Eurobasket Daily News Report: 5/22/2012 1:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/22/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

End of career for Damir Mulaomerovic - by Rado Markovic Hribernik

A great Bosnian combo guard with Croatian passport Damir Mulaomerovic (195-G-74, agency: FCM) has decided to finish his career after 19 years of active playing. During his career he played fot giants such as KK Cibona VIP Zagreb, Real Madrid, Anadolu Efes Istanbul, Fortitudo Bologna and others, but never managed to play for the best team of Bosnia and Herzegovina of that time, Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo. Interestingly, he has never played for Bosnian national team, simply because he didn't get the invitation, when it was still time for that, and, like some other bosnian-born players, he decided to build an international career elsewhere, in Croatia.
This season he played for KK Zagreb, where he averaged 9,3 points and 3,9 assists in the Adriatic league and 10,4 points along with 2,9 assists in Euroleague.

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ALGERIA

Standings

D1 Standings

1. CSMC		22-4
2. GS Petroliers		21-2
3. WA Boufarik		20-5
4. CRB Dar El-B.		17-9
5. Trefle BB Blida		16-10
6. Skikda		15-12
7. NAH Dey		12-14
8. O Batna		12-14
9. Arreridj		11-14
10. MS Cherchell		11-14
11. US Setif		11-15
12. USM Blida		10-15
13. Staoueli		8-16
14. CRB Temouch.		8-18
15. Sidi-bel-Abbes		8-18
16. Annaba		2-24

Regular Season: Round 26

May. 19: O Batna - Skikda 81-56
May. 19: US Setif - NAH Dey 80-54
May. 19: Sidi-bel-Abbes - CRB Dar El-B. 72-74
May. 19: Trefle BB Blida - WA Boufarik 71-75
May. 19: MS Cherchell - Staoueli 65-62
May. 19: USM Blida - CRB Temouch. 64-59
May. 19: Annaba - CSMC 57-77

Regular Season: Round 27

May. 22: WA Boufarik - Arreridj
May. 22: Staoueli - USM Blida
May. 22: Skikda - Trefle BB Blida
May. 22: CRB Temouch. - O Batna
May. 22: CRB Dar El-B. - Annaba
May. 22: NAH Dey - MS Cherchell
May. 22: CSMC - GS Petroliers

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ARGENTINA

LigaA Finals, Game 3: Obras beats Penarol on the road after two overtimes - by Eurobasket News

LigaA Finals, Game 3: Penarol - Obras 102-103 2OT (1-2)

Obras is alive in LigaA Finals. After two home defeats, Obras grabbed 102-103 double overtime road victory against Penarol coming to 1-2 in the series. The format is best-of-seven and Penarol will be the host of Game Four. That meeting is scheduled for Wednesday.
The guests trailed by 9 points after three quarters before their 25-16 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. First overtime was also tied at 7-7 and Obras managed to win the second one 16-17. Obras outrebounded Penarol 50-39 including 37 on the defensive glass. 26 personal fouls committed by Penarol helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for Uruguayan guard Martin Osimani (194-81, college: Duquesne) who saved his team from a defeat with 26 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. International power forward Juan Gutierrez (205-83) contributed with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. International point guard Facundo Campazzo (179-91) answered with a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!), 9 rebounds and 11 assists and Marcos Mata (201-86) added 10 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Penarol. Four Obras and five Penarol players scored in double figures. Penarol's coach Sergio Hernandez rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
As mentioned above, Penarol will host Game Four on Wednesday. After that, the series will move to Obras' home court for Game Five (May 28). If necessary, Game Six and Seven will be played on May 31 and June 4.

Penarol: F.Campazzo 33+9reb+11ast, S.Safar 19+1reb+1ast, M.Leiva 12+8reb+2ast, L.Gutierrez 11+5reb+2ast, M.Mata 10+9reb+3ast, K.Lamonte 8+4reb+1ast
Obras: M.Osimani 26+8reb+4ast, T.Washam 22+7reb+1ast, J.Gutierrez 19+13reb+2ast, J.Mazzaro 18+3reb, P.Espinoza 7+4reb, T.Field 5+10reb

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 was the major contributor in a San Antonio Spurs' victory against the Los Angeles Clippers (40-26) 108-92 in the NBA in Tuesday night's game. Ginobili recorded 22 points and added 3 assists in 27 minutes on the court. The San Antonio Spurs have a very solid 50-16 record this season. It was his team's tenth consecutive victory in a row. It's Ginobili's tenth year with the team. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Ginobili averages: 12.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.5apg, 2FGP: 58.3%(119-204), 3FGP: 39.1% and FT: 85.2% in the 42 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.

Pablo Prigioni

#2. Second place goes to an international guard Pablo Prigioni (191-77). Prigioni led Caja Laboral to an overtime victory against the closely-ranked Gescrap BB (19-15) 90-88 in the Spanish ACB last Sunday. He scored 13 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 6 assists. Caja Laboral Vitoria (23-11) is placed third in the ACB. It's Prigioni's first season with the team. Prigioni is ranked first on the list of the most steals in the league. His overall stats this season are: 6.9ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.6apg, 1.8spg, 3FGP: 27.7% and FT: 83.3%. Prigioni is another player who holds two passports: Italian and Argentinian. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Prigioni is currently a member of the Argentinian senior national team.

Andres Nocioni

#3. The Argentinian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international forward Andres Nocioni (199-79) is a teammate of previously mentioned Pablo Prigioni. But that was another game of his team in Spanish ACB which we would like to mention. Nocioni contributed to a Caja Laboral's victory against the closely-ranked Gescrap BB (19-15) 77-73. He recorded 10 points in 17 minutes. Caja Laboral Vitoria (23-11) is placed third in the ACB. Nocioni has relatively good stats this year: 10.7ppg, 3.9rpg, 2FGP: 51.9% and FT: 81.8% in the 10 games. Similarly like Prigioni and Ginobili above he has both Italian and Argentinian nationalities. Despite Nocioni played previously for the Italian national team, he is currently a member of the Argentinian senior national team.

Hernan Jasen

#4. Guard Hernan Jasen (199-78), who plays in the Spanish ACB could not help Cajasol (18-16) to beat Real Madrid (26-8). Jasen recorded 8 points. Cajasol was defeated 82-68 on the road by the second-ranked Real Madrid. It was Cajasol's third consecutive loss in a row. Jasen's overall stats this season are: 5.9ppg, 3.5rpg and 1.1spg. Similarly like three previous players above, he also holds two passports: Italian and Argentinian. Despite Jasen played previously for the Italian national team, he is currently in the Argentinian national team roster.

Marcos Casini

#5. International point guard Marcos Casini (188-80) led Givova Scafati to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Centrale Latte (15-13) 100-84 in the Italian Lega2 (second division) last Thursday. Casini recorded 17 points in 23 minutes. Givova Scafati Basket (17-11) is placed fourth in the Lega2. This year Casini's overall stats are: 8.4ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.3apg and 1.2spg in the 32 games. He holds both Argentinian and Italian passports. Despite Casini played previously for the Italian national team, he is currently in the Argentinian national team roster.

Manuel Carrizo

#6. Swingman Manuel Carrizo (198-80, agency: Players Group) led Ferentino to a victory against the leader Trieste (24-10) 72-58 in the Italian Nazionale A (third division) on Friday night. Carrizo recorded 18 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Division South-West. FMC Ferentino (21-13) is placed second in South-West Division. This season Carrizo has relatively solid stats: 14.4ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.7apg and 1.4spg. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Carrizo is also an international player who is currently on the senior Argentinian National Team roster.

Mario Jose Ghersetti

#7. International forward Mario Jose Ghersetti (201-81) helped Centrale Latte win their game against the closely-ranked Givova Scafati (17-11) crushing them 95-73 in the Italian Lega2 (second division) in Tuesday night's game. He scored 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 27 minutes. Centrale del Latte Brescia (15-13) is placed sixth in the Lega2. Ghersetti has reliable stats this year: 14.3ppg, 5.9rpg and 2.0spg in the 30 games. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Ghersetti is currently in the Argentinian national team roster.

Augustin Fabi

#8. Swingman Augustin Fabi (199-91) was not able to help Treviglio (20-14) in their game against Chieti (21-5) in the Italian Nazionale A (third division). He scored 9 points and added 3 assists. But the third-placed Treviglio was defeated 72-58 on the opponent's court by the lower-ranked Chieti (#3) in the North-West Division. Fabi averaged so far 11.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.1apg and 1.5spg. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Fabi is currently in the Argentinian national team roster.

Andres Forray

#9. International point guard Andres Forray (187-86) helped Trento win their game against the third-ranked Chieti (21-5) crushing them 85-60 in the Italian Nazionale A (third division) on Sunday night. He recorded 8 points in 28 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Division North-East. Bitumcalor Trento (23-11) is placed second in North-East Division. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Forray's stats this year are: 10.6ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.7apg and 2.3spg in the 39 games. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Forray is currently in the Argentinian national team roster.

Alejandro Bortolussi

#10. Forward Alejandro Bortolussi (202-89) was not able to secure a victory for Leche Rio Breogan (19-15) in their game against Menorca Basquet (21-13) in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division). He recorded 6 points. Leche Rio Breogan was crushed 93-67 in Mahon by the higher-ranked Menorca Basquet (#4). Bortolussi's total stats this season are: 2.1ppg and 1.3rpg. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Bortolussi is also an international player who is currently on the senior Argentinian National Team roster.

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AUSTRALIA

Standings - ABA

ABA Standings

Big V
1. Eltham W.		7-3
2. Ringwood H.		7-3
3. Waverley F.		7-3
4. Hume City		7-3
5. Diamond V.E.		6-4
6. Corio Bay		5-5
7. Sherbrooke S.		3-8
8. Bulleen B.		2-8
9. Melbourne		1-8
Central ABL
1. W.Adelaide B.		5-2
2. Sturt S.		5-2
3. N.Adelaide R.		4-2
4. Woodville W.		4-2
5. S.Adelaide P.		4-3
6. Norwood F.		4-3
7. Forestville E.		4-3
8. C.District L.		2-5
9. South.Tigers		2-5
10. Eastern M.		0-7
QBL
1. Ipswich F.		2-0
2. Mackay M.		2-0
3. Northside W.		2-0
4. Rockhampton		2-0
5. Townsville H.		2-0
6. Gold Coast R.		1-1
7. SW Metro P.		1-1
8. Bundaberg B.		1-1
9. Brisbane C.		1-2
10. Gladstone P.		1-2
11. Maroochydore		0-2
12. Cairns M.		0-3
13. Toowoomba		0-3
SEABL-East
1. Geelong S.		10-3
2. Dandenong		9-3
3. Sandringham S.		9-5
4. Bendigo B.		7-4
5. Frankston B.		7-5
6. Brisbane S.		5-5
7. Canberra G.		1-12
SEABL-South
1. Knox R.		8-5
2. Nunawading S.		7-5
3. Albury W.B.		6-5
4. Kilsyth C.		6-6
5. Hobart C.		5-7
6. Ballarat M.		4-6
7. NW Tasmania		3-9
8. Mt Gambier		3-10
WARATAH
1. Newcastle H.		8-1
2. Norths Bears		7-2
3. Maitland M.		6-2
4. Sydney C.		5-4
5. Hills H.		5-5
6. Manly Warr.		4-5
7. Illawarra H.		4-6
8. Cent.Coast C.		4-6
9. Bankstown B.		3-5
10. Colonial Hotel		3-5
11. Sutherland S.		3-6
12. Parramatta W.		2-7

Regular Season: Round 9

BIG V

May. 20: Hume City - Eltham W. 85-79
May. 20: Waverley F. - Melbourne 82-55
May. 19: Sherbrooke S. - Bulleen B. 78-85
May. 19: Eltham W. - Corio Bay 70-79
May. 19: Diamond V.E. - Ringwood H. 66-98

Central ABL

May. 19: Forestville E. - N.Adelaide R. 91-73
May. 19: C.District L. - S.Adelaide P. 88-78
May. 19: Sturt S. - Eastern M. 82-56
May. 19: W.Adelaide B. - South.Tigers 77-58
May. 19: Woodville W. - Norwood F. 74-81

QBL

May. 19: Mackay M. - Toowoomba 96-74
May. 19: Ipswich F. - SW Metro P. 93-78
May. 19: Northside W. - Gladstone P. 88-79
May. 20: Gold Coast R. - Bundaberg B. 88-62
May. 19: Townsville H. - Brisbane C. 82-61
May. 18: Cairns M. - Brisbane C. 70-78
May. 20: Maroochydore - Gladstone P. 61-81
May. 18: Rockhampton - Toowoomba 101-80

SEABL

May. 18: Hobart C. - Dandenong 94-96
May. 18: Geelong S. - Knox R. 92-95
May. 18: Mt Gambier - Canberra G. 85-59
May. 19: Nunawading S. - Geelong S. 77-72
May. 19: Brisbane S. - Ballarat M. 73-77
May. 19: Kilsyth C. - Canberra G. 67-43
May. 20: Sandringham S. - Kilsyth C. 58-64
May. 19: Frankston B. - Sandringham S. 56-60
May. 20: Knox R. - Canberra G. 111-77
May. 20: Bendigo B. - Nunawading S. 104-90
May. 19: NW Tasmania - Dandenong 103-87

WARATAH

May. 19: Manly Warr. - Norths Bears 87-73
May. 19: Sutherland S. - Parramatta W. 78-69
May. 20: Colonial Hotel - Sydney C. 77-88
May. 19: Sydney C. - Newcastle H. 75-81
May. 20: Hills H. - Newcastle H. 75-81
May. 19: Cent.Coast C. - Maitland M. 69-81
May. 19: Bankstown B. - Illawarra H. 60-64

Regular Season: Round 10

BIG V

May. 26: Corio Bay - Sherbrooke S.
May. 26: Diamond V.E. - Eltham W.
May. 26: Ringwood H. - Waverley F.
May. 26: Melbourne - Hume City
May. 27: Bulleen B. - Melbourne

Central ABL

May. 26: Eastern M. - Woodville W.
May. 26: N.Adelaide R. - C.District L.
May. 26: Norwood F. - W.Adelaide B.
May. 26: South.Tigers - Forestville E.
May. 26: Sturt S. - S.Adelaide P.

QBL

May. 26: Toowoomba - Townsville H.
May. 26: Brisbane C. - SW Metro P.
May. 26: Gladstone P. - Bundaberg B.
May. 26: Maroochydore - Northside W.
May. 26: Mackay M. - Rockhampton
May. 27: Ipswich F. - Townsville H.

SEABL

May. 26: Brisbane S. - Frankston B.
May. 26: Canberra G. - Geelong S.
May. 26: NW Tasmania - Hobart C.
May. 26: Ballarat M. - Mt Gambier
May. 26: Knox R. - Bendigo B.
May. 26: Kilsyth C. - Albury W.B.
May. 26: Nunawading S. - Dandenong
May. 27: Dandenong - Mt Gambier
May. 27: Bendigo B. - Kilsyth C.
May. 27: Sandringham S. - Ballarat M.

WARATAH

May. 26: Bankstown B. - Manly Warr.
May. 26: Parramatta W. - Maitland M.
May. 26: Norths Bears - Colonial Hotel
May. 26: Illawarra H. - Cent.Coast C.
May. 26: Sutherland S. - Sydney C.
May. 27: Colonial Hotel - Cent.Coast C.

Australia U17 on China tour - by Eurobasket News

Australian U17 National Team continued their Tour of China. They played a number of exhibition games lately.
Australia snatched a narrow 82:81 victory over hosting China. Nick Duncan (95) stepped up with 21 points and 11 rebounds to lead the effort. Dante Exum added 14 points, while Mirko Djeric finished with 13 in the victory.
Next the Aussies took on their Lithuanian counterparts. The European side bolstered their roster with several players over 17 years of age. Lithuania celebrated an 85:75 victory. Nick Duncan stepped up with 20 points and 7 rebounds for Australia. Dante Exum contributed 17 points in defeat.
Australia then faced Danish team. The Aussies controlled the tempo posting a 77:66 victory at the end. Dante Exum and Josh Dekson fired 20 points apiece to lead the effort. Nick Duncan delivered 10 points and 10 rebounds in the winning case.
Next Australia faced China once again. This time the home team proved strong claiming a 70:62 success. Dante Exum delivered 13 points to lead the charge.

Gold Coast Blaze Administrator 'hopeful' - by Eurobasket News

The Administrator appointed to help the Gold Coast Blaze through their present difficulties says he is hopeful the team will be able to play during the 2012/12 iiNet NBL Championship season.

Speaking at a creditors meeting on the Gold Coast today, Administrator W. Roland Robson said the club were in discussions with 'three to four' white knight investors who could inject the necessary funds into the club.

'I'm hopeful the team will continue playing on the court next year. We've now got a continuing investigation and will work out a strategy moving forward,' Mr Robson said.

The Blaze put themselves into voluntary administration on 10 May.

Courtesy of NBL Australia

Henry inks new Breakers deal - by Eurobasket News

The SKYCITY Breakers clicked another piece of the 2012/13 jigsaw into place this weekend with the signing of forward Leon Henry (200-F/G-85, college: S.Idaho JC) to a new two year contract.

Tall Black Henry has proven his worth to the back to back champions over the past two seasons, first filling in for Kirk Penney as he chased an NBA contract and this season assuming a full time on court role, one that included a starting spot in game one of the iiNet Grand Final Series as he covered for an injured Tom Abercrombie.

26 year old Henry is focused on repaying the faith shown in him by the club.

Im just thankful to be in this situation where I am wanted by a great franchise like the SKYCITY Breakers. It's all thanks to the coaching staff that has the belief in me as a player and to the owners and staff who contribute so much to help us win games of basketball.

My main focus is to become an overall better player, being around the team everyday going at it at trainings is only going to help that and I look forward to the challenge. One thing about this team is we push each other every day, enemies on the court then brothers off it. We have such a competitive nature within our group that it only drives us to be better.

To have secured a 2 year deal with club, further drives me to become better knowing the coaching staff have my back and they see a bright future in me as a player. The next step now is most definitely a three-peat, but we all know it's not going to be easy as we had to battle hard for the title this year. As we have been over these last two championship seasons, just that attitude of never giving up and taking it one game at a time, not to look too far ahead and focus in the matter at hand.

SKYCITY Breakers assistant coach Dean Vickerman explains why the club was keen to get the Tall Blacks signature.

Leons greatest asset is his ability to be an explosive athletic scorer - be it from the 3 point line, in transition or attacking offensive boards. That value extends beyond game day though, we expect Leon to guard Tom Abercrombie every day in practice next season and know that if he can take advantage of his 6'7 frame and 7 foot wing span he can make Tom's life tough.

Leon is a proven winner - coming off back to back NZ NBL championships and back to ANBL championships. As a coaching staff we look forward to assisting Leon fight for a more significant role in the team over the next 2 seasons.

In keeping with the family values at the club, Henry is quick to also acknowledge those close to him who have helped him reach this point in his career.

Overall theses past two seasons with the club have been a crazy ride, and as I said I am truly blessed to be a part of this franchise. Thanks to all my family also for the love and support along the way! My goal is to always make you guys proud.

Henry is currently playing for the Otago Nuggets in the Bartercard NBL and will hope to play a role for the Tall Blacks as they seek qualification to the London Olympic Games before returning to prepare for another iiNet campaign with the SKYCITY Breakers.

The signing brings to 7 the number of players confirmed for next season, including:

Alex Pledger, Tom Abercrombie, Dillon Boucher, Daryl Corletto, CJ Bruton, Mika Vukona, Leon Henry.

Courtesy of NBL Australia

Aleks Maric's double-double lands him Player of the Week award among Australians playing currently abroad - by Eurobasket Center

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

Aleks Maric

#1. This week's number one is an international center Aleks Maric (211-84, college: Nebraska), who plays in Greece. He could not help Panathinaikos (4-2) in their last game. Despite Maric's good performance the first-placed Panathinaikos lost 69-74 at home to the leading Regal FC Barcelona in the group G of Euroleague. He had a double-double by scoring 13 points and getting 11 rebounds in a mere 15 minutes on the court. This year Maric averages: 3.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2FGP: 67.3%(33-49) and FT: 56.0% in the 21 games he played so far. He is currently a member of the Australian senior national team.

Joe Ingles

#2. Second place goes to an international swingman Joe Ingles (203-87, agency: Priority Sports) faced previously mentioned Aleks Maric in the Euroleague last game. Ingles was the major contributor in a Regal FC Barcelona's victory against the leader Panathinaikos (4-2) 74-69. He recorded 13 points (made all of his five free throws). Ingles' overall stats this season are: 4.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 49.0%, 3FGP: 23.1%. He is in the roster of the Australian senior national team.

David Andersen

#3. The Australian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international center David Andersen (212-80). Andersen led Montepaschi Siena to a victory over the eighth-ranked Cimberio Varese (17-15) crushing them 92-57 in the Italian SerieA on Thursday night. He was MVP of the game. Andersen recorded 17 points and grabbed 5 rebounds (made all of his six free throws) in a mere 19 minutes. Montepaschi Siena (24-8) is placed first in the SerieA. Andersen has relatively good stats this year: 14.7ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 53.4%, 3FGP: 40.8% and FT: 85.5% in the 31 games. He played for the Australian national team two years ago.

Daniel Kickert

#4. Center Daniel Kickert (208-83, college: St.Mary's, CA), who plays in the Polish PLK was not able to help PGE Turow (2-8) in their last game on Monday. Despite Kickert's very good performance PGE Turow (#6) was crushed 86-63 on their home court in Zgorzelec by the second-ranked Trefl Sopot in the Group A. He was the top scorer with 18 points. Kickert also added 6 rebounds. It's Kickert's first season with the team. This year he has relatively solid stats: 15.0ppg and 4.3rpg. Kickert has a dual citizenship: Australian and Dutch. Despite he played previously for the Dutch national team, Kickert is currently in the Australian national team roster.

Brad Newley

#5. International forward Brad Newley (201-85, agency: Beo Basket) was not able to secure a victory for Valencia Basket (20-14) in their game against Lagun Aro GBC (19-15) in the Spanish ACB. He scored 6 points in 17 minutes. Valencia Basket lost in an overtime 82-86 on the road to the lower-ranked (#5) Lagun Aro GBC. This year Newley's overall stats are: 6.0ppg and 2.1rpg in the 19 games. Despite he played previously for the Dutch national team, Newley is currently in the Australian national team roster.

Steven Markovic

#6. Guard Steven Markovic (190-85) contributed to a Radnicki Kragujevac's victory against the fifth-ranked Radnicki Basket (5-8) 77-69 in the Serbian A League on Tuesday night. He scored 6 points and added 8 passes. Radnicki Kragujevac (10-3) is placed second in SuperLiga group. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. They will play only one more game in the Second Stage. And that game will be critical. Markovic is currently sixth on the league's list of best passers. His total stats this season are: 7.4ppg, 1.6rpg and 4.5apg. Despite Markovic played previously for the Serbian national team, he is also a former international player as he played for the Australian senior team three years ago.

Nathan Jawai

#7. Former international power forward Nathan Jawai (208-86, college: Midland CC) managed to help Unics Kazan in a victory against the closely-ranked Spartak St.Petersburg (9-9) 81-75 in the Russian PBL in Thursday night's game. Jawai scored only 4 points in 5 minutes on the court. Unics Kazan (8-10) is placed sixth in the PBL. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. This year Jawai's total stats are: 7.1ppg and 3.5rpg in the 15 games. He used to play for the Australian national team three years ago.

Matt Nielsen

#8. An experienced power forward Matt Nielsen (208-78) couldn't help one of league's weakest teams Khimky (15-3) in their game against CSKA Moscow (17-1) in the Russian PBL. Nielsen cannot count Saturday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 1 points. Khimky was defeated 90-75 on their home court in Khimki by the leading CSKA Moscow. They ended the series of ten consecutive victories. Nielsen has averaged so far 2.8ppg, 2.4rpg and 1.6apg. He plays currently for the Australian national team.

Patrick Mills

#9. Former international point guard Patrick Mills (183-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) helped San Antonio Spurs win their game against the Los Angeles Clippers (40-26) 105-88 in the NBA on Thursday night. Mills scored only 3 points in 2 minutes on the court. The San Antonio Spurs have a very good 50-16 record this season. It was his team's tenth consecutive victory in a row. Mills has reliable stats this year: 8.4ppg, 1.5rpg and 2.0apg in the 21 games. He used to play for the Australian national team three years ago.

Andrew James Ogilvy

   #10. Center Andrew James Ogilvy (211-88, college: Vanderbilt) is a teammate of previously mentioned Brad Newley and both played together in the last Spanish ACB game. Ogilvy couldn't help Valencia Basket (20-14) in their game against Lagun Aro GBC (19-15). He cannot count Sunday's game as one of the best ones. Ogilvy scored only 1 points. Valencia Basket was defeated in an overtime 86-82 in San Sebastian by the lower-ranked Lagun Aro GBC (#5). Ogilvy has averaged so far 4.9ppg and 2.1rpg. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Australian National Team roster.

   #11. International point guard Zane Meehl (191-86, college: Mid-Continent) helped Hub Jets win their game against the closely-ranked Fico Finance Nelson Giants crushing them 110-84 in the New Zealand NBL last Sunday. Meehl scored 14 points in 22 minutes. Meehl has averaged so far 8.8ppg, 2.8rpg and 2.1apg in the 16 games. Despite he played previously for the New Zealand university national team, Meehl is currently in the Australian national team roster.

   #12. Former international center Miles Pearce (205-78) is a teammate of previously mentioned Zane Meehl. But that was another game of his team in New Zealand NBL which we would like to mention. Pearce helped Hub Jets win their game against the closely-ranked Taranaki MA crushing them 104-77. He scored only 3 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Pearce has averaged so far 1.4ppg and 1.8rpg. He used to play for the Australian national team back in 2007.

   #13. Former international guard Zeke Meehl (183-88) is a teammate of previously mentioned Zane Meehl and both played together in the last New Zealand NBL game. Meehl helped Hub Jets win their game against the closely-ranked Fico Finance Nelson Giants crushing them 110-84. He scored only 3 points in 11 minutes. This year Meehl averages just 3.9ppg in the 16 games. He used to play for the Australian national team nine years ago.

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AUSTRIA

BC Vienna adds Florian Trmal and Stephan Balga for 2012/2013 - by Stefan Prager

The BC Vienna added two Austrians to their roster for the upcoming season. Forwards Florian Trmal (193-G/F-89) and Stephan Balga (197-F-84) will bolster the frontcourt. Trmal is coming from UBC St. Polten. Even though St. Polten is facing a restart with a new main sponsor next season Trmal decided to go to Vienna where he already played 2 years ago for a short period of time. He then left before the season started and moved to Klosterneuburg. This season Trmal played a solid role on a very young St. Polten team avaraging 9.2 ppg along with 6.6 rpg. The 6.6 boards per contest were a team high. He recorded six double doubles in 25 games - 16 of them were starts. Along with Daniel Friedrich who moved to Gmunden two weeks ago Trmal is the second player to leave St. Polten. Meanwhile Stephan Balga (197-F-84) is coming of a one year league suspension for league drug policy violation. In 2010/2011 he played for the Traiskirchen Lions averaging 2.5 ppg over 25 contests.

Klosterneuburg is 2-1 up in A Bundesliga Finals - by Eurobasket News

Finals, Game 3: Klosterneuburg - Gmunden 68-56 (2-1)

Third game of A Bundesliga Finals was played last night. Klosterneuburg celebrated 68-56 home victory for 2-1 lead in the series. The format is best-of-five and Klosterneuburg is now one win away from the title. Fourth game is scheduled for Thursday and same team will be the host. It will be the unique chance for Klosterneuburg to win the title in the front of its fans.
27 personal fouls committed by Gmunden Swans helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Christoph Nagler (196-84) who had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds. Bosnian power forward Ramiz Suljanovic (206-79) chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Morris Curry (178-87, college: Providence) who recorded 21 points and the other American import forward Dan Oppland (203-84, college: Valparaiso, agency: SportsTalent) added 10 points and 7 rebounds respectively.
If necessary, Game Five will be played on Sunday. Gmunden was the regular season champ, so if they survive on Thursday they will be the hosts of decisive fifth game.

Klosterneub.: C.Nagler 19+10reb+1ast, R.Suljanovic 18+6reb+1ast, J.Chappell 14+6reb+1ast, M.Lanegger 5+6reb+2ast, D.Zeleznik 5+2reb+7ast, C.Bobb 4+2reb+1ast
Gmunden: M.Curry 21+2reb+3ast, D.Oppland 10+7reb, E.Murati 8+2reb+1ast, M.Oppland 6+3reb, M.Mayer 5+10reb+1ast, F.Schoeninger 3+5reb+3ast

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BALTIC LEAGUE

BELARUS

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

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

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 Spartak St.Petersburg (9-9) 73-62 in the Russian PBL in Saturday night's game. Veremeenko was MVP of the game. He had a double-double by scoring 22 points and getting 16 rebounds in 37 minutes on the court. Unics Kazan (8-10) is placed sixth in the PBL. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. It's Veremeenko's fourth season with the team. Veremeenko is ranked fourth on the list of the best rebounders in the league with 6.6rpg. He also averaged so far 10.6ppg and FT: 76.5% in the 21 games he played so far. Veremeenko has a dual citizenship: Belarusian and Russian. Despite he played previously for the Russian national team, Veremeenko 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). He contributed to Kalev/Cramo's victory against the league leader Tartu Ulikool (25-3) 72-65 in the Estonian KML last Thursday. Ulyanko recorded 9 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. BC Kalev/Cramo Tallinn (23-5) is placed second in the KML. It's Ulyanko's first season with the team. This year he averages: 9.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 57.5%(50-87), 3FGP: 37.3% and FT: 66.7%. Despite Ulyanko played previously for the Russian national team, he played also for the Belarusian national team in 2008.

Heorhi Kandrusevich

#3. The Belarusian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Heorhi Kandrusevich (198-78, agency: New Trend Agency), who plays in the Ukrainian Superleague. Kandrusevich could not help Ferro-ZNTU (23-16) in their last game. Despite his good performance Ferro-ZNTU lost 72-82 on the road to the second-ranked Budivelnyk. Kandrusevich was the second best scorer with 11 points. He also added 5 rebounds in 28 minutes. 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 overall stats are: 8.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 47.3%, 3FGP: 40.5% and FT: 77.2% in the 44 games. Despite he played previously for the Russian national team, Kandrusevich played also for the Belarusian national team in 2010.

Artsiom Parakhouski

#4. Center Artsiom Parakhouski (211-87, college: Radford) faced previously mentioned Heorhi Kandrusevich in the Ukrainian Superleague last game. Parakhouski contributed to Budivelnyk's victory against the closely-ranked Ferro-ZNTU (23-16) 82-72. He scored 8 points. Parakhouski's total stats this season are: 7.6ppg, 3.8rpg and 1.2bpg. Despite he played previously for the Russian national team, Parakhouski is currently in the Belarusian national team roster.

Other top Belarusian players, who play abroad:

Vitali Liutych (198-G/F-92) plays for Siauliai in Lithuanian LKL
Dante Stiggers (187-PG-82) plays for PAOK in Greek A1
Aliaksandr Pustahvar (201-F-85) plays for BC Nizhny Novgorod in Russian PBL
Valentin Yurchyk (207-F-87) plays for BC Nizhny Novgorod in Russian PBL
Dzianis Korshuk (202-F-78) plays for BC Odessa in Ukrainian Superleague
Mikalai Aliakseyeu (212-C-78) plays for Targu Mures in Romanian Division A
Siergiej Zeludok (207-C-63) plays for Sportino in Polish 1Liga
Valery Gandlin (191-G-86) plays for Kiryat Tivon in Israeli National League
Ivan Zhauniarovich (205-C/F-86) plays for L'Alfas in Spanish EBA
Sergey Karpov (200-F-80) plays for Sojuz Zaretchny in Russian Superlaegue
Vladi Yeremishin (201-F/C-84) plays for Lev Hasharon in Israeli National League

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

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BELGIUM

Ethias League Round 1 of Semi-Finals - by Eurobasket News

Oostende - M.Hainaut 92-67

The game was mostly controlled by Base Oostende. Belfius Mons-Hainaut managed to win third quarter 24-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Base Oostende made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Belfius Mons-Hainaut's players. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Brent Wright (203-78, college: Florida) who helped to win the game recording 18 points. Serbian-Montenegrin guard Dusan Djordjevic (195-83, agency: Beo Basket) contributed with 17 points for the winners. Base Oostende's coach Dario Gjergja felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Montenegrin power forward Ivan Maras (208-86, agency: Beo Basket) answered with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds and American forward Ahmad Nivins (206-87, college: St.Joseph's) added 15 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Belfius Mons-Hainaut. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Oostende: B.Wright 18+4reb+2ast, D.Djordjevic 17+3reb+2ast, M.Lojeski 14+3reb+2ast, K.Winston 11+1reb+4ast, D.Drobnjak 8+6reb+5ast, V.Petrovic 7+4reb
M.Hainaut: A.Nivins 15+6reb, I.Maras 14+11reb+1ast, Q.Taylor 13+1reb+2ast, A.Slaughter 13+3reb+2ast, S.Foster 8+2reb, J.Cage 2+3reb+1ast

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BOSNIA

Siroki WWin celebrates in Game Three 97-89, takes 2-1 lead in the Finals - by Eurobasket News

Siroki WWin - Igokea 97-89

Third game of the Bosnian league Finals was played last night. Siroki WWin celebrated 97-89 home victory for 2-1 lead in the series. The format is best-of-five and Siroki is now needs one more win to defend the title. However, Igokea will be the host of Game Four (Wednesday, May 23). Zeljko Sakic (201-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for Siroki with 22 points and Ivan Ramljak (203-F-90) shined with 21 points, plus 7 rebounds. Point guard Jakov Vladovic (186-PG-83) delivered 16 points and 9 assists. At the other side, Nenad Sulovic (202-C-85) was better than the others with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Nebojsa Joksimovic (191-SF-81) (5 as) and Marko Brkic (206-FC-82, agency: Beo Basket) had 20 and 16 points respectively. Siroki had to work much harder in this game than it was in Game One. The hosts shined in the last quarter to celebrate 8-point win at the end. There were about 3.000 fans last night at Siroki Brijeg arena. Quarters: 28-22, 19-23, 24-24, 26-20.

Siroki WWin: Zeljko Sakic 22, Ivan Ramljak 21+7 boards, Jakov Vladovic 16+9 as
Igokea: Nenad Sulovic 23+8 boards, Nebojsa Joksimovic 20+5 as, Marko Brkic 16

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

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Bosnia and Herzegovina players, who play currently abroad.

Mirza Teletovic

#1. This week's number one is an international forward Mirza Teletovic (206-85, agency: Beo Basket). He led Caja Laboral to a victory over the closely-ranked Gescrap BB (19-15) 77-73 in the Spanish ACB last Thursday. Teletovic was MVP of the game. He recorded 19 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Caja Laboral Vitoria (23-11) is placed third in the ACB. It's Teletovic's sixth season with the team. Teletovic belongs to league's top scorers and is ranked #3. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Teletovic averages: 16.3ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 54.4%, 3FGP: 35.4% and FT: 66.7%. Despite he played previously for the Croatian national team, Teletovic is currently a member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina senior national team.

Henry Domercant

#2. Second place goes to an international guard Henry Domercant (192-80, college: E.Illinois). He was the major contributor in an Unics Kazan's victory against the closely-ranked Spartak St.Petersburg (9-9) 73-62 in the Russian PBL on Saturday night. Domercant scored 18 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 40 minutes. Unics Kazan (8-10) is placed sixth in the PBL. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Domercant has relatively good stats this year: 11.7ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 39.0%, 3FGP: 40.5% and FT: 82.9% in the 21 games he played so far. He is a naturalized American. Despite Domercant played previously for the USA national team, he is currently a member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina senior national team. Strangely Domercant has never played in Bosnia.

Nihad Djedovic

#3. The Bosnia and Herzegovina player who performed third best last week abroad was an international forward Nihad Djedovic (196-90, also represented by Beo Basket), who plays in the Turkish TBL. He could not help Galatasaray (25-5) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Djedovic's very good performance the league leader Galatasaray was defeated 74-65 in a derby game by the lower-ranked Besiktas (#4). He was the second best scorer with 16 points. Djedovic also added 6 rebounds. This season Djedovic has relatively solid stats: 10.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.2apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 51.6%, 3FGP: 36.4% and FT: 66.7%. Despite he played previously for the USA national team, Djedovic is currently a member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina senior national team.

Suad Sehovic

#4. Swingman Suad Sehovic (197-87), who plays in the Ukrainian Superleague was not able to help Budivelnyk (30-9) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Budivelnyk was badly defeated 127-111 at home by the lower-ranked (#5) Ferro-ZNTU. Sehovic was the top scorer with 25 points. He also added 6 rebounds in 28 minutes. Sehovic has reliable stats this year: 10.9ppg, 5.6rpg and 1.3spg in the 50 games. He has a dual citizenship: Montenegrin and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite Sehovic played previously for the Montenegrin national team, he is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

Kenan Bajramovic

#5. International forward Kenan Bajramovic (206-81) contributed to a 2-point Banvit BK's victory against the closely-ranked Anadolu Efes (24-6) 68-66 in the Turkish TBL on Wednesday night. Bajramovic recorded 13 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Banvit Basketbol Kulubu (25-5) is placed second in the TBL. It was his team's eighth consecutive victory in a row. Bajramovic's stats this season are: 10.9ppg, 4.6rpg and 1.6apg. Despite he played previously for the Montenegrin national team, Bajramovic is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

Mirza Begic

#6. Center Mirza Begic (217-85) contributed to a Real Madrid's victory against the seventh-ranked Cajasol (18-16) 82-68 in the Spanish ACB in Friday night's game. He recorded 9 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 23 minutes. Real Madrid (26-8) is placed second in the ACB. Begic is ranked fourth on the list of the best blockers in the league with 1.5bpg. He also averaged so far 5.7ppg and 4.2rpg in the 34 games. Despite Begic played previously for the Slovenian national team, he is also an international player who is currently on the senior Bosnia and Herzegovina National Team roster.

Goran Suton

#7. International center Goran Suton (209-85, college: Michigan St.) helped Cibona win their game against the seventh-ranked Zadar (8-12) crushing them 86-57 in the Croatian A1 last Tuesday. Suton recorded 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. KK Cibona VIP Zagreb (14-0) is placed first in Championship Group. So far his team won all fourteen games in the Semi-Finals. Suton's overall stats this season are: 9.9ppg, 6.7rpg and 1.4spg. Despite he played previously for the Croatian national team, Suton is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

Zlatko Jovanovic

#8. Point guard Zlatko Jovanovic (181-84, another player represented by Beo Basket), who plays in the Romanian Division A was not able to secure a victory for Timisoara (21-7) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Timisoara lost 89-104 on their home court in Timisoara to the lower-ranked (#4) Ploiesti. Jovanovic was the top scorer with 24 points. He also added 5 assists in 36 minutes. Jovanovic has very impressive stats this year: 16.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.8apg and 1.1spg in the 37 games. Despite he played previously for the Croatian national team, Jovanovic is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

Mile Ilic

#9. Former international center Mile Ilic (215-84, agency: Interperformances), who plays in the Serbian A League couldn't help Zvezda (0-0) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite his very good performance the first-placed Zvezda was defeated in an overtime 83-78 in a derby game by the leading Partizan in the SuperLiga group. Ilic was the second best scorer with 18 points. He also added 8 rebounds and made 2 blocks. Ilic's team will play only one more game in the Second Stage. And that game will be critical. It's Ilic's first season with the team. His overall stats this year are: 7.2ppg and 4.1rpg. Despite Ilic played previously for the Serbian national team, he is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

Ivan Opacak

   #10. Shooting guard Ivan Opacak (201-80), who plays in the Croatian A1 couldn't help Cedevita (11-3) in their last game. Despite Opacak's good performance Cedevita (#2) was edged 82-79 on the road by the lower-ranked (#3) KK Split in the Championship Group. He was the second best scorer with 14 points in 31 minutes. This year Opacak's overall stats are: 8.1ppg and 1.8rpg in the 16 games. Despite he played previously for the Croatian national team, Opacak is also a former international player as three years ago he still played for the Bosnia and Herzegovina senior national team.

   #11. Former international power forward Vanja Plisnic (205-80, another player represented by Beo Basket) helped Banco di Sardegna Sassari win their game against the closely-ranked CS Bologna 81-72 in the Italian SerieA on Thursday night. He recorded 11 points. Plisnic's total stats this season are: 8.5ppg, 4.1rpg and 1.5apg. Despite he played previously for the Serbian national team, Plisnic is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

   #12. Former 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 closely-ranked Panathinaikos 84-78 in a derby game in the Greek A1 in Monday night's game. He recorded only 2 points in 7 minutes on the court. This year Keselj's total stats are: 5.6ppg and 2.6rpg in the 22 games. He used to play for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team back in 2009.

   #13. An experienced international power forward Ramiz Suljanovic (206-79) helped Xion Dukes win their game against the leader Gmunden Swans 68-56 in the Austrian A Bundesliga last Sunday. Suljanovic scored 18 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. This season Suljanovic has very high stats. He averages: 16.3ppg and 6.5rpg. Despite Suljanovic played previously for the Serbian national team, he is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

   #14. Former international point guard Vedran Princ (192-82) is a teammate of previously mentioned Ivan Opacak. But that was another game of his team in Croatian A1 which we would like to mention. Princ helped Cedevita win their game against the third-ranked KK Split 87-84. He recorded 6 points in only 14 minutes. Princ has averaged so far 3.6ppg, 1.3rpg and 1.3apg in the 12 games. Despite he played previously for the Serbian national team, Princ is currently in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team roster.

   #15. International guard Aleksej Nesovic (189-85, another player represented by Beo Basket) helped Radnicki Kragujevac win their game against the eighth-ranked Hemofarm 92-89 in the Serbian A League in Saturday night's game. He recorded only 4 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Nesovic has averaged so far 2.3ppg and 1.6rpg. He is also in the roster of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.

One more player who has never been selected to any of national teams, but has Bosnia and Herzegovina passport:

   #1. Zoran Planinic (199-G-82), who plays in the Russian PBL could not help one of league's weakest teams Khimky (15-3) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Khimky was badly defeated 81-62 on the road by the leading CSKA Moscow. Planinic was the second best scorer with 17 points. He also added 4 assists in 29 minutes. It was Khimky's first loss after ten consecutive victories. Planinic is currently ninth on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of best passers (seventh place). He has very reliable stats this year: 13.2ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.4apg and 1.3spg in the 19 games he played so far. Planinic has a dual citizenship: Croatian and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite his Bosnia and Herzegovina passport, Planinic previously played for the Croatian national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Bosnia and Herzegovina team.

THE END OF AN ERA DAMIR MULAOMEROVIC HAS ANNNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT! - by Chris Mathieu

THE END OF AN ERA DAMIR MULAOMEROVIC HAS ANNNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT!
It is the end of a golden era of Bosnian basketball from Tuzla as Damir Mulaomerovic announced his retirement. Damir was a member of a golden generation from the basketball talent pool of Tuzla, Bosnia. Few in the world recognize what this small city from northern Bosnia has produced talent wise in the last 40 years. Starting with the shining star of Mirza Delibasic to the golden generation of Damir Mulaomerovic, Damir Mrsic, Asim (Pascanovic) Pars and the super prospect of Edin Salaharevic were all a part of the prewar Tuzla talent pool. To the postwar generation of Jasmin Hukic, Mirza Teletovic, Elemedin Kikanovic and Miralem Halilovic this little town from the north has produced an abundance of basketball talent.
Misfortune would befall the country as has been well documented. These players ended up scattered all over the globe. Asim Pascanovic ended up in Turkey, adopted the last name Pars and became one of the best centers in Turkey for a generation. Edin Salaharevic, the best young player in the former Yugoslavia ended up massacred like so many other Bosnians, his basketball talents were enough to save his life (much like years later the sad fate of Bosnian Haris Brkic who ended up murdered leaving practice in Belgrade).
Damir was sold off just before the war begun and stories circulated that he was offered to Croatia in exchange for much needed help (and weapons and money) during the war. He became a key player on the Croatian national team and would never rejoin his former teammates in representing Bosnia. Damir went on to have a stellar international career playing in the best leagues and some of the best teams in the world.
There was talk in the last few years he would rejoin Sloboda Dita Tuzla for the final year of his career, unfortunately the awful mismanagement of the team and eventual shutdown of Sloboda caused Damir to finish his career in Croatia.
Damirs contribution with international basketball cant be overstated; it is just too bad most of it will be associated with his adopted country of Croatia and not the country of his birth Bosnia. He is another Bosnian who would make an excellent addition to the coaching legacy of the country or any other capacity he would wish to join the Bosnian basketball community. Congratulations to Damir, for having a stellar basketball career and congratulations to Bosnia for producing another amazing basketball talent.

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BOTSWANA

Standings

D1 Standings

1. Spartans		12-1
2. Cadets		8-3
3. Troopers		7-4
4. Police		6-4
5. Flames		4-2
6. Dolphins		4-3
7. BDF V		3-7
8. Bullets		2-8
9. Splinters		1-8
10. Saints		0-7

Regular Season: Round 11

May. 19: Spartans - Bullets 87-49
May. 16: BDF V - Troopers 67-87
May. 18: Cadets - Police 62-57
May. 18: Spartans - Troopers 59-52
May. 19: Saints - Bullets 54-61

Regular Season: Round 12

May. 25: Saints - Cadets
May. 26: Flames - Troopers
May. 26: Splinters - Police
May. 26: Flames - Police
May. 26: Spartans - Dolphins
May. 26: BDF V - Saints

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BRAZIL

Pinheiros/Sky and Sao Jose/Vinac earn playoff victories - by Eurobasket News

Pinheros/Sky shot down Uniceub/BRB 81:65 at home court to level the semifinal series at 1-1. The hosts earned a 13-point lead after ten minutes. Uniceub/BRB slowed their opponents down in the next two periods. However Pinheiros/Sky unloaded 20 points in the final frame and sealed the victory at the end. Juan Pablo Figueroa (184-PG-86, agency: Interperformances) accounted for 20 points to lead the home team. Olivinha Rodriguez (202-F-83) added 18 points and 7 rebounds in the victory. Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) answered with 20 points for Uniceub/BRB.
In the meantime Sao Jose/Vinac took 2-1 lead in the series against Flamengo. The regular season champions celebrated the second straight win at home court. Sao Jose/Vinac built a 55:42 halftime lead. They stretched the margin to 17 points at the final break and hung on in the fourth quarter to earn a 100:91 success. Murilo Becker (210-C/F-83) came up with 24 points and 8 rebounds for Sao Jose/Vinac. Fulvio de Assis (187-G-81) accounted for 18 points and 13 assists in the victory. Flamengo answered with game-high 27 points from Marcelo Magalhaes (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances). David Jackson (196-G-82, college: Penn St.) provided 23 points in defeat.

Marcelinho Huertas 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.

Marcelinho Huertas

#1. This week's number one is an international point guard Marcelinho Huertas (191-83, agency: Edge Sports). He led Regal FC Barcelona to a victory over the eighth-ranked Meridiano Alicante (18-16) crushing them 73-43 in the Spanish ACB in Thursday night's game. Huertas was MVP of the game. He recorded 14 points, 6 assists and 3 steals in 22 minutes on the court. Regal FC Barcelona (29-5) is placed first in the ACB. It was his team's tenth consecutive victory in a row. This year Huertas averages: 8.2ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 50.9%, 3FGP: 41.7% and FT: 84.3% in the 36 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Brazilian and Italian. Despite Huertas played previously for the Italian 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 contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Lagun Aro GBC (19-15) crushing them 82-60 in the Spanish ACB last Thursday. He recorded 12 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks. Valencia Basket (20-14) is placed fourth in the ACB. Faverani's overall stats this season are: 7.3ppg, 3.9rpg, 2FGP: 55.9%(80-143), 3FGP: 25.0% and FT: 65.5%. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Faverani is currently a member of the Brazilian senior national team.

Tiago Splitter

#3. The Brazilian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international power forward Tiago Splitter (211-85, agency: Interperformances). He contributed to a 3-point San Antonio Spurs' victory against the Los Angeles Clippers (40-26) 102-99 in the NBA on Sunday night. Splitter recorded 11 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 24 minutes. The San Antonio Spurs have a very solid 50-16 record this season. It was his team's tenth consecutive victory in a row. It's Splitter's first year with the team. He has relatively good stats this season: 9.1ppg, 5.0rpg, 2FGP: 61.7%(235-381) and FT: 65.7% in the 66 games. Splitter is another player who holds two passports: Brazilian and Spanish. Despite he played previously for the Spanish national team, Splitter is currently a member of the Brazilian senior national team.

Leandrinho Barbosa

#4. Point guard Leandrinho Barbosa (190-82) contributed to a 3-point Indiana Pacers' victory against the Miami Heat (46-20) 78-75 in the NBA in Tuesday night's game. He scored 8 points. The Indiana Pacers have a solid 42-24 record this season. This year Barbosa has relatively solid stats: 8.2ppg, 2.2rpg and 1.4apg. Despite he played previously for the Spanish national team, Barbosa is currently in the Brazilian national team roster.

Raul Neto

#5. International point guard Raul Neto (186-92) contributed to an overtime Lagun Aro GBC's victory against the closely-ranked Valencia Basket (20-14) 86-82 in the Spanish ACB last Sunday. He scored 12 points and added 5 passes in 26 minutes. Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa BC (19-15) is placed fifth in the ACB. It's Neto's first season with the team. This year Neto's overall stats are: 5.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.0apg and 1.1spg in the 36 games. Despite he played previously for the Spanish national team, Neto is currently in the Brazilian national team roster.

Rafael Freire

#6. Point guard Rafael Freire (188-92) faced previously mentioned Marcelinho Huertas in the Spanish ACB last game. Freire, who plays in the Spanish ACB could not help Meridiano Alicante (18-16) to beat Regal FC Barcelona (29-5). He recorded only 4 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and made 2 blocks. Meridiano Alicante was crushed 73-43 on the road by the leading Regal FC Barcelona. It was Meridiano Alicante's third consecutive loss in a row. Freire's total stats this season are: 5.6ppg, 1.8rpg and 1.7apg. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Brazilian National Team roster.

Jonathan Tavernari

#7. Former international swingman Jonathan Tavernari (198-87, college: BYU) contributed to a 2-point Tuscany Pistoia's victory against the eighth-ranked Prima Veroli (13-15) 80-78 in the Italian Lega2 (second division) in Thursday night's game. Tavernari recorded 10 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 21 minutes. Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (18-10) is placed second in the Lega2. This year Tavernari's total stats are: 9.9ppg, 3.8rpg and 1.5spg in the 17 games. Despite he played previously for the Italian national team, Tavernari is currently in the Brazilian national team roster.

Marcus Vinicius Toledo

#8. Forward Marcus Vinicius Toledo (203-86) was not able to help one of league's weakest teams Ford Burgos (22-12) in their game against Caceres 2016 (2-1) in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division). He scored 9 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and dished 5 assists. But Ford Burgos was edged 77-74 on the opponent's court by the leading Caceres_2016. They ended the series of five consecutive victories. Toledo is currently second on the list of most steals. He has averaged so far 7.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.6apg and 2.1spg. Despite Toledo played previously for the Spanish national team, he is currently in the Brazilian national team roster.

Romero Junior

#9. An experienced former international forward Romero Junior (200-74) was not able to secure a victory for Fisica (11-11) in their game against Alges (21-1) in the Portuguese Proliga (second division). Junior recorded 5 points in 5 minutes. Fisica lost 73-83 on the opponent's court to the leading Alges. Junior has averaged so far 2.7ppg and 1.6rpg in the 22 games. He used to play for the Brazilian national team three years ago.

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BULGARIA

Marcus Hall: I have to get that title! - by Maria Mitzova

Marcus Hall (185-G-85, college: Colorado) will be one of the main weapons of Levski Sofia in the tough battle against reigning champion Lukoil Academik Sofia in the Finals of the Bulgarian League, starting on Tuesday. Hall returned to Bulgaria, after spending his rookie season in Europe in the same team, but is yet to gain silverware this year. The charismatic combo guard is sure of Levski Sofias ability to win the championship something no one other than Lukoil Academik Sofia has done in the last 10 years. (AUDIO)

Marcus, Game 1 from the Finals tomorrow, what are the expectations?
We have to come out, be aggressive, and do what we practiced, and we should be OK, well have the chance to win the game.

You already played one final this season against Lukoil Academik Sofia, you had great game plan but it didnt work out in the end. Whats going to change now?
We felt like we controlled the whole game, and let it loose the last 6-7 minutes, we know that we played hard. As long as we execute in offense, well be fine. We think we can guard them, so well see.

You already won one game in Pravets this season, maybe with the newcomer then Jarett Howell. Do you have something to surprise them with this time?
We are an older team, so have better focus on the road. Guys are mature, understand what they have to bring on the road. Being on the road is not a problem for us, we take that challenge. Our main goal is to steal Game 1.

Whats Lukoil Academik Sofias biggest strength?
That they have five shooters at all times. I think except Tencho Banev, everyone can shoot threes. I noticed that they shoot a lot of threes.

Those were pretty tough four games on the semifinals. Are they in a way helping you out being in a better condition now?
Yes, they challenged us. I think people forgot that they beat Lukoil Academik Sofia twice this season. We were laid back in the beginning of the series, but we figured out that theyre going to bring it, so we had to bring it. Weve been through it all this year. We had our tests, we were blown out, we won big games, we won on the road, its been building us for this opportunity thats coming up.

You were in a perfect shape before the Balkan League Final 4, then the injury slowed you down a little bit. How are you now?
I told my mom right when I got this ankle injury, that I had been playing my type of basketball, I was feeling good. I had to sit out a week, but I am back in shape. Harper keep telling me Be aggressive, be aggressive, so I will be ready, believe me.

Whats the chemistry inside the team?
Its great. All year we are having a new player Justin, Jarett, now Chavdar, and guys are getting hurt here and there. But now we finally have the whole team, everybody is healthy, so we feel good.

You will need more than 1-2 players playing at your best, if you want to win three games.
Obviously. Not just us, them too. They cant beat us with just one person. We know we have to have 2-3 guys to step up. We know they going to get on Harper, but people on this team know they can get something out of me, and we hope other guys step up too.

You played two really bad games against Lukoil Academik Sofia this season, they shut you down, they were very good defensively. Do you know how to handle this now?
Yes, I was just too anxious in the beginning of the season. I wasnt playing my type of game. It was different to play with another scorer. Right before I got injured, I started figuring out how to get my shots. I wouldnt give all the credit to them, I shut myself down. They are a solid defensive team, but Im going to be OK.

You already have one Cup with Levski Sofia, do you expect one more?
I have to get it. I need this!

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CHINA

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Hebei		5-1
2. Jiangsu		5-1
3. Guangzhou L.		4-2
4. Changan Group		4-2
5. Guangzhou FM		3-3
6. Hong Kong		3-3
7. Sichuan		2-4
8. Heilongjiang		2-4
9. Henan Jiyuan		1-5
10. Nanjin Army		1-5

Regular Season: Round 6

May. 19: Henan Jiyuan - Sichuan 83-95
May. 19: Changan Group - Nanjin Army 81-64
May. 19: Jiangsu - Guangzhou FM 107-100
May. 19: Guangzhou L. - Hebei 103-76
May. 19: Hong Kong - Heilongjiang 101-93

Regular Season: Round 7

May. 22: Henan Jiyuan - Hong Kong
May. 22: Guangzhou L. - Heilongjiang
May. 22: Guangzhou FM - Hebei
May. 22: Changan Group - Jiangsu
May. 22: Sichuan - Nanjin Army

Chinese NBL round 6 best performance: Ndudi Ebi - by Eurobasket News

Nigerian forward Ndudi Ebi (206-F-84, agency: Higher Vision Sports) had an amazing evening in the last round for second-ranked Jiangsu, receiving a Asia-basket.com NBL Player of the Week award for round 6.
The 27-year old player had a double-double of 41 points and 27 rebounds, while his team beat Guangzhou FM (#5, 3-3) 107-100. Jiangsu maintains the 2nd position in Chinese NBL. They are still close to the very top. Jiangsu would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 5-1 record. In the team's last game Ebi had a remarkable 51.9% from 2-point range. He just recently signed at Jiangsu, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Ndudi Ebi has solid league stats. He is in league's top in points (5th best: 30.0ppg), rebounds (6th best: 16.3rpg) and averages impressive 3.7bpg,2.5spg and 53.7% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 25-year old American Walter Sharpe (206-F-86, agency: Two Points) of Guangzhou FM. Sharpe had a very good evening with a double-double of 37 points and 29 rebounds. Bad luck as Guangzhou FM lost that game 100-107 to the higher-ranked Jiangsu (#2, 5-1). Guangzhou FM managed to keep the same 5th spot in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 3-3 record is not bad and everything may still change. Sharpe is one of the most experienced players at Guangzhou FM and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 30.0ppg (#4). He also registered 19.2 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was American Rashaun Freeman (206-C/F-84) of Heilongjiang (#8). Freeman got into 30-points club by scoring 32 points in the last round. He went also for twenty five rebounds . Despite Freeman's great performance Heilongjiang lost 93-101 to slightly higher-ranked Hong Kong (#6, 3-3). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Heilongjiang not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 4 games, recording just two victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Freeman could try to bring Heilongjiang's a little bit higher in the standings. Freeman has individually a great season in China. After only 5 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 41.6ppg (best scorer) and rebounds with 18.6rpg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Hamady N'Diaye (213-C-87) of Guangzhou L. - 22 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists
5. Kenny Adeleke (205-C-83) of Henan Jiyuan - 37 points and 18 rebounds
6. DeVon Hardin (211-C-86) of Hong Kong - 18 points and 19 rebounds
7. MingHao Li (200-F-92) of Hong Kong - 31 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Joseph Taylor (203-F-85) of Changan Group - 16 points, 19 rebounds and 5 assists
9. XiaoDong Chen (207-C-86) of Sichuan - 25 points and 6 rebounds
10. Zhou Feng (180-G-81) of Hong Kong - 24 points, 2 rebounds and 7 assists

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

China lose to USA All-Stars - by Eurobasket News

China lost their third and final exhibition encounter against USA All-Stars selection. The hosts surrendered 70:76 to win the series 2-1. Donewald Bob tested all his players in the series. Wang Zhelin (213-C-94) stepped up with 13 points and 10 rebounds to lead the home team. Guo Ailun (192-G-93) added 10 points and 4 assists for China.
China have already qualified for 2012 Olympic Games in London. The Asian powerhouse will play in Group B alongside Australia, Brazil, Great Britain, Spain and a qualifier. China open their Olympic Games campaign on July 29 against Spain.

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COSTA RICA

Barva inks Ferguson - by Gianni Pascucci

Just before Game 2 of the Apertura Finals, Ferreteria Brenes Barva announced the signing of Costa Rican international Franklyn Ferguson (198-C/F-77, college: Ks Wesleyan), a very experirnced player, who will be a great addition in the paint for Barva in CLausura tournment. Farguson has yet been a Barva player in 2006 and 2007, he seemed to had agreed to terms with LIceo at beginning of Apertura season, then had talks with Cartago and Sanatura, without reaching an agreement.

Sanatura wins Apertura - by Gianni Pascucci

Sanatura Basket-Desamparados defeated Ferreteria Brenes Barva aven in Game 2 of Final Series, this time 76-72, claiming the Apertura title of LBS-First Division. del Baloncesto Nacional. The game was very close, Sanatura took an advantage but Barva managed to come back, tieing the score with Charles Plummer (191-G/F-84) at 67-67 with 3:10 to go.
But some good plays from Dave Milliner (197-C-81) and Michael Jackson (195-F/G-87) allowed Sanatura to keep again the head and to win the game.

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

CROATIA

Damir Mulaomerovic retires - by Eurobasket News

Damir Mulaomerovic (195-G-74, agency: FCM) announced his retirement from the professional basketball. The Croatian point guard spent last three and a half years with Zagreb. He had 9.3 ppg and 3.9 rpg for the team in 17 Adriatic league games this season. Mulaomerovic also averaged 10.4 points and 2.9 assists for 9 Euroleague games. In Croatian championship he collected 9.5 ppg, 4.1 apg and 2 rpg. Damir Mulaomerovic started his career with Sloboda Dita Tuzla. He joined Cibona Zagreb in 1994 and stayed there four years. With Cibiona Mulaomerovic won four straight titles in Croatia. After that, he moved to Teamsystem Bologna and later played for Efes Pilsen, Panathinaikos, Udine, Real Madrid, PAOK, Panellinios, Olympiakos and Bruesa. In 2007, Mulaomerovic returned to Cibona and next year signed with PAOK, but they parted ways in January of 2009 and the player moved to Zagreb. Mulaomerovic won the Euroleague title with Panathinaikos in 2002. In 2010/11 he won the championship title and Cup with Zagreb, and they also were Cup winners in 2009 and 2010. Mulaomerovic played for the Croatian National Team from 1995 to 2003.

Bojan Bogdanovic 'anxious' to join Nets - by Eurobasket News

Billy King told beat reporters at Saturday's Draft Combine that Bojan Bogdanovic (6'8''-G/F-89) is anxious to join the Nets, having watched a lot of the team's games on NBA League Pass, but he said there's not resolution yet of his contract issues with Fenerbahce of Istanbul

'We had a good meeting,' he said of his talk with the Nets #31 pick in the 2011 Draft. 'Hes anxious to play. In due time well talk about his contract and see if we can get him out. But hes anxious to come and play. He had NBA League Pass and watched our games, so hes as anxious as he was the day we drafted him.'

King didn't dismiss that Bogdanovic could join the team for this season, but didn't sound encouraged. So is next season a possibility?, he was asked 'Thats the next step. We have to work on that part.' Even if that's resolved, the Nets will have to negotiate a contract with Bogdanovic, who as a second rounder is not restricted by rookie salary scale.

Courtesy of www.netsdaily.com

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CYPRUS

Tonis and Etha split ways - by Dr. Nasios Orinos

Even though is not yet officialy announced, it is certain that Tonis Constandinides and Etha are splitting ways.

It is indeed a sudden incidence in the basketball world as nobody expected it, especially after a successful year.

There were no specific reasons given for the decision, which came only weeks after Etha has won the Cyprus championship.

It seems though that it is a friendly 'divorce'.

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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	15.0
8. Arnold, BK Pardu.	14.9
9. Meno, Svitavy	14.8
10. Smith, BK Prost.	14.8

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.	7.9
6. Gadri-N., BK Prost.	7.9
7. Naymick, CEZ N.	7.7
8. Modric, Levice	7.2
9. Peterson, BK Prost.	7.1
10. Houska, BK Decin	6.9

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, Chomutov	4.6
5. Wright, NH Ostrava	4.6
6. Vrubl, Plzen	4.4
7. Lawrence, CEZ N.	4.2
8. Sirina, B&W Opava	4.1
9. McFadden, Usti n.	4.1
10. Pope, Chomutov	3.9

Steals Per Game

Rashaan AMES
  BC Kolin
  (184-PG-78)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Ames, BC Kolin	2.6
2. Ubilla, Inter B.	2.5
3. Wright, Chomutov	2.4
4. McFadden, Usti n.	2.3
5. Wright, NH Ostrava	2.1
6. Lowery, Chomutov	1.9
7. Klecka, B&W Opava	1.9
8. Sirina, B&W Opava	1.8
9. Pumprla, CEZ N.	1.7
10. Simmons, 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. Reese, Usti n.	0.9
7. Grant, Levice	0.9
8. Arnold, BK Pardu.	0.9
9. Meno, Svitavy	0.8
10. Houska, BK Decin	0.8

CEZ Nymburk celebrated the second straight win - by Eurobasket News

CEZ Nymburk - BK Prostejov 88-58 (2-0)

CEZ Nymburk celebrated the second straight win in the Finals. The game was mostly controlled by CEZ Nymburk. BK Prostejov managed to win third quarter 20-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. CEZ Nymburk dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to BK Prostejov's 24. They outrebounded BK Prostejov 45-26 including a 39-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. CEZ Nymburk looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by BK Prostejov's players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when CEZ Nymburk made 8 blocks. Swingman Michal Kremen (200-81) scored 18 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and the former international forward Pavel Pumprla (200-86) chipped in 12 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Four CEZ Nymburk players scored in double figures. CEZ Nymburk's coach felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American Jamar Smith (191-87, college: S.Indiana, agency: KMG Sports Management) responded with 15 points and Slovakian forward Dusan Pandula (196-84) scored 5 points and 5 rebounds.
Top scorers:
CEZ Nymburk: M.Kremen 18+6reb+2ast, P.Pumprla 12+10reb+4ast, M.Lenzly 11+1reb+4ast, P.Benda 10+5reb+1ast, R.Necas 10+6reb+2ast, C.Simmons 9+6reb+6ast
BK Prostejov: J.Smith 15+3reb, V.Bratcenkov 9+2reb+1ast, B.Gadri-Nicholson 6+5reb+2ast, T.Peterson 5+3reb+1ast, D.Pandula 5+5reb+3ast, P.Slezak 5+2reb

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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.	22.2
5. Millsap, Los A.	20.0
6. Efevberha, Iowa E.	19.6
7. Mitchell, Sioux F.	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. Butch, Bakersfi.	10.4
4. Dawson, Austin T.	10.2
5. Thomas, Los A.	10.1
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. Stinson, Iowa E.	5.8
8. Bailey, Idaho S.	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. Millsap, Los A.	2.0
6. Hannah, Dakota W.	2.0
7. Curry, Springfield	1.9
8. Greene, Los A.	1.9
9. Owens, Tulsa 66ers	1.9
10. Saunders, Rio G.	1.9

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.	1.8
7. Hill, Maine RC	1.8
8. Ojougboh, Tulsa	1.7
9. Strong, Iowa E.	1.6
10. Blakely, Iowa E.	1.5

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EUROCHALLENGE

Eurochallenge Final four teams, continue their battles - by Diamadis Farmakis

The four teams, that participated in the 2012 Fiba Eurochallenge Final Four, continue their battles, as the season comes to an end. All the teams have in front of them very significant games in the playoffs of their domestic championships. Let's see how Besiktas, Szolnoki, Chalon and Triumph are doing:

**EuroChallenge champions Besiktas Milangaz, beat Galatasaray Medical Park on Sunday, 74-65, to take a 2-1 lead in the BEKO Basketbol Ligi play-off semi-finals. David Hawkins led Besiktas for the second game in a row, scoring 21 points.

Besiktas, dominating the boards 38-29, also got 16 points apiece from Carlos Arroyo and Ersin Dagli while EuroChallenge Final Four MVP Pops Mensah-Bonsu had eight points and eight boards.

**The EuroChallenge Final Four hosts Szolnoki Olaj have taken a 1-0 lead in their Hungarian play-off finals showdown with Falco-Szova KC-Szombathely. Peter Por's team hit the road in Game 1 and prevailed, 78-65.

Tobie Trotter finished with 22 points and Akos Horvath had 18 for Szolnoki.

**Eurochallenge finalist Elan Chalon, knocked off Limoges in the Coupe de France (French Cup) final for the second year in a row on Sunday. Gregor Beugnot's side, winners of the Semaine des As earlier this season, prevailed 83-75 with sharpshooter Ilian Evtimov scoring a game-high 28 points.

Evtimov did most of his damage from behind the arc, making eight of 16 three-pointers. He was named as the MVP of the final.

**Triumph Liubertsy, is trying to defeat Lokomotiv Kuban in the battle for third place in Russia's PBL and the series is tied at 1-1. Triumph prevailed in the opener, 91-86, with Tywain McKee's 24 points and Sergey Karasev's 21 leading the way

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EUROLEAGUE

David Blatt Officially Extends Term With Maccabi Tel Aviv - by David Pick

It took some time and was doubted after rumors of departing for CSKA Moscow circulated around Europe, however, earlier this morning, David Blatt signed the dotted line and will continue to lead Maccabi Tel-Aviv from the Nokia Arena sidelines for the next two season, with a third year extension option.

After securing its head coach, Maccabi looks to continue building its 2012-13 squad. David Blu, who's yet to officially announce his retirement, has registered for next year's courses at the University of Southern California, won't re-sign. The team's leading scorer and one of Euroleague's most versatile guards Keith Langford, holds top notch offers from Turkey and Italy and is yet to decide on where he'll take his talents. Maccabi's Greeks, Sofoklis Schortsanitis and Theodoros Papaloukas aren't expected to continue another season. Tel Aviv recently decided to pick up its option on Devin Smith and is still undergoing extended conversations will All-Euroleague Imports Team Center, Richard Hendrix. Despite being under contracts, Tal Burstein and Shawn James' future are currently up in the air.

Tomorrow night, Maccabi battles Hapoel Holon in the domestic Semis as Blatt's quest of back-to-back Israeli championships continues. The team's four foreigners most likely to suit up are Smith, Langford, Hendrix and James.

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FRANCE

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game

Jason SIGGERS
  Rouen
  (189-SG-85)
  Avg: 18.5

1. Siggers, Rouen	18.5
2. Brown, Maurienne	17.3
3. Davis, Le Portel	17.0
4. McCray, Boulogne	16.5
5. Wood, Evreux	16.4
6. Paelay, Quimper	15.8
7. Monroe, Boulazac	15.5
8. Carter, Chalons-.	15.4
9. Gay, Fos Ouest	15.2
10. Prowell, St Valli.	15.1

Rebounds Per Game

Christophe MASSIE
  Limoges
  (206-C/F-77)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Massie, Limoges	11.4
2. Wood, Evreux	10.9
3. Rossiter, Denain	9.6
4. Monroe, Boulazac	9.6
5. Osby, Maurienne	9.5
6. Daniels, Chalons-.	8.7
7. Barro, Bourg	8.5
8. Allen, Antibes	8.2
9. Badiane, Nantes	7.9
10. Brown, Maurienne	7.8

Assists Per Game

Ronnie TAYLOR
  Le Portel
  (188-PG-81)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Taylor, Le Portel	6.6
2. Mullins, Chalons-.	5.9
3. Rowland, Evreux	5.4
4. Copeland, Bourg	5.3
5. Darnauzan, Mauri.	5.2
6. Darrigand, Bordeaux	4.9
7. Patiejunas, Rouen	4.9
8. Denave, St Vallier	4.8
9. Poupet, Rouen	4.4
10. Eito, Vichy	4.4

Steals Per Game

Armand CHARLES
  Nantes
  (193-SF-83)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Charles, Nantes	2.5
2. McCray, Boulogne	2.5
3. Paelay, Quimper	1.9
4. Shiloh, St Vallier	1.9
5. Mullins, Chalons-.	1.9
6. Eito, Vichy	1.9
7. Allen, Antibes	1.8
8. Daniels, Chalons-.	1.8
9. Driss, Bordeaux	1.8
10. Choquet, Fos Oue.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Sherman GAY
  Fos Ouest
  (201-PF-82)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Gay, Fos Ouest	1.7
2. Badiane, Antibes	1.7
3. Jefferson, Vichy	1.6
4. Osby, Maurienne	1.5
5. Massie, Limoges	1.1
6. Ford, Bordeaux	1.0
7. Fields, Nantes	0.9
8. McKenzie, Boulazac	0.9
9. Rossiter, Denain	0.8
10. Barro, Bourg	0.8

ASVEL close to Paccelis Morlende - by Eurobasket News

ASVEL may soon finalize the deal with Paccelis Morlende (189-G-81). The guard will probably start next season with the Lyon-Villeurbanne team. Paccelis Morlende spent the last two seasons with Hyeres-Toulon. Last season he tallied 14.8 points, 2.9 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game in ProA. He participated at ProA All-Star Game. Previously he had stints in Russia, Spain, Italy. Paccelis Morlende used to play for U16 and U18 French National Teams. He was also the member of French National Team in 2003 and 2004. Eurobasket.com named the guard into FIBA Europe Cup All-European Player Team in 2004. He was also trumped into All-Europe Youth Players 2nd Team in 2002.

Boulogne eye Valentin Bigote - by Eurobasket News

Boulogne are close to landing Valentin Bigote (196-F-92). The forward spent the last two seasons with Gravelines. Last season Valentin Bigote tallied 2.3 points per game in EuroCup. In ProA his stats read 2.1 points per appearance. The forward also played for Gravelines U21 team. Valentin Bigote was the member of French U18 and U20 National Teams.

Fabien Causeur is MVP of the season in ProA - by Eurobasket News

Fabien Causeur (193-G-87) is officially named MVP of the ProA 2011/12 season. The French guard appeared 30 times for Cholet averaging 16.2 points, 3.7 assists and 3.3 rebounds. Cholet finished regular season as No.8 with 16-14 record. They will meet Gravelines in the Playoff Quarterfinals. Fabien Causeur played six EuroCup games for Cholet this season registering 21.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 2.2 apg. He joined the club in 2009 from Le Havre. In 2010, Causeur helped Cholet to win the ProA title. Last season they reached Finals, but failed against Nancy in thriller. Cholet also was the French SuperCup winner in 2011 and Causeur was named MVP. Fabien Causeur played for the French national Team at 2010 World Championship in Turkey. He missed EuroBasket in Lithuania last summer, but will play for France at the Olympic Games in London.

Thierry Rupert retires - by Eurobasket News

Thierry Rupert (202-C/F-77) decided to retire from professional basketball. The veteran big guy was forced to make this decision due to health problems (heart). Rupert split this season (his last as a pro) between Rouen and Dijon. With Rouen he had 8.2 ppg and 4.6 rpg for 13 games in ProB. In December, Rupert signed a deal with JDA Dijon. There he averaged 3.4 points and 2.4 rebounds for 18 games. Thierry Rupert played for Le Mans from 2009 until the last summer. Before that he spent one season with Chalon and four years with Pau-Orthez. In the past, Rupert also was a member of Strasbourg, Paris Basket Racing, Limoges, Antibes and Poissy-Chatou. He won the ProA title, Cup and Korac Cup with Limoges in 2000. In 2007, Rupert won another Cup trophy, but with Pau-Orthez. In 2010, he played in the ProA Finals with Le Mans.

Strasbourg wants to sign Jeff Greer - by Eurobasket News

Strasbourg wants to sign Jeff Greer (196-G/F-79, college: Rutgers) for the next season. If they agree a deal, Jeff will join his brother Ricardo Greer (197-F/G-78, college: Pittsburgh). Jeff spent this season with EnBW Ludwigsburg. He appeared 27 times in German league averaging 8.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 assist. They finished as No.16 with 10-24 record. Jeff Greer already played for Strasbourg in the past and it was from 2004 to 2006. After that, he spent one season with Hapoel Ironi Jahariya, three with Nancy and one with Gravelines. He won Semaine des As trophy with Gravelines last year. They also reached EuroChallenge Quarterfinals. In 2008, Greer won the ProA title with Nancy.

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

FYR MACEDONIA

NT center Predrag Samardziski stays in Lietuvos Rytas - by Eurobasket News

Lietuvos Rytas announced signing of a one-year contract extension with center Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86, agency: Beo Basket). The FYROM National Team member joined Rytas last summer from Olin Edrine. He appeared 14 times in EuroCup averaging 5.3 points and 4.5 rebounds. Samardziski had 6.6 ppg and 4.3 rpg in LKL, plus 6.2 ppg and 4 rpg for 22 VTB United League games. Rytas reached Lithuanian and Baltic league Finals, but failed to win the title. The team also reached EuroCup Semis. Before Rytas, Predrag Samardziski played for Olin Edrine, FMP Zeleznik and Partizan. He played for the FYROM NT last summer in Lithuania and helped them to reach the Semifinals. For 11 games at this event Samardziski had 5.8 ppg and 4.2 rpg. FYROM will participate at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caracas.

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GEORGIA

Geogian Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Larry BLAIR
  MIA Academy
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 26

1. Blair, MIA Academy	26.0
2. Carter, Dinamo T.	23.4
3. Parghalava, Sokhu.	20.6
4. Patsatsia, Sokhumi	18.3
5. Smith, MIA Academy	17.8
6. Keshelava, Batumi	17.3
7. Khmelidze, Rustavi	16.7
8. Woodside, Armia	16.7
9. Niniashvili, TSU T.	16.4
10. Thomas, Armia	16.2

Rebounds Per Game

Keyon CARTER
  Dinamo T.
  (203-F-88)
  Avg: 13.9

1. Carter, Dinamo T.	13.9
2. Matiashvili, Kutai.	9.7
3. Patsatsia, Sokhumi	9.5
4. Keshelava, Batumi	8.6
5. Smith, MIA Academy	8.5
6. Machaladze, STU T.	8.3
7. Niniashvili, TSU T.	8.1
8. Hoger, Olimpi	7.9
9. Thomas, Armia	7.5
10. Atuashvili, Sokhu.	7.4

Assists Per Game

Giorgi GAMQRELIDZE
  Olimpi
  (183-G-86)
  Avg: 7.4

1. Gamqrelidze, Olimpi	7.4
2. Woodside, Armia	7.1
3. Blair, MIA Academy	6.4
4. Chitashvili, TSU T.	6.4
5. Mikeladze, Batumi	5.5
6. Artsividze, Rustavi	4.8
7. Parghalava, Sokhu.	4.8
8. Tsekvava, Kutaisi	4.6
9. Pashayev, Kutaisi	3.9
10. Patsatsia, Sokhu.	3.9

Steals Per Game

Larry BLAIR
  MIA Academy
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Blair, MIA Academy	3.2
2. Woodside, Armia	2.5
3. Ramishvili, Batumi	2.5
4. Kokhreidze, TSU T.	2.2
5. Machaladze, STU T.	2.0
6. Chitashvili, TSU T.	2.0
7. Antadze, STU T.	1.9
8. Patsatsia, Sokhumi	1.8
9. Mikeladze, Batumi	1.8
10. Chachanidze, Rus.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Joakim KJELLBOM
  Armia
  (213-C/F-79)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Kjellbom, Armia	1.7
2. Atuashvili, Sokhumi	1.1
3. Matiashvili, Kutai.	1.1
4. Machaladze, STU T.	1.0
5. Milutinovic, Olimpi	1.0
6. Hoger, Olimpi	0.9
7. Kobidze, STU T.	0.8
8. Smith, MIA Academy	0.8
9. Todorovic, Olimpi	0.8
10. Eliashvili, Batumi	0.8

Nikoloz Tskitishvili wins another title with Mahram - by Eurobasket News

Georgian Nikoloz Tskitishvili (212-C/F-83, agency: Regeneracom Sports) wins another title with Mahram as the latter won 2011/2012 title as they swept their Final series over Petrochimi. The Winner of the Regular Season added 111:93 victory in Game three to win the series 3-0.
Mahram started with 12:10 in the opening tip, but allowed the opponents to win the first period. Petrochimi looked better in the last five minutes of the first period and grabbed 23:22 lead. They could not however to follow the favorite in the majority of the game. Mahram won the second frame and reached 54:42 at the halftime. Moreover they led 82:61 at the end of the third frame and could start to celebrate at that time as the game was done. Mahram led 101:73 with 5 minutes to go and added another ten points in the game. The board showed 11:93 when the team started to celebrate.
Samad Nik Khahbahrami top-scored for the winners with 25 points and Sow added 22 points and 14 rebounds. Afagh Hamed scored 19, while Nikoloz Tskitishvili delivered 17. Atashi Mehrad replied with 21 points in the losing effort, whilst Foroutannik Saleh nailed 14. Akindele Jeleel and Forte Joseph followed them with 13 points apiece.

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

GERMANY

Bryan Bailey (Artland Dragons) We Have To Do A Better Job Of Taking Care Of The Ball - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

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

A tough 103-70 loss against Bamberg in game one. How tough was it going to Bamberg 48 hours after winning the tough 5 game series against FC Bayern Munich?

It was tough playing so soon again after the tough Munich series. We cant make any excuses about losing that game. We have to play better basketball.

What was the main reason for the 33 point loss?

We were unable to take care of the basketball. Bamberg capitalized on our mistakes and got on transition getting easy baskets. We really need to take better care of the basketball.

What will the Artland Dragons have to better in game two to even the series?

We have to do a better job of taking acre of the basketball. We have to keep them out of the paint, out of their comfort zone and play better help defense. We also have to play with a lot of energy for 40 minutes and limit our mistakes.

Brandon Thomas and Nathan Peavy only scored 12 points combined. If they get going, your chances will also be better to win or not?

It will be a big help if they can stay out of foul trouble. We need them a lot.

Bamberg will key in on David Holston. If he is kept in check again, how will the Dragons be able to compensate that?

We are a very talented team and at our best when we move the ball making the extra pass and finding the open man.

What is your prediction of the ratiopharm Ulm-Wurzburg series?

This will be a tough series that will go five games. Wurzburg will win game two at home.

Lebron James helped the Miami Heat even the series at 2-2 with the Indiana Pacers with 40 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists. Was this another example why he is the best player on the planet?

Yes for sure. Miami needed him to pull through like that.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I watched the TV series Breaking Bad.

Thanks Bryan for the chat.

Nate Linhart (If You Look At Me, You Might Not Think That I Could Handle The Ball - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Nate Linhart (201-F-86, college: Akron) is a 25 year old 201cm forward from Gahanna, Ohio that will play his third professional basketball season and first in the German Beko BBL with TBB Trier. The American played for Akron (NCAA) from 2005-2009. In his senior year, he played 36 games: 10.3ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 44.3%, 3Pts: 32.8%, FTBSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers (Austria-A Bundesliga, starting five): 44 games: 11.1ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 76.1%.last season, he played for Erie Bay Hawks (D-League): 50 games: 10.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 73.8%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been MAC East Division Regular Season Runner-Up -06, 08, MAC Tournament Semifinals -06, MAC East Division Regular Season Champion -07, 09, MAC Tournament Finalist -07, 08, All-MAC Honorable Mention -09, MAC Defensive Player of the Year -09MAC Tournament Winner -09, MAC All-Tournament MVP -09, MAC All-Tournament Team -09, Eurobasket Summer League in Las Vegas Finalist -09, Austrian Supercup Winner -09, Eurobasket.com All-Austrian Bundesliga Honorable Mention -10, Eurobasket.com Austrian Bundesliga All-Defensive Team -10, Austrian Bundesliga A Finalist -10, Austrian Bundesliga A Regular Season Champion -10
and D-League East Conference Runner-Up -11. He spoke to Eurobasket about basketball.

You played in the O2 World arena for the first time tiss eason. Where does it stack up to the other places that you have played in in your career?

I would place it at the top. It is a state of the art arena and its very nice inside. I have played in some nice NCAA arenas and NBA arenas.

You just completedyour first season for TBB Trier. Was it colder two seasons ago in Furstenfeld, Austria?

I cant really remember, but I know that there was more snow. I think it is colder in germany than it was in Austria.

TBB Trier lost many close games this season. Why was it been so rough going?

It has been very frustrating. We have been all games except for three games that could of gone either. We just have to stay positive and remember that we were in so many games and just continued to work hard in practice.

What exactly was your role in the team?

I do what the team needs me to do at any moment. I am a versatile guy that can play many positions.

You were six years old when your coach Henrik Rodl won the NCAA title in 1993 with North Carolina. Did you know about it when you came to Trier last summer?

I had met him two years ago and through talks knew about his history as a player. I am very happy to be able to play for him.

A strength in your game that doesnt get noticed right away is your penetration. Why doesnt that get noticed more?

I think if you look at me, you might not think that I could handle the ball. People just dont expect me to do that.

Have you been able to give Maik Zirbes passing tips from the low post?

No I havent because we need him to score when he is down low.

How was your childhood in Ohio and why do so many good players come from Ohio?

There was much basketball in my childhood. I always visited the league games of my dad. In Ohio, basketball is the dominant sport and that is why there are so many good players. You want to always strive to get better when you go home and see everybody working on their game to improve.

Who were your NBA idols as a kid?

I liked Shaq and how he dunked on people and his antics on the court. In high school, I tried to model my game around Manu Ginoboli. He is a left hander so I could relate to his game.

You played with Dru Joyce at Akron (NCAA), How has his game improved since the NCAA?

He has continued to develop his penetration and point guard skills the last years. He is a lot more physical and sees the court better. He has improved his pick and roll play the most.

Your ex teammate Romeo Travis is really blossoming in Israel. Is he ready to make the jump to a Euroleague team?

I think he is. Every summer when I see him, it seems like he has added something to his game. I am really happy for him and his success in Israel.

What do you remember from the game against Eric Maynor in the NCAA?

They arent to good. He was exceptional getting 30 points and just picked us apart.

You played a season in Austria with Furstenfeld. What are your fondest memories on and off the court?

We made it to the final losing in the fifth game and I made many long lasting friendships there.

What were the most number of free throws that you made in a row in practice?

45.

What was your most craziest shot in your career?

A full court shot in high school.

What is your favorite spot in Trier?

I like to go to this place on top of a hill where you can see all of Trier. I often take a book because I like to read.

Why do you like the movie Superbad so much?

It cracks me up every time when I see it.

Is there a curse on Tom Brady by the Manning brothers?

Maybe, but Eli Manning played very well and got more help than did Tom Brady. Loosing 2 Super Bowls like that is the worst. Kind of how TBB Trier has been losing this season.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The girl with the dragon tattoo with Daniel Craig.

Thanks Nate for the chat.

BBL newcomer MBC signs Devin Uskoski - by Moritz Korff

BBL newcomer Mitteldeutscher BC has announced the first signing for the 2012-13 season: Devin Uskoski (198-F-85, college: Rocky Mountain) will join the Wolves and ink a one year contract.
Uskoski was named the 2011-12 Eurobasket.com All-Pro A Player of the Year following an outstanding year with the Kirchheim Knights. He appeared in 36 games for the Knights, averaging 16.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per contest. The Kirchheim team finished the regular season in second place and made it all the way to the finals, where they faced MBC, but fell short in a hard fought series.
'Devin is a winner. No matter where and at which level he has played so far, his teams have always been among the top two of their leagues and he has always been a main man of the teams he played for. During the playoffs he stepped up once more and was the most important player for the Knights in the finals. He is a very effective player, always showing his fighting spirit and playing with a lot of heart. He is a good outside shooter as well as a good rebounder and passer. As a person Devin fits in with our concept perfectly and I'm looking forward to working with him', MBC coach Silvano Poropat says.
Uskoski led Rocky Mountain College to the 2009 NAIA Division 1 championship, while being named the All-Tournament MVP. In his first year in Germany he helped BG Leitershofen/Stadtbergen moving up to the Pro B and received Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga South-East First Team honors. Step by step the native of Brush Praire, WA, worked his way up in German basketball and was named the 2010-11 Eurobasket.com All-Pro B Player of the Year after making it to the Finals with Leitershofen/Stadtbergen. Now, with another POY honor and strong Pro A performances under his belt, the 26-year-old feels that it's time to take the next step and prove his skills in the highest German basketball league.

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GREECE

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

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

1. Kommatos, Marousi	20.4
2. Christmas, AGOR	18.6
3. Charalampidi., KAO.	15.6
4. Gagaloudis, Marousi	15.6
5. Beck, Ikaros	14.8
6. Dikoudis, PAOK	14.7
7. James, Aris	14.5
8. Taylor, Kavala	13.9
9. Baynes, Ikaros	13.6
10. Wright, AGOR	13.5

Rebounds Per Game

Aron BAYNES
  Ikaros
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Baynes, Ikaros	8.7
2. Haritopoulos, Maro.	7.6
3. NaNa, Ilysiakos	7.5
4. Stepheson, Panio.	7.3
5. Kommatos, Marousi	6.6
6. Symtsak, Kavala	6.4
7. O''Bryant, Kavala	5.9
8. Tapoutos, Aris	5.8
9. Ceranic, KAOD	5.7
10. Scott, Peristeri	5.7

Assists Per Game

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

1. Gagaloudis, Marousi	6.0
2. Spanoulis, Olympia.	5.0
3. Diamantidis, Panat.	4.6
4. Xanthopoulos, Pani.	4.5
5. Charalampidi., KAO.	4.3
6. Wright, AGOR	4.1
7. James, Aris	4.1
8. Thompson, Ilysi.	3.5
9. Jasikevicius, Pana.	3.1
10. Mocnik, Perister.	3.1

Steals Per Game

Zack WRIGHT
  AGOR
  (188-G-85)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Wright, AGOR	2.5
2. James, Aris	1.9
3. Thompson, Ilysi.	1.7
4. Christmas, AGOR	1.6
5. Xanthopoulos, Pani.	1.6
6. Calathes, Panathin.	1.6
7. Dorsey, Olympiacos	1.5
8. Logan, Panathin.	1.5
9. Gagaloudis, Marousi	1.5
10. Hatten, Kolossos	1.5

Blocks Per Game

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

1. O''Bryant, Kavala	1.5
2. Petway, AGOR	1.3
3. Muldrow, Aris	1.3
4. Elegar, Marousi	1.1
5. Hines, Olympiacos	1.1
6. Vougioukas, Panat.	0.9
7. Michel, KAOD	0.9
8. Stepheson, Panio.	0.9
9. Tsontzos, Marousi	0.7
10. Baynes, Ikaros	0.7

Div.B Standing

B Standings

1. Aiolos Trikallon		28-2
2. Filathlitikos		25-5
3. Agia Paraskevis		20-10
4. Niki Volou		20-10
5. Koroivos		18-12
6. Irakleio		17-13
7. Diagoras		16-14
8. Egaleo		14-16
9. Near East		14-16
10. Stratoni		13-17
11. Doukas		13-17
12. MENT		12-18
13. Iraklis		11-19
14. Aias Evosmou		10-20
15. Anagennisi		8-22
16. Halkidona		1-29

Regular Season: Round 30

May. 20: Agia Paraskevis - Koroivos 95-96
May. 20: Near East - Doukas 84-79
May. 20: Aias Evosmou - Anagennisi 84-74
May. 20: Filathlitikos - Egaleo 76-61
May. 20: Iraklis - Irakleio 74-69
May. 20: Aiolos Trikallon - Niki Volou 70-69
May. 20: Stratoni - Halkidona 20-0
May. 20: Diagoras - MENT 20-0

Reds take 1-0 lead in the Finals - by Eurobasket News

A1 Finals, Game 1: Olympiakos - Panathinaikos 84-78 (1-0)

First game of the Greek league Finals just ended. Olympiakos registered 84-78 home win for 1-0 lead in the series. The format is best-of-five and PAO will host Game Two on Thursday.
It looked good early as Panathinaikos took a 5-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Olympiakos had a 26-13 second period charge getting the lead and Panathinaikos was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 84-78. Panathinaikos was plagued by 33 personal fouls down the stretch. Hero from the Euroleague Final Four in Istanbul Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) top-scored in victory with 18 points (8-of-10 shooting from the field). Kostas Papanikolaou (204-F-90) helped with 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Kyle Hines (198-F-86) added 13 points and 5 rebs. In the loosing squad, Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) scored 20 points. Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) had 15 points and 6 assists, and Stratos Perperoglou (203-F-84) collected 12 pts, plus 5 rebs.
As mentioned above, the format is best-of-five and teams will meet again on Thursday. They will play another game on Sunday, when Olympiakos will be the host. If necessary, fourth and fifth game will be played on May 30 and June 2. Olympiakos was the regular season champion and PAO is the defending champ.

Olympiakos: G.Printezis 18+3reb+1ast, K.Papanikolaou 16+8reb+2ast, K.Hines 13+5reb, M.Gecevicius 11+1reb, V.Spanoulis 9+3reb+5ast, P.Antic 9+6reb
Panathinaikos: I.Vougioukas 20, D.Diamantidis 15+3reb+6ast, S.Perperoglou 12+5reb, M.Batiste 10+5reb, N.Calathes 7+1reb, S.Jasikevicius 4+1reb+4ast

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HUNGARY

Szolnoki Olaj blasts Falco-Szova in Game Two of the Finals - by Eurobasket News

Szolnoki Olaj - Falco-Szova KC Szombathely 101-74

Szolnoki Olaj is one win away from the title defense in Hungary. They destroyed Falco-Szova tonight 101-74 for 2-0 lead in the series. The format is best-of-five and Falco-Szova will be the host of Game Three. That meeting is scheduled for Thursday. Akos Horvath (193-G/F-81) and Marton Bader (212-C-80, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) were the leading players in victory with 22 points each. Brandon Gay (203-F-82, agency: Edge Sports, college: San Diego) and Julien Mills (193-G/F-85, college: Ball St.) helped with 16 and 15 points respectively. In defeat, Chad Timberlake (194-G-84, college: Fair Dickinson) and Djordje Pantelic (204-F-84) scored 15 points apiece. Zsolt Szabo (202-F-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) stopped to 11 points tonight. Third quarter was the crucial one in this game. Teams were tied at the halftime, after what Szolnoki players totally took control on their rival. The hosts drained impressive 38 points in just ten minutes, while at the same time they limited guests to 14 pts. It means that Szolnoki went to the last period with plus 24 and all after that was just the formality. Quarters: 25-20, 16-21, 38-14, 22-19.

Szolnoki Olaj: Akos Horvath 22, Marton Bader 22, Brandon Gay 16, Julien Mills 15
Falco-Szova: Chad Timberlake 15, Djordje Pantelic 15, Zsolt Szabo 11

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IBA

Standings

IBA Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 22

May. 19: Chicago R. - Albany L. 133-132
May. 19: L.Angeles L. - Gary Splash 115-92

Regular Season: Round 24

May. 26: Lansing C. - Springfield E.

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

IBL

Standings

IBL Standings

Branding
1. Jersey G-F		4-3
2. Orlando V.		2-7
3. Yamhill H.		0-0
Continental
1. Bellingham S.		6-1
2. Vancouver V.		5-2
3. Olympia R.		2-5
International
1. Edmonton E.		4-3
2. Portland C.		3-3
3. Nippon T.		0-0
Travel Team
1. S. Soldiers		2-4
2. Los Angeles		0-0
3. W.Coast H.		0-0

Regular Season: Round 8

May. 19: Orlando V. - Jersey G-F 91-108
May. 20: Portland C. - Edmonton E. 120-113
May. 20: Vancouver V. - S. Soldiers 111-101
May. 19: S. Soldiers - Edmonton E. 110-111

Regular Season: Round 9

May. 24: Olympia R. - Portland C.
May. 25: Bellingham S. - Olympia R.
May. 25: Edmonton E. - S. Soldiers
May. 25: Vancouver V. - Portland C.

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IRAN

Mahram wins 2011/2012 title - by Eurobasket News

Petrochimi- Mahram 93:111

Mahram wins 2011/2012 title as they swept their Final series over Petrochimi. The Winner of the Regular Season added 111:93 victory in Game three to win the series 3-0.
Mahram started with 12:10 in the opening tip, but allowed the opponents to win the first period. Petrochimi looked better in the last five minutes of the first period and grabbed 23:22 lead. They could not however to follow the favorite in the majority of the game. Mahram won the second frame and reached 54:42 at the halftime. Moreover they led 82:61 at the end of the third frame and could start to celebrate at that time as the game was done. Mahram led 101:73 with 5 minutes to go and added another ten points in the game. The board showed 11:93 when the team started to celebrate.
Samad Nik Khahbahrami (198-F-83) top-scored for the winners with 25 points and Pape Sow (207-F-81, college: CS Fullerton) added 22 points and 14 rebounds. Hamed Afagh (190-G-83) scored 19, while Nikoloz Tskitishvili (212-C/F-83, agency: Regeneracom Sports) delivered 17. Mehrad Atashi (190-G-86) replied with 21 points in the losing effort, whilst Saleh Foroutannik (203-C-94) nailed 14. Jeleel Akindele (216-C-83, college: Chicago St.) and Joseph Forte (193-G-81, college: N.Carolina) followed them with 13 points apiece.

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

ISRAEL

David Blatt Officially Extends Term With Maccabi Tel Aviv - by David Pick

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

ITALY

Stats Leaders - SerieA

Points Per Game

Andre SMITH
  Otto C.
  (203-F-85)
  Avg: 18.4

1. Smith, Otto C.	18.4
2. Coleman, Angelico.	18.2
3. White, Scavolin.	17.2
4. Diener, Banco d.	17.1
5. Green, Sidigas AV	16.1
6. Hickman, Scavolin.	16.1
7. Shakur, Novipiu CM	16.0
8. Pullen, Angelico BI	16.0
9. Dean, Sidigas AV	16.0
10. Tucker, Acea Roma	15.4

Rebounds Per Game

Viktor SANIKIDZE
  CS Bo.
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 11

1. Sanikidze, CS Bo.	11.0
2. Johnson, Sidigas	10.1
3. Ivanov, Fabi Shoes	8.2
4. Smith, Otto C.	7.7
5. Brunner, Fabi Shoes	7.6
6. Gigli, CS Bologna	7.4
7. Jones, Scavolini PS	7.2
8. Chiotti, Novip.	7.0
9. Easley, Banco d.	6.9
10. Miralles, Angelic.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Marques GREEN
  Sidigas AV
  (167-PG-82)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Green, Sidigas AV	6.5
2. Diener, Banco d.	5.6
3. Collins, Otto Case.	5.2
4. Cook, Armani Mit	5.1
5. Shakur, Novipiu CM	4.3
6. Mekel, Benetton TV	3.7
7. Perkins, Bennet C.	3.6
8. Poeta, CS Bologna	3.6
9. McCalebb, Montepa.	3.4
10. Diener, Banco d.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Aubrey COLEMAN
  Angelico.
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Coleman, Angelico.	3.3
2. Kirksay, Fabi Shoes	2.6
3. Green, Sidigas AV	2.5
4. Hackett, Scavolin.	2.3
5. Hosley, Banco d.	2.1
6. Dean, Sidigas AV	2.0
7. Di Bella, Fabi S.	1.9
8. Rich, Vanoli CR	1.9
9. Pullen, Angelico BI	1.8
10. Johnson, Sidigas	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Jarvis VARNADO
  Acea Roma
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Varnado, Acea Roma	1.9
2. Cusin, Scavolini PS	1.5
3. Johnson, Sidigas	1.3
4. Easley, Banco d.	1.2
5. Szewczyk, Umana V.	1.2
6. Shermadini, Bennet	1.0
7. Sanikidze, CS Bo.	0.9
8. Viggiano, Benetton.	0.8
9. Crosariol, Acea R.	0.8
10. Bourousis, Armani	0.8

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

JAPAN

BJ League Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Michael PARKER
  Shimane SM
  (202-F-81)
  Avg: 22.9

1. Parker, Shimane SM	22.9
2. Palmer, Fukuoka	21.9
3. Hargrow, Chiba J.	21.6
4. Staten, Chiba Jets	21.2
5. Cummings, Oita H.	21.1
6. Woods, Akita NH	20.4
7. Flowers, Saitama	19.4
8. Burrell, Yokohama.	18.8
9. White, Oita H.	18.6
10. Raivio, Shinshu BW	18.5

Rebounds Per Game

Chris HOLM
  Niigata Albirex
  (212-C/F-84)
  Avg: 14.2

1. Holm, Niigata Albi.	14.2
2. Hamilton, Fukuok.	11.4
3. Staten, Chiba Jets	11.0
4. Rickert, Kyoto H.	10.9
5. Searcy, Toyama G.	10.8
6. Malloy, Iwate B.	10.5
7. Mims, Sendai 89ers	10.4
8. Roberts, Shins.	10.2
9. Burrell, Yokohama.	10.1
10. Bell, Osaka Eves.	10.0

Assists Per Game

Kenny SATTERFIELD
  Saitam.
  (188-PG-81)
  Avg: 6.7

1. Satterfield, Saita.	6.7
2. Takushi, Oita H.	5.9
3. Gardener, Akita NH	5.6
4. Dixon, Hamamats.	5.5
5. Shimura, Sendai	5.2
6. Yamamoto, Shima.	4.8
7. Dukes, Sendai 89e.	4.6
8. Yamamoto, Iwate B.	4.5
9. Staten, Chiba Jets	4.4
10. Namizato, Okina.	4.2

Steals Per Game

Jamel STATEN
  Chiba Jets
  (198-G-83)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Staten, Chiba Jets	2.8
2. Palmer, Fukuoka	2.7
3. Parker, Shimane SM	2.3
4. Smith, Takamats.	2.1
5. Humphrey, Saitama	2.0
6. Lyons, Miyazaki SS	2.0
7. Dixon, Hamamats.	1.8
8. Klaiber, Iwate B.	1.8
9. Joho, Toyama G.	1.7
10. Arnold, Hamamats.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Jeral DAVIS
  Shimane SM
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Davis, Shimane SM	3.8
2. Blackledge, Osaka	3.0
3. Singleton, Sendai	2.9
4. Broxsie, Chiba Jets	2.5
5. Blackledge, Hamama.	2.1
6. Hughes, Shinshu BW	1.6
7. Mims, Sendai 89ers	1.6
8. Marshall, Osaka E.	1.5
9. Moliva, Chiba Jets	1.3
10. McHenry, Okina.	1.3

McHenry snaps up playoff MVP award - by Eurobasket News

Throughout his four seasons with the Ryukyu Golden Kings, high-flying forward Anthony McHenry (202-SF-83, college: Georgia Tech) has been an integral part of their success.

Versatile and dangerous on the perimeter and in the lane as a pinpoint passer on the offensive end, McHenry is equally adept at being a lockdown defender.

McHenry was named the 2011-12 playoff MVP after a 25-point, four-rebound, three-assist, three-block effort and almost enough air time to qualify for a pilot's license in an 89-73 win over the Hamamatsu Higashimikawa Phoenix on Sunday in the bj-league championship game.

'It was a little bit sweeter to beat those guys,' McHenry said of the championship rematch against Hamamatsu after losing to the Eastern Conference power last May. 'They are a great team. You've got to give them credit.'

The former Georgia Tech standout contributed 16 points, eight boards, three steals, two assists and a block in a win over the Yokohama B-Corsairs in the Eastern Conference final on Saturday.

Phoenix forward Wayne Arnold said McHenry's versatility is impressive.

We play a lot of games (in Atlanta) and a lot of the time he's the best player on the court,' said Arnold, noting McHenry has the skills to defend players at all positions.

McHenry said team work is his only focus on the court.

'I've never considered myself to be a go-to player,' McHenry said. 'I think it shows in the way that I play. On any given night I can score points, get rebounds, assists, steals or blocks. It doesn't really matter. I'm more of a player that just wants to go out and do what it takes to win. So tonight it was points, but it could've been any of those other categories, and I think a lot of the players on this team are the same way.'

Indeed, the Golden Kings have bought into coach Dai Oketani's system. And the results are impressive: four straight Final Four appearances and two championships.

Feeling the championship euphoria for the second time, McHenry had to be reminded to carry his MVP trophy away from the interview table.

That's one piece of hardware he'll want to hold on to for decades to come.
Courtesy of: http://www.japantimes.co.jp

Golden Kings beat Phoenix for bj-league title - by Eurobasket News

The Ryukyu Golden Kings withstood every challenge the two-time defending champion Hamamatsu Higashimikawa Phoenix threw at them Sunday evening.

They handled the pressure well, stuck to their game plan 'coach emphasized hustle all week . . . and we took it to another level,' big man Dzaflo Larkai said and closed out the game in true impressive form: a 17-3 championship-clinching run.

In the end, Ryuyu dethroned Hamamatsu 89-73 before 9,402 fans at Ariake Colosseum on Sunday.

It was a rematch of the 2010-11 final, when Hamamatsu topped Ryukyu 82-68.

The Golden Kings (39-13) were the bj-league's top team in the regular season and lived up to that billing in Sunday's marquee showdown.

Ryukyu ended its three-year championship drought, having captured its first title by ending the Osaka Evessa's three-season reign in May 2009.

Veteran center Jeff Newton (205-C-81, college: Indiana) was a part of the three Evessa titles, and led the charge for the Okinawa-based club a year later when it first captured national glory. He's the only player in league history to appear in all seven Final Fours, and the only one with five championships on his resume.

'I'm so happy, man,' Newton said after a nine-point, 19-rebound, three-steal, one-block performance.

'I'm just so happy for our fans, for our organization. . . . This team really does deserve it.'

Asked to reflect on his overall success in Japan, Newton responded by saying, 'I play to win and I want to win them all. . . . I love being in these kinds of moments. They all feel great. Every time it's another accomplishment.'

After the Kings' Narito Namizato scored on a nifty reverse layup, Hamamatsu's Wayne Arnold (193-G-84, agency: ACMT, college: Tennessee St.)'s two free throws cut the Ryukyu advantage to 72-70 with 3:02 remaining.

The Golden Kings seized control from that point with the aforementioned run, including playoff MVP Anthony McHenry's slam dunk with about 2:20 left, en route to a resounding victory, doing it with defense, hustle, a relentless attack-the-basket mentality and free throws down the stretch (they were 15-for-18 at the line in the fourth quarter).

'When McHenry made the dunk (in the final quarter), I almost started crying,' Ryukyu coach Dai Oketani said later.

McHenry had a game-high 25 points, Naoto Kosuge scored 17 and 22-year-old point guard Narito Namizato poured in 15.

Jermaine Dixon (191-G-87, agency: VVG Sports, college: Pittsburgh) was the Phoenix's top scorer with 20 points on 6-for-19 shooting. McHenry hounded Dixon, playing terrific defense. It was one big factor in the Phoenix's offensive struggles, including a six-point second quarter. Lawrence Blackledge had 13 points and nine rebounds and Atsuya Ota and Shingo Okada both scored 10.

In addition, Ryukyu won the battle of the boards 54-41.

Newton's 19 rebounds did not go unnoticed.

'Jeff sacrificed his body,' Oketani said. 'He played really well as usual. But at the end of the day, we played as a team and that brought us the championship.'

Kosuge said the Kings' sense of urgency was on full display throughout the game.

'We were desperate to win, so we just put out our hearts,' Kosuge said.

Hamamatsu trailed 51-39 in the third quarter before a 15-6 spurt brought the reigning champs within 57-54 and energized them entering the final stanza.

The Golden Kings didn't run out of steam, while the Phoenix simply looked off their game in all facets.

'Today, they were better than us,' Dixon said.

Added Wayne Arnold, who was held to seven points on 2-for-11 shooting: 'I'm disappointed to come this far this season and come up short.'

These are two championship organizations, (but) it's only one game. So whoever's the better team that night comes out with a victory.'

First-year head coach Ryuji Kawai, who took over for Kazuo Nakamura after the Phoenix's second title campaign, summed up the game this way: 'The team gave its best performance, but it's just me who's responsible for the defeat. I failed to give the team the win. If Kazu-san (Nakamura) was leading the team we would've overwhelmed them for sure. And we would've finished the regular season in a better fashion under him.'

Shingo Okada's jumper put Hamamatsu ahead 30-27 midway through the second quarter, but the Phoenix offense hit a speed bump, so to speak, and slowed to a grinding halt under the Kings' tenacious defensive attack.

Tsubasa Yonamine canned a 3-pointer to initiate an 11-0 Ryukyu run to end the half.

The sensational spurt included the one-two punch of McHenry and Newton combining for eight points, with McHenry making a layup and a forceful jam. Newton, a master of low-post moves, earned a trip to the line on a drive near the hoop and converted twice and dropped a smooth spot-up jumper through the net.

The Golden Kings outscored the Phoenix 19-6 in the second quarter. Hamamatsu shot 3-for-15 in that poor display of offense, with Atsuya Ota making 2 of 4.

Hamamatsu took a 24-20 lead into the second quarter, getting the final points of the opening period on Blackledge's slam dunk after a Ryukyu turnover.

The Golden Kings had led 12-6 after Kosuge buried his second 3-point shot of the game, but the Phoenix rallied back, tying it at 18-18 on an Okada layup and again at 20-20 on a Wayne Arnold putback.

Kosuge, the 2007-08 All-Star Game MVP while playing for the Niigata Albirex BB, had the hot hand early, scoring 10 first-quarter points.

The championship quest was a goal for the Golden Kings since training camp, but in the heat of the moment on Sunday, the team's second-youngest player offered the wisdom of a season veteran: 'We sort of put the championship aside and were focused to beat who were playing, which was Hamamatsu.'

In the third-place game, the Yokohama B-Corsairs led from start to finish and defeated the Kyoto Hannaryz 75-66.

Regular-season MVP Justin Burrell (206-F-88, college: St.John's) sank a step-back 3-pointer to give Yokohama its first lead and finished with 27 points, including 10-for-13 from the free-throw line. Draelon Burns poured in 19 points and Masayuki Kabaya had 11.

The B-Corsairs finished their inaugural season with a 33-23 record.

'The goal of every team is to win its last game,' said Yokohama sideline supervisor Reggie Geary, the bj-league's 2011-12 Coach of the Year.

'Even though it's not the championship, we take great pride as a first-year team to finish with a win in the Final Four.'

Kyoto trailed 19-6 after the opening quarter. Leading scorer Jermaine Boyette sat out the game after reaggravating a knee injury on Saturday against Ryukyu.

The Hannaryz (35-21) turned the ball over 20 times. Yokohama collected nine steals, including Kabaya's team-high three and Marcus Simmons' two.

Taizo Kawabe paced Kyoto with 22 points, including 3-for-7 from 3-point range. Lee Cummard had 14 points, Babacar Camara added nine points and eight rebounds and Rick Rickert contributed eight points and 11 boards.

'Truly, it was a good season,' Hannaryz coach Honoo Hamaguchi told reporters after the game, saying he gave that same message to the players in a short post-game meeting.

Facing a good defense, Hamaguchi said his team had a difficult time on offense, saying 'frustration' sunk in as points were hard to come by.
Courtesy of: http://www.japantimes.co.jp

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

LBQ

Standings

LBQ Standings

1. Seigneurs		6-0
2. Revolution		5-1
3. Monteregie		2-3
4. Jaguars		2-4
5. Page-Dynamo		0-7

Regular Season: Round 8

May. 20: Seigneurs - Jaguars 69-65
May. 20: Page-Dynamo - Revolution 61-81

Regular Season: Round 9

May. 25: Seigneurs - Page-Dynamo
May. 26: Jaguars - Seigneurs

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

LEBANON

Anibal join Hoops in Lebanese Cup Final - by Eurobasket News

Anibal will play in Lebanese Cup Final. They defeated the Leagues champions Champville in the semifinal battle 88:76. Charles Tabet (205-C-88, college: S.Alabama) and Bachir Ammouri (197-F/C-83) stepped up with 15 points each to pace the charge.
Anibal surged ahead early in the game. They posted a 21:16 lead after ten minutes. Champville cut the deficit in the second frame. They got within two points 33:35 at halftime. But Anibal regained control in the second half. They boosted the margin in the fourth quarter and rallied to a confident win at the end. Rodrigue Akl (189-PG-88) posted 13 points, while Mazen Mneimneh (192-G-86) contributed 11 points in the victory. Garnett Thompson (207-F/C-80, college: Providence) nailed 29 points for Champville. Fadi Khatib (199-F-79) delivered 25 points in the loss.

Anibal Zahle 2011-2012 CUP CHAMPION - by Asia-Basket Lebanon

In the final of the Lebanese Cup for season 2011-2012 Anibal met Hoops in Center Demirdjian , Anibal reached the Final after beating Champville in the semi final stage and dethroning the new crowned League Champion from its Cup Title , As for Hoops they reached this stage after winning against Riyadi by forfeit due to the decision taken by the Riyadi administration.

Hoops welcomed for this game two new foreign players , the well known star of the Jordanian National Team Sam Daghlas who was playing major roles this season in the Chinese League before helping the Orthdoxe Club to win the Jordanian League . The second name is Abdel Wahab Hamaoui the Syrian Young Center ( 217cm) who received lot of attention in the past FIBA ASIA Championship which was held in Wuhan China in whihc he participated with the Syrian National Team.
Hoops had a rocket start specially through Sam Daghlas and Hussein Khatib , at the end of the 1st quarter Hoops led 17-11 , in the 2nd quarter Jay Youngblood and Leroy Hurd started to move and brought back their team into the game by tying the score 24-24 and to take the lead at the half 38-32.
In the 3rd quarter Anibal through Roy Samaha ( who had one his best performances of the season ) made a run and increased their lead to 14 points , Hoops under the leadership of Daghlas kept fighting and reduced the difference to 7 points but Anibal who gained a big experience this season on how to deal with such situation took back the control of the game and finished the 3rd quarter leading 60-51.
The 4th quarter saw the same tempo and Anibal securing its first official title in the Lebanese Basketball , At the end of the game the President of the LBF Georges Barakat presented the trophy to Rodrigue AKL.

Jay Youngblood as usual together with LeRoy Hurd (202-F/G-80, college: UTSA) were the keys of their team success they finished with 22 points , 6 block shots for Youngblood and 24 points for Hurd, Roy Samaha was very dominant in the paint ans scored 15 points and 11 rebounds, on the other side Daghlas led Hoops with 20 points,8 rebounds , 8 assists and Hussein Khatib with 17 points.

With the end of the Cup competition the season 2011-2012 comes to end and looks like the season 2012-2013 will be very hot due that teams started to build their teams from this moment.

Lebanese National Team to participate in the WABA Championship - by Asia-Basket Lebanon

The Lebanese Basketball Federation invited 19 players to join the National Team preparations for the WABA Men Championship which will be held in Jordan from 11 to 15 June 2012.
The WABA Championship will join six countries from the zone, Lebanon, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Iraq and the Host Jordan. This championship is a qualification to the FIBA ASIA Cup (previously known as FIBA ASIA Stankovic Cup), two countries will be qualified from WABA , which means a big battle will be between Iran , Jordan ,Lebanon and Syria for the two spots.
The FIBA ASIA Cup will be held in Tokyo Japan from 14 till 22 September 2012 , the winner will be qualified directly to the FIBA ASIA Championship for National Teams next year which Lebanon is hoping to host. The best placed 4 teams other than the host and the Champion will qualify extra spot to their sub zones. The FIBA ASIA Championship will qualify 3 teams to the World Championship in 2014.

The players invited for the Lebanese National Team are:

Point Guards: Ali Mahmoud ( Riyadi) , Rodrigue Akl ( Anibal) , Mohamad Ibrahim ( Champville).

Shooting Guards/Small Forwards: Fadi Khatib ( Anibal), Jean Abed El Nour ( Riyadi),Elie Stephan ( Anibal), Elie Rustom ( Moutahed ),Samer Mochref ( Moutahed ),Ghaelb Reda ( Anibal),Nadim Souaid ( Bejjeh) ,Hussein Khatib ( Hoops),Ahmad Ibrahim ( Rice Univeristy).

Centers: Jad Bitar ( Sagesse) , Charles Tabet ( Anibal) ,Ali Kanaan ( Riyadi),William Pharis ( Riyadi) ,Roy Samaha ( Anibal) , Ali Fakhreddine ( Hoops) ,Bassel Bawji ( Moutahed ).

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

LITHUANIA

Predrag Samardziski extends with Lietuvos Rytas - by Eurobasket News

Lietyvos Rytas kept Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) for another season. The sides have agreed on terms of contract extension. Predrag Samardziski joined the team at the start of the season. The Macedonian centre averaged 5.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.0 block per Euroleague Qualifying Round game. In EuroCup the centre notched 5.3 points and 4.5 rebounds. In Baltic League Predrag Samardziski notched 9.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist. In VTB League his stats read 6.2 points and 4.0 boards per appearance. The centre is the member of FYR Macedonia National Team. He participated at 2011 EuroBasket. His stats read 5.8 points and 4.2 boards in Lithuania.

Ramunas Siskauskas retires - by Eurobasket News

Our teams forward, one of the best European players of modern times Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) decided to retire from professional basketball.

One can be jealous about Ramunas life in sports. He was an integral part of several great teams. Siskauskas has become the European champion with Lithuanian National Team in 2003, he won the bronze of 2000 Sydney Olympics and 2007 Eurobasket. All the clubs he played for has become the champions of their respective countries. Siskas collection includes gold medals of Lithuanian, Italian, Greek leagues and, obviously, 5 Russian League titles with army men. Ramunas was also one of the heroes of two Euroleague victories: as Panathinaikos player he beat CSKA in 2007. One year later wearing red and blue he has become the Euroleague MVP and an important chain for CSKA title win in Madrid.

Siskauskas played 91 Euroleague games with CSKA (11.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.0 spg, 54.1% two-pointers, 43.4% three-pointers, 80.7% free throws), 42 Russian BEKO PBL League games (9.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.0 spg, 59.1% two-pointers, 40.4% three-pointers, 87.0% free throws), 11 Russian Cup games (13,7 ppg, 3,3 rpg, 2,4 apg, 0,7 spg, 59.5% two-pointers, 50.0% three-pointers, 86.4% free throws) and 29 VTB United League games (7.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.1 spg, 44.4% two-pointers, 38.0% three-pointers, 89.4% free throws).

Andrey Vatutin, CSKA President:
Ramunas is the person I was always able to lay upon, on and off the court. His experience, tremendous skills, wisdom has become an important parts of CSKA success. Ramunas proved that he can do everything on the court, he is able to solve any task by the coach.
Siskauskas is a decent, intelligent person, a great family man. It is an incredible pleasure to talk with him, his wife Edita, his children. His unchanging calm and amazing friendliness helped maintain a warm microclimate within the team. I sincerely wish Ramunas and his family to fully enjoy life after sport. We are always glad to see them in Moscow.

Courtesy of CSKA Moscow

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LUXEMBOURG

Amicale appoint Ken Diederich head coach - by Eurobasket News

Amicale made a change on the bridge. They named Ken Diederich (185-G-77) as teams new head coach. He will replace Jerome Alff . Ken Diederich has little coaching experience. The 34-year-old specialist will debut as head coach with the mens basketball team. He retired from active players career in 2011. Lately Ken Diederich played for Basket Esch. Previously he had a long sting with Contern. Eurobasket.com named Ken Diederich All-Luxembourg League Guard of the Year in 2001 and 2004. He was the member of Luxembourg National Team in 1997/2005.
Amicale finished the latest season in the fifth position in the ladder.

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MEXICO

Standings - CIBACOPA

CIBACOPA Standings

1. Hermosillo		34-4
2. Guaymas		27-11
3. Tijuana		26-12
4. Los Mochis		19-19
5. Cananea		19-19
6. Guasave		19-19
7. Nogales		17-21
8. Culiacan		14-24
9. Navolato		13-25
10. Tepic		2-36

Regular Season: Round 38

May. 19: Cananea - Guaymas 98-84
May. 19: Guasave - Los Mochis 85-110
May. 19: Nogales - Hermosillo 77-91
May. 19: Navolato - Tepic 107-94
May. 19: Tijuana - Culiacan 100-76

Quarter-Finals: Round 1

May. 22: Hermosillo - Culiacan
May. 22: Guaymas - Nogales
May. 22: Tijuana - Guasave
May. 22: Los Mochis - Cananea

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Devon PEARSON
  Los M.
  (198-F-84)
  Avg: 27

1. Pearson, Los M.	27.0
2. Reese, Tepic	24.4
3. Scott, Los Mochis	23.3
4. McCullough, Nogales	22.5
5. Thomas, Cananea	22.1
6. Robinson, Culiacan	21.8
7. Carter, Guasave	20.7
8. Selleaze, Navolato	20.3
9. Wiley, Los Mochis	19.8
10. Riley, Tepic	19.6

Rebounds Per Game

Deangelo RILEY
  Tepic
  (205-C-)
  Avg: 11.2

1. Riley, Tepic	11.2
2. Pearson, Los M.	10.7
3. Sanders-F., Nogales	8.9
4. Scott, Los Mochis	8.8
5. Selleaze, Navolato	8.4
6. Robinson, Culiacan	7.7
7. Moore, Navolato	7.6
8. Habel, Guaymas	7.4
9. Strobbe, Nogales	7.2
10. Zamora, Culiacan	7.2

Assists Per Game

Myron ALLEN
  Guaymas
  (182-PG-79)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Allen, Guaymas	7.5
2. Monreal, Hermosillo	5.9
3. Taylor, Los Mochis	5.8
4. Nungaray, Guaymas	5.0
5. Harris, Cananea	4.3
6. Riley, Tepic	4.1
7. Pulido, Culiacan	3.9
8. Quintero, Tijuana	3.6
9. Reatiga, Navolato	3.5
10. Gibson, Navolato	3.4

Steals Per Game

Brian HAMILTON
  Hermosillo
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 2

1. Hamilton, Hermosil.	2.0
2. Gibson, Navolato	1.6
3. Riley, Tepic	1.5
4. Thomas, Cananea	1.5
5. Gale, Nogales	1.3
6. Buelna, Guasave	1.3
7. Giron, Guasave	1.3
8. Carter, Guasave	1.3
9. Reatiga, Navolato	1.2
10. Toussaint, Los M.	1.2

Blocks Per Game

Deangelo RILEY
  Tepic
  (205-C-)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Riley, Tepic	3.5
2. Zamora, Culiacan	1.3
3. Habel, Guaymas	1.3
4. Wiley, Los Mochis	1.0
5. Young, Tepic	0.9
6. Davis, Nogales	0.8
7. McCullough, Nogales	0.8
8. Tate, Tijuana	0.8
9. Scott, Los Mochis	0.8
10. Robinson, Culiacan	0.8

CIBACOPA Round 38: Hermosillo is the regular season champion - by Eurobasket News

The Regular Season in CIBACOPA just ended. Hermosillo is No.1 with 34-4 record. Seven more teams advanced to Playoff Quarterfinals, which start tomorrow. The format is best-of-seven.

CIBACOPA Standings
1. Hermosillo 34-4
2. Guaymas 27-11
3. Tijuana 26-12
4. Los Mochis 19-19
5. Cananea 19-19
6. Guasave 19-19
7. Nogales 17-21
8. Culiacan 14-24
9. Navolato 13-25
10. Tepic 2-36

Round 1, Quarter-Finals
22 MAY: Hermosillo vs Culiacan
22 MAY: Guaymas vs Nogales
22 MAY: Tijuana vs Guasave
22 MAY: Los Mochis vs Cananea

Cananea - Guaymas 98-84
The game was mostly controlled by Mineros de Cananea. Ostioneros de Guaymas managed to win second period 21-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Mineros de Cananea dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Ostioneros de Guaymas' 38. Naturalized American guard Franco Harris (183-83, college: Boise St.) scored 21 points and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American forward Rodney Alexander (201-87, college: Oklahoma City) chipped in 13 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Five Mineros de Cananea players scored in double figures. point guard Hector Nungaray (178-78) responded with 23 points and 5 assists and power forward Jose Sanchez (-80) scored 13 points.
Top scorers:
Cananea: F.Harris 21+2reb+4ast, R.Alexander 13+10reb, J.Arturo Farrera Chantiri 11+4reb, A.Vasquez 11+4reb+2ast, M.Acuna 11+3ast, M.Valenzuela 9+1reb+1ast
Guaymas: H.Nungaray 23+2reb+5ast, J.Sanchez 13+2reb+1ast, H.Carrillo 10+2reb+3ast, O.Zuniga 9+3reb+1ast, I.Morales 9+3reb+1ast, R.Benitez 7+4reb+2ast

Guasave - Los Mochis 85-110
The guests trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 15-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 110-85. Pioneros Los Mochis looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 14 passes made by Frayles de Guasave's players. The best player for the winners was American forward Devon Pearson (198-84, college: SMU) who had a double-double by scoring 27 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. The other American import guard William Funn (188-82, college: Portland St.) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points and 16 assists. Funn is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Pioneros Los Mochis players scored in double figures. American-Libyan center Hiram Fuller (206-81, college: Fresno St.) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds and the former international swingman Alonso Izaguirre (200-76) added 16 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts.
Top scorers:
Los Mochis: D.Pearson 27+12reb+5ast, S.Scott 23+8reb+2ast, C.M. Toussaint 20+2reb+4ast, E.Cuen 16+7reb+2ast, W.Funn 15+4reb+16ast, E.Hare 9+2reb
Guasave: H.Fuller 18+13reb, A.Izaguirre 16+6reb+1ast, G.Giron 15+4reb+1ast, J.Acosta 7, D.Green 7+12reb+2ast, V.Buelna 6+5reb+3ast

Navolato - Tepic 107-94
The best player for the winners was American guard Matthew Gibson (196-84) who scored 26 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. The other American import forward Ronald Selleaze (197-76, college: CSU Bakersfield, agency: Dream Team Management) chipped in 23 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Garra Canera de Navolato's coach used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Naturalized American guard Ezra Swanson (180-85) produced 31 points and 8 rebounds and American forward Ray Reese (196-87, college: Tulsa) added 25 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the guests.
Top scorers:
Navolato: M.Gibson 26+5reb+6ast, R.Selleaze 23+8reb+6ast, J.Angel Reatiga 19+1reb+6ast, J.Inzunza 10+1reb+3ast, C.Moore 10+8reb+2ast, F.Verdugo 7+7reb+1ast
Tepic: E.Swanson 31+8reb+1ast, R.Reese 25+10reb+1ast, K.Young 15+4reb+6ast, A.Velarde 12+2reb+6ast, D.Gonzalez 4, V.Purnell 3+2reb+1ast

Tijuana - Culiacan 100-76
The game without a history. Tijuana Zonkeys led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to Caballeros de Culiacan's 40. Tijuana Zonkeys forced 25 Caballeros de Culiacan turnovers and outrebounded them 45-24 including a 19-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. Tijuana Zonkeys looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Caballeros de Culiacan's players. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was power forward Robert Hornsby (196-82, college: Troy) who had a double-double by scoring 19 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Swingman Marcus Morrison (198-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.) chipped in 21 points and 5 assists. Four Tijuana Zonkeys players scored in double figures. Tijuana Zonkeys' coach Luis Lopez felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Forward Rob Robinson (203-87, college: Robert Morris, agency: SDJ Sports) produced 18 points and 5 rebounds and swingman Rene Rougeau (198-86, college: UNLV, agency: ProSportsCareers) added 14 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the guests.
Top scorers:
Tijuana: M.Morrison 21+3reb+5ast, L.Rodriguez Sainz 19+6reb+2ast, R.Hornsby 19+10reb+5ast, C.Tate 13+12reb+2ast, A.Solares 6+3reb+2ast, O.Quintero 5+4reb+6ast
Culiacan: R.Robinson 18+5reb, J.Gonzalez 14+3reb+1ast, R.Rougeau 14+6reb+2ast, V.Avila 6+3reb+1ast, R.Navarro 6+3reb+3ast, L.Lopez 6+2ast

Nogales - Hermosillo 77-91
CIBACOPA top team - Rayos de Hermosillo (34-4) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat seventh ranked Fuerza Guinda Nogales (17-21) 91-77. The game was mostly controlled by Rayos de Hermosillo. Fuerza Guinda Nogales was better in second period 27-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Rayos de Hermosillo forced 21 Fuerza Guinda Nogales turnovers. Strangely Fuerza Guinda Nogales outrebounded Rayos de Hermosillo 34-20 including 21 on the defensive glass. American forward Brian Hamilton (198-F-82, college: La-Lafayette) notched 25 points and 4 assists to lead the effort and the other American import forward Emmanuel Little (196-85, college: N.Dakota) supported him with 17 points and 6 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). Little is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Rayos de Hermosillo players scored in double figures. Rayos de Hermosillo's coach Dan Tacheny allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 21 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists by international forward Michael Strobbe (201-85) did not help to save the game for Fuerza Guinda Nogales. American swingman O'Louis McCullough (198-82, college: Francis Marion) added 25 points and 5 rebounds for the hosts. Rayos de Hermosillo have an impressive 21-game winning streak.
Top scorers:
Hermosillo: B.Hamilton 25+4reb+4ast, J.Coronado 19+2reb+1ast, E.Little 17+6reb+2ast, S.Monreal 15+2reb+5ast, P.Sanders 9+3reb+1ast, J.Manuel Esteva 4+1ast
Nogales: O.McCullough 25+5reb+3ast, M.Strobbe 21+9reb+5ast, J.Mercado 10+7reb+2ast, K.Davis 8+8reb+2ast, M.Gale 6+1reb, B.Heredia 3+2reb+4ast

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

MOLDOVA

Standings

D1 Standings

1. Donbasket		19-1
2. Gamma		12-8
3. PGU-SDUSHOR		12-8
4. UASM		11-9
5. Fireball		7-7
6. Politech		3-11
7. Soroka		2-12
8. ASEM		2-12

Top 4: Round 9

May. 20: Donbasket - Gamma 98-86
May. 20: PGU-SDUSHOR - UASM 86-73

Top 4: Round 10

May. 24: PGU-SDUSHOR - Gamma
May. 24: UASM - Donbasket

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

MOROCCO

Standings - Men

D1 Standings

Group A
1. ASS Sale		3-0
2. MAF Fez		1-1
3. PCS Plazza C.		0-3
Group B
1. WAC Casabl.		2-1
2. CRA Hoceima		1-1
3. RSB Berkane		1-2
Places 7-10
1. FUS Rabat		6-11
2. IRT Tanger		5-13
3. KAC		3-15
4. RCA Casabl.		2-16

Stage One Standings

Second Stage: Round 4

May. 19: ASS Sale - PCS Plazza C. 84-69
May. 19: RSB Berkane - WAC Casabl. 59-54

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

NBA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kobe BRYANT
  LA Lakers
  (198-G-78)
  Avg: 28.2

1. Bryant, LA Lakers	28.2
2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	27.9
3. James, Miami Heat	27.4
4. Love, Minnesota T.	26.0
5. Westbrook, Oklah..	23.7
6. Anthony, New Y.	23.1
7. Wade, Miami Heat	22.0
8. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	22.0
9. Rose, Chicago B.	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	11.7
4. Cousins, Sacramen.	11.0
5. Humphries, New J.	11.0
6. Griffin, LA Clipp.	10.3
7. Gasol, LA Lakers	10.3
8. Gortat, Phoenix	10.0
9. Smith, Atlanta H.	9.9
10. Noah, Chicago B.	9.8

Assists Per Game

Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 11.9

1. Rondo, Boston C.	11.9
2. Nash, Phoenix Suns	10.7
3. Paul, LA Clippers	8.9
4. Calderon, Toron.	8.8
5. Williams, New J.	8.7
6. Rubio, Minnesot.	8.2
7. Wall, Washington W.	8.0
8. Rose, Chicago B.	7.9
9. Parker, San A.	7.6
10. Conley, Memphis G.	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.	2.1
4. Rondo, Boston C.	1.9
5. James, Miami Heat	1.9
6. Kidd, Dallas M.	1.8
7. Millsap, Utah Jazz	1.8
8. Ariza, N.Orleans H.	1.7
9. Shumpert, New Y.	1.7
10. Wade, Miami Heat	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. Hibbert, Indiana P.	2.2
4. Howard, Orlando M.	2.1
5. Bynum, LA Lakers	2.1
6. Jordan, LA Clippers	2.0
7. McGee, Denver N.	2.0
8. Gasol, Memphis G.	1.9
9. Biyombo, Charlott.	1.8
10. Udoh, Golde S.	1.7

Van Gundy and Smith out in Orlando - by Bryan Floyd

Stan Van Gundy has been let go from the Orlando Magic as well as GM Otis Smith. Van Gundy had a 259-135 record in five seasons in Orlando. Despite coaching the team to an NBA Finals in the 2009 season, Dwight Howard had clearly grown tired of playing for Van Gundy. Orlando is clearly trying to do whatever it can to keep Superman in Orlando for the long term. With a few vacant coaching spots, Van Gundy will probably have a good chance at landing another head coaching job if he wants to. The Magic will hold a press conference at 4:30 today to announce the changes.

Clippers confident to keep both Blake Griffin and Chris Paul - by Eurobasket News

No sooner had the Los Angeles Clippers finished one of their most successful seasons Sunday night with a heartbreaking 102-99 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the playoffs did the attention in Lob City turn to the future. Namely, how long Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma) and Chris Paul (6'0''-PG-85, college: Wake Forest) will be a part of it.

Griffin is eligible to sign an extension with the organization this summer or he could become a restricted free agent after next season, Paul's is under contract only for one more year.

The Clippers say they are confident they'll be able to retain both players for a long time.

'I feel those things are going to get done,' Clippers president Andy Roeser told ESPNLosAngeles.com. 'The important thing is that we have to do other things to improve the team. But I believe we'll do those things and ultimately I believe those two players (Griffin and Paul) are going to play out their careers here.'

Griffin is eligible to sign a five-year extension on July 1 and the Clippers will absolutely offer it to him. When asked directly about his intentions, Griffin said he hadn't thought about it just yet.

'I haven't given it one ounce of thought,' Griffin said. 'That's been the furthest thing from my mind, honestly. I know that's kind of the popular thing to say, but I haven't thought about it. I'll get to that when it comes.'

Paul wasn't asked directly about his future intentions, but a source close to the situation said he has given the team indications he intends to stay long term.

Still, it is believed that both players are curious to see what the organization will be able to do to bolster the roster this offseason. The team clearly needs help at the shooting guard position and consistent outside shooters who can space the floor.

' (Clippers owner Donald Sterling) has committed unlimited resources to this team,' Clippers general manager Neil Olshey told ESPNLosAngeles.com late Sunday night. 'We intend to exhaust all avenues in our quest to build a championship caliber organization.'

Then there is the future of Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro. The team has an option on him for next season. It must decide by June 1st whether to retain him.

'I think coach did an outstanding job,' Paul said of Del Negro. 'Also with Neil (Olshey) and them in our front office. Everybody knows what happened in mid-December with the trade going through, picking up Chauncey (Billups) off the waiver wire.

'Then Chauncey going down and all the injuries we had to endure. It's been a rollercoaster season for us, but I think the way they managed everything was great. Bringing in K-Mart (Kenyon Martin), bringing in Reggie Evans, they did an outstanding job. The season was crazy enough with 66 games, but they helped us get here. Now we have to build from it.'

One player who won't be going anywhere, at least of his own volition, is guard Mo Williams, who told ESPNLosAngeles.com that he did not intent to opt-out of his $8.5 million player option for next season.

'No,' Williams said when asked if he would opt-out this summer. 'I can tell you that right now.'

Williams had a solid season (13.2 points, 3.1 assists) despite coming off the bench, and mostly out of position as a shooting guard. Still, he's part of a glut of point guards on the Clippers roster that could be used to upgrade at other positions via trade.

'This is my first time in this position. I don't think about it when I'm playing,' Williams said. 'I haven't thought about it. I pay a good man four percent of my money, so he'll make a good decision for me.'

Whatever the shape the Clippers roster takes over the summer, who returns and who doesn't, Roeser said the four-game sweep at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs made some things abundantly clear.

'I think one of the interesting things, when you play a team like San Antonio, is that your weaknesses are on display,' Roeser said. 'It's going to give us a lot to think about in the offseason.

'I think we absolutely look at this and say, 'If we want to get to the next level, there's more we're going to have to do.' But we're prepared to do those things.'

Courtesy of http://espn.go.com

King says Lopez 'making good progress' - by Eurobasket News

On Saturday during the third-annual Nets draft combine, which features potential second-round picks, center Brook Lopez (7'0''-C/F-88, college: Stanford) popped out from behind closed doors at the PNY Center to take in some of the action.

Lopez, who missed all but five games this past season with right foot and ankle injuries, was in his adidas sneakers -- not in a walking boot, which he had been wearing for the past month. Then, when the first day of the combine concluded (the second day is Sunday), he worked on his outside shot and some court exercises.

Addressing reporters, GM Billy King confirmed that Lopez got a check-up on May 16 and said he's 'making good progress' in his recovery. He still expects the team's starting center to be 100 percent healthy come training camp.

'[The doctors] said everything's progressing nicely,' King said. 'He's on track. He's doing everything -- just no running and jumping at this point. It's good to see Brook shooting.'

Lopez hasn't been the only Net at the team's training facility of late. Deron Williams was there on Friday, and he also dropped in on Saturday morning at around 8 a.m. (He didn't speak to the media.) In fact, about half the team has already been stopping by -- and it's only been three weeks since the season ended.

King said the impact of the shortened season's jam-packed schedule hasn't seemed to be an issue, in terms of guys needing more rest. But the appearances may have had a little something to do with extra motivation from the GM himself.

'Also, Anthony Morrow, Jordan Williams and MarShon Brooks [have been here],' King said. 'So a lot of our guys have been back in the gym. As I told them, I said, 'You can take time off, but if you start working out, you get ahead of the game.' Really what they're doing is spring training.'

Here are some other noteworthy nuggets from King:

1. On his trip to Turkey: 'Turkey was good. I was able to watch the [Euroleague] Final Four, see some good games. I obviously saw Deron there, I saw Mikhail [Prokhorov] there. It was a good trip.' (King didn't discuss details of his time spent with either of them.)

2. On meeting with Bojan Bogdanovic -- the Nets own his draft rights (from 2011), but he has one season remaining on his contract with Fenerbahce in the Turkish League: 'We had a good meeting. He's anxious to come over and play. In due time, we'll talk about his contract so we can get him out. He had the NBA League Pass and watched all our games, so he's as anxious as the day we drafted him.'

3. On Gerald Wallace, who has a player option, but has publicly said he wants to return to the Nets next season: 'We've had conversations with his representatives because actually we can talk about the potential of [an] extension if he opts in. We'll leave that there.' (The Nets likely won't make a move with their free agents until they know Williams' definite plans.)

4. On the Nets' potential draft pick (s): 'I always look at the draft as if we like a player, then we go find a pick, whether we end up with one, two or three or 57. We'll be aggressive. The good thing about having all these GMs and personnel here is getting a chance to talk and try to make deals.' (The Nets will only have a lottery pick if they land a top-three selection. If they end up between six and nine, the pick will go to the Portland Trail Blazers, based on the Wallace trade. No matter what, though, they'll have the 57th pick.)

5. On his philosophy when analyzing prospects: 'The one thing I learned from Donnie Walsh when I was an assistant coach in Indiana, he said, 'If this is where you're making your evaluation, you're too far behind.' We've seen these guys play 5-on-5 in college, so this is just another part of the process. What we base our decision on is really what they've done with their college program. This is more just to get their real measurements, see if they pick up the NBA pick-and-roll and the coaching.'

6. On what he's looking for from the players during the combine: 'We try to see how the guys pick up stuff from the coaches, see how they play 5-on-5, how they share the basketball, who's in shape. We had some casualties of guys not in shape, and that's what it really comes down to. ... If you can find a guy with an NBA skill, that's what you're looking for. If a guy can do everything, then they're Dwyane Wade, LeBron James -- they're the All-Stars. But if a guy can do one or two things great, an NBA skill, that's what you look for.'

Courtesy of http://espn.go.com

Celtics' Bradley shoulders heavy burden - by Eurobasket News

The Celtics player who needs a break the most this postseason isn't 34-year-old Paul Pierce, who's nursing a knee injury. Or 36-year old Ray Allen, who's got bone spurs in his ankle. Or even Kevin Garnett, who turned 36 on Saturday but is playing like he did a decade ago.

It's Avery Bradley (6'2''-G-90, college: Texas), 21, who is determined to stay on the court despite a left shoulder that has popped out of its socket multiple times this season.

He is a guy who wants to be out there; a guy that wants to win and do anything he can to help, Pierce said of the UT product. A lot of young players would probably sit down and worry about their futures or careers or contract situations. ...

Hopefully he doesn't have any long-term injuries due to the fact that he's playing.

A first-round draft pick who did not appear in the playoffs as a rookie last year, Bradley moved into the starting lineup when Allen was injured and remained there even after the future Hall of Famer returned. Bradley dislocated his shoulder in Game 3 of Boston's first-round series against Atlanta, but has not missed a game because of it.

He's dealing with stuff and it's tough, Celtics coach Doc Rivers said on Sunday before practice, which Bradley sat out. A lot of people would not be playing, and the only reason he is, is because he wants to. I am concerned at some point that he may not be able to anymore. We don't know what game that is. ... Tomorrow could be his last game.

With two days between the fourth and fifth games of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers, Rivers gave his aging team the day off Saturday before returning to practice on Sunday.

The teams get going again with Game 5 tonight. The series is tied 2-2 thanks to the Sixers' comeback from an 18-point third-quarter deficit to win Game 4, 92-83.

Game 6 is Wednesday in Philadelphia, with a seventh game back in Boston on Saturday, if necessary.

It's a swing game, but it's a swing game for both teams, Rivers said of Game 5. Game 5s and Game 7s are pretty much the same.

Courtesy of http://blog.mysanantonio.com

Warriors headed to San Francisco - by Eurobasket News

The Golden State Warriors are planning to move back to San Francisco after more than 40 years in Oakland, according to several reports, with an announcement coming as soon as this week.

The Warriors, who play in the NBA's oldest arena, plan on building a new, privately funded arena on Piers 30 and 32 on the Embarcadero area and moving in by 2017, according to Warriors fan blogger Adam Lauridsen. Columnist Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury-News validated the basics of the report, writing: 'They're headed for S.F. The announcement is coming. It just depends on the timing and the exact location.'

ESPN's Ric Bucher said a deal is close to being finalized.

'We are not prepared to make any announcements at this time,' Warriors owner Joe Lacob said in a statement released Sunday.

Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Basketball great Boozer dies at 75, report - by Eurobasket News

Bob Boozer, a former NBA player and member of the United States team that won the gold medal at the 1960 Olympic Games, has died at the age of 75, the Omaha World-Herald reported.

A versatile forward who was a two-time All-American at Kansas State University, Boozer died on Saturday night in his native Omaha, Nebraska.

According to the Thomas Funeral Home in Omaha, the cause of his death was not confirmed.

Boozer, an All-Star with the Chicago Bulls in 1968 and an NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1971, played for six teams in the NBA.

A draft pick by the Cincinnati Royals, he ended his 11-year career with an average of 14.8 points per game and 8.10 rebounds, totalling 12,964 points and 7,119 rebounds.

One of his proudest moments, however, came in 1960 when he won Olympic gold in Rome as a member of a strong amateur U.S. squad that also included Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Jerry Lucas and Walt Bellamy.

Led by coach Pete Newell, the U.S. team dominated their opponents, going 8-0 with an average margin of victory of 42.4 points.

Courtesy of www.stuff.co.nz

Kobe Bryant embraces moment, saves Lakers' season with Game 3 win over Thunder - by Eurobasket News

Ball in his hands, season on the line, and failure promised Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) a summer of scorn. For everything that comes with the responsibility of greatness, Bryant can live with the cutting criticism, the besmirching of his legacy, the volume rising on those determined to diminish him in the context of his contemporaries. In losing, he could live with it all except allowing that barrage to barricade him behind a wall of hesitancy and reluctance.

'I don't give a [expletive] what you say', Bryant told Yahoo! Sports late Friday. 'If I go out there and miss game winners, and people say, 'Kobe choked, or Kobe is seven for whatever in pressure situations.' Well, [expletive] you.'

'Because I don't play for your [expletive] approval. I play for my own love and enjoyment of the game. And to win. That's what I play for. Most of the time, when guys feel the pressure, they're worried about what people might say about them. I dont have that fear, and it enables me to forget bad plays and to take shots and play my game.'

Deep down, Bryant does care, because the ingesting of the feeding frenzy that comes with his struggles doesnt so much pollute his air, as it does become oxygen tanks of rage on his back. Eighteen trips to the free-throw line on Friday, and 18 times the ball dropped into the basket. Eight trips to the free throw line in the fourth quarter borne out of a brilliant footwork, an unending array of fakes and, yes, the generosity of a referee's whistle.

'In the pressure situations, you've always got to want to go to the line, Bryant told Y! Sports. You can try to avoid contact, because you don't want to go to the free-throw line in those pressure situations. Me, I enjoy it.'

So much conspired to deliver 14 of Bryants 36 points in the fourth quarter, inspiring a 99-96 victory over Oklahoma City that makes Game 4 monumental on Saturday night. This time, the Lakers had to fight back in the fourth to overtake the Thunder, fight back to spare themselves an insurmountable series deficit and the declarations of doom that come with defeat here.

The Lakers were nasty, rugged and needed every whistle. Mostly, they needed Bryants ability to control the game in the low post, the kind of closing act that Kevin Durant still struggles to deliver because his skinny frame leaves him far from the basket. Durant wants to play faster with Russell Westbrook and James Harden, but the Lakers have controlled the speed of these past two games.

For all of Bryants missteps in the final moments of a devastating Game 2 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder the bad pass to Durant, the missed shots, the ball fumbled out of bounds he swears they were all cleansed from him before the Lakers' charter flight ever touched down in Southern California. Perhaps the five championships make it easier, perhaps the infallible confidence even arrogance that his DNA, his relentless preparation, predetermine that Bryant involves himself in the games most important stages.

I found it pretty funny, entertaining, that I made a bunch of mistakes down the stretch, mistakes that I normally dont make, Bryant said. So yeah, I ended up laughing at myself. I knew wed have a chance to get it back.

And maybe thats what separates me from a lot of people: I can laugh at myself in those situations, whereas most people might feel really insecure or nervous about the next one, or pissed off and hold that anger for the next game. I can find the entertainment and humor in it.

Bryant insists he doesnt care about the criticism, but the man does read everything and isnt above turning on sports-talk radio in his car. After games, he can always tell where the line of questioning is taking the columns and stories, and sometimes he'll work to puncture premises on stories about his teammates and himself. His greatest gift is one of anticipation, sensing where everything is going the defender, the reporters story angles, all of it and trying to never leave himself vulnerable.

All these brilliant, young talents are coming to take him out now Durant, Westbrook and Harden and Bryant pushed back on them all in the fourth quarter. Thirty-three years old, and the world wouldnt get the satisfaction of watching Bryant go down without a vintage performance. He takes such spectacular pride in the armor that coats his body and mind, the armor that deflects the uncertainties and insecurities that come with the stakes on this stage. Belittle him over Game 2, and just know that Game 3 wasnt so much about his redemption, but his resolve.

When Bryant plays in these playoffs, no one will imagine the thought bubble floating over his head in the biggest moments asking: 'What if I blow this? How will everyone react?' Yes, Bryant wants the cheers, the adulation, the spoils of victory, but he can live with the consequences of makes and misses in May and June. Hes passing the ball out of double teams and finding open teammates, but these Lakers still go to him late in shot clocks and late in games.

Bring it on, Bryant is forever saying. Bring me the ball, bring me the burden of catching hell. Ball in his hands, season on the line, and Kobe Bryant promises this is the most free moment of his existence. Bryant messed up badly in Game 2 and says he laughed because he knew he would get his chance again, get to prolong this Western Conference playoff series, and that finally happened Friday night.

The fallout is always something that makes some guys hesitant, Bryant said. Theyre thinking about their legacies, their reputations.

Anyway, bleep them. No hesitancy here. No fear of the miss. It is a liberating feeling, and its where he forever wants to live.

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com

Bojan Bogdanovic 'anxious' to join Nets - by Eurobasket News

Billy King told beat reporters at Saturday's Draft Combine that Bojan Bogdanovic (6'8''-G/F-89) is anxious to join the Nets, having watched a lot of the team's games on NBA League Pass, but he said there's not resolution yet of his contract issues with Fenerbahce of Istanbul

'We had a good meeting,' he said of his talk with the Nets #31 pick in the 2011 Draft. 'Hes anxious to play. In due time well talk about his contract and see if we can get him out. But hes anxious to come and play. He had NBA League Pass and watched our games, so hes as anxious as he was the day we drafted him.'

King didn't dismiss that Bogdanovic could join the team for this season, but didn't sound encouraged. So is next season a possibility?, he was asked 'Thats the next step. We have to work on that part.' Even if that's resolved, the Nets will have to negotiate a contract with Bogdanovic, who as a second rounder is not restricted by rookie salary scale.

Courtesy of www.netsdaily.com

Philadelphia 85, Boston 101 - by Milord Nikolic

Brandon Bass scored 18 of his career playoff-best 27 points in the third quarter to help host Boston take a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference second-round series. Kevin Garnett added 20 points, Paul Pierce scored 16 points and Rajon Rondo had 13 points and 14 assists as the Celtics moved within one victory of winning the best-of-seven series. Elton Brand scored 19 points for Philadelphia. Game 6 is Wednesday in Philadelphia. Bass outscored the 76ers by himself in the decisive third quarter as Boston shot 61.1 percent from the field to turn a three-point halftime deficit into a 75-66 lead. Bass, who was 6-of-7 shooting in the quarter, tied the contest at 57 by sinking two free throws with 6:37 left during a sequence in which he scored 12 of Bostons 14 points. Greg Stiemsma followed with a dunk to give Boston a 71-64 lead and Pierce capped the impressive quarter with a jumper with 2.6 seconds left as Boston took a nine-point lead. The Celtics then scored the first six points of the final quarter to boost their lead to 81-66 with 9:15 remaining. The lead reached 91-72 on a dunk by Mickael Pietrus with 4:20 to play and topped out at 20. Lavoy Allen scored 12 points on 6-of-6 shooting for the 76ers. Philadelphia never trailed over the final 16-plus minutes of the first half. The 76ers shot 54.8 percent from the field en route to a 50-47 halftime lead and received 12 points from Brand.

Bass erupts for Celtics in 101-85 win over Sixers - by Eurobasket News

They started as a Big Three and grew to a Big Four when Rajon Rondo (6'1''-PG-86, college: Kentucky) earned the right to be mentioned along with the other Boston Celtics All-Stars.

At no point, however, did Brandon Bass (6'8''-F-85, college: LSU) merit marquee billing in his first season in Boston.

The fifth, newest and least-heralded member of the Celtics' starting lineup, Bass erupted for a career playoff-high 27 points on Monday night, scoring 18 in the third quarter as Boston pulled away from the Philadelphia 76ers to win 101-85 and take a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

'We've got a few good players on the team that they had to focus on,' said Bass, who left the game to a standing ovation with 2 minutes left and Boston leading by 18. 'That left me open, and I was able to take advantage of my opportunity.'

The 27 points matched Bass' regular-season career high, and the 18 points in the third was one off his career playoff high for an entire game. It was also more than the Sixers scored in the quarter as a team.

'It was one of those games we needed something to ignite us together,' Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. 'I thought the biggest difference was his energy. He played with a force. I thought he just let himself go.'

Kevin Garnett (6'11''-F-76) added 20 points and Rajon Rondo had 13 points and 14 assists for the Celtics, who can advance to the East finals with a victory in Philadelphia in Game 6 on Wednesday. The Sixers would need a win at home to force the series back to Boston for a decisive seventh game.

As he walked to his postgame interview, Elton Brand told the Celtics' ball boys in the hallway outside the locker rooms: 'See you on Saturday.'

No team has won consecutive games yet this series.

'It would just be nice to win two in a row. That would be terrific,' Rivers said. 'It's not going to be easy. This series has been hard. Every minute, you think we're leaking oil physically.'

Brand scored 19 and Evan Turner (6'7''-G/F-88, college: Ohio St.) had 11 points and 10 rebounds for Philadelphia, which led by six points early in the third quarter before Boston scored 14 of the next 16 points. Bass had eight of them, including back-to-back dunks followed by a steal that set up Ray Allen's fast-break layup to give the Celtics a 63-57 lead with five minutes left in the quarter.

Boston closed out the third with a 10-2 run over the final 3 minutes and outscored the Sixers 28-16 in the period. The Celtics also scored 16 of the first 22 points in the fourth quarter - seven from Rondo - to put away the game.

'We had too many turnovers and that just got those guys going,' 76ers center Spencer Hawes said. 'They got a couple of easy baskets in transition off our mistakes. It got them going, they took advantage of it and held home court. Now we have to go home and take care of ours.'

The Celtics acquired Bass in December in a trade with Orlando for Glen 'Big Baby' Davis, and he worked his way into the starting lineup after the All-Star break. Although he solidified the power forward position after Garnett moved to center, he hadn't done anything spectacular - until Monday.

Bass hadn't scored more than 22 points in a game this season. His playoff high was 19 points, in 2008.

Paul Pierce had 16 points - a perfect 9 for 9 from the free throw line - and Allen, back in the starting lineup because of an injury to Avery Bradley, had five points.

Boston tied it 57-all when Bass stole the ball from Thaddeus Young and got to the free throw line, making both foul shots. After a Sixers miss, Rondo found Bass underneath for the dunk. Bass added another crowd-pleasing dunk before knocking loose a ball to start Rondo on a fast break he finished by finding Allen for the layup.

Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Thunder surge past Lakers 106-90 to win West semis - by Eurobasket News

Russell Westbrook (6'3''-PG-88, college: UCLA) scored 28 points, Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) added 25 points and 10 rebounds, and the Oklahoma City Thunder surged ahead in the second half to beat Los Angeles 106-90 in Game 5 on Monday night and eliminate the Lakers from the playoffs.

The two All-Stars both bypassed their breaks in the second half and used the time they'd normally be resting to fuel the big run that put away the game and end the Lakers' season.

Westbrook had a pair of three-point plays during a 14-3 burst that put Oklahoma City ahead to stay late in the third quarter, and Durant hit two 3-pointers as the Thunder scored the first 10 points of the fourth to push their lead to 93-77.

Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) scored 42 points for the Lakers.

The Thunder open the Western Conference finals on Sunday at top-seeded San Antonio.

After getting eliminated by Los Angeles in 2010 and Dallas in 2011 before both of those teams went on to win it all, the Thunder knocked both out on their way to the West finals for the second straight year.

The only other time the franchise made consecutive conference finals was from 1978-80, including Seattle's only NBA title in 1979.

Once there, they'll face the top-seeded Spurs, the only team other than the Lakers or Mavs to win the West in the past 13 years and currently riding an 18-game winning streak.

Westbrook went running to the scorer's table and pumped his fist in the air after his first energizing three-point play, when he was able to flip the ball in after Ramon Sessions fouled him on the fast break.

He converted another after banking in a jumper from the left side despite Sessions slapping him on the arm to make it 82-76 with 1:29 left in the third quarter.

Durant extended the lead with a 3-pointer in the opening minute of the fourth and then hit another 32 seconds later - just after Bryant had stepped to the scorer's table to check in after a brief rest.

There was little Bryant could do after he got back in, despite the 13th 40-point game of his playoff career.

After blowing a fourth-quarter lead in Game 4, Bryant had called out forward Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) to be more aggressive - much as he had with Gasol and Andrew Bynum (7'0''-C-87, agency: David Lee services) before the Lakers faced elimination in Game 7 of the first round against Denver.

Gasol came through with a monster game - 23 points, 17 rebounds and six assists - and Steve Blake scored a playoff career-best 19 points to save the Lakers that time. Bryant didn't get nearly as much help against the Thunder.

Gasol took 14 shots, his most of the series, but made only five to finish with 14 points and 16 rebounds. Metta World Peace (6'7''-G/F-79, college: St.John's) scored 11 and Bynum 10.

The Thunder got five of their first eight baskets on dunks and controlled the boards early on, grabbing 16 of the game's first 22 rebounds while keeping Los Angeles off the offensive glass for the first 11 minutes.

Bryant had to create all of the offense, scoring 15 of the Lakers' first 19 points and getting all six of his baskets without the benefit of an assist. When others started chipping in, the Lakers went on a 16-7 run to go up 35-32 following Bynum's three-point play.

Oklahoma City scored the next eight points, including James Harden (6'5''-G-89, college: Arizona St.) 's fast-break dunk, before Bryant got past him for a pair of dunks of his own - the first a driving, two-handed reverse jam and the second a two-handed alley-oop slam over Harden.

But Bryant and World Peace both drew technical fouls as the Lakers lost their cool with 31.9 seconds left before halftime when World Peace was called for a flagrant foul against Thabo Sefolosha on a fast break. World Peace used his right hand to strip the ball from Sefolosha as he went up to the basket but then shoved him out of bounds with his left hand.

Sefolosha hit both free throws and Durant capitalized on both shots from the technicals World Peace and Bryant got for arguing the flagrant call to put the Thunder 54-51 ahead at halftime despite shooting less than 40 percent.

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com

Indiana Pacers may give Eric Gordon max deal this summer - by Eurobasket News

The Indiana Pacers definitely have bigger things to worry about right now than free agency but it is not too early to speculate what the Pacers may have in store for themselves during this upcoming offseason. If the Pacers do end up ending their run in the next week or so, they might have a possible upgrade at shooting guard in impending free agent Eric Gordon (6'4''-G-88, college: Indiana).

Gordon could be a target depending on the confidence the Pacers have in his knees. Gordon has had issues with his knees in two consecutive years with this season being the most recent in his fourth year. Gordon only played in nine games for the New Orleans Hornets after he was part of the trade that sent Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Clippers.

In those nine games, Gordon averaged 20.6 points and 3.4 assists per game but was cut short with knee problems.

This idea for the Pacers could be far fetched and it may have to include sending Danny Granger to the Hornets in a sign-and-trade deal. If that comes into play, you would think that the Pacers would definitely have to pass since Gordon is incredibly injury prone and Granger has been part of the uplifting spirit that is surrounding the Pacers this season.

Granger is a key asset and any addition to him, like Gordon, could only help the Pacers instead of hurt them. Granger averaged 18.7 points per game and five rebounds per game as well. Granger has also scored 1000+ points in every season since his sophomore season with the Pacers.

We will see what the Pacers will do with their cap space.

Courtesy of www.rantsports.com

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NCAA1

VCU coach defends quick move to A-10 - by Milord Nikolic

VCU is moving from the Colonial Athletic Association to the Atlantic 10 this summer -- a rapid switch that has sparked criticism of the basketball powerhouse. 'This is a bold move that we at VCU have made,' coach Shaka Smart told ESPN.com. 'And I think there certainly are some people that don't like the move we made.' The Rams are hoping to maintain their rivalries with Old Dominion and George Mason even as they climb the conference ladder. Smart said the program had to leave this season, instead of in 2013-14, due to a CAA rule that bars exiting teams from playing in the conference tournament. 'I didn't feel like it was right to go into the locker room and tell our seniors, 'You're not going to be able to participate in the conference tournament,'' he said. 'That was certainly the main reason.' The Rams reached the Final Four in 2011 and followed it up with another strong NCAA tournament showing this year. They beat Wichita State before losing in the Round of 32 to Indiana, 63-61. Looking ahead to the conference switch, Smart said 'I do think that there's a [depth] of high-quality basketball teams in the Atlantic 10 and those teams are going to continue with the momentum they have and it's going to be a competitive league.'

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NEW ZEALAND

Best players of New Zealand NBL round 12 - by Eurobasket News

New Zealand guard Lindsay Tait (192-G-82) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's second-best Auckland P. and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 12.
The 29-year old guard got a double-double of 24 points and ten assists, while his team edged out Wellington S. (#4, 9-7) 94-91. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Auckland P. maintains the 2nd position in New Zealand NBL. They are still close to the very top. Auckland P. would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 13-3 record. In the team's last game Tait had a remarkable four three-pointers out of 8 attempts. He just recently signed at Auckland P., being already a very valuable addition to the team. Tait has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (9th best: 19.9ppg), assists (2nd best: 7.6apg) and averages solid 59.0% FGP and 47.5% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 34-year old American forward Lawrence Abney (203-F-77, agency: Dream Team Management) of Southland S.. Abney impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 28 points and 15 rebounds. Of course he lead Southland S. to another comfortable win 96-81 over slightly lower-ranked Harbour H. (#9, 3-13) being unquestionably team leader. Southland S.'s 8th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 5-11 record. Abney is one of the most experienced players at Southland S. and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

The third best performed player last round was American Antoine Tisby (203-F/C-83) of OceanaGold N. (#7). Tisby scored 20 points and grabbed eighteen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of OceanaGold N., leading his team to a 87-71 easy win against slightly lower-ranked Harbour H. (#9, 3-13). The chances of OceanaGold N. not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 10 games, recording just six victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Tisby could try to bring OceanaGold N.'s a little bit higher in the standings. Tisby has individually a great season in New Zealand. After 16 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 22.0ppg (3rd best) and rebounds with 12.1rpg (2nd best). He also has 1.6bpg and FGP: 53.4%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Kareem Johnson (205-C-80) of Bay Hawks - 20 points and 10 rebounds
5. Akeem Wright (200-F/G-84) of OceanaGold N. - 20 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists
6. Josh Pace (198-G/F-83) of Hub Jets - 23 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Lindsay Tait (192-G-82) of Auckland P. - 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Alex Pledger (213-C-87) of Auckland P. - 17 points and 11 rebounds
9. Zack Atkinson (206-F/C-86) of Harbour H. - 23 points, 17 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Craig Bradshaw (208-F/C-83) of Southland S. - 25 points and 9 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)

Tisby on top of Overall Rankings - by Hugh McAuliffe

OCEANAGOLD NUGGETS big man Antoine Tisby (203-F/C-83, college: S.Carolina) is top of the Overall Player Rankings for the NBL regular season, edging out TELECOM BUSINESS HUB JETS centre NICK HORVATH.

ZERO FEES SOUTHLAND SHARKS forward LARRY ABNEY finished third and also won Round 12 Player of the Week for his game against the LZ HARBOUR HEAT.

The 35 year old finished the season with 28 points and 15 rebounds in the 96-81 win over the Heat, which saved the Sharks from the wooden spoon.

Despite a tough season for the Sharks, Abney has been the one consistent player for the Southland Franchise this season averaging 19.6 points and 10.3 rebounds.

After struggling with a foot injury in 2010 which limited him to only six games in a Nuggets uniform, Tisby has played all 16 games for the Otago franchise, averaging 38 minutes per game, finishing third in the league in scoring (22.0), second in rebounds (12.1) and second in blocks (1.6).

Despite the Nuggets not making the playoff, they finished with six wins and ten losses, which makes it their best season since 2003 when they won seven of eighteen.

Horvath has been an absolute monster on the boards this season for the Jets averaging a career high 15.8 rebounds, also being making it second consecutive season he has won the rebounding title.

The former Duke alumni averaged 20 points per game, also a career high and will be making his fourth semi final appearance, winning a title in 2010 with the WELLINGTON SAINTS.

At fourth was the Nuggets other import AKEEM WRIGHT who made an instant impression on debut, scoring a league high 40 points against the Heat in Round One.

The six foot seven small forward could do it all, finishing second in the league in scoring (22.4), fifth in rebounding (9.3), sixth in assists (4.6), third in steals (2.2) and fourth in blocks (1.2).

After returning to his home city after a succcessful stint with the Saints, point guard LINDSAY TAIT has transformed the AUCKLAND PIRATES from second to last in the league to second with a 13-3 win/loss record.

The Tall Black led the Pirates in scoring (19.9) and was second in the league in assists (7.6) to round out the top five player rankings.

The next on the list is the league leading scorer JOSH PACE, who has helped the Jets make the semi finals for the first time since 2003.

Pace, who won a Most Valuable Player award in 2007, is a proven winner, making at least a semi final in all five of his NBL seasons, which includes a title with the Nelson Giants in 2007.

The TAB Final Four begins this Saturday, as the JAMES BLOND AUCKLAND PIRATES play the TELECOM BUSINESS HUB JETS at 6.30, followed by the HBS BANK HAWKS against the WELLINGTON SAINTS at 8.30pm.

Player of the Week Awards:
1. Akeem Wright: 40 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists
2. Jason Crowe: 22 points, 9 rebounds, 11 assists
3. Nick Horvath: 26 points, 17 rebounds, 2 assists
4. Lindsay Tait: 27 points, 9 rebounds, 11 assists
5. Anthony Gurley: 33 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
6. Antoine Tisby: 23 points, 15 rebounds, 1 assist
7. Jack Leasure: 30 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists
8. Lindsay Tait: 35 points, 5 rebounds, 11 assists
9. Darryl Hudson: 29 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists
10. Justin Bailey: 33 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists
11. Jason Crowe: 24 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists
12. Lawrence Abney: 28 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists

Henry inks new Breakers deal - by Eurobasket News

The SKYCITY Breakers clicked another piece of the 2012/13 jigsaw into place this weekend with the signing of forward Leon Henry (200-F/G-85, college: S.Idaho JC) to a new two year contract.

Tall Black Henry has proven his worth to the back to back champions over the past two seasons, first filling in for Kirk Penney as he chased an NBA contract and this season assuming a full time on court role, one that included a starting spot in game one of the iiNet Grand Final Series as he covered for an injured Tom Abercrombie.

26 year old Henry is focused on repaying the faith shown in him by the club.

Im just thankful to be in this situation where I am wanted by a great franchise like the SKYCITY Breakers. It's all thanks to the coaching staff that has the belief in me as a player and to the owners and staff who contribute so much to help us win games of basketball.

My main focus is to become an overall better player, being around the team everyday going at it at trainings is only going to help that and I look forward to the challenge. One thing about this team is we push each other every day, enemies on the court then brothers off it. We have such a competitive nature within our group that it only drives us to be better.

To have secured a 2 year deal with club, further drives me to become better knowing the coaching staff have my back and they see a bright future in me as a player. The next step now is most definitely a three-peat, but we all know it's not going to be easy as we had to battle hard for the title this year. As we have been over these last two championship seasons, just that attitude of never giving up and taking it one game at a time, not to look too far ahead and focus in the matter at hand.

SKYCITY Breakers assistant coach Dean Vickerman explains why the club was keen to get the Tall Blacks signature.

Leons greatest asset is his ability to be an explosive athletic scorer - be it from the 3 point line, in transition or attacking offensive boards. That value extends beyond game day though, we expect Leon to guard Tom Abercrombie every day in practice next season and know that if he can take advantage of his 6'7 frame and 7 foot wing span he can make Tom's life tough.

Leon is a proven winner - coming off back to back NZ NBL championships and back to ANBL championships. As a coaching staff we look forward to assisting Leon fight for a more significant role in the team over the next 2 seasons.

In keeping with the family values at the club, Henry is quick to also acknowledge those close to him who have helped him reach this point in his career.

Overall theses past two seasons with the club have been a crazy ride, and as I said I am truly blessed to be a part of this franchise. Thanks to all my family also for the love and support along the way! My goal is to always make you guys proud.

Henry is currently playing for the Otago Nuggets in the Bartercard NBL and will hope to play a role for the Tall Blacks as they seek qualification to the London Olympic Games before returning to prepare for another iiNet campaign with the SKYCITY Breakers.

The signing brings to 7 the number of players confirmed for next season, including:

Alex Pledger, Tom Abercrombie, Dillon Boucher, Daryl Corletto, CJ Bruton, Mika Vukona, Leon Henry.

Courtesy of NBL Australia

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

NIGERIA

Akindele Jeleel finished the Finals in Iran - by Eurobasket News

Jeleel Akindele (216-C-83, college: Chicago St.) finished the Finals in Iran as his team ended up second. Petrochimi tried hard but lost to the favorites Mahram in three games. The Winner of the Regular Season added 111:93 victory in Game three to win the series 3-0.
Mahram started with 12:10 in the opening tip, but allowed the opponents to win the first period. Petrochimi looked better in the last five minutes of the first period and grabbed 23:22 lead. They could not however to follow the favorite in the majority of the game. Mahram won the second frame and reached 54:42 at the halftime. Moreover they led 82:61 at the end of the third frame and could start to celebrate at that time as the game was done. Mahram led 101:73 with 5 minutes to go and added another ten points in the game. The board showed 11:93 when the team started to celebrate.
Samad Nik Khahbahrami top-scored for the winners with 25 points and Sow added 22 points and 14 rebounds. Afagh Hamed scored 19, while Tskitishvili Nikoloz delivered 17. Atashi Mehrad replied with 21 points in the losing effort, whilst Foroutannik Saleh nailed 14. Jeleel Akindele and Forte Joseph followed them with 13 points apiece.

Alade Aminu wins another trophy in France - by Eurobasket News

Alade Aminu (207-C/F-87, college: Georgia Tech) won another trophy this season. The Nigerian big guy and his team Chalon outplayed Limoges last night 83-75 in the Big Final of French Cup (Coupe de France). Aminu helped his team with 7 points and 7 rebounds for 30 minutes on the court. Ilian Evtimov was the leading player in victory with 28 points and 7 rebounds. He was MVP of the Big Final. Blake Schilb a great help with 24 points and 5 assists, while Malcolm Delaney added 13 points and 6 rebs. In the loosing squad, Raphael Desroses answered with 13 points and 6 boards. Christophe Massie had double-double of 12 points and 11 rebs, and Joseph Gomis netted 11 pts. Third quarter was the crucial one last night. Chalon was up by 6 at the halftime and totally took control on Limoges after that to create 26-14 in Q3 for 70-52 lead. That was too much for Limoges, who only cut the margin to 8 points for rest of the game. Ends of periods: 28-21, 44-38, 70-52, 83-75. Same teams met a year ago in the French Cup Finals and Chalon was better than Limoges 79-71.
Alade Aminu and his team already won Semaine des As earlier this year. They will also participate in ProA Playoff Quarterfinals, which start tomorrow.

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

PALESTINE

D1 Standing

D1 Standings

1. Al Fara		0-0
2. AlAroob YC		0-0
3. AlSileh		0-0
4. AlZawyeh		0-0
5. Catholic A.		0-0
6. De La Salle B.		0-0
7. Huwara		0-0
8. Islami		0-0
9. Qalandia		0-0
10. RaI AlSaleh		0-0
11. Samaritan YC		0-0
12. Shabab Nablus		0-0
13. Terrasanta		0-0
14. Toubas		0-0

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

PHILIPPINES

Cornley in impressive debut as Rain or Shine thwarts Alaska - by Eurobasket News

With an impressive debut, Jamelle Cornley (196-F-87, college: Penn St.) may have just secured a prolonged stay in the PBA.

Cornley had 27 points and 10 rebounds in his first game on local shores and pointed Rain or Shine to a 107-100 victory over Alaska Sunday at the start of the PBA Governors Cup at the Ynares Sports Center here.

'I am happy with our import. Hes the right fit for us,' said Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao of the 25-year-old who was originally tapped as stand-in while last season's Governors Cup Best Import awardee Arizona Reid frees up his schedule in Germany.

But with Cornley outplaying Alaska counterpart Jason Forte (196-F-84, college: S.Mississippi), six years his senior, for the most part of the game and displaying a solid game, Guiao's mind seems to have been made up.

'He can defend, he has a decent outside shot. He provides us an inside threat, a solid inside threat which we need. That's gonna free up our shooters, while defensively he's a big body,' enumerated Guiao.

Jeffrei Chan (191-F-83) delivered the most from among Rain or Shine's snipers by scattering 17 of his 20 points in the second half that repeatedly doused cold water on Alaska's desperation charge and boosted the Elasto Painters to a fine start in the season-ending tournament.

Paul Lee and Gabe Norwood also played key roles down the stretch, combining for eight points in just 74 seconds of play to pluck Rain or Shine from a 94-85 count.

But it was still Chan who provided the final dagger with his fourth triple of the night that made it a safe 105-95 count, only 12 seconds left.

'Jeff had a great game, especially his perimeter game,' pointed out Guiao of Chan, who missed only three attempts from beyond the arc and went a perfect 6-of-6 from the stripe.

Despite a listless start, Forte and his teammates caught fire in the second half with the import on his third tour of duty here finishing with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Cyrus Cyrus Baguio (188-G-80) had 19 and LA Tenorio 16, all in the second half.

Yet Alaska still found itself dropping its very first game under new interim head coach Luigi Trillo, while Rain or Shine could breathe a little easier going to its next outing in the
sprint-like nine-game eliminations.

'Ang importante dito manalo ka ng maaga and get your confidence early,' noted Guiao.

Still, there were some dicey moments, notwithstanding the fact Rain or Shine opened up two early
23-point leads.

Alaska mustered its most gallant fight starting in the third period, translating a renewed vigor in defense into its own running offense that whittled what was once an 18-point halftime deficit to just 59-62.

During that torrid run, the Aces had three blocks and as many steals while Sonny Thoss, Forte, Mark Baracael and Tenorio took care of the offensive end.

Guiao had a ready answer in Chan, however.

Sent in to replace Ronjay Buenafe, Chan readily delivered with seven points, including a four-point play, in the last 3:21 of the third quarter to spark and fuel a 14-3 charge and enable the E-Painters to sit on a 78-63 cushion going to the final canto.

Cornley already had 17 points in the first half, converting on a variety of shots in sparking Rain or Shine to a 53-35 halftime spread.

Ronjay Buenafe and Ryan Arana got into the act and helped stoke the E-Painters' surge that saw them repeatedly beat the Aces with their own high-octane transition offense.

The difference actually got stretched to as much as 23 points twice, the last at 50-27, but Baracael and Forte conspired to trim it to a more manageable level going to the last 24 minutes of play.

Forte's finish was a far cry from the way he started the game, scoring only seven points in the first half.

Not helping Alaska's cause any was the fact it already had 10 turnovers at the half while Tenorio went scoreless on just two field attempts.

Once the Aces got into their groove, however, they were able to make a game of it. (NC)

The scores:

RAIN OR SHINE 107 - Cornely 27, Chan 20, Lee 17, Arana 11, Quinahan 7, Belga 6, Buenafe 6, Cruz 5,
Norwood 3, Ibanes 3, Tang 2, Matias 0.

ALASKA 100 - Forte 25, Cyrus Baguio 19, Tenorio 16, Thoss 15, Baracael 13, Espinas 6, Custodio 4, Gonzales
2, Eman 0, Salamat 0.

Quarter scores: 32-17, 53-35, 78-63, 107-100

Courtesy of www.pba.ph

Petron starts title-defense drive on a winning note - by Eurobasket News

Petron Blaze opened its title retention bid with a bang, holding off a second-half charge by Powerade before prevailing, 97-83, at the start of the PBA Governors Cup Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Import Edward Basden (196-G/F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Charlotte) made an impressive debut with a double-double performance and proved to be a right fit for a Boosters squad which has gotten stronger and looks primed to defend its crown.

The former Chicago Bull finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, capping his all-around performance with five straight points in the midst of the Tigers rally. His
three-pointer and a bucket inside the final 2:29 of the game gave the Boosters a 91-77 lead.

From there, there was no looking back for Petron Blaze, which joined Rain or Shine quickly in the win column.

Maganda yung umpisa naming, especially on this night kasi yung import namin kararating pa lang last Tuesday, said Petron coach Ato Agustin. Matalinong player siya, and he can still improve, because five days pa lang kami nag-practice.

Its a good sign. He plays the number 3 position. J-Wash (Jay Washington) is still struggling, pero makukuha rin nya yung timing nya, he added.

The Boosters, however, played minus its key acquisition, Marcio Lassiter, who fractured his right hand during a tune up game against Rain or Shine.

Lassiter will be out three to six weeks due to a fractured hand, confirmed Agustin on the status of Lassiters injury.

The two teams which got involved in a major trade before the start of the conference still went to their old reliables when it mattered most.

The Tigers still banked on Gary David (187-G/F-78) and import Rashad McCants (193-G/F-84, college: N.Carolina), another NBA veteran, but didnt get something positive from new acquisition Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who was thrown out of the game in the early second period for committing a Flagrant Foul Penalty 2 against Dorian Pena.

And with Romel Adducul also in foul trouble, the Tigers were simply outhustled and outplayed in the interior with only Jondan Salvador manning the middle as the Boosters took a 57-36 half time lead.

But just like what they did in the Philippine Cup where it made a Cinderella run all the way to the finals, Powerade fought like a wounded tiger.

A blistering 20-2 run capped by McCants triple, shoved the Tigers to within three, 59-56, before Powerade coach Bo Perasol decided to insert his second unit and the Boosters were able to take advantage to pull away anew. (RJ)

The scores:

Petron Blaze 97 -- Basden 28, Alex Cabagnot (183-G-82, college: Hawaii-Hilo) 17, Santos 16, Pena 7, Lutz 6, Miranda 6, Reyes 5, Baclao 4,
Yeo 4, Washington 4.

Powerade 83 -- Mc Cants 27, David 26, Salvador 7, Casio 5, Anthony 4, Al-Hussaini 4, Adducul 4,
Lingganay 3, Vanlandingham 3, Guevarra 0, Calimag 0, Tugade 0.

Quarterscores: 26-20, 57-36, 70-63, 97-83

Courtesy of www.pba.ph

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

POLAND

DBE Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Walter HODGE
  Zastal ZG
  (183-PG-86)
  Avg: 19.4

1. Hodge, Zastal ZG	19.4
2. Motiejunas, Asseco	16.2
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. Dylewicz, Trefl So.	15.7
8. Burrell, Energa C.	15.6
9. Blassingame, Assec.	15.5
10. Koszarek, Trefl S.	15.4

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. Hrycaniuk, Asseco	8.9
4. Archibeque, Zastal	8.2
5. Dluski, LKS Lodz	8.1
6. Burgess, Trefl S.	8.0
7. Doaks, Siarka J.	7.3
8. Turek, Trefl Sopot	7.3
9. Simmons, Polpharma	7.2
10. Bartosz, PBG Bas.	7.1

Assists Per Game

Robert SKIBNIEWSKI
  Slask W.
  (182-G-83)
  Avg: 7.2

1. Skibniewski, Slask	7.2
2. Blassingame, Assec.	7.1
3. Hodge, Zastal ZG	5.7
4. Wilczek, AZS P.	5.2
5. Koszarek, Trefl S.	5.1
6. Milicic, AZS K.	5.0
7. Burrell, Energa C.	4.8
8. Miller, Siarka J.	4.7
9. Moore, PGE Turow	4.5
10. Micic, PBG Basket	4.5

Steals Per Game

Krzysztof SZUBARGA
  Anwil
  (182-G-84)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Szubarga, Anwil	1.7
2. Sapp, Kotwica	1.5
3. Tiller, Siarka J.	1.5
4. Motiejunas, Asseco	1.5
5. Skibniewski, Slask	1.5
6. Ponitka, AZS P.	1.4
7. Dabrowski, Polph.	1.4
8. Koszarek, Trefl S.	1.4
9. Miller, Siarka J.	1.4
10. Hodge, Zastal ZG	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Darrell HARRIS
  Kotwica
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Harris, Kotwica	1.6
2. Eziukwu, AZS K.	1.6
3. Burgess, Trefl S.	1.6
4. Kesicki, Kotwica	1.4
5. Morrison, Energa C.	1.3
6. Karnowski, Siarka	1.2
7. Mladenovic, Slask	1.1
8. Lauderdale, PGE T.	1.1
9. Lawal, Zastal ZG	1.1
10. Doaks, Siarka J.	1.0

PLK Round 1 of Finals. Asseco Prokom win opener - by Eurobasket News

FINAL

Asseco Prokom - Trefl Sopot 89-81

Asseco Prokom won the championship series opener. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Trefl Sopot won third quarter 19-18. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Asseco Prokom looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. 26 personal fouls committed by Trefl Sopot helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Lithuanian power forward Donatas Motiejunas (213-90, agency: Interperformances) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds for the winners and American guard Jerel Blassingame (175-81, college: UNLV) chipped in 18 points and 11 assists. Asseco Prokom's coach used entire bench 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 16 points and 12 rebounds and the former international forward Filip Dylewicz (202-80) scored 15 points and 6 rebounds. Four Trefl Sopot players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Asseco Prokom: J.Blassingame 18+2reb+11ast, D.Motiejunas 16+13reb+3ast, P.Frasunkiewicz 10+5reb+4ast, P.Zamojski 8+1reb, A.Lapeta 8+5reb, M.Kuebler 8+2reb+2ast
Trefl Sopot: J.Turek 16+12reb, F.Dylewicz 15+6reb+1ast, J.Mallett 12+3reb+2ast, A.Waczynski 12+1reb+1ast, L.Koszarek 11+2reb+2ast, L.Wisniewski 7+4reb+4ast

3rd Place

Zastal ZG - PGE Turow 74-69

Zastal Zielona Gora made the first step towards Bronze medals beating PGE Turow in consolation final series opener. The hosts trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 19-12 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Zastal ZG made 23-of-29 free shots (79.3 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by PGE Turow helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Ivorian-Puerto Rican point guard Walter Hodge (183-86, college: Florida) stepped up and scored 24 points for the winners and Serbian power forward Uros Mirkovic (205-82, agency: BeoExcell) chipped in 10 points and 11 rebounds. Four Zastal ZG players scored in double figures. At the losing side the former international power forward Damian Kulig (205-87) responded with 16 points and 9 rebounds and naturalized French forward Aaron Cel (203-87) scored 13 points and 6 rebounds. PGE Turow's coach Jacek Winnicki tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Zastal ZG: W.Hodge 24+3reb+3ast, P.Stelmach 14+3reb, M.Sroka 11+6reb, U.Mirkovic 10+11reb+2ast, K.Archibeque 9+12reb, K.Chanas 4+3ast
PGE Turow: D.Kulig 16+9reb, A.Cel 13+6reb+2ast, D.Jackson 10+8reb, K.Wysocki 9+3reb, R.Moore 9+3reb+9ast, D.Lauderdale 6+6reb

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

PUERTO RICO

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

Top 6
1. San German		7-3
2. Mayaguez		6-4
3. Bayamon		5-4
4. Arecibo		5-4
5. Quebradillas		5-4
6. Guaynabo		0-9
Places 7-8
1. Humacao		9-21
2. Guayama		8-22

Stage One Standings

Second Stage: Round 8

May. 20: Mayaguez - San German 81-94
May. 19: Guaynabo - Arecibo 81-110
May. 19: Bayamon - Quebradillas 72-81
May. 21: Arecibo - Quebradillas
May. 21: Guaynabo - Bayamon

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game

Al THORNTON
  Guayama
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 25.3

1. Thornton, Guayama	25.3
2. Harris, San German	20.1
3. Sensley, Humacao	19.7
4. Randolph, Quebradi.	19.3
5. Diogu, Arecibo	18.1
6. Dalmau, Bayamon	18.0
7. Brown, Humacao	18.0
8. Ramos, Quebradillas	17.2
9. Ayuso, Arecibo	17.1
10. Vassallo, Guayna.	16.4

Rebounds Per Game

Shavlik RANDOLPH
  Quebradi.
  (208-F-83)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Randolph, Quebradi.	11.8
2. Harris, San German	10.4
3. Diogu, Arecibo	9.9
4. Lloreda, San G.	9.5
5. Powell, Guayama	9.2
6. Thornton, Guayama	9.2
7. Sensley, Humacao	9.0
8. Ramos, Quebradillas	8.8
9. Burgess, Guaynabo	8.4
10. Sweetney, Bayamon	8.3

Assists Per Game

Filiberto RIVERA
  San German
  (190-PG-82)
  Avg: 5.7

1. Rivera, San German	5.7
2. Guzman, Guaynabo	5.4
3. Smith, Mayaguez	5.2
4. Garcia, Humacao	5.2
5. Pagan, Guayama	5.0
6. Butler, Quebradill.	4.8
7. Pinnock, Arecibo	4.5
8. Dalmau, Bayamon	4.1
9. Brown, Humacao	3.4
10. Young, Guaynabo	3.1

Steals Per Game

Donta SMITH
  Mayaguez
  (201-G-83)
  Avg: 2

1. Smith, Mayaguez	2.0
2. Mojica, Bayamon	1.7
3. Pinnock, Arecibo	1.6
4. Dalmau, Bayamon	1.5
5. Rivera, San German	1.4
6. Figueroa, Guaynabo	1.3
7. Thornton, Guayama	1.3
8. Sensley, Humacao	1.3
9. Pagan, Guayama	1.2
10. Rivera, Mayaguez	1.2

Blocks Per Game

Mamadou LAMIZANA
  Bayamon
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Lamizana, Bayamon	2.4
2. Penn, Humacao	1.8
3. Shannon, Quebradil.	1.6
4. Aubry, Arecibo	1.6
5. Thornton, Guayama	1.6
6. O''Bryant, Mayaguez	1.6
7. Burgess, Guaynabo	1.4
8. Powell, Guayama	1.3
9. Ramos, Quebradillas	1.2
10. Randolph, Quebrad.	1.1

Capitanes and Vaqueros get to the semifinals: - by Luis Modestti

Capitanes de Arecibo and Vaqueros de Bayamon closed the Round Robin stage with wins in order to punch their tickets for the 2012 semifinals.

Capitanes defeated Piratas de Quebradillas 85-77 in a due or die game.

Piratas started the game with sharp shooting from outside and even had a 19-11 with three minutes left. The first quarter ended 23-18 in favor of Piratas.

Then in the second quarter Capitanes came out led by the hot hand of Rick Apodaca (193-G-80, agency: 360 Sports Management, college: Hofstra). Also the team was hustling on defense and the offensive boards to get second opportunities and create fast break scores.

Arecibo had a 47-39 halftime lead thanks to 18 points from Apodaca.

In the second half Quebradillas stayed close but their mental mistakes, including horrible shot selection and lack of hustle buried them.

Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, college: G.Washington) led Arecibo with 25 and Apodaca added 23.

In the loss Shavlik Randolph (208-F-83, college: Duke) netted 20 points.

Vaqueros de Bayamon dominated Mets de Guaynabo 108-83 as Franklin Western (200-F-72, college: Providence) led the way with 16 points and William Orozco (201-F-85) added 15.

Capitanes will face Atleticos and Vaqueros take on Indios in the semifinals that start on Wednesday.

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

RUSSIA

Triumph applied an application to participate in the new season of VTB United League - by Eurobasket News

VTB United League in accordance with the decision of the League Council on the new competition format in seasone-2012/13 and increase of its participants up to 20 clubs has started to accept applications from teams wishing to play in the tournament. The first such application was received from the Russian club Triumph.

The club from Lyubertsy has officially confirmed its readiness to play in the VTB United League championship providing all necessary documents and financial guarantees, and also according to the requirements of the League for Russian teams, opened its own budget.

'Triumph was the first candidate to participate in the VTB United League and filed necessary documents confirming full compliance with the requirements of the competition', said CEO of VTB United League Andrey Shirokov. 'In addition, Moscow region club has provided guarantees regarding the budget for the next season. Taking into account sports results of the team - in the championship of Russia Triumph, let me remind you, took the fourth place, in my opinion, nothing prevents the club from Lyubertsy to take part in the championship of the VTB United League in the season-2012/13.'

Courtesy of www.vtb-league.com

Kazlauskas would like to stay in CSKA Moscow, Kirilenko 50-50 - by Eurobasket News

CSKA Moscow won its tenth straight title in Russia and everybody already started to talk about the next season. Head Coach Jonas Kazlauskas and Euroleague MVP Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) are in the focus now. Kazlauskas said to Russian media that has an option to stay for the next season and he would like to stay with the club. However, Kazlauskas also said that he didn't speak with the club yet and he understands that the responsibility for defeat in Istanbul is on his shoulders.
Andrei Kirilenko is also under the big question mark for the next season. The Russian superstar said he still didn't decide his future yet. He said the chances for staying in Europe or to return to the NBA are 50-50. Kirilenko stated if he decides to stay in Europe it will be only CSKA Moscow. He is not interested in any other European team. Kirilenko said that he will weigh his option and he expects very busy summer.

Ramunas Siskauskas retires - by Eurobasket News

Our teams forward, one of the best European players of modern times Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) decided to retire from professional basketball.

One can be jealous about Ramunas life in sports. He was an integral part of several great teams. Siskauskas has become the European champion with Lithuanian National Team in 2003, he won the bronze of 2000 Sydney Olympics and 2007 Eurobasket. All the clubs he played for has become the champions of their respective countries. Siskas collection includes gold medals of Lithuanian, Italian, Greek leagues and, obviously, 5 Russian League titles with army men. Ramunas was also one of the heroes of two Euroleague victories: as Panathinaikos player he beat CSKA in 2007. One year later wearing red and blue he has become the Euroleague MVP and an important chain for CSKA title win in Madrid.

Siskauskas played 91 Euroleague games with CSKA (11.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.0 spg, 54.1% two-pointers, 43.4% three-pointers, 80.7% free throws), 42 Russian BEKO PBL League games (9.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.0 spg, 59.1% two-pointers, 40.4% three-pointers, 87.0% free throws), 11 Russian Cup games (13,7 ppg, 3,3 rpg, 2,4 apg, 0,7 spg, 59.5% two-pointers, 50.0% three-pointers, 86.4% free throws) and 29 VTB United League games (7.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.1 spg, 44.4% two-pointers, 38.0% three-pointers, 89.4% free throws).

Andrey Vatutin, CSKA President:
Ramunas is the person I was always able to lay upon, on and off the court. His experience, tremendous skills, wisdom has become an important parts of CSKA success. Ramunas proved that he can do everything on the court, he is able to solve any task by the coach.
Siskauskas is a decent, intelligent person, a great family man. It is an incredible pleasure to talk with him, his wife Edita, his children. His unchanging calm and amazing friendliness helped maintain a warm microclimate within the team. I sincerely wish Ramunas and his family to fully enjoy life after sport. We are always glad to see them in Moscow.

Courtesy of CSKA Moscow

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

SENEGAL

Senegalese Pape Sow wins another title with Mahram - by Eurobasket News

Senegalese Pape Sow (207-F-81, college: CS Fullerton) wins another title with Mahram as the latter won 2011/2012 title as they swept their Final series over Petrochimi. The Winner of the Regular Season added 111:93 victory in Game three to win the series 3-0.
Mahram started with 12:10 in the opening tip, but allowed the opponents to win the first period. Petrochimi looked better in the last five minutes of the first period and grabbed 23:22 lead. They could not however to follow the favorite in the majority of the game. Mahram won the second frame and reached 54:42 at the halftime. Moreover they led 82:61 at the end of the third frame and could start to celebrate at that time as the game was done. Mahram led 101:73 with 5 minutes to go and added another ten points in the game. The board showed 11:93 when the team started to celebrate.
Samad Nik Khahbahrami top-scored for the winners with 25 points and Pape Sow added 22 points and 14 rebounds. Afagh Hamed scored 19, while Tskitishvili Nikoloz delivered 17. Atashi Mehrad replied with 21 points in the losing effort, whilst Foroutannik Saleh nailed 14. Akindele Jeleel and Forte Joseph followed them with 13 points apiece.

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

SERBIA

Vule Avdalovic leads Donetsk to 2-0 lead in Ukrainian league Finals - by Eurobasket News

Ukrainian championship 2011/12 is in its last phase and two games of the Finals are already played. Small Serbian colony at BC Donetsk is 2-0 up against Azovmash in their best-of-seven series. Head Coach Sasa Obradovic (agency: Beo Basket), point guard Vule Avdalovic (189-PG-81, agency: Beo Basket) and power forward Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona) play for Donetsk this season. Avdalovic was a key player in the first two games of the Finals against Azovmash. In Game One, Avdalovic collected 10 points, 8 assists and 5 assists for 28 minutes on the court. He reached valuation 20 and was Co-MVP of this game. In Game Two, which was played on Saturday, Avdalovic was the MVP in Donetsk and Co-MVP of the game with valuation 17. He had 13 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Ivan Radenovic also was good in the second meeting as he scored 14 points. Radenovic had 6 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds in Game One. Third game is scheduled for tomorrow and Azovmash will be the host. Donetsk was the regular season champ in Ukraine with 31-8 record. They eliminated Dnipro in the Quarterfinals (3-1) and Ferro-ZNTU in the Semis (4-2).

Best players of Round 13 (Superleague) - by Eurobasket News

Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked Partizan, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Round 13 award (Superleague). The 23-year old player had a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds, while his team outclassed Vojvodina (#4, 6-7) with 37-point margin 91-54. Partizan improved its score to 11-2. Raduljica turned to be Partizan's top player in his first season with the team. Miroslav Raduljica averages this season 12.6ppg and 5.5rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was young Nenad Miljenovic (194-G-93, agency: Beo Basket) of Mega Vizura. Miljenovic had a very good evening with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Mega Vizura cruised to a 92-85 overtime win against BKK Radnicki (#7, 4-9). This victory allowed Mega Vizura to move up to 6th position in the standings with 5-8 record. Miljenovic is a newcomer at Mega Vizura, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 15.9ppg (#8). His other stats are also decent: 5.0rpg and 4.0apg.

Third on the list of top players last round was another Mega Vizura's star - guard Nemanja Jaramaz (201-G-91, agency: Beo Basket). Jaramaz showcased his all-around game by recording 19 points, nine rebounds and four assists in the last round. He was another key player of Mega Vizura, helping his team with a 92-85 overtime win against BKK Radnicki (#7, 4-9). Jaramaz has a very good season. In 12 games in Serbia he scored 14.8ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Mike Scott (203-F-86) of Radnicki K. - 19 points and 7 rebounds
5. Dragan Milosavljevic (198-G-89) of Partizan - 15 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Milan Milovanovic (205-C/F-91) of Radnicki Basket - 14 points and 5 rebounds
7. Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88) of Hemofarm - 20 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Sava Lesic (205-C/F-88) of Crvena Zvezda - 12 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Bojan Bakic (197-G-83) of Hemofarm - 18 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists
10. Boris Lalovic (206-C-81) of Hemofarm - 17 points and 6 rebounds

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

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SOUTH KOREA

Ex-LG Saker Seo Jang-hoon Signs With KT - by Jeff Liebsch

Veteran forward Seo Jang-Hoon (207-C-74) has signed with the KT Sonic Boom according to local media reports.

The Joongang Daily has reported that the 38-year-old has signed a one-year deal with KT worth 100 million won. According to the paper, the Sonic Boom said in a press release that they want to allow the legendary basketball player to wrap up his career successfully and consider Seo a good option for both offense and defense.

Seo averaged 7.5 points and 2.9 rebounds on 43% shooting in 2011 for the Changwon LG Sakers, as they finished seventh and missed the playoffs.

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SPAIN

Blake Schilb linked with a move to Unicaja Malaga - by Antonio Carlo

American swingman Blake Schilb (200-F/G-83, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Loyola, IL) has been strongly linked with a move to Unicaja Malaga according to reports in the local Andalucian media.
The departure of American Tremmel Darden who has been unlucky during the season with you injuries in his left hand, can speed up the signing of the ES Chalon-Sur-Saone scoring machine.
On Sunday, Blake Schilb signed off an outstanding performance in the French Cup final where his team ES Chalon-Sur-Saone beat Limoges in the final for 85-75. Schilb scored 24 points adding to his statistics 5 assists and 5 steals.
What is appealing to secure the services of the American player is that very soon he will become an European citizen and will be given a Czech passport as he married a woman from the Czech Republic.
It is reported that also ACB club Bilbao Basket and German club Brose Basket are also interested to sign the Loyola College player.

Nico Richotti made his debut with Argentina - by Antonio Carlo

C.B. Canarias point guard Nicolas Richotti (181-PG-86) has made his debut with the Argentinian national team in a double header clash against Angola.
Both games were played in the Angolan capital city of Luanda. In the first game, Richotti helped Argentina with two points to beat the Africans by 71-69. His teammate Walter Hermann was the top scorer of the game with 26 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Hermann played for the first time with the South Americans in two years.
In the second game, Argentina managed to beat Angola for the second time 66-48. The C.B. Canarias player was the third top scorer of Argentina with nine points after Luciano Gonzalez and Juan Manuel Torres who scored 13 and 11 points respectively.

Ourense is one win away from LEB Silver Playoffs title - by Eurobasket News

Ourense - Prat Juventud 64-52

Ourense is 2-0 up against Prat Juventud in LEB Silver Finals. The format is best-of-five and Ourense is now one win away from the Playoffs title. They are also one win away from the LEB Gold promotion. Game Three is scheduled for Wednesday and Prat Juventud will be the host.
The hosts trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 10-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 64-52. Ourense dominated on the defensive end, holding Prat Juventud to just 6 points in second quarter. They outrebounded Prat Juventud 38-24 including a 30-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Center Antoni Jaume Vicens (202-C-90) orchestrated the victory by scoring 12 points. American guard Kyle Hill (188-79, college: E.Illinois) contributed with 10 points for the winners. Four Ourense players scored in double figures. Ourense's coach Rafael Sanz used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Albert Ventura (196-92) replied with 14 points and 6 rebounds and Montenegrin forward Marko Todorovic (203-92) added 13 points in the effort for Prat Juventud.
Andorra was the regular season champion in LEB Silver with 19-5 record. They already won the promotion for LEB Gold. One more ticket is available and LEB Silver Playoffs winner will take it.

Ourense: A.Jaume Vicens 12+4reb, A.Miguel 11+3reb+1ast, K.Hill 10+3reb+2ast, J.Fernandez 10+2reb+1ast, J.Manuel Ruiz 5+4reb, F.Cardenas 5+2reb+1ast
Prat Juventud: A.Ventura 14+6reb, M.Todorovic 13+4reb+1ast, J.Tomas 10+3reb, G.Marti 8+3reb, A.Barrera 4+1reb, F.Bassas 2

LEB Gold Semifinals: Second games - by Eurobasket News

Melilla - Caceres 93-91 (1-1)
Melilla escaped with tiny 93-91 home win on Sunday night. Caceres celebrated in Game One as a guest, so now the score is 1-1 in the series. The format is best-of-five and next two games will be played at Caceres' home court. They are scheduled for next Friday and Sunday.
The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Melilla Baloncesto made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. Melilla Baloncesto looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Guard Jose Salvador Arco (194-85) orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points. Nigerian power forward Chukwudinma Odiakosa (203-85, college: Illinois St., agency: N.E.T.) contributed with 17 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Swingman Xavier Forcada (195-88) replied with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists and the former international forward Francisco Sanchez (201-79) added 18 points in the effort for Caceres 2016. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Caceres: D.Rodriguez 19+3ast, F.Sanchez 18+4reb, J.Sedlak 14+3reb+1ast, L.Williams 12+2reb, X.Forcada 11+5reb+7ast, S.Olmos 8+4reb+1ast
Melilla: J.Salvador Arco 24+4reb+3ast, C.Odiakosa 17+6reb, H.Manzano 14+5reb+1ast, M.Suka-Umu 11+4reb+8ast, J.Riera 9+1reb+3ast, J.Antonio Marco 7+5ast

Navarra - Menorca 81-83 OT (0-2)
Menorca is 2-0 up against Navarra in the Semifinals. As mentioned above, the format is best-of-five and Menorca is one win away from the Finals. The first chance to reach it Menorca will have at its home court on Friday. If not, Menorca will be the host on Sunday as well.
The guests trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 5-point lead at the halftime then Grupo Iruna Navarra managed to tie the game at the end of regular time. However that was Menorca Basquet who were better in overtime eventually winning that period 20-18. They made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. Grupo Iruna Navarra was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Center Oliver Arteaga (211-C-83) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 16 rebounds. Forward Marc Blanch (195-82) contributed with 24 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Four Menorca Basquet players scored in double figures. Menorca Basquet's coach Josep Berrocal used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Guard Inaki Narros (194-81) replied with 20 points and 5 rebounds and guard Mikel Uriz (180-89) added 18 points in the effort for Grupo Iruna Navarra.
Top scorers:
Navarra: I.Narros 20+5reb+1ast, M.Uriz 18+2reb, J.Garcia 14+5reb, K.Langford 10+2reb+1ast, I.Sanz 8+5reb+3ast, N.Rakocevic 6+3ast
Menorca: M.Blanch 24+5reb+1ast, O.Arteaga 16+16reb, D.Navarro 14+2reb+4ast, J.Jimenez 11+1reb+7ast, R.Bas 9, R.Morentin 4+6reb+1ast

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SWEDEN

08 Stockholm returns PG Willy Beck - by Eurobasket News

Willy Beck (185-PG-87, college: Santa Barbara CC) returned to 08 Stockholm after one season. The Swedish point guard penned a 2-year deal with the club. He spent last season with Solna Vikings averaging 7.3 points, 4.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds for 39 games. The Vikings finished regular season as No.7 with 17-19 record. Later they failed against Sodertalje (2-3) in the Playoffs Quarterfinals. Willy Beck played for 08 Stockholm from 2009 to 2011. He had 12.3 ppg, 5.1 apg and 3.7 rpg for 30 games in their second season together. He participated at Basketligan All-Star Game a year ago. Before Stockholm, Beck spent two seasons with the Vikings. They won the championship title together in 2008 and Beck was named Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan Newcomer of the Year.

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SWITZERLAND

Stats Leaders LNA

Points Per Game

Mohammed ABUKAR
  Lugano T.
  (208-F-85)
  Avg: 20.3

1. Abukar, Lugano T.	20.3
2. Sharper, Boncourt	19.4
3. Burrows, Starwings	18.2
4. Jenkins, Starwings	17.8
5. Calasan, Boncourt	17.7
6. Jones, SAM M.	16.8
7. Barnette, Geneve	16.8
8. Mitrovic, SAM M.	16.3
9. Smith, Monthey	16.2
10. Gibson, SAV Vacal.	16.1

Rebounds Per Game

Erroyl BING
  Geneve Lions
  (198-F/C-82)
  Avg: 9.1

1. Bing, Geneve Lions	9.1
2. Calasan, Boncourt	9.1
3. Toure, Geneve Lio.	9.0
4. Knutson, BBC Nyon	8.3
5. Burrows, Starwings	8.1
6. Rakocevic, Lugano	7.9
7. Esterkamp, Fribo.	7.6
8. Finn, Monthey	7.5
9. Molteni, SAM M.	7.5
10. Jones, SAM M.	7.3

Assists Per Game

Rickey GIBSON
  SAV Vacallo
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Gibson, SAV Vacallo	6.4
2. Brown, Lugano T.	6.0
3. Jenkins, Starwings	5.3
4. Dunn, Geneve Lions	4.9
5. Petkovic, Starw.	4.7
6. Boylan, Monthey	4.5
7. Draughan, Lugano	4.4
8. Bobetso, BBC Nyon	4.0
9. Petkovic, Fribourg	3.9
10. Parker, Monthey	3.4

Steals Per Game

Miroslav PETKOVIC
  Starw.
  (183-G-88)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Petkovic, Starw.	3.1
2. Gibson, SAV Vacallo	2.7
3. Boylan, Monthey	2.6
4. Jones, SAM M.	2.2
5. Jenkins, Starwings	2.1
6. N''Diaye, Boncourt	1.8
7. Sloan, SAV Vacallo	1.8
8. Smith, Monthey	1.8
9. Dubas, Monthey	1.7
10. Mitrovic, SAM M.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Babacar TOURE
  Geneve Lions
  (205-F/C-85)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Toure, Geneve Lio.	1.9
2. Knutson, BBC Nyon	1.7
3. Molteni, SAM M.	1.2
4. Matter, Starwings	1.2
5. Roberson, Boncourt	1.1
6. Rakocevic, Lugano	1.0
7. Burrows, Starwings	1.0
8. Barnette, Geneve	0.9
9. Dubas, Monthey	0.9
10. Albrecht, Starw.	0.9

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TRBL

TRBL standings

TRBL Standings

1. PT Players		7-1
2. Cary Invasion		7-2
3. Wilmington SD		6-4
4. Fayetteville C.		4-5
5. Big Texas		2-3
6. Carolina G.		1-9
7. Queen City E.		0-3

Regular Season: Round 12

May. 19: Queen City E. - PT Players 99-126
May. 19: Carolina G. - Cary Invasion 86-108
May. 18: Fayetteville C. - Wilmington SD 82-92
May. 20: Wilmington SD - Fayetteville C. 103-115

Regular Season: Round 13

May. 25: Carolina G. - Fayetteville C.
May. 25: Queen City E. - Wilmington SD

Primetime uses second half barrage to halt Express, 126-99 - by Eurobasket News

The PrimeTime Players continued their winning ways on Saturday, knocking off the Queen City Express 126-99 for their seventh straight victory.

After starting the game somewhat flat and allowing the Express to cut a near-twenty point lead down to just nine at halftime, PrimeTime put their foot on the gas and cruised to a 40-plus point lead before a flurry of late baskets by the visitors trimmed the final margin to just 27.

James Dillard (6'6''-F-87, college: Johnson C. Smith) was the leading scorer for PrimeTime, using a string of three straight baskets in the fourth quarter to stop the Express' last ditch effort at a comeback. He finished with 23 points and five rebounds on 8-of-12 shooting.

Another standout performance came from Malachai Jones who was forced into more minutes due to the absence of Thomas Pfaff (6'8''-F-87, college: Lipscomb) and recorded his second straight double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds. C.J. Pigford (6'7''-F-82, college: Elizabeth City) also tallied another double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Three other PrimeTime Players scored in double digits including the league's leading scorer, Antonio Houston (6'5''-G/F-88, college: Catawba), who had 22, Brian Mobley who had 18, and Donald Rutherford who had 13. Vic Street served up 10 assists and boosted his average which is second in the league.

The Queen City Express was led by Michael Bland (6'9''-C/F, college: Winston Salem), who finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Ramar Cuthbertson (6'1''-G, college: Catawba Valley) had 17 points and Jerry Hollis (6'5''-G/F-87), Marlon Graves, and Quinton Malloy finished with 13, 11, and 10 respectively.

The PrimeTime Players have the best record in the Tobacco Road Basketball League but sit second in the standings because of the weight of road victories in the point table. The top seed in the playoffs could well be decided in the PrimeTime Players' home finale on June 2nd when the first place Cary Invasion come to town. PrimeTime will be on the road next weekend as they head to Smithfield, NC to face the Carolina Gladiators.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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TURKEY

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

Jonathan GIBSON
  Trabzonspor
  (182-PG-87)
  Avg: 19.9

1. Gibson, Trabzonspor	19.9
2. Chatman, Karsiyaka	18.3
3. Reynolds, Antalya	18.3
4. Brown, Trabzonspor	18.1
5. Scales, Mersin	17.4
6. Toolson, Aliaga	17.3
7. Fisher, Antalya	17.2
8. Grundy, Mersin	16.9
9. Sneed, Mersin	16.9
10. Washington, Turk	16.6

Rebounds Per Game

Elton BROWN
  Trabzonspor
  (206-C-83)
  Avg: 12.2

1. Brown, Trabzonspor	12.2
2. Stimac, Olin Edirne	9.9
3. Sanders, Hacett.	8.9
4. Mensah-Bonsu, Bes.	8.0
5. McGhee, Bandirma.	7.8
6. Wesson, Erdemir	7.6
7. Buckman, Tofas	7.6
8. Sonkol, Aliaga	7.3
9. Yucel, Turk T.	7.0
10. Grier, Mersin	6.8

Assists Per Game

Mire CHATMAN
  Karsiyaka
  (187-PG-78)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Chatman, Karsiyaka	6.4
2. Ermis, Banvit BK	6.0
3. Tunceri, Anadolu	5.3
4. Ratkovica, Aliaga	5.3
5. Senturk, Erdemir	4.9
6. Gordon, Galatasaray	4.5
7. Reynolds, Antalya	4.4
8. Fisher, Antalya	4.4
9. Washington, Turk T.	4.4
10. Arroyo, Besiktas	4.3

Steals Per Game

Russell ROBINSON
  Trabzons.
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Robinson, Trabzons.	2.1
2. Grier, Mersin	2.1
3. Bryan-A., Hacett.	2.0
4. Chatman, Karsiyaka	1.9
5. Grundy, Mersin	1.7
6. Gordon, Galatasaray	1.7
7. Scales, Mersin	1.4
8. Guler, Turk T.	1.4
9. Kinsey, Anadolu	1.3
10. Hawkins, Besiktas	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Matthew BRYAN-AMANING
  Hacett.
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Bryan-A., Hacett.	1.3
2. Davis, Banvit BK	1.2
3. Robinson, Erdemir	1.1
4. McGhee, Bandirma.	1.0
5. Turkyilmaz, Banvit	0.9
6. Bayav, Karsiyaka	0.9
7. Gist, Fener.Ulker	0.9
8. Karaman, Karsiyaka	0.8
9. Aldemir, Galatasar.	0.8
10. Qvale, Aliaga	0.8

Anadolu Efes is one win away from TBL Finals - by Eurobasket News

TBL Semifinals, Game 3: Anadolu Efes - Banvit BK 68-55 (2-1)

Anadolu Efes is 2-1 up against Banvit in TBL Semifinals. Efes celebrated 68-55 home win tonight in Game Three of the series. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday and same team will be the host.
The game was mostly controlled by Anadolu Efes. Banvit BK was better in fourth quarter 15-11. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a good game for the former international guard Cenk Akyol (196-G-87) who led his team to a victory with 19 points (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). International guard Sinan Guler (193-G-83, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: Carroll, MT) contributed with 7 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Charles Davis (202-F-84, college: Alabama) answered with 14 points and Bosnian forward Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81) added 9 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Banvit BK.
As mentioned above, Game Four is scheduled for Wednesday and it will be a nice chance for Anadolu Efes to reach the Finals. At the other side, Banvit will try to stay alive in the series. If the series go to decisive Game Five, Banvit will be the host. Banvit was No.2 in TBL regular season with 25-5 record. Anadolu Efes was No.3 with 24-6.

Anadolu Efes: C.Akyol 19+1reb, E.Batista 10+5reb, D.Balbay 9+4reb+2ast, O.Lafayette 7+1reb, S.Guler 7+6reb+4ast, K.Tunceri 4+2reb+5ast
Banvit BK: C.Davis 14+2reb+1ast, K.Bajramovic 9+6reb+2ast, E.Veyseloglu 9+3reb+1ast, L.Williams 6+4reb, B.Ermis 4+1reb+5ast, S.Erdogan 4+4ast

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UBA

URBL Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jermaine BARNES
  USA
  (194-G/F-82)
  Avg: 30

1. Jermaine Bar., GIE	30.0
2. Williams, GIE M.	24.0
3. Franklin, Austin K.	23.0
4. Bryant, Austin K.	21.8
5. Curry, S.Generals	21.4
6. Cantrell, GIE M.	21.3
7. Jennings, Atlan.	21.2
8. Williams, Georgia	20.9
9. Webb, Tennessee D.	20.8
10. James, Nashville	20.0

Rebounds Per Game

Jermaine DAILEY
  USA
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 16

1. Dailey, Georgia L.	16.0
2. Terrell, Dallas St.	12.7
3. Moore, GIE M.	12.6
4. Morning, C.Tex.	11.4
5. Antoine, Atlanta A.	10.2
6. Akpele, GIE M.	9.0
7. Holt, C.Texas C.	8.9
8. Bedford, GIE M.	8.5
9. Brown, Houston E.	8.3
10. Stroud, Dallas S.	8.3

Assists Per Game

DeAndre BRAY
(168-G-85)
Avg: 12

1. Bray, S.Generals	12.0
2. Ragsdale, GIE M.	7.0
3. Webb, Tennessee D.	6.5
4. Jermaine Bar., GIE	6.4
5. Johnson, S.Generals	5.0
6. Cantrell, GIE M.	4.3
7. Bowdy, Dallas S.	4.3
8. Walker, Tennesse.	4.3
9. Winston, Georg.	4.3
10. Beaulah, Queen C.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Freddie WILLIAMS
  USA
  (188-G-87)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Williams, GIE M.	4.5
2. Bray, S.Generals	4.4
3. Jermaine Bar., GIE	2.9
4. Antoine, Atlanta A.	2.8
5. Ragsdale, GIE M.	2.2
6. Johnson, S.Generals	2.2
7. Bowdy, Dallas S.	2.1
8. Walker, Tennesse.	2.0
9. Williams, Georgia	2.0
10. Jennings, Atlan.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Ricky JAMES
(190-G-84)
Avg: 0

1. James, Nashville M.	0.0
2. Adkins, Austin K.	0.0
3. Humphrey, Nashvill.	0.0
4. Williams, GIE M.	0.0
5. Holt, C.Texas C.	0.0
6. Webb, Tennessee D.	0.0
7. Hill, Dallas Stars	0.0
8. Walker, DFW W.	0.0
9. Hayes, Nashville M.	0.0
10. Walker, Nashville	0.0

UBA Semi Finals matchup: GIE Morrow Disciples vs. Cleveland Havok - by David Walls

David Walls
May 13, 2012

ATLANTAAn analytical look at the national semifinal game between top-seeded Disciples (20-1) and fourth-seeded Havok (15-7):
When/where: Saturday, 7:00 p.m. ET (Atlanta, GA), Morris Brown College.

Setting the scene

You might have heard that there is bad blood between the two biggest conferences in the UBA world (Championship start in the south). This is the third-straight time the West has met the South in the Semi Finalwith all showdowns going to the South. They previously had faced off earlier in the season where the Disciples rolled over the Havok 95-77. But this is a totally different Havok team under UBA All-Star coach Kevin Franklin .

Truthfully, though, take the word of the players and coaches for both programs: They have bigger goals than bragging rights, and theyre concentrating on reaching the UBA national title game much more than on giving their rabid fan bases the thrill of the upper hand in the rivalry.

Havoks biggest concerns

The Disciples are loaded at every position. Consider the fact that the Disciples have guard Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Point, GA). He is the 2012 consensus UBA Player of the Year, and owns 2 out of the 3 championship rings in the UBA. In there last meeting Barnes dominated the game with 32 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. And perhaps the player who potentially can do the most damage Saturday night, rookie guard James Justice (5'10''-G-89, college: Martin Methodist). Justice was named 2012 NAIA National Player of the Year and 1st Team All-American at Martin Methodist University.

Other major problems for the Havok will be the return of former Disciple stars Chris Miller-Williams (6'6''-F/G-87, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: W.Georgia) and Michael Sloan (6'5''-G/F-84, college: Clayton St.). Both played in Europe this season (Iceland) and were both named to the All-Import Team. Miller-Williams led his team to the top record in the league along with a Iceland 1st Division Champions. While Sloan led the league in scoring with 29.8ppg.

Xfactor: Freddie Williams (6'2''-G-87, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Clayton St.)' return from the Dominican Republic.

Disciples' biggest concerns

The Havok defense can lock down a team in an instantthanks to Kevin Franklin s trademark pressure, tons of bodies to throw at teams and big time scoring from Corey Smith (6'5''-G/F-83, college: Vanderbilt) and Sam Brown (6'4''-G-87, college: Harding). The Havoks defense is as disruptive and game-changing as the Disciples'. Just ask the Houston Express, which still has every right to believe it should be here instead of the Havok, had it not cracked under that pressure down the stretch in the first round.

Speaking of trademark Franklin, Cleveland indeed has a bevy of shooters who can knock down 3-pointers, led by All-Star Sam Brown and Corey Smith. All are streaky shooters, though. It'd be great for the Disciples if two or three of them go cold Saturday ... but if theyre all hitting, thats big trouble for Gold.

Xfactor: Corey Smith. Smith dominated the first round matchup with the Express scoring 25 points along with 9 rebounds. In 2010 is was named Eurobasket.com All-Finland Player of the Year.

Pivotal matchup

Disciples shooting guard Freddie Williams vs. Sam Brown, often runs the Disciples offense the way a star does, but when hes clicking with his teammates and hitting shots the Disciples is impossible to stop. When hes not, theyre not impossible to stop but they just have to find other ways.

Brown, though he averages a mere 19.1 points, is Havok's most important player and will be Saturday, at both ends. He must attack the Disciple pressure, get Chris Moore (6'8''-F-88, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Morgan St.) out of position, make the right decisions on every drive (kick-out and shot attempt) and be a defensive presence of his own against the GIE guards.

Bottom line

GIE Morrow Disciples has been the most talented, cohesive and driven team in the UBA all season, but it also has survived the war of attrition to get to this weekend

Cleveland Havok, meanwhile, is what passes for Cinderella this year, coming in from off the radar, through the West Coast Tournament and now the UBA Semi's. Couple that momentum with the week Franklin has had to devise a game plan to counteract the Disciples, and theres a chance the last real powerhouse left standing could get toppled.

Then again ... The Disciples' are probably just too deep and too good for anyone to topple it.

GIE Morrow Disciples Stat Leaders:
Points: Jermaine Barnes (30.0ppg)
Rebounds: Chris Moore (12.0rpg)
Assists: Brent Ragsdale (7.0apg)
Blocks: Chris Moore (5.9bpg)

Cleveland Havok Stat Leaders:
Points: Corey Smith (25.0ppg)
Rebounds: Timir Patel (8.5rpg)
Assists: Sam Brown (3.7apg)
Blocks: Timir Patel (1.0bpg)

Disciples win UBA Championship: Justice and Barnes named Finals MVP - by David Walls

David Walls Reports:
ATLANTA, GA
UBA Championship

Black and gold confetti raining down upon him, Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Point, GA) walked to the scorers table, shook his fists and extended three fingers.

When he looked up, UBA Commissioner was waiting to shake his hand.

A Championship classic and this time, it finally went the Disciples way.

Barnes, the finals co-MVP, scored 30 points despite 10-of-25 shooting, and the Disciples won their 3rd UBA championship Sunday night, dramatically rallying from a terrible start deficit to beat the Georgia Lions in the UBA finals.

James Justice (5'10''-G-89, college: Martin Methodist) was the other half of the co-MVP award scoring 22 points, 4 rebounds and dishing out 6 assists. Justice has ended all questions about his ability to play on a pro level and not just be a dunker. Justice matched up with the UBA's premire point guard (DeAndre Bray (5'6''-G-85, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Jacksonville St.)) and never took a back seat. He will be entering this year NBA draft and looks to have a bright future.

Tony Omotayo (6'4''-F-85, college: Ft.Valley St.) was the top preformer for the Lions scoring a team high 23 points and pulling down 8 rebounds.

The Lions were out manned for the begining as the lost the best big in the league (Al'Lonzo Coleman (6'7''-F-89, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Presbyterian)). Coleman suffered and ankle injury in a Semi Finals win over the Tennessee Dragons. To add salt in the wound double-double machine Mike Corpening (6'8''-F-87, college: S.Wesleyan) was out for personal issues.

'We just had to take care of busienss', said Barnes. We wanted to compete against the full strength Lions but it didn't happen. I take my hat off to DeAndre Bray and the Lions and I know we will see them again.

UBA Playoff stats will be posted Tuesday May 22, 2012.

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UKRAINE

Aviastar win Ukrainian Cup trophy - by Eurobasket News

Aviastar claimed Ukrainian Cup title. They overcame Musson 88:86 in the title clash. Vitaly Boyko (183-G-82) stepped up with 23 points to lead the winners.
Aviastar bravely entered the game building a 5-point lead after ten minutes 19:14. But Musson answered straight back scoring 34 points in the second frame and taking a 48:40 halftime advantage. Aviastar rebounded after the big break. The Zaporizhya team denied the deficit and eked out a narrow 68:65 advantage. Musson got closer in the final stanza but came up short of victory at the end. Sergei Fedorov (198-F-87) knocked down 17 points, while Anton Buts (201-F-88) added 13 points in the winning effort. Artem Shchepkin (194-G-86, agency: New Trend Agency) replied with 22 points for Musson. Nikola Eromin contributed 15 points in defeat.
VolinBasket clinched the Bronze medals beating BK Kremen 82:74 in consolation final.

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URUGUAY

Standings - Metropolitan League

Metropolitan Standings

1. Atenas		1-0
2. Cader		1-0
3. Marne		1-0
4. Urunday Univ.		1-0
5. Goes		0-0
6. Larranaga		0-0
7. Verdirrojo		0-0
8. Capitol		0-1
9. Guruyu Waston		0-1
10. Romis N.		0-1
11. Yale		0-1

Regular Season: Round 1

May. 18: Marne - Romis N. 85-64
May. 19: Cader - Guruyu Waston 79-69
May. 18: Urunday Univ. - Capitol 75-60
May. 19: Yale - Atenas 69-79
May. 18: Larranaga - Verdirrojo

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VENEZUELA

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. Pena, Toros	21.4
4. Rodgers, Marinos	19.5
5. Adams, Guaiqueries	18.9
6. Hickerson, Bucan.	18.6
7. Stoll, Gigantes	17.6
8. Edwin, Gaiteros	17.5
9. Romero, Trotamun.	17.0
10. Millsap, Guaros	16.8

Rebounds Per Game

Jack Michael MARTINEZ
  Cocodrilos
  (203-F/C-81)
  Avg: 10.5

1. Martinez, Cocodril.	10.5
2. Braggs, Gaiteros	9.3
3. Pruitt, Trotamun.	9.3
4. Fuller, Panteras	9.2
5. Urbina, Toros	8.5
6. Jackson, Guaiquer.	7.8
7. Allen, Marinos	7.7
8. Gransberry, Cocod.	7.7
9. Sucre, Marinos	7.4
10. Warner, Bucaneros	7.1

Assists Per Game

Paul STOLL
  Gigantes
  (178-PG-85)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Stoll, Gigantes	6.8
2. Vargas, Marinos	5.7
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. Sims, Gaiteros	3.5
10. Centeno, Cocodril.	3.5

Steals Per Game

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

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

Blocks Per Game

Rammel ALLEN
  Marinos
  (210-C-79)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Allen, Marinos	2.3
2. Moss, Marinos	2.0
3. Lugo, Guaiqueries	1.8
4. Osorio, Panteras	1.5
5. Hardin, Marinos	1.4
6. Graterol, Cocodril.	1.3
7. Warner, Bucaneros	1.1
8. Romero, Trotamun.	1.0
9. Pruitt, Trotamun.	1.0
10. Marriaga, Marinos	0.9

Trotamundos and Marinos to fight for LPB title - by Eurobasket News

LPB Semifinals, Game 7: Trotamundos - Guaiqueries 76-71 (4-3)

Crucial Game Seven of the LPB Semifinals between Trotamundos and Guaiqueries was played last night. The home squad celebrated 76-71 victory and joined Marinos in the Finals. It will be another best-of-seven series and first game is scheduled for tomorrow.
Guaiqueries trailed by 14 points after 3 quarters before a 25-16 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 71-76 at the end of the game. 25 personal fouls committed by Guaiqueries helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for David Cubillan (183-87, college: Marquette) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points and 5 assists. Rafael Perez (193-82, agency: Paris Global Sports) helped adding 11 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Four Trotamundos players scored in double figures. At the losing side Richard Lugo (209-73, college: St.Francis, NY) responded with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 7 blocks and Antoine Wright (201-84, college: Texas A&M) scored 11 points and 8 rebounds. Guaiqueries' coach Carlos Mercado rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Marinos will have a home court advantage in the Finals. They will host first two games on May 22 and 23. After that, Trotamundos will be the host of Game Three, Four and *Five (if necessary). If the series go to Game Six and Seven, they will be played at Marinos' home court.

Trotamundos: D.Cubillan 20+3reb+5ast, H.Romero 13+3reb+1ast, R.Perez 11+7reb+5ast, S.Pruitt 11+1reb+1ast, T.Aguilera 10+6reb+1ast, T.Gilder 6+6reb+4ast
Guaiqueries: R.Lugo 24+5reb+1ast, A.Wright 11+8reb+3ast, M.Freije 11+1reb+1ast, C.Silva 9+3reb+1ast, C.Jackson 8+8reb, A.Torcatt 6+1reb+2ast

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VTB UNITED LEAGUE

20 clubs will play in VTB United League championship in season 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Official release, May 20 - Today in Moscow at the VTB United League Council meeting a decision on the format of the competition next season and collaboration with Euroleague was made.

In season 2012/13 20 clubs will play in the championship of the League. In the regular season they will play in two groups, after that the top 16 teams (8 from each group) will compete in the playoffs: series of 1/8 finals will be held till two wins and 1/4 finals, 1/2finals, a series for the 3rd place and finals - till three wins.

The exact entry list of the tournament main draw and qualifying championship, where it is planned to play one or two tickets, will be known in July, when the next Council of the League will be held. However, the League President Sergey Ivanov noted at the press conference that in the next season the Champion of Russia will be determined within the framework of the League the Russian clubs should decide whether it will be determined by the results of tournament games or after further playoffs matches.

In addition, during the Council of the League, its participants welcomed the proposal of Euroleague, which means that VTB United League will join the European Cup competition and will receive the right to play for the ticket to Euroleague qualification. The format to be approved in early July at the General Assembly of the Euroleague.

'The next season of the League will be even more interesting', said the League President Sergey Ivanov. 'The fact that the winner of the championship will be determined in full playoffs games and The Euroleagues official recognition will certainly favour contribute to it. We are waiting for more qualitative, interesting basketball with the participation of the leading clubs from Eastern Europe!'

Courtesy of www.vtb-league.com

Triumph applied an application to participate in the new season of VTB United League - by Eurobasket News

VTB United League in accordance with the decision of the League Council on the new competition format in seasone-2012/13 and increase of its participants up to 20 clubs has started to accept applications from teams wishing to play in the tournament. The first such application was received from the Russian club Triumph.

The club from Lyubertsy has officially confirmed its readiness to play in the VTB United League championship providing all necessary documents and financial guarantees, and also according to the requirements of the League for Russian teams, opened its own budget.

'Triumph was the first candidate to participate in the VTB United League and filed necessary documents confirming full compliance with the requirements of the competition', said CEO of VTB United League Andrey Shirokov. 'In addition, Moscow region club has provided guarantees regarding the budget for the next season. Taking into account sports results of the team - in the championship of Russia Triumph, let me remind you, took the fourth place, in my opinion, nothing prevents the club from Lyubertsy to take part in the championship of the VTB United League in the season-2012/13.'

Courtesy of www.vtb-league.com

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Women News

BELGIUM

Belgium defeat Israel in exhibition game - by Eurobasket News

Belgium - Israel 87:78

Belgium and Israel clashed in a friendly game. The hosts earned a 9-point victory. Emma Meesseman (192-C-93, agency: LBM Management) scored 24 points to lead the winners. The visitors dominated in the first half. They eked out a 44:42 lead after twenty minutes. But the hosts took over after the big break. The Belgian team slowly gained confidence and surged ahead. They left Israelis behind to post a well-deserved win at the end. Anke De Mondt (180-F/G-79) produced 19 points for the winners. Shay Doron (175-SG-85, college: Maryland) answered with 20 points for Israel. Katia Levitsky (190-PF-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) added 17 points in the losing effort.

Belgium: Emma Meesseman 24, Anke De Mondt 19
Israel: Shay Doron 20, Katia Levitsky 17

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CROATIA

Novi Zagreb part ways with Matic, Meznaric, Salopek, Bosilj, Cuncic, Mada and Sikiric - by Vladimir Ivankovic

WBC Novi Zagreb decided to part ways with 7 players from last season's roster - Ivona Matic, Iva Meznaric, Emanuela Salopek, Monika Bosilj, Irena Cuncic, Jasenka Mada and Glorija Sikiric. According to club's web-page, club would like to hold Ivana Blazevic, who was injured in December, but until then was one of the best players of the season. Roster for new season include following players:
PG - Ana Cacic, Ivana Seric
SG - Antonija Juric, Tea Buzov
SF - Matea Vrdoljak, Zrinka Brkljacic
PF - Mirna Mazic, (Ivana Blazevic)
C - Gordana Bedalov, Maja Krajacic (injured, waiting for surgery).

Some of the new signings should be announced soon, and will include one point guard, one shooting guard and one center.

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

FRANCE

Katerina Dorogobuzova pens deal with Arras - by Eurobasket News

Katerina Dorogobuzova (187-F-90, agency: LBM Management) pens deal with Arras for the next season. According to lovewomensbasketball.com the Ukrainian player moves to France.
The season 2011-2012 the Ukrainian player started for Laisve Kaunas (Lithuania-LMKL, starting five), only pre-season and then moved to Neftochimic 2010 Burgas (Bulgaria-NBL). She averaged 21.6 points per game.
Early in January Ukrainian forward Katerina Dorogobuzova put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked Neftochimic, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 15.The 21-year old player was the main contributor (31 points, four rebounds and two assists) to her team's victory, helping them to beat Beroe 07 91-79. In the team's last game Dorogobuzova had a remarkable 77.8% from 2-point range. She turned to be Neftochimic's top player in her first season with the team. Katerina Dorogobuzova has solid league stats.

Earlier she played for Tim-Scuf Kyiv in Ukraine. Togethre with the team she was anmed Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian UPBL 1st Team: -11, Eurobasket.com Ukrainian UPBL All-Domestic Players Team -11, Ukrainian UPBL Regular Season Champion -11 and Ukrainian UPBL Champion -11.

Toulouse signs Julie Legoupil - by Eurobasket News

Julie Legoupil (172-G-84) is a new member of Toulouse. The French guard signed a deal for the next season. Legoupil arrives to Toulouse from Union Lyon Basket Feminin, where she spent last five years. She had 6.6 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 1.2 spg for 25 LFB games last season. In 2010/11, the guard averaged 9.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists. Before Lyon, she played one year for Quistrehem. Legoupil also has experience from USO Mondeville and U20 French NT. Toulouse will compete next season in LFB. They reached LF2 Finals in the latest one, but failed against Perpignan in OT 71-75. Perpignan also was the regular season champ, so Toulouse also won the promotion to LFB.

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

GERMANY

TSV TOWERS Speyer bring Marie Schwaab back to the roster - by Eurobasket News

TSV TOWERS Speyer bring Marie Schwaab (170-G-90) back to the roster. The German player will return to the team after two years.
In 2009-2010 she started for TSV TOWERS Speyer / Schifferstadt (2.Bundesliga, starting five). In 2010-2011 moved to KuSG Leimen (2.Bundesliga, starting five) and in 15 games averaged 11.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.1apg, 2.3spg, 2FGP: 41.1%, 3PT: 22.5%, FT: 37.1%. In 2011-2012: KuSG Leimen (2.Bundesliga, starting five) played only in pre-season.
Marie Schwaab is a member of the German U20 National Team -10. She was also named German 2.Bundesliga Group South Regular Season Runner-Up -11 and became German 2.Bundesliga Group South Finalist -11.
Mike Gould meanwhile will remain the Head Coach of the team. He joined the squad in 2008-2009 season and is happy to continue.

Jezabel Ohanian signs with Aibling Fireballs - by Eurobasket News

Jezabel Ohanian (170-F-77) signs with Aibling Fireballs for the next season. The German Forward will come from TSV 1880 Wasserburg.
In her first pro years she played for GeO Oberursel, SB Rosenheim and MTSV Schwabing (1.Bundesliga). In 2006-2007 she moved to TSV 1880 Wasserburg (DBBL) and in EuroCup after 6 games averaged 5.7ppg, 1.3rpg, FGP: 32%, 3FGP: 36.4%, FT: 46.2%.
In 2007-2008 moved to ColdAIR Carugate (Italy-A2, starting five), also played at Expofinques Tanit Eivissa (Spain-LF2) and in 14 games showed 4.1ppg, 2.0rpg.
In 2008-2009 joined BC Wolfenbuettel (DBBL, starting five) and had 11.6ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.2apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 27.0%, FT: 64.0%.
In 2009-2010 continued for BC Wildcats Wolfenbuettel (Germany-DBBL) and in 22 games showed 12.3ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 77.3%.
The last two seasons Jezabel Ohanian played for TSV 1880 Wasserburg (DBBL). Last season her stats read 4.1ppg, 1.1rpg.

Germany U16 lose two in Belgium - by Eurobasket News

German U16 National Team continues its preparation for the upcoming European Championship. They travelled to Belgium to face the tournaments defending silver medalists. Both games ended with Belgian victories.
Belgium celebrated a 95:42 success in the first encounter. The hosts built a 47:26 halftime lead and never looked back en route to the victory. Lisa Janko (184-F-96) accounted for 11 points to lead the visitors. Alexandra Wilke added 7 points for Germany.
Next game was a much tougher battle. Germany stayed close throughout the bigger part of the game. Belgium managed to pull away late in the encounter posting a 67:62 victory. Alexandra Wilke produced 16 points to pace the visitors. Jennifer Crowder (164-G) and Paulina Korner added 9 points each in the loss.
German U16 National Team start their European Championship campaign on July 12th. They take on Netherlands in Group D.

Steffen Dauer continue with Don Bosco Bamberg - by Eurobasket News

Steffen Dauer continue with Don Bosco Bamberg next year. The German Head Coach will stay for his third year in a row.
He appeared first as a Coach Assistant for TSV Troester Breitenguessbach (2.Bundesliga) in 2004-2005. In 2007-2008 he started as a Head Coach of TS Herzogenaurach (2.Bundesliga) women team and stayed there for two years. In 2010-2011 moved to DJK Don Bosco Bamberg (2.Bundesliga) women team.
Over the last two years he became German 2.Bundesliga Group South Champion -11, 12 and German 2.Bundesliga Group South Regular Season Champion -12.
His Bamberg toppled Viernheim for the second time in a row and celebrated the South Conference title this year. TSV Amicitia was tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. TSV Amicitia was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. American guard Jessica Miller orchestrated the victory by scoring 31 points. The other American import forward Monet Johnson contributed with 14 points and 6 rebounds for the winners.

TSV Wasserburg pulls another top player - by Marsha Owusu Gyamfi

Emma Cannon (188-F, college: Cent.Florida) signs with the bavarian club. She moves away from from league rivals Patnhers Osnabrck to six times German champions. The American last season was one of the outstanding players in the league with average 22.6 points and 13.8 rebounds.

For Bastian Wernthaler Cannon is a real requested player. 'Her dominance in the zone, added by quick movements to the basket and intuition on the rebound immediately convinced me. Her way of playing reminds me enormously of Wanda Guyton' says the new Wasserburger coach.

Because Coach Peter Kortmann, who had taken her out the second U.S. college league, did not get a contract extension with Osnabrueck, she was ready for a change.

After her outstanding first season as a professional Cannon were still many offers, including from abroad. She decided for Wasserburg because 'they play for the championship and can be both an international presence.' According to her agent, the offer of the ex-champion is not more lucrative than others in the league, but Wasserburg has another trump card: Assistant coach Wanda Guyton. 'Wanda is an absolute role model for me! We play the same position and they did that, I still want to create: to be in demand as a successful WNBA player, 'Cannon makes clear.

The 1.88 meter tall model athlete will be in shape to start preseason practicein august, because Cannon is playing this summer in the Australian professional league for the Rockingham Flames.

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ISRAEL

ITALY

A2: Orvieto eliminates T. La Spezia, advances to Group South Finals - by Eurobasket News

Group South

Semifinals, Game 3: T. La Spezia - Orvieto 43-46 (1-2)

The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Orvieto dominated on the defensive end, holding T. La Spezia to just 4 points in fourth quarter. They outrebounded T. La Spezia 44-26 including a 36-23 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was guard Ada Puliti (174-G-85) who scored 8 points and 8 rebounds. Latvian power forward Lauma Reke (185-F/C-86, college: St.Peter's) chipped in 9 points and 7 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international forward Monica Bonafede (186-85) who recorded 5 points and 11 rebounds and power forward Roberta Sarti (186-79) added 6 points and 6 rebounds respectively. Orvieto will meet CUS Chieti in Group South Finals (best-of-three). Game One - May 27.
Top scorers:
T. La Spezia: E.Templari 9+1reb, V.De Pretto 6+2reb, R.Sarti 6+6reb, A.Soli 6+3reb, P.Glaser 5+1reb, M.Bonafede 5+11reb
Orvieto: L.Reke 9+7reb, A.Puliti 8+8reb, L.Filippetti 8+6reb, A.Tava 7+4reb, F.Mariani 5+7reb, L.Tripalo 5+7reb

Jillian Harmon heads to Lavezzini Basket - by Eurobasket News

Jillian Harmon (185-F-87, college: Stanford) heads to Lavezzini Basket for the next season. According to the local website the player from New Zealand will remain in Italy but with another team.
In 2005-2006 she started for Stanford (NCAA) and in 34 games averaged 8.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, FG: 49%, 3PT: 20%. In 2006-2007 her stats read 7.7ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.1%, 3Pts: 24.0%, FT: 60.0%. In 2007-2008 for Stanford (NCAA, starting five) she averaged 6.2ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 47.0%, FT: 58.4%. In her last season in NCAA Jillian Harmon averaged 9.6ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 47.7%, 3Pts: 32.7%, FT: 67.2%.
In 2009-2010 moved to Pool Comense (Italy-A1, starting five) and stayed with her Italian team for 3 seasons. She debuted with 11.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.8spg, FGP: 47.1%, FT: 60.0%. In 2010-2011 for Pool Comense (Italy-A1) her stats read 9.3ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.4%, FT: 66.7%.
Finally last season she improved to 11.9ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.0apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 68.9%. She participated at the Italian League All-Star Game -12 and was named Eurobasket.com All-Italian A1 Honorable Mention Team -12. Jillian Harmon also reached the Italian A1 Semifinals -

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KOSOVO

Penza Peja wins championship title - by Eurobasket News

Penza Peja is the winner of Kosovan top division for season 2011/12. The Peja team blasted Sigal Prishtina 86-62 in third decisive game to win the Finals with 2-1. Penza was the regular season champion in Kosovo with perfect 14-0 record. They eliminated Bashkimi with 2-0 in the Semifinals, but failed in Game One of the finals against Sigal. It was a surprising 81-86 road win for the Prishtina team. Penza did a great job in Game Two celebrating 67-82 as a guest for 1-1 tie in the series. They forced crucial third game and managed to win it last night 86-62. Sigal Prishtina was No.2 in the regular season with 10-4 score. They edged Trepca in the Semis with 2-0. Penza Peja already won the Cup trophy earlier this year.

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LATVIA

Belarus overcame the Baltic side in Panevezys - by Eurobasket News

Latvia-Belarus 69:74 2OT

Belarus overcame the Baltic side in Panevezys in a friendly campaign. The winners needed two overtimes to seal the victory.
Latvia started with 15:11 lead at the end of the first period and played better in the second quarter as well. The Baltic representative added 16-10 in the second frame for 10-point deficit at the halftime. The rest of the game however belonged to Belarus NT. The latter won the third quarter 19-12 and added 18-13 in the fourth period to win by two. Moreover that friendly game was extended to two more extra times where Belarus celebrated a 6-4 and 10-9 victories.
Alexandra Tarasava (170-PG-88) top-scored for the winners with 12 points and Katerina Snytsina (188-F-85) nailed 11. Anastasiya Veremeenko (194-C-87)and Tatsiana Likhatorovich followed them with 6 points apiece. Anda Eibele (170-G-84, agency: Josep and Nicolas) replied with 12 points in the losing effort. Ieva Krastina (175-G/F-90, agency: LBM Management) notched 10, whilst Liene Jansone (191-F/C-81, college: Siena) scored 8.

Latvia: Anda Eibele 12, Ieva Krastina 10, Liene Jansone 8
Belarus: Alexandra Tarasava 12, Katerina Snytsina 11, Anastasiya Veremeenko 6, Tatsiana Likhatorovich 6

Latvia beat Lithuanian in test game - by Eurobasket News

Latvia - Lithuania 77:74

Latvia earned a narrow victory against Lithuania in test game in Panevezys. Aija Putnina (192-F/C-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to pace the winners. The second game between the teams is slated to take place in Riga.
Lithuania got to a slightly better start. They enjoyed a 26:22 lead after ten minutes. But Latvia turned the tables in the second quarter. They held Lithuania to just 13 points to ensure a 44:39 halftime lead. Lithuania were back in the drivers seat in the third quarter. They denied the deficit and claimed a 3-point buffer before the fourth frame. Latvia nevertheless changed the complexion of the encounter and snatched a tough victory at the end. Sabine Niedola (184-F-91) accounted for 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Liene Jansone (191-F/C-81, college: Siena) and Kristine Karklina (175-G-83, agency: Regeneracom Sports) added 14 points each in the victory. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) stepped up with 16 points for Lithuania. Gabriele Gutkauskaite (172-PG-90) netted 12 points in defeat.

Latvia: Aija Putnina 17+10 boards, Sabine Niedola 15, Liene Jansone 14, Kristine Karklina 14
Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 16, Gabriele Gutkauskaite 12

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LEBANON

Antranik Cup Champion - by Asia-Basket Lebanon

After winning the Lebanese Championship for the 10th consecutive time Antranik club added another title to their records, The Lebanese Cup for the season 2011-2012. The Final joined Antranik to arch rival Homentmen Antelias , the game was very exciting one , Homentmen Antelias led the majority of the first half through the good basketball they played especially Nathalie Sevajian who was a true star in the game , on the other side Antranik was crippled by the quick 4 fouls committed by their team captain Shada Nasr ???????? who committed 4 fouls in the first half of the game , 3 of them in the first quarter , this situation never happened with the Lebanese Champion for the past 10 years to play lots of minutes without their star, the end of the first quarter saw Homentmen Antelias leading 19-13 but the 2nd quarter saw Antranik coming back in the game and leading at the half with 1 point 32-31. This comeback was due to Leadership of Emma Esckidjian and to the performance of Farah Harakeh and Christelle Chalouhi.
The 2nd half saw Chada Nasr coming back in the game and minute after minute they started to impose their rhythm , Nisrine Dandan had a huge 2nd half she led her team in the end with 13 points , Vica Abou Jaoudeh had also a great contribution in the 2nd half , They led as much as 10 points despite the comeback made by Homentmen Antelias who were fighting and playing a good organized basketball , Antranik under the leadership of Sada Nasr secured the win in the end at the score of 66-54.
The game showed that the gap in the Lebanese Women Basketball became very small and Homentmen Antelias played a very good first half in which all players were stars, On the other side Emma Esckidjian had a huge perfroamcne with 11 points and 20 rebounds.

At the end of the game Shada Nasr received the trophy in the end form the LBF Vice President Dr. Robert Abou Abdallah.

Antranik continued its dominance for the Lebanese Womens Basketball and adding another title to its long list of titles:

13 time League Champion in the past 15 seasons.
10 consecutive time League Champion since season 2002-2003.
15 consecutive times Finalist of the League Championship.
11 Cup Titles out of 13 played in the past years
13 Times Cp Finalist
2 times Arab Champion ( 2006 & 2007)
WABA Champion 2007

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LITHUANIA

Latvia beat Lithuanian in test game - by Eurobasket News

Latvia - Lithuania 77:74

Latvia earned a narrow victory against Lithuania in test game in Panevezys. Aija Putnina (192-F/C-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to pace the winners. The second game between the teams is slated to take place in Riga.
Lithuania got to a slightly better start. They enjoyed a 26:22 lead after ten minutes. But Latvia turned the tables in the second quarter. They held Lithuania to just 13 points to ensure a 44:39 halftime lead. Lithuania were back in the drivers seat in the third quarter. They denied the deficit and claimed a 3-point buffer before the fourth frame. Latvia nevertheless changed the complexion of the encounter and snatched a tough victory at the end. Sabine Niedola (184-F-91) accounted for 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Liene Jansone (191-F/C-81, college: Siena) and Kristine Karklina (175-G-83, agency: Regeneracom Sports) added 14 points each in the victory. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) stepped up with 16 points for Lithuania. Gabriele Gutkauskaite (172-PG-90) netted 12 points in defeat.

Latvia: Aija Putnina 17+10 boards, Sabine Niedola 15, Liene Jansone 14, Kristine Karklina 14
Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 16, Gabriele Gutkauskaite 12

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LUXEMBOURG

Amicale shape up roster - by Eurobasket News

Amicale entered the market shaping up the roster for the next season. They announced the signing of Jill Bausch (176-G-87), Mary Van Dyck (172-G-85). Amicale is also interested in signing Meghan Gardler (183-F-88, college: Connecticut) and Milica Beljanski (185-F-83, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group).
Jill Bausch is coming back to Amicale after two seasons with Residence. Last season the guard averaged 10.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.4 steals per game in Diekirch League. Jill Bausch is the member of Luxembourg National Team.
Mary Van Dyck had a one-year break and would come back to Amicale for which she has played since 2005. In 2010/11 season the guard averaged 10.1 points, 4.2 boards, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals per appearance.
Meghan Gardler would enter her second season with Amicale. Last year the forward notched 27.4 points, 14.3 rebounds, 2.9 steals, 2.2 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. She helped Amicale win Luxembourg Cup title.
Milica Beljanski also played last season at Amicale. She joined the club from Spartak Subotica midway through the season. Her stats read 20.0 points, 6.6 boards and 4.2 assists per game.

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MONTENEGRO

Montenegro win in second game against Canada - by Dragan Scepanovic

Montenegro win in the second control match defeated selection of Canada in Cetinje 63:52 (15:8, 14:10, 14:15, 20:19) and made a nice prelude to continue preparations for qualifying for the European Championships in France. '' Red'' in the first match which was played on Saturday celebrated 75:58. The team remains in Cetinje to 29 May, when he travels to the tournament in Antalya. Most effective were the Milica Jovanovic (189-F/C-89) with 15, Dubljevic Jelena score 13 points, Jelena Skerovic score 10 points.In the ranks of Canada's best was Vumi Agunbiade, which has reached 13 points.

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NEW ZEALAND

Jillian Harmon heads to Lavezzini Basket - by Eurobasket News

Jillian Harmon (185-F-87, college: Stanford) heads to Lavezzini Basket for the next season. According to the local website the player from New Zealand will remain in Italy but with another team.
In 2005-2006 she started for Stanford (NCAA) and in 34 games averaged 8.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, FG: 49%, 3PT: 20%. In 2006-2007 her stats read 7.7ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.1%, 3Pts: 24.0%, FT: 60.0%. In 2007-2008 for Stanford (NCAA, starting five) she averaged 6.2ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 47.0%, FT: 58.4%. In her last season in NCAA Jillian Harmon averaged 9.6ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 47.7%, 3Pts: 32.7%, FT: 67.2%.
In 2009-2010 moved to Pool Comense (Italy-A1, starting five) and stayed with her Italian team for 3 seasons. She debuted with 11.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.8spg, FGP: 47.1%, FT: 60.0%. In 2010-2011 for Pool Comense (Italy-A1) her stats read 9.3ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.4%, FT: 66.7%.
Finally last season she improved to 11.9ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.0apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 68.9%. She participated at the Italian League All-Star Game -12 and was named Eurobasket.com All-Italian A1 Honorable Mention Team -12. Jillian Harmon also reached the Italian A1 Semifinals -

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POLAND

Poland and Ukraine exchange victories - by Eurobasket News

Poland and Ukraine played two friendly games in Polkowice. The teams exchange victories.
Poland proved strength in the opener 60:52. The hosts trailed by two points at the first break but managed to level things up at 21 at halftime. Poland increased the tempo in the second half and cleared off for the victory. Pawlak knocked down 11 points to lead Poland. Izabela Piekarska (196-C-85, college: UTEP) and Joanna Walich (183-F/C-81) added 8 points apiece in the winning effort. Olga Maznichenko (187-F-91, agency: LBM Management) answered with 12 points for Ukraine. Viktoria Mircheva (190-C-87) netted 11 points in the loss.
Ukraine bounced back in the second game. The visitors ensured a stunning start to the game. They built a 43:21 halftime lead. Poland tried to recover in the third quarter. They narrowed the gap at 11-point mark but Ukraine stopped the rot and raced to a 59:47 victory at the end. Alina Iagupova (181-G-92, agency: LBM Management) nailed 12 points to lead the charge. Kateryna Pilyashenko-Novokhat (197-C-80) and Anna Pokoiova (188-F-87, agency: Promotex) added 10 points apiece in the victory. Izabela Piekarska notched 10 points, while Martyna Koc (186-C-83) finished with 9 in the defeat.

Artego Bydgoszcz announced name of the new head coach - by Lukasz Lukaszewski

Artego Bydgoszcz was looking for the new coach. After negotiations with a lot of candidates club management selected Tomasz Herkt as a new head coach of the club. He will
replace Adam Zieminski who spend in Artego Bydgoszcz for 4 years.

Tomasz Herkt is well experienced coach. He started his career as a coach in 1991. He had been working in Olimpia Poznan. He was working with women teams and men teams as
well. Tomasz Herkt was the coach of Poland NT when polish women triumphed in European Championships in 1999.

In 2004/2005 season he was the assistant of the coach in Ostromecko Astoria Bydgoszcz (men team), so Artego Bydgoszcz will not be his first club in this city. Then he had been
working in Language School Pabianice for 2 seasons. After that he was working in TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow for few months. Then he started working with men teams. He spend 3 years in Zastal Zielona Gora - from 2008 to 2011.

He started 2011/2012 season in AZS Koszalin. But he left the team in November of 2011.

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ROMANIA

Gabriela Marginean wins French Cup with Arras - by Eurobasket News

Gabriela Marginean (182-F-87, college: Drexel) and her team Arras managed to win the 2012 French Cup last night. They handed 58-64 loss to Bourges to take the trophy. Marginean was one of the best Arras players in the Big Final. She scored 11 points and pulled down 6 rebounds for 35 minutes on the court. Thanks to this victory Arras also booked a spot for the 2012/13 Euroleague season. Arras was down by 11 points with ten minutes remaining in the game, but they exploded when it mattered most ending the last quarter with impressive 6-23, what was enough for the final victory. It is important to mention that Bourges had 18-point lead during the game and plus 17 with one minute to go in Q3. Sabrina Reghaissia (188-F-83) was a key player in victory with 19 points. She scored 11 points in the last 11 minutes of the game. As mentioned above, Gabriela Marginean helped her team with 11 points and 6 rebounds, while Alexandra Tchangoue (9 rebs) and Nadezhda Grishaeva (195-PF-89) (5 rebs) followed with 10 and 9 points respectively. In the loosing squad: Nwal-Endene Miyem (7 rebs) and Catherine Joens (6 rebs) scored 12 points each. Celine Dumerc collected 10 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds. Ends of periods: 26-13, 33-24, 52-41, 58-64. Bourges played this game without Leilani Mitchell, whose contract expired at the end of the LFB season.
Gabriela Marginean joined Arras last summer from Panathinaikos. She appeared 26 times in LFB averaging 12.3 points and 3.6 rebounds. In EuroCup, Marginean was even better adding 16.9 ppg and 4.8 rpg for 10 games. Last season with Panathinakos, she exploded with 17.3 ppg and 7.6 rpg for 25 games in Greece. She ended as the second scorer of the competition. Gabriela Marginean graduated at Drexel University two years ago.

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RUSSIA

Nadezhda Grishaeva wins the Cup in France - by Eurobasket News

Nadezhda Grishaeva (195-PF-89) finished the season in style. The Russian power forward and her team Arras managed to win the 2012 Cup trophy in France. They outplayed Bourges Basket last night 58-64 in the Big Final and also booked a spot for the 2012/13 Euroleague season. Arras was down by 11 points with ten minutes remaining in the game, but they exploded when it mattered most ending the last quarter with impressive 6-23, what was enough for the final victory. It is important to mention that Bourges had 18-point lead during the game and plus 17 with one minute to go in Q3. Sabrina Reghaissia was a key player in victory with 19 points. She scored 11 points in the last 11 minutes of the game. Gabriela Marginean helped her team with 11 points and 6 rebounds, while Alexandra Tchangoue (9 rebs) and Nadezhda Grishaeva (5 rebs) followed with 10 and 9 points respectively. In the loosing squad: Nwal-Endene Miyem (7 rebs) and Catherine Joens (6 rebs) scored 12 points each. Celine Dumerc collected 10 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds. Ends of periods: 26-13, 33-24, 52-41, 58-64. Bourges played this game without Leilani Mitchell, whose contract expired at the end of the LFB season.
Nadezhda Grishaeva moved to Arras last summer from Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region. She appeared 26 times in LFB averaging 8.4 points and 6.6 rebounds. Grishaeva also added 11.1 ppg and 8.8 rpg for 10 EuroCup games. Before Arras and Spartak, she played for Vologda-Chevakata and Dynamo Moscow. This season was Grishaeva's first one abroad.

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SWITZERLAND

LNSA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Celeste TRAHAN
  Fribourg
  (184-C-85)
  Avg: 29.1

1. Trahan, Fribourg	29.1
2. McCallum, Riva B.	24.3
3. Diouf, Pully	23.5
4. Villarroel, Fribou.	23.4
5. Brown, Pully	20.9
6. Griffith, Ovronn.	18.3
7. Skouby, Basel	17.6
8. Boddie, Helios	15.7
9. Twehues, Helios	14.4
10. Studer, Hope-GBA	12.8

Rebounds Per Game

Celeste TRAHAN
  Fribourg
  (184-C-85)
  Avg: 15.5

1. Trahan, Fribourg	15.5
2. McKenzie, Riva B.	10.7
3. Brown, Pully	9.6
4. Griffith, Ovronn.	8.7
5. Skouby, Basel	8.3
6. Grobet, Hope-GBA	8.3
7. Villarroel, Fribou.	8.0
8. Szakacs, Ovronnaz.	6.4
9. Moldovanyi, Basel	6.3
10. Stojanovic, Hope-.	6.2

Assists Per Game

Diodio DIOUF
  Pully
  (170-G-84)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Diouf, Pully	6.2
2. Boddie, Helios	5.5
3. Villarroel, Fribou.	3.4
4. Hart, Basel	3.4
5. Heckendorn, Basel	3.0
6. Gur, Nyon	3.0
7. Miroci, Highflyers	3.0
8. Rol, Helios	2.4
9. Szakacs, Ovronnaz.	2.4
10. Sakica, Highflyers	2.4

Steals Per Game

Diodio DIOUF
  Pully
  (170-G-84)
  Avg: 4.8

1. Diouf, Pully	4.8
2. Boddie, Helios	4.4
3. McCallum, Riva B.	3.8
4. McKenzie, Riva B.	3.8
5. Villarroel, Fribou.	3.5
6. Hart, Basel	3.0
7. Trahan, Fribourg	3.0
8. Michaux, Helios	2.9
9. Heckendorn, Basel	2.9
10. Rol, Helios	2.9

Blocks Per Game

Megan SKOUBY
  Basel
  (193-C-86)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Skouby, Basel	2.2
2. Trahan, Fribourg	1.4
3. McCallum, Riva B.	1.4
4. Brown, Pully	1.3
5. Villarroel, Fribou.	0.9
6. Grobet, Hope-GBA	0.8
7. Favre, Nyon	0.8
8. Griffith, Ovronn.	0.7
9. Zali, Pully	0.6
10. Cavin, Hope-GBA	0.5

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TURKEY

Melike Bakircioglu pens deal with Erdemit - by Eurobasket News

Erdemit continues with signings for the next season. The TKBL newcomer brought in Turkish power forward/center Melike Bakircioglu (191-F/C-87, agency: 1x1 Sports). The 25-year-old player arrives to Erdemit from Samsun, where she spent last season. In 24 TKBL games Bakircioglu averaged 7.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Before Samsun, she spent one year with Besiktas. There Bakircioglu had a very limited playing time. Melike Bakircioglu is a product of Fenerbahce, where she spent several years in the past. She left them two years ago. In the past, Melike Bakircioglu played for Turkish U20, U18 and U16 National Teams. In 2007/08, she also played for the senior squad and appeared in one game during the EuroBasket 2009 Qualification. In 2009, Bakircioglu played for Turkish University National Team. For her performance last season with Samsun she was awarded with Eurobasket.com Turkish TKBL All-Domestic Players Team -12 and participated at TKBL All-Star game.

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UBA

Lady Disciples win first WUBA title - Hartman named Finals MVP - by David Walls

David Walls Reports:
ATLANTA, GA
WUBA Championship

GIE Lady D. - Southern G. 83-81
Hartman and the Lady Disciples completed a perfect postseason by beating the favored Lay Generals 83-81 on Sunday night to win WUBA championship. Hartman had 28 points and Sherida Triggs (6'1''-F/C-85, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: ODU) had 22 as the Lady Disciples won their first WUBA title. Southern Generals closed the postseason with 12 straight wins.

Despite the loss Phebe Smith (6'0''-F, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Columbus St.) was unstoppable. Smith had 17 of her 21 points in the first half where the Generals led by 15. Smith left the game in the 3rd quarter with a calf injury (cramping). She finish the game with a team high 21 points and 17 rebounds.

Patechia Hartman (5'7''-G-83, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Georgia St.) continued her great play from last night (30 points, 9 assists) scoring a game high 28 points and was named WUBA Finals MVP. She will be visiting KR in Iceland in two weeks.

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UKRAINE

Katerina Dorogobuzova pens deal with Arras - by Eurobasket News

Katerina Dorogobuzova (187-F-90, agency: LBM Management) pens deal with Arras for the next season. According to lovewomensbasketball.com the Ukrainian player moves to France.
The season 2011-2012 the Ukrainian player started for Laisve Kaunas (Lithuania-LMKL, starting five), only pre-season and then moved to Neftochimic 2010 Burgas (Bulgaria-NBL). She averaged 21.6 points per game.
Early in January Ukrainian forward Katerina Dorogobuzova put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked Neftochimic, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 15.The 21-year old player was the main contributor (31 points, four rebounds and two assists) to her team's victory, helping them to beat Beroe 07 91-79. In the team's last game Dorogobuzova had a remarkable 77.8% from 2-point range. She turned to be Neftochimic's top player in her first season with the team. Katerina Dorogobuzova has solid league stats.

Earlier she played for Tim-Scuf Kyiv in Ukraine. Togethre with the team she was anmed Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian UPBL 1st Team: -11, Eurobasket.com Ukrainian UPBL All-Domestic Players Team -11, Ukrainian UPBL Regular Season Champion -11 and Ukrainian UPBL Champion -11.

Poland and Ukraine exchange victories - by Eurobasket News

Poland and Ukraine played two friendly games in Polkowice. The teams exchange victories.
Poland proved strength in the opener 60:52. The hosts trailed by two points at the first break but managed to level things up at 21 at halftime. Poland increased the tempo in the second half and cleared off for the victory. Pawlak knocked down 11 points to lead Poland. Izabela Piekarska (196-C-85, college: UTEP) and Joanna Walich (183-F/C-81) added 8 points apiece in the winning effort. Olga Maznichenko (187-F-91, agency: LBM Management) answered with 12 points for Ukraine. Viktoria Mircheva (190-C-87) netted 11 points in the loss.
Ukraine bounced back in the second game. The visitors ensured a stunning start to the game. They built a 43:21 halftime lead. Poland tried to recover in the third quarter. They narrowed the gap at 11-point mark but Ukraine stopped the rot and raced to a 59:47 victory at the end. Alina Iagupova (181-G-92, agency: LBM Management) nailed 12 points to lead the charge. Kateryna Pilyashenko-Novokhat (197-C-80) and Anna Pokoiova (188-F-87, agency: Promotex) added 10 points apiece in the victory. Izabela Piekarska notched 10 points, while Martyna Koc (186-C-83) finished with 9 in the defeat.

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UNITED KINGDOM

British Women's team reduced to 16 players - by Eurobasket News

The Standard Life GB senior women's team are currently in their 2012 preparation camp at Surrey Sports Park with the squad cut to 16 players on Thursday.

The camp has been going well since the team of 18 players gathered together for the first time this year on 5 May 2012. Places in this year's squad have been more competitive than ever with the ultimate prize of competing at a home in the Olympic Games up for grabs.

Sarah McKay who fought back from injury to be included in the initial roster has left camp along with college player, Kristina Collins who impressed the coaches from her club season to make her senior debut at camp this year.

The initial roster saw a host of young talent shining through and Temitope Fagbenle (193-F-92) continues to impress head coach Tom Maher and staff with her progress in camp. It has been a challenging initial two weeks in camp for the women's team but the experience of familiar faces including Johannah Leedham (180-G/F-87, college: Franklin Pierce) and Kimberly Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) is helping the younger team members thrive and progress.

The 16 players who continue at training camp now look towards their first test matches in Croatia on the 28 and 29 May before heading to Belgium to play in a four-team tournament from 1-3 June with Germany, Ukraine and Belgium.

The squad will then return to the UK to play their first domestic game on 9 and 10 June in Edinburgh against Canada. All 16 players will now be looking to impress head coach Maher before the final 12 selection is made in June.

The remaining 16 players for Great Britain's senior women are:

Name	Home Nation	Current Club/College
Dominique Allen (187-C-89)	England	Oral Roberts University, USA
Rose Anderson (175-G-88, college: Cent.Oklahoma)	Scotland	UWIC Archers
Kimberly Butler	England	SK Cesis, Latvia
Kate Butters (178-F-86)	England	UWIC Archers
Stefanie Collins (174-G-82, college: St.Bonaventure)	England	UWIC Archers
Temitope Fagbenle	England	Harvard University, USA
Stephanie Gandy (178-F-82, college: Michigan)	England	Sheffield Hatters
Chantelle Handy (191-F/C-87, college: Marshall)	England	Athinaikos, Greece
Georgia Jones (172-G-90)	England	Oral Roberts University, USA
Johannah Leedham	England	Bulleen Boomers, Australia
Julie Page (188-F/C-83, college: E.Washington)	England	Torun, Poland
Natalie Stafford (173-G-76)	England	Sydney University Flames, Australia
Azania Stewart (193-C-89)	England	University of Florida, USA
Lauren Thomas-Johnson (178-G-88, college: Marquette)	England	Sheffield Hatters
Rachael Van der wal	England	University of Limerick, Ireland
Jenaya Wade-Fray (175-G-88, college: Chattanooga)	England	UWIC Archers

Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk

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WNBA

Defending WNBA champs win season opener - by Eurobasket News

Minnesota L. - Phoenix M. 105-83
Seimone Augustus (6'2''-G-84, college: LSU) scored 19 points and had five rebounds before leaving with a rib injury in the Lynx's season-opening victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday, May 20, at Target Center. Reserve guard Monica Wright (5'11''-F-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Virginia) added 15 points, and Maya Moore had 13 in the Lynx's first game of their WNBA title defense. Former Lynx reserve Charde Houston, who received a championship ring in a pregame ceremony, scored a career-high 24 points for the Mercury. Phoenix played without injured starters Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor. *Courtesy of www.twincities.com

Connecticut S. - New York L. 92-77
Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) poured in a game-high 25 points and pulled down 11 rebounds to pace the Connecticut Sun to a 92-77 win over the New York Liberty. Asjha Jones (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) dropped 20 points and grabbed eight boards while Renee Montgomery chipped in with 15 points off the bench to help the Sun improve to 2-0 after they defeated New York, 78-73, in New York on Saturday to open the season. Cappie Pondexter led the Liberty in scoring with 18 points, while Plenette Pierson scored 16 and Kara Braxton had 11 points for New York, which dropped its first two games of 2012. *Courtesy of www.foxnews.com