EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/17/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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  ARGENTINA   



Argentina hold off Colombia in San Sebastian - by Eurobasket News

Argentina U18 - Colombia U18 80:45

Argentina posted the first win at the U18 Fiba Americas Championship in Brazil. They fired past Colombia for 1-0 record in Group B. Gabriel Deck (195-F-95) stepped up with 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winners.
Argentina spurred ahead in the opening quarter. They built a 21:8 lead at end of the first frame. Argentina piled up a 40:22 halftime lead. They continued to dominate in the second half. Argentina built a 29-point lead with one quarter to go 61:32. Argentina did not loosen the grip in the final quarter and they rolled to the victory at the end. Rodrigo Haag notched 12 points, while Sergio Rupil (185-G-94) connected for 11 points for the winning side. Braian Rodas answered with 12 points for Colombia. Andres Mosquera (196-F-94) finished with 11 points in the loss.

Argentina U18: Gabriel Deck 18, Rodrigo Haad 12, Sergio Rupil 11
Colombia U18: Braian Rodas 12, Andres Mosquera 11


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  ASEAN LEAGUE   


Round 1 of Finals. Petron Blaze record first win - by Eurobasket News

Petron Blaze - Satria Muda 86-83

Petron Blaze surged ahead in the championship series. They overcame visiting Indonesia Warriors to take 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series. The hosts trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 23-19 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Petron Blaze looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Americans were the main players on the court. Forward Nick Fazekas (211-85, college: Nevada) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and forward Duke Crews (203-88, college: Bowie St.) chipped in 22 points and 8 rebounds. Petron Blaze's coach Ato Agustin used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side forward Evan Brock (204-84, college: Alabama) responded with 24 points and 9 rebounds and power forward Steve Thomas (204-81, college: Middle Tenn.St.) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 15 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Petron Blaze: D.Crews 22+8reb+3ast, L.Avenido 21+2reb, N.Fazekas 18+13reb+4ast, C.Banchero 11+2reb+7ast, J.Mar Fajardo 7+5reb, R.Yap 4+3reb+3ast
Satria Muda: E.Brock 24+9reb+3ast, S.Pringle 21+6reb+1ast, S.Thomas 16+15reb+2ast, A.Salangsang 10+3reb+2ast, J.Canada 7+3reb+4ast, M.Wuysang 5+4ast
gschID: 177554



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  AUSTRALIA   

Standings - SBL

SBL Standings
 1. Lakeside L. 16-2 
 2. Wanneroo W. 15-2 
 3. Cockburn C. 13-5 
 4. Mandurah M. 12-6 
 5. Perth R. 11-7 
 6. Willetton T. 10-8 
 7. East Perth E. 9-9 
 8. Goldfield G. 8-10 
 9. Perry Lakes H. 8-10 
 10. Stirling S. 7-11 
 11. Kalamunda E.S. 6-12 
 12. Geraldton B. 6-13 
 13. Rockingham F. 2-16 
 14. SW Slammers 2-16 

Regular Season: Round 14

Jun. 16: Kalamunda E.S. - Perry Lakes H. 98-74
Jun. 15: Cockburn C. - Mandurah M. 95-90
Jun. 16: Perth R. - Cockburn C. 88-100
Jun. 15: East Perth E. - Wanneroo W. 77-78
Jun. 16: SW Slammers - East Perth E. 71-92
Jun. 16: Goldfield G. - Lakeside L. 71-91
Jun. 16: Stirling S. - Willetton T. 69-85
Jun. 16: Geraldton B. - Rockingham F. 134-96

Regular Season: Round 15

Jun. 22: Lakeside L. - Cockburn C.
Jun. 22: Rockingham F. - East Perth E.
Jun. 22: Willetton T. - Wanneroo W.
Jun. 23: Geraldton B. - SW Slammers
Jun. 23: Wanneroo W. - Goldfield G.
Jun. 23: East Perth E. - Stirling S.
Jun. 23: Kalamunda E.S. - Mandurah M.
Jun. 23: Perry Lakes H. - Perth R.
Jun. 23: Cockburn C. - Willetton T.
Jun. 24: Perth R. - Goldfield G.


SBL: Cougars run continues into third place (Saturday night wrap) - by Eurobasket News

The Cockburn Cougars have secured third place after taking down the Perth Redbacks 100-88.

Despite Redbacks leading at quarter time and a strong offensive game from Perth's Blake Bender (27 points, seven rebounds) the Cougars extend their two game winning streak with 26 more rebounds than the Redbacks.

The Cougars were led by Jeremiah Wilson (203-F-87, college: Tarleton St.) with 25 points and ten rebounds and Brain Carlwell with 18 points and 12 rebounds.

Top of the ladder Lakeside Lightning have taken down the Goldfields Giants 91-71, the Giants made a last quarter comeback but were too far behind to close the deficit.

The Lightning were led by Ben Beran (37 points, 12 rebounds) and Jarrad Prue with 14 points and 25 rebounds.

The Lightning securing their number one spot with nine more three pointers and fourteen more rebounds.

The Willetton Tigers have defeated the Stirling Senators 85-69 despite shocking shooting accuracy from the three point line, the Tigers only making two from 25 three point attempts.

The Tigers were the dominant team throughout the entire match with solid numbers on the board from Robert Cassir (19 points, eight rebounds) and Travis Moore with 15 points and nine rebounds.

The Senators led by Robert Huntington (205-C, college: Nova SE) with 19 points and seven rebounds.

The East Perth Eagles have defeated the South West Slammers 92-71.

A devastating blow for the Slammers who are now on an eight game losing streak.

The Geraldton Buccaneers have taken down the Rockingham Flames 134-96.

The Buccaneers ended their six game losing streak while the Flames secure their ninth consecutive loss of the season.

Buccaneers Morgan Sabia (203-F-89, agency: SDJ Sports) (28 points), Aaron Ralph (22 points, 14 rebounds) and Matt Wunderberg (20 points, 17 rebounds).

In the women's league the Redbacks took down the Cougars 75-67.

The Suns defeated the Hawks 74-66 while the Senators took down the Tigers 66-50.
Courtesy of: SBL


Cougars show Magic (Saturday night wrap) - by Eurobasket News

An epic overtime clash between the Cockburn Cougars and the Mandurah Magic saw the Cougars rise to victory 95-90.

The Cougars continue to climb the ladder knocking off fellow top four team the Magic with 14 more rebounds and six more assists.

There were big numbers on the board for Cougars Jeremiah Wilson (203-F-87, college: Tarleton St.) (31 points, 11 rebounds) and Brian Carlwell (211-C-87, college: San Diego St.) with 24 points and 17 rebounds.

Despite a solid effort from Magic's Taylor Mullenax (201-F/C-86, college: St.Edward's) (26 points) and Andrew Bowman (20 points), Brian Carlwell and Jeremiah Wilson led the Cougars to victory in the final minute of over time.

The Wanneroo Wolves remain undefeated on the road after a close call against the East Perth Eagles.

The Eagles made a thrilling last quarter come back however it wasnt enough to quash to Wolves established lead.

The Wolves were led by Sebastian Salinas (19 points) Damian Matacz (19 points) and a double-double from Greg Hire with 16 points and 15 rebounds.

The Wolves picked up their ninth consecutive win of the season without import Jordan Wild.

Article by Hannah Coleman
Courtesy of: SBL


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  AUSTRIA   


Oberwart hire Tom Johnson - by Eurobasket News

Oberwart Gunners hired a new head coach. They appointed Tom Johnson to guide the team in the next season. The Canadian specialist worked in Luxembourg last season. He guided Etzella Ettelbruck but left the team in February. Previously Tom Johnson had stints with Turk Telekom, Chicago All-Stars and Deutsche Bank Skyliners as assistant coach. Tom Johnson guided Basket Bree, Leige Basket, Okapi Aalstar, Vilvoorde, Jyvaskyla.


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  BRAZIL   


Brazil defeat Mexico in the opener - by Eurobasket News

Brazil U18 - Mexico U18 79:69

Brazil earned the first win at the U18 FIBA Americas Championship. The hosts toppled Mexico for 1-0 record in Group A. Deryk Ramos (185-G-94) posted 19 points to lead the hosts.
Mexico shocked Brazil with a 23:9 run in the opening quarter. But the home team found the way to recover. The hosts cut the deficit to 6 points at halftime 32:38. Brazil got within two points at the final intermission 56:58. Brazil finally surged ahead in the fourth quarter. They outgunned Mexico 23:11 en route to the victory at the end. Lucas Silva delivered 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Arthur Da Silva chipped in 15 points for Brazil. Jose Stone reacted with 33 points for Mexico. Gabriel Mejia connected for 19 points in the losing case.

Brazil U18: Deryk Ramos 19, Lucas Silva 16+12 boards, Arthur Da Silva 15
Mexico U18: Jose Stone 33, Gabriel Mejia 19


Venezuela shoot down Brazil in Charata - by Eurobasket News

Venezuela - Brazil 84:76

Venezuela clinched the opening win at the Super 4 Cup tournament in Charata, Argentina. They outgunned Brazil in the opener. Greivis Vasquez (198-PG-87, agency: Interperformances, college: Maryland) connected for 18 points to lead the winners.
Venezuela cleared off in the starting quarter. They unloaded 28 points to gain a 10-point lead at the first intermission. Venezuela stretched the margin in the second term. They arrived at halftime up by as many as 17 points 53:36. Venezuela maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They posted a 66:49 lead at the final intermission. Brazil trimmed the distance in the fourth quarter but still came up short of victory at the end. Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) notched 11 points, while Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) contributed 12 points for the winners. Arthur Silva (199-F/G-82) answered with 18 points for Brazil. Dede Stefanelli (196-F/G-84) had 12 points in the loss.

Venezuela: Greivis Vasquez 18, Jose Vargas 12, Axiers Sucre 11
Brazil: Arthur Silva 18, Dede Stefanelli 12


Joinville add Ricardo Probst, Aleo and renew with Renato Scholz - by Paulo Freire

The Cia do Terno/Romaco/Joinville basketball team that has the new coach Enio Vecchi got his first player, the veteran power forward Ricardo Probst (200-F/C-76)t sign the contract with the team. He will be a good factor for the young players on the loockroom as well.
Ricardo comes from Franca the team that he played in the last season and also build his own shoes company.
The joinville also made their first contract renew, the managers agreed with the small forward Renato Scholz (197-F-88) one of the top prospects of the team in the last two seasons.
The Joinville also is signing a contract with the point guard Thyago Aleo (188-G-89) the player knows well the coach Enio Vecchi as he played for him on the Londrina team in the 2009-2010 season.



Power Forward Erick Camilo sign with Sao Jose dos Campos - by Paulo Freire

The Sao Jose dos Campos team had made another move on the market. The managers of the team come with an agreement with the young power forward Erick Camilo (203-F-92) that comes in from Paulistano team. Erick have been part of the Brazilian National Team of the under ages teams and is getting into his third season playing at the pro level.

The team also renew the contract of Jefferson Antonio (207-F/C-83) and the spanish player Alvaro Calvo (203-G/F-83, agency: Dynamics Global Management), they will rejoining the team for the 2012-2013 season.




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  BULGARIA   


Sasho Gruev signed to play in Romania - by Christomir Rackov

Bulgarian point guard Aleksandar Gruev (187-G-83, agency: Global Sports Plaza) will continue his career in Romania. The 28-year old player has signed a contract with CSU Atlassib Sibiu and will play for the team next season.

Last year Gruev started with Levski Sofia, then played for Iranian team Melli Haffari Ahvaz, Slovenian Zlatorog Lasko and then finished the season in Dinamo Tbilisi. Before that Gruev was a long time servant of Rilski Sportist Samokov, with whom he won the Eurohold Balkan League back in 2009.

Gruev will join his new team on 1 August to start the preparation. Last season CSU Atlassib finished 10th in the Romanian league but for the new one their ambitions are higher and the aim is to reach the playoffs.


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  CANADA   


Canada open win count in Sao Sebastian - by Eurobasket News

Canada U18 - Puerto Rico U18 77:51

Canadian Junior National Team earned the first win at the U18 Fiba Americas Championship. They held off Puerto Rico in Group B opener. Tre Lyles (201-F-95) stepped up with 17 points and 16 rebounds for the winners.
Canada thumped Puerto Rico in the starting quarter. The North American team built a 24:10 lead after ten minutes. Canada stretched the lead in the second frame. They built a 43:17 halftime advantage. Canada did not slow down in the second half. They boosted the distance to 31 points at the final intermission and never looked back en route to the win. Xavier Rathan-Mayes (193-G) posted 12 points, while Jamal Reynolds and Tyler McIntyre delivered 11 points each in the victory. David Rosado answered with 10 points for Puerto Rico. Jeffrey Cartagena netted 8 points in the loss.

Canada U18: Tre Lyles 17, Xavier Rathan-Mayes 12, Jamal Reynolds 11, Tyler McIntyre 11
Puerto Rico U18: David Rosado 10, Jeffrey Cartagena 8


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  CHINA   

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings
 1. Guangzhou L. 12-2 
 2. Changan Group 9-5 
 3. Guangzhou FM 9-5 
 4. Hebei 9-5 
 5. Jiangsu 8-5 
 6. Heilongjiang 6-8 
 7. Hong Kong 5-8 
 8. Nanjin Army 5-9 
 9. Sichuan 4-10 
 10. Henan Jiyuan 2-12 

Regular Season: Round 14

Jun. 16: Henan Jiyuan - Heilongjiang 95-98
Jun. 16: Changan Group - Sichuan 94-81
Jun. 16: Guangzhou FM - Jiangsu 92-80
Jun. 16: Guangzhou L. - Nanjin Army 106-76
Jun. 16: Hebei - Hong Kong 105-98

Regular Season: Round 15

Jun. 19: Jiangsu - Changan Group
Jun. 19: Guangzhou FM - Nanjin Army
Jun. 19: Hebei - Guangzhou L.
Jun. 19: Sichuan - Henan Jiyuan
Jun. 19: Heilongjiang - Hong Kong


NBL Round 14: Jiangsu is upset by Guangzhou FM - by Eurobasket News

The most important game in the last round took place in between second ranked Jiangsu (8-5) and fourth ranked Guangzhou FM (9-5) on Saturday night. Jiangsu was defeated by Guangzhou FM on the road 92-80. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The game was mostly controlled by Guangzhou FM. Jiangsu managed to win third quarter 29-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was American forward Walter Sharpe (206-86, college: UAB, agency: Two Points) who had a double-double by scoring 30 points, 17 rebounds and 5 blocks. Guard KaiFu Yao (196-83) chipped in 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Guard XianLing Sun (190-89) produced 21 points for the guests. Jiangsu's coach ZhiLong Zheng rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Guangzhou FM moved-up to second place, which they share with Hebei and Changan Group. Jiangsu at the other side dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. Guangzhou FM is looking forward to face Nanjin Army (#8) in the next round where they are favorite. Jiangsu will play against the league's second-placed Changan Group and is hoping to win this game.
Leader Guangzhou L. delivered the twelfth victory. This time they crushed 8th ranked Nanjin Army (5-9) 106-76. Senegalese center Hamady N'Diaye (213-87, college: Rutgers) orchestrated the victory with a triple-double by scoring 21 points, 19 rebounds and 12 blocks (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Jing Wang contributed with 23 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Center Chen Wang (207-89) replied with 21 points and 9 rebounds for Nanjin Army. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Guangzhou L. (12-2) have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They maintain first position. Nanjin Army at the other side keeps the eighth place with nine games lost. Guangzhou L. will play against Hebei (#4) in the next round. Nanjin Army will play against Guangzhou FM (#3) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in between Heilongjiang and Henan Jiyuan. Seventh ranked Heilongjiang (6-8) got a very close victory on the road over 10th ranked Henan Jiyuan (2-12). Heilongjiang managed to escape with a 3-point win 98-95 on Saturday evening. Rashaun Freeman had a double-double by scoring 39 points (!!!) and 25 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners. Heilongjiang's coach Zhiwei Liu used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Kenny Adeleke responded with a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!) and 21 rebounds. Heilongjiang moved-up to sixth place. Loser Henan Jiyuan stay at the bottom position with 12 games lost. Heilongjiang will meet at home Hong Kong (#7) in the next round. Henan Jiyuan will play against Sichuan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last two games of round 14 Hong Kong was defeated by Hebei in a road game 105-98. Changan Group beat Sichuan at home 94-81.
The best stats of 14th round was 33 points (!!!), 22 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 blocks by Bryan Davis of Hebei.

Guangzhou FM - Jiangsu 92-80

The most important game in the last round took place in between second ranked Jiangsu (8-5) and fourth ranked Guangzhou FM (9-5) on Saturday night. Jiangsu was defeated by Guangzhou FM on the road 92-80. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The game was mostly controlled by Guangzhou FM. Jiangsu managed to win third quarter 29-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was American forward Walter Sharpe (206-86, college: UAB, agency: Two Points) who had a double-double by scoring 30 points, 17 rebounds and 5 blocks. Guard KaiFu Yao (196-83) chipped in 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Five Guangzhou FM players scored in double figures. Guard XianLing Sun (190-89) produced 21 points and forward Hui Fang (198-82) added 6 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the guests. Jiangsu's coach ZhiLong Zheng rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Guangzhou FM moved-up to second place, which they share with Hebei and Changan Group. Jiangsu at the other side dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. Guangzhou FM is looking forward to face Nanjin Army (#8) in the next round where they are favorite. Jiangsu will play against the league's second-placed Changan Group and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Jiangsu: Number 51 25+23reb, S.XianLing 21+2reb+1ast, Z.HongWei 7+1reb+3ast, F.Hui 6+9reb+3ast, S.JianYe 5+2reb+1ast, M.Zhuang 5+1reb
Guangzhou FM: S.Walter 30+17reb+1ast, Y.Peng 15+7reb+3ast, Y.KaiFu 14+6reb+5ast, W.SongWei 13+3reb+2ast, L.DaPeng 11+3reb+3ast, Y.Liang 5+3reb+1ast
gschID: 176084


Hebei - Hong Kong 105-98

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 6th ranked Hong Kong's (5-8) road loss to fifth ranked Hebei (9-5) 98-105 on Saturday. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 30-16 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Hebei made 31-of-40 free shots (77.5 percent) during the game, while Hong Kong only scored twelve points from the stripe. American forward Bryan Davis (206-86, college: Texas A&M, agency: N.E.T.) had a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!), 22 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 blocks to lead the charge for the winners and guard ZhiTong Yin (195-86) chipped in 30 points during the contest. American center DeVon Hardin (211-86) responded with a double-double by scoring 37 points (!!!) and 19 rebounds and guard Zhou Feng (180-81) scored 20 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Hebei moved-up to second place, which they share with Changan Group and Guangzhou FM. Loser Hong Kong dropped to the seventh position with eight games lost. Hebei will meet at home league's leader Guangzhou L. in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Hong Kong will play against Heilongjiang (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hong Kong: H.DeVon 37+19reb+2ast, F.Zhou 20+2reb+3ast, Z.DongYang 13+3reb, G.JinLin 12+5reb+3ast, W.XiaoDong 5+2reb+1ast, J.KaiWen 4+2ast
Hebei: D.Bryan 33+22reb+4ast, Y.ZhiTong 30+4reb+1ast, Z.ZhenHu 17+3reb, L.YiDing 14+3reb, Y.TingYu 6+3reb+1ast, S.ChunLei 5+2reb+2ast
gschID: 176085


Changan Group - Sichuan 94-81

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Changan Group (9-5) defeated at home 9th ranked Sichuan (4-10) 94-81 on Saturday. The game without a history. Changan Group led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Changan Group forced 20 Sichuan turnovers. Strangely Sichuan outrebounded Changan Group 43-30 including 18 on the offensive glass. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Changan Group made 7 blocks. American forward Joseph Taylor (203-85, college: Wyoming) scored 20 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 blocks to lead the charge for the winners and center JunQi Jiang (202-90) chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds during the contest (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Five Changan Group players scored in double figures. Changan Group's coach MingZhu Pu used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American power forward Jarrid Famous (210-88, college: S.Florida) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 16 rebounds and center XiaoDong Chen (207-86) scored 19 points and 5 rebounds. Changan Group moved-up to second place, which they share with Hebei and Guangzhou FM. Sichuan lost third consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with ten games lost. Changan Group will meet Jiangsu (#5) in the next round. Sichuan will play against Henan Jiyuan (#10) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sichuan: F.Jarrid 22+16reb+3ast, C.XiaoDong 19+5reb, W.YingLiang 18+3reb+2ast, D.ChengLong 8+3reb+1ast, G.YuZhang 5+2reb+2ast, C.Ma 4+1reb
Changan Group: T.Joseph 20+8reb+8ast, J.JunQi 18+6reb+1ast, R.XiaTi 16+6reb+1ast, S.Jian 15+1reb, G.Yan 13+4reb, Y.BoWen 6+2reb+2ast
gschID: 176086


Henan Jiyuan - Heilongjiang 95-98

A very close game took place in between Heilongjiang and Henan Jiyuan. Seventh ranked Heilongjiang (6-8) got a very close victory on the road over 10th ranked Henan Jiyuan (2-12). Heilongjiang managed to escape with a 3-point win 98-95 on Saturday evening. Henan Jiyuan was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. American power forward Rashaun Freeman (206-84, college: Massachusetts) had a double-double by scoring 39 points (!!!) and 25 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and center Gang Yu (208-92) chipped in 12 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Heilongjiang's coach Zhiwei Liu used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Nigerian center Kenny Adeleke (205-83, college: Hartford) responded with a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!) and 21 rebounds and forward Chao Zhang (195-86) scored 16 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Heilongjiang moved-up to sixth place. Loser Henan Jiyuan stay at the bottom position with 12 games lost. Heilongjiang will meet at home Hong Kong (#7) in the next round. Henan Jiyuan will play against Sichuan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Henan Jiyuan: A.Kenny 35+21reb, Z.Chao 16+5reb+1ast, W.ZhanYu 12+3reb+5ast, L.XiaoHu 9+5reb, G.Wei 7+1reb+4ast, L.ZhenXin 6+2reb
Heilongjiang: F.Rashaun 39+25reb+2ast, Y.Gang 12+6reb+1ast, L.Xu 12+5reb+1ast, Z.JunXiong 8, W.DaPeng 8+3reb, J.Ming 7+8reb+1ast
gschID: 176082


Guangzhou L. - Nanjin Army 106-76

Leader Guangzhou L. delivered the twelfth victory. This time they crushed 8th ranked Nanjin Army (5-9) 106-76. The game was mostly controlled by Guangzhou L.. Nanjin Army was better in fourth quarter 28-24. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Guangzhou L. dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Nanjin Army's 44 and made 23-of-29 charity shots (79.3 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Nanjin Army 50-34 including a 38-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Guangzhou L. players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Nanjin Army's players. They brought some defensive toughness making 14 blocks. Nanjin Army was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. Senegalese center Hamady N'Diaye (213-87, college: Rutgers) orchestrated the victory with a triple-double by scoring 21 points, 19 rebounds and 12 blocks (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Forward Jing Wang (197-78) contributed with 23 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Five Guangzhou L. players scored in double figures. Center Chen Wang (207-89) replied with 21 points and 9 rebounds and forward ChengLin Fan (202-91) added 18 points in the effort for Nanjin Army. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Guangzhou L. (12-2) have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They maintain first position. Nanjin Army at the other side keeps the eighth place with nine games lost. Guangzhou L. will play against Hebei (#4) in the next round. Nanjin Army will play against Guangzhou FM (#3) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Nanjin Army: W.Chen 21+9reb+1ast, F.ChengLin 18+1reb, S.Shengyue 8+8reb+2ast, T.JiaFu 6+1reb, A.LiPeng 4+2reb, Z.CaiBao 4+3reb+2ast
Guangzhou L.: W.Jing 23+5reb+2ast, N.Hamady 21+19reb+1ast, L.XiangTao 16, J.Lei 14+6reb+4ast, C.DaWei 11+2reb+3ast, Z.ChaoLong 8+4reb+2ast
gschID: 176083



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  COLOMBIA   


Argentina hold off Colombia in San Sebastian - by Eurobasket News

Argentina U18 - Colombia U18 80:45

Argentina posted the first win at the U18 Fiba Americas Championship in Brazil. They fired past Colombia for 1-0 record in Group B. Gabriel Deck (195-F-95) stepped up with 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winners.
Argentina spurred ahead in the opening quarter. They built a 21:8 lead at end of the first frame. Argentina piled up a 40:22 halftime lead. They continued to dominate in the second half. Argentina built a 29-point lead with one quarter to go 61:32. Argentina did not loosen the grip in the final quarter and they rolled to the victory at the end. Rodrigo Haag notched 12 points, while Sergio Rupil (185-G-94) connected for 11 points for the winning side. Braian Rodas answered with 12 points for Colombia. Andres Mosquera (196-F-94) finished with 11 points in the loss.

Argentina U18: Gabriel Deck 18, Rodrigo Haad 12, Sergio Rupil 11
Colombia U18: Braian Rodas 12, Andres Mosquera 11


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  EUROCUP   


Next season's Eurocup, changes it's format - by Diamadis Farmakis

Very significant changes were decided, by Euroleague Basketball and Fiba Europe, for the 2012-2013 Eurocup. Both organizing bodies have agreed that the 2012-13 Eurocup will have some differences compared to recent editions.

Following the Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) Shareholders Executive Board Meeting held on March 5 2012, the proposed competition system for the 2012-13 season, that will require approval by the ECA Shareholders Meeting on July 5 2012, will include a single game final, home and away semi-finals, and will not include a Qualifying Round.

In recent years, the Eurocup champion has been decided in tournament format with either eight or four teams. Under the new proposal, the title would be decided in a single-game, one-day event, as it was between 2004 and 2008, when the Eurocup was known as the ULEB Cup.

The Eurocup Qualifying Rounds last season saw the winners of eight, home and away two-game series playing in the Regular Season. Now, a total of 25 teams will be qualified directly through the combined Euroleague + Eurocup table approved at the ECA Shareholders Meeting.

An additional 7 teams will join the Eurocup Regular Season after competing in the Euroleague Qualifying Rounds, which feature eight teams.

The Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Rounds winner advances to that competitions regular season, while the other 7 teams take a place in the Eurocup Regular Season.

These modifications, which have been debated with FIBA Europe, and who have agreed to the change at their most recent Board Meeting on June 15 2012.

Source:www.eurocupbasketball.com



Kyryl Natyazhko joins Azovmash - by Eurobasket News

Azovmash made the first market move in the pre-season. They signed a deal with Kyryl Natyazhko (210-C-90, agency: Beo Basket). The Ukrainian talented centre will start his pro career in Mariupol. He is meant to replace Maxim Ivshyn (209-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) on the Azovmash roster. Maxim Ivshyn has been released by Azovmash. Kyryl Natyazhko played for the University of Arizona in the last three seasons. The centre notched 1.1 points and 1.6 rebounds per game last season. Kyryl Natyazhko participated at 2012 Adidas EuroCamp in Treviso. He was the member of U16 and U20 Ukrainian National Teams. Natyazhko tallied 17.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.5 blocks per game at U20 European Championship in Croatia in 2010.


Turow chose Rajkovic new head coach - by Uygar Karaca

According to polskikosz.pl, Turow Zgorzelec, who parted ways with coach Jacek Wysocki, found the replacement: Miodrag Rajkovic . The Serbian coach was appointed as head coach to Slask Wroclaw in March 2011 and led the club to Polish cup semifinals and Polish league quarter finals last season. Previously, he worked at clubs like Radnicki, Hemofarm and Buducnost. Turow finished the last season as semi-finalists in Polish playoffs. They were out of Eurocup in the first round with only with two wins after very exciting and close encounters


*****************************************************
  EUROLEAGUE   


Unicaja targets Roko-Leni Ukic - by Eurobasket News

Unicaja Malaga are closely watching Roko-Leni Ukic (196-G-84). The Spanish powerhouse has reportedly made an offer for the Croatian guard. Roko-Leni Ukic spent the last season in Turkey. He played for Fenerbahce Ulker. He tallied 11.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in Euroleague. In TBL Roko-Leni Ukic notched 11.9 points, 4.0 assists and 2.8 rebounds per appearance. The guard had stints in Turkey, Spain, Italy, Croatia and NBA before. Eurobasket.com named Roko-Leni Ukic All-Turkish Bosman Player of the Year in 2011. He has been the member of Croatian National Team since 2002. The guard participated at 2010 World Championship in Turkey. Roko-Leni Ukic posted 8.8 points, 3.5 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game at the tournament.


Ricky Hickman joins Maccabi Tel-Aviv - by Eurobasket News

Maccabi Tel-Aviv strengthened their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Ricky Hickman (189-PG-85, college: NC-Greensboro). The guard signed a two-year deal with the Israeli powerhouse. Ricky Hickman spent the last season with Scavolini Pesaro. The guard notched 16.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game in SeriaA. Hickman helped Scavolini reach Italian Cup semis. He participated at SeriaA All-Star Game. Previously Ricky Hickman played for Montegranaro, Namika Lahti, LTi Giessen, Goettingen, Otopeni and Pecs Panthers. Eurobasket.com named Ricky Hickman All-Italian LegaDue Player of the Year in 2011. He was also named onto All-Finnish Korisliiga 2nd Team in 2010.


*****************************************************
  FIBA AMERICAS U18   

Standings (Men)

Standings
Group A
1. USA1-0
2. Brazil1-0
3. US Virg.Isl0-1
4. Mexico0-1
Group B
1. Argentina1-0
2. Canada1-0
3. Colombia0-1
4. P.Rico0-1

Preliminary Round: Round 1

A

Jun. 16: BRA - MEX 79-69
Jun. 16: USA - ISV 105-42

B

Jun. 16: ARG - COL 80-45
Jun. 16: CAN - PUR 77-51

Preliminary Round: Round 2

A

Jun. 17: MEX - USA
Jun. 17: ISV - BRA

B

Jun. 17: PUR - ARG
Jun. 17: COL - CAN



*****************************************************
  FRANCE   

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game
 Eric CHATFIELD
  Paris-.
  (191-G-79)
  Avg: 19.6
 1. Chatfield, Paris-.19.6 
 2. Hughes, Hyeres-T.17.2 
 3. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.17.1 
 4. Hamilton, Paris-.17.0 
 5. Schilb, Chalon16.6 
 6. Williams, Paris-.16.5 
 7. Rochestie, Le Mans16.3 
 8. Causeur, Cholet16.0 
 9. Cox, Le Havre15.8 
 10. Ray, Pau-Lacq.15.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Chinemelu ELONU
  Pau-Lacq.
  (206-F/C-87)
  Avg: 8.3
 1. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.8.3 
 2. Hamilton, Paris-.8.2 
 3. Akingbala, Nancy7.8 
 4. Armstrong, AS.7.2 
 5. Greer, Strasbourg7.0 
 6. Aminu, Chalon6.8 
 7. Nsonwu-Amadi, Roa.6.8 
 8. Moerman, Nancy6.6 
 9. Vebobe, Cholet6.5 
 10. Labeyrie, Hyeres-.6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Kareem REID
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (178-PG-75)
  Avg: 7.6
 1. Reid, Hyeres-Toulon7.6 
 2. Rochestie, Le Mans6.4 
 3. Wise, Le Havre5.6 
 4. Pellin, Orleans5.3 
 5. Linehan, Nancy5.2 
 6. Dixon, Dijon5.1 
 7. Barrett, Roanne4.9 
 8. Schilb, Chalon4.8 
 9. Tchicamboud, Cha.4.6 
 10. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Andrew ALBICY
  Gravelines
  (178-PG-90)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Albicy, Gravelines2.4 
 2. Dobbins, Poitiers2.3 
 3. Riley, Nanterre2.1 
 4. Linehan, Nancy2.1 
 5. Wise, Le Havre2.0 
 6. Shuler, Nancy1.8 
 7. Pellin, Orleans1.8 
 8. Acker, Le Mans1.7 
 9. Melody, Dijon1.7 
 10. Greer, Strasbourg1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Alexis AJINCA
  Strasbourg
  (215-C-88)
  Avg: 2
 1. Ajinca, Strasbourg2.0 
 2. Falker, Cholet1.5 
 3. Gobert, Cholet1.3 
 4. Hamilton, Paris-.1.2 
 5. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.1.1 
 6. Akingbala, Nancy1.1 
 7. Akpomedah, Grave.1.0 
 8. Sy, Orleans0.9 
 9. Issa, Gravelines0.9 
 10. Armstrong, AS.0.9 


Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game
 Jason SIGGERS
  Rouen
  (189-SG-85)
  Avg: 18.5
 1. Siggers, Rouen18.5 
 2. Davis, Le Portel17.0 
 3. Brown, Maurienne16.8 
 4. Wood, Evreux16.5 
 5. Paelay, Quimper15.8 
 6. Monroe, Boulazac15.7 
 7. McCray, Boulogne15.4 
 8. Mels, Chalons-Reims15.2 
 9. Prowell, St Vallier15.1 
 10. Barro, Bourg14.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Christophe MASSIE
  Limoges
  (206-C/F-77)
  Avg: 11
 1. Massie, Limoges11.0 
 2. Wood, Evreux10.8 
 3. Monroe, Boulazac9.7 
 4. Rossiter, Denain9.6 
 5. Osby, Maurienne9.4 
 6. Daniels, Chalons-.8.7 
 7. Barro, Bourg8.5 
 8. Allen, Antibes8.2 
 9. Badiane, Nantes7.9 
 10. Dunn, Rouen7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Ronnie TAYLOR
  Le Portel
  (188-PG-81)
  Avg: 6.6
 1. Taylor, Le Portel6.6 
 2. Mullins, Chalons-.5.6 
 3. Copeland, Bourg5.3 
 4. Rowland, Evreux5.2 
 5. Darnauzan, Mauri.5.1 
 6. Patiejunas, Rouen4.9 
 7. Darrigand, Bordeaux4.8 
 8. Denave, St Vallier4.8 
 9. Eito, Vichy4.4 
 10. Poupet, Rouen4.4 
Steals Per Game
 Armand CHARLES
  Nantes
  (193-SF-83)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Charles, Nantes2.5 
 2. McCray, Boulogne2.5 
 3. Eito, Vichy1.9 
 4. Shiloh, St Vallier1.9 
 5. Mullins, Chalons-.1.9 
 6. Paelay, Quimper1.9 
 7. Allen, Antibes1.8 
 8. Driss, Bordeaux1.8 
 9. Rowland, Evreux1.7 
 10. Daniels, Chalons-.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Sherman GAY
  Fos Ouest
  (201-PF-82)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Gay, Fos Ouest1.7 
 2. Badiane, Antibes1.7 
 3. Jefferson, Vichy1.6 
 4. Osby, Maurienne1.5 
 5. Ford, Bordeaux1.0 
 6. Massie, Limoges1.0 
 7. Fields, Nantes0.9 
 8. Barrett, St Vallier0.8 
 9. Rossiter, Denain0.8 
 10. McKenzie, Boulaz.0.8 


Orchy land Renaud Brocheray - by Eurobasket News

Orchies tabbed Renaud Brocheray (203-F-80). The team signed a two-year deal with the forward. Renaud Brocheray spent the last two season with Denain ASC Voltaire. Last season the forward notched 7.9 points, 4.1 rebounds per game. Previously Renaud Brocheray had stints with Angers, Sable Sarthe, Quimper, Bordeaux, Saint Vallier and Fos Ouest Provence. Eurobasket.com named the forward All-French N1 Player of the Year in 2007. In 2011 the forward made it into French NM1 All-Domestic Players Team. He participated at NM1 All-Star Games in 2006 and 2007.


Cholet ink deal with Rudy Gobert - by Eurobasket News

Cholet signed a new deal with Rudy Gobert (212-C-92). The team secured the services of the centre for the next three seasons. The deal includes 500,000 USD NBA buyout clause. Last season Rudy Gobert tallied 2.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per EuroCup game for Cholet. In ProA the centre notched 4.2 points, 3.6 boards and 1.3 blocks per appearance. Rudy Gobert participated at Adidas EuroCamp several days ago. He averaged 14 points in two appearances in Treviso. The centre was the member of U18 and U20 French National Teams. Rudy Gobert participated at U20 European Championship in Spain in 2011. He notched 5.6 points, 5.1 boards and 1.7 blocks at the tournament.


Limoges clinch ProB crown - by Eurobasket News

Limoges - Boulazac 87:78

Limoges claimed the ProB title. They overcame Boulazac in the championship game in Paris tonight. Christophe Massie (206-C/F-77, agency: Court Side, college: Memphis) stepped up with 14 points and 15 rebounds to pace the winners.
Boulazac secured an early lead. They dominated in the high-flying first quarter to post a 26:21 lead after ten minutes. Limoges slowly came back into the game. They erased the deficit and surged ahead for a 42:39 halftime lead. Limoges maintained the advantage throughout the third term. They arrived at the final intermission up by 3 points 64:61. Limoges did not slow down in the final stanza and marched to a confident win at the end. Aldo Curti (180-PG-87) knocked down 13 points, while Sambou Traore (199-PF-79) provided 12 points and 10 rebounds in the win. Amadi McKenzie (201-PF-86) answered with 17 points for Boulazac. Darryl Monroe (202-C/F-86, agency: Two Points, college: George Mason) finished with 18 points in the loss.

Limoges: Christophe Massie 14+15 boards, Aldo Curti 13, Sambou Traore 12+10 boards
Boulazac: Darryl Monroe 18, Amadi McKenzie 17


Chalon wins 2011/2012 French title - by Eurobasket News

Chalon - Le Mans 95:76

Chalon wins 2011/2012 title in the country. The team overcame Le Mans 95:76 in the Final game and triumphs in France.
The game was mostly controlled by Chalon/Saor. Le Mans managed to win third quarter 21-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Chalon/Saor looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American players dominated the game. Worth to mention a great performance of swingman Blake Schilb (200-F/G-83, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Loyola, IL) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 20 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists. Malcolm Malcolm Delaney (191-G-89, college: Virginia Tech) contributed with 12 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.) nailed 15, while Steed Tchicamboud (193-G-81) added 14. Marcellus Sommerville (200-F-82, college: Bradley) answered with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and Alex Acker (196-G-83, agency: Two Points, college: Pepperdine) added 14 points and 4 assists in the effort for Le Mans. Taylor Rochestie (185-PG-85, college: Washington St.) and Paulo Batista followed them with 10 points in the losing effort.

Chalon: Blake Schilb 20+5reb+10ast, Ilian Evtimov 15, Steed Tchicamboud 14, Nicolas Lang (196-G-90, agency: Beo Basket) 14, Malcolm Delaney 12, Alade Aminu (207-C/F-87, college: Georgia Tech) 10
Le Mans: Marcellus Sommerville 24, Alex Acker 14, Taylor Rochestie 10, Paulo Batista 10


Boulogne announce Kurt Cunningham - by Eurobasket News

Boulogne officially announced the deal with Kurt Cunningham (204-C/F-87, college: Boise St.). The centre has agreed on terms of contract with the team. Kurt Cunningham spent the last season in Bordeaux. He averaged 13.9 points, 7.1 boards and 1.4 assists per appearance. Kurt Cunningham started his pro career in Hungary. He played for Kaposvari KK in 2010/11 season. Kurt Cunningham notched 19.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists per appearance. He earned All-Hungarian League Honourable Mention. Kurt Cunningham is the Boise State University graduate. He won WAC Tournament with the Broncos in 2008.


Rudy Deal parts ways with ASVEL - by Eurobasket News

Rudy Deal (202-F/C-92) and ASVEL have reached an agreement on terms of contract termination. The centre averaged 0.5 points per game last season. He also played for ASVEL juniors. He tallied 9.2 points per game for them. Rudy Deal was the member of U18, U19 and U21 French National Teams.


*****************************************************
  FYR MACEDONIA   


FYR Macedonia rally past Lithuania in Klaipeda - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania - FYR Macedonia 74:78

FYR Macedonia outgunned Lithuania in friendly game in Klaipeda tonight. Vojdan Stojanovski (193-G-87) provided 22 points to lead the winners.
The visitors opened the game strongly. FYR Macedonia quickly jumped into the lead. They accumulated a 20:19 advantage ten minutes into the game. The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the second quarter. FYR Macedonia and Lithuania entered the second half tied at 37. The hosts pulled ahead early in the third term but FYR Macedonia bounced back. The visitors eked out a 55:52 lead at the final break. The Balkan team kept the home side at distance throughout the final quarter and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) connected for 21 points, while Aleksandar Kostoski (188-G-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) added 11 points in the win. Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri) answered with 19 points and 10 rebounds for Lithuania. Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) posted 10 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Lithuania: Linas Kleiza 19+10 boards, Jonas Valanciunas 10
FYR Macedonia: Vojdan Stojanovski 22, Predrag Samardziski 21, Aleksandar Kostoski 11


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


Greece nip Russia in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

Greece - Russia 66:63

Greece narrowly defeated Russia in friendly clash in Kaunas tonight. Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-C/F-83) scored 15 points to pace the Hellenes.
Russia led by four points after the opening quarter 16:12. Greece however turned things around in the second frame. They surged ahead and built a 35:26 halftime advantage. The Hellenes maintained the lead throughout the third term. They established a 54:44 advanatge with one quarter remaining. Russia got within five late in regulation and finally cut the distance to just three points but Greece stayed calm and sealed the victory at the end. Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) had 14 points, while Kostas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) added 9 points for the winners. Sergey Monya (203-F-83) answered with 11 points for Russia. Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) and Vitaly Fridzon (195-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) had 9 points apiece in the defeat.

Greece: Kostas Kaimakoglou 15, Georgios Printezis 14, Kostas Vasiliadis 9
Russia: Sergey Monya 11, Andrei Kirilenko 9, Vitaly Fridzon 9


Giorgos Apostolidis extended another one year with Ilysiakos - by Giorgos Diploidis

Giorgios Apostolidis (199-G-84, agency: FCM) will stay in the team of Ilysiakos Athens for another one year after signing a new contract today (16/06) with the team of Athens. So Apostololidis will stay in the team of Ilysiakos Athens for second year in a row.

Apostolidis this season had 5.6ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.2apg, 1.2spg in 23 games.

I appreciate very much the president, who supports an incredible group and it did not need much to be said. I am still in Ilysiakos Athens, in order to achieve our goals this year and make our fans happy. I believe that Dimitris Papanikolaou has the background to be a great coach and will seize the opportunity taken by Ilysiakos Athens. As a player was great, he has played in high-level groups and has incredible knowledge of the sport. We will create a very competitive team by sure.


An interview with Nestoras Kommatos - by Chris Mammides

Nestora, initially let me thank you for your precious time to spent with us for this short interview in Eurobasket.com

Eurobasket: So firstly let me say Congratulations for a very good season in two teams this year as you left the Greek league somewhere in February, as the top scorer of the Greek A1 league and right after that you were the main reason of the solid tournament of your next stop, Italys Ass.Pallacanestro Sant' Antimo, a team that remained in the division mainly due to your concrete games in both scoring and rebounding. How do you feel playing in the European courts in compare to the Greek courts?
Nestoras Kommatos (203-F-77): Well, the culture in the Basketball courts in Europe is much different than the Greek ones, in the European courts you can see families, kids, nice atmosphere with really great merriment for the athletes as there is not any kind of fear and everybody enjoy the game, both winners and losers. I feel great playing in the European courts and Im honestly very happy every time which a European opportunity given to me to play in some basketball oriented cultures in Europe.

Eurobasket: What are your ambitions as a player having in mind that you have already won a Euroleague back in 2005 with Maccabi Tel Aviv, a Greek cup with Aris Thessaloniki, a local champion in Israel and one Cup in the same country while you have been voted many times as the top man of a number of games and many times as the MVP of the season, do you consider yourself fed up with the trophies and titles or you still have some mood and ambitions to win even more titles today and in the short term future?
Nestoras Kommatos: Listen, Im in love with the sport and that is the reason why Im still active and honestly speaking Im not doing bad (laughs), I work very hard every summer and I do some personal trainings over and above my teams training, Im passionate with the game and I want always to win and of course I still have many ambitions for the future and to win more titles especially if I get the chance with a transfer in a team which really has some honest chances to win titles I will be gladly add with my experience to their target as it will be my target too. So, in a few terms Im still full of passion and ambitions to win more and more titles

Eurobasket: You have just reached your 35th year of age but you are like the good old wine (laughs) the older the better, especially this season you did some really amazing things by scoring 40 points against the Euroleague champions of 2011, Panathinaikos and 42 points against the 2012 Euroleague champions team of Olympiakos, you then helped your Italian club to remain in the division as your scoring, defense and rebounding helped them big time. Whats your secret? For how long can you still play in so high level? And how many minutes per game?
Nestoras Kommatos: Im working very hard every day, my body is on a great shape, my life is calm, I believe than Im a good professional and that is the reason why I was able to play 38 minutes in the Greek league and 32 minutes in the Italian league, I strongly believe that due to my experience and due to my position in the court I can play some decent basketball in a high level for at least another 2-3 years. I practice a lot, I dont do any exaggerations, I dont drink and im spending quite many hours in the gym, all these elements are helping me to keep up, being fit and play my game so I think that at least 25 quality minutes I can give to any team at this stage without having any problem, of course if my coach wants me to stay more in the court I would gladly do so.

Eurobasket: Have you had any serious injuries in your career?
Nestoras Kommatos: I never had any serious injuries in my career and as I was working out very hard all these years I was lucky enough to avoid any serious damages, thats being said in all the 18 years playing professional basketball I had probably the blessings of God and my family

Eurobasket: You have been playing basketball in Greece, Italy, Spain, Russia, Turkey and Israel most seasons in a very high level, do you have any personal opinion for the French league? Have you ever had any serious offers from France in all these years in the European courts? Do you think you can play in the French league?
Nestoras Kommatos: I think that the French Basketball is getting better and better, is a fast break basketball, good Americans, many NBAers, full of passion, many dunks, not so full of tactic (if I may say so) is a physical and powerful style the French style and I need to confess that I like it a lot. If Im not mistaken four years ago I had an offer from a French club (I think it was Villeurbanne) but I had some better financial offer by the Russian club Lokomotiv Rostov so I decided to join forces with Lokomotiv, other than that I never had any other offers from French clubs. I love the French way of playing basketball and I think that I will be a very good match for a French team if there will be any decision to move on my career to France.

Eurobasket: What do you know for the French league in general? Have you had any discussions with your ex team-mate Dimitris Haritopoulos who played in ASVEL this season and went quite decently in the games played?
Nestoras Kommatos: As I mentioned before I like the French basketball and I can say from the games of the France National team that is quite difficult and powerful league, Dimitris told me that he has very good memories and the degree of professionalism of the French teams is very high, he was really happy when he was telling me all these, so Im really eager to find out more (laughs)

Eurobasket: So you would have reacted positively in a possible French offer?
Nestoras Kommatos: Well, if the offer is good for me and my career and represents what I believe is my part in the game and in the team yes of course, besides France in among the few good leagues I never played and if I have another 2-3 seasons to fulfill my career I would have been more than happy to join forces with a French team..

Eurobasket: From time to to time you have played from the position 2 of the shooting guard and then you moved to the small forward position while in the latest years you do play as a power forward too, which is your favorite post in the court and where do you think you can play better as a natural position?
Nestoras Kommatos: My natural position if I can also use this term is the one of small forward but as in the modern basketball the posts are changing I am also a solid power forward and that is the reason why I have quite solid numbers in the rebounds all these seasons, while I can do many other thinks in the court such as defense, assisting and even organizing (in a way) the game of my team spreading my experience to the younger players, do not forget that this season in the Greek courts I had at least 7 team-mates who had more or less half the game than mine so I was their coach in the court too.

Eurobasket: Do you consider yourself as a player a low temper or a calm player?
Nestoras Kommatos: Im truly a very clam player even though sometimes my passion and game stress overcomes my calmness, I truly leave each and every game as if its a final and no matter what I want to win it, even if it is a friendly game, so sometimes my passion to win and to help my team and team-mates can be overcoming my calmness but I never in all these 17-18 professional seasons played basketball face any serious incident in the court.

Eurobasket: Nestora, what can you really give in a team other than your experience and which are your strong points?
Nestoras Kommatos: I can offer a package of services which includes defense, scoring, experience and wisdom through the years I spent in the courts. Of course it all depends from the Head Coach, I can and will offer whatever he wants, if he wants score I will give it to him if he wants assists, rebounds, defense or whatever I will be there for him and the team, I have always the team over and above my personality in the court.

Eurobasket: Nestora would you like to send a message to the French Basketball and the French basketball lovers and fans?
Nestoras Kommatos: Yes, to the French Basketball I want to say keep up the good job, the European basketball needs a good and solid French league, Its nearly a mast for the Basketball to always have strong French basketball and at this stage also financially solid teams, as at this stage and in my homeland this is something which is quite rear. So all the best to the French Basketball, all my wishes with them and to the fans keep doing what you are doing always in decent manners and avoid all these hooliganism which I know you do not have in your country.

Eurobasket: Nestora Thanks a lot for your time
Nestoras Kommatos: I want to give my best wishes for your site /www.eurobasket.com/ and keep up the good work and all the best, I also want to say thank you for the honor made to me with this interview


Ivkocic and Itoudis split ways from Olympiakos and Panathinaikos respectively - by Chris Mammides

After Zeljko Obradovic (who is heading all the way to the Turkish league) Dusan Ivkovic , head Coach of Olympiakos Piraeus split ways with the European champions (as rumors do take him also to the Turkish league). At the same time the assistant Coach of Obradovic in Panathinaikos, Dimitris Itoudis who rumors were "promoting" him as a head coach of the Greens, announced earlier today that he is also histroy from the Greek club (the same rumors as with Obradovic wants them to remain together in the Turkish league and the same team)

Other than these two "divorces" we had another three Head coaching positions in the A1 league remaining orphans as the Head Coach of Kavala, Dimitris Priftis will no longer continue with the team and is leaving after two sucesfull seasons, the behind the scen news do take him to Ikaros Kallitheas as already some of his "key" players agreed financial terms with Ikaros Kallitheas with Vassilis Symtsak (205-F/C-81) being officially the first player to join forces with Ikaros. Some rumors also bring the current Head Coach of Panionios, Giorgos Bartzokas to travel all the way to piraeus and join forces with the team of Olympiakos replacing head Coach Ivkovic.


*****************************************************
  IBL   

Standings

IBL Standings
Branding
 1. Jersey G-F 4-3 
 2. Orlando V. 2-9 
 3. Yamhill H. 0-3 
Continental
 1. Bellingham S. 10-2 
 2. Vancouver V. 8-4 
 3. Olympia R. 4-10 
International
 1. Edmonton E. 10-3 
 2. Portland C. 8-5 
 3. Nippon T. 2-5 
Travel Team
 1. S. Soldiers 5-9 
 2. Los Angeles 0-0 
 3. W.Coast H. 0-0 

Regular Season: Round 15

Jun. 15: S. Soldiers - Portland C. 191-152
Jun. 15: S. Soldiers - Vancouver V. 149-119
Jun. 14: Olympia R. - Nippon T. 132-109
Jun. 15: Yamhill H. - Nippon T. 127-132
Jun. 15: Los Angeles - Bellingham S.



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  ISRAEL   


Ricky Hickman joins Maccabi Tel-Aviv - by Eurobasket News

Maccabi Tel-Aviv strengthened their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Ricky Hickman (189-PG-85, college: NC-Greensboro). The guard signed a two-year deal with the Israeli powerhouse. Ricky Hickman spent the last season with Scavolini Pesaro. The guard notched 16.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game in SeriaA. Hickman helped Scavolini reach Italian Cup semis. He participated at SeriaA All-Star Game. Previously Ricky Hickman played for Montegranaro, Namika Lahti, LTi Giessen, Goettingen, Otopeni and Pecs Panthers. Eurobasket.com named Ricky Hickman All-Italian LegaDue Player of the Year in 2011. He was also named onto All-Finnish Korisliiga 2nd Team in 2010.


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


Dejan Borovnjak extends contract with Enel Brindisi - by Eurobasket News

Dejan Borovnjak (207-F/C-86, agency: Beo Basket) extended the contract with Enel Brindisi. The Serbian centre will stay with LegaDue champions for another season. Dejan Borovnjak tallied 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.0 assist per game in the previous season. The centre had stints in Greece, Spain, Lithuania, Serbia before. He was the member Serbian U18, U20 and University National Teams.


Trenkwalder keep Donell Taylor - by Eurobasket News

Trenkwalder signed a new deal with Donell Taylor (198-G-82, college: UAB). The guard will spend one more season in Reggio Emilia. Donell Taylor joined Trenkwalder at the start of the last season. He averaged 17.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.8 assists per game in LegaDue. Previously Donell Taylor had stints in Venezuela, D-League, Greece and NBA. He earned Eurobasket.com All-Italian LegaDue Honourable Mention in 2011. In 2010 USBasket.com named Donell Taylor into All-D-League 2nd Team.


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  JAPAN   


Sendai 89ers Get New Home Ground For Next Season. - by Emeka Eke

Sendai 89ers, one of the teams playing in the BJ League, has announced plans to play all its home games inside a new arena starting from next season. The arena, Xebio arena, which was built to accommodate 6,000 spectators, is located near Nagamachi Station.
In a country like Japan where basketball teams play in facilities owned and operated by city officials, sources say building a basketball facility is an entirely new concept. Speaking at the event, 89ers president, Teruhisa Nakamura said it would be very encouraging for people to attend the 89ers games at the new arena as this will help expand their fan base.
Elsewhere around the BJ League, Hannaryz, which reached the final four for the first time in franchise history last May, looks set to change its roster for the new season as it is looking to sign on Japanese free agents this summer.


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  LEBANON   


Riyadi Explodes the Bomb !!! - by Maarouf Mawloud

After the exodus of coach fouad abo chakra from Al Riyadi beirut , Riyadi's active Board Management , and technical members Mr Mazen Tabbara & Mr Tammam Jaroudi didn't blink for one second as they started working from day one to sign a huge coach that can fill in the gap abo chakra left behind. Big names from around the world were a part of Riyadi's brainstorm period for the past couple of weeks , but the decision was taken today , the asian champs signed one of the biggest , maybe the Biggest coaching cv in the middle east as a whole ; aka Slobodan Subotic (agency: Global Sports Plaza ).
By Faissal Kalawi


*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA   


FYR Macedonia rally past Lithuania in Klaipeda - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania - FYR Macedonia 74:78

FYR Macedonia outgunned Lithuania in friendly game in Klaipeda tonight. Vojdan Stojanovski (193-G-87) provided 22 points to lead the winners.
The visitors opened the game strongly. FYR Macedonia quickly jumped into the lead. They accumulated a 20:19 advantage ten minutes into the game. The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the second quarter. FYR Macedonia and Lithuania entered the second half tied at 37. The hosts pulled ahead early in the third term but FYR Macedonia bounced back. The visitors eked out a 55:52 lead at the final break. The Balkan team kept the home side at distance throughout the final quarter and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) connected for 21 points, while Aleksandar Kostoski (188-G-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) added 11 points in the win. Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri) answered with 19 points and 10 rebounds for Lithuania. Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) posted 10 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Lithuania: Linas Kleiza 19+10 boards, Jonas Valanciunas 10
FYR Macedonia: Vojdan Stojanovski 22, Predrag Samardziski 21, Aleksandar Kostoski 11


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  MEXICO   

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Devon PEARSON
  Los M.
  (198-F-84)
  Avg: 27.2
 1. Pearson, Los M.27.2 
 2. Reese, Tepic24.4 
 3. Thomas, Cananea22.6 
 4. Scott, Los Mochis22.4 
 5. McCullough, Nogales22.3 
 6. Robinson, Culiacan22.1 
 7. Alexander, Cananea21.8 
 8. Carter, Guasave20.4 
 9. Selleaze, Navolato20.3 
 10. Hornsby, Tijuana20.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Deangelo RILEY
  Tepic
  (205-C-)
  Avg: 11.2
 1. Riley, Tepic11.2 
 2. Pearson, Los M.10.2 
 3. Alexander, Cananea10.1 
 4. Selleaze, Navolato8.4 
 5. Sanders-F., Nogales8.2 
 6. Scott, Los Mochis8.0 
 7. Robinson, Culiacan7.8 
 8. Moore, Navolato7.6 
 9. Habel, Guaymas7.5 
 10. Strobbe, Nogales7.4 
Assists Per Game
 William FUNN
  Los Mochis
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Funn, Los Mochis9.4 
 2. Allen, Guaymas7.3 
 3. Monreal, Hermosillo5.8 
 4. Taylor, Los Mochis5.8 
 5. Harris, Cananea4.6 
 6. Hornsby, Tijuana4.6 
 7. Riley, Tepic4.1 
 8. Nungaray, Guaymas4.1 
 9. Pulido, Culiacan3.9 
 10. Quintero, Tijuana3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Ravone GEORGE
  Nogales
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. George, Nogales1.8 
 2. Hamilton, Hermosil.1.8 
 3. Gibson, Navolato1.6 
 4. Hornsby, Tijuana1.5 
 5. Riley, Tepic1.5 
 6. Monreal, Hermosillo1.5 
 7. Thomas, Cananea1.4 
 8. Buelna, Guasave1.3 
 9. Gale, Nogales1.3 
 10. Toussaint, Los M.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Deangelo RILEY
  Tepic
  (205-C-)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Riley, Tepic3.5 
 2. Habel, Guaymas1.4 
 3. Zamora, Culiacan1.3 
 4. Wiley, Los Mochis1.0 
 5. Young, Tepic0.9 
 6. Alexander, Cananea0.9 
 7. Davis, Nogales0.8 
 8. Robinson, Culiacan0.8 
 9. Scott, Los Mochis0.8 
 10. Tate, Tijuana0.7 


Brazil defeat Mexico in the opener - by Eurobasket News

Brazil U18 - Mexico U18 79:69

Brazil earned the first win at the U18 FIBA Americas Championship. The hosts toppled Mexico for 1-0 record in Group A. Deryk Ramos (185-G-94) posted 19 points to lead the hosts.
Mexico shocked Brazil with a 23:9 run in the opening quarter. But the home team found the way to recover. The hosts cut the deficit to 6 points at halftime 32:38. Brazil got within two points at the final intermission 56:58. Brazil finally surged ahead in the fourth quarter. They outgunned Mexico 23:11 en route to the victory at the end. Lucas Silva delivered 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Arthur Da Silva chipped in 15 points for Brazil. Jose Stone reacted with 33 points for Mexico. Gabriel Mejia connected for 19 points in the losing case.

Brazil U18: Deryk Ramos 19, Lucas Silva 16+12 boards, Arthur Da Silva 15
Mexico U18: Jose Stone 33, Gabriel Mejia 19


CIBACOPA Round 4 of Finals. Guaymas tie things up at 2-2 - by Eurobasket News

Guaymas - Hermosillo 90-87

Guaymas claimed the second win and levelled things up at 2-2 in the championship series. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Rayos de Hermosillo won fourth quarter 28-22. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Ostioneros de Guaymas looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American point guard Myron Allen (182-PG-79, college: Lee JC) fired 19 points and 7 assists for the winners. The former international guard Anthony Pedroza (191-79, college: Oregon, agency: Edge Sports) chipped in 20 points and 5 assists. Ostioneros de Guaymas' coach LaSelle Taylor used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American forward Emmanuel Little (196-85, college: N.Dakota) produced 23 points and 8 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Patrick Sanders (198-85, college: Cal-Irvine) added 22 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Ostioneros de Guaymas and five Rayos de Hermosillo players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Guaymas: A.Pedroza 20+3reb+5ast, M.Allen 19+3reb+7ast, J.Habel 16+7reb+3ast, F.Benitez 13+1reb+1ast, H.Carrillo 10+1reb, H.Johnson 9+4reb+3ast
Hermosillo: E.Little 23+8reb+1ast, P.Sanders 22+5reb+2ast, J.Manuel Esteva 17+3reb+2ast, A.Izaguirre 12+6reb+2ast, B.Hamilton 10+1reb+5ast, J.Durazo 3+1reb
gschID: 177746



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  MONTENEGRO   


Interview with Dejan Vukmanovic, the founder of KK Junior and first coach of Nikola Pekovic - by Darko Pekic

The founder of KK Junior Podgorica, Dejan Vukmanovic talks for eurobasket.com about his basketball beginnings, his coaching career and his collaboration with the best player from Montenegro, the Timberwolves' center Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket).

Tell us more about you basketball beginnings? Who was your first coach and how good you were as a basketball player?

I remember well- 8th grade, 14 years old and it was September of 1985. My family moved to Pobrezje ( a suburb in Podgorica) and I enrolled in a basketball academy. Basketball was my first love when it comes to sports but I needed a lot of work because I was technically and phisically weaker than all the others in that school. But we played basketball all day, all night, it was something incredible- before and after school. Actually, we lived for basketball. I remember buying Tempo magazine and reading all basketball articles many times till I remember them well. Incredible moments...

My first call was Dile Jovanovic who at that time was the head coach of Buducnost youth teams. He had a very talented generation born in 1971/1972. There was Gavrilo Pajovic (187-G-71), Dragan Vukcevic (201-F-71, agency: Beo Basket), Aleksandar Ivanovic (204-C/F-71), Igor Djaletic (206-C/F-71) and it maybe the most talented generation in Buducnosts history. We learned a lot from Jovanovic and Goran Rakocevic but also we are blessed to have a good team chemistry and each of us learned a lot from teammates, not only from coaches. We used to finish our practice and stay to watch the senior team practices in Moraca hall. And there was something to see there- Zarko Paspalj (208-F-66), Nikola Milatovic , Dusko Ivanovic etc)

After a couple of years Miodrag Baletic came to the club and brought with him a lot of professionalism. It was a step forward for all of us. I remember that we had a 1 point lost in a very important qualifying game against famous Jugoplastika. Many of the players that played that game are still active in the basketball world (10 out of 12) which is a rare thing to see today. Basketball in Podgorica was in constant progress and besides all those players I mentioned before there were also Ranko Velimirovic (205-C/F-72, agency: Beo Basket) and Goran Boskovic (198-G/F-72, agency: Beo Basket) ( KK Titograd), Boban Pajovic (201-F-72) etc. However, when I was 18 I had best stats in whole Montenegrin junior competition, at the second place was Goran Boskovic who had a nice professionl career.

What did you do after your junior career was over?

After my junior career was over I moved to Primorje Herceg Novi along with my coach from Buducnost Goran Rakocevic . I played some friendly games for them and I did well but after 15 days I got a call to join the army. It was 1991..war and other terrible things. In 12 months I gained weight, did not think about basketball at all and that period really stopped my progress. When I returned home I decided to join Gorstak where I met my future friends Vlado Scepanovic (198-G-75, agency: FCM) and Darko Pekovic (202-F-76). But I was in bad shape and I needed a year to get back into shape. Gorstak had also experienced Goran Bojanic and Slavenko Rakocevic, both of them were countining the last days of their careers. The following year I moved to OKK Titograd and played with them in the First Division with 34 team, divided in groups. There were also Stevan Pekovic (201-G-70, agency: Beo Basket), Darko Popovic, Slaven Milic. It was a good generation full of enthousiasm sponsored by the local bar Piccadilly. We traveled by trains and generally had bad conditions to play basketball. But we avoided relegation although the management sold our First Division licence to Ruma Borovica next year.

When the episode in Titograd was over I got a call from Vanja Vujadinovic, former player of Mornar, to join Zeta. Vanja was the coach and some of my new teammates were Zdenko Grbavcevic , Djuro Ostojic (211-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) who was loaned from Mornar and a Russian who really played basketball great but I can not remember his name. I was one of the team leader in 2nd Division and helped them to move to the 1st Division a year later. Although we practiced and played games in a gym with no conditions for professional sports we had a good team chemistry and it was the key to our success.. Before he beginning of new season I got a call from Cypruss to go abroad but I refused because I got married and I thought it would be better to stay at home. Zeta had financial problems and most of us decided not to play until we get paid. We did not get paid and the club folded.

At that point I decided to give up but I got another call from Goran Rakocevic who invited me to help Gorica. But they also had financial problems and I finally ended my career. In 1996 at the age of 24 my professional career was over.

It must be hard to quit playing basketball at the age of 24. But you decided to stay in the basketball world, right?

Yes, I started my referee career and from 2000 to 2003 I was federal referee. In 2001 I founded basketball youth school KK Junior and in 2002 we put together first youth selections. In 2002 Nikola Pekovic joined us also..

Not everybody know that you were the first coach of Nikola Pekovic. Tell us more about his beginnings and your collaboration with him.

First of all, I have to say that Nikola had a lot of luck in his life. He was always at the right place at the right time. His friends brought him to Junior because he was about 200 cm tall but also very skinny. I asked him if he played some basketball before and he answered: Only some pick up games. We were lucky to have support from a businessman from Podgorica who got us a school gym where I worked individually with Nikola and some other players. I noticed the amazing talent and work ethic of Nikola immediately. Although he started playing basketball at the age of 16 after only 5-6 months he played his first official game. I convinced him to start working with weights and it increased his self confidence. He dominated against Buducnost (33 points) and Moraca (41 point). Buducnost had Stevan Milosevic (211-C-85, agency: Interperformances), Ivan Maras (208-C/F-86, agency: Beo Basket) and Marko Sekulic (206-C-86) under the basket and they made 14-15 fouls on Pekovic! In the game against Moraca Nikolas father came to the gym to watch him for the first time and he could not believe how good was his son.

We got in touch with Beobasket basketball agency at that time and they told us that Hemofarm would be interested to sign him. We took the train and were on our way to Vrsac when I got the phone call from Beopetrol. Their coach Zarko Vucurovic was very interested in Nikola. When he signed with Beopetrol (Atlas) his road to the stars started- Junior National Team of Serbia & Montenegro, Partizan , Panathinaikos, NBA However, not many people know that he was on try-out in Red Star Belgrade and their management was not interested in him. Thats why I say he was very lucky..

How did you feel when he moved to the United States and joined the Timberwolves? Its a long road from small club such as KK Junior to the highest stage in the world of basketball..

It was an incredible feeling. When he joined Partizan they had also Dejan Milojevic (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket), Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) and Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) under the basket and there was no space for Nikola but he believed in himself and wanted to go there. And he was right, after a year he exploded like a bomb and surprised everybody. After that he chose Greek powerhouse from Athens and then moved to USA. Now when he comes to our practices my kids admire him and consider him a legend. It is the biggest reward you could get.

What are your ambitions for the future?

We have many members and our goal is to create as many youth selections as possible.. Besides that, we also plan to form a senior team with players up to 20 years old and play in 2nd division. It would be like a stage for each of them and a chance to get noticed.

Thank you for interview Dejan!

Thank you for the opportunity!


*****************************************************
  NCAA1   


USA fire past Virgin Islands in Brazil - by Eurobasket News

USA - Virgin Islands 105:42

USA U18 National Team recorded the first win at the Fiba Americas Championship in Brazil. They marched past US Virgin Islands in Group A opener. William Goodwin knocked down 30 points to lead the winners.
USA surged ahead early in the encounter. They built a 26:13 lead at the first break. The US side maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They arrived at halftime up by 24 points 48:24. Things just got worse for Virgin Islands in the third quarter. USA boosted the margin to unassailable 44 points at the final break. Virgin Islands never recovered in the fourth term as USA cruised to the victory at the end. Jarnell Stokes (6'8''-PF-94) produced 19 points for the winners. Rasheed Sulaimon (6'3''-G-94) and Julius Randle posted 12 points each for USA. Khalid Hart (G-95) answered with 12 points for Virgin Islands. Rasheed Swanston (95) accounted for 11 points in the loss.

USA: William Goodwin 30, Jarnell Stokes 19, Rasheed Sulaimon 12, Julius Randle 12
Virgin Islands: Khalid Hart 12, Rasheed Swanston 11


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

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

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

Regular Season: Round 13

Jun. 15: Ginebra Kings - Powerade T. 83-86
Jun. 15: Rain or Shine - Meralco Bolts 81-77
Jun. 16: Alaska Aces - Talk N Text 72-80

Regular Season: Round 14

Jun. 17: Barako Bull - Rain or Shine
Jun. 17: Petron Blaze - B-Meg Llam.


2012 PBA Governors Cup Roundup: June 13-16, 2012 - by Enzo Flojo

BARAKO BULL ENERGY over AIR21 EXPRESS, 109-100
LeRoy Hickerson played a monster game while the rest of Barako Bull locals provided him support as they picked up their second straight win, outplaying the Air21 Express, 109-100, in the PBA Governors Cup at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

In just his second game for Barako Bull, Hickerson scored 38 points and finished two rebounds and two assists shy of a triple-double. Barako Bull improved its win-loss record to 3-2, forging a three-way tie for third to fifth spots in the team standings with idle Ginebra and Powerade.

The locals also did their share in the Energys victory, with six other players scoring at least six points.

Mick Pennisi finished with 14 points, Doug Kramer had another double-double performance with 10 points and 10 rebounds while Leo Najorda and Celino Cruz contributed nine points for Barako Bull, which led the game from start to finish.

Willie Miller and Don Allado chipped in eight points, Reil Cervantes came off the bench and delivered seven while Ronald Tubid had six.

BAR 109 Hickerson 38, Pennisi 14, Kramer 10, Najorda 9, Cruz 9, Miller 8, Allado 8, Cervantes 7, Tubid 6, Weinstein 0, Sharma 0.
A21 100 Graham 41, Sena 16, Isip 11, Omolon 10, Hubalde 6, Salamat 5, Arboleda 5, Espiritu 4, Menor 2, Sison 0, Faundo 0, Ritualo 0.
QS: 33-23, 53-47, 80-69, 109-100

B-MEG LLAMADOS over ALASKA ACES, 77-61
Banking on its specialty of playing lock-down defense, B-MEG wrested the solo lead the only way they knew how and grabbed automatic entry in the semifinal round of the PBA Governors Cup at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The Llamados won, 77-61, holding the Alaska Aces down to a season-low output even with Marqus Blakely playing only 26 minutes and not seeing action the entire fourth period.

The Llamados did a great job shackling Sonny Thoss and Cyrus Baguio, Alaskas two key players, to extend their winning streak to five. B-MEG now holds a 5-1 card, half a game ahead of Rain or Shine, to move to the top of the team standings.

Thoss struggled for 10 points on 3-of-8 shooting from the field while Baguio finished with only five points on a 1-for-4 shooting clip from the field. All in all, the Aces got only seven points from their bench with only Baguio and Brandon Cablay scoring for the reserves.

The Aces were also held to 32.4 percent shooting from the field and were beaten in the assist department, 20-9.

The 61 points scored by Alaska was the fourth all-time lowest score by any franchise in the league. It was also the Aces lowest production in nine years.

B-MEG coach Tim Cone, who masterfully put on a perfect game plan in handing his former team its worst beating in years, attributed his teams good defense as the key to the victory.

But while the Llamados look like theyre on a roll right now, they do have bad news on the condition of Blakelys health.

Im afraid Marqus has a concussion. He had food poisoning yesterday and got hit earlier. He had health problems himself. Knowing we wont play him in the second half, Ping (Marc Pingris) played heavy minutes, and PJ (Simon) and James (Yap) provided us double threats on the floor. Together, they changed the way we play, said coach Tim Cone.

But Im really concerned about the condition of Marqus. Were gonna give him a concussion test. We have to ask the doctor if hes fit to play. I told him earlier if youre seeing spots in your vision, we wont play you. You dont mess around with a concussion, but hopefully we can get him ready against Petron, added Cone.

BML 77 Blakely 13, Intal 13, Simon 13, Urbiztondo 8, Yap 8, Pingris 7, De Ocampo 6, Reavis 5, Barroca 4, Acuna 0, Gaco 0, Burstcher 0, Bono 0, Villanueva 0.
ALA 61 Forte 24, Tenorio 17, Thoss 10, Baguio 5, Baracael 2, Cablay 2, Espinas 1, Jazul 0, Custodio 0, Eman 0, Gonzales 0, Dela Cruz 0.
QS: 20-24, 38-38, 60-46, 77-61

RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO-PAINTERS over MERALCO BOLTS, 81-77
This time, Rain or Shine made the important free throws when the game was on the line.

The Elasto Painters made 10 of their last 11 free throws in less than four minutes, including five in the last 37.6 seconds, to survive a gritty Meralco Bolts squad, 81-77, in the PBA Governors Cup at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum Friday night.

Paul Lee made three free throws, including a technical foul shot called against Asi Taulava for for an illegal timeout, while Gabe Norwood made two charities of his own as the Elasto Painters got back on the winning track by securing their fifth win in six matches.

In taking win No. 5, Rain or Shine also got an automatic seat in the semifinal round, joining B-Meg Llamados on top of the standings. The Elasto Painters and the Llamados carry the same 5-1 win-loss card.

Before going 10-of-11 in the last 3:53, the Elasto Painters was just 29-of-43 from the line for a 67.4% clip.

ROS 81 Cornley 21, Lee 16, Norwood 10, Cruz 6, Chan 6, Quinahan 6, Buenafe 6, Matias 4, Jaime 4, Ibanes 2, Tang 0, Belga 0.
MER 77 West 23, Taulava 15, Cardona 12, Mercado 9, Bulawan 6, Hugnatan 6, Ross 3, Reyes 3, Macapagal 0, Artadi 0.
QS: 18-17, 32-35, 59-59, 81-77

POWERADE TIGERS over BGY. GINEBRA KINGS, 86-83
The Powerade Tigers proved that they can win without Gary David scoring 20 points.

The hotshot guard saw his string of 19 games with at least 20 points snapped, but the Tigers rallied for an 86-83 victory over the Barangay Ginebra Kings in exciting PBA Governors Cup action Friday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

With David struggling from the field, Powerade fell behind, 23-9 in the first quarter. But Rey Guevarra scored 11 of his 13 points in the second quarter to help the Tigers close the gap, 41-38, at the end of the half.

Though he shot just 1-of-8 from beyond the arc, Gary Davids three-pointer at with just 3:03 left in the game sparked a 9-2 run that gave Powerade an 83-79 lead.

Dylan Ababou cut the Powerade advantage with a layup before the teams figured in a series of turnovers. With the shot clock running out, Powerades possession seemed to be going nowhere, but import Omar Sneed grabbed an offensive rebound and scored on a putback to give the Tigers more breathing space.

Kerby Raymundo scored in the ensuing possession, and the Gin Kings sent Sneed to the line, where he split his free throws with five seconds left.

Down three points, Ginebra could not get a good attempt at an equalizer, as Powerade escaped with the win.

Tigers coach Bo Perasol said the close win would serve his team in good stead. I think its gonna be good for our character, he said.

Perasol credited Ginebra with coming up with a great effort against David, who was held to just 16 points after averaging 28 coming into the game.

Sneed finished with 27 points and 11 rebounds for the Tigers, who won their fourth straight game.

POW 86 Sneed 27, David 16, Guevarra 13, Casio 10, Salvador 6, Lingganay 4, Anthony 4, Tugade 4, Al-Hussaini 2, Vanlandingham 0, Allera 0, Antonio 0.
GIN 83 Bozeman 23, Caguioa 12, Maliksi 9, Ababou 9, Maierhofer 8, Raymundo 8, Canaleta 5, Villanueva 4, Hatfield 3, Cortez 2, Helterbrand 0.
QS: 9-23, 38-41, 64-63, 86-83

TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS over ALASKA ACES, 80-72
The Talk N Text Tropang Texters probably thought the game was over early in the fourth quarter. The Alaska Aces believed otherwise.

Talk N Text survived a late charge from Alaska, which cut a 21-point fourth quarter lead to just three, to hold on to an 80-72 victory in PBA Governors Cup action in Tubod, Lanao del Norte Saturday night.

The Tropang Texters were still up, 73-53, early in the final period when the Aces unleashed a 19-2 run capped by two free throws by import Jason Forte with under two minutes remaining.

With Alaska breathing down his teams neck, Talk N Text coach sued for time and drew up a play that saw Ranidel De Ocampo hit a crucial three-pointer to give the Tropang Texters a 78-72 lead with 1:05 left.

Talk N Text came up with a stop in the ensuing possession, before Jayson Castro scored a layup. Castro then sealed the win for the Tropang Texters with a steal in the next play.

Paul Harris had 25 points and 17 rebounds for Talk N Text, which overcame a poor start by taking a 45-35 halftime lead, while Larry Fonacier scored 13 of his 16 points in the first half.

Forte and Mac Baracael, the architects of the late Alaska comeback, led the Aces with 24 and 20 points, respectively.

Alaska suffered its sixth loss in seven games, becoming the first team eliminated from contention in the tournament, coach Luigi Trillos first at the helm of the Aces.

Talk N Text, meanwhile, improved its win-loss record to 2-3.

TNT 80 Harris 25, Fonacier 16, De Ocampo 9, Williams 8, Aguilar 6, Castro 4, Peek 4, Gamalinda 3, Aban 3, Alapag 2.
ALA 72 Forte 24, Baracael 20, Espinas 8, Thoss 6, Eman 5, Baguio 5, Custodio 2, Dela Cruz 2, Tenorio 0, Jazul 0, Cablay 0.
QS: 16-22, 45-35, 66-49, 80-72

Source: Unless otherwise specified, game recaps were compressed and compiled from InterAKTV. (Writing credit to Reynaldo Belen.)



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


Puerto Rico wins over USVI 85-70: - by Luis Modestti

Puerto Rico defeated USVI 85-70 in their first warm-up prior to the 2012 Centrobasket Championship.

Jose Juan Barea (181-PG-84, college: Northeastern) and Angel Garcia had 13 points each and Alexander Franklin netted 12 for the Puerto Ricans who had control for most of the game.

Jason Edwin led USVI with 25 points and Aaron Brown added 10.

Puerto Rico faces the Dominican Republic tonight at 6PM in Bayamon. Then on Sunday they play Costa Rica in Gurabo at 7PM.


Canada open win count in Sao Sebastian - by Eurobasket News

Canada U18 - Puerto Rico U18 77:51

Canadian Junior National Team earned the first win at the U18 Fiba Americas Championship. They held off Puerto Rico in Group B opener. Tre Lyles (201-F-95) stepped up with 17 points and 16 rebounds for the winners.
Canada thumped Puerto Rico in the starting quarter. The North American team built a 24:10 lead after ten minutes. Canada stretched the lead in the second frame. They built a 43:17 halftime advantage. Canada did not slow down in the second half. They boosted the distance to 31 points at the final intermission and never looked back en route to the win. Xavier Rathan-Mayes (193-G) posted 12 points, while Jamal Reynolds and Tyler McIntyre delivered 11 points each in the victory. David Rosado answered with 10 points for Puerto Rico. Jeffrey Cartagena netted 8 points in the loss.

Canada U18: Tre Lyles 17, Xavier Rathan-Mayes 12, Jamal Reynolds 11, Tyler McIntyre 11
Puerto Rico U18: David Rosado 10, Jeffrey Cartagena 8


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


Greece nip Russia in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

Greece - Russia 66:63

Greece narrowly defeated Russia in friendly clash in Kaunas tonight. Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-C/F-83) scored 15 points to pace the Hellenes.
Russia led by four points after the opening quarter 16:12. Greece however turned things around in the second frame. They surged ahead and built a 35:26 halftime advantage. The Hellenes maintained the lead throughout the third term. They established a 54:44 advanatge with one quarter remaining. Russia got within five late in regulation and finally cut the distance to just three points but Greece stayed calm and sealed the victory at the end. Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) had 14 points, while Kostas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) added 9 points for the winners. Sergey Monya (203-F-83) answered with 11 points for Russia. Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) and Vitaly Fridzon (195-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) had 9 points apiece in the defeat.

Greece: Kostas Kaimakoglou 15, Georgios Printezis 14, Kostas Vasiliadis 9
Russia: Sergey Monya 11, Andrei Kirilenko 9, Vitaly Fridzon 9


Vyacheslav Zaytsev re-signs with Enisey - by Eurobasket News

Vyacheslav Zaytsev (190-G-89, agency: Alti Sport) remains the player of Enisey. The guard signed a new deal with the team. The contract is meant for two seasons. Vyacheslav Zaytsev joined Enisey at the start of the previous season. He tallied 3.0 points per game in EuroChallenge. In VTB League the guard notched 4.8 points, 1.2 assists and 1.1 rebounds per game. In PBL Zaytsev accounted for 3.2 points and 1.1 rebounds per appearance. Previously Vyacheslav Zaytsev played for BC Khimky Moscow Region. He was the member of U18 and U20 National Teams. The guard attended Russian B National Team training camp in 2011.


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


Zoran Erceg selected the top Serbian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Zoran Erceg
Zoran Erceg
   #1. This week's number one is an international power forward Zoran Erceg (210-85). He led Besiktas to a victory against the closely-ranked Anadolu Efes (24-6) 80-76 in a derby game in the Turkish TBL last Monday. Erceg scored 15 points. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Besiktas Milangaz Istanbul (22-8) is placed fourth in the TBL. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. It's Erceg's first season with the team. He has relatively good stats this year: 14.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 56.8%(117-206), 3FGP: 42.0% and FT: 81.7%. Erceg played for the Serbian senior national team years ago.

Dusko Savanovic
Dusko Savanovic
   #2. Second place goes to an international power forward Dusko Savanovic (204-83, agency: Beo Basket). He contributed to an overtime Anadolu Efes' victory against the closely-ranked Besiktas (22-8) 84-82 in a derby game in the Turkish TBL on Friday night. Savanovic scored 12 points and added 3 assists in 26 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (24-6) is placed third in the TBL. This year Savanovic has relatively solid stats: 11.3ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 55.6%(114-205), 3FGP: 33.8% and FT: 84.0% in the 43 games he played so far. He played for the Serbian national team in 2012.

Novica Velickovic
Novica Velickovic
   #3. The Serbian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international forward Novica Velickovic (205-86), who plays in the Spanish ACB. Velickovic could not help one of league's weakest teams Real Madrid (26-8) to beat Regal FC Barcelona (29-5). He recorded 7 points and added 3 passes. Real Madrid was defeated 81-75 at home by the leading Regal FC Barcelona. This season Velickovic averages: 6.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 2FGP: 52.8%, 3FGP: 41.2% and FT: 73.7%. He played for the Serbian national team years ago.

Dusan Djordjevic
Dusan Djordjevic
   #4. Guard Dusan Djordjevic (195-83, also represented by Beo Basket) managed to help Telenet Oostende in a 1-point victoryagainst the closely-ranked Spirou Charleroi (23-9) 75-74 in the Belgian Ethias League last Friday. Djordjevic scored 5 points and added 3 assists in 33 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Telenet Oostende (23-9) is placed first in the Ethias League. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. Djordjevic is currently fourth on the league's list of best passers with 3.4apg. This year he also averages: 9.0ppg, 3.2rpg and 1.1spg in the 36 games. Djordjevic has a dual citizenship: Serbian and Montenegrin. He used to play for the Serbian national team back in 2012.

Dejan Borovnjak
Dejan Borovnjak
   #5. Former University international power forward Dejan Borovnjak (207-86, another player represented by Beo Basket), who plays in the Italian Lega2 (second division) was not able to help one of league's weakest teams one of league's weakest teams Enel Brindisi (18-10) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite Borovnjak's good performance Enel Brindisi was edged in an overtime 92-91 on the road by the second-ranked Tuscany Pistoia. He recorded a double-double by scoring 12 points and getting 10 rebounds. Borovnjak is currently seventh on the list of best rebounders. He has very reliable stats this season: 13.8ppg, 7.2rpg and 1.6spg. Despite Borovnjak played previously for the Montenegrin national team, he is currently in the Serbian university national team roster.

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

   #1. Experienced Predrag Suput (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) was the major contributor in a 2-point Brose Baskets' victory against the closely-ranked ratiopharm Ulm (27-7) 97-95 in the German BBL in Sunday night's game. He scored 15 points and added 5 assists in 21 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Brose Baskets Bamberg (30-4) is placed first in the BBL. It's Suput's fifth season with the team. This year Suput averages: 8.4ppg, 2.8rpg and 1.8apg in the 40 games he played so far.

Other top Serbian players, who play abroad:

Stefan Peno (193-G-97) plays for Regal FC Barcelona in Spanish ACB
Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) plays for Regal FC Barcelona in Spanish ACB
Nenad Krstic (213-C-83) plays for CSKA Moscow in Russian PBL
Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) plays for CSKA Moscow in Russian PBL
Marko Keselj (205-F-88) plays for Olympiacos in Greek A1
Igor Rakocevic (193-G-78) plays for Montepaschi Siena in Italian SerieA
Milovan Rakovic (208-C-85) plays for Zalgiris in Lithuanian LKL
Masteric plays for Armani Milano in Italian SerieA
Milko Bjelica (207-C-84) plays for Caja Laboral in Spanish ACB
Vladimir Golubovic (213-C-86) plays for Caja Laboral in Spanish ACB
Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88) plays for Caja Laboral in Spanish ACB
Boris Savovic (206-F-87) plays for Galatasaray in Turkish TBL

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


*****************************************************
  SLOVENIA   


Erazem Lorbek selected the top Slovenian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Erazem Lorbek
Erazem Lorbek
   #1. This week's number one is an international power forward Erazem Lorbek (209-84, college: Michigan St.). He led Regal FC Barcelona to a victory over the closely-ranked Real Madrid (26-8) 81-75 in the Spanish ACB in Wednesday night's game. Lorbek was MVP of the game. He recorded 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 36 minutes on the court. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Regal FC Barcelona (29-5) is placed first in the ACB. It was his team's tenth consecutive victory in a row. Lorbek has relatively good stats this year: 11.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.7apg, 2FGP: 49.8%, 3FGP: 31.2% and FT: 69.1% in the 44 games he played so far. He is currently a member of the Slovenian senior national team.

Sasha Vujacic
Sasha Vujacic
   #2. Second place goes to former international guard Sasha Vujacic (200-84). Vujacic was the major contributor in an overtime Anadolu Efes' victory against the closely-ranked Besiktas (22-8) 84-82 in a derby game in the Turkish TBL last Friday. He scored 18 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (24-6) is placed third in the TBL. This season Vujacic has relatively solid stats: 12.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 49.4%, 3FGP: 38.9% and FT: 81.3%. He played for the Slovenian national team in 2009.

Mirza Begic
Mirza Begic
   #3. The Slovenian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international center Mirza Begic (217-85). Begic managed to help Real Madrid in a victory against the league leader Regal FC Barcelona (29-5) crushing them 85-59 in the Spanish ACB on Monday night. He scored 5 points in 12 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Real Madrid (26-8) is placed second in the ACB. Begic is currently fifth on the league's list of best blockers with 1.3bpg. This year his other stats are: 5.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 2FGP: 62.6%(97-155) and FT: 60.4% in the 44 games. Begic has a dual citizenship: Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenian. Ex-Triglav Kranj player is also a member of the Slovenian senior national team.

Dragisa Drobnjak
Dragisa Drobnjak
   #4. An experienced forward Dragisa Drobnjak (200-77, agency: Beo Basket) contributed to a 1-point Base Oostende's victory against the closely-ranked Spirou Charleroi (23-9) 75-74 in the Belgian Ethias League in Friday night's game. He scored 5 points, grabbed 4 boards, passed 3 assists and added 4 steals. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Telenet Oostende (23-9) is placed first in the Ethias League. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. Drobnjak's overall stats this season are: 7.6ppg, 3.6rpg and 1.2apg. He used to play for the Slovenian national team back in 2008.

Other top Slovenian players, who play abroad:

Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) plays for Galatasaray in Turkish TBL
Bostjan Nachbar (207-F-80) plays for Unics Kazan in Russian PBL
Miha Zupan (205-F/C-82) plays for Spartak St.Petersburg in Russian PBL
Gasper Vidmar (211-C/F-87) plays for Fenerbahce Ulker in Turkish TBL
Emir Preldzic (205-F-87) plays for Fenerbahce Ulker in Turkish TBL
Goran Dragic (194-PG-86) plays for Houston Rockets in the NBA
Beno Udrih (194-PG-82) plays for Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA
Vlado Ilievski (189-PG-80) plays for Lokomotiv in Russian PBL
Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) plays for Cedevita in Croatian A1
Vladimir Boisa (209-C/F-81) plays for Panionios in Greek A1
Hasan Rizvic (212-C-84) plays for Buducnost in Montenegrin 1A

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


Slobodan Subotic leaves Union Olimpija after a month as GM - by Matej Bergant

Slobodan Subotic (agency: Global Sports Plaza) left Union Olimpija after only a month in position as General Manager. He left due to current financial situation in the club. He returned back to coaching as he signed a contract with Lebanese basketball club Al Riyadi today.

Slobodan Subotic (agency: Global Sports Plaza) is a well-known name in basketball world. He started his career as a player of Montenegrin club named Primorje Herceg-Novi. He moved to Ljubljana, Slovenia and signed with Olimpija in 1975, where he played for next 12 years. During that period of time, he was also a successful player of Yugoslavian National Team. In 1986, Subotic moved to Greece where he stayed with Aris Thessaloniki for 7 years. He was part of magnificent trio Galis-Subotic-Giannakis, which won several Greek Cups and Championships and put Aris Thessaloniki on the basketball map of Europe. That team also had several great results in the European competitions. Subotic retired as a basketball player in 1993 and right away started working as an assistant coach in Iraklis. He is the only coach who can say that he worked in all Thessaloniki (Aris, Iraklis, PAOK) and Athens (Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, AEK) basketball powerhouses. His first great success as a coach came with Aris in 1997, when he led them to surprising victory in Korac Cup. Next year he accepted the offer of another Greek basketball giant, Panathinaikos. In 1998, after 14 years of struggle for Panathinaikos, Subotic returned the Greek Championship trophy back to trophy showcase of this most successful European basketball club. In 2002, as a coach of Olympiacos, he won the Greek Cup final. In last couple of years, Pixi worked as a head coach in Italy (Aurora) and Croatia (Split, Cedevita). During 2001 and 2003, he was also a coach of Slovenian National Team.


*****************************************************
  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.15.8 
 4. Wright, CAI Z.14.5 
 5. Penney, Fuenlabra.14.4 
 6. Davis, Cajasol14.1 
 7. De Colo, Valencia13.5 
 8. Hettsheimer, CAI Z.13.3 
 9. Navarro, FCB Regal13.0 
 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.6.7 
 8. Gabriel, Asefa E.6.5 
 9. Hettsheimer, CAI Z.6.4 
 10. Teletovic, Caja L.6.3 
Assists Per Game
 Javier RODRIGUEZ
  Assignia.
  (189-G-79)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Rodriguez, Assigni.6.5 
 2. Salgado, Lagun A.4.3 
 3. Prigioni, Caja L.3.9 
 4. Rodriguez, Real M.3.9 
 5. Llull, Real Madrid3.9 
 6. Rodriguez, Bluse.3.8 
 7. Granger, Asefa E.3.8 
 8. Dumas, B.de R.3.7 
 9. Uriz, B.de Rueda V.3.4 
 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. Calloway, Cajasol1.4 
 7. Udoka, UCAM M.1.4 
 8. Hanga, Assignia M.1.4 
 9. Garbajosa, Unicaja1.3 
 10. Williams, FIATC J.1.3 
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. Toure, B.de R.1.4 
 5. Begic, Real Madrid1.3 
 6. Vazquez, FCB Regal1.2 
 7. Barnes, Lucentum1.0 
 8. Ndong, FCB Regal1.0 
 9. Joseph, Fuenlabra.0.9 
 10. Achara, Assignia.0.9 


Regal Barcelona triumphs in 2011/2012 Liga Endesa - by Eurobasket News

FCB Regal - Real Madrid 73:69

Regal Barcelona triumphs in 2011/2012 Liga Endesa as they edged their rivals Real in the decisive game. Barcelona won the fifth game of the series 73:69 and clinched the title.
The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Real Madrid won fourth quarter 22-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Regal FC Barcelona made 7 blocks.
Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) stepped up and scored 17 points and 9 rebounds for the winners and Fran Vazquez (209-C-83) chipped in 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) posted 10, while Joe Ingles (203-G/F-87, agency: Priority Sports) notched 8. Jaycee Carroll (188-PG-83, agency: Priority Sports) responded with 16 points and international power forward Felipe Reyes scored 6 points and 10 rebounds. Sergio Llull (190-PG-87) and Kyle Singler (203-F-88, college: Duke) delivered 12 points each in defeat.

FCB Regal: Pete Mickeal 17, Fran Vazquez 16, Erazem Lorbek 10, Joe Ingles 8
Real Madrid: Jaycee Carroll 16, Sergio Llull 12, Kyle Singler 12, Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91) 10


Unicaja targets Roko-Leni Ukic - by Eurobasket News

Unicaja Malaga are closely watching Roko-Leni Ukic (196-G-84). The Spanish powerhouse has reportedly made an offer for the Croatian guard. Roko-Leni Ukic spent the last season in Turkey. He played for Fenerbahce Ulker. He tallied 11.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in Euroleague. In TBL Roko-Leni Ukic notched 11.9 points, 4.0 assists and 2.8 rebounds per appearance. The guard had stints in Turkey, Spain, Italy, Croatia and NBA before. Eurobasket.com named Roko-Leni Ukic All-Turkish Bosman Player of the Year in 2011. He has been the member of Croatian National Team since 2002. The guard participated at 2010 World Championship in Turkey. Roko-Leni Ukic posted 8.8 points, 3.5 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game at the tournament.


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  TAIWAN   


Asia-basket.com All-Taiwanese SBL Awards 2011-12 - by Chris Wang

Asia-basket.com All-Taiwanese SBL 1st Team 2012
#s#
Quincy Davis
Davis
Yi-Chieh Su
Su
Chin-Min Yang
Yang
Kevin Johnson
Johnson
Ryan Wright
Wright
#e#5

Player of the Year: Davis Quincy (206-F/C-83) of Pure Youth
Guard of the Year: Su Yi-Chieh (181-PG-87) of Taiwan Mobile
Forward of the Year: Johnson Kevin (201-F-84) of Yulon Luxgen
Center of the Year: Davis Quincy (206-F/C-83) of Pure Youth
Import Player of the Year: Davis Quincy (206-F/C-83) of Pure Youth
Domestic Player of the Year: Yang Chin-Min (188-G-84) of Taiwan Beer
Defensive Player of the Year: Davis Quincy (206-F/C-83) of Pure Youth
Coach of the Year: Hsu Chin-Tse of Pure Youth

1st Team
PG: Su Yi-Chieh (181-87) of Taiwan Mobile
G: Yang Chin-Min (188-84) of Taiwan Beer
F: Johnson Kevin (201-84) of Yulon Luxgen
C/F: Wright Ryan (206-87) of Taiwan Mobile
F/C: Davis Quincy (206-83) of Pure Youth

2nd Team
F: Lu Cheng-Ju (194-86) of Yulon Luxgen
F: Hsu Chih-Chiang (194-82) of Bank of Taiwan
C/F: Felix Noel (205-81) of Dacin Tigers
F: Tien Lei (202-83) of Dacin Tigers
F/C: Trim Kibwe (208-84) of Taiwan Beer

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Yang Chin-Min (188-84) of Taiwan Beer
PG: Su Yi-Chieh (181-87) of Taiwan Mobile
F: Hsu Chih-Chiang (194-82) of Bank of Taiwan
F: Lu Cheng-Ju (194-86) of Yulon Luxgen
F: Tien Lei (202-83) of Dacin Tigers

All-Imports Team
F/C: Davis Quincy (206-83) of Pure Youth
F: Johnson Kevin (201-84) of Yulon Luxgen
C/F: Felix Noel (205-81) of Dacin Tigers
F/C: Trim Kibwe (208-84) of Taiwan Beer
C/F: Wright Ryan (206-87) of Taiwan Mobile


*****************************************************
  TRBL   


PrimeTime Players clinch TBRL crown - by Eurobasket News

PrimeTime Players - Cary Invasion 123:103

PrimeTime Player celebrated the title in their first Tobacco Road Basketball League season. They overcame Cary Invasion in the championship game yesterday. Antonio Houston (6'5''-G/F-88, college: Catawba) erupted for 33 points in the victory. He was named the tournaments MVP.
PrimeTime Players pulled ahead in the opening quarter. They fired 29 points to take a 9-point lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the second frame. PrimeTime Players arrived at halftime 55:46 at the interval. The Players consolidated the lead in the third quarter. They unleashed impressive 43 points in the stanza to ensure a 25-point lead and never looked back en route to the victory. Donald Rutherford (6'7''-F-87, college: Catawba) provided 21 points, while Malachai Jones and Jaime Vaughn (6'2''-G, college: Wingate) produced 16 points each in the victory. John Moore answered with 20 points for Cary Invasion. Brock Young (5'11''-G-88, college: E.Carolina) had 19 points in the loss.

PrimeTime Players: Antonio Houston 33, Donald Rutherford 21, Malachai Moore 16, Jaime Vaughn 16
Cary Invasion: John Moore 20, Brock Young 19


*****************************************************
  TURKEY   


Pinar KSK released Stanojevic - by Sinan Can

PINAR Karsiyaka terminated the contract with Serbiban big man Jovo Stanojevic (208-C-77, agency: Beo Basket) . It's been reported that Izmir club, who had an optimon to keep Stanojevic for one more year asked Serbian center to reduce his contract from 300.000 USD to 180.000. The offer rejected by the player, so Pinar Karsiyaka management paid 10.000 USD to use their option-out. This means that Serbian big man is free agent in Turkey too where he'd definitely see a lot of interest for next season. Stanojevic has played 32 Beko Basketball League games this past season and averaged 15.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Stanojevic also had a great season at Eurochallenge Cup where Pinar Karsiyaka defeated at 2nd round as Serbian big man became the leading scorer of the competition with 20.3 points, also had 7.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists. Pinar Karsiyaka did not announce either they'll keep their Coach Hakan Demir or sign a new one, anyway this kind of roster change without a coach looks awkward.


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


USA fire past Virgin Islands in Brazil - by Eurobasket News

USA - Virgin Islands 105:42

USA U18 National Team recorded the first win at the Fiba Americas Championship in Brazil. They marched past US Virgin Islands in Group A opener. William Goodwin knocked down 30 points to lead the winners.
USA surged ahead early in the encounter. They built a 26:13 lead at the first break. The US side maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They arrived at halftime up by 24 points 48:24. Things just got worse for Virgin Islands in the third quarter. USA boosted the margin to unassailable 44 points at the final break. Virgin Islands never recovered in the fourth term as USA cruised to the victory at the end. Jarnell Stokes (6'8''-PF-94) produced 19 points for the winners. Rasheed Sulaimon (6'3''-G-94) and Julius Randle posted 12 points each for USA. Khalid Hart (G-95) answered with 12 points for Virgin Islands. Rasheed Swanston (95) accounted for 11 points in the loss.

USA: William Goodwin 30, Jarnell Stokes 19, Rasheed Sulaimon 12, Julius Randle 12
Virgin Islands: Khalid Hart 12, Rasheed Swanston 11


*****************************************************
  UKRAINE   


Kyryl Natyazhko joins Azovmash - by Eurobasket News

Azovmash made the first market move in the pre-season. They signed a deal with Kyryl Natyazhko (210-C-90, agency: Beo Basket). The Ukrainian talented centre will start his pro career in Mariupol. He is meant to replace Maxim Ivshyn (209-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) on the Azovmash roster. Maxim Ivshyn has been released by Azovmash. Kyryl Natyazhko played for the University of Arizona in the last three seasons. The centre notched 1.1 points and 1.6 rebounds per game last season. Kyryl Natyazhko participated at 2012 Adidas EuroCamp in Treviso. He was the member of U16 and U20 Ukrainian National Teams. Natyazhko tallied 17.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.5 blocks per game at U20 European Championship in Croatia in 2010.


*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


British U16 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Marko Backovic 97 Sheffield S. United Kingdom
Liam Carpenter Medway Park United Kingdom
David Couchman Medway Park United Kingdom
Jules Christian Union Olimpija Slovenia
Pharroh Gordon Manchester M. United Kingdom
Sedale Hanson-Young Birmingham A's United Kingdom
Justin Hedley Schwabing Germany
Myles Laurent-Smart NASSA United Kingdom
Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye NASSA United Kingdom
Justas Muzikevicius London P. United Kingdom
Joe Mvuezolo NASSA United Kingdom
Ikponmwosa Oghide Birmingham A's United Kingdom
Shannon Simpson
Joshua Steel
Joseph Swindells Manchester M. United Kingdom
Kwame Yeboah NASSA United Kingdom

Andreas Kapoulas Head Coach Bristol AF United Kingdom
Alan Keane Assistant



British U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

#s#
David Akibo
Akibo
Luke Attfield
Attfield
Joshua Guddemi
Guddemi
Tyrell Isaacs
Isaacs
Benjamin Mead
Mead
#e#5
David Akibo 195-F-94 Leopards United Kingdom
Luke Attfield C-95 Bognor P. United Kingdom
Rowell Graham 94 Lewisham T. United Kingdom
Joshua Guddemi 198-F-94 Derby T. United Kingdom
Tyrell Isaacs G-95 Westminster W. United Kingdom
Joe Lockwood Leopards United Kingdom
Benjamin Mead 196-F-95 Ipswich United Kingdom
Luke Nelson 185-PG-95 Reading R. United Kingdom
Dominic Norton 183-G-94 Leopards United Kingdom
Kingsley Okoroh 212-C-95 High School USA
Tamas Okros F-95 Manchester M. United Kingdom
Dwayne Orija 190-F-95 Leopards United Kingdom
Jonathan Orrells Bristol AF United Kingdom
Legend Robertin Leopards United Kingdom
Samuel Round G-95 Northants United Kingdom
David Sainsbury-Garcia 94 Estudiantes II Spain
Elliott Sentance 188-G-94 Leicester W. United Kingdom
Jordan Spencer 185-PG-94 MK Lions United Kingdom
Morayoninuoluwa Soluade 194-G-95 Clinicas Rincon Spain
Lucas Stivrins 209-C-94 High School USA
Conner Stuart Bucks Hornets United Kingdom
Theo Turner 210-C-93 Tees Valley M. United Kingdom
Jordan Whelan Manchester M. United Kingdom

Steve Bucknall Head Coach
Karl Brown Assistant Leicester W. United Kingdom



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


Venezuela shoot down Brazil in Charata - by Eurobasket News

Venezuela - Brazil 84:76

Venezuela clinched the opening win at the Super 4 Cup tournament in Charata, Argentina. They outgunned Brazil in the opener. Greivis Vasquez (198-PG-87, agency: Interperformances, college: Maryland) connected for 18 points to lead the winners.
Venezuela cleared off in the starting quarter. They unloaded 28 points to gain a 10-point lead at the first intermission. Venezuela stretched the margin in the second term. They arrived at halftime up by as many as 17 points 53:36. Venezuela maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They posted a 66:49 lead at the final intermission. Brazil trimmed the distance in the fourth quarter but still came up short of victory at the end. Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) notched 11 points, while Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) contributed 12 points for the winners. Arthur Silva (199-F/G-82) answered with 18 points for Brazil. Dede Stefanelli (196-F/G-84) had 12 points in the loss.

Venezuela: Greivis Vasquez 18, Jose Vargas 12, Axiers Sucre 11
Brazil: Arthur Silva 18, Dede Stefanelli 12


*****************************************************
  VTB UNITED LEAGUE   


Vyacheslav Zaytsev re-signs with Enisey - by Eurobasket News

Vyacheslav Zaytsev (190-G-89, agency: Alti Sport) remains the player of Enisey. The guard signed a new deal with the team. The contract is meant for two seasons. Vyacheslav Zaytsev joined Enisey at the start of the previous season. He tallied 3.0 points per game in EuroChallenge. In VTB League the guard notched 4.8 points, 1.2 assists and 1.1 rebounds per game. In PBL Zaytsev accounted for 3.2 points and 1.1 rebounds per appearance. Previously Vyacheslav Zaytsev played for BC Khimky Moscow Region. He was the member of U18 and U20 National Teams. The guard attended Russian B National Team training camp in 2011.



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Women News


Great Britain overcome Argentina in Turkey - by Eurobasket News

Great Britain - Argentina 81:65

Great Britain registered the second win in a row at the start of Ankara international tournament. The British team shot down Argentina for 2-0 record. Great Britain will take on Turkey on the final day of the tourney.
Great Britain pulled ahead in the starting quarter. They posted a 23:20 lead at the first break. Argentina however quickly denied the deficit. The Latin American team tied things up at 38 at the interval. Great Britain stunned their opponents in the third quarter. The European team went on a decisive 26:10 run to leave Argentina behind. Great Britain never looked back again marching to the victory at the end. Johannah Leedham (180-G/F-87, college: Franklin Pierce) posted 22 points to lead all scorers. Chantelle Handy (191-F/C-87, college: Marshall) added 12 points, while Natalie Stafford (173-G-76) finished with 14 in the win. Agostina Burani (188-F/C-91, agency: Players Group) answered with 11 points for Argentina. Debora Gonzalez (174-SG-94) had 9 points in the loss.

Great Britain: Johannah Leedham 22, Natalie Stafford 14, Chantelle Handy 12
Argentina: Agostina Burani 11, Debora Gonzalez 9


*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA   


SBL: Eagles took down the Wolves - by Eurobasket News

In the women's league Eagles took down the Wolves 61-58.

The Wolves now only hold onto fourth position on percentage as the Eagles soar into the top eight.

Wolves veteran Suzanne Williams (75) (18 points) and Waves guard Shani Amos (16) led the way for the Wolves.

The Eagles were led by Kate Fielding (176-G-86) (13 points) and Kelsey Maffin (15 points).

The Cougars took down the Magic 70-66 for the Magics seventh consecutive loss this season.

Despite the Magic leading throughout the first three quarters a 20 point last quarter from the Cougars got them over the line.
Courtesy of: SBL


Russia overcame Australia in Italy - by Eurobasket News

Russia-Australia 60:51

Russia overcame Australia in Italy in the first friendly game between the teams. The European side celebrated a 60:51 win and also had 68:62 after 5 quarters.
It was evident that this was going to be an extremely physical game from the outset, with both sides going point-for-point in the first quarter with Russia taking a slender 18-17 lead into quarter time. Australia managed to win the second period 11-10 and tied the game at the halftime.
The third quarter was a disastrous one for the Jayco Opals offensively. Struggling to score from mid- and long-range, this also started to have an impact on their ability to finish around to the basket. Russian won the third frame 12-4 and added 20-19 in the fourth period.
Marina Kuzina (194-C-85) and Eugeniya Belyakova (183-G-86) top-scored for the winners with 9 points apiece. Ekaterina Lisina (202-C-87) and Anna Petrakova (189-PF-84) followed the winning side with 8 points each. Suzy Batkovic-Brown (193-C-80) ended up with 10 points in the losing effort and Elizabeth Cambage (203-C-91) had 9. Bishop delievered 8 points in the losing case.

Russia: Marina Kuzina 9, Eugeniya Belyakova 9, Ekaterina Lisina 8, Anna Petrakova 8
Australia: Suzy Batkovic-Brown 10, Elizabeth Cambage 9, Bishop 8


*****************************************************
  BELARUS   


Belarus topple Portugal in Coimbra - by Eurobasket News

Portugal - Belarus 53:82

Belarus celebrated the second straight win at the start of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They toppled Portugal on the road in Group A. Tatyana Troina (188-F-81, college: S.Carolina) scored 17 points and grabbed 8 rebound to lead the winners.
Belarus secured a stunning start. They unloaded 28 points in the opening quarter to build a 12-point lead. Belarus limited their opponents to 10 points in the second frame to accumulate a 45:26 halftime lead. Belarus maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They piled up a 27-point lead with ten minutes remaining. Belarus never slowed down in the final term and rallied to the victory at the end. Natalia Anufryienka (174-G-85, agency: LBM Management) accounted for 11 points, while Zhanna Horodetskaya (180-G-79) and Katerina Snytsina (188-F-85) provided 9 points each in the win. Sofia Silva (187-C-90) answered with 12 points for Portugal. Carla Nascimento (171-G-86) provided 11 points in the loss.

Portugal: Sofia Silva 12, Carla Nascimento 11
Belarus: Tatyana Troina 17, Natalia Anufryienka 11, Zhanna Horodetskaya 9, Katerina Snytsina 9


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  BELGIUM   


Slovak Republic successfully starts EuroBasket Qualification - by Eurobasket News

Slovak Republic-Belgium 64:49

Slovak Republic successfully starts EuroBasket Qualification in Group C. The team overcame Belgium 64:49 in Kosice for 1-0 record. The latter meanwhile fell at 0-2 record.
Both teams nailed 21 points in the opening period and Romana Vynuchalova (192-C/F-86, college: Penn St.) opened the second frame for 23:21. She scored another 5 points for 29:25, while Erin Marie Lawless (188-F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Purdue) brought 37:30. Tetemondova later closed the half from the free throw for 8-point advantage. Slovak Republic added 12-9 in the third frame for 50:39 and Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) scored for 52:42 early in the fourth. The hosts won the period 14-10 and celebrated their first victory.
Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83) paced all the winners with 14 points and Erin Marie Lawless added 13. Romana Vynuchalova posted 8, while Lucia Kupcikova chipped in with 7. Emma Meesseman (192-C-93, agency: LBM Management) replied with 11 points in defeat and Anne-Sophie Strubbe (182-SF-90) posted 10.

Slovak Republic: Ivana Jalcova 14, Erin Marie Lawless 13, Romana Vynuchalova 8, Lucia Kupcikova 7
Belgium: Emma Meesseman 11, Anne-Sophie Strubbe 10


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  CANADA   


France clinch third straight win in Lyon - by Eurobasket News

France - Canada 66:41

French National team won the international tournament in Lyon. They celebrated three victories in as many games. The hosts overcame Canada on the final day of the tourney. Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87) posted 15 points and 10 rebounds for the winners.
France dominated right from the start. They built a 23:5 lead ten minutes into the game. France stretched the gap in the second quarter. Les Bleus established a 43:18 halftime advantage. France held the North American opponents to 10 points in the third term to secure a 27-point advantage at the final intermission. Canada outgunned the home side in the final quarter but just trimmed the distance at the end. Emilie Gomis (180-G/F-83) and Emmeline Ndongue (191-C-83) accounted for 12 points each in the winning case. Kimberley Smith (187-F-84, college: Utah) finished with 10 points for Canada. Natalie Achonwa (190-F-92) netted 7 points in the loss.

France: Sandrine Gruda 15+10 boards, Emilie Gomis 12, Emmeline Ndongue 12
Canada: Kimberley Smith 10, Natalie Achonwa 7


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  CENTROBASKET   

Standings

Standings
Group A
1. P.Rico3-0
2. Mexico2-1
3. Jamaica1-2
4. El Salvador0-3
Group B
1. Cuba3-0
2. Dominican R.2-1
3. US Virg.Isl1-2
4. Trinid/T.0-3

Finals: Round 1

3rd place

Jun. 16: MEX - DOM 78-79

5th place

Jun. 16: JAM - ISV 61-49

7th place

Jun. 16: TRI - ESA 55-58 OT

FINAL

Jun. 16: CUB - PUR 78-63


Cuba and Puerto Rico advanced to the Final - by Eurobasket News

SEMIFINALS
Cuba - Mexico 86-42
Cuba reaches the Final at the 2012 Centrobasket in Morovis. The team overcame Mexico 86:42 in the Semifinal to face the hosts in the Final game. Cuba started with 22-9 lead and never looked behind after. Mexico however managed to win the second period 16-13, but could not stay tough. Cuba erupted with 26-8 surge in the third quarter and reached 61:32 after three quarters. Moreover they added 25-9 in the last stanza to win the Semifinal clash. Oquendo and Avila top-scored for the winners with 18 points each. Amargo netted 13, while Cepeda collected 11 points and 12 rebounds. Frida Gonzalez (184-C) ended up with 9 in defeat, whilst Abril Garcia (188-F/C-80, college: ORU) and Laura Nunez (187-C/F-93) posted 7 each.

Puerto Rico - Dominican Republic 73-47
Puerto Rico edge Dominican Republic to enter the Final of the 2012 Centrobasket in Morovis.The hosts celebrated a 73:47 win to face Cuba on Saturday. Both teams nailed 13 points each in the first period. The hosts managed to push the tempo later in the half and after 16-11 in it reached 5-point advantage at the halftime. The third quarter became decisive in the game as Puerto Rico had 25-9 in it and never looked behind. They added 19-14 in the last stanza to seal the victory. Marie Placido (182-F-87) paced all the winners with 15 points and Escalera Carla added 12. Carla Cortijo (173-G-87, college: Texas) delivered 11, while Jennifer O'Neill (167-G) scored 9. Guzman Carmen ended up with 11 points and Paniagua Andreina had 9 in defeat.
Places 5-8
U.S. Virgin Islands - El Salvador 68-57
Virgin Islands rolled over El Salvador in Puerto Rico. The winners will play for the 5th place at the Centobasket 2012. Virgin Islands started with 14:13 in the opening period and scored the same number of points in the second frame. That time the opponents managed to score 12 as the board showed 28:25 at the halftime. The third quarter was decisive in the game when Virgin Islands produced an 18-11 surge and never looked behind. Moreover they added 22-21 in the last stanza and sealed the victory. Natalie Day (182-G/F-90) and Hamilton Victoria top-scored for the winners with 13 points each. Yanique Javois (176-G-85) nailed 10, while Liburd Lynia added 8. Veronica Sosa (173-SG-90) ended up with 17 points and Maravilla posted 16 in defeat. In the game for the 5th place Virgin Islands will face Jamaica.

Jamaica - Trinidad and Tobago 65-60
Jamaica outscored Trinidad and Tobago in Centobasket 2012. The winners will play for the fifth place with Virgin Islands. Trinidad and Tobago started better and grabbed 15:7 after the opening period. They managed to lead 32:28 at the halftime but could not win the game. Both teams nailed 15 points each in the third quarter for the same difference, while Jamaica needed a 22-13 surge to win the game. Pietra Gay (183-G-74) had tied the game at 60:60 with 3 minutes left to play. Shenneika Smith made a jump shot and Tarita Gordon a three-point shot and Jamaica ended with a victory in the first game today. Dixon Sasha top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Smith Shenneika netted 12. Rhona McKenzie (183-F-76, agency: LBM Management) delivered 9, while Gordon Tarita added 7. Gay Pietra replied with 18 points in the losing effort, whilst Seale and Rhea Codio (165-G-88) posted 9 each.


Cuba clinch 2012 Centrobasket title - by Eurobasket News

FINAL
Cuba - Puerto Rico 78-63
Cuba clinch 2012 Centrobasket title in Morovis. The Cubans overcame the hosts of the tournament 78:63 in the Final game. This victory was number 47 in row for Cuba team in Centrobasket and gain back the gold medal, that won at Morovis in the 2008 edition. Puerto Rico achieved it fourth silver medal in the history. Cuba started with 19:16 and bailed the same number of points in the second frame. Cuba allowed the opponents to score 12 points and enjoyed 38:28 halftime advantage. Moreover they won the third period 26-20 and did not mind 14-15 in the last quarter. Leidys Oquendo (180-F-82) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Cepeda Marlen had massive 16 points and 20 rebounds. Yamara Amargo (180-F-85) posted 11, while Avila Suchitel and Islen Carbonell (182-G/F-87) delivered 10 each. Carla Escalera (180-PF-84) ended up with 13 points in the losing effort and Sepulveda Jazmine had 11.
3rd place
Mexico - Dominican Republic 78-79
Dominican Republic win the bronze medal of the 2012 Centrobasket in Morovis. They managed to beat Mexico 79:78 in the game for the third place. Both teams secured their participation in the Premundial. Mexico started with 24:18 in the first period and won the half by 6 points. Both teams nailed 19 points each in the second quarter for 33:27 at the halftime. In the third period Dominican Republic bounced back with 29:23 and tied the score. A 5-0 run from the Dominican Republic took off the winners 78:73 with 2 minutes to play. Alexis Castro make a three-points shot with two second to play, but was not sufficient to get the victory Guzman Graciela paced all the winners with 21 points and Estrella Jennifer delivered 11. Andreina Paniagua (183-F-78) and Abreu Maceo followed them with 10 points each. Abril Garcia (188-F/C-80, college: ORU) replied with 24 points and 10 boards in the losing case, while Orozco Maria nailed 22. Alexis Castro (180-G/F-86, agency: 22ft, college: Vermont) delivered 15 and Nunez Laura had 6.

5th place
Jamaica - U.S. Virgin Islands 61-49
Jamaica defeat Virgin Islands for the 5th place in Centrobasket 2012. The team needed 61:49 victory to move on one step higher. Virgin Islands opened the game with 13:10 in the opening period and led 3 points at the halftime. Both teams nailed 10 points each in the second period as the board showed 23:20 at the halftime. Jamaica bounced back with 17-16 in the third period and reduced to 2 points entering the last stanza. They needed massive 24-10 in it to seal the victory. Gordon Tiffany paced all the winners with 17 points and Smith Satanya as well as Latouche Marie netted 13 each. McKenzie Gillian delivered 7 points in a win. Richards Sherika replied with 14 points in the losing effort and Day Nicole posted 12. Carey Loreal notched 10, whilst Matthew Kevia poured in 4.

7th place
Trinidad and Tobago - El Salvador 55-58 OT
El Salvador ended Centrobasket in the seventh place in Morovis, Puerto Rico. The team overcame Trinidad and Tobago 58:55 in overtime at the 18th edition of the Centrobasket Tournament. El Salvador won the opening period 12:10, but could not keep the lead in the half. Trinidad and Tobago bounced back with 17-8 in the second frame to take 27:20 halftime advantage. It was again El Salvador that won the third period 23-8 and took 8 points lead entering the fourth period. Trinidad and Tobago meanwhile won the fourth period 16-8 and went to overtime. After three lead changes in the overtime, Calderon make four points for ensuring the El Salvador national team victory. Mirna Simon (168-SF-82) paced all the winners with 18 points and Monica Calderon (175-SF-91) netted 14. Hillary Martinez (172-SF) had 11, while Sosa posted 6. Gay Pietra replied with 17 points and Shakira Clarke (182-C) added 13.


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  CROATIA   


Czech Republic post first win in Lyon - by Eurobasket News

Czech Republic - Croatia 77:69

Czech Republic finally recorded victory at the international tournament in Lyon. They fired past Croatia to finish at 1-2 record. Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) stepped up with 15 points to lead the winners.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The Czech team eked out a 20:19 lead after ten minutes. Czech Republic pulled ahead in the second quarter. They built a 44:34 halftime lead. The Czechs boosted the lead in the third frame. They opened a 15-point advantage at the final intermission 66:51. Croatia managed to cut the deficit in the final frame but Czech Republic hung on to snatch the win at the end. Tereza Peckova (189-F-87) provided 13 points, while Katerina Elhotova (180-SG-89) delivered 10 points for the winners. Sandra Mandir (177-G-77) chipped in 13 points for Croatia. Marija Vrsaljko (195-C-89) had 11 points in the loss.

Czech Republic: Eva Viteckova 15, Tereza Peckova 13, Katerina Elhotova 10
Croatia: Sandra Mandir 13, Marija Vrsaljko 11


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  CUBA   


Cuba clinch 2012 Centrobasket title - by Eurobasket News

Cuba-Puetro Rico 78:63

Cuba clinch 2012 Centrobasket title in Morovis. The Cubans overcame the hosts of the tournament 78:63 in the Final game. This victory was number 47 in row for Cuba team in Centrobasket and gain back the gold medal, that won at Morovis in the 2008 edition. Puerto Rico achieved it fourth silver medal in the history.
Cuba started with 19:16 and bailed the same number of points in the second frame. Cuba allowed the opponents to score 12 points and enjoyed 38:28 halftime advantage. Moreover they won the third period 26-20 and did not mind 14-15 in the last quarter.
Leidys Oquendo (180-F-82) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Marlen Cepeda (193-C-85) had massive 16 points and 20 rebounds. Yamara Amargo (180-F-85) posted 11, while Suchitel Avila (183-F-82) and Islen Carbonell (182-G/F-87) delivered 10 each. Carla Escalera (180-PF-84) ended up with 13 points in the losing effort and Jazmine Sepulveda (186-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: S.Florida) had 11.

Cuba: Leidys Oquendo 17, Marlen Cepeda 16+20 rebs, Yamara Amargo 11, Suchitel Avila 10, Islen Carbonell 10
Puetro Rico: Carla Escalera 13, Jazmine Sepulveda 11


Cuba stun Mexico to reach the Final - by Eurobasket News

Cuba-Mexico 86:42

Cuba reaches the Final at the 2012 Centrobasket in Morovis. The team overcame Mexico 86:42 in the Semifinal to face the hosts in the Final game.
Cuba started with 22-9 lead and never looked behind after. Mexico however managed to win the second period 16-13, but could not stay tough. Cuba erupted with 26-8 surge in the third quarter and reached 61:32 after three quarters. Moreover they added 25-9 in the last stanza to win the Semifinal clash.
Leidys Oquendo (180-F-82) and Suchitel Avila (183-F-82) top-scored for the winners with 18 points each. Yamara Amargo (180-F-85) netted 13, while Marlen Cepeda (193-C-85) collected 11 points and 12 rebounds. Frida Gonzalez (184-C) ended up with 9 in defeat, whilst Abril Garcia (188-F/C-80, college: ORU) and Laura Nunez (187-C/F-93) posted 7 each.

Cuba: Leidys Oquendo 18, Suchitel Avila 18, Yamara Amargo 13, Marlen Cepeda 11+12 rebs
Mexico: Frida Gonzalez 9, Abril Garcia 7, Laura Nunez 7


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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Czech Republic post first win in Lyon - by Eurobasket News

Czech Republic - Croatia 77:69

Czech Republic finally recorded victory at the international tournament in Lyon. They fired past Croatia to finish at 1-2 record. Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) stepped up with 15 points to lead the winners.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The Czech team eked out a 20:19 lead after ten minutes. Czech Republic pulled ahead in the second quarter. They built a 44:34 halftime lead. The Czechs boosted the lead in the third frame. They opened a 15-point advantage at the final intermission 66:51. Croatia managed to cut the deficit in the final frame but Czech Republic hung on to snatch the win at the end. Tereza Peckova (189-F-87) provided 13 points, while Katerina Elhotova (180-SG-89) delivered 10 points for the winners. Sandra Mandir (177-G-77) chipped in 13 points for Croatia. Marija Vrsaljko (195-C-89) had 11 points in the loss.

Czech Republic: Eva Viteckova 15, Tereza Peckova 13, Katerina Elhotova 10
Croatia: Sandra Mandir 13, Marija Vrsaljko 11


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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Dominican Republic win the bronze medal - by Eurobasket News

Mexico-Dominican Republic 78:79

Dominican Republic win the bronze medal of the 2012 Centrobasket in Morovis. They managed to beat Mexico 79:78 in the game for the third place. Both teams secured their participation in the Premundial.
Mexico started with 24:18 in the first period and won the half by 6 points. Both teams nailed 19 points each in the second quarter for 33:27 at the halftime. In the third period Dominican Republic bounced back with 29:23 and tied the score. A 5-0 run from the Dominican Republic took off the winners 78:73 with 2 minutes to play. Alexis Castro make a three-points shot with two second to play, but was not sufficient to get the victory
Carmen Guzman (172-SG-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UAB) paced all the winners with 21 points and Jennifer Estrella (183-G-88) delivered 11. Andreina Paniagua (183-F-78) and Abreu Maceo followed them with 10 points each. Abril Garcia (188-F/C-80, college: ORU) replied with 24 points and 10 boards in the losing case, while Maria Orozco (176-PF) nailed 22. Alexis Castro (180-G/F-86, agency: 22ft, college: Vermont) delivered 15 and Laura Nunez (187-C/F-93) had 6.

Mexico: Abril Garcia 24+10 rebs, Maria Orozco 22, Alexis Castro 15, Laura Nunez 6
Dominican Republic: Carmen Guzman 21, Jennifer Estrella 11, Andreina Paniagua 10, Abreu Maceo 10


Puerto Rico edge Dominican Republic to enter the Final - by Eurobasket News

Puerto Rico- Dominican Republic 73:47

Puerto Rico edge Dominican Republic to enter the Final of the 2012 Centrobasket in Morovis.The hosts celebrated a 73:47 win to face Cuba on Saturday.
Both teams nailed 13 points each in the first period. The hosts managed to push the tempo later in the half and after 16-11 in it reached 5-point advantage at the halftime. The third quarter became decisive in the game as Puerto Rico had 25-9 in it and never looked behind. They added 19-14 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Marie Placido (182-F-87) paced all the winners with 15 points and Carla Escalera (180-PF-84) added 12. Carla Cortijo (173-G-87, college: Texas) delivered 11, while Jennifer O'Neill (167-G) scored 9. Carmen Guzman (172-SG-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UAB) ended up with 11 points and Andreina Paniagua (183-F-78) had 9 in defeat.

Puerto Rico: Marie Placido 15, Carla Escalera 12, Carla Cortijo 11, Jennifer O'Neill 9
Dominican Republic: Carmen Guzman 11, Andreina Paniagua 9


*****************************************************
  EL SALVADOR   


Virgin Islands rolled over El Salvador in Puerto Rico - by Eurobasket News

Virgin Islands- El Salvador 68:57

Virgin Islands rolled over El Salvador in Puerto Rico. The winners will play for the 5th place at the Centobasket 2012.
Virgin Islands started with 14:13 in the opening period and scored the same number of points in the second frame. That time the opponents managed to score 12 as the board showed 28:25 at the halftime. The third quarter was decisive in the game when Virgin Islands produced an 18-11 surge and never looked behind. Moreover they added 22-21 in the last stanza and sealed the victory.
Natalie Day (182-G/F-90) and Victoria Hamilton (177-G-91) top-scored for the winners with 13 points each. Yanique Javois (176-G-85) nailed 10, while Lynia Liburd (180-PG-84) added 8. Veronica Sosa (173-SG-90) ended up with 17 points and Gladis Maravilla (184-C-85) posted 16 in defeat.
In the game for the 5th place Virgin Islands will face Jamaica.

Virgin Islands: Natalie Day 13, Victoria Hamilton 13, Yanique Javois 10, Lynia Liburd 8
El Salvador: Veronica Sosa 17, Gladis Maravilla 16


El Salvador ended Centrobasket in the seventh place - by Eurobasket News

Trinidad and Tobago- El Salvador 55:58 OT

El Salvador ended Centrobasket in the seventh place in Morovis, Puerto Rico. The team overcame Trinidad and Tobago 58:55 in overtime at the 18th edition of the Centrobasket Tournament.
El Salvador won the opening period 12:10, but could not keep the lead in the half. Trinidad and Tobago bounced back with 17-8 in the second frame to take 27:20 halftime advantage. It was again El Salvador that won the third period 23-8 and took 8 points lead entering the fourth period. Trinidad and Tobago meanwhile won the fourth period 16-8 and went to overtime. After three lead changes in the overtime, Caldern make four points for ensuring the El Salvador national team victory.
Mirna Simon (168-SF-82) paced all the winners with 18 points and Monica Calderon (175-SF-91) netted 14. Hillary Martinez (172-SF) had 11, while Sosa posted 6. Pietra Gay (183-G-74) replied with 17 points and Shakira Clarke (182-C) added 13.

Trinidad and Tobago: Pietra Gay 17, Shakira Clarke 13
El Salvador: Mirna Simon 18, Monica Calderon 14, Hillary Martinez 11, Sosa 6


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  ESTONIA   


Poland too good for Estonia - by Eurobasket News

Poland - Estonia 77:52

Poland tipped off their 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying campaign with victory. They overcame Estonia in Krosno tonight in the opener. Izabela Piekarska (196-C-85, college: UTEP) scored 14 points to pace the home team.
Poland set the tone early in the game. They outscored Estonia 23:10 in the first quarter. Poland kept their opponents at bay throughout the second quarter. The hosts arrived at halftime up by 17 points 36:19. Estonia could not recover in the second half. They allowed Poland to stretch the lead to 20 points with one quarter remaining. Poland did not slow down rolling to a confident win at the end. Agnieszka Skobel (179-F-89) delivered 11 points, while Magdalena Losi (173-F-80, agency: Promotex), Weronika Idczak (177-G-89), Martyna Koc (186-C-83, agency: Promotex), Szott had 8 points each in the win. Kerttu Jallai (180-F-90, agency: Regeneracom Sports) reacted with 11 points for Estonia. Kati Rausberg (172-G-89) provided 9 points in the loss.

Poland: Izabela Piekarska 14, Agnieszka Skobel 11, Magdalena Losi 8
Estonia: Kerttu Jallai 11, Kati Rausberg 9


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   

Standings Div.A (Women)

Standings
Group A
1. Belarus2-0
2. Israel1-0
3. Ukraine1-1
4. Hungary0-1
5. Portugal0-2
Group B
1. Montenegro.2-0
2. Poland1-0
3. Switzerlan.1-1
4. Serbia0-1
5. Estonia0-2
Group C
1. Slovenia2-0
2. Slovakia1-0
3. Lithuania1-1
4. Holland0-1
5. Belgium0-2
Group D
1. Germany1-0
2. Romania1-1
3. Sweden1-1
4. Spain1-1
5. Bulgaria0-1
Group E
1. Latvia2-0
2. Greece1-0
3. Finland1-1
4. Italy0-1
5. Luxembourg.0-2

Qualifying Round: Round 2

A

Jun. 16: ISR - UKR 73-58
Jun. 16: POR - BLR 53-82

B

Jun. 16: POL - EST 77-52
Jun. 16: SUI - MNT 67-82

C

Jun. 16: SLO - LTU 79-68
Jun. 16: SVK - BEL 64-49

D

Jun. 16: SWE - ESP 78-69
Jun. 16: GER - ROM 70-60

E

Jun. 16: GRE - FIN 72-49
Jun. 16: LUX - LAT 60-95

Qualifying Round: Round 3

A

Jun. 20: HUN - POL
Jun. 20: BLR - ISR

B

Jun. 20: MNT - POL
Jun. 20: SRB - SUI

C

Jun. 20: SLO - NED
Jun. 20: LTU - SVK

D

Jun. 20: BUL - SWE
Jun. 20: ESP - GER

E

Jun. 20: LAT - GRE
Jun. 20: ITA - LUX


Stats Leaders Div.A (Women)

Points Per Game
 Jelena DUBLJEVIC
  MNT
  (191-C-87)
  Avg: 23.5
 1. Dubljevic, MNT23.5 
 2. Eldebrink, SWE23.0 
 3. Perovanovic, MNT22.0 
 4. Marginean, ROM21.0 
 5. Tuukkanen, FIN21.0 
 6. Twehues, SUI17.5 
 7. Sten, FIN17.0 
 8. Jansone, LAT16.5 
 9. Krastina, LAT14.5 
 10. Anderson, EST13.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Taru TUUKKANEN
  FIN
  (190-C-77)
  Avg: 12.5
 1. Tuukkanen, FIN12.5 
 2. Pavel, ROM11.0 
 3. Perovanovic, MNT10.5 
 4. Dubljevic, MNT10.5 
 5. Meesseman, BEL9.0 
 6. Teilane-T., LAT9.0 
 7. Jallai, EST8.0 
 8. Murphy, MNT8.0 
 9. Ble, ESP8.0 
 10. Iagupova, UKR8.0 
Assists Per Game
 Jelena DUBLJEVIC
  MNT
  (191-C-87)
  Avg: 7.5
 1. Dubljevic, MNT7.5 
 2. Skerovic, MNT6.0 
 3. Teilane-T., LAT4.5 
 4. Karklina, LAT4.0 
 5. Stoenescu, ROM4.0 
 6. Eldebrink, SWE3.5 
 7. Schmit, LUX3.5 
 8. Brandao, POR3.5 
 9. Kochubei, UKR3.5 
 10. Iagupova, UKR3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Ancuta STOENESCU
  (169-G-80)
  Avg: 3
 1. Stoenescu, ROM3.0 
 2. Dubljevic, MNT3.0 
 3. Rol, SUI3.0 
 4. Ouvina, ESP3.0 
 5. Skerovic, MNT2.5 
 6. Thalmann, SUI2.5 
 7. Snytsina, BLR2.5 
 8. Schmit, LUX2.5 
 9. Halvarsson, SWE2.0 
 10. Teilane-T., LAT2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Elisabeth PAVEL
  ROM
  (192-C-90)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Pavel, ROM2.5 
 2. Veremeenko, BLR2.0 
 3. Valdemoro, ESP1.5 
 4. Teilane-T., LAT1.5 
 5. Meesseman, BEL1.5 
 6. Jovanovic, MNT1.5 
 7. Nicholls, ESP1.5 
 8. Mesila-K., EST1.5 
 9. Putnina, LAT1.5 
 10. Jallai, EST1.0 


Round Two of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications - by Eurobasket News

Group A
Israel - Ukraine 73-58
Israel celebrated the first win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They fired past Ukraine at home court in the opener. Shay Doron (175-SG-85, college: Maryland) unleashed 28 points and dished out 6 assists to lead the winners. Israel cleared off in the opening quarter. The hosts held Ukraine to 10 points to take a 7-point lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter. Israel arrived at halftime up by 7 points 35:28. Neither side was able to dominate in the third quarter. The scoreboard read 49:42 at the final break. Israel delivered 24 points in the final stanza and left Ukraine afar to rally to the victory. Katia Levitsky (190-PF-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) knocked down 11 points and grabbed 10 boards for the hosts. Alina Iagupova (186-G-92, agency: LBM Management) answered with 14 points and 10 rebounds for Ukraine. Olexandra Kurasova (186-F-86) had 12 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Portugal - Belarus 53-82
Belarus celebrated the second straight win at the start of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They toppled Portugal on the road in Group A. Tatyana Troina (188-F-81, college: S.Carolina) scored 17 points and grabbed 8 rebound to lead the winners. Belarus secured a stunning start. They unloaded 28 points in the opening quarter to build a 12-point lead. Belarus limited their opponents to 10 points in the second frame to accumulate a 45:26 halftime lead. Belarus maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They piled up a 27-point lead with ten minutes remaining. Belarus never slowed down in the final term and rallied to the victory at the end. Natalia Anufryienka (174-G-85, agency: LBM Management) accounted for 11 points, while Zhanna Horodetskaya and Katerina Snytsina (188-F-85) provided 9 points each in the win. Sofia Silva (187-C-90) answered with 12 points for Portugal. Carla Nascimento provided 11 points in the loss.

Group B
Poland - Estonia 77-52
Poland tipped off their 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying campaign with victory. They overcame Estonia in Krosno tonight in the opener. Izabela Piekarska (196-C-85, college: UTEP) scored 14 points to pace the home team. Poland set the tone early in the game. They outscored Estonia 23:10 in the first quarter. Poland kept their opponents at bay throughout the second quarter. The hosts arrived at halftime up by 17 points 36:19. Estonia could not recover in the second half. They allowed Poland to stretch the lead to 20 points with one quarter remaining. Poland did not slow down rolling to a confident win at the end. Agnieszka Skobel (179-F-89) delivered 11 points, while Magdalena Losi (173-F-80, agency: Promotex), Weronika Idczak, Martyna Koc, Szott had 8 points each in the win. Kerttu Jallai (180-F-90, agency: Regeneracom Sports) reacted with 11 points for Estonia. Kati Rausberg provided 9 points in the loss.

Switzerland - Montenegro 67-82
Montenegro eased to the second win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualification Round. They shot down Switzerland to improve at 2-0 record on top of Group B. Jelena Dubljevic (191-C-87) knocked down 29 points and distributed 8 assists to lead the winners. Switzerland fell at 1-1 record after the loss. Montenegro proved the strength in the opening quarter. The Balkan team gained a 27:13 lead at the first intermission. The Swiss team stopped the rot in the second frame. The hosts cut the deficit at 8-point mark at the interval 37:45. Montenegro however regained control in the third term. They dropped 23 points in the quarter to extend the lead to as many as 12 points. Montenegro limited the hosts to 11 points in the fourth frame and sealed the victory at the end. Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) notched 24 points, while Milica Jovanovic (189-F/C-89) added 11 points in the winning case. Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) answered with 19 points for Switzerland. Karen Twehues had 17 points in the loss.

Group C
Slovakia - Belgium 64-49
Slovak Republic successfully starts EuroBasket Qualification in Group C. The team overcame Belgium 64:49 in Kosice for 1-0 record. The latter meanwhile fell at 0-2 record. Both teams nailed 21 points in the opening period and Vynuchalova opened the second frame for 23:21. She scored another 5 points for 29:25, while Erin Marie Lawless (188-F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Purdue) brought 37:30. Katarina Tetemondova (188-F/C-88) later closed the half from the free throw for 8-point advantage. Slovak Republic added 12-9 in the third frame for 50:39 and Kupcikova scored for 52:42 early in the fourth. The hosts won the period 14-10 and celebrated their first victory. Jalcova paced all the winners with 14 points and Erin Marie Lawless added 13. Vynuchalova posted 8, while Kupcikova chipped in with 7. Emma Meesseman (192-C-93, agency: LBM Management) replied with 11 points in defeat and Strubbe posted 10.

Slovenia - Lithuania 79-68
Slovenia registered the second straight win at the start of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They knocked down Lithuania in Kranjska Gora to improve at 2-0 record on top of Group C. Teja Oblak (171-G-90) orchestrated the victory scoring 19 points for the hosts. Slovenia opened the game aggressively. They knocked down 25 points in the first frame to take a 3-point lead. Lithuania quickly denied the deficit. They held the home side to 12 points in the period to level things up at 37. Slovenia adjusted defence in the third term. They held the Baltic team to 13 points and surged ahead for a 56:50 lead at the final intermission. Slovenia stayed in charge throughout the fourth quarter and drove to the victory at the end. Maja Erkic posted 13 points, while Nika Baric (169-PG-92) delivered 12 points and 8 assists in the winning effort. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) answered with 22 points and 9 rebounds for Lithuania. Sandra Linkeviciene and Giedre Paugaite (192-C-90) banked 10 points apiece in the loss.

Group D
Germany - Romania 70-60
Germany starts EuroBasket Women Qualification with the win over Romania. They overcame the opponents 70:60 for 1-0 record. The Romanian side meanwhile fell at 1-1. Germany opened the game with 5 consecutive points and Bar later brought 12:2. Greinacher closed the period at 18:7, while Bar added two for 26:15. Romania started to play better and after 25-18 in the frame trailed only 36:32 at the halftime. They tried really hard but could not come closer to the hosts. Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) brought 55;48 after three quarters and then Menz scored for 63:49. Fikiel and Ancuta Stoenescu (169-G-80, agency: Data Plus Group) were the last players to score for their teams. Bar top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Fikiel netted 13. Breitreiner scored 9, while Richter and Sarah Austmann added 8 apiece. Pavel collected 18 points and 18 rebounds in the losing effort. Ancuta Stoenescu also scored 18 and Marginean notched 16.

Sweden - Spain 78-69
Sweden shock Spain in Sodertalje in Day 2 of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. The Scandinavian team celebrated a surprising 78:69 win for 1-1 records. Sweden scored the first 5 points in the game and Eldebrink brought 17:9. Palau and Elisa Aguilar (177-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) managed to reduce to 20:18 and Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) nailed three for 22:21 early in the second. No matter how hard the guests tried to recover, they could not catch up with the hosts. Eldebrink and Andersson closed the half at 43:35 and then Halvarsson brought 48:37. Nordstrom shock the opponents for 60:42 and Hamilton nailed two for 66:46. Sweden did not mind 10-22 in the last stanza and won the game. Eldebrink top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Halvarsson netted 17. Aili nailed 9, while Andersson posted 8. Amaya Valdemoro replied with 13 points in the losing effort, whilst Cruz and Ble had 11 each.

Group E
Luxembourg - Latvia 60-95
Latvia takes 2-0 record in Group E of the EuroBasket Women Qualification. The Baltic side overcame Luxembourg 95:60 for the top position. Luxembourg suffered their second loss in the group. Hetting and Nadia Mossong (182-F-86, college: E.Kentucky) gave the first lead for the hosts, but it was their last one. Tamane later scored for 15:6 and Eibele brought 20:8. It became clear about the winner later in the frame when Steinberga closed it at 29:11. Jansone and Karklina scored for 35:18, while Putnina delivered two for 42:22. Tamane sent the teams to the lockers at 53:27. Latvia also added 24-13 in the third period and did not mind 18-20 in the last stanza. Jansone top-scored for the winners with 18 points, while Krastina posted 15. Tamane delivered 11, whilst Horelika and Putnina notched 10 apiece. Nadia Mossong ended up with 16 points in the losing case and Lynn Kauffmann (174-PG-94) added 10.

Greece - Finland 72-49
Finland is upset in Maroussi in the second game of the EuroBasket Women Qualification. The Finnish side lost to Greece 49:72 and fell at 1-1 record. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Xavier) gave the guests their first lead but as it became clear after it was their last one. Greece responded with a 15-0 run and Skiadopoulou later scored for 20:5. Kalentzou nailed three for 30:9 and Dimitrakou made two free throws for 38:16. Katerina Sotiriou (187-F-84, agency: FCM) and Papamichail scored for 50:18 early in the third, while Taru Tuukkanen and Sten reduced to 54:29. Wilson scored for 61:36 and Leino brought 69:44. Lehtoranta was the last to score in defeat as the teams finished the game in Maroussi. Dimitrakou poured in 15 points in the losing effort and Katerina Sotiriou scored 11. Chatzinikolaou and Afroditi Kosma (187-F/C-83) delivered 10 points each in a win. Taru Tuukkanen collected 15 points and 13 rebounds in defeat and Sten nailed 14.


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


Finland is upset in Maroussi - by Eurobasket News

Greece-Finland 72:49

Finland is upset in Maroussi in the second game of the EuroBasket Women Qualification. The Finnish side lost to Greece 49:72 and fell at 1-1 record.
Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Xavier) gave the guests their first lead but as it became clear after it was their last one. Greece responded with a 15-0 run and Skiadopoulou later scored for 20:5. Kalentzou nailed three for 30:9 and Zoi Dimitrakou (188-F-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas) made two free throws for 38:16. Katerina Sotiriou (187-F-84, agency: FCM) and Papamichail scored for 50:18 early in the third, while Taru Tuukkanen and Tiina Sten (189-G/F-85, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: St.John's) reduced to 54:29. Wilson scored for 61:36 and Leino brought 69:44. Lehtoranta was the last to score in defeat as the teams finished the game in Maroussi.
Zoi Dimitrakou poured in 15 points in the losing effort and Katerina Sotiriou scored 11. Chatzinikolaou and Afroditi Kosma (187-F/C-83) delivered 10 points each in a win. Taru Tuukkanen collected 15 points and 13 rebounds in defeat and Tiina Sten nailed 14.

Greece: Zoi Dimitrakou 15, Katerina Sotiriou 11, Chatzinikolaou 10, Afroditi Kosma 10
Finland: Taru Tuukkanen 15+13 rebs, Tiina Sten 14


*****************************************************
  FRANCE   


France clinch third straight win in Lyon - by Eurobasket News

France - Canada 66:41

French National team won the international tournament in Lyon. They celebrated three victories in as many games. The hosts overcame Canada on the final day of the tourney. Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87) posted 15 points and 10 rebounds for the winners.
France dominated right from the start. They built a 23:5 lead ten minutes into the game. France stretched the gap in the second quarter. Les Bleus established a 43:18 halftime advantage. France held the North American opponents to 10 points in the third term to secure a 27-point advantage at the final intermission. Canada outgunned the home side in the final quarter but just trimmed the distance at the end. Emilie Gomis (180-G/F-83) and Emmeline Ndongue (191-C-83) accounted for 12 points each in the winning case. Kimberley Smith (187-F-84, college: Utah) finished with 10 points for Canada. Natalie Achonwa (190-F-92) netted 7 points in the loss.

France: Sandrine Gruda 15+10 boards, Emilie Gomis 12, Emmeline Ndongue 12
Canada: Kimberley Smith 10, Natalie Achonwa 7


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


Germany starts EuroBasket Women Qualification with the win - by Eurobasket News

Germany-Romania 70:60

Germany starts EuroBasket Women Qualification with the win over Romania. They overcame the opponents 70:60 for 1-0 record. The Romanian side meanwhile fell at 1-1.
Germany opened the game with 5 consecutive points and Romy Bar (189-F-87) later brought 12:2. Greinacher closed the period at 18:7, while Romy Bar added two for 26:15. Romania started to play better and after 25-18 in the frame trailed only 36:32 at the halftime. They tried really hard but could not come closer to the hosts. Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) brought 55;48 after three quarters and then Menz scored for 63:49. Katharina Fikiel (193-F/C-87) and Ancuta Stoenescu (169-G-80, agency: Data Plus Group) were the last players to score for their teams.
Romy Bar top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Katharina Fikiel netted 13. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) scored 9, while Dorothea Richter (176-G-83) and Sarah Austmann added 8 apiece. Elisabeth Pavel (192-C-90) collected 18 points and 18 rebounds in the losing effort. Ancuta Stoenescu also scored 18 and Gabriela Marginean (182-F-87, college: Drexel) notched 16.

Germany: Romy Bar 16, Katharina Fikiel 13, Anne Breitreiner 9, Dorothea Richter 8, Sarah Austmann 8
Romania: Elisabeth Pavel 18+18 rebs, Ancuta Stoenescu 18, Gabriela Marginean 16


Germany edge Turkey in test game - by Eurobasket News

Germany U16 - Turkey U16 80:74

German U16 National Team celebrated victory over Turkish counterparts in the exhibition encounter. Emma lina Stach (175-PG-96) shone for the winners scoring 38 points.
Germany opened a 17:14 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the lead in the second quarter. They posted a 43:28 halftime advantage. Turkey bounced back in the third quarter. They trimmed the deficit by four points to enter the final period. Turkey got within striking distance in the final minutes but Germany escaped with a narrow win at the end. Brosmann accounted for 18 points for the winners. Alperi Onar answered with 23 points for Turkey. Sevgi Uzun netted 14 points in the loss.

Germany U16: Emma lina Stach 38, Brosmann 18, Lisa Janko (184-F-96) 6
Turkey U16: Alperi Onar 23, Sevgi Uzun 14


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


Interview: Give it up for Artemis Spanou. - by Diamadis Farmakis

One of the ''next best things'' of Greek women's basketball, is answering to the name of Artemis Spanou (182-F-93). She took her talents overseas, in the United States and she is introducing herself to the basketball fans, in Europe.


Hey Artemis. Tell us some things about yourself. In what university you play and in what year you are?? How is the life in the States? is your family with you??..

For the last two years, i have been playing for the Robert Morris University women's basketball team. I am a sophomore currently. I live in America, in Pittsburgh, by myself on campus, as all my family lives in Greece. Although, i was lonely at first, i have now settled in to life over here and i am enjoying it.

Life in America is very different from back home. First of all, i have to do everything myself, cleaning, washing, ironing, shopping. At home in Athens, my mum used to do all of this for me. Here i don't have anything to worry about, except my studies and playing basketball, because i have so much help from people and friends around me. Everything is very organized.

What are your plans after your studies?

I haven't thought seriously about my future yet. I still have two more years here at Robert Morris and then i will see what options are open for me after that. The thing i know for sure is that i want to go on to play basketball professionally. Whether this will be in America, In Europe, or back in Greece, will depend on my perfomance over the following two years and how much i can improve my own game.

What is the style of basketball you like playing the most? What is your ''deadliest move'' on the court? Did you have a good basketball season, this year??

I would say that i prefer playing the European style of basketball, since that i have been playing that style from the age of ten. This may be a slower type of game, but more controlled. I believe i had a good season this year, but i always think that i can do better in the future, that's why we practise everyday, to improve our quality levels.

I wouldn't say that i have a 'deadly move' on the court. However, looking at the positions my coaches play me and where i gained most points this year, i would say that my right jump hook has a high percentage of baskets.

Did you find any difficulties when you first came in USA and started playing?

When i first came, i had difficulties in competing with my teammates, as they were stronger and faster than i was. But that actually helped me to make myself get better and faster and stronger, in order to keep up with the other players.

How difficult or how easy it is, to go to the WNBA??.. Will you go for it, someday?

It has been a goal for me, many years now, to play in the WNBA. However, i am realistic about my chances. I know that there are so many good basketball players who would also like to go to the WNBA, so the competition is very intense. It is not easy, but yes i would like to go for it in the future. There are always possibilities, if you try.

The Greek women national team!.. What to you thing about it?.. Is it in your basketball goals, to establish yourself as an important member of the Greek National Team??

It was my first dream, to play for my national team and i managed to achieve that. My goal now is to increase my playing time in the team and to improve my statistics. In the future, i would like to be considered, as an important and valuable member of the team. This would make me very proud.



Greek women starts big in 2013 Eurobasket qualifying round - by Diamadis Farmakis

The Greek women National team, started today it's games for the 2013 Eurobasket qualifying round. For the Group E, Alekos Daglas's team, won easily Finland 72-49 in Athens and started in the right way it's effort to qualify in a Eurobasket for fourth time in a row.This was the first game for the Greek NT, with the new coach, Daglas, after the departure of Kostas Missas..

Best player for the Greek team was, Zoi Dimitrakou (188-F-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas), who scored 15 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and gave 3 assists.

Olga Chatzinikolaou, Afrodite Kosma and Katerina Sotiriou, also stayed in double scoring figures, with 10 points.

Greece now has 2 points in the Group E, alongside with Latvia and Finland, after one game played.



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


Israel open 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round campaign with win - by Eurobasket News

Israel - Ukraine 73:58

Israel celebrated the first win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They fired past Ukraine at home court in the opener. Shay Doron (175-SG-85, college: Maryland) unleashed 28 points and dished out 6 assists to lead the winners.
Israel cleared off in the opening quarter. The hosts held Ukraine to 10 points to take a 7-point lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter. Israel arrived at halftime up by 7 points 35:28. Neither side was able to dominate in the third quarter. The scoreboard read 49:42 at the final break. Israel delivered 24 points in the final stanza and left Ukraine afar to rally to the victory. Katia Levitsky (190-PF-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) knocked down 11 points and grabbed 10 boards for the hosts. Alina Iagupova (186-G-92, agency: LBM Management) answered with 14 points and 10 rebounds for Ukraine. Olexandra Kurasova (186-F-86) had 12 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Israel: Shay Doron 28, Katia Levitsky 11+10 boards, Liron Cohen (173-G-82) 6
Ukraine: Alina Iagupova 14+10 boards, Olexandra Kurasova 12


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  JAMAICA   


Jamaica defeat Virgin Islands for the 5th place - by Eurobasket News

Jamaica- Virgin Islands 61:49

Jamaica defeat Virgin Islands for the 5th place in Centrobasket 2012. The team needed 61:49 victory to move on one step higher.
Virgin Islands opened the game with 13:10 in the opening period and led 3 points at the halftime. Both teams nailed 10 points each in the second period as the board showed 23:20 at the halftime. Jamaica bounced back with 17-16 in the third period and reduced to 2 points entering the last stanza. They needed massive 24-10 in it to seal the victory.
Tarita Gordon paced all the winners with 17 points and Shenneika Smith as well as Angelee LaTouche netted 13 each. McKenzie Gillian delivered 7 points in a win. Akkema Richards (172-SG) replied with 14 points in the losing effort and Nicole Days (183-F) posted 12. Carey Loreal notched 10, whilst Matthew Kevia poured in 4.

Jamaica: Tarita Gordon (165-G-89) 17, Shenneika Smith (185-G) 13, Angelee LaTouche (187-F/C-85) 13, McKenzie Gillian 7
Virgin Islands: Akkema Richards 14, Nicole Days 12, Carey Loreal 10, Matthew Kevia 4


Jamaica outscored Trinidad and Tobago - by Eurobasket News

Jamaica- Trinidad and Tobago 65:60

Jamaica outscored Trinidad and Tobago in Centobasket 2012. The winners will play for the fifth place with Virgin Islands.
Trinidad and Tobago started better and grabbed 15:7 after the opening period. They managed to lead 32:28 at the halftime but could not win the game. Both teams nailed 15 points each in the third quarter for the same difference, while Jamaica needed a 22-13 surge to win the game. Pietra Gay (183-G-74) had tied the game at 60:60 with 3 minutes left to play. Shenneika Smith made a jump shot and Tarita Gordon a three-point shot and Jamaica ended with a victory in the first game today.
Sasha Dixon (167-G-87) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Shenneika Smith (185-G) netted 12. Rhona McKenzie (183-F-76, agency: LBM Management) delivered 9, while Tarita Gordon (165-G-89) added 7. Pietra Gay replied with 18 points in the losing effort, whilst Miriam Seale (191-C-91) and Rhea Codio (165-G-88) posted 9 each.

Jamaica: Sasha Dixon 22, Shenneika Smith 12, Rhona McKenzie 9, Tarita Gordon 7
Trinidad and Tobago: Pietra Gay 18, Miriam Seale 9, Rhea Codio 9


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  LATVIA   


Latvia takes 2-0 record in Group E - by Eurobasket News

Luxembourg-Latvia 60:95

Latvia takes 2-0 record in Group E of the EuroBasket Women Qualification. The Baltic side overcame Luxembourg 95:60 for the top position. Luxembourg suffered their second loss in the group.
Hetting and Nadia Mossong (182-F-86, college: E.Kentucky) gave the first lead for the hosts, but it was their last one. Tamane later scored for 15:6 and Eibele brought 20:8. It became clear about the winner later in the frame when Steinberga closed it at 29:11. Liene Jansone (191-F/C-81, college: Siena) and Karklina scored for 35:18, while Aija Putnina (192-F/C-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) delivered two for 42:22. Tamane sent the teams to the lockers at 53:27. Latvia also added 24-13 in the third period and did not mind 18-20 in the last stanza.
Liene Jansone top-scored for the winners with 18 points, while Ieva Krastina (175-G/F-90, agency: LBM Management) posted 15. Tamane delivered 11, whilst Anete Horelika (177-F-87, agency: Regeneracom Sports) and Aija Putnina notched 10 apiece. Nadia Mossong ended up with 16 points in the losing case and Lynn Kauffmann (174-PG-94) added 10.

Luxembourg: Nadia Mossong 16, Lynn Kauffmann 10
Latvia: Liene Jansone 18, Ieva Krastina 15, Tamane 11, Anete Horelika 10, Aija Putnina 10


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  LITHUANIA   


Teja Oblak leads Slovenia past Lithuania - by Eurobasket News

Slovenia - Lithuania 79:68

Slovenia registered the second straight win at the start of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They knocked down Lithuania in Kranjska Gora to improve at 2-0 record on top of Group C. Teja Oblak (171-G-90) orchestrated the victory scoring 19 points for the hosts.
Slovenia opened the game aggressively. They knocked down 25 points in the first frame to take a 3-point lead. Lithuania quickly denied the deficit. They held the home side to 12 points in the period to level things up at 37. Slovenia adjusted defence in the third term. They held the Baltic team to 13 points and surged ahead for a 56:50 lead at the final intermission. Slovenia stayed in charge throughout the fourth quarter and drove to the victory at the end. Maja Erkic (183-G/F-85) posted 13 points, while Nika Baric (169-PG-92) delivered 12 points and 8 assists in the winning effort. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) answered with 22 points and 9 rebounds for Lithuania. Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) and Giedre Paugaite (192-C-90) banked 10 points apiece in the loss.

Slovenia: Teja Oblak 19, Maja Erkic 13, Nika Baric 12
Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 22, Sandra Linkeviciene 10, Giedre Paugaite 10


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  LUXEMBOURG   


Latvia takes 2-0 record in Group E - by Eurobasket News

Luxembourg-Latvia 60:95

Latvia takes 2-0 record in Group E of the EuroBasket Women Qualification. The Baltic side overcame Luxembourg 95:60 for the top position. Luxembourg suffered their second loss in the group.
Hetting and Nadia Mossong (182-F-86, college: E.Kentucky) gave the first lead for the hosts, but it was their last one. Tamane later scored for 15:6 and Eibele brought 20:8. It became clear about the winner later in the frame when Steinberga closed it at 29:11. Liene Jansone (191-F/C-81, college: Siena) and Karklina scored for 35:18, while Aija Putnina (192-F/C-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) delivered two for 42:22. Tamane sent the teams to the lockers at 53:27. Latvia also added 24-13 in the third period and did not mind 18-20 in the last stanza.
Liene Jansone top-scored for the winners with 18 points, while Ieva Krastina (175-G/F-90, agency: LBM Management) posted 15. Tamane delivered 11, whilst Anete Horelika (177-F-87, agency: Regeneracom Sports) and Aija Putnina notched 10 apiece. Nadia Mossong ended up with 16 points in the losing case and Lynn Kauffmann (174-PG-94) added 10.

Luxembourg: Nadia Mossong 16, Lynn Kauffmann 10
Latvia: Liene Jansone 18, Ieva Krastina 15, Tamane 11, Anete Horelika 10, Aija Putnina 10


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  MEXICO   


Cuba stun Mexico to reach the Final - by Eurobasket News

Cuba-Mexico 86:42

Cuba reaches the Final at the 2012 Centrobasket in Morovis. The team overcame Mexico 86:42 in the Semifinal to face the hosts in the Final game.
Cuba started with 22-9 lead and never looked behind after. Mexico however managed to win the second period 16-13, but could not stay tough. Cuba erupted with 26-8 surge in the third quarter and reached 61:32 after three quarters. Moreover they added 25-9 in the last stanza to win the Semifinal clash.
Leidys Oquendo (180-F-82) and Suchitel Avila (183-F-82) top-scored for the winners with 18 points each. Yamara Amargo (180-F-85) netted 13, while Marlen Cepeda (193-C-85) collected 11 points and 12 rebounds. Frida Gonzalez (184-C) ended up with 9 in defeat, whilst Abril Garcia (188-F/C-80, college: ORU) and Laura Nunez (187-C/F-93) posted 7 each.

Cuba: Leidys Oquendo 18, Suchitel Avila 18, Yamara Amargo 13, Marlen Cepeda 11+12 rebs
Mexico: Frida Gonzalez 9, Abril Garcia 7, Laura Nunez 7


Dominican Republic win the bronze medal - by Eurobasket News

Mexico-Dominican Republic 78:79

Dominican Republic win the bronze medal of the 2012 Centrobasket in Morovis. They managed to beat Mexico 79:78 in the game for the third place. Both teams secured their participation in the Premundial.
Mexico started with 24:18 in the first period and won the half by 6 points. Both teams nailed 19 points each in the second quarter for 33:27 at the halftime. In the third period Dominican Republic bounced back with 29:23 and tied the score. A 5-0 run from the Dominican Republic took off the winners 78:73 with 2 minutes to play. Alexis Castro make a three-points shot with two second to play, but was not sufficient to get the victory
Carmen Guzman (172-SG-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UAB) paced all the winners with 21 points and Jennifer Estrella (183-G-88) delivered 11. Andreina Paniagua (183-F-78) and Abreu Maceo followed them with 10 points each. Abril Garcia (188-F/C-80, college: ORU) replied with 24 points and 10 boards in the losing case, while Maria Orozco (176-PF) nailed 22. Alexis Castro (180-G/F-86, agency: 22ft, college: Vermont) delivered 15 and Laura Nunez (187-C/F-93) had 6.

Mexico: Abril Garcia 24+10 rebs, Maria Orozco 22, Alexis Castro 15, Laura Nunez 6
Dominican Republic: Carmen Guzman 21, Jennifer Estrella 11, Andreina Paniagua 10, Abreu Maceo 10


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  MONTENEGRO   


Montenegro fire past Switzerland in Fribourg - by Eurobasket News

Switzerland - Montenegro 67:82

Montenegro eased to the second win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualification Round. They shot down Switzerland to improve at 2-0 record on top of Group B. Jelena Dubljevic (191-C-87) knocked down 29 points and distributed 8 assists to lead the winners. Switzerland fell at 1-1 record after the loss.
Montenegro proved the strength in the opening quarter. The Balkan team gained a 27:13 lead at the first intermission. The Swiss team stopped the rot in the second frame. The hosts cut the deficit at 8-point mark at the interval 37:45. Montenegro however regained control in the third term. They dropped 23 points in the quarter to extend the lead to as many as 12 points. Montenegro limited the hosts to 11 points in the fourth frame and sealed the victory at the end. Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) notched 24 points, while Milica Jovanovic (189-F/C-89) added 11 points in the winning case. Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) answered with 19 points for Switzerland. Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) had 17 points in the loss.

Switzerland: Marielle Giroud 19, Karen Twehues 17
Montenegro: Jelena Dubljevic 29, Iva Perovanovic 24, Milica Jovanovic 11


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  POLAND   


Poland too good for Estonia - by Eurobasket News

Poland - Estonia 77:52

Poland tipped off their 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying campaign with victory. They overcame Estonia in Krosno tonight in the opener. Izabela Piekarska (196-C-85, college: UTEP) scored 14 points to pace the home team.
Poland set the tone early in the game. They outscored Estonia 23:10 in the first quarter. Poland kept their opponents at bay throughout the second quarter. The hosts arrived at halftime up by 17 points 36:19. Estonia could not recover in the second half. They allowed Poland to stretch the lead to 20 points with one quarter remaining. Poland did not slow down rolling to a confident win at the end. Agnieszka Skobel (179-F-89) delivered 11 points, while Magdalena Losi (173-F-80, agency: Promotex), Weronika Idczak (177-G-89), Martyna Koc (186-C-83, agency: Promotex), Szott had 8 points each in the win. Kerttu Jallai (180-F-90, agency: Regeneracom Sports) reacted with 11 points for Estonia. Kati Rausberg (172-G-89) provided 9 points in the loss.

Poland: Izabela Piekarska 14, Agnieszka Skobel 11, Magdalena Losi 8
Estonia: Kerttu Jallai 11, Kati Rausberg 9


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  PORTUGAL   


Belarus topple Portugal in Coimbra - by Eurobasket News

Portugal - Belarus 53:82

Belarus celebrated the second straight win at the start of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They toppled Portugal on the road in Group A. Tatyana Troina (188-F-81, college: S.Carolina) scored 17 points and grabbed 8 rebound to lead the winners.
Belarus secured a stunning start. They unloaded 28 points in the opening quarter to build a 12-point lead. Belarus limited their opponents to 10 points in the second frame to accumulate a 45:26 halftime lead. Belarus maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They piled up a 27-point lead with ten minutes remaining. Belarus never slowed down in the final term and rallied to the victory at the end. Natalia Anufryienka (174-G-85, agency: LBM Management) accounted for 11 points, while Zhanna Horodetskaya (180-G-79) and Katerina Snytsina (188-F-85) provided 9 points each in the win. Sofia Silva (187-C-90) answered with 12 points for Portugal. Carla Nascimento (171-G-86) provided 11 points in the loss.

Portugal: Sofia Silva 12, Carla Nascimento 11
Belarus: Tatyana Troina 17, Natalia Anufryienka 11, Zhanna Horodetskaya 9, Katerina Snytsina 9


Portugal lost - by Joao Santos

The Portuguese Women National Team was on Saturday, a 53-82 defeat by Belarus, in the second match in Group A of qualifying for the UEFA European Championship 2013.
After the debacle in Ukraine by 54 points (38-92), last Wednesday, the Portuguese Women National Team again failed to show ability in front of Belarus, who overcame the range of 19 points (26-49).
Tatyana Troina (188-F-81, college: S.Carolina), with 17 points and 8 rebounds, led the visitors with 17 points and 8 rebounds, while Sofia Silva (187-C-90) with 12 points and Carla Nascimento (171-G-86), 11, were the best markers of Portugal.
The team returns to play Wednesday, this time in Hungary.


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  PUERTO RICO   


Puerto Rico edge Dominican Republic to enter the Final - by Eurobasket News

Puerto Rico- Dominican Republic 73:47

Puerto Rico edge Dominican Republic to enter the Final of the 2012 Centrobasket in Morovis.The hosts celebrated a 73:47 win to face Cuba on Saturday.
Both teams nailed 13 points each in the first period. The hosts managed to push the tempo later in the half and after 16-11 in it reached 5-point advantage at the halftime. The third quarter became decisive in the game as Puerto Rico had 25-9 in it and never looked behind. They added 19-14 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Marie Placido (182-F-87) paced all the winners with 15 points and Carla Escalera (180-PF-84) added 12. Carla Cortijo (173-G-87, college: Texas) delivered 11, while Jennifer O'Neill (167-G) scored 9. Carmen Guzman (172-SG-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UAB) ended up with 11 points and Andreina Paniagua (183-F-78) had 9 in defeat.

Puerto Rico: Marie Placido 15, Carla Escalera 12, Carla Cortijo 11, Jennifer O'Neill 9
Dominican Republic: Carmen Guzman 11, Andreina Paniagua 9


Cuba clinch 2012 Centrobasket title - by Eurobasket News

Cuba-Puetro Rico 78:63

Cuba clinch 2012 Centrobasket title in Morovis. The Cubans overcame the hosts of the tournament 78:63 in the Final game. This victory was number 47 in row for Cuba team in Centrobasket and gain back the gold medal, that won at Morovis in the 2008 edition. Puerto Rico achieved it fourth silver medal in the history.
Cuba started with 19:16 and bailed the same number of points in the second frame. Cuba allowed the opponents to score 12 points and enjoyed 38:28 halftime advantage. Moreover they won the third period 26-20 and did not mind 14-15 in the last quarter.
Leidys Oquendo (180-F-82) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Marlen Cepeda (193-C-85) had massive 16 points and 20 rebounds. Yamara Amargo (180-F-85) posted 11, while Suchitel Avila (183-F-82) and Islen Carbonell (182-G/F-87) delivered 10 each. Carla Escalera (180-PF-84) ended up with 13 points in the losing effort and Jazmine Sepulveda (186-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: S.Florida) had 11.

Cuba: Leidys Oquendo 17, Marlen Cepeda 16+20 rebs, Yamara Amargo 11, Suchitel Avila 10, Islen Carbonell 10
Puetro Rico: Carla Escalera 13, Jazmine Sepulveda 11


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  ROMANIA   


Germany starts EuroBasket Women Qualification with the win - by Eurobasket News

Germany-Romania 70:60

Germany starts EuroBasket Women Qualification with the win over Romania. They overcame the opponents 70:60 for 1-0 record. The Romanian side meanwhile fell at 1-1.
Germany opened the game with 5 consecutive points and Romy Bar (189-F-87) later brought 12:2. Greinacher closed the period at 18:7, while Romy Bar added two for 26:15. Romania started to play better and after 25-18 in the frame trailed only 36:32 at the halftime. They tried really hard but could not come closer to the hosts. Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) brought 55;48 after three quarters and then Menz scored for 63:49. Katharina Fikiel (193-F/C-87) and Ancuta Stoenescu (169-G-80, agency: Data Plus Group) were the last players to score for their teams.
Romy Bar top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Katharina Fikiel netted 13. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) scored 9, while Dorothea Richter (176-G-83) and Sarah Austmann added 8 apiece. Elisabeth Pavel (192-C-90) collected 18 points and 18 rebounds in the losing effort. Ancuta Stoenescu also scored 18 and Gabriela Marginean (182-F-87, college: Drexel) notched 16.

Germany: Romy Bar 16, Katharina Fikiel 13, Anne Breitreiner 9, Dorothea Richter 8, Sarah Austmann 8
Romania: Elisabeth Pavel 18+18 rebs, Ancuta Stoenescu 18, Gabriela Marginean 16


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  RUSSIA   


Russia overcame Australia in Italy - by Eurobasket News

Russia-Australia 60:51

Russia overcame Australia in Italy in the first friendly game between the teams. The European side celebrated a 60:51 win and also had 68:62 after 5 quarters.
It was evident that this was going to be an extremely physical game from the outset, with both sides going point-for-point in the first quarter with Russia taking a slender 18-17 lead into quarter time. Australia managed to win the second period 11-10 and tied the game at the halftime.
The third quarter was a disastrous one for the Jayco Opals offensively. Struggling to score from mid- and long-range, this also started to have an impact on their ability to finish around to the basket. Russian won the third frame 12-4 and added 20-19 in the fourth period.
Marina Kuzina (194-C-85) and Eugeniya Belyakova (183-G-86) top-scored for the winners with 9 points apiece. Ekaterina Lisina (202-C-87) and Anna Petrakova (189-PF-84) followed the winning side with 8 points each. Suzy Batkovic-Brown (193-C-80) ended up with 10 points in the losing effort and Elizabeth Cambage (203-C-91) had 9. Bishop delievered 8 points in the losing case.

Russia: Marina Kuzina 9, Eugeniya Belyakova 9, Ekaterina Lisina 8, Anna Petrakova 8
Australia: Suzy Batkovic-Brown 10, Elizabeth Cambage 9, Bishop 8


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  SLOVAKIA   


Slovak Republic successfully starts EuroBasket Qualification - by Eurobasket News

Slovak Republic-Belgium 64:49

Slovak Republic successfully starts EuroBasket Qualification in Group C. The team overcame Belgium 64:49 in Kosice for 1-0 record. The latter meanwhile fell at 0-2 record.
Both teams nailed 21 points in the opening period and Romana Vynuchalova (192-C/F-86, college: Penn St.) opened the second frame for 23:21. She scored another 5 points for 29:25, while Erin Marie Lawless (188-F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Purdue) brought 37:30. Tetemondova later closed the half from the free throw for 8-point advantage. Slovak Republic added 12-9 in the third frame for 50:39 and Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) scored for 52:42 early in the fourth. The hosts won the period 14-10 and celebrated their first victory.
Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83) paced all the winners with 14 points and Erin Marie Lawless added 13. Romana Vynuchalova posted 8, while Lucia Kupcikova chipped in with 7. Emma Meesseman (192-C-93, agency: LBM Management) replied with 11 points in defeat and Anne-Sophie Strubbe (182-SF-90) posted 10.

Slovak Republic: Ivana Jalcova 14, Erin Marie Lawless 13, Romana Vynuchalova 8, Lucia Kupcikova 7
Belgium: Emma Meesseman 11, Anne-Sophie Strubbe 10


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  SLOVENIA   


Teja Oblak leads Slovenia past Lithuania - by Eurobasket News

Slovenia - Lithuania 79:68

Slovenia registered the second straight win at the start of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They knocked down Lithuania in Kranjska Gora to improve at 2-0 record on top of Group C. Teja Oblak (171-G-90) orchestrated the victory scoring 19 points for the hosts.
Slovenia opened the game aggressively. They knocked down 25 points in the first frame to take a 3-point lead. Lithuania quickly denied the deficit. They held the home side to 12 points in the period to level things up at 37. Slovenia adjusted defence in the third term. They held the Baltic team to 13 points and surged ahead for a 56:50 lead at the final intermission. Slovenia stayed in charge throughout the fourth quarter and drove to the victory at the end. Maja Erkic (183-G/F-85) posted 13 points, while Nika Baric (169-PG-92) delivered 12 points and 8 assists in the winning effort. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) answered with 22 points and 9 rebounds for Lithuania. Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) and Giedre Paugaite (192-C-90) banked 10 points apiece in the loss.

Slovenia: Teja Oblak 19, Maja Erkic 13, Nika Baric 12
Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 22, Sandra Linkeviciene 10, Giedre Paugaite 10


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  SOUTH KOREA   


Turkey take down South Korea for second win in Ankara - by Eurobasket News

Turkey - South Korea 73:61

Turkey registered the second win at the international tournament in Ankara. The hosts held off South Korea to improve at 2-0 record. Nevriye Yilmaz (194-C-80) stepped up with 13 points for Turkey. South Korea fell at 0-2 record after the defeat.
The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 15:15 after the opening quarter. Turkey pulled their noses in front in the second quarter. The home team eked out a 29:27 halftime lead. Turkey consolidated their advantage in the third quarter. The hosts established a 53:40 buffer before the fourth frame. South Korea outscored Turkey in the fourth stanza but just sweetened the pill at the end. Nevin Nevlin (195-C-85, college: Stanford) produced 12 points, while Quanitra Hollingsworth (196-C-88, college: VCU) added 11 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Kim Bomi (178-G-86) answered with 14 points for South Korea. Jung Sun-Hwa (184-C/F-85) had 10 points and 9 caroms in the loss.

Turkey: Nevriye Yilmaz 13, Nevin Nevlin 12, Quanitra Hollingsworth 11+11 boards
South Korea: Kim Bomi 14, Jung Sun-Hwa 10


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  SPAIN   


Sweden shock Spain in Sodertalje - by Eurobasket News

Sweden-Spain 78:69

Sweden shock Spain in Sodertalje in Day 2 of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. The Scandinavian team celebrated a surprising 78:69 win for 1-1 records.
Sweden scored the first 5 points in the game and Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) brought 17:9. Palau and Aguilar managed to reduce to 20:18 and Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) nailed three for 22:21 early in the second. No matter how hard the guests tried to recover, they could not catch up with the hosts. Frida Eldebrink and Kadidja Andersson (185-F-80, college: Minnesota) closed the half at 43:35 and then Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) brought 48:37. Nordstrom shock the opponents for 60:42 and Hamilton nailed two for 66:46. Sweden did not mind 10-22 in the last stanza and won the game.
Frida Eldebrink top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Louice Halvarsson netted 17. Frida Aili (179-G-88) nailed 9, while Kadidja Andersson posted 8. Amaya Valdemoro replied with 13 points in the losing effort, whilst Anna Cruz (173-PG-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Vanessa Ble (190-F/C-91) had 11 each.

Sweden: Frida Eldebrink 24, Louice Halvarsson 17, Frida Aili 9, Kadidja Andersson 8
Spain: Amaya Valdemoro 13, Anna Cruz 11, Vanessa Ble 11


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  SWEDEN   


Sweden shock Spain in Sodertalje - by Eurobasket News

Sweden-Spain 78:69

Sweden shock Spain in Sodertalje in Day 2 of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. The Scandinavian team celebrated a surprising 78:69 win for 1-1 records.
Sweden scored the first 5 points in the game and Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) brought 17:9. Palau and Aguilar managed to reduce to 20:18 and Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) nailed three for 22:21 early in the second. No matter how hard the guests tried to recover, they could not catch up with the hosts. Frida Eldebrink and Kadidja Andersson (185-F-80, college: Minnesota) closed the half at 43:35 and then Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) brought 48:37. Nordstrom shock the opponents for 60:42 and Hamilton nailed two for 66:46. Sweden did not mind 10-22 in the last stanza and won the game.
Frida Eldebrink top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Louice Halvarsson netted 17. Frida Aili (179-G-88) nailed 9, while Kadidja Andersson posted 8. Amaya Valdemoro replied with 13 points in the losing effort, whilst Anna Cruz (173-PG-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Vanessa Ble (190-F/C-91) had 11 each.

Sweden: Frida Eldebrink 24, Louice Halvarsson 17, Frida Aili 9, Kadidja Andersson 8
Spain: Amaya Valdemoro 13, Anna Cruz 11, Vanessa Ble 11


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  SWITZERLAND   


Montenegro fire past Switzerland in Fribourg - by Eurobasket News

Switzerland - Montenegro 67:82

Montenegro eased to the second win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualification Round. They shot down Switzerland to improve at 2-0 record on top of Group B. Jelena Dubljevic (191-C-87) knocked down 29 points and distributed 8 assists to lead the winners. Switzerland fell at 1-1 record after the loss.
Montenegro proved the strength in the opening quarter. The Balkan team gained a 27:13 lead at the first intermission. The Swiss team stopped the rot in the second frame. The hosts cut the deficit at 8-point mark at the interval 37:45. Montenegro however regained control in the third term. They dropped 23 points in the quarter to extend the lead to as many as 12 points. Montenegro limited the hosts to 11 points in the fourth frame and sealed the victory at the end. Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) notched 24 points, while Milica Jovanovic (189-F/C-89) added 11 points in the winning case. Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) answered with 19 points for Switzerland. Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) had 17 points in the loss.

Switzerland: Marielle Giroud 19, Karen Twehues 17
Montenegro: Jelena Dubljevic 29, Iva Perovanovic 24, Milica Jovanovic 11


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  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO   


El Salvador ended Centrobasket in the seventh place - by Eurobasket News

Trinidad and Tobago- El Salvador 55:58 OT

El Salvador ended Centrobasket in the seventh place in Morovis, Puerto Rico. The team overcame Trinidad and Tobago 58:55 in overtime at the 18th edition of the Centrobasket Tournament.
El Salvador won the opening period 12:10, but could not keep the lead in the half. Trinidad and Tobago bounced back with 17-8 in the second frame to take 27:20 halftime advantage. It was again El Salvador that won the third period 23-8 and took 8 points lead entering the fourth period. Trinidad and Tobago meanwhile won the fourth period 16-8 and went to overtime. After three lead changes in the overtime, Caldern make four points for ensuring the El Salvador national team victory.
Mirna Simon (168-SF-82) paced all the winners with 18 points and Monica Calderon (175-SF-91) netted 14. Hillary Martinez (172-SF) had 11, while Sosa posted 6. Pietra Gay (183-G-74) replied with 17 points and Shakira Clarke (182-C) added 13.

Trinidad and Tobago: Pietra Gay 17, Shakira Clarke 13
El Salvador: Mirna Simon 18, Monica Calderon 14, Hillary Martinez 11, Sosa 6


Jamaica outscored Trinidad and Tobago - by Eurobasket News

Jamaica- Trinidad and Tobago 65:60

Jamaica outscored Trinidad and Tobago in Centobasket 2012. The winners will play for the fifth place with Virgin Islands.
Trinidad and Tobago started better and grabbed 15:7 after the opening period. They managed to lead 32:28 at the halftime but could not win the game. Both teams nailed 15 points each in the third quarter for the same difference, while Jamaica needed a 22-13 surge to win the game. Pietra Gay (183-G-74) had tied the game at 60:60 with 3 minutes left to play. Shenneika Smith made a jump shot and Tarita Gordon a three-point shot and Jamaica ended with a victory in the first game today.
Sasha Dixon (167-G-87) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Shenneika Smith (185-G) netted 12. Rhona McKenzie (183-F-76, agency: LBM Management) delivered 9, while Tarita Gordon (165-G-89) added 7. Pietra Gay replied with 18 points in the losing effort, whilst Miriam Seale (191-C-91) and Rhea Codio (165-G-88) posted 9 each.

Jamaica: Sasha Dixon 22, Shenneika Smith 12, Rhona McKenzie 9, Tarita Gordon 7
Trinidad and Tobago: Pietra Gay 18, Miriam Seale 9, Rhea Codio 9


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  TURKEY   


Turkey take down South Korea for second win in Ankara - by Eurobasket News

Turkey - South Korea 73:61

Turkey registered the second win at the international tournament in Ankara. The hosts held off South Korea to improve at 2-0 record. Nevriye Yilmaz (194-C-80) stepped up with 13 points for Turkey. South Korea fell at 0-2 record after the defeat.
The teams stayed neck and neck throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 15:15 after the opening quarter. Turkey pulled their noses in front in the second quarter. The home team eked out a 29:27 halftime lead. Turkey consolidated their advantage in the third quarter. The hosts established a 53:40 buffer before the fourth frame. South Korea outscored Turkey in the fourth stanza but just sweetened the pill at the end. Nevin Nevlin (195-C-85, college: Stanford) produced 12 points, while Quanitra Hollingsworth (196-C-88, college: VCU) added 11 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Kim Bomi (178-G-86) answered with 14 points for South Korea. Jung Sun-Hwa (184-C/F-85) had 10 points and 9 caroms in the loss.

Turkey: Nevriye Yilmaz 13, Nevin Nevlin 12, Quanitra Hollingsworth 11+11 boards
South Korea: Kim Bomi 14, Jung Sun-Hwa 10


Germany edge Turkey in test game - by Eurobasket News

Germany U16 - Turkey U16 80:74

German U16 National Team celebrated victory over Turkish counterparts in the exhibition encounter. Emma lina Stach (175-PG-96) shone for the winners scoring 38 points.
Germany opened a 17:14 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the lead in the second quarter. They posted a 43:28 halftime advantage. Turkey bounced back in the third quarter. They trimmed the deficit by four points to enter the final period. Turkey got within striking distance in the final minutes but Germany escaped with a narrow win at the end. Brosmann accounted for 18 points for the winners. Alperi Onar answered with 23 points for Turkey. Sevgi Uzun netted 14 points in the loss.

Germany U16: Emma lina Stach 38, Brosmann 18, Lisa Janko (184-F-96) 6
Turkey U16: Alperi Onar 23, Sevgi Uzun 14


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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Virgin Islands rolled over El Salvador in Puerto Rico - by Eurobasket News

Virgin Islands- El Salvador 68:57

Virgin Islands rolled over El Salvador in Puerto Rico. The winners will play for the 5th place at the Centobasket 2012.
Virgin Islands started with 14:13 in the opening period and scored the same number of points in the second frame. That time the opponents managed to score 12 as the board showed 28:25 at the halftime. The third quarter was decisive in the game when Virgin Islands produced an 18-11 surge and never looked behind. Moreover they added 22-21 in the last stanza and sealed the victory.
Natalie Day (182-G/F-90) and Victoria Hamilton (177-G-91) top-scored for the winners with 13 points each. Yanique Javois (176-G-85) nailed 10, while Lynia Liburd (180-PG-84) added 8. Veronica Sosa (173-SG-90) ended up with 17 points and Gladis Maravilla (184-C-85) posted 16 in defeat.
In the game for the 5th place Virgin Islands will face Jamaica.

Virgin Islands: Natalie Day 13, Victoria Hamilton 13, Yanique Javois 10, Lynia Liburd 8
El Salvador: Veronica Sosa 17, Gladis Maravilla 16


Jamaica defeat Virgin Islands for the 5th place - by Eurobasket News

Jamaica- Virgin Islands 61:49

Jamaica defeat Virgin Islands for the 5th place in Centrobasket 2012. The team needed 61:49 victory to move on one step higher.
Virgin Islands opened the game with 13:10 in the opening period and led 3 points at the halftime. Both teams nailed 10 points each in the second period as the board showed 23:20 at the halftime. Jamaica bounced back with 17-16 in the third period and reduced to 2 points entering the last stanza. They needed massive 24-10 in it to seal the victory.
Tarita Gordon paced all the winners with 17 points and Shenneika Smith as well as Angelee LaTouche netted 13 each. McKenzie Gillian delivered 7 points in a win. Akkema Richards (172-SG) replied with 14 points in the losing effort and Nicole Days (183-F) posted 12. Carey Loreal notched 10, whilst Matthew Kevia poured in 4.

Jamaica: Tarita Gordon (165-G-89) 17, Shenneika Smith (185-G) 13, Angelee LaTouche (187-F/C-85) 13, McKenzie Gillian 7
Virgin Islands: Akkema Richards 14, Nicole Days 12, Carey Loreal 10, Matthew Kevia 4


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  UKRAINE   


Israel open 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round campaign with win - by Eurobasket News

Israel - Ukraine 73:58

Israel celebrated the first win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They fired past Ukraine at home court in the opener. Shay Doron (175-SG-85, college: Maryland) unleashed 28 points and dished out 6 assists to lead the winners.
Israel cleared off in the opening quarter. The hosts held Ukraine to 10 points to take a 7-point lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter. Israel arrived at halftime up by 7 points 35:28. Neither side was able to dominate in the third quarter. The scoreboard read 49:42 at the final break. Israel delivered 24 points in the final stanza and left Ukraine afar to rally to the victory. Katia Levitsky (190-PF-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) knocked down 11 points and grabbed 10 boards for the hosts. Alina Iagupova (186-G-92, agency: LBM Management) answered with 14 points and 10 rebounds for Ukraine. Olexandra Kurasova (186-F-86) had 12 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Israel: Shay Doron 28, Katia Levitsky 11+10 boards, Liron Cohen (173-G-82) 6
Ukraine: Alina Iagupova 14+10 boards, Olexandra Kurasova 12


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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Great Britain overcome Argentina in Turkey - by Eurobasket News

Great Britain - Argentina 81:65

Great Britain registered the second win in a row at the start of Ankara international tournament. The British team shot down Argentina for 2-0 record. Great Britain will take on Turkey on the final day of the tourney.
Great Britain pulled ahead in the starting quarter. They posted a 23:20 lead at the first break. Argentina however quickly denied the deficit. The Latin American team tied things up at 38 at the interval. Great Britain stunned their opponents in the third quarter. The European team went on a decisive 26:10 run to leave Argentina behind. Great Britain never looked back again marching to the victory at the end. Johannah Leedham (180-G/F-87, college: Franklin Pierce) posted 22 points to lead all scorers. Chantelle Handy (191-F/C-87, college: Marshall) added 12 points, while Natalie Stafford (173-G-76) finished with 14 in the win. Agostina Burani (188-F/C-91, agency: Players Group) answered with 11 points for Argentina. Debora Gonzalez (174-SG-94) had 9 points in the loss.

Great Britain: Johannah Leedham 22, Natalie Stafford 14, Chantelle Handy 12
Argentina: Agostina Burani 11, Debora Gonzalez 9


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  WNBA   

Standings

WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Chicago S. 7-2 
 2. Connecticut S. 7-2 
 3. Indiana F. 5-3 
 4. Atlanta D. 4-5 
 5. New York L. 3-7 
 6. Washington M. 2-5 
Western
 1. Minnesota L. 10-0 
 2. L.Angeles S. 6-4 
 3. S.Antonio SS 4-4 
 4. Seattle S. 3-6 
 5. Phoenix M. 2-6 
 6. Tulsa S. 0-9 

Regular Season: Round 13

Jun. 16: S.Antonio SS - L.Angeles S. 98-85 OT
Jun. 16: Indiana F. - Chicago S. 84-70
Jun. 17: Atlanta D. - Connecticut S.
Jun. 17: Tulsa S. - Phoenix M.
Jun. 17: Seattle S. - Minnesota L.


Davenport leads Fever to 84-70 win over Sky - by Eurobasket News

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Jessica Davenport (6'5''-C-85, college: Ohio St.) scored 19 points to lead the Indiana Fever to an 84-70 victory over the Chicago Sky on Saturday night.

Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) had 15 points, Briann January (5'8''-PG-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Arizona St.) added 14 and Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) 12 to help Indiana (5-3) snap a three-game losing streak. Catchings shot 3 for 12 from the field, but made 6 of 8 from the line to pass Lisa Leslie atop the WNBA's career free throws made list with 1,478.

Davenport was perfect, shooting 9 for 9 from the field and making her only free-throw attempt.

Sylvia Fowles scored 26 points to lead Chicago (7-2). Swin Cash added 15 points and Courtney Vandersloot had 12. Epiphanny Prince, the league's leading scorer at 24.3 points per game coming in, had seven points before leaving late in the second quarter with a right foot injury. She was on crutches after halftime.
Courtesy of: buffalonews.com


L.A. left in foul mood after defeat - by Eurobasket News

SAN ANTONIO - Sophia Young and Becky Hammon scored 24 points each to lead the San Antonio Silver Stars to a 98-85 win in overtime against the Sparks on Saturday night.

Young and Hammon combined for 11 points in the extra period as the Silver Stars (4-4) outscored the Sparks 15-2.

Young had eight rebounds, two assists and three steals and helped limit the Sparks' Candace Parker to 21 points on 8-of-18 shooting.

Alana Beard had 23 points to lead the Sparks (7-3), who shot just 1 for 9 in overtime and lost for the second straight night. Kristi Tolliver scored 16 points and Jantel Lavender added 10.

The Sparks closed regulation on a 15-7 run to tie the score at 83 and force overtime. Hammon missed a 3-pointer in the final seconds.

The Sparks were playing their third game in four nights, and the physical toll of that schedule seemed apparent in the extra period overtime.

"I think that and a couple of other factors probably took a little wind out of our sails," Sparks coach Carol Ross said.

After calling only 15 fouls through three quarters despite a physical contest, the officials whistled for 16 in the final period - visibly frustrating the Sparks, who were assessed 15 more fouls than the Silver Stars. The Sparks had three players foul out - Kristi Toliver near the midpoint of the fourth quarter and Beard and Parker in the final minute of overtime. Toliver's final foul drew protests from the Sparks' bench, which claimed she only had five.
The fouls included a charge on Parker with 14 seconds remaining in the fourth after she passed to Lavender alone under the basket with the Sparks trailing 83-82.

Despite the foul trouble, the Sparks rallied in the fourth quarter after trailing by 11points in the first half.

Courtesy of: dailynews.com


Friday five games reports - by Eurobasket News

Tulsa S. - Seattle S. 73-86
TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Sue Bird (5'9''-G-80, college: Connecticut) scored 21 points and Katie Smith (5'11''-G-74, college: Ohio St.) added 17 as the Seattle Storm beat the winless Tulsa Shock 86-73 Friday night to snap a four-game losing streak. Tina Thompson had 16 points on 5-for-6 shooting for Seattle (2-7), which has beaten Tulsa for both its wins this season. It also marked the Storm's eighth consecutive victory against the Shock dating back to the 2010 season. Bird connected on her first nine shots from the field before missing her first attempt with 52.2 seconds left in the third quarter. Her accuracy set the tone for Seattle as the Storm shot 55 percent from the field. "Tulsa is an aggressive team and you have to counter that by spacing the floor and we did that tonight," said Seattle head coach Brian Agler. "Sue took it upon herself to get us going on offense and we had a good balance of scoring." Bird also became the first player to hit her first nine shots since San Antonio's Danielle Robinson against the Shock last Sept. 11. "Sue Bird showed tonight why she's the best point guard in the world," said Tulsa head coach Gary Kloppenburg. "She's been struggling lately but she got healthy against us." Jennifer Lacy scored 16 points to lead Tulsa (0-9). Seattle opened the second quarter with a 9-0 run, including two 3-pointers from Thompson, to take a 30-18 advantage with 7:52 left in the period. "We had a lapse in the second quarter where they did everything they wanted to do and it really put us in a hole," Kloppenburg said. "They have world-class players and we're a young team that is still growing." Tulsa got no closer than two points the remainder of the half, with Smith banking in a 3 at the halftime buzzer to give the Storm a 53-43 edge. Smith's desperation shot was part of Seattle's first-half long-distance barrage as the Storm connected on 8 of 12 from beyond the arc. Seattle outrebounded Tulsa 17-6 in the first half on its way to a decisive 36-23 advantage on the boards. Courtesy king5.com

Phoenix M. - Minnesota L. 60-78
PHOENIX - The Lynx set a WNBA record for best start to a season Friday night, and the way they played against Phoenix, the defending league champions aren't planning to slow down any time soon. Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-PG-82, college: Minnesota) scored 29 points to nearly double her previous season high, and the Lynx improved to 10-0 by beating the Mercury 78-60 on Friday night before an announced crowd of 7,394 at US Airways Center. "We're excited about that," coach Cheryl Reeve said after earning her 50th career victory with the Lynx. "We're not a team that talks about records, but when it got to be nine we thought, 'What the hell? Let's embrace this thing and take our place in history.' We're happy to be the only team to start off 10-0." The victory not only broke the tie the Lynx had with the 2001 and '03 Los Angeles Sparks for the WNBA's best starts, but it also was their club-record 10th consecutive road victory and 13th regular-season victory in a row dating to last season, tied for the third-best streak in league history. The league record is 18, by the 2001 Sparks. Whalen, coming off a 10-assist game last Saturday, found shooting, and scoring, more to her taste Friday. The former Gophers star, whose previous season high for scoring was 15 points, shot 11-for-14 from the floor and 6-for-7 from the free-throw line. She needed less than two minutes to score six points as the Lynx raced to 11-4 lead. The Mercury pulled within two at 14-12 on a three-pointer by Alexis Gray-Lawson (5'8''-PG-87, college: California) with 2:39 left in the first. But Whalen, who has scored 33 points in a WNBA game twice in her career, scored another seven points as the Lynx outscored Phoenix 16-5 over the next nearly 10 minutes to open a 30-17 lead. They never looked back. Seimone Augustus, back after missing two games because of a right quadriceps strain, scored 14 points, including a three-pointer with about five minutes to go that gave the Lynx their largest lead at 74-51. "It feels good," Augustus said. "It's still giving me a little bit of trouble, but the more I play on it, the faster I'll be able to get back into the flow of my game. ... With [the Mercury] being so long on the inside, they were able to slow us down a little bit in the paint playing that zone, but overall I felt I was able to do what I needed to do." Monica Wright (5'11''-F-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Virginia) added 11 points for the Lynx, who swept Phoenix in the Western Conference finals last year and opened this season May 20 with a 105-83 victory over Phoenix at Target Center. Both victories came with Mercury star Diana Taurasi on the sidelines; she remains out of the lineup because of a strained hip flexor that has kept her benched for all but two games this season. DeWanna Bonner scored 18 points and Candice Dupree 11 for the Mercury (2-6), which was held to its lowest scoring total since a 77-55 loss to San Antonio on Aug. 28, 2008. "Whalen had a great game, a lot of open shots, putbacks, running the break, free throws," Phoenix coach Corey Gaines said. "I think the defense was pretty good. We held the team to 38 percent, and as a team they're shooting in the high 50s. And I think they lead the league in scoring, and we held them under their average. ... We got outrebounded by one, but we just couldn't score." Courtesy of: startribune.com

Washington M. - Indiana F. 67-66
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Crystal Langhorne (6'2''-F/C-86, college: Maryland) had 22 points and 13 rebounds and the Washington Mystics held off the Indiana Fever 67-66 Friday night to snap a four-game losing streak. Matee Ajavon added 15 in her first start of the season for the Mystics (2-6), who had an 11-point lead in the second half before Indiana made a run in the fourth quarter. "We made some mistakes down the stretch, but it's a relief to pull off the win," said Langhorne, who shot 7 for 11 from the field. Tamika Catchings scored 15 points and Tammy Sutton-Brown had 13 for the Fever (4-3), who lost their third straight. Catchings had a shot to win it, but her 3-pointer from the top of the key with 2 seconds left bounced off the rim. Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) got the rebound along the baseline, but her one-hander missed at the buzzer. "We missed so many shots throughout the game, and me personally, I missed a lot of layups a lot of open shots," Catchings said. "You've got to credit them, they did a great job tonight." Catchings, the league's third-leading scorer (21.5 ppg), shot just 4 for 14. Washington, which had lost four straight by average of 4.5 points, led by six at halftime and 10 after three quarters before the Fever rallied. "It happens when you play a great team. They're gonna respond," Mystics coach Trudi Lacey said. "They punched and we punched back. We got stops when we needed to and made plays down the stretch. That's what had been missing in these close losses." Catchings hit a 3 with 6:55 left to play to pull Indiana within five and the Fever were still down five when Sutton-Brown was fouled on a drive and converted the three-point play to make 63-61 with 2:46 left. Indiana had several chances to tie it, but Jeanette Pohlen missed a jumper and, after a loose ball foul gave the ball back to the Fever, Catchings missed twice from inside. Washington then got baskets from Michelle Snow and Shannon Bobbitt around a free throw by Catchings to go up 67-62, but Indiana rallied one last time. Briann January (5'8''-PG-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Arizona St.) hit two free throws and, after a Washington timeout, the Mystics were unable to inbound the ball and turned it over. Pohlen's layup made it 67-66 with 28 seconds to play. After a miss by Snow miss, the Fever had the game's final possession. Both teams shot 37 percent from the field, but the Fever missed nine free throws and were outrebounded, 41-32. Bobbitt, who was signed by Washington on Wednesday, was with Indiana during preseason, but was released before the season started. She provided a spark off the bench in her Mystics debut, finishing with eight points and five assists off the bench. "I always tell everyone, one team's trash is another team's treasure and I was just able to come out and compete against a team that cut me," Bobbitt said. "I love those girls and the Fever's a great team, and I just wanted to help the team I'm on." After Natasha Lacy scored to put the Mystics ahead 21-19 with 6:43 left in the second quarter, Ajavon scored five straight points - on a 3-pointer and a driving layup - to make it 26-19. The Fever got within three with under a minute left, but Ajavon's 3 with 11 seconds to go put Washington ahead 37-31 at halftime. Courtesy of: hosted.ap.org

Connecticut S. - New York L. 97-55
UNCASVILLE, Conn. - Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) scored 20 points and the Connecticut Sun had a record-setting first half en route to a 97-55 victory over the New York Liberty on Friday night. Mistie Mims and Renee Montgomery scored 13 points each, Asjha Jones had 10 points and eight rebounds and Kara Lawson also scored 10 points for the Sun (7-2). All 11 players scored for Connecticut, which led 61-27 at halftime to set the league record for the largest lead at the break - besting Seattle's 33-point margin (60-27) at the half against Tulsa on Aug. 7, 2010. Essence Carson scored 10 of her 14 points in the first half for New York (3-7), and was the team's only scorer in double figures. Liberty leading scorer Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) finished with seven points, all in the second half. The Sun's first-half total set a franchise record, topping the previous mark of 59 against Minnesota on Aug. 3, 2010. Phoenix scored a league-record 69 points in the first half against the Lynx on July 29, 2010. Connecticut also made a franchise-record 24 field goal in the first half, eclipsing the 23 the Sun made against Indiana on Aug. 28, 2008. Connecticut took control with a 19-0 run bridging the first two quarters to take a 37-14 lead with about 7 1/2 minutes remaining in the first half. Hightower made two free throws with 4:04 to go before the break to increase the lead to 30 the period. Montgomery had a three-point play with four seconds to go and Kalana Greene had a steal and buzzer-beating layup to give the Sun their 34-point lead at the half. Mims' free throws with 3:40 remaining in the third quarter gave Connecticut a 76-35 lead, and Charles' layup in the final minute of the period extended the lead to 43 points. Courtesy of: newsday.com

Atlanta D. - L.Angeles S. 92-59
ATLANTA (AP) Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) doesn't know how long she will come off the bench for the Atlanta Dream. After scoring 31 points in the Dream's 92-59 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday night, McCoughtry disputed that she was held out of the starting lineup by coach Marynell Meadors for breaking an unspecified team rule. ''I didn't violate a team rule,'' she told The Associated Press. ''I don't violate team rules.'' McCoughtry's situation overshadowed a dominant performance by Atlanta, which snapped Los Angeles' five-game winning streak. Lindsey Harding finished with 18 points, Sancho Lyttle added 13 and rookie Aneika Henry grabbed nine rebounds for the Dream (4-5), who had lost three of their previous four. Nneka Ogwumike, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's WNBA draft, finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Sparks (7-2). Los Angeles was off to its best start to a season since 2003, but finished with its biggest defeat since losing by 35 last July 31 at Indiana. The Sparks did not have a player in double figures until Ogwumike scored her 11th point midway through the fourth. ''Clearly I didn't have the team ready to play,'' said Los Angeles coach Carol Ross, a former Dream assistant coach. ''I think we lost this before we played it.'' Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee), whose 20.1 scoring average ranked fifth before the game started, finished with just nine points on 3-for-8 shooting for the Sparks. Parker, coming off a 33-point, 16-rebound performance in Wednesday's six-point victory at Connecticut, did not play in the fourth quarter against Atlanta. ''We need to come out with a lot of energy,'' Parker said. ''We can't start the way we did because it trickles down the rest of the game. We need to stay aggressive. I think our defense needs to dictate the way we play offensively and not vice versa.'' Lyttle was mostly responsible for limiting how many times Parker, who took only eight shots and had one assist, touched the ball. ''We had our assignments, and if you stick to it, we come to a common goal of winning,'' Lyttle said. ''Coach said, 'If you take away the ball from people's hands, they won't be able to do what they normally do.' " McCoughtry, who played with her left knee heavily wrapped, did not start for the first time this season, but she hit her first four shots from the field to finish the second quarter with 14 points. She entered the game at the 7:19 mark of the first quarter and played a total of 25 minutes, hitting 11 of 18 shots and going 4 for 5 on 3-point attempts. Meadors declined to elaborate on what led to McCoughtry's brief benching. Meadors wouldn't say whether McCoughtry, the WNBA's second-leading scorer, will start Sunday when the Dream hosts Connecticut. ''We'll see,'' Meadors said. ''It was a violation of team rules, period.'' McCoughtry, who led Atlanta to the WNBA Finals in each of the last two seasons, expects to be in the starting lineup on Sunday. ''Of course,'' she said. ''I'm a good person. I'm a great leader and I'm going to do everything I can for this team.'' Lyttle's 10-foot runner early in the third put Atlanta ahead by 25, at the time marking the largest deficit of the season for Los Angeles. The Sparks' biggest deficit in the game was 39 in the fourth following a layup by McCoughtry. The Dream, who have won six straight in the series, began the game ranked 10th in field-goal percentage, but finished with a season-best 54.5 percent. McCoughtry was proud of her teammates' resolve in easily beating the Western Conference's second-best club behind defending league champion Minnesota. ''When we came out tonight, we just jelled really well,'' McCoughtry said. ''Before, it was kind of early. It's a new team. We've been trying to find our chemistry, and tonight kind of broke the ice.'' McCoughtry would not say whether she believes Meadors had a good reason to bench her before tipoff. ''I think it's no comment,'' McCoughtry told The AP. ''It shouldn't be anybody's business. I'm going to put it like this: I came in tonight and I did what I had to do.'' Courtesy of: sports.yahoo.com

Connecticut S. - L.Angeles S. 81-87
Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) did a little of everything to help Los Angeles beat Connecticut. Parker had 33 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists and five blocks to lead the Sparks to an 87-81 victory over the Sun on Wednesday night. "Typical world-class," Connecticut's Kara Lawson (5'8''-PG-81, college: Tennessee) said. "There's not many people in the world much better. ... She had her way with us tonight." Parker's biggest play of the night came with about 1:10 to go when, with the Sun leading 81-80, she blocked a layup attempt by the Sun center Tina Charles on a fast break. "I actually didn't see (Charles) when Kara was dribbling, to be honest with you," Parker said. "I just tried to go put (up) my left (hand) and get it." Asjha Jones fouled the Sparks' Nnemkadi Ogwumike (6'2''-F-90, college: Stanford) as Los Angeles the Sparks brought the ball up and the rookie made both her free throws to put the Sparks ahead for good with 1:05 to go. The Sun missed three shots on their next possession and Ogwumike converted a three-point play to extend the Sparks' lead to 85-81. Parker closed the scoring with two free throws with 1.6 seconds remaining. "It's a tremendous win," Sparks coach Carol Ross said. "Anytime you come to Connecticut and you beat the Sun, you have done something because most teams are not able to accomplish that. Connecticut is such a good team and they have a great home court and for us to be able to come in and stay resilient ... We just kept battling and we felt very fortunate to get out of here with a win." Ogwumike, the top pick in this year's WNBA draft, had 18 points on 7-for-7 shooting and grabbed five rebounds for Los Angeles (7-1). "She's the type of player that when I miss a shot, I know she's going to get the rebound," Parker said. "I'm more comfortable taking shots, and I know that when she gets the ball, it's going to be a good play." Los Angeles reserve Jantel Lavender (6'4''-C-88, college: Ohio St.) added 10 points on 5-for-8 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds. Charles had 19 points and 13 rebounds to lead Connecticut (6-2). Lawson had 16 points and four assists and Jones added 10 points and eight rebounds. Renee Montgomery (5'7''-PG-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) scored 12 points and Tan White had 11 to give the Sun five scorers in double figures. The Sparks shot 46 percent (33 for 72), including Parker's 12-for-22 effort. The Sun shot just 33 percent (28 of 84), with Charles going 8 for 26. "Their length played a part, certainly, when we drove," Lawson said. "When we were decisive offensively, good things happened. When we were passive, or waiting for something to happen, and when they went to zone, it was not good." Connecticut trailed 80-75 when Lawson and Charles made two free throws each 29 seconds apart to pull the Sun within a point with 2:00 to go. Charles' putback of her own miss Connecticut's only basket on 15 shots over the final 6:10 of the game put the Sun ahead 33 seconds later. Ogwumike's three-point play tied the score at 75-all with 5:03 remaining. Parker followed with a 3-pointer and a putback to give the Sparks an 80-75 edge with 3:08 left. "We just didn't shoot the ball, nobody had a great shooting night for us," Sun coach Mike Thibault said. "We just seemed to rush things in the second half. We couldn't catch it, we fumbled it a little bit, I don't know if the length bothered us, but we were just in a hurry. They did a good job with their zone change and their momentum of the game. ... We got the lead back and then we just couldn't sustain it." Connecticut led 45-40 at halftime and scored six consecutive points to extend their lead to eight a little more than 2 minutes into the third quarter. The Sparks scored the next 10 points to take a 54-52 lead with about 5 1/2 minutes left in the quarter. The teams played close the rest of the way, with Connecticut's four-point lead late in the third the largest lead for either team until the final minutes. Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

Chicago S. - Seattle S. 74-58
Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) scored 17 points, Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) had 16 points and 15 rebounds and the Chicago Sky beat the Seattle Storm 74-58 Wednesday night for their franchise-record sixth straight win. Tamera Young (6'2''-G-86, college: JMU) scored 12 points and Ruth Riley (6'5''-C-79, college: Notre Dame) added 10 for Chicago (7-1), which never trailed and extended the best start in team history. "Our main focus was going out and getting to a good start because our (previous) home games have been kind of rough," Fowles said. "We try not to make it so hard in the beginning but overall everyone did their part on the floor." Fowles shot 8 for 10 from the field got her eighth straight double-double, matching her own single-season league record set last year. Prince, the league's leading scorer at 25.3 points per game coming in, shot just 6 for 16 -- including 4 for 8 on 3-pointers. "I was just reading what the defense was giving me and playing off of that," Prince said. "We had certain plays for me and I got open looks and I was able to hit them." Tina Thompson (6'2''-F-75, agency: Merit Sports, college: USC) scored 13 points and Ann Wauters had 12 as Seattle (1-7) dropped its sixth straight on the road and fourth in a row overall. "I thought defensively we did a pretty good job on Prince and Fowles in regards to guarding them on their offense," Storm coach Brian Agler said. "But we didn't do a very good job of keeping Fowles off the boards and giving them too many second chances." The Sky led by nine at halftime and stretched it to 11 early in the third quarter before the Storm pulled within four heading to the fourth. However, Chicago outscored Seattle 16-3 over the first 7:12 of the final period to take a 70-53 lead with 2:48 to go. The Sky finished with a 20-8 scoring edge in the fourth. "We had a solid defensive effort in the fourth quarter," Sky coach Pokey Chatman said. "We were plus-23 on the boards. We could have taken care of the ball a little better but I could live with the 15 (turnovers) because only three came from (Prince) and (Courtney Vandersloot) and they played 60 minutes, so that was a good thing." The Sky outrebounded the Storm 44-21 and shot 44 percent (32 for 72) from the field. Seattle was just 38 percent (20 for 53). Thompson picked up Seattle's first offensive rebound midway through the third quarter as the Storm trimmed a double-digit deficit to 54-50 on Ewelina Kobryn's layup in the final minute of the period. Fowles had eight points and three rebounds and Prince scored six points as the Sky took a 20-13 lead after one quarter. Chicago opened its biggest lead of the half at 40-29 just before the break on Sonja Petrovic's jumper with a minute to go. Prince had six more points in the period. Wauters had 10 first-half points for the Storm, who were outrebounded 23-11 over the first 20 minutes. Courtesy of www.king5.com