American Trent Whiting (185-PG-76) of Aget Imola. Whiting had a very good evening with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists. Of course he lead Aget Imola to another comfortable win 93-80 over the higher-ranked Fileni BPA (#7, 13-13) being unquestionably team leader. This victory allowed Aget Imola to move up to 12th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 10-16 record. Whiting is one of the most experienced players at Aget Imola and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 16.9ppg (#9). His other stats are also decent: 5.7rpg and 3.6apg.

Third on the list of top players last round was Argentinian guard Antonio Porta (187-G-83, agency: Players Group) of Tezenis Verona (#9). Porta scored 28 points. Despite Porta's great performance Tezenis Verona lost 81-91 to the lower-ranked MarcoPoloShop (#15, 8-18). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Tezenis Verona ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 14 games, recording just twelve victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Porta could help Tezenis Verona to bring them higher in the standings. Porta has a great season in Italy. After 26 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 4.5apg (3rd best). He also has 2.3spg and FGP: 60.4%. Antonio Porta has also Italian passport and can play in the league with a status of domestic player.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Patricio Prato (196-G-79) of Aget Imola - 27 points and 7 rebounds
5. Alan Voskuil (191-G-86) of Morpho Basket - 33 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
6. James Thomas (203-F/C-80) of Givova Scafati - 14 points and 12 rebounds
7. Richard McConnell (182-G-89) of Fileni BPA - 22 points and 4 assists
8. Mike Green (185-PG-85) of Sigma Barcel. - 23 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists
9. Dwight Hardy (188-PG-87) of Giorgio Tesi PT - 28 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Alessandro Cittadini (207-C/F-79) of S.Antimo - 14 points and 15 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)

Nazionale A Round 1 of 1/8 Finals - by Eurobasket News

1/8 Finals

Ferentino - Latina Basket 60-57

The hosts trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 16-7 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Ferentino dominated on the defensive end, holding Latina Basket to just 7 points in fourth quarter. Guard Francesco Guarino (182-79) stepped up and scored 15 points and 4 assists for the winners and forward Filippo Gagliardo (206-78) chipped in 6 points and 7 rebounds. At the losing side power forward Andrea Quarisa (202-92) responded with 9 points and 14 rebounds and the former international point guard Riccardo Serena (181-82) scored 12 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
Ferentino: F.Guarino 15+1reb+4ast, F.Marcante 9+3reb, S.Parrillo 8+1reb, A.Iannuzzi 7+5reb, M.Carrizo 7+4reb+1ast, L.Panzini 6
Latina Basket: R.Serena 12+1reb+1ast, A.Quarisa 9+14reb, S.Orlando 8+4reb, R.Romano 7+5reb+1ast, A.Pastore 6+2reb+2ast, R.Tavernelli 6+6reb+1ast

Recanati - Orlandina 100-99

Recanati made 31-of-41 free shots (75.6 percent) during the game. They also forced 33 Orlandina turnovers. 33 personal fouls committed by Orlandina helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Guard Andrea Traini (-93) fired 34 points (!!!), 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 8 steals for the winners. Power forward Alessandro Cecchetti (200-91) chipped in 24 points and 6 rebounds (perfect from the field making all ten shots !!!). Forward Andrea Benevelli (202-85, agency: Two Points) produced 28 points and 7 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) and forward Nicholas Crow (199-89) added 13 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Orlandina players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Recanati: A.Traini 34+8reb+6ast, A.Cecchetti 24+6reb, P.Chiarello 10+1ast, M.Pierangeli 7+3reb, M.Ceron 6+1ast, A.Pierini 6+7reb+2ast
Orlandina: A.Benevelli 28+7reb, M.Cardinali 15+5reb+3ast, N.Crow 13+7reb+3ast, F.Zanelli 12+3reb+6ast, D.Bonacini 12+2ast, L.Bisconti 9+6reb+1ast

Trento - Casalpusterlengo 87-58

The game without a history. Trento led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 30-of-31 charity shots (96.8 percent) during the game, while Casalpusterlengo only scored thirteen points from the stripe. Trento forced 21 Casalpusterlengo turnovers. 26 personal fouls committed by Casalpusterlengo helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The former international forward Walter Santarossa (200-78) nailed a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws) for the winning side and center Marco Pazzi (203-79) accounted for 11 points and 7 rebounds. Five Trento players scored in double figures. Guard Federico Loschi (195-90) came up with 18 points and guard Roberto Prandin (188-86, agency: Two Points) added 10 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Casalpusterlengo in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Trento: M.Negri 14+1reb, W.Santarossa 12+11reb+1ast, M.Spanghero 11+2reb+3ast, M.Pazzi 11+7reb+1ast, L.Conte 11+3reb+2ast, A.Forray 10+2reb+4ast
Casalpusterlengo: F.Loschi 18+3reb+1ast, R.Prandin 10+5reb+1ast, R.Casagrande 8+3reb+1ast, A.Chiumenti 7+3reb+1ast, R.Castelli 6+2reb+1ast, P.Biligha 4+5reb+1ast

Torino - Treviglio 67-72

The guests trailed by 11 points after three quarters before their 29-13 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Guard Niccolo Cazzolato (191-89) fired a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winners. Swingman Andrea Vitale (199-82, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 19 points. Treviglio's coach Adriano Vertemati used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. The former international forward Cristiano Masper (208-73) produced 20 points and guard Marco Portannese (192-89, agency: Players Group) added 15 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Treviglio and four Torino players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Treviglio: A.Vitale 19+2reb+1ast, N.Cazzolato 12+10reb+1ast, G.Zanella 12+4reb, R.Marulli 10+2reb+2ast, A.Fabi 10+4reb+1ast, T.Marino 4
Torino: C.Masper 20+2reb, M.Portannese 15+5reb+1ast, F.Tassinari 11+6reb+1ast, F.Conti 10+3reb, D.Parente 6+4reb+6ast, L.Fontecchio 4+4reb+2ast

Play-out

Fabriano - Ruvo 67-60

The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Power forward Luca Usberti (201-73) fired 13 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Forward Giorgio Sgobba (202-92) chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds. Four Fabriano players scored in double figures. Marco Tagliabue (206-86) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds and Simone Zanotti (206-92) added 12 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Fabriano: G.Sgobba 15+7reb+1ast, L.Usberti 13+7reb+3ast, C.Fontani 11+3reb, A.Iardella 10+2reb+7ast, N.D'Arrigo 8+4reb+3ast, M.Trapella 5+6reb+1ast
Ruvo: M.Tagliabue 16+11reb+2ast, S.Zanotti 12+8reb+1ast, D.Merletto 11+3reb+1ast, G.Valesin 8+4reb+3ast, P.de Martino 5+2reb, T.Laquintana 4+1reb

Santarcangelo - Castelletto 63-52

The hosts trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 34-20 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Guard Mauro Bonaiuti (192-78) fired 21 points for the winners. Guard Matteo Palermo (190-91) chipped in 12 points. Center Matteo Raminelli (203-83) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds and the former international swingman Simone Cotani (201-81) added 12 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Santarcangelo: M.Bonaiuti 21+1reb+1ast, M.Palermo 12+4reb+2ast, L.Bedetti 7+3reb, E.Rivali 5+2reb+5ast, L.Pesaresi 5, J.Silimbani 4+9reb
Castelletto: M.Raminelli 18+11reb, S.Cotani 12+7reb+1ast, F.Dri 9, J.Zacchetti 7+3reb, C.Villani 6+8reb+1ast, M.Terzaghi 0

Firenze - Comsum.it SI 71-70

Comsum.it SI was ahead by 5 points at the halftime before a 26-14 third quarter run of Firenze. Worth to mention a great performance of center Andrea Capitanelli (203-86) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points and 15 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). The former international center Federico Bellina (205-79, agency: Players Group) contributed with 16 points for the winners. Center Amedeo Tessitori (205-94) answered with 19 points and 5 rebounds and guard Gabriele Spizzichini (195-92) added 13 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Comsum.it SI.
Top scorers:
Firenze: F.Bellina 16+3reb+2ast, D.Monaldi 16+2reb+2ast, A.Capitanelli 15+15reb+3ast, D.Lamma 9+1reb+3ast, S.Spizzichini 8+7reb, A.Amici 5+1reb+3ast
Comsum.it SI: A.Tessitori 19+5reb+1ast, G.Spizzichini 13+6reb+1ast, N.Mei 9+4reb+4ast, A.Colli 9+1reb, S.Simeoli 8+6reb+1ast, S.Bonfiglio 7+1reb

San Severo - Matera 77-67

The game was mostly controlled by Mazzeo San Severo. Matera was better in fourth quarter 26-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Mazzeo San Severo made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. Swingman Giovanni Rugolo (196-81) fired 21 points for the winners. Swingman Fabio Lovatti (194-89) chipped in 14 points and 5 rebounds. Four Mazzeo San Severo players scored in double figures. Naturalized Argentinian guard Sebastian Vico (190-86, agency: Players Group) produced 22 points and the former international swingman Andrea Pilotti (196-80, agency: Players Group) added 19 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
San Severo: G.Rugolo 21+4reb+1ast, F.Lovatti 14+5reb+3ast, R.Marzoli 12+5reb+1ast, F.Candido 12+1reb+2ast, I.Scarponi 9+1reb+1ast, F.Amoroso 9+7reb+3ast
Matera: S.Vico 22+3reb+3ast, A.Pilotti 19+5reb, A.LaGioia 10+1reb, G.Cantagalli 7+3reb, R.Martone 3+4reb, L.Tardito 2+1reb

Interview with Troy Bell - by Antonello Varallo

Troy Bell (186-PG-80, college: Boston Coll.) is not only a great basketball player. He is also an artist (he is a good singer) and a man with many interested ideas about life, sport and music.

1.) Basketball player, singer, boxer...who is Troy Bell???
TB:I'd say a combination of the three. Basketball has been with me since i was young and has been my biggest and most consistent passion. Boxing entered my life unexpectedly while I was injured and quickly became my obsession. When something touches me I usually eat, sleep, and breathe it until life pulls me in a different direction. Music is something I hope to explore forever. Its my therapy. I think everyone needs a creative outlet.

2.) There are many basketball players who have released a music album, but mainly hip hop or rap. Your music is pretty different, and the videos very accurate. How did you approach the music? Were you influenced by the most famous citizen of your hometown, music superstar Prince?
TB: I'm a huge fan of Prince! Almost everyone I know from Minnesota is to some capacity. I approach making music the same way I do everything else that I'm passionate about. All or Nothing. Making bad music is similar to having a bad game. You'll hear about it from many different directions (laughs). So I try to avoid that. But overall music has always been a big part of my life. I've always seen good music as the soundtrack that accompanies our best memories. When I think back on all my best memories there are always a few songs that come to mind. Even when my television is on its usually muted so I can listen to music. People can download free music at tbellmusic.com!

3.) Do you like italian music?
TB: I do like Italian music! I don't know many songs, but the best italian artist that I've heard thus far is Tiziano Ferro. I hope I spelled his name right!!!

4.) You were close to partecipate in the Golden Gloves. What is boxe in your life? What is the difference between David Oropeza (your first opponent in your boxing career) and a defending player when you want to score?

TB: I had two golden gloves fights. I'm 2-0 as a boxer. There is a short clip on youtube of the 2nd fight. Type in Troy Bell Fight and it will pop up. The biggest difference between boxing and basketball is that you 'play' basketball. Its a game. But a fight is just that, a 'fight' (laughs). Every time I got in the ring, even for sparring. I took it very seriously. I've seen many people get knocked out, and fortunately for me I was never even knocked down. I took a few good ones in the face though (laughs).Thats unavoidable in boxing. But what attracted me most to boxing was the personal commitment that it requires. If you don't train hard and study your craft, it shows. You can't hide behind a few good players like you can sometimes on the court. Either you got it or you don't. And even when the politics/odds are stacked against you, in a fighting sport you still have a chance to win with a knockout. No matter how bad things are going, you can win. And you can't say that many times in life

5.) Do you have any regret about your NBA career? You had a bad injury that affected your career, troubles with coaches...
TB:I have no regrets about my NBA experience. I put my body through a beating ever since I was young and it held up as long as it could. The life of an athlete isn't a very easy one at times. I always try to make the most of my opportunities, and under the circumstances I think I did that at the time.

6.) Playing at Boston College, you were named Big East Conference player of the year after your sophomore and senior seasons, doing better than Carmelo Anthony...what do you remember of those days?

TB: I can't say that I out played Carmelo. He was a beast even back then. I outscored almost everyone in the country my last year. But there were a few guys who were just as deserving of the POY award that year. What I remember most as I sit on this bus heading back home to Sant' Antimo after a tough road loss is how many hours I put in the gym by myself before and after practice. And even on days off. I think about what dedication really means. I wish that we would've beaten USC to advance to the Sweet 16 back in 01. Just being honest (laughs). I'm grateful that I was able to meet so many good people during my days at BC. And I'm glad that I was able to add a spark to the college basketball scene in the city of Boston. We had great fans!

7-) You began your european career with Real Madrid, but it was a very short experience. The next step was unlucky too, you didn't pass the medical test with Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt. At that point of your career, how did you find the strength to never give up?

TB:In Real Madrid I just wasn't myself physically. I suffered a small tear in my groin after only a few weeks and that was that. But they are a top flight organization and I've tried to follow the team from afar ever since. I'm happy to see Reyes still playing well, he was a nice guy. Right after that experience is actually when I started boxing. Honestly giving up never even crossed my mind. I've never been a quitter. in difficult moments you get to see what your made of. Anyone can give up, and most people do so willingly without a fight. Thats just not me. Sometimes its what you 'don't do' that makes you special. Like giving up

8.)Biella, Casale, Cremona, Reggio Emilia: where do you think you played your best basket?
From Celtics to Real Madrid to Sant'Antimo, is your approach to basketball and life changed?
TB: I've had a few different roles. But if we are talking strictly from the stats I'd have to say right now. I'm not sure what they are after this last game, but I know they're not too bad. But since we won it all in Cremona I'd have to say that year.

9.) Where you'll be in ten years? In a gym as a trainer or on stage as a singer?
TB: Hopefully in 10 years I'll working on a family (laughs). Actually I have no idea. I would like to continue to do all the things that have brought me happiness and fulfillment up to this point. And maybe add a few other activities. But for now I'll continue to live in the moment and make the most of everyday. I think thats all we can do.

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JAPAN

Woods' double-double lands him BJ League Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

27-year old swingman Ricky Woods (194-F/G-84) put on an amazing game in the last round for Akita NH and receives a Asia-basket.com BJ League Player of the Week award for round 56.
He had a double-double of 42 points and 14 rebounds, while his team lost the game against Iwate Big Bulls (#9, 17-33) 84-94. Akita NH maintains the 3rd position in Japanese BJ League. Akita NH is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. But it was their 24th lost game this season out of 52 games. Woods turned to be Akita NH's top player in his first season with the team. Southeastern Louisiana University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Woods is in league's top in points (6th best: 20.7ppg).

Second best performed player last round was Carlos Dixon (201-G/F-81, agency: Top Notch Sports) of Fukuoka Rizing. He is American swingman in his first season at Fukuoka Rizing. In the last game Dixon recorded impressive 35 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. It was enough for Fukuoka Rizing to edge slightly lower-ranked Shinshu BW (#7, 18-32) by 2 points 79-77. Fukuoka Rizing's 5th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 32-18 record is not bad and everything may still change. Dixon is a newcomer at Fukuoka Rizing and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Jamel Staten (198-G-83, agency: SDJ Sports) of Chiba Jets (#8). Staten showcased his all-around game by recording 27 points, fourteen rebounds (!!!) and six assists in the last round. Despite Staten's great performance Chiba Jets lost 75-79 to the higher-ranked Okinawa GK (#1, 37-13). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Chiba Jets not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 32 games, recording just eighteen victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Staten could try to bring Chiba Jets' a little bit higher in the standings. Staten has individually a great season in Japan. After 50 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 21.1ppg (4th best) and rebounds with 10.9rpg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Devin Searcy (208-F/C-89) of Toyama Grouses - 19 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists
5. Thomas Kennedy (201-F-87) of Iwate Big Bulls - 26 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Wendell White (198-G-84) of Oita H.Devils - 20 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Paul Butorac (208-C/F-83) of Takamatsu FA - 20 points, 17 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Babacar Camara (211-C-81) of Kyoto Hannar. - 20 points and 12 rebounds
9. Tyler Hughes (213-F-84) of Shinshu BW - 18 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Ira Brown (193-F-82) of Toyama Grouses - 16 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists

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

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KENYA

Champs Reign As School Games End - by Eurobasket News

Rift Valley's Laiser Hill successfully defended their Brookside trophy in boys' basketball after dismissing Nairobi Champions Upper Hill 65-35 in a pulsating match played at Maseno School's main basketball court.

Beaming with confidence after winning all their group matches before thrashing Kamusinga 80-51 in the semis, the now five time champions started on a strong note hitting Upper Hill by 19-4 in the first quarter.

They edged out the second 12-4 before nudging up the tempo in the third to decisively win 18-4. Their 17-16 loss in the fourth did them no harm as they had done enough to win their fourth title in five years.

Laiser's Omari Mulumba who contributed 17 points for his team in the final was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

Hosts Maseno finished third after putting Friends School Kamusinga to the sword with a 89-55 win. Laiser, Upper Hill and Maseno will represent Kenya in the East Africa Championships slated for Burundi in August.

In the girls' category, Shimba Hills are the new champions after beating Buru Buru girls by 98-45. Evelyn Atieno scored a match high 26 which included an impressive six 3-pointers to give the Coast-based side the title.

Buru Buru lost the first quarter 2-27 and never recovered thanks to the dribbling prowess of Shimba's Nunber 5 Primerose Achieng' and Atieno's flawless shooting.

Nairobi's Alliance Girls survived a late scare from Rift Valley's Kapkolei to snatch the third place with a 47-43 win.
Courtesy of: Capital FM (Nairobi)

Maseno Tossed Out - by Eurobasket News

REIGNING national secondary school boys' basketball champions Laiser Hill Academy booked a final date with Nairobi's Upper hill School after eliminating their rivals in their respective semi-final matches staged yesterday.

Laiser Hill beat Friends School Kamusinga 78-51 in a scintillating semi-final match while Upper Hill eliminates hosts Maseno 49-36. Laiser used their height advantage to beat the battle-hardened Kamusinga in the nail biting match. The champions won the first quarter 23-11, 20-12 (second quarter), 17-13 (third) and 18-15 (fourth).

Diminutive Reuben Muraya of Kamusinga was the top scorer with 19 points including two three pointers while Collins Mabiya added nine.

Dennis Musila was Laiser's top scorer with 17 points while Rodger Sam and Eric Reuben tied in second position with 14 points apiece. Laiser coach Smarts Olumbo described Kamusinga as the best team they have played so far in the tournament. 'Their only downfall was the height,' he added.

On their clash with Upper Hill, Olumbo said: 'I know they have very good three point shooters but we will play our game and hopefully emerge victorious.'

Kamusinga coach Moses Khaoya said they lost the game on transition. 'We matched them toe to toe but lost in the first quarter,' he said. In the second semi-final, Upper Hill beat a resilient Maseno to silence the hostile home crowd. The game was a battle between Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) chairman Paul Otula and his treasurer Peter Orero of Upper Hill. In the tension packed match, Upper Hill won 10-4 in the first quarter and 11-17 in the second. They lost 7-16 in the third quarter before winning the fourth 21-9.

Upper Hill coach George Mayienga attributed their victory to good preparations. Commenting on today's final match against Laiser, Mayienga said: 'I have not watched them play because I was concentrating on my team but I'm well prepared to face them. The boys are mentally prepared.' Upper Hill will meet Laiser in the final while Maseno will battle it out with Kamusinga in the third-place play off.

In the girls' category, favourites Shimba Hills increased their chances of winning the title after walloping Alliance Girls 116-24. Gaudenciah Peter scored the game high of 37 points followed by Christine Ndalo with 26 points. Alliance's top scorer was Achieng Mollen with 16 points. Shimba will meet Buru Buru in the final the Nairobi side ended debutants Kapkolei's fairly-tale, winning the semi-final game 55-45. Shimba coach Phillip Onyango said: 'The team is on the roll and nobody will stop us.. Last year we were minnows but now the players have matured and we are set to win the trophy,' he said.
Courtesy of: The Star (Nairobi)

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KUWAIT

AlSahel and AlJahra advanced to Kuwaiti Federation Basketball Cup 2012 - by Eurobasket News

AlSahel and AlJahra advanced to Kuwaiti Federation Basketball Cup 2012 as they won their Semifinal games. AlSahel beat AlQadsia 89:67 and AlJahra edged Kazma 102:83. The Final game as well as the game for the third place will be played on April 25th.

Kuwait will host 25th Arab basketball Clubs Championship - by Eurobasket News

Kuwait will host 25th Arab basketball Clubs Championship scheduled from 15 to 27 May in the country. This year 12 teams were divided into 2 groups with 6 in each. in Group A will consist of GS Petroliers, Kadhma of Kuwait, Al Ansar (Saudi Arabia), Sedab of Oman, Syria and Central Sports Manama Bahrain. AS Sale placed in Group B with Kuwait Club, El Gherafa Qatar, El Kerkh of Iraq, Al Ahli Benghazi (Libya), and Erriadhi of Lebanon.

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LEBANON

Semi Finals Schedule - by Rabih Khoury

LBL FINAL 4: THE SCHEDULE (All Live on LBCI)

SEMI-FINAL 1: CHAMPVILLE - SAGESSE
FRIDAY 27/4: GAME 1 IN CHAMPVILLE @ 18:00
SUNDAY 29/4: GAME 2 IN GHAZIR @ 18:00
TUESDAY 1/5: GAME 3 IN CHAMPVILLE @ 18:00
WEDNESDAY 2/5: GAME 4 IN GHAZIR (IF NEEDED) @ 20:30
THURSDAY 3/5: GAME 5 IN CHAMPVILLE (IF NEEDED) @ 20:45

SEMI-FINAL 2: AL RIYADI - ANIBAL ZAHLE
THURSDAY 26/4: GAME 1 IN MANARA @ 17:45
SATURDAY 28/4: GAME 2 IN ZAHLE @ 16:00
MONDAY 30/4: GAME 3 IN MANARA @ 18:00
WEDNESDAY 2/5: GAME 4 IN ZAHLE (IF NEEDED) @18:00
THURSDAY 3/5: GAME 5 IN MANARA (IF NEEDED) @ 17:45

Andre Emmet replaces Spencer, and Joel Box replaces Crump - by Rabih Khoury

Few hours before the final 4 tip-off and just after losing their last regular season game against Champville, Riyadi management decided to replace Dewarick Spencer (193-G-82, college: Arkansas St.) by Andre Emmett (196-G/F-82, college: Texas Tech). Emmet is in Beirut since 2 weeks and practicing with the team. Riyadi lost their last and decisive game of the regular season against Champville 87-81. In the last minute of the game, Spencer missed 2 layups, while Marcus Haislip managed Champville for a big win and lead them to be Regular Season Champions.
On the other hand, Sagesse agreed with Joel Box (205-C-84, college: Quincy) to replace Brandon Crump (208-C-82, college: Tennessee).
Champville will face Sagesse in the first semi final, while Riyadi will clash with Anibal in a big big series....

Last Import List before the Final 4: - by Rabih Khoury

72 hours before the Final 4, teams are not allowed to change their imports anymore....Few changes has been done in the last day.... Here is the last import list for the 4 teams.

Champville: Marcus Haislip (208-F-80, college: Tennessee) and Samuel Hoskin (206-F/C-79, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: De Paul)
Riyadi: Ahmad Ismail (205-F-76)l and Andre Emmett (196-G/F-82, college: Texas Tech)
Anibal: Jasmon Youngblood (195-G-84, college: Kent St.) and LeRoy Hurd (202-F/G-80, college: UTSA)
Sagesse: Nathanel Johnson (199-F-77, college: Louisville) and Joel Box (205-C-84, college: Quincy)
Final 4 games will start on Thursday...Good luck for all the teams

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LESOTHO

NBL Standings

NBL 1st Round Standings

1. Shines		11-2
2. KTA All Stars		11-2
3. Rovers		9-3
4. Lerotholi P.		8-6
5. Bashana Baeso		8-7
6. Roma Boys		4-10
7. LUCT		4-12
8. Leseli		2-11
9. M.Slammers		1-12

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LIBERIA

Power Failure Interrupts LBA National League; First Round Ends this Weekend - by Eurobasket

Power failure has interrupted the smooth continuation of the national league of the Liberia Basketball Association (LBA).
On Monday, game two between Supreme Brothers and D-Rockas was abruptly cut-off after the only generator supplying the Sports Commission developed a mechanical fault at the end of the last quarter.
The score was 49 apiece with Supreme having made a three-point basket good. The C/Deltas and Commissioners match was also postponed. Earlier, Harbel Pointers lost to Fiamah United Brothers (FUBBA) by 39 to 44 points.
On Tuesday, Ducor Magic beat Uhuru Prince by 86 to 80 points in an early kickoff but power failure again prevented the SOS Trotters and Commissioners game from taking place.
LBA Secretary General Allen Goodrich told FrontPageAfrica Wednesday the game will be replayed but didnt elaborate as to whether it will start with the five minutes extra time. He said the situation was beyond their control as the generator undergoes a routine maintenance.

We have been doing everything to ensure that we play our leagues at night. We service the generator everyday and we even bought new spare parts but we dont know why things are happening like this, he said.The association has been running its league with a single generator.
Plans to buy a standby generator has been stalled by an apparent bottleneck allegedly created by the Ministry of Youth & Sports in releasing the balance US$5,000 (five-thousand United States dollars) appropriated in the fiscal budget of 2011/2012.
According to the passed budget, US$10,000 (ten-thousand United States dollars) was given to the federation but only half of the half has been remitted to it. Meanwhile, the LBA said its first phase will hopefully end over the weekend.

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LUXEMBOURG

Luxembourg Diekirch League round 9 (Second Stage) best performance: Corey Raji - by Eurobasket News

Nigerian forward Corey Raji (198-F-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Etzella, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 9 (Second Stage).
The 23-year old player had a double-double of 31 points and 18 rebounds, while his team edged out Residence (#4, 13-14) in overtime 97-94. Etzella maintains the 6th position in Luxembourg Diekirch League. Etzella is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. But it was their 15th lost game this season out of 27 games. Raji turned to be Etzella's top player in his first season with the team. Former Boston College star has very solid stats this year. Raji is in league's top in points (3rd best: 23.8ppg), rebounds (7th best: 10.1rpg) and averages impressive 62.2% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 29-year old U.S. Virgin Islands Jerome Gumbs (194-F-82) of Residence. Gumbs had a very good evening with a double-double of 32 points and 11 rebounds. Bad luck as Residence was edged in overtime by slightly lower-ranked Etzella (#6, 12-15) 97-94. Residence managed to keep the same 4th spot in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 13-14 record. Gumbs is a newcomer at Residence, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 20.3ppg (#9). He also registered 7.4 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was another Residence's star - American forward Marcus Kennedy (193-F-84, agency: Interperformances). Kennedy showcased his all-around game by recording 25 points, eighteen rebounds (!!!) and four assists in the last round. Despite Kennedy's great performance Residence lost 94-97in overtime to slightly lower-ranked Etzella (#6, 12-15). But his team cannot count on just these two top stars as they also need help of the other teammates. The chances of Residence ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 14 games, recording just thirteen victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Kennedy could help Residence to bring them higher in the standings. Kennedy has a great season in Luxembourg. After 26 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 22.5ppg (4th best) and rebounds with 10.2rpg (6th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Larrie Smith (198-F-75) of Sparta - 25 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Daniel Horace (200-F-83) of Etzella - 27 points and 5 rebounds
6. Tom Schumacher (190-G-87) of T71 - 13 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists
7. Eric Jeitz (191-G-86) of Amicale - 22 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Denell Stephens (193-F/G-86) of T71 - 14 points and 11 rebounds
9. Yves Mekongo (201-F-87) of Amicale - 19 points and 9 rebounds
10. Ezenwa Ukeagu (203-C/F-81) of Sparta - 14 points and 13 rebounds

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

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MONTENEGRO

Standings - 1A

1A Standings

S-League
1. Buducnost		8-1
2. Mornar Bar		6-3
3. Sutjeska		6-3
4. Lovcen		4-5
5. Teodo Tivat		2-7
6. Ulcinj		1-8
Play-Out
1. ABS Primorje		6-2
2. KK Podgorica		5-3
3. Jedinstvo		5-3
4. Danilovgrad		4-4
5. Centar BP		4-4
6. Mogren		0-8

Erste Basketball League Standings

Second Stage: Round 9

Play-Out

Apr. 21: ABS Primorje - Jedinstvo 89-83
Apr. 21: Danilovgrad - KK Podgorica 78-61
Apr. 21: Centar BP - Mogren 20-0

S-League

Apr. 22: Sutjeska - Ulcinj 92-77
Apr. 23: Lovcen - Mornar Bar 88-85
Apr. 21: Teodo Tivat - Buducnost 59-83

Second Stage: Round 10

Play-Out

Apr. 24: Mogren - ABS Primorje
Apr. 24: Jedinstvo - Danilovgrad
Apr. 24: KK Podgorica - Centar BP

S-League

Apr. 24: Ulcinj - Lovcen
Apr. 24: Mornar Bar - Teodo Tivat
Apr. 24: Buducnost - Sutjeska

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MOROCCO

Cup Half Full - by Christopher Rodgers

Assalamu alaikum Hello world,

(Bismilah al hamdoulilah- In the name of God all praise be to God)

What can I say classic Cup game last week between Sal and casablanca sport. Unbelievable game. One of the most crazy contraversial games I've ever experienced. We saw ourselves down by 20points by half time. Soon after the lead soared to almost a 30point margin mid 3rd quarter things started to change; And no surprise at the front of the pack there i was leading the defensive charge. Our defense picked up dramatically and we made a run that seemed to be unstoppable. By the end of the 3rd we cut the lead in half. Momentem was ours now as we chiped away at the lead. The game was now tied with 1mins left in the match. We had fought all the way back and Sal seemed to be frozen stuck in mudd they didnt know what hit them. With only one possesion left each for both teams, in came down to the last shot. We got the final stop and with 4secs to go we had a chance to close it out in regulation. The end bounds was underneath our basket which means we would need to dribble up full court in order to score. I recieved the ball under the basket and I took off immediately. As soon as i reached half court i got trapped by two opposing players so i give up the ball. As all of this is happenning another teammate is running beside me so instinctively i make a jump pass over the trap and pass him the the ball. He takes a shot from the corner a three pointer with 1sec on the clock but misses and we go into overtime! At this point in the match we still have the edge on ourside going into overtime. Everything was shifting in the right direction for us. Both teams score back and forth and once again it came down to the wire. But like all crazy unpredictable things in life and in sport a contraversial call was made by a referee with like .02 secs left in overtime with scored tied. Both teams we in the penalty at this point and so the ended up going to the freethrow line making one of two and only beating us by 1 point 77-76.

Although we lost this game you must take defeat with class and learn for your mistakes. The cup championship is out of our reach but the Cup is this half Full and not half empty.

Or is it the otherway around lol. Believe it not when i first heard that expression i didnt know what it meant and now here i am using it. Life is a trip aint it.

Anyways,
Only playoffs remain and with the pool play still underway its either win or go home. I'll keep you posted on the last match ups of the season for the playoffs. Thanks again for reaching out to read my blog the support it means alot so thanks!

Take care everyone

peace

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NAMIBIA

Under-20 Basketball Trials Continue - by Eurobasket News

The Namibian Basketball Federation (NBF) in conjunction with the Directorate of Sport in the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture will on Saturday continue with the U20 regional trials in Tsumeb.

Players from the the Caprivi, Kavango, Oshikoto and Otjozondjupa regions will converge in Tsumeb this Saturday, 21 April hoping to be selected for national trials later this month.

Last week, more than 30 players from the Khomas and Hardap regions went through dribbling, passing and shooting drills and had the chance to showcase their playing skills in scrimmage games. The national trials will take place in Windhoek from 26 to 28 April 2012.
Courtesy of: Namibia Economist

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NBA

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C.		37-27
2. Philadelph.76		34-30
3. New York K.		34-30
4. New Jersey N.		22-43
5. Toronto R.		22-43
Central Div.
1. Chicago B.		48-16
2. Indiana P.		42-23
3. Milwaukee B.		31-33
4. Detroit P.		24-41
5. Cleveland C.		21-43
Southeast Div.
1. Miami Heat		46-18
2. Atlanta H.		38-26
3. Orlando M.		36-28
4. Washington W.		18-46
5. Charlotte B.		7-57
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Oklah.City T.		46-18
2. Denver N.		36-28
3. Utah Jazz		34-30
4. Portland TB		28-37
5. Minnesota T.		26-39
Pacific Div.
1. LA Lakers		41-24
2. LA Clippers		40-24
3. Phoenix Suns		33-31
4. Golde State W.		23-41
5. Sacramento K.		21-43
Southwest Div.
1. San Antonio S.		48-16
2. Memphis G.		40-25
3. Dallas M.		36-29
4. Houston R.		33-32
5. N.Orleans H.		20-44

Regular Season: Round 117

Apr. 23: Milwaukee B. - Toronto R. 92-86
Apr. 23: New Jersey N. - Philadelph.76 87-105
Apr. 23: San Antonio S. - Portland TB 124-89
Apr. 23: Memphis G. - Cleveland C. 109-101
Apr. 23: Indiana P. - Detroit P. 103-97
Apr. 23: Washington W. - Charlotte B. 101-73

Regular Season: Round 118

Apr. 24: Atlanta H. - LA Clippers
Apr. 24: Oklah.City T. - Sacramento K.
Apr. 24: Golde State W. - N.Orleans H.
Apr. 24: Boston C. - Miami Heat
Apr. 24: Utah Jazz - Phoenix Suns

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.Ci.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 27.9

1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	27.9
2. Bryant, LA Lakers	27.9
3. James, Miami Heat	27.1
4. Love, Minnesota T.	26.0
5. Westbrook, Oklah..	23.7
6. Anthony, New Y.	22.7
7. Rose, Chicago B.	22.2
8. Wade, Miami Heat	22.1
9. Ellis, Golde S.	21.9
10. Aldridge, Portlan.	21.7

Rebounds Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 14.5

1. Howard, Orlando M.	14.5
2. Love, Minnesota T.	13.4
3. Bynum, LA Lakers	11.8
4. Humphries, New J.	11.0
5. Cousins, Sacramen.	10.9
6. Griffin, LA Clipp.	10.9
7. Gasol, LA Lakers	10.4
8. Gortat, Phoenix	10.0
9. Chandler, New Y.	10.0
10. Noah, Chicago B.	9.7

Assists Per Game

Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Rondo, Boston C.	11.6
2. Nash, Phoenix Suns	10.8
3. Paul, LA Clippers	9.1
4. Calderon, Toron.	8.8
5. Williams, New J.	8.7
6. Rubio, Minnesot.	8.2
7. Rose, Chicago B.	7.9
8. Wall, Washington W.	7.9
9. Parker, San A.	7.7
10. Miller, Denver N.	6.7

Steals Per Game

Chris PAUL
  LA Clippers
  (183-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Paul, LA Clippers	2.5
2. Rubio, Minnesot.	2.2
3. Conley, Memphis G.	2.2
4. James, Miami Heat	1.9
5. Allen, Memphis G.	1.8
6. Millsap, Utah Jazz	1.8
7. Rondo, Boston C.	1.8
8. Wade, Miami Heat	1.7
9. Kidd, Dallas M.	1.7
10. Ariza, N.Orleans	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Serge IBAKA
  Oklah.Ci.
  (208-C/F-89)
  Avg: 3.7

1. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.	3.7
2. McGee, Washingt.	2.5
3. Howard, Orlando M.	2.1
4. Jordan, LA Clippers	2.1
5. Hibbert, Indiana P.	2.0
6. Bynum, LA Lakers	1.9
7. Smith, Atlanta H.	1.8
8. Biyombo, Charlott.	1.8
9. Gasol, Memphis G.	1.8
10. Udoh, Golde S.	1.7

James, Jefferson named NBA Players of the Week - by Eurobasket News

Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) and Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson (6'10''-F/C-85) were named NBA Players of the Week for games played April 16 through April 22.

James helped Miami go 4-1 last week, turning in averages of 31.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists. He scored the Heat's final 17 points in their 101-98 comeback win over New Jersey, tying a franchise record.

Jefferson aided in Utah's perfect 3-0 week as the Jazz compete for a playoff spot. He averaged 20.0 points and a league-best 15.3 boards per contest. Jefferson recorded three double-doubles during the week and tied a career-high with 26 rebounds in Utah's triple-overtime win over Dallas on April 16.

Other nominees for the conference honors were Denver's Ty Lawson, L.A. Clippers' Chris Paul, New York's Carmelo Anthony, San Antonio's Manu Ginobili, and Washington's Kevin Seraphin and John Wall.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Sunday's games review (9): James, Heat win home finale over Houston, 97-88 - by Eurobasket News

Minnesota T. - Golde State W. 88-93
Playing all 48 minutes of Golden State's third game in three nights, Charles Jenkins (6'3''-G-89, college: Hofstra) did his best to show everyone the Warriors are not tanking to sew up their draft position. With no first-round pick this summer, the Minnesota Timberwolves have no reason to dump games. But it sure feels like they are to Jose Juan Barea (5'11''-PG-84, college: Northeastern), who blistered some of his teammates for not caring enough. Jenkins had 24 points and nine assists to rally the Warriors from a 21-point deficit to beat the Timberwolves, 93-88, on Sunday night. ''He's a tough New York City kid,'' said Warriors coach Mark Jackson, a Big Apple point guard himself back in the day. ''A tough, hard-nosed kid who has no quit. Totally competes, gets after it. He was banged up, bruised up, battered up, but found a way to gut out a big-time performance.'' Brandon Rush scored 10 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter and also grabbed nine rebounds. Klay Thompson scored 17 points for the Warriors, who snapped an eight-game losing streak. The performance may have hurt the Warriors (23-41) in the long run. Utah holds their pick this year as part of a previous trade, and the only way the Warriors keep it is if they finish in the bottom seven of the league after the draft lottery. Golden State is in eighth with two games to play. Nikola Pekovic had 19 points and 16 rebounds, and Barea had 14 points and 12 assists in all 48 minutes for the Timberwolves, who announced earlier that All-Star power forward Kevin Love would not play the final two games of the season because of a concussion. You could've put together a nice All-Star team with the players who didn't play in this one: Steph Curry (right ankle), Andrew Bogut (left ankle), David Lee (groin), Andris Biedrins (concussion), Dorell Wright (right ankle) and Nate Robinson (right hamstring) were out for the Warriors; and Love, Ricky Rubio (left knee) and Luke Ridnour (right ankle) were out for the Wolves. Being short-handed didn't keep Barea from blasting his teammates after the game. ''We've got problems here,'' said Barea, who shot 5 of 18. ''We've got a lot of guys that don't care. ... We're just going to keep getting Ls until we get players here that care, that care about winning, care about the team and care about the fans.'' Barea didn't name anyone specifically, but several objected. ''Until you point those guys out one by one, it doesn't really matter,'' said forward Michael Beasley, who scored eight points on 3-for-11 shooting and had nine rebounds. ''That was a collective loss.'' Martell Webster scored 18 points and Anthony Randolph had 14 points, seven boards and five blocks for Minnesota. With Barea pushing the tempo in the open floor and Pekovic controlling the paint, the Timberwolves surged out to a 53-32 lead late in the second quarter. Just like in their previous meeting in this building, when the Warriors came back from 20 down to beat the Wolves on April 4, Jenkins got rolling in the second half to bring Golden State back. The super-quick point guard had his way with Barea, scoring three straight buckets during a 10-0 run that cut the deficit to 68-63 late in the third quarter. The Warriors then ripped off a 12-2 surge midway through the fourth quarter, culminating in a jumper from Jenkins to give them their first lead, 83-81, with 5:45 to play. ''Coach kept telling me to stay aggressive,'' Jenkins said. ''The more the shots started to fall, the more confident I got in taking them. Everything just worked out.'' Pekovic's putback gave Minnesota an 88-87 lead with 1:28 to go, but Rush came back with a 3, and Dominic McGuire converted a three-point play when he was fouled on a dunk to seal the win. ''There's some guys in here that have been more worried about other things,'' Wolves forward Anthony Tolliver said. ''It's not that they don't want to win, it's just sometimes the team concept goes out the window. Whenever you're struggling a lot of times people want to blame somebody else, but the biggest thing is people have to look in the mirror, plain and simple. ''The hardest thing to do is to say, 'My fault. It's on me.' It's real easy to say 'You should've done (this) or you should've done that.''' *Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Denver N. - Orlando M. 101-74
Javale McGee's (7'0''-C-88, college: Nevada) rim-rattling, backboard-shaking dunks left the crowd roaring, his teammates applauding and the opposition fuming. They weren't just for show, however. McGee scored 17 points, throwing down a half-dozen dunks in the second half, and the Denver Nuggets pulled away to beat the Orlando Magic 101-74 on Sunday night. It was the sixth win in eight games for the surging Nuggets, who clinched their ninth consecutive trip to the playoffs the night before with a win at Phoenix. 'I feel like we're getting better every game and we're becoming a solid team to where we can play people who don't play so we can give our people a rest for the next game,' said McGee, who came off the bench to become the 10th different Nuggets player to lead or share the team lead in scoring. Danilo Gallinari (6'10''-F-88, agency: Players Group) also scored 17, Arron Afflalo had 15 and Ty Lawson 13 for the Nuggets, who swept the two-game season series with Orlando, avoiding the Magic's injured Dwight Howard both times. 'We didn't do our defensive assignments,' the Magic's Jason Richardson said after Orlando was beaten repeatedly on lob passes inside to McGee and Denver's other big men. 'We didn't have energy. We didn't do anything how we've been playing the past five or six games.' Ryan Anderson scored 24 points for the Magic, who lost their third straight. Glen Davis added 14 points for playoff-bound Orlando, which also lost guard Jameer Nelson to a calf injury. He left the game in the first quarter and did not return. Howard, who missed Orlando's April 1 loss to Denver because of back spasms, is out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery last week to repair a herniated disk in his lower back. Breaking away from a halftime tie, the Nuggets had a 67-58 advantage when Andre Miller capped a 6-0 burst with a 17-foot jumper with 2:30 left in the third. Denver took a 73-62 lead into the fourth quarter -- its biggest lead to that point -- after consecutive dunks in the last minute of the third by McGee off alley-oop passes from Miller. Orlando fought back within 75-69 on Ish Smith's driving layup with 9:22 left, but the Nuggets got their inside game going again. Kenneth Faried and McGee took turns muscling in dunks to go up 79-69 with 8:17 remaining. 'Some of those dunks were pretty important,' Nuggets coach George Karl said. 'The game was not over when he made a couple of those dunks against the zone.' Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy was fuming over the lackluster defensive play inside by the Magic, dismissing the possibility of fatigue because of a back-to-back set. 'I don't think it had anything to do with running out of gas,' Van Gundy said. 'Four times a guy's going to start up to set a pick and back cut for a lob? It's absurd. We ran out of focus, we ran out of competitiveness. That's what we ran out of.' McGee jammed home a couple more dunks as the Nuggets moved to a 93-74 lead with 3:10 left to play. Orlando was held to 30 second-half points, 12 in the final quarter. 'It was a lot of fun,' said McGee, who also had eight rebounds and three blocked shots. 'We passed the ball and we were playing great defense. Things were just getting open for us.' Lawson's driving layup with 50 seconds left in the second quarter forged a 44-all tie at halftime. Denver was leading 24-19 after the first period, but Orlando put together a 12-2 run to go in front 35-31. Anderson hit two 3-pointers during the surge. *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

LA Clippers - N.Orleans H. 107-98
Chris Paul (6'0''-PG-85, college: Wake Forest) had 33 points and 13 assists, Randy Foye (6'3''-G-83, college: Villanova) hit three of his six 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Clippers rallied for a 107-98 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night to move within a half-game of the Lakers for the Pacific Division lead and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. Foye scored 24 points, and Blake Griffin had 21 points and 15 rebounds in the Clippers' 40th victory - their most since the 2006-07 team won that many. Paul made 17 of 19 free throws, while Griffin hit 7 of 9. Eric Gordon scored 17 points and Al-Farouq Aminu added 14 against their former team. They were part of the trade that sent Paul to the Clippers before the season. Gordon was playing against his former team for the first time, having missed most of the season after right knee surgery. Jason Smith added 13 points while getting booed whenever he scored by Clippers fans still angry over his flagrant foul on Griffin last month. The two were facing each other for the first time since Smith was ejected and suspended two games. Mo Williams was called for a flagrant 1 foul on Gordon in the second quarter of a game bogged down by 58 fouls between the teams. The win didn't come easy against the West's worst team. The Clippers blew an 11-point lead in the first quarter and fell behind by 13 in the fourth before eventually winning their second in a row and 11th of their last 12 at home. After Griffin's technical for complaining about a foul call, Foye hit back-to-back 3-pointers to draw the Clippers to 91-90 with 4:05 remaining. Foye got fouled and made both free throws, again cutting the Clippers' deficit to one. Paul was fouled by Greivis Vasquez on a 3-point attempt, and he made all three accompanied by chants of 'MVP! MVP!' to put the Clippers ahead 95-93. Gordon turned the ball over and Griffin responded with a two-handed dunk for a 100-95 lead as the Clippers went on to put it away. Gordon, Aminu and Marco Belinelli combined on three straight turnovers to end the game. The Hornets dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Clippers 32-17 in taking their first lead since the start of the game. Aminu had 12 points in the period against the team that drafted him two years ago. Paul scored 11 of the Clippers' 17 points and they trailed by 10 going into the fourth. Foye hit three 3-pointers in the first. The Hornets began catching up with a 12-6 run that ended the quarter with them trailing 32-27. *Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

LA Lakers - Oklah.City T. 114-106 2OT
Metta World Peace (6'7''-G/F-79, college: St.John's) was subdued and contrite in the Los Angeles Lakers' locker room, apologizing to Oklahoma City's James Harden (6'5''-G-89, college: Arizona St.) for throwing the elbow that sent them both to the locker room in the second quarter. They both missed a beauty of a game that could echo into the postseason for two division leaders. Kobe Bryant scored six of his 26 points in the second overtime alongside an unorthodox Lakers lineup, and Los Angeles rallied from an 18-point deficit in the second half for a 114-106 victory over the Thunder on Sunday. Pau Gasol had 20 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists for the Lakers, who made an impressive comeback in their regular-season home finale against off-target Thunder stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, who combined to miss 42 of their 56 shots. Los Angeles' rally stunned the Thunder and set an early tone for their possible second-round playoff matchup. 'It's not so much that we beat Oklahoma, but how we did it,' said Bryant, who shook off his own woeful shooting game with two key 3-pointers late in regulation. 'In the playoffs, particularly if you don't have home-court advantage, you're going to have games like this. We have to have the poise and the confidence to just keep chipping away.' Yet everything after halftime was colored by the drama and violence that occurred 1:37 before the break. World Peace had just dunked over Durant and Serge Ibaka on a fast break and was headed back upcourt when he ran into Harden. While pounding his chest with his right arm, World Peace raised his left elbow over Harden's shoulder and cleanly hit Harden in the back of the skull. Harden dropped to the court and stayed down for about a minute before heading to the locker room. Ibaka and other Thunder players challenged World Peace, but were kept apart, and World Peace was ejected after officials reviewed the tape. 'I got real emotional and excited, and it was unfortunate that James had to get hit with the unintentional elbow,' said World Peace, who had scored 12 points and played solid defense on Durant. 'I hope he's OK. Oklahoma, they're playing for a championship this year. I apologize to the Thunder and James Harden. It was just unfortunate.' The Thunder didn't immediately announce whether Harden, who scored 14 points, had a concussion. Bryant and other Lakers acknowledged World Peace is likely to face a multigame suspension with just one game left in their regular season. 'I'm just happy my teammate is all right,' said Durant, who scored 35 points on 11-for-34 shooting. 'It was a bad play. Hopefully Ron didn't do it intentionally or have any malicious intentions on that. We've got to move past that.' Ibaka had 18 points and 14 rebounds for the Thunder, who led by 11 points with 4 minutes left in regulation. Westbrook had 14 points on 3-for-22 shooting and 10 assists as Oklahoma City fell 1 1/2 games behind San Antonio atop the Western Conference with just its third loss in nine games. Despite the loss, Durant finally passed Bryant in the race for both superstars' third NBA scoring title. Durant, the two-time defending scoring champion, is averaging 27.906 points with two to play, while Bryant - the NBA's top scorer for nearly the entire regular season - slipped back into second at 27.862 points per game with just one game left. The Lakers rallied with seldom-used Devin Ebanks and Jordan Hill alongside Bryant, Gasol and backup point guard Steve Blake, who hit three key 3-pointers. Ebanks had eight points and two key defensive plays in the final minute, while Hill had 14 points and a career high-tying 15 rebounds. 'Being down double digits against a very good team, we could have folded easily,' Lakers coach Mike Brown said. 'This might have been our best team win of the year.' Bryant struggled through the first three quarters of his first home game since April 6 before coming alive down the stretch during Los Angeles' rally. Bryant then hit the tiebreaking fall-away jumper with 52 seconds left in the second overtime, followed by two free throws as the Lakers hung on. Even with Harden unavailable to provide his usual offensive boost, the Thunder could only blame themselves for a 4-for-19 fourth quarter with four turnovers, followed by a 5-for-17 effort in the two overtime periods. 'I believe in Kevin, I believe in Russell, I believe in what our guys do,' Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. 'Some nights they're not going to fall for you, but if the execution is good and the shots are good, you have to live with the results.' World Peace was making major contributions to the Lakers on both ends of the court before his ejection for yet another unpredictable outburst in the erstwhile Ron Artest's long history of misbehavior. World Peace, who changed his name last year, has been mostly well-behaved during his three seasons with the Lakers, even winning an award as the NBA's citizen of the year for his extensive charity work around mental-health issues. Yet he'll always be most famous for his 86-game suspension for participating in the brawl in the Palace of Auburn Hills stands while playing for Indiana in November 2004. The Lakers pulled within one point on World Peace's dunk, but fell apart after the ejection, managing just 14 points in the next 14 minutes. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Miami Heat - Houston R. 97-88
LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) had 32 points and eight rebounds, Norris Cole (6'2''-PG-88, college: Cleveland St.) added 16 points and the Miami Heat pulled away in the final minutes to beat Houston 97-88 on Sunday night and eliminate the Rockets from postseason contention. Mike Miller scored 11 for injury-depleted Miami, which still has a mathematical chance of catching Chicago for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Joel Anthony added 11 for the Heat on 5-for-5 shooting. Chandler Parsons scored a career-high 23 for Houston, which led by as many as 13 in the first half. Parsons tied the game at 83 with a layup late in the fourth, before James' 3-pointer sparked an 8-0 run that put Miami in control. Goran Dragic scored 16, while Courtney Lee and Patrick Patterson had 14 apiece for the Rockets. Luis Scola scored 12. The Heat played without starters Dwyane Wade (dislocated left index finger), Chris Bosh (leg muscle fatigue) and Mario Chalmers (flulike symptoms). Backup center Ronny Turiaf missed his seventh straight game while recovering from a hamstring problem. It's unclear if Wade - who after getting hurt on Saturday said he will be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs next weekend - will play in either of Miami's two remaining regular-season games, at Boston on Tuesday and at Washington on Thursday. Miami would like to have Bosh and Turiaf back for at least a portion of that road trip, and Chalmers is listed as day-to-day. He was a late scratch from Miami's starting lineup on Sunday. So it was yet another pieced-together starting lineup that Miami sent to open the game, the 16th different one for the Heat this season - and their seventh in their last seven games. And things didn't start well. The Heat missed their first six shots and trailed 23-10 after Scola made a hook shot with 3:54 left in the opening quarter. Houston's lead was still double digits at 38-28 with 6:59 remaining until halftime, before Miami used a 17-6 run to take a one-point lead at intermission. Miller's 3-pointer with 25 seconds left gave the Heat their first - and only - lead of the half, 45-44. Parsons had his second-best scoring quarter of the season in the third, finishing with 12 of Houston's 25 as the Rockets took a 69-66 lead into the fourth. Back and forth it went, the game being tied on four separate occasions in the final quarter, the last of those coming when Parsons drove on James for a layup and his 23rd point, setting the season best for the rookie. On the next possession, James took aim from the left wing and hit a 3-pointer over Parsons to put Miami up for good. And after a steal by Shane Battier, Miller added another 3 from the right corner 24 seconds later to give the Heat what was then their biggest lead at 89-83. Playing back in his home state for the first time as a pro, Parsons finished 10 for 13 from the floor. He spent four seasons at Florida, appearing in 142 games and averaging 10.2 points before the Rockets grabbed him in the second round of last year's draft. *Courtesy of www.cbsnews.com

Charlotte B. - Sacramento K. 88-114
Jetlagged or not, the Sacramento Kings were determined not to be the team the Charlotte Bobcats beat to end their long losing streak. The Kings made the most of a rare late-season cross country trip to the East coast and throttled the hapless Bobcats 114-88 Sunday night behind a dominant effort from DeMarcus Cousins (6'11''-C/F-90, agency: SportsTalent, college: Kentucky), who had 29 points and 10 rebounds. It was Charlotte's franchise-record 20th straight loss. The Kings had lost nine of their previous 10 games, but this one was never in doubt as they scored 78 points inside the paint and led by 35 in the fourth quarter. Cousins did most of the damage in the lane, but Tyreke Evans was masterful in slicing his way through a non-existent Bobcats defense, hitting 10 of 11 shots from the field -- most of them on drives to the lane -- and finishing with 22 points. Jason Thompson flirted with a triple double, finishing with 14 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists for the Kings. 'We did a good job getting to the hole,' Cousins said. 'They didn't have a lot of size and we took advantage of it.' Bobcats coach Paul Silas agreed. 'It's difficult,' Silas said. 'We only have three big men (because of injuries) and it's been hard on these guys to keep going. That's basically all we have. When a team comes like they have with big guys and they're banging it is hard.' Kemba Walker had 13 points and 11 assists for the Bobcats, who are nearing an NBA record for futility. If the Bobcats (7-56) lose their final three games, they'll finish with the worst winning percentage in league history. They travel to face Washington and Orlando before closing the regular season at home Thursday night against New York. The 26-point win was the largest margin of victory this season for the Kings. About the only thing that didn't go right was Cousins was picking up his 13th technical foul, which comes with an automatic one-game suspension. Cousins appeared to exchange words with rookie Bismack Biyombo as the two ran back down the court after a Sacramento basket, drawing a double technical. Cousins shook his head when asked about it after the game, saying, 'It's part of being DeMarcus Cousins.' He said he plans to appeal to the league. The Bobcats simply had no answers defensively for the Kings, who scored at will in the lane and made the most of their transition game, scoring 38 points on fast breaks. Evans was almost unstoppable when he put the ball on the floor, seemingly driving to the hole as easy as a knife going through warm butter. 'When he is in an aggressive mode, there are very few people who can keep him in front,' Kings coach Keith Smart said. 'And then if he doesn't look to attack, he gets his teammates involved. I'm trying to grow him into a new position and he's still going to have the ball in his hands 60 percent of the time. It's only going to help him. It's going to bring his whole game and career on top to where he wants it to be.' The Kings came in with the NBA's worst defense, giving up 104.6 points per game, but the Bobcats only shot 44 percent and managed 88 points. It was the first time in 39 games the Kings held an opponent to fewer than 93 points. 'The biggest thing now is having some pride as men,' said Bobcats forward Tyrus Thomas. 'Not so much as basketball players. We've got to fight it out every second until the horn blows.' This horn might as well have blown in the first quarter of this one. The Kings started quickly, bolting to a 22-6 lead eight minutes into the game after shooting 65 percent from the field. All but four of those points came inside the paint and 11 came in transition. Sacramento didn't let up, building a 59-44 lead at the half behind 55 percent shooting. Cousins scored 20 of his points in the second half as the Kings pushed their lead to 26 in the third quarter. 'When we flew in last night, we knew a fast start was something we needed to do,' Smart said. 'I thought we had the right energy from our starting lineup. We got off to the great start that we needed and we sustained it through the half. We were a little lethargic to start the second half, but I kept the starters out too long because the other guys were playing well. But they regrouped and got it back together.' *Courtesy of www.boston.com

San Antonio S. - Cleveland C. 114-98
Tim Duncan (6'11''-F/C-76, college: Wake Forest) rested, and Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili called it an early night. With another win Monday, the Spurs' veterans can take the remainder of the regular season off. Ginobili scored 20 points Sunday to lead San Antonio to its seventh straight victory, 114-98 over the Cleveland Cavaliers. San Antonio (47-16) moved 1 games ahead of Oklahoma City, which lost to the Lakers earlier Sunday, in the race for the best record in the Western Conference. A victory in any of their final three games would secure the top spot in the West for the Spurs, who own the tiebreaker over the Thunder. Ginobili said the Spurs were keeping an eye on the Lakers' double-overtime victory before their game. San Antonio hosts Portland on Monday. 'We want to clinch as soon as possible,' Ginobili said. 'Tomorrow we have a good game here, so we're going to trying to play our best and keep improving. We have room for improvement, where we can pick up the aggressiveness. We want to try and set the pace for the playoffs.' Cleveland (21-42) lost for the fourth time in its last five games despite the Spurs giving Duncan the night off. With the playoffs right around the corner, the 35-year-old Duncan was the only active Spur not to play. Stephen Jackson scored 17 points for the Spurs, DeJuan Blair added 15 points and seven rebounds, and Danny Green had 14 points. Antawn Jamison led Cleveland with 21 points, Kyrie Irving had 19, and Manny Harris added 14. 'I thought it was a relatively sloppy game, but we managed to keep our lead,' Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. 'Sometimes in the NBA that's hard to do. We stuck with it and got the win.' Besides limiting Duncan's minutes this season, Popovich has given his star forward six nights off to rest. Thanks to another easy victory, their other veterans didn't play too much. Ginobili and Parker each played just 22 minutes. The Spurs entered the game having won four straight games by at least 21 points. During that span, Ginobili has played 30 or more minutes only one time, and Parker has done so just twice. 'Any time we get a chance to rest Tim and Tony doesn't play that much, and we get away with a win, that's always a plus,' Jackson said. 'As long as we take care of business and continue to build and not take steps back, we'll be all right.' Parker had six points and nine assists for the Spurs, who swept the season series. 'When you have three Hall of Famers on one team, it's tough to beat them,' Irving said. 'A lot of people are downplaying them just because their age is up there a little bit. But they're still one of the best, if not the best, teams in all of basketball.' One of those potential Hall of Famers, Ginobili, showed off his full arsenal of plays, hitting layups, runners and step-back jumpers. The veteran forward was hampered by injuries earlier this season, but he's now looking like the Ginobili of old. 'For sure, I'm feeling better than a month ago,' Ginobili said. 'That's promising, and that makes me feel good and in a better mood.' The Spurs led only 52-44 at halftime behind 11 points from Green, but the starting forward left the game in the second quarter after a flagrant foul by Harris. Green was hit in the left eye by Harris while going up for a layup with 5:35 left in the second quarter. Green stayed on the ground for several minutes before getting up to hit one of two free throws. He then left for the locker room for the rest of the quarter before returning for the second half. *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Atlanta H. - New York K. 112-113
The New York Knicks gave center Tyson Chandler (7'1''-C-82), the key to their improved defense, a day off against the Atlanta Hawks. Both teams seemed to scrap their defenses through three quarters of a shootout between playoff-bound teams. However, it was a defensive play that decided the game when Amar'e Stoudemire blocked Marvin Williams' dunk attempt at the buzzer to save the Knicks' 113-112 win over the Hawks on Sunday. Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) scored 39 points and hit the winning jumper with 1:40 left on Atlanta's defensive miscommunication. Stoudemire finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds in his second game back after missing 13 with a sore back. Williams scored a season-high 29 points in a rare start, but came up empty when he -- and a full-throated crowd in Philips Arena -- felt he was fouled. 'No contact at all. It was a great battle,' Stoudemire said. 'It was a phenomenal game. From what Coach Woody's [Mike Woodson] saying, the way to win a championship is defense and rebounding.' Defense was often absent as the Hawks shot a season-high 15 for 23 on 3-pointers, and the Knicks were 12 for 19 from beyond the arc. New York led 94-93 after three quarters. The Hawks (38-26) hold the No. 5 seed in the East, and still have hopes of securing homecourt advantage in a likely first-round match-up against the Celtics (37-27). Sunday didn't help, and Atlanta All-Star Joe Johnson wasn't happy about it after he spent much of the day chasing Anthony. Johnson scored 22 points on 9-for-14 shooting. Anthony was 14 for 32 as the only New York starter to shoot under 50 percent. 'It's frustrating that we're still playing for something and defensively we were non-existent,' Johnson said. 'There was no help [on defense]. If you were guarding somebody 1-on-1, you were definitely guarding 1-on-1.' Woodson gave Chandler the day off after New York played seven games in 11 days. The Knicks have allowed 116.3 points in three games without Chandler, and 93.8 when he plays. The Hawks built a 65-60 halftime lead on 59 percent shooting even as Anthony scored 20 points and the Knicks shot 60 percent. 'It shows how valuable Tyson Chandler is to our ball club,' Woodson said. 'He plugs a lot of holes for us. It's fun for fans, but we have to defend better.' Both teams slowed down offensively in the fourth quarter, when the Hawks took their final lead at 112-111 on Johnson's 3-pointer with 1:50 left. Anthony countered with a jumper 10 seconds later to close the scoring when he was left wide open on the right wing. Yet the Hawks had a good chance to win. With just more than 3 seconds to play, Johnson inbounded to Williams near the Knicks' bench. The plan was for him to hand the ball back to Johnson on a curl, but New York rookie Iman Shumpert -- who played at Georgia Tech just a mile or so away -- bumped Johnson off his path. Williams turned and beat Stoudemire down the lane only to find both he and Anthony contesting at the rim -- as Chandler normally would. A split-second after the ball was rejected, the buzzer sounded. 'I felt like I got fouled at the end,' Williams said, 'but they didn't call it.' Johnson, who made 2-of-3 shots in the final quarter (both being 3s), was as irritated about the Hawks' offense as he was the defense. 'Down the stretch, I just figure you got to put the ball in the hands of your playmakers,' he said. 'The Knicks did it all game. 'Melo shot 32 times. They got the ball to the right man.' The Knicks (34-30) are one-half game ahead of Philadelphia (33-30) for the No. 7 spot in the East. *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Detroit P. - Toronto R. 76-73
Reserve Ben Gordon (6'2''-G-83, college: Connecticut) scored 19 points, including the go-ahead basket, to help the Detroit Pistons beat the Toronto Raptors 76-73 on Sunday night. Gordon's 3-pointer with less than 3 minutes to play broke a 68-all tie and he added four subsequent free throws to keep Detroit ahead. Rookie Brandon Knight (6'3''-G-91, college: Kentucky) also had 19 points to help the Pistons end a two-game losing streak. DeMar DeRozan had 16 for the Raptors, who lost their third straight. The Pistons couldn't celebrate the victory until Linas Kleiza's 3-pointer bounced off the rim as time expired. Alan Anderson had two chances to give the Raptors the lead in the final 20 seconds but missed both shots. Gordon's 3-pointer capped a second half that had 15 lead changes. Toronto took a 34-29 lead to intermission after the teams combined for the NBA's second-lowest halftime output of the season. The Pistons made just 27 percent of their field-goal attempts in the opening half and the Raptors (35.1) weren't much better. Greg Monroe had nine points and 17 of Detroit's 41 rebounds. Reserves Kleiza and Gary Forbes finished with 12 and 10 points, respectively, for the Raptors. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Wolves shut Love down for rest of season - by Eurobasket News

The Minnesota Timberwolves are shutting All-Star forward Kevin Love (6'10''-C-88, college: UCLA) down for the final two games of the regular season to play it safe while he recovers from a concussion.

The Wolves made the announcement on Sunday before they hosted the Golden State Warriors. Love has not played since suffering a concussion and strained neck against Denver on April 11.

The team's leading scorer and rebounder has passed all of his concussion tests and been cleared to play by the NBA. But coach Rick Adelman says the Wolves felt it best not to risk further injury to the new face of the franchise.

Love is fourth in the league with 26 points per game and second in rebounding with 13.3 per game.

Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

Dionte Christmas to Houston Rockets - by Giorgos Diploidis

Dionte Christmas (6'5''-G-86, college: Temple) according to the Greek media (www.basketnet.gr) has agreed to join Houston Rockets. The news were later confirmed by the player on Twitter in his personal account. Christmas was the first scorer of the Greek league by having 18.6 ppg, 4.4rpg and 3 apg in 26 games. He helped the team of A.G.O Rethymno Aegean to finish in the 4th place of the regular season in the Greek league although the team was in their first year after returing to the first category.

Last year Christmas was again in Greece where with PAOK Thessaloniki finished third and qualified for the Euroleague quals. The coming in Greece seems to gave a huge boost in his career.

Monday's games review (6): Thaddeus Young helps 76ers beat Nets 105-87, make playoffs for 2nd straight season - by Eurobasket News

San Antonio S. - Portland TB 124-89
The San Antonio Spurs have locked up another No. 1 seed. Now comes trying not to blow it again. Tim Duncan (6'11''-F/C-76, college: Wake Forest) scored 18 points in what might have been his last game before the playoffs start this weekend, now that the Spurs have clinched the top spot in the Western Conference after beating the Portland Trail Blazers 124-89 on Monday night. The Spurs won their eighth straight but won't care about the streak or little else with two now-meaningless regular season games left. All that will matter is their Big Three reaching the postseason fully healthy for the first time since 2008, and that likely means an easy week ahead for Duncan, Tony Parker (6'0''-PG-82) and Manu Ginobili. 'It's great to be in that situation, but as we showed last year, someone can sneak up and take you out easily,' Duncan said. 'Hopefully we get a much better effort this year and do a much better job this year, and we stay away from those injuries.' After cruising to the No. 1 spot last season against all expectations, the Spurs bowed out as just the fourth top seed to lose in the first round. This latest one -- their sixth top seed in the Duncan era -- is somehow even more surprising. Two days before Duncan turns 36, the NBA's standard-bearers beat out the young Oklahoma City Thunder for ultimate home-court advantage. Wesley Matthews had 24 points for the Trail Blazers, who lost their sixth straight and have one game left in a tumultuous season in which the franchise effectively hit the reset button. J.J. Hickson had 14 points and 10 rebounds for Portland. Raymond Felton scored 13 points and Jonny Flynn had 10 on a night when the injury-depleted Trail Blazers again only used nine players. 'If we knew we were going into the playoffs, of course we're going to keep playing,' Matthews said. 'But now, short-handed, nine players - I'm never going to say I'm looking forward to not playing basketball. But the season's winding down for us and we got one more left.' San Antonio could also know its first-round opponent as early as Tuesday. That's when Phoenix plays at Utah in a game that could decide the No. 8 seed. Danny Green also had 18 points for the Spurs, while Parker scored 13 and Stephen Jackson and Gary Neal both added 12. *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Washington W. - Charlotte B. 101-73
In January, the Washington Wizards were an NBA punch line. They lost 12 of their first 13 games, they fired their coach, and the players were disgruntled. With two games left in the season, the Wizards still have the second-worst record in the NBA, but they're no longer a joke. For the first time since Dec. 9-13, 2007, they have won four straight, and on Monday night, they toyed with the sad-sack Charlotte Bobcats handing them their 21st straight loss, 101-73. The 73 points were the fewest they allowed since Jan. 11, 2006. The 28-point margin of victory equaled their largest this season. They will also have some stability in their front office for next season. Ernie Grunfeld and the Wizards have agreed to a contract that will keep him as team president, a person with knowledge of the deal said. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Monday night on condition of anonymity because no official announcement had been made. A news conference could happen as soon as Tuesday. Grunfeld's return was first reported by The Washington Post on its website. His contract had been due to expire at the end of this season. John Wall (6'4''-PG-90, college: Kentucky) had 16 points and 14 assists, Hilario Nene (6'10''-C-82) scored 18 points and Jan Vesely had 16 points on 8-for-8 shooting for the Wizards. ''In the middle of the season, we were still playing different ways and being selfish. We cleared things up, got some different guys here. Now, we're playing as a team and we're playing the best we played all season,'' Wall said. Last month, the Wizards traded center JaVale McGee and guard Nick Young and added Nene from Denver in a three-team deal. Even though he missed 10 games with a left foot injury, the Wizards are clearly better with the Brazilian center. Washington has won five of the nine games he has played, and haven't lost by more than four points in any of the losses. Nene rejected the notion that he's the key to the team's recent success. ''I'm not the key. Who's the door if I'm the key?'' he asked. With a game at Cleveland on Wednesday and a final one against a Miami team likely to rest all its stars, it's possible Washington could finish with 20 wins. ''I know we're going to do much better next season. I can see that,'' Nene said. The Bobcats were competitive for most of the first quarter until Charlotte's Tyrus Thomas was ejected with 3.6 seconds left for throwing an elbow at Washington's James Singleton. He was assessed a flagrant 2 foul. Singleton made two free throws. ''We made contact. A basketball play happened,'' Thomas said. Singleton admitted to being shaken up. ''He connected. I don't flop. It had me a little woozy for a second,'' Singleton said. It was part of a 16-0 run that gave the Wizards a 37-21 lead with just over 10 minutes remaining in the second quarter. Washington shot nearly 63 percent from the field in the first half in taking a 63-39 lead. The Wizards led by as much as 75-45 in the third quarter. Gerald Henderson had 19 points for the Bobcats, while D.J. Augustin added 15. If Charlotte (7-57) loses its final two games, they will finish with the worst winning percentage in NBA history. They play at Orlando on Wednesday before closing the regular season at home Thursday night against New York. ''We don't want to be the worst team in NBA history. We know that in the back of our minds going into these next two games,'' Augustin said. In the first part of the season, the Bobcats had a better record than Washington. On Jan. 14, the Bobcats were 3-10 while the Wizards were 1-11. In the last week, Washington has improved markedly beating Chicago, Milwaukee and Miami before they completed the sweep against Charlotte. The Bobcats haven't won since March 17. ''It's been very, very hard for me because I've never been through this before,'' Charlotte coach Paul Silas said before the game. ''The losing part kind of eats you up. I can't sleep at night, wondering what we can do to change this thing around. I have to understand who we have, a lot of young people,'' he said. *Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com

Milwaukee B. - Toronto R. 92-86
In the end, there wasn't anything Brandon Jennings (6'0''-PG-89), Monta Ellis (6'4''-G-85) or anybody else could do to save the Milwaukee Bucks' faint playoff hopes. Not even winning. Jennings scored 25 points in the Bucks' 92-86 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday, but Milwaukee's postseason fate had already been decided. The Philadelphia 76ers beat the New Jersey Nets earlier in the night, clinching the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot and eliminating the Bucks from contention. 'I'm disappointed - very disappointed,' Bucks coach Scott Skiles said. 'We didn't get done what we were expected to get done, so if everybody in there is not very, very disappointed, then we've got big problems.' Ersan Ilyasova added 19 points and 15 rebounds for Milwaukee. Ellis played despite an injury to his shooting hand, scoring 17 points on 4-for-14 shooting. Skiles said he wasn't sure how badly the injury was bothering Ellis, but said the guard left the bench and went to the locker room with just over a minute left in the game. 'He battled through it tonight,' Skiles said. 'But with like a minute to go, a minute-five, I guess, he said he couldn't go any more so he went in the locker room.' James Johnson had 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Raptors, who have lost four straight games. *Courtesy of http://abcnews.go.com

Indiana P. - Detroit P. 103-97
Paul George (6'9''-G/F-90, agency: Priority Sports, college: Fresno St.) scored 12 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter to help the Indiana Pacers beat the Detroit Pistons 103-97 on Monday night. George made 13 of 15 free throws and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Pacers. David West (6'8''-F-80, college: Xavier) scored 20 points and Leandro Barbosa and Tyler Hansbrough added 13 points each for Indiana. Pacers coach Frank Vogel rested regular starters Danny Granger, Roy Hibbert and George Hill since Indiana is locked into the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Greg Monroe scored 18 points, Brandon Knight had 16 and Tayshaun Prince added 14 for the Pistons. Detroit held the Pacers to 38 percent shooting, but Indiana forced 18 turnovers and outrebounded the Pistons 56-42. Indiana outscored the Pistons 29-13 from the free-throw line. A three-point play by Hansbrough gave the Pacers an 87-84 lead in the fourth quarter. George made two free throws, then showed why he was in the slam-dunk contest. He took off from the right side of the paint, pulled the ball back and jammed it through with his right hand to give the Pacers a 91-84 lead with 5:23 to play. A 3-pointer and a runner by Detroit's Charlie Villanueva cut Indiana's lead to 91-89. Detroit could have taken the lead in the final minute, but Monroe missed two free throws. Hansbrough was fouled on a putback attempt on the other end, and he made both free throws to give Indiana a 99-96 lead with 26.5 seconds to play. Monroe was fouled on a drive with 20.6 seconds left. He made the first free throw and missed the second, and George got the rebound. George made two free throws with 19.4 seconds to play to give the Pacers a 101-97 lead. George made two more free throws with 9.6 seconds left. Indiana led 54-52 at halftime behind 13 points by George. Jeff Pendergraph dunked on consecutive possessions to give Indiana a 64-58 lead early in the third quarter. Later, on a fast break, Hansbrough dribbled up the middle of the court like a point guard and found Barbosa for a layup to give Indiana a 73-67 lead. A three-point play by Barbosa moments later pushed the lead to nine. Consecutive 3s by Prince and Knight, and a goaltending violation by the Pacers on a shot by Prince in close cut Indiana's lead to 76-75 at the end of the third quarter. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

New Jersey N. - Philadelph.76 87-105
With a little more than a minute remaining in the Nets' final game in New Jersey, Philadelphia 76ers coach Doug Collins looked up at the scoreboard and exhaled - deeply. It had nothing to do with not having to come to the Garden State again. After a 20-9 start following the lockout, a dreadful midseason slump and a much-needed late run, Collins had the relief of knowing his 76ers were headed to the postseason for the second straight year. Philadelphia nailed down the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference and spoiled the Nets' Jersey farewell with a 105-87 victory Monday night. 'Adversity can send you south or make you forge together and be stronger,' Collins said. 'I think our guys have done that. Every team goes through it, especially in a season like this, where games are piled on with no practice, no rest days, five games in seven nights in five cities, three games in a row. I am so proud of my guys. I really, really am. They answered the bell and when I looked up there with one minute to go and I knew we were going to be in the playoffs, it was a very satisfying feeling.' Thaddeus Young (6'8''-F-88, college: Georgia Tech) was the catalyst against the Nets. He scored all 15 of his points in the second half to move Philadelphia (34-30) into a tie with the New York Knicks for the No. 7 seed with two games remaining in the regular season and to eliminate the Milwaukee Bucks from the playoffs. Young, who didn't take a shot in more than 9 minutes playing time in the first half, finished 7 of 8 from the field, with 10 of his points coming after the Nets cut a 15-point deficit to one late in the third quarter. 'We just wanted to get this over with, and finally clinch and not have our minds on other things,' Young said of making the playoffs and avoiding a showdown game with Milwaukee on Wednesday. 'We wanted to start thinking about the playoffs and getting ourselves mentally prepared and ready physically. It would have been real ugly if we lost tonight.' Collins now intends to rest some players, including Andrew Iguodala. who strained an Achilles' tendon late in the game. 'I think the most important thing is that coach Collins will be able to sleep tonight, and that will probably lead to a peaceful atmosphere,' Evan Turner quipped. Jrue Holiday and Elton Brand added 15 points apiece and Iguodala had 14 points and nine assists for Philadelphia. 'It's a big sigh of relief,' Brand said. 'It's been a whirlwind season. Now we are in and looking to see who our opponent is. Now we can breathe a little easier. We could have beaten Milwaukee at Milwaukee, but why when you don't have to.' The 76ers will play either Chicago or Miami in the opening round, which will probably start this weekend. MarShon Brooks had 18 points to lead the Nets, who will move into a new arena in Brooklyn next season. 'I'm excited,' Brooks said. 'I'm a little sad leaving New Jersey, but I'm Brooklyn ready. I have to whole offseason to think about Brooklyn. Like I said before, I was born in Jersey. I have a lot of family helping me get through it, my grandmother, my mother, and I appreciate everything this year and playing in front of wonderful fans. The reality is we head to Brooklyn.' The short-handed Nets made the Sixers work for the final playoff spot. They trailed by as many as 15 points in the first half and made a third-quarter run to get within 63-62 on a jumper by Gerald Wallace with 3:44 left in the quarter. Collins called a timeout and the 76ers closed the quarter with a 13-6 spurt to take a 76-68 lead. Young had the first two baskets and 10 of his 13 points. The Nets never threatened again over the final minutes and seemed time to be thinking about their 35 years in New Jersey. Actor Bruce Willis got up in the closing minutes and asked the sellout crowd to cheer the Nets on, while the team left the court to the music of New Jersey's own Bruce Springsteen. Turner added 13 points and Lew Williams had 11 for Philadelphia, which shot almost 54 percent for the game. Kris Humphries added 16 points and 12 rebounds for New Jersey, which will finish its season on Thursday in Toronto. Wallace added 11 points and Johan Petro and Armon Johnson had 10 points apiece. The Nets introduced more than a dozen former players, owners and team executives at a halftime ceremony. *Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Memphis G. - Cleveland C. 109-101
Marreese Speights (6'10''-F/C-87, college: Florida) and Marc Gasol (7'0''-C-85, agency: Interperformances) led a balanced Memphis attack with 17 points apiece as the Grizzlies defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 109-101. Speights also had 10 rebounds, while Rudy Gay added 15 points, O.J. Mayo dropped in 14 and Tony Allen contributed 13 points, eight rebounds and a franchise-record eight steals. Mike Conley rounded out Memphis' double-digit scorers with 12 points as the Grizzlies earned their 10th straight victory at home. With the win, Memphis pulled within a half-game of the idle Clippers for the fourth seed in the Western Conference. Kyrie Irving finished with a game-high 25 points for Cleveland, which lost for the 17th time in its last 21 games. *Courtesy of www.wkyc.com

Agent: Blazers made 'no offer' to Steve Kerr - by Eurobasket News

According to Steve Kerr's (6'3''-G-65, college: Arizona) agent Mark Bartelstein, Portland Trail Blazers' president Larry Miller met with Kerr in San Diego for lunch Saturday, but no offer was made to Kerr to become the team's next general manager.

There was no offer presented. It wasn't that kind of a meeting, Bartelstein told CSNNW.com. They just met to talk about life and basketball. There's nothing more to it than two friends getting together for lunch.

Kerr, 47, is currently a NBA analyst for TNT and likes the flexibility his job contains in allowing him to be with his family more often.

There have been reports that Kerr is not interested in leaving his current gig to jump back into the executive seat. However, CSNNW.com has learned that Kerr's mind isn't set in stone when it comes to the Trail Blazers' GM vacancy.

An unnamed source close to the situation told CSNNW.com that Kerr is seriously wrestling with the possibility of becoming the Trail Blazers' next GM and that talks between himself and Miller have been ongoing before the two met for lunch yesterday.

It sounds like Miller has been persistent in his pursuit of Kerr and it could be having an affect.

Still, Kerr's agent says don't read too much into the meeting and that Kerr is in a happy place.

There's nothing more to add, Bartelstein said. If something more comes of it, we'll go from there, but there's nothing. Steve is happy with what he's doing and that hasn't changed.

Kerr was a five-time NBA champion during his 15-year career as a player and spent three season as the GM for the Phoenix Suns.

Courtesy of www.csnnw.com

Stan Van Gundy blasts center Daniel Orton - by Eurobasket News

Utah Jazz point guard Devin Harris (6'3''-PG-83, college: Wisconsin) was tired of seeing 3-pointers drop for the Orlando Magic on Saturday night.

He made sure one at the end of regulation didnt have a chance as he stepped up big against Jameer Nelson.

Harris block kept Utah alive, and in the end it was the Jazz draining 3s to secure a 117-107 overtime victory over Orlando

Despite the missing pieces, Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy ripped into his team.

'We just cannot guard, we cannot', Van Gundy said. 'I dont think that our guys are not trying, but we cannot guard anyone. Our defense is disturbing to say the least.'

Van Gundy also had harsh words for backup center Daniel Orton (6'10''-F-90, college: Kentucky), who contributed only two points off the bench.

'Daniel gave us nothing,' Van Gundy said. 'He went for every shot fake, he fouled every time. He didnt even give us minutes that we needed to give our starters some rest. Our lack of depth was an absolute huge factor. Those guys ran out of gas at the end.'

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Timberwolves will exercise option to keep David Kahn - by Eurobasket News

Wolves owner Glen Taylor said the team has already informed or is informing president of basketball operations David Kahn that it has picked up Kahn's option for next season. That means Kahn will be back for his fourth season with the club. Kahn signed a three-year deal in May 2009 that included two more years of team options, each separate

Before Sundays game with Golden State at Target Center, the Timberwolves announced forward Kevin Love would not play again this season. After the Wolves had blown a 21-point second-quarter lead in a 93-88 loss, Wolves guard J.J. Barea suggested some of his teammates might already have stopped caring.

Weve got problems here, Barea said after his team shot 10-for-40 in the second half and struggled on defense. We have a lot of guys that dont care. On a basketball team, when you have a bunch of guys who dont care, its tough to win games. Were going to keep getting [losses] here until we get players that care about winning, about the team, about the fans.

The Wolves were without Love, again. He sustained a concussion when Denvers JaVale McGee elbowed him in the head April 11. Despite being cleared to play, he was shut down for the season. The Wolves cited the time Love has missed and the lack of practice time to get him ready to return. Love is second in the league in rebounding (13.3) and fourth in scoring (26.0).

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Kevin Durant says LeBron James deserves the MVP Award - by Eurobasket News

LeBron James' (6'8''-F-84) closest competitor for the 2012 NBA Most Valuable Player award says the Miami Heat star deserves to win it.

'He deserves all the love (for MVP)', said Thunder forward Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas). 'He's playing phenomenal basketball. I'm just trying to get better every single game and trying to help my team as much as I can. I'm just blessed to be in that conversation.'

In his fifth season, Durant has strung together his best year, averaging 27.9 points, eight rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting 49.7 percent from the field. But, thanks to James, it might not be enough.

James is averaging 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists while shooting 53.1 percent. James also is a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year and has carried the Heat throughout stretches of the season without Dwyane Wade.

Durant said Sunday that it doesn't matter which team the Thunder draws as its first-round matchup in the playoffs.

Courtesy of http://newsok.com

Report: Hawks C Al Horford says playoff comeback is not 'realistic' - by Eurobasket News

Pump the brakes on the playoff comeback talk.

Atlanta Hawks All-Star center Alfred Horford (6'10''-F/C-86, college: Florida) said on Monday that he doesn't anticipate being ready for the 2012 NBA Playoffs. Yahoo Sports reported his statements.
'I don't feel like it is realistic that I can play for the playoffs,' Horford said. 'Obviously, if we advance and start going we will see. But as of right now the way I feel I think I am out for the playoffs.'

Last week, Horford was cleared for contact after undergoing surgery on a torn left pectoral muscle back in January. His initial recovery timeline was 3-4 months. Horford just passed the three month mark but the 2012 NBA playoffs begin this weekend.

The Hawks have just two regular season games remaining: home games against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday and the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. The Hawks currently hold a record of 38-26 and reside in the Eastern Conference's No. 5 seed. The Hawks will face the Boston Celtics in the first round.

Horford, 25, was averaging 12.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game prior to his injury.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Mark Cuban wants owners paid for Olympics - by Eurobasket News

Mark Cuban railing against the U.S. Olympic Committee profiting off the NBA stars he and other owners pay millions is nothing new.

The Dallas Mavericks owner took his chronic rant to Chicago over the weekend where his defending champions were playing the championship-contending Bulls. Before the game, Cuban was asked if he believes Team USA is in shambles on the heels of key injuries and two NBA stars recently suggesting players should be paid just months before the start of the 2012 Games in London.

'I hope so,' Cuban said. 'And you can quote me on that.

'I think it's the biggest mistake the NBA makes,' Cuban said of allowing NBA stars to compete in international competition. 'If you look up stupid in the dictionary you see a picture of the USA Dream Team playing for free for corporate America so the U.S. Olympic Committee can make billions of dollars. So if you come up with something that you own that you can give to me for free so I can make billions of dollars, I want it.

'And it has nothing to do with patriotism and it's all about money. You don't see the (International) Olympic Committee in Switzerland saying, 'Oh, we made so much money, let's give it to people.' How many jets do they have?'

Back in January, Cuban said he has gotten nowhere in convincing the NBA to get out of Olympic competition.

'The commissioner's office won't open it up to discussion. They just make a unilateral call,' Cuban said then. 'They'll take calls about it, but won't put it up for a vote. Hopefully, I can get him to move it to a vote at some point.'

The topic was raised this time after Dwyane Wade and Ray Allen were criticized for suggesting that Olympic athletes should be paid.

Cuban said he would have no problem allowing NBA stars to play in the Olympics if corporatism didn't rule the process.

'If they weren't making all kinds of money,' Cuban said, 'I'd be fine with it because then it's truly for the right reasons.'

In his latest rant, Cuban said if that were the case then multibillion-dollar network and cable television rights should be stripped and the Olympics offered on television as part of the public domain.

'It's like when the president gives a speech, it's public domain, anybody who wants to put it out there can put it out there,' Cuban said. 'If you want to make this really about patriotism, you make it public domain. Look, if you don't have cable, you're not going to see a lot of what you're supposed to be so patriotic about.'

Cuban said he would prefer to see the U.S. Olympic basketball roster filled out the way it used to be, with youngsters.

'I think just 22-and-under and I'm fine with that.' Cuban said. 'Develop it, get international experience, represent your country, that's all good.'

Mavs point guard Jason Kidd was a member of the gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic team in 2008. No Mavs players will suit up for Team USA or any other country's national team in London. Dirk Nowitzki played for Germany last summer as it unsuccessfully attempted to qualify for a second consecutive Olympic berth.

However, Nowitzki's participation in last summer's Olympic qualifier also underscores the point made consistently by Cuban, who pays Nowitzki $19 million this season. Nowitzki got off to a slow start this season while dealing with a right knee issue that he attributed to playing internationally over the summer, which then skewed his training regimen during the lockout-extended offseason.

Nowitzki missed four games in late January to work on strengthening his knee.

Cuban never publicly criticized Nowitzki for representing his country or the Olympic process as a whole at the time, but that didn't mean he wasn't frustrated.

'I was going nuts, trust me,' Cuban said. 'I said, 'Are you kidding me?' But, I don't have the right to stop him.'

Courtesy of ESPN

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

NCAA1

Davis, UK stars declare for draft - by Rick Ross

Courtesy of sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Naismith winner Anthony Davis (6'10''-F-93) leads Kentucky's five underclassmen headed to the NBA.
Rich Sugg/MCT/
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky's starting lineup of three freshmen and two sophomores did most everything together. Now, they will go their separate ways in the NBA.

Freshmen Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marquis Teague, and sophomores Terrence Jones and Doron Lamb declared for the draft in a nationally televised news conference Tuesday night.

We made it work, Jones said. We all wanted to be there and do it together like we've done everything else together.

The group, all clad in similar blue UK golf shirts, came into the season largely untested before ascending to No. 1, winning the Southeastern Conference in dominating fashion and capping an NCAA tournament run with a 67-59 victory over Kansas in the title game for the school's eighth championship.

It's been a great opportunity playing here, I'll miss this team, the way we played together. We all love each other,' said Davis, who picked up every major player of the year award and is likely the No. 1 pick in June's draft. 'I'm just going to miss this place. We won an NCAA championship here and did a lot. We all did a lot for this school and I'm going to miss it.

The five join seniors Darius Miller, who is also projected to be drafted, and Eloy Vargas in leaving the program.

This is a players' first program. I said it three years ago. During the season, it's about our team. You saw it in this year's team, they were about each other,' coach John Calipari said. 'When the season is over, it's about moments like this.

The departures mean only freshman Kyle Wiltjer remains from the rotation with a new class of highly touted recruits joining Calipari next season. Calipari said he had never watched the final game of a season until this one.

Kidd-Gilchrist appeared emotional for a few moments at the podium and later said his mother, Cindy Richardson, wanted him to return to school since he was one of the youngest players in Division I after turning 18 in September. Instead, he has other plans for her.

I want to spoil my mom. I think I'm going to spoil my mom to death. That's one thing I'm looking forward to,' said Kidd-Gilchrist, who plans to buy her a watch for starters. 'I'm ready, I think. I'm ready for anything that comes my way now.'

Teague, the point guard, seemed to be the only player who might be a questionable first-round pick in Calipari's effort to match his 2010 draft class that saw five players go in the first round led by the No. 1 overall pick, John Wall. Teague said he felt like he did enough to be drafted in the first round by leading a 'great team that's kind of like an NBA team' to a national championship.

This is my lifelong dream to play in the NBA and to be doing it with these guys, we're all just making the decision together just makes it that much more special,' Teague said. 'I love every day knowing I played with these guys and that not being an option any more is tough to deal with. But we all decided we needed to move on, so this is something we've got to do.

Lamb said he really had only one goal after both he and Jones were projected first-round picks last season.

The reason I stayed was to win a national championship,' Lamb said. 'Me and Terrence we talked together last year and we decided to come back this year to win a national championship and we did that. Our dreams came true.

Wiltjer, who said earlier this year the thought of his teammates leaving was 'scary, and the rest of the bench made up just 6 percent of the total minutes played this season. But the group will quickly be getting help as Calipari closes in on his fourth straight No. 1 recruiting class.

Kentucky already signed Willie Cauley, Alex Poythress and Archie Goodwin in the early period. Top prospect Nerlens Noel committed to the Wildcats on national television last week by shaving the school's initials in the back of his signature flat top hairstyle. Transfer Ryan Harrow is expected to take over as point guard with Wiltjer, giving the Wildcats the same projected starting mix of two sophomores and three freshmen.

The team is in the hunt for a few of the remaining top prospects who have until May 16 to make their final decisions.

All of Kentucky's new players will be thrust into major roles because with the departures, the Wildcats will lose 93.3 percent of their points, 94.5 percent of their individual rebounds and 96.2 percent of their assists.

Meanwhile, this group is about to begin their heady new lifestyle, something Davis couldn't help laughing about when he was reminded of his upcoming payday.

I actually haven't thought about that yet. That's right, I am going to be rich, Davis said. You've just got to manage your money well. Good thing is I like math. So I should be fine

UCLA #1 Recruiting Class After Addition of Parker - by Carl Berman

UCLA has joined Kentucky as one of the top two 2012 recruiting classes with the addition of top-25 prospect Tony Parker today. Parker, listed at 6'9. 280-pounds will join 6'10, 305-pound Joshua Smith to help comprise one of the top frontcourts in college basketball next season. They'll be joined by the 6'10 Wear twins, David and Travis.

The rest of the recruiting class, #2-rated 6'6 Shabazz Muhammad (6'6''-G/F-93), the versatile #5-rated, guard/forward 6'8 Kyle Anderson and 6'5 shooter Jordan Adams, should have the Bruins challenging for the Pac-12 title and a serious run in the NCAA tournament. They will be extremely tough to defend with the ability to score both inside and outside.

Parker had Ohio State and Georgia in his final list prior to today's decision. We rate UCLA's class now slightly ahead of Kentucky's class of #1-rated 6'11 Nerlens Noels, #13-rated 6'8 Alex Poythress, 6'5 wing Archie Goodwin (#15-rated) and 6'10 center Willie Cauley. Kentucky is still in the mix for 6'7 Anthony Bennett, the top-rated PF in the class. If the Wildcats sign Bennett they would leap-frog UCLA back into the #1 spot.

In other college basketball news today Seth Greenberg was let go as the Head Coach of Virginia Tech, junior guard Mark Lyons will not return to Xavier next season, Connecticut has granted releases to Michael Bradley and Roscoe Smith which will enable them to transfer and Sam Cassell Jr. signed with Maryland.

The recruiting of 7'1 Polish center Prezmek Karnowski has been heating up and we expect him to make a decision over the next few weeks. Karnowski visted Gonzaga this past weekend. Marquette, Baylor, St. Mary's and Cal are still involved while Duke and Kansas have recently expressed interest.

Carl Berman is a Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball. NetScouts Basketball can be followed on twitter @netscouts.

Smith, Bradley granted release from UConn - by Eurobasket News

Connecticut has confirmed that basketball players Michael Bradley (6'10''-F/C-92) and Roscoe Smith (6'8''-F-91) have both been granted releases from their scholarships, a move that will allow them to transfer.

The pair would become the fourth and fifth underclassmen to leave the program since the NCAA turned down a waiver request would have allowed UConn to play in the 2013 NCAA tournament despite failing to meet academic qualifications.

Sophomore Jeremy Lamb and freshman center Andre Drummond announced earlier this month that they will enter this year's NBA draft. Junior Alex Oriakhi is transferring to Missouri.

Smith, a 6-foot-8 forward, averaged just over four points and three rebounds in 33 games during his sophomore season. Bradley, a 6-10 redshirt freshman, was injured in the preseason and didn't play.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Larry Brown formally introduced as SMU's coach - by Eurobasket News

Larry Brown has returned to coaching.

The 71-year-old Hall of Famer was formally introduced Monday as the new coach at SMU, returning to college for the first time in a quarter-century by taking over the perennially underachieving Mustangs.

SMU last won an NCAA tournament game since 1988. That's the year Brown won the tournament with Kansas.

He's coached nine NBA teams and won a championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004. Brown says he's stayed involved in the college game and still knows how to teach basketball.

SMU is looking to boost its basketball program before it jumps from Conference USA to the Big East in 2013.

The coach Brown is replacing, Matt Doherty, attended Monday's announcement. So did Kansas coach Bill Self.

Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

Virginia Tech fires basketball coach Greenberg - by Eurobasket News

Virginia Tech has fired men's basketball coach Seth Greenberg.

Athletic director Jim Weaver made the announcement Monday, saying 'we need to go in another direction.'

Greenberg spent nine seasons in Blacksburg, guiding the Hokies to a 170-123 record. They were 16-17 this year and missed postseason play for the first time in six seasons. Greenberg had four years left on his contract

During Greenberg's tenure, the Hokies reached the NCAA tournament just once, in 2007.

In recent years, Greenberg has had trouble retaining assistant coaches, losing six in the past four years. Weaver says with just one assistant remaining on the staff now, it seemed like a logical time to make the change rather than filling out the staff.

Courtesy of http://abcnews.go.com

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

NIGERIA

London 2012 Olympics: Coach Bakare sure of Nigeria qualification - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Head coach of Nigeria senior men national team Ayo Bakare is confident that Nigeria will make it from the Olympic Qualification Tournament slated for July 2-8 in Caracas, Venezuela.

Speaking at the close of the 3-Day first phase camping at the national stadium, surulere, Lagos at the weekend, Coach Bakare optimism stem from how the 14 home-based players called to the 3-Day camping exercise responded to training with a positive mind-set.

The coach who qualified Nigeria for it maiden FIBA World Championship outing in 1998 is in the threshold of making another history as Nigeria chase it first outing in the men basketball event of the Olympic Games.

Coach Bakare took over the reign of Nigeria men national team with few days left to the 26th Afrobasket in 2011 in Madagascar and earn an Olympic qualification slot with a third place finish at the Africa basketball show-piece after two dismal outings in 2007 (Angola) and 2009 (Libya).

The Nigeria national team tactician applauded the coming of DStv (SuperSport) into the Nigeria league that the partnership has yielded positive result.

If fund permit us to run our programme at full cause I have no doubt that Nigeria will be among the 12 finalists at the Basketball Event of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

I must praise the home-based players for responding to training positively and the full cooperation of the coaching which is made of me (Bakare) Sani Ahmed and Ayinla Johnson.

I can beat my chest and say confidently that Nigeria will rule the Africa scene from the next Afrobasket whether Im in charge, I say this because of the goal laid down which will make easy for any coach to follow and improve on.

The coming of DStv/SuperSport (MultiChoice) into the Nigeria basketball scene has really changed the face of Nigerian basketball and I can confidently say that home-based players can form the bulk of our national team with proper planning and exposure which must include foreign training tours.

With what we the coaches have seen in the last three days of practice I can say between eight and six of the home-based players will make the final preparation for the Olympic Qualification Tournament with at least four of them making it to Venezuela.

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

POLAND

DBE Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Walter HODGE
  Zastal ZG
  (183-PG-86)
  Avg: 19.2

1. Hodge, Zastal ZG	19.2
2. Michalak, LKS Lodz	17.2
3. Corbett, Siarka J.	16.1
4. Miller, Siarka J.	15.9
5. Kulig, PBG Basket	15.7
6. Micic, PBG Basket	15.7
7. Koszarek, Trefl S.	15.7
8. Dylewicz, Trefl So.	15.4
9. Weeden, Polpharma	15.4
10. Burrell, Energa C.	15.1

Rebounds Per Game

Darrell HARRIS
  Kotwica
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Harris, Kotwica	11.6
2. Lawal, Zastal ZG	10.2
3. Dluski, LKS Lodz	8.1
4. Burgess, Trefl S.	8.0
5. Archibeque, Zastal	7.6
6. Doaks, Siarka J.	7.3
7. Eziukwu, AZS K.	7.2
8. Simmons, Polpharma	7.2
9. Bartosz, PBG Bask.	7.1
10. Turek, Trefl Sopot	7.1

Assists Per Game

Robert SKIBNIEWSKI
  Slask W.
  (182-G-83)
  Avg: 7.4

1. Skibniewski, Slask	7.4
2. Hodge, Zastal ZG	6.1
3. Wilczek, AZS P.	5.2
4. Koszarek, Trefl S.	5.2
5. Milicic, AZS K.	5.0
6. Moore, PGE Turow	4.7
7. Miller, Siarka J.	4.7
8. Burrell, Energa C.	4.6
9. Micic, PBG Basket	4.5
10. Szubarga, Anwil	4.3

Steals Per Game

Krzysztof SZUBARGA
  Anwil
  (182-G-84)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Szubarga, Anwil	1.8
2. Skibniewski, Slask	1.6
3. Koszarek, Trefl S.	1.5
4. Tiller, Siarka J.	1.5
5. Hodge, Zastal ZG	1.5
6. Sapp, Kotwica	1.5
7. Ponitka, AZS P.	1.4
8. Dabrowski, Polph.	1.4
9. Miller, Siarka J.	1.4
10. Kinnard, Anwil	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Callistus EZIUKWU
  AZS K.
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Eziukwu, AZS K.	1.8
2. Burgess, Trefl S.	1.6
3. Harris, Kotwica	1.6
4. Kesicki, Kotwica	1.4
5. Morrison, Energa C.	1.2
6. Karnowski, Siarka	1.2
7. Lauderdale, PGE T.	1.1
8. Mladenovic, Slask	1.1
9. Lawal, Zastal ZG	1.1
10. Doaks, Siarka J.	1.0

PLK Round 1 of Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News

Trefl Sopot - Slask Wroclaw 78-86

Slask Wroclaw surprised Trefl Sopot on the road to spur in front in the quarterfinal series. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Trefl Sopot won third quarter 22-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Trefl Sopot was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. The former international guard Robert Skibniewski (182-G-83) stepped up and scored 20 points and 8 assists for the winners and Serbian swingman Slavisa Bogavac (200-80, agency: BeoExcell) chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds. Slask Wroclaw's coach Miodrag Rajkovic used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side American power forward John Turek (205-83, college: Nebraska) responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and the former international forward Filip Dylewicz (202-80) scored 20 points. Five Slask Wroclaw and four Trefl Sopot players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Slask Wroclaw: R.Skibniewski 20+3reb+8ast, A.Mladenovic 18+5reb+1ast, S.Bogavac 17+5reb+2ast, P.Graham 13+4reb+3ast, A.Wojcik 11+5reb, P.Buczak 3+4reb
Trefl Sopot: F.Dylewicz 20+3reb+1ast, J.Turek 18+10reb+1ast, A.Waczynski 15+6reb+1ast, L.Koszarek 12+3reb+7ast, L.Wisniewski 9+3ast, V.Cummings 4+2reb+1ast

Zastal ZG - Energa Czarni 97-92 OT

Zastal ZG toppled Energa Czarni in overtime for the opening win. Energa Czarni was tied after three quarters and then recorded another tie at the end of regular time. They were eventually defeated in overtime 12-17s. Zastal ZG made 27-of-32 free shots (84.4 percent) during the game. Energa Czarni was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. Ivorian-Puerto Rican point guard Walter Hodge (183-86, college: Florida) stepped up and scored 31 points, 9 assists and 4 steals for the winners and Serbian power forward Uros Mirkovic (205-82, agency: BeoExcell) chipped in 20 points. Four Zastal ZG players scored in double figures. At the losing side American point guard Stanley Burrell (190-84) responded with 29 points and 7 assists and Canadian center Scott Morrison (212-86, college: Portland St.) scored 15 points and 9 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Zastal ZG: W.Hodge 31+2reb+9ast, U.Mirkovic 20+4reb+1ast, K.Chanas 16+2reb+1ast, P.Stelmach 10+6reb+1ast, K.Archibeque 9+10reb+2ast, M.Sroka 6+4reb
Energa Czarni: S.Burrell 29+4reb+7ast, S.Morrison 15+9reb, D.Weaver 10+6reb, M.Cesnauskis 8+3reb+2ast, D.Hinson 8+2reb+2ast, Z.Bialek 7+4reb+1ast

Asseco Prokom - AZS Koszalin 84-73

Asseco Prokom earned the starting win against AZS Koszalin. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. AZS Koszalin was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. The former international swingman Przemyslaw Frasunkiewicz (202-79) stepped up and scored 17 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners and Lithuanian power forward Donatas Motiejunas (213-90, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds. At the losing side international guard Piotr Pamula (195-90) responded with 20 points and American guard J.J. Montgomery (196-82, college: Arkansas St.) scored 11 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Asseco Prokom: P.Frasunkiewicz 17+4reb+2ast, D.Motiejunas 15+7reb+1ast, J.Blassingame 10+3reb+9ast, Q.Day 9+1reb+3ast, F.Dmitriev 7+1ast, A.Hrycaniuk 7+7reb
AZS Koszalin: P.Pamula 20+3reb+1ast, J.Montgomery 11+6reb+1ast, C.Eziukwu 10+5reb, I.Milicic 9+3reb+4ast, R.Bigus 8+5reb, L.McIntosh 6+1reb

Anwil - PGE Turow 76-72

Anwil overcame PGE Turow to take the lead in the series. PGE Turow trailed 34-31 at halftime, rallying from a 23-8 deficit at the end of first quarter to trim the gap. Strangely PGE Turow outrebounded Anwil 39-27 including 25 on the defensive glass. PGE Turow was plagued by 30 personal fouls down the stretch. American power forward Corsley Edwards (205-79, college: Cent.Conn.St.) stepped up and scored 21 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and the former international guard Krzysztof Szubarga (182-84) chipped in 15 points and 4 assists. At the losing side naturalized German forward Konrad Wysocki (201-82, college: Princeton, agency: Pro One Sports) responded with 18 points and 8 rebounds and Australian-Dutch center Daniel Kickert (208-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) scored 14 points and 8 rebounds. Four PGE Turow players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
Anwil: C.Edwards 21+7reb, K.Szubarga 15+2reb+4ast, D.Berisha 12+3ast, S.Hajric 8+1reb+1ast, J.Allen 7+4reb+3ast, L.Kinnard 6+4reb+1ast
PGE Turow: K.Wysocki 18+8reb+1ast, D.Jackson 15+5reb, D.Kickert 14+8reb+2ast, D.Kulig 11+3reb+1ast, G.Gustas 9+4reb+2ast, M.Chylinski 3+2reb+1ast

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

PORTUGAL

Proliga Round 2 of Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News

Oliveirense - Electrico FC 77-54

Olivairense celebrated the second win in a row against Electrico FC. The game was mostly controlled by Oliveirense. Electrico FC managed to win fourth quarter 13-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Oliveirense forced 30 Electrico FC turnovers. American forward Deantre Jefferson (203-F-88, college: Chattanooga) had a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots) to lead the charge for the winners and center Andre Pereira (200-90) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Five Oliveirense players scored in double figures. Oliveirense's coach Sergio Salvador felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guard Tiago Pinto (183-88) responded with 14 points and forward Aylton Medeiros (194-88) scored 11 points.
Top scorers:
Oliveirense: D.Jefferson 15+13reb+1ast, N.Freitas 14, M.Pinto 12+3ast, J.Abreu 12+1reb+2ast, A.Pereira 12+8reb+1ast, R.Azevedo 8+2reb
Electrico FC: T.Pinto 14+2reb+3ast, A.Medeiros 11+4reb, J.Lanzinha 10+4reb, J.Andre 6+7reb+1ast, P.Raminhos 6+3reb+1ast, M.Neves 4+5reb+1ast

Angra - Fisica 76-78

Fisica prevailed against Angra on the road to level the quarterfinal series at 1-1. The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 5-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 78-76. Fisica dominated on the defensive end, holding Angrabasket to just 7 points in third quarter. The best player for the winners was guard Nuno Monteiro (180-86) who scored 20 points. Cape Verdean guard Braima Freire (188-82) chipped in 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Fisica players scored in double figures. Cape Verdean swingman Flavio Gomes (194-89) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and American guard Drew Gibson (188-85, college: Wofford) added 20 points respectively for the hosts.
Top scorers:
Fisica: N.Monteiro 20+2reb+2ast, C.Dias 13+3reb+2ast, R.Rodrigues 12+7reb, B.Freire 12+6reb+5ast, M.Salvador 10+3reb+1ast, J.Cardoso 9+6reb+2ast
Angra: D.Gibson 20+2reb+2ast, F.Gomes 16+10reb+1ast, J.Pereira 14+8reb+2ast, J.Paulo Avila 9+2reb+1ast, P.Loth 8+3reb+5ast, T.Mack 6

Alges - Sangalhos 84-42

Alges toppled Sangalhos to take 2-0 lead in the series. The game without a history. Alges led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They held Sangalhos to an opponent 25.0 percent shooting from the field compared to 42.5 percent accuracy of the winners. They outrebounded Sangalhos 53-26 including a 17-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. American forward DeSean White (203-86, college: Northwood, FL) notched a double-double by scoring 23 points and 19 rebounds to lead the effort and Angolan forward Sergio Correia (197-85) supported him with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Even 12 points and 5 rebounds by forward Nuno Bizarro (192-80) did not help to save the game for Sangalhos. Guard Jorge Seabra (174-81) added 6 points and 4 assists for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Alges: D.White 23+19reb+3ast, D.Vieira 15+4reb+1ast, S.Correia 11+6reb+4ast, J.Torres 8+1reb+2ast, A.Pires 6+6reb+5ast, S.Santos 6+4reb+1ast
Sangalhos: N.Bizarro 12+5reb, E.Silva 7+5reb+1ast, A.Duarte 7+4reb, J.Seabra 6+3reb+4ast, A.Marques 4+2reb+1ast, J.Anjos 4+5reb+1ast

Illiabum - Galitos-Tley 62-67

Galitos-Tley stunned Illibaum on the road to draw things level in the series. It looked good early as Illiabum took an 8-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Galitos-Tley took control and eventually winning the game that evening by 5 points. Cape Verdean forward Denis Neves (197-78) orchestrated the victory by scoring 23 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Alexandre Coelho (178-90) contributed with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists for the winners. The former international guard Joao Figueiredo (183-79) replied with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists and American center Dain Swetalla (206-86, college: Augustana, IL) added 15 points and 12 rebounds in the effort for Illiabum.
Top scorers:
Galitos-Tley: D.Neves 23+9reb, R.Quintino 11+10reb+2ast, A.Coelho 9+6reb+10ast, F.Pinheiro 8+4reb+3ast, J.Ferreira 8+4reb+3ast, T.Magalhaes 4+1reb+2ast
Illiabum: J.Figueiredo 18+5reb+8ast, D.Swetalla 15+12reb, K.Richard 12+10reb+2ast, P.Azevedo 7+2reb+3ast, P.Morgado 5+1reb+1ast, J.David 5+6reb+2ast

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PUERTO RICO

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

1. Mayaguez		18-6
2. Quebradillas		14-10
3. Bayamon		14-10
4. Arecibo		13-9
5. San German		12-12
6. Guaynabo		11-13
7. Guayama		7-17
8. Humacao		6-18

Regular Season: Round 23

Apr. 21: Guaynabo - Mayaguez 87-92 OT
Apr. 22: Quebradillas - Guayama 83-79
Apr. 22: Mayaguez - Humacao 82-81
Apr. 21: Humacao - Arecibo 80-96
Apr. 21: Guayama - Bayamon 70-79

Regular Season: Round 24

Apr. 23: Bayamon - San German
Apr. 24: Arecibo - Mayaguez
Apr. 24: Guayama - Guaynabo
Apr. 25: Humacao - Bayamon
Apr. 25: Guaynabo - Quebradillas

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game

Al THORNTON
  Guayama
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 24.7

1. Thornton, Guayama	24.7
2. Harris, San German	20.9
3. Ayuso, Arecibo	19.9
4. Sensley, Humacao	19.7
5. Dalmau, Bayamon	19.2
6. Ramos, Quebradillas	18.3
7. Vassallo, Guaynabo	16.4
8. Maye, Guaynabo	15.6
9. Smith, Mayaguez	15.5
10. Rivera, San German	15.4

Rebounds Per Game

Mike HARRIS
  San German
  (198-F-83)
  Avg: 10

1. Harris, San German	10.0
2. Thornton, Guayama	9.3
3. Ramos, Quebradillas	9.3
4. Sensley, Humacao	9.0
5. Sweetney, Bayamon	8.4
6. Burgess, Guaynabo	8.4
7. Shannon, Quebradil.	8.1
8. O''Bryant, Mayaguez	7.9
9. Narvaez, Guaynabo	7.4
10. Pinkney, San G.	7.2

Assists Per Game

Donta SMITH
  Mayaguez
  (201-G-83)
  Avg: 5.7

1. Smith, Mayaguez	5.7
2. Rivera, San German	5.6
3. Guzman, Guaynabo	5.4
4. Pinnock, Arecibo	5.0
5. Pagan, Guayama	5.0
6. Garcia, Humacao	4.2
7. Dalmau, Bayamon	4.1
8. Cruz, Quebradillas	3.9
9. Rodriguez, San G.	3.5
10. Hatton, Guaynabo	3.2

Steals Per Game

Donta SMITH
  Mayaguez
  (201-G-83)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Smith, Mayaguez	2.3
2. Pinnock, Arecibo	1.8
3. Mojica, Bayamon	1.6
4. Ramirez, Mayaguez	1.4
5. Figueroa, Guaynabo	1.3
6. Thornton, Guayama	1.3
7. Sensley, Humacao	1.3
8. Cotto, Mayaguez	1.3
9. Strong, San German	1.3
10. Rivera, San German	1.1

Blocks Per Game

Mamadou LAMIZANA
  Bayamon
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Lamizana, Bayamon	2.3
2. O''Bryant, Mayaguez	1.7
3. Shannon, Quebradil.	1.6
4. Thornton, Guayama	1.6
5. Burgess, Guaynabo	1.4
6. Ramos, Quebradillas	1.1
7. Harris, San German	1.1
8. Smith, Mayaguez	0.9
9. Sensley, Humacao	0.9
10. Santiago, Arecibo	0.9

Indios win two straight, Piratas and Atleticos also win: - by Luis Modestti

Indios de Mayaguez closed the weekend with their second win in two days.

After beating Guaynabo 92-87 in overtime, they beat Caciques de Humacao 82-81. Mayaguez had control for most of the final quarter but up by two gave a three-point foul to Julian Sensley and the forward only managed to make one. Carlos Rivera had 19 for the winners.

In the other game Sunday Piratas de Quebradillas defeated Brujos de Guayama 83-79. Shavlik Randolph (208-F-83, college: Duke) had 22 points and 16 rebounds and David Huertas (195-G-87, college: Mississippi) added 20 for Piratas.

On Monday Atleticos de San German edged Vaqueros de Bayamon 94-86. Atleticos dominated the first quarter 27-12 but Bayamon came back led by their perimeter play. Down by two Miguel Ali Berdiel (198-G-83, college: Valparaiso) was called for a technical and San German took advantage from the free-throw line.

San German was led by Mike Harris (198-F-83, college: Rice) who had 33 points and Jesse Pellot added 22.

Bayamon had Christian Dallmau with 24 and Javier Mojica netted 23. They were without their imports due to injury.

Diogu's double-double lands him Player of the Round award - by Eurobasket News

28-year old power forward Ike Diogu (204-F/C-83) put on an amazing game in the last week for Arecibo and receives a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for week 23.
He had a double-double of 30 points and 12 rebounds, while his team crushed Humacao (#8, 6-18) with 16-point margin 96-80. Arecibo maintains the 4th position in Puerto Rican league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Arecibo will need more victories to improve their 13-9 record. In the team's last game Diogu had a remarkable 68.8% from 2-point range. He just recently signed at Arecibo, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Ike Diogu averages just after three games 24.7ppg and 8.7rpg.

Second best performed player last week was Shavlik Randolph (208-F-83) of league's second-best Quebradillas. He is American forward in his first season at Quebradillas. In the last game Randolph recorded impressive double-double of 22 points and 16 rebounds. It was enough for Quebradillas to edge the lower-ranked Guayama (#7, 7-17) by 4 points 83-79. This victory allowed Quebradillas to move up to second position in the standings. His team's 14-10 record is not bad at all. Randolph is one of the most experienced players at Quebradillas and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Michael Sweetney (203-F-82) of Bayamon (#3). Sweetney scored 18 points and grabbed fourteen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Bayamon, leading his team to a 79-70 win against the lower-ranked Guayama (#7, 7-17). Bayamon needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 14 victories and 10 lost games. Sweetney has a great season in Puerto Rico. After 24 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 8.4rpg (6th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. David Huertas (195-G-87) of Quebradillas - 20 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists
5. Donta Smith (201-G-83) of Mayaguez - 16 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists
6. Noe Alonzo (200-F-83) of Humacao - 22 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Johwen Villegas (193-G-85) of Guaynabo - 18 points and 11 rebounds
8. Kleon Penn (213-C-86) of Humacao - 14 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Al Thornton (203-F-83) of Guayama - 18 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Carlos Rivera (187-PG-83) of Mayaguez - 21 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists

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

BSN Round 23 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News

Sixth-ranked Mets (11-13) made lots of trouble for first ranked Indios (18-6) in Guaynabo on Saturday. The visitors from Mayaguez managed to secure only five-point victory 92-87. However their fans expected much easier game. The best player for the winners was Donta Smith (201-G-83, college: SE Illinois JC) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Indios maintains first place with 18-6 record. Mets lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with 13 games lost. Indios will face Capitanes (#4) in Arecibo in the next round. Mets will play at home against the league's second-placed Quebradillas.

The best stats of 23th round was 30 points and 12 rebounds by Ike Diogu of Arecibo.

Guayama - Bayamon 70-79
There was no surprise in Guayama where 7th ranked Brujos (7-17) were defeated by third ranked Vaqueros (14-10) 79-70 on Saturday. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Brujos won fourth quarter 25-24. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Vaqueros made 22-of-28 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American forward Michael Sweetney (203-82, college: Georgetown) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 14 rebounds. The former international guard Christian Dalmau (194-77, college: Daytona Beach CC, agency: Paris Global Sports) chipped in 22 points and 4 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). Four Vaqueros players scored in double figures. American forward Al Thornton (203-83, college: Florida St.) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import forward Josh Powell (206-83, college: N.Carolina St., agency: Strategic Sports) added 15 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Brujos' coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Vaqueros moved-up to second place, which they share with Quebradillas. Brujos at the other side keep the seventh position with 17 games lost. Vaqueros will face bottom-ranked Caciques (#8) in Humacao in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Brujos will play at home against Mets in Guaynabo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Guayama: A.Thornton 18+10reb+4ast, J.Powell 15+6reb+1ast, J.Verdejo 12+3reb+2ast, A.Galindo 6+8reb, T.Vazquez-Simmons 5+1reb+1ast, W.Pagan 5+2reb+3ast
Bayamon: C.Dalmau 22+4reb+4ast, M.Sweetney 18+14reb+1ast, J.Mojica 18+5reb+3ast, M.Lamizana 14+6reb+3ast, M.Ali Berdiel 4+4reb+2ast, A.Latimer 3+5reb+1ast

Mayaguez - Humacao 82-81
No shocking result in a game in Mayaguez where first ranked Indios (18-6) edged bottom-ranked Caciques (6-18) 82-81 on Sunday. However just one-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. The hosts trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 23-20 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Indios outrebounded Caciques 44-26 including a 16-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was point guard Carlos Rivera (187-83, college: Hofstra, agency: Paris Global Sports) who scored 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. American center Patrick O'Bryant (213-86, college: Bradley) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points and 13 rebounds. American forward Gilbert Brown (198-87, college: Pittsburgh, agency: VVG Sports) produced 18 points and German-American forward Julian Sensley (206-82, college: Hawaii, agency: VVG Sports) added 12 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the guests. Five Indios and four Caciques players scored in double figures. Indios maintains first place with 18-6 record. Caciques at the other side stay at the bottom position with 18 games lost. Indios will face Capitanes (#4) in Arecibo in the next round. Caciques will play at home against Vaqueros (#3) in Bayamon.
Top scorers:
Humacao: G.Brown 18+4reb+2ast, J.Garcia 16+1reb+6ast, K.Penn 14+4reb+2ast, J.Sensley 12+10reb+2ast, N.Alonzo 9+1reb+1ast, O.Alvarado 6+1reb+2ast
Mayaguez: C.Rivera 19+7reb+5ast, O.Efejuku 13+3reb+6ast, M.Mitchell 11+3reb+2ast, P.O'Bryant 10+13reb+1ast, A.Ortiz 10+3reb+2ast, G.Jimenez 10+1reb+1ast

Quebradillas - Guayama 83-79
Rather expected game when 7th ranked Brujos (7-17) were defeated on the road by fourth ranked Quebradillas (14-10) 83-79 on Sunday. The hosts trailed by 9 points at the halftime before their 48-35 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Quebradillas made 17-of-18 free shots (94.4 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American forward Shavlik Randolph (208-83, college: Duke) who had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 16 rebounds. The former international guard David Huertas (195-87, college: Mississippi) chipped in a double-double by scoring 20 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists. Five Quebradillas players scored in double figures. American forward Josh Powell (206-83, college: N.Carolina St., agency: Strategic Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import forward Al Thornton (203-83, college: Florida St.) added 17 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the guests. Brujos' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Quebradillas have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Bayamon. Brujos at the other side keep the seventh position with 17 games lost. Quebradillas will face Mets (#6) in Guaynabo in the next round. Brujos will play at home against Mets in Guaynabo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Guayama: A.Thornton 17+6reb+2ast, J.Powell 16+10reb+2ast, A.Galindo 12+3reb+3ast, A.Torres 8+2ast, E.Rodriguez 8+6reb+4ast, T.Vazquez-Simmons 7+5reb
Quebradillas: S.Randolph 22+16reb+1ast, D.Huertas 20+6reb+10ast, P.John Ramos 13+7reb, J.Jones 13+6reb+3ast, J.Butler 11+4reb+3ast, O.Santiago 2+1ast

Humacao - Arecibo 80-96
Rather predictable result in Humacao where fourth ranked Capitanes (13-9) beat bottom-ranked Caciques (6-18) 96-80 on Saturday. The game without a history. Capitanes led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. The best player for the winners was American-Nigerian power forward Ike Diogu (204-83, college: Arizona St.) who had a double-double by scoring 30 points and 12 rebounds. The former international guard Rick Apodaca (193-80, college: Hofstra, agency: 360 Sports Management) chipped in 19 points and 4 assists. Capitanes' coach David Rosario used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Mexican forward Noe Alonzo (200-83, college: Grand Canyon) produced 22 points and American forward Gilbert Brown (198-87, college: Pittsburgh, agency: VVG Sports) added 17 points and 4 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) respectively for the hosts. Four Caciques players scored in double figures. Capitanes have a solid series of three victories in a row. Defending champion maintains fourth place with 13-9 record. Caciques at the other side stay at the bottom position with 18 games lost. Capitanes will face league's leader Indios in Mayaguez in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Caciques will play at home against Vaqueros (#3) in Bayamon.
Top scorers:
Humacao: N.Alonzo 22+3reb+3ast, G.Brown 17+4reb+4ast, K.Penn 15+9reb+1ast, J.Garcia 11+4reb+4ast, O.Alvarado 5+3reb+7ast, J.Sensley 4+7reb+4ast
Arecibo: I.Diogu 30+12reb+1ast, R.Apodaca 19+1reb+4ast, D.Santiago 10+3reb+2ast, R.Melendez 9+2reb+2ast, D.Cortes 9+1reb+3ast, R.Cruz 9+1reb+8ast

Guaynabo - Mayaguez 87-92 OT
Sixth-ranked Mets (11-13) made lots of trouble for first ranked Indios (18-6) in Guaynabo on Saturday. The visitors from Mayaguez managed to secure only five-point victory 92-87. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 16-9 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in overtime eventually winning that period 13-8. Indios looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Mets were plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was American guard Donta Smith (201-83, college: SE Illinois JC) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists. point guard Carlos Rivera (187-83, college: Hofstra, agency: Paris Global Sports) chipped in 21 points and 5 rebounds. Guard Johwen Villegas (193-85, college: FIU) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds and American forward Derrick Caracter (206-88, college: UTEP) added 17 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Four Indios and five Mets players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Indios maintains first place with 18-6 record. Mets lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with 13 games lost. Indios will face Capitanes (#4) in Arecibo in the next round. Mets will play at home against the league's second-placed Quebradillas.
Top scorers:
Guaynabo: J.Villegas 18+11reb+1ast, D.Caracter 17+6reb, C.Escalera 13+2ast, G.Colon 12+7reb+1ast, J.Maye 11+1reb+1ast, A.Alamo 6+3reb
Mayaguez: C.Rivera 21+5reb+3ast, D.Smith 16+10reb+9ast, A.Ortiz 14+7reb+1ast, P.O'Bryant 13+5reb, O.Efejuku 8+3reb+1ast, L.Steven Ramirez 7+2reb+1ast

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RUSSIA

RWANDA

Owuor Names Hoops Team for Inter-Cities Tourney - by Eurobasket News

Skill, talent and pedigree describe the Kigali City Council side that has been selected to take in this year's Inter-cities tournament due April 24-28 in Kampala.

That this side has six national team players should clearly indicate that experience is in-built in what could arguably be the city's strongest team to this tournament after a nine-year absence.

But like the rest of the teams at the tournament, Kigali hopes to win a tournament that has been dominated by Nairobi which has clinched a record ten titles.

Under head coach Cliff Owuor, hoops fans across Kigali should expect the best out of their team because the Kenyan trainer does not entertain any negative consequences when he knows he can actually get a better result.

With point guards Blaze Nikobahoze and Aristide Mugabe, Owuor has a well coordinated description of great back court players who can at all times deliver whenever called upon.

Nikobahoze understands basketball like the back of his hand, he can shoot inside the perimeter and outside the three-point line and like any other last man on defense does so much of the game reading to make sure every action works best for his teammates and in this case for the two million 'Kigalians' represented on that court.

On the other hand, Mugabe has the agility and honestly he is among the most aggressive guards in Rwanda but can he go past the other East African guards at this tournament.

Most notably against Mukono's Sudi Ulanga, Mugabe will be up against a former high school teammate at Kenya's prestigious Laiser Hill well known for producing the region's best talent but will it be friendship or honour at stake? Maybe both.

Deo Nkurikiyimana, Cedric Sinarinzi, Lionel Hakizimana and Pascal Rurangirwa provide so many options for Owuor since all of them are comfortable shooting from anywhere on the court and considering their ever positive attitude, much should be expected.

However, Owuor will miss the services of national team player and shooting guard Jean Louis Habineza, who will not make the Kampala trip because of work commitments.

At the front court is the Congolese-born trio of Kami Kabange, Bienvenue Ngandu and Serge Kabangu who are possibly the biggest forwards in the region except for Kampala's Sam Gombya-a seven footer who weighs more than 130kg.

Meanwhile, this team that has been preparing for over a month does not know whether it will travel to the Ugandan capital today after Kigali's Mayor Fidel Ndayisaba told Times Sport that the confirmation had not yet been sent to the local organizing committee.

'We are still waiting for some information from Kampala and then we shall see whether to confirm or reject participation at this tournament. We are called to so many events but we do not have to attend all of them,' revealed Ndayisaba.

The tournament whose draws will be made this evening at a technical meeting in Kampala, starts tomorrow and according to the chairperson of the local organizing committee Joy Olinga 12 teams have so far confirmed participation.

Defending champions Nairobi, Dar-es-salaam, Mombasa, Mbeya, Mogadishu, Hangishya, Gulu, Mukono and Moyo are in Kampala already but the organizers are awaiting a reply from three South Sudan cities including Juba.

According to Olinga, the newly refurbished Lugogo indoor stadium and the YMCA outdoor court in Wandegeya have been availed for the tournament and she further added that communication from Kigali had been sent that the latter will attend.

Owuor admitted that the team's participation depends on Ndayisaba who has not yet made up his mind 36 hours to the start of the tournament. Mind you a bus ride to Kampala is approximately 10 hours. The fate of this tournament will be determined this afternoon.
Courtesy of: The New Times

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SAUDI ARABIA

Gray to Al Ahli - by Ali Ahmed

Chudney Gray (188-G-78, college: St.John's) jonied Al Ahli Jeddah to play al Nukbah Cup.

Outlook:
Very talented player, who can play both guard positions, with an impressive variety of offensive moves; needs to play in the right system, but when he's hot he can kill you.
Lowgators head coach Doug Marty had this to say about Gray's game: Chudney performed remarkably well from day one, in the thick of a playoff run. Defensively, Chudney is a hard-nosed, on-the-ball hawk with outstanding anticipation and positioning instincts. Offensively, Chudney gets to the basket and free-throw line extremely well, distributes the ball like a true quarterback, and in addition, is a credible shooter out to the arc.'

Awards/Achievements:
Big East Conf. Champion -00
USBL Rookie of the Year -00
Cypriot Cup Winner -01
NBDL Semifinals -03
USBL Player of the Year -04
USBL Eastern Division Champion -04
USBL Finalist -04
All-USBL 1st Team -04
Polish League All-Star Game -06 (MVP)
Arab Club Championships Semifinals -06, 09
Eurobasket.com All-Polish League 2nd Team -06
Lebanese League Semifinals -06
Asian Club Championships -07 (Bronze)
Asia-Basket.com All-Asian Clubs Championships 1st Team -07
Asia-Basket.com All-Asian Clubs Championships Best Guard -07
Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League 2nd Team -09
Asia-Basket.com All-Arab Club Championships Best Guard -09
Asia-Basket.com All-Arab Club Championships 1st Team -09
Arab Club Championships -10 (Semifinals)
Egyptian League Champion -10
Egyptian Cup Winner -10
Syrian League Regular Season Champion -10
Syrian League Finalist -10
WABA Club Championships -11

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SCOTLAND

Rocks Win final game of season against the Wildcats, 87-66 - by Eurobasket News

Glasgow Rocks 87 (23,41,64) (Danny Huffor (193-G, college: Newberry) 21, Green 16, Murray 14)

Durham Wildcats 66 (19,38,54) (Bucci 19, Capocci 13, Glavan 13)

After beating Durham Wildcats 87-66 in the last game of the regular season, the Glasgow Rocks are now looking forward to the first leg of their British Basketball League playoff against the Plymouth Raiders.

Rocks player/coach Sterling Davis (200-F-77, college: Tulane) was in defiant mood despite his team being beaten every time theyve played the Raiders this season: Because of how things have gone against Plymouth thatll keep us focussed.

The whole two leg thing plays with you mentally anyway. A lot of times if you get up and play well on the road you find yourself protecting your lead instead of playing the basketball game to win it, and I think thats what happened last year. But I told the guys weve got five games to win, and if we do that weve got a championship.

Although the anticipated comfortable win against bottom of the table Durham eventually materialised, the Wildcats stuck with the Rocks for the first half and were only 41-38 down at half time.

What was striking was Durhams desire to play attractive basketball, despite their lowly league position. Where other struggling teams might try to be as effective as possible at the expense of aesthetics, the Wildcats were throwing dummies and behind the back passes in the first quarter. They almost scored with an alley-oop on their first attack of the match.

Centre Mario Flaherty said a commitment to crowd-pleasing play was part of the teams philosophy: If you dont get in the playoffs some people think you dont have anything to play for anymore but were out there playing for fun. Thats why we all got into this game to begin with, because we love the game.

The Rocks finally got away from their opponents in the third quarter, although they still couldnt halt the seemingly endless run of three pointers that Wildcats guard Ralph Bucci was sinking. He hit three in a row at the end of the second quarter and continued to make them in the third.

By the fourth quarter it seemed the game had descended into a game of chicken between the teams over who could score the most three pointers as other players joined in what Bucci had started. Eventually the Rocks Danny Huffor seemed to get bored and pulled off a massive dunk to restore some sort of normality.

Davis took the opportunity to give some of his lesser used players a run out. Jonny Bunyan arrived late from a match elsewhere to come on in the fourth quarter, and Greg Richards made the most of his cameo wowing the crowd scoring a nice floating shot a pulling out a huge defensive block on Mike Capocci.

There was an end of term feeling surrounding the match at Glasgows Kelvin Hall, and it rubbed off in the crowd. Whilst remaining enthusiastic in their support of the Rocks, it took exceptional moments to really get them going.

One of the biggest cheers of the day was for the presentation of the Rocks 2011/12 MVP award to Mychal Green (193-G-83, college: Ohio) before the match. Green was delighted with his award: It [being voted MVP by the fans] makes me feel really good. The fans are the ones that pay money to come watch the game and thats who we play for.

Wildcats coach Dave Elderkin is looking forward to the teams next season in the BBL: I like to think that at least weve been competitive in our first season, even if the win column only shows three.

Certainly one thing weve learnt this year is that youve got to be in tip-top shape to play in this league. Youve got to have athletes in your team, and youve got to have shooters. Weve improved our strength and conditioning over the past three months but we were so far behind it was always impossible to catch up this season, so strength and conditioning work in the pre-season it absolutely vital.

The Rocks travel to Plymouth on Thursday, before hosting them at the Kelvin Hall on Sunday 29 May. Its a big ask for them to overcome opponents whove had the better of them all year, but between the players, the coach, and the crowd, Glasgows desire for top class basketball might just pull the Rocks through.
Courtesy of: http://www.glasgowrocks.co.uk

Edinburgh Kings beat Glasgow Uni 74-70 to leave semi-final on a knifes edge - by Eurobasket News

The Edinburgh Kings edged out Glasgow Uni basketball mens first team 74-70 at Glasgows Kelvin Hall in a tumultuous first leg of their Scottish National League playoffs semi-final.

The tie is now finally poised for next weeks second leg in Edinburgh. Although the Uni have never beaten the Kings they have now pushed them nail-bitingly close two games in a row and the squad will hope that next week they can finally overcome the championship favourites.

Speaking after the game Glasgow Uni head coach Mike Lawton was optimistic about his teams chances: We knew we could play with them. Weve worked really hard on the defensive game and played as a team. We get better every time we play against them and Im confident in the guys.

There was a sense of acceptance, but positivity, about the result from the uni. A promising three point lead in the fourth quarter was rapidly turned into a three point deficit, but Lawton couldnt find fault with the unis defence: Simon [Flockhart, Edinburgh Kings] made a bunch of tough turn arounds. If the big guy is making them and hes being double teamed theres nothing you can do.

Momentum swung wildly between the teams through the game. At points in the second quarter the uni were 14 points up and ended the first half with a 42-31 lead.

But the Kings outscored their opponents heavily for the next ten minutes to pull the score back to 52-52 at the end of the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter the teams went point for point for a long time. When Laurynas Spangevicius made a break for Glasgow, managed to score whilst being fouled and John Bustin (191-G) put away the free throws, Glasgow opened up a three point lead.

Edinburgh, as youd expect from champions, fought back. With ten seconds to go the Kings had built a three point lead, but a foul on Calum Nicol (197-F-91) left the Glasgow player with two free shots to get the Uni back to within a point. He missed the first, scored the second and a timeout was called.

With eight seconds left on the clock the uni tried to hold their opposition out and go to Edinburgh just a point behind. It looked like Glasgow had clung on after the Kings missed a shot, but the uni were undone by a lucky score off a rebound which gave the Edinburgh side a four point lead that at one stage in the match had looked unthinkable.

Kings coach Douglas Reilly was looking forward to getting back to Edinburgh for the second leg: Im not going to make excuses, but well be confident at our own gym.

Theyve got a smaller side, and weve got some big guys that we should be able to exploit, and we did. We were adjusting to what was on the court.

There had been concerns that Steve Archer (180-G-86), John Bustin and Calum Nicol, key players for the uni, would be tired after their exploits for the Scottish Unis team at the university Home Nations tournament mid-week.

But all three had excellent games, particularly Nicol who stood up to the physical tactics of the Edinburgh team. It was noticeable that when Nicol wasnt on the court the Glasgow defence looked vulnerable.

At times in the first half the Kings seemed to have no answer to Glasgows fluid attack. With Archer and Bustin dictating plays, and the rest of the team hitting their passes and shots with ease, the Uni werent just winning, but were doing so with style.

Considering the importance of the game and their underdog status, Glasgow looked like they were having a lot of fun. Moments like Archers mazy dribble to the basket, Ugnius Zasimauskas amazing vision to provide Archer with an easy lay-up and Chris Neals three-pointer to open the scoring for the match, had the crowd in raptures.

But the undoubted champagne moment of the match was Nicols slap-down of an attempted Kings lay-up. The one Glasgow player capable of matching the Kings for physicality wasnt just standing up to them, he was dominating. The underdogs were biting back.

The Kings Edgars Rekis, a big player in any circumstances but particularly compared to the relatively small Glasgow team, found his route to the basket regularly blocked in the first half and grew increasingly frustrated.

But when the Edinburgh team began to move the ball more in the second half spaces began to appear. Rekis and Flockhart started to impose themselves, and Lee Reilly began to hit three-pointers with startling regularity. After finding themselves in the ascendancy in the third quarter the Kings always looked like they had the confidence to go on and win.

Glasgows Chris Neal hopes the Uni can finally turn the Kings over next week: Weve been blown out by them in this season but weve really ran with them recently, so I think we can come out next week and win by more than four points. They are best team in league at the moment and theyre confident, and we werent quite there.

The uni get one more shot at the Kings this season in the second leg next week. If they can maintain their level of performance from the first half today, then the reigning champions four point lead is going to begin to look increasingly slender.

The tie is on a knifes edge.

David Lyons
Courtesy of: wearefreeagents.wordpress.com

Rocks to take on Plymouth Raiders in 1st Round of Playoffs - by Eurobasket News

It is official, the Glasgow Rocks will be facing the Plymouth Raiders in the 1st round of the Playoffs.

The Rocks will have to travel to Plymouth on Thursday for the 1st leg of the playoffs which will be played at the Plymouth Pavillions @ 7:30pm

The all important 2nd leg will be played in Kelvin Hall on Sunday the 29th April @ 5:00pm...

We need you to 'BRING THE NOISE' Rocks Fans...
Courtesy of: http://www.glasgowrocks.co.uk

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SPAIN

Otero, CD Estela and Cafes Aitona get play offs spot - by Mariano Galindo

Play offs of Grupo A finished last weekend. After one and exciting round, we know the three teams wich are going to fligth in may for being in LEB Silver next season. Otero, CD Estela and Cafes Aitona get play offs spot and will join to the other 13 teams (Group B (3), C (3), D (3) and E (4) ) on the way to the third division of spanish basketball. Otero won without problems to SAB Torrelavega, Estela won away to Marin Peixegalego and Cafes Ationa repeated the triumph that got in the first game of this Group A play offs. Alvaro Lombera (201-F-84) (CD Estela) with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 30 index rating was the best player of the week in this mentioned play offs.

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TRBL

TRBL standings

TRBL Standings

1. Cary Invasion		4-2
2. PT Players		3-1
3. Wilmington SD		3-3
4. Big Texas		2-2
5. Fayetteville C.		1-2
6. Carolina G.		1-3
7. Queen City E.		0-1

Regular Season: Round 7

Apr. 22: Wilmington SD - Cary Invasion 71-111
Apr. 21: PT Players - Cary Invasion 111-105
Apr. 22: Big Texas - Carolina G. 106-100

Regular Season: Round 8

Apr. 27: Queen City E. - PT Players
Apr. 28: Fayetteville C. - Carolina G.
Apr. 29: Wilmington SD - Carolina G.

PrimeTime Players hands Cary first ever home loss - by Eurobasket News

The PrimeTime Players (3-1) rolled into Cary (3-2) Saturday night and lived up to their name. The Players maintained control for the majority of the night in a game that included a series of runs by both teams. PrimeTime jumped out to a 28-16 lead midway through the first quarter, only to see the lead completely evaporate at the end of the quarter. The game stayed tight throughout the second, with the Players leading at the break, 58-56.

The early part of the second half belonged to the Invasion. Good defense and a streak of good shooting gave Cary a 7 point lead after just a few minutes of play in the third quarter. Just when it looked as though Cary was in control, the Players made a game-defining 26 - 5 run and built a 14 point lead by early in the fourth quarter. Facing a double-digit deficit throughout the final quarter, the Invasion made some key plays to come nearly all the way back in the final 3 minutes of the game. Trailing 108 - 105 with 15 seconds to go, Invasion guard and former East Carolina standout Brock Young was just off the mark with a game-tying three pointer. The Players rebounded the miss and hit a couple of late free throws to seal the win, 111-105. The loss was the first ever for Cary in two seasons at home at the Young Center. PrimeTime was led in scoring by Antonio Houston (6'5''-G/F-88, college: Catawba) with 30 points while Victor Street (5'11''-PG, college: Erskine) 18, Terell Smith 15, Donald Rutherford (6'7''-F-87, college: Catawba) 14, CJ Pigford 13, and Brian Mobley 12 all finished in double figures while Freddie Little lead 6 players for Cary in double figures with 17.

With the win, PrimeTime jumps to the top of the TRBL point standings. The Invasion play next against Wilmington on Sunday night at the Herb Young Center.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Cary way too much for Wilmington - by Eurobasket News

The same two teams met two weeks ago in Wilmington, NC, but the results could not have been more different. Eager to avenge an earlier season loss to the Sea Dawgs (3-3) and coming off their first ever home loss in two seasons the night before to the PrimeTime Players, the Cary Invasion (4-2) came out focused and ready for business. Scoring the first two buckets of the game and never trailing, the Invasion dismantled the visitors at nearly every facet of the game. Cary led by 25 points at halftime and built a lead of 46 points midway through the 4th quarter. The final score was Cary 111 and Wilmington 71. The game was very uncharacteristic in the heated rivalry, with all 6 previous games decided in the fourth quarter. Cary leads the lifetime series 5 - 2. Forward Matt Gwynne (6'10''-F/C, college: Campbell) had 14 points and 14 rebounds in the win for the Invasion.

Courtesy of www.scoretrax.com

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TUNISIA

Tunisia Basketball Cup 2011/2012: Quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News

Four teams advanced to the Semifinals of the Tunisia Basketball Cup 2011/2012. On April 28th Ezzahra.S will take on E.S.Rades, while CS Cheminots will play against E.S.Sahel.
In the Quarterfinals Ezzahra.S edged C.Africain 74;59, while E.S.Sahel overcame Tunis Air Club 76:41. E.S.Rades beat C.A.Bizerte 75:68 , while CS Cheminots edged Etoile Sportive Goulettoise 60:50.

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TURKEY

Standings - TB2L

TB2L Standings

1. Selcuk Univ.		30-8
2. Optimum TED		30-8
3. Genc Telekom		28-10
4. Maliye Milli		27-11
5. Gaziantep		26-12
6. Vestel		25-13
7. Final Genclik		24-14
8. Akhisar Bld		22-16
9. Gelisim		18-20
10. Balikesir		17-21
11. Darussafaka		16-22
12. Istanbul B.B.		16-22
13. Usak		15-23
14. Pertevniyal		14-24
15. Istanbulspor		13-25
16. Baskent Genclik		13-25
17. Orman Genc		13-25
18. Tire Gucu		13-25
19. Pamukkale		12-26
20. TED Istanbul		8-30

Regular Season: Round 38

Apr. 21: Usak - Final Genclik 89-77
Apr. 20: Gelisim - Istanbul B.B. 87-83
Apr. 21: Optimum TED - Vestel 84-78
Apr. 21: Tire Gucu - Selcuk Univ. 79-70
Apr. 21: Darussafaka - Istanbulspor 78-59
Apr. 21: Pamukkale - Baskent Genclik 76-84
Apr. 21: Akhisar Bld - Genc Telekom 75-70
Apr. 21: Balikesir - Orman Genc 74-80
Apr. 21: Pertevniyal - Gaziantep 56-78
Apr. 21: Maliye Milli - TED Istanbul 127-86

Quarter-Finals: Round 1

Apr. 27: Maliye Milli - Gaziantep
Apr. 28: Genc Telekom - Vestel
Apr. 28: Selcuk Univ. - Akhisar Bld
Apr. 28: Optimum TED - Final Genclik

TB2L Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Tyrone NELSON
  Akhisar Bld
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 21.7

1. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	21.7
2. Jackson, Balikesir	19.4
3. Gray, Baskent	19.1
4. Delic, Genc Telekom	18.5
5. Waller, Gaziantep	18.5
6. Carter, Tire Gucu	18.4
7. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	18.1
8. Williams, Gelisim	17.2
9. Taggart, TED I.	16.4
10. Dobie, Selcuk Uni.	15.7

Rebounds Per Game

Tyrone NELSON
  Akhisar Bld
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	11.6
2. Jackson, Balikesir	11.6
3. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	10.2
4. Kolaric, Istanbul.	10.0
5. Gray, Baskent	9.7
6. Can, Pertevniyal	8.4
7. Taggart, TED I.	8.2
8. Ozseven, TED I.	8.0
9. Ozdemir, Vestel	7.9
10. Caudle, Pamukkale	7.7

Assists Per Game

Admir KAN
  Istanbulspor
  (185-G-83)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Kan, Istanbulspor	6.4
2. Eryuz, Gaziantep	5.4
3. Sinanoglu, Final G.	5.2
4. Rizvanoglu, Genc T.	5.1
5. Eris, Istanbul B.B.	5.0
6. Bayraktar, Tire G.	4.8
7. Bayrak, Usak	4.6
8. Yikilmaz, Pertevni.	4.5
9. Dobie, Selcuk Univ.	4.5
10. Kavaklioglu, Opti.	4.4

Steals Per Game

Matthew PILGRIM
  Pamukkale
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	2.7
2. Yavuklu, Basken.	2.5
3. Akcay, Balikesir	2.0
4. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	1.9
5. Carter, Tire Gucu	1.7
6. Okkali, Final Genc.	1.7
7. Waller, Gaziantep	1.6
8. Mentese, Gelisim	1.6
9. Dobie, Selcuk Univ.	1.6
10. Ogut, Genc Telek.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Ismail CEVIK
  Selcuk Univ.
  (206-F-81)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Cevik, Selcuk Univ.	1.5
2. Ozseven, TED I.	1.3
3. Gray, Baskent	1.3
4. Washington, Gelisim	1.3
5. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	1.2
6. Tekin, Pertevniyal	1.2
7. Pasco, Vestel	1.2
8. Brown, TED I.	1.1
9. Kaplan, Gaziantep	1.1
10. Garrison, Maliye	1.0

TBL Round 29: Fenerbahce Ulker barely falls short in road game against Anadolu Efes: 69-67 - by Pervin Elgin

In the Istanbul derby against 3rd ranked Anadolu Efes, 5th ranked Fenerbahce Ulker had to surrender in the final period. After being in the lead for almost the entire game Ulker was overtaken by the home team in the final minute: 69-67. Oguz Savaz was the big man for Fener, scoring 19 points, Emir Preldzic and Gasper Vidmar each added 9.

Oguz Savas opened the score for Fenerbahce. In a low scoring first period, Fener took a 0-4 lead after two minutes before Efes finally answered. With both offenses heating up, the hosts briefly took the lead, but scores by Vidmar and Ukic captured equality at 13-13. Fenerbahce took the upper hand again and finished the first period 14-19 ahead.

Anadolu Efes balanced the scores again in the second period (22-22), but lead by Savas Fenerbahce once again created a gap (31-37), closed ranks and went to the locker room with a 6-point lead: 34-40.

In the third period Ulker continued the good play and established a double digit lead after 26 minutes of playing time: 36-47. It was a wake-up call for Anadolu's offence. The hosts made a 11-3 series to finish the period only 3 points behind: 47-50.

Oguz Savas and Roko Ukic started the last period with scores for Fenerbahce Ulker, but the answer of hosts was ruthless. A series of free throws closed the gap, and with 2 minutes of playing time left, Efes took the lead: 62-61. With a continued high free throw percentage (19 of 23 in the game, 82.6 percent) Efes held on to the advantage and made it 69-67 with 13 seconds of playing time left. Fenerbahce failed to equalize in the final seconds and suffered the 9th loss of the season.

With one game left, Fenerbahce is sure to finish fifth in this year's league, making the final game at home against 8th ranked Tofas a mere formality.

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UBA

The Tennessee Dragons land former 1st Round NBA Draft Pick (21) Dontae Jones - by David Walls

David Walls Reports:
April 23, 2012

Dontae Jones (6'8''-F-75, college: Mississippi St.) will be the best player ever to wear a Tennessee Dragons jersey in the franchise history and arguably the best player to step on this hardwood within the UBA. The UBA has been recognized as the top minor league in the United States by sending over 80 players overseas since 2009-2010 season. The Dragons have just made the playoffs a little more interesting with the addition of Jones. Jones has was the key part of the Miss State Bulldogs making the Final Four run in the 1995-1996 season before going on to play in the NBA with the Knicks, Celtics, and Wizard as well overseas in top leagues such as China, Venezuela, Italy, Puerto Rico, Greece, South Korea, and Mexico over his career.

'Jones still has it', said Steve Dolan . Jones is not here to prove anything to anyone his name and his career speaks for itself. Jones is here for the community and to bring some experience and leadership to the young Dragons team. Jones mind is still with the game of basketball but it is about giving back to the community and what better way than to bring home Nashville their first minor league basketball championship ever. I grew up watching Jones at Mississippi State and the amazing run those guys made to the final four in 1996 said Coach Dolan. The Dragons and Jones will be out in the community putting together some things this summer with one another to try to get the city the recognition for the talent the city has here in Nashville.

Jones is joining a team within the Dragons that is currently 15-4 in 2011-2012 despite that the Dragons have had to play most of the season without 5 of their players overseas. (Calvin O'Neil (6'4''-G-85, college: Middle Tenn.St.) Iceland, Damel Wilson (6'9''-F/C-87, college: Southwestern, TX)-Italy, Brian Moultrie (6'6''-C/F-87, college: Armstr.Atlantic)- Finland, and Carlos White (6'8''-F-80, college: Rhema Bible)- Australia). Jones is added to a studded rosterwith the likes of ONeil- Iceland, Wislon-Italy, Moultrie-Finland, Morgan-Mexico, Simmons-Germany, Webb-France, Sain-Tennessee State, Crutcher- Tennessee State, Bone-University of Tennessee, Josh Walker-SWU (Best Defender in UBA), and the supporting cast that has taken the Dragons this far. Many have picked the Dragons to face their bitter rival the GIE Morrow Disciples in the UBA Championship for it all.

Shawn Morgan permanently banned from UBA professional league for conduct detrimental to the league - by Eurobasket Center

Universal Basketball Association has permanently banned Shawn Morgan (6'6''-F-86, college: Arkansas St.) for conduct detrimental to the UBA, the sport's governing body said Sunday.

According to the Universal Basketball Association (UBA), Shawn Morgan, who played for the Tennessee Dragons this season.
'We are very disappointed in Shawn', said UBA Commissioner Michael Davis. We will not tolerate our players not being professional and not representing the brand.

After Morgan's fifth offense, the UBA held a disciplinary committee meeting and decided to permanently expel Morgan while imposing a fine as well.

The 26-year old Morgan had been penalized several times over the years, including Uruguay. The UBA chooses not to disclose the offenses for the sake of the player but decided to move forward without him.

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UKRAINE

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Willie SOLOMON
  Cherkasy
  (187-G-78)
  Avg: 22.1

1. Solomon, Cherkasy	22.1
2. Culpepper, Fe.	21.1
3. Burtt, Dnipro	18.9
4. Deane, BC Odessa	18.4
5. Vukosavljevi., Hal.	17.9
6. King, BC Odessa	17.5
7. Guinn, Fe.	17.1
8. Mitchell, Khimik	16.9
9. Green, Mykolaiv	16.9
10. Harris, Halychyna	16.3

Rebounds Per Game

Vladan VUKOSAVLJEVIC
  Halych.
  (206-F/C-84)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Vukosavljevi., Hal.	10.9
2. King, BC Odessa	10.4
3. Dunigan, DniproAzot	8.9
4. Davis, Fe.	8.4
5. Odufuwa, Halychyna	8.1
6. Goodridge, BC Kyiv	8.0
7. Drozdov, Azovmash	7.7
8. Davis, Kryvbasb.	7.6
9. Todic, Halychyna	7.4
10. Pupovic, Cherkasy	7.3

Assists Per Game

Darrel MITCHELL
  Khimik
  (181-PG-84)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Mitchell, Khimik	5.9
2. Deane, BC Odessa	5.8
3. Zimmerman, BC Kyiv	5.6
4. Rowe, BC Odessa	5.2
5. Ewing, Azovmash	5.2
6. Burtt, Dnipro	5.1
7. Florence, Kryvbasb.	5.1
8. Randle, Azovmash	4.7
9. Pringle, DniproAzot	4.6
10. Swanson, Hoverla	4.6

Steals Per Game

Frederick HOUSE
  Dnipro
  (195-F-78)
  Avg: 1.9

1. House, Dnipro	1.9
2. Chappell, Fe.	1.9
3. Florence, Kryvbasb.	1.9
4. Solomon, Cherkasy	1.7
5. Mitchell, Khimik	1.7
6. Minard, Azovmash	1.7
7. Sirsnins, DniproAz.	1.6
8. Ewing, Azovmash	1.6
9. Culpepper, Fe.	1.6
10. Tiggs, Hoverla	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Vernon GOODRIDGE
  BC Kyiv
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Goodridge, BC Kyiv	2.6
2. King, BC Odessa	2.4
3. McClintock, Mykola.	1.8
4. Kravtsov, BC Do.	1.7
5. Dunigan, DniproAzot	1.7
6. Korniyenko, Dnipro	1.5
7. Rizvic, Azovmash	1.5
8. Davis, Kryvbasb.	1.5
9. Hunter, Mykolaiv	1.4
10. Gorbenko, Dnipr.	1.2

Standings - Higher League

Higher League Standings

1. VolinBasket		29-7
2. Musson		29-7
3. Avantazh-Pol.		28-8
4. Aviastar		23-13
5. Pulsar		22-14
6. BK Kremen		19-17
7. Koksokh-Stal		15-21
8. Sportlitsey		9-27
9. Vinnitsky Zubry		5-31
10. Ternopil		1-35

Regular Season: Round 37

Apr. 22: VolinBasket - BK Kremen 83-72
Apr. 22: Vinnitsky Zubry - Pulsar 78-95
Apr. 22: Musson - Aviastar 77-59
Apr. 22: Sportlitsey - Ternopil 55-77
Apr. 22: Avantazh-Pol. - Koksokh-Stal 125-66

Superleague Round 3 of Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News

BC Odessa - Budivelnyk 99-98 OT

BC Odessa took the lead in the series versus Budivelnyk claiming a tough home win in Game 3. The hosts were tied at the half and again at the end of regular time. But they managed to win overtime period 17-16. BC Odessa made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Budivelnyk was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was American guard Justin Love (189-78, college: St.Louis) who had a double-double by scoring 22 points, 9 rebounds and 10 assists. His fellow American import guard Jason Rowe (178-78, college: Loyola, MD, agency: Two Points) chipped in 21 points and 9 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Zach Morley (203-83, college: Wisconsin) who recorded 16 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists and Dominican guard Luis Flores (188-81, college: Manhattan) added 22 points respectively. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
BC Odessa: J.Love 22+9reb+10ast, J.Rowe 21+3reb+9ast, S.King 21+6reb+1ast, S.Balashov 12+7reb+1ast, A.Kalnichenko 11+2reb+1ast, R.Kryvych 8+2reb+2ast
Budivelnyk: L.Flores 22+3ast, A.Agafonov 17+2reb, Z.Morley 16+7reb+8ast, M.Anisimovas 15+3reb+1ast, S.Sehovic 10+8reb+2ast, J.McClinton 8+4reb+1ast

Hoverla - Azovmash 72-77

Azovmash outscored Hoverla to surge ahead 2-1 in the series. The guests trailed by 10 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 4-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 77-72. The best player for the winners was American point guard Jerome Randle (178-87, college: California) who scored 20 points and 4 assists. Liberian-American forward Othello Hunter (203-86, college: Ohio St., agency: David Lee services) chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American point guard Dante Swanson (178-81, college: Tulsa, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) who recorded 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import point guard Marcus Walker (186-86, college: Colorado St., agency: Hart Sports Mngm) added 12 points and 10 assists respectively. Four Hoverla players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Azovmash: J.Randle 20+3reb+4ast, O.Hunter 13+7reb, O.Pecherov 10+6reb, J.Crispin 10+4ast, M.Walsh 8+6reb+6ast, A.Drozdov 8+7reb
Hoverla: K.Tiggs 21+2reb+1ast, D.Swanson 18+7reb+4ast, Y.Lemyk 12+9reb+3ast, M.Walker 12+3reb+10ast, B.Greene 3+2reb+1ast, A.Dubnyuk 2+1reb

Dnipro - BC Donetsk 78-82

BC Donetsk managed to eke out a difficult road win over Dnipro to step closer to the semifinals. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Dnipro won fourth quarter 18-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. BC Donetsk made 22-of-28 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game. BC Donetsk outrebounded Dnipro 34-23 including 22 on the defensive glass. Dnipro was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was international center Viacheslav Kravtsov (211-87, agency: Beo Basket) who scored 22 points and 5 rebounds (perfect from the field making all nine shots !!!). Serbian forward Ivan Radenovic (208-84, college: Arizona) chipped in 15 points and 8 rebounds. Four BC Donetsk players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Charles Thomas (203-86, college: Arkansas) who recorded 23 points and 4 assists and the other American import point guard Derrick Low (188-86, college: Washington St.) added 14 points and 8 assists respectively. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
BC Donetsk: V.Kravtsov 22+5reb, R.Curry 16+4reb+3ast, I.Radenovic 15+8reb+1ast, V.Stojanovski 13+3reb+3ast, D.Jackson 6+3reb, D.Gliebov 4+5reb+1ast
Dnipro: C.Thomas 23+4reb+4ast, D.Low 14+3reb+8ast, M.Korniyenko 12+6reb, M.Pantic 9+5reb+2ast, K.Glazyrin 6+1ast, S.Tymofeyenko 6

Ferro-ZNTU - Khimik 95-79

Ferro-ZNTU had little problems en route to the third straight win over Khimik. The game without a history. Ferro-ZNTU led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was guard Randy Culpepper (182-G-89, college: UTEP) (182-89, college: UTEP) who scored 40 points (!!!), 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Guard Jeremy Chappell (191-87, college: Robert Morris, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) chipped in 15 points and 6 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was point guard Darrel Mitchell (181-84, college: LSU, agency: Beo Basket) who recorded 17 points and 8 assists and power forward Aaron McGhee (203-79, college: Oklahoma) added 14 points and 10 rebounds respectively. Four Khimik players scored in double figures. Khimik's coach Darko Russo rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win.
Top scorers:
Ferro-ZNTU: R.Culpepper 40+6reb+6ast, J.Chappell 15+1reb+6ast, R.Guinn 14+5reb+1ast, A.Rybalko 8+10reb+3ast, H.Kandrusevich 7+1reb+1ast, S.Dikiy 6
Khimik: D.Mitchell 17+2reb+8ast, O.Prokopenko 15+2reb+1ast, A.McGhee 14+10reb, D.Ikovlev 12+8reb+3ast, S.Zavadsky 9, A.Sizov 6+2reb

Steven Burtt leaves Dnipro? - by Eurobasket News

Dnipro has been reported to release Steven Burtt (185-G-84, college: Iona) today. The guard is rumoured to have been involved in a fight at the team's training and the decision followed. Steven Burtt joined the Dnipropetrovsk team in 2010. This season his stats read 21.3 points, 3.7 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game in VTB League. In Superleague Steven Burtt posts 18.9 points, 5.1 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. Steven Burtt was named Eurobasket.com All-VTB League Import Player of the Year in 2011. He also got into All-Ukrainian Superleague 2nd Team in both 2010 and 2011. The guard was granted Ukrainian citizenship in 2011. He played for the Ukrainian National Team at 2011 EuroBasket. Steven Burtt averaged 11.6 points, 4.8 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals per appearance in Lithuania.

Higher League Round 37: VolinBasket claim Higher League crown - by Eurobasket News

The Regular Season in Higher League just ended.

The game between Top Four teams took place in Symferopil. Second ranked host Musson (29-7) defeated 4th placed Aviastar (23-13) 77-59. The game without a history. Musson led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to Aviastar's 18 and made 21-of-24 free shots (87.5 percent) during the game. Musson forced 23 Aviastar turnovers. Nikola Eromin stepped up and scored 20 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and guard Artem Shchepkin (194-86, agency: New Trend Agency) chipped in 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. At the losing side the former international guard Vitaly Boyko (183-82) responded with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Musson have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with VolinBasket. Aviastar at the other side keeps the fourth place with 13 games lost.
Ternopil-TNEU has finally registered their first victory this season after 35 consecutive loses. The win is especially important as it came on the road game in Bila Tserkva, where they outplayed Sportlitsey (9-27) 77-55. Point guard Vitaliy Zhornyak (179-93) nailed 12 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 8 steals for the winning side and Anton Kozlov accounted for 24 points. Forward Bogdan Korniyets (193-93) came up with 20 points and 9 rebounds for Sportlitsey in the defeat. It was the only win of guest team this round and in all other games host teams recorded victories. Ternopil-TNEU maintains tenth place with 1-35 record. Sportlitsey at the other side keeps the eighth position with 27 games lost.
Higher League top team - VolinBasket (29-7) managed to deliver another win on Sunday. This time they beat sixth ranked BK Kremen (19-17) in Lutsk 83-72. Bogdan Karebin fired 28 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. VolinBasket's coach Sergei Smityukh used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Andriy Novikov produced 21 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. VolinBasket maintains first place with 29-7 record, which they share with Musson. BK Kremen lost their third game in a row. They keep the sixth position with 17 games lost.
Third ranked Avantazh-Politekhnik (28-8) crushed at home 7th ranked Koksokh-Stal (15-21) by 59 points 125-66, which is the biggest margin this round. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Koksokh-Stal. Worth to mention a great performance of Timur Arabadzhi who helped to win the game recording a triple-double by scoring 34 points (!!!), 11 rebounds and 10 assists (on 14-of-16 shooting from the field). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Avantazh-Politekhnik maintains third place with 28-8 record behind leader VolinBasket. Koksokh-Stal at the other side keeps the seventh position with 21 games lost.

Sportlitsey - Ternopil 55-77

Ternopil-TNEU has finally registered their first victory this season after 35 consecutive loses. The win is especially important as it came on the road game in Bila Tserkva, where they outplayed Sportlitsey (9-27) 77-55. The game without a history. Ternopil-TNEU led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Sportlitsey to just 7 points in third quarter. Ternopil-TNEU dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Sportlitsey's 24. Ternopil-TNEU forced 22 Sportlitsey turnovers. Point guard Vitaliy Zhornyak (179-93) nailed 12 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 8 steals for the winning side and point guard Anton Kozlov (175-90) accounted for 24 points. Forward Bogdan Korniyets (193-93) came up with 20 points and 9 rebounds and guard Yaroslav Kuzmienko (185-93) added 16 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Sportlitsey in the defeat. It was the only win of guest team this round and in all other games host teams recorded victories. Ternopil-TNEU maintains tenth place with 1-35 record. Sportlitsey at the other side keeps the eighth position with 27 games lost.
Top scorers:
Ternopil: A.Kozlov 24+1reb+2ast, A.Dachenko 14+1reb+1ast, V.Zhornyak 12+8reb+7ast, P.Melashych 10+7reb, A.Nifonton 9+4reb+4ast, N.Lange 7+9reb+2ast
Sportlitsey: B.Korniyets 20+9reb+1ast, Y.Kuzmienko 16+5reb+2ast, V.Baljasnikov 7+7reb+1ast, B.Rudkivskyy 6+4reb+3ast, S.Bazilevskyi 2+7reb, O.Krylov 2+1reb+2ast

VolinBasket - BK Kremen 83-72

Higher League top team - VolinBasket (29-7) managed to deliver another win on Sunday. This time they beat sixth ranked BK Kremen (19-17) in Lutsk 83-72 and sealed the championship title. The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 14-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 83-72. VolinBasket looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists comparing to just 7 passes made by BK Kremen's players. Guard Bogdan Karebin (191-78) fired 28 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Power forward Vadim Reka (206-F/C-83) chipped in a double-double by scoring 21 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. VolinBasket's coach Sergei Smityukh used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Forward Andriy Novikov (200-89) produced 21 points and 7 rebounds and Russian center Igor Chumichev (209-89, agency: RU-Basket Management) added 17 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. VolinBasket maintains first place with 29-7 record, which they share with Musson. BK Kremen lost their third game in a row. They keep the sixth position with 17 games lost.
Top scorers:
VolinBasket: B.Karebin 28+7reb+1ast, V.Reka 21+11reb+4ast, A.Shelukha 8+5reb+5ast, I.Dranchenko 7+1reb+1ast, V.Zhurzhiy 7+1reb+5ast, O.Riabinin 6+1reb+2ast
BK Kremen: A.Novikov 21+7reb, I.Chumichev 17+9reb, V.Tonchenko 14+6ast, D.Cherginsekiy 8+1reb, A.Ovcharenko 7+6reb+1ast, D.Horunzhiy 2+3reb

Musson - Aviastar 77-59

The game between Top Four teams took place in Symferopil. Second ranked host Musson (29-7) defeated 4th placed Aviastar (23-13) 77-59. The game without a history. Musson led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to Aviastar's 18 and made 21-of-24 free shots (87.5 percent) during the game. Musson forced 23 Aviastar turnovers. Nikola Eromin stepped up and scored 20 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and guard Artem Shchepkin (194-86, agency: New Trend Agency) chipped in 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Shchepkin is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Musson players scored in double figures. At the losing side the former international guard Vitaly Boyko (183-82) responded with 14 points and 5 rebounds and guard Olexiy Sevastianov (190-88) scored 7 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Musson have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with VolinBasket. Aviastar at the other side keeps the fourth place with 13 games lost.
Top scorers:
Musson: N.Eromin 20+6reb+1ast, A.Shchepkin 14+5reb+5ast, A.Senkevich 14+1reb+2ast, I.Kozhevatov 13+3reb, D.Lipovtsev 9+11reb+2ast, D.Baiandin 3+1reb
Aviastar: V.Boyko 14+5reb+3ast, S.Fedorov 10+4reb+3ast, I.Mahinyko 8+1reb, O.Sevastianov 7+7reb+3ast, V.Onishenko 6+1reb+5ast, D.Vinogradski 4+7reb+3ast

Avantazh-Pol. - Koksokh-Stal 125-66

Third ranked Avantazh-Politekhnik (28-8) crushed at home 7th ranked Koksokh-Stal (15-21) by 59 points 125-66, which is the biggest margin this round. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Koksokh-Stal. The game without a history. Avantazh-Politekhnik led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Koksokh-Stal to just 4 points in first quarter. Avantazh-Politekhnik dominated down low during the game scoring 72 of its points in the paint compared to Koksokh-Stal's 50. They outrebounded Koksokh-Stal 45-25 including a 34-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. Avantazh-Politekhnik shot the lights out from three nailing 12 long-distance shots on high 54.5 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 29 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Koksokh-Stal's players. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international guard Timur Arabadzhi (192-81) who helped to win the game recording a triple-double by scoring 34 points (!!!), 11 rebounds and 10 assists (on 14-of-16 shooting from the field). Forward Anton Rochnyak (206-91) contributed with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Swingman Boris Bereziuk (196-87) answered with 21 points and power forward Jan Selivanov (200-79) added 11 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Koksokh-Stal. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Avantazh-Politekhnik maintains third place with 28-8 record behind leader VolinBasket. Koksokh-Stal at the other side keeps the seventh position with 21 games lost.
Top scorers:
Avantazh-Pol.: T.Arabadzhi 34+11reb+10ast, R.Kozlov 16+1reb+3ast, A.Mikhaylov 16+6reb+1ast, A.Rochnyak 14+12reb+3ast, V.Sainiev 11+2reb+6ast, R.Borovskyi 11+2reb+2ast
Koksokh-Stal: B.Bereziuk 21+2reb+1ast, A.Kolomiychuk 12+6reb, D.Harkovskyi 11+2reb+1ast, J.Selivanov 11+8reb, P.Haylo 6+1reb+6ast, P.Gaydamaka 3+4reb

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UNITED KINGDOM

BBL Team Of The Week -Week 29 - by Paul Nilsen

Three players book debut appearances to end the regular season in style in what is an all Lions-Jets line-up

Demarius Bolds (190-G-84, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: Missouri Western) (Prestige Homes MK Lions)
The do-it-all marquee Lions player Demarius Bolds (190-G-84, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: Missouri Western) lands his fifth appearance in our starting five after inspiring his team to a terrific success against UCP Plymouth Raiders in the highest scoring BBL game of the season. Much of the reason for that was the form of Bolds who posted one of the highest performance valuation scores of the campaign with 42 after pouring in 40 points. He just missed out on a double-double with an impressive nine assists as well as six rebounds although like everyone else in the contest, struggled to get his usual quota of steals with both respective defences going AWOL on the night.

Nuno Pedroso (187-G-79) (Prestige Homes MK Lions)
The Portuguese guard makes his first appearance on the last weekend of the season when Lions claimed a win-double but of course even this couldnt make up for the disappointment of missing out on the play-offs. Still, Pedroso can reflect on one of his best performances since he also excelled in the penultimate game of the season against the Raiders. Unlike his team-mate and backcourt partner Demarius Bolds (190-G-84, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: Missouri Western), he did manage to complete a double-double with a super 22 points and 10 assists. He also pulled down five rebounds and mustered three steals in an all-action display.

Kai Williams (198-F-89, college: S.Dakota St.) (Cheshire Jets)
Cheshire Jets were another team to collect two victories on the last weekend of the regular season and it was the sharp shooting of Kai Williams (198-F-89, college: S.Dakota St.) which gave them a victory over league champions Newcastle Eagles at Sport Central last Friday and the platform to then snatch sixth spot with Sundays win against One Health Sharks Sheffield. Williams was one fire from downtown making an eye-popping five of six triples in a stunning 29 point haul. He also harvested eight rebounds and four assists.

Daniel Northern (206-F/C-85, college: Tenn Tech) (Prestige Homes MK Lions)
Theres little doubt Daniel Northern saved his best until last with two scintillating displays to sign off his campaign. In fact both of his respective performances during the weekend were worthy of a place in our starting five. He was also on song against Raiders with a double-double of 27 points and 12 rebounds but it was his even better contribution against Durham Wildcats 24 hours later which impressed slightly more. He claimed his second double-double of the weekend with 26 points and 12 rebounds including 11 of 14 shooting, three blocks and two steals.

Bill Cole (205-F-89, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Illinois) (Cheshire Jets)
With team-mate Kai Williams (198-F-89, college: S.Dakota St.) having done the business for Jets on Tyneside, it was Bill Cole who took led the way in Sundays decisive and incredibly impressive victory over Sharks. Cole just edged out a number of his team-mates including Matt Schneck to claim his first BBL Team Of The Week slot something I am sure his frontcourt partner wouldnt begrudge him. The energetic high flying Cole was everywhere as he landed a double-double of 20 points, 11 rebounds as well as coming up with six assists, two blocks and two steals.

Off The Bench Paul Williams (UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders), Matt Schneck (Cheshire Jets), Jimmy Langhurst (One Health Sharks Sheffield), Ayron Hardy (Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders), Mike Capocci (Durham Wildcats), Ralph Bucci (Durham Wildcats)

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VENEZUELA

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings

1. Marinos		28-8
2. Cocodrilos		28-8
3. Trotamundos		20-16
4. Guaiqueries		19-17
5. Gigantes		19-17
6. Bucaneros		18-16
7. Guaros		17-19
8. Gaiteros		14-22
9. Panteras		9-25
10. Toros		6-30

Stats Leaders - LPB

Points Per Game

Donald SIMS
  Gaiteros
  (185-PG-87)
  Avg: 24.1

1. Sims, Gaiteros	24.1
2. Holland, Toros	23.1
3. Romero, Trotamun.	21.9
4. Pena, Toros	21.4
5. Rodgers, Marinos	19.9
6. Adams, Guaiqueries	18.9
7. Hickerson, Bucan.	18.1
8. Edwin, Gaiteros	17.5
9. Stoll, Gigantes	17.1
10. Elliott, Cocodril.	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Torraye BRAGGS
  Gaiteros
  (203-F/C-76)
  Avg: 9.3

1. Braggs, Gaiteros	9.3
2. Pruitt, Trotamun.	9.3
3. Fuller, Panteras	9.3
4. Urbina, Toros	8.5
5. Sucre, Marinos	7.9
6. Gransberry, Cocod.	7.7
7. Lugo, Guaiqueries	7.3
8. Colmenares, Cocod.	7.3
9. Warner, Bucaneros	7.1
10. Feeley, Gigantes	6.8

Assists Per Game

Paul STOLL
  Gigantes
  (178-PG-85)
  Avg: 7.3

1. Stoll, Gigantes	7.3
2. Vargas, Marinos	5.6
3. Cubillan, Trotamun.	5.3
4. Guillent, Bucaneros	4.6
5. Guillent, Guaros	4.3
6. Elliott, Cocodrilos	4.2
7. Braggs, Gaiteros	4.1
8. Pena, Toros	4.1
9. Centeno, Cocodrilos	3.6
10. Sims, Gaiteros	3.5

Steals Per Game

Paul STOLL
  Gigantes
  (178-PG-85)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Stoll, Gigantes	4.3
2. Pena, Toros	2.8
3. Guillent, Bucaneros	2.8
4. Vargas, Marinos	2.6
5. Elliott, Cocodrilos	2.6
6. Sims, Gaiteros	2.5
7. Adams, Guaiqueries	2.5
8. Horton, Panteras	2.3
9. Cazorla, Gigantes	1.9
10. Perez, Trotamund.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Ryan MOSS
  Marinos
  (200-F/C-74)
  Avg: 2

1. Moss, Marinos	2.0
2. Lugo, Guaiqueries	1.6
3. Osorio, Panteras	1.5
4. Graterol, Cocodril.	1.5
5. Hardin, Marinos	1.4
6. Romero, Trotamun.	1.3
7. Warner, Bucaneros	1.1
8. Pruitt, Trotamun.	1.0
9. Marriaga, Marinos	0.9
10. Warren, Guaiquer.	0.8

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WCBL

First loss for the Breakers - by Gianni Pascucci

The Santa Barbara Breakers suffered their first loss of the season Saturday, April 21 night to the Long Beach Rockets, 122-114. Down 18 entering the final period, the Breakers finally woke up and made a run. They cut the lead down to single digits with the help of 14 fourth quarter points from Arnette Hollis (6'5''-G/F-88). Unfortunately for Santa Barbara, the effort came too little too late. The best scorer for Santa Barbara was Stan Fletcher (6'4''-G-80, college: Moorpark CC), who finished with 36 points. Hollins also tallied 26 points. Veteran Tony Farmer (6'10''-F/C-70, college: Nebraska) controlled the boards for the Breakers, Chet Johnson (6'4''-F/G-81, college: CS San Bernar.) and Theron Laudermill (6'7''-F) were pivotal in the third quarter rally that allowed Long Beach to keep the lead in the score.
The Breakers resume play next Saturday against the High Desert Spartans

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Women News

Angolan National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Camufal

Vicente

Guadalupe

Manuel

Mauricio

Catarina Camufal

167-G-80

Inter-Clube Angola

Luzia Simao

Inter-Clube Angola

Astrida Vicente

174-F/G-78

Inter-Clube Angola

Sonia Guadalupe

188-F/G-85

Inter-Clube Angola

Luisa Macuto

192-C-83

Inter-Clube Angola

Nadir Manuel

183-F-86

Inter-Clube Angola

Ngiendula Filipe

178-F-82

Inter-Clube Angola

Angelina Golome

Inter-Clube Angola

Fineza Eusebio

1 De Agosto Angola

Felizarda Jorge

172-F-85

1 De Agosto Angola

Nacissela Mauricio

181-F-80

1 De Agosto Angola

Angela Cardoso

180-F-79

1 De Agosto Angola

Madalena Felix

1 De Agosto Angola

Merciana Fernandes

D.Maculusso Angola

Ana Claudia Goncalves

180-F-93

Inter Benguela Angola

Flora Muzangueno

Juventude

Artemis Afonso

182-PF-93

AD Vagos

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AUSTRALIA

15 WNBL players named in Jayco Opals training squad - by Eurobasket News

Basketball Australia has announced the Jayco Australian Opals camp details for May, including the list of 20 athletes who will take part in the upcoming camp at the Australian Institute of Sport from Monday 14 May until Friday 18 May, 2012.

A whopping 15 WNBL players have been named in the squad, headlined by WNBL MVP Suzy Batkovic-Brown (193-C-80), Dandenong WNBL Championship duo Jenna O'Hea (185-G/F-87) and Kathleen Macleod (167-G-86), soon-to-be four-time Olympian Kristi Harrower (166-G-75) and Bulleen trio Liz Cambage, Rachel Jarry (185-G-91) and Samantha Richards (167-G-83).

Overseas-based stars Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81), Laura Hodges (nee Summerton and Natalie Hurst will provide quality and experience in what shapes as a pivotal part of the Opals London preparation.

The Jayco Opals May training camp schedule will be split into two blocks, with 20 athletes heading into the first five days of training from May 14.

Following the conclusion of the first week of training on Friday 18 May, the Jayco Opals coaching staff will make selections for a reduced squad ahead of Camp 2, which commences on Monday 21 May, 2012 and will run until Wednesday, 30 May 2012.

The Jayco Australian Opals have won Silver at the last three Olympic Games, and following a fifth place finish at the 2010 FIBA World Championship, they are setting their sights on continuing a long and proud history of the Jayco Opals program, by returning to the podium in London in 2012.

2012 JAYCO AUSTRALIAN OPALS MAY TRAINING CAMP SQUAD
Suzy BATKOVIC / 192cm / Forward/Centre / 17 Dec, 1980 / Adelaide Lightning
Abby BISHOP / 189 cm / Forward / 29 Nov, 1988 / Adelaide Lightning
Elizabeth CAMBAGE / 203cm / Centre / 18 Aug, 1991 / Bulleen Boomers
Rohanee COX / 182cm / Forward / 23 Apr, 1980 / West Coast Waves
Cayla FRANCIS / 192cm / Forward/Centre / 1 May, 1989 / Logan Thunder
Kristi HARROWER / 163cm / Guard / 4 Mar, 1975 / Bendigo Spirit
Laura HODGES (nee Summerton) / 188cm / Forward / 13 Dec, 1983 / Bracco Geas Sesto, Italy
Natalie HURST / 163cm / Guard / 8 Apr, 1983 / Aix-en Provence, France
Lauren JACKSON / 195cm / Forward/Centre / 11 May, 1981 / Ros Casares, Spain
Rachel JARRY / 185cm / Forward / 6 Dec, 1991 / Bulleen Boomers
Kathleen MACLEOD / 168cm / Guard / 23 Oct, 1986 / Dandenong Rangers
Jenna OHEA / 185cm / Guard/Forward / 6 Jun, 1987 / Dandenong Rangers
** Elyse PENALUNA / 193cm / Forward / 23 Apr, 1988 / Bulleen Boomers
Erin PHILLIPS / 173cm / Guard / 19 May, 1985 / TS Wisla Can-Pak, Poland
Samantha RICHARDS / 168cm / Guard / 24 Feb, 1983 / Bulleen Boomers
Jennifer SCREEN / 180cm / Guard / 26 Feb, 1982 / Adelaide Lightning
Belinda SNELL / 180cm / Guard/Forward / 10 Jan, 1981 / Sydney Uni. Flames
** Penny TAYLOR / 185cm / Guard/Forward / 24 May, 1981 / Fenerbahce, Turkey
Marianna TOLO / 196cm / Centre / 2 Jul, 1989 / Canberra Capitals
Kristen VEAL / 176 cm / Guard / 24 Jul, 1981 / Logan Thunder
Carly WILSON / 181cm / Guard/Forward / 8 Jul, 1982 / Canberra Capitals
Hanna ZAVECZ / 183cm / Guard/Forward / 21 Aug, 1985 / Uniqa Euroleasing Sopron, Hungary

** denotes players ruled out through injury

Courtesy of WNBL

Lauren Jackson selected the top Australian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Australian players, who play currently abroad.

Lauren Jackson

#1. This week's number one is former international power forward Lauren Jackson (196-81). She led Ros Casares to a 2-point victory over the closely-ranked Perfumerias Avenida (23-3) 74-72 in the Spanish LFB in Saturday night's game. Jackson was MVP of the game. She recorded 19 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 26 minutes on the court. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Ros Casares Valencia (26-0) is placed second in the LFB. So far her team won all games in the Finals. Jackson has relatively good stats this year: 12.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 48.9%, 3FGP: 38.5% and FT: 79.3% in the 24 games she played so far. She played for the Australian senior national team two years ago.

Hanna Zavecz

#2. Second place goes to an international swingman Hanna Zavecz (182-85), who plays in the Hungarian A. Zavecz could not help MKB Euroleasing (22-0) in their last game on Thursday. Despite her good performance the league leader MKB Euroleasing was defeated 65-58 on the road by the second-ranked UNI SEAT. Zavecz was the second best scorer with 12 points. She also added 6 rebounds. It's Zavecz's first season with the team. Zavecz is ranked fourth on the list of the best blockers in the league. This season she averages: 7.1ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.4spg, 2FGP: 47.0%, 3FGP: 16.7%. Zavecz is in the roster of the Australian senior national team.

Erin Phillips

#3. The Australian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international guard Erin Phillips (173-85). She led Wisla Can-Pak to a victory against the closely-ranked CCC Polkowice (22-4) 72-60 in the Polish PLKK on Sunday night. Phillips scored 12 points, made 3 passes and 3 steals in 24 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow (25-1) is placed first in the PLKK. It was her team's 13th consecutive victory in a row. This year Phillips has relatively solid stats: 10.5ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.2apg, 1.9spg, 2FGP: 50.5% and FT: 78.7% in the 19 games. She played for the Australian national team two years ago.

Rebecca Thoresen

#4. An experienced swingman Rebecca Thoresen (178-78) was not able to help TSV 1880 Wasserburg (11-11) in their game against SV Halle Lions (11-11) in the German DBBL. Thoresen scored 6 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. TSV 1880 Wasserburg was defeated 78-72 in Halle by the lower-ranked SV Lions (#7). Thoresen is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's her fourth year in TSV 1880 Wasserburg's roster. She has reliable stats this season: 11.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.8apg and 1.8spg. Thoresen has a dual citizenship: Australian and Maltese. Despite she played previously for the Maltese national team, Thoresen is currently in the Australian national team roster.

Other top Australian players, who play abroad:

Penny Taylor (185-F-81) plays for Fenerbahce in Turkish TKBL
Laura Summerton (191-C-83) plays for Bracco Geas in Italian A1
Hollie Grima (190-C/F-83) plays for Aix-en-Provence in French LFB
Natalie Hurst (163-G-83) plays for Aix-en-Provence in French LFB
Elyse Penaluna (193-C-88) plays for Aix-en-Provence in French LFB
Brigid Bowley (184-F-85) plays for Kibirkstis-Tiche in Lithuanian LMKL
Kayla McCarron (170-G) plays for Cape Breton University in Canadian university league CIS
Ashley Hirons (175-G) plays for University of Calgary in Canadian university league CIS
Diana Neves (170-G-87) plays for CAB Madeira in Portuguese Liga Feminina
Katina Mandylaris (183-C/F-85) plays for Fjolnir in Icelandic Express L.
Charmaine Furgeson (176-G-86) plays for Horsens in Danish Dameligaen

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

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BELARUS

Tatsiana Likhtarovich selected the top Belarusian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

We bring you last week's top performances from Belarusians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Tatsiana Likhtarovich

#1. This week's number one is an international swingman Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-88, agency: LBM Management). She led her Lithuanian team VICI Aistes to a victory over the leader Gorizont (6-0) 79-66 in the Baltic League in Saturday night's game. Likhtarovich was MVP of the game. She recorded 24 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in 35 minutes on the court. It was the game of the round between two top 2 ranked teams in group C. VICI Aistes Kaunas (4-2) is placed first. Likhtarovich has relatively good stats this year: 12.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 54.5%, 3FGP: 25.9% and FT: 85.7% in the eight games she played so far. She is currently a member of the Belarusian senior national team.

Alexandra Tarasava

#2. Second place goes to an international point guard Alexandra Tarasava (170-88). Tarasava was the main contributor in a VS Praha's victory against the third-ranked Kara Trutnov (19-13) 83-70 in the Czech Republic ZBL last Sunday. She was the best player in that game. Tarasava scored 26 points (!!!), made 3 passes and 3 steals. VS Praha (19-13) is placed fourth in Group A1. Tarasava is currently third on the list of best passers. She has very reliable stats this season: 12.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.6apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 49.9%, 3FGP: 33.7% and FT: 84.8%. Tarasava is in the roster of the Belarusian senior national team.

Ala Murauskaya

#3. The Belarusian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Ala Murauskaya (187-85). She contributed to a TTT Riga's victory against the closely-ranked Cesis (22-6) 75-68 in the Latvian LSBL on Wednesday night. Murauskaya was the top player that evening. She had a double-double by scoring 22 points and getting 14 rebounds. Murauskaya also added 6 assists and 4 steals in 48 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. TTT Riga (27-1) is placed first in the LSBL. It was her team's 11th consecutive victory in a row. Murauskaya has individually a very good year with high stats. She averages: 15.7ppg, 8.3rpg, 3.9apg, 3.1spg, 2FGP: 44.8%, 3FGP: 35.3% and FT: 63.6% in the seven games. Murauskaya played for the Belarusian national team eight years ago.

Anastasiya Veremeenko

#4. Center Anastasiya Veremeenko (192-87) helped Nadezhda Orenburg win their game against the closely-ranked Dynamo Kursk (13-5) 75-70 in the Russian PBL in Monday night's game. She recorded 12 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Nadezhda Orenburg (13-5) is placed fourth in the PBL. It's Veremeenko's seventh season with the team. Veremeenko is currently seventh on the list of best rebounders and also on the list of best blockers (first place). Her overall stats this season are: 9.6ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.4apg and 1.5bpg. Veremeenko is also Belarusian national team player.

Yelena Leuchanka

#5. International center Yelena Leuchanka (196-83, college: W.Virginia) helped UMMC Ekaterinburg win their game against the closely-ranked Spartak Vidnoye (16-2) 80-65 in the Russian PBL last Monday. She recorded 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in a mere 18 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. UMMC Ekaterinburg (17-1) is placed first in the PBL. It was her team's tenth consecutive victory in a row. This year Leuchanka's overall stats are: 8.6ppg and 5.5rpg in the 17 games. She plays currently for the Belarusian national team.

Lidia Panasiuk

#6. Center Lidia Panasiuk (183-85) helped Ruta Siauliai win their game against the closely-ranked Sirenos (17-11) 77-73 in the Lithuanian LMKL on Friday night. Panasiuk scored 20 points and added 4 assists. Ruta Siauliai (9-19) is placed sixth in the LMKL. Panasiuk is currently fourth on the list of top scorers. This season she has very high stats. Panasiuk averages: 15.4ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.9apg and 1.2spg. She is an international player who is currently on the senior Belarusian National Team roster.

Nataliya Trofimowa

#7. An experienced international forward Nataliya Trofimowa (186-79) helped Lider Pruszkow win their game against the closely-ranked ROW Rybnik (15-11) crushing them 84-63 in the Polish PLKK in Wednesday night's game. Trofimowa scored 8 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 20 minutes. Matizol Lider Pruszkow (14-12) is placed seventh in the PLKK. This year Trofimowa's total stats are: 7.6ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.2apg and 1.2spg in the 19 games. She is also Belarusian national team player.

Volha Ziuzkova

#8. Guard Volha Ziuzkova (171-83) is a teammate of previously mentioned Lidia Panasiuk and both played together in the last Lithuanian LMKL game. Ziuzkova helped Ruta Siauliai win their game against the closely-ranked Sirenos (17-11) 77-73. She scored 10 points and added 7 assists. Ziuzkova belongs to league's best passers and is ranked #3. This season she has very good stats: 10.9ppg, 3.8rpg, 5.2apg and 2.7spg. Ziuzkova plays currently for the Belarusian national team.

Katsiaryna Zberch

#9. International center Katsiaryna Zberch (188-78), who plays in the German DBBL could not help TSV 1880 Wasserburg (11-11) to beat SV Halle Lions (11-11). She recorded 7 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 19 minutes. TSV 1880 Wasserburg lost 59-65 on the road to the lower-ranked (#7) SV Halle Lions. Zberch has averaged so far 4.0ppg and 1.8rpg in the 21 games. She is also in the roster of the Belarusian national team.

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BELGIUM

Standings - Women

D1 Stage Two 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. Tulikivi Deerlijk		0-1
4. Jeugd Gentson		0-2

Stage One Standings

Finals: Round 2

Apr. 21: Kangoeroes-B. - Blue Cats 80-74

Play-Out

Apr. 22: Willebroek - Castors Braine 56-77
Apr. 22: Tulikivi Deerlijk - Jeugd Gentson 54-69

Finals: Round 3

Apr. 25: Kangoeroes-B. - Blue Cats

D1 Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Emma MEESSEMAN
  Blue C.
  (192-C-93)
  Avg: 19.2

1. Meesseman, Blue C.	19.2
2. Greene, Point Cha.	18.0
3. Mayombo, Point C.	18.0
4. Conicelli, Jeugd G.	17.9
5. Lucet, Castors	17.5
6. Vasovic, Houthalen	17.2
7. Tetschlag, Waregem	16.2
8. Celus, Sint Kateli.	15.3
9. Ballau, Spirou M.	14.8
10. Rosseel, Blue Ca.	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

Kayla TETSCHLAG
  Waregem
  (182-G/F-89)
  Avg: 12.5

1. Tetschlag, Waregem	12.5
2. Conicelli, Jeugd G.	12.5
3. Greene, Point Cha.	12.2
4. Lucet, Castors	11.5
5. Meesseman, Blue C.	9.3
6. Burks-Wiley, Casto.	8.8
7. Maes, Tulikivi.	8.5
8. Medvedeva, Tuliki.	8.1
9. Deyaert, Waregem	7.5
10. Arrondo, Castors	7.5

Assists Per Game

Sien DEVLIEGHER
  Blue Cats
  (175-SF-93)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Devliegher, Blue C.	3.6
2. Arrondo, Castors	3.4
3. Ballau, Spirou M.	3.3
4. Blommaers, Houth.	3.1
5. Deyaert, Waregem	2.3
6. Rosseel, Blue Cats	2.3
7. Meesseman, Blue C.	2.2
8. Salvi, Houthalen	2.2
9. Delaere, Kangoero.	2.0
10. Tetschlag, Wareg.	2.0

Steals Per Game

Jessilyn CONICELLI
  Jeugd G.
  (182-F-89)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Conicelli, Jeugd G.	2.8
2. Blommaers, Houth.	2.7
3. Celus, Sint Kateli.	2.6
4. Mayombo, Point C.	2.6
5. Rosseel, Blue Cats	2.3
6. Greene, Point Cha.	2.2
7. Dochez, Willebroek	2.2
8. Arrondo, Castors	2.1
9. Meesseman, Blue C.	2.1
10. Jones, Dexia Nam.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Emma MEESSEMAN
  Blue C.
  (192-C-93)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Meesseman, Blue C.	1.7
2. Dochez, Willebroek	1.2
3. Hendrickx, Kangoe.	0.8
4. Boonen, Kangoero.	0.8
5. VanMalderen, Dexia	0.7
6. Medvedeva, Tuliki.	0.7
7. Deyaert, Waregem	0.6
8. Lucet, Castors	0.6
9. Ben Abdelkad., Dex.	0.6
10. Nauwelaers, Sint	0.6

Playoff Finals: Kangoeroes-Boom beats Blue Cats 80-74, forces decisive Game Three - by Eurobasket News

Playoff Finals, Game 2: Kangoeroes-Booom - Blue Cats 80-74 (1-1)

Second game of the Playoff Finals in Belgium was played on Saturday. Kangoeroes-Boom celebrated 80-74 home win tying the score to 1-1 in the series. Thanks to this victory Boom forced decisive Game Three. That meeting will be played on Wednesday and same team will be the host. Boom tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. 25 personal fouls committed by Blue Cats helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. International Antonia Delaere (175-94) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points and 5 rebounds. Guard Vreny Van Driel (176-88) contributed with 18 points and 5 assists for the winners. International center Emma Meesseman (192-93) replied with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds and guard Jasmina Rosseel (172-89, college: Drexel) added 14 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Blue Cats. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.

Kangoeroes-B.: A.Delaere 19+5reb+2ast, V.Van Driel 18+1reb+5ast, D.Boonen 14+4reb+5ast, S.Hendrickx 11+4reb+2ast, I.Meylemans 6+2reb+2ast, L.Malfait 6+2reb
Blue Cats: E.Meesseman 24+10reb, J.Rosseel 14+6reb, S.Devliegher 14+5reb, L.Drake 10+5reb+1ast, L.Lentacker 8+3reb+1ast, M.Versavel 2+1reb+3ast

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BOSNIA

Marica Gajic's double-double lands her Player of the Week award among Bosnians playing currently abroad - by Eurobasket Center

We bring you last week's top performances from Bosnians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Marica Gajic

#1. This week's number one is former U18 international center Marica Gajic (192-95). She led Athlete Celje to a 1-point victory against the second-ranked Triglav (24-4) 79-78 in the Slovenian SKL in Tuesday night's game. Gajic had a double-double by scoring 11 points and getting 15 rebounds in 30 minutes on the court. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group Places 1-6. ZKK Athlete Celje (27-1) is placed first. It was her team's tenth consecutive victory in a row. The Second Stage already ended. It's Gajic's first season with the team. Gajic belongs to league's best rebounders and is ranked #2 with 9.5rpg. She also averaged so far 7.5ppg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 51.8%, 3FGP: 25.0% and FT: 71.9% in the 19 games she played so far. Gajic played for the Bosnia and Herzegovina U18 national team two years ago.

Dzenita Novi

#2. Second place goes to former U18 international guard Dzenita Novi (180-93). She contributed to an easy victory against the leader Grosuplje (21-5) crushing them 89-65 in the Slovenian SKL last Tuesday. Novi recorded 6 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group Places 1-6. AJM Maribor (17-11) is placed third. The Second Stage already ended. Novi has relatively good stats this season: 10.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.3apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 47.3%, 3FGP: 33.3% and FT: 71.4%. She played for the Bosnia and Herzegovina U18 national team in 2010.

Selma Delibasic

#3. The Bosnia and Herzegovina player who performed third best last week abroad was former international center Selma Delibasic (194-80), who plays in the Italian A2 (12th division). Delibasic could not help Consum.it Siena (6-20) in their last game. Despite her good performance the 12th-placed Consum.it Siena was edged 57-54 on the road by the much higher-ranked (#3) C.U.S. Chieti in the South group. Delibasic was the top scorer with 13 points in only a mere 1 minutes. It was Consum.it Siena's seventh consecutive loss in a row. The Regular Season already ended. This year Delibasic has relatively solid stats: 10.7ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 45.3%, 3FGP: 25.0% and FT: 74.4% in the 25 games. She played for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team two years ago.

Amra Mehmedic

#4. Guard Amra Mehmedic (177-81) was not able to help Satu Mare (22-8) in their game against ICIM Arad (27-3) in the Romanian D1. Mehmedic's contribution was not very remarkable in Saturday's game. She recorded only 2 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Satu Mare was defeated 61-54 in Arad by the second-ranked ICIM. Mehmedic is currently first on the list of best passers. She has very reliable stats this season: 10.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 5.4apg and 2.0spg. Mehmedic is also Bosnia and Herzegovina national team player.

#5. Former international power forward Alma Kovacevic (186-83) faced previously mentioned Amra Mehmedic in the Romanian D1 last game. Kovacevic managed to help BC ICIM Arad in a victory against the sixth-ranked Satu Mare (22-8) 61-54. She recorded only 2 points in 6 minutes on the court. This year Kovacevic's overall stats are: 3.9ppg and 3.7rpg in the 15 games. She used to play for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team two years ago.

Other top Bosnia and Herzegovina players, who play abroad:

Ana Niksic (181-F-91) plays for Crvena Zvezda in Serbian A League
Natasa Karic (179-G-90) plays for Beocin in Serbian A League
Mirna Paunovic (185-F/C-76) plays for Eisvogel Freiburg in German DBBL
Mirela Barac (92) plays for Pleter in Croatian A1
Aldijana Iriskic (172-G-85) plays for Pleter in Croatian A1
Natasa Mikic (181-G-84) plays for Pleter in Croatian A1
Martina Jazic (185-F-90) plays for Pleter in Croatian A1
Zorka Bilic (192-C-78) plays for KK Zadar in Croatian A1
Suzana Vukadin (178-F/C-89) plays for Croatia 2006 in Croatian A1
Marija Kovac (175-G-89) plays for Croatia 2006 in Croatian A1
Bozena Rados (193-C-82) plays for Rockwool Pula in Croatian A1

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

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BRAZIL

Erika De Souza's double-double lands her Player of the Week award among Brazilians playing currently abroad - by Eurobasket Center

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Brazilian players, who play currently abroad.

Erika De Souza

#1. This week's number one is an international center Erika De Souza (197-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas), who plays in the Spanish LFB. She could not help one of league's weakest teams Perfumerias Avenida (23-3) in their last game. Despite De Souza's good performance Perfumerias Avenida was edged 74-72 on the road by the second-ranked Ros Casares. She had a double-double by scoring 14 points and getting 11 rebounds in 38 minutes on the court. De Souza is currently sixth on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of best rebounders (sixth place). She has individually a very good year with high stats. De Souza averages: 15.2ppg, 9.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 52.8% and FT: 68.1% in the 23 games she played so far. She is currently a member of the Brazilian senior national team.

Naomi Kolodny

#2. Second place goes to an international point guard Naomi Kolodny (171-82, agency: Data Plus Group), who plays in the Israeli D1. Kolodny was not able to help Maccabi Ashdod (15-5) in their last game on Monday. Despite her good performance the league leader Maccabi Ashdod was defeated 68-60 in Ramla by the second-ranked Elitzur. Kolodny scored 12 points. Kolodny's overall stats this season are: 5.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.1apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 47.9%, 3FGP: 24.6% and FT: 77.3%. She has a dual citizenship: Brazilian and Israeli. Despite Kolodny played previously for the Israeli national team, she is currently a member of the Brazilian senior national team.

Flavia Santos

#3. The Brazilian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international center Flavia Santos (187-82). Santos was the major contributor in an AD Vagos' victory against the seventh-ranked Academico FC - Liberty Seguros (9-13) 65-59 in the Portuguese Liga Feminina on Saturday night. She had a double-double by scoring 17 points and getting 12 rebounds in 31 minutes. AD Vagos (20-2) is placed second in the Liga Feminina. It was her team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. It's Santos' first season with the team. Santos is currently fifth on the list of top scorers and also on the list of best rebounders (fifth place). She has very impressive stats this year: 17.2ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 51.0%, 3FGP: 21.1% and FT: 65.8% in the 22 games. Despite Santos played previously for the Israeli national team, she is currently a member of the Brazilian senior national team.

Geisa Campos

#4. An experienced center Geisa Campos (188-79) led Pais Vasco to an easy victory against the eighth-ranked Space Tanit Eivissa (14-12) crushing them 90-55 in the Spanish LF2 (12th division) in Wednesday night's game. Campos recorded 12 points. Universidad del Pais Vasco San Sebastian (22-5) is placed first in Group B. It was her team's third consecutive victory in a row. They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And that game will be critical. Campos has relatively good stats this season: 13.6ppg, 9.4rpg, 1.6apg and 1.1bpg. Despite she played previously for the Israeli national team, Campos is currently in the Brazilian national team roster.

Tayara Madonna

#5. International swingman Tayara Madonna (173-91) was not able to secure a victory for Udine (14-12) in their game against Vigarano (22-4) in the Italian A2 (12th division). She scored 7 points and had 3 steals in 24 minutes. The sixth-placed Udine lost 49-57 on the opponent's court to the leading Vigarano in the North group. They ended the series of three consecutive victories. Madonna's team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial. Madonna is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's her fourth year in Udine's roster. This season her overall stats are: 7.9ppg, 2.4rpg and 2.2spg in the 25 games. Madonna is another player who holds two passports: Brazilian and Italian. Despite she played previously for the Italian U20 national team, Madonna is currently in the Brazilian national team roster.

Other top Brazilian players, who play abroad:

Cristina Sousa (173-G-78) plays for Joventud Mariana in Spanish LFB
Adriana Moises Pinto (169-G-78) plays for Basket Parma in Italian A1
Damiris Dantas (192-C-92) plays for Real Celta Vigo in Spanish LFB
Franciele Nascimento (191-C-87) plays for Hondarribia-Irun in Spanish LFB
Samara Pereira (179-F-91) plays for University of Calgary in Canadian university league CIS
Lilian Goncalves (186-F-79) plays for AD Vagos in Portuguese Liga Feminina
Larisse Lima (177-G-88) plays for Lombos Quinta in Portuguese Liga Feminina
Daniela Oliveira plays for Boa Viagem in Portuguese Liga Feminina
Silvia Santos Luz (173-G/F-75) plays for Northland in Swedish Damligan

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CROATIA

Gospic blasts Pleter again, advances to the Finals - by Eurobasket News

Second games of the Playoff Semifinals in Croatia were played on Saturday and Sunday.
Gospic CO destroyed Pleter on the road 59-97 winning the series with perfect 2-0. It means that Gospic advanced to the Finals and now waits for the winner of Jolly JBS - Novi Zagreb series. Julie McBride (165-G-82, college: Syracuse) led Gospic with 20 points and Sandra Mandir (177-G-77) followed with 3 less. Jelena Ivezic (182-F/G-84) helped her team with 13 points. In defeat, Aldijana Iriskic (172-G-85) had 20. Quarters - 13:29, 12:29, 12:26, 22:13.
In the other series, Jolly JBS handed 77-73 loss to Novi Zagreb tying the score to 1-1. Novi Zagreb will be the host of crucial Game Three. Antonija Misura (178-F-88) shined with 23 points for Jolly and Ana Semren (190-C-88) had 21. Mirna Mazic (188-F-85, college: Richmond) responded with 21 points in defeat. Quarters - 22:20, 21:8,15:27,19:18.

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FRANCE

Standings - NF1 (Women) - by Eurobasket News

LF2 Standings

1. Perpignan		21-4
2. Toulouse		20-5
3. COB Calais		19-5
4. Voiron		14-11
5. Roche		14-11
6. Laveyron		13-11
7. Armentieres		12-13
8. LTB 29		10-14
9. Dunkerque		10-15
10. Reims		9-16
11. SIG		9-17
12. Limoges		8-17
13. CFBB		8-18
14. Le Havre		8-18

Regular Season: Round 25

Apr. 21: Perpignan - LTB 29 73-60
Apr. 21: Roche - Limoges 71-64
Apr. 21: Armentieres - Reims 70-75
Apr. 21: COB Calais - Le Havre 70-64
Apr. 21: Voiron - Laveyron 61-71
Apr. 21: CFBB - SIG 58-40
Apr. 21: Dunkerque - Toulouse 54-69

Regular Season: Round 26

Apr. 28: Voiron - CFBB
Apr. 28: SIG - Dunkerque
Apr. 28: Laveyron - Roche
Apr. 28: Limoges - Armentieres
Apr. 28: Reims - COB Calais
Apr. 28: Le Havre - Perpignan
Apr. 28: LTB 29 - Toulouse

LF2 Round 25: Last-ranked CFBB beats SIG - by Eurobasket News

There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in LF2.

Bottom-ranked CFBB managed to get a eighth victory on Saturday night. This time they won against tenth-ranked SIG in Paris 58-40. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 18-point difference proves that CFBB was well-prepared to that game. The game without a history. CFBB led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding SIG to just 3 points in fourth quarter. CFBB held SIG to an opponent 25.0 percent shooting from the field compared to 41.8 percent accuracy of the winners. CFBB forced 21 SIG turnovers and outrebounded them 42-23 including a 31-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. Forward Valeriane Ayayi (184-F-94) fired a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Naturalized Serbian guard Lidija Turcinovic (178-94) chipped in 13 points and 8 rebounds. Cameroonian forward Amina Njonkou (185-88, college: Arizona) produced 11 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. CFBB (8-18) moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with Le Havre. SIG at the other side dropped to the eleventh position with 17 games lost. CFBB is looking forward to face higher ranked Etoile de Voiron (#4) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. SIG will play against Dunkerque (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Leader Perpignan delivered the twentieth first victory. This time they beat 8th ranked LTB 29 (10-14) 73-60. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of LTB 29. Worth to mention a great performance of center Helena Ciak (195-89) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 13 points, 16 rebounds and 6 blocks. Laina Badiane contributed with 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Guard Aude Kernevez (163-89) answered with 17 points for LTB 29. Perpignan maintains first place with 21-4 record. Newly promoted LTB 29 keeps the eighth position with 14 games lost. Perpignan will play against bottom-ranked Le Havre (#14) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. LTB 29 will play against the league's second-placed Toulouse (#2) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
We should mention about the upset which took place in Armentieres, where higher ranked Armentieres (12-13) lost at home to twelfth ranked Reims (9-16) 70-75 on Saturday. Astan Dabo stepped up with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks for the winners. At the losing side Valerie Labbe responded with a triple-double by scoring 18 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Reims moved-up to tenth place. Loser Armentieres keeps the seventh position with 13 games lost. Reims will meet at home higher ranked COB Calais (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Armentieres will play against Limoges (#12) and hope to secure a win.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Dunkerque. Local Dunkerque (10-15) lost to second ranked Toulouse (20-5) 69-54. Lorraine Lokoka nailed 17 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side. Toulouse's coach Matthieu Chauvet allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Toulouse have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain second place with 20-5 record behind leader Perpignan. Dunkerque at the other side keeps the ninth position with 15 games lost. Toulouse's next round opponent will be LTB 29 (#8) in Pleyber-Christ which should be theoretically an easy game. Dunkerque will play on the road against SIG in llkirch-Graff. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games of round 25 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Limoges was defeated by Roche in La Roche 71-64. Voiron was beaten by Laveyron at home 61-71. Le Havre lost to COB Calais on the opponent's court 64-70.

Roche - Limoges 71-64

There was no surprise in La Roche where 11th ranked Limoges (8-17) was defeated by fifth ranked Roche (14-11) 71-64. Limoges was ahead by 8 points at the halftime before a 46-31 second half run of Roche. They outrebounded Limoges 35-23 including 25 on the defensive glass. 25 personal fouls committed by Limoges helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Swingman Sylvaine Grelier (181-87) nailed 22 points for the winning side and forward Christelle Morel (181-83) accounted for 15 points and 7 rebounds. American power forward Hillary Klimowicz (190-87, college: TCNJ) came up with 16 points and 6 rebounds and forward Lucie Martine Barba (185-92) added 9 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Limoges in the defeat. Roche moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Voiron. Limoges at the other side dropped to the twelfth position with 17 games lost. Roche's next round opponent will be Laveyron (#6) on the road. Limoges will play against Armentieres (#7).
Top scorers:
Roche: S.Grelier 22+4reb, C.Morel 15+7reb+3ast, N.Morgan 12+9reb, J.Tayeau 8+5reb+1ast, G.Kubatova 6+4reb+2ast, E.Gerard 3+1reb+1ast
Limoges: H.Klimowicz 16+6reb, E.Chieze 12+3reb+1ast, L.Martine Barba 9+8reb+3ast, B.Mboma 7+2ast, L.Gonzalez 7, P.Le Leuch 6+3reb

Voiron - Laveyron 61-71

There was a small surprise when sixth ranked Laveyron (13-11) defeated on the road 4th placed Etoile de Voiron (14-11) 71-61. The game was mostly controlled by Laveyron. Etoile de Voiron was better in second period 13-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Etoile de Voiron 48-23 including a 35-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. Naturalized Russian forward Elena Vishnyakova (191-78, college: G.Washington, agency: LBM Management) nailed a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side and guard Cheryl Maledon (170-86) accounted for 23 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Faeza Bouderra (165-82, college: FIU) came up with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists and American forward Amanda Lassiter (186-79, college: Missouri) added 16 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Etoile de Voiron in the defeat. Etoile de Voiron's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Newly promoted Laveyron maintains sixth place with 13-11 record. Etoile de Voiron at the other side keeps the fourth position with 11 games lost. Laveyron's next round opponent will be higher ranked Roche (#5) in La Roche and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Etoile de Voiron will play at home against CFBB in Paris.
Top scorers:
Laveyron: C.Maledon 23+6reb+1ast, E.Vishnyakova 21+12reb+2ast, L.Fournier 12+6reb+3ast, A.Fall 7+14reb, P.Ayi 4+7reb+9ast, M.MBengue 2+2reb
Voiron: A.Lassiter 16+5reb, F.Bouderra 16+5reb+8ast, K.Gassama 13+3reb, M.Mendy 8+4reb, C.Recoura 6+4reb+3ast, J.Anchling 2+1reb

CFBB - SIG 58-40

Bottom-ranked CFBB managed to get a eighth victory on Saturday night. This time they won against tenth-ranked SIG in Paris 58-40. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 18-point difference proves that CFBB was well-prepared to that game. The game without a history. CFBB led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding SIG to just 3 points in fourth quarter. CFBB held SIG to an opponent 25.0 percent shooting from the field compared to 41.8 percent accuracy of the winners. CFBB forced 21 SIG turnovers and outrebounded them 42-23 including a 31-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. Forward Valeriane Ayayi (184-94) fired a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Naturalized Serbian guard Lidija Turcinovic (178-94) chipped in 13 points and 8 rebounds. Cameroonian forward Amina Njonkou (185-88, college: Arizona) produced 11 points and 6 rebounds and center Celine Schmitt-Sender (185-80) added 9 points respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. CFBB (8-18) moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with Le Havre. SIG at the other side dropped to the eleventh position with 17 games lost. CFBB is looking forward to face higher ranked Etoile de Voiron (#4) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. SIG will play against Dunkerque (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
CFBB: V.Ayayi 17+10reb, L.Turcinovic 13+8reb+1ast, A.Koundouno 6+2reb, C.Morateur 6+1reb, A.Kone 5+7reb+1ast, O.Epoupa 4+2reb+3ast
SIG: A.Njonkou 11+6reb, C.Schmitt-Sender 9+4reb+3ast, L.Brazdeikyte 7+2reb+1ast, E.Chapays 6+7reb+2ast, C.Nestor-Deininger 3+2reb, C.Nadia Mauler 2+1reb

Dunkerque - Toulouse 54-69

The game with biggest result difference took place in Dunkerque. Local Dunkerque (10-15) lost to second ranked Toulouse (20-5) 69-54. The game was mostly controlled by Toulouse. Dunkerque was better in third quarter 16-9. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Dunkerque to just 7 points in fourth quarter. Toulouse forced 21 Dunkerque turnovers. Naturalized DR Congolese forward Lorraine Lokoka (184-89) nailed 17 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side and forward Maud Medenou (188-90) accounted for 13 points and 8 rebounds. Toulouse's coach Matthieu Chauvet allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Latvian power forward Dace Brumermane (187-81, agency: Josep and Nicolas) came up with 15 points and 7 rebounds and guard Amelie Fresnais (174-86) added 6 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for Dunkerque in the defeat. Toulouse have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain second place with 20-5 record behind leader Perpignan. Dunkerque at the other side keeps the ninth position with 15 games lost. Toulouse's next round opponent will be LTB 29 (#8) in Pleyber-Christ which should be theoretically an easy game. Dunkerque will play on the road against SIG in llkirch-Graff. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Toulouse: L.Lokoka 17+9reb, M.Medenou 13+8reb+3ast, N.Bogicevic 9+3reb, A.Degorces 8+1reb+3ast, E.Maurice 7+2reb, C.Gay 4+2reb+1ast
Dunkerque: D.Brumermane 15+7reb+1ast, L.Carlier 8+3reb+1ast, T.Bovykina 8+2reb+2ast, A.Durand 7+1ast, A.Fresnais 6+6reb+5ast, S.Scott 6+6reb+1ast

Perpignan - LTB 29 73-60

Leader Perpignan delivered the twentieth first victory. This time they beat 8th ranked LTB 29 (10-14) 73-60. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of LTB 29. The game was mostly controlled by Perpignan. LTB 29 was better in second period 20-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Perpignan forced 20 LTB 29 turnovers and outrebounded them 39-25 including 26 on the defensive glass. They brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of center Helena Ciak (195-89) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 13 points, 16 rebounds and 6 blocks. Forward Laina Badiane (180-85) contributed with 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Guard Aude Kernevez (163-89) answered with 17 points and Senegalese forward Oumou Toure (190-88) added 14 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for LTB 29. Perpignan maintains first place with 21-4 record. Newly promoted LTB 29 keeps the eighth position with 14 games lost. Perpignan will play against bottom-ranked Le Havre (#14) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. LTB 29 will play against the league's second-placed Toulouse (#2) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Perpignan: I.Strunc 17+4reb, L.Badiane 14+7reb+2ast, H.Ciak 13+16reb+1ast, F.Dieng 8+3reb+6ast, P.Lo 7+1reb+3ast, P.Goubo 6+1reb
LTB 29: A.Kernevez 17+4reb+3ast, O.Toure 14+7reb, A.Gresnerova 10+3reb+2ast, M.Levant 7+3reb+3ast, M.Butard 6+5reb+4ast, C.Girard 6+1reb

COB Calais - Le Havre 70-64

Very expected game when 13th ranked Le Havre (8-18) was defeated on the road by third ranked COB Calais (19-5) 70-64. However just six-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 20-9. But Le Havre won second period 21-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Le Havre 45-25 including a 14-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. Forward Melanie Arnaud (184-88) nailed a double-double by scoring 16 points and 22 rebounds for the winning side and guard Manon Sinico (180-85) accounted for 16 points and 4 assists. point guard Bintou Dieme (165-84) came up with 21 points and 8 rebounds (made all of her eight free throws) and forward Lalya Sidibe (178-91) added 16 points respectively for Le Havre in the defeat. COB Calais have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain third place with 19-5 record having just three points less than leader Perpignan. Le Havre at the other side dropped to the bottom position with 18 games lost. COB Calais' next round opponent will be Reims (#10) on the road and are hoping to win another game. Le Havre will play against the league's leader Perpignan (#1).
Top scorers:
COB Calais: M.Sinico 16+4reb+4ast, M.Arnaud 16+22reb+1ast, C.Miller 11+6reb+1ast, M.Devaux 9+1reb, A.Cibert 8+5reb+2ast, E.Duvivier 8+6reb+2ast
Le Havre: B.Dieme 21+8reb+3ast, L.Sidibe 16+1ast, L.Demolliens 7+4reb, I.Pretzmann 6, E.Nauleau 6+1reb+3ast, K.Elenga 6+2reb+2ast

Armentieres - Reims 70-75

We should mention about the upset which took place in Armentieres, where higher ranked Armentieres (12-13) lost at home to twelfth ranked Reims (9-16) 70-75 on Saturday. The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Mali center Astan Dabo (203-92) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks for the winners and forward Jenny Fouasseau (179-92) chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds. Four Reims players scored in double figures. At the losing side swingman Valerie Labbe (181-88) responded with a triple-double by scoring 18 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists and Danish forward Anda Nedovic (193-83, college: Colorado) produced a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds. Reims moved-up to tenth place. Loser Armentieres keeps the seventh position with 13 games lost. Reims will meet at home higher ranked COB Calais (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Armentieres will play against Limoges (#12) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Reims: A.Jomby 16+3reb+2ast, J.Fouasseau 15+7reb+1ast, A.Dabo 14+15reb, I.Grbas 10+6reb, M.Micaletto 9+3reb+4ast, F.Traore 9+1reb+2ast
Armentieres: A.Nedovic 25+12reb, V.Labbe 18+11reb+11ast, R.Goutiere 10+3reb+3ast, H.Akmouche 6+3reb+1ast, M.Fisher 6+5reb+3ast, A.Deas 5+4reb+5ast

Angers and Saint Etienne are the Cup Finalists - by Juliane Hoehne

April 14th and 15th, the Cup Quarterfinals and Semifinals were played. In Pessac, on Saturday Wasquehal FEM faced Saint Etienne Case B, while U.S. Colomiers Basket played against AS Villeurbanne. St. Etienne lived up to the expectations, beating Wasquehal FEM 81-62, moving into the Semifinal without any problems. AS Villeurbanne followed St. Etienne, beating U.S. Colomiers Basket in a rather close game with 87-79. Therefore, AS Villeurbanne and St. Etienne were the Semifinalist for Sundays game, which St. Etienne was able to win 86-72.
In Angers - Union Feminine Basket 49, the other quarterfinals were played, where Le Poire-sur-Vie set right from the start the tone, beating Aulnoye AS 69-38. In the second game, the hosts beat Charnay Basket Bourgogne SUD with 82-63 to move into the Semifinal vs. Le Poire-sur-Vie on Sunday.
In Sundays game the guests were able to play with Angers - Union Feminine Basket 49 for the first quarter, but then UFAB showed its home court strength, winning the 2nd quarter 21-3 to take a 40-19 halftime lead. Le Poire-sur-Vie had no chance of coming back, while Angers - Union Feminine Basket 49 stayed focused until the end to bring home the 75-44 victory and the chance to win the cup also this season. Top Scorers for UFAB were: Aurelie Besson (173-G/F-90) 14, Carine Brossais (185-F-89) 13, Juliane Hoehne (189-F/C-83, college: IPFW) 13, and Sophie Le Marrec (184-F-91) 10, while Noemie Lemaire (187-F-88) and Dronneau each scored 10 for the guests.
The final will be held on May 19th at 13.00 in Paris Bercy, where Saint Etienne Case B and Angers - Union Feminine Basket 49 will face each other.

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GREECE

A1 Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Latoya WILLIAMS
  Esperides
  (193-C-87)
  Avg: 23

1. Williams, Esperides	23.0
2. Johnson, Panionios	21.7
3. Planeta, DAS A.	20.3
4. Delva, Panathinaik.	20.0
5. Vukicevic, Kronos	19.5
6. Davis, PAOK	16.5
7. Papamichail, Panio.	15.9
8. Chalivera, FEA Neas	14.9
9. Handy, Athinaikos	13.5
10. Stamati, FEA Neas	13.1

Rebounds Per Game

Latoya WILLIAMS
  Esperides
  (193-C-87)
  Avg: 13.6

1. Williams, Esperides	13.6
2. Melnika, Asteras	12.0
3. Kosma, Panathin.	11.4
4. Vukicevic, Kronos	10.5
5. Delva, Panathinaik.	10.3
6. Papamichail, Panio.	10.0
7. Planeta, DAS A.	9.8
8. Barnes, PAOK	9.6
9. Skiadopoulou, Aris	8.5
10. Zikiridou, Kronos	8.2

Assists Per Game

Marianna AXIOPOULOU
  Panionios
  (180-F-84)
  Avg: 5.4

1. Axiopoulou, Panion.	5.4
2. Lymoura, Athin.	4.8
3. Hatzinikolao., Ath.	4.3
4. Gotzi, Kronos AD	3.6
5. Tzegianaki, Esperi.	3.6
6. Davis, PAOK	3.0
7. Stavridou, Aris	3.0
8. Diela, DAS A.	2.9
9. Spathari, Panathin.	2.9
10. Kalogirou, Esperi.	2.9

Steals Per Game

Ioanna DIELA
  DAS A.
  (175-F-90)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Diela, DAS A.	2.7
2. Axiopoulou, Panion.	2.7
3. Nikolaidou, Apollo.	2.4
4. Williams, Esperides	2.4
5. Kalogirou, Esperid.	2.3
6. Davis, PAOK	2.2
7. Hatzakou, Aris	2.1
8. Hatzinikolao., Ath.	2.0
9. Daskalopoulo., Ast.	2.0
10. Lymoura, Athin.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Collen PLANETA
  DAS A.
  (188-F-88)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Planeta, DAS A.	1.9
2. Melnika, Asteras	1.8
3. Williams, Esperides	1.3
4. Perostiyska, Athin.	1.2
5. Skiadopoulou, Aris	1.0
6. Vukicevic, Kronos	0.9
7. Nikolaidou, FEA N.	0.9
8. Kiriakopoulo., Ath.	0.8
9. Delva, Panathinaik.	0.7
10. Kotopodi, Aris	0.7

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HUNGARY

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Brankica HADZOVIC
  DKSK
  (175-G-81)
  Avg: 17.6

1. Hadzovic, DKSK	17.6
2. Quigley, Pecs 2010	17.4
3. Scekic, Bajai NKK	16.5
4. Teilane, Vasas	15.9
5. Murphy, Pecs 2010	15.6
6. Skoric, DKSK	14.2
7. Szondy, BSE-.	14.0
8. Farkasinszki, DKSK	13.5
9. Krnjic, UNIQA E.	13.0
10. Orban, Cegledi EKK	12.9

Rebounds Per Game

Quanitra HOLLINGSWORTH
  UNI S.
  (196-C-88)
  Avg: 9.2