EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/28/2012 1:04:02 AM

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ANGOLA   



Carlos Guimaraes to Coach National Team Till Afrobasket 2013 - by Eurobasket News

Luanda The newly appointed national senior males basketball coach, Jose Carlos Guimaraes, will remain at the head of the squad until the African Basketball Championship (Afrobasket2013) in Cote d'Ivoire.

This was said Monday in Luanda by the secretary-general of the Angolan Federation of Basketball (FAB), Tony Sofrimento.

Tony Sofrimento was speaking to the press during the introduction of the coach to the players.

FAB official explained that as a players of the ex-African champions and assistant coach, Jose Carlos Guimares will prepare a team to regain the African title, starting with the participation at pre-Olympic tournament and then Olympic Games.

In his turn, Jos Carlos Guimares said each competition will serve to boost the next competition. The team will take part in the pre-Olympic tournament to qualify for the games and at the same time to project the Afrobasket2013.

He added that the intention is to create a cohesive group to qualify for the London Olympics and keep it until the next African competition with the fewest minor changes possible.

'Angola is still the best African team, we will try to correct the aspects considered wrong in the Afrobasket2011 and improve the good ones,' he stated.

Bellow is the list of players called for pre-Olympic scheduled for July 2- 8 in Caracas, Venezuela: Leonel Paulo, Carlos Almeida, Armando Costa, Kikas Gomes, Felizardo Ambrsio (1 de Agosto), Carlos Morais, Paulo Barros, Roberto Fortes, Divaldo Mbunga, Paulo Santana (Petro de Luanda), Jorge Tati, Eduardo Mingas, Milton Barros (Interclube), Olmpio Cipriano and Lus Costa (Libolo), Yanick Moreira and Valdelicio Joaquim (EUA).
Courtesy of: Angola Press


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


Round 1 of Semi-Finals. Warriors and Blaze earn victories - by Eurobasket News

Philip.Patriots - Satria Muda 64-73

The Warriors celebrated the opening win in the series versus Patriots. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 24-11. But Philippine Patriots won third quarter 29-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Philippine Patriots were plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. American power forward Steve Thomas (204-81, college: Middle Tenn.St.) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 19 rebounds for the winners and Filipino-American point guard Stanley Pringle (184-87, college: Penn St.) chipped in 23 points. At the losing side American swingman Anthony Johnson (197-79, college: La-Lafayette, agency: Interperformances) responded with 21 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import center Nakiea Miller (204-79, college: Iona) scored 9 points and 14 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Satria Muda: S.Pringle 23+3reb+1ast, S.Thomas 17+19reb+3ast, E.Brock 8+9reb, A.Prihantono 6, A.Salangsang 5+3reb+3ast, J.Canada 4+3reb+1ast
Philip.Patriots: A.Johnson 21+8reb+1ast, A.Vergara 12+6reb+6ast, N.Miller 9+14reb+2ast, J.Fernandez 8, A.Ramos 6+7reb, F.Adriano 4+4reb+1ast
gschID: 176636


Petron Blaze - KL Dragons 111-104 OT

Petron Blaze needed overtime to overcome pesky KL Dragons at home court in the opener. KL Dragons were tied after three quarters and then recorded another tie at the end of regular time. They were eventually defeated in overtime 9-16s. Petron Blaze dominated down low during the game scoring 82 of its points in the paint compared to KL Dragons' 54. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. Americans were the main players on the court. Forward Nick Fazekas (211-85, college: Nevada) stepped up and scored 32 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and forward Duke Crews (203-88, college: Bowie St.) chipped in 25 points and 11 rebounds. At the losing side center Brian Williams (208-87, college: Tennessee, agency: VVG Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 32 points, 15 rebounds and 9 assists and forward Tiras Wade (200-81, college: La-Lafayette, agency: Interperformances) scored 23 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Petron Blaze and four KL Dragons players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Petron Blaze: N.Fazekas 32+8reb, D.Crews 25+11reb+3ast, C.Banchero 18+1reb+15ast, L.Avenido 17+5reb+3ast, J.Mar Fajardo 11+6reb, R.Yap 6+5reb+3ast
KL Dragons: B.Williams 32+15reb+9ast, P.Cabahug 24+2ast, T.Wade 23+8reb+4ast, N.Belasco 11+12reb+3ast, B.Guganeswaran 6+1reb+3ast, C.Pacana 5+2reb+2ast
gschID: 176635



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  AUSTRALIA   

Standings - ABA

ABA Standings
Big V
 1. Eltham W. 8-3 
 2. Ringwood H. 8-3 
 3. Waverley F. 7-4 
 4. Hume City 7-4 
 5. Corio Bay 6-5 
 6. Diamond V.E. 6-5 
 7. Bulleen B. 3-8 
 8. Sherbrooke S. 3-9 
 9. Melbourne 2-9 
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 10

BIG V

May. 26: Ringwood H. - Waverley F. 99-70
May. 26: Corio Bay - Sherbrooke S. 97-71
May. 26: Diamond V.E. - Eltham W. 90-98
May. 26: Melbourne - Hume City 71-61
May. 27: Bulleen B. - Melbourne 69-62

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.



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  BALKAN LEAGUE   


Yoad Bet-Yosef Nearing Multi-Year Deal With Gilboa/Galil - by David Pick

Hapoel Galil/Gilboa, who finished 2nd last season but failed to reach the Final Four after losing to Maccabi Ashdod 3-1 in the quarterfinals playoffs series, is beginning to work on its 2012-13 season player personnel.

Maccabi Beer Yaakov's scoring point guard Yoad Bet-Yosef, who's coming off a stellar personal season and helped lead his team to the Division II finals series, is on the verge of agreeing terms of a two-to-three-year deal with Galil, with just a few minor clauses standing in the way, agent Avi Zilberman told Eurobasket.

Bet-Yosef, who posted averages of 20.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists throughout the season, has his eyes set on joining the former Israeli champions, and is highly appreciated by Galil's Head Coach Lior Lubin.

This past summer, Bet-Yosef competed in the World University Games with the Israeli National Team and recorded 8.5 points, 2.1 boards and 1 dime per game.

After dealing Israeli center Ido Kozikaro to Maccabi Haifa, Galil's expected to part ways with all of their Americans, including Courtney Fells who has an extension option. If Bet-Yosef signs, point guard Ofir Farhi will find himself out of the team as well.




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  BOSNIA   


Siroki WWin wins fourth straight championship title - by Eurobasket News

Finals, Game 5: Siroki WWin - Igokea 86-77 (3-2)

Siroki WWin outplayed Igokea tonight 86-77 in decisive Game Five of the Playoff Finals. It means that Siroki won its fourth straight title in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The hosts took control on Igokea from the beginning. After ten minutes of play Siroki already held double digit lead, 28-18. Igokea improved in the second period (17-18), but was not able to resist after the breather. Siroki players created 26-14 in Q3 for plus 21 with ten minutes remaining in the game. Last quarter belonged to Igokea 15-27, but that was not enough and Siroki continued his domination in Bosnia. Dalibor Persic (193-G-85) led the hosts tonight with double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds. Coleman Collins (206-F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Virginia Tech) scored 15 points and Darko Planinic (211-C-90) added two less. In the loosing squad, Milos Komatina (205-FC-84) was better than the others with 25 points. Milan Dozet (204-SF-79) had 19 points and 8 rebounds, while Nenad Sulovic (202-C-85) stopped to 9 points. Siroki was the regular season champion in League Six with almost perfect 9-1 record. They eliminated Varda HE with 2-0 in the Semis.

Siroki: Dalibor Persic 16+12 boards, Coleman Collins 15, Darko Planinic 13
Igokea: Milos Komatina 25, Milan Dozet 19+8 boards, Nenad Sulovic 9


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  BULGARIA   

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Aaron HARPER
  Levski S.
  (199-G/F-81)
  Avg: 20.6
 1. Harper, Levski S.20.6 
 2. Durchev, Tundja Y.18.4 
 3. Stankov, Spartak17.2 
 4. Yanev, Cherno More17.1 
 5. Pavlovski, Chernom.16.1 
 6. Govedarov, Tundja15.9 
 7. Ofoegbu, Tundja Y.15.9 
 8. Mirkovic, Rilski S.15.0 
 9. Vukosavljevi., Ril.14.9 
 10. Dunovic, Chernomo.14.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kiril PAVLOVSKI
  Chernomo.
  (210-C-85)
  Avg: 9.8
 1. Pavlovski, Chernom.9.8 
 2. Evtimov, Levski So.9.6 
 3. Ofoegbu, Tundja Y.8.9 
 4. Yanev, Cherno More8.6 
 5. Gugino, Tundja Y.7.6 
 6. Todorov, Spartak6.8 
 7. Petkov, Tundja Y.6.1 
 8. Sundov, Lukoil A.5.9 
 9. Marintchechk., Bal.5.9 
 10. Kolev, Cherno More5.9 
Assists Per Game
 Aleksandar DYAKOVSKI
  Sparta.
  (185-G-82)
  Avg: 5.8
 1. Dyakovski, Sparta.5.8 
 2. Heath, Lukoil A.5.7 
 3. Radionov, Tundja Y.5.0 
 4. Mirkovic, Rilski S.4.8 
 5. Aleksiev, Cherno M.4.3 
 6. Avramov, Lukoil A.3.5 
 7. Howell, Levski Sof.3.5 
 8. Hall, Levski Sofia3.5 
 9. Filipov, Balkan3.4 
 10. Harper, Levski S.3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Brandon HEATH
  Lukoil A.
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Heath, Lukoil A.2.1 
 2. Radionov, Tundja Y.2.0 
 3. Roshmanov, Cherno.1.9 
 4. Harper, Levski S.1.9 
 5. Dunovic, Chernomo.1.8 
 6. Zahariev, Rilski S.1.8 
 7. Gugino, Tundja Y.1.8 
 8. Marinov, Balkan1.7 
 9. Petkov, Tundja Y.1.6 
 10. Filipov, Balkan1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Tony GUGINO
  Tundja Y.
  (207-C-86)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Gugino, Tundja Y.1.3 
 2. Pavlovski, Chernom.1.0 
 3. Banev, Lukoil A.0.9 
 4. Ofoegbu, Tundja Y.0.9 
 5. Petkov, Tundja Y.0.8 
 6. Sundov, Lukoil A.0.8 
 7. Martin, Balkan0.7 
 8. Iliev, Cherno More0.6 
 9. Aleksov, Chernomo.0.6 
 10. Gocevski, Tundja0.6 


Lukoil Academic is champion of Bulgaria for 10 consecutive time - by Valentin Anguelov

Once again, Lukoil Academic is the champion in Bulgaria. For tenth consecutive time they finished on top. This time tey beat Levski by the score 87-82 in game 3 of the final and closed the series at 3-0. 'The Blues' played a strong game, at one time even leading by 9 points in the third quarter, but at the end the luck was on the Lukoil side who ended on top once again. With this success Lukoil Academic is champions of the country while Levski finished second. Levski played three finals this year and in all three finished second after a strong performance.

The first ten minutes of the match were very equal and the first part ended with score 21-20 for Lukoil Academic. Shortly after the beginning of the second quarter they were able to break ahead by 5 points, but thereafter strong Levski regained the lead to 33-32. Logically at the half time break the game was even at 42 apiece.

Minutes before the end of the third difference was 9 points - 60-51 for Levski, but Lukoil cut it to only 3 points before the start of last quarter - 60-57. The guests had their best minutes in the beginning of the last quarter. However Levski responded with a series of 8-0, with 6 points by Hrisimir Dimitrov. In the closing minutes lack chance couldn't do a favor for Levski while Lukoil Academic hit very important shots to get a third and last victory in the championship - 82-87 for the visitors.

For Levski top scorer with 22 points was Aaron Harper. Chavdar Kostov added 13 and Vasco Evtimov scored 11 points.

Brandon Heath (193-G-84, college: San Diego St.) was the most productive player from Lukoil Academic with 25 points.


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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Karl Towns makes Dominican Republic national team - by Basket Dominicano

Karl-Anthony Towns (96) had just finished working out when his father broke the news. At first he didnt believe it, and thats understandable. Its not every day a freshman in high school gets a chance to be an Olympian.

But thats what happened Tuesday when the 6-foot-11 basketball phenom at St. Joseph-Metuchen was named to the Dominican Republics national team as it prepares to qualify for this summers London Olympic Games.

I felt like a little kid in a candy store, Karl said. This is something you dream about but you never actually think its going to happen. That dream has all of a sudden come true.

Towns, a Piscataway resident who averaged 12 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks per game this past winter to help the Falcons post a 29-2 record and win the programs first NJSIAA Non-Public A title, is eligible for the Dominican team because his mother Jacqueline was born there.

He spent part of last summer on an international tour with the Dominican Republics Under-17 national team and did well enough to earn a tryout for the U-19 team in New York two weeks ago. He aced that, too, and turned some important heads in the process.

To be selected out of so many people, its a great feat not only for him but for St. Joes, said his dad, Karl Towns Sr. Theres a lot more left in the process, but the fact that hell be down there practicing and working out with pros, and that he has the possibility of fulfilling a dream that people spend their whole lives working for, its an exciting moment for myself and my wife and our family.

The London Games are still one step away. The Dominican Republic has not yet qualified. The final three spots in the 12-team Olympic field will be filled at the World Olympic Qualifying Tournament July 2-8 in Venezuela.

Known for his advanced offensive gameparticularly his 3-point shooting abilityTowns is regarded by scouting services as one of the best freshmen in the United States. He also possesses the maturity and work ethic of an older player, which is evident in his reaction to the selection.

I can use this not just to play on an Olympic team, but I can get better playing against the best competition in the world, he said. Im really happy about it, but you still have to go into it with energy and work hard. Now I have to prove I belong there.

St. Joseph coach Dave Turco has no doubt that will happen. On the U-17 team last summer, Towns practiced and worked out with national team members and held his own.

Last year the experience he had gave him a drive to be selected for the team this year, Turco said. Hes already ahead of the game as far as whats about to happen.

That includes the accompanying hoopla.

Its an unbelievable accomplishment, obviously, but hes not a kid who gets caught up in all the glamour, Turco said. For him its going to be about seeing what he can do against some of the best basketball players in the world and getting feedback on what he needs to work on moving forward.

Its worth noting that the Dominican Republic coach is John Calipari, who is recruiting Towns to the University of Kentucky.

Towns Sr., who is the boys coach at Piscataway Vo-Tech, said reaction to his sons selection has been overwhelming.

Its unbelievable how many people are so happy for this kid, he said. Its a local kid doing something that . . . I dont know who else has done it.


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  FRANCE   

Stats Leaders - N1

Points Per Game
 Ville KAUNISTO
  Blois
  (204-F-82)
  Avg: 18.2
 1. Kaunisto, Blois18.2 
 2. Bigote, Cognac17.4 
 3. Petrovic, Orchy16.5 
 4. Bluntt, Orchy16.1 
 5. Thomas, Roche16.1 
 6. Pridotkas, Brest16.0 
 7. Herard, Challans16.0 
 8. Almanson, Challans15.9 
 9. Pearson, Angers B.15.8 
 10. Belser, Charlevil.15.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ville KAUNISTO
  Blois
  (204-F-82)
  Avg: 11.3
 1. Kaunisto, Blois11.3 
 2. Jaiteh, CFBB10.2 
 3. Jackson, Clermont9.6 
 4. Caskill, Cognac9.4 
 5. Pearson, Angers B.8.7 
 6. Aubry, Montbrison8.2 
 7. Sanborn, Lievin8.1 
 8. Lesieu, St Quentin7.9 
 9. Toney, Charleville7.8 
 10. Cabarkapa, Rueil7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Johan RATHIEUVILLE
  Brest
  (177-G-85)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Rathieuville, Brest6.5 
 2. Daube, Le Puy5.3 
 3. Tillon, Montbrison5.3 
 4. Godin, Cognac5.1 
 5. Calvez, Charleville5.1 
 6. Brochard, Blois4.9 
 7. Ball, St Quentin4.5 
 8. Barbry, Orchy4.5 
 9. Cortey, Clermont4.3 
 10. Dessart, Lievin4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Aurelien TOTO N''KOTE
  Roche
  (194-F-79)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Toto N''Kote, Roche2.2 
 2. Calvez, Charleville2.2 
 3. Pistre, Charleville2.0 
 4. Bichard, St Quentin1.8 
 5. Davis, Blois1.7 
 6. Merie, Chartres1.6 
 7. Daube, Le Puy1.6 
 8. Ball, St Quentin1.6 
 9. Godin, Cognac1.6 
 10. Gourari, Rueil1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Jacques ALINGUE
  Souffel
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Alingue, Souffel1.7 
 2. N''Diaye, Souffel1.7 
 3. Sanborn, Lievin1.4 
 4. Davis, Blois1.3 
 5. Diame, Rueil1.3 
 6. Caskill, Cognac1.3 
 7. Traore, Angers B.1.2 
 8. Morin, CFBB1.1 
 9. Jaiteh, CFBB1.0 
 10. Tornato, Blois1.0 


Bilbao eyes Fabien Causeur - by Eurobasket News

According to Spanish media (Solobasket), Bilbao wants to sign Fabien Causeur (193-G-87) for the next season. Reportedly, the club already made an offer. Causeur spent last three seasons with Cholet. In the latest one he had 16 ppg, 3.9 apg and 3.4 rpg for 32 games. He was named MVP of the season in ProA. Causeur also added 21.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 2.2 apg for 6 EuroCup games. With Cholet, the guard won ProA title in 2010. Before that, he played for Le Havre. Fabien Causeur will play for the French National Team at the Olympic Games in London. He missed 2011 EuroBasket in Lithuania. Two years ago, Causeur played for France at the World Championship in Turkey, but his time on the court was very limited. He was a member of U20 France in the past.


Saint Quentin officially signs Malick Badiane, extends Olivier Romain - by Eurobasket News

Saint Quentin announced signing of a two-year deal with Malick Badiane (211-F/C-84). At the same time, the club also signed a 1+1 year contract extension with Olivier Romain (182-G-88). The team will compete in ProB next season. They were regular season champs in NM1 with 27-7 record.
Malick Badiane started the last season with Antibes. The centre notched 11.6 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. Later Badiane moved to Nantes. His stats read 12.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per appearance. Previously the centre had stints in France, D-League, China, Germany and Italy. He has been the member of Senegalese National Team since 2003. Malick Badiane participated at 2011 African Championship. He notched 8.8 points, 11.0 boards and 1.2 blocks per game in Madagascar.
Olivier Romain arrived to Saint Quentin in 2010. He appeared 34 times for the club this season averaging 8.8 points, 2.7 assists and 1.7 rebounds. Before Saint Quentin, he played for Bourg and Boulgone.


Chalons-Reims to keep Bryan Mullins - by Eurobasket News

According to French media (Catch-and-shoot), Bryan Mullins (185-PG-87, college: S.Illinois) will stay with Chalons-Reims. Reportedly, the player already made the decision and new deal will be signed soon. Mullins joined the club two years ago. He averaged 9.1 ppg, 5 apg, 2.2 spg and 2.1 rpg in their first season together (ProB, 34 games). Last season Mullins had slightly better numbers. For 36 games in the league he registered 9.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 2.2 rpg. Before Chalon-Reims, Bryan Mullins spent one season with Bourg. It was his first pro deal. Mullins was named Eurobasket.com French ProB All-Bosmans Team -10, 11. The player graduated at Southern Illinois University in 2009. That same year Mullins played for the Irish National Team. He had 16.3 ppg, 4.5 apg, 3.5 rpg and 2.5 spg in four games at EuroBasket Division B.


Charleville wins NM1 Playoffs and promotion to ProB - by Eurobasket News

NM1, Playoffs Final: Charleville - Blois 75-63

The game was mostly controlled by Charleville-Mezieres. Blois managed to win second period 23-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Fabien Calvez (187-84, college: Evansville) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 4 steals. American-British power forward Tafari Toney (203-86, agency: JEMsports) contributed with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. Finnish forward Ville Kaunisto (204-82) answered with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds and guard Gary Staelens (189-84) added 21 points in the effort for Blois.
Top scorers:
Charleville: F.Calvez 23+3reb+3ast, C.Guillarme 17+4reb, T.Toney 12+16reb+1ast, C.Belser 9+6reb+4ast, D.Pistre 5+2reb, F.Bourdillon 4+4reb+1ast
Blois: G.Staelens 21+3reb+3ast, V.Kaunisto 16+13reb+3ast, D.Davis 10+3reb+1ast, B.Recoura 6+1reb+1ast, M.Sy 4, J.Tornato 4+5reb


PG Jonathan Rousselle to stay with Boulogne on loan - by Eurobasket News

Jonathan Rousselle (190-PG-90) will stay with Boulogne for another season. The French point guard is under the contract with Gravelines until 2014, but he spent last season with Boulgone on loan. Rousselle averaged 10.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists for 35 games in ProB. He was getting 26 minutes per game. Jonathan Rousselle had very limited playing with Gravelines in 2010/11. For 18 games in ProB he had 1.3 ppg. In EuroChallenge, Rousselle registered 2.7 ppg and 1 rpg for 11 games in EuroChallenge. Jonathan Rousselle played for U20 French National Team two years ago. They won the Gold at U20 EuroBasket in Croatia. For seven games at this event Rousselle had 1.7 ppg. In the past, he played for U18 and U16 France.


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

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga

Points Per Game
 Bobby BROWN
  EWE Baskets
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 16.9
 1. Brown, EWE Baskets16.9 
 2. Tucker, Brose B.16.2 
 3. Holston, Art.Drag.15.3 
 4. Swann, Ratiopharm15.3 
 5. Wood, ALBA15.0 
 6. Jonusas, Phoenix14.8 
 7. Ensminger, Teleko.14.8 
 8. Homan, B.Muenchen14.5 
 9. Carter, Phoenix14.5 
 10. Bryant, Ratiopharm14.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 John BRYANT
  Ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Bryant, Ratiopharm9.4 
 2. Chubb, EWE Baskets8.5 
 3. Homan, B.Muenchen7.8 
 4. Ensminger, Teleko.7.3 
 5. Zirbes, TBB Trier7.1 
 6. Tucker, Brose B.7.1 
 7. Troutman, B.Mue.7.0 
 8. Watts, Ratiopharm6.6 
 9. Evans, Goettingen6.6 
 10. Ovcina, LTi 46ers6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Jared JORDAN
  Telekom .
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 8.2
 1. Jordan, Telekom8.2 
 2. Holston, Art.Drag.5.6 
 3. Brewer, Bremerha.5.1 
 4. Everett, Bremerha.4.9 
 5. Wood, ALBA4.8 
 6. Brown, EWE Baskets4.7 
 7. Hamann, B.Muenchen4.5 
 8. Joyce, TBB Trier4.4 
 9. Campbell, Walter T.4.1 
 10. Bauscher, Goett.3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Nate LINHART
  TBB Trier
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Linhart, TBB Trier1.7 
 2. Kramer, s.Oliv.1.5 
 3. Gibson, Fraport SKY1.4 
 4. Bernard, LTi 46ers1.4 
 5. Redding, Walter T.1.4 
 6. Trice, Ratiopharm1.4 
 7. Dorris, EnBW L.1.4 
 8. Carter, Phoenix1.3 
 9. Gaffney, Teleko.1.3 
 10. Holston, Art.Drag.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Tony GAFFNEY
  Teleko.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Gaffney, Teleko.1.8 
 2. Davidson, Fraport1.7 
 3. Looby, EnBW L.1.6 
 4. Ibekwe, Bayreuth1.6 
 5. Homan, B.Muenchen1.5 
 6. Pleiss, Brose B.1.4 
 7. Bryant, Ratiopharm1.3 
 8. King, Art.Dragons1.1 
 9. Slaughter, Brose B.1.1 
 10. Constantine, Phoe.0.9 


Igor Perovic (Walter Tigers Tuebingen) Bamberg-Artland Was The Final Before The Final - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


Igor Perovic is in his third season as head coach for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. He had a long playing career that lasted from 1991-2008. In this time, he played for teams like Partizan Beograd, Radnicki Beograd, Crvena Zvezda Beograd, Beopetrol Beograd, Gravelines (France), Hapoel Holon (Israel), Buducnost Podgorica, Elitzur Qiryat Ata/Motzkin (Israel-Premier L.), TSK Wurzburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga), Lavovi 063 Beograd and for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga) from 2005-2008. He took some time to talk to eurobasket about the 2012 Beko BBL semi final playoff series.

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen have signed Robert Oehle. There are many big men that could have filled the back up role, but why did you chose him?

We believe that he is very good option for our team. He has a great size for position 5 and we see some room to improve. I have heard many good things about his personality. I think we signed a very good German player.

Did you give the four Tiger Players Vaughn Duggins, Reggie Redding, Josh Young and Tyrone Nash a specific work out plan for the summer or is that something they are free of coordinating themselves?

Yes, they know what they have to do. They are very professional and I know they will be in good condition when they come back.

What do you expect of the Tiger players returning to do in terms of fitness over the summer?

They will practice on their schools in next 3 months and they will work on their weaknesses, after that we will start with preseason and we will work on basis. I expect to have a little easier job this summer because we got so many players coming back.

How surprised were you that the s:Oliver Baskets Wurzburg got past Alba Berlin 3-1? What was key in this series for Alba Berlin getting an early summer vacation?

I think it is surprise and I want to congratulate coach Patrick and his players on this big success. I didnt see all the games and I can not tell exactly why Alba lost in this series but I am sure they had big problem with Wrzburg defense and I think stopping Wood was the key factor for Wrzburg to win. On two games in Wrzburg he was 5.5 points and 3 assists. We all know how good defenders are Little and Frazier and it looks to me that they were the key for the success.

Were you surprised by the easy time that ratiopharm Ulm had in getting past the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig? What was key for Ulm advancing?

Before this series started I told that Mason-Griffin will not be able to play and I saw that as a handicap for Ulm but unfortunately for Braunschweig he was there and in the second game he was a key player in Ulms win. Ulm is great team, you dont know who to defend first. They all can score over 10 points and that is very difficult for their opponents. They know they can beatanybody and you can see they play with a lot of confidence. They have a great season and they should be proud doesnt matter what they do in semifinal.

The Telekom Baskets Bonn won game one, but Bamberg then won the next three. What was key for Bamberg advancing?

Bamberg is still the best team in Germany. Of course they have to prove that in the semifinal but I think they have so many quality and experience players, so for my opinion Bonn couldnt win more than 1 game in this series.I think Bonn played very good and they didnt disappoint their fans.

The most exciting series was Artland-FC Bayern Munich. Why wasnt FC Bayern Munich a title team this season?

Like we all expected the quality between two teams was almost equal. I think Artland has more offensive quality and their players score points easier than Bayern's. In last two games at Quakenbruck Bayern couldnt find more than two players that permanently can score. To win such important game on the road you must score points.

The most exciting semi final series seems to be Wurzburg-Ulm. Wurzburg comes in with a lot of confidence. What kind of series can we await?

If players in both teams stay healthy I expect 5 games. Ulm is better but Wrzburg is more physical team. I think we will watch great basketballat Ulm and not very nice games at Wrzburg. This two teams are totally different. Ulm try to score one point more and Wrzburg try to receive one point less than the opponent.

What does Wurzburg/Ulm have to do to get to the final and what is your prediction?

Wrzburg must control Ulm offense and keep them below 70 points. Ulm must be very physical on both ends of the floor.

Who are the x-factors?

I think in playoffs we have to expect all players to give their maximum and to play on the highest level. We could see that Nankivil was extremely important in Braunschweig series. They all can explode.


What kind of a series can we await with Bamberg-Artland?

I expect great basketball. Two excellent offensive teams. I think that will be final before finale.

Will the Artland Dragons have any more energy for Bamberg after their hard 5 game series against FC Bayern Munich?

They got so many good players so I dont see that as a handicap. They will be ready.

Who are the x-factors?

Players in both teams know how to win big games but I want to see how Holston will play against Gavel. So duel between these two players can be decided factor in this series.

Do The Los Angeles Lakers have any chance being down 0-2 to get past the Thunder?

I think Thunders will go through if they win one game at Los Angeles, if not chances are 50-50.


The Miami Heat-Indiana Pacers series is at 1-1. Do the Pacers have any chance of advancing?

I believe in Miami in this series. Even without Bosh they got great team and individual quality to beat Indiana.

Derrick Rose is projected to miss 8-12 months. Could this injury change him as a player when he finally returns?

I hope will not , but because he relies so much on his athletic abilities everything is possible.

Thanks Igor for the chat.


Dane Watts (Ratiopharm Ulm) Per Guenther Has Always Been #1 In The Hearts Of The Ulm Fans - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports) is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Warrensburg, Missouri. He is playing his first season for ratiopharm Ulm. He played at Creighton (NCAA) from 2004-2008 with NBA player Anthony Tolliver. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 11.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3Pts: 42.5%, FT: 71.8%. In 2008, he came to Germany and started his professional basketball career with EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 32 games: 8.9ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP-1 (68.4%), 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 68.7%. In 2009-2010, he came to The Walter Tigers Tuebingen playing 34 games: 10.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 71.0%. Last season for Tuebingen, he played 33 games: 13.7ppg, Reb-4 (7.6rpg), 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 54.5%; in May'11 moved to Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (France-ProA): 3 games: 7.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg. At Creighton, he won awards such as MVC Tournament Winner -05, 07, MVC All-Freshman Team -05, MVC Regular Season Runner-Up -07, and MVC Tournament Semifinals -08. He spoke to eurobasket before game three against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg.

Congrats on the 82-74 win in game 2 in Wurzburg. The last 48 hours have been like a whirlwind time with the birth of your son. Were you in any way able to stay focused somewhat for the big game in Wurzburg?

Thorsten told me long before the birth that I could be there to support my wife and experience this life changing moment so I did not know if I would play or not. It worked out that he came in the morning and there was sometime to drive me to meet the team at the gym. I was not thinking about the game until after I knew my wife and son were both healthy.

How does it feel being a dad and did you dedicate this win to your son?

It is an amazing feeling to be a dad, I have so much love for the little guy. I wanted to win the game so I could have a good story to tell him about the day he was born, wouldn't have been a very good story if we lost.

Ratiopharm Ulm raced out scoring 29 points in the first quarter. What was key to getting the jump on the Wurzburg defense early?

Sharing the ball and each player stepping up to make plays when their opportunity came. It is tough to guard a team that is unselfish and each player has the confidence to make a play.

Ratiopharm Ulm had the comfortable 10 point lead at halftime and led well until Wurzburg made a run in the fourth quarter tying the game 65-65. Chris Kraemer seemed to bring the team energy. What else was key for Wurzburg getting back in the game?

They get a lot of energy from their crowd and they pick up the defense when it gets loud. We had some turnovers and a few mental mistakes in a stretch that they capitalized on.

Did Per Guenther make another statement with his 25 points that he is slowly the best German point guard in the Beko BBL?

Per has had a great postseason and has been a huge lift for our team. Per has always been #1 in the hearts of the Ulm fans. He has to be considered especially if you take Heiko as an off guard.

Ratiopharm Ulm is 5-0 in the playoffs and can sweep in game three in Ulm. It will be do or die for Wurzburg. What kind of adjustments might one expect from John Patrick and his team and what will be key in getting the win?

Any elimination game is do or die. I don't know what to expect from them but we are working to close the series out at home.


A lot of people questioned the outfit by Allen Iverson who seemed to be in 2001 in 2012 with his attire as he was honored before game 6 between the 76ers and Celtics. Is Iverson the kind of guy that can wear what he likes without being questioned by the style police?

I dont think he cares about the fashion police. He was at the game and sporting the team that he used to play for, if he wears that stuff outside of that then he is living in the last decade.

Would Lamr Odom fit in with the New York Knicks?

Lamar can fit in with a lot of teams because of his versatility. He has to get his confidence back this summer and get back on track.

Thanks Dane for the chat.


Tony Garbelotto named new Heidelberg coach - by Moritz Korff

Pro A outfit USC Heidelberg has appointed Tony Garbelotto its new head coach, the club unveilled on its website. The 43-year-old Englishman has been working in the British Basketball League for many years, his last club were the Mersey Tigers. In 2009 Garbelotto served as a Coach Assistant for the English National Team at the European Championships. 'I am looking forward to working at USC and I am very excited to be next head coach of USC Heidelberg', he said.


Ratiopharm and Brose Baskets swept the semis - by Eurobasket News

Brose Baskets - Art.Dragons 94-63 (3-0)

The game without a history. Brose Baskets led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 55.6 percentage. The best player for the winners was American forward Anthony Leon Tucker (198-85, college: Texas) who scored 19 points and 5 rebounds. Slovakian guard Anton Gavel (189-84, agency: Pro One Sports) chipped in 15 points and 6 assists. Five Brose Baskets players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American-Puerto Rican forward Nathan Peavy (203-85, college: Miami, OH) who recorded 18 points and American power forward Anthony King (206-85, college: Miami, FL, agency: Interperformances) added 9 points and 8 rebounds respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Brose Baskets: A.Leon Tucker 19+5reb, A.Gavel 15+1reb+6ast, T.Pleiss 14+4reb+1ast, P.Suput 14+3reb+2ast, J.Jenkins 12+2reb+1ast, B.Roberts 6+2reb+4ast
Art.Dragons: N.Peavy 18+4reb, A.King 9+8reb+1ast, J.Strasser 8+2ast, A.Hilliard 7+3reb, A.Hess 6+4reb, D.Fenn 6+7reb
gschID: 176756


Ratiopharm - s.Oliver Baskets 88-80 (3-0)

s Oliver Baskets were trailing by 10 points at halftime but managed to get 2-point lead after three quarters before a 28-18 charge of ratiopharm Ulm, which allowed them to win the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when ratiopharm Ulm made 7 blocks. 29 personal fouls committed by s Oliver Baskets helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was center John Bryant (208-87, college: Santa Clara) who had a double-double by scoring 10 points and 13 rebounds. Forward Steven Esterkamp (198-81, college: Ohio, agency: Limelight Hoops) chipped in 21 points. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Ben Jacobson (188-83, college: N.Iowa) who recorded 10 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists and point guard John Little (180-84, college: N.Iowa) added 19 points respectively. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Ratiopharm: S.Esterkamp 21+2reb+2ast, T.Mason-Griffin 15+2reb+2ast, P.Guenther 13+3reb+1ast, K.Nankivil 11+7reb+1ast, J.Bryant 10+13reb+3ast, D.Watts 8+8reb+1ast
s.Oliver Baskets: J.Little 19+4reb+2ast, I.Elliott 13+5reb, R.Harris 13+3reb, C.Kramer 13+4reb+5ast, B.Jacobson 10+9reb+8ast, R.Tomaszek 8+5reb+1ast
gschID: 176757



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

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game
 Nestoras KOMMATOS
  Marousi
  (203-F-77)
  Avg: 20.4
 1. Kommatos, Marousi20.4 
 2. Christmas, AGOR18.6 
 3. Charalampidi., KAO.15.6 
 4. Gagaloudis, Marousi15.6 
 5. Beck, Ikaros14.8 
 6. Dikoudis, PAOK14.7 
 7. James, Aris14.5 
 8. Taylor, Kavala13.9 
 9. Baynes, Ikaros13.6 
 10. Wright, AGOR13.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Aron BAYNES
  Ikaros
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 8.7
 1. Baynes, Ikaros8.7 
 2. Haritopoulos, Maro.7.6 
 3. NaNa, Ilysiakos7.5 
 4. Stepheson, Panio.7.3 
 5. Kommatos, Marousi6.6 
 6. Symtsak, Kavala6.4 
 7. O''Bryant, Kavala5.9 
 8. Tapoutos, Aris5.8 
 9. Ceranic, KAOD5.7 
 10. Scott, Peristeri5.7 
Assists Per Game
 Yannis GAGALOUDIS
  Marousi
  (192-G-78)
  Avg: 6
 1. Gagaloudis, Marousi6.0 
 2. Spanoulis, Olympia.5.0 
 3. Xanthopoulos, Pani.4.6 
 4. Diamantidis, Panat.4.5 
 5. Charalampidi., KAO.4.3 
 6. James, Aris4.1 
 7. Wright, AGOR4.1 
 8. Thompson, Ilysi.3.5 
 9. Mocnik, Perister.3.1 
 10. Jasikevicius, Pan.3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Zack WRIGHT
  AGOR
  (188-G-85)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Wright, AGOR2.5 
 2. James, Aris1.9 
 3. Xanthopoulos, Pani.1.7 
 4. Thompson, Ilysi.1.7 
 5. Christmas, AGOR1.6 
 6. Calathes, Panathin.1.6 
 7. Dorsey, Olympiacos1.5 
 8. Gagaloudis, Marousi1.5 
 9. Hatten, Kolossos1.5 
 10. Kommatos, Marousi1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Patrick O''BRYANT
  Kavala
  (213-C-86)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. O''Bryant, Kavala1.5 
 2. Petway, AGOR1.3 
 3. Muldrow, Aris1.3 
 4. Hines, Olympiacos1.1 
 5. Elegar, Marousi1.1 
 6. Michel, KAOD0.9 
 7. Vougioukas, Panat.0.9 
 8. Stepheson, Panio.0.9 
 9. Dorsey, Olympiacos0.8 
 10. Giddens, PAOK0.7 


Reds take 2-1 lead in the Finals - by Eurobasket News

FINALS
Game 3: Olympiakos - Panathinaikos 84-72 (2-1, best-of-five)

Game Three of the Greek league Finals between Olympiakos and Panathinaikos just ended. The Reds celebrated 84-72 home victory taking 2-1 lead in the series. The format is best-of-five and Olympiakos is now one win away from the title. However, PAO will be the host on Wednesday and will try to force decisive Game Five.
The game was mostly controlled by Olympiakos. Panathinaikos managed to win fourth quarter 21-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Olympiakos forced 22 Panathinaikos turnovers. 29 personal fouls committed by Panathinaikos helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for international guard Vassilis Spanoulis (193-82, agency: Beo Basket) who led his team to a victory with 15 points and 4 assists. Georgios Printezis (206-85, agency: FCM) contributed with 16 points (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) for the winners. Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-83) answered with 9 points and 7 rebounds and American forward Mike Batiste (203-77, college: Arizona St.) added 12 points in the effort for Panathinaikos. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next game.
PAO is the defending champion in Greece and already won the Cup earlier this season. Olympiakos was the regular season champ and if necessary they will host decisive Game Five. Olympiakos grabbed the Euroleague crown recently.

Panathinaikos: D.Diamantidis 12+2reb+2ast, M.Batiste 12+4reb, D.Logan 9, S.Perperoglou 9+5reb, K.Kaimakoglou 9+7reb+3ast, K.Tsartsaris 7+1reb
Olympiakos: G.Printezis 16+4reb+2ast, V.Spanoulis 15+3reb+4ast, M.Keselj 10+2reb, A.Law 9+1reb+3ast, P.Antic 7+2reb+1ast, K.Hines 6+3reb+1ast


*****************************************************
  HOLLAND   


GasTerra Flames extend Defares, Voorn contracts - by Fred Roggen

According to multiple sources, GasTerra Flames extended the contracts of veteran point guard Bryan Defares (192-PG-81, college: Boise St.) and the very talented shooting guard Jessey Voorn (193-G-90, agency: Court Side).
Voorn's and Defares contract extensions signify Flames's desire to build around a dutch nucleus. Last week, the GasTerra Flames locked up starter Jason Dourisseau.
Bryan Defares (192-PG-81, college: Boise St.) averaged 5.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game while Jessey Voorn (193-G-90, agency: Court Side) averaged 7.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game this season.


Eiffel Towers Den Bosch win 2011/12 Eredivisie title - by Eurobasket News

Finals, Game 5: Leiden - Den Bosch 61-65 (1-4)

Eiffel Towers Den Bosch won the 2011/12 Eredivisie title. They celebrated 61-65 victory in Leiden closing the Finals with almost perfect 4-1. Den Bosch won three times in Leiden during the series. Last time Den Bosch was Eredivisie champ in 2007.
Leiden was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Den Bosch made 25-of-32 free shots (78.1 percent) during the game and also had a 28-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. 26 personal fouls committed by Leiden helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American point guard Frank Turner (178-88, college: Canisius, agency: Court Side) orchestrated the victory by scoring 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. International forward Stefan Wessels (203-84, agency: R.H.Consultancy) contributed with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. American forward Seamus Boxley (201-82, college: Portland St., agency: Prossin Sports Management) answered with 22 points (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and Canadian forward Jevohn Shepherd (196-86, college: Michigan) added 9 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Leiden.
Den Bosch ended the second stage of Eredivisie as No.2 of Group A with 2-2 record. They eliminated Groningen with 3-2 in the Semifinals. Leiden was the winner of Group A (3-1) and outplayed Zwolle in the Semifinals, 3-1. Leiden was the defending champion, but they are officially dethroned tonight.

Leiden: S.Boxley 22+4reb+2ast, T.Jackson 13+2reb+1ast, J.Shepherd 9+6reb+3ast, A.Slagter 5+3reb+2ast, M.Kherrazi 4+8reb, S.Cunningham 3+5reb
Den Bosch: F.Turner 17+7reb+4ast, R.Jansen 16+2reb+3ast, S.Wessels 13+10reb+2ast, P.Van Paassen 7+5reb, D.Gonzalvez 6+5reb, T.Wesley 4+3reb+1ast


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


Kornel Kiss stays with Kaposvari KK - by Levente Szabo

As we reported a few weeks ago Balazs Szoke (200-F-76, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) extended his contract with Kaposvari KK. Short after that the official website of the team reported that Kornel Kiss (187-G-87) inked for one more year also. Last year the Hungarian point guard spent 16.8 minutes on the court while averaging 3.6 ppg. Not counting a one year stint with PVSK Pannonpower Pecs Kiss spent his entire career with Kaposvar so isnt a surprise that he will stay with the team next year.


*****************************************************
  IBA   


Lightning take two wins more - by Gianni Pascucci

Over the last weekend, the Los Angeles Lighting defeated two consecutive times the Malibu PIrates, and exhintion-'branding team' that hopes to join the IBA some day. Game 1, played on friday night, ended 122-99, with Chris Ayer (6'10''-C-83, college: Loyola Mary) and Hassan Stephens (6'5''-F-89) leading the way at 23 points apiece while Bobby Macias led a balanced attack for the Pirates with 16 points. Game 2, played on saturday evening, ended 103-86 and this time was Hassan Stephens to lead the LA attack, scoring 14 of his game-high 21 points in the final period of the game. Adam Reed (6'4''-G) was the last to surrender at Malibu side with 14 points.
The Lightning, that have now completed a 7 games winnijng streak, will travel to Las Vegas for a two-game series on June 1-2.


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


ASEAN League: Indonesia Warriors steal road win over Patriots - by Eurobasket News

Philippine Patriots - Indonesia Warriors 64:73

Indonesia Warriors opened the semifinal series versus Philippine Patriots with a road win. Now the Warriors will be looking to close out the series when they face the Patriots at home court on June 3. Stanley Pringle (184-PG-87, college: Penn St.) scored 23 points to lead the visitors to the win.
The Warriors stunned ambitious hosts in the opening frame. The Indonesian team went on a 24:11 run to leave their opponents behind. The visitors stayed aggressive in the second quarter. They accumulated a 44:23 halftime lead. The Patriots finally tuned up their offence in the third term. They unloaded 29 points in the quarter to narrow the gap at just 6 points before the fourth frame 52:58. But the visitors quickly boosted the margin to 14 points and never looked back en route to the victory. Steve Thomas (204-C/F-81, college: Middle Tenn.St.) accounted for 17 points and 19 rebounds for the Warriors. Anthony Johnson (197-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances, college: La-Lafayette) answered with 21 points for the Patriots. Al Vergara (173-G-79) provided 12 points, 6 boards and 6 assists in the loss.

Philippine Patriots: Anthony Johnson 21, Al Vergara 12
Indonesia Warriors: Stanley Pringle 23, Steve Thomas 17+19 boards, Evan Brock (204-F-84, college: Alabama) 8


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


Chalons-Reims to keep Bryan Mullins - by Eurobasket News

According to French media (Catch-and-shoot), Bryan Mullins (185-PG-87, college: S.Illinois) will stay with Chalons-Reims. Reportedly, the player already made the decision and new deal will be signed soon. Mullins joined the club two years ago. He averaged 9.1 ppg, 5 apg, 2.2 spg and 2.1 rpg in their first season together (ProB, 34 games). Last season Mullins had slightly better numbers. For 36 games in the league he registered 9.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 2.2 rpg. Before Chalon-Reims, Bryan Mullins spent one season with Bourg. It was his first pro deal. Mullins was named Eurobasket.com French ProB All-Bosmans Team -10, 11. The player graduated at Southern Illinois University in 2009. That same year Mullins played for the Irish National Team. He had 16.3 ppg, 4.5 apg, 3.5 rpg and 2.5 spg in four games at EuroBasket Division B.


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


Yoad Bet-Yosef Nearing Multi-Year Deal With Gilboa/Galil - by David Pick

Hapoel Galil/Gilboa, who finished 2nd last season but failed to reach the Final Four after losing to Maccabi Ashdod 3-1 in the quarterfinals playoffs series, is beginning to work on its 2012-13 season player personnel.

Maccabi Beer Yaakov's scoring point guard Yoad Bet-Yosef, who's coming off a stellar personal season and helped lead his team to the Division II finals series, is on the verge of agreeing terms of a two-to-three-year deal with Galil, with just a few minor clauses standing in the way, agent Avi Zilberman told Eurobasket.

Bet-Yosef, who posted averages of 20.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists throughout the season, has his eyes set on joining the former Israeli champions, and is highly appreciated by Galil's Head Coach Lior Lubin.

This past summer, Bet-Yosef competed in the World University Games with the Israeli National Team and recorded 8.5 points, 2.1 boards and 1 dime per game.

After dealing Israeli center Ido Kozikaro to Maccabi Haifa, Galil's expected to part ways with all of their Americans, including Courtney Fells who has an extension option. If Bet-Yosef signs, point guard Ofir Farhi will find himself out of the team as well.




*****************************************************
  ITALY   


Martin Colussi dies in a car accident - by Giovanni Bargna

It's a sad day for all of the basketball fans. Martin Colussi (193-G-81) died last night in a car accident. The player spent last season with Veroli Basket in the LegaDue tournament.
He was born in 1981 at Maniago and grew up as a basketball player with Gorizia before joining Fabriano.
In 2007 was signed by Pallacanestro Pavia and had his debut in the LegaDue, while in 2010 joined Caserta and spent the whole season in the SerieA with them.
After that Colussi agreed to a 2-year deal with Veroli.
The accident happened last night near Pordenone and as per the news reported his car was found in a river near the street as Colussi drove out of the road.


Deepest simpathy from Eurobasket to his family and all of the fans.


Nazionale A Round 4 of Semi-Finals - by Eurobasket News

Ferentino - Trieste 81-75 (3-1)

The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 8-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 81-75. Ferentino made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. Strangely Trieste outrebounded Ferentino 43-22 including a 17-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. 26 personal fouls committed by Trieste helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Naturalized Argentinian swingman Manuel Carrizo (198-80, agency: Players Group) fired 17 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Power forward Antonio Iannuzzi (207-91, agency: Two Points) chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds. Ferentino's coach Franco Gramenzi used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Innocenzo Ferraro (200-82) produced 15 points and 9 rebounds and the former international point guard Marco Carra (185-80) added 16 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Ferentino and four Trieste players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Trieste: M.Carra 16+5reb+1ast, I.Ferraro 15+9reb+1ast, A.Moruzzi 12+5reb+1ast, M.Ruzzier 11+1reb, L.Zaccariello 10+2reb+4ast, L.Gandini 8+12reb+1ast
Ferentino: M.Carrizo 17+6reb+1ast, A.Iannuzzi 15+5reb, F.Guarino 12+1reb+4ast, L.Panzini 11+1reb+2ast, S.Parrillo 11+1reb+1ast, F.Gagliardo 7
gschID: 177108


Chieti - Trento 63-67 (1-3)

The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Chieti won third quarter 17-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Trento won last quarter 15-13. Worth to mention a great performance of center Marco Pazzi (203-79) who helped to win the game recording 10 points and 7 rebounds. Guard Marco Spanghero (186-91) contributed with 16 points for the winners. Naturalized San Marino swingman Andrea Raschi (200-79) replied with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 13 rebounds and the former international center Emanuele Rossi (208-82) added 13 points and 13 rebounds in the effort for Chieti.
Top scorers:
Chieti: A.Raschi 14+13reb+3ast, E.Rossi 13+13reb, M.Diomede 11+4reb+4ast, F.Gialloreto 9+1reb+2ast, S.Rajola 8+2reb+3ast, A.Porfido 5+2reb
Trento: M.Spanghero 16+3reb, A.Forray 13+2reb+2ast, M.Pazzi 10+7reb+3ast, L.Conte 9+3reb+1ast, D.Pascolo 8+5reb, M.Negri 6+1reb
gschID: 177109



*****************************************************
  LATVIA   


Latvia B continue their China tour - by Eurobasket News

Latvian B National Team continued their series of friendly games in China. They started the second round of international tournament involving Chinese B NT, Netherlands and USA All-Star selection.
Latvia faced the hosts in the opener. Ainars Bagatskis team clinched a 74:70 victory. China led by five points after ten minutes 17:12. But Latvia turned the tables and surged ahead for a 32:29 halftime lead. China regained the advantage in the third quarter. The hosts entered the final period up by four points 47:43. But Latvia slowed the hosts down in the fourth period and managed to eke out a tough victory at the end. Zanis Peiners (203-G-90, agency: Interperformances), Kaspars Vecvagars (191-G-93) and Edgars Stelmahers (185-G-94) provided 12 points each for Latvia. Maris Ziedins (200-F/C-90) added 10 points in the winning case.
Latvia will next take on USA All-Star selection.


*****************************************************
  MOROCCO   


National basketball playoffs enter day 5 - by Eurobasket News

Matchday 5 of the national basketball championship playoffs shall take place today.

In Group A, ASS who are already qualified for the quarter finals shall take on MAS. Still in the same group FAS shall take on SP in a crucial encounter. FAS are just one victory away to the quarter finals.

In Group B, WAC shall take on CRA. During the away leg, WAC won by 77/71.
Courtesy of: StarAfrica.com



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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Kobe BRYANT
  LA Lakers
  (198-G-78)
  Avg: 28.2
 1. Bryant, LA Lakers28.2 
 2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.27.9 
 3. James, Miami Heat27.4 
 4. Love, Minnesota T.26.0 
 5. Westbrook, Oklah..23.6 
 6. Anthony, New Y.23.1 
 7. Wade, Miami Heat22.4 
 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 Lakers11.7 
 4. Humphries, New J.11.0 
 5. Cousins, Sacramen.11.0 
 6. Gasol, LA Lakers10.3 
 7. Griffin, LA Clipp.10.3 
 8. Gortat, Phoenix10.0 
 9. Smith, Atlanta H.9.9 
 10. Chandler, New Y.9.8 
Assists Per Game
 Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 11.8
 1. Rondo, Boston C.11.8 
 2. Nash, Phoenix Suns10.7 
 3. Paul, LA Clippers8.9 
 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 Clippers2.5 
 2. Rubio, Minnesot.2.2 
 3. Conley, Memphis G.2.1 
 4. Rondo, Boston C.2.0 
 5. James, Miami Heat1.9 
 6. Kidd, Dallas M.1.8 
 7. Millsap, Utah Jazz1.8 
 8. Allen, Memphis G.1.7 
 9. Iguodala, Philadel.1.7 
 10. Shumpert, New Y.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Serge IBAKA
  Oklah.Ci.
  (208-C/F-89)
  Avg: 3.6
 1. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.3.6 
 2. McGee, Washingt.2.5 
 3. Howard, Orlando M.2.1 
 4. Bynum, LA Lakers2.1 
 5. Hibbert, Indiana P.2.1 
 6. Jordan, LA Clippers2.0 
 7. McGee, Denver N.2.0 
 8. Gasol, Memphis G.1.9 
 9. Biyombo, Charlott.1.8 
 10. Udoh, Golde S.1.7 


'Nasty' Spurs strike first against Thunder - by Eurobasket News

It's a catchphrase likely coming soon to fan T-shirts, Internet memes and the lexicon of the NBA playoffs for the foreseeable future.

'I want some nasty!'

Gregg Popovich didn't just coin it. He snarled it, and the way his San Antonio Spurs obliged has the Western Conference finals off to a thrilling start.

Emanuel Ginobili (6'6''-G-77, agency: Interperformances) scored 26 points and the Spurs won their 19th in a row - tying the NBA record for longest winning streak kept alive in the playoffs - by rallying in the fourth quarter on the orders of their furious coach to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 101-98 in Game 1 on Sunday night.

It was a tantalizing near-upset for the young Thunder, who came as close as anybody to beating the Spurs for the first time in 46 days. But a nine-point lead didn't last after the famously mercurial 63-year-old Popovich - the NBA's Coach of the Year - huddled his lagging team together in the fourth and told them to 'get nasty.'

'I said that?' Popovich said afterward.

A nationally television audience heard it.

'The heat of the game, stuff comes up,' Popovich said. 'So I talked to them about they've got to get a little bit uglier, get a little more nasty, play with more fiber and take it to these guys. Meaning you have to drive it, you have to shoot it.'

And when they did, the Thunder couldn't keep up.

Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) led the Thunder with 27 points. Russell Westbrook (6'3''-PG-88, college: UCLA) had 17, and insisted he was OK after taking a spill that was nasty in its own right face first, bracing his fall with his hands and sitting under the basket for more than a minute while the entire Thunder bench walked across the court to check on their All-Star point guard.

'I shot good shots, made good passes,' Durant said. 'Unfortunately, we lost.'

After being held to just 16 third-quarter points, San Antonio scored 39 in the fourth. Westbrook chalked it up to a defensive breakdown that 'got out of hand' but it still left the Thunder in search of the road win they'll need to in this series to reach the NBA finals for the first time since the franchise moved to Oklahoma City in 2009.

Game 2 is Tuesday night.

'How it happened is irrelevant,' Thunder guard Derick Fisher said of letting a lead slip away. 'Whether we lose by 20 or lose by one, we lost.'

That's something the Spurs haven't been able to say since April 11. They joined the 2001 Lakers as the only other team to carry a winning streak this long in the playoffs and that Los Angeles team did so on its way to a championship.

The Spurs matched the fourth-longest streak in NBA history, and with one more will become just the fourth team to surpass 20. Tim Duncan (6'11''-F/C-76, college: Wake Forest) had 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Tony Parker (6'0''-PG-82) shook off a dismal start to finish with 18 points.

And of getting 'nasty'?

'Pop's always trying to motivate us,' Parker said.

But it was Ginobili who steered the Spurs to strike first in a highly anticipated matchup of the West's top two teams for practically the entire regular season. In his first game against the Thunder this year he was sidelined by injury in the three regular-season meetings Ginobili put up a playoff high after sputtering through the first two series.

'It just happened,' Ginobili said. 'I don't know how exactly because I haven't scored like this all season long, but it happened and I am very happy about it.'

On the other end, Oklahoma City's own Big Three struggled to find its shot early before awakening in the second half. Durant, Westbrook and James Harden at one point through the second quarter were 5 of 21 a typically ominous stat line for a trio that had been responsible for nearly 70 percent of Oklahoma City's points through the playoffs so far.

The Thunder were ousted in the Western Conference finals a year ago and were in position for home-court advantage throughout the playoffs until being overtaken by the Spurs in the final month of the season. But it was a fittingly close opener for two franchises with so many similarities.

That includes Thunder general manager Sam Presti the architect of the Thunder's rapid turnaround from a 23-win season to consecutive Western Conference finals in just four years getting his big break in the NBA as intern in San Antonio.

And the Thunder didn't even need their own Big Three to keep things close.

They leaned on none more so than Fisher, whose famous game-winner for the Lakers on this same court in the 2004 playoffs has made '0.4 seconds' a phrase that needs no further explanation to the Spurs. Eight years later, and the oldest player in this series at 37, Fisher already met his playoff average at halftime and finished with 13 points.

Gary Neal added 12 points and was the only other Spurs player in double figures.

Harden lost in the first round of his matchup with Ginobili, who's also a lefty and a former Sixth Man of the Year winner. Harden finished with 19 points on 7-of-17 shooting but started by missing nine of his first dozen shots.

Tipping off another conference finals couldn't happen soon enough for Oklahoma City. With nothing to do but prepare for the Spurs all week and be asked about the Spurs the Thunder grew weary of questions about being perceived underdogs. About not having the same championship pedigree. About how they'll possibly stop a team rolling through one of the 10 longest winning streaks in NBA history.

So repetitive were the questions that Durant, visibly annoyed, suggested earlier this week that someone instead ask how the Thunder are going 'to come at' the Spurs. That didn't stop Oklahoma City from facing more of the same at shootaround Sunday morning, when Thunder coach Scott Brooks tried quashing again the idea his team was somehow intimidated.

'They're not going to be in awe. They're going to have respect for them,' Brooks said. 'We know we can beat them.'

They've still got to prove it.

Courtesy of www.chron.com


Rondo leads Celtics to 85-75 Game 7 win over 76ers - by Eurobasket News

To Doug Collins, Boston's Big Three is already a memory.

'I don't look at them as the Big Three. I look at them as the Championship Four,' the Philadelphia coach said. 'Because if you're going to leave Rondo out, you're making a huge mistake.'

Rajon Rondo (6'1''-PG-86, college: Kentucky) helped his aging teammates keep their season going Saturday night, finishing with 18 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds in Game 7 against the 76ers to lead Boston to an 85-75 victory and into an Eastern Conference finals matchup with the Miami Heat.

The Celtics will open the third round of the NBA playoffs in Miami on Monday night.

'I've already packed,' Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. 'We'll be ready. It's going to be a tough turnaround, but we're not an excuse team. We'll be ready on Monday.'

Bouncing back from his worst game of the playoffs - and snapping out of a 32-minute slump in which he had just two assists and five points - Rondo scored nine straight Boston points after Paul Pierce fouled out to help the Celtics turn a three-point edge into a double-digit lead.

Rondo had 11 points in the fourth quarter, including his first 3-pointer in five games, made all four of his free throws down the stretch and grabbed his 10th rebound in the final minute - chucking it over his head and into the frontcourt to help the Celtics dribble down the clock.

'He really came through,' Sixers guard Jrue Holiday said. 'He put the team on his back.'

Andre Iguodala (6'6''-G-84, college: Arizona) scored 18 points, and Holiday and Elton Brand (6'8''-F-79, college: Duke) had 15 apiece for the 76ers, who eliminated the top-seeded Chicago Bulls in the first round but couldn't do the same with the Celtics.

Kevin Garnett (6'11''-F-76) had 18 points and 13 rebounds for Boston, and Ray Allen (6'5''-G-75, college: Connecticut) hit a pair of fourth-quarter 3-pointers after missing his first five attempts.

'Ray is the ultimate gunslinger,' Rivers said. 'That's what makes great players great. I was a basketball player someday, and I would have never taken that shot.'

Pierce had 15 points and nine rebounds before fouling out with 4:16 left.

That's when Rondo took over.

The point guard, who had nine points and a playoff-low six assists in the Game 6 loss in Philadelphia, scored on a baseline drive and followed it up with a long 2-pointer (originally scored a 3) with 2:47 left. Then he made a 3-pointer with a little more than 2 minutes left to make it a 10-pont game and, after Brand scored on a tip-in, Rondo went to the line as the crowd chanted 'M-V-P! M-V-P!' and hit a pair of free throws to leave Boston with an 80-70 lead with 1:44 left.

The Celtics will now face the actual NBA MVP - LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) - along with Dwyane Wade and the rest of the Heat. Miami advanced to the conference finals by eliminating the Indiana Pacers in six games.

Miami beat Boston in five games in the conference semifinals last year. In 2010, the Celtics eliminated the Heat in the first round and then knocked James and the Cavaliers out in the second - his final game with Cleveland before defecting to Miami.

'Last year is in the past,' Rondo said. 'This year we're a totally different team. We feel we can beat Miami. We got to this point; there's no doubt in my mind we can. We've got to go down there and take care of business.'

Philadelphia had one last chance with 100 seconds to play after Holiday made a 3-pointer to cut it to seven points. Pierce was left with nothing to do but cheerlead, waving his arms to encourage the crowd as Garnett went to the line with just under a minute left.

He made one of two, but Holiday lost the ball on the way to the basket and Rondo made a pair of free throws with 54 seconds left. Allen made a pair as the crowd chanted 'Beat the Heat!'

Jodie Meeks' 3-pointer rimmed out, the ball bounced to the floor and Rondo got his hands on it to complete the triple-double.

Pierce picked up two fouls seven seconds apart with about 8 minutes to play, then his fifth with 5:16 left. Rivers left him in, and Pierce picked up No. 6 a minute later - a charging call against Thaddeus Young out by the free throw line.

Courtesy of www ktvn.com


*****************************************************
  NEW ZEALAND   

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Josh PACE
  Hub Jets
  (198-G/F-83)
  Avg: 23.1
 1. Pace, Hub Jets23.1 
 2. Wright, OceanaGo.22.4 
 3. Tisby, OceanaGo.22.0 
 4. Leasure, Taranaki.21.3 
 5. Hudson, Taranaki.20.9 
 6. Jones, Nelson G.20.9 
 7. Braswell, Southlan.20.6 
 8. Abney, Southland19.6 
 9. Horvath, Hub Jets19.5 
 10. Tait, Auckland P.19.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Nick HORVATH
  Hub Jets
  (208-F/C-81)
  Avg: 15.8
 1. Horvath, Hub Jets15.8 
 2. Tisby, OceanaGo.12.1 
 3. Abney, Southland10.3 
 4. Atkinson, Harbo.10.2 
 5. Wright, OceanaGo.9.3 
 6. Frank, Wellington8.7 
 7. Johnson, Bay Hawks8.3 
 8. Harrison, Nelson G.8.0 
 9. Muhammad, Aucklan.7.9 
 10. Pace, Hub Jets7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Jason CROWE
  Wellington S.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 8.7
 1. Crowe, Wellington8.7 
 2. Tait, Auckland P.7.4 
 3. Braswell, Southlan.5.1 
 4. Jones, Nelson G.5.0 
 5. Wright, OceanaGo.4.6 
 6. Kenny, Bay Hawks4.4 
 7. Bailey, Harbour H.3.9 
 8. Hudson, Taranaki.3.8 
 9. Young, Bay Hawks3.7 
 10. Pace, Hub Jets3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Kevin BRASWELL
  Southlan.
  (188-G-79)
  Avg: 3
 1. Braswell, Southlan.3.0 
 2. Crowe, Wellington2.8 
 3. Wright, OceanaGo.2.2 
 4. Bailey, Harbour H.2.1 
 5. Leasure, Taranaki.2.0 
 6. Tait, Auckland P.1.7 
 7. Muhammad, Aucklan.1.6 
 8. Ross, OceanaGold1.6 
 9. Pace, Hub Jets1.5 
 10. Dorsey, Auckland1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Michael HARRISON
  Nelson G.
  (206-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Harrison, Nelson G.2.1 
 2. Tisby, OceanaGo.1.6 
 3. Atkinson, Harbo.1.3 
 4. Trousdell, Wellin.1.3 
 5. Wright, OceanaGo.1.2 
 6. Abney, Southland1.0 
 7. Scott, Wellington1.0 
 8. Muhammad, Aucklan.1.0 
 9. Prewster, Southlan.0.7 
 10. Frank, Wellington0.7 


Auckland Pirates earn the title - by Eurobasket News

Auckland - Wellington 89:83

Auckland Pirates celebrated the NBL title tonight. They held off the former champions Wellington Saints to clinch the Gold. Alex Pledger (213-C-87, college: Belm.Abbey) delivered 20 points and 9 rebounds to lead the winners. He was awarded Most Valuable Player after the game.
The Pirates opened the game aggressively. They dominated offensively scoring 28 points and posting a 7-point lead ten minutes into the clash. But the Saints reacted equally. They erased the deficit in the second quarter. Jason Crowe and Ernest Scott (201-F-82, agency: VVG Sports, college: Valdosta St.) helped the Saints to a 48:46 halftime lead. Auckland used an 8:0 run late in the third term to make it 71:64 with ten minutes to go. The Saints got within three points late in the final frame but the Pirates went deadly from the stripe and sealed the victory at the end. Ronald Dorsey (197-F/G-83, college: McNeese St.) accounted for 18 points, while Ismail Muhammad (198-F-83, college: Georgia Tech) contributed 16 points for the winners. Ernest Scott led all scorers with 28 points for the Saints. Casey Frank (203-F-77, college: N.Arizona) notched 19 points and 7 rebounds in the losing case.

Auckland: Alex Pledger 20, Ronald Dorsey 18, Ismail Muhammad 16
Wellington: Ernest Scott 28, Casey Frank 19


*****************************************************
  PHILIPPINES   

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Standings
 1. Petron Blaze 2-0 
 2. Rain or Shine 2-0 
 3. Barako Bull 1-0 
 4. Ginebra Kings 1-0 
 5. Air21 Express 1-1 
 6. Meralco Bolts 1-1 
 7. Alaska Aces 0-1 
 8. B-Meg Llam. 0-1 
 9. Powerade T. 0-2 
 10. Talk N Text 0-2 

Regular Season: Round 4

May. 26: Air21 Express - Talk N Text 97-86
May. 26: Meralco Bolts - Petron Blaze 88-101

Regular Season: Round 6

May. 30: Air21 Express - Rain or Shine
May. 30: Talk N Text - Petron Blaze


PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Zach GRAHAM
  Air21 E.
  (198-G-89)
  Avg: 34.5
 1. Graham, Air21 E.34.5 
 2. Harris, Talk N Text31.0 
 3. Oguchi, Meralco Bo.26.5 
 4. Basden, Petron B.26.0 
 5. Cornley, Rain o.26.0 
 6. David, Powerade T.25.5 
 7. McCants, Powerade.25.0 
 8. Mercado, Meralco20.5 
 9. Lee, Rain or Shine17.0 
 10. Cabagnot, Petron16.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Paul HARRIS
  Talk N Text
  (193-F/G-86)
  Avg: 15
 1. Harris, Talk N Text15.0 
 2. Graham, Air21 E.13.5 
 3. Salvador, Powerade.11.5 
 4. Taulava, Meralco11.0 
 5. Cornley, Rain o.11.0 
 6. Hugnatan, Meralco10.0 
 7. Basden, Petron B.10.0 
 8. Pena, Petron Blaze9.0 
 9. Santos, Petron B.8.5 
 10. McCants, Powerad.8.0 
Assists Per Game
 Chris ROSS
  Meralco .
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Ross, Meralco6.5 
 2. Hubalde, Air21 E.6.0 
 3. Norwood, Rain o.5.5 
 4. Cabagnot, Petron4.5 
 5. Lutz, Petron Blaze4.5 
 6. Dillinger, Talk N.4.0 
 7. Jazul, Air21 E.4.0 
 8. Casio, Powerade T.4.0 
 9. Basden, Petron B.4.0 
 10. David, Powerade T.4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Edward BASDEN
  Petron B.
  (196-G/F-83)
  Avg: 3
 1. Basden, Petron B.3.0 
 2. Mercado, Meralco2.0 
 3. Dillinger, Talk N.2.0 
 4. Macapagal, Meralc.1.5 
 5. Omolon, Air21 E.1.5 
 6. Ross, Meralco1.5 
 7. Graham, Air21 E.1.5 
 8. Washington, Petron1.5 
 9. McCants, Powerade.1.5 
 10. Artadi, Meralco B.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Rashad MCCANTS
  Powerade.
  (193-G/F-84)
  Avg: 2
 1. McCants, Powerade.2.0 
 2. Aguilar, Talk N.1.5 
 3. Santos, Petron B.1.0 
 4. Norwood, Rain o.1.0 
 5. deOcampo, Talk N.1.0 
 6. Quinahan, Rain o.1.0 
 7. Harris, Talk N Text1.0 
 8. Basden, Petron B.1.0 
 9. Lutz, Petron Blaze1.0 
 10. Isip, Air21 Expre.1.0 


ASEAN League: Indonesia Warriors steal road win over Patriots - by Eurobasket News

Philippine Patriots - Indonesia Warriors 64:73

Indonesia Warriors opened the semifinal series versus Philippine Patriots with a road win. Now the Warriors will be looking to close out the series when they face the Patriots at home court on June 3. Stanley Pringle (184-PG-87, college: Penn St.) scored 23 points to lead the visitors to the win.
The Warriors stunned ambitious hosts in the opening frame. The Indonesian team went on a 24:11 run to leave their opponents behind. The visitors stayed aggressive in the second quarter. They accumulated a 44:23 halftime lead. The Patriots finally tuned up their offence in the third term. They unloaded 29 points in the quarter to narrow the gap at just 6 points before the fourth frame 52:58. But the visitors quickly boosted the margin to 14 points and never looked back en route to the victory. Steve Thomas (204-C/F-81, college: Middle Tenn.St.) accounted for 17 points and 19 rebounds for the Warriors. Anthony Johnson (197-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances, college: La-Lafayette) answered with 21 points for the Patriots. Al Vergara (173-G-79) provided 12 points, 6 boards and 6 assists in the loss.

Philippine Patriots: Anthony Johnson 21, Al Vergara 12
Indonesia Warriors: Stanley Pringle 23, Steve Thomas 17+19 boards, Evan Brock (204-F-84, college: Alabama) 8


Saturday's games review - by Eurobasket News

Air21 Express - Talk N Text 97-86
Air21 just won't let this opportunity slip away. Zach Graham (198-G-89, college: Mississippi) sizzled with a conference-best 38 points and the rest of the team helped as the Express pummeled the injury-hit Talk n Text side for a 97-86 win in the PBA Governors Cup at the Ynares Sports Center here Saturday night. 'We're fortunate some of the main guys of Talk n Text are still not yet 100 percent,' said Air21 coach Franz Pumaren. The Texters continued to struggle with injuries to several players, and the Express took advantage of things, bouncing back from a losing tournament debut versus the Barangay Ginebra Kings Wednesday. 'I guess the guys responded to my challenge. After our embarrassing game against Ginebra, I was pretty hard on the players. I told them that's not the way to play in the PBA,' said Pumaren. The Express did respond to the challenge, pouncing on the Texters' struggling game. Talk n Text became the very first team beaten by Air21 twice. And with its earlier loss to Meralco, Talk n Text is now 0-2 in the season-ending conference. It's the first time in three years that the Smart-PLDT franchise got to such losing start in a tourney. Jimmy Alapag, Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes plunged back into action but the Texters still failed to avoid suffering a first back-to-back defeats since falling 1-3 in their semifinals series versus Petron Blaze in the last Philippine Cup. Graham did the biggest damage on Talk n Text as he went 12-of-36 from the field and 13-of-15 from the stripe to top the 33-point performance of Barako Bull import Jamelle Peterson Friday against B-Meg. The Air21 reinforcement also hauled down 15 rebounds, took two steals and dished out an assist in 43 minutes of action. 'I have to give credit to our import. He showed a great all-around game, helping the locals along the way,' said Pumaren. 'I've talked to my locals. I told them we're fortunate to have this import who can make the points, get the rebounds and play defense. But in the end, kailangan pa rin mag-trabaho ng mga locals dahil pwedeng mag-cancel out ng performances ang mga imports,' Pumaren also said. Mark Isip and Elmer Espiritu were among the locals who stepped up for Air21 against Talk n Text. Both came through with double-double numbers with Isip getting 17 points and 10 rebounds and Espiritu piling up 14 markers and 10 boards. Paul Harris collected 30 points and 17 rebounds but couldn't do everything for the Texters. To his frustration, Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes, at one point, slammed his board on the floor while in a huddle with his team. The Texters just couldn't get their game going, trailing most of the way. (SB) *Courtesy of www.pba.ph

Meralco Bolts - Petron Blaze 88-101
Petron Blaze is back playing with a high-octane game after a faltering showing in the last conference. Making good use of their retooled lineup, the Boosters are now on a 2-0 roll in the PBA Governors Cup, and coach Ato Agustin said they intend to get going. 'The tournament features a carry-over' format, and so every game counts. Kailangan manalo ng manalo,' said Agustin after his team made it two in a row with a 101-88 win over Meralco at the Ynares Center here Saturday. The Bolts slid to 1-1. As in their triumphant 97-83 tournament debut against Powerade Sunday, the Boosters showcased an impressive balanced game, slowly pulling away in the final half. Agustin made special mention of Jay Washington who picked up a good rhythm in his second game from his return from a foot injury. 'Balik na yong timing ni Jay-wash,'' said Agustin of the 6-foot-7 Fil-Am forward, a big key in their breakaway from a tight game in the third quarter. The two teams were engaged in a battle marked by 11 deadlocks and nine lead changes before Washington came through with decisive plays fuelling a run that shoved Petron ahead, 72-64, going into the payoff period. The Boosters went unrelenting to the finish with Edward Basden (196-G/F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Charlotte), Alex Cabagnot, Arwind Santos and Denok Miranda also providing a push. Washington wound up with 19 points, nine rebounds, three steals and one steal in 25 minutes of action while Basden ended up with 24 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks in 44 minutes of play. 'Ang nakakatuwa dito alam ng lahat ang roles nila,' said Agustin. 'Swerte kami kay Basden. He's a solid import who can play on both ends. Even then, he's willing to share the ball with his teammates,' Agustin added. Cabagnot, Santos and Miranda also put in double-digit outputs while Chris Lutz, Joseph Yeo, Chico Lanete and Danny Ildefonso had their own contributions. Washington, however, stood out in delivering 17 points in the final half. He rifled in a three-pointer and jammed in an alley-oop pass by Cabagnot to highlight his 7-of-10 field shooting. Champ Oguchi also made 24 points for Meralco with Asi Taulava and Sol Mercado chipping in 19 and 17, respectively. The Bolts could have made the game close if not for eight missed free throws in the fourth quarter. They wound up with a poor 17-of-30 shooting from the line. (SB) *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 ZG19.4 
 2. Corbett, Siarka J.16.1 
 3. Miller, Siarka J.15.9 
 4. Motiejunas, Asseco15.8 
 5. Kulig, PBG Basket15.7 
 6. Micic, PBG Basket15.7 
 7. Burrell, Energa C.15.6 
 8. Dylewicz, Trefl So.15.6 
 9. Koszarek, Trefl S.15.5 
 10. Weeden, Polpharma15.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Darrell HARRIS
  Kotwica
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 11.6
 1. Harris, Kotwica11.6 
 2. Lawal, Zastal ZG10.2 
 3. Hrycaniuk, Asseco9.2 
 4. Dluski, LKS Lodz8.1 
 5. Archibeque, Zastal8.0 
 6. Burgess, Trefl S.8.0 
 7. Turek, Trefl Sopot7.4 
 8. Doaks, Siarka J.7.3 
 9. Simmons, Polpharma7.2 
 10. Bartosz, PBG Bas.7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Jerel BLASSINGAME
  Asseco P.
  (175-G-81)
  Avg: 7.2
 1. Blassingame, Assec.7.2 
 2. Skibniewski, Slask7.2 
 3. Hodge, Zastal ZG5.7 
 4. Wilczek, AZS P.5.2 
 5. Milicic, AZS K.5.0 
 6. Koszarek, Trefl S.5.0 
 7. Burrell, Energa C.4.8 
 8. Miller, Siarka J.4.7 
 9. Micic, PBG Basket4.5 
 10. Moore, PGE Turow4.4 
Steals Per Game
 Krzysztof SZUBARGA
  Anwil
  (182-G-84)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Szubarga, Anwil1.7 
 2. Sapp, Kotwica1.5 
 3. Tiller, Siarka J.1.5 
 4. Motiejunas, Asseco1.5 
 5. Skibniewski, Slask1.5 
 6. Ponitka, AZS P.1.4 
 7. Miller, Siarka J.1.4 
 8. Koszarek, Trefl S.1.4 
 9. Dabrowski, Polph.1.4 
 10. Hodge, Zastal ZG1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Chris BURGESS
  Trefl S.
  (209-C-79)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Burgess, Trefl S.1.6 
 2. Harris, Kotwica1.6 
 3. Eziukwu, AZS K.1.6 
 4. Kesicki, Kotwica1.4 
 5. Morrison, Energa C.1.3 
 6. Karnowski, Siarka1.2 
 7. Lauderdale, PGE T.1.1 
 8. Mladenovic, Slask1.1 
 9. Lawal, Zastal ZG1.1 
 10. Doaks, Siarka J.1.0 


Zastal Zielona Gora celebrate PLK Bronze - by Eurobasket News

Zastal Zielona Gora - PGE Turow 79:74

Zastal Zielona Gora claimed PLK Bronze medals. They defeated PGE Turow tonight to win the consolation final series 2-1. Walter Hodge (183-PG-86, college: Florida) scored 25 points to lead Zastal to the victory. He was named the MVP of the series.
Zastal and Turow stayed close throughout the opening frame. The hosts eked out a 22:21 lead after ten minutes. The margin grew in the second quarter. The home team unloaded 28 points to ensure a 50:41 halftime advantage. Zastal ZG stretched the margin in the third term. They accumulated a 67:55 advantage with one quarter remaining. PGE Turow limited the home team to just 12 points in the fourth term narrowing the margin but Zastal hang on to celebrate a decisive win at the end. Kamil Chanas (188-PG-85) provided 21 points, while Piotr Stelmach (205-F-84, agency: BeoExcell, college: Mississippi St.) added 10 points for the winning side. Arthur Lee (185-G-77, agency: Interperformances, college: Stanford) answered with 16 points for PGE Turow. Michal Chylinski (199-G-86, agency: Interperformances) contributed 13 points in the losing case.

Zastal ZG: Walter Hodge 25, Kamil Chanas 21, Piotr Stelmach 10
PGE Turow: Arthur Lee 16, Michal Chylinski 13


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

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game
 Al THORNTON
  Guayama
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 25.3
 1. Thornton, Guayama25.3 
 2. Sensley, Humacao19.7 
 3. Randolph, Quebradi.19.4 
 4. Harris, San German18.9 
 5. Diogu, Arecibo18.1 
 6. Brown, Humacao18.0 
 7. Dalmau, Bayamon17.8 
 8. Ayuso, Arecibo17.3 
 9. Ramos, Quebradillas17.1 
 10. Vassallo, Guayna.16.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Shavlik RANDOLPH
  Quebradi.
  (208-F-83)
  Avg: 11.5
 1. Randolph, Quebradi.11.5 
 2. Harris, San German10.3 
 3. Diogu, Arecibo9.9 
 4. Lloreda, San G.9.5 
 5. Powell, Guayama9.2 
 6. Thornton, Guayama9.2 
 7. Sensley, Humacao9.0 
 8. Ramos, Quebradillas8.8 
 9. Burgess, Guaynabo8.4 
 10. Shannon, Quebradi.8.1 
Assists Per Game
 Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Arecibo
  (184-PG-81)
  Avg: 7.7
 1. Rodriguez, Arecibo7.7 
 2. Rivera, San German5.6 
 3. Guzman, Guaynabo5.4 
 4. Garcia, Humacao5.2 
 5. Smith, Mayaguez5.1 
 6. Pagan, Guayama5.0 
 7. Butler, Quebradill.4.8 
 8. Dalmau, Bayamon4.2 
 9. Pinnock, Arecibo4.1 
 10. Brown, Humacao3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Donta SMITH
  Mayaguez
  (201-G-83)
  Avg: 2
 1. Smith, Mayaguez2.0 
 2. Rodriguez, Arecibo1.8 
 3. Mojica, Bayamon1.7 
 4. Hamilton, Mayaguez1.5 
 5. Dalmau, Bayamon1.5 
 6. Pinnock, Arecibo1.5 
 7. Thornton, Guayama1.3 
 8. Sensley, Humacao1.3 
 9. Figueroa, Guaynabo1.3 
 10. Rivera, San German1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Mamadou LAMIZANA
  Bayamon
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Lamizana, Bayamon2.4 
 2. Penn, Humacao1.8 
 3. Aubry, Arecibo1.7 
 4. Shannon, Quebradil.1.6 
 5. Thornton, Guayama1.6 
 6. O''Bryant, Mayaguez1.6 
 7. Burgess, Guaynabo1.4 
 8. Randolph, Quebradi.1.3 
 9. Powell, Guayama1.3 
 10. Ramos, Quebradill.1.2 


Capitanes get one on the road and are up 3-1: - by Luis Modestti

Capitanes de Arecibo defeated Atlticos de San Germn 98-89 in overtime. The series is 3-1 in favor of Arecibo and game five is Tuesday in Arecibo.

Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC) scored 31 points, Andres Rodriguez (184-PG-81, college: American) 21 and Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, college: G.Washington) 13 for Arecibo who had an impressive second half.

Ayuso scored 11 of the 15 points scored by Arecibo in the first quarter against 13 from San German.

Atleticos reacted in the second quarter with 33 points led by Cheyne Gadson (192-G-80, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Oklahoma St.) who came from the bench to light a spark in their offense. The first half ended 46-33 in favor of the hosts. Gadson had 13 points for San German.

Arecibo never gave up and came back led by the defensive effort of Jeff Aubry and on offense Andres Rodriguez did a great job scoring and distributing. Rodriguez scored two free throws with 28.8 seconds to put the game 84-83.

Then after a missed shot by Jesse Pellot-Rosa (193-G-84, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: VCU), Arecibo countered with a penetration by Guillermo Diaz (188-SG-85, college: Miami, FL) but before he got to the basket he was fouled. Diaz made one free throw and sent it into overtime. After time expired a fan threw an object and hit referee Jorge Vazquez. A technical foul was called and after that Arecibo buried San German with 14 points in overtime.

In the loss Gadson had 25 points and Filiberto Rivera (190-PG-82, college: UTEP) netted 12.


*****************************************************
  SENEGAL   


Saint Quentin officially signs Malick Badiane, extends Olivier Romain - by Eurobasket News

Saint Quentin announced signing of a two-year deal with Malick Badiane (211-F/C-84). At the same time, the club also signed a 1+1 year contract extension with Olivier Romain (182-G-88). The team will compete in ProB next season. They were regular season champs in NM1 with 27-7 record.
Malick Badiane started the last season with Antibes. The centre notched 11.6 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. Later Badiane moved to Nantes. His stats read 12.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per appearance. Previously the centre had stints in France, D-League, China, Germany and Italy. He has been the member of Senegalese National Team since 2003. Malick Badiane participated at 2011 African Championship. He notched 8.8 points, 11.0 boards and 1.2 blocks per game in Madagascar.
Olivier Romain arrived to Saint Quentin in 2010. He appeared 34 times for the club this season averaging 8.8 points, 2.7 assists and 1.7 rebounds. Before Saint Quentin, he played for Bourg and Boulgone.


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

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game
 Milos BOJOVIC
  Zeleznicar
  (198-G-81)
  Avg: 23.5
 1. Bojovic, Zeleznicar23.5 
 2. Milisavljevi., Meg.20.7 
 3. Zigeranovic, Borac20.5 
 4. Balaban, Smederevo20.0 
 5. Jeremic, Hemofarm17.1 
 6. Bozovic, Sloga17.1 
 7. Dimic, Radnicki.16.5 
 8. Cupkovic, Napredak16.5 
 9. Miljenovic, Mega V.16.1 
 10. Simon, Radnicki K.15.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Darko BALABAN
  Smederevo
  (211-C-89)
  Avg: 8.8
 1. Balaban, Smederevo8.8 
 2. Zigeranovic, Borac8.2 
 3. Cupkovic, Napredak7.6 
 4. Majkic, Prolet.7.2 
 5. Cantekin, Mega V.7.2 
 6. Petrovic, BKK R.7.0 
 7. Scott, Radnicki K.6.8 
 8. Misanovic, OKK B.6.6 
 9. Musli, Mega Vizura6.4 
 10. Gagic, Hemofarm6.1 
Assists Per Game
 Miljan PAVKOVIC
  Radnicki K.
  (178-G-81)
  Avg: 7.3
 1. Pavkovic, Radnicki7.3 
 2. Boltic, BKK R.5.7 
 3. Osmokrovic, BKK R.5.1 
 4. Dundjerski, Vojvo.4.7 
 5. Popovic, Crvena Z.4.6 
 6. Markovic, Radnicki4.5 
 7. Jovic, Sloga4.3 
 8. Miljenovic, Mega V.4.1 
 9. Milisavljevi., Meg.4.1 
 10. Stefanovic, Smed.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Negoslav GACIC
  BKK Radnicki
  (193-G-)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Gacic, BKK Radnicki2.8 
 2. Jovic, Sloga2.6 
 3. Boltic, BKK R.2.3 
 4. Dundjerski, Vojvo.2.0 
 5. Bojovic, Zeleznicar2.0 
 6. Vulin, Prolet.1.9 
 7. Kuzeta, Vojvodina1.8 
 8. Majstorovic, Tamis1.8 
 9. Miljenovic, Mega V.1.7 
 10. Drca, OKK Beograd1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Nenad MISANOVIC
  OKK B.
  (217-C-84)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Misanovic, OKK B.1.5 
 2. Simon, Radnicki K.1.3 
 3. Zigeranovic, Borac1.2 
 4. Balaban, Smederevo1.2 
 5. Scott, Radnicki K.1.0 
 6. Cantekin, Mega V.0.9 
 7. Petronic, BKK R.0.8 
 8. Todorovic, Borac0.8 
 9. Majkic, Prolet.0.8 
 10. Jevtovic, Sloboda0.7 


Partizan and Radnicki Kragujevac take 1-0 lead in the Semifinals - by Eurobasket News

First games of the Superleague Semifinals just ended. Partizan and Radnicki Kragujevac outplayed their rivals for 1-0 lead in the series. The format is best-of-three and second games are scheduled for Tuesday. Vojvodina and Crvena Zvezda will be the hosts. Partizan is the defending champion in Serbia. They also were regular season champs with 12-2 record.

Radnicki K. - Crvena Zvezda 84-78 (1-0)
The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 32-18. But Zvezda won second period 24-21. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Radnicki K. made 21-of-26 free shots (80.8 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. 26 personal fouls committed by Zvezda helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American center David Simon (207-82, college: IPFW) who helped to win the game recording 24 points. Miljan Pavkovic (178-81, agency: Beo Basket) contributed with 16 points and 5 assists for the winners. Center Petar Popovic (211-79) answered with 15 points and 7 rebounds and Sava Lesic (205-88) added 13 points in the effort for Zvezda.
Top scorers:
Radnicki K.: D.Simon 24+2reb+2ast, M.Pavkovic 16+1reb+5ast, B.Bakic 11+4reb+1ast, S.Bircevic 7+6reb+1ast, M.Scott 7+9reb+2ast, V.Vuksanovic 6+2reb+2ast
Crvena Zvezda: P.Popovic 15+7reb, S.Lesic 13+3reb+1ast, N.Nedovic 10+2reb+1ast, B.Subotic 9+5reb+2ast, B.Popovic 8+2ast, F.Covic 7+2ast
gschID: 177047


Partizan - Vojvodina 77-67 (1-0)
The game was mostly controlled by Partizan. Vojvodina was better in fourth quarter 22-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 21-of-24 charity shots (87.5 percent) during the game. Vojvodina was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. Miroslav Raduljica (213-88) stepped up and scored 10 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and Milan Macvan (206-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) chipped in 10 points and 8 rebounds. Four Partizan players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard Slobodan Dundjerski (190-88, agency: Alti Sport) responded with 12 points and forward Strahinja Milosevic (203-85) scored 13 points.
Top scorers:
Partizan: D.Andjusic 12+2reb+4ast, D.Milosavljevic 11+4reb+1ast, M.Macvan 10+8reb+2ast, V.Lucic 10+1reb, M.Raduljica 10+8reb+4ast, N.Besovic 8+4reb
Vojvodina: S.Milosevic 13+3reb, S.Dundjerski 12+3reb+2ast, R.Markovic 11+3ast, D.Bunic 8+3reb, O.Kuzeta 7+1reb, S.Stojacic 5+6reb+1ast


Mirkovic Uros wins Bronze in Poland - by Eurobasket News

Uros Mirkovic (205-F/C-82, agency: BeoExcell) wins Bronze in Poland as his Zastal Zielona Gora claimed PLK Bronze medals. They defeated PGE Turow 79:74 tonight to win the consolation final series 2-1. Walter Hodge scored 25 points to lead Zastal to the victory. He was named the MVP of the series.
Zastal and Turow stayed close throughout the opening frame. The hosts eked out a 22:21 lead after ten minutes. The margin grew in the second quarter. The home team unloaded 28 points to ensure a 50:41 halftime advantage. Zastal ZG stretched the margin in the third term. They accumulated a 67:55 advantage with one quarter remaining. PGE Turow limited the home team to just 12 points in the fourth term narrowing the margin but Zastal hang on to celebrate a decisive win at the end. Kamil Chanas provided 21 points, while Piotr Stelmach added 10 points for the winning side. Arthur Lee answered with 16 points for PGE Turow. Michal Chylinski contributed 13 points in the losing case.

Uros Mirkovic started the season 2011-2012 for BC Mures Targu-Mures (Romania-Div.A), but in Sep.'11 moved to Zastal Zielona Gora (Poland-PLK, starting five). He averaged 7.4 points per game.


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


Radoslav Rancik selected the top Slovakian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Radoslav Rancik
Radoslav Rancik
   #1. This week's number one is an experienced former international power forward Radoslav Rancik (207-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.Cloud St.), who plays in the Ukrainian Superleague. He could not help Azovmash (26-13) in their last game. Despite Rancik's very good performance Azovmash lost 79-84 at home to the leading BC Donetsk. He was the second best scorer with 18 points. Rancik also added 6 passes in 29 minutes on the court. It's Rancik's first season with the team. This year he averages: 8.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 44.2%, 3FGP: 30.1% and FT: 83.3% in the 43 games he played so far. Rancik played for the Slovakian senior national team two years ago.

Anton Gavel
Anton Gavel
   #2. Second place goes to an international guard Anton Gavel (189-84, agency: Pro One Sports). He was the major contributor in a Brose Baskets' victory against the closely-ranked Artland Dragons (24-10) crushing them 103-70 in the German BBL last Saturday. Gavel recorded 12 points, 7 assists and 3 steals. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Brose Baskets Bamberg (30-4) is placed first in the BBL. Gavel has relatively good stats this season: 10.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.7apg, 2FGP: 52.2%, 3FGP: 42.4% and FT: 76.6%. He is in the roster of the Slovakian senior national team.

Dusan Pandula
Dusan Pandula
   #3. The Slovakian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international forward Dusan Pandula (196-84), who plays in the Czech Republic NBL. Pandula was not able to help BK Prostejov (25-11) in their last game. Despite his good performance the second-placed BK Prostejov lost 66-75 on the road to the leading CEZ Nymburk in the A1 group. Pandula recorded 10 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in 29 minutes. This year Pandula's overall stats are: 7.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 47.8%, 3FGP: 31.4% and FT: 62.4% in the 46 games. He is also a member of the Slovakian senior national team.

Justin Sedlak
Justin Sedlak
   #4. Power forward Justin Sedlak (205-87, college: Florida Tech) was not able to secure a victory for Caceres 2016 (2-1) in their game against Melilla Baloncesto (20-14) in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division). Despite his very good performance in Sunday night's game Sedlak scored 14 points. Sedlak's total stats this season are: 4.7ppg and 2.6rpg. He used to play for the Slovakian national team back in 2010.

Other top Slovakian players, who play abroad:

Mihail Cehovski (208-F-94) plays for Partizan in Serbian A League
Patrick Boloz (211-C-96) plays for Brose Baskets in German BBL
Roman Marko (195-G-86) plays for BC Kolin in Czech Republic NBL
Richard Urland (195-F-84) plays for Levice in Czech Republic NBL
Richard Klein (198-F-77) plays for Levice in Czech Republic NBL
Ladislav Lutovsky (201-F-75) plays for Levice in Czech Republic NBL
Jozef Vojtek (203-F/C-85) plays for Levice in Czech Republic NBL
Peter Seman (191-F-77) plays for Levice in Czech Republic NBL
Marek Stec (193-G-80) plays for Levice in Czech Republic NBL
Ladislav Stojanov (194-F-88) plays for Levice in Czech Republic NBL
Daniel Ilavsky (G-87) plays for Levice in Czech Republic NBL

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


*****************************************************
  SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Super 4 Israel Sarmiento - Day 2: Venezuela crushes Colombia, Uruguay wakes up - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- The Senior NT of Venezuela got its second straight victory in the 2012 Super 4 Israel Sarmiento Tournament played at the Forum of Valencia, Venezuela, this time over Colombia, 80-62, while Uruguay woke up from an astonishing Day 1 defeat against Colombia, by winning in their second game against Chile, 58-52.

Coach Brad Greenberg activated Gregory Vargas (182-PG-86), Dwight Lewis (196-G-87) and newcomer Anthony Perez (203-F-93) for the second game and the move paid off. He used Heissler Guillent (186-PG-86), Jhornan Zamora (193-G/F-89), Luis Valera (201-F-88), Windi Graterol (203-F/C-86) and Miguel Marriaga (208-C-84) as starters for the second straight night.

Marriaga got the best out of his paint-game abilities and Venezuela took over the first quarter, 25-19. Zamora continued to impress everybody with his mid range and long range shooting and his accurate free-throw shots, even though he had spent over a month without official games back in Spain's ACB.

Colombia's only productive weapon was Stalin Ortiz (190-G-81). Head coach Hernan Dario Giraldo was ejected in the second quarter because he verbally offended referee Khaled El Halad. Marriaga and Zamora kept things going and Venezuela took command of the situation in the second quarter, 52-30.

Even though Colombia played a little better in the third partial (68-49) thanks to John Hernandez (207-C) and his rebounds, it wasn't enough. Zamora led Venezuela with 18 points, including three shots from the long range, Miguel Marriaga added 12 points and Jose Juan Bravo (202-C-86) finished up with 11. For Colombia, Stalin Ortiz netted 34 and Divier Perez (201-F/C-89) followed him with 7.

Greenberg was happy to see everyone involved in the team goals and getting quality minutes on court. 'Today we had the chance to give minutes to everybody in an uniform and each one of them played at least 11 minutes'.

In regards to what they did on court, he said that 'we're improving and it's necesary to play these games to see how the team reacts. Besides, we've added players that haven't had the chance to practice with the group. They're all playing very well defensively and there's a positive attitude because they want to be a team, they want to help each other and that's very important'.

PG Gregory Vargas, currently playing the LPB 2012 Finals but who had the chance to travel to Valencia to play in these games, had positive things to say about it. 'Nowadays, Venezuela has a great team with a lot of young players and we're all in a beautiful competition to earn one spot. The most important thing is that we're all focused about being a team and today we showed that. Today we did the extra pass and we helped each other on defense'

Meanwhile, Uruguay did not make significant improvements in their game, but still managed to defeated Chile, 58-52. Uruguay has a 1-1 record, like Colombia, while Chile is now 0-2 prior to the last day, in which Colombia and Chile will play at 1.00pm and Venezuela will face Uruguay for the trophy at 3.00pm.


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

Stats Leaders - ACB

Points Per Game
 Andy PANKO
  Lagun A.
  (204-F-77)
  Avg: 18.6
 1. Panko, Lagun A.18.6 
 2. Doellman, Assignia16.8 
 3. Teletovic, Caja L.16.0 
 4. Wright, CAI Z.14.5 
 5. Penney, Fuenlabra.14.4 
 6. Davis, Cajasol14.1 
 7. De Colo, Valencia13.3 
 8. Hettsheimer, CAI Z.13.3 
 9. Navarro, FCB Regal13.1 
 10. Freeland, Unicaja12.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 James AUGUSTINE
  UCAM M.
  (208-F-84)
  Avg: 8.3
 1. Augustine, UCAM M.8.3 
 2. Ivanov, Lucentum7.9 
 3. Borchardt, B.de R.7.7 
 4. Freeland, Unicaja7.5 
 5. Davis, Cajasol7.3 
 6. Williams, FIATC J.7.1 
 7. Caner-Medley, Vale.6.9 
 8. Teletovic, Caja L.6.6 
 9. Gabriel, Asefa E.6.5 
 10. Hettsheimer, CAI6.4 
Assists Per Game
 Javier RODRIGUEZ
  Assignia.
  (189-G-79)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Rodriguez, Assigni.6.5 
 2. Salgado, Lagun A.4.3 
 3. Llull, Real Madrid4.0 
 4. Rodriguez, Bluse.3.8 
 5. Granger, Asefa E.3.8 
 6. Dumas, B.de R.3.7 
 7. Prigioni, Caja L.3.7 
 8. Rodriguez, Real M.3.7 
 9. Huertas, FCB Regal3.5 
 10. Llompart, Lucent.3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Pablo PRIGIONI
  Caja L.
  (191-G-77)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Prigioni, Caja L.1.8 
 2. Doellman, Assignia1.5 
 3. Vidal, Lagun A.1.5 
 4. De Colo, Valencia1.5 
 5. Uriz, B.de Rueda V.1.4 
 6. Udoka, UCAM M.1.4 
 7. Hanga, Assignia M.1.4 
 8. Calloway, Cajasol1.4 
 9. Eidson, FCB Regal1.3 
 10. Garbajosa, Unicaja1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Stephane LASME
  Blusens M.
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Lasme, Blusens M.1.9 
 2. Fischer, Gescrap BB1.9 
 3. Sene, Fuenlabrada1.7 
 4. Begic, Real Madrid1.5 
 5. Toure, B.de R.1.4 
 6. Ndong, FCB Regal1.1 
 7. Barnes, Lucentum1.0 
 8. Vazquez, FCB Regal1.0 
 9. Augustine, UCAM M.0.9 
 10. Asselin, Assignia0.9 


Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game
 Troy DEVRIES
  Melilla
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 19.1
 1. DeVries, Melilla19.1 
 2. Witt, Knet Clavijo18.2 
 3. Feldeine, Breogan17.7 
 4. Quezada, Leon16.5 
 5. Franklin, Huesca16.2 
 6. Bivia, Mallorca16.0 
 7. Fernandez, Granada15.7 
 8. Moss, Palencia15.4 
 9. Antelo, Caceres14.7 
 10. Leonavicius, Hue.14.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Olaseni LAWAL
  Knet Clavijo
  (208-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.6
 1. Lawal, Knet Clavijo10.6 
 2. Donaldson, Canarias8.8 
 3. Diouf, Palencia8.8 
 4. Kuzmin, Clinicas.8.6 
 5. Starosta, Navarra8.2 
 6. Antelo, Caceres7.8 
 7. Sikma, La Palma7.7 
 8. Mortellaro, Leon7.7 
 9. Fernandez, Granada7.6 
 10. Williams, Caceres7.5 
Assists Per Game
 Oscar ALVARADO
  La Palma
  (184-PG-91)
  Avg: 6.1
 1. Alvarado, La Palma6.1 
 2. Bivia, Mallorca5.1 
 3. Witt, Knet Clavijo4.5 
 4. Norris, Lleida4.3 
 5. Lopez, Burgos4.0 
 6. Perez, Menorca3.7 
 7. Bernabe, Leon3.7 
 8. Sabat, Canarias3.6 
 9. Quezada, Leon3.4 
 10. DeVries, Melilla3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Alexander FRANKLIN
  Huesca
  (196-PF-88)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Franklin, Huesca2.5 
 2. Toledo, Burgos2.1 
 3. Bernabe, Leon2.0 
 4. Xavier, Palencia2.0 
 5. Norris, Lleida1.9 
 6. Green, Mallorca1.8 
 7. Alonso, Mallorca1.8 
 8. Abrines, Clinic.1.8 
 9. Rost, Canarias1.7 
 10. Guerra, Granada1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Ognen KUZMIN
  Clinicas.
  (215-C-90)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Kuzmin, Clinicas.2.1 
 2. Lawal, Knet Clavijo1.7 
 3. Diouf, Palencia1.6 
 4. Green, Mallorca1.3 
 5. Olmos, Caceres1.1 
 6. Samb, Granada1.1 
 7. Odiakosa, Melilla1.1 
 8. Coleman, Girona1.1 
 9. Donaldson, Canarias0.9 
 10. Antelo, Caceres0.9 


LEB Gold Semifinals: Melilla forces Game Five against Caceres - by Eurobasket News

LEB Gold Semifinals, Game 4: Caceres - Melilla 80-81 (2-2, best-of-five)

The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Jose Salvador Arco (194-G-85) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 6 rebounds. German power forward Kiril Wachsmann (203-83, college: Iona, agency: Edge Sports) contributed with 14 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) for the winners. Four Melilla Baloncesto players scored in double figures. Belizean-American power forward Leon Williams (203-86, college: Ohio) replied with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds and the former international forward Francisco Sanchez (201-79) added 26 points in the effort for Caceres 2016. Game Five - Tuesday and Melilla's home court.
Top scorers:
Caceres: F.Sanchez 26+1reb+1ast, L.Williams 17+11reb+3ast, C.Cherry 10+6reb+3ast, D.Rodriguez 9+2reb+6ast, S.Olmos 7+5reb, J.Angel Antelo 7+4reb
Melilla: J.Salvador Arco 17+6reb+2ast, K.Wachsmann 14+9reb+2ast, H.Manzano 13+3reb+1ast, C.Odiakosa 11+4reb, M.Suka-Umu 9+4reb+3ast, J.Riera 8+1ast


Valencia wins at Palau Blaugrana, Real Madrid beats Caja Laboral - by Eurobasket News

Second games of Liga Endesa Semifinals are completed. Valencia did a great job today celebrating 76-81 road victory against Regal Barca. The defending champ was better in the first meeting and the series is tied at 1-1 now. In the other Semis, Real Madrid handed 73-64 loss to Caja Laboral tying the score to 1-1. Third games are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. Caja Laboral and Valencia will be the hosts. They will host also Game Four on May 31/June 1. The Semifinals format is best-of-five.

FCB Regal - Valencia 76-81 (1-1)
Regal FC Barcelona was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. International guard Rafael Martinez (191-82) scored 18 points and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and French guard Nando De Colo (202-87) chipped in 16 points and 5 assists during the contest. Four Valencia Basket players scored in double figures. Brazilian-Italian point guard Marcelinho Huertas (191-83, agency: Edge Sports) responded with 17 points and 8 assists and Senegalese center Boniface Ndong (213-77) scored 11 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
Valencia: R.Martinez 18+1reb+4ast, N.De Colo 16+5ast, V.Faverani 15+3reb+1ast, A.James Ogilvy 13+4reb, N.Caner-Medley 7+9reb, R.San Miguel 5+5reb+3ast
FCB Regal: M.Huertas 17+3reb+8ast, P.Mickeal 12+4reb+1ast, B.Ndong 11+7reb+2ast, E.Lorbek 9+3reb, J.Wallace 7+2reb, J.Carlos Navarro 6+1reb+3ast
gschID: 177089


Real Madrid - Caja Laboral 73-64 (1-1)
Caja Laboral was tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. Caja Laboral was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. International point guard Sergio Llull (190-87) notched 16 points and 4 assists to lead the effort and Serbian forward Novica Velickovic (205-86) supported him with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Real Madrid's coach Pablo Laso allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 16 points and 7 rebounds by Serbian power forward Nemanja Bjelica (209-88, agency: Interperformances) did not help to save the game for Caja Laboral. Bosnian forward Mirza Teletovic (206-85, agency: Beo Basket) added 16 points for the guests. Four Caja Laboral players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Real Madrid: S.Llull 16+4reb+4ast, N.Velickovic 16+5reb+1ast, C.Suarez 10+5reb+2ast, J.Carroll 9+2reb, K.Singler 7+3reb, A.Tomic 6+6reb+1ast
Caja Laboral: N.Bjelica 16+7reb+1ast, M.Teletovic 16+1reb+1ast, B.Oleson 14, F.San Emeterio 10+2reb+1ast, P.Ribas 4+1reb, M.Lampe 3+7reb+1ast


Bilbao eyes Fabien Causeur - by Eurobasket News

According to Spanish media (Solobasket), Bilbao wants to sign Fabien Causeur (193-G-87) for the next season. Reportedly, the club already made an offer. Causeur spent last three seasons with Cholet. In the latest one he had 16 ppg, 3.9 apg and 3.4 rpg for 32 games. He was named MVP of the season in ProA. Causeur also added 21.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 2.2 apg for 6 EuroCup games. With Cholet, the guard won ProA title in 2010. Before that, he played for Le Havre. Fabien Causeur will play for the French National Team at the Olympic Games in London. He missed 2011 EuroBasket in Lithuania. Two years ago, Causeur played for France at the World Championship in Turkey, but his time on the court was very limited. He was a member of U20 France in the past.


The financial crisis in Spain could KO two ACB clubs - by Antonio Carlo

Lucentum Alicante is the first victim of the current financial crisis in Spain and right now their involvement next season in the ACB Endesa league is hanging by a thread.
The bankruptcy administrator of the club has not seen enough revenue generated over the last few months and there are lot of questions about the financial viability of Lucentum Alicante for the near future.
As a result of this stressful financial situation of the Alicante basket club, coach Txus Vidorreta has decided to not continue at the club as he cannot see any financial stability.
Vidarroeta told radio station Canal Nou: I need some guarantees especially in the finances and in the basketball court. I have already made my mind up. Under the conditions I have been working in the last year-and-half I will not be staying in Alicante, Vidarroeta explained
He continued: I would love to stay longer in Alicante but I cannot see things improving
Despite Lucentum Alicante completed a very successful season on the court, things off the court has not been working. Currently players have not been paid and even the club is still owing money to them from the last two seasons.
The major problem is that president Luis Castillo has not been able to find a sponsor who can stop the financial headaches.
Another club who has been hit by the financial crunch is Galician Blusens Monbus Obradoiro CAB who needs 3 million euro to complete the conversion to a Sports Corporation as part of the Spanish Sport Law.
Obradoiro has launched a campaign by putting for sale club shares for 125 euros per unit as they have to collect desperately 2 million euros by mid July. If they fail to collect the quantity, the Galician club will not be able to play in ACB next year.
Newly promoted ACB club Iberostar Canarias is trying desperately to collect 4,5 million euros to pay the entry fee to enter into the Spanish elite basketball league.


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


Uconn to take on Wake Forest in the opening round of Paradise Jam - by David Edole

UConn will meet Wake Forest in the opening round of Novembers U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam at the University of Virgin Islands, and could face Quinnipiac after that.

The Huskies, seeded No. 2 in the tourney, will play the seventh-seeded Demon Deacons on Friday, Nov. 16, at 6:30 p.m. On the same side of the bracket, No. 3 seed Iona will take on No. 6 seed Quinnipiac at 9 p.m. Those winners will meet in the tourney semifinals on Sunday, Nov. 18, at 9 p.m., while the losers will play on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 6:30 p.m.

On the opposite side of the bracket, No. 4 George Mason challenges No. 5 Mercer in the tourney opener (1:30 p.m.), while top-seeded New Mexico plays No. 8 seed Illinois-Chicago (4 p.m.) in the other Friday doubleheader.

All eight teams will play their third games on Monday, Nov. 19, including the championship game at 9 p.m.

Game times are subject to change for television considerations, which will be announced at a later date. The tourney will take place at the Sports and Fitness Center on the island of St. Thomas.

UConn won the 2008 Paradise Jam championship, defeating La Salle, Miami and Wisconsin on its way to the title. That season, the Huskies went on to post a 31-5 record and reach the 2009 Final Four.

UConn and Wake Forest have met only twice, each winning a game on its home court. The Huskies bowed to Wake Forest 103-77 in Winston-Salem on Dec. 29, 1969, and defeated the Deacons 84-75 on Dec. 2, 1991, at the Hartford Civic Center.

By DAVID BORGES
New Haven Register


Walter Hodge named MVP of the series in Poland - by Eurobasket News

Walter Hodge (183-PG-86, college: Florida) named MVP of the series in Poland as he wins Bronze with his Zastal Zielona Gora. They defeated PGE Turow 79:74 tonight to win the consolation final series 2-1. Walter Hodge scored 25 points to lead Zastal to the victory. He was named the MVP of the series.
Zastal and Turow stayed close throughout the opening frame. The hosts eked out a 22:21 lead after ten minutes. The margin grew in the second quarter. The home team unloaded 28 points to ensure a 50:41 halftime advantage. Zastal ZG stretched the margin in the third term. They accumulated a 67:55 advantage with one quarter remaining. PGE Turow limited the home team to just 12 points in the fourth term narrowing the margin but Zastal hang on to celebrate a decisive win at the end. Kamil Chanas provided 21 points, while Piotr Stelmach added 10 points for the winning side. Arthur Lee answered with 16 points for PGE Turow. Michal Chylinski contributed 13 points in the losing case.
Walter Hodge averaged 19.3 points per game this season in Poland.


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  UGANDA   


Obedi's Ndejje Out to Stop Miracle - by Eurobasket News

Local basketball possesses variety of coaches; there are the silent, rowdy, cocky, smart, shabby and a few funny ones.

That said, Ndejje Angels coach Walker Obedi has all those characters rolled in one. Last season, his team trailed Warriors by 39 points with just two minutes on the clock. Disgusted by the humiliation, the 26-year-old abandoned his players and walked off court. After the game, he told them that no one merited a place on the team and every player had to fight for a slot lest he gets new players.

Still last season, security led him off the court after he threatened a ref for a 'bad call' against Ndejje. This season, Obedi has not been far from controversy. Last Sunday, as Ndejje pushed defending champions Dmark Power to the limit, the ref made two contentious calls that sparked off yet another Obedi tantrum. 'What these guys [refs] are doing is not right...if you win a game you have to deserve that win, not to be helped by officials,' Obedi said.

Understandably, refs often make dubious calls that make one think that they should undergo a lie detector test before officiating. Granted, Obedi has gotten over the Power loss and is already looking forward to the Miracle Eagles match tonight at the YMCA court.

Angels are enjoying a fine season so far and currently occupy the last playoff spot in fourth but the same cannot be said of ninth-placed Miracle, which is struggling following the departure of several key players last season.

The Eagles can't afford to lose any more games if they are to make the playoffs for the second year in a row. To reverse the poor run, they will have to find a way of stopping Ndejje's utility forward Geoffrey Soro, who has shouldered the university side in all their six games so far.
Courtesy of: The Observer (Kampala)


Can Miracles Eagles Stop Angels? - by Eurobasket News

With Miracle Eagles just a shadow of what they were last season, Ndejje University should have an upper hand when they take them on in the FUBA basketball league at the YMCA courts in Wandegeya tonight.

Miracle who lost nearly the entire team that spurred them to the playoff semifi nals for the fi rst time in 15 years, are enduring a bad spell and the Ndejje Angels have the potential to add to their misery.

Ndejje, who lost to league giants D'Mark Power and Warriors, are hungry for victory to gain a respectable position in the league.

With their confi dence gone after the likes of Steven Omony and the Blick brothers

Norman and Donald, among other stars left, Miracle is just like any other mediocre side. Magic Stormers face KIU Rangers in the women's league.

Today, 6:30pm

Women

Stormers v KIU Rangers

Men: Ndejje v Miracle 8:30pm
Courtesy of: The new Vision


*****************************************************
  URUGUAY   


Urunday is the Metro leader - by Hector Lopez

Howard Wilkerson (198-F-84, agency: Two Points, college: Wofford) netted 19 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, with 5 assists leading Urunday Universitario to defeat Romis 75-67, to maintain the Metro leadership with a 3-0 record. Diego Olivera (197-G-84) added 13 points and 5 assists for Urunday. For Romis Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, college: Lewis) scored 34 points with 9 rebounds. Other results:
Larranaga 81 - Gordon James (198-F-79, college: Bridgeport) 16 points 12 rebounds 7 blocks, Gonzalo Balbuena (180-PG-89) 16 points 4 rebounds
Guruyu Waston 74 - Martavius Adams 21 points 11 rebounds,
- - -
Capitol 89 - Santiago Moglia (196-F-89) 22 pointys 3 rebounds, Brad Kanis (218-C-84, college: Grand Canyon) 8 points 3 rebounds
Atenas 87 - Anthony Johnson (203-F-88, college: Fairfield) 19 points 17 rebounds 3 blocks, Miguel Barriola (191-F-90) 20 points 12 rebounds


*****************************************************
  VENEZUELA   


Super 4 Israel Sarmiento - Day 2: Venezuela crushes Colombia, Uruguay wakes up - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- The Senior NT of Venezuela got its second straight victory in the 2012 Super 4 Israel Sarmiento Tournament played at the Forum of Valencia, Venezuela, this time over Colombia, 80-62, while Uruguay woke up from an astonishing Day 1 defeat against Colombia, by winning in their second game against Chile, 58-52.

Coach Brad Greenberg activated Gregory Vargas (182-PG-86), Dwight Lewis (196-G-87) and newcomer Anthony Perez (203-F-93) for the second game and the move paid off. He used Heissler Guillent (186-PG-86), Jhornan Zamora (193-G/F-89), Luis Valera (201-F-88), Windi Graterol (203-F/C-86) and Miguel Marriaga (208-C-84) as starters for the second straight night.

Marriaga got the best out of his paint-game abilities and Venezuela took over the first quarter, 25-19. Zamora continued to impress everybody with his mid range and long range shooting and his accurate free-throw shots, even though he had spent over a month without official games back in Spain's ACB.

Colombia's only productive weapon was Stalin Ortiz (190-G-81). Head coach Hernan Dario Giraldo was ejected in the second quarter because he verbally offended referee Khaled El Halad. Marriaga and Zamora kept things going and Venezuela took command of the situation in the second quarter, 52-30.

Even though Colombia played a little better in the third partial (68-49) thanks to John Hernandez (207-C) and his rebounds, it wasn't enough. Zamora led Venezuela with 18 points, including three shots from the long range, Miguel Marriaga added 12 points and Jose Juan Bravo (202-C-86) finished up with 11. For Colombia, Stalin Ortiz netted 34 and Divier Perez (201-F/C-89) followed him with 7.

Greenberg was happy to see everyone involved in the team goals and getting quality minutes on court. 'Today we had the chance to give minutes to everybody in an uniform and each one of them played at least 11 minutes'.

In regards to what they did on court, he said that 'we're improving and it's necesary to play these games to see how the team reacts. Besides, we've added players that haven't had the chance to practice with the group. They're all playing very well defensively and there's a positive attitude because they want to be a team, they want to help each other and that's very important'.

PG Gregory Vargas, currently playing the LPB 2012 Finals but who had the chance to travel to Valencia to play in these games, had positive things to say about it. 'Nowadays, Venezuela has a great team with a lot of young players and we're all in a beautiful competition to earn one spot. The most important thing is that we're all focused about being a team and today we showed that. Today we did the extra pass and we helped each other on defense'

Meanwhile, Uruguay did not make significant improvements in their game, but still managed to defeated Chile, 58-52. Uruguay has a 1-1 record, like Colombia, while Chile is now 0-2 prior to the last day, in which Colombia and Chile will play at 1.00pm and Venezuela will face Uruguay for the trophy at 3.00pm.



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Women News


Belgium overcame Canada in Neder-Over-Heembeek - by Eurobasket News

Belgium -Canada 73:72

Belgium overcame Canada in Neder-Over-Heembeek. The European side grabbed 73:72 victory in the second game between two sides.
The teams exchanged the lead several times, while Canada had 38:32 at the halftime. Belgium created a 9-2 run in the start of the third period and took 41:40 lead and then led 66:63 with 5 minutes to go.
Emma Meesseman (192-C-93, agency: LBM Management) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and RAMAN Janaa collected 18 points and 8 rebounds. Noemie Mayombo (170-PG-91, agency: LBM Management) posted 11 and ROSSEL Jasmina delivered 6. COLIEY ended up with 14 points in the losing effort. Miah-Marie Langlois (176-PG-91) scored 13 and WISOKOWSKI added 12.
In Game 1 the teams scored 66 points each. Emma Meesseman scored 15 points for Belgium and RAMAN Janaa netted 11. RAINCOCK posted 18 points for the Canadian team.

Belgium: Emma Meesseman 24, RAMAN Janaa 18+8 rebs, Noemie Mayombo 11, ROSSEL Jasmina 6
Canada: COLIEY 14, Miah-Marie Langlois 13, WISOKOWSKI 12


*****************************************************
  BULGARIA   


Greece trounce Bulgaria in Pomezia - by Eurobasket News

Greece - Bulgaria 57:25

Greece celebrated the second win in a row at the start of international Citta di Pomezia tournament in Italy. They shot down Bulgaria for 2-0 record. May Kay Kotsopoulos (178-G-88, college: Vermont) and Nafsika Stavridou (182-G-86) came up with 9 points each to lead the winners.
Greece shocked Bulgaria in the opening quarter limiting those to just 2 points. The Hellenes maintained the lead earning a 19:7 buffer at halftime. Greece unloaded 20 points in the third quarter to boost the gap to as many as 24 points with one quarter to go. Bulgaria never recovered suffering the second heavy loss at the tournament. Fedra Skiadopoulou (191-C-90) contributed 8 points in the winning case. Aleksandra Delcheva (202-C-87) answered with 11 points for Bulgaria. Radoslava Bachvarova (183-F-87, agency: LBM Management, college: VCU) had 6 points in the loss.

Greece: May Kay Kotsopoulos 9, Nafsika Stavridou 9, Fedra Skiadopoulou 8
Bulgaria: Aleksandra Delcheva 11, Radoslava Bachvarova 6


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


Belgium overcame Canada in Neder-Over-Heembeek - by Eurobasket News

Belgium -Canada 73:72

Belgium overcame Canada in Neder-Over-Heembeek. The European side grabbed 73:72 victory in the second game between two sides.
The teams exchanged the lead several times, while Canada had 38:32 at the halftime. Belgium created a 9-2 run in the start of the third period and took 41:40 lead and then led 66:63 with 5 minutes to go.
Emma Meesseman (192-C-93, agency: LBM Management) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and RAMAN Janaa collected 18 points and 8 rebounds. Noemie Mayombo (170-PG-91, agency: LBM Management) posted 11 and ROSSEL Jasmina delivered 6. COLIEY ended up with 14 points in the losing effort. Miah-Marie Langlois (176-PG-91) scored 13 and WISOKOWSKI added 12.
In Game 1 the teams scored 66 points each. Emma Meesseman scored 15 points for Belgium and RAMAN Janaa netted 11. RAINCOCK posted 18 points for the Canadian team.

Belgium: Emma Meesseman 24, RAMAN Janaa 18+8 rebs, Noemie Mayombo 11, ROSSEL Jasmina 6
Canada: COLIEY 14, Miah-Marie Langlois 13, WISOKOWSKI 12


Katie Donovan wins the title with Basket Esch - by Eurobasket News

Katie Donovan (182-F/G-82) wins the title with Basket Esch in Luxembourg. The Canadian player averaged 15.9 points per game this season.
Katie Donovan and her Basket Esch claimed Diekirch League title. They shot down T71 Dudelange 67:58 in the second game of the championship series to complete the sweep. Basket Esch returned the title they last won in 2008.
T71 Dudelange marked their high ambitions early in the encounter. They outgunned Basket Esch for an 8-point lead after ten minutes. But the hosts regained composure in the second quarter. They dropped 29 points to take a 7-point lead at halftime 42:35. Basket Esch stressed defence in the third term limiting the visitors to 10 points. It allowed the home team to enjoy an 8-point margin heading into the fourth frame. Basket Esch kept their opponents at bay throughout the final stanza as they rallied to the victory. Agnesa Szaboova scored 29 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the winners. Katie Donovan added 12 points for Basket Esch. Rachel Wagener answered with 18 points for T71 Dudelange. Cerie Mosgrove had 14 points in the loss.


*****************************************************
  DENMARK   


Nordic Championship: Denmark faced three upsets - by Eurobasket News

Denmark faced three upsets in the start of the Nordic Championship.
Finland overcame Denmark 89:78 in the opener. The latter grabbed 30:26 lead after the first 10 minutes but could not keep the lead for good. Finland erupted with 33-16 in the second period and never looked behind. Moreover the Finnish side added 22-19 in the last stanza to seal the victory. Taru Tuukkanen top-scored for the winners with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Tiina Sten (189-G/F-85, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: St.John's) notched 13. Ida Trygedsson responded with 24 points in the losing effort and Therese Deemand (175-F/G-83, college: Binghamton) delivered 12.
In Day 2 Iceland recovered in the third round as they took on Denmark. The Icelandic team registered a 72:67 victory. Sverrisdottir was unstoppable with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Maria Ben Erlingsdottir (187-C-88, college: UTPA) added 11 points for Iceland as they improved at 2-1 record. Sussie Kruuse (191-C-83) had 21 points and 8 rebounds for Denmark. Tea Jorgensen (177-F-87) netted 15 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in the loss.
In Day 3 Sweden rolled over Denmark 89:53.


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


Nordic Championship: Finland wins the first three games - by Eurobasket News

Finland overcame Denmark 89:78 in the opener. The latter grabbed 30:26 lead after the first 10 minutes but could not keep the lead for good. Finland erupted with 33-16 in the second period and never looked behind. Moreover the Finnish side added 22-19 in the last stanza to seal the victory. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Xavier) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Tiina Sten (189-G/F-85, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: St.John's) notched 13. Ida Trygedsson responded with 24 points in the losing effort and Therese Deemand delivered 12.
In Day 2 Finland outscored Norway 74:49. Finland looked awesome in the first three quarters and did not mind 14-22 in the last stanza. Taru Tuukkanen poured in 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Linda-Lotta Lehtoranta had 10. Krista Gross delivered 9 and Tiina Sten added 8. Kristina Tattersdill (185-F/C-83) replied with 11 points in the losing effort.
In Day 3 Finland grabbed valuable 83:80 victory over Iceland. The latter took 27:15 in the first period, but then Finland won the rest of the quarters. Taru Tuukkanen led the winners with 24 points and Laura Wilson (184-SG-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Binghamton) posted 10. Helena Sverrisdottir (185-F/G-88, college: TCU) erupted with 28 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists in defeat and Maria Ben Erlingsdottir followed hr with 15.


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


Serbia wins first test game against Germany - by Eurobasket News

Germany - Serbia 67:86

Serbia celebrated the opening win in the friendly series versus Germany. The teams clashed in Berlin and Serbia proved their strength. Tamara Radocaj (170-PG-87) stepped up with 14 points to lead the visitors.
Serbia grabbed the initiative in the opening frame. They outscored the hosts for a 23:14 lead after ten minutes. Serbia mounted the pressure and stretched the gap in the second quarter. They posted a 48:27 halftime advantage. Germany improved their performance after the big break. The home team outscored Serbia in the third period to narrow the deficit at 15-point mark. But the Balkan team regained control in the fourth quarter and rolled to a comfortable win at the end. Marina Mandic (181-G-83) provided 13 points, while Sara Krnjic (193-C-91) added 11 points for the winners. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) answered with game-high 19 points for Germany. Katharina Fikiel (193-F/C-87) and Romy Bar (189-F-87) added 10 points each in the loss.
The second game is scheduled for tonight.

Germany: Anne Breitreiner 19, Katharina Fikiel 10, Romy Bar 10
Serbia: Tamara Radocaj 14, Marina Mandic 13, Sara Krnjic 11


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


Greece trounce Bulgaria in Pomezia - by Eurobasket News

Greece - Bulgaria 57:25

Greece celebrated the second win in a row at the start of international Citta di Pomezia tournament in Italy. They shot down Bulgaria for 2-0 record. May Kay Kotsopoulos (178-G-88, college: Vermont) and Nafsika Stavridou (182-G-86) came up with 9 points each to lead the winners.
Greece shocked Bulgaria in the opening quarter limiting those to just 2 points. The Hellenes maintained the lead earning a 19:7 buffer at halftime. Greece unloaded 20 points in the third quarter to boost the gap to as many as 24 points with one quarter to go. Bulgaria never recovered suffering the second heavy loss at the tournament. Fedra Skiadopoulou (191-C-90) contributed 8 points in the winning case. Aleksandra Delcheva (202-C-87) answered with 11 points for Bulgaria. Radoslava Bachvarova (183-F-87, agency: LBM Management, college: VCU) had 6 points in the loss.

Greece: May Kay Kotsopoulos 9, Nafsika Stavridou 9, Fedra Skiadopoulou 8
Bulgaria: Aleksandra Delcheva 11, Radoslava Bachvarova 6


*****************************************************
  HOLLAND   


Italy defeat Netherlands at Citta di Pomezia tourney - by Eurobasket News

Italy - Netherlands 56:52

Italy registered the second straight win at the Citta di Pomezia tournament. They overcame Netherlands in the second round. Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) stepped up with 14 points to lead the hosts.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 19:19 after ten minutes. Netherlands spurred ahead in the second quarter. They accumulated a 31:26 halftime lead. The visitors maintained the lead throughout the third term. Holland enjoyed a 3-point lead at the final intermission. But Italy turned things around in the fourth quarter. They stepped on the gas and snatched a tough victory at the end. Nnena Wabara (183-F-81, agency: Two Points, college: Baylor) and Valentina Fabbri (196-C-85) connected for 12 points each in the win. Leonie Kooij (187-F-86) answered with 10 points for Netherlands. Naomi Halman (191-F/C-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Cal-Irvine), Anouk Biesters (182-G/F-86) had 8 points apiece in the loss.

Italy: Giorgia Sottana 14, Nnena Wabara 12, Valentina Fabbri 12
Netherlands: Leonie Kooij 10, Naomi Halman 8, Anouk Biesters 8


*****************************************************
  ICELAND   


Iceland win two out of four at Nordic Championship - by Eurobasket News

Iceland recorded two victories in four games played at the 2012 Nordic Championship. The tournament is being held these days in Oslo, Norway.
Iceland opened their campaign against the hosts. The Icelandic team dominated from start to finish posting an 82:55 win at the end. Helena Sverrisdottir (185-F/G-88, college: TCU) provided 20 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Hildur Sigurdardottir (178-G-81) added 11 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for Iceland. Kristina Tattersdill (185-F/C-83) answered with 14 points for Norway. Gronas had 12 points in the loss.
Next Iceland faced Swedish counterparts. Sweden tipped off the game strongly building a 42:24 halftime lead. They never looked back again posting an 80:45 victory at the end. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) accounted for 17 points to lead Sweden. Frida Aili (179-G-88) contributed 16 points in the win. Helena Sverrisdottir replied with 14 points for Iceland.
Iceland recovered in the third round as they took on Denmark. The Icelandic team registered a 72:67 victory. Helena Sverrisdottir was unstoppable with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Maria Ben Erlingsdottir (187-C-88, college: UTPA) added 11 points for Iceland as they improved at 2-1 record. Sussie Kruuse (191-C-83) had 21 points and 8 rebounds for Denmark. Tea Jorgensen (177-F-87) netted 15 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in the loss.
Iceland then had to yield against Finland. Finland grabbed a narrow 83:80 victory over Iceland. The latter took 27:15 in the first period, but then Finland won the rest of the quarters. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Xavier) led the winners with 24 points and Laura Wilson (184-SG-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Binghamton) posted 10. Helena Sverrisdottir erupted with 28 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists in defeat and Maria Ben Erlingsdottir followed her with 15.


*****************************************************
  ITALY   


Italy defeat Netherlands at Citta di Pomezia tourney - by Eurobasket News

Italy - Netherlands 56:52

Italy registered the second straight win at the Citta di Pomezia tournament. They overcame Netherlands in the second round. Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) stepped up with 14 points to lead the hosts.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 19:19 after ten minutes. Netherlands spurred ahead in the second quarter. They accumulated a 31:26 halftime lead. The visitors maintained the lead throughout the third term. Holland enjoyed a 3-point lead at the final intermission. But Italy turned things around in the fourth quarter. They stepped on the gas and snatched a tough victory at the end. Nnena Wabara (183-F-81, agency: Two Points, college: Baylor) and Valentina Fabbri (196-C-85) connected for 12 points each in the win. Leonie Kooij (187-F-86) answered with 10 points for Netherlands. Naomi Halman (191-F/C-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Cal-Irvine), Anouk Biesters (182-G/F-86) had 8 points apiece in the loss.

Italy: Giorgia Sottana 14, Nnena Wabara 12, Valentina Fabbri 12
Netherlands: Leonie Kooij 10, Naomi Halman 8, Anouk Biesters 8


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

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game
 Meghan GARDLER
  Amicale
  (183-F-88)
  Avg: 27.4
 1. Gardler, Amicale27.4 
 2. Yoerger, Racing26.4 
 3. Mosgrove, T71 D.22.8 
 4. Cumberbatch, Telst.22.6 
 5. Stowe, AB Contern22.6 
 6. Micir, Residence21.4 
 7. Augustine, Basket20.7 
 8. Fisher, Musel Pikes18.0 
 9. Szaboova, Basket16.4 
 10. Donovan, Basket15.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Bridget YOERGER
  Racing
  (180-F-87)
  Avg: 14.8
 1. Yoerger, Racing14.8 
 2. Gardler, Amicale14.3 
 3. Augustine, Basket13.8 
 4. Stowe, AB Contern13.7 
 5. Jones, Etzella12.8 
 6. Mosgrove, T71 D.12.3 
 7. Fisher, Musel Pikes11.4 
 8. Micir, Residence9.9 
 9. Adamczyk, T71 D.9.4 
 10. Donovan, Basket7.8 
Assists Per Game
 Romi MEINTZ
  Amicale
  (170-G-88)
  Avg: 5
 1. Meintz, Amicale5.0 
 2. Schmit, Musel Pikes4.3 
 3. Donovan, Basket E.4.1 
 4. Haris, Basket Esch3.7 
 5. Yoerger, Racing3.7 
 6. Wagener, T71 D.3.1 
 7. Wagener, T71 D.3.0 
 8. Fisher, Musel Pikes2.6 
 9. Cigrang, Musel Pik.2.5 
 10. Augustine, Baske.2.5 
Steals Per Game
 Bridget YOERGER
  Racing
  (180-F-87)
  Avg: 3.7
 1. Yoerger, Racing3.7 
 2. Schmit, Musel Pikes3.5 
 3. Petrova, Etzella3.0 
 4. Gardler, Amicale2.9 
 5. Wagener, T71 D.2.8 
 6. Fisher, Musel Pikes2.5 
 7. Hetting, Etzella2.4 
 8. Adamczyk, T71 D.2.4 
 9. Putz, Heffingen2.2 
 10. Meintz, Amicale2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Bridget YOERGER
  Racing
  (180-F-87)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Yoerger, Racing1.7 
 2. Augustine, Basket1.5 
 3. Gardler, Amicale1.1 
 4. Fisher, Musel Pikes1.0 
 5. Jones, Etzella0.9 
 6. Mazjoukhina, Musel0.9 
 7. Stowe, AB Contern0.6 
 8. Neiertz, Etzella0.6 
 9. Buzasi, Telstar0.5 
 10. Weynandt, Amicale0.5 


Basket Esch celebrate Diekirch League title - by Eurobasket News

Basket Esch - T71 Dudelange 67:58

Basket Esch claimed Diekirch League title. They shot down T71 Dudelange in the second game of the championship series to complete the sweep. Basket Esch returned the title they last won in 2008.
T71 Dudelange marked their high ambitions early in the encounter. They outgunned Basket Esch for an 8-point lead after ten minutes. But the hosts regained composure in the second quarter. They dropped 29 points to take a 7-point lead at halftime 42:35. Basket Esch stressed defence in the third term limiting the visitors to 10 points. It allowed the home team to enjoy an 8-point margin heading into the fourth frame. Basket Esch kept their opponents at bay throughout the final stanza as they rallied to the victory. Agnesa Szaboova (183-G/F-75) scored 29 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the winners. Katie Donovan (182-F/G-82) added 12 points for Basket Esch. Rachel Wagener (168-G-86) answered with 18 points for T71 Dudelange. Cerie Mosgrove (182-G-88, college: Massachusetts) had 14 points in the loss.

Basket Esch: Agnesa Szaboova 29+13 boards, Katie Donovan 12, Lamisha Augustine 10+10 boards
T71 Dudelange: Rachel Wagener 18, Cerie Mosgrove 14


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


Snezana Aleksic heads to Dynamo Moscow - by Eurobasket News

Snezana Aleksic (172-G-89) heads to Dynamo Moscow as the Russian team continues its transfer loud period. According to http://lovewomensbasketball.com Montenegrin player will join the Russian squad.
Snezana Aleksic started her career in 2005-2006 for Buducnost Podgorica (1A, starting five). In 2006-2007 she continued with Buducnost Podgorica (Premier League, starting five) and in 2007-2008 debuted in EuroCup. After 8 games she averaged 11.8ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 81.8%. In Adriatic League after 19 games her stats read 9.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 80.0%. In 2009-2010 moved to ZKK Sibenik Jolly JBS (Croatia-A1, starting five) and in Adriatic League averaged 7.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.2apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 70.0%. In EuroCup her stats read 5.5ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 18.8%, 3PT: 31.8%.
The season 2010-2011 she started for FEA Neas Halkidonas (Greece-A1), but in Oct.'10 moved to Gospic Industrogradnja (Croatia-A1). In Croatian Adriatic League after 18 games averaged 3.7ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.5apg.
Last season Snezana Aleksic played for Spartak Noginsk (Russia-PBL)and in EuroCup averaged 10.0ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 15.8%, FT: 62.5%. In Russian League her stats read 11.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 36.3%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 66.7%.


*****************************************************
  NORWAY   


Norway lose three straight games at 2012 Nordic Championship - by Eurobasket News

Norway suffered three consecutive defeats at the start of the Nordic Championship in Oslo. The hosts opened the campaign against Iceland. The Icelandic team dominated from start to finish posting an 82:55 win at the end. Helena Sverrisdottir (185-F/G-88, college: TCU) provided 20 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Hildur Sigurdardottir (178-G-81) added 11 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for Iceland. Kristina Tattersdill (185-F/C-83) answered with 14 points for Norway. Emilie Gronas (168-G-92) had 12 points in the loss.
In day 2 Finland outscored Norway 74:49. Finland looked awesome in the first three quarters and did not mind 14-22 in the last stanza. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Xavier) poured in 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Linda-Lotta Lehtoranta (175-G-91) had 10. Krista Gross delivered 9 and Tiina Sten added 8. Kristina Tattersdill replied with 11 points in the losing effort.
Norway next took on Sweden and suffered yet another defeat 55:79. The teams were tied at 16 after ten minutes but Sweden increased the tempo and piled up a 45:26 halftime advantage. Sweden never looked back again marching to the victory in the second half. Kadidja Andersson (185-F-80, college: Minnesota) scored 17 points, while Frida Aili (179-G-88) added 15 for the winning side. Tina Moen (183-G-86, college: IPFW) answered with 13 points for Norway. Kristina Tattersdill finished with 10 points in the loss.


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


Snezana Aleksic heads to Dynamo Moscow - by Eurobasket News

Snezana Aleksic (172-G-89) heads to Dynamo Moscow as the Russian team continues its transfer loud period. According to http://lovewomensbasketball.com Montenegrin player will join the Russian squad.
Snezana Aleksic started her career in 2005-2006 for Buducnost Podgorica (1A, starting five). In 2006-2007 she continued with Buducnost Podgorica (Premier League, starting five) and in 2007-2008 debuted in EuroCup. After 8 games she averaged 11.8ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 81.8%. In Adriatic League after 19 games her stats read 9.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 80.0%. In 2009-2010 moved to ZKK Sibenik Jolly JBS (Croatia-A1, starting five) and in Adriatic League averaged 7.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.2apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 70.0%. In EuroCup her stats read 5.5ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 18.8%, 3PT: 31.8%.
The season 2010-2011 she started for FEA Neas Halkidonas (Greece-A1), but in Oct.'10 moved to Gospic Industrogradnja (Croatia-A1). In Croatian Adriatic League after 18 games averaged 3.7ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.5apg.
Last season Snezana Aleksic played for Spartak Noginsk (Russia-PBL)and in EuroCup averaged 10.0ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 15.8%, FT: 62.5%. In Russian League her stats read 11.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 36.3%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 66.7%.


*****************************************************
  SENEGAL   


Senegal to Host Women Under-18 Afrobasket2012 - by Eurobasket News

Luanda The African Under-18 Women Basketball Cup of Nations will take place in Dakar, Senegal, between August and September, with the participation of seven countries, including Angola, ANGOP learned.

Other national teams attending the 11th edition of the Afrobasket are Egypt, Gabon, Mali, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo and Tunisia, according to FIBA/Africa website. Angola that dominated the zone qualifier will try to improve the position from the seventh championship in 2010, in Egypt, won by the host.

In the men's category, the national team will seek to do better than the feat of the eighth edition in Rwanda. Egypt are also holder of the trophy in the men's category.
Courtesy of: Angola Press


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


Serbia wins first test game against Germany - by Eurobasket News

Germany - Serbia 67:86

Serbia celebrated the opening win in the friendly series versus Germany. The teams clashed in Berlin and Serbia proved their strength. Tamara Radocaj (170-PG-87) stepped up with 14 points to lead the visitors.
Serbia grabbed the initiative in the opening frame. They outscored the hosts for a 23:14 lead after ten minutes. Serbia mounted the pressure and stretched the gap in the second quarter. They posted a 48:27 halftime advantage. Germany improved their performance after the big break. The home team outscored Serbia in the third period to narrow the deficit at 15-point mark. But the Balkan team regained control in the fourth quarter and rolled to a comfortable win at the end. Marina Mandic (181-G-83) provided 13 points, while Sara Krnjic (193-C-91) added 11 points for the winners. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) answered with game-high 19 points for Germany. Katharina Fikiel (193-F/C-87) and Romy Bar (189-F-87) added 10 points each in the loss.
The second game is scheduled for tonight.

Germany: Anne Breitreiner 19, Katharina Fikiel 10, Romy Bar 10
Serbia: Tamara Radocaj 14, Marina Mandic 13, Sara Krnjic 11


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


Agnesa Szaboova tastes Gold with Basket Esch - by Eurobasket News

Agnesa Szaboova (183-G/F-75) tastes Gold with Basket Esch in Luxembourg. The Slovakian player erupted with 16.4 points per game average.
Agnesa Szaboova and her Basket Esch claimed Diekirch League title. They shot down T71 Dudelange 67:58 in the second game of the championship series to complete the sweep. Basket Esch returned the title they last won in 2008.
T71 Dudelange marked their high ambitions early in the encounter. They outgunned Basket Esch for an 8-point lead after ten minutes. But the hosts regained composure in the second quarter. They dropped 29 points to take a 7-point lead at halftime 42:35. Basket Esch stressed defence in the third term limiting the visitors to 10 points. It allowed the home team to enjoy an 8-point margin heading into the fourth frame. Basket Esch kept their opponents at bay throughout the final stanza as they rallied to the victory. Agnesa Szaboova scored 29 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the winners. Katie Donovan added 12 points for Basket Esch. Rachel Wagener answered with 18 points for T71 Dudelange. Cerie Mosgrove had 14 points in the loss.


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


Sweden post three wins in Oslo - by Eurobasket News

Sweden victoriously opened their 2012 Nordic Championship campaign. They recorded three victories in a row.
Sweden tipped off the tourney with an 80:45 win over Iceland. Sweden tipped off the game strongly building a 42:24 halftime lead. They never looked back again posting an 80:45 victory at the end. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) accounted for 17 points to lead Sweden. Frida Aili (179-G-88) contributed 16 points in the win. Helena Sverrisdottir (185-F/G-88, college: TCU) replied with 14 points for Iceland.
Next Sweden took on Denmark. And once again the Swedish team dominated the clash. They overcame a slow start to outgun Denmark 89:53 for the second win at the tournament. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) scored 16 points and pulled down 13 rebounds for Sweden. Frida Eldebrink added 15 points, while Frida Aili and Martina Stalvant (181-G-89) had 11 points each in the win. Ida Trygedsson and Camilla Blands (180-PG-85, college: Alabama) answered with 11 points apiece in the loss.
Sweden then posted the third consecutive win beating Norway 79:55. The teams were tied at 16 after ten minutes but Sweden increased the tempo and piled up a 45:26 halftime advantage. Sweden never looked back again marching to the victory in the second half. Kadidja Andersson (185-F-80, college: Minnesota) scored 17 points, while Frida Aili added 15 for the winning side. Tina Moen (183-G-86, college: IPFW) answered with 13 points for Norway.


*****************************************************
  WNBA   

Standings

WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Connecticut S. 3-0 
 2. Indiana F. 3-0 
 3. Chicago S. 1-1 
 4. Washington M. 1-1 
 5. Atlanta D. 1-2 
 6. New York L. 0-4 
Western
 1. Minnesota L. 4-0 
 2. L.Angeles S. 2-2 
 3. S.Antonio SS 1-1 
 4. Phoenix M. 1-2 
 5. Seattle S. 1-2 
 6. Tulsa S. 0-3 

Regular Season: Round 6

May. 26: Phoenix M. - L.Angeles S. 88-99
May. 27: Minnesota L. - Seattle S. 84-71
May. 26: Washington M. - Tulsa S. 64-61
May. 27: Atlanta D. - Indiana F. 62-78

Regular Season: Round 7

May. 29: L.Angeles S. - Tulsa S.
May. 30: Washington M. - Minnesota L.
May. 30: S.Antonio SS - Chicago S.
May. 31: Atlanta D. - Phoenix M.


Latest games - by Eurobasket News

Atlanta D. - Indiana F. 62-78
Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) poured in a game-high 25 points and pulled down 12 rebounds as the Indiana Fever dropped the Atlanta Dream, 78-62, on Sunday. Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) had 16 points and seven rebounds and Jessica Davenport added 12 points and four boards off the bench for the Fever, who remain perfect this season at 3-0. Angel McCoughtry scored a team-high 21 points on 5-of-9 shooting for the Dream and Lindsey Harding added 13 points for the home side, which fell to 1-2 thus far. Sancho Lyttle had 11 points and nine rebounds, while Yelena Leuchanka added 10 points in a losing cause. Indiana struggled from the floor, shooting just 34.7 percent, while converting on just 4-of-19 from beyond the arc, but the Fever were bailed out by tenacity on the glass and strong defense. The Fever pulled down 16 offensive rebounds, which led to 16 second-chance points. They outrebounded Atlanta 39-29 overall and also turned 23 Dream turnovers into 18 points en route to the victory. *Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

Minnesota L. - Seattle S. 84-71
Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89, college: Connecticut) scored 19 points, shooting 5 for 7 on 3-pointers, and the defending champion Minnesota Lynx kept rolling with an 84-71 victory over the Seattle Storm on Sunday. Minnesota set a team record with its 10th straight win dating to last season, including a sweep of the WNBA finals. In starting 4-0 for just the second time in team history, the Lynx have won seven consecutive regular-season games, two off their nine-game run last season. Seimone Augustus (6'2''-G-84, college: LSU), the league's second-leading scorer entering the day at 22 points per game, added 10 points and six assists. Ann Wauters finished with 13 points for Seattle, which fell to 0-3 for the first time since its inaugural season in 2000. *Courtesy of www.startribune.com

Washington M. - Tulsa S. 64-61
The Mystics couldn't take care of the basketball, yet still found a way to beat the lowly Tulsa Shock. Matee Ajavon (5'7''-PG-86, college: Rutgers) scored 19 points and Crystal Langhorne (6'2''-F/C-86, college: Maryland) added 15 points and 10 rebounds to help Washington fend off Tulsa 64-61 on Saturday night. Monique Currie (6'0''-G/F-83, college: Duke) had 15 points as the Mystics (1-1) won despite committing 32 turnovers. Dating back to the 2011 season, Washington had lost five straight and 14 of 15 games. ''We didn't particularly play well but we were able to come out with the win,'' Ajavon said. ''We have a lot of things to work on and we will practice and come out better.'' After Ajavon's fast break layup put the Mystics ahead 58-43 early in the fourth quarter, the Shock stormed back with a 14-0 run. Following an exchange of baskets that kept Washington ahead, Tulsa regained possession after the Mystics, slow to move the ball across half court, were whistled for an eight-second violation. Ivory Latta (5'6''-PG-84, college: N.Carolina) scored 16 points to lead the Shock (0-3), but committed a turnover on the next possession. The Mystics countered with Currie's jump shot and a Langhorne free throw, extending the lead to 63-59 with 1:36 remaining. ''It was a crucial turnover that I had and I just felt like it was a turning point and gave them a little momentum,'' Latta said. Glory Johnson's layup with 1:23 on the clock pulled the Shock closer at 63-61, but it would be the last basket of the game. Langhorne added another free throw with 4.1 seconds remaining, putting the Mystics up by three. Following a timeout, Washington's closing defense kept Tulsa from getting off a shot in regulation, allowing the Mystics to survive despite scoring only eight points in the fourth quarter. ''Obviously (I am) happy we were able to execute down the stretch and pull out the win,'' Mystics coach Trudi Lacey said. ''However I was not pleased with the types of turnovers and the number of turnovers we committed. Very simply, we have to make better decisions with the basketball.'' The Shock shot 30.5 percent (18-of-59) from the field and scored nine points in the third quarter. Dating back to last season, Tulsa has lost seven straight games, including a two-point heartbreaker against Phoenix on Tuesday. ''It's very frustrating,'' Latta said. ''It's like we're one shot away or one layup or one pass or one something away from getting that win.'' Washington closed the second quarter on 12-1 run capped by Currie's 3-pointer and led the turnover-plagued half 40-34. After the Shock scored the opening basket of the second half, a 12-2 spurt gave the Mystics their largest lead at 54-38. The matchup between the owners of the two worst records in the league last season featured a disjointed first half filled with turnovers and missed opportunities. The teams combined for more turnovers (25) than field goals (20) in the first half. Washington shot 57.9 percent (11-of-19) from the field and made 15-of-18 free throws before halftime, but also committed 16 turnovers. In two games this season, the Mystics have netted a combined 55 turnovers. The Mystics second-leading scorer last season, Ajavon sat out the season opener with a sore knee. Coming off the bench against the Shock, she sparked the offense in the first half with 15 points, sinking 8-of-10 free throws. ''I got to the free throw line a lot which helped me and I played off of that,'' Ajavon said. ''It was very nice to have Matee back,'' Lacey remarked during the postgame. ''She provides us with a lot of energy. She is tough and that's what I've asked them to be.'' Beginning a season-long five-game road swing, the Shock turned the ball over 11 times in the first half and 19 overall. Tulsa lost 15 of 16 road games during its trying 3-31 campaign last season. Washington finishes its three-game homestand against reigning WNBA champion Minnesota on Wednesday. Tulsa plays at Los Angeles on Tuesday. Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com

Phoenix M. - L.Angeles S. 88-99
Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) had 27 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots to lead the Los Angeles Sparks to a 99-88 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday night. Sparks rookie Nnemkadi Ogwumike (6'2''-F-90, college: Stanford) added 22 points, 13 in the second half, for the Sparks, who have won three of their first four games of the season. Candice Dupree (6'2''-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Temple) had 24 points to lead the Mercury (1-2). Parker had eight of her points in the final five minutes after Phoenix rallied to within 83-80 after Los Angeles had opened up an 11-point lead late in the third. Kristi Tolliver, who added 18 points for the Sparks, started a key stretch for the Sparks with a pair of free throws with 5:43 left and Los Angeles up by three. DeLisha Milton-Jones found Parker all alone underneath the basket for an easy basket and Los Angeles led 87-80. Phoenix never got closer than five. Tolliver also scored five points in the final 90 seconds of the third quarter as Los Angeles led 73-64 going into the final period. Until the late third quarter stretch, neither team led by more than seven. Parker scored 14 points and had six rebounds and three blocked shots to help the Sparks take a 43-37 lead at the break. Courtesy of www.sacbee.com


Parker leads Sparks over Mercury - by Eurobasket News

Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) had 27 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots to lead the Los Angeles Sparks to a 99-88 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday night.

Sparks rookie Nnemkadi Ogwumike (6'2''-F-90, college: Stanford) added 22 points, 13 in the second half, for the Sparks, who have won three of their first four games of the season.

Candice Dupree (6'2''-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Temple) had 24 points to lead the Mercury (1-2).

Parker had eight of her points in the final five minutes after Phoenix rallied to within 83-80 after Los Angeles had opened up an 11-point lead late in the third.

Kristi Tolliver, who added 18 points for the Sparks, started a key stretch for the Sparks with a pair of free throws with 5:43 left and Los Angeles up by three. DeLisha Milton-Jones found Parker all alone underneath the basket for an easy basket and Los Angeles led 87-80. Phoenix never got closer than five.

Tolliver also scored five points in the final 90 seconds of the third quarter as Los Angeles led 73-64 going into the final period.

Until the late third quarter stretch, neither team led by more than seven.

Parker scored 14 points and had six rebounds and three blocked shots to help the Sparks take a 43-37 lead at the break.

Courtesy of www.sacbee.com


Mystics withstand rally, down Shock 64-61 - by Eurobasket News

The Mystics couldn't take care of the basketball, yet still found a way to beat the lowly Tulsa Shock.

Matee Ajavon (5'7''-PG-86, college: Rutgers) scored 19 points and Crystal Langhorne (6'2''-F/C-86, college: Maryland) added 15 points and 10 rebounds to help Washington fend off Tulsa 64-61 on Saturday night.

Monique Currie (6'0''-G/F-83, college: Duke) had 15 points as the Mystics (1-1) won despite committing 32 turnovers. Dating back to the 2011 season, Washington had lost five straight and 14 of 15 games.

''We didn't particularly play well but we were able to come out with the win,'' Ajavon said. ''We have a lot of things to work on and we will practice and come out better.''

After Ajavon's fast break layup put the Mystics ahead 58-43 early in the fourth quarter, the Shock stormed back with a 14-0 run. Following an exchange of baskets that kept Washington ahead, Tulsa regained possession after the Mystics, slow to move the ball across half court, were whistled for an eight-second violation.

Ivory Latta (5'6''-PG-84, college: N.Carolina) scored 16 points to lead the Shock (0-3), but committed a turnover on the next possession. The Mystics countered with Currie's jump shot and a Langhorne free throw, extending the lead to 63-59 with 1:36 remaining.

''It was a crucial turnover that I had and I just felt like it was a turning point and gave them a little momentum,'' Latta said.

Glory Johnson's layup with 1:23 on the clock pulled the Shock closer at 63-61, but it would be the last basket of the game. Langhorne added another free throw with 4.1 seconds remaining, putting the Mystics up by three.

Following a timeout, Washington's closing defense kept Tulsa from getting off a shot in regulation, allowing the Mystics to survive despite scoring only eight points in the fourth quarter.

''Obviously (I am) happy we were able to execute down the stretch and pull out the win,'' Mystics coach Trudi Lacey said. ''However I was not pleased with the types of turnovers and the number of turnovers we committed. Very simply, we have to make better decisions with the basketball.''

The Shock shot 30.5 percent (18-of-59) from the field and scored nine points in the third quarter. Dating back to last season, Tulsa has lost seven straight games, including a two-point heartbreaker against Phoenix on Tuesday.

''It's very frustrating,'' Latta said. ''It's like we're one shot away or one layup or one pass or one something away from getting that win.''

Washington closed the second quarter on 12-1 run capped by Currie's 3-pointer and led the turnover-plagued half 40-34. After the Shock scored the opening basket of the second half, a 12-2 spurt gave the Mystics their largest lead at 54-38.

The matchup between the owners of the two worst records in the league last season featured a disjointed first half filled with turnovers and missed opportunities.

The teams combined for more turnovers (25) than field goals (20) in the first half. Washington shot 57.9 percent (11-of-19) from the field and made 15-of-18 free throws before halftime, but also committed 16 turnovers. In two games this season, the Mystics have netted a combined 55 turnovers.

The Mystics second-leading scorer last season, Ajavon sat out the season opener with a sore knee. Coming off the bench against the Shock, she sparked the offense in the first half with 15 points, sinking 8-of-10 free throws.

''I got to the free throw line a lot which helped me and I played off of that,'' Ajavon said.

''It was very nice to have Matee back,'' Lacey remarked during the postgame. ''She provides us with a lot of energy. She is tough and that's what I've asked them to be.''

Beginning a season-long five-game road swing, the Shock turned the ball over 11 times in the first half and 19 overall.

Tulsa lost 15 of 16 road games during its trying 3-31 campaign last season.

Washington finishes its three-game homestand against reigning WNBA champion Minnesota on Wednesday. Tulsa plays at Los Angeles on Tuesday.

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com