EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/25/2012 1:04:01 AM

Copyright © 1997-2012 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com


Men News

*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA   



Argentina edge Croatia to reach Final in Douai - by Eurobasket News

Argentina U17 - Croatia U17 96:70

Argentinean U17 National Team reached the Final of Douai World Cup international tournament. They knocked down Croatia on the final day of preliminary action. Gabriel Deck (199-F/C-95) accounted for 31 points to lead the Latin American side.
Argentina cleared off to a 20:11 lead after ten minutes. They maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. Argentina arrived at halftime up by 12 points 44:32. They did not allow Croatia to come any closer in the third quarter. Argentina enjoyed a 20-point lead before the fourth quarter and never looked back en route to the win afterwards. Rodrigo Haag (190-G-95) posted 13 points, while Lucio Reinaudi (183-G-95) added 10 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Tomislav Gabric (202-G-95) answered with 17 points for Croatia. Ivan Bender (201-C-95) had 15 points in the loss.

Argentina U17: Gabriel Deck 31, Rodrigo Haag 13, Lucio Reinaudi 10
Croatia U17: Tomislav Gabric 17, Ivan Bender 15


GECR Indalo keep Kahiem Seawright - by Eurobasket News

GECR Indalo secured the services of Kahiem Seawright (203-C/F-86, agency: Edge Sports, college: Rhode Island) for the next season. The sides have agreed on terms of contract extension. Kahiem Seawright joined Gimnasia Comodoro Rivadavia back in February. He tallied 10.5 points and 7.2 boards per game in LigaA. The centre started the season in Spain. Kahiem Seawright played for Valladolid. He averaged 7.8 points and 4.5 boards per appearance in ACB. Kahiem Seawright started his pro career in 2009. He played for Tarragona and Baloncesto Leon in Spain. Eurobasket.com named the centre into All-Spanish LEB Gold 1st Team in 2011.


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

Standings - ABA

State Standings
Big V
 1. Ringwood H. 11-3 
 2. Eltham W. 10-4 
 3. Corio Bay 10-5 
 4. Waverley F. 9-6 
 5. Hume City 8-6 
 6. Diamond V.E. 6-8 
 7. Bulleen B. 4-11 
 8. Sherbrooke S. 4-11 
 9. Melbourne 3-11 
Central ABL
 1. Sturt S. 8-2 
 2. N.Adelaide R. 7-2 
 3. W.Adelaide B. 7-3 
 4. Woodville W. 6-3 
 5. Forestville E. 6-4 
 6. Norwood F. 5-5 
 7. C.District L. 4-6 
 8. S.Adelaide P. 4-6 
 9. Southern T. 2-8 
 10. Eastern M. 0-10 
QBL
 1. Northside W. 5-1 
 2. Ipswich F. 5-2 
 3. Rockhampton 4-0 
 4. Mackay M. 4-1 
 5. SW Metro P. 4-2 
 6. Townsville H. 4-3 
 7. Cairns M. 3-4 
 8. Brisbane C. 3-5 
 9. Bundaberg B. 3-5 
 10. Gold Coast R. 2-3 
 11. Gladstone P. 2-4 
 12. Maroochydore 1-5 
 13. Toowoomba 1-6 
SBL
 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. SW Slammers 3-15 
 14. Rockingham F. 2-16 
SEABL-East
 1. Dandenong 14-3 
 2. Geelong S. 14-3 
 3. Bendigo B. 11-5 
 4. Sandringham S. 11-8 
 5. Frankston B. 8-8 
 6. Brisbane S. 6-10 
 7. Canberra G. 1-16 
SEABL-South
 1. Knox R. 9-7 
 2. Albury W.B. 9-7 
 3. Nunawading S. 9-8 
 4. Hobart C. 9-9 
 5. Ballarat M. 7-9 
 6. Kilsyth C. 7-10 
 7. NW Tasmania 7-10 
 8. Mt Gambier 4-13 
WARATAH
 1. Norths Bears 10-2 
 2. Newcastle H. 9-2 
 3. Maitland M. 8-4 
 4. Cent.Coast C. 8-6 
 5. Sydney C. 6-5 
 6. Manly Warr. 6-6 
 7. Hills H. 6-6 
 8. Illawarra H. 6-7 
 9. Bankstown B. 4-7 
 10. Parramatta W. 3-8 
 11. Colonial Hotel 3-9 
 12. Sutherland S. 3-10 

Regular Season: Round 13

BIG V

Jun. 24: Waverley F. - Bulleen B. 93-63
Jun. 23: Ringwood H. - Waverley F. 88-71
Jun. 23: Melbourne - Eltham W. 85-79
Jun. 23: Diamond V.E. - Corio Bay 85-101
Jun. 23: Hume City - Sherbrooke S. 104-85

Central ABL

Jun. 23: Eastern M. - C.District L.
Jun. 23: Norwood F. - N.Adelaide R.
Jun. 23: Southern T. - S.Adelaide P.
Jun. 23: Sturt S. - Forestville E.
Jun. 23: Woodville W. - W.Adelaide B.
Jun. 24: N.Adelaide R. - Eastern M.
Jun. 24: Southern T. - Norwood F.
Jun. 24: W.Adelaide B. - S.Adelaide P.
Jun. 24: C.District L. - Sturt S.
Jun. 24: Forestville E. - Woodville W.

SEABL

Jun. 22: Hobart C. - Bendigo B.
Jun. 22: Mt Gambier - Ballarat M.
Jun. 22: Geelong S. - Brisbane S.
Jun. 23: Canberra G. - Nunawading S.
Jun. 23: Dandenong - Geelong S.
Jun. 23: Frankston B. - Brisbane S.
Jun. 23: NW Tasmania - Bendigo B.
Jun. 23: Albury W.B. - Knox R.
Jun. 24: Kilsyth C. - Frankston B.

WARATAH

Jun. 23: Bankstown B. - Cent.Coast C.
Jun. 23: Parramatta W. - Newcastle H.
Jun. 23: Colonial Hotel - Illawarra H.
Jun. 23: Norths Bears - Manly Warr.
Jun. 23: Sydney C. - Maitland M.
Jun. 24: Hills H. - Illawarra H.


Australia outscore Spain in Las Palmas - by Eurobasket News

Spain U17 - Australia U17 55:71

Australian U17 National Team played the first game at the international tournament in Las Palmas. They faced hosting Spain. Nicholas Duncan (198-C-95) came up with 14 points to lead the Aussies to the victory. Australia will now take on the USA in the Final.
The visitors eked out a 15:14 lead after ten minutes. Australia started to get away in the second quarter. They established a 34:23 halftime lead. Spain struggled to match the tempo. They lagged behind throughout the third quarter. Australia cleared off to take a 54:33 advantage with one quarter remaining. Spain finally managed to outscore the visitors in the final quarter but could not threaten the gap anyway. Exium delivered 13 points, while Ben Simmons (198-F-95) and Felix Van Hofe (195-F-95) had 10 points each in the win. Ilimane Diop (210-C-95) answered with 14 points for Spain. Alberto Martin (182-G-95) netted 10 points in the loss.

Spain U17: Ilimane Diop 14, Alberto Martin 10
Australia U17: Nicholas Duncan 14, Exium 13, Ben Simmons 10, Felix Van Hofe 10


Australia ease past Greece at the start of Farewell Series - by Eurobasket News

Australia - Greece 87:60

Australian National Team claimed the first win over Greek B National Team in the Farewell Series in Melbourne. Patrick Mills (183-PG-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) stepped up with 21 points to pace the Boomers.
Australia grabbed the lead early on. The Boomers cleared off to a 22:15 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Australia maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. They piled up a 45:32 halftime lead. The hosts held the Hellenes to 10 points in the third quarter to boost the margin. Australia secured a 20-point lead with one quarter remaining. The Boomers did not slow down in the final frame and cruised to the victory at the end. Aleks Maric (211-C-84, college: Nebraska) had 17 points and 6 boards, while Aron Baynes (208-C/F-86, college: Washington St.) produced 16 points for the winners. Nikos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) answered with 17 points for Greece. Giorgos Bogris (210-C/F-89) netted 15 points in the losing effort.

Australia: Patrick Mills 21, Aleks Maric 17, Aron Baynes 16
Greece: Nikos Pappas 17, Giorgos Bogris 15


*****************************************************
  AUSTRIA   


Furstenfeld tab Samo Grum - by Eurobasket News

Furstenfeld Panthers bolstered their roster. They added Samo Grum (193-G/F-79). The Slovenian forward spent the last two season with Graz. He averaged 17.1 points, 3.9 assists and 2.1 rebounds per game last season. Samo Grum participated at Bundesliga All-Star Game in 2012. The forward is not new to Furstenfeld. The Slovenian played for the team back in 2007/09 seasons. He was Bundesliga A champion and Austrian Cup winner with the Panthers. Samo Grum also had stints with Krka, Rogla Astras, Helios, Wortheresee, Slovenska Bistrica and Obertwart. The forward was the member of Slovenian National Team back in 2000/01 seasons.


Austrian U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

#s#
Michael Diesner
Diesner
Daniel Friedrich
Friedrich
Luka Gvozden
Gvozden
Maximilian Hopfgartner
Hopfgartner
Marko Kracun
Kracun
#e#5
Michael Diesner 195-F/G-92 Oberwart Austria
Daniel Friedrich 182-PG-92 Gmunden Austria
Daniel Gaberle 193-SF-93 Kapfenberg Austria
Luka Gvozden 184-PG-93 St.Polten Austria
Maximilian Hopfgartner 206-PF-92 John Brown USA
Marko Kracun 202-C/F-92 BC Vienna Austria
Filip Kramer 200-SF-92 St.Polten Austria
Mathias Kutschera 197-F-92 BC Vienna jrs Austria
Benjamin Mair 185-G-92 St.Polten Austria
Albert Ngoy 180-PG-93 Kapfenberg Austria
Carlos Novas 197-F-92 Gmunden Austria
Dominic Pechlaner 194-F/G-92 Schwaz Austria
Lorenz Rattey 208-C-92 Kapfenberg Austria
Luca Springer 196-G/F-93 Klosterneub. Austria
Fabio Thaler 197-PF-92 Schwaz Austria
Claudio Vancura 179-PG-92 Gussing Austria
Erwin Zulic 200-F-92 Wels Austria

Werner Sallomon Head Coach Klosterneub. Austria
Armin Gottlicher Assistant Klosterneub. Austria



*****************************************************
  BAHRAIN   

Standings

Premier Standings
Top4
 1. Muharraq 3-0 
 2. Al Ahli 2-1 
 3. Sitra 1-2 
 4. Al Manama 0-3 
Places 5-11
 1. Al Hala 13-7 
 2. Issa Town 12-8 
 3. Nuwaidrat 9-10 
 4. Al Ittihad 9-10 
 5. Bahrain Club 3-17 
 6. Al Najma 2-18 
 7. Samaheej 1-19 
Stage Two Standings

Top 4: Round 3

Jun. 23: Al Manama - Al Ahli 88-92
Jun. 23: Sitra - Muharraq 71-87



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


Ukraine cadets edged Belarus in Kiev - by Eurobasket News

Ukraine U16-Belarus U16 85:44 (18:6; 27:9; 16:8; 24:21)

Ukraine cadets edged Belarus in Kiev in the first friendly game between the teams. The home side easily rolled over the opponent 85:44.
Ukraine started the game with 18-6 and never looked behind after. They erupted with 27-9 in the second quarter and reached 45:15 at the halftime. In the third period Ukraine added 16-8 for 38-lead after three quarters. Belarus played better in the last stanza and managed to score 21 points. Ukraine meanwhile replied with 24 and won the first game by 41 points.
Vadym Golyk (188-SF-96) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Illya Sydorov (183-PG-96) nailed 12. Anton Roskoshnyy (197-C-96) and Balaban followed them with 11 points each. Salas collected 20 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, while Kandibovich posted 8.

Ukraine U16: Vadym Golyk 19, Illya Sydorov 12, Anton Roskoshnyy 11, Balaban 11
Belarus U16: Salas 20+10 rebs, Kandibovich 8


Belarusian U20 National Team -12 - by Eurobasket

#s#
Andrei Aheyenka
Aheyenka
Denis Azaare
Azaare
Ihar Drabysheuski
Drabysheuski
Aliaksandr Kuzmitski
Kuzmitski
Vitali Liutych
Liutych
#e#5
Andrei Aheyenka 194-SG-92
Denis Azaare 196-SG-92 BGUIR-RTI Belarus
Ihar Drabysheuski 206-C-93
Aliaksandr Kuzmitski 198-F-92 BGUIR-RTI Belarus
Vitali Liutych 198-SG-92 Siauliai Lithuania
Artsiom Maliauka 205-C-92 BGUIR-RTI Belarus
Anton Papruha 190-PG-93 BGUIR-RTI Belarus
Aliaksei Prakapenka 195-SG-92 Grodno-93 II Belarus
Pavel Pronin 188-PG-93 Minsk-2006 II Belarus
Robertas Ruzgatis 197-PF-93
Aliaksandr Semianiuk 209-F-93 Minsk-2006 Belarus
Mikita Strukau 200-F-92 BGUIR-RTI Belarus
Yauheni Suhaniaka 200-F-92
Tsimafei Viaroukin 188-PG-93 Vitalyur Belarus
Henadziy Zakhar 198-SF-92 BGUIR-RTI Belarus

Siarhei Varyvodau Head Coach BGUIR-RTI Belarus
Dmitrij Koltunov Assistant SBK Osipovichi Belarus



*****************************************************
  BELGIUM   


Belgian U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

#s#
Bert Declercq
Declercq
Gilles Dierickx
Dierickx
Anthony Goetgeluck
Goetgeluck
Amaury Gorgemans
Gorgemans
Brett Hartshorne
Hartshorne
#e#5
Rafael Bogaerts 198-F-93 Giants II Belgium
Bert Declercq 200-F-93
Jonas Delalieux 202-PF-92
Gilles Dierickx 212-C-92 FIU USA
Anthony Goetgeluck 182-G-92
Amaury Gorgemans 212-C-92 M.Hainaut Belgium
Brett Hartshorne 200-C/F-92 Kangor.-Boom Belgium
Elias Lasisi 192-G/F-92 Kangor.-Boom Belgium
Emmanuel Lecomte 175-PG-95 Kangor.-Boom Belgium
Arno Mollekens 195-F/C-94 Kangor.-Boom Belgium
Obasohan Ojomoh 183-PG-93 Kangor.-Boom Belgium
Yannick Schopen 201-C-92
Loic Schwartz 198-G/F-92 M.Hainaut Belgium
Arne Steinbach 182-PG-92 Aalstar Belgium
Rienert Torreele 192-F-93
Rik Vandenberghe 208-C-93 Aalstar Belgium
Wim Vandenweyer 180-PG-93 Antwerp Belgium

Paul Vervaeck Head Coach Fleurus Belgium
Yvan De Vreught Assistant



*****************************************************
  BOSNIA   


Bosnian Tarik Hujdurovic signed with US college! - by Chris Mathieu

Bosnian Tarik Hujdurovic signed with US college!
Bosnian Tarik Hujdurovic signed with St. Johns University after playing for the similarly named prep academy while in high school. It is the same school his older brother Nermin attended until he graduated. Last year Nermin returned to Bosnia and played in the KSBiH league.
Tarik is a left-handed point guard who has good size at 188cm and good passing skills. He is a smart basketball player and a crafty scorer. He made quite an impression as a high school player and should go onto being a quality collegian.


*****************************************************
  BRAZIL   

Standings - Paulista, Carioca, Minas G. leagues

Paulista Standings
 1. Rio Claro 14-4 
 2. America 13-4 
 3. Metodista/S.B. 13-5 
 4. Suzano 11-7 
 5. Sao Caetano 11-8 
 6. Jacarei 10-7 
 7. Inter Santos 10-7 
 8. UNIFADRA 10-8 
 9. Abdala 4-13 
 10. Americana 2-16 
 11. Taubate 0-19 

Regular Season: Round 24

Jun. 23: UNIFADRA - Americana 80-79
Jun. 23: America - Sao Caetano 77-73
Jun. 21: Jacarei - Rio Claro 115-113 OT
Jun. 24: Abdala - Inter Santos
Jun. 24: Jacarei - Suzano



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


Ehab Mohamed leads Egypt past Canada - by Eurobasket News

Egypt U17 - Canada U17 92:81

Egypt accounted for the first win at the Douai international tournament. They overcame Canada on the final day of the preliminary round. Ehab Mohamed (185-G-95) came up with 23 points to lead the winners.
Egypt jumped in front early in the game. They built a 19:14 lead after ten minutes. Canada however slowed their opponents down in the second quarter. The North American team established a 35:34 halftime lead. But Egypt erupted for 32 points in the third quarter to take over. The African team built a 15-point lead before the fourth term and breezed to the victory in the final stanza. Moataz Hosny (201-C-95) finished with 22 points, while Anas Osama (203-F-95) had 10 points for the winners. Marial Shayok (95) responded with 19 points for Canada. Jake Babic provided 13 points in the loss.

Egypt U17: Ehab Mohamed 23, Moataz Hosny 22, Anas Osama 10
Canada U17: Marial Shayok 19, Jake Babic 13


*****************************************************
  CENTROBASKET   

Standings (Men)

Standings
Group A
1. P.Rico4-0
2. Panama3-1
3. Bahamas2-2
4. Cuba1-3
5. Nicaragua0-4
Group B
1. Dominican R.4-0
2. Jamaica3-1
3. Mexico2-2
4. US Virg.Isl1-3
5. Costa Rica.0-4

Finals: Round 7

Final

Jun. 24: DOM - PUR 80-72

Place 3-4

Jun. 24: PAN - JAM 54-78


Stats Leaders (Men)

Points Per Game
 Walter HODGE
  ISV
  (183-PG-86)
  Avg: 20.3
 1. Hodge, ISV20.3 
 2. Ayarza, PAN18.8 
 3. Horford, DOM17.2 
 4. Samuels, JAM17.0 
 5. Efejuku, JAM16.7 
 6. Huertas, PUR16.5 
 7. Johnson, BAH15.8 
 8. Stoll, MEX14.8 
 9. Coronado, DOM14.3 
 10. Martinez, DOM14.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jack Michael MARTINEZ
  DOM
  (203-F/C-81)
  Avg: 11
 1. Martinez, DOM11.0 
 2. Horford, DOM10.0 
 3. Haiti, CUB9.5 
 4. King, PAN9.2 
 5. Jones, ISV8.5 
 6. Munoz, NIC7.5 
 7. Samuels, JAM7.3 
 8. Ewing Jr., JAM7.2 
 9. Torres, CUB7.0 
 10. Jordan, JAM7.0 
Assists Per Game
 Jose Juan BAREA
  PUR
  (181-PG-84)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Barea, PUR6.5 
 2. Rodriguez, PUR6.2 
 3. Hodge, ISV4.8 
 4. Stoll, MEX4.5 
 5. Munoz, PAN4.0 
 6. Rodriguez, CUB4.0 
 7. Rivera, PUR3.8 
 8. Chavarria, CRC3.8 
 9. Haiti, CUB3.8 
 10. Coronado, DOM3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Marvin GRAY
  BAH
  (178-G-83)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Gray, BAH2.8 
 2. Stoll, MEX2.5 
 3. Chavarria, CRC2.3 
 4. Scott, JAM2.2 
 5. Johnson, BAH2.0 
 6. Rodriguez, CUB1.8 
 7. Hodge, ISV1.8 
 8. Quintero, MEX1.8 
 9. Meza Rogel, MEX1.5 
 10. Plummer, CRC1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Alfred HORFORD
  DOM
  (208-F/C-86)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Horford, DOM2.4 
 2. Jordan, JAM1.8 
 3. Anderson, CRC1.3 
 4. Coleby, BAH1.3 
 5. Jones, ISV1.3 
 6. Ayarza, PAN1.2 
 7. Lopez, NIC1.0 
 8. Munoz, NIC1.0 
 9. Ramos, PUR1.0 
 10. Lopez, MEX1.0 


Dominican Republic wins 2012 Centrobasket - by Eurobasket News

Final
Dominican Republic - Puerto Rico 80-72
Dominican Republic wins 2012 Centrobasket in Jose Miguel Agrelot coliseum in Hato Rey. The team overcame the hosts of the tournament in the Final game 80:72. Puerto Rico, meanwhile, won the silver medal and failed in his attempt to repeat the gold won in Santo Domingo 2010. The hosts started with 21:14 lead but could not keep the winning pace. Dominican Republic bounced back with 26-14 in the second period and took 50:45 halftime advantage. Puerto Rico needed 19-18 in the third stanza to reduce to 4 points, but failed to reach the opponents in the last period. Dominican Republic added 22-18 to seal the victory. Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Coronado Juan netted 17. Baez Eulis and Francisco Garcia (201-F/G-81, college: Louisville) followed them with 11 points each. Jose Juan Barea (181-PG-84, college: Northeastern) ended up with 18 points in the losing case and Santiago Daniel notched 16. Sanchez Ricardo poured in 15, while David Huertas (195-G-87, college: Mississippi) added 13.

Place 3-4
Panama - Jamaica 54-78
Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86, college: Providence) leads Jamaica to Bronze in Hato Rey at the Centrobasket 2012. He poured in 21 points as Jamaica overcame Panama 78:54. This is a historic medal for Jamaica, since it's getting the first medal in this tournament. Jamaca went on an early run and reached 25:17 after the first period. They added 14-13 in the second frame to take 39:30 at the halftime. With an 8-0 rally Jamaica put the score 58-39, while Josimar Ayarza (205-F-87, college: S.Mississippi) closed the frame at 58:41. It was clear at that time about the winner. Jamaica also won the last stanza 20-12 to take the bronze medals at the tournament. Jerome Jordan (213-C-86, college: Tulsa) collected 17 points and 11 rebounds for the winners and Samardo Samuels (206-F/C-89, college: Louisville) added 13. Oglivie Ernesto responded with 15 points and Ayarza notched 13. St. Rose Isaac delivered 11, whilst Daniel King (203-F-87) had 9.


Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico advanced to the Final - by Eurobasket News

Dominican Republic - Panama 79-62
Dominican Republic reaches the Final game of the 2012 Centrobasket. The favorite overcame Panama 79:62 and will face the hosts in the Final. Although Dominican Republic was the favorite of the game, Panama surprised them with 20:13 in the opening period. Even after a 15-9 burst in the second quarter, Dominican Republic trailed 1 point at the halftime. The second half however belonged to Dominican Republic that won the third and the last stanzas. They needed 25-17 in the third period and added 26-16 in the last. Garcia Francisco top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) collected 17 points and 13 rebounds. Martinez Michael followed them with 11 points and 11 boards. Josimar Ayarza (205-F-87, college: S.Mississippi) replied with 19 points in the losing effort, while Munoz Joey, Daniel King (203-F-87) and St. Rose Isaac all posted 10.

Puerto Rico - Jamaica 103-89
Puerto Rico advanced to the Final at 2012 Centrobasket. The hosts outscored Jamaica 103:89 at the Jose Miguel Agrelot coliseum in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. Jamaica started the game with 22-21 but could not keep the lead at the end of the half. The hosts erupted with a 30-24 burst and grabbed 5-point halftime advantage. Moreover Puerto Rico added 30-19 in the third quarter and did not mind the narrow loss in the last stanza. David Huertas (195-G-87, college: Mississippi) poured in 17 points, while Santiago Daniel collected 16 points and 11 rebounds. Rosario Michael, Franklin Alexander and Sanchez Ricardo followed them with 11 points each. Akeem Scott (186-PG-83, agency: Interperformances, college: High Point) responded with 19 points in the losing effort and Efejuku added 18. Samardo Samuels (206-F/C-89, college: Louisville) brought 17, whilst Jordan Jerome delivered 16. Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico will have tomorrow a new chapter in his extensive regional sports rivalry for the Gold medal. Jamaica, meanwhile, will face off with Panama for the bronze medal.


*****************************************************
  CHINA   

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings
 1. Guangzhou L. 12-4 
 2. Guangzhou FM 11-5 
 3. Jiangsu 10-5 
 4. Hebei 10-6 
 5. Changan Group 9-7 
 6. Heilongjiang 8-8 
 7. Hong Kong 6-9 
 8. Nanjin Army 6-10 
 9. Sichuan 5-11 
 10. Henan Jiyuan 2-14 

Regular Season: Round 16

Jun. 23: Heilongjiang - Guangzhou L. 97-92
Jun. 23: Hebei - Guangzhou FM 92-103
Jun. 23: Hong Kong - Henan Jiyuan 89-68
Jun. 23: Nanjin Army - Changan Group 74-68
Jun. 23: Jiangsu - Sichuan 100-83

Regular Season: Round 17

Jun. 26: Henan Jiyuan - Jiangsu
Jun. 26: Guangzhou L. - Hong Kong
Jun. 26: Nanjin Army - Sichuan
Jun. 26: Changan Group - Hebei
Jun. 26: Heilongjiang - Guangzhou FM


China topple Croatia B in Kunshan - by Eurobasket News

China - Croatia B 84:63

China recorded the second straight win at the Sino-European Challenge Event tournament in Kunshan. They overcame Croatian B National Team. Jianlian Yi (213-F/C-87) stepped up with 14 points and 10 rebounds to lead the hosts.
China jumped to an early lead. They accumulated a 22:12 lead after ten minutes. The hosts never loosened the grip afterwards. They dominated in the next three quarters rallying to a well-deserved win at the end. Sun Yue (206-G/F-85) provided 13 points for China. Wang ShiPeng (196-G/F-83) delivered 5 points and 5 boards in the victory. China will next take on Serbian University National Team. Croatia B will face Montenegro U20 selection.


NBL Round 16: Leader Guangzhou L. loses to Heilongjiang - by Eurobasket News

There are only two more rounds left in the Regular Season in NBL.

Top ranked Guangzhou L. (12-4) recorded its fourth loss on the court of sixth ranked Heilongjiang on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by Heilongjiang 97-92. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Heilongjiang made 25-of-31 free shots (80.6 percent) during the game. 30 personal fouls committed by Guangzhou L. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American power forward Rashaun Freeman (206-84, college: Massachusetts) fired a double-double by scoring 44 points (!!!) and 18 rebounds for the winners. Forward Mengxin He (200-90) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds. Forward DaWei Chen (203-85) produced 20 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Guangzhou L.'s coach XuLin Wang rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Heilongjiang have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain sixth position with 8-8 record. Guangzhou L. at the other side still keeps top place with four games lost. Heilongjiang are looking forward to face league's second-placed Guangzhou FM in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Guangzhou L. will play against Hong Kong and is hoping to win this game.
Another exciting game was between second ranked Guangzhou FM and one of their biggest challengers Hebei where Guangzhou FM (11-5) beat Hebei (10-6) on the road 103-92. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Hebei. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Walter Sharpe (206-86, college: UAB, agency: Two Points) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 25 points, 15 rebounds and 6 assists. KaiFu Yao contributed with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. American forward Bryan Davis (206-86, college: Texas A&M, agency: N.E.T.) replied with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 19 rebounds for Hebei. Hebei's coach Jinlin Zhou tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Guangzhou FM have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 11-5 record behind leader Guangzhou L. Hebei at the other side dropped to the fourth place with six games lost. Guangzhou FM will play against Heilongjiang (#6) in the next round. Hebei will play against Changan Group and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
We should mention about the upset which took place in , where higher ranked Changan Group (9-7) lost to ninth ranked Nanjin Army (6-10) in a road game 68-74 on Saturday. Worth to mention a great performance of Shengyue Sun who helped to win the game recording 25 points (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). At the losing side Joseph Taylor responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Nanjin Army moved-up to eighth place. Loser Changan Group keeps the fifth position with seven games lost. Nanjin Army will meet at home Sichuan (#9) in the next round. Changan Group will play against Hebei (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game with biggest result difference took place in . Local Hong Kong (6-9) outscored 10th ranked Henan Jiyuan (2-14) 89-68. The winners were led by DongYang Zhang who scored that evening 20 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Hong Kong maintains seventh position with 6-9 record. Henan Jiyuan lost third consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 14 games lost. Hong Kong's next round opponent will be league's leader Guangzhou L. and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Henan Jiyuan will play against Jiangsu (#3).

In the last game of round 16 Sichuan was defeated by Jiangsu in a road game 100-83.

Heilongjiang - Guangzhou L. 97-92

Top ranked Guangzhou L. (12-4) recorded its fourth loss on the court of sixth ranked Heilongjiang on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by Heilongjiang 97-92. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Heilongjiang made 25-of-31 free shots (80.6 percent) during the game. 30 personal fouls committed by Guangzhou L. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American power forward Rashaun Freeman (206-84, college: Massachusetts) fired a double-double by scoring 44 points (!!!) and 18 rebounds for the winners. Forward Mengxin He (200-90) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds. Forward DaWei Chen (203-85) produced 20 points and 6 rebounds and the former international power forward XiangTao Liu (202-80) added 24 points respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Guangzhou L.'s coach XuLin Wang rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Heilongjiang have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain sixth position with 8-8 record. Guangzhou L. at the other side still keeps top place with four games lost. Heilongjiang are looking forward to face league's second-placed Guangzhou FM in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Guangzhou L. will play against Hong Kong and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Heilongjiang: F.Rashaun 44+18reb+3ast, H.Mengxin 12+8reb+1ast, L.XueSong 10+3reb, Y.Gang 10+2reb+1ast, Z.JunXiong 6+3reb+2ast, L.Xu 6+1reb+3ast
Guangzhou L.: L.XiangTao 24+3reb+1ast, C.DaWei 20+6reb+2ast, W.Jing 14+7reb+1ast, N.Hamady 11+2reb+1ast, J.Lei 11+6reb, Z.ChaoLong 8+3reb+3ast
gschID: 176095


Hong Kong - Henan Jiyuan 89-68

Hong Kong (6-9) outscored 10th ranked Henan Jiyuan (2-14) 89-68. The game without a history. Hong Kong led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Hong Kong forced 24 Henan Jiyuan turnovers. They brought some defensive toughness making 10 blocks. The winners were led by forward DongYang Zhang (201-89) who scored that evening 20 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and forward JinLin Guo (198-91) supported him with 15 points and 6 rebounds. Even a double-double of 40 points (!!!) and 24 rebounds by Nigerian center Kenny Adeleke (205-83, college: Hartford) did not help to save the game for Henan Jiyuan. Forward Chao Lu (200-90) added 9 points for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Hong Kong maintains seventh position with 6-9 record. Henan Jiyuan lost third consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 14 games lost. Hong Kong's next round opponent will be league's leader Guangzhou L. and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Henan Jiyuan will play against Jiangsu (#3).
Top scorers:
Hong Kong: Z.DongYang 20+6reb+1ast, G.JinLin 15+6reb+1ast, Walker 14+13reb+1ast, W.XiaoDong 10+3reb, Y.XiaoHang 8+2reb+5ast, L.MingHao 8+2reb+2ast
Henan Jiyuan: A.Kenny 40+24reb, L.Shuai 9+2ast, L.Chao 9+3reb+1ast, H.Xin 3+1reb+2ast, W.Peng 3+4reb+1ast, L.ZhenXin 2+3reb+1ast
gschID: 176096


Nanjin Army - Changan Group 74-68

Changan Group (9-7) lost to ninth ranked Nanjin Army (6-10) in a road game 68-74 on Saturday. Changan Group trailed by 16 points after 3 quarters before a 24-14 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 68-74 at the end of the game. Nanjin Army dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Changan Group's 30. Nanjin Army forced 21 Changan Group turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Shengyue Sun (198-89) who helped to win the game recording 25 points (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) and center ShouWei Wang (208-86) who added 11 points and 13 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American forward Joseph Taylor (203-85, college: Wyoming) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds and forward Jian Sun (190-88) scored 17 points. Four Changan Group players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Nanjin Army moved-up to eighth place. Loser Changan Group keeps the fifth position with seven games lost. Nanjin Army will meet at home Sichuan (#9) in the next round. Changan Group will play against Hebei (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Nanjin Army: S.Shengyue 25+4reb+3ast, W.ShouWei 11+13reb+2ast, T.JiaFu 8+1ast, Z.CaiBao 6+7reb+3ast, Y.Liu 5+2reb+2ast, F.ChengLin 5+4reb
Changan Group: S.Jian 17+2reb, T.Joseph 12+13reb+1ast, J.JunQi 11+6reb, G.Yan 10+5reb+2ast, S.Lei 9+1reb, Y.BoWen 3+1reb+1ast
gschID: 176093


Hebei - Guangzhou FM 92-103

Another exciting game was between second ranked Guangzhou FM and one of their biggest challengers Hebei where Guangzhou FM (11-5) beat Hebei (10-6) on the road 103-92. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Hebei. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The game was mostly controlled by Guangzhou FM. Hebei was better in fourth quarter 30-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 19-of-22 charity shots (86.4 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Walter Sharpe (206-86, college: UAB, agency: Two Points) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 25 points, 15 rebounds and 6 assists. Guard KaiFu Yao (196-83) contributed with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Five Guangzhou FM players scored in double figures. American forward Bryan Davis (206-86, college: Texas A&M, agency: N.E.T.) replied with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 19 rebounds and guard TingYu Yin (197-89) added 19 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Hebei. Hebei's coach Jinlin Zhou tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Guangzhou FM have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 11-5 record behind leader Guangzhou L. Hebei at the other side dropped to the fourth place with six games lost. Guangzhou FM will play against Heilongjiang (#6) in the next round. Hebei will play against Changan Group and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Guangzhou FM: S.Walter 25+15reb+6ast, Y.KaiFu 21+6reb+4ast, L.DaPeng 19+3reb, L.XueSong 17+1reb+1ast, Y.Liang 13+1reb+1ast, Y.Peng 6+3reb+1ast
Hebei: D.Bryan 28+19reb, Y.TingYu 19+5reb+3ast, Y.ZhiTong 15+1reb, L.YiDing 6+1reb, C.YuNan 5, W.Jian 5+3reb
gschID: 176094


Jiangsu - Sichuan 100-83

There was no surprise when 8th ranked Sichuan (5-11) was defeated on the road by fourth ranked Jiangsu (10-5) 100-83. The game without a history. Jiangsu led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Sichuan's 36. They outrebounded Sichuan 57-24 including a 44-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. Jiangsu players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. 25 personal fouls committed by Sichuan helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The winners were led by Nigerian center Jeleel Akindele (216-83, college: Chicago St.) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points and 26 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and point guard Xin Feng (187-92) supported him with 23 points and 5 assists. Four Jiangsu players scored in double figures. Even 12 points and 5 rebounds by center XiaoDong Chen (207-86) did not help to save the game for Sichuan. Forward XiaoBin He (198-86) added 10 points for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Jiangsu moved-up to third place. Sichuan at the other side dropped to the ninth position with 11 games lost. Jiangsu's next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Henan Jiyuan (#10) and are hoping to win another game. Sichuan will play against Nanjin Army and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Jiangsu: F.Xin 23+3reb+5ast, A.Jeleel 20+26reb+3ast, S.XianLing 20+4reb+3ast, W.YanQing 11+6reb+2ast, S.XinLei 10+4reb+1ast, F.Hui 9+8reb+4ast
Sichuan:Palmer 42+7reb, C.XiaoDong 12+5reb+1ast, H.XiaoBin 10+2reb+1ast, W.YingLiang 6+2ast, C.Ma 6+3reb+1ast, G.YuZhang 3+2reb+7ast
gschID: 176092



France fire past China in Douai - by Eurobasket News

France U17 - China U17 71:49

French U17 National Team will play in the Final of the Douai World Cup international tournament. The hosts knocked down China to set up the title clash versus Argentina. China will take on Egypt in the battle for the 5th place. Damien Inglis (197-F-95) scored 18 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead France past China.
The hosts established a stifling defence in the opening quarter. They held China to 7 points in the first ten minutes to take an 8-point lead. France extended the margin to 9 points in the second quarter 29:20. The home team kept their opponents at bay throughout the third term. France secured a 49:38 advantage with one period remaining. They dominated throughout the fourth quarter cruising to the victory at the end. Petr Cornelie (208-F-95) notched 10 points, while Olivier Yao-Delon (193-G-95) and Etienne Joumard (186-PG-95) had 8 points each in the victory. Zhou Qi (215-C-96) responded with 14 points for China. Yang Linyi (95) and Liu Bo (204-F-96) netted 7 points apiece in the loss.

France U17: Damien Inglis 18, Petr Cornelie 10, Olivier Yao-Delon 8, Etienne Joumard 8
China U17: Zhou Qi 14, Yang Linyi 7, Liu Bo 7


*****************************************************
  CROATIA   


Croatian U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

#s#
Boris Barac
Barac
Matej Buovac
Buovac
Roko Jurlina
Jurlina
Toni Katic
Katic
Stipe Krstanovic
Krstanovic
#e#5
Boris Barac 205-F-92 Siroki WWin Bosnia
Matej Buovac 198-G-93 Dubrava Croatia
Roko Jurlina 194-G-93 Borik Croatia
Toni Katic 188-PG-92 KK Split Croatia
Filip Kordic 196-SG-92 Darda Croatia
Stipe Krstanovic 204-F/C-93 Cibona Croatia
Petar Madunic 210-C-93 Solin Croatia
Bruno Markulin 192-SF-92 KK Split Croatia
Josip Matic 202-SF-92 KK Split Croatia
Josip Mikulic 209-F-93 High School USA
Ivan-Donat Milin 191-G-92 Pet Bunara Croatia
Filip Najev 205-PF-92 KK Split Croatia
Luka Panduric 192-G-93 Darda Croatia
Marko Ramljak 203-PF-93 Zadar Croatia
Dino Repesa 200-F-92 Capljina Bosnia
Roko Rogic 187-PG-92 Alkar Sinj Croatia
Franko Sango 200-PF-92 Zadar Croatia
Henrik Sirko 198-F-93 Kvarner 2010 Croatia
Ante Smolic 204-C-93 Zadar Croatia
Jere Vucica 190-SF-92
Domagoj Vukovic 206-C-93 KK Split Croatia

Niksa Bavcevic Head Coach KK Split Croatia
Damir Milacic Assistant



Erceg from Romania to France! - by Dani Erceg

Croatian forward Dino Erceg (203-F-85) signed one year deal with French NM1 team Rueil Athletic Club. Last season he played in Romanian top level for BC Perla Harghitei Miercurea Ciuc, averaging 12.9ppg and 7.0rpg ( 41 % 3FGP ). Previously he played for Zagorje Tehnobeton, Maksimir Zagreb and Alkar Sinj . Recorded 5 double-double games in Romanian League and Cup competitions last season.


China topple Croatia B in Kunshan - by Eurobasket News

China - Croatia B 84:63

China recorded the second straight win at the Sino-European Challenge Event tournament in Kunshan. They overcame Croatian B National Team. Jianlian Yi (213-F/C-87) stepped up with 14 points and 10 rebounds to lead the hosts.
China jumped to an early lead. They accumulated a 22:12 lead after ten minutes. The hosts never loosened the grip afterwards. They dominated in the next three quarters rallying to a well-deserved win at the end. Sun Yue (206-G/F-85) provided 13 points for China. Wang ShiPeng (196-G/F-83) delivered 5 points and 5 boards in the victory. China will next take on Serbian University National Team. Croatia B will face Montenegro U20 selection.


Argentina edge Croatia to reach Final in Douai - by Eurobasket News

Argentina U17 - Croatia U17 96:70

Argentinean U17 National Team reached the Final of Douai World Cup international tournament. They knocked down Croatia on the final day of preliminary action. Gabriel Deck (199-F/C-95) accounted for 31 points to lead the Latin American side.
Argentina cleared off to a 20:11 lead after ten minutes. They maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. Argentina arrived at halftime up by 12 points 44:32. They did not allow Croatia to come any closer in the third quarter. Argentina enjoyed a 20-point lead before the fourth quarter and never looked back en route to the win afterwards. Rodrigo Haag (190-G-95) posted 13 points, while Lucio Reinaudi (183-G-95) added 10 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Tomislav Gabric (202-G-95) answered with 17 points for Croatia. Ivan Bender (201-C-95) had 15 points in the loss.

Argentina U17: Gabriel Deck 31, Rodrigo Haag 13, Lucio Reinaudi 10
Croatia U17: Tomislav Gabric 17, Ivan Bender 15


*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC   


BK Decin Lands NBL Top Scorer Petr Sedmak - by Surujh Roopnarine

Slovakian National Team center and reigning top-scorer in the Mattoni NBL, Peter Sedmak (207-C-85), has agreed to terms with BK Decin for the 2012-13 season. Sedmak, who will be 27 next month, spent last season with USK Praha where he averaged a league-leading 19.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and an index rating of 17.1, leading a very young USK Praha through the basic stage into A1 play, where they finished the season with a 16-20 record. The 6-10 Sedmak, a native of Poprad, Slovakia, Sedmak will help fill the void in the frontcourt of Decin after the departure of former MVP Pavel Houska to CEZ Nymburk. Prior to playing for USK Praha, Sedmak had spent two seasons in Brno and a brief stint with Novy Jicin dusring his NBL career.


Czech Republic U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Starting five
#s#
Dalibor Fait
Fait
Jaromir Bohacik
Bohacik
Martin Kriz
Kriz
Filip Halada
Halada
Michal Sotnar
Sotnar
#e#5
Dalibor Fait 203-F/C-93 USK Praha Czech Republic
Jaromir Bohacik 197-G/F-92 BK Prostejov Czech Republic
Martin Kriz 202-F-93 CEZ Nymburk Czech Republic
Filip Halada 198-F-92 Sparta Praha Czech Republic
Michal Sotnar 189-PG-92 USK Praha Czech Republic
Jiri Stariat 207-C/F-92 USK Praha Czech Republic
Ondrej Siska 188-PG-93 Prostejov B Czech Republic
Vaclav Honomichl 189-G-92 Plzen Czech Republic
Michal Mares 193-G/F-92 USK Praha Czech Republic
Tomas Kyzlink 197-F/G-93 USK Praha Czech Republic
Michal Bernath 200-F-93 Sokol Prazsky Czech Republic
Adam Urbanek 197-F-93 Moravska Ostr. Czech Republic
Ondrej Balvin 216-C-92 Cajasol Spain
Ondrej Gargula 197-C-92 Sparta Praha Czech Republic

Miroslav Marko Head Coach
Jaromir Gersl Assistant Sparta Praha Czech Republic



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


Danish U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Starting five
#s#
Kevin Larsen
Larsen
Anders Haas
Haas
Esben Reinholt
Reinholt
Sami Eleraky
Eleraky
Andreas Bigum
Bigum
#e#5
Kevin Larsen 204-F-93 High School USA
Anders Haas 185-PG-92 Horsholm Denmark
Esben Reinholt 196-G-93 KK Split Croatia
Sami Eleraky 210-C-93 Aalborg Denmark
Andreas Bigum 203-F-93 Falcon Denmark
Dennis Levene 201-F-92 MIT USA
Marco Nielsen 200-F-93 Naestved Denmark
Niels Andreasen 192-G-92 Koge BK Denmark
Alexander Birketoft 202-C-93
Soren Dossing 185-G-92 Falcon Denmark
Mathias Glahn 185-G-92 SISU Denmark
Yaw Gyamfi 184-G-92 SISU Denmark
Adam Haddad 197-G/F-92 Svendborg Denmark
Phillip Hansen 92
Philip Hertz 210-C/F-92 Horsholm Denmark
Jannik Jensen 92
Soeren Olsen 185-PG-93 SISU Denmark
Frederik Rungby 198-F-93 Bakken Denmark

Peter Hoffman Head Coach



*****************************************************
  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Dominican Republic wins 2012 Centrobasket - by Eurobasket News

Dominican Republic- Puerto Rico 80:72

Dominican Republic wins 2012 Centrobasket in Jos Miguel Agrelot coliseum in Hato Rey. The team overcame the hosts of the tournament in the Final game 80:72. Puerto Rico, meanwhile, won the silver medal and failed in his attempt to repeat the gold won in Santo Domingo 2010.
The hosts started with 21:14 lead but could not keep the winning pace. Dominican Republic bounced back with 26-14 in the second period and took 50:45 halftime advantage. Puerto Rico needed 19-18 in the third stanza to reduce to 4 points, but failed to reach the opponents in the last period. Dominican Republic added 22-18 to seal the victory.
Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Juan Coronado (196-G-83) netted 17. Eulis Baez (201-F-82, college: W.Illinois) and Francisco Garcia (201-F/G-81, college: Louisville) followed them with 11 points each. Jose Juan Barea (181-PG-84, college: Northeastern) ended up with 18 points in the losing case and Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) notched 16. Ricardo Sanchez (212-C-87) poured in 15, while David Huertas (195-G-87, college: Mississippi) added 13.

Dominican Republic: Jack Michael Martinez 23+11 rebs, Juan Coronado 17, Eulis Baez 11, Francisco Garcia 11
Puerto Rico: Jose Juan Barea 18, Daniel Santiago 16, Ricardo Sanchez 15, David Huertas 13


Centrobasket 2012: Dominican Republic reaches the Final - by Eurobasket News

Dominican Republic-Panama 79:62

Dominican Republic reaches the Final game of the 2012 Centrobasket. The favorite overcame Panama 79:62 and will face the hosts in the Final.
Although Dominican Republic was the favorite of the game, Panama surprised them with 20:13 in the opening period. Even after a 15-9 burst in the second quarter, Dominican Republic trailed 1 point at the halftime. The second half however belonged to Dominican Republic that won the third and the last stanzas. They needed 25-17 in the third period and added 26-16 in the last.
Francisco Garcia (201-F/G-81, college: Louisville) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) collected 17 points and 13 rebounds. Martinez Michael followed them with 11 points and 11 boards. Josimar Ayarza (205-F-87, college: S.Mississippi) replied with 19 points in the losing effort, while Munoz Joey, Daniel King (203-F-87) and St. Rose Isaac all posted 10.

Dominican Republic: Francisco Garcia 23, Alfred Horford 17+13 rebs, Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) 11+11 rebs
Panama: Josimar Ayarza 19, Munoz Joey 10, Daniel King 10, St. Rose Isaac 10


*****************************************************
  EGYPT   


Ehab Mohamed leads Egypt past Canada - by Eurobasket News

Egypt U17 - Canada U17 92:81

Egypt accounted for the first win at the Douai international tournament. They overcame Canada on the final day of the preliminary round. Ehab Mohamed (185-G-95) came up with 23 points to lead the winners.
Egypt jumped in front early in the game. They built a 19:14 lead after ten minutes. Canada however slowed their opponents down in the second quarter. The North American team established a 35:34 halftime lead. But Egypt erupted for 32 points in the third quarter to take over. The African team built a 15-point lead before the fourth term and breezed to the victory in the final stanza. Moataz Hosny (201-C-95) finished with 22 points, while Anas Osama (203-F-95) had 10 points for the winners. Marial Shayok (95) responded with 19 points for Canada. Jake Babic provided 13 points in the loss.

Egypt U17: Ehab Mohamed 23, Moataz Hosny 22, Anas Osama 10
Canada U17: Marial Shayok 19, Jake Babic 13


Youth team - by Khaled El Saied

Egyptian youth team who will participate in the world cup which will be held in Lithuania June 29 is now playing in France an international champion ship as preparation for the world cup first game was against Croatia who won the game 91:78 second game was against Argentina who won 80:67 and the last game was against the Canadian team where the Egyptian youth team under 17 won 92:81 i think this team has a very good chance in the world cup better than any other Egyptian youth team where the best ranking ever done by any other team was the 10th place this is because this team has many talents and players believe in their talent with an experience coach


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


Anadolu Efes announce Oktay Mahmudi - by Eurobasket News

Anadolu Efes officiated the deal with Oktay Mahmudi (agency: Beo Basket ). The specialist will guide the team starting from the next season. Mahmudi signed a two-year deal with Anadolu Efes. Oktay Mahmudi (agency: Beo Basket ) worked with Galatasaray during the last two seasons. He led the team to the Turkish Cup semis twice. Last season Galatasaray also made it into Turkish League semifinals. Oktay Mahmudi (agency: Beo Basket ) is far from being new to Anadolu Efes. The specialist worked with the team as assistant coach in 1992-2000. Later he took over as head coach of the Istanbul outfit and worked with them through 2000/2007 seasons. Oktay Mahmudi (agency: Beo Basket ) joined Benetton Treviso in 2007. He was named EuroCup Coach of the Year in 2009.


Transfer news: Caja Laboral announced two additions to it's roster - by Diamadis Farmakis

Spanish powerhouse Caja Laboral, got into the summer player market in a very impressive way, adding two of Europe's top young talents, big man Tibor Pleiss (214-F/C-89) and shooting guard Fabien Causeur, on the roster for the next Turkish Airlines Euroleague season.

Pleiss (2.13 meters, 22 years old) has played two Euroleague seasons with Brose Baskets Bamberg. He averaged 6.5 points and 5.4 rebounds in 18 minutes per game, making him the competition's ninth-best per-minute rebounder during the 10-game regular season. Pleiss has won three consecutive German League titles with Bamberg..

Causeur (1.94 meters, 25 years old) arrives from Cholet Basket in France, where he played the last three seasons, winning the 2009-10 French League title. Causeur was the top scorer in the six-game Eurocup regular season last year with 21.8 points per game, to which he added 4.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals. He debuted with Cholet in the 2010-11 Euroleague, scoring 8.8 points on average through 4 games before his season was cut short by injury.


Kostas Papanikolaou is the best young player of this year's A1 League - by Diamadis Farmakis

Euroleague and Greek champion, Kostas Papanikolaou (206-F-90) of Olympiacos, voted by the Greek journalists, as the most valuable young player, for the A1 League, for the season 2011-2012. This is the second time that Papanikolaou earns that kind of award. The previous one, was when he was playing in Aris Thessaloniki.

The 22 years old forward, who played this year, the basketball of his carriere so far, collected 178 votes and finished first in the procedure, in front of Vangelis Mantzaris (also Olympiacos player), who ranked second with 98 votes and Vassilis Kavadas of Panionios, who was third with 40 votes.

Here is the list of the 10 best young players, of the Greek championship:

1. Kostas Papanikolaou (Olympiacos)
2. Vangelis Mantzaris (Olympiacos)
3. Vassilis Kavadas (Panionios)
4. Kostas Sloukas (Olympiacos)
5. Vladimiros Jankovic (Panionios)
6. Giannis Karathanassis (kavala)
7. Giannoulis Larentzakis (Ikaros)
8. Nikos Pappas (PAOK)
9. Andreas Kanonidis (Maroussi)
10.Leonidas Kaselakis (Ilisiakos)


Fenerbahce proposed a three-year contract to David Hawkins - by Dimitris Katsionis


Simone Pianigiani builds ''his'' new Fenerbache and it seems that his ex-player, David Hawkins (82-G-194) is the first target. Hawkins spent most of his career in Italy and had a very productive season under Pianigiani in Tuscan (2009-10). It is rumored that Fenerbahce offered him a three-year/4.5M, which is probably the best deal Hawkins could find in the market now.

Hawkins is a very quality player. Known for his toughness and physical power (one of the strongest off-guards in Europe). Pianigiani used to taking advantage this ability by ''feeding'' him (and Romain Sato) in the post (mainly in the first minutes of big games), an area that Hawkins can thrive by scoring, creating for his teammates or getting to the free throw line easily. He is also a very good on-the ball defender (due to his quick hands) and that's why Pianigiani used to sent him defend the opponent point guard in the 3/4 of the court. Hawkins left Montepaschi after a year due to his high salary (800.000 euros, Minucci didn't use the team's option and brought back Rimantas Kaukenas). If the 1.5M/per year offer from Fenerbahce is true, the 30-year old Temple graduate just hit the jackpot, after a very successful year with the Turkish champion Besiktas.


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


Finland U16 lose in Panevezys - by Eurobasket News

Finnish U16 National Team played a test game against Lithuania in Panevezys. The hosts proved the strength claiming a 71:46 victory. The teams are scheduled to meet again tonight.
Lithuania built a 21:7 lead after ten minutes. Finland cut the deficit to 7 points at halftime 23:30. But the home team regained control in the third term. Lithuania went on a 28:10 run to build a 25-point advantage with one quarter to go. The teams traded baskets throughout the final period as Lithuania cruised to the victory. Mantas Serksnas and Domantas Pavlovskis fired 13 points each for the winners. Daividas Zemgulis netted 10 points for the hosts. Henri Niemisto (194-G-96) answered with 19 points for Finland. Samuli Nieminen (200-F-96) produced 7 points in the loss.


Finnish U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

#s#
Kilian Cato
Cato
Joonas Caven
Caven
Kristofer Clement
Clement
Daniel Dolenc
Dolenc
Joel Heinikoski
Heinikoski
#e#5
Kilian Cato 201-PF-92 Maine USA
Joonas Caven 211-C/F-93 FIATC Joventut Spain
Kristofer Clement 186-G-93
Daniel Dolenc 205-C-93 Tapiolan Honka Finland
Joel Heinikoski 185-G/F-92 FoKoPo Finland
Osku Heinonen 194-G/F-92 Pyrinto Finland
Mikael Herbert 205-PF-93 Korihait Finland
Tommi Huolila 199-PF-93 Salon Vilpas Finland
Villematti Kopio 182-PG-92 Korihait Finland
Otso Laakkonen 197-PF-93
Jeretapio Luoma 202-C/F-93 SayRi Finland
Jari Makalainen 190-G-92
Markus Molenius 203-F-92 FoKoPo Finland
Alex Murphy 203-F-93 Duke USA
Kalle Naapi 189-G-93 Tapiolan Honka Finland
Ville Puotila 184-PG-93 Tapiolan Honka Finland
Ilari Seppala 190-G-93 Kouvot Finland
Anttoni Tapio 193-G/F-92 LrNMKY Finland
Visa Tarjanne 195-F-93 Tapiolan Honka Finland
Alex Vaenerberg 183-G-92 Salon Vilpas Finland
Henri Valimaa 198-F-92 LrNMKY Finland
Jesse Viita 186-G-93 Tapiolan Honka Finland

Pekka Salminen Head Coach ToPo Finland
Ilpo Rantanen Assistant Pyrinto Finland
Petri Virtanen Assistant



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


France fire past China in Douai - by Eurobasket News

France U17 - China U17 71:49

French U17 National Team will play in the Final of the Douai World Cup international tournament. The hosts knocked down China to set up the title clash versus Argentina. China will take on Egypt in the battle for the 5th place. Damien Inglis (197-F-95) scored 18 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead France past China.
The hosts established a stifling defence in the opening quarter. They held China to 7 points in the first ten minutes to take an 8-point lead. France extended the margin to 9 points in the second quarter 29:20. The home team kept their opponents at bay throughout the third term. France secured a 49:38 advantage with one period remaining. They dominated throughout the fourth quarter cruising to the victory at the end. Petr Cornelie (208-F-95) notched 10 points, while Olivier Yao-Delon (193-G-95) and Etienne Joumard (186-PG-95) had 8 points each in the victory. Zhou Qi (215-C-96) responded with 14 points for China. Yang Linyi (95) and Liu Bo (204-F-96) netted 7 points apiece in the loss.

France U17: Damien Inglis 18, Petr Cornelie 10, Olivier Yao-Delon 8, Etienne Joumard 8
China U17: Zhou Qi 14, Yang Linyi 7, Liu Bo 7


Denain brings in John Flowers - by Eurobasket News

Denain brings in John Flowers (200-F-89, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: W.Virginia) for the next season. The American player will come from Japan.
Last year Saitama Broncos (BJ League) strengthened their roster with addition of 22-year old American forward John Flowers. Flowers played most recently at West Virginia University (NCAA) in the U.S. It will be his first year in professional basketball. While playing 33 games for W.Virginia last season he averaged 9.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.7apg and 2.2bpg. He was also named Lefty Driesell Defensive All-America Team.
In 2011-2012 for Saitama Broncos (Japan-BJ League) he averaged 19.4ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 28.4%, FT: 58.2%. In his top game he recorded 35 points. That time Saitama lost to Toyama Grouses 84:85. In another top game he posted 34 points in a 93:79 win over Chiba Jets.


Ryan Zamroz signs with Sorgues - by Eurobasket News

Ryan Zamroz (191-G-87, agency: JEMsports, college: Master's) signs with Sorgues for 2012/2013 season. The American Guard will come from Sweden.
Ryan Zamroz spent his first years of the professional basketball in Master's (NAIA, starting five). In 2010 he appeared for Geraldton Buccaneers (Australia-SBL, starting five) and immediately after joined Jelson Homes DMU Leicester City Riders (United Kingdom-BBL, starting five). In 35 games he erupted with 18.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT: 81.0%. In his top game Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders took full advantage of a woeful shooting night by Guildford Heat to record a comfortable 95-64 victory at the John Sandford Centre. Ryan Zamroz turned on a shooting clinic to lead all scorers with 34 points from just 20 attempts.
In 2011-2012 he played for Boras Basket (Sweden-Basketligan, starting five) and averaged 16.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 87.5%. He managed to reach the Semifinals with his team. In hi top game Ryan recorded 35 points in the last game. Boras lost to Norrkoping 85:92.


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


FYR Macedonian U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

#s#
Jasmin Biberovic
Biberovic
Dimitar Delipetrov
Delipetrov
Nikola Gajdadjiev
Gajdadjiev
Nikola Gogovchevski
Gogovchevski
Aleksandar Kojcevski
Kojcevski
#e#5
Jasmin Biberovic 202-PF-93 Vardar FYR Macedonia
Ervin Cogo 186-PG-93 MZT Skopje FYR Macedonia
Dimitar Delipetrov 200-C/F-92 Feni Indistrija FYR Macedonia
Filip Dinevski 197-SG-93 Vardar FYR Macedonia
Nikola Gajdadjiev 193-G-92 MZT Skopje FYR Macedonia
Goran Glavchev 194-PG-93 Best Gevgelija FYR Macedonia
Nikola Gogovchevski 205-PF-93 Junior Fruktal FYR Macedonia
Igor Ivanovic 185-PG-93 Vardar FYR Macedonia
Aleksandar Kojcevski 208-F/C-92 Torus Skopje FYR Macedonia
Antonio Kolev 192-PG-92 Feni Indistrija FYR Macedonia
Aleksandar Kostadinov 200-PF-93 Vardar FYR Macedonia
Stefan Krstevski 190-PG-93 Torus Skopje FYR Macedonia
Dejan Lazarevski 192-PG-93 Vardar FYR Macedonia
Goran Markovski 195-G/F-92 Torus Skopje FYR Macedonia
Marko Milosavljevic 205-C-92 Karpos Sokoli FYR Macedonia
Ljubomir Mladenovski 207-C-95
Pavle Nikolov 188-G-92 Feni Indistrija FYR Macedonia
Predrag Pajic 198-SG-93 Vardar FYR Macedonia
Boban Stajic 185-PG-93 Lirija FYR Macedonia
Nenad Stankov 192-SF-92 Rabotnicki FYR Macedonia
Gjorgi Uzunov 197-SG-93 Rabotnicki FYR Macedonia
Petar Vilarov 195-SG-93 Kumanovo FYR Macedonia
Marko Zdravkovski 194-F-93
Filip Zubchik 195-SG-93 Junior Fruktal FYR Macedonia

Aleksandar Petrovic Head Coach MZT Skopje FYR Macedonia
Anton Dukovski Assistant MZT Skopje FYR Macedonia



FYR Macedonian National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Starting five
#s#
Aleksandar Kostoski
Kostoski
Vojdan Stojanovski
Stojanovski
Damjan Stojanovski
Stojanovski
Kiril Nikolovski
Nikolovski
Predrag Samardziski
Samardziski
#e#5
5 Kristijan Nikolov
6 Darko Sokolov 190-G-86 Feni Indistrija FYR Macedonia
7 Aleksandar Kostoski 188-G-88 Kumanovo FYR Macedonia
8 Vojdan Stojanovski 193-G-87 BC Donetsk Ukraine
9 Damjan Stojanovski 197-F-87 Lukoil Academik Bulgaria
10 Marko Simonovski 194-G/F-89 Feni Indistrija FYR Macedonia
11 Stojan Gjuroski 200-F-91 Louisiana Tech USA
12 Todd Zafirovski 205-F-90 Duke USA
13 Kiril Nikolovski 210-C/F-88 Feni Indistrija FYR Macedonia
14 Gjorgi Cekovski 203-F/C-79 MZT Skopje FYR Macedonia
15 Predrag Samardziski 214-C-86 Lietuvos rytas Lithuania

Marjan Lazovski Head Coach Torus Skopje FYR Macedonia



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


Tramar Sutherland ( I Am Coachable And I Will Do Any Task In Order To Win) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


Tramar Sutherland (190-G-89) is a 23 year old 190cm guard that was born in Toronto, Canada. He started his basketball career at South Plains JC (JUCO) in 2008. In 2010-2011, he transferred to UALR (NCAA) where he played a total of 65 NCAA games. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career so far have been Sun Belt Tournament Winner -11, and Sun Belt West Division Regular Season Champion -12. Tramar is embarking on his professional basketball career and spoke to eurobasket about is basketball dreams.

Hi Tramar thanks for taking some time to talk to eurobasket.com. where are you now exactly and how excited are you at testing the european market?

I am home in Toronto, Canada. I just graduated from school. I am very excited about testing the European market. I feel like its the next big step.

You are a rookie. You just finished at UALR (NCAA). How ready are you for playing professional basketball?

I believe that I am ready to play professionally because I have been working hard for this moment. Ive worked out with pros that have played in Europe and I compete at a high level.

How difficult was it making the adjustment from Juco at South Plains to the NCAA at UALR?

It wasnt that difficult but the expectations were a lot higher and I expected that. I would stay in the gym and work on my game endlessly at south plains because I knew that I would play a lot if my game was on point. This kept me on the floor and I became a better player. At UALR I realized that everybody is in the gym working out just like I am. Everybody is fighting for a spot on the court and this motivated me to step my game up even more. There was no room for error.

You are a 190cm guard. What is your biggest strength as a player?

My slashing to the basket ability and my ability to defend at any level is my strength. I am athletic and can score against many different matchups. I really think the game and I can adjust to any line up.

What is a strength in your game that doesnt always get noticed right away?

I am athletic and can score against many different matchups. I really think the game and I can adjust to any line up.

You were the Sun Belt West Division Regular Season Champion in your senior year. What will you never forget from this run?

I will never forget our togetherness as a team and our willingness to never give up. I treated every game like it was my last because I didnt want to lose. I will also never forget making the last 2 free throws to give us the win to capture the west division title.

What was the most incredible thing that you saw Dandre Williams do on the court?

I seen him steal the ball twice in less than 10 seconds to help us win the sun belt conference championship. Hes a match up nightmare!!

You played 2 seasons for head coach Steve Shields. What was the most importan thing that you learned from him?

I learned that I have to pay attention to detail while playing and soak up everything that is taught to me like a sponge.

What NBA story will always stick out in your mind when thinking about assistant coach Joe Klein?

Hes a good shooting big man. I would say when he won the 6th man honors in his early career.

Who was your toughest opponent in the NCAA (player)

Guarding Tristan Thompson from North Texas. He runs around screens all day.

how does a typical summer work out day look like for Tramar Sutherland (190-G-89)?

I wake up and hit the weight room with my friend Alex Johnson he played at NC State and My friend Dane Smith from Tennessee Martin. Then I would do drills on the court before scrimmaging with the guys. This may take a while. After we are done we would do some conditioning before leaving the gym.

What is your most important asset that will convince any coach that he should hire you?

I am coachable and I will do any task in order to win. I do my best to make others better around me and I am a team player. I am a versatile player.

What is your dream as a player?

My dream is to play for many years and stay healthy. I want to have growth as a player every year and I want to be successful.

Thanks Tramar for the chat.


ACB team Vitoria announces Tibor Pleiss as a newcomer - by Moritz Korff

German international Tibor Pleiss (214-F/C-89) has agreed to terms with Spanish ACB team Caja Laboral Vitoria, the club announced on its website. Pleiss was handed a four year-contract with the three time ACB champion.
The 2010 Oklahoma City Thunder draft pick was expected to pursue an NBA career following his three year stint with the Brose Baskets Bamberg. However, heading over the pond might still be an option, if OKC decides to give the 22-year-old a chance to showcase his skills in the NBA.


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


Kostas Papanikolaou is the best young player of this year's A1 League - by Diamadis Farmakis

Euroleague and Greek champion, Kostas Papanikolaou (206-F-90) of Olympiacos, voted by the Greek journalists, as the most valuable young player, for the A1 League, for the season 2011-2012. This is the second time that Papanikolaou earns that kind of award. The previous one, was when he was playing in Aris Thessaloniki.

The 22 years old forward, who played this year, the basketball of his carriere so far, collected 178 votes and finished first in the procedure, in front of Vangelis Mantzaris (also Olympiacos player), who ranked second with 98 votes and Vassilis Kavadas of Panionios, who was third with 40 votes.

Here is the list of the 10 best young players, of the Greek championship:

1. Kostas Papanikolaou (Olympiacos)
2. Vangelis Mantzaris (Olympiacos)
3. Vassilis Kavadas (Panionios)
4. Kostas Sloukas (Olympiacos)
5. Vladimiros Jankovic (Panionios)
6. Giannis Karathanassis (kavala)
7. Giannoulis Larentzakis (Ikaros)
8. Nikos Pappas (PAOK)
9. Andreas Kanonidis (Maroussi)
10.Leonidas Kaselakis (Ilisiakos)


Australia ease past Greece at the start of Farewell Series - by Eurobasket News

Australia - Greece 87:60

Australian National Team claimed the first win over Greek B National Team in the Farewell Series in Melbourne. Patrick Mills (183-PG-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) stepped up with 21 points to pace the Boomers.
Australia grabbed the lead early on. The Boomers cleared off to a 22:15 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Australia maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. They piled up a 45:32 halftime lead. The hosts held the Hellenes to 10 points in the third quarter to boost the margin. Australia secured a 20-point lead with one quarter remaining. The Boomers did not slow down in the final frame and cruised to the victory at the end. Aleks Maric (211-C-84, college: Nebraska) had 17 points and 6 boards, while Aron Baynes (208-C/F-86, college: Washington St.) produced 16 points for the winners. Nikos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) answered with 17 points for Greece. Giorgos Bogris (210-C/F-89) netted 15 points in the losing effort.

Australia: Patrick Mills 21, Aleks Maric 17, Aron Baynes 16
Greece: Nikos Pappas 17, Giorgos Bogris 15


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


ZZ Leiden re-signs Mohammed Kherrazi for two seasons - by Fred Roggen

ZZ Leiden announced that it has re-signed Morrocan-Dutch forward Mohammed Kherrazi (200-F-90, agency: R.H.Consultancy) to a two-year contract until 2014. Mohammed Kherrazi (200-F-90, agency: R.H.Consultancy), 22-year-old, helped ZZ Leiden winning the Dutch Cup and reaching the Playoffs Finals this season and averaged 5.0ppg, 3.2rpg in 38 DBL games. He is a very athletic player who can play on position 2-3-4.
Prior to joining Leiden, Kherrazi had played for Amsterdam.



USD Basketball adds intriguing player - by Fred Roggen

USD had signed Jito Kok (205-C-94) a few weeks ago a 6-foot-9 Dutch post from a basketball academy in the Canary Islands capital of Las Palmas.

Im really fired up about him, Grier said. Hes a kid whos oozing with upside in my opinion. Hes long and very, very athletic arguably one of the most athletic kids in the conference, I would think.
He is a very athletic interior player that can change the game with his shot blocking ability. He runs the floor well and has the ability to knock down shots to 18.
Kok played for the Canarias Basketball Academy run by Rob Orellana, a former assistant coach at Cal State Fullerton under Donny Daniels. His academy has provided two big men to fellow WCC schools, Englands Ashley Hamilton at Loyola Marymount and 6-11 Dutch center Thomas van der Mars at Portland.

Kok is a member of the Netherlands under-18 national team, and Eurohopes Basketball Prospects rates him No. 36 on its Top 50 list of players born in 1994.



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


Hungarian U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

#s#
Bence Bodor
Bodor
Zoltan Czinger
Czinger
Tamas Danko
Danko
Laszlo Dobos
Dobos
Gergely Gruda
Gruda
#e#5
Bence Bodor 206-F/C-92 ZTE KK Hungary
Peter Csapai 204-F-93 Kormend Hungary
Zoltan Czinger 215-C-93 Atomeromu Hungary
Tamas Danko 195-G/F-93 Albacomp Hungary
Laszlo Dobos 220-C-93 CAI Zaragoza Spain
Krisztian Gorzsas 186-G-92 Albacomp Hungary
Gergely Gruda 206-C/F-92 Kecskemeti Hungary
Peter Jakab 187-G-93 Marso NYKK Hungary
Balazs Kerpel-Fronius 195-G/F-92 Atomeromu Hungary
Adam Kovacs 200-SF-93 MAFC Hungary
Akos Lakosa 190-G-92 Nagykorosi Hungary
Mate Meszaros 192-G/F-92 Kecskemeti Hungary
Levente Misek 196-G-93 MAFC Hungary
Szabolcs Nagy 196-F-93 DEAC Hungary
Laszlo Polyak 190-G-93 Marso NYKK Hungary
Martin Somenek 203-PF-93 Papai Motax Hungary
Szabolcs Somogyfoki 202-F-92 Albacomp Hungary
Norbert Timko 211-C/F-92 FS Debrecen Hungary
Krisztian Tursics 185-G-92 Bp. Honved Hungary

Peter Volgyi Head Coach Atomeromu Hungary



Italy gain second win at Torneo di Roseto - by Eurobasket News

Italy U20 - Hungary U20 67:55

Italy U20 posted the second straight win at the Torneo di Roseto. They defeated Hungarian counterparts 67:55. Salvatore Parrillo (190-G/F-92) and Eric Lombardi (200-F-93) scored 12 points each to lead the winners.
The teams traded baskets throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 11:11 after ten minutes. Italy pulled in front in the second quarter. They knocked down 21 points to pile up an 11-point halftime lead 32:21. Italy maintained the advantage throughout the third quarter. They ensured a 47:33 advantage at the final intermission. Hungary outscored the home team in the fourth period but just sweetened the pill at the end. Marco Ceron (195-G-92) provided 9 points for the winners. Peter Jakab (187-G-93) answered with 14 points for Hungary. Gergely Gruda (206-C/F-92, agency: TSS Management) delivered 7 points in defeat.

Italy U20: Salvatore Parrillo 12, Eric Lombardi 12, Marco Ceron 9
Hungary U20: Peter Jakab 14, Gergely Gruda 7


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

Standings

IBA Standings
 1. L.Angeles L. 12-2 
 2. Kankakee S. 12-3 
 3. Albany L. 11-5 
 4. Chicago R. 10-5 
 5. Gary Splash 9-6 
 6. Lansing C. 8-7 
 7. Kenosha B. 7-8 
 8. Lake County S. 5-10 
 9. Battle Creek K. 3-13 
 10. Springfield E. 1-11 



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

Standings

IBL Standings
Branding
 1. Jersey G-F 4-3 
 2. Orlando V. 3-10 
 3. Yamhill H. 0-5 
Continental
 1. Bellingham S. 12-2 
 2. Vancouver V. 8-6 
 3. Olympia R. 5-12 
International
 1. Edmonton E. 12-3 
 2. Portland C. 10-5 
 3. Nippon T. 2-8 
Travel Team
 1. S. Soldiers 7-9 
 2. Los Angeles 0-0 
 3. W.Coast H. 0-0 

Regular Season: Round 19

Jun. 23: Bellingham S. - Yamhill H. 141-101
Jun. 23: Orlando V. - Olympia R. 119-130
Jun. 23: Edmonton E. - Vancouver V. 114-100

Regular Season: Round 20

Jun. 28: Nippon T. - Vancouver V.
Jun. 28: Vancouver V. - Los Angeles



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


Israeli U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

#s#
Alon Abramovich
Abramovich
Ben Altit
Altit
Liraz Ariely
Ariely
Ziv Ben-Zvi
Ben-Zvi
Tomer Ber-Aven
Ber-Aven
#e#5
Alon Abramovich 192-G-93 Hapoel T-A Israel
Ben Altit 208-F-93 Bryant USA
Liraz Ariely 185-G-92 Kiryat Tivon Israel
Ziv Ben-Zvi 183-PG-92 Hapoel Y/M Israel
Tomer Ber-Aven 196-F/G-92 Hapoel Y/M Israel
Oz Blayzer 199-F-92 Hapoel Afula Israel
Adi Cohen 185-PG-93
Ram Elias-Pour 207-C-93 Zwolle Holland
Sean Labanowski 202-F/C-92 Maccabi Haifa Israel
Noam Laish 190-G-93 Maine USA
Guy Lavie 188-PG-92 Bnei Hasharon Israel
Orel Lev 195-SG-93
Bar Maor 191-PG-92
Rafi Menco 198-F-94 Wingate Acad. Israel
Or Plavnik 202-C-92 Hapoel E/I Israel
Or Solomon 197-F-93 Maccabi Rishon Israel
Bar Timor 191-PG-92 Hapoel T-A Israel
Michael Zalmanovich 197-F-92 Hapoel Y/M Israel

Sharon Drucker Head Coach Fabi Shoes Italy
Or Shvartz Assistant CEZ Nymburk Czech Republic
Matan Harush Assistant Maccabi Rishon Israel



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


Italy gain second win at Torneo di Roseto - by Eurobasket News

Italy U20 - Hungary U20 67:55

Italy U20 posted the second straight win at the Torneo di Roseto. They defeated Hungarian counterparts 67:55. Salvatore Parrillo (190-G/F-92) and Eric Lombardi (200-F-93) scored 12 points each to lead the winners.
The teams traded baskets throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 11:11 after ten minutes. Italy pulled in front in the second quarter. They knocked down 21 points to pile up an 11-point halftime lead 32:21. Italy maintained the advantage throughout the third quarter. They ensured a 47:33 advantage at the final intermission. Hungary outscored the home team in the fourth period but just sweetened the pill at the end. Marco Ceron (195-G-92) provided 9 points for the winners. Peter Jakab (187-G-93) answered with 14 points for Hungary. Gergely Gruda (206-C/F-92, agency: TSS Management) delivered 7 points in defeat.

Italy U20: Salvatore Parrillo 12, Eric Lombardi 12, Marco Ceron 9
Hungary U20: Peter Jakab 14, Gergely Gruda 7


*****************************************************
  JAMAICA   


Efejuku leads Jamaica to Bronze in Hato Rey - by Eurobasket News

Panama-Jamaica 54:78

Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86, college: Providence) leads Jamaica to Bronze in Hato Rey at the Centrobasket 2012. He poured in 21 points as Jamaica overcame Panama 78:54. This is a historic medal for Jamaica, since its getting the first medal in this tournament.
Jamaca went on an early run and reached 25:17 after the first period. They added 14-13 in the second frame to take 39:30 at the halftime. With an 8-0 rally Jamaica put the score 58-39, while Josimar Josimar Ayarza (205-F-87, college: S.Mississippi) closed the frame at 58:41. It was clear at that time about the winner. Jamaica also won the last stanza 20-12 to take the bronze medals at the tournament.
Jerome Jordan (213-C-86, college: Tulsa) collected 17 points and 11 rebounds for the winners and Samardo Samuels (206-F/C-89, college: Louisville) added 13. Ernesto Oglivie (199-F-89) responded with 15 points and Josimar Ayarza notched 13. St. Rose Isaac delivered 11, whilst Daniel King (203-F-87) had 9.

Panama: Ernesto Oglivie 15, Josimar Ayarza 13, St. Rose Isaac 11, Daniel King 9
Jamaica: Oritseweyinmi Efejuku 21, Jerome Jordan 17+11 rebs, Samardo Samuels 13


Centrobasket 2012: Puerto Rico advanced to the Final - by Eurobasket News

Puerto Rico-Jamaica 103:89

Puerto Rico advanced to the Final at 2012 Centrobasket. The hosts outscored Jamaica 103:89 at the Jose Miguel Agrelot coliseum in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.
Jamaica started the game with 22-21 but could not keep the lead at the end of the half. The hosts erupted with a 30-24 burst and grabbed 5-point halftime advantage. Moreover Puerto Rico added 30-19 in the third quarter and did not mind the narrow loss in the last stanza.
David Huertas (195-G-87, college: Mississippi) poured in 17 points, while Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) collected 16 points and 11 rebounds. Rosario Michael, Alexander Franklin (196-PF-88, college: Siena) and Sanchez Ricardo followed them with 11 points each. Akeem Scott (186-PG-83, agency: Interperformances, college: High Point) responded with 19 points in the losing effort and Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86, college: Providence) added 18. Samardo Samuels (206-F/C-89, college: Louisville) brought 17, whilst Jerome Jordan (213-C-86, college: Tulsa) delivered 16.
Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico will have tomorrow a new chapter in his extensive regional sports rivalry for the Gold medal. Jamaica, meanwhile, will face off with Panama for the bronze medal.

Puerto Rico: David Huertas 17, Daniel Santiago 16+11 rebs, Rosario Michael 11, Alexander Franklin 11, Sanchez Ricardo 11
Jamaica: Akeem Scott 19, Oritseweyinmi Efejuku 18, Samardo Samuels 17, Jerome Jordan 16


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


Latvia surrender against Lithuania in Panevezys - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania U16 - Latvia U16 74:63

Latvian U16 National Team travelled to Panevezys to play a friendly game against their Lithuanian counterparts. The hosts celebrated an 11-point victory at the end. The visitors jumped to a 25:19 lead at the first break. But Lithuania recovered pretty quickly. The hosts tied things up at 38 after twenty minutes. Lithuania pulled ahead in the third quarter. They secured a 57:53 lead with ten minutes remaining. Latvia did not recover as the home team marched to a confident 74:63 win at the end. Tautvydas Paulikenas came up with 15 points for Lithuania. Valentinas Mitalauskas (196-F/C-96) contributed 14 points for the hosts. Ervins Meznieks (184-F-96) answered with 17 points for Latvia. Gustavs Treimanis (196-C-96) finished with 12 points in defeat.


USA fire past Latvia in Las Palmas - by Eurobasket News

USA U17 - Latvia U17 108:72

USA U17 National Team travelled to Las Palmas to take part at the international tournament. They faced Latvian counterparts in the opener. The North American team proved the strength to enter the Final. They will take on Australia for the title tonight.
Latvia jumped to a 7:2 early lead. USA managed to deny the deficit. They went on a 6:0 run late in the period to ensure a 22:17 advantage. USA triggered a 16:2 run in the second quarter to clear off. They built a 52:33 halftime advantage. The North American team enjoyed an 83:47 lead in the third quarter and never looked back en route to the win. Jahlil Okafor-Benton (6'9''-C-95) finished with 26 points and 15 rebounds to lead the winners. Dakari Johnson (6'9''-F/C-95) added 17 points, while Stephen Domingo (6'7''-F-95) chipped in 15 points for the winners. Rolands Smits (6'7''-C-95) answered with 19 points for Latvia. Kristaps Plavnieks (6'0''-PG-95) had 17 points in the loss.

USA U17: Jahlil Okafor-Benton 26+15 boards, Dakari Johnson 17, Stephen Domingo 15
Latvia U17: Rolands Smits 19, Kristaps Plavnieks 17


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


Lithuania shoot down Great Britain in Houston - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania - Great Britain 63:61

Lithuania and Great Britain played a friendly encounter at the Hofheinz Pavilion in Houston, Texas. The Baltic team claimed a narrow win at the end. Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84, agency: Alti Sport) came up with 13 points to lead the winners.
Great Britain looked better in the starting quarter. The Brits posted a 17:12 lead ten minutes into the game. But Lithuania adjusted their offence and went for 25 points in the second quarter to erase the deficit. Great Britain pulled back in charge in the third frame. They established a narrow 54:53 lead with one quarter remaining. But Lithuania held their opponents to 7 points in the final period and snatched a tough win at the end. Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) and Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) accounted for 12 points each for Lithuania. Kyle Johnson (195-G-88, college: LIU Brooklyn) answered with 12 points for Great Britain. Daniel Clark (210-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) had 11 points, while Joel Freeland (208-F-87) posted 10 in the loss.

Lithuania: Paulius Jankunas 13, Sarunas Jasikevicius 12, Jonas Valanciunas 12
Great Britain: Kyle Johnson 12, Daniel Clark 11, Joel Freeland 10


Lithuania U16 claim two victories in Panevezys - by Eurobasket News

Lithuanian U16 National Team played two friendly games in Panevezys. They took on Finnish and Latvian counterparts. Lithuania clinched back-to-back victories.
First Lithuania faced Finland. The hosts celebrated a well-deserved 71:46 victory. Lithuania built a 21:7 lead after ten minutes. Finland cut the deficit to 7 points at halftime 23:30. But the home team regained control in the third term. Lithuania went on a 28:10 run to build a 25-point advantage with one quarter to go. The teams traded baskets throughout the final period as Lithuania cruised to the victory. Mantas Serksnas and Domantas Pavlovskis fired 13 points each for the winners. Daividas Zemgulis netted 10 points for the hosts. Henri Niemisto (194-G-96) answered with 19 points for Finland. Samuli Nieminen (200-F-96) produced 7 points in the loss.
Next Lithuania played versus their neighbours Latvia. The visitors jumped to a 25:19 lead at the first break. But Lithuania recovered pretty quickly. The hosts tied things up at 38 after twenty minutes. Lithuania pulled ahead in the third quarter. They secured a 57:53 lead with ten minutes remaining. Latvia did not recover as the home team marched to a confident 74:63 win at the end. Tautvydas Paulikenas came up with 15 points for Lithuania. Valentinas Mitalauskas (196-F/C-96) contributed 14 points for the hosts. Ervins Meznieks (184-F-96) answered with 17 points for Latvia. Gustavs Treimanis (196-C-96) finished with 12 points in defeat.


Lithuanian National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Starting five
#s#
Martynas Pocius
Pocius
Linas Kleiza
Kleiza
Sarunas Jasikevicius
Jasikevicius
Jonas Valanciunas
Valanciunas
Paulius Jankunas
Jankunas
#e#5
4 Deividas Dulkys 195-G-88 Florida St. USA
5 Mantas Kalnietis 196-G-86 Zalgiris Lithuania
6 Jonas Maciulis 198-G/F-85 Montepaschi Italy
7 Martynas Pocius 196-G-86 Real Madrid Spain
8 Tomas Delininkaitis 192-G-82 Zalgiris Lithuania
9 Darius Songaila 205-C/F-78 B.de Rueda V. Spain
11 Linas Kleiza 203-F-85 Toronto R. USA
13 Sarunas Jasikevicius 192-G-76 Panathinaikos Greece
14 Jonas Valanciunas 210-C-92 Lietuvos rytas Lithuania
15 Robertas Javtokas 211-C-80 Zalgiris Lithuania
19 Adas Juskevicius 194-G/F-89 Rudupis Lithuania
21 Antanas Kavaliauskas 208-C-84 VEF Riga Latvia
31 Paulius Jankunas 205-F-84 Zalgiris Lithuania
Simas Jasaitis 201-SF-82 Lokomotiv Russia
Rimantas Kaukenas 192-G-77 Montepaschi Italy

Kestutis Kemzura Head Coach Lokomotiv Russia
Valdemaras Chomicius Assistant Dnipro Ukraine
Robertas Kuncaitis Assistant Lietuvos rytas Lithuania
Donaldas Kairys Assistant DniproAzot Ukraine



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


Luxembourg U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

#s#
Louis Arendt
Arendt
Yves Bellwald
Bellwald
Yannick Besenius
Besenius
Luc Breuskin
Breuskin
Frederic Gutenkauf
Gutenkauf
#e#5
Louis Arendt 187-F/G-93 Sparta Luxembourg
Yves Bellwald 188-F/C-92 Heffingen Luxembourg
Yannick Besenius 184-G-92 Contern Luxembourg
Luc Breuskin 186-F-92 Amicale Luxembourg
Frederic Gutenkauf 185-G-92 Etzella Luxembourg
Ben Hurt 183-G-93 T71 Luxembourg
Gary Pleimling 192-F/C-92
Andy Schammo 185-G-92 Soleuvre Luxembourg
Ted Schleimer 188-PF-92 Contern Luxembourg
Max Schmit 182-PG-92 Residence Luxembourg
Eric Steffen 186-G-92 Musel Pikes Luxembourg
Tom Steffen 194-F-93 Musel Pikes Luxembourg
Tom Welter 184-G-93 Musel Pikes Luxembourg
Jamal Wilson 188-F-93 Etzella Luxembourg

Jerome Alff Head Coach Amicale Luxembourg
Carmen Nastor Assistant Racing Luxembourg



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


Interview with Petar Mijovic, head coach of KK Podgorica and assistant coach in Montenegro National Team - by Darko Pekic

KK Podgorica's head coach Petar Mijovic , the young and talented coach born and raised in Bar, is talking to Eurobasket.com about his playing career, situation in Montenegrin basketball and his experience gained in various youth selections which is crowned this summer with the invitation to join Montenegro National Team and help Luka Pavicevic (agency: Beo Basket )'s in his efforts to qualify for the European Championship.

Peko, tell us more about yout basketball beginnings?How did everything start?

I started playing basketball when I was 11 years old. It was 1993, the crisis and inflation period in former Yugoslavia. My first coach was Bobo Ljutica and there was also Sasa Mitrovic with us. My generation 1988/1982 was very talented, we had the future NBA draft pick Mladen Sekularac (203-G/F-81). Our biggest success, as a team, was the Final Four Tournament of Yugoslavian Champiuonship for younger pioneers (U13). There were also Partizan, OKK Beograd and Play Off from Uzice. Partizan had two great guards- Vule Avdalovic (189-PG-81, agency: Beo Basket) and Marko Pekovic (193-G-81, agency: BeoExcell) and Andrija Crnogorac (203-F/C-81) under the basket, Play Off was also very strong with former player of Buducnost Nikola Otasevic (184-G-82) and Slavko Stefanovic (206-C-81, agency: BeoExcell) etc.

In 1996 I joined the first team of Mornar. I was only 14 years old. Of course, I did not get much playing time but it was a wonderful experience. At that time Mornar was coached by Mihailo Pavicevic and after he transferred to Red Star Belgrade Slavko Lekic was appointed as the new head coach. When the season was over, Djordjije Pavicevic , former player of Mornar, took the coaching position but it was a bad year for the club because due to financial problems Mornar folded at the end of the season.

What did you do then?

I got a call from FMP Zeleznik, and they already had an established youth academy which was well known in the country. In Zeleznik I played for their U16 and U18 teams and one of our coaches was Vlada Vukoicic who is now a well known name in the world of basketball. When my junior career was over I was loaned to FMPs affiliate KK Srem (B Division) and in 2001 to Avala Ada (now Mega Vizura). I got a promise that I would get a shot in the first team of FMP Zeleznik if I played well there, which never happened, and I decided I end my career and dedicate myself to coaching.

Your first steps on the 'baseline' were in KK Primorka. Could you tell us a few words about that period of your career and further progress as a coach?

Yes, it was the season 2002/2003. Primorka played in the A Divison a year before but they were not able to avoid relegation and I got the chance to join the coaching staff. It was my first experience on the bench and a year later Mornar was founded again which was an important news for basketball fans in Bar. My former coach Djordjije Pavicevic invited me to join his coaching staff and I accepted. After a year in B division we qualified for A Division and we stayed there until the independence of Montenegro in 2006. It was a very successful period in the clubs history. A year before the end of Federal league we finished 2nd in the Regular season and qualified for the Superleague with clubs such as Partizan, Hemofarm or Vojvodina with Kebu Stewart (204-C-73, college: CSU Bakersfield), to name a few. I stayed in Mornar until the end of 2008/2009 season and for all that time I coached the junior team also. We won two national titles in 2007 and 2009. I was also honored to be the head coach of Mornar B Team which has played in the 1st Division of Montenegro for two seasons.

You also have a lot of experience with Montenegrin U16 and U18 National Teams. How did it all start?

Well, it started in 2007 when Djordjije Pavicevic took the coaching position in U16 NT Of Montenegro. It was the generation born in 1991 and actually there were some real prospects there such as Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket), Nemanja Radovic (206-F/C-91, agency: Beo Basket) or Nemanja Djurisic (203-F-92). I was very happt to get a chance to represent somehow our national team and I am very proud on it.

After the experience with U16 selection Mijo Kadija, the experienced former coach of Buducnost, Lovcen and Atlas added me to his coaching staff in U18 National Team. It was the generation of Radosav Spasojevic (204-F/C-92, agency: Interperformances) and Marko Todorovic (203-F-92), and also Nikola Ivanovic (187-G-94, agency: Beo Basket) who played with them but is younger than others.

In 2009 you moved to KK Podgorica. Why did you choose a young club which at that time had no professional reputation?

After many years in Mornar I felt I could start coaching a team to test my skills and Podgorica was a perfect opportunity. A new club and an ambitious project. Actually, I was also attracted by the management and founders- Savo Vucevic , brother of Borislav Vucevic (201-F-58) and professional coach abroad, Sasa Radunovic (206-C-65, college: Wichita St.) (former pro player in Spain), and former players of Buducnost Miomir Mugosa (202-F-68), Zoran Vujicic (200-F-66) and Darko Ivanovic (197-G-67). Their goal was to create a young team which would achive it maximum in a couple of years and it happened. After two years our junior team, reinforced with only two seniors Ljeko Nicaj (210-C-87) and Aleksandar Bogojevic (189-G-86), won promotion and we finished last season just one place below the Superleague qualification. But the most important thing is that we promoted some talents such as Marko Mugosa who was the League MVP or Ljeko Nicaj who improved a lot. He was an unknown player just a year before but I am sure that he will get a chance in a stronger league next season.

The main characteristic of our club is its youth. I coach also the junior team because 13 players from my senior team play also for juniors and there are only 3 seniors. Thats why I accepted to coach juniors also and in the years to come I expect even more players to come out from our youth selections.

What do you think about the current situation in Montenegrin basketball?

I am trying to be an optimist. The current situation is not great though, especially when it comes to youth teams. Alhough we are a small country there are many talented kids and talented coaches, but one of the key problems is the financial situation in our clubs.

What are your personal plans for the future? Do you want to test your skills abroad?

I am very happy in Podgorica and I feel my career is on the right track. However, its natural to have higher expectations and goals and I would like to go abroad one day. I try to learn something every single day, even from my players because I can learn a lot from them as well.

Then the next question is obvious- what are the plans of your club for the next year?

It depends pretty much on funds available but rest assured that we will not change our goals and we will continue to promote young players. My idea is to strengthen the roster with two or three more experienced players in order to be more competitive and help younger players to develop without a lot of pression.

You will spend this summer with the Senior National Team of Montenegro. They are getting ready for European Championship Qualifications. What do you think about our chances to qualify for the Championship in Slovenia?

We start the preparation in June 25 and its very important to be well prepared because we will have to face tough opponents. However, this group has quality and with two Americans in the backcourt we will be even more competitive. I expect good results from our National Team and I am honored to collaborate with Luka Pavicevic (agency: Beo Basket ) who is a hard worker and established name in the world of basketball, both as a player and coach.

Thank you Peko for this interview.

Thank you for the opportunity. All the best!


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


NBA Awards 2012 - by Eurobasket Center

All-NBA 1st Team 2012
#s#
LeBron James
James
Chris Paul
Paul
Kobe Bryant
Bryant
Kevin Durant
Durant
Dwight Howard
Howard
#e#5

Finals MVP: LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) of Miami Heat
Most Valuable Player: LeBron James LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) of Miami Heat
Most Improved Player: Ryan Anderson (6'10''-F-88) of Orlando M.
Sixth Man: James Harden (6'5''-G-89) of Oklah.City T.
Rookie of the Year: Kyrie Irving (6'3''-G-92) of Cleveland Cavaliers
Defensive Player of the Year: Tyson Chandler (7'1''-C-82) of New York K.
Executive of the Year: Larry Bird of Indiana Pacers
Coach of the Year: Gregg Popovich of San Antonio S.

All-NBA 1st Team
PG: Chris Paul (6'0''-85) of LA Clippers
G: Kobe Bryant (6'6''-78) of LA Lakers
G/F: Kevin Durant (6'9''-88) of Oklah.City T.
F: LeBron James (6'8''-84) of Miami Heat
C: Dwight Howard (6'11''-85) of Orlando M.

All-NBA 2nd Team
PG: Tony Parker (6'0''-82) of San Antonio S.
PG: Russell Westbrook (6'3''-88) of Oklah.City T.
C: Kevin Love (6'10''-88) of Minnesota T.
F: Blake Griffin (6'10''-89) of LA Clippers
C: Andrew Bynum (7'0''-87) of LA Lakers

All-NBA 3rd Team
PG: Rajon Rondo (6'1''-86) of Boston C.
G: Dwyane Wade (6'4''-82) of Miami Heat
F: Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-84) of New York K.
F: Dirk Nowitzki (7'0''-78) of Dallas M.
C: Tyson Chandler (7'1''-82) of New York K.

All-Defensive 1st Team
Chris Paul (6'0''-PG-85) of LA Clippers
Tony Allen (6'4''-G-82) of Memphis G.
LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) of Miami Heat
Serge Ibaka (6'10''-C/F-89) of Oklah.City T.
Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) of Orlando M.

All-Defensive 2nd Team
Rajon Rondo (6'1''-PG-86) of Boston C.
Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) of LA Lakers
Luol Deng (6'9''-F-85) of Chicago B.
Kevin Garnett (6'11''-F-76) of Boston C.
Tyson Chandler (7'1''-C-82) of New York K.

NBA All-Rookie 1st Team
Kyrie Irving (6'3''-G-92) of Cleveland Cavaliers
Ricky Rubio (6'4''-G-90) of Minnesota Timberwolves
Kenneth Faried (6'8''-F-89) of Denver Nuggets
Klay Thompson (6'6''-G-90) of Golden State Warriors
Iman Shumpert (6'5''-G-90) of New York Knicks
Kawhi Leonard (6'7''-F-91) of San Antonio Spurs
Brandon Knight (6'3''-G-91) of Detroit Pistons

NBA All-Rookie 2nd Team
Chandler Parsons (6'9''-F-88) of Houston Rockets
Isaiah Thomas (5'8''-PG-89) of Sacramento Kings
Marshon Brooks (6'5''-G/F-89) of New Jersey Nets
Derrick Williams (6'8''-F-91) of Minnesota Timberwolves
Tristan Thompson (6'8''-F-91) of Cleveland Cavaliers


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


USA fire past Latvia in Las Palmas - by Eurobasket News

USA U17 - Latvia U17 108:72

USA U17 National Team travelled to Las Palmas to take part at the international tournament. They faced Latvian counterparts in the opener. The North American team proved the strength to enter the Final. They will take on Australia for the title tonight.
Latvia jumped to a 7:2 early lead. USA managed to deny the deficit. They went on a 6:0 run late in the period to ensure a 22:17 advantage. USA triggered a 16:2 run in the second quarter to clear off. They built a 52:33 halftime advantage. The North American team enjoyed an 83:47 lead in the third quarter and never looked back en route to the win. Jahlil Okafor-Benton (6'9''-C-95) finished with 26 points and 15 rebounds to lead the winners. Dakari Johnson (6'9''-F/C-95) added 17 points, while Stephen Domingo (6'7''-F-95) chipped in 15 points for the winners. Rolands Smits (6'7''-C-95) answered with 19 points for Latvia. Kristaps Plavnieks (6'0''-PG-95) had 17 points in the loss.

USA U17: Jahlil Okafor-Benton 26+15 boards, Dakari Johnson 17, Stephen Domingo 15
Latvia U17: Rolands Smits 19, Kristaps Plavnieks 17


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


Norwegian U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Starting five
#s#
Bouna Ndiaye
Ndiaye
Anders Solem
Solem
Marko Lepovic
Lepovic
Anders Fjaerestad
Fjaerestad
Stein Otabor
Otabor
#e#5
4 Baste Morken 190-G-92 Hop Norway
5 Ahmed Haddad 186-G-93 Ammerud Bskt Norway
6 Ziko Bull 187-G-92 Ammerud Bskt Norway
7 Marko Lepovic 193-F-94 Centrum Norway
8 Bouna Ndiaye 195-SG-92 Gimle BBK Norway
9 Anders Fjaerestad 198-F/G-92 Gimle BBK Norway
10 Stein Otabor 187-G-93 Gimle BBK Norway
11 Jakob Baiden 198-F Valerenga Norway
12 Henrik Davidsen 200-F-93 Hoybraten Norway
13 Sindre de Lange 187-G-93 Gimle BBK Norway
14 Anders Solem 196-F-92 Tromso Norway
15 Lars Harto 199-F-93 Baerum Basket Norway

Brent Hackman Head Coach Gimle BBK Norway



*****************************************************
  PANAMA   


Centrobasket 2012: Dominican Republic reaches the Final - by Eurobasket News

Dominican Republic-Panama 79:62

Dominican Republic reaches the Final game of the 2012 Centrobasket. The favorite overcame Panama 79:62 and will face the hosts in the Final.
Although Dominican Republic was the favorite of the game, Panama surprised them with 20:13 in the opening period. Even after a 15-9 burst in the second quarter, Dominican Republic trailed 1 point at the halftime. The second half however belonged to Dominican Republic that won the third and the last stanzas. They needed 25-17 in the third period and added 26-16 in the last.
Francisco Garcia (201-F/G-81, college: Louisville) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) collected 17 points and 13 rebounds. Martinez Michael followed them with 11 points and 11 boards. Josimar Ayarza (205-F-87, college: S.Mississippi) replied with 19 points in the losing effort, while Munoz Joey, Daniel King (203-F-87) and St. Rose Isaac all posted 10.

Dominican Republic: Francisco Garcia 23, Alfred Horford 17+13 rebs, Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) 11+11 rebs
Panama: Josimar Ayarza 19, Munoz Joey 10, Daniel King 10, St. Rose Isaac 10


Efejuku leads Jamaica to Bronze in Hato Rey - by Eurobasket News

Panama-Jamaica 54:78

Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86, college: Providence) leads Jamaica to Bronze in Hato Rey at the Centrobasket 2012. He poured in 21 points as Jamaica overcame Panama 78:54. This is a historic medal for Jamaica, since its getting the first medal in this tournament.
Jamaca went on an early run and reached 25:17 after the first period. They added 14-13 in the second frame to take 39:30 at the halftime. With an 8-0 rally Jamaica put the score 58-39, while Josimar Josimar Ayarza (205-F-87, college: S.Mississippi) closed the frame at 58:41. It was clear at that time about the winner. Jamaica also won the last stanza 20-12 to take the bronze medals at the tournament.
Jerome Jordan (213-C-86, college: Tulsa) collected 17 points and 11 rebounds for the winners and Samardo Samuels (206-F/C-89, college: Louisville) added 13. Ernesto Oglivie (199-F-89) responded with 15 points and Josimar Ayarza notched 13. St. Rose Isaac delivered 11, whilst Daniel King (203-F-87) had 9.

Panama: Ernesto Oglivie 15, Josimar Ayarza 13, St. Rose Isaac 11, Daniel King 9
Jamaica: Oritseweyinmi Efejuku 21, Jerome Jordan 17+11 rebs, Samardo Samuels 13


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

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

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

Regular Season: Round 17

Jun. 24: Meralco Bolts - Powerade T. 91-78
Jun. 24: Ginebra Kings - Talk N Text 111-113
Jun. 23: Rain or Shine - Petron Blaze 103-82

Regular Season: Round 18

Jun. 27: Air21 Express - Alaska Aces
Jun. 27: Talk N Text - B-Meg Llam.


PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Zach GRAHAM
  Air21 E.
  (198-G-89)
  Avg: 39
 1. Graham, Air21 E.39.0 
 2. Harris, Talk N Text26.7 
 3. Sneed, Powerade T.26.5 
 4. David, Powerade T.25.5 
 5. Bozeman, Ginebra24.3 
 6. Cornley, Rain o.24.0 
 7. Blakely, B-Meg L.23.3 
 8. Forte, Alaska Aces23.1 
 9. Basden, Petron B.21.1 
 10. Caguioa, Ginebra18.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Omar SNEED
  Powerade T.
  (198-F-76)
  Avg: 16.8
 1. Sneed, Powerade T.16.8 
 2. Forte, Alaska Aces16.1 
 3. Graham, Air21 E.13.7 
 4. Harris, Talk N Text12.3 
 5. Blakely, B-Meg L.11.3 
 6. Pingris, B-Meg L.11.0 
 7. Taulava, Meralco10.9 
 8. Cornley, Rain o.10.9 
 9. Bozeman, Ginebra10.4 
 10. Santos, Petron B.8.6 
Assists Per Game
 Jimmy ALAPAG
  Talk N Text
  (177-PG-77)
  Avg: 7.8
 1. Alapag, Talk N Te.7.8 
 2. Casio, Powerade T.6.1 
 3. Sneed, Powerade T.5.3 
 4. Tenorio, Alaska A.5.1 
 5. Bozeman, Ginebra5.1 
 6. Ross, Meralco4.5 
 7. Cabagnot, Petron4.5 
 8. Miller, Barako Bull4.4 
 9. Basden, Petron B.4.1 
 10. Lutz, Petron Bla.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Blakely, B-Meg L.3.3 
 2. Basden, Petron B.2.6 
 3. Tenorio, Alaska A.1.8 
 4. Bozeman, Ginebra1.4 
 5. Cortez, Ginebra1.4 
 6. Caguioa, Ginebra1.3 
 7. Graham, Air21 E.1.3 
 8. Mercado, Meralco1.3 
 9. Hatfield, Ginebra1.3 
 10. Harris, Talk N Te.1.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Blakely, B-Meg L.2.3 
 2. Forte, Alaska Aces1.9 
 3. Santos, Petron B.1.4 
 4. Baguio, Alaska Ac.1.3 
 5. Maierhofer, Ginebr.1.3 
 6. Thoss, Alaska Aces1.0 
 7. Aguilar, Talk N.1.0 
 8. Reavis, B-Meg L.1.0 
 9. Norwood, Rain o.0.9 
 10. Quinahan, Rain o.0.9 


PBA Round 17: Talk N Text defeats Ginebra Kings in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News

The teams have now bigger motivation at this stage of Regular Season. Every game can be crucial and decide about teams' position at the end of Regular Season.

The most exciting game of round 17 in the PBA took place in Manila. This derby game ended with only two-point home defeat of 4th placed Ginebra Kings (4-4) to sixth ranked Talk N Text (4-3) 113-111 in the game for the third place. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Ginebra Kings won third quarter 31-29. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Talk N Text made 25-of-29 free shots (86.2 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American swingman Paul Harris (193-F/G-86, college: Syracuse) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 30 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) for the winners and swingman Larry Fonacier (186-82) chipped in 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. American guard Cedric Bozeman (198-83, college: UCLA) responded with a double-double by scoring 32 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists (on 14-of-18 shooting from the field). Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Talk N Text have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to third place. Ginebra Kings at the other side keep the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Talk N Text are looking forward to face league's second-placed B-Meg Llam. in Pasig in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Ginebra Kings will have a break next round.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Powerade T. (4-4) against eighth ranked Meralco Bolts (4-4) on Sunday night. Visiting Powerade T. was defeated by Meralco Bolts in Manila 91-78. American guard Mario West (195-84, college: Georgia Tech) nailed 29 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side and Mark Cardona accounted for 15 points and 6 rebounds. American forward Omar Sneed (198-76, college: Memphis) came up with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 17 rebounds and 5 assists for Powerade T. in the defeat. Powerade T.'s coach Dolreich Perasol rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Meralco Bolts moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Powerade T. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Manila. First ranked host Rain or Shine (7-1) smashed 3rd placed Petron Blaze (4-4) 103-82. The best player for the winners was Jamelle Cornley who scored 22 points. Arwind Santos produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Rain or Shine have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 7-1 record. Loser Petron Blaze dropped to the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

Rain or Shine - Petron Blaze 103-82

The game between Top Four teams took place in Manila. First ranked host Rain or Shine (7-1) smashed 3rd placed Petron Blaze (4-4) 103-82. The hosts trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 59-35 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Rain or Shine dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Petron Blaze's 26. Rain or Shine had a 39-24 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American forward Jamelle Cornley (196-87, college: Penn St.) who scored 22 points. Guard Jireh Ibanes (186-82) chipped in 15 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Five Rain or Shine players scored in double figures. Forward Arwind Santos (193-81) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and naturalized American center Jay Washington (206-81, college: Eckerd) added 19 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Rain or Shine have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 7-1 record. Loser Petron Blaze dropped to the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Rain or Shine: J.Cornley 22+4reb+3ast, J.Chan 16+6reb+1ast, G.Norwood 16+3reb+4ast, J.Ibanes 15+6reb+7ast, J.Cruz 14+7reb, R.Matias 5+1reb
Petron Blaze: J.Washington 19+6reb+1ast, A.Santos 18+10reb+2ast, C.Lutz 10+2ast, E.Basden 9+6reb+3ast, J.Yeo 8+3reb+1ast, A.Cabagnot 7+2reb+8ast
gschID: 177004


Meralco Bolts - Powerade T. 91-78

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Powerade T. (4-4) against eighth ranked Meralco Bolts (4-4) on Sunday night. Visiting Powerade T. was defeated by Meralco Bolts in Manila 91-78. It looked good early as Powerade T. took an 3-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Meralco Bolts had a 22-18 second period charge getting the lead and Powerade T. was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 78-91. Meralco Bolts had a 37-26 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. American guard Mario West (195-84, college: Georgia Tech) nailed 29 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side and swingman Mark Cardona (180-81) accounted for 15 points and 6 rebounds. Four Meralco Bolts players scored in double figures. American forward Omar Sneed (198-76, college: Memphis) came up with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 17 rebounds and 5 assists and swingman Gary David (187-78) added 20 points respectively for Powerade T. in the defeat. Powerade T.'s coach Dolreich Perasol rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Meralco Bolts moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Powerade T. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Meralco Bolts: M.West 29+9reb, M.Cardona 15+6reb+3ast, S.Mercado 15+3reb+6ast, R.Hugnatan 14+6reb+2ast, A.Taulava 7+10reb+2ast, G.Bulawan 6+6reb
Powerade T.: O.Sneed 23+17reb+5ast, G.David 20+3reb+2ast, R.Guevarra 12+2reb+1ast, J.Casio 6+5reb+7ast, N.Belasco 4+4reb, R.Al-Hussaini 4
gschID: 177005


Ginebra Kings - Talk N Text 111-113

The most exciting game of round 17 in the PBA took place in Manila. This derby game ended with only two-point home defeat of 4th placed Ginebra Kings (4-4) to sixth ranked Talk N Text (4-3) 113-111 in the game for the third place. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Ginebra Kings won third quarter 31-29. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Talk N Text made 25-of-29 free shots (86.2 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American swingman Paul Harris (193-86, college: Syracuse) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 30 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) for the winners and swingman Larry Fonacier (186-82) chipped in 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Talk N Text players scored in double figures. American guard Cedric Bozeman (198-83, college: UCLA) responded with a double-double by scoring 32 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists (on 14-of-18 shooting from the field) and guard Mark Caguioa (188-79, college: Glendale CC (AZ)) scored 32 points and 4 steals. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Talk N Text have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to third place. Ginebra Kings at the other side keep the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Talk N Text are looking forward to face league's second-placed B-Meg Llam. in Pasig in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Ginebra Kings will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Talk N Text: P.Harris 30+10reb+5ast, R.deOcampo 21+5reb, L.Fonacier 19+9reb+4ast, J.Castro 18+3reb+5ast, J.Aguilar 10+5reb+2ast, J.Alapag 5+1reb+5ast
Ginebra Kings: M.Caguioa 32+4reb+3ast, C.Bozeman 32+10reb+6ast, R.Hatfield 7+5reb+2ast, J.Helterbrand 7+2reb+3ast, W.Wilson 7+5reb+1ast, D.Ababou 7+1reb
gschID: 177006



*****************************************************
  POLAND   


Trade rollercoaster in 1 Liga - by Maciej Paszyn

Last week we could observe the transfer high activity amongst teams appearing in the polish 1 Liga (league, in which only players can sign contracts with the Polish passport). For seven last days as many as five teams effected reinforcements in their rosters.

AZS Polfarmex Kutno which contracted 5 new players was the most active team. For the new season they will be appearing in the club: Piotr Trepka (182-PG-80), Hubert Mazur (190-G-84, agency: Promotex), Szymon Rduch (196-F-89), Lukasz Kwiatkowski (207-C-79) and Mateusz Szwed (197-C-91). If we add three signed earlier players to it (Dawid Brek (185-G-89, agency: Promotex), Grzegorz Malecki (197-G/F-84, agency: Promotex), Krzysztof Jakobczyk (183-G-86)), we will receive the reliable and ready foundation of the team of the team for the new season.

Second active club was PBS Bank MOSiR Krosno. Team from south region of Poland signed-up contracts with 3 players: Marcin Salamonik (202-F-83) (extending the contract) Lukasz Paul (206-C-89) and Jaromir Szurlej (180-G-86). Krosno similarly to Kutno already has almost line-up in the 100% completed. Only a player is still wanted to position 2 / 3.

MKS Znicz Basket Pruszkow strengthened its post-up line with Tomasz Pisarczyk (205-F-85). Earlier contracts with club from Pruszkow signed-up Przemyslaw Szymanski (198-F-84), Damian Janiak (191-G-89) and Adrian Sulinski (185-G-89, agency: Promotex).

Also MKS Dabrowa Gornicza effected two reinforcements signing contracts with Marek Piechowicz (203-G/F-88) and perspective 19-years old Jakub Karolak (196-G/F-93). Moreover contracts with MKS prolonged: Grzegorz Grochowski (178-PG-93), Michal Woloszyn (202-F-84), Piotr Zielinski (198-C-83), Pawel Zmarlak (195-F-82) and Lukasz Grzegorzewski (192-G-84).

Last team which displayed the activity on the transfer market was Slask II Wroclaw. Team which in this season got the promotion to 1 Liga an agreement on monthly try-outs with Przemyslaw Hajnsz (203-F/C-82, agency: Promotex) which are supposed to be held from the beginning of August.



It was one long season - by Eurobasket News

Despite season marked by coach change and troubles with roster, Asseco Prokom Gdynia defended the Polish Championship and now they have been unbeaten for the nine straight years. Gdynia didn't qualify to the next rounds neither Euroleague nor in VTB United League.

Polish core of the team from 2010/11 (Piotr Szczotka, Adam Hrycaniuk, Adam Lapeta, Lukasz Seweryn (196-G-82), Przemyslaw Frasunkiewicz, Przemyslaw Zamojski) was reinforced by adding playmakers: Jerel Blassingame (175-G-81, college: UNLV) (USA) and Oliver Lafayette (USA); dynamic forward Alonzo Gee (USA), guards Devin Brown (USA) and Michael Kuebler (USA) and power forwards Fedor Dmitriev (205-F-84, agency: Alti Sport) (Russia) and young Donatas Motiejunas (Lithuanian), young Gdynia franchise basketball student Slawomir Sikora was added to support the team. Tomas Pacesas began the season as head coach.

Super Cup game between Starogard Gdanski and Asseco Prokom opened the season on October 3. Tomas Pacesas team lost 79:78 despite Alonzo Gee and Przemyslaw Zamojski 22 and 19 points respectively. On October 10 Prokom inaugurated VTB league. Gdynia hosted Azovmash Mariupol which had former Gdynia player Daniel Ewing on the roster. Asseco Prokom had a good start to the season behind 68:53 win.

In the subsequent round Asseco Prokom lost to Lokomotiv Kuban 66:79. Euroleague was the last to start. (PLK allowed Prokom to miss first part of the domestic season). Gdynia fought bravely against Galatasaray and even came back from 18 point deficit, but lost to more experience Turkish players 72:76.

With 1:1 mark in VTB league Asseco Prokom lost to Spartak Sankt Petersburg 67:77. From then on they lost 6 and won only 4 games which erased their hopes for qualification. Wins in last three games of the regular season didn't help much and Prokom finished on 5th place with 8:8 record. (Qualification was very close as Lokomotiv who had only one win more - 9:7 - advanced to the next round).

Unfortunatelly in Euroleague Gdynia lacked luck down the stretch. Gdynia lost couple of games in the crunch time where one or two better decisions could have sent the win the other way. It was the case of first and second leg against Galatasaray, home loss to Unics, and in Ljubljana against Olimpia. Prokom won only one Eurogleague game and with 1:9 mark didn't qualify to the next round. Some events definitely influenced the whole team. Alonzo Gee and Devin Brown departured in November. Oliver Lafayett left the team after Euroleague and VTB ended. Additionaly Tomas Pacesas resigned and his assistant Andrzej Adamek was named a head coach. Robert Witka, Mateusz Ponitka and Quinton Day joined the team after that.

After European leagues finished Asseco Prokom rejoined Polish league which was just entering second phase. In the six team group win/loss record decided about place in the group. But including first phase of the regular season games. That's why every Asseco Prokom loss had such a heavy impact on the situation in the table. Despite all turbulences Gdynia remained powerhouse. Asseco Prokom was entering decisive derby game against Trefl with 7 wins in 9 games. The stakes of game ten were high, more precisely - home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Led by Donatas Motiejunas double-double 26 points and 13 rebounds Andrzej Adamek team won the clash by 77:73 and secured first spot entering the playoffs.

In the quarters Gdynia took on AZS Koszalin. Asseco Prokom was up 2:0 in the series with competition shifting to Koszalin. AZS won two home games and series went all the way down to Game 5. In Gdynia Polish Champs took care of the job and won 83:76. Defending Champions semifinal rivals also needed all 5 games to advance to the semis. This time Asseco Prokom was unstoppable and swept Zastal Zielona Gora 3:0. Jerel Blassingame had great series averaging 11,67 apg. Cruising Gdynia took on Trefl Sopot in the finals. After two home wins series went to Sopot. Trefl was great in Game 3, but Prokom claimed Game 4 and was one win away from the title.

Trefl Sopot won two subsequent games and Game 7, the last game of the 2011/2012 season was played in Gdynia. Asseco Prokom began strong and never slowed down in the third Gdynia had 22 lead. Trefl didn't give up and trimmed the deficit to one possession but Gdynia didn't allow for more. Asseco Prokom won Poland Championship and Jerel Blassingame was named MVP of the finals.
Courtesy of: http://www.asseco.prokom.pl


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


Dominican Republic wins 2012 Centrobasket - by Eurobasket News

Dominican Republic- Puerto Rico 80:72

Dominican Republic wins 2012 Centrobasket in Jos Miguel Agrelot coliseum in Hato Rey. The team overcame the hosts of the tournament in the Final game 80:72. Puerto Rico, meanwhile, won the silver medal and failed in his attempt to repeat the gold won in Santo Domingo 2010.
The hosts started with 21:14 lead but could not keep the winning pace. Dominican Republic bounced back with 26-14 in the second period and took 50:45 halftime advantage. Puerto Rico needed 19-18 in the third stanza to reduce to 4 points, but failed to reach the opponents in the last period. Dominican Republic added 22-18 to seal the victory.
Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Juan Coronado (196-G-83) netted 17. Eulis Baez (201-F-82, college: W.Illinois) and Francisco Garcia (201-F/G-81, college: Louisville) followed them with 11 points each. Jose Juan Barea (181-PG-84, college: Northeastern) ended up with 18 points in the losing case and Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) notched 16. Ricardo Sanchez (212-C-87) poured in 15, while David Huertas (195-G-87, college: Mississippi) added 13.

Dominican Republic: Jack Michael Martinez 23+11 rebs, Juan Coronado 17, Eulis Baez 11, Francisco Garcia 11
Puerto Rico: Jose Juan Barea 18, Daniel Santiago 16, Ricardo Sanchez 15, David Huertas 13


Centrobasket 2012: Puerto Rico advanced to the Final - by Eurobasket News

Puerto Rico-Jamaica 103:89

Puerto Rico advanced to the Final at 2012 Centrobasket. The hosts outscored Jamaica 103:89 at the Jose Miguel Agrelot coliseum in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.
Jamaica started the game with 22-21 but could not keep the lead at the end of the half. The hosts erupted with a 30-24 burst and grabbed 5-point halftime advantage. Moreover Puerto Rico added 30-19 in the third quarter and did not mind the narrow loss in the last stanza.
David Huertas (195-G-87, college: Mississippi) poured in 17 points, while Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) collected 16 points and 11 rebounds. Rosario Michael, Alexander Franklin (196-PF-88, college: Siena) and Sanchez Ricardo followed them with 11 points each. Akeem Scott (186-PG-83, agency: Interperformances, college: High Point) responded with 19 points in the losing effort and Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86, college: Providence) added 18. Samardo Samuels (206-F/C-89, college: Louisville) brought 17, whilst Jerome Jordan (213-C-86, college: Tulsa) delivered 16.
Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico will have tomorrow a new chapter in his extensive regional sports rivalry for the Gold medal. Jamaica, meanwhile, will face off with Panama for the bronze medal.

Puerto Rico: David Huertas 17, Daniel Santiago 16+11 rebs, Rosario Michael 11, Alexander Franklin 11, Sanchez Ricardo 11
Jamaica: Akeem Scott 19, Oritseweyinmi Efejuku 18, Samardo Samuels 17, Jerome Jordan 16


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


Slovakian U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Julius Antal 184-G-92 Inter Bratislava Czech Republic
Ladislav Balogh 207-C-93 USK Praha Czech Republic
Boris Bojanovsky 216-C-93 Florida St. USA
Jan Brutovsky 188-G-93 Nova Ves B Slovakia
Adam Buday 193-F-92 BKM Svit Slovakia
Michal Cekovsky 206-F-94 Castellanza Italy
Viktor Dedecek 200-F-93 Inter Bratislava Czech Republic
Filip Dratva 199-G-93 BKM Svit Slovakia
Andrej Galad 200-F-92 Inter Bratislava Czech Republic
Maurizio Galata 201-F-92 B&W Opava Czech Republic
Matej Hrabcak 185-PG-93 Nova Ves Slovakia
Robert Jany 180-PG-92 Ziar/Hronom Slovakia
Viktor Juricek 208-C-93 Canarias Bball Ac. Spain
Peter Kancir 187-G-92 Nova Ves B Slovakia
Matus Luley 195-F-92 Inter Bratislava Czech Republic
Jaroslav Moravek 204-F/C-92 Levice Czech Republic
Jakub Novysedlak 188-PG-93 Inter Bratislava Czech Republic
Jaroslav Sak 205-C-94 Inter B Slovakia
Andrej Slavik 203-F-92 Levice Slovakia
Daniel Stransky 204-C-93 Vahostav-Zilina Slovakia
Robert Sturzel 184-PG-93
Viktor Timko 200-PF-92 Slavia Kosice Slovakia
Oliver Tot 198-G-94 Inter Bratislava Czech Republic
Martin Zibrinyi 200-F-92 B.Bystrica Slovakia

Ivan Kurilla Head Coach MBK Ruzomb. Slovakia
Richard Duris Assistant Inter Bratislava Czech Republic



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


Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB Awards 2011-12 - by Giorgos Diploidis

Eurobasket.com All-Spanish ACB 1st Team 2012
#s#
Andy Panko
Panko
Nando De Colo
De Colo
Juan Carlos Navarro
Navarro
Mirza Teletovic
Teletovic
Erazem Lorbek
Lorbek
#e#5

Player of the Year: Andy Panko (204-F-77) of Lagun Aro GBC
Guard of the Year: Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) of FCB Regal
Forward of the Year: Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85) of Caja Laboral
Center of the Year: Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84) of FCB Regal
Newcomer of the Year: Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) of Caja Laboral
Bosman Player of the Year: Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85) of Caja Laboral
Import Player of the Year: Andy Panko (204-F-77) of Lagun Aro GBC
Domestic Player of the Year: Juan Carlos Rey (197-F/C) of Caceres Fund.
Defensive Player of the Year: D'or Fischer (211-C-81) of Gescrap BB
Coach of the Year: Xavier Pascual of FCB Regal

1st Team
G: Nando De Colo (202-87) of Valencia
G: Juan Carlos Navarro (192-80) of FCB Regal
F: Andy Panko (204-77) of Lagun Aro GBC
F: Mirza Teletovic (206-85) of Caja Laboral
F/C: Erazem Lorbek (209-84) of FCB Regal

2nd Team
PG: Sergio Llull (190-87) of Real Madrid
G: Kirk Penney (196-80) of Fuenlabrada
F: Pete Mickeal (199-78) of FCB Regal
F/C: Gustavo Ayon (209-85) of Fuenlabrada
C: Paul Davis (211-84) of Cajasol

3rd Team
G: Aaron Jackson (193-86) of Gescrap BB
G/F: Kostas Vasiliadis (200-84) of Gescrap BB
G/F: Rudy Fernandez (198-85) of Real Madrid
C: Maciej Lampe (210-85) of Caja Laboral
F: Joel Freeland (208-87) of Unicaja

Honorable Mention
Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) of FCB Regal
Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83) of FCB Regal
James Augustine (208-F-84) of UCAM Murcia
Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91) of Real Madrid
Sergi Vidal (198-F/G-81) of Lagun Aro GBC
Niklas Caner-Medley (203-F-83) of Valencia
Rafael Hettsheimer (206-C-86) of CAI Zaragoza
Rafael Martinez (191-G-82) of Valencia
Chuck Eidson (202-F/G-80) of FCB Regal
Jimmy Baron (191-G-86) of Lagun Aro GBC
D'or Fischer (211-C-81) of Gescrap BB
Marko Banic (205-F-84) of Gescrap BB
Fernando San Emeterio (198-F/G-84) of Caja Laboral
Justin Doellman (206-F-85) of Assignia M.
Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84) of Unicaja
Kaloyan Ivanov (205-F-86) of Lucentum
Kyle Singler (203-F-88) of Real Madrid
Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80) of Real Madrid

All-Domestic Players Team
PG: Sergio Llull (190-87) of Real Madrid
G: Juan Carlos Navarro (192-80) of FCB Regal
G/F: Rudy Fernandez (198-85) of Real Madrid
F/C: Nikola Mirotic (207-91) of Real Madrid
C: Fran Vazquez (209-83) of FCB Regal

All-Imports Team
G: Kirk Penney (196-80) of Fuenlabrada
F: Pete Mickeal (199-78) of FCB Regal
F: Andy Panko (204-77) of Lagun Aro GBC
F/C: Gustavo Ayon (209-85) of Fuenlabrada
C: Paul Davis (211-84) of Cajasol

All-Bosmans Team
G: Nando De Colo (202-87) of Valencia
G/F: Kostas Vasiliadis (200-84) of Gescrap BB
C: Maciej Lampe (210-85) of Caja Laboral
F: Mirza Teletovic (206-85) of Caja Laboral
F/C: Erazem Lorbek (209-84) of FCB Regal


Caja Laboral announced Fabien Causeur and Tibor Pleiss - by Eurobasket News

Caja Laboral announced Fabien Causeur (193-G-87) and Tibor Pleiss (214-F/C-89) for the next season. According to Caja Laboral Official Website via Sportando.net the players will join the Spanish side.
In 2011-2012 Fabien Causeur played for Cholet Basket (ProA, starting five) and in EuroCup averaged 21.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 60.3%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 78.6%. In French League his stats read 16.0ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 79.2%.
Causeur played his third season in Cholet averaging 16 ppg, 3.9 apg and 3.4 rpg for 32 games. Causeur was named MVP of the ProA regular season. With Cholet, the guard won ProA title in 2010. Before that, he played for Le Havre. Fabien Causeur will play for the French National Team at the Olympic Games in London. He missed 2011 EuroBasket in Lithuania. Two years ago, Causeur played for France at the World Championship in Turkey, but his time on the court was very limited. He was a member of U20 France in the past.
Tibor Pleiss will come from Germany. In 2011-2012 he played for Brose Baskets Bamberg (1.Bundesliga, starting five) and in Euroleague averaged 6.5ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 52.1%, FT: 68.2%. In German League his stats read 10.1ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 61.8%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 82.6%.


Australia outscore Spain in Las Palmas - by Eurobasket News

Spain U17 - Australia U17 55:71

Australian U17 National Team played the first game at the international tournament in Las Palmas. They faced hosting Spain. Nicholas Duncan (198-C-95) came up with 14 points to lead the Aussies to the victory. Australia will now take on the USA in the Final.
The visitors eked out a 15:14 lead after ten minutes. Australia started to get away in the second quarter. They established a 34:23 halftime lead. Spain struggled to match the tempo. They lagged behind throughout the third quarter. Australia cleared off to take a 54:33 advantage with one quarter remaining. Spain finally managed to outscore the visitors in the final quarter but could not threaten the gap anyway. Exium delivered 13 points, while Ben Simmons (198-F-95) and Felix Van Hofe (195-F-95) had 10 points each in the win. Ilimane Diop (210-C-95) answered with 14 points for Spain. Alberto Martin (182-G-95) netted 10 points in the loss.

Spain U17: Ilimane Diop 14, Alberto Martin 10
Australia U17: Nicholas Duncan 14, Exium 13, Ben Simmons 10, Felix Van Hofe 10


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


Swedish U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Starting five
#s#
Viktor Gaddefors
Gaddefors
Charles Barton
Barton
Sebastian Norman
Norman
William Gutenius
Gutenius
Jonathan Person
Person
#e#5
Viktor Gaddefors 203-SF-92 CS Bologna Italy
Charles Barton 192-PG-92 Oregon St. USA
Sebastian Norman 208-C/F-92 Lamar USA
William Gutenius 205-F/C-92 Sundsvall Sweden
Jonathan Person 192-PG-93 CS Bologna Italy
Tobias Borg 183-PG-93 Sodertalje Sweden
Fredrik Andersson 198-G/F-93 Boras Sweden
Jonathan Antonsson 203-C/F-92 Talje Sweden
William Asplund 203-C/F-93 Talje Sweden
Daniel Eliasson 189-F-92 LF Future Sweden
Marcus Eriksson 196-G/F-93 FCB Regal Spain
Arvid Isaksson 205-C-93 BG Lulea Sweden
Oscar Liljeqvist 196-F-92 Nassjo Sweden
William Magarity 210-PF-93 Angelico BI Italy
Stefan Nguyen 190-G-92 08 Sweden
Carl Ohrner 200-SF-93
Adrian Thorangen 195-SF-93 Sanda Sweden
Markus Williams 201-F-93 Sanda Sweden

Stefan Bergman Head Coach Eagles Sweden
Dennis Pihl Assistant Northland Sweden
Ludvig Degernas Assistant Sodertalje Sweden



*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND   


Swiss U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

#s#
Evrard Atcho
Atcho
Ludovico Basso
Basso
Milos Bozovic
Bozovic
Eljon Harlicaj
Harlicaj
Alexis Herrmann
Herrmann
#e#5
Evrard Atcho 207-C/F-92 Neuchatel Switzerland
Ludovico Basso 185-PG-93 SAM Massagno Switzerland
Milos Bozovic 201-F-92 Fribourg Switzerland
Eljon Harlicaj 193-F-93 Lugano Tigers Switzerland
Alexis Herrmann 178-PG-92 Boncourt Switzerland
Jeremy Landenbergue 182-PG-93 Cuesta JC USA
Marko Mladjan 205-F-93 Lugano Tigers Switzerland
Taulant Murati 180-PG-92 SAM Massagno Switzerland
Michel-Ofik Nzege 206-C-92 High School USA
Brian Savoy 192-G-92 Zamora Spain
Jeffrey Schwab 184-G-92 Fribourg Switzerland
Jules Stalder 190-G-93 BBC Nyon Switzerland
Nikola Stevanovic 191-G-92 SAM Massagno Switzerland
Zoran Zivanovic 203-F/C-92 SAV Vacallo Switzerland

Petar Aleksic Head Coach Monthey Switzerland
Alsin Malssen Assistant
Jean Wuersdoerfer Assistant



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

TB3L Standings

TB3L Standings
Group A
 1. Izmir BSB 10-0 
 2. Ankara Basket 7-3 
 3. Batman Petrol 5-5 
 4. Sisli 4-6 
 5. Konyagucu 3-7 
 6. Anadolu Un. 1-9 
Group B
 1. Inanlar ITU 10-0 
 2. Basaksehir 7-3 
 3. Ankara DSI Era 5-5 
 4. Selcuklu 5-5 
 5. Elazig 3-7 
 6. Belediye Van 0-10 
Group C
 1. Sogutsen 9-1 
 2. Boluspor 8-2 
 3. 68 Aksaray Bld. 6-4 
 4. Duzce Bld. 5-5 
 5. Kast.Ozel 1-9 
 6. Mardin 1-9 
Group D
 1. FMV Isik 9-1 
 2. Buyukcekmece 9-1 
 3. Kepez Bld 5-5 
 4. Trakya Ergene 4-6 
 5. Manisa 2-8 
 6. Denizli 1-9 
Group E
 1. Yesilyurt 9-1 
 2. Anadolu Aslani 7-3 
 3. Mugla Orman. 5-5 
 4. Melikgazi 4-6 
 5. Samsun 3-7 
 6. Corlu Sifa 2-8 
Group F
 1. Adanaspor 10-0 
 2. Yesilgiresun 8-2 
 3. Kusadasi 4-6 
 4. Bornova 4-6 
 5. Zirve Un. 3-7 
 6. Baglar 1-9 


Anadolu Efes announce Oktay Mahmudi - by Eurobasket News

Anadolu Efes officiated the deal with Oktay Mahmudi (agency: Beo Basket ). The specialist will guide the team starting from the next season. Mahmudi signed a two-year deal with Anadolu Efes. Oktay Mahmudi (agency: Beo Basket ) worked with Galatasaray during the last two seasons. He led the team to the Turkish Cup semis twice. Last season Galatasaray also made it into Turkish League semifinals. Oktay Mahmudi (agency: Beo Basket ) is far from being new to Anadolu Efes. The specialist worked with the team as assistant coach in 1992-2000. Later he took over as head coach of the Istanbul outfit and worked with them through 2000/2007 seasons. Oktay Mahmudi (agency: Beo Basket ) joined Benetton Treviso in 2007. He was named EuroCup Coach of the Year in 2009.


Fenerbahce announced Simone Pianigiani as head coach - by Pervin Elgin

Fenerbahce announced Simone Pianigiani as coach
Pianigiani signed a 2+1 deal

It is official now. Simone Pianigiani is the new head coach of Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul for the next two seasons with an option for a third one. Pianigiani comes from Siena, the club of his city, with whom he has spent his entire life. As head coach of Siena, Pianigiani won six consecutive Italian championships in six years. Pianigiani is also the head coach of the Italian National Team.

Courtesy of sportando.net


Simone Pianigiani will fly to Istanbul this weekend - by Pervin Elgin

The Italian coach is expected in Istanbul and will sign with Fenerbahce by the end of the week

Simone Pianigiani will land in Istanbul in the next hours and by the end of the week he will sign the contract with Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul. Pianigiani will take the flight for Istanbul on Saturday and once in Turkey he will sit and talk with Fenerbahce management to finalize the deal and sign the contract.
Once Pianigiani will have signed the deal, Fenerbahce will try to sign also Luca Dalmonte as assistant coach.

Courtesy of sportando.net


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


Ukraine cadets edged Belarus in Kiev - by Eurobasket News

Ukraine U16-Belarus U16 85:44 (18:6; 27:9; 16:8; 24:21)

Ukraine cadets edged Belarus in Kiev in the first friendly game between the teams. The home side easily rolled over the opponent 85:44.
Ukraine started the game with 18-6 and never looked behind after. They erupted with 27-9 in the second quarter and reached 45:15 at the halftime. In the third period Ukraine added 16-8 for 38-lead after three quarters. Belarus played better in the last stanza and managed to score 21 points. Ukraine meanwhile replied with 24 and won the first game by 41 points.
Vadym Golyk (188-SF-96) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Illya Sydorov (183-PG-96) nailed 12. Anton Roskoshnyy (197-C-96) and Balaban followed them with 11 points each. Salas collected 20 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, while Kandibovich posted 8.

Ukraine U16: Vadym Golyk 19, Illya Sydorov 12, Anton Roskoshnyy 11, Balaban 11
Belarus U16: Salas 20+10 rebs, Kandibovich 8


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


British National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Starting five
#s#
Andrew Lawrence
Lawrence
Drew Sullivan
Sullivan
Robert Archibald
Archibald
Joel Freeland
Freeland
Kyle Johnson
Johnson
#e#5
4 Ogooluwa Adegboye 182-PG-87 APOEL Cyprus
5 Andrew Lawrence 187-G-90 Charleston USA
8 Drew Sullivan 203-F-80 Leicester R. United Kingdom
10 Robert Archibald 212-C/F-80 CAI Zaragoza Spain
11 Joel Freeland 208-F-87 Unicaja Spain
13 Daniel Clark 210-F/C-88 Asefa Estudian. Spain
14 Kyle Johnson 195-G-88 APOEL Cyprus
15 Eric Boateng 208-C-85 Peristeri GS Greece
22 Kieron Achara 208-F/C-83 Assignia M. Spain
24 Matthew Bryan-Amaning 205-F-88 Hacettepe Univ. Turkey
25 Devon Van Oostrum 190-G-93 Caja Laboral Spain
Nathan Reinking 188-G-73 Sheffield S. United Kingdom
Michael Lenzly 189-G-81 CEZ Nymburk Czech Republic

Chris Finch Head Coach Houston R. USA
Tim Lewis Assistant Sheffield S. United Kingdom
Nick Nurse Assistant Rio Grande VV USA



British U20 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Starting five
#s#
Alasdair Fraser
Fraser
Jesse Chuku
Chuku
Jonny Bunyan
Bunyan
Lewis Champion-Alleyne
Champion-Alleyne
Grant Fiorentinos
Fiorentinos
#e#5
Alasdair Fraser 203-F-92 Maine USA
Jesse Chuku 201-F-93 Lehigh USA
Jamie Batish 190-G-93 Neosho Co.CC USA
Jonny Bunyan 180-PG-92 C.Eriksson F. Scotland
Lewis Champion-Alleyne 185-G-93 Reading R. United Kingdom
Grant Fiorentinos 208-F/C-92 Tulane USA
Harrison Gamble 206-F/C-92 Reading R. United Kingdom
Joe Hart 194-G/F-93 Lakehead Canada
Joshua Johnson 185-G-92 Leopards United Kingdom
Rema Lascelles 197-G-92 Derby T. United Kingdom
Lee Reilly 182-PG-92 Edinburgh K. Scotland
Louis Sayers 199-SF-92 Brunel Univ. United Kingdom
John Stewart 198-F-93 Loughborough United Kingdom
Josh Owen-Thomas 186-PG-92 Calgary Canada
Connor Michael Washington 184-PG-92 Leicester R. United Kingdom
Zak Wells 213-C-93 Leopards United Kingdom
Tague Zachary 201-G Grinnell USA

Dave Smart Head Coach Carleton Canada
John Campbell Assistant Dalhousie Canada



Lithuania shoot down Great Britain in Houston - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania - Great Britain 63:61

Lithuania and Great Britain played a friendly encounter at the Hofheinz Pavilion in Houston, Texas. The Baltic team claimed a narrow win at the end. Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84, agency: Alti Sport) came up with 13 points to lead the winners.
Great Britain looked better in the starting quarter. The Brits posted a 17:12 lead ten minutes into the game. But Lithuania adjusted their offence and went for 25 points in the second quarter to erase the deficit. Great Britain pulled back in charge in the third frame. They established a narrow 54:53 lead with one quarter remaining. But Lithuania held their opponents to 7 points in the final period and snatched a tough win at the end. Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) and Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) accounted for 12 points each for Lithuania. Kyle Johnson (195-G-88, college: LIU Brooklyn) answered with 12 points for Great Britain. Daniel Clark (210-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) had 11 points, while Joel Freeland (208-F-87) posted 10 in the loss.

Lithuania: Paulius Jankunas 13, Sarunas Jasikevicius 12, Jonas Valanciunas 12
Great Britain: Kyle Johnson 12, Daniel Clark 11, Joel Freeland 10


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

Standings - Metropolitan League

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

Regular Season: Round 11

Jun. 22: Marne - Larranaga 82-96
Jun. 22: Cader - Goes 82-86
Jun. 22: Atenas - Urunday Univ. 79-70
Jun. 22: Verdirrojo - Capitol 76-80
Jun. 22: Guruyu Waston - Romis N. 75-83

Regular Season: Round 12

Jun. 25: Atenas - Yale
Jun. 25: Capitol - Urunday Univ.
Jun. 25: Romis N. - Marne
Jun. 25: Verdirrojo - Larranaga
Jun. 25: Guruyu Waston - Cader


Results for the Metro League 11th round - by Hector Lopez

Results for the Metro League 11th round
Larranaga 96 - Emiliano Suarez (182-PG-91) 23 points 5 rebounds 4 asists (No import player)
Marne 82 - Lisandro Rasio (197-F/C-90) 28 points 21 rebounds
- - -
Goes 86 - Marcelo Perez (194-F-73) 34 points 7 rebounds 2 blocks, Diego Romero (208-C-82, college: Florida St.) 8 points
Cader 82 - Reggie Okosa (208-F/C-80, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: La Salle) 30 points 7 rebounds
- - -
Capitol 80 - Kevin Martin (208-C-83, college: Florida Gulf Coast) 23 points 17 rebounds 3 blocks
Verdirrojo 76 - Kevin Nelson (192-G-84, college: Park) 25 points 2 rebounds 6 assists
- - -
Atenas 79 - Anthony Johnson (203-F-88, college: Fairfield) 18 points 4 rebounds
Urunday 70 -Howard Wilkerson (198-F-84, agency: Two Points, college: Wofford) 13 points 11 rebounds
- - -
Romis Nelimar 83 - Jose Moure (185-G-89) 31 points 4 rebounds
Guruyu Waston 75 - Martavius Adams 31 points 18 rebounds


*****************************************************
  WBA   

Standings

WBA Standings
 1. Atlanta Blaze 3-0 
 2. Gwinnett Majic 2-0 
 3. Rome G. 2-2 
 4. Upsate Heat 2-2 
 5. Gastonia G. 1-3 
 6. Mauldin S. 0-0 
 7. Conyers CK 0-3 

Regular Season: Round 3

Jun. 23: Atlanta Blaze - Rome G. 130-119
Jun. 23: Upsate Heat - Gastonia G. 123-112
Jun. 22: Upsate Heat - Gastonia G. 118-106
Jun. 22: Rome G. - Gwinnett Majic
Jun. 23: Gwinnett Majic - Conyers CK




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

Women News


Australia defeat Brazil in Farewell Series opener - by Eurobasket News

Australia - Brazil 85:64

Australia registered the first win in the Farewell Series versus Brazil in Melbourne. The Opals clinched a comfortable 21-point win at the Hisense Arena. Elizabeth Cambage (203-C-91) stepped up with 18 points to lead the hosts.
Brazil jumped to an early lead. The Latin American powerhouse grabbed a 16:14 lead after ten minutes. The visitors maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. Brazil arrived at halftime up by 6 points 35:29. But the Opals turned things around in the third quarter. They went on a massive 32:16 run to pull in front. The Opals took over completely in the final period. The hosts dominated on both ends of the floor and coasted to the victory at the end. Abby Bishop (189-C-88) provided 17 points, while Jenna O'Hea (185-G/F-87) and Suzy Batkovic-Brown (193-C-80) had 12 points each in the victory. Iziane Castro Marques (183-G/F-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) answered with 26 points for Brazil. Damiris Dantas (192-C-92) had 13 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

Australia: Elizabeth Cambage 18, Abby Bishop 17, Jenna O'Hea 12, Suzy Batkovic-Brown 12+11 boards
Brazil: Iziane Castro Marques 26, Damiris Dantas 13+11 boards


*****************************************************
  BELGIUM   


Wauters helps Storm beat Mystics 72-55 - by Eurobasket News

SEATTLE (AP) Seattle Storm coach Brian Agler called a timeout with 6:17 left in the first quarter to discuss the dysfunction that led to an early 7-2 lead for the Mystics.

He didn't pick up a dry-erase board to diagram the next play. Instead, he told his team to get it in gear.

The Storm did.

A 13-2 Seattle run ensued, helping the Storm to a lead it would not give back during a 72-55 win over the Washington Mystics on Sunday. It was Seattle's fourth consecutive victory after a 1-7 start to the season.

Ann Wauters (6'5''-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) hit a jumper, Camille Little (6'2''-F/G-85, college: N.Carolina) drove and scored, and Sue Bird hit a 3-pointer during the run. The blitz continued when Tina Thompson scored in the lane and rookie Shekinna Stricklen hit a jumper. Washington stopped the onslaught with a jumper from Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton (6'2''-PF-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Purdue).

Ann Wauters scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Bird scored 14, along with five assists and four rebounds for the Storm (5-7).

''It was more about competing harder and being more aggressive offensively and not making it so easy for them offensively,'' Agler said. ''I think we responded pretty good.''

Washington did not. The Mystics' 20 points were the fewest Seattle allowed in a half this season. Washington scored just nine points in the second period, shooting 4 for 19 from the field. Washington tried several deep jump shots with little time remaining on the shot clock.

''I felt like we were mentally fatigued,'' Washington coach Trudi Lacey said. ''When our shots didn't fall, it took the wind out of our defense.''

Washington's Crystal Langhorne (6'2''-F/C-86, college: Maryland) led all scorers with 21 points. Matee Ajavon had 11 for the Mystics (2-8). Noelle Quinn scored 10.

Seattle never trailed again after Bird hit a free throw to put the Storm up 10-9 with 4:35 remaining in the first quarter. Bird threw a no-look pass in the fourth quarter that a rolling Ewelina Kobryn put in while being fouled. Kobryn's made free throw put the Storm in front 64-46 and ended doubt about the result.

Bird's jumper to close the third quarter vaulted Seattle up 52-37, after a ruling in between quarters disallowed an earlier 3-pointer for the Mystics. Officials reviewed the play and ruled the shot clock expired before Wisdom-Hylton's 3-pointer was released.

The Mystics' 17 third-quarter points almost matched their 20-point output in the first half. But, it still wasn't enough to get back into the game. Seattle led 31-20 at the half after an efficient second quarter during which it shot 54.5 percent.

A 3-pointer from Bird and a layup by Little pushed the Storm in front 28-18 in the second quarter, forcing a Washington timeout.

''I think we're playing better, but I think there is still more to go,'' Bird said. ''We still kind of have some lapses here and there.''

Former Storm player Ashley Robinson returned to Seattle for the first time since being traded to Washington in the offseason. Robinson received a nice ovation when she checked in with 6:45 remaining in the second quarter and scored two points in just four minutes on the floor.
Courtesy of: sports.yahoo.com


*****************************************************
  BRAZIL   


Australia defeat Brazil in Farewell Series opener - by Eurobasket News

Australia - Brazil 85:64

Australia registered the first win in the Farewell Series versus Brazil in Melbourne. The Opals clinched a comfortable 21-point win at the Hisense Arena. Elizabeth Cambage (203-C-91) stepped up with 18 points to lead the hosts.
Brazil jumped to an early lead. The Latin American powerhouse grabbed a 16:14 lead after ten minutes. The visitors maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. Brazil arrived at halftime up by 6 points 35:29. But the Opals turned things around in the third quarter. They went on a massive 32:16 run to pull in front. The Opals took over completely in the final period. The hosts dominated on both ends of the floor and coasted to the victory at the end. Abby Bishop (189-C-88) provided 17 points, while Jenna O'Hea (185-G/F-87) and Suzy Batkovic-Brown (193-C-80) had 12 points each in the victory. Iziane Castro Marques (183-G/F-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) answered with 26 points for Brazil. Damiris Dantas (192-C-92) had 13 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

Australia: Elizabeth Cambage 18, Abby Bishop 17, Jenna O'Hea 12, Suzy Batkovic-Brown 12+11 boards
Brazil: Iziane Castro Marques 26, Damiris Dantas 13+11 boards


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


Germany send Bulgaria to third straight loss in EuroBasket Qualification - by Eurobasket News

Germany - Bulgaria 77:56

Germany recorded the second win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They held off visiting Bulgaria in Group D to improve at 2-1 record. Bulgaria in the meantime fell at 0-3. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) stepped up with 26 points to lead the winners.
Germany secured an aggressive start. The hosts knocked down 23 points for a 5-point lead after ten minutes. Bulgaria pulled ahead midway through the second quarter 31:30 but Germany regained the lead shortly after. The hosts secured a 41:35 halftime advantage. The margin grew to double digits in the third period. Germany took off to pile up a 65:49 lead at the final intermission. Richter gave the hosts a 20-point advantage early in the final frame and the home team never looked back en route to the victory. Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) accounted for 12 points, while Romy Bar (189-F-87) contributed 8 points for Germany. Vera Perostiyska (196-C-82, college: FIU) answered with 19 points and 9 boards for Bulgaria. Radoslava Bachvarova (183-F-87, agency: LBM Management, college: VCU) had 17 points in the loss.

Germany: Anne Breitreiner 26, Sarah Austmann 12, Romy Bar 8
Bulgaria: Vera Perostiyska 19, Radoslava Bachvarova 17


Hungary win international tournament in Turkey - by Eurobasket News

Hungary U16 - Bulgaria U16 79:74

Hungarian U16 National Team celebrated victory at the international friendly tournament in Istanbul. They claimed three wins in as many games played. Hungary capped their campaign with a tough victory over Bulgaria. Agnes Dobos (190-C-96) came up with 12 points to lead Hungary.
Hungary exploded with 26 points in the opening quarter to surge ahead. They established an 8-point lead after ten minutes. Hungary maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They piled up a 17-point lead at halftime 54:37. Bulgaria finally managed to slow their opponents down in the third quarter. They trimmed the deficit to 16 points at the final break. Bulgaria went on a brave 21:10 run in the fourth period but came up short of victory anyways. Barnadette Horvath and Virag Weninger accounted for 10 points each for the winners. Maria Kamburova (182-F-96) answered with 21 points and 14 boards for Bulgaria. Borislava Hristova (180-F-96) netted 21 points in defeat.

Hungary U16: Agnes Dobos 12, Barnadette Horvath 10, Virag Weninger 10
Bulgaria U16: Maria Kamburova 21+14 boards, Borislava Hristova 21


*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Czech Republic U16 finishes the International Tournament - by Eurobasket News

Czech Republic U16 finishes the International Tournament on the third place. The Czechs won 2 games at the Dydek Memorial being held in Poland. The Polish side triumphed in the tournament with 4 participating teams.
In Day 1 Poland Sweden U16 outscored Czech Republic U16 61:55. Later Czech Republic U16 overcame Great Britain U16.
In Day 3 Czech Republic U16 won over Poland U16 59:58. The guests started with 15-13 and added 19-16 in the second period. Poland bounced back with 16-11 in the third quarter, but lost the final period 13-14. Aneta Mainclova (191-C-96) top-scored for the winners with 11 points and Kopecka nailed 10. Julia Tyszkiewicz (177-G-96), Joanna Grymek (199-C-96) and Radomska netted 8 points each for the hosts.


*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   

Standings Div.A (Women)

Standings
Group A
1. Belarus4-0
2. Hungary2-1
3. Israel1-2
4. Ukraine1-2
5. Portugal0-3
Group B
1. Montenegro.4-0
2. Poland2-1
3. Serbia1-2
4. Switzerlan.1-2
5. Estonia0-3
Group C
1. Slovenia3-0
2. Lithuania3-1
3. Slovakia2-1
4. Holland0-3
5. Belgium0-3
Group D
1. Spain3-1
2. Germany2-1
3. Sweden2-1
4. Romania1-2
5. Bulgaria0-3
Group E
1. Latvia3-1
2. Finland2-1
3. Italy2-1
4. Greece1-2
5. Luxembourg.0-3

Qualifying Round: Round 4

A

Jun. 23: UKR - BLR 51-55
Jun. 23: ISR - HUN 46-64

B

Jun. 23: POL - SRB 76-74
Jun. 23: EST - MNT 54-86

C

Jun. 23: SVK - NED 70-48
Jun. 23: BEL - LTU 62-77

D

Jun. 24: GER - BUL 77-56
Jun. 23: ROM - ESP 51-68

E

Jun. 23: FIN - LAT 65-62
Jun. 23: GRE - ITA 53-64

Qualifying Round: Round 5

A

Jun. 27: HUN - UKR
Jun. 27: POR - ISR

B

Jun. 27: SRB - EST
Jun. 27: SUI - POL

C

Jun. 26: SLO - SVK
Jun. 27: NED - BEL

D

Jun. 27: BUL - ROM
Jun. 27: SWE - GER

E

Jun. 27: LUX - GRE
Jun. 27: ITA - FIN


Stats Leaders Div.A (Women)

Points Per Game
 Taru TUUKKANEN
  FIN
  (190-C-77)
  Avg: 22.3
 1. Tuukkanen, FIN22.3 
 2. Eldebrink, SWE21.7 
 3. Dubljevic, MNT19.3 
 4. Marginean, ROM18.7 
 5. Petronyte, LTU18.5 
 6. Twehues, SUI18.0 
 7. Dabovic, SRB17.7 
 8. Jansone, LAT17.5 
 9. Perovanovic, MNT17.3 
 10. Doron, ISR17.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Taru TUUKKANEN
  FIN
  (190-C-77)
  Avg: 13.7
 1. Tuukkanen, FIN13.7 
 2. Teilane-T., LAT10.3 
 3. Dubljevic, MNT10.0 
 4. Petronyte, LTU9.3 
 5. Perostiyska, BUL8.7 
 6. Pavel, ROM8.7 
 7. Perovanovic, MNT8.3 
 8. Matic, SRB8.3 
 9. Vadja, HUN8.3 
 10. Fleisher, ISR8.3 
Assists Per Game
 Jelena SKEROVIC
  MNT
  (176-G-80)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Skerovic, MNT5.5 
 2. Dubljevic, MNT5.3 
 3. Teilane-T., LAT4.8 
 4. Jalcova, SVK4.3 
 5. Radocaj, SRB4.3 
 6. Baric, SLO4.3 
 7. Karklina, LAT4.3 
 8. Bar, GER4.0 
 9. Erkic, SLO3.7 
 10. Kochubei, UKR3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Romy BAR
  GER
  (189-F-87)
  Avg: 5.3
 1. Bar, GER5.3 
 2. Hatzinikolao., GRE4.0 
 3. Erkic, SLO3.3 
 4. Skobel, POL3.3 
 5. Doron, ISR3.3 
 6. Ouvina, ESP3.0 
 7. Linkeviciene, LTU3.0 
 8. Dabovic, SRB2.7 
 9. Oblak, SLO2.7 
 10. Kubatova, SVK2.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Anastasiya VEREMEENKO
  BLR
  (194-C-87)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Veremeenko, BLR2.5 
 2. Pavel, ROM2.0 
 3. Nicholls, ESP2.0 
 4. Teilane-T., LAT1.8 
 5. Petronyte, LTU1.3 
 6. Kupcikova, SVK1.3 
 7. Meesseman, BEL1.3 
 8. Jallai, EST1.0 
 9. Piekarska, POL1.0 
 10. Zherzherunov., UKR1.0 


Round 4 of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications - by Eurobasket News

Group A
Israel - Hungary 46-64
Hungary grabbed valuable victory in Rishon Le Zion at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. The gusts overcame Israel 64:46 for 2-1 record. Israel meanwhile fell at 1-2 record. Hungary took the lead in the opening period and reached 19:9 after the first 10 minutes. Moreover they shocked the hosts with 19-5 in the second frame to feel more comfortable in the second half. Vajda sent the teams to the lockers at 38:14, but Israel managed to recover a bit. Israel won the third quarter 17-16 and then produced a 15-10 final push. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) scored the last four points for the hosts to reduce to 18 points at the end. Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: De Paul) top-scored for the winners with 15 points and Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) netted 14. Honti posted 11, while Nagy and Simon poured in 8 apiece. Liron Cohen ended up with 13 points in defeat and Levitsky scored 10.

Ukraine - Belarus 51-55
Belarusian National Team are marching towards 2013 EuroBasket. They posted the fourth straight win at the start of the Qualifying Round in Group A. Tonight Belarus held off Ukraine in Yuzny to stay undefeated on top of the pool. Anastasiya Veremeenko (194-C-87) stepped up with 13 points, 13 boards, 3 steals and 3 blocks to pace the visitors. Belarus played a nearly perfect defence in the first half. They limited Ukraine to 22 points in the first two periods to accumulate a 27:22 halftime lead. Ukraine tipped off the third quarter with six points in a row to surge ahead. But Belarus responded quickly and gained a 37:35 advantage with one quarter remaining. Tetiana Panchenk-Stakhova (173-G/F-79) put the hosts back in charge with a three-pointer early in the final quarter. However Belarus triggered a 7:3 rally to regain the lead. The visitors used an 8:0 run late in regulation to clear off and protected the lead till the final buzzer. Alexandra Tarasava (170-PG-88) had 9 points for Belarus. Viktoriya Hasper and Tatyana Troina accounted for 7 points each in the win. Olexandra Kurasova (186-F-86) answered with 17 points for Ukraine. Alina Iagupova and Tetiana Panchenk-Stakhova had 8 points each in the loss.

Group B
Estonia - Montenegro 54-86
Montenegro posted the fourth straight win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They breezed past Estonia in Tallinn to stay unbeaten on top of Group B. Jelena Dubljevic (191-C-87) scored 19 points, grabbed 11 boards and issued 4 assists to lead the visitors. Estonia fell at 0-3 record after the loss. Montenegro dominated from start to finish. They unloaded 27 points in the opening quarter to take a 10-point lead. Montenegro kept the hosts at bay throughout the second quarter. Estonia faced a 17-point deficit at halftime 26:43. Montenegro continue to mount the lead in the second half. They entered the fourth frame up by as many as 27 points and never looked back en route to the win. Eshaya Murphy (182-G/F-85, college: USC) scored 14 points, while Ana Turcinovic added 12 points for the winners. Merike Anderson (180-F/G-81, agency: LBM Management) and Kati Rausberg (172-G-89) answered with 10 points each for Estonia.

Poland - Serbia 76-74
The Polish squad pip Serbia in Krosno at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. In one of the top games of Round 4 the hosts won over Serbia 76:74. It was an offensive start in the game and both teams managed to show quick successful baskets in the opening period. Serbia grabbed 28:20 lead and led 13 points in the first half. Jovanovic and Jelena Maksimovic sent the teams to the lockers at 49:40. Later on Poland dominated the court and caught up with the opponents. The created a run as Martyna Koc (186-C-83, agency: Promotex), Weronika Idczak (177-G-89) and Agnieszka Szott each scored to knot the contest at 55:55. Losi scored for 64:63 and Weronika Idczak nailed three for 64:59. Jelena Maksimovic tied the game at 74:74, but Martyna Koc brought an important victory for the hosts. Weronika Idczak led the way with 17 points and Martyna Koc added 16. Agnieszka Szott poured in 14, whilst Agnieszka Skobel chipped in with 13. Ana Dabovic (183-G/F-89) erupted with 27 points in the losing effort and Jelena Maksimovic delivered 10.

Group C
Belgium - Lithuania 62-77
Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) leads the Baltic side over Belgium at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. The Lithuanian team overcame the hosts in Brussels 77:62 as the player scored 21 points. Lithuania scored the first 5 points in the game, but could not keep the lead at the end of the frame. Raman and Emma Meesseman (192-C-93, agency: LBM Management) brought 19:18 and Van Malderen scored for 26:24 early in the second. Due to 17-13 in the second period, Lithuania however grabbed 35:32 halftime advantage. Later on the guests continued their run and reached 48:40 midway through the third period. Gutkauskaite and Marina Solopova closed the period at 58:48 and then Gintare Petronyte scored for 63:51. Lithuanian added 19-13 in the last stanza to seal the victory. Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) followed the top-scorer with 18 points and Giedre Paugaite delivered 11. Emma Meesseman finished the game with 9 points in defeat, while Julie Vanloo, Noemie Mayombo and Sofie Hendrickx brought 8 each.

Slovakia - Holland 70-48
Slovakia rolled over Netherlands in Kosice at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. The home side easily celebrated a 70:48 win. Slovak Republic improved to 2-1 record in Group C, while the Dutch side fell at 0-3. The hosts scored the first 4 points in the game and never looked behind after. They reached 16:6 at the end of the period as Jurcenkova closed the frame with a lay-up. Naomi Halman (191-F/C-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Cal-Irvine) reduced to 16:13, while Broring cut it to 24:22. Lawless and v meanwhile scored the last points for the winners at the half to take 29:24 halftime advantage. Slovakia also won the third period 19-16 and led 48:40 after 30 minutes. Moreover they finished the game with 22-8 and sealed the victory over their opponents. Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) stepped up with 13 points for the winners and Romana Vynuchalova (192-C/F-86, college: Penn St.) nailed 12. Janka Mincikova finished the night with 10, while Gabriela Kubatova poured in 9. Naomi Halman scored 20 points in defeat and Myrthe Beld had 9.

Group D
Germany - Bulgaria 77-56
Germany recorded the second win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They held off visiting Bulgaria in Group D to improve at 2-1 record. Bulgaria in the meantime fell at 0-3. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) stepped up with 26 points to lead the winners. Germany secured an aggressive start. The hosts knocked down 23 points for a 5-point lead after ten minutes. Bulgaria pulled ahead midway through the second quarter 31:30 but Germany regained the lead shortly after. The hosts secured a 41:35 halftime advantage. The margin grew to double digits in the third period. Germany took off to pile up a 65:49 lead at the final intermission. Richter gave the hosts a 20-point advantage early in the final frame and the home team never looked back en route to the victory. Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) accounted for 12 points, while Romy Bar contributed 8 points for Germany. Vera Perostiyska (196-C-82, college: FIU) answered with 19 points and 9 boards for Bulgaria. Radoslava Bachvarova had 17 points in the loss.

Romania - Spain 51-68
Spain posted the third win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They defeated Romania in Bucharest in Group D action tonight. Spain improved at 3-1 record, while Romania slipped at 1-2 after the game. Anna Cruz (173-PG-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas) scored 15 points to lead the visitors. Spain opened the game on a 9:2 run. They maintained the lead throughout the opening quarter posting a 25:18 advantage after ten minutes. Spain stayed in front throughout the second quarter. They ensured a 37:32 halftime lead. Romania used a 9:0 run midway through the third quarter to pull ahead 41:39. They established a 45:41 advantage into the fourth frame. But Amaya Valdemoro, Anna Cruz and Anna Montanana (186-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) sparked a 16:0 run from the visitors that put them beyond reach. Spain breezed to the victory after that. Anna Montanana accounted for 14 points, while Amaya Valdemoro posted 10 points in the winning effort. Ancuta Stoenescu (169-G-80, agency: Data Plus Group) responded with 16 points for Romania. Gabriela Marginean had 14 points in the loss.

Group E
Greece - Italy 53-64
Italy claimed a valuable road win over Greece at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. The win propelled Italy at 2-1 record in Group E. The Hellenes slipped at 1-2 record. Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) scored 16 points to pace the Azzurri. Greece eked out a 14:12 lead after ten minutes. Italy snatched the lead late in the second quarter. The visitors pulled ahead for a 27:26 halftime lead. Greece regained the lead midway through the third quarter but not for long. Bagnara, Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) and Gatti gave Italy a 44:41 lead at the final intermission. Santucci and Giorgia Sottana stretched the lead to 7 points 58:51 with under two minutes remaining. Giorgia Sottana knocked down four free throws in the dying minutes to seal the win for Italy. Ilaria Zanoni (180-G-86) and Raffaella Masciadri scored 14 points each for the winners. Peli Papamichail (189-F/C-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas) answered with 15 points for Greece. Zoi Dimitrakou had 12 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.

Finland - Latvia 65-62
Finland shock Latvia in Vantaa at the start of Day 4 of the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round. The Finnish side handed Latvia their first loss and improved to 2-1 record after 65:62 win. Finland started better and had 7:4 lead in the opening tip. Dionne Pounds and Sten brought 17:12, while Aija Putnina closed the period at 17:14. Latvia woke up in the second period and Ieva Krastina (175-G/F-90, agency: LBM Management) gave the guests 20:17 lead. Sabine Niedola improved to 30:22, while Liene Jansone (191-F/C-81, college: Siena) gave her side the biggest lead. Finland did not panic and managed to close the half at 37:34. In the third period the hosts produced a 14-12 burst and trailed 1 point at the end of the third period. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Xavier) made the last three points for the team at the end of the final period for the successful game. Taru Tuukkanen top-scored for the winners with 25 points and 16 rebounds, while Heta Korpivaara (186-G/F-84, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Seton Hall) added 14. Sten and Dionne Pounds followed them with 10 points apiece. Liene Jansone ended up with 24 points in the losing effort and Ieva Krastina had 12. Sabine Niedola poured in 10, while Aija Putnina chipped in with 8.


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


Germany send Bulgaria to third straight loss in EuroBasket Qualification - by Eurobasket News

Germany - Bulgaria 77:56

Germany recorded the second win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They held off visiting Bulgaria in Group D to improve at 2-1 record. Bulgaria in the meantime fell at 0-3. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) stepped up with 26 points to lead the winners.
Germany secured an aggressive start. The hosts knocked down 23 points for a 5-point lead after ten minutes. Bulgaria pulled ahead midway through the second quarter 31:30 but Germany regained the lead shortly after. The hosts secured a 41:35 halftime advantage. The margin grew to double digits in the third period. Germany took off to pile up a 65:49 lead at the final intermission. Richter gave the hosts a 20-point advantage early in the final frame and the home team never looked back en route to the victory. Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) accounted for 12 points, while Romy Bar (189-F-87) contributed 8 points for Germany. Vera Perostiyska (196-C-82, college: FIU) answered with 19 points and 9 boards for Bulgaria. Radoslava Bachvarova (183-F-87, agency: LBM Management, college: VCU) had 17 points in the loss.

Germany: Anne Breitreiner 26, Sarah Austmann 12, Romy Bar 8
Bulgaria: Vera Perostiyska 19, Radoslava Bachvarova 17


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


Netherlands U16 post first win in Turkey - by Eurobasket News

Turkey U16 - Netherlands U16 53:60

Dutch U16 National Team celebrated the first win at the international tournament in Istanbul. They stunned the hosts on the final day of the competition. Janis Ndiba stepped up with 12 points and 10 rebounds to pace the Orange selection.
Netherlands eked out a 12:11 lead ten minutes into the action. They stretched the margin in the second quarter. Netherlands piled up a 28:24 halftime lead. Turkey struggled to pick up the right tempo in the second half. The visitors ensured a 16-point advantage at the final intermission. Turkey outscored their opponents in the fourth frame but could not avoid the loss. Fleur Kuijt (174-G-96) nailed 11 points, while Emese Hof (188-C-96), Fenne van der Wielen (171-PG-96) and Esther Fokke (180-PF-96) notched 8 points each in the victory. Serife Alperi answered with 11 points for Turkey. Ilknur Yildizhan had 10 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Turkey U16: Serife Alperi 11, Ilknur Yildizhan 10
Netherlands U16: Janis Ndiba 12+10 boards, Fleur Kuijt 11


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


Hungary win international tournament in Turkey - by Eurobasket News

Hungary U16 - Bulgaria U16 79:74

Hungarian U16 National Team celebrated victory at the international friendly tournament in Istanbul. They claimed three wins in as many games played. Hungary capped their campaign with a tough victory over Bulgaria. Agnes Dobos (190-C-96) came up with 12 points to lead Hungary.
Hungary exploded with 26 points in the opening quarter to surge ahead. They established an 8-point lead after ten minutes. Hungary maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They piled up a 17-point lead at halftime 54:37. Bulgaria finally managed to slow their opponents down in the third quarter. They trimmed the deficit to 16 points at the final break. Bulgaria went on a brave 21:10 run in the fourth period but came up short of victory anyways. Barnadette Horvath and Virag Weninger accounted for 10 points each for the winners. Maria Kamburova (182-F-96) answered with 21 points and 14 boards for Bulgaria. Borislava Hristova (180-F-96) netted 21 points in defeat.

Hungary U16: Agnes Dobos 12, Barnadette Horvath 10, Virag Weninger 10
Bulgaria U16: Maria Kamburova 21+14 boards, Borislava Hristova 21


*****************************************************
  NAIA   


Martin Methodist College: Lady RedHawks Standouts Played Overseas with Team USA - by Stephan Ditgens

PULASKI, Tenn. -- After a season of milestones and highlights, Vee Young and Jessy Christopher accepted an invitation to compete internationally with the USA Athletes International Basketball team. They traveled throughout Italy with Team USA playing against Italian university and Semi-Pro teams. Along with the top-level basketball they played, the student-athletes also saw several historical sites and experienced new cultures.

USA Athletes International, Inc. has been participating in international competition since 1992. The non-profit organization is headquartered in Olathe, Kansas and supports a total of 15 different sports that compete in 25 different countries throughout the world. USAAI is dedicated to giving amateur athletes and coaches the opportunity to participate in international Olympic-style sporting events throughout the world, while also allowing them to broaden their educational and cultural knowledge of the world through the experience.

"I am very happy for both Jessy and Vee," said Martin Methodist College head basketball coach Jamy Bechler. "Basketball provides many opportunities to student-athletes and this is one of them. The chance to travel overseas, while playing basketball is a great experience. It is also good that they are getting to play against top-level international competition. They both are very competitive and this should help take their game to a new level."

Vee Young has completed her eligibility for the Redhawks but has one semester remaining academically before she will turn her focus on playing professionally. Christopher was an All-TranSouth Conference performer last season as she finished second in the nation in assists. She will return for her senior season with the RedHawks, who were 19-13 last season while averaging 82 points per game.

The following are updates of their games:

Game 1 in Rome, Italy

Team USA defeated CUS ROMA University 95-45

Vee-20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks

Jessy-10 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals

Game 2 in Rome, Italy

Team USA defeated San Rafaile 78-69

Vee-22 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks

Jessy-8 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds

courtesy of: Martin Methodist College


*****************************************************
  POLAND   


Poland U16 wins Dydek Memorial - by Eurobasket News

Poland U16 wins Malgorzata Dydek Memorial being held in the country. The Polish side triumphed in the tournament with 4 participating teams.
In Day 1 Poland U16 rolled over England U16 81:30. The hosts started with a 29-4 lead and never looked behind after. They added 18-14 in the second frame for 29-pointy advantage at the halftime. Moreover Poland won the third and the last quarters to seal the victory in the opener. Karolina Pobozy (188-F-96) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Misinska nailed 13. Clements replied with 10 points in defeat and Norton scored 6.
In Day 2 Poland U16 edged Sweden U16 69:63. Trailing 11-14 after the first period, the host needed 24-14 to take the lead at the end of the first half. Poland added 23-15 in the last quarter to win the second straight game. Karolina Pobozy stepped up with 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Monika Radomska had 14. Sigrid Sandstrom replied with 18 points for the Swedish team.
In Day 3 Czech Republic U16 won over Poland U16 59:58. The guests started with 15-13 and added 19-16 in the second period. Poland bounced back with 16-11 in the third quarter, but lost the final period 13-14. Aneta Mainclova (191-C-96) top-scored for the winners with 11 points and Kopecka nailed 10. Julia Tyszkiewicz (177-G-96), Grymek and Radomska netted 8 points each for the hosts.


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

1.Liga Standings - by Eurobasket

1.Liga Standings
East
 1. Presov 8-0 
 2. UPJS Kosice 6-2 
 3. SKPD SNV 2 4-4 
 4. Spisska Bela 1-7 
 5. Zvolen 1-7 
West
 1. Petrzalka 10-0 
 2. Levice 5-5 
 3. Filozof Brat. 5-5 
 4. Samorin 2 4-6 
 5. Piestany 3-7 
 6. Slovan 3-7 


Slovakian U16 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket

Veronika Remenarova
Lucia Striesova
Miroslava Mistinova
Karin Miksadova
Lucia Ondrejkova
Kristina Matuskova 96
Julia Lelkes
Natalia Jelencikova
Linda Prochazkova
Alexandra Haskova
Alzbeta Bubenikova
Denisa Blanarova UPJS Kosice Slovakia
Sarah Lochbihler

Luboslav Kovalsky Head Coach Poprad Slovakia



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


Slovenia, Georgia Tech lose Tjasa Gortnar for 8 months - by Eurobasket News

According to Slovenian Basketball Federation, this summers campaign has ended early for Tjasa Gortnar (187-F-92) who has sustained a serious knee injury.

Gortnar has torn both the ACL and MCL as well as damaged knee cartilage. She will be unable to play at least 8 months.

That would mean that she will be forced to sit out the next season at Georgia Tech University.

In three games she averaged 4.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game for Slovenia.
Courtesy of: lovewomensbasketball.com


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


Swedish cadets come back from Poland - by Eurobasket News

Swedish cadets come back from Poland as they participated at the Dydek Memorial being held in the country. The Polish side triumphed in the tournament with 4 participating teams, while Sweden finished second.
In Day 1 Sweden U16 outscored Czech Republic U16 61:55.
In Day 2 Poland U16 edged Sweden U16 69:63. Trailing 11-14 after the first period, the host needed 24-14 to take the lead at the end of the first half. Poland added 23-15 in the last quarter to win the second straight game. Karolina Pobozy stepped up with 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Monika Radomska had 14. Sigrid Sandstrom (177-G-96) replied with 18 points for the Swedish team.
Sweden U16 beat Great Britain U16 54:45. The latter opened the game with 17-8 but could not win the game. The Scandinavian team replied with 16-10 in the second quarter. Moreover they erupted with 15-3 in the last stanza to win the game. Amanda Tivenius (184-F-96) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and 16 rebounds, while Hrnjest had 12 points and 12 boards. Adebayeo ended up with 10 points in the losing effort.


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


Netherlands U16 post first win in Turkey - by Eurobasket News

Turkey U16 - Netherlands U16 53:60

Dutch U16 National Team celebrated the first win at the international tournament in Istanbul. They stunned the hosts on the final day of the competition. Janis Ndiba stepped up with 12 points and 10 rebounds to pace the Orange selection.
Netherlands eked out a 12:11 lead ten minutes into the action. They stretched the margin in the second quarter. Netherlands piled up a 28:24 halftime lead. Turkey struggled to pick up the right tempo in the second half. The visitors ensured a 16-point advantage at the final intermission. Turkey outscored their opponents in the fourth frame but could not avoid the loss. Fleur Kuijt (174-G-96) nailed 11 points, while Emese Hof (188-C-96), Fenne van der Wielen (171-PG-96) and Esther Fokke (180-PF-96) notched 8 points each in the victory. Serife Alperi answered with 11 points for Turkey. Ilknur Yildizhan had 10 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Turkey U16: Serife Alperi 11, Ilknur Yildizhan 10
Netherlands U16: Janis Ndiba 12+10 boards, Fleur Kuijt 11


A thirth team is going to Euroleague from Turkey - by Mustafa Bozkurt


Nowadays there is a big excitement in Turkish basketball for the Euroleague Wild-Card. After Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, a thirth team is going to play in Euroleague from Turkey. Eurocup teams, TED College, Mersin, Botas, Kayseri Kaski and Homend Antakya didnt want to attend Euroleague. Because of that Tarsus is waiting to hear from Turkish Federation for the wild-card to play in Euroleague. Tarsus is ready to play in Euroleague. Before the beginning of season they were thinking to play in a European Cup so that they made a good Turkish roster. They already signed with Danielle Robinson, Amaya Valdemoro, Cindy Lima and Turkish-American player Michelle Campbell. Their management also ready to sign with Erika De Souza or Delisha Milton Jones if they get the Euroleague Wild Card. Istanbul University also made a good roster with signing Turkish National team players Nilay Yigit, Tugba Palazoglu, Nazlı Guler. University's import roster also very valuable, they got agreed with Irina Osipova, Jessica Davenport and Essence Carson. They also want to play in a European Cup. They are also ready for that.


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


England U16 comes back from Poland - by Eurobasket News

England U16 comes back from Poland after Dydek Memorial being held in the country. The Polish side triumphed in the tournament with 4 participating teams.
In Day 1 Poland U16 rolled over England U16 81:30. The hosts started with a 29-4 lead and never looked behind after. They added 18-14 in the second frame for 29-pointy advantage at the halftime. Moreover Poland won the third and the last quarters to seal the victory in the opener. Karolina Pobozy (188-F-96) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Misinska nailed 13. Clements replied with 10 points in defeat and Norton scored 6.
Later Sweden U16 beat Great Britain U16 54:45. The latter opened the game with 17-8 but could not win the game. The Scandinavian team replied with 16-10 in the second quarter. Moreover they erupted with 15-3 in the last stanza to win the game. Amanda Tivenius (184-F-96) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and 16 rebounds, while Hrnjest had 12 points and 12 boards. Adebayeo ended up with 10 points in the losing effort.


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

Standings

WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Connecticut S. 9-3 
 2. Chicago S. 7-3 
 3. Indiana F. 7-4 
 4. Atlanta D. 5-7 
 5. New York L. 4-9 
 6. Washington M. 2-8 
Western
 1. Minnesota L. 12-1 
 2. L.Angeles S. 9-5 
 3. Seattle S. 6-6 
 4. S.Antonio SS 5-5 
 5. Phoenix M. 3-8 
 6. Tulsa S. 1-11 

Regular Season: Round 16

Jun. 24: Seattle S. - Washington M. 72-55
Jun. 24: L.Angeles S. - S.Antonio SS 71-91
Jun. 24: New York L. - Atlanta D. 64-74
Jun. 26: Atlanta D. - Indiana F.
Jun. 26: Washington M. - Seattle S.
Jun. 26: Tulsa S. - L.Angeles S.


Sophia Young leads Silver Stars past Sparks 91-71 - by Eurobasket News

LOS ANGELES Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) scored 20 points to lead four players in double-figure scoring as the San Antonio Silver Stars handed the Los Angeles Sparks their first defeat at home. 91-71 Sunday night.

The Silver Stars (5-5) led wire to wire and snapped a four-game road losing streak. They won consecutive games for the first time this season and improved to 2-0 against Los Angeles.

The Sparks (10-4) were attempting to start 7-0 at home for the first time since 2006. They had won eight consecutive at home dating to last season.

Young scored 13 points in the second half. She made jumpers to give San Antonio leads of 76-60 and 80-64. Shameka Christon (6'1''-G/F-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Arkansas) matched a season high with 16 points. Danielle Robinson (5'9''-G-89, college: Oklahoma) added 14 points and Becky Hammon 12 points and 10 assists.

The Silver Stars came out with energy and withstood a brief run when the Sparks closed to 47-44 early in the second half on a breakaway basket by Alana Beard. San Antonio led by double digits from 64-54 on.

Young, coming off 2-for-11 shooting in the previous game, made 7 of her 11 field goal attempts.

L.As a great team, Young said. (But) our focus and mentality was to be aggressive from the start. I thought we competed. I thought we were physical.

Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) returned for the Sparks after she sat out Saturday with a sore knee, but was held to five points and four rebounds in the second half. She finished with 15 points on 6 of 17 from the field, and 15 rebounds.

The Sparks, the second-best free throw shooting team in the WNBA, made only 8 of 18 attempts. They also allowed San Antonio to shoot 48.6 percent from the field and make eight 3-pointers, four by Christon.

First-year Sparks coach Carol Ross has made defense a priority and she was disappointed with the energy level, although Los Angeles was playing the second of back-to-back games.

If you cant sustain defensive energy, its hard, Ross said. It was a combination of anemic offense and unenergized defense.

Clearly San Antonio was very good right out of the gate and they took the game over early. We were not ready for whatever reason. Thats my responsibility.

San Antonio coach Dan Hughes said his team is more rested than the Sparks. The teams will meet again Thursday and the schedule picks up for the Silver Stars, who will play five games in the first eight days of July. But Hughes likes the progress he sees.

I think were a team that is coming together in different ways, Hughes said. Were a team that relies on our bench, so I think it takes us longer to get into a groove. Weve been on the road a bit, and this Western Conference is extremely challenging.

San Antonio induced L.A. into six fouls in the third quarter as Young led a balanced attack with seven points and four rebounds. Hammon made a 3-pointer to beat the 24-second clock to cap a 7-0 run for a 54-44 lead.

Los Angeles couldnt respond after that and watched San Antonio score the most points against them this season. The Sparks entered Sunday allowing only 70.6 points per game at home.

They probably came in here with extra motivation, DeLisha Milton-Jones said. Maybe they wanted to take that away from us. . This game is not going to break us. Were going to use this and grow on many different levels.

Milton-Jones scored 13 points but sat out a long stretch of the second half with foul trouble. April Sykes scored 11 points in a reserve role.

The Silver Stars took a 42-36 lead into halftime after they weathered a 12-3 run by the Sparks late in the second quarter.

Christon scored 11 points in the first half, including three 3-pointers in the first quarter, before she sat out the entire second quarter.
Courtesy of: Associated Press


Wauters helps Storm beat Mystics 72-55 - by Eurobasket News

SEATTLE (AP) Seattle Storm coach Brian Agler called a timeout with 6:17 left in the first quarter to discuss the dysfunction that led to an early 7-2 lead for the Mystics.

He didn't pick up a dry-erase board to diagram the next play. Instead, he told his team to get it in gear.

The Storm did.

A 13-2 Seattle run ensued, helping the Storm to a lead it would not give back during a 72-55 win over the Washington Mystics on Sunday. It was Seattle's fourth consecutive victory after a 1-7 start to the season.

Ann Wauters (6'5''-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) hit a jumper, Camille Little (6'2''-F/G-85, college: N.Carolina) drove and scored, and Sue Bird hit a 3-pointer during the run. The blitz continued when Tina Thompson scored in the lane and rookie Shekinna Stricklen hit a jumper. Washington stopped the onslaught with a jumper from Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton (6'2''-PF-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Purdue).

Ann Wauters scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Bird scored 14, along with five assists and four rebounds for the Storm (5-7).

''It was more about competing harder and being more aggressive offensively and not making it so easy for them offensively,'' Agler said. ''I think we responded pretty good.''

Washington did not. The Mystics' 20 points were the fewest Seattle allowed in a half this season. Washington scored just nine points in the second period, shooting 4 for 19 from the field. Washington tried several deep jump shots with little time remaining on the shot clock.

''I felt like we were mentally fatigued,'' Washington coach Trudi Lacey said. ''When our shots didn't fall, it took the wind out of our defense.''

Washington's Crystal Langhorne (6'2''-F/C-86, college: Maryland) led all scorers with 21 points. Matee Ajavon had 11 for the Mystics (2-8). Noelle Quinn scored 10.

Seattle never trailed again after Bird hit a free throw to put the Storm up 10-9 with 4:35 remaining in the first quarter. Bird threw a no-look pass in the fourth quarter that a rolling Ewelina Kobryn put in while being fouled. Kobryn's made free throw put the Storm in front 64-46 and ended doubt about the result.

Bird's jumper to close the third quarter vaulted Seattle up 52-37, after a ruling in between quarters disallowed an earlier 3-pointer for the Mystics. Officials reviewed the play and ruled the shot clock expired before Wisdom-Hylton's 3-pointer was released.

The Mystics' 17 third-quarter points almost matched their 20-point output in the first half. But, it still wasn't enough to get back into the game. Seattle led 31-20 at the half after an efficient second quarter during which it shot 54.5 percent.

A 3-pointer from Bird and a layup by Little pushed the Storm in front 28-18 in the second quarter, forcing a Washington timeout.

''I think we're playing better, but I think there is still more to go,'' Bird said. ''We still kind of have some lapses here and there.''

Former Storm player Ashley Robinson returned to Seattle for the first time since being traded to Washington in the offseason. Robinson received a nice ovation when she checked in with 6:45 remaining in the second quarter and scored two points in just four minutes on the floor.
Courtesy of: sports.yahoo.com


Atlanta Dream Hold Off Liberty 74-64 - by Eurobasket News

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) scored 23 points and Sancho Lyttle added 19 to lead the Atlanta Dream to a 74-64 victory over the New York Liberty on Sunday.

McCoughtry shot 7 for 20 from the field and 7 for 9 on free throws in her return after missing two games due to a knee injury, helping the Dream (5-7) snap a two-game skid.

Leilani Mitchell (5'5''-PG-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Utah) scored 16 points, Kara Braxton had 14, and Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) and Demya Walker (6'4''-F/C-77, college: Virginia) added 12 each as New York (4-9) lost for the fourth time in five games. New Yorks lone win during that stretch came at Atlanta last Tuesday in a game McCoughtry missed.

After Walkers layup gave New York a 42-38 lead 13 seconds into the third quarter, Atlanta took control of the game with a 20-2 run. The Liberty got no closer than eight the rest of the way.

McCoughtry started it off with a 3 and Aneika Henrys layup put the Dream ahead for good with 9:12 remaining in the third. McCoughtrys layup with 7 1/2 to go in the period put Atlanta ahead 49-42.

Kia Vaughns jumper ended the Libertys scoring drought 13 seconds later, but the Dream scored the next nine points to stretch their lead to 58-44 on Lindsey Hardings jumper with 3:16 left in the third.

Yelena Leuchankas jumper with just under 7 minutes remaining in the fourth put Atlanta ahead 70-52, the Dreams biggest advantage of the game.

Pondexter and Braxton each had two baskets as New York scored the next eight points to pull within 10 with 3:07 to go. Pondexter fouled out of the game 15 seconds later and McCoughtry made two free throws to push Atlantas lead back to 12.

Walker had a layup with 2:37 to go and then hit 2 of 4 from the line to pull New York to 72-64 in the final minute. McCoughtry closed the scoring with two free throw with about 17 seconds to go.

Trailing by 10 after one quarter, the Liberty slowly cut into the Dreams lead. Mitchells 3 cut the deficit to seven less than 2 minutes into the second. Then, Vaughn had six points during a 9-1 run that pulled New York to 33-31 with 4:08 left in the first half.

After McCoughtry made three of four from the line in a 30-second span for Atlanta, Vaughn and Essence Carson both hit jumpers to get the Liberty to 36-35.

McCoughtry and Carson traded baskets before Mitchells fifth 3 of the game gave New York a 40-38 lead at the break.

Atlanta used an 18-2 run to take a 24-12 lead late in the first quarter. Lyttles three-point play capped an 11-point spurt that gave the Dream a 17-10 lead with 3:43 to go in the period. After Braxtons bank shot ended New Yorks 3-minute scoring drought, the Dream scored the next seven points to take their 12-point lead on Leuchankas layup with about 1 1/2 minutes remaining in the opening period.

Mitchell had a 3-pointer and a free throw in the final minute of the period to pull New York to 26-16 heading to the second.
Courtesy of: newyork.cbslocal.com