EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/4/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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


Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game
 Joe SMITH
  La Union
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 17.3
 1. Smith, La Union17.3 
 2. Gutierrez, Obras16.7 
 3. Villegas, Sionista16.6 
 4. McHopson, Quilm.16.3 
 5. OBannon, Boca Jrs16.1 
 6. DeGroat, Olimpico.15.8 
 7. Quinteros, Regat.15.6 
 8. Martinez, San M.15.6 
 9. Pittman, Libertad.15.3 
 10. Meyinsse, Wuber-.15.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jack Michael MARTINEZ
  San M.
  (203-F/C-81)
  Avg: 12.4
 1. Martinez, San M.12.4 
 2. Battle, Libertad S.9.9 
 3. Davis, GECR I.9.5 
 4. Sandes, Sionista9.1 
 5. Lloreda, Olimpico.8.8 
 6. Gutierrez, Obras8.6 
 7. Williams, Quimsa7.6 
 8. DeGroat, Olimpico.7.5 
 9. Truscott, Quilm.7.3 
 10. Matthews, Quilm.7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Facundo CAMPAZZO
  Penarol
  (179-PG-91)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Campazzo, Penarol5.9 
 2. Sanchez, Wuber-.5.5 
 3. Stanic, Boca Jrs5.5 
 4. Cequeira, Sionista4.8 
 5. Martinez, Regat.4.7 
 6. Laprovittola, Lanus3.8 
 7. Victoriano, San M.3.7 
 8. Sucatzky, Atenas3.7 
 9. Labaque, Atenas3.4 
 10. Ciorciari, GECR I.3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Facundo CAMPAZZO
  Penarol
  (179-PG-91)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Campazzo, Penarol2.3 
 2. Lescano, Atenas2.3 
 3. Quinteros, Regat.1.8 
 4. Moldu, Olimpico LB1.7 
 5. McHopson, Quilm.1.6 
 6. Ciorciari, GECR I.1.5 
 7. Sanchez, Wuber-.1.5 
 8. Treise, Libertad S.1.4 
 9. DeGroat, Olimpico.1.4 
 10. Stanic, Boca Jrs1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Robert BATTLE
  Libertad S.
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Battle, Libertad S.1.5 
 2. Clancy, Club 91.2 
 3. Rollins, Sionista1.2 
 4. Meyinsse, Wuber-.1.2 
 5. Gutierrez, Obras1.1 
 6. Matthews, Quilm.1.0 
 7. Roe, Regatas C.1.0 
 8. Ayarza, Club 90.9 
 9. Humphrey, Atenas0.9 
 10. Garces, Atenas0.9 


Juan Manuel Torres reinforces Estudiantes de Bahia Blanca - by Eurobasket News

Estudiantes de Bahia Blanca strengthened their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Juan Manuel Torres (208-C-84). The centre spent the last season in TNA. The Italian-Argentinean player had a stint with Huracan Trelew. Juan Manuel Torres averaged 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game in TNA. Previously the centre played for Tucuman BB, Olimpico de La Banda, Quimsa, Sao Bernardo, LHospitalet, Huesca, Aguas Valencia, Alicante. He is also not new to Estudianted de Bahia Blanca. The centre played for the team back in 2007/08 season. He tallied 5.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game then. Latinbasket.com named Juan Manuel Torres into All-Argentinean TNA 2nd Team last season. The centre used to be the member of U21 and Argentinean National Teams.


Facundo Giogri extends with Lanus - by Eurobasket News

Facundo Giorgi (205-F/C-85, college: FIU) extended his contract with Lanus. The centre will spend one more season with the team. Facundo Giorgi joined Lanus at the start of the last season. He tallied 4.3 points and 2.0 boards per game in LigaA. Previously the centre had spells for Estudiantes de Bahia Blanca, Obras and Union de Sunchales. He was the member of Argentina U20 and U21 National Teams.


Gonzalo Garcia and Marcus Melvin join La Union - by Eurobasket News

La Union are shaping up for the next season. Gonzalo Garcia will guide the team next season. The specialist is coming back to Argentina after a year sting in Brazil. Gonzalo Garcia worked with Flamengo since 2010 but left the team this month. Previously Gonzalo Garcia worked with Libertad Sunchales, Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, Regatas Corrientes, Ford Burgos, Paysandu BB, Ciclista Olimpico de La Banda. He also worked as assistant coach with Argentinean National Team in 2004/10.
La Union also secured the services of Marcus Melvin (203-F-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) and Gregory Lewis (198-F-78, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Winthrop) for the next season. Marcus Melvin started the season with Atenas Cordoba. The forward averaged 12.5 points and 6.5 boards per game in LigaA. In Liga Sudamericana Marcus Melvin notched 13.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per appearance. The forward earned Latinbasket.com All-Liga Sudamericana Honourable Mention. In May he moved to UBA to join the GIE Morrow Disciples. He became the UBA champion with the team.
Gregory Lewis extended the deal with La Union. He averaged 13.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per LigaA game last season. In Liga Americas the forward posted 17.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals per appearance.


Argentina prevail against Brazil in Super 4 Cup in Caracas - by Eurobasket News

Argentina - Brazil 75:68

Argentina victoriously opened their Super 4 Cup international tournament in Caracas. They held off Brazil in the opener. Nicolas Romano (197-F/C-87) scored 23 points to lead the winners.
Brazil enjoyed a slightly better start to the game. They built a 20:15 lead ten minutes into the encounter. But Argentina denied the deficit in the second quarter. Nestor Garcia team established a 37:35 halftime advantage. Argentina held their opponents to just 13 points in the third frame to take a 55:48 lead before the fourth quarter. The teams traded baskets throughout intense fourth quarter as Argentina marched to the victory. Matias Sandes (201-F/G-84) knocked down 16 points, while Nicolas Laprovittola (188-PG-90) added 10 points for Argentina. Lucas Cipolini (206-F/C-86, college: BYU-Hawaii) and Rafael Luz (185-G-92) answered with 12 points each for Brazil. Alex Oliveira (194-F-83) had 11 points in the loss.

Argentina: Nicolas Romano 23, Matias Sandes 16, Nicolas Laprovittola 10
Brazil: Lucas Cipolini 12, Rafael Luz 12, Alex Oliveira 11


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


Round 2 of Semi-Finals. Indonesia Warriors become the first finalists - by Eurobasket News

Satria Muda - Philip.Patriots 72-51

Indonesia Warriors advanced into the Final after they handed the Philippine Patriots the second straight loss in the series. The game without a history. Satria Muda led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Philippine Patriots to just 6 points in second quarter. They outrebounded Philippine Patriots 46-34 including 32 on the defensive glass. Americans were the main players on the court. Power forward Steve Thomas (204-81, college: Middle Tenn.St.) notched a double-double by scoring 19 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and forward Evan Brock (204-84, college: Alabama) supported him with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Even 12 points and 9 rebounds by center Nakiea Miller (204-79, college: Iona) did not help to save the game for Philippine Patriots. Swingman Anthony Johnson (197-79, college: La-Lafayette, agency: Interperformances) added 11 points for the guests. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Satria Muda: S.Thomas 19+15reb+4ast, E.Brock 16+11reb, S.Pringle 8+4reb+2ast, M.Wuysang 8+2reb+2ast, R.Gunawan 7+4reb, A.Salangsang 6+4reb
Philip.Patriots: N.Miller 12+9reb+3ast, A.Johnson 11+3reb, F.Adriano 6+2reb, A.Vergara 5+5reb+3ast, E.Laure 4+3reb+1ast, R.Wainwright 3+3reb
gschID: 176638


KL Dragons - Petron Blaze 100-77

KL Dragons held off Petron Blaze to force the decisive third game in the series. The game was mostly controlled by KL Dragons. Petron Blaze managed to win second period 23-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. 26 personal fouls committed by Petron Blaze helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American center Brian Williams (208-87, college: Tennessee) had a double-double by scoring 26 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import forward Tiras Wade (200-81, college: La-Lafayette, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 34 points (!!!) during the contest. American forward Duke Crews (203-88, college: Bowie St.) responded with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Chris Banchero (185, college: Seattle Pacific) scored 13 points and 7 assists. Four Petron Blaze players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
KL Dragons: T.Wade 34+4reb+3ast, B.Williams 26+15reb+7ast, P.Cabahug 17+3reb, C.Pacana 6+5reb+3ast, Y.Seng John Ng 5, B.Guganeswaran 3+2reb+2ast
Petron Blaze: D.Crews 15+9reb+4ast, C.Banchero 13+3reb+7ast, N.Fazekas 12+7reb+2ast, L.Avenido 10+3reb+1ast, N.Gonzales 7+1ast, R.Yap 6+2ast
gschID: 176637



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


NzNbl 2012 Champs baby...Auckland Pirates! (Ron Dorsey) - by Ronald Dorsey

What a great feeling to finish up the 2011/12 year as CHAMPS. Before heading over to NZ, I had one goal in mind. 'WIN'.. Now its time to get back home in the LAB this summer to have one of my hardest working summers ever in my pro career. Its really true when you hear people say that players are made in the off-season. Really looking forward to this upcoming season. LETS GET IT!!
Stay Blessed and keep God 1st..
RON


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

Standings

Premier Standings
Places 1-6
 1. Al Hala 2-0 
 2. Muharraq 1-0 
 3. Al Manama 1-1 
 4. Al Ahli 1-1 
 5. Sitra 0-1 
 6. Issa Town 0-2 
Places 7-11
 1. Al Ittihad 0-0 
 2. Al Najma 0-0 
 3. Bahrain Club 0-0 
 4. Nuwaidrat 0-0 
 5. Samaheej 0-0 
Stage One Standings

Second Stage: Round 2

Jun. 2: Al Manama - Al Ahli 64-71
Jun. 2: Al Hala - Issa Town 101-71
Jun. 3: Muharraq - Sitra



*****************************************************
  BALKAN LEAGUE   


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

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

As Eurobasket recently reported about Maccabi Beer Yaakov's scoring point guard Yoad Bet-Yosef, verbally agreeing with Galil, earlier today, the young talent signed a two-year deal with the Northern squad.

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

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

Galil's expected to part ways with all of their Americans, including Courtney Fells who has an extension option. Point guard Ofir Farhi was released.


*****************************************************
  BOTSWANA   

Standings

D1 Standings
 1. Spartans 12-1 
 2. Cadets 8-3 
 3. Police 8-5 
 4. Flames 7-2 
 5. Troopers 7-5 
 6. Dolphins 4-3 
 7. BDF V 3-8 
 8. Bullets 2-10 
 9. Saints 1-7 
 10. Splinters 1-9 

Regular Season: Round 13

Jun. 2: Flames - BDF V 66-62
Jun. 2: Bullets - Police 60-87
Jun. 2: Bullets - Saints 39-42
Jun. 3: Police - Dolphins
Jun. 3: Dolphins - Saints
Jun. 3: Splinters - BDF V
Jun. 3: Troopers - Cadets



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


Argentina prevail against Brazil in Super 4 Cup in Caracas - by Eurobasket News

Argentina - Brazil 75:68

Argentina victoriously opened their Super 4 Cup international tournament in Caracas. They held off Brazil in the opener. Nicolas Romano (197-F/C-87) scored 23 points to lead the winners.
Brazil enjoyed a slightly better start to the game. They built a 20:15 lead ten minutes into the encounter. But Argentina denied the deficit in the second quarter. Nestor Garcia team established a 37:35 halftime advantage. Argentina held their opponents to just 13 points in the third frame to take a 55:48 lead before the fourth quarter. The teams traded baskets throughout intense fourth quarter as Argentina marched to the victory. Matias Sandes (201-F/G-84) knocked down 16 points, while Nicolas Laprovittola (188-PG-90) added 10 points for Argentina. Lucas Cipolini (206-F/C-86, college: BYU-Hawaii) and Rafael Luz (185-G-92) answered with 12 points each for Brazil. Alex Oliveira (194-F-83) had 11 points in the loss.

Argentina: Nicolas Romano 23, Matias Sandes 16, Nicolas Laprovittola 10
Brazil: Lucas Cipolini 12, Rafael Luz 12, Alex Oliveira 11


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


Bulgarian NT roster unveiled, with surprise absences - by Maria Mitzova

Bulgarian national basketball team will begin its preparations for European qualification without twins Dejan and Kaloyan Ivanov, and American players. Team gathers on July 1st to start preparation camp in Pravets.
Lots of young players and the absence of the twins is the most remarkable thing on the roster. For the first time in couple of years, there is no foreigner with Bulgarian passport in the team. There is still a possibility that Willie Deane might join the team, plus some U20 NT players, on a later stage.
Centers: Nikolay Varbanov, Nikolay Kolev, Stanislav Vaklinov
Forwards: Hristo Nikolov, Alexander Yanev, Pavel Marinov, Martin Durchev, Hristo Zahariev, Chavdar Kostov
Guards: Philip Videnov, Ivan Lilov, Tihomir Zhelev, Bozhidar Avramov, Julian Radionov, Stanimir Marinov.


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


Volcanoes roll past Nippon Tornadoes - by Eurobasket News

Andre Murray (6'2''-G-87, college: Portland St.) scored 29 points and had 10 rebounds as the Vancouver Volcanoes defeated the Nippon Tornadoes 152-108 in an International Basketball League game Saturday at Clark College's O'Connell Sports Complex.

Nine Vancouver players were in double figures with four having a double-double.

Along with Murray, Devin Uskoski (6'6''-F-85, college: Rocky Mountain) had 16 points and 13 rebounds, Jourdan Sweeney (6'5''-F) had 14 points and 13 rebounds, and Antwan Williams (6'3''-G, college: Puget Sound) had 10 points and 10 assists.

Vancouver (8-4) is scheduled to play its next six games on the road before returning to the OConnell Sports Complex on June 29 for its final regular-season weekend.


VANCOUVER VOLCANOES 152, NIPPON TORNADOES 108

TORNADOES (0-5) - Leflore 1-5 1-2 4, Iijima 7-26 2-4 21, Lambert 10-18 6-7 29, Guyton 0-2 0-0 0, Neal 2-5 3-6 9, Hayakawa 3-10 4-4 10, Biggs 2-9 0-0 5, Adams 0-1 0-0 0, Damen 8-13 1-3 18, Veight 6-10 0-0 12. Totals 39-99 17-26 108.

VANCOUVER (8-4) - Nakashima 1-3 1-2 4, Lechtenberg 3-13 2-2 11, Troupe 4-6 2-2 12, Tarver 0-0 0-0 0, Williams 2-4 4-4 10, Watson 3-8 3-3 11, West 8-14 1-2 17, Malloy 5-7 2-9 12, Sweeney 6-11 2-4 14, Uskoski 7-10 1-1 16, Tiefenthaler 3-9 0-0 8, Moore 0-1 0-0 0, Keep 4-5 0-2 8. Totals 55-111 24-38 152.

Tornadoes 18 22 30 38 - 108

Vancouver 33 37 43 39 - 152

Courtesy of www.columbian.com


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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Opava bring in Ladislav Toth - by Eurobasket News

Opava started to build the roster for the next season. They announced the signing of Ladislav Toth (196-F-83). The deal is meant for one season. Ladislav Toth is expected to join Opava in August when the team starts training camp.
Ladislav Toth spent the last season in Plzen. He averaged 13.7 points, 5.5 boards and 1.5 assists per game in NBL. The forward earned Eurobasket.com All-Czech Republic NBL Honourable Mention. Previously the forward had stints with Prostejov, Liberec, Brno and USK Praha. Ladislav Toth was the member of U20 and University Czech Republic National Teams. He was D2 champion in 2006 and played in Czech League Finals in 2010 and 2011.


*****************************************************
  EUROCUP   


Sasa Obradovic leaves BC Donetsk - by Eurobasket News

Sasa Obradovic (agency: Beo Basket ) decided to leave BC Donetsk. The Serbian specialist has chosen to accept the offer from ALBA Berlin and will move to Germany next season. Sasa Obradovic (agency: Beo Basket ) took over BC Donetsk in 2010. Last season he led the team to the first Superleague title in their history. Eurobasket.com named Sasa Obradovic (agency: Beo Basket ) All-Ukrainian Superleague Coach of the Year. It was the second straight such an award for Obradovic. Previously Sasa Obradovic (agency: Beo Basket ) worked with Koln, BC Kyiv and PGE Turow. He was Bundesliga champion together with Koln back in 2006. Sasa Obradovic (agency: Beo Basket ) led his teams to Ukranian Cup and Superleague Finals, Fiba EuroCup quarterfinals as well as German Bundesliga semifinals. BC Donetsk have already started looking for the replacement.


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


Keith Langford denies any agreement with Maccabi Tel Aviv - by Eurobasket News

Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) denied the done deal with Maccabi Tel-Aviv via twitter. We reported earlier today that Keith Langford agreed on terms of one-year contract extension with the Israeli powerhouse. However the player denied any contacts between him or his agent and Maccabi.
Eurobasket.com will keep you updated on the situation.


Maccabi Tel Aviv keep Keith Langford - by Eurobasket News

Maccabi Tel Aviv keep Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) for another season. According to Sportando.net the Israeli team had the option on him but Langford had to agree on money.
Last season Maccabi Tel-Aviv bolstered their backcourt. They finalized the deal with Keith Langford. The contract actually was meant for one season. Keith Langford spent the season before in Russia. He played for Khimky Moscow Region. The guard notched 18.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game in PBL. In VTB League Keith Langford delivered 13.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per appearance. In Euroleague his stats read 17.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals. Eurobasket.com named Keith Langford into All-Russian PBL 1st Team. Previously the guard had stints in D-League, USBL, Italy.

In 2011/2012 for Maccabi his stats read- Israeli League: 22 games: 14.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 58.9%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 70.6%; Euroleague: 20 games: 10.9ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 67.9%; Adriatic League: 19 games: 11.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 63.4%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 64.5%



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


Karhu Kauhajoki bring in Niko Mattila - by Eurobasket News

Karhu Kauhajoki bolstered their backcourt. They added Niko Mattila (191-G-94) to the squad. The guard signed a 1+1 contract with Karhu. The youngster spent the last season with Pyrinto Tampere. He tallied 3.3 points and 1.0 board per game in Korisliiga. The guard also appeared in one EuroChallenge Qualifying Round game. Niko Mattila also played for Pyrinto Tampere II. His stats read 6.5 points, 3.5 boards, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game in 1st Division. Niko Mattila was the member of U16 and U18 Finnish National Teams. He participated at U18 European Championship last year. The guard averaged 2.0 points, 2.1 boards and 1.2 steals per game in Wroclaw.


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

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game
 Jason SIGGERS
  Rouen
  (189-SG-85)
  Avg: 18.5
 1. Siggers, Rouen18.5 
 2. Davis, Le Portel17.0 
 3. Brown, Maurienne16.8 
 4. Wood, Evreux16.5 
 5. Paelay, Quimper15.8 
 6. Monroe, Boulazac15.7 
 7. McCray, Boulogne15.4 
 8. Mels, Chalons-Reims15.2 
 9. Prowell, St Vallier15.1 
 10. Denave, St Vallier14.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Christophe MASSIE
  Limoges
  (206-C/F-77)
  Avg: 11
 1. Massie, Limoges11.0 
 2. Wood, Evreux10.8 
 3. Monroe, Boulazac9.7 
 4. Rossiter, Denain9.6 
 5. Osby, Maurienne9.4 
 6. Daniels, Chalons-.8.6 
 7. Barro, Bourg8.5 
 8. Allen, Antibes8.2 
 9. Badiane, Nantes7.9 
 10. Dunn, Rouen7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Ronnie TAYLOR
  Le Portel
  (188-PG-81)
  Avg: 6.6
 1. Taylor, Le Portel6.6 
 2. Mullins, Chalons-.5.7 
 3. Copeland, Bourg5.3 
 4. Rowland, Evreux5.2 
 5. Darnauzan, Mauri.5.1 
 6. Patiejunas, Rouen4.9 
 7. Darrigand, Bordeaux4.8 
 8. Denave, St Vallier4.8 
 9. Eito, Vichy4.4 
 10. Poupet, Rouen4.4 
Steals Per Game
 Armand CHARLES
  Nantes
  (193-SF-83)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Charles, Nantes2.5 
 2. McCray, Boulogne2.5 
 3. Eito, Vichy1.9 
 4. Paelay, Quimper1.9 
 5. Shiloh, St Vallier1.9 
 6. Mullins, Chalons-.1.9 
 7. Allen, Antibes1.8 
 8. Driss, Bordeaux1.8 
 9. Choquet, Fos Ouest1.7 
 10. Daniels, Chalons-.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Sherman GAY
  Fos Ouest
  (201-PF-82)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Gay, Fos Ouest1.8 
 2. Badiane, Antibes1.7 
 3. Jefferson, Vichy1.6 
 4. Osby, Maurienne1.5 
 5. Massie, Limoges1.1 
 6. Ford, Bordeaux1.0 
 7. Fields, Nantes0.9 
 8. McKenzie, Boulazac0.9 
 9. Barrett, St Vallier0.8 
 10. Rossiter, Denain0.8 


Bilbao officially locks Adrien Moerman until 2015 - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Bilbao Basket officially announced signing of Adrien Moerman (203-F/C-88) for the next three years. It means that the French big guy will play for the club until the end of 2014/15 season. Moerman finished the season with Nancy last week. They faced with elimination in ProA Quarterfinals, when it became clear that the league will get a new champion. Moerman joined Nancy last summer from Orleans. He played 10 Euroleague games this season averaging 11.9 points and 5.6 rebounds. The player also added 11.4 ppg and 6.6 rpg for 29 games in ProA. Moerman participated at the ProA All-Star Game. Adrien Moerman was a member of Orleans from 2008 to 2011 and before that he played for Nanterre. The player also has experience from Roanne. In 2008, he was named Eurobasket.com All-French ProB Domestic Player of the Year. In 2009, he reached ProA Finals with Orleans and in 2010 he helped them to win the French Cup. Aaron Jackson, Marko Banic, Janis Blums and Josch Fisher left Bilbao recently, so the team will have different roster for the next season. According to some reports, they also want to sign Fabien Causeur. Bilbao failed in Liga Endesa Quarterfinals against Caja Laboral.


ProB Semifinals: First games - by Eurobasket News

First games of the ProB Semifinals are completed tonight. Limoges and Boulazac registered home wins for 1-0 lead in the series. The format is best-of-three and second games are scheduled for Wednesday. Fos Ouest and Chalons-Reims will be the hosts. The winner of ProB Playoffs will book a spot for the 2012/13 ProA season. Limoges already won the promotion for ProA. They were regular season champs with 27-7 record.

Limoges - Fos Ouest 87-82 (1-0)
The hosts trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 21-13 charge, which allowed them to win the game. It was a great shooting night for Limoges CSP Elite especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 58.8 percentage. 24 personal fouls committed by Fos Ouest helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American guard Kyle McAlarney (185-87, college: Notre Dame) stepped up and scored 25 points for the winners and his fellow American import power forward Christophe Massie (206-77, college: Memphis, agency: Court Side) chipped in 17 points and 10 rebounds. At the losing side Jamaican-American Sherman Gay (201-82, college: Loyola Mary) responded with 20 points and 7 rebounds and point guard Edouard Choquet (187-88) scored 19 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Four Fos Ouest players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
Limoges: K.McAlarney 25+3reb+2ast, C.Massie 17+10reb+2ast, R.Desroses 16+3reb+1ast, S.Traore 9+1reb+1ast, J.Gomis 6+1reb+4ast, A.Curti 5+3ast
Fos Ouest: S.Gay 20+7reb+2ast, E.Choquet 19+5reb+5ast, B.Clark 11+2reb, S.Giffa 10+5reb+3ast, M.Dia 7+3reb, P.Haquet 6+2reb+2ast
gschID: 177153


Boulazac - Chalons-Reims 76-68 (1-0)
Chalons-Reims trailed by 12 points after 3 quarters before a 16-12 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 68-76 at the end of the game. Boulazac Basket made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. 26 personal fouls committed by Chalons-Reims helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American power forward Darryl Monroe (202-86, college: George Mason, agency: Two Points) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and point guard Arnaud Kerckhof (193-84) chipped in 11 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. At the losing side American Nate Carter (198-83, college: Oklahoma) responded with 12 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import Chris Daniels (200-82, college: Georgia, agency: Limelight Hoops) scored 11 points and 5 rebounds. Four Boulazac Basket and five Chalons-Reims players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next game.
Top scorers:
Boulazac: Y.Gaillou 17+2reb, D.Monroe 13+10reb+3ast, T.Dubiez 12+3reb+1ast, A.Kerckhof 11+5reb+6ast, R.Ayers 7+1reb, A.McKenzie 7+6reb+6ast
Chalons-Reims: R.Mels 13+1reb, N.Carter 12+5reb+3ast, C.Daniels 11+5reb, B.Mullins 10+3reb+3ast, K.Corre 10+3reb+3ast, K.Joss-Rauze 5


JL Bourg signs Alexis Tanghe - by Eurobasket News

According to French media (Catch-and-shoot), Alexis Tanghe (208-F/C-90, agency: Beo Basket) will continue his career in JL Bourg. Reportedly, the player signed a 2+1 year deal. Tanghe arrives to Bourg from Roanne, where he spent last two seasons. In the latest one he had 3.8 ppg and 2.3 rpg for 13 EuroChallenge games. In ProA, the player had 2.2 ppg and 1.4 rpg for 31 games. Before Roanne, Tanghe played for Dijon and CFBB. Alexis Tanghe played for U20 France in 2010. He helped them win the Gold at U20 EuroBasket in Croatia. For 9 games at this event he had 8 ppg and 3.2 rpg. In the past, Tanghe also played for U19, U18 and U16 French National Teams.


ASVEL eyes Antwayne Robinson - by Eurobasket News

According to the French media (Le Progres), ASVEL wants to sign Antwayne Robinson (203-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Temple) for the next season. The American forward spent this one with Erdemir. He appeared 30 times in TBL averaging 11.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Robinson won the ProA title with Cholet in 2010. He had 12.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 1.6 apg for the club in 36 games. In 2011, Cholet reached ProA Finals, but failed against Nancy in thriller. Robinson had 11 ppg and 6.2 rpg for 35 games. He also added 10.7 ppg and 5.8 rpg for 10 Euroleague games and Cholet was very close to reach Top 16 in 2010/11. In the past, Antwayne Robinson was a member of Pau-Orthez and Sioux Falls Skyforce (NBA D-League). He is a product of Temple University, where he graduated in 2006.


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


Pero Antic wins another trophy with Olympiakos - by Eurobasket News

Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) finished impressive season last night with his Olympiakos. Antic and his teammates won the championship title in Greece thanks to 82-76 home victory against PAO in decisive Game Five of the Playoff Finals. PAO is dethroned after 9 years and this is the first championship title for Olympiakos since 1997. The Reds already won the Euroleague title earlier this season, while PAO celebrated in Greek Cup.
Panathinaikos trailed by 12 points at halftime and as many as 14 after three quarters before a 20-12 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 76-82 at the end of the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Panathinaikos helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Vassilis Spanoulis orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). Georgios Printezis contributed with 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Nick Calathes answered with 17 points and Dimitris Diamantidis added 13 points and 5 assists in the effort for Panathinaikos. Four Panathinaikos players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in this decisive game.
Olympiakos was the regular season champion in Greece with almost perfect 23-1 record. They eliminated PAOK in the Quarterfinals (2-0) and Panionios in the Semis (3-0). Olympiakos was the Greek league champion in 49, 60, 76, 78, 93, 94, 95, 96 and 97. Of course, they added another trophy tonight. PAO was No.1 in the country in 46, 47, 50, 51, 54, 61, 62, 67, 69, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 77, 80, 81, 82, 84, 98, 99, 00, 01, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10 and 11.
Pero Antic joined Olympiakos last summer. He helped them to win the Euroleague title earlier this season. For 22 games he averaged 7.2 points and 4.3 rebounds. Antic had almost the same numbers for 31 games in Greek league. Amazing success for Olympiakos and at the same time amazing season for Pero Antic. The player was awarded with Eurobasket.com Greek A1 League All-Bosmans Team -12. He also got Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League Honorable Mention -12.


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  GERMANY   

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga

Points Per Game
 Bobby BROWN
  EWE Baskets
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 16.9
 1. Brown, EWE Baskets16.9 
 2. Tucker, Brose B.16.3 
 3. Holston, Art.Drag.15.3 
 4. Swann, Ratiopharm15.2 
 5. Wood, ALBA15.0 
 6. Ensminger, Teleko.14.8 
 7. Jonusas, Phoenix14.8 
 8. Homan, B.Muenchen14.5 
 9. Carter, Phoenix14.5 
 10. Bryant, Ratiopharm14.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 John BRYANT
  Ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 9.3
 1. Bryant, Ratiopharm9.3 
 2. Chubb, EWE Baskets8.5 
 3. Homan, B.Muenchen7.8 
 4. Ensminger, Teleko.7.3 
 5. Zirbes, TBB Trier7.1 
 6. Tucker, Brose B.7.1 
 7. Troutman, B.Mue.7.0 
 8. Watts, Ratiopharm6.6 
 9. Evans, Goettingen6.6 
 10. Ovcina, LTi 46ers6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Jared JORDAN
  Telekom .
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 8.2
 1. Jordan, Telekom8.2 
 2. Holston, Art.Drag.5.6 
 3. Brewer, Bremerha.5.1 
 4. Everett, Bremerha.4.9 
 5. Wood, ALBA4.8 
 6. Brown, EWE Baskets4.7 
 7. Hamann, B.Muenchen4.5 
 8. Joyce, TBB Trier4.4 
 9. Campbell, Walter T.4.1 
 10. Bauscher, Goett.3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Nate LINHART
  TBB Trier
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Linhart, TBB Trier1.7 
 2. Kramer, s.Oliv.1.5 
 3. Gibson, Fraport SKY1.4 
 4. Dorris, EnBW L.1.4 
 5. Trice, Ratiopharm1.4 
 6. Redding, Walter T.1.4 
 7. Bernard, LTi 46ers1.4 
 8. Holston, Art.Drag.1.3 
 9. Gaffney, Teleko.1.3 
 10. Carter, Phoenix1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Tony GAFFNEY
  Teleko.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Gaffney, Teleko.1.8 
 2. Davidson, Fraport1.7 
 3. Looby, EnBW L.1.6 
 4. Ibekwe, Bayreuth1.6 
 5. Homan, B.Muenchen1.5 
 6. Pleiss, Brose B.1.4 
 7. Bryant, Ratiopharm1.3 
 8. King, Art.Dragons1.1 
 9. Slaughter, Brose B.1.0 
 10. Constantine, Phoe.0.9 


Sasha Obradovic Takes Over The Reigns With Alba Berlin - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

On a cold and rainy Sunday afternoon in most parts in Germany where many basketball fanatics were watching another Bamberg domination presentation in the first half of game one against ratiopharm Ulm, Alba Berlin was ready to surprise the basketbal world with some spectaular news by announcing that Sasa Obradovic (agency: Beo Basket ) will be new coach taking over from Gordon Herbert. The last title for Alba Berlin was 2009 winning the cup in Hamburg against Bonn and the three year drought in Berlin without a title hasnt been easy since Bamberg has been dominating the Beko BBL for years and with new team FC Bayern Munich taking up more of a presence this season. Herbert had come to Berlin with high expectations, but left with no titles. Obradovic comes back to Berlin where he was a player from 1994-1997. As a player he has won just about everything possible from the Korac Cup in 1995 with Alba Berlin, two European championships with the Yugoslavian national team in 1995 and 1997, a world championship in 1998 and two cups with Cologne. Alba Berlin seems to want to go back to the Eastern block style with Obradovic who is a Serb as they had done with Luka Pavicevic recently. As a coach, Obradovic has also had success winning the 2006 German title with Rhein Energy Cologne and he has also coached BC Kyiv (Ukraine-Superleague) and PGE Turow Zgorzelec (Poland-PLK) recently.


Dane Watts (ratiopharm Ulm) We Have A Secret Top Game Plan Against Bamberg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports)s a 25 year old 203cm forward from Warrensburg, Missouri. He is playing his first season for ratiopharm Ulm. He played at Creighton (NCAA) from 2004-2008 with NBA player Anthony Tolliver. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 11.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3Pts: 42.5%, FT: 71.8%. In 2008, he came to Germany and started his professional basketball career with EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 32 games: 8.9ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP-1 (68.4%), 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 68.7%. In 2009-2010, he came to The Walter Tigers Tuebingen playing 34 games: 10.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 71.0%. Last season for Tuebingen, he played 33 games: 13.7ppg, Reb-4 (7.6rpg), 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 54.5%; in May'11 moved to Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (France-ProA): 3 games: 7.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg. At Creighton, he won awards such as MVC Tournament Winner -05, 07, MVC All-Freshman Team -05, MVC Regular Season Runner-Up -07, and MVC Tournament Semifinals -08. He spoke to eurobasket befor game one of the 2012 Beko BBL finals against the Brose Baskets Bamberg

How much has the excitement level increased from series to series. Is it now at the highest point with Bamberg?

This is what everyone wants to play for, a chance to win a championship. Our team has been building up to this point all season, now its time to play it out.

How important was the one week break in preparation for game one in Bamberg?

It was good to get some extra rest for the team and also to get some extra preparation work for the series.

What has been the number one focus in practice this week in preparation for Bamberg?

We have have a top secret game plan haha

What kind of a finals series can we await?

I think it is going to be a series full of intensity, execution and desire to win a title from both teams.

How has ratiopharm Ulm improved from the bitter three point loss against Bamberg in the cup game in Bonn?

We studied that tape after we lost and saw the areas that we needed to improve on to close out games, I think that helped us from that point on to be where we are.

You dont need to focus in on only one player, but Bamberg is capable of having 7-8 guys at a time score in double figures. What will be key most with the Ulm Team defense to keep Bamberg at bay on offense?

Everybody has to play at a high level, like you said, they have many options so we have to be good collectively.

Do the Miami Heat have the series wrapped up against the Boston Celtics?

Its not wrapped up but I think the heat will win the 2nd game in Boston and close out at home.

Will your friend Anthony Tolliver be checking out the Beko BBL finals online?

You know it, and he is an ULM FAN.


Thanks for the chat Dane


The ETB Wohnbau Baskets Add Terren Harbut - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO A team ETB Wohnbau Baskets have added Terren Harbut (198-F/G-83, college: Ohio) to the team. Harbut who has never played outside of Germany as a professional basketball player is a 29 year old 198cm swing man from Lexington, Kentucky. He played for BV Chemnitz from 2008-2011 playing a total of 80 PRO A games. In 2010-2011, he played 30 games: 16.4ppg, 5.6rpg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 71.4%. Harbut is no unknown player for Wohnbau baskets sport director Markus Horn. 'It is really someting special that we were able to get a special guy like him. We got him 2005 and brought him to Herten', said Markus Horn. Harbut played at Ohio university and in Germany also played for the SOBA Dragons Rhoendorf (Germany-ProB) in 2007-2008 playing 29 games: 12.6ppg, 5.2rpg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 73.1%. 'Terren is a very athletic player that is very versatile. He has learned a lot about the European style of basketball', stressed ETB Wohnbau baskets coach Igor Krizanovic.

Source: ETB Wohnbau Baskets


Matthias Haut Remains With The BSW Sixers - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO B team BSW Sixers have announced that Matthias Haut will remain with the team. Haut is a 27 year old 182 cm guard that will be playing his fourth season with the team. Last season the German played 24 games: 9.8ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 48.4%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 63.3%. 'He has shown in the last two seasons that he is one of the most important players on te team. He is the oldest player on the team and with his experience, I am looking forward on another season with him', stressed BSW Sixers head coach Stephen Arigbabu. Haut strated his basketball career with TuS Jena (2Bundesliga) in 2001 where he played there until 2005. He then played a season at NC-Wesleyan (NCAA3): 27 games: 6 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.9 apg before playing for BBV Leipzig from 2006-2009.

Source: BSW Sixers


Brose Baskets won the Final opener - by Eurobasket News

Brose Baskets - Ratiopharm 98-72 (1-0)

Brose Baskets won the Final opener. Brose Baskets led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 51.9 percentage. The game was dominated by American players. Guard Brian Roberts (188-85, agency: Interperformances) fired 17 points and 7 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. Forward Anthony Leon Tucker (198-85, college: Texas) chipped in 18 points and 5 rebounds. Four Brose Baskets players scored in double figures. Forward Keaton Nankivil (203-89, college: Wisconsin) produced 12 points and 7 rebounds and center John Bryant (208-87, college: Santa Clara) added 13 points and 5 rebounds respectively 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.
Top scorers:
Brose Baskets: A.Leon Tucker 18+5reb+2ast, B.Roberts 17+4reb+7ast, T.Pleiss 12+4reb+1ast, P.Suput 12+2reb+2ast, A.Gavel 11+3reb+2ast, J.Jenkins 10+4reb+1ast
Ratiopharm: I.Swann 13+1reb+1ast, J.Bryant 13+5reb, K.Nankivil 12+7reb, T.Mason-Griffin 8+1reb+1ast, S.Betz 8+2reb, P.Guenther 7+2ast
gschID: 177130



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


Pep Claros to Coach Dutch NT? - by Fred Roggen

According to some sources, upcoming Thursday Josep Claros will be presented as the new head coach of the Dutch National Team. It should be clearly pointed out that nothing is official, but unofficially all signs are pointing to Josep Claros leading the Dutch national team this summer. Claros is not unfamilair with Dutch basketball, he was head coach of GasTerra Flames during the 2007-2008 season. During the 2011-2012 season Josep Claros was head coach of Halifax Rainmen (Canada-NBL) and reached the NBL finals, in March he was hired by Pioneros de Quintana Roo-Cancun (Mexico-LNBP).



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

Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 25

Jun. 2: Lansing C. - Chicago R. 158-129
Jun. 3: Chicago R. - Kenosha B.



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

Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 12

Jun. 2: Vancouver V. - Nippon T. 152-102
Jun. 2: Edmonton E. - Olympia R. 138-104
Jun. 2: Bellingham S. - S. Soldiers 127-105
Jun. 2: Orlando V. - Portland C. 113-119

Regular Season: Round 13

Jun. 7: Portland C. - Nippon T.
Jun. 8: Los Angeles - Vancouver V.
Jun. 8: Nippon T. - S. Soldiers
Jun. 8: Orlando V. - W.Coast H.
Jun. 8: Edmonton E. - Yamhill H.
Jun. 8: Bellingham S. - Olympia R.


Volcanoes roll past Nippon Tornadoes - by Eurobasket News

Andre Murray (6'2''-G-87, college: Portland St.) scored 29 points and had 10 rebounds as the Vancouver Volcanoes defeated the Nippon Tornadoes 152-108 in an International Basketball League game Saturday at Clark College's O'Connell Sports Complex.

Nine Vancouver players were in double figures with four having a double-double.

Along with Murray, Devin Uskoski (6'6''-F-85, college: Rocky Mountain) had 16 points and 13 rebounds, Jourdan Sweeney (6'5''-F) had 14 points and 13 rebounds, and Antwan Williams (6'3''-G, college: Puget Sound) had 10 points and 10 assists.

Vancouver (8-4) is scheduled to play its next six games on the road before returning to the OConnell Sports Complex on June 29 for its final regular-season weekend.


VANCOUVER VOLCANOES 152, NIPPON TORNADOES 108

TORNADOES (0-5) - Leflore 1-5 1-2 4, Iijima 7-26 2-4 21, Lambert 10-18 6-7 29, Guyton 0-2 0-0 0, Neal 2-5 3-6 9, Hayakawa 3-10 4-4 10, Biggs 2-9 0-0 5, Adams 0-1 0-0 0, Damen 8-13 1-3 18, Veight 6-10 0-0 12. Totals 39-99 17-26 108.

VANCOUVER (8-4) - Nakashima 1-3 1-2 4, Lechtenberg 3-13 2-2 11, Troupe 4-6 2-2 12, Tarver 0-0 0-0 0, Williams 2-4 4-4 10, Watson 3-8 3-3 11, West 8-14 1-2 17, Malloy 5-7 2-9 12, Sweeney 6-11 2-4 14, Uskoski 7-10 1-1 16, Tiefenthaler 3-9 0-0 8, Moore 0-1 0-0 0, Keep 4-5 0-2 8. Totals 55-111 24-38 152.

Tornadoes 18 22 30 38 - 108

Vancouver 33 37 43 39 - 152

Courtesy of www.columbian.com


Newcomer Matteson Helps Slam Defeat Salem - by Kip Leonetti

Newly signed center Evan Matteson (6'10''-C, college: Texas A&M Int.) proved to be a serviceable addition for the Bellingham Slam as he posted a double-double in a 127-105 win over the Salem Soldiers in International Basketball League play on Saturday night at Blaine High School.

Matteson came off the bench to score 17 points and pull down a team-high 11 rebounds. He scored six straight in the second half, helping to build an 11-point lead in an otherwise competitive and spirited first half.

Both teams struggled out of the gate to score on Blaines notoriously unfriendly rims, combining for 49 points in the quarter.

In a game that was without any significant runs by either side to that point, the Slam opened the fourth quarter with 11 of the first 14 points to build a 19-point lead and began to put the game out of reach.

The Slam prevented any sort of Salem comeback by raising their aggressiveness on offense midway through the fourth, getting to the free throw line down the stretch and making their foul shots.

Matteson was one of seven Bellingham players to score in double figures, led for the sixth time this season by guard Paul Hafford (6'4''-G-84, college: Portland St.), who had 27 points. Guard Morris Anderson (6'3''-G, college: W.Washington) had 21 points and 6 assists.

IBL leading scorer Chehales Tapscott (6'5''-F-90) was once again impressive for Salem, leading his team with 23 points and 15 rebounds.

The victory avenged a loss to the Soldiers in the Slams home opener on April 21, their only setback this season.

The Slam return to their usual home court at Whatcom Pavilion for a match-up with the Olympia Reign on Friday, June 8. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.


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


ASEAN League: Warriors shock Patriots to reach Final - by Eurobasket News

Indonesia Warriors - Philippine Patriots 72:51

Indonesia Warriors advanced into the ASEAN League Final. They fired past Philippine Patriots in the second game to sweep the semifinal series. Steve Thomas (204-C/F-81, college: Middle Tenn.St.) stepped up with 19 points and 15 rebounds to lead the winners.
The Warriors relied on a stifling defence right from the start of the game. They held the Patriots to just 13 points in the opening quarter to take a 3-point lead. The Warriors did not loosen the grip in the second term. The Patriots kept suffocating offensively scoring just 6 points in the second quarter and facing a 13-point deficit at halftime 19:32. The teams traded baskets throughout the third term. The hosts maintained the lead as they entered the fourth quarter up by 13 points 49:36. The Warriors did not slow down in the final period and rallied to a confident win at the end. Evan Brock (204-F-84, college: Alabama) accounted for 16 points and 11 rebounds for the hosts. Mario Wuysang (176-PG-79) and Stanley Pringle (184-PG-87, college: Penn St.) added 8 points each in the victory. Nakiea Miller (204-C-79, college: Iona) responded with 12 points and 9 rebounds for the Patriots. Anthony Johnson (197-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances, college: La-Lafayette) had 11 points in defeat.

Indonesia Warriors: Steve Thomas 19+15 boards, Evan Brock 16+11 boards, Mario Wuysang 8, Stanley Pringle 8
Philippine Patriots: Nakiea Miller 12, Anthony Johnson 11


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


Keith Langford denies any agreement with Maccabi Tel Aviv - by Eurobasket News

Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) denied the done deal with Maccabi Tel-Aviv via twitter. We reported earlier today that Keith Langford agreed on terms of one-year contract extension with the Israeli powerhouse. However the player denied any contacts between him or his agent and Maccabi.
Eurobasket.com will keep you updated on the situation.


Maccabi Tel Aviv keep Keith Langford - by Eurobasket News

Maccabi Tel Aviv keep Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) for another season. According to Sportando.net the Israeli team had the option on him but Langford had to agree on money.
Last season Maccabi Tel-Aviv bolstered their backcourt. They finalized the deal with Keith Langford. The contract actually was meant for one season. Keith Langford spent the season before in Russia. He played for Khimky Moscow Region. The guard notched 18.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game in PBL. In VTB League Keith Langford delivered 13.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per appearance. In Euroleague his stats read 17.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals. Eurobasket.com named Keith Langford into All-Russian PBL 1st Team. Previously the guard had stints in D-League, USBL, Italy.

In 2011/2012 for Maccabi his stats read- Israeli League: 22 games: 14.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 58.9%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 70.6%; Euroleague: 20 games: 10.9ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 67.9%; Adriatic League: 19 games: 11.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 63.4%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 64.5%



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

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

As Eurobasket recently reported about Maccabi Beer Yaakov's scoring point guard Yoad Bet-Yosef, verbally agreeing with Galil, earlier today, the young talent signed a two-year deal with the Northern squad.

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

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

Galil's expected to part ways with all of their Americans, including Courtney Fells who has an extension option. Point guard Ofir Farhi was released.


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

Stats Leaders - Lega2

Points Per Game
 Troy BELL
  S.Antimo
  (186-PG-80)
  Avg: 23.2
 1. Bell, S.Antimo23.2 
 2. Hardy, Giorgio23.1 
 3. Marigney, Givova S.21.2 
 4. Freeman, MarcoPol.20.9 
 5. Voskuil, Morpho B.18.8 
 6. Maggioli, Fileni B.18.5 
 7. Robinson, Trenkwal.18.0 
 8. McConnell, Fileni17.6 
 9. Taylor, Trenkwal.17.1 
 10. Brooks, Fileni BPA17.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 James THOMAS
  Givova S.
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 11.8
 1. Thomas, Givova S.11.8 
 2. Anderson, Morpho B.8.2 
 3. Jones, Giorgio7.9 
 4. Maggioli, Fileni B.7.7 
 5. Baldassarre, Bianc.7.5 
 6. Waleskowski, Tezen.7.4 
 7. Borovnjak, Enel B.7.2 
 8. Diliegro, Assi Ost.7.1 
 9. Kotti, Aget Imola6.9 
 10. Brooks, Fileni BPA6.9 
Assists Per Game
 Mike GREEN
  Sigma B.
  (185-PG-85)
  Avg: 4.9
 1. Green, Sigma B.4.9 
 2. Johnson, Assi O.4.5 
 3. Porta, Tezenis4.4 
 4. Kelley, Biancobl.3.5 
 5. Whiting, Aget Imola3.4 
 6. Marigney, Givova S.3.4 
 7. McConnell, Fileni3.4 
 8. Renfroe, Enel B.3.3 
 9. Goldwire, Centra.3.0 
 10. Blizzard, Biancob.3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Mario WEST
  Tezenis .
  (195-G-84)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. West, Tezenis3.1 
 2. Green, Sigma B.2.6 
 3. Thompson, Centra.2.6 
 4. Robinson, Trenkwal.2.4 
 5. Baldassarre, Bianc.2.4 
 6. Marigney, Givova S.2.3 
 7. Radulovic, Givova2.3 
 8. Porta, Tezenis2.3 
 9. Goldwire, Centra.2.2 
 10. McConnell, Fileni2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Riccardo CERVI
  Trenkwalder
  (215-C-91)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Cervi, Trenkwalder2.2 
 2. Maggioli, Fileni B.1.7 
 3. Thomas, Givova S.0.9 
 4. Radulovic, Givova0.9 
 5. Brkic, Prima Veroli0.8 
 6. Chiacig, Trenkwald.0.7 
 7. Kotti, Aget Imola0.6 
 8. Zerini, Enel Brind.0.6 
 9. Da Ros, Sigma B.0.6 
 10. Yango, Biancoblu0.5 


Lega2 Round 5 of Semi-Finals. Pistoia reach Final - by Eurobasket News

Giorgio Tesi PT - Givova Scafati 83-74

Giorgio Pistoia advanced into the Final beating Givova Scafati in the decisive fifth game of the semifinal series. The hosts trailed by 10 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 83-74. 26 personal fouls committed by Givova Scafati helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American point guard Dwight Hardy (188-87, college: St.John's) stepped up and scored 23 points for the winners and naturalized Brazilian swingman Jonathan Tavernari (198-87, college: BYU) chipped in 19 points. Four Tuscany Pistoia players scored in double figures. Tuscany Pistoia's coach Paolo Moretti used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard Paul Marigney (192-82, college: St.Mary's, CA) responded with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import power forward James Thomas (203-80, college: Texas) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Giorgio Tesi PT: D.Hardy 23+3reb+3ast, J.Tavernari 19+4reb+2ast, L.Saccaggi 12+1reb+5ast, G.Galanda 11+8reb+1ast, B.Jones 9+7reb+1ast, F.Toppo 6+5reb+1ast
Givova Scafati: P.Marigney 19+9reb+4ast, J.Thomas 13+11reb+1ast, M.Casini 11+3reb+2ast, G.Sorrentino 9+2reb+1ast, D.Rosignoli 5+4reb, O.Gueye 5
gschID: 177341



*****************************************************
  KAZAKHSTAN   


BC Astana close to David Simon - by Eurobasket News

BC Astana is close to landing David Simon (207-C-82, college: IPFW). The Kazakh powerhouse made an offer to the player. The US centre had an outstanding season with Radnicki Kragujevac. David Simon tallied impressive 19.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 1.2 assists and 1.0 steal per game in Adriatic League. He also notched 14.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game in Serbian League. Eurobasket.com named David Simon All-Adriatic League Player of the Year. Previously David Simon had stints in South Korea, France, Russia and Bulgaria. The centre was named into Korean KBL All-Imports Team in 2011. He also made it into Bulgarian League All-Imports Team in 2006. The centre became the Bulgarian Cup and League champion in 2006.


*****************************************************
  LBQ   

Standings

LBQ Standings
 1. Seigneurs 9-1 
 2. Revolution 7-1 
 3. Monteregie 2-4 
 4. Jaguars 2-6 
 5. Page-Dynamo 0-8 

Regular Season: Round 11

Jun. 2: Revolution - Seigneurs 100-89
Jun. 1: Monteregie - Page-Dynamo



*****************************************************
  MEXICO   

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Devon PEARSON
  Los M.
  (198-F-84)
  Avg: 28
 1. Pearson, Los M.28.0 
 2. Reese, Tepic24.4 
 3. Scott, Los Mochis23.0 
 4. Thomas, Cananea22.6 
 5. McCullough, Nogales22.3 
 6. Robinson, Culiacan22.1 
 7. Alexander, Cananea21.8 
 8. Carter, Guasave20.4 
 9. Selleaze, Navolato20.3 
 10. Wiley, Los Mochis19.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Deangelo RILEY
  Tepic
  (205-C-)
  Avg: 11.2
 1. Riley, Tepic11.2 
 2. Pearson, Los M.10.2 
 3. Alexander, Cananea10.1 
 4. Selleaze, Navolato8.4 
 5. Sanders-F., Nogales8.2 
 6. Scott, Los Mochis8.0 
 7. Robinson, Culiacan7.8 
 8. Habel, Guaymas7.7 
 9. Moore, Navolato7.6 
 10. Strobbe, Nogales7.4 
Assists Per Game
 William FUNN
  Los Mochis
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 9.1
 1. Funn, Los Mochis9.1 
 2. Allen, Guaymas7.3 
 3. Taylor, Los Mochis5.8 
 4. Monreal, Hermosillo5.7 
 5. Harris, Cananea4.6 
 6. Hornsby, Tijuana4.6 
 7. Nungaray, Guaymas4.4 
 8. Riley, Tepic4.1 
 9. Pulido, Culiacan3.9 
 10. Quintero, Tijuana3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Brian HAMILTON
  Hermosillo
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Hamilton, Hermosil.2.1 
 2. George, Nogales1.8 
 3. Gibson, Navolato1.6 
 4. Monreal, Hermosillo1.6 
 5. Riley, Tepic1.5 
 6. Thomas, Cananea1.4 
 7. Toussaint, Los M.1.3 
 8. Buelna, Guasave1.3 
 9. Gale, Nogales1.3 
 10. Hornsby, Tijuana1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Deangelo RILEY
  Tepic
  (205-C-)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Riley, Tepic3.5 
 2. Habel, Guaymas1.4 
 3. Zamora, Culiacan1.3 
 4. Wiley, Los Mochis1.0 
 5. Alexander, Cananea0.9 
 6. Young, Tepic0.9 
 7. Scott, Los Mochis0.8 
 8. Robinson, Culiacan0.8 
 9. Davis, Nogales0.8 
 10. McCullough, Nogal.0.7 


Venezuela hold off Mexico at the start of Super 4 Cup in Caracas - by Eurobasket News

Venezuela - Mexico 86:83

Venezuela registered the first win at the home Super 4 Cup in Caracas. The hosts snatched a narrow home win over Mexico in the opener. Greivis Vasquez (198-PG-87, agency: Interperformances, college: Maryland) scored 41 points to pace impressive effort.
Mexico led by a single point 17:16 after ten minutes. The hosts however took over in the second quarter. Venezuela exploded with 26 points to establish a 5-point halftime lead 42:37. Venezuela stretched the lead in the third term. The home team boosted the gap at 10-point mark before the final period. Mexico did not surrender as they went on a determined comeback effort. Hector Hernandez (206-F-85, college: Fresno St.) drilled a three-pointer to put the visitors within a single point 83:84 with 33 seconds left in regulation. But Greivis Vasquez sank two free throws late in regulation and sealed the victory for the hosts. Heissler Guillent (186-PG-86, agency: Paris Global Sports) provided 14 points, while Jose Juan Bravo (202-C-86) added 11 points and 7 boards in the win. Hector Hernandez answered with 18 points and 8 rebounds for Mexico. Paul Stoll (178-PG-85) netted 16 points in the loss.

Venezuela: Greivis Vasquez 41, Heissler Guillent 14, Jose Juan Bravo 11
Mexico: Hector Hernandez 18, Paul Stoll 16


CIBACOPA Semifinals: Both series are tied at 1-1 - by Eurobasket News

Second games of CIBACOPA Semifinals were played last night. Guaymas and Los Mochis managed to beat their rivals tying their series at 1-1. Los Mochis registered 89-93 road win against the regular season champion Hermosillo, while Guaymas outplayed Tijuana at home 106-95. The format is best-of-seven and third games are scheduled for Monday. Los Mochis and Tijuana will be the hosts. They will also host Game Four and Five on Tuesday and Wednesday. If necessary, sixth and seventh games will be played on June 8 and 9.

Hermosillo - Los Mochis 89-93 (1-1)
Rayos de Hermosillo trailed by 11 points after 3 quarters before a 28-21 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 89-93 at the end of the game. The best player for the winners was American guard William Funn (188-82, college: Portland St.) who scored 24 points and 9 assists. The other American import forward Devon Pearson (198-84, college: SMU) chipped in a double-double by scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds. Funn is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American forward Patrick Sanders (198-85, college: Cal-Irvine) produced 22 points and 8 rebounds and naturalized American point guard Steve Monreal (180-86, college: CS Monterey) added 15 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists and 5 steals respectively for the hosts. Four Pioneros Los Mochis and five Rayos de Hermosillo players scored in double figures. Rayos de Hermosillo's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Los Mochis: D.Pearson 24+10reb+2ast, W.Funn 24+4reb+9ast, E.Cuen 20+5reb, S.Scott 18+7reb+3ast, E.Hare 6+8reb+1ast, R.Castaneda 1+2reb+1ast
Hermosillo: P.Sanders 22+8reb+1ast, S.Monreal 15+5reb+10ast, E.Little 15+5reb+2ast, B.Hamilton 14+2reb+1ast, A.Izaguirre 14+4reb+2ast, J.Coronado 5
gschID: 177488


Guaymas - Tijuana 106-95 (1-1)
The game was mostly controlled by Ostioneros de Guaymas. Tijuana Zonkeys was better in fourth quarter 24-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Ostioneros de Guaymas made 18-of-20 charity shots (90.0 percent) during the game. Ostioneros de Guaymas outrebounded Tijuana Zonkeys 37-22 including a 27-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three nailing 12 long-distance shots on high 54.5 percentage. American point guard Myron Allen (182-79, college: Lee JC) orchestrated the victory by scoring 28 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field). The other American import guard Haakim Johnson (201-87, college: Pikeville) contributed with 16 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American swingman Marcus Morrison (198-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.) replied with 27 points and 4 assists and the former international power forward Arim Solares (202-83) added 19 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Tijuana Zonkeys. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Guaymas: M.Allen 28+8reb+7ast, A.Pedroza 17+3reb+1ast, H.Johnson 16+5reb+3ast, H.Carrillo 15+4reb, H.Nungaray 12+4reb+2ast, J.Habel 10+9reb+2ast
Tijuana: M.Morrison 27+2reb+4ast, A.Solares 19+8reb+1ast, E.Medina 15+1reb+1ast, L.Rodriguez Sainz 11+1reb+1ast, C.Tate 11+2reb, R.Hornsby 7+3reb+1ast


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


Interview with Ranko Carapic, founder of Basketball Academy Mediteran and former professional basketball player - by Darko Pekic

Ranko Carapic (185-G-70, agency: Beo Basket), the founder of Basketball Academy Mediteran was one of the Top point guards in former Yugoslavian league (YUBA) and a leader on the floor in every team he played for. After the retirament he founded a basketball academy and along with other Mediteran's coaches is trying to share his experience with kids from the coastal town on Adriatic sea. He is talking about his basketball career for eurobasket.com readers

When did you start playing basketball and who were your first coaches?

I remember the exact date- June 6, 1981. I joined a youth team coached by Predrag Milovic and I owe him a lot. He tought me the basics of basketball and I always kept in mind his advices.

In the season 1996/1997 you achieved a great result with Mornar, led by you Djuro Ostojic (211-C-76, agency: Beo Basket), Rajko Carapic (196-G-64) and Djordjije Pavicevic . Most of you were raised in Mornars youth teams. Tell us more about that success?

In 1997 we qualified for the Radivoj Korac Cup (former international competition) and finished 7th in the YUBA league. It was a great achievement considering the qualify of that league. Our coach was Mihailo Pavicevic and at the end of that season he moved to Red Star Belgrade. Mornar had a talented team led not only by players you mentioned, there were also Andreja Lazovic (203-F-66) and Gojko Dzakovic (197-G/F-67).

After a great season with Mornar you moved to Lovcen, a rising star in the YUBA league but a club without great tradition and past successes. Why did you decide to choose them?

I had one more year left in my contract with mornar but I decided to move to Lovcen because their new management was serious, they offered me good conditions for my basketball development and I got a chance to work with a young and ambitious coach, Miodrag Kadija .

In the season 1999/2000 you accepted the offere from Belgrade and moved to Radnicki, a well known club with great tradition and ambitious project for the future. You played with them the Saporta Cup where you were eliminated in the Eight Finals by a very strong Darusafaka team from Turkey.

Yes, we won the first game but we were eliminated because we lost in Turkey with bigger difference. However, the season I spent in Radnicki was a very nice one. We avoided relegation only in the final rounds of the Championship but the main reason was tiredness. We did not have a chance to work out regulary because we had to play our home European games away as well, due to NATO intervention in Kosovo. And without hard practices there is no chance you can achieve good results.

Until the New Year holiday our coach was Bosko Djokic and he was succeeded by Dusko Vujosevic (agency: Beo Basket ) who returned from Italy. Radnicki had a nice squad, full of talent and experienced veterans such as Aleksandar Nadjfeji (203-F-76), Dusan Nedic (204-F-75, agency: Beo Basket), Sladjan Stojkovic (191-G-65, agency: Beo Basket) and Bojan Obradovic (206-F/C-77, agency: BeoExcell). We had a very nice team chemistry.

After a season in Belgrade, you decided to return to Lovcen and it was probably the most successful period in your career- you finished in the semifinals of the YUBA league and generally performed well at the beginning of new century.

It was the most successful period of my career but individually very brief and unlucky because I had to sit out almost the whole season due to an injury (cruciate ligaments). I played just 8 games and we won 7 of them. We only lost against Buducnost, the future champion. Lovcen finished that season 4th in the League and it was the biggest success in the history of club from Cetinje. Unfortunately, that season was decisive for my pro career because it was the perfect time to move abroad but that injury stopped me.

You played one more season in Lovcen and then returned again to Belgrade, and joined Atlas. You were unlucky with injuries once again and a fist injury forced you to miss first months of the new season.

Actually, I missed the most of that season due to several injuries I had I am very sorry because I was not able to contribute more and thank the management who trusted in me. Generally, Atlas (former Beopetrol) had a very balanced team and stable economical situation. We had all what it takes and I can say now that I have never had a situation like that in my career. Everything was organized on a very professional level. We played in the ULEB cup and made one of suprises that year- Atlas crashed Gran Canaria in Belgrade! They were led by Marcus Goree (201-F-77, college: W.Virginia) and Kirk Penney (196-G-80, agency: Duran International, college: Wisconsin) but we had no problems to beat them in Belgrade and they had hard time to beat us in Spain.

Atlas days were followed by two seasons in Lovcen and Primorka, and the final season in Ulcinj where, at the age of 36, you finished your career in th newly formed Montenegrin basketball League.

My friend Pavle Pepdjonovic invited me to join Ulcinj although at first I decided to stop playing , when the season in Primorka was over. But I decided to help him because they had a talented team and wanted to perform well in the new league. It was a good season and we finished 3rd in the league, and it was probably the season with most quality teams so far in Montenegro. Ulcinj was a mix of young talent (Marko Calic (195-G/F-86), Zeljko Jovanovic (200-G/F-83)) and experienced players such as Boris Lalovic (206-C-81) and me. We were coached by Vladimir Tausan who is a very good person and coach and I am glad that I collaborated with him at the end of my playing days, or after 26 years on the basketball court.

What is the recipe for such a long career? You played in four different leagues (all in former Yugoslavia).

Hard work and nothing else! I am sorry because I had all these injuries but I had a successful career anyway. I have never stopped working on my game and one of the reasons was the sensitive role of point guard which requires a lot of effort in each game.

In 2010 you won the first place in the BSC Bar competition for the best business idea with your idea Basketball Academy Mediteran. What did motive you to start coaching kids?

After my career was over I took over Ulcinj as a head coach but it did not take me long to realize that senior basketball and coaching is not for me. I always thought that I would do something in basketball when I finish my career and coaching kids was a way to stay involved in the sport I love. I collaborated with many good coaches and I think I have the experience needed to share it with the kids.

What are your plans for the future with basketball academy Mediteran?

We will try to provide conditions for kids to grow not only as basketball players but also as people. One of the goals is to build up our courts, bring as many kids as possible and help them to learn this beautiful sport. Of course, we will need to find some bank to help us in financing this project but I am an optimist. Also we will try to bring some well known coaches and organize basketball clinics because city like Bar deserves it.


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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Kobe BRYANT
  LA Lakers
  (198-G-78)
  Avg: 28.2
 1. Bryant, LA Lakers28.2 
 2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.27.9 
 3. James, Miami Heat27.7 
 4. Love, Minnesota T.26.0 
 5. Westbrook, Oklah..23.2 
 6. Anthony, New Y.23.1 
 7. Wade, Miami Heat22.3 
 8. Nowitzki, Dallas M.22.0 
 9. Rose, Chicago B.21.9 
 10. Aldridge, Portlan.21.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 14.5
 1. Howard, Orlando M.14.5 
 2. Love, Minnesota T.13.4 
 3. Bynum, LA Lakers11.7 
 4. Humphries, New J.11.0 
 5. Cousins, Sacramen.11.0 
 6. Gasol, LA Lakers10.3 
 7. Griffin, LA Clipp.10.3 
 8. Gortat, Phoenix10.0 
 9. Smith, Atlanta H.9.9 
 10. Noah, Chicago B.9.8 
Assists Per Game
 Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 11.7
 1. Rondo, Boston C.11.7 
 2. Nash, Phoenix Suns10.7 
 3. Paul, LA Clippers8.9 
 4. Calderon, Toron.8.8 
 5. Williams, New J.8.7 
 6. Rubio, Minnesot.8.2 
 7. Wall, Washington W.8.0 
 8. Rose, Chicago B.7.9 
 9. Parker, San A.7.5 
 10. Conley, Memphis G.6.7 
Steals Per Game
 Chris PAUL
  LA Clippers
  (183-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Paul, LA Clippers2.5 
 2. Rubio, Minnesot.2.2 
 3. Conley, Memphis G.2.1 
 4. Rondo, Boston C.1.9 
 5. James, Miami Heat1.9 
 6. Kidd, Dallas M.1.8 
 7. Millsap, Utah Jazz1.8 
 8. Allen, Memphis G.1.7 
 9. Iguodala, Philadel.1.7 
 10. Shumpert, New Y.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Serge IBAKA
  Oklah.Ci.
  (208-C/F-89)
  Avg: 3.6
 1. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.3.6 
 2. McGee, Washingt.2.5 
 3. Howard, Orlando M.2.1 
 4. Bynum, LA Lakers2.1 
 5. Hibbert, Indiana P.2.1 
 6. Jordan, LA Clippers2.0 
 7. McGee, Denver N.2.0 
 8. Gasol, Memphis G.1.9 
 9. Biyombo, Charlott.1.8 
 10. Udoh, Golde S.1.7 


Charlotte Bobcats may change team colors - by Eurobasket News

The Charlotte Bobcats appear to be contemplating a change to their uniform colors, but a team spokesman says that has nothing to do with a potential nickname change.

Pictures circulated on the Internet Friday night of a Bobcats cap tied to the 2012 draft. Most of the cap looks like the Bobcats current blue primary color. The bill is a new, lighter shade of blue. The only orange in that cap is the small Charlotte stenciling.

Asked if the Bobcats are contemplating color changes, team spokesman B.J. Evans said Saturday, Were always trying to explore accenting our colors in different ways. Its an on-going process.

There has been a grassroots effort of late, lobbying the Bobcats to acquire the Hornets nickname from the New Orleans Hornets.

Courtesy of The Charlotte Observer (via www.insidehoops.com)


Report: Suns have interest in Alonzo Gee - by Eurobasket News

Alonzo Gee (6'6''-G-87, college: Alabama) is what you might call a value free-agent this summer. The Cavs forward has athleticism, youth on his side, a versatile skill-set, and strong upside. But he hasnt played well enough or under a big enough microscope to carry with him serious buzz. So teams are going to get their shot at making an offer for Gee and stealing him away from Cleveland. And one team is reportedly the Suns. From the Ohio Mourning Journal:

Cavs forward Alonzo Gee might draw some serious interest this summer in free agency. The Suns could make a lucrative offer to Gee. One source said they could offer Gee a four-year, $16 million offer and hope that the Cavs dont match it.

For $4 million a year, its hard to see the Cavs not matching. A possible exception would be if the Cavaliers were to somehow move up or have Michael Kidd-Gilchrist slide down to the four spot and that fills their small forward spot. But the Cavs would have strong inclination to match. Theyre bullish on Gees production and upside, and hes had some strong games for the Cavs over the past two years.

Value guys in this league are a must to find, especially for a rebuilding franchise. Small forward is a spot where you have to have athleticism. If the Cavs dont put together a strong offer for Gee, someone will.

Courtesy of http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com


No Chris Bosh for Heat-Celtics Game 4 - by Eurobasket News

If the Miami Heat have a secret weapon to unleash for Game 4 of their playoff series against the Boston Celtics, it wont be Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech).

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Saturday that Bosh wont play Sunday and reiterated the All-Star forward has not yet advanced far enough in his recovery from an abdominal strain to gauge when he might be available for game action.

'I'm not thinking about Chris today - I'm not', Spoelstra said before the Heats practice at TD Garden. 'He's not on my mind. And I love you, Chris, but Im focused on Sunday. That's where all of my energies are focused right now.'

The Heat have a 2-1 lead in the series, but are coming off Fridays 101-91 loss to Boston.

Courtesy of ESPN Miami (via www.insidehoops.com)


Celtics beat Heat in overtime, 93-91, tie series - by Eurobasket News

Paul Pierce (6'7''-F/G-77, college: Kansas) and LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) both fouled out, and Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) missed a shot at the buzzer as the Celtics held off the Heat in overtime, 93-91, to tie the Eastern Conference Finals at two games apiece.

James fouled out with 1:51 left overtime. He fouled out for the fourth time in his career and the first time since April of 2008, when he was with Cleveland. Pierce fouled out with 4:22 remaining in the game, the second time he's fouled out this series. This time, however, the Celtics were able to pull through.

Just as they did Friday night, the Celtics got off to a hot start. The 34 points the Celtics scored in the first quarter of Game 4 were their most points scored in a first quarter this season. Rajon Rondo (6'1''-PG-86, college: Kentucky) had 8 points and 4 assists in the first quarter, while Brandon Bass (6'8''-F-85, college: LSU) had 7 points and 5 rebounds, three of them offensive, as the Celtics built their lead.

The Celtics made seven 3-pointers in the first half, many of them set up by the acrobatics of Rondo, who had 10 assists at the break. One one play, Rondo literally ran into Mike Miller in the paint but was able to contort his body enough to find Keyon Dooling (6'3''-G-80, college: Missouri) in the corner for an open shot. During a sideline interview before walking off the court at halftime, Rondo was asked how the Celtics were able to exploit the Miami defense.

'Them complaining and crying to referees in transition,' said Rondo. Shot fired.

Pierce led the Celtics with 18 points at the half.

After putting up 61 points in the first half, the Celtics managed just 12 points in the third quarter on 5 of 16 shooting. Pierce and Rondo each picked up their fourth fouls in the period, and Boston finished the quarter without them, clinging to a five-point lead to start the fourth.

The fourth quarter wasn't much prettier. The Celtics were 0 for 5 to begin the period, their field goal drought spanning more than six minutes between the third and fourth quarters. Boston managed just 16 points in the fourth, but they clamped down defensively, holding Miami to 6 of 15 shooting and forcing overtime.

Both James and Pierce fouled out in the extra frame, but Wade's miss at the buzzer capped a dramatic game and tied the series, which heads back to Miami for Game 5 Wednesday night. James led the Heat with 29 points. Rondo had 15 points and 15 assists for the Celtics.

Courtesy of www.boston.com


Knicks links: Suns willing to fight for Steve Nash - by Eurobasket News

At best, the Knicks will have their mid-level exception to offer soon-to-be free agent Steve Nash (6'3''-PG-74, college: Santa Clara). Depending on how the June 13th hearing on the Bird rights of waived players goes, general manager Glen Grunwald may be forced to give the MLE to Jeremy Lin, and that would practically eliminate New York as a destination for the Phoenix Suns' veteran.

But even if the players' union does win its appeal and it's determined that Lin and Steve Novak do have early-Bird rights (which would allow the Knicks to exceed the salary cap to sign the pair without using any exceptions), getting Nash won't be easy.

For more on that and other issues, here's NJ.com's aggregation of Knicks news from around the web:

The Arizona Republic's Dan Bickley spoke with Suns coach Alvin Gentry, who is encouraged about the team's chances of re-signing Nash: ''I feel good about it,' coach Alvin Gentry said about retaining Nash. 'We just need a player we can throw the ball to at the end of the game, who can get to the foul line, get us a basket or make the right play... I think it's a little unfair for me to ask Steve Nash to do that night in and night out, not just for 66 games, but for 82 games next year. If we're fortunate enough to have Steve back, and we're going to do everything we possibly can to do that, I just think he needs some help.''

HOOPSWORLD's Tommy Beer gave an interesting forecast to the Knicks offseason, which includes a search for depth at point guard and the possible addition of Lamar Odom: 'If the Knicks only have the bi-annual exception and veterans minimums, some affordable, potential PG targets might include: Keyon Dooling, Jonny Flynn, Jannero Pargo, Delonte West, Ishmael Smith, and John Lucas... And depending upon whether or not Grunwald brings back J.R. Smith, Novak, Fields, and/or Jeffries, the list of Knicks needs could grow exponentially.'

J.R. Smith on a late-night bike ride with Knicks fans? Trey Kerby of 'The Basketball Jones' blog has the pictures and more: 'J.R. Smith is often the most frustrating player in the league to watch, but just as often, he is the most entertaining player to follow on the social media website twitter.com. To wit: 'How many people want to ride bikes with me at 2am instagraming pix?... Ill be on 66th an amsterdam @2:30 wit my bike! #getdownorlaydown''

KnickerBlogger.net posted their 2012 report card on Landry Fields, and the reviews were definitely mixed: 'After a rookie campaign that featured back-to-back Eastern Conference rookie of the month awards, 4th place in rookie of the year voting, and a spot on the NBA rookie first team, it looked like Fields had found his tempo. But in his second year, Fields failed to put together a prolonged stretch of good play. With the exception of slight improvements in AST% (9.0 to 14.5) and steal percentage (1.6 to 2.1), Fields stats are down across the board. Ive read a number of theories on why Fields struggled in 2011-2012. Some blame the sophomore jinx; others say it is Carmelo Anthonys style of play. A few blame it on Fields own lack of talent, or that he is playing out of position, or that he is regressing to the mean.'

It might be old news for some, but Patrick Ewing will not be getting the Charlotte Bobcats coaching gig. Here's one report from the New York Post: 'Bobcats president of basketball operations Rod Higgins said the team will hire a new head coach within the next couple of weeks, but it wont be Patrick Ewing... Higgins said owner Michael Jordan informed Ewing the team plans to hire someone other than the former Knicks great to replace Paul Silas... Higgins said Patrick has a lot of great qualities as a coach and he will one day be a head coach.'

Courtesy of www.nj.com


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


UCLA to play Indiana State in new Pauley debut - by Rick Ross

Courtesy Of sportsillustrated.cnn.com

LOS ANGELES (AP) UCLA will play its first basketball game in the renovated
Pauley Pavilion against Indiana State on Nov. 9 in a nod to the roots of late
Bruins coaching great John Wooden.

Indiana State was the only other university where Wooden served as a head coach.
He had a 44-15 record in two seasons in Terre Haute before leaving for
Los Angeles. Wooden was a native of Martinsville, Ind. He died in 2010 at 99.

The arena is undergoing a $136 million renovation to bring it up to date.
The changes include new locker rooms, lounges, a video room, concession stands and restrooms, seats,
a scoreboard and 30-inch LED ribbon boards encircling the building's interior,
along with displays showing UCLA's athletic history.

After the opener, the Bruins will host two games in the Los Angeles regional of the
12-team Legends Classic, which will conclude at the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.


SEC teams' drug penalties more lenient than NCAA's - by Eurobasket News

Players testing positive for marijuana in the mighty Southeastern Conference do not face the one-year suspension that comes from getting busted by the NCAA.

In the most successful league of the BCS-era, players routinely get third, fourth and even fifth chances before they're booted from the team; failed drug tests administered by the NCAA result in the automatic suspension.

The finding comes from an Associated Press examination of the drug policies at 11 current members of the SEC. Vanderbilt, a private institution, declined to make its rules available.

All the SEC schools the AP looked at had far more lenient drug policies than the NCAA, though the penalties varied widely.

The NCAA conducts its own drug checks and leaves testing policies to the schools, but the governing body released a report in January saying that more than a quarter of college football players admitted in 2009 that they smoked marijuana in the previous year.

Just how many suspensions for recreational drug use are handed down in the SEC or any NCAA-affiliated conference is unknown because privacy rules prohibit schools from disclosing positive tests. They're not even required to tell the NCAA.

However, several SEC standouts have been in the news recently.

Former Auburn running back Mike Dyer testified in an April court case involving a teammate that he consistently smoked synthetic marijuana during his Tigers career, LSU star Tyrann Mathieu was suspended one game for violating the team's drug policy last year and Georgia All-America safety Bacarri Rambo could miss a game or two next season for failing a drug test.

Ole Miss athletic director Ross Bjork, who was hired in March, is hoping to strengthen his school's policy by the middle of the summer. Currently, a second positive test at Mississippi might simply mean the loss of free tickets for family and/or community service.

A third positive requires suspension for three games or events. Subsequent violations call for three games tacked onto that, though the athletic director and head coach can dismiss the athlete or opt not to renew the scholarship.

'We need to tighten it up quite a bit and come up with a good policy for everyone involved,' Bjork said.

SEC commissioner Mike Slive said a conference-wide standard has been discussed at least twice during his 10-year tenure, but league members have opted against one to this point.

Drug testing was briefly discussed at the SEC meetings this week in Destin, Fla. Presidents and athletic directors agree action needs to be taken and say it will be a priority at their meetings in October once they have gathered more conference-wide data.

In the meantime, schools are left to handle situations.

'The issue is to make sure that our institutional drug testing programs are adequate,' Slive said before the meetings. 'This is something that comes up on a regular basis.'

Athletes at Georgia and Auburn who test positive for marijuana a second time face the prospect of losing half their season to suspension.

Arkansas and Florida, by comparison, suspend athletes for 10 percent of a season for a second positive.

The NCAA said 90 percent of Division I schools have their own drug-testing programs, while the governing body tests some 13,500 athletes a year. Mary Wilfert, the NCAA's associate director of health and safety, said the NCAA's testing is focused more on performance-enhancing drugs.

'The NCAA is not in the position to provide intervention throughout the year, but schools are,' Wilfert said. She said schools rely on their own needs and philosophies to set their drug testing policies, which are 'complementary' to those of the NCAA.

Wilfert said Football Bowl Subdivision teams are tested at least once, sometimes twice a year by the NCAA.

The SEC schools' policies focus more on recreational drugs, with five of the 11 having stronger penalties for anything beyond marijuana.

Georgia, Kentucky and Mississippi State are the only ones with suspensions for athletes' first positive test for marijuana, 10 percent of the season for each. Kentucky includes possible dismissal for each of the first two positives, with a half-season suspension for No. 2.

The policy variations continue beyond the first positive test.

Six of the schools have a three-strike-and-you're-out method. At Florida, you might get a fifth strike. At Arkansas, four. And Ole Miss doesn't have a defined number.

The use of recreational drugs is a growing concern around all of college football.

The NCAA report released in January found 26.7 percent of football players said they smoked marijuana in 2009 -- the latest year available -- 5 percentage points higher than in 2005.

Most SEC schools have had to deal with the problem.

Even the comparatively stiff penalties at Georgia haven't been completely effective as deterrents. The Bulldogs might open next football season without two defensive backs.

Bulldogs cornerback Branden Smith was charged with marijuana possession in March. Rambo failed a drug test after, his high school coach said, inadvertently eating marijuana-laced brownies on a spring break trip to Florida.

'If you look at other people's policies, ours is much tougher than just about anybody's policy I've seen,' Georgia coach Mark Richt said in late March. 'Because some people end up with a game suspension or whatever it may be, a kid at another school may do the same thing and their policy maybe doesn't say it has to be that way.

'I don't care what they do, all I'm saying is I think it's important how we handle it and our goal when our guys make mistakes is to find out the truth about it and then discipline it properly.'

Dyer, a former Auburn back who has transferred to Arkansas State, took the stand in the trial of the first of four fellow members of the 2010 national championship team charged with armed robbery, allegedly committed after a night of using the drug.

All four were immediately dismissed from the team. Auburn has since updated its drug testing policy to specifically include synthetic marijuana, which was legally sold in Alabama stores until last October.

Florida athletes are suspended for 20 percent of a season for a third positive and 50 percent for a fourth. A fifth means dismissal.

In January, Florida defensive tackle Leon Orr became the sixth Gators player arrested on marijuana charges since head coach Will Muschamp's hiring after the 2010 season. All six cases ended with deferred prosecution.

The program created by Florida's University Athletic Association focuses on education, testing, treatment and deterrence, Gators spokesman Steve McClain said. Each Florida athlete faces one random test each semester while they're in school, anywhere from two to four times a year, McClain said.

The schools' coaches or administrators can often impose stricter penalties.

Alabama allows the athletic director, head coach and its Sports Medicine Committee to determine what, if any, penalty is warranted after a first positive test. The second means the athlete will be sidelined for 15 percent of the season and/or a suspension of up to 30 days, and the third a one-year ban from games.

One observer without ties to the SEC believes it's essential to have an outside organization to police the drug issue and establish uniform methods and policies.

Bob Copeland, athletic director for Canada's Waterloo University, compares the current system to having each country control its own testing for its Olympic athletes.

'There's a lot of value to having third-party experts,' said Copeland, who ordered his entire football team tested after a player was arrested for possession and trafficking of anabolic steroids. 'They can look at what's called intelligent testing and generally apply that across the nation.'

Georgia held a mandatory meeting with every student-athlete before spring break addressing drugs. Athletic director Greg McGarity said a question was raised at a staff meeting this spring: 'What else is there?'

'We've got 600 young men and women in our programs,' McGarity said. 'When someone steps outside the lines, then we have to self-evaluate. Is there more we could have done? But I think at the end of the day it comes down to more accountability for the student-athletes.'

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com


*****************************************************
  NCAA2   


Saint Martin's Signs Five - by Sanjey Noriega

From: smusaints.com

Looking for added depth to help his team endure injuries, St.Martin's men's basketball coach Keith Cooper has signed five players, which includes three junior college transfers and two high school seniors.

The three JC transfers are: Tyler Idowu, a 6-foot-5 power forward who averaged 11 points and 9 rebounds at Merritt College in California; Rei Jensen, a 6-8 center who averaged a double-double at Mt. Hood Community College; and Evan Coulter, a 5-11 guard who averaged 17 points and 7 rebounds at Whatcom Community College.

With details about a sixth player still pending, it's Cooper's biggest recruiting class since his first year at SMU nine years ago.

The last two years injuries have been a big factor for us, Cooper said. A lack of depth has been a big factor. So, I wanted to correct that.

The two incoming freshmen Cooper signed are guard Isaac Bianchini from Sedro Woolley and 6-8 center Lucas Shannon from Issaquah.

Losing three seniors Jeremy Green, Ryan Votaw and Brok Pendleton Cooper is excited about this recruiting class.

They're all good kids and they all come from winning programs where they're used to having success, Cooper said. They're all above 3.1 students. They have good work ethic. It's a good class. I'm excited to coach this group.

Idowu was listed as one of the top-100 junior college players on the West coast. Cooper compared Idowu to Blake Poole, a former All-American forward at SMU.

Tyler is a double-double like guy who is similar to Blake Poole, Cooper said. He's 6-5 but plays bigger. He's a strong, athletic kid who attacks the rim. He has a good feel for going to get the ball as a rebounder.

Jansen was a first-team all-league forward his senior year at Lincoln High School in Portland, Ore. He averaged 15 points per game and 10 rebounds his senior year at Lincoln and was a McDonald's All-American nominee. At Mt. Hood this past season, he averaged 13 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocked shots.

Rei is another transfer who can step in and help us right away, Cooper said. He's a versatile, 6-8 post player who can play a couple of positions. He gives us good length inside both offensively and defensively. He played in a well coached system.

Coulter was an all-state guard at Burlington Edison. He averaged 17 points and 7 rebounds this past season at Whatcom Community College, earning him first-team all-conference.

He's a tough, hard-nosed kid, Cooper said. He was a kid we really liked coming out of high school, but we just didn't have a spot for him at that time because we had so many other guards. He continued to improve at Whatcom.

Bianchini was a scorer and a passer his senior year at Sedro-Woolley High School, averaging 17.8 points and 3 assists. Bianchini, who won the 2007 Elk's national free throw championship, shot 39 percent from 3-point range this season with his high school team.

He can play the one or the two for us, Cooper said. He played for his dad at Sedro Woolley. It's a very well coached program. As he adjusts to the speed of the college game, I think he'll become a good player for us.

Shannon was a two-year starter at Skyline High School, scoring in double figures both seasons. He was team captain both years.

I was really impressed with his leadership skills and his work ethic, Cooper said. He is a guy I really wanted and will fit in nicely with how we play here.


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


Tall Blacks Trialists Named - by Eurobasket News

Americans Kevin Braswell (188-G-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgetown) and Marcel Jones (203-F-85, agency: David Lee services, college: Oregon St.) face a race against the clock to win NZ citizenship this week and stake their claims for a spot in the Tall Blacks. Head coach Nenad Vucinic has invited 17 players to trial for the national mens team as they attempt to nail down one of three spots remaining in the London Olympics basketball draw.
But Braswell and Jones have been named on the proviso they can gain citizenship before the trials begin on June 13 in Auckland. Guard Braswell first came to New Zealand in 2010 as an import point guard for the NZ Breakers team that won their first Australian NBL title. Hes since played two seasons for the Southland Sharks in the NZ national league. Forward Jones first played locally in 2009 and married a Kiwi. Hes played two subsequent NBL seasons and was a third import on the Manawatu Jets roster this year, hoping his citizenship would arrive in time for him to play as a Kiwi. Now they both have extra incentive to hasten that process. If they succeed in time, theyll compete with Tall Blacks veteran CASEY FRANK for the one naturalised spot available on the national team roster.
Retirement, unavailability and injury have forced the absence of several incumbent Tall Blacks, including starters Kirk Penney and Tom Abercrombie, and opened up opportunities for others to step up to international basketball. Seven of those trialling have yet to play for the Tall Blacks Braswell, Jones, HAYDEN ALLEN, JOSH BLOXHAM, EVERARD BARTLETT, MORGAN NATANAHIRA and TAI WEBSTER. Perhaps the most notable inclusions represent opposite ends of the age and experience spectrum. Veteran guard Hayden Allen (190-G-79) (32) has been on fringe of selection several times over the past decade without ever quite making the cut. He was a key contributor to the Auckland Pirates NBL triumph this year and gets another chance less than a year after surviving a serious car accident. With older brother Corey still serving a drug suspension, Junior Tall Black guard Tai Jack Webster (186-G-95) (17) gets a chance to get his guard spot in the family. The younger Webster, along with Tall Black forward Isaac Fotu (203-F-93), helped New Zealand to victory at the inaugural FIBA 33 Youth World Championships in Italy last year.

The trialists are:
Hayden Allen (Auckland Pirates), Joshua Bloxham (186-G-90) (Nelson Giants), Everard Bartlett (198-G-86) (Bay Hawkes), Isaac Fotu (Harbour), Casey Frank (203-F-77, college: N.Arizona) (Wellington Saints), Leon Henry (200-F/G-85, college: S.Idaho JC) (Otago Nuggets), Jeremy Kench (186-G-84) (Wellington Saints), Jarrod Kenny (188-G-85) (Bay Hawks), Rob Loe (210-F-91) (University of St Louis Missouri) , Morgan Natanahira (198-F/G-91) (Bay Hawks), Alex Pledger (213-C-87, college: Belm.Abbey) (Auckland Pirates), Lindsay Tait (192-G-82, agency: Duran International) (Auckland Pirates), Jeremiah Trueman (206-F/C-87, college: Alaska-Anch.) (Manawatu Jets), Mika Vukona (198-F-82) (Nelson Giants), Tai Jack Webster (Auckland Pirates)

In the interests of player development, Vucinic and assistant coaches PERO CAMERON and PAUL HENARE have also invited four juniors Alonzo Burton (193-G) (Bay Hawks), Michael Karena (205-F/C-93) (Nelson Giants), TOHI MILNER-SMITH (Auckland Pirates) and Reuben Te Rangi (201-F-94) (Harbour Heat) to attend.

The Tall Blacks will contest the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caracas, Venezuela, from July 2-8, and face Macedonia and Angola in pool play.
Courtesy of: basketball.org.nz


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

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

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

Regular Season: Round 8

Jun. 3: Powerade T. - Talk N Text 110-105
Jun. 3: Petron Blaze - Alaska Aces 107-94
Jun. 2: Ginebra Kings - Meralco Bolts 100-73

Regular Season: Round 9

Jun. 6: Meralco Bolts - B-Meg Llam.
Jun. 6: Rain or Shine - Ginebra Kings


PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Zach GRAHAM
  Air21 E.
  (198-G-89)
  Avg: 35.3
 1. Graham, Air21 E.35.3 
 2. Bozeman, Ginebra28.7 
 3. Harris, Talk N Text27.8 
 4. David, Powerade T.27.5 
 5. Basden, Petron B.25.0 
 6. Cornley, Rain o.24.3 
 7. Blakely, B-Meg L.23.3 
 8. Forte, Alaska Aces23.3 
 9. Oguchi, Meralco Bo.23.0 
 10. Mercado, Meralco21.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 16
 1. Blakely, B-Meg L.16.0 
 2. Graham, Air21 E.15.7 
 3. Forte, Alaska Aces15.0 
 4. Peterson, Barako B.13.0 
 5. Cornley, Rain o.12.0 
 6. Harris, Talk N Text12.0 
 7. Bozeman, Ginebra10.0 
 8. Hugnatan, Meralco9.3 
 9. Santos, Petron B.9.0 
 10. Basden, Petron B.8.8 
Assists Per Game
 Jimmy ALAPAG
  Talk N Text
  (177-PG-77)
  Avg: 8.7
 1. Alapag, Talk N Te.8.7 
 2. Casio, Powerade T.6.5 
 3. Cortez, Ginebra6.0 
 4. Miller, Barako Bull6.0 
 5. Hubalde, Air21 E.5.3 
 6. Tenorio, Alaska A.5.3 
 7. Bozeman, Ginebra5.0 
 8. Ross, Meralco5.0 
 9. Blakely, B-Meg L.4.7 
 10. Norwood, Rain o.4.7 
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.2.8 
 3. Mercado, Meralco2.0 
 4. Cortez, Ginebra2.0 
 5. Bozeman, Ginebra1.7 
 6. Ildefonso, Petron1.7 
 7. Urbiztondo, B-Meg1.7 
 8. Dillinger, Talk N.1.5 
 9. Harris, Talk N Text1.5 
 10. Macapagal, Meralc.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Blakely, B-Meg L.2.3 
 2. Forte, Alaska Aces1.7 
 3. Thoss, Alaska Aces1.5 
 4. Seigle, Barako Bull1.3 
 5. Baguio, Alaska Ac.1.3 
 6. Faundo, Air21 E.1.3 
 7. Norwood, Rain o.1.0 
 8. Basden, Petron B.1.0 
 9. Santos, Petron B.1.0 
 10. deOcampo, Talk N.0.8 


ASEAN League: Warriors shock Patriots to reach Final - by Eurobasket News

Indonesia Warriors - Philippine Patriots 72:51

Indonesia Warriors advanced into the ASEAN League Final. They fired past Philippine Patriots in the second game to sweep the semifinal series. Steve Thomas (204-C/F-81, college: Middle Tenn.St.) stepped up with 19 points and 15 rebounds to lead the winners.
The Warriors relied on a stifling defence right from the start of the game. They held the Patriots to just 13 points in the opening quarter to take a 3-point lead. The Warriors did not loosen the grip in the second term. The Patriots kept suffocating offensively scoring just 6 points in the second quarter and facing a 13-point deficit at halftime 19:32. The teams traded baskets throughout the third term. The hosts maintained the lead as they entered the fourth quarter up by 13 points 49:36. The Warriors did not slow down in the final period and rallied to a confident win at the end. Evan Brock (204-F-84, college: Alabama) accounted for 16 points and 11 rebounds for the hosts. Mario Wuysang (176-PG-79) and Stanley Pringle (184-PG-87, college: Penn St.) added 8 points each in the victory. Nakiea Miller (204-C-79, college: Iona) responded with 12 points and 9 rebounds for the Patriots. Anthony Johnson (197-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances, college: La-Lafayette) had 11 points in defeat.

Indonesia Warriors: Steve Thomas 19+15 boards, Evan Brock 16+11 boards, Mario Wuysang 8, Stanley Pringle 8
Philippine Patriots: Nakiea Miller 12, Anthony Johnson 11


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


New organisational requirements for clubs for the next season in Tauron Basket Liga - by Maciej Paszyn

Polish Basketball League company entered new provisions into regulations concerning clubs appearing in the polish men extra league (TBL). Important changes in regulations concern the following provisions:
1.Duty of using in property disputes (of e.g. applying contractual settling accounts) between clubs and players and coaches from services of the arbitration court at the National Chamber of Sport or Basketball Arbitral Tribunal, rather than from courts of general jurisdiction
2.Lack of ability of performances in TBL of the club which is conducting activity in other sports discipline
3.Licence vetting (accounting for the previous season and presenting budget for the new season) will be held in one time (this year - to 16 July), rather than in two up till now. After sending documents clubs will receive seven days for supplementing them in case of stating shortcoming.
4.To 21 January 2013 clubs, as part of the additional verification, will be presenting documents confirming accounting with players, coaches and offices. In case of shortcoming loss of points will be possible in the table or even getting back the law of the game of TBL.
5.Led a limit of the minimum amount which must be intended to the remuneration of players, equivalent to the 800 thousand PLN (about 200 thousand Euro, 230 thousand USD) gross is staying for the season. Before beginning gameses clubs must report the composition of players which the sum of earnings exceeds this amount. In the event that as a result of dissolving contracts this sum falls below the 800 thousand PLN in the scale of the season, PLK SA can take the club games of TBL the law.
6.Foreign players which are returned to a club, won't be included in the limit of chargeable basketball players for the next foreigner.

System of gameses for season 2012 / 2013 will be announced after an ultimate number of clubs sharing in TBL. PLK SA is planning the management board gameses in three stages. In first all teams would share (the match and the revenge). In second teams from places 1-6 would play 10 queues (the match and the revenge), and remaining would fight over two vacancies into the play-off on the principle pre-play-off, that is of rivalry in pairs. The third stage is a play-off, played on the same basis as before.
At present the right of the game of TBL and the accession to licence procedures has 15 clubs: 14 acting in TBL in season 2011 / 2012 and winner of the first division Start Gdynia. The time of applications of clubs interested in performances in TBL after buying the so-called wild card out is also on expiring 16 July.



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


Indios start finals with a win: - by Luis Modestti

Indios de Mayaguez started the BSN finals with a 86-79 win over Capitanes de Arecibo at the Sports Palace.

Mayaguez had five scorers in double figures led by Donta Smith (201-G-83, college: SE Illinois JC) who netted 16. Kevin Hamilton (193-G-84, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Holy Cross) added 13; Carlos Rivera, Weyinmi Efejuku and Alexander Franklyn had 12 each.


The hosts dominated most of the game with a balanced offensive attack, dominating the boards and putting pressure on the guards of Arecibo.

Arecibo had a comeback late in the third quarter led by Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC), Daniel Santiago and Guillermo Diaz. That rally kept the game close in the final quarter but Smith took control of the offense in the final minutes to give Indios the win.

Ayuso had 22 points, Santiago 15 and Danilo Pinnock 14 for Arecibo who host game two on Monday.


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


Dusan Ivkovic and Marko Keselj win the title in Greece - by Eurobasket News

Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket ) and Marko Keselj (205-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) finished 2011/12 season in style. After amazing success at the Euroleague Final Four in Istanbul, Olympiakos managed to dethrone Panathinaikos and to win the Greek league title after 15 years. They did it last time in 1997 and Ivkovic was the Head Coach. Thus all recent Olympiakos titles are connected with the Serbian specialist.
Last night the Reds celebrated 82-76 home victory against PAO in decisive Game Five of the Playoff Finals. PAO won last 9 championship titles in Greece, but Zeljko Obradovic and his players captured only Greek Cup this season.
Dusan Ivkovic returned to Olympiakos two years ago. They won the Greek Cup in 2011 and two above mentioned trophies this season.
Marko Keselj also arrived to the club in 2010. He appeared 26 times in Greece averaging 5.8 points and 2.5 rebounds. In Euroleague, Keselj added 3.9 ppg and 2 rpg in 14 games.


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

Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game
 Troy DEVRIES
  Melilla
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 19.1
 1. DeVries, Melilla19.1 
 2. Witt, Knet Clavijo18.2 
 3. Feldeine, Breogan17.7 
 4. Quezada, Leon16.5 
 5. Franklin, Huesca16.2 
 6. Bivia, Mallorca16.0 
 7. Fernandez, Granada15.7 
 8. Moss, Palencia15.4 
 9. Antelo, Caceres14.7 
 10. Leonavicius, Hue.14.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Olaseni LAWAL
  Knet Clavijo
  (208-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.6
 1. Lawal, Knet Clavijo10.6 
 2. Donaldson, Canarias8.8 
 3. Diouf, Palencia8.8 
 4. Kuzmin, Clinicas.8.6 
 5. Starosta, Navarra8.2 
 6. Antelo, Caceres7.8 
 7. Mortellaro, Leon7.7 
 8. Sikma, La Palma7.7 
 9. Fernandez, Granada7.6 
 10. Williams, Caceres7.4 
Assists Per Game
 Oscar ALVARADO
  La Palma
  (184-PG-91)
  Avg: 6.1
 1. Alvarado, La Palma6.1 
 2. Bivia, Mallorca5.1 
 3. Witt, Knet Clavijo4.5 
 4. Norris, Lleida4.3 
 5. Lopez, Burgos4.0 
 6. Bernabe, Leon3.7 
 7. Sabat, Canarias3.6 
 8. Perez, Menorca3.6 
 9. Quezada, Leon3.4 
 10. DeVries, Melilla3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Alexander FRANKLIN
  Huesca
  (196-PF-88)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Franklin, Huesca2.5 
 2. Toledo, Burgos2.1 
 3. Bernabe, Leon2.0 
 4. Xavier, Palencia2.0 
 5. Norris, Lleida1.9 
 6. Abrines, Clinic.1.8 
 7. Alonso, Mallorca1.8 
 8. Green, Mallorca1.8 
 9. Rost, Canarias1.7 
 10. Guerra, Granada1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Ognen KUZMIN
  Clinicas.
  (215-C-90)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Kuzmin, Clinicas.2.1 
 2. Lawal, Knet Clavijo1.7 
 3. Diouf, Palencia1.6 
 4. Green, Mallorca1.3 
 5. Odiakosa, Melilla1.2 
 6. Olmos, Caceres1.1 
 7. Coleman, Girona1.1 
 8. Samb, Granada1.1 
 9. Donaldson, Canarias0.9 
 10. Starosta, Navarra0.9 


Menorca jumps to 2-0 lead in LEB Gold Finals - by Eurobasket News

LEB Gold Finals, Game 2: Menorca - Melilla 82-77 (2-0)

Second game of the LEB Gold Finals between Menorca and Melilla just ended. The hosts celebrated 82-77 victory for 2-0 lead in the series. The format is best-of-five and Menorca is one win away from the Playoffs title. Game Three is scheduled for Thursday and Melilla will be the host.
Melilla Baloncesto was trailing by 2 points at halftime but managed to get 5-point lead after three quarters before a 23-13 charge of Menorca Basquet, which allowed them to win the game. Point guard Jorge Jimenez (182-81) orchestrated the victory by scoring 16 points. American forward Taylor Coppenrath (205-81, college: Vermont) contributed with 13 points for the winners. Menorca Basquet's coach Josep Berrocal used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Guard Jose Salvador Arco (194-85) replied with 22 points (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) and point guard Juan Riera (188-79) added 17 points in the effort for Melilla Baloncesto. Four Melilla Baloncesto players scored in double figures.
The winner of LEB Gold Playoffs will play in Liga Endesa next season. Canarias already won the promotion as they were regular season champion. They registered 26 wins in 34 games. Teams will meet again on June 7 - Game Three. If necessary, they will play also on June 9 and 12.

Menorca: J.Jimenez 16+2reb+2ast, T.Coppenrath 13+4reb+2ast, O.Arteaga 12+5reb, D.Perez 9+4reb+4ast, R.Bas 7+1ast, D.Navarro 7+5reb+1ast
Melilla: J.Salvador Arco 22+3reb+2ast, J.Riera 17+1reb+2ast, M.Suka-Umu 11+4reb+2ast, C.Odiakosa 11+5reb, K.Wachsmann 8+5reb, J.Antonio Marco 3+2ast


Bilbao officially locks Adrien Moerman until 2015 - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Bilbao Basket officially announced signing of Adrien Moerman (203-F/C-88) for the next three years. It means that the French big guy will play for the club until the end of 2014/15 season. Moerman finished the season with Nancy last week. They faced with elimination in ProA Quarterfinals, when it became clear that the league will get a new champion. Moerman joined Nancy last summer from Orleans. He played 10 Euroleague games this season averaging 11.9 points and 5.6 rebounds. The player also added 11.4 ppg and 6.6 rpg for 29 games in ProA. Moerman participated at the ProA All-Star Game. Adrien Moerman was a member of Orleans from 2008 to 2011 and before that he played for Nanterre. The player also has experience from Roanne. In 2008, he was named Eurobasket.com All-French ProB Domestic Player of the Year. In 2009, he reached ProA Finals with Orleans and in 2010 he helped them to win the French Cup. Aaron Jackson, Marko Banic, Janis Blums and Josch Fisher left Bilbao recently, so the team will have different roster for the next season. According to some reports, they also want to sign Fabien Causeur. Bilbao failed in Liga Endesa Quarterfinals against Caja Laboral.


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

TRBL standings

TRBL Standings
 1. PT Players 10-1 
 2. Cary Invasion 8-4 
 3. Wilmington SD 6-6 
 4. Fayetteville C. 5-6 
 5. Big Texas 2-3 
 6. Queen City E. 2-3 
 7. Carolina G. 1-11 

Regular Season: Round 16

Jun. 2: Cary Invasion - PT Players 93-99
Jun. 9: PT Players - Fayetteville C.


Primetime edges Cary for regular season title - by Eurobasket News

The PrimeTime Players secured the 2012 TRBL regular season title and the top seed in the league playoffs on Saturday with a hard-fought 99-93 victory over the visiting Cary Invasion.

Reserve center Malachai Jones was the difference late, stopping Cary on consecutive possessions with a block and a steal that both lead to open lay-ups and helped seal the game for PrimeTime (10-1), who suffered from a second consecutive anemic shooting performance.

The normally smooth-shooting Players shot just 36% for the game, with leading scorers Antonio Houston (6'5''-G/F-88, college: Catawba) and Terrell Smith combining to shoot just 8-of-25 from the floor. Houston knocked down nine free-throws to finish with 19, while Brian Mobley (6'6''-G/F-87, college: Johnson C. Smith) added 19 of his own. Jones finished with 16 points and eight rebounds.

Paul Wright (6'2''-G-85, college: Mountain St.) led the way for the Invasion (9-3) with a game-high 24 points, while Mike Smith chipped in 17 and Anton Currie (6'8''-F-84, college: Toledo) posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

The win moves PrimeTime into the top spot in the point standings with 46. Cary will finish the season with 45 points. PrimeTime closes out the regular season on the road next Saturday at Fayetteville before returning home for the playoffs the following week.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


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

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game
 Jonathan GIBSON
  Trabzonspor
  (182-PG-87)
  Avg: 19.9
 1. Gibson, Trabzonspor19.9 
 2. Reynolds, Antalya18.3 
 3. Chatman, Karsiyaka18.3 
 4. Brown, Trabzonspor18.1 
 5. Scales, Mersin17.4 
 6. Toolson, Aliaga17.3 
 7. Fisher, Antalya17.2 
 8. Grundy, Mersin16.9 
 9. Sneed, Mersin16.9 
 10. Washington, Turk16.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Elton BROWN
  Trabzonspor
  (206-C-83)
  Avg: 12.2
 1. Brown, Trabzonspor12.2 
 2. Stimac, Olin Edirne9.9 
 3. Sanders, Hacett.8.9 
 4. McGhee, Bandirma.7.8 
 5. Mensah-Bonsu, Bes.7.7 
 6. Buckman, Tofas7.6 
 7. Wesson, Erdemir7.6 
 8. Sonkol, Aliaga7.3 
 9. Yucel, Turk T.7.0 
 10. Grier, Mersin6.8 
Assists Per Game
 Mire CHATMAN
  Karsiyaka
  (187-PG-78)
  Avg: 6.4
 1. Chatman, Karsiyaka6.4 
 2. Ermis, Banvit BK5.8 
 3. Ratkovica, Aliaga5.3 
 4. Tunceri, Anadolu5.1 
 5. Senturk, Erdemir4.9 
 6. Gordon, Galatasaray4.5 
 7. Reynolds, Antalya4.4 
 8. Washington, Turk T.4.4 
 9. Fisher, Antalya4.4 
 10. Arroyo, Besiktas4.3 
Steals Per Game
 Russell ROBINSON
  Trabzons.
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Robinson, Trabzons.2.1 
 2. Grier, Mersin2.1 
 3. Bryan-A., Hacett.2.0 
 4. Chatman, Karsiyaka1.9 
 5. Grundy, Mersin1.7 
 6. Gordon, Galatasaray1.6 
 7. Hawkins, Besiktas1.5 
 8. Scales, Mersin1.4 
 9. Guler, Turk T.1.4 
 10. Simmons, Banvit1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Charles DAVIS
  Banvit BK
  (202-F-84)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Davis, Banvit BK1.3 
 2. Bryan-A., Hacett.1.3 
 3. Robinson, Erdemir1.1 
 4. McGhee, Bandirma.1.0 
 5. Gist, Fener.Ulker0.9 
 6. Bayav, Karsiyaka0.9 
 7. Aldemir, Galatasar.0.9 
 8. Turkyilmaz, Banvit0.8 
 9. Karaman, Karsiyaka0.8 
 10. Qvale, Aliaga0.8 


TBL Finals: Anadolu Efes celebrates in Game Three - by Eurobasket News

Finals, Game 3: Besiktas - Anadolu Efes 67-69 (2-1)

Third game of the TBL Finals between Besiktas and Anadolu Efes just ended. Visitors celebrated another victory and this time it was Anadolu Efes, who registered 67-69 win. The format is best-of-seven and Besiktas has 2-1 lead in the series thanks to road victories in the first two meetings. Game Four is scheduled for Tuesday. Besiktas will be the host once again.
The guests trailed by 13 points after first quarter, but they rallied back and won the game by 2 points. The best player for the winners was Kerem Gonlum (208-77) who scored 20 points and 7 rebounds. American guard Oliver Lafayette (188-84, college: Houston) chipped in 8 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Anadolu Efes' coach Ilias Zouros used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was Serbian big guy Zoran Erceg (210-85) who recorded a double-double by scoring 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and American guard David Hawkins (194-82, college: Temple) added 16 points respectively.
TBL champion Fenerbahce Ulker is out of the Finals and there is no regular season champion Galatasaray as well. Besiktas eliminated both of them. On its way to the Finals Anadolu Efes edged Karsiyaka and Banvit.

Besiktas: Z.Erceg 17+10reb+4ast, D.Hawkins 16+4reb+2ast, C.Arroyo 11+5reb+3ast, P.Mensah-Bonsu 8+5reb, M.Kemp 8+1reb+1ast, S.Cetin 3+2reb+3ast
Anadolu Efes: K.Gonlum 20+7reb, S.Vujacic 14+2reb, C.Akyol 11+2reb+1ast, O.Lafayette 8+9reb+5ast, E.Batista 4+6reb, E.Kurtoglu 4+2reb+2ast


Fenerbahce made a contract offer to Ettore Messina - by Baha Kurtulus

As revealed to Sportando Turkish Fener has presented Messina with a 2012-13 contract

Ettore Messina , where next? After claiming to posses the desire to coach again, the 52-year-old Italian native who spent the past season consulting Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, is pursuing European coaching positions.

After David Blatt re-signed with Maccabi Tel Aviv and Zeljko Obradovic said he's probably staying with Panathinaikos, Euroleague powerhouses CSKA Moscow and Fenerbahce Ulker are still in search of a sideline leader.

When in Europe, Messina was frequently rumored to join NBA coaching staffs, while being linked with the Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs. Now, Messina is yet to reveal his next move, but Sportando was told via European source that Turkish Fener has presented Messina with a 2012-13 contract.

Fener's coming off an extremely disappointing season including the release of head coach Neven Spahjia for George Dikeoulakos. Fener finished the regular season as the 5th seed (21-9) and failed to reach both the Euroleague and Domestic Final Fours, after losing 2-0 to Besiktas in the Turkish Quarterfinals.

Courtesy of www.sportando.net


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


Sasa Obradovic leaves BC Donetsk - by Eurobasket News

Sasa Obradovic (agency: Beo Basket ) decided to leave BC Donetsk. The Serbian specialist has chosen to accept the offer from ALBA Berlin and will move to Germany next season. Sasa Obradovic (agency: Beo Basket ) took over BC Donetsk in 2010. Last season he led the team to the first Superleague title in their history. Eurobasket.com named Sasa Obradovic (agency: Beo Basket ) All-Ukrainian Superleague Coach of the Year. It was the second straight such an award for Obradovic. Previously Sasa Obradovic (agency: Beo Basket ) worked with Koln, BC Kyiv and PGE Turow. He was Bundesliga champion together with Koln back in 2006. Sasa Obradovic (agency: Beo Basket ) led his teams to Ukranian Cup and Superleague Finals, Fiba EuroCup quarterfinals as well as German Bundesliga semifinals. BC Donetsk have already started looking for the replacement.


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

Standings - Metropolitan League

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

Regular Season: Round 5

Jun. 2: Cader - Marne 95-74
May. 31: Verdirrojo - Romis N. 80-86
May. 31: Capitol - Yale 74-71
May. 31: Larranaga - Urunday Univ. 72-80
Jun. 1: Goes - Atenas 67-81

Regular Season: Round 6

Jun. 4: Atenas - Verdirrojo
Jun. 4: Romis N. - Larranaga
Jun. 4: Urunday Univ. - Cader
Jun. 4: Guruyu Waston - Capitol
Jun. 4: Yale - Goes



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


Venezuela hold off Mexico at the start of Super 4 Cup in Caracas - by Eurobasket News

Venezuela - Mexico 86:83

Venezuela registered the first win at the home Super 4 Cup in Caracas. The hosts snatched a narrow home win over Mexico in the opener. Greivis Vasquez (198-PG-87, agency: Interperformances, college: Maryland) scored 41 points to pace impressive effort.
Mexico led by a single point 17:16 after ten minutes. The hosts however took over in the second quarter. Venezuela exploded with 26 points to establish a 5-point halftime lead 42:37. Venezuela stretched the lead in the third term. The home team boosted the gap at 10-point mark before the final period. Mexico did not surrender as they went on a determined comeback effort. Hector Hernandez (206-F-85, college: Fresno St.) drilled a three-pointer to put the visitors within a single point 83:84 with 33 seconds left in regulation. But Greivis Vasquez sank two free throws late in regulation and sealed the victory for the hosts. Heissler Guillent (186-PG-86, agency: Paris Global Sports) provided 14 points, while Jose Juan Bravo (202-C-86) added 11 points and 7 boards in the win. Hector Hernandez answered with 18 points and 8 rebounds for Mexico. Paul Stoll (178-PG-85) netted 16 points in the loss.

Venezuela: Greivis Vasquez 41, Heissler Guillent 14, Jose Juan Bravo 11
Mexico: Hector Hernandez 18, Paul Stoll 16


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


BC Astana close to David Simon - by Eurobasket News

BC Astana is close to landing David Simon (207-C-82, college: IPFW). The Kazakh powerhouse made an offer to the player. The US centre had an outstanding season with Radnicki Kragujevac. David Simon tallied impressive 19.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 1.2 assists and 1.0 steal per game in Adriatic League. He also notched 14.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game in Serbian League. Eurobasket.com named David Simon All-Adriatic League Player of the Year. Previously David Simon had stints in South Korea, France, Russia and Bulgaria. The centre was named into Korean KBL All-Imports Team in 2011. He also made it into Bulgarian League All-Imports Team in 2006. The centre became the Bulgarian Cup and League champion in 2006.



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

Women News


Germany post the second straight win in Liege - by Eurobasket News

Belgium-Germany 74:84

Germany post the second straight win in Liege as they overcame Belgium 84:74. The German side celebrated the victory in Day 2 of the International Tournament and improved to 2-0 record. The hosts meanwhile fell at 1-1.
Germany did no waste time and took the lead from the very beginning. The guests enjoyed 15:5 lead after the first five minutes and grabbed 24:18 advantage at the end of the first period. Moreover they increased to 50:38 as the teams disappeared in the lockers. The third quarter was also dominated by the German side that led 69:51 with 10 minutes remaining. Belgium however reduced the gap to 10 points after a productive last quarter.
Romy Bar (189-F-87) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) notched 13. Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) posted 12, while Stephanie Wagner (181-F-90) added 11. Sofie Hendrickx (186-PF-86) ended up with 12 points in the losing effort, whilst Noemie Mayombo (170-PG-91, agency: LBM Management), Anne-Sophie Strubbe (182-SF-90) and Dana Boonen (197-C-79, college: Rutgers) had 10 each.

Belgium: Sofie Hendrickx 12, Noemie Mayombo 10, Anne-Sophie Strubbe 10, Dana Boonen 10
Germany: Romy Bar 16, Anne Breitreiner 13, Sarah Austmann 12, Stephanie Wagner 11


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


Lithuania bounce back against Finland in Helsinki - by Eurobasket News

Finland - Lithuania 73:86

Lithuania celebrated victory in the second game of the test series against Finland in Helsinki. The visitors rebounded after the starting loss and claimed a 13-point win in Game 2. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) orchestrated the win with 24 points and 10 rebounds for the visitors.
Lithuania jumped to an early lead. They accumulated a 23:9 advantage after ten minutes of action. Finland narrowed the margin but still trailed by 7 points at halftime 35:42. The visitors boosted their advantage in the third quarter. They secured an 18-point lead with ten minutes remaining in regulation. The gap grew at 20+ in the fourth frame and Lithuania cruised to the victory at the end. Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) provided 16 points for Lithuania. Gabriele Gutkauskaite (172-PG-90) added 14 points in the win. Heta Korpivaara (186-G/F-84, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Seton Hall) had 21 points for Finland. Tiina Sten (189-G/F-85, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: St.John's) netted 17 points in the loss.

Finland: Heta Korpivaara 21, Tiina Sten 17
Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 24+10 boards, Marina Solopova 16, Gabriele Gutkauskaite 14


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


Sabrina Reghaissia signs with Basket Landes - by Eurobasket News

Sabrina Reghaissia (188-F-83) is back to Basket Landes. The French forward penned a deal for the next season. Reghaissia already played for the club in 2009/10. She had 12.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 1.4 apg for 22 LFB games. The forward finished this season with Arras. She appeared 14 times in LFB averaging 7.1 points and 4.5 rebounds. She also added 4.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg in 4 EuroCup games. Sabrina Reghaissia started the season with Pays d'Aix Basket 13 Provence, but they parted ways in December. She played for the same club also in 2010/11. In the past, Reghaissia was a member of Union Hainaut, Valenciennes USVO, Montpellier and Bourges. She won the LFB title and French Cup in 2006 with Bourges.


Villeneuve d'Ascq land Bintou Dieme - by Eurobasket News

Villeneuve d'Ascq strengthened their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Bintou Dieme (165-PG-84). The point guard is meant to replace Kathy Wambe (173-G-81). The Belgian guard left Villeneuve d'Ascq for Italian Schio. Bintou Dieme spent the last season in Le Havre. The guard averaged 16.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.6 steals per game in LF2. Bintou Dieme is not new to Villeneuve dAscq. She played for the team in 2006/08 seasons. She played in LFB semifinals for three straight seasons 2006, 2007 and 2008. Bintou Dieme had stints with Calais, Pays dAix, Union Saint-Amand Porte, Joventud Mariana and Toulouse.


France overcame Poland in Lyon - by Eurobasket News

France -Poland 74:66

France overcame Poland in Lyon in their first preparation game. The French side celebrated a 74:66 over the Polish representatives.
France started with 13:4 lead and increased to 24:13 at the end of the first period. They enjoyed 28:21 midway through the second quarter and grabbed 44:33 at the halftime.
Poland looked better in the third quarter and managed to reduce to 50:43 in it. France however closed the frame at 59:50 and never looked behind. France had 63:55 with 5 minutes to go and clinched a 74:66 victory.
Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87) top-scored for the winners with 20 points, while Emilie Gomis (180-G/F-83) added 13. Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) netted 12 and Clemence Beikes scored 6. Agnieszka Skobel (179-F-89) ended up with 13 points in the losing effort, while Agnieszka Majewska (195-C-82) delivered 11. Aleksandra Chomac (191-C-85, agency: Data Plus Group) followed them with 10 points in defeat.

France: Sandrine Gruda 20, Emilie Gomis 13, Celine Dumerc 12, Clemence Beikes (180-G-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas) 6
Poland: Agnieszka Skobel 13, Agnieszka Majewska 11, Aleksandra Chomac 10


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


Germany post the second straight win in Liege - by Eurobasket News

Belgium-Germany 74:84

Germany post the second straight win in Liege as they overcame Belgium 84:74. The German side celebrated the victory in Day 2 of the International Tournament and improved to 2-0 record. The hosts meanwhile fell at 1-1.
Germany did no waste time and took the lead from the very beginning. The guests enjoyed 15:5 lead after the first five minutes and grabbed 24:18 advantage at the end of the first period. Moreover they increased to 50:38 as the teams disappeared in the lockers. The third quarter was also dominated by the German side that led 69:51 with 10 minutes remaining. Belgium however reduced the gap to 10 points after a productive last quarter.
Romy Bar (189-F-87) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) notched 13. Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) posted 12, while Stephanie Wagner (181-F-90) added 11. Sofie Hendrickx (186-PF-86) ended up with 12 points in the losing effort, whilst Noemie Mayombo (170-PG-91, agency: LBM Management), Anne-Sophie Strubbe (182-SF-90) and Dana Boonen (197-C-79, college: Rutgers) had 10 each.

Belgium: Sofie Hendrickx 12, Noemie Mayombo 10, Anne-Sophie Strubbe 10, Dana Boonen 10
Germany: Romy Bar 16, Anne Breitreiner 13, Sarah Austmann 12, Stephanie Wagner 11


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


Zoi Dimitrakou's interview - by Diamadis Farmakis

Zoi Dimitrakou (188-F-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas), a member of the Greek women's National Team, spoke to www.fibaeurope.com, about the upcoming 2013 Eurobasket women qualification round in June. She also told her opinion about the new coach of the Greek NT Alekos Daglas and for the future of the Greek women basketball.

Here are some quotes of Zoi Dimitrakou's interview:

First, for the new NT coach, Alekos Daglas:

'At the start, it was definitely a little strange for everybody not to have Coach Missas in the practices,' admitted Dimitrakou. During the last six years or so, he made the Greek team really competitive and a considerable team to the rest of Europe. He was not only a basketball coach but also a life teacher!'

'I think our new coach was the perfect choice to succeed Coach Missas,' Dimitrakou says of Daglas. They have very similar philosophies and under coach Daglas, we have high expectations.Especially from our defence and then to our fast break.'

About 2011 Eurobasket in Poland and the upcoming games for the qualification rounf of the 2013 Eurobasket:

'Last summer didn't bring the results we were expecting. We lost a game we shouldn't lose and essentially that's why we didn't progress,' she recalls. But, one year later, I'm really confident about our team and I think we can qualify for EuroBasket Women next year.

'We have played against most of the teams in our group in the past,' continued Dimitrakou. Definitely Latvia and Italy have showed that they are strong teams but we are as well. We will face all four teams with the same mentality and I think the results will be the ones we expect.'

'Sadly we will really miss Styliani Kaltsidou both as a player and as a person in the team - we wish her a fast rehabilitation from injury.'

For the future of the Greek National Team and the matter of the many old players in the roster :

'I don't think this is an issue to worry about since there are seven players already in the team with experience that are going to play for this team for the next five years,' she said. Next to these players starts the transition for the young players so they can be ready to play when the right time comes.

'We already have five players under the age of twenty in our team both practicing and playing.'

Making it to France and participating in her fourth EuroBasket Women tournament would be a real delight for Dimitrakou since it has become a second home after agreeing to continue her club career in the French league with Bourges Basket, having finished last season with Charleville.

'It would be an extra special feeling for sure,' smiled Dimitrakou. Playing with Charleville made me more experienced and helped me a lot in my game!

'But now I'm very excited about playing with Bourges next season since it's my goal every year to go one step ahead and so this is really a great opportunity for me!'


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


Puerto Rico edge Netherlands in friendly game - by Eurobasket News

Netherlands - Puerto Rico 57:67

Puerto Rico celebrated victory in the second friendly game against Netherlands. The Latin American team recovered from the starting loss to level the test series. Jazmine Sepulveda (186-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: S.Florida) stepped up with 16 points to pace the winners.
Puerto Rico capitalized on a low-shooting percentage from the hosts in the opening quarter to surge ahead. Puerto Rico grabbed a 16:11 lead ten minutes into the game. Netherlands slowly recovered in the second quarter. The hosts denied the deficit to square things up at 28 at halftime. Puerto Rico however gained momentum in the third term. They exploded with a 25:8 run to leave Netherlands far behind. The hosts tried to comeback into the contest in the fourth term but the gap proved too big to overcome at the end. Marie Placido (182-F-87) knocked down 14 points and 8 boards for Puerto Rico. Angiely Morales (180-SG-87) added 10 points in the victory. Myrthe Beld (183-G-89, agency: Regeneracom Sports) answered with 14 points for Netherlands. Naomi Halman (191-F/C-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Cal-Irvine) netted 11 points in the loss.

Netherlands: Myrthe Beld 14, Naomi Halman 11
Puerto Rico: Jazmine Sepulveda 16, Marie Placido 14, Angiely Morales 10


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


Hungary win international tournament in Sopron - by Eurobasket News

Hungary - Latvia 59:56

Hungary clinched the international tournament title in Sopron. The hosts prevailed against Latvia by three points to clinch the top position. Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: De Paul) came up with 16 points to lead the home team.
Hungary held their opponents to just 9 points in the starting quarter to take a 5-point lead. The home team stretched the margin in the second quarter. They accumulated a 33:23 halftime lead. Hungary maintained the lead throughout the third term. They boosted the margin to 11 points with ten minutes remaining. Latvia woke up in the fourth term outscoring Hungary but came up just short of victory at the end. Nora Nagy (185-F-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) produced 12 points, while Orsolya Szecsi (190-G/F-92) added 10 in the winning effort. Ieva Krastina (175-G/F-90, agency: LBM Management) answered with 13 points for Latvia. Aija Putnina (192-F/C-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) netted 11 points in the loss.

Hungary: Allie Quigley 16, Nora Nagy 12, Orsolya Szecsi 10
Latvia: Ieva Krastina 13, Aija Putnina 11


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


Italy open Belgrade International Tournament with win over Israel - by Eurobasket News

Italy - Israel 70:65

Italian National Team victoriously opened their Belgrade international tournament campaign. They overcame Israel in the opener. Giulia Gatti (172-G-89, agency: LBM Management) and Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) scored 13 points each to lead the winners.
Israel enjoyed a narrow lead after ten minutes. They accumulated a 17:16 lead. Israel extended the distance in the second quarter. They boosted the gap at 9-point mark at the interval 30:39. But Italy slowly trimmed the deficit in the third frame. They narrowed the distance to a single point 50:51 with one period remaining. Italy finally pulled ahead in the fourth frame and managed to eke out victory at the end. Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) added 12 points for the winning side. Shay Doron (175-SG-85, college: Maryland) answered with game-high 21 points for Israel. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) provided 10 points in the loss.

Italy: Giulia Gatti 13, Giorgia Sottana 13, Raffaella Masciadri 12
Israel: Shay Doron 21, Liron Cohen 10


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  ITALY   


A2: Vigarano and Chieti win Group North and South - by Eurobasket News

2011/12 season in A2 is over. Third crucial games of the group Finals were played yesterday and today. Vigarano and Chieti managed to beat their rivals winning the Group North and South, respectively. Both teams will play next season in Serie A1.

Group North
Vigarano - Bologna 62-53 (2-1)
Meccanica NB trailed by 14 points after 3 quarters before a 16-11 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 53-62 at the end of the game. The best player for the winners was forward Eleonora Laffi (188-F-83) (188-83) who scored 16 points and 9 rebounds. Polish forward Magdalena Losi (173-80, agency: Promotex) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds. Four Vigarano players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was power forward Anna Denti (185-83) who recorded a double-double by scoring 13 points and 13 rebounds and forward Eleonora Costi (180-83) added 15 points and 11 rebounds respectively. Vigarano eliminated Cagliari V. in the Quarterfinals and Muggia in the Semis. They were also regular season champions in Group North with 22-4 record.
Top scorers:
Vigarano: G.Vian 16+6reb+1ast, E.Laffi 16+9reb+1ast, M.Losi 12+10reb+1ast, S.Farris 12+4reb+1ast, M.Zanardi 4+5reb+4ast, J.Rosier 2+2reb
Bologna: E.Costi 15+11reb, A.Denti 13+13reb, I.Cigliani 9, G.Leva 6+6reb+1ast, F.Nannucci 6+3reb+1ast, V.Zanoli 4+2reb+1ast
gschID: 177339


Group South
Chieti - Orvieto 58-53 (2-1)
The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Orvieto won third quarter 17-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Orvieto 37-24 including a 30-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for C.U.S. Chieti especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 64.7 percentage. The best player for the winners was Argentinian point guard Debora Gonzalez (172-90, agency: Players Group) who scored 27 points. The former international center Elisa Silva (192-88) chipped in 14 points and 5 rebounds. C.U.S. Chieti's coach Giuseppe Caboni used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was Latvian power forward Lauma Reke (185-86, college: St.Peter's) who recorded 11 points and 9 rebounds and international forward Francesca Mariani (188-85) added 13 points respectively. Chieti eliminated SE Batipaglia in the Quarterfinals and Ragusa in the Semis. In the regular season Chieti was No.3 with 21-5 record.
Top scorers:
Chieti: D.Gonzalez 27+2reb+3ast, E.Silva 14+5reb+1ast, J.Olheim 7+10reb+1ast, F.Tognalini 5+10reb, V.Gatti 4+3reb, C.De Luca 1
Orvieto: F.Mariani 13+4reb+1ast, L.Tripalo 12+4reb+1ast, L.Reke 11+9reb, A.Tava 5, A.Ratti 4+5reb, A.Puliti 4+2reb


Famila Schio bring in Elodie Godin and Kathy Wambe - by Eurobasket News

Famila Schio bring in Elodie Godin (190-C-85) and Kathy Wambe (173-G-81) for the next season. According to lovewomensbasketball.com via Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno, the players will arrive from Cras Basket Taranto and Villeneuve D'Asco ESB Lille Metropole.
Elodie Godin joined Cras Taranto 4 years ago. In her first season she averaged 8.6ppg, 7.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 81.5% in EuroCup and in Italian League had 7.3ppg, Reb-5 (8.2ppg), 1.0apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 45.7%, FT: 67.2%. In 2011-2012 for Cras Taranto (Italy-A1, starting five) in Euroleague she averaged 9.9ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.5%, FT: 88.9% and in Italian League had 7.1ppg, 7.1rpg, 2.2spg, FGP: 46.1%, FT: 77.1%.
Kathy Wambe will come back from Villeneuve d'Ascq. In 2008-2009 she moved to Union Saint-Amand Porte du Hainaut (France-LFB, starting five) and in French League after 18 games averaged 9.9ppg, 2.1rpg, 4.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 71.4%. In Euroleague after 10 games her stats read 9.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.5apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 75.6%. Two seasons ago the Belgian player spent in Italy for Cras Taranto (Italy-A1, starting five). In her first year there she averaged 8.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 63.0% in EuroLeague and in Italian League showed 7.9ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.9apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 25.7%, FT: 57.3%. This season Kathy Wambe's statst were 7.9ppg, 3.2rpg, Assists-5 (2.6apg), 2.4spg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 3.3%, FT: 60.2% and in Euroleague: 10.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.0apg, 2.0spg, FGP-2 (63.0%), 3PT: 8.3%, FT: 60.3%


Italy open Belgrade International Tournament with win over Israel - by Eurobasket News

Italy - Israel 70:65

Italian National Team victoriously opened their Belgrade international tournament campaign. They overcame Israel in the opener. Giulia Gatti (172-G-89, agency: LBM Management) and Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) scored 13 points each to lead the winners.
Israel enjoyed a narrow lead after ten minutes. They accumulated a 17:16 lead. Israel extended the distance in the second quarter. They boosted the gap at 9-point mark at the interval 30:39. But Italy slowly trimmed the deficit in the third frame. They narrowed the distance to a single point 50:51 with one period remaining. Italy finally pulled ahead in the fourth frame and managed to eke out victory at the end. Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) added 12 points for the winning side. Shay Doron (175-SG-85, college: Maryland) answered with game-high 21 points for Israel. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) provided 10 points in the loss.

Italy: Giulia Gatti 13, Giorgia Sottana 13, Raffaella Masciadri 12
Israel: Shay Doron 21, Liron Cohen 10


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  LATVIA   


Hungary win international tournament in Sopron - by Eurobasket News

Hungary - Latvia 59:56

Hungary clinched the international tournament title in Sopron. The hosts prevailed against Latvia by three points to clinch the top position. Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: De Paul) came up with 16 points to lead the home team.
Hungary held their opponents to just 9 points in the starting quarter to take a 5-point lead. The home team stretched the margin in the second quarter. They accumulated a 33:23 halftime lead. Hungary maintained the lead throughout the third term. They boosted the margin to 11 points with ten minutes remaining. Latvia woke up in the fourth term outscoring Hungary but came up just short of victory at the end. Nora Nagy (185-F-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) produced 12 points, while Orsolya Szecsi (190-G/F-92) added 10 in the winning effort. Ieva Krastina (175-G/F-90, agency: LBM Management) answered with 13 points for Latvia. Aija Putnina (192-F/C-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) netted 11 points in the loss.

Hungary: Allie Quigley 16, Nora Nagy 12, Orsolya Szecsi 10
Latvia: Ieva Krastina 13, Aija Putnina 11


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  LITHUANIA   


Lithuania bounce back against Finland in Helsinki - by Eurobasket News

Finland - Lithuania 73:86

Lithuania celebrated victory in the second game of the test series against Finland in Helsinki. The visitors rebounded after the starting loss and claimed a 13-point win in Game 2. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) orchestrated the win with 24 points and 10 rebounds for the visitors.
Lithuania jumped to an early lead. They accumulated a 23:9 advantage after ten minutes of action. Finland narrowed the margin but still trailed by 7 points at halftime 35:42. The visitors boosted their advantage in the third quarter. They secured an 18-point lead with ten minutes remaining in regulation. The gap grew at 20+ in the fourth frame and Lithuania cruised to the victory at the end. Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) provided 16 points for Lithuania. Gabriele Gutkauskaite (172-PG-90) added 14 points in the win. Heta Korpivaara (186-G/F-84, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Seton Hall) had 21 points for Finland. Tiina Sten (189-G/F-85, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: St.John's) netted 17 points in the loss.

Finland: Heta Korpivaara 21, Tiina Sten 17
Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 24+10 boards, Marina Solopova 16, Gabriele Gutkauskaite 14


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  NEW ZEALAND   


Tall Ferns team named - by Mike Lacey

New Zealand Tall Ferns coach Kennedy Kereama has named a largely proven team for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Turkey later this month. Seven of the team played at the last Olympics, naturalised American Casey Lockwood being the only debutant.
Natalie Taylor (nee Purcell), Charmian Mellars (nee Purcell), Noni Wharemate, Lisa Wallbutton (183-C/F-86), Jillian Harmon, Micaela Cocks, and Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe are the returning Olympians and joining them are Jordan Hunter, Toni Edmundson, Karlene Kingi, Erin Rooney and Lockwood. The team leaves for China this week in preperation for their Olympic bid.


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  POLAND   


France overcame Poland in Lyon - by Eurobasket News

France -Poland 74:66

France overcame Poland in Lyon in their first preparation game. The French side celebrated a 74:66 over the Polish representatives.
France started with 13:4 lead and increased to 24:13 at the end of the first period. They enjoyed 28:21 midway through the second quarter and grabbed 44:33 at the halftime.
Poland looked better in the third quarter and managed to reduce to 50:43 in it. France however closed the frame at 59:50 and never looked behind. France had 63:55 with 5 minutes to go and clinched a 74:66 victory.
Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87) top-scored for the winners with 20 points, while Emilie Gomis (180-G/F-83) added 13. Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) netted 12 and Clemence Beikes scored 6. Agnieszka Skobel (179-F-89) ended up with 13 points in the losing effort, while Agnieszka Majewska (195-C-82) delivered 11. Aleksandra Chomac (191-C-85, agency: Data Plus Group) followed them with 10 points in defeat.

France: Sandrine Gruda 20, Emilie Gomis 13, Celine Dumerc 12, Clemence Beikes (180-G-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas) 6
Poland: Agnieszka Skobel 13, Agnieszka Majewska 11, Aleksandra Chomac 10


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  PUERTO RICO   


Puerto Rico edge Netherlands in friendly game - by Eurobasket News

Netherlands - Puerto Rico 57:67

Puerto Rico celebrated victory in the second friendly game against Netherlands. The Latin American team recovered from the starting loss to level the test series. Jazmine Sepulveda (186-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: S.Florida) stepped up with 16 points to pace the winners.
Puerto Rico capitalized on a low-shooting percentage from the hosts in the opening quarter to surge ahead. Puerto Rico grabbed a 16:11 lead ten minutes into the game. Netherlands slowly recovered in the second quarter. The hosts denied the deficit to square things up at 28 at halftime. Puerto Rico however gained momentum in the third term. They exploded with a 25:8 run to leave Netherlands far behind. The hosts tried to comeback into the contest in the fourth term but the gap proved too big to overcome at the end. Marie Placido (182-F-87) knocked down 14 points and 8 boards for Puerto Rico. Angiely Morales (180-SG-87) added 10 points in the victory. Myrthe Beld (183-G-89, agency: Regeneracom Sports) answered with 14 points for Netherlands. Naomi Halman (191-F/C-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Cal-Irvine) netted 11 points in the loss.

Netherlands: Myrthe Beld 14, Naomi Halman 11
Puerto Rico: Jazmine Sepulveda 16, Marie Placido 14, Angiely Morales 10


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  ROMANIA   


Serbia fire past Romania in Belgrade - by Eurobasket News

Serbia - Romania 82:63

Serbia posted the first win at the Belgrade international tournament. The hosts held off Romania in the opener. Ivanka Matic (195-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management) came up with 13 points to lead the hosts.
Serbia pulled ahead in the opening frame. The home team posted a 20:16 lead ten minutes into the game. Serbia took off in the second quarter. The hosts outgunned Romania 25:9 for a comfortable 45:25 halftime lead. Serbia kept their opponents at bay throughout the third quarter. The hosts arrived at the final intermission up by 23 points 65:42. Romania managed to outscore Serbia in the fourth frame but to no avail. Nevena Jovanovic (179-G-90) and Ana Dabovic (183-G/F-89) accounted for 12 points each in the winning effort. Gabriela Marginean (182-F-87, college: Drexel) answered with game-high 20 points for Romania. Cristiana Cutas (187-C-84) netted 8 points in the loss.

Serbia: Ivanka Matic 13, Nevena Jovanovic 12, Ana Dabovic 12
Romania: Gabriela Marginean 20, Cristiana Cutas 8


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  RUSSIA   


Svetlana Abrosimova near to rejoining Storm - by Eurobasket News

Russian guard Svetlana Abrosimova (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) is closer to rejoining the Storm. Her agent said Friday that she's expected to be signed by the end of June.

But Brian Agler, Storm coach and general manager, must wait to make any roster move because the team is near the WNBA-maximum $878,000 cap for this season. Part of that money ($105,500) is for Australian Olympian Lauren Jackson. She will be paid only a prorated amount, but her full salary counts against the cap.

Because Abrosimova is a nine-year veteran, she would require a minimum $53,000 salary. She would be paid less, depending on how many Storm games she misses.

'The plan is, she's going to come to Seattle at the end of the month,' said her agent, Boris Lelchitski, founder and CEO of Sports International Group. 'She's back in Russia and is training there.'

Abrosimova, 31, started attracting interest after she was omitted from consideration for the Russian Olympic team. She missed the 2011 WNBA season while helping the team qualify for the London Games in EuroBasket play. She averaged 5.9 points and 3.8 boards.

Playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg last fall, teaming with WNBA All-Stars Sue Bird and Candace Parker, Abrosimova averaged 15 minutes in the Russian league and 11 in the tougher EuroLeague. To national team coach Boris Sokolovsky, it wasn't enough to show her value.

'It's so I can't find another word than stupid,' Lelchitski said of Sokolovsky's decision.

American All-Star Becky Hammon is expected to represent Russia in the Olympics at point guard.

'I've never heard of somebody who's the captain of the team that qualified for the Olympics not being selected to the top-25 prospects,' Lelchitski continued. 'This has nothing to do with basketball. It's just freaking politics that's going to kick them in the back.

'And some of those players are my clients. ... It makes no sense. If Svetlana went to the training camp and somebody else was better, I have no problem. I just know there's none better than her.'

Abrosimova began her national team career at age 14 and won a bronze medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She's the only player from her country to win a WNBA title, averaging 7.6 points and 3.1 rebounds during Seattle's title run in 2010.

Agler was hesitant to confirm Abrosimova's arrival because anything could still happen between now and the expected contract start date. The former University of Connecticut standout has a green card and Washington state driver's license, so entry isn't an issue.

Yet if the Russian national team which starting training for the Olympics this week changes its stance and offers Abrosimova more than the Storm to stay put, Agler anticipates she would stay. In the WNBA, she would only play for the Storm, according to Agler.

The Storm would have to cut a player, such as second-year forward Victoria Dunlap or free-agent pickup Alysha Clark, to keep the roster at the maximum 11. Dunlap and Clark have played one game apiece this season.

'We don't know who (the cut) is or how that's going to play out,' Agler said Friday before the Storm defeated Tulsa 76-58. Seattle (1-3) plays at Los Angeles (4-1) Sunday.

'We're letting this go for a while and see. It's for certain when she shows up.'

Courtesy of http://seattletimes.nwsource.com


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  SERBIA   


Serbia fire past Romania in Belgrade - by Eurobasket News

Serbia - Romania 82:63

Serbia posted the first win at the Belgrade international tournament. The hosts held off Romania in the opener. Ivanka Matic (195-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management) came up with 13 points to lead the hosts.
Serbia pulled ahead in the opening frame. The home team posted a 20:16 lead ten minutes into the game. Serbia took off in the second quarter. The hosts outgunned Romania 25:9 for a comfortable 45:25 halftime lead. Serbia kept their opponents at bay throughout the third quarter. The hosts arrived at the final intermission up by 23 points 65:42. Romania managed to outscore Serbia in the fourth frame but to no avail. Nevena Jovanovic (179-G-90) and Ana Dabovic (183-G/F-89) accounted for 12 points each in the winning effort. Gabriela Marginean (182-F-87, college: Drexel) answered with game-high 20 points for Romania. Cristiana Cutas (187-C-84) netted 8 points in the loss.

Serbia: Ivanka Matic 13, Nevena Jovanovic 12, Ana Dabovic 12
Romania: Gabriela Marginean 20, Cristiana Cutas 8


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  SLOVENIA   


Slovenia hand second straight loss to Switzerland - by Eurobasket News

Slovenia - Switzerland 71:48

Slovenia celebrated the second straight win over Switzerland in friendly series in Kranjska Gora. The hosts shot down the Swiss team by 23 points in the second encounter. Teja Oblak (171-G-90) stepped up with 17 points to pace the winners.
Slovenia secured a 21:16 lead after ten minutes of action. They stretched the margin to double figures in the second quarter. The hosts piled up a 48:30 halftime lead. Switzerland stopped the rot in the third term. They slowed down the home team to narrow the gap by three points. But Slovenia answered with 14:6 run in the final period to seal a comfortable win at the end. Tina Trebec (189-F-90, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency) knocked down 14 points, while Tjasa Gortnar (187-F-92) added 10 points for the winning side. Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) answered with 15 points for Switzerland.


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  SWITZERLAND   


Slovenia hand second straight loss to Switzerland - by Eurobasket News

Slovenia - Switzerland 71:48

Slovenia celebrated the second straight win over Switzerland in friendly series in Kranjska Gora. The hosts shot down the Swiss team by 23 points in the second encounter. Teja Oblak (171-G-90) stepped up with 17 points to pace the winners.
Slovenia secured a 21:16 lead after ten minutes of action. They stretched the margin to double figures in the second quarter. The hosts piled up a 48:30 halftime lead. Switzerland stopped the rot in the third term. They slowed down the home team to narrow the gap by three points. But Slovenia answered with 14:6 run in the final period to seal a comfortable win at the end. Tina Trebec (189-F-90, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency) knocked down 14 points, while Tjasa Gortnar (187-F-92) added 10 points for the winning side. Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) answered with 15 points for Switzerland.


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  TURKEY   


Dubravka Dacic heads to Turkish team Homend Antakya - by Eurobasket News

Dubravka Dacic (201-C-85, agency: Interperformances) heads to Turkish team Homend Antakya for the next season. According to lovewomensbasketball.com the Italian-Croatian player will continue her career in Turkey.
In 2004-2005 she started for Stem Marine Parma (Italy-A1, starting five) and in 24 games averaged 9.7ppg, 7.4rpg. In Euroleague her stats read 8.0ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.2spg, 0.8bpg, 2FGP: 48.8%, 3FGP: 50.0%. Later she played in Lavezzini Parma, Dynamo Moscow (Russia-A Superleague), Ros Casares Valencia and Besiktas CT Istanbul (Turkey-TBBL). In 2010-2011 she joined Cras Taranto (Italy-A1, starting five) and in Euroleague had 4.6ppg, 2.5rpg. In Italian League her stats read 6.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.5spg, FGP: 49.7%, FT: 88.2%.
In 2011-2012 for Cras Taranto (Italy-A1) she averaged 3.7ppg, 2.8rpg. In Italian League she showed 4.3ppg, 3.0rpg.
Dubravka Dacic was also Italian National Team member in -05-07.


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  UKRAINE   


The Standard Life GB defeat Ukraine - by Eurobasket News

Ukraine-Great Britain 74:83

The Standard Life GB defeat Ukraine in the Four Nations Tournament in Belgium. Great Britain celebrated their initial 83:74 victory for 1-1 record. Ukraine meanwhile fell at 0-2.
In a fast paced opening period, Great Britain took a 28:22 lead after the first ten minutes of play. Ukraine hit back though and held GB to just two points in the first five minutes of the second quarter, cutting the lead to just three points at 30:27. The difference remained the in the court at the halftime as Great Britain led 34:31 after 20 minutes.
In the start of the third frame Ukraine reduced to 42:41 but scored only 6 points in the rest of the period. Great Britain nailed 14 and took 56:47 after three periods. Moreover the latter increased to 20 points midway through the last stanza but won by 9.
Natalie Stafford (173-G-76) led the way with 19 points and Lauren Thomas-Johnson (178-G-88, college: Marquette) added 13. Jenaya Wade-Fray (175-G-88, college: Chattanooga) produced 10, while Stefanie Collins (174-G-82, college: St.Bonaventure) delivered 9. Olena Zherzherunova (191-C/F-78, agency: LBM Management) poured in 17 points in the losing effort and Ganna Zarytska (182-F-86, agency: Data Plus Group) scored 12. Inna Kochubei (174-G-82) and Alina Iagupova (181-G-92, agency: LBM Management) followed them with 11 points apiece.

Ukraine: Olena Zherzherunova 17, Ganna Zarytska 12, Inna Kochubei 11, Alina Iagupova 11
Great Britain: Natalie Stafford 19, Thomas Lauren 13, Jenaya Wade-Fray 10, Stefanie Collins 9


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  UNITED KINGDOM   


The Standard Life GB defeat Ukraine - by Eurobasket News

Ukraine-Great Britain 74:83

The Standard Life GB defeat Ukraine in the Four Nations Tournament in Belgium. Great Britain celebrated their initial 83:74 victory for 1-1 record. Ukraine meanwhile fell at 0-2.
In a fast paced opening period, Great Britain took a 28:22 lead after the first ten minutes of play. Ukraine hit back though and held GB to just two points in the first five minutes of the second quarter, cutting the lead to just three points at 30:27. The difference remained the in the court at the halftime as Great Britain led 34:31 after 20 minutes.
In the start of the third frame Ukraine reduced to 42:41 but scored only 6 points in the rest of the period. Great Britain nailed 14 and took 56:47 after three periods. Moreover the latter increased to 20 points midway through the last stanza but won by 9.
Natalie Stafford (173-G-76) led the way with 19 points and Lauren Thomas-Johnson (178-G-88, college: Marquette) added 13. Jenaya Wade-Fray (175-G-88, college: Chattanooga) produced 10, while Stefanie Collins (174-G-82, college: St.Bonaventure) delivered 9. Olena Zherzherunova (191-C/F-78, agency: LBM Management) poured in 17 points in the losing effort and Ganna Zarytska (182-F-86, agency: Data Plus Group) scored 12. Inna Kochubei (174-G-82) and Alina Iagupova (181-G-92, agency: LBM Management) followed them with 11 points apiece.

Ukraine: Olena Zherzherunova 17, Ganna Zarytska 12, Inna Kochubei 11, Alina Iagupova 11
Great Britain: Natalie Stafford 19, Thomas Lauren 13, Jenaya Wade-Fray 10, Stefanie Collins 9


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  WNBA   


Chicago Sky beat Atlanta Dream 94-92 in overtime - by Eurobasket News

With time running out, Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) just wanted to get a good look at the basket from outside the 3-point line.

Prince dribbled through the Atlanta defense and found just enough space to send the game to overtime.

'I just don't like to lose and as long as there is time on the clock, we know we have a chance to win,' she said. 'I'm just not afraid to take those shots. If I miss, I miss, but if I don't take them, then I would never know.'

Prince hit a 3-pointer at the end of regulation and scored eight of her career-high 33 points in overtime to help the Chicago Sky rally for a 94-92 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Saturday night.

Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) went 17 of 17 from the free-throw line and finished with a season-high 33 points for Atlanta.

The Sky, who trailed by 22 in the first quarter and led by 10 early in the fourth, have won three straight.

Atlanta has lost two of three. The Dream were out rebounded 48-23.

Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) added 20 points with 19 rebounds for the Sky, who overcame 26 turnovers that resulted in 25 Atlanta points. Fowles' three-point play with 3:38 left in the third gave

Chicago its first lead since early in the first. She credited the Sky with playing better defense and cutting down on turnovers to erase the early deficit.

'It's what Atlanta does,' Fowles said. 'They get after you and they pressure you full-court and they make you have turnovers.

We were just trying to adjust ourselves and get in the flow after that.'

Prince, who scored all of Chicago's points in overtime on two 3s and a 17-footer, set her previous career high of 31 points in

Friday's two-point home win over Washington.

Fowles has finished with a double-double in each of Chicago's five games.

The Sky led 69-59 on Prince's 3-pointer at the 7:36 mark of the fourth, but McCoughtry, who played a game-high 43 minutes with a wrap on her left knee, hit a pair of free throws to put Atlanta up 83-78 with 31.4 seconds left in regulation.

The Dream was ahead 86-83 after Ketia Swanier's two free throws at the 6-second mark, but Swanier and her teammates allowed Prince to weave through its defense and hit a 3 from the right wing to send the game to overtime.

'We let Epiphanny get some shots off,' Swanier said. 'I know I had a bone-headed defensive play when she got her first 3 off (early in the fourth quarter), and that kind of got her going. But we can learn from it and get ready for New York on Tuesday.'

Lindsey Harding (5'8''-G-84, college: Duke) added 16 points and Armintie Price had 14 for the Dream.

Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Connecticut) and Sonja Petrovic each scored 10 for Chicago. Atlanta led by 22 at the 1:58 mark of the first quarter after

McCoughtry's steal and ensuing layup, but the Sky went on a 28-8 run to pull within two at 37-35 on Prince's 17-footer. McCoughtry was injured in the second quarter of Thursday's 17-point home win over Phoenix, scoring 10 points in just 18 minutes.

'I don't think we contained her,' Fowles said. 'I think we slowed her down a little bit. Angel is a great player. She likes to throw her body into you, and everybody knows her game, but you just have to be poised because you're not going to stop her.'

The Sky had dropped three of four to the Dream, who struggled all night on the boards and may need to wait until the second half of the season for reinforcements. Atlanta' s starting center, Erika de Souza is working with the Brazilian Olympic team and will return to the Dream after the Summer Games in London.

'We have so many inexperienced post players right now that it's really tough on them,' Atlanta coach Marynell Meadors said. 'They play hard, but just didn't rebound.'

With Chicago controlling the boards, Prince gave the Sky complemented their offense with steady shooting late in the game. 'Late in the game, I thought Epiphanny was clutch, coming off a (Friday night) game and getting off to a slow start (Saturday). It was nice to see someone step in there,' Chicago coach Pokey Chatman said.

Courtesy of www.cbsatlanta.com


Phoenix Mercury re-signs guard Andrea Riley - by Eurobasket News

The Phoenix Mercury has re-signed guard Andrea Riley (5'5''-PG-88, college: Oklahoma St.), the club announced today. Riley gives the Mercury 10 available players due to the season-ending injury of Penny Taylor (6'1''-F-81) (torn left anterior cruciate ligament) and the strained left hip flexor that has Diana Taurasi out indefinitely. League rules allow for an exemption to the 11-player roster limit if a team falls below 10 players due to injury for an extended period of time.

Riley was originally acquired by the Mercury on January 12 in a trade that sent Temeka Johnson to the Tulsa Shock, but was then waived on May 16, the final day of training camp. The 5-5 point guard recorded 10 points and six assists in her one preseason game with Phoenix.

Riley will be available for the Mercury's home game Sunday against the Tulsa Shock, whom she played 33 games with in 2011 averaging 6.0 points and 1.8 assists. Tipoff for that contest is scheduled for 3 p.m. PT.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


Svetlana Abrosimova near to rejoining Storm - by Eurobasket News

Russian guard Svetlana Abrosimova (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) is closer to rejoining the Storm. Her agent said Friday that she's expected to be signed by the end of June.

But Brian Agler, Storm coach and general manager, must wait to make any roster move because the team is near the WNBA-maximum $878,000 cap for this season. Part of that money ($105,500) is for Australian Olympian Lauren Jackson. She will be paid only a prorated amount, but her full salary counts against the cap.

Because Abrosimova is a nine-year veteran, she would require a minimum $53,000 salary. She would be paid less, depending on how many Storm games she misses.

'The plan is, she's going to come to Seattle at the end of the month,' said her agent, Boris Lelchitski, founder and CEO of Sports International Group. 'She's back in Russia and is training there.'

Abrosimova, 31, started attracting interest after she was omitted from consideration for the Russian Olympic team. She missed the 2011 WNBA season while helping the team qualify for the London Games in EuroBasket play. She averaged 5.9 points and 3.8 boards.

Playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg last fall, teaming with WNBA All-Stars Sue Bird and Candace Parker, Abrosimova averaged 15 minutes in the Russian league and 11 in the tougher EuroLeague. To national team coach Boris Sokolovsky, it wasn't enough to show her value.

'It's so I can't find another word than stupid,' Lelchitski said of Sokolovsky's decision.

American All-Star Becky Hammon is expected to represent Russia in the Olympics at point guard.

'I've never heard of somebody who's the captain of the team that qualified for the Olympics not being selected to the top-25 prospects,' Lelchitski continued. 'This has nothing to do with basketball. It's just freaking politics that's going to kick them in the back.

'And some of those players are my clients. ... It makes no sense. If Svetlana went to the training camp and somebody else was better, I have no problem. I just know there's none better than her.'

Abrosimova began her national team career at age 14 and won a bronze medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She's the only player from her country to win a WNBA title, averaging 7.6 points and 3.1 rebounds during Seattle's title run in 2010.

Agler was hesitant to confirm Abrosimova's arrival because anything could still happen between now and the expected contract start date. The former University of Connecticut standout has a green card and Washington state driver's license, so entry isn't an issue.

Yet if the Russian national team which starting training for the Olympics this week changes its stance and offers Abrosimova more than the Storm to stay put, Agler anticipates she would stay. In the WNBA, she would only play for the Storm, according to Agler.

The Storm would have to cut a player, such as second-year forward Victoria Dunlap or free-agent pickup Alysha Clark, to keep the roster at the maximum 11. Dunlap and Clark have played one game apiece this season.

'We don't know who (the cut) is or how that's going to play out,' Agler said Friday before the Storm defeated Tulsa 76-58. Seattle (1-3) plays at Los Angeles (4-1) Sunday.

'We're letting this go for a while and see. It's for certain when she shows up.'

Courtesy of http://seattletimes.nwsource.com


Saturday: Fever 91, Liberty 68 - by Eurobasket News

Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) scored 16 points to help the Indiana Fever defeat the New York Liberty 91-68 on Saturday night.

Roneeka Hodges (5'11''-G-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Florida St.) scored 15 points, Jeanette Pohlen (6'0''-G-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Stanford) added 12 and Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) had 11 for Indiana (4-0). The Fever made 13 of 26 3-pointers while New York made 5 of 17. The Fever made 22 of 27 free throws and committed just 12 turnovers.

Indiana's reserves outscored New York's 52-18.

Plenette Pierson (6'2''-PF-81, college: Texas Tech) scored 24 points on 10-for-13 shooting for the Liberty (0-5). Cappie Pondexter, New York's leading scorer, finished with 13 points on 4-for-15 shooting. Pierson and Pondexter were the only Liberty players to score in double figures.

New York's past four losses have all been by double digits, by a combined 82 points. The teams play again Sunday at New York.

Indiana, which entered the game as the No. 2 scoring team in the league, shot 47 percent from the field.

The Fever shot just 6-for-19 from the field in the first quarter but made enough free throws to tie the score at 20 by the end of the period.

Indiana heated up in the second quarter making 10 of its 16 shots to take a 49-36 halftime lead. Catchings scored 14 points in the first half and Hodges scored eight off the bench in the second quarter. The Fever made 6 of 13 3-pointers in the first half.

New York cut Indiana's lead to nine points early in the third quarter before the Fever took control. A 3-pointer by Shavonte Zellous pushed Indiana's lead to 60-45 and forced the Liberty to call a timeout.

Catchings disagreed with a foul call, then made contact with an official and was issued a technical foul. New York made all three free throws to cut Indiana's lead to 12.

The Fever made 5 of 7 3-pointers in the third quarter and led 75-61 at the end of the period. Four different Indiana players - Douglas, Zellous, Erin Phillips and Hodges - made at least one 3-pointer in the quarter.

Pohlen made a 3-pointer to push the lead to 82-61 and force another timeout by New York. The Liberty went scoreless for the first 5:22 of the fourth quarter and missed their first six shots. The Liberty scored just seven points in the final period.

Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com