Eurobasket Daily News Report: 7/2/2012 1:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/2/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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ARGENTINA

U17 World Championship: Canada closed Day 3 with the win over Argentina - by Eurobasket News

Canada U17-Argentina U17 80:76

Canada closed Day 3 with the win over Argentina at the U17 World Championship in Kaunas. The North American side grabbed improved to 2-1 record after 80:76 victory.
Argentina looked more ambitious in the first period and took 25:14 lead after 10 minutes of the game. Kevin-Mbezela Zabo (186-G-95) later reduced to 10 and then Justin Jackson (198-G-95) gave Canada 30:29 lead midway through the second period. Kevin-Mbezela Zabo later closed the half at 38:37, while the third period brought several changes in the lead. After 18-16 in it Argentina grabbed 55:54 advantage and Gabriel Deck (199-F/C-95) later tied the game at 71:71. Patrick Steeves (201-F/G-95) and Marial Shayok however brought the victory for Canada at the end of the game.
Kevin-Mbezela Zabo paced all the winners with 18 points, while Marial Shayok (196-G-95) netted 15. Justin Jackson followed them with 14 points and Patrick Steeves poured in 9. Gabriel Deck collected 19 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, while Alvaro Merlo (170-G-95) chipped in with 17. Lucio Reinaudi (183-G-95) scored 11 and Rodrigo Haag (190-G-95) notched 8.

Canada U17: Kevin-Mbezela Zabo 18, Marial Shayok 15, Justin Jackson 14
Argentina U17: Gabriel Deck 19+10 rebs, Alvaro Merlo 17, Lucio Reinaudi 11, Rodrigo Haag 8

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ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Fiba Asia Cup Draw takes place in Tokyo - by Eurobasket News

Fiba Asia Cup Draw has taken place in Tokyo, Japan. The teams were drawn into two groups with five teams in each. Four best teams from each group will qualify into the quarterfinals of the tournament. The defending champions Lebanon got into Group A alongside Fiba Asia champions China, Macau and two yet to be decided teams. One from SEABA and another one from CABA zones. SEABA representative will be decided during the SEABA Cup in early July. SABA representative will be announced after the SABA Qualifying Tournament in New Delhi in late July.
Group B comprised of Iran, Chinese Taipei, Qatar, Japan and SABA representative.
The Tournament is slated to take place in Tokyo from September 14 through September 22.

Group A: China, Lebanon, Macau, SEABA and CABA
Group B: Iran, Chinese Taipei, Qatar, Japan and SABA.

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AUSTRALIA

U17 World Championship: The Aussies edged Czech Republic in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

Czech Republic U17-Australia U17 58:63

The Aussies edged Czech Republic in Kaunas in Day 3 second game. The Australia side overcame the European representative 63:58 at the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship.
Australia grabbed 14:11 lead at the end of the first and then Fabijan Krslovic (204-C/F-95) scored for 16:13 early in the second. Adam Pechacek (207-C-95) gave however his side a 17:16 lead and he nailed three for 30:25. Jiri Soula (189-PG-95) made two free throws at the end of the half when the Czechs had 34:29 advantage. Jiri Soula also gave his team the biggest lead at the game at 43:34, but Czech Republic U17 could not keep the win. Benjamin Simmons (203-PF-96) closed a 13-0 run midway through the third period and gave Australia 47:43 lead. Australia also added 14-13 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Benjamin Simmons paced all the winners with 26 points, whilst Dante Exum (193-PG-95) had 10. Fabijan Krslovic ended up with 9 and Mirko Djeric (191-PG-95) delivered 8. Only 5 players managed to score for the Czechs in the game. Adam Pechacek poured in 18, while Jiri Soula 16 and Martin Peterka (203-PF-95) added 16 each.

Czech Republic U17: Adam Pechacek 18, Jiri Soula 16, Martin Peterka 16
Australia U17: Benjamin Simmons 26, Dante Exum 10, Fabijan Krslovic 9, Mirko Djeric 8

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BALKAN LEAGUE

BRAZIL

Standings - Paulista, Carioca, Minas G. leagues

Paulista Standings

1. Rio Claro		15-4
2. Metodista/S.B.		14-5
3. America		13-6
4. Suzano		13-7
5. Inter Santos		12-7
6. Sao Caetano		11-8
7. Jacarei		11-8
8. UNIFADRA		10-8
9. Abdala		4-15
10. Americana		2-17
11. Taubate		0-20

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CANADA

CHINA

China Has Good Chance to Make Quarterfinals, Small Chance to Win Medal - by Arthur Volbert

Having beaten France and Egypt, China has an excellent chance to advance to the quarter-finals of the FIBA World U-17 championship even if it loses to the Czech Republic and the USA.

If all games go as expected China will advance. However, if there are upsets creating a three-way tie at 2-3 China could end up missing the quarter-finals. Therefore it is important for China to defeat the Czechs which is quite doable if the Asian Championship team shows up.

China appears too inconsistent to win a medal. However, only the USA is clearly more talented than China so a medal is possible if China is both good and lucky. More likely China will finish sixth, seventh or eighth if things go as expected and it makes it to the quarterfinals.

Standings:
Group A
TEAM W/L P
1. USA 3/0 6
2. Australia 2/1 5
3. China 2/1 5
4. France 1/2 4
5. Czech Republic 1/2 4
6. Egypt 0/3 3

Group B
TEAM W/L P
1. Croatia 3/0 6
2. Spain 2/1 5
3. Canada 2/1 5
4. Lithuania 1/2 4
5. Argentina 1/2 4
6. Korea 0/3 3

China U=17 Returns to Asian Championship Forrm, Edging France 59-53 - by Arthur Volbert

Guess what! The Asian Championship team was the team that showed up today as China defeated France 59-53 in the World U-17 Championship in Kaunas, Lithuania.

China led France led France 14-11 after one quarter but it trailed 30-23 at the half. China excelled in the third quarter and led 47-46 at its end. It continued its strong play in the fourth quarter, outscoring France 12-7. Han Delong (192-F-95) scored 20 points for China, hitting 6 of 9 three-pointers. Zhou Qi (217-C-96) had 18 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. Zhao Jiwei had 12 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals and no turnovers. Liu Bo had 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal. Heng Yifeng, China's fifth star, shot 0 for 7 but played 36 minutes. Zhao Jiwei played 33 minutes, Han Delong played 38 minutes, Zhou Qi played 35 minutes and Liu Bo played 40 minutes as China used its five stars almost the entire game.

France outrebounded China 43-34, but France had 15 turnovers to 12 for China. Arthur Rozenfeld, Damian Inglis, and Petr Cornele had 10 points for France. and Jean Biog had 9. Inglis grabbed 13 rebounds.

I wish I could tell you that the Asian championship team will show up again against the Czech Republic tomorrow, but of course I can't. This is an immature team -- 17-year-olds tend to be immature -- and the team is in a foreign environment. The game is played more intensely by juniors in the West than in Chinese junior competition. So it is not surprising that this team is inconsistent.

Link to box score:

http://kaunas2012.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/12/fu17wc/men/p/eid/6228/gid/7/grid/A/lid//rid/9024/sid/6228/game.html

U17 World Championship: China rout France in Day 3 opener - by Eurobasket News

France U17-China U17 53:59

China rout France in Day 3 opener at the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship. The Asian team improved to 2-1 record after 59:53 win. The French side meanwhile dropped at 1-2 record in Group A.
Both teams entered the game with the same record and battle for the second win. China opened the game with 14-11 lead, but France bounced back with 19-9 in the second frame. The European side grabbed 30: 23 halftime advantage when the teams disappeared in the lockers. The second half however was dominated by China. The latter needed 24-16 in the third period to take the lead and then finished the game with 12-7 in the last stanza.
Han Delong (192-F-95) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Zhou Qi (217-C-96) added 18. Zhao Jiwei (185-G-95) delivered 12, while Liu Bo (204-F-96) had 9. Arthur Rozenfeld (179-PG-95), Damien Inglis (204-PF-95) and Petr Cornelie (209-C/F-95) responded with 10 points each in the losing effort.

France U17: Arthur Rozenfeld 10, Damien Inglis 10+13 rebs, Petr Cornelie 10
China U17: Han Delong 20, Zhou Qi 18, Zhao Jiwei 12, Liu Bo 9

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CROATIA

Greece U20 outscored Croatia U20 in Torneo di Domegge - by Eurobasket News

Greece U20-Croatia U20 81:73

Greece U20 outscored Croatia U20 in Torneo di Domegge to finish in the third place. The Greek side needed an 81:73 in the final game.
Greece started with 23:12 lead but had difficulties to keep the advantage. The Croatian players erupted with 28-13 in the second period and grabbed 40:36 halftime advantage. It was again Greece to shock the opponents with 31-9 in the third period and reached 18-point deficit after three quarters. Croatia meanwhile won the last stanza 24-14 and reduced to 8 points at the end.
Spyridon Motsenigos (193-SG-92) top-scored for the winners with 27 points and Giannoulis Larentzakis (195-SG-93, agency: FCM) nailed 19.
France edged Italy to win U20 Torneo di Domegge. The French side needed 83:56 victory as both teams finished with 2-1 record on top. Due to the game between each other France finished first, while Italy ended up on the second place.

U17 World Championship: Croatia overwhelm South Korea for 3-0 record in Group B - by Eurobasket News

South Korea U17-Croatia U17 68:124

Croatia overwhelm South Korea for 3-0 record in Group B of the U17 World Championship. The Croatian side remains the only undefeated team in the group after 124:68 victory. The Asian team meanwhile fell at 0-3 record.
Croatia was the favorite of the game and proved their ambitions from the very beginning. They grabbed 25:16 lead after the first period and remained in front until the end of the game. Moreover they added 28-18 in the second quarter and enjoyed 53:34 advantage at the halftime. The second half also belonged to the European team. Croatia won the third quarter 26-11 and then added 45-23 in the fourth quarter. Croatia scored 124 points that is the record so far after three days in Kaunas.
Tomislav Gabric (202-SF-95) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Marko Arapovic (207-C/F-96) posted 20. Karlo Zganec (205-C/F-95) delivered 18 points and 12 boards, whilst Mario Hezonja (202-F/G-95) and Dorian Jelenek (200-SF-95) brought 13 each.

South Korea U17: An Youngjun (95) 12, Kim Nakhyeon (180-G-95) 10
Croatia U17: Tomislav Gabric 21+15 rebs, Marko Arapovic 20, Karlo Zganec 18+12 rebs, Mario Hezonja 13, Dorian Jelenek 13

Bozidar Maljkovic returns to Euroleague with Cedevita's debut - by Eurobasket News

Bozidar Maljkovic (agency: Interperformances ) returns to Euroleague with Cedevita's debut. The Serbian specialist leaves Lokomotiv Kuban. He signed a multi-year contract with Cedevita. Bozidar is one of just five head coaches in European history to have won the Euroleague title four or more times.
Last year Serbian specialist Bozidar Maljkovic (agency: Interperformances ) agreed on terms of contract with Lokomotiv Kuban. The 60-year-old has currently employed with Slovenian National Team. He prepares the team for 2011 EuroBasket. Bozidar Maljkovic (agency: Interperformances ) was last seen working with TAU Ceramica Vitoria at club level. He also guided Real Madrid, Unicaja Malaga, Paris SG, Panathinaikos, Limoges, Barcelona and Jugoplastika Split. Bozidar Maljkovic (agency: Interperformances ) was named Euro Coach of the Year in 1995. Eurobasket.com named the specialist ACB Coach of the Year in 2005. He won Euroleague four times with different teams.

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Germany U16 smash Czech Republic in Benevento - by Eurobasket News

Germany U16-Czech Republic U16 75:49

Germany U16 smash Czech Republic in Benevento to clinch the second place at the tournament. The German side celebrated an easy 75:49 win for 2-1 record. The team from Czech Republic finished with no victories.
Germany opened the game with 20:17 and later won all the quarters in the game. They added 22-12 in the second period and enjoyed 44:29 at the halftime. Moreover Germany won the third period 14-12 and finished the game with 17-8 in the last stanza.
Joschka Ferner (200-F-96) led the way with 17 points and Lars Kamp (182-G-96) scored 10. Constantin Ebert (180-PG-96) and Andreas Obst (190-G-96) followed them with 8 points each. Marek Mares (185-G-96) ended up with 17 points in the losing effort, while David Skranc (96) had 10. Klimek poured in 9 and Pursl delivered 4.
Serbia U16 wins Trofeo Parente in Benevento with 4 participating teams. The Serbian side overcame Italy U16 63:43 in the last game to triumph in the country.

Germany U16: Joschka Ferner 17, Lars Kamp 10, Constantin Ebert 8, Andreas Obst 8,
Czech Republic U16: Marek Mares 17, David Skranc 10, Klimek 9, Pursl 4

U17 World Championship: The Aussies edged Czech Republic in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

Czech Republic U17-Australia U17 58:63

The Aussies edged Czech Republic in Kaunas in Day 3 second game. The Australia side overcame the European representative 63:58 at the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship.
Australia grabbed 14:11 lead at the end of the first and then Fabijan Krslovic (204-C/F-95) scored for 16:13 early in the second. Adam Pechacek (207-C-95) gave however his side a 17:16 lead and he nailed three for 30:25. Jiri Soula (189-PG-95) made two free throws at the end of the half when the Czechs had 34:29 advantage. Jiri Soula also gave his team the biggest lead at the game at 43:34, but Czech Republic U17 could not keep the win. Benjamin Simmons (203-PF-96) closed a 13-0 run midway through the third period and gave Australia 47:43 lead. Australia also added 14-13 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Benjamin Simmons paced all the winners with 26 points, whilst Dante Exum (193-PG-95) had 10. Fabijan Krslovic ended up with 9 and Mirko Djeric (191-PG-95) delivered 8. Only 5 players managed to score for the Czechs in the game. Adam Pechacek poured in 18, while Jiri Soula 16 and Martin Peterka (203-PF-95) added 16 each.

Czech Republic U17: Adam Pechacek 18, Jiri Soula 16, Martin Peterka 16
Australia U17: Benjamin Simmons 26, Dante Exum 10, Fabijan Krslovic 9, Mirko Djeric 8

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EGYPT

U17 World Championship: USA U17 team earn the third straight victory - by Eurobasket News

Egypt U17-USA U17 73:111

USA U17 team earn the third straight victory at the U17 World Championship. The favorites scored three digits against Egypt in a 111:73 victory.
Jabari Parker (6'7''-F-95) brought the first points for the winners and then the USA grabbed 25:20 lead at the end of the first period. Domingo scored for 50:37 as it became the end of the first half. Later on USA dominated the court and looked fantastic on the court. They erupted with 36-15 burst in the third period to grab 86:52 lead after three quarters. The task for the last stanza was to reach three digits and they easily managed to do that. Conner Frankamp (6'1''-G-95) gave his side 101:66 lead with 3 minutes to go. Moreover USA scored another 10 points for the final success.
Conner Frankamp and Jabari Parker top-scored for the winners with 18 points each, while Kendrick Nunn (6'2''-G-95) netted 12. Johnathan Williams (6'9''-F/C-95) and Jahlil Okafor-Benton (6'9''-C-95) delivered 10 points each. Moataz Hosny (6'7''-C-95) replied with 13 points and Ahmed Sayed Soliman (6'8''-F/C-95) as well as Walid Aly (6'1''-F/G-95) nailed 12. Wessam Emad (6'6''-F/C-95) finished the game with 11 points in defeat.

Egypt U17: Moataz Hosny 13, Ahmed Sayed Soliman 12, Walid Aly 12, Wessam Emad 11
USA U17: Conner Frankamp 18, Jabari Parker 18, Kendrick Nunn 12, Johnathan Williams 10, Jahlil Okafor-Benton 10

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EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE

Despite the heat, Torino ESL has a great first day! - by ESL News

Yes, it is hot in Italy, just like it is in most of the United States, but now we know why Torino, Italy was chosen to host the 2006 winter Olympics as the city is absolutely amazing and the people are just as well. ESL is very happy to have chosen Torino as the host city for the European ESL this season and looks to be a favorable host city for years to come. ESL is very proud and honored that legendary Croatian coach Daniel Jusup came to Torino, Italy to run the workouts for the players of this ESL. Coach Jusup led the workouts with scouts and agents from Italy on hand, however, the hot, humid weather could not stop the tremendous work that the players put forth tonight. Players arrived the last three days and some today, but all worked hard and competed as Coach Daniel Jusup put the players through a strenuous workout before the evaluation games. During evaluation all coaches agreed on how the teams were set up and we are all set for the next two days. Several players impressed early today, especially the play of Corey Shontz (185-PG-89, college: John Carroll), who got here just one hour before practice and you would have thought that he lived here. He played with intensity, very hard and smart basketball. In fact, one Italian level division 2 scout left here asking us many questions about him as a person and said that they will be back in the next day to see him again. Ludovico Rivoira (200-F-87), a local Italian player played well, as did Davide Curletti (205-F-90) from Northwestern University who has family here in Torino, Italy.

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EUROCUP

Triumph tabs Mitchell - by Uygar Karaca

According to sportando.net, one of the most surprising success stories last year, Triumph Lyubertsy strengthened their squad with American forward Tasmim Mitchell. The ex-Hapoel Holon player, he made 15.2 points and 6.2 rebounds average. In his college years, he played as a leader for LSU Tigers, leading them to two SEC Conference titles and one NCAA Final Four. The two years contract signed with the Russian club will bring his first big chance to show himself to intra continental big clubs.

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EUROLEAGUE

Ante Tomic may join CSKA - by Eurobasket News

CSKA are reportedly in talks on terms of contract with Ante Tomic (217-C-87). The Croatian centre may join the Russian powerhouse as soon as next week. Ante Tomic played for Real Madrid lately. Last season he tallied 6.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game in Euroleague. In ACB the centre posted 8.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per appearance. Eurobasket.com named Ante Tomic All-Spanish ACB Centre of the Year in 2011. The centre earned All-Euroleague Honourable Mention in 2011 and made it into All-Spanish ACB 2nd Team in 2010. Previously Ante Tomic had spells for KK Zadar, Dubrovnik, KK Zagreb. He has been the member of Croatian National Team since 2008. He also played for U16, U18 and U20 Croatian selections.

Joan Plaza is close to taking over Zalgiris - by Eurobasket News

Joan Plaza may soon be announced as new head coach of Zalgiris. The Spanish specialist is indeed in talks with the Kaunas team. The sides are close to reaching an agreement on terms of contract. Joan Plaza has been on the bench of Cajasol Sevilla since 2009. He led the team to the ACB semifinals in 2009. Cajasol then reached EuroCup Final in 2011. Previously Joan Plaza worked with Real Madrid and Joventut Badalona U20 team. He also had stints as assistant coach with Joventut Badalona and Real Madrid. Joan Plaza won ULEB Cup with Real Madrid in 2007. Eurobasket.com named Joan Plaza All-ULEB Cup Coach of the Year the same season.

Vladimir Micov joins the forces of CSKA - by Eurobasket News

Vladimir Micov (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) joins the forces of CSKA for the next season. According to Sportando.net via the official website of the team CSKA Moscow announced the signing of Vlado Micov to a 1+1 deal
Last year Bennet Cantu announced extending Vladimir Micov. The Serbian forward joined Cantu in December of 2009 from Caja Laboral. He appeared 22 times in SerieA last season averaging 11.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists. In EuroCup, Micov added 10.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 3 apg for 6 games.
Vladimir Micov had 11.8 ppg, 4 rpg and 2.6 apg for 24 league games last season with Cantu. As mentioned above, he joined them from Caja Laboral. With the Spanish giant he had 4.1 ppg and 2.9 rpg for 7 Euroleague games, plus 2.6 ppg and 1.3 rpg for 13 games in ACB.
From 2005 to 2009, Vladimir Micov was a member of Buducnost Podgorica. He also spent some times with Panionios during 2008/09 season. Micov signed a deal until 2013, with a buy-out clause in 2012.
In 2011-2012 for Bennet Cantu (Italy-SerieA, starting five) he averaged 10.4ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 85.7% in Euroleague. In Italian League after 25 games his stats read 10.2ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 82.3%.

Keith Langford joins EA7 Emporio Armani Milano - by Eurobasket News

According to Italian media (Sportando.net), Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) will continue his career in EA7 Emporio Armani Milano. Reportedly, they signed a 2-year deal which will be official in the next few days. Langford parted ways with Maccabi Tel Aviv earlier this week. He joined them at the beginning of the last season. He appeared 20 times in Euroleague averaging 10.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists. The player also added 14.2 ppg, 4 rpg and 3.2 apg for 22 games in Israeli Premier league. He helped the club to win the championship title and was named Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Guard of the Year -12. Langford and Maccabi also won the Adriatic league title and Israeli Cup last season. In Adriatic league the player had 11.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 1.8 spg for 19 games. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League Finals MVP -12. Before Maccabi, Keith Langford played for Khimky Moscow and La Fortezza Bologna.

Bozidar Maljkovic returns to Euroleague with Cedevita's debut - by Eurobasket News

Bozidar Maljkovic (agency: Interperformances ) returns to Euroleague with Cedevita's debut. The Serbian specialist leaves Lokomotiv Kuban. He signed a multi-year contract with Cedevita. Bozidar is one of just five head coaches in European history to have won the Euroleague title four or more times.
Last year Serbian specialist Bozidar Maljkovic (agency: Interperformances ) agreed on terms of contract with Lokomotiv Kuban. The 60-year-old has currently employed with Slovenian National Team. He prepares the team for 2011 EuroBasket. Bozidar Maljkovic (agency: Interperformances ) was last seen working with TAU Ceramica Vitoria at club level. He also guided Real Madrid, Unicaja Malaga, Paris SG, Panathinaikos, Limoges, Barcelona and Jugoplastika Split. Bozidar Maljkovic (agency: Interperformances ) was named Euro Coach of the Year in 1995. Eurobasket.com named the specialist ACB Coach of the Year in 2005. He won Euroleague four times with different teams.

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

FINLAND

Finland cruise past Turkey in Ruma - by Eurobasket News

Finland U20 - Turkey U20 86:68

Finland earned the first win at the international tournament in Serbian Ruma. They held off Turkish counterparts to improve at 1-1 record. Alex Murphy (203-F-93) paced the winners with 26 points and 8 rebounds.
Finland left their opponents behind in the opening quarter 28:8. They maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. Finland posted a 43:26 halftime lead. The Finnish team stayed in charge in the third quarter. They arrived at the final intermission up by 17 points 67:50. They kept Turkey at bay in the final stanza posting a well-deserved win at the end. Villematti Kopio (182-PG-92) posted 25 points for Finland. Aleksi Akpaso (192-G-92) added 13 points for the winners. Ugur Dokuyan (197-SF-93) answered with 11 points for Turkey. Ramazan Tekin (212-C-93) had 10 points in the loss.

Finland U20: Alex Murphy 26, Villematti Kopio 25, Aleksi Akpaso 13
Turkey U20: Ugur Dokuyan 11, Ramazan Tekin 10

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FRANCE

France edged Italy to win U20 Torneo di Domegge - by Eurobasket News

Italy U20-France U20 56:83

France edged Italy to win U20 Torneo di Domegge. The French side needed 83:56 victory as both teams finished with 2-1 record on top. Due to the game between each other France finished first, while Italy ended up on the second place.
France started with 22-18 lead in the opening period and continued their dominance in the court later in the game. The guests added 19-12 in the second period and enjoyed 41:30 halftime advantage. Moreover France erupted with 23-10 in the third quarter and did not even think of slowing down. They added 19-16 in the last period to triumph at the tournament.
Louis Labeyrie (209-C-92) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Leo Westermann (198-G-92, agency: Beo Basket) notched 16. Jeancharles posted 12, while Hugo Invernizzi (196-G/F-93) delivered 11. Amedeo Tessitori (205-C-94) finished the game with 11 points in the losing effort.

Italy U20: Toure 3, Cicognani 2, Saccaggi 4, Parrillo 7, Viglianisi 4, Ceron 4, Cefarelli, Abass 4, Lombardi 8, Amedeo Tessitori 11, Pini 3. All: Sacripanti
France U20: Thalien 6, Julien 6, Toupane 2, Louis Labeyrie 18, Jeancharles 12, Leo Westermann 16, Hugo Invernizzi 11, Mendy 2, Pinda 3, Fourchot 7, Pelos.

Quimper extend Alexandre Mendy - by Eurobasket News

Quimper secured the services of Alexandre Mendy (190-G-90) for the next season. The team has agreed on terms of contract extension with the guard. Alexandre Mendy joined Quimper at the start of the previous season. He averaged 3.8 points, 1.5 boards and 1.5 assists per game in ProB. Previously the guard played for Pau-Lacq-Orthez.

U17 World Championship: China rout France in Day 3 opener - by Eurobasket News

France U17-China U17 53:59

China rout France in Day 3 opener at the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship. The Asian team improved to 2-1 record after 59:53 win. The French side meanwhile dropped at 1-2 record in Group A.
Both teams entered the game with the same record and battle for the second win. China opened the game with 14-11 lead, but France bounced back with 19-9 in the second frame. The European side grabbed 30: 23 halftime advantage when the teams disappeared in the lockers. The second half however was dominated by China. The latter needed 24-16 in the third period to take the lead and then finished the game with 12-7 in the last stanza.
Han Delong (192-F-95) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Zhou Qi (217-C-96) added 18. Zhao Jiwei (185-G-95) delivered 12, while Liu Bo (204-F-96) had 9. Arthur Rozenfeld (179-PG-95), Damien Inglis (204-PF-95) and Petr Cornelie (209-C/F-95) responded with 10 points each in the losing effort.

France U17: Arthur Rozenfeld 10, Damien Inglis 10+13 rebs, Petr Cornelie 10
China U17: Han Delong 20, Zhou Qi 18, Zhao Jiwei 12, Liu Bo 9

Roanne signs Yohann Sangare - by Eurobasket News

Yohann Sangare (193-G-83) is a new member of Roanne. The Malian/French guard penned a deal for the next season. He spent the last one with Orleans. For 35 ProA games with them the player averaged 5.5 points, 3.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds. Before Orleans, Sangare spent one year with Le Havre. There he had 7.9 ppg, 3.5 apg and 2.7 rpg in 24 games. In 2009/10, Yohann Sangare played for Carife Ferrara and year before that he spent with Armani Jeans MIlano. From 2004 to 2008, the guard played for ASVEL.
Yohann Sangare was a member of the French National Team in 2007 and 2008. He played 8 games at the 2007 EuroBasket in Spain averaging 1.1 ppg and 1.8 rpg.

Rueil keeps Moise Diame and Karim Gourari - by Eurobasket News

Rueil announced signing of a one-year contract extension with Moise Diame (206-C-86) and Karim Gourari (195-F-89). The team competes in French NM1 league.
Center Moise Diame appeared 33 times for the club last season registering 10.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 1.3 bpg. He joined Rueil last summer from Calais Basket Cheminots JMC. He played in NM2 few years in the past.
Karim Gourari arrived to Rueil two years ago. Last season he had 12.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 3.6 apg for 26 games. In 2001, he helped Rueil to win Group D of NM2. At the same time, they won the promotion for NM1. Gourari played for the Moroccan National Team in 2009.

ASVEL hopes Leo Westermann will stay - by Eurobasket News

According to French media (Le Progres), ASVEL wants to keep top prospect Leo Westermann (198-G-92, agency: Beo Basket) for the next season. Reportedly, the player officially expressed his desire to leave the club, but ASVEL still hopes they can keep him. Westermann joined ASVEL two years ago from CFBB. Last season he had 8.8 ppg, 3.3 apg and 2.6 rpg for 29 games in ProA. The player also added 6 ppg, 3.6 apg and 2.2 rpg for 12 games in EuroCup. In 2010/11, Westermann had much lower numbers.
Leo Westermann is one of the top prospects in France. He participated at the 2012 Nike Hoop Summit (World Team Selection) and last year he played at Adidas Eurocamp in Treviso. Westermann helped U20 France to win the Bronze at U20 EuroBasket 2011 in Spain. He had 10 ppg, 3 rpg and 2.3 apg for 9 games at this event. In the past, he very successfully played for U18 and U16 France. Last season Westermann was the winner of French ProA All-Star Game Skills Challenge.

Lievin announces Matt Robertson - by Eurobasket News

Lievin announces Matt Robertson (206-F-87, agency: Duran International, college: Rollins) for the next season. The American Forward will move to France from Spain.
In 2011-2012 for Fontedoso Carrefour El Bulevar de Avila (Spain-LEB Silver) he averaged 7.3ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 76.9%.
Last year Matt Robertson started his professional basketball career. The American forward penned a deal with Fontedoso Carrefour El Bulevar de Avila.
Robertson is a product of the Rollins University, where he graduated few months ago. He had 14.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg and 1.7 apg for his school as a senior. He helped them win SCC Tournament. Robertson was named All-SSC 2nd Team -11. In 2009/10, Rollins reached NCAA2 Sweet 16. Robertson helped them with 7.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 1.8 apg for 33 games that season. Matt Robertson transferred to Rollins in 2008 from Samford University.

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FYR MACEDONIA

Macedonian Team located in Caracas . Today two trainings in - by Georgi Bujukliev

Macedonian delegation late last night is accommodate in the hotel "Grand Melita" together with all other teams that will participate in the tournament. Preparations for the first match against Angola continued.
Under tight security because of known security situation in Caracas , Macedonian players were transferred from the airport " Simon Bolivar " to " Melita Grand " hotel .
Macedonian team today will deal with the first two training sessions in Caracas ( 10:00 am and 17:30 pm local time ), and for 14:00 am local time ( 20:30 Macedonian time ) scheduled a formal technical meeting , which will outline organizational and all other details before the start of the tournament .
The first of two modern training will be worked in the gym training under the " Poliedro " Arena , while the evening will be held in the hall where you play games .
" That initial fatigue that followed our Team in Atlanta and Puerto Rico is already overcome . The players are in good condition , we continue to prepare us and in the last training in Caracas , to feel the arena and the field where we will play our games " , says coach Marjan Lazovski .
" Already ,actively ,wde working on skauting of the our opponents who expect us and I believe that it will be fine . Most depend on us , playing against good teams is not simple , but I believe that if we play our properly , everything will be fine".
We have versatile play on all position. Antik , Gechevski and Samardziski are in well function under the basket, the guards line with Ilievski and Mekejleb together is back, brothers Damian and Vojdan Stojanovski continuously play strong defense and they are prepare for new offensive tasks " , completed Lazovski .
Tomorrow ( Monday ) from 23:00 pm, Macedonian time , Macedonia will play the first game of the Pre-Olympic tournament where the opponent will be Angola . Second meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 20:00 pm, Macedonian time , in that Macedonian selection will play against New Zealand .

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GERMANY

Germany A2 Team beat U20 opponents in a friendly - by Eurobasket News

Germany A2 Team-Germany U20 67:59

Germany A2 Team opened the game with 13-6 lead and led in the whole half. They lost however the second period 19-20 but led 32:26 at the halftime. Germany U20 team however replied with 23-16 in the third period and grabbed 1-point advantage after three quarters. In the start of the fourth period A2 team looked better and took the lead back. Schmitz nailed three for 61:54 advantage with 3 minutes to go. Seiferth made two free throws for 65:56, while Enosch Wolf (215-C-90) scored for 67:57. Dennis Schroder was the last t score in the game for the final result.
Germany A2 Team beat U20 opponents in a friendly. They celebrated a 67:59 victory in the first clash between two sides.
Enosch Wolf top-scored for the winners with 12 points, while Johannes Lischka (203-F/C-87) and Danilo Barthel (207-F-91, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) had 9 points apiece. Patrick Heckmann (198-G/F-92) replied with 13 points in the losing effort and Dennis Schroeder (185-PG-93) posted 9.

U20 Team: Besnik Bekteshi (EnBW Ludwigsburg, dnp), Mario Blessing (University of South Carolina Upstate, 3), Kevin Bright (TuS Urspringschule), Patrick Heckmann (Boston College, 13), Sebastian Fulle (ALBA Berlin, 3), Florian Koch (Telekom Baskets Bonn), Maximilian Kleber (s. Oliver Wrzburg, dnp), Mathis Monninghoff (Gonzaga University, 3), Philipp Neumann (Brose Baskets Bamberg, 9), Dennis Schroder (Spot Up Braunschweig/Phantoms Braunschweig, 10), Daniel Theis (Spot Up Braunschweig/Phantoms Braunschweig, 8), Leon Tolksdorf (ALBA Berlin), Johannes Voigtmann (Fraport Skyliners, und Ole Wendt (Phoenix Hagen, 2).
A2-Mannschaft: Danilo Barthel (Fraport Skyliners, 9), Anthony Canty (Eisbren Bremerhaven), Oskar Fassler (TBB Trier, 7), Johannes Lischka (Walter Tigers Tbingen, 9 Punkte, 11 Rebounds), Andreas Seifert (TBB Trier, 6), Nicolai Simon (BBC Bayreuth, 6), Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann (Telekom Baskets Bonn, 4), Enosch Wolf (University of Connecticut, 12), Robert Oehle (Walter Tigers Tubingen, 8), Niels Giffey (University of Connecticut, 3), Simon Schmitz (BBC Bayreuth, 3) und Fabian Thulig (Telekom Baskets Bonn).

Germany U16 smash Czech Republic in Benevento - by Eurobasket News

Germany U16-Czech Republic U16 75:49

Germany U16 smash Czech Republic in Benevento to clinch the second place at the tournament. The German side celebrated an easy 75:49 win for 2-1 record. The team from Czech Republic finished with no victories.
Germany opened the game with 20:17 and later won all the quarters in the game. They added 22-12 in the second period and enjoyed 44:29 at the halftime. Moreover Germany won the third period 14-12 and finished the game with 17-8 in the last stanza.
Joschka Ferner (200-F-96) led the way with 17 points and Lars Kamp (182-G-96) scored 10. Constantin Ebert (180-PG-96) and Andreas Obst (190-G-96) followed them with 8 points each. Marek Mares (185-G-96) ended up with 17 points in the losing effort, while David Skranc (96) had 10. Klimek poured in 9 and Pursl delivered 4.
Serbia U16 wins Trofeo Parente in Benevento with 4 participating teams. The Serbian side overcame Italy U16 63:43 in the last game to triumph in the country.

Germany U16: Joschka Ferner 17, Lars Kamp 10, Constantin Ebert 8, Andreas Obst 8,
Czech Republic U16: Marek Mares 17, David Skranc 10, Klimek 9, Pursl 4

Phoenix Hagen Sign Abe Lodwick - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Phoenix Hagen have brougt in Abe Lodwick (200-G/F-88). Lodwick is a 23 year old 201cm forward that played together with ex Beko BBL players Taylor Rochestie and Aron Baynes at Washington State. Lodwick will have a one month try-out phase in August. Lodwick played at Washington State (NCAA) from 2008-2012 and in his senior year played 21 games: 5.2ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 23.5%, 3PT: 45.1%, FT: 66.7%. "We have a fighter in Abe Lodwick (200-G/F-88) that is a strong rebounder and will give us the needed power. He also has a good shot", stressed Phoenix hagen head coach Ingo Freyer. He played a total of 105 NCAA games and some NCAA career highs were Minutes: 33 vs. UCLA, 3/5/11, Points: 13 vs. Portland State (Kennewick), 12/19/09, Field Goals Made: 5 vs. Portland State (Kennewick), 12/19/09, Field Goal Attempts: 10 vs. UCLA, 3/5/11, 3-Pt Field Goals Made: 3 (four times) vs. Oklahoma State, 3/21/11, 3-Pt Field Goal Attempts: 6 at Arizona, 2/17/11, Free Throws Made: 4 vs. USC, 2/20/10, Free Throws Attempted: 4 (twice) vs. USC, 2/20/10
Rebounds: 9 vs. Mississippi Valley State, 11/13/09, Assists: 5 vs. Sacramento State, 11/30/10, Blocks: 3 at UCLA, 12/29/10, and Steals: 3 vs. Gonzaga, 12/8/10. "I have always wanted to be a professional player and now I have the chance. I am looking forward to this fantastic experience that I will work hard for", added Abe Lodwick (200-G/F-88). Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Pac-10 Tournament Semifinals -08, NCAA Sweet 16 -08, Pac-10 All-Academic 2nd Team -10, and NIT Final Four -11

Source: Phoenix Hagen

Jeremiah Kelly Heads To The Cuxhaven Bascats - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO A team Cuxhaven Bascats have found their point guard for the upcoming season bringing in Jeremiah Kelly (182-PG, agency: Fierce Sports Management). Kelly is a 23 year old 183cm guard that played four years at the well known basketball school Depaul. In his senior year he played 29 games: 8.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 70.6%. He had strong games agaisnt Notre Dame (17 points), 16 points against UCONN and 15 points and 10 assists against Seton Hall. "We carefully selected the point guard position and we are more than convinced that Jeremiah can handle the duties. He also was able to heighten his game in his four years at Depaul and he will be a very interesting player and valuable player for us", warned Cuxhaven head coach Krists Plendiskis. The young American will have to get used to not playing in front of 18,500 people in the All state arena as the Bascats home doesnt even fill 10% of that, but he is looking forward to his rookie season. "It has always been a dream of mine to play professional basketball. Germany has a good standing in the basketball world and is respected. I want to represent Depaul and Chicago the best that I can and I am looking forward to the bascats", stated Jeremiah Kelly (182-PG, agency: Fierce Sports Management).

Source: Cuxhaven BasCats

USC Heidelberg Keep Kai Barth - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Despite getting a new coach with Tony Garbelotto recently, USC Heidelberg has decided to keep a majority of the team and not make a complete face lift as it was announced that German Kai Barth (188-G-89) will stay on board and play his third season there. Last season, Barth played 28 games: 6.7ppg, 1.8rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 26.5%, FT: 84.2%. The German really picked up his game in the last 10 games dishing out 55 assists. He scored in double figures five times and registered 10 assists against BG Karlsruhe.

Source: USC Heidelberg

Itzehoe Eagles go young - by Moritz Korff

The Itzehoe Eagles (1. Regionalliga North) are in the rebuilding process following the exit of several experienced players. Coach Paul Larysz, who led the Eagles to a second place finish in this past RLN season and was named the Eurobasket.com All-1. Regionalliga North Coach of the Year, will bring in some fresh faces for the 2012-13 campaign. He recently signed four players who just finished their NBBL careers. Nick Tienarend (181-PG-93) and Adrian Breitlauch (193-SF-93) went to the championship game of the U19-Bundesliga with Eisbaeren Bremerhaven last season and also saw action at BSG Bremerhaven in the 2. Regionalliga. They will be joined by a pair of youngsters from the city of Hamburg. Marvin Darko (196-G/F-93) and Finn Huebner (182-G-93) transfer from Bramfelder SV to Itzehoe. Both were key players on BSV's NBBL squad as well as on the club's 2. Regionalliga team.

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GREECE

Sloukas and Kavvadas out of Greece selection. - by Giorgos Diploidis

A few minutes ago was announced the squad which will try to qualify to the Olympic games of London for the Greek national team. The last ones that were cut by the national coach Ilias Zouros (agency: Alti Sport ) were Konstantinos Sloukas (197-G-90) and Vasileios Kavvadas (202-F-91)

So the Greek players are :

Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81)
Nikolaos Zisis (197-G-83)
Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket)
Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM)
Nick Calathes (198-G-89, college: Florida)
Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-C/F-83)
Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM)
Kostas Papanikolaou (206-F-90)
Kostas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM)
Michael Bramos (196-G/F-87, college: Miami, OH)
Dimitrios Mavroeidis (208-C-85, agency: FCM)
Evangelos Mantzaris (196-G-90)

Greece U20 outscored Croatia U20 in Torneo di Domegge - by Eurobasket News

Greece U20-Croatia U20 81:73

Greece U20 outscored Croatia U20 in Torneo di Domegge to finish in the third place. The Greek side needed an 81:73 in the final game.
Greece started with 23:12 lead but had difficulties to keep the advantage. The Croatian players erupted with 28-13 in the second period and grabbed 40:36 halftime advantage. It was again Greece to shock the opponents with 31-9 in the third period and reached 18-point deficit after three quarters. Croatia meanwhile won the last stanza 24-14 and reduced to 8 points at the end.
Spyridon Motsenigos (193-SG-92) top-scored for the winners with 27 points and Giannoulis Larentzakis (195-SG-93, agency: FCM) nailed 19.
France edged Italy to win U20 Torneo di Domegge. The French side needed 83:56 victory as both teams finished with 2-1 record on top. Due to the game between each other France finished first, while Italy ended up on the second place.

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HOLLAND

Aris Leeuwarden adds size with Craig Osaikhwuwuomwan - by Fred Roggen

Aris Leeuwarden announced the arrival of power forward Craig Osaikhwuwuomwan (211-F-90) on Sunday. Osaikhwuwuomwan signed a one-year deal with the club.
He arrives from Matrixx Magixx, where he averaged 3.3 points and 2.9 rebounds in 27 Dutch basketball League games last season.
Osaikhwuwuomwan, the 2010-11 Rookie of the Year, played that season for ABC Amsterdam, averaging 3.6 points and 3.5 rebounds in 34 Dutch League
games before joining Matrixx Magixx.

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INDONESIA

ISRAEL

Galil Gilboa Added Israeli Shooter Amit Simhon - by David Pick

Galil Gilboa added the 6-foot-6 Israeli shooter Amit Simhon to its roster for the upcoming season, according to a report by Roey Gladstone of Israel's Sport5.

Simhon began his professional career during the 2007-08 season with Ironi Ramat Gan. After a stellar 2009-10 season with Maccabi Hod Hasharon of the Israeli minor leagues, Simhon jumped to local powerhouse Hapoel Jerusalem, but finished the season with Barak Netanya.

Last year, Simhon played a pivotal role in Ironi Ashkelon's early season success before the team fell to unfortunate player injuries. Simhon capped last season with an Israeli League All-Star Game appearance and 3-point shooting contest title.

Serbia gain second win in Ruma - by Eurobasket News

Serbia U20 - Israel U20 88:72

Serbia posted the second straight win at the international tournament in Ruma. They overcame Israel for 2-0 record. Stefan Nastic (211-C-92) accounted for 18 points to lead the winners. Israel fell at 0-2 record.
Serbia pulled ahead in the opening quarter. They posted a 22:15 lead after ten minutes. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter. Serbia ensured a 47:40 halftime lead. The hosts kept their opponents at distance throughout the third quarter. Serbia arrived at the final intermission up by 15 points and never looked back en route to the victory. Bogdan Bogdanovic (198-F-92) provided 16 points, while Nemanja Besovic (221-C-92) delivered 11 points for Serbia. Or Solomon (197-F-93) answered with game-high 19 points for Israel. Timur had 15 points in defeat.

Serbia U20: Stefan Nastic 18, Bogdan Bogdanovic 16, Nemanja Besovic 11
Israel U20: Or Solomon 19, Timur 15

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ITALY

Keith Langford joins EA7 Emporio Armani Milano - by Eurobasket News

According to Italian media (Sportando.net), Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) will continue his career in EA7 Emporio Armani Milano. Reportedly, they signed a 2-year deal which will be official in the next few days. Langford parted ways with Maccabi Tel Aviv earlier this week. He joined them at the beginning of the last season. He appeared 20 times in Euroleague averaging 10.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists. The player also added 14.2 ppg, 4 rpg and 3.2 apg for 22 games in Israeli Premier league. He helped the club to win the championship title and was named Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Guard of the Year -12. Langford and Maccabi also won the Adriatic league title and Israeli Cup last season. In Adriatic league the player had 11.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 1.8 spg for 19 games. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League Finals MVP -12. Before Maccabi, Keith Langford played for Khimky Moscow and La Fortezza Bologna.

EA7 Emporio Armani Milano tab David Chiotti - by Giovanni Bargna

As officially annonuced today Milano signed David Chiotti (205-F/C-84, agency: Court Side, college: N.Mexico). The player spent three seasons at Casale Monferrato helping the team getting to the lega A two years ago and then gave a great contribution last season at his first appearence in the first italian league with 9 ppg and 7 rpg.
Chiotti was born at Palo Alto California but has got an italian passport, is a center and his skills allow him to play also at spot 4.
After releasing Mason Rocca Milano should have completed its roster under the boards with this deal.

Serbia U16 wins Trofeo Parente in Benevento - by Eurobasket News

Italy U16-Serbia U16 43:63

Serbia U16 wins Trofeo Parente in Benevento with 4 participating teams. The Serbian side overcame Italy U16 63:43 in the last game to triumph in the country.
Italy started the game better and grabbed 17:11 lead after the first period. They could not however follow the opponents in the second frame as the latter erupted with 18-5 lead to take 29:23. Moreover Serbia dominated the second half and won both periods. The guests took 13-6 in the third quarter and finished the game with 21-15 in the last stanza.
Nikola Pavlovic (204-PF-96) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Jovan Starincevic (188-PG-96) posted 8. Vucetic ended up with 6 points in the winning effort. Daniel Donzelli (195-G-96) finished the game with 8 points in the losing effort and Mussini scored 6.
In another game Germany U16 overcame Czech Republic U16 75:49 to finish second.

Italy U16: Mussini 6, Spera 3, Navarini 4, Picarelli 3, Flaccadori 4, Busetto, Cacace 2, Daniel Donzelli 8, Cuccarese 2, Restelli 2, Lenti 5, Zucca 4
Serbia U16: Peno 1, Dokovic 3, Daskalovic 2, Jovanovic, Karadzic ne, Jovan Starincevic 8, Radovanovic 2, Nikola Pavlovic 17, Andelkovic ne, Vucetic 6, Lazarevic 1, Stojanovic

Virtus Roma farewell to Uros Slokar - by Eurobasket News

Virtus Roma farewell to Uros Slokar (210-F/C-83) and will become a free agent. The Slovenian player according to Sportando.net had an option in his contract to extend the agreement for one more season but he decided to hit the free agent market.
In 2011-2012 for Acea Virtus Roma (Italy-SerieA) he averaged 8.9ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 13.3%, FT: 67.4%. In February 2010 Montepaschi Siena announced signing of Uros Slokar for rest of the season. The 26-year old power forward terminated his contract with Union Olimpija few days ago and immediately arrived to Siena. He appeared 9 times in Euroleague this season averaging 6.2 points and 3.2 rebounds. In Adriatic league he added 8.2 ppg and 3.3 rpg for 20 games.
Uros Slokar was not a new face in Italy. He played in Serie A last season as a member of GMAC Real Estate Bologna. For 15 league games he had 4.9 ppg and 4.8 rpg. In EuroCup, Slokar registered 4.7 ppg in 3 matchups. Before GMAC Bologna, Slokar spent one season with Russian Triumph Lyubertsy. Season 2006/07, Uros Slokar spent in NBA with Toronto Raptors. He got a chance in 20 games averaging 1.9 points. Before his move overseas, Uros Slokar celebrated Italian Serie A title with Benetton Treviso. He helped the team achieve this with 4.9 ppg and 3.1 rpg in 45 games. That was his third year with Benetton, where he arrived in 2003. Slokar is a product of the Slovenian team Geoplin Slovan.

France edged Italy to win U20 Torneo di Domegge - by Eurobasket News

Italy U20-France U20 56:83

France edged Italy to win U20 Torneo di Domegge. The French side needed 83:56 victory as both teams finished with 2-1 record on top. Due to the game between each other France finished first, while Italy ended up on the second place.
France started with 22-18 lead in the opening period and continued their dominance in the court later in the game. The guests added 19-12 in the second period and enjoyed 41:30 halftime advantage. Moreover France erupted with 23-10 in the third quarter and did not even think of slowing down. They added 19-16 in the last period to triumph at the tournament.
Louis Labeyrie (209-C-92) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Leo Westermann (198-G-92, agency: Beo Basket) notched 16. Jeancharles posted 12, while Hugo Invernizzi (196-G/F-93) delivered 11. Amedeo Tessitori (205-C-94) finished the game with 11 points in the losing effort.

Italy U20: Toure 3, Cicognani 2, Saccaggi 4, Parrillo 7, Viglianisi 4, Ceron 4, Cefarelli, Abass 4, Lombardi 8, Amedeo Tessitori 11, Pini 3. All: Sacripanti
France U20: Thalien 6, Julien 6, Toupane 2, Louis Labeyrie 18, Jeancharles 12, Leo Westermann 16, Hugo Invernizzi 11, Mendy 2, Pinda 3, Fourchot 7, Pelos.

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JAPAN

BJ League Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

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

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

Rebounds Per Game

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

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

Assists Per Game

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

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

Steals Per Game

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

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

Blocks Per Game

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

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

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LITHUANIA

U17 World Championship: Spain wins the European battle - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania U17-Spain U17 83:91 OT

Spain wins the European battle at the U17 World Championship. The Spanish outfit outscored Lithuania in Kaunas 91:83 in Group B top game.
It was the game for the second win in the group. The Baltic side started with 17-13, but failed to win the half. Spain needed a 23-15 burst in the second quarter to take a 36:32 advantage at the halftime. Lithuania however was too far to give up and won the third and the fourth quarters. They produced a 22-21 in the third stanza and finished the game with 23-20 in the last period. Spain however held an 8-point victory after 11-4 in overtime.
Agusti Sans (195-F/G-95) led the way with 24 points, while Alberto Martin (182-G-95) and Ferran Ventura (184-PG-95) had 13 each. Ernestas Serkevicius (187-PG-95) ended up with 21 points in the losing effort while Haroldas Saprykinas (188-G-95) delivered 14. Zydrunas Jurgutis (178-PG-95) scored 13 and Lukas Grabauskas (182-PG-95) chipped in with 12.

Lithuania U17: Ernestas Serkevicius 21, Haroldas Saprykinas 14, Zydrunas Jurgutis 13, Lukas Grabauskas 12
Spain U17: Agusti Sans 24, Alberto Martin 13, Ferran Ventura 13

Joan Plaza is close to taking over Zalgiris - by Eurobasket News

Joan Plaza may soon be announced as new head coach of Zalgiris. The Spanish specialist is indeed in talks with the Kaunas team. The sides are close to reaching an agreement on terms of contract. Joan Plaza has been on the bench of Cajasol Sevilla since 2009. He led the team to the ACB semifinals in 2009. Cajasol then reached EuroCup Final in 2011. Previously Joan Plaza worked with Real Madrid and Joventut Badalona U20 team. He also had stints as assistant coach with Joventut Badalona and Real Madrid. Joan Plaza won ULEB Cup with Real Madrid in 2007. Eurobasket.com named Joan Plaza All-ULEB Cup Coach of the Year the same season.

Lithuania overcame Ukraine in Murcia - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania U20-Ukraine U20 82:71

Lithuania U20 edged Ukraine U20 in Day 2 of the Torneo Internacional de Murcia. The Baltic side tied both records at 1-1 after 82:71 victory.
Lithuania started the game better and reached 28:17 advantage after the first 10 minutes. They added 26-22 and had 54:39 halftime advantage. Ukraine bounced back with 17-9 in the second frame and reduced to 7 points after 30 minutes in the court. The Baltic side meanwhile won the last stanza 19-15 and celebrated the initial win.
Vytenis Cizauskas (190-SG-92) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Paulius Vaitiekunas (205-PF-92) as well as Eigirdas Zukauskas (200-PF-92) had 10 each. Edgaras Ulanovas (197-G-92) poured in 9, while Dovydas Redikas (195-G-92) and Zygimantas Skucas (200-SF-92) scored 8 apiece. Olexandr Mishula (187-G-92) finished the game with 18 points and Oleksandr Prokopenko added 11 in defeat.
In another game the Spanish U20 Men's basketball team has bounced back from their disappointing loss to Ukraine in game one of Torneo Internacional de Murcia to trounce Slovenia in their second game of the tournament. The hosts celebrated a 79:59 win.

Lithuania U20: Vytenis Cizauskas 14, Paulius Vaitiekunas 10, Eigirdas Zukauskas 10, Edgaras Ulanovas 9, Dovydas Redikas 8, Zygimantas Skucas 8
Ukraine U20: Olexandr Mishula 18, Oleksandr Prokopenko 11

Lithuania U20 upset the hosts in Day 3 of Torneo Internacional de Murcia - by Eurobasket News

Spain U20-Lithuania U20 63:69

Lithuania U20 upset the hosts in Day 3 of Torneo Internacional de Murcia. The Baltic state finished the tournament with 2-1 record on the second place.
Lithuania started with 20:11 in the first period and looked better than the opponents. Spain meanwhile bounced back with 23-18 in the second frame and reduced to 34:38 at the halftime. Both teams nailed 13 points each in the third frame as the board showed the same difference after thirty minutes. In the last stanza the Baltic Side added 18-16 win to seal the victory.
Dovydas Redikas (195-G-92) top-scored for the winners with 23 points, while Jakstas and Butkevicius had 11 each. Edgaras Ulanovas (197-G-92) followed them with 7 points in a win. Pepe Pozas replied with 12 points in the losing effort as Spain finished on the last spot with 1-2 record. Alejandro Abrines (198-G/F-93) nailed 9 and Jaime Fernandez (187-G-93) delivered 8.

Spain U20: Pepe Pozas 12, Alejandro Abrines 9, Jaime Fernandez 8
Lithuania U20: Dovydas Redikas 23, Jakstas 11, Butkevicius 11, Edgaras Ulanovas 7

Lithuania NT defeat Great Britain in friendly - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania - Great Britain 90:80

Lithuania played the final test game before the start of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. They took on Great Britain in Houston. Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) scored 18 points to lead the Baltic team to the victory.
Great Britain got to a flying start. They dominated throughout the first half. Great Britain used a 15:0 run to ensure a 14-point lead at one point. Great Britain finished the half up by 7 points 44:37. But Lithuania recovered well enough in the third quarter. They exploded with 31 points in the third period to secure a 5-point lead. Lithuania stayed in control in the final frame and rolled to a comfortable win at the end. Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) provided 16 points, while Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) and Jonas Maciulis (198-G/F-85) added 9 points each in the victory. Kyle Johnson (195-G-88, college: LIU Brooklyn) answered with 18 points for Great Britain. Pops Mensah-Bonsu (206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: G.Washington) had 16 points in the loss.

Lithuania: Martynas Pocius 18, Sarunas Jasikevicius 16, Robertas Javtokas 9, Jonas Maciulis 9
Great Britain: Kyle Johnson 18, Pops Mensah-Bonsu 16

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MALAYSIA

SEABA U18: Singapore clinch last ticket to Mongolia - by Eurobasket News

Singapore U18 - Malaysia U18 75:56

Singapore clinched a vital win in the last round of U18 SEABA Championship. The hosts overcame Malaysia to clinch the third overall position at the tournament. The victory also means Singapore will play at the U18 Fiba Asia Championship in Mongolia later this year. Chiang Kok (199-C-95) scored 20 points to lead the hosts to the crucial victory.
Singapore surged ahead right from the start. They established a 14:11 lead at the first break. The teams exchanged baskets throughout intense second quarter. Singapore secured a 27:24 halftime advantage. The hosts unloaded 29 points in the third term to clear off. They accumulated a 17-point lead at the final intermission. Singapore did not slow down in the fourth period and raced to a comfortable win at the end. John Ng had 11 points, while Toh Qing (183-F-95) finished with 10 points for the winners. Lian Wei Loo, Cheng Ng and Nelson Bong finished with 8 points each in the loss.

Singapore U18: Chiang Kok 20, Johnson Ngetha 11, Toh Qing 10
Malaysia U18: Lian Wei Loo 8, Cheng Ng 8, Nelson Bong 8

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MALI

Roanne signs Yohann Sangare - by Eurobasket News

Yohann Sangare (193-G-83) is a new member of Roanne. The Malian/French guard penned a deal for the next season. He spent the last one with Orleans. For 35 ProA games with them the player averaged 5.5 points, 3.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds. Before Orleans, Sangare spent one year with Le Havre. There he had 7.9 ppg, 3.5 apg and 2.7 rpg in 24 games. In 2009/10, Yohann Sangare played for Carife Ferrara and year before that he spent with Armani Jeans MIlano. From 2004 to 2008, the guard played for ASVEL.
Yohann Sangare was a member of the French National Team in 2007 and 2008. He played 8 games at the 2007 EuroBasket in Spain averaging 1.1 ppg and 1.8 rpg.

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MOROCCO

Rueil keeps Moise Diame and Karim Gourari - by Eurobasket News

Rueil announced signing of a one-year contract extension with Moise Diame (206-C-86) and Karim Gourari (195-F-89). The team competes in French NM1 league.
Center Moise Diame appeared 33 times for the club last season registering 10.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 1.3 bpg. He joined Rueil last summer from Calais Basket Cheminots JMC. He played in NM2 few years in the past.
Karim Gourari arrived to Rueil two years ago. Last season he had 12.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 3.6 apg for 26 games. In 2001, he helped Rueil to win Group D of NM2. At the same time, they won the promotion for NM1. Gourari played for the Moroccan National Team in 2009.

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NBA

Nets, Gerald Wallace agree to deal - by Eurobasket News

The Brooklyn Nets reached a verbal commitment with swingman Gerald Wallace (6'7''-F-82, college: Alabama) on a four-year deal worth $40 million, according to sources close to the process.

The Nets have been openly confident in their ability to re-sign Wallace, who opted out of the final year of his contract last month with the intent of staying with the Nets.

No new contracts in the NBA can be officially signed until July 11, but sources told ESPN.com that Wallace -- originally expected to land a three-year deal worth $24 million -- will instead land the four-year deal.

Wallace opted out of the $9.5 million he was originally scheduled to earn in 2012-13 on June 15 to proceed to free agency.

The Nets paid a high price to acquire Wallace from Portland during the season in hopes of upgrading the roster to convince marquee free agent Deron Williams to commit to the team long term, sending the Blazers their top pick in this year's draft with only top-three protection attached. When Brooklyn finished sixth in the May lottery, Portland took control of the pick and drafted Weber State point guard Damian Lillard.

Courtesy of ESPN

Lakers, Nets, Rockets discuss potential Dwight Howard trade with Magic - by Eurobasket News

The Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic have had preliminary contact about a possible deal for All-Star center Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85), league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Orlando officials are willing to discuss trades for Howard, and the Lakers have been one of the teams in touch with them over the weekend, sources said. The Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets have also talked to Magic officials, sources said.

While the Lakers have yet to make a direct offer, there's no scenario where Orlando would move Howard to the Lakers without getting back Andrew Bynum, L.A.'s 24-year-old All-Star center. Pau Gasol wouldn't fit the Magic's desires to rebuild with young players and draft picks.

The Lakers had been willing to part with Bynum for Howard in March, but those talks ended when Howard decided to decline his early termination option and remain under contract through the 2012-13 season.

The Magic reached out to teams Saturday and told them that theyll discuss proposals about moving Howard, sources said.

Howard and his agent, Dan Fegan, have repeatedly told the Magic in recent weeks that Howard wants to be moved, and that his preferred destination of the Brooklyn Nets hasnt changed, sources said.

Nevertheless, time is running out for Howard to be traded to Brooklyn because Nets general manager Billy King has begun to aggressively explore deals for players like Joe Johnson, Luis Scola and O.J. Mayo in an attempt to surround free-agent point guard Deron Williams with more talent. Williams is choosing between the Nets and Dallas Mavericks and could make a decision in the next several days. Sources say Williams' patience with waiting for Howard to eventually come to Brooklyn is wearing out, and that hes likely to make his decision whether to accept the Nets' five-year, $100 million contract offer devoid of Howard as a factor.

The Nets have already reached agreement with Gerald Wallace on a four-year, $40 million deal and are working to re-sign Brook Lopez, another of their free agents. Their salary cap will be too congested to sign Howard as a free agent next summer. For now, Brooklyn could include Lopez in a sign-and-trade with young players and future draft picks for Howard, but the Nets probably cant construct the most attractive package for Orlando.

The Houston Rockets remain determined to try to land Howard, and have several young players to offer as part of a package.

Courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com

Sixers reach deal with forward Lavoy Allen - by Eurobasket News

The 76ers reached agreement in principle on a two-year, $6 million contract extension with Lavoy Allen (6'9''-C/F-89, college: Temple) on Sunday, the first day of free agency, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.

The deal cannot be officially signed until the moratorium on signings is lifted on July 11.

Allen, a 23-year-old forward-center from Temple, was the 50th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft.

After averaging 4.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in 41 regular-season games, 15 of them as a starter, Allen was better in the playoffs, averaging 6.3 points and 5.0 rebounds. He also established himself as the team's best post defender.

The Sixers also spoke to the representatives of unrestricted free agents Lou Williams and Spencer Hawes.

Courtesy of http://articles.philly.com

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NCAA1

OLYMPIC GAMES

Caracas invites to 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament - by Eurobasket News

Caracas invites to 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament that will start tomorrow in the country. Venezuela will invite 11 teams and the hosts for the 3 last tickets to London.
Twelve teams are divided into 4 groups with 3 teams in each. The winners of the groups as well as the second places will qualify to the Quarterfinals and then Semifinals. The winners of the Semifinals as well as the third team after the game for the third place will go to London Olympics.

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PHILIPPINES

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 20

Jun. 30: Powerade T. - B-Meg Llam. 98-110
Jul. 1: Rain or Shine - Talk N Text 92-90
Jul. 1: Meralco Bolts - Barako Bull 79-81

Quarter-Finals: Round 1

Jul. 3: Powerade T. - Barako Bull

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Zach GRAHAM
  Air21 E.
  (198-G-89)
  Avg: 37.6

1. Graham, Air21 E.	37.6
2. Hickerson, Barako	27.0
3. David, Powerade T.	26.4
4. Sneed, Powerade T.	25.7
5. Harris, Talk N Text	25.1
6. Bozeman, Ginebra	24.7
7. Cornley, Rain o.	24.0
8. Blakely, B-Meg L.	23.7
9. Forte, Alaska Aces	23.5
10. Basden, Petron B.	19.6

Rebounds Per Game

Omar SNEED
  Powerade T.
  (198-F-76)
  Avg: 17

1. Sneed, Powerade T.	17.0
2. Forte, Alaska Aces	15.6
3. Graham, Air21 E.	12.6
4. Blakely, B-Meg L.	12.1
5. Harris, Talk N Text	12.0
6. Cornley, Rain o.	10.9
7. Taulava, Meralco	10.9
8. Bozeman, Ginebra	10.2
9. Pingris, B-Meg L.	9.7
10. Santos, Petron B.	8.4

Assists Per Game

Jimmy ALAPAG
  Talk N Text
  (177-PG-77)
  Avg: 7.9

1. Alapag, Talk N Te.	7.9
2. Casio, Powerade T.	6.4
3. Hickerson, Barako	5.8
4. Bozeman, Ginebra	5.7
5. Sneed, Powerade T.	5.3
6. Tenorio, Alaska A.	5.2
7. Miller, Barako Bull	4.8
8. Cabagnot, Petron	4.6
9. Ross, Meralco	4.5
10. Lutz, Petron Bla.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Blakely, B-Meg L.	3.4
2. Basden, Petron B.	2.4
3. Tenorio, Alaska A.	1.6
4. Seigle, Barako Bull	1.4
5. Cortez, Ginebra	1.3
6. Anthony, Powerade.	1.3
7. Mercado, Meralco	1.3
8. Bozeman, Ginebra	1.3
9. Caguioa, Ginebra	1.2
10. Harris, Talk N Te.	1.1

Blocks Per Game

Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Blakely, B-Meg L.	2.8
2. Hickerson, Barako	1.8
3. Forte, Alaska Aces	1.6
4. Baguio, Alaska Ac.	1.4
5. Santos, Petron B.	1.4
6. Aguilar, Talk N.	1.3
7. Maierhofer, Ginebr.	1.1
8. Thoss, Alaska Aces	1.1
9. Seigle, Barako Bull	1.0
10. Pennisi, Barako B.	1.0

SEABA U18: Philippines defend their title - by Eurobasket News

Philippines U18 - Indonesia U18 81:57

Philippines repeated as SEABA U18 champions. They overcame Indonesia in the final round of the championship to clinch the top position. Rodolfo Alejandro (175-G-95) stepped up with 18 points to lead the winners. Indonesia finished the tournament in the second position.
Philippines dominated from the starting minutes. They accumulated a 22:15 lead at the first break. Indonesia slowed their opponents down to narrow the gap at 6-point mark at halftime 28:34. But Philippines unloaded 27 points in the third frame to open a double-digit lead. They stayed well in control throughout the final quarter rallying to a comfortable win at the end. Rey Benedict had 15 points, while Kyle Suarez had 13 points and 9 rebounds in the winning effort. Panagan answered with 13 points for Indonesia. Andre Andriano netted 9 points in the loss.

Philippines U18: Rodolfo Alejandro 18, Rey Benedict 15, Kyle Suarez 13
Indonesia U18: Panagan 13, Andre Andriano 9

The Indonesia Warriors are the 2012 AirAsia Asean Basketball League Champions - by Enzo Flojo

INDONESIA WARRIORS over SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN, 78-76
The AirAsia ASEAN Basketball Leagues exciting third season ended after a brand new champion was crowned at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, Philippines. The game was everything the fans wanted. It was exciting and went down the wire.

In the end, it was The Indonesia Warriors who lifted the trophy as the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League 2012 Champions after hanging on to beat the San Miguel Beermen, 78-76.

Stanley Pringle played a good game and finished as the teams leading scorer with 28 points, followed by Evan Brock with 15 points and 16 rebounds. Steve Thomas rounded off the Warriors top three with 10 points.

The Beermens Duke Crews also had a good game and finished as the games top scorer with 29 points, followed by Chris Bancheros 16. Nick Fazekas rounded off the Beermens scorers with an 11-point and 16-rebound double-double.

Backed by a boisterous home crowd, the San Miguel Beermen got off to a quick start that earned them an 11-6 point lead heading out of the five minute mark in the first quarter. After a quick succession of shots in the fourth minute, however, the Warriors managed to cut the deficit to just one point before a Wuysang three-pointer put them ahead for the first time at 15-13 with 1:25 to go. The Warriors continued their shooting streak to head into the second quarter leading, 19-13.

Both teams came out strong in the second quarter and stepped up their games. The Beermen were still having problems finding the net in the opening minutes and a Pringle steal and basket at the six-minute mark gave the Warriors the first double-digit lead of the game at 28-18. The Beermen showed their composure on the court, though, and made several excellent steals to retain possession. They were able to cut the deficit to just five points heading into the second half.

A Crews dunk early in the third quarter set the Beermen back on track and Bancheros basket at the eight minute mark saw the Beermen even things up at 38. The Warriors, however, were determined to make this game count and regained their double-digit lead heading into the final period, 64-53.

Stanley Pringle made a three-point a shot to give Warriors their biggest lead in the game, 70-57, with 6:44 left in the game, but the Beermen managed to put up their own 10-0 run to get back into it. Fajardo closed the gap with an important basket at 2:30 to see the scoreboard read 69-71 with the Warriors still up.

Unfortunately for the Beermen, Banchero, who had been great so far in the game, fouled out with two minutes left after committing his fifth personal foul on Pringle.

It was still anybodys guess who would be lifting the trophy in the final thirty, nail-biting seconds of the game as only four points separated the teams. The Beermen held possession and Crews put in another important basket to bring it back to a one-possession game at 78-76, but Pringle was sent to the line again. Despite having converted 11 of his first 12 free throws in the game, Pringle missed both.

The door was open for the Beermen, but, unfortunately, Leo Avenidos missed a lay-up that couldve tied the game with seconds left. This forced them to foul Brock right away. Brock went to the line and missed both of his attempts, but it was enough to wind the clock down and ensure that the scoreboard remained unchanged at the final buzzer.

Both teams were presented with their trophies at the ceremony held immediately after the game, with the San Miguel Beermen receiving their medals from the Chief Executive Officer of GE Philippines, Mr. Jocot Dedios. The ABLs newly crowned Local MVP for 2012 Leo Avenido was also given his trophy during the ceremony.

It was then fitting that the ABLs newly crowned Coach of the Year 2012, Todd Purves, was then handed the AirAsia ABL Champions 2012 trophy by the Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Philippines, Ms. Marianne Hontiveros, who also threw the tip-off in the ABLs season opener at this same venue back in January. Coach Purves and Steve Thomas were also then handed their trophies for ABL Coach of the Year 2012 and Defensive Player of the Year 2012 respectively.

Capping off the proceedings was the presentation of the ABL Finals MVP by the CEO of the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League, Mr. Kuhan Foo, to the Warriors Evan Brock, who had been outstanding in the Finals, averaging 21.7 points and 13.7 rebounds per game.

INA 78 - Pringle 28, Brock 15, Thomas 10, Canada 7, Salangsang 7, Wuysang 4, Winsu 4, Pirhantono 3, Wibawa 0, Risanto 0, Gunawan 0, Sitepu 0
SMB 76 - Crew 29, Banchero 16, Fazekas 11, Avenido 9, Fajardo 8, Luanzon 0, Fernandez 0, Yap 0. Ferriols 0, Gonzales 0, Dimaunahan 0
QS: 19-13, 38-33, 64-53, 78-76

Source: Game recap was compressed and compiled from AseanBasketballLeague.com.

2012 PBA Governors Cup Roundup: June 30 July 1, 2012 - by Enzo Flojo

B-MEG LLAMADOS over POWERADE TIGERS, 110-98
There was a sense of deja vu for the B-MEG Llamados when Gary David hit a miracle three-pointer in regulation to force overtime for the Powerade Tigers.

But B-MEG had plenty to spare in the overtime period, repulsing a gutsy Powerade side for a 108-98 victory in a thrilling Governors Cup encounter at a packed Ibalong Centrum in Legazpi City, Albay.

With the win, B-MEG formalized its entry to the next round as it finished its elimination round campaign with a 6-3 record.

We were supposed to clinch the semis early, then we found out later that we didnt clinch it. We thought five was the magic number and were either solo second or a game behind Rain or Shine, said B-MEG coach Tim Cone.

The loss, the third straight for the Tigers, put the squads fate in limbo as its win-loss record dropped to 4-5, good for seventh spot.

Only six teams will advance to the semifinal round. Powerade needs to hope that Barako Bull defeats Meralco on Sunday to force a three-way tie for sixth to eighth places, which will result in a two-tier playoff for the last semifinals seat.

The Llamados looked like they had the game in the bag, up four points, 89-85, with just 15 seconds remaining. But Marqus Blakely fouled JVee Casio, who made two of three free throws to cut the lead to a single basket.

The Tigers fouled Josh Urbiztondo, who split his free throws, paving the way for David to hit a turnaround, fadeaway three-pointer off the glass with 1.6 seconds left to force extra time.

We went into that overtime with a real emotional downer that we thought we had the game won then David hit that three-pointer off the backboard, said Cone.

David also hit a three-pointer to force overtime in the Tigers quarterfinal series against the Llamados in the Philippine Cup, a game Powerade ended up winning. This time, however, B-MEG didnt let that happen.

The key was our guys turning around mentally and still going out. We had a couple of steals and a couple of breakaways. I told them before the start of the overtime is a test of character, so they have to prove themselves.

Back-to-back baskets by James Yap, who had his finest performance in the tournament with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks, triggered a 20-8 run by the Llamados in overtime and put away the Tigers.

With a semis ticket in hand, Cone is already looking ahead.

Weve got to have a quick turnaround after this provincial game and prepare for the semis. PJ (Simon) got hurt when he played down the stretch. James played hurt, too, luckily it was just cramps. JC (Intal) has been having problem with his calf the whole conference but were managing him, said Cone.

BML 110- Blakely 31, Yap 24, Simon 17, Urbiztondo 9, Pingris 8, Intal 6, De Ocampo 6, Reavis 5, Villanueva 4, Barroca 0.
POW 98- David 34, Casio 23, Sneed 21, Tugade 5, Lingganay 5, Salvador 4, Anthony 2, Belasco 2, Adducul 2, Guevarra 0, Al-Hussaini 0, Vanlandingham 0.
QS: 22-24 47-39 66-63 90-90 110-98

BARAKO BULL ENERGY over MERALCO BOLTS, 81-79
Barako Bull fell short of its target but stayed in the race for the last semis berth following a shaky 81-79 win over Meralco at the end of the elimination phase of the PBA Governors Cup Sunday at the-SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Energy to win by at least five points to secure a one-game bye in the playoffs for the last remaining ticket to the next round, and looked headed in that direction after building a 77-60 spread early in the fourth period with over eight minutes remaining.

But the Bolts, behind the outside sniping of import Mario West, managed to close the gap with a 19-3 assault to threaten at 80-79 with 36.9 seconds remaining.

Barako Bull turned the ball in the next play, allowing the Meralco a chance for a win, which would have given the Bolts an outright semis seat.

But West was forced to kick out the ball to Dennis Daa just above the free throw line and the former Letran forward missed the potential game-winner.

LeRoy Hickerson collared the defensive rebound and pegged the final score with a split.

Sayang, were up 17 but we played not to lose. We didnt play to win and thats what happened, said Energy coach Junel Baculi.

We tend to relax. Now, we have to go through the long route.

Barako Bull, Powerade, and Meralco finished the elimination phase with identical 4-5 slates. The Bolts drew a bye with its superior higher quotient.

The Energy and the Tigers will face off in the first playoff encounter on Tuesday, with the winner taking on Meralco for the last semis seat on Wednesday.

Hickerson led Barako Bull with 22 points while Danny Seigle and Ronald Tubid netted 16 and 10 respectively.

It was Seigle who gave the Energy their biggest lead at 77-60, before West, who finished with a conference-best 40 points, piloted the uprising.

Baculi said hes confident his team could go through the two-game wringer.

Im confident because we beat both teams (Meralco and Powerade), he said.

BAR 81 - Hickerson 22, Seigle 16, Tubid 10, Kramer 8, Miller 7, Allado 7, Cruz 6, Salvacion 3, Najorda 2, Pennisi 0.
MER 79 - West 40, Taulava 15, Cardona 8, Daa 5, Macapagal 5, Bulawan 2, Mercado 2, Hugnatan 2, Ross 0, Reyes 0.
QS: 22-14, 41-39, 69-59, 81-79

RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO-PAINTERS over TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS, 92-90
Rain or Shine needed a defensive stop in the dying seconds to preserve a 92-90 win over Talk N Text and finish with a franchise-best 8-1 mark at the end of the elimination phase of the PBA Governors Cup Sunday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Jamelle Cornley blocked an attempt by Ranidel de Ocampo inside the paint to seal the win for the Elasto Painters. Because of eliminations records of each team will be carried over to the semifinals, Rain or Shine needs just three wins to book a finals ticket for the first time in franchise history.

Cornley finished with a team-high 19 points while rookie Paul Lee, who was returning from a shoulder injury, added 18 for the Elasto Painters, which snapped the four-game winning streak of the Tropang Texters.

Still a satisfying win against the best team in the league in the last few years, said Rain coach Yeng Guiao.

Talk N Text has nothing to prove. The proof of burden lies on us. That were not just a contender. We need to prove that our time has come.

Jayson Castro had a game-high 25 points for the Tropang Texters, who finished their eliminations campaign with a 5-4 win-loss mark.

Lee and Castro engaged in a shootout, exchanging basket after basket.

Castro scored five straight points to give Talk N Text an 83-82 lead. Lee responded with a three-pointer, before Castro knotted the score for the last time at 85-all.

Cornley scored four points for the Painters that sandwiched Castros two free throws to give Rain or Shine a 91-87 lead.

Larry Fonacier gave Talk N Text some life after converting a three-pointer off Castros missed attempt to cut the lead to one point, 91-90, with 3.8 seconds left.

Jeff Chan was sent to the free throw line and split his free throws, giving the Tropang Texters the chance to send the game in overtime with 3.1 ticks remaining.

De Ocampo received the ball inside the lane but was met by three Elasto Painters, including Cornley who swatted the ball away as time expired.

Import Paul Harris had 11 points and 13 rebounds for Talk N Text.

ROS 92- Cornely 19, Lee 18, Chan 14, Cruz 11, Norwood 9, Belga 7, Quinahan 6, Tang 2, Arana 2, Buenafe 2, Ibanes 2.
TNT 90- Castro 25, Harris 11, Reyes 11, Williams 10, Fonacier 10, Alapag 8, Aban 5, De Ocampo 4, Peek 4, Aguilar 2.
QS: 27-28, 46-51, 67-68, 92-90

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

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ROMANIA

Derek Thomas signs with CSS Giurgiu - by Eurobasket News

Derek Thomas (193-F-84, college: Appalachian St.) signs with CSS Giurgiu for 2012/2013 season. The American player became the first signing of the team for the upcoming season.
The last two seasons he played in Mexico. In 2011 for Mineros de Cananea (Mexico-CIBACOPA) he averaged 21.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 3.0apg, Steals-5 (1.6spg), 1.2bpg, FGP: 59.5%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 76.4%. In 2012 for Mineros de Cananea (Mexico-CIBACOPA, starting five) Derek Thomas became the third top-scorer of the league with 22.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.0apg, Steals-5 (1.4spg), FGP: 63.0%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 73.5%/
In Round 36 the second most remarkable performance in last was 27-year old American forward Derek Thomas of Cananea. Thomas impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 41 points and 10 rebounds. Bad luck as Cananea lost that overtime game 88-95 to slightly higher-ranked Tijuana (#3, 25-11).
Over the last three years he became Mexican CIBACOPA Champion -09, 11, made it into Latinbasket.com All-Mexican CIBACOPA 1st Team -09, 11, 12 and Latinbasket.com Mexican CIBACOPA All-Imports Team -09, 11, 12. Derek was named Latinbasket.com All-Mexican CIBACOPA Honorable Mention -10 and was Mexican CIBACOPA Regular Season Champion -11. He received Latinbasket.com All-Mexican CIBACOPA Guard of the Year -12.

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RUSSIA

Ante Tomic may join CSKA - by Eurobasket News

CSKA are reportedly in talks on terms of contract with Ante Tomic (217-C-87). The Croatian centre may join the Russian powerhouse as soon as next week. Ante Tomic played for Real Madrid lately. Last season he tallied 6.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game in Euroleague. In ACB the centre posted 8.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per appearance. Eurobasket.com named Ante Tomic All-Spanish ACB Centre of the Year in 2011. The centre earned All-Euroleague Honourable Mention in 2011 and made it into All-Spanish ACB 2nd Team in 2010. Previously Ante Tomic had spells for KK Zadar, Dubrovnik, KK Zagreb. He has been the member of Croatian National Team since 2008. He also played for U16, U18 and U20 Croatian selections.

Vladimir Micov joins the forces of CSKA - by Eurobasket News

Vladimir Micov (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) joins the forces of CSKA for the next season. According to Sportando.net via the official website of the team CSKA Moscow announced the signing of Vlado Micov to a 1+1 deal
Last year Bennet Cantu announced extending Vladimir Micov. The Serbian forward joined Cantu in December of 2009 from Caja Laboral. He appeared 22 times in SerieA last season averaging 11.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists. In EuroCup, Micov added 10.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 3 apg for 6 games.
Vladimir Micov had 11.8 ppg, 4 rpg and 2.6 apg for 24 league games last season with Cantu. As mentioned above, he joined them from Caja Laboral. With the Spanish giant he had 4.1 ppg and 2.9 rpg for 7 Euroleague games, plus 2.6 ppg and 1.3 rpg for 13 games in ACB.
From 2005 to 2009, Vladimir Micov was a member of Buducnost Podgorica. He also spent some times with Panionios during 2008/09 season. Micov signed a deal until 2013, with a buy-out clause in 2012.
In 2011-2012 for Bennet Cantu (Italy-SerieA, starting five) he averaged 10.4ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 85.7% in Euroleague. In Italian League after 25 games his stats read 10.2ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 82.3%.

CSKA closing in on Malik Hairston - by Anton Zirkov

CSKA Moscow continues its shopping spree this summer.after the additions of Aaron Jackson and Zoran Erceg the Red & Blue are closing in on Malik Hairston (198-G-87, college: Oregon).
According to CSKA source,the deal to bring Hairston is "almost done" and he will pen a two years contract with the club.
Hairston,who played last season with EA7 Milano has avereged 13.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.5apg in the Euroleague and 12.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.9apg in the Italian league.
He also spent one season (2010-2011) at Montepaschi Siena and one season (2009-2010) at the San Antonio Spurs, which was his first pro team after finishing 4 years at Oregon in the NCAA.

Tasmin Mitchell heads to Triumph - by Eurobasket News

Tasmin Mitchell (201-F-86, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav, college: LSU) heads to Triumph for the upcoming season. According to sportando.net via Twitter David Pick, the American player inks a two-year deal with the Russian team.
Early in 2011 Tasmin Mitchell signed in Israel. The favorite mid-range shooting Mitchell averaged 34% from beyond the arc his senior year in college and almost finished with double-double averages of 16.8ppg, 9.4rpg, 1.9apg and 1.3spg, improving both his scoring and rebounding numbers each year. Finishing school with a Major in sports management, Mitchell began planning his professional career which started with a pre-season tryout for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Later on he joined the D-League's Erie Bay Hawks, playing 53 games and recording numbers of 16.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.2 dimes per game, shooting over 54% from the field.
In 2011-2012 for Hapoel Holon (Israel-Premier League, starting five) he averaged 15.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 77.7%. Last year he reached Israeli Cup Semifinals -12 and became Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Honorable Mention -12. Moreover he reached Israeli Premier League Semifinals -12.

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SCOTLAND

Glasgow Rocks begin to build their roster with the signing of Gareth Murray to a 2 year deal with the Franchise - by Eurobasket News

The Glasgow Rocks are thrilled to announce the return of Scotlands own Gareth Murray (201-F-84, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Kalamazoo Valley CC), who has signed a new 2 year deal with Scotlands only professional basketball side.

Murray will be coming off a solid season with the Rocks where he averaged 5.1 rebounds per game, 2.6 assists per game and 12.8 points per game, shooting 42% from the field. His experience within the BBL has developed him into one of the premier British players in the league. His ability to be potent at both ends of the court makes him a valuable asset and one that Coach Davis was not ready to relinquish any time soon.

Its the perfect first step in rebuilding a team to start out with a player like Gareth. We have seen him grow into a seasoned professional on and off the court and players of his caliber and nature dont come through very often. His versatility makes it fun as a coach to experiment with. Whatever I called him to do last season he managed to handle; whether it being the point guard for the day or guarding the opposing teams biggest guy, he withstood the challenge.

Murrays obvious plan was to stick it out with the Rocks and cement his spot within the franchise for the foreseeable future and the Rocks were more than happy to facilitate Gareth and keep him in Scotland.

Murray is excited at coming back to the Rocks and even more keyed up at the prospect of playing in the brand new Commonwealth Arena, which will no doubt be the envy of all other teams within the BBL.

I really wanted to get things wrapped up quickly during the off-season so that I could focus on my game in the lead up to 2012/13 season. I am more excited than ever to put on a Rocks jersey, especially with the team scheduled to move to the New Commonwealth Arena next season. It will be a very exciting time to be a part of the Glasgow Rocks Franchise.

Glasgow Rocks General Manager, Daniel Bajwoluk, was clearly delighted at being able to obtain Murrays services for a further 2 years and found it an imperative step towards strengthening the franchise and making it a Championship contending team.

Gareth was the first player that we wanted to secure for the 2012/13 season and we succeeded in doing so, not only for his on-court capabilities but also for his off-court work ethic. He has become a very important element in what we are trying to achieve here at the Rocks and to gain his services for a further 2 years illustrates to our fans that we are doing all we can to make sure that we put together a team that can bring Glasgow home some well overdue Silverware.

With this first signing complete, Coach Davis and the Rocks will now be looking to secure more players from last seasons squad. Talks with various players have gone well so far and the club are hopeful of announcing further signings in the coming weeks.
Courtesy of: http://www.glasgowrocks.co.uk

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SERBIA

Serbia U16 wins Trofeo Parente in Benevento - by Eurobasket News

Italy U16-Serbia U16 43:63

Serbia U16 wins Trofeo Parente in Benevento with 4 participating teams. The Serbian side overcame Italy U16 63:43 in the last game to triumph in the country.
Italy started the game better and grabbed 17:11 lead after the first period. They could not however follow the opponents in the second frame as the latter erupted with 18-5 lead to take 29:23. Moreover Serbia dominated the second half and won both periods. The guests took 13-6 in the third quarter and finished the game with 21-15 in the last stanza.
Nikola Pavlovic (204-PF-96) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Jovan Starincevic (188-PG-96) posted 8. Vucetic ended up with 6 points in the winning effort. Daniel Donzelli (195-G-96) finished the game with 8 points in the losing effort and Mussini scored 6.
In another game Germany U16 overcame Czech Republic U16 75:49 to finish second.

Italy U16: Mussini 6, Spera 3, Navarini 4, Picarelli 3, Flaccadori 4, Busetto, Cacace 2, Daniel Donzelli 8, Cuccarese 2, Restelli 2, Lenti 5, Zucca 4
Serbia U16: Peno 1, Dokovic 3, Daskalovic 2, Jovanovic, Karadzic ne, Jovan Starincevic 8, Radovanovic 2, Nikola Pavlovic 17, Andelkovic ne, Vucetic 6, Lazarevic 1, Stojanovic

CSKA Moscow signs Vladimir Micov to 1+1 year deal - by Eurobasket News

Vladimir Micov (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) is a new member of CSKA Moscow. The Serbian forward signed a 1+1 year deal. Micov spent last two and a half seasons with Bennet Cantu. In the latest one he averaged 10.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 14 Euroleague games. He also added 10.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 2.4 apg for 25 games in Italy. Before Cantu, Micov played for Caja Laboral, Panionios and Buducnost Podgorica. Micov will arrive to Moscow for the medical tests of July 4.

Ettore Messina, CSKA head coach:
'We added a versatile player who can cover positions from 1 to 3. Vladimirs versatility allowed him to have good career and strong progress in recent years. As in the case with Erceg I think that Micov is able to continue improving with us. We got the excellent feedback on him from our friend Lele Molin and all other people from Cantu. If Vladimir really wants to jump to the next level he gets the perfect opportunity.' (from the CSKA Moscow official web site)

Serbia gain second win in Ruma - by Eurobasket News

Serbia U20 - Israel U20 88:72

Serbia posted the second straight win at the international tournament in Ruma. They overcame Israel for 2-0 record. Stefan Nastic (211-C-92) accounted for 18 points to lead the winners. Israel fell at 0-2 record.
Serbia pulled ahead in the opening quarter. They posted a 22:15 lead after ten minutes. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter. Serbia ensured a 47:40 halftime lead. The hosts kept their opponents at distance throughout the third quarter. Serbia arrived at the final intermission up by 15 points and never looked back en route to the victory. Bogdan Bogdanovic (198-F-92) provided 16 points, while Nemanja Besovic (221-C-92) delivered 11 points for Serbia. Or Solomon (197-F-93) answered with game-high 19 points for Israel. Timur had 15 points in defeat.

Serbia U20: Stefan Nastic 18, Bogdan Bogdanovic 16, Nemanja Besovic 11
Israel U20: Or Solomon 19, Timur 15

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SINGAPORE

SLOVENIA

Spain U20 record the first win in Torneo Internacional de Murcia - by Eurobasket News

Spain U20-Slovenia U20 79:59

The Spanish U20 Men's basketball team has bounced back from their disappointing loss to Ukraine in game one of Torneo Internacional de Murcia to trounce Slovenia in their second game of the tournament. The hosts celebrated a 79:59 win.
Spain opened the game with 17:13 lead in the opening period and never looked behind after. The hosts added 24-14 in the second period and enjoyed 41:27 halftime advantage. Both teams nailed 16 points each in the third quarter for the same difference after thirty minutes. Spain meanwhile added another 22-16 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Daniel Diez (203-F-93), Alejandro Suarez (205-F/C-93) and Julen Olaizola (203-C/F-93) led the way with 12 points each. Albert Ventura (196-F/G-92) ended up with 9, while Pepe Pozas had 8. Klemen Prepelic (194-G-92) finished the game with 13 points in the losing effort, while Gezim Morina (204-C/F-92) and Alen Omic (215-C-92) posted 11 each. Luka Rupnik (185-PG-93) finished the game with 8 points in a loss.

Spain U20: Daniel Diez 12, Alejandro Suarez 12, Julen Olaizola 12, Albert Ventura 9, Pepe Pozas 8
Slovenia U20: Klemen Prepelic 13, Gezim Morina 11, Alen Omic 11, Luka Rupnik 8

Slovenia U20 wins Torneo Internacional de Murcia - by Eurobasket News

Ukraine U20-Slovenia U20 64:71

Slovenia U20 wins Torneo Internacional de Murcia with 4 participating teams. The Slovenian side overcame Ukraine U20 71;64 in the Final day and finished first with 2-1 record. Ukraine suffered the second loss and ended up on the third place.
Ukraine started with 20-15 in the first period, but lost the second quarter 12-23. Later on the teams scored 15 points each in the third period, while Slovenia added narrow 18-17 victory in the last stanza.
Alen Omic (215-C-92) was unstoppable with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Marko Pajic (204-F/C-92) netted 13 and Gezim Morina (204-C/F-92) delivered 6. Vyacheslav Bobrov (202-F-92) finished the game with 16 points in the losing effort, while Olexandr Mishula (187-G-92) and Artamonov had 9 apiece.
In another game Lithuania U20 upset the hosts in Day 3 of Torneo Internacional de Murcia. The Baltic state finished the tournament with 2-1 record on the second place.

Ukraine U20: Vyacheslav Bobrov 16, Olexandr Mishula 9, Artamonov 9
Slovenia U20: Alen Omic 24+12 rebs, Marko Pajic 13, Gezim Morina 6

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SOUTH KOREA

Yang injured his wrist, cannot play against Russia - by JungHwan Seo

Korean men's senior national team lost their captain by injury.

According to source from Korean national team, Yang Dong-Geun (181-G-81), a starting point guard and the Captain of Korea, injured his wrist during exhibition game against Puerto Rican pro team.

"He needs to have a complete medical examination now. It seems like very serious. There might be a fracture on his wrist. He says that it is too painful to play" a source from Korean NT said.

Yang is a great leader and scorer of Korean national team. His absence is a serious loss for team Korea. Nobody can replace his spot.

Korea will face Russia on 2th July in Caracas, Venezuela at the first game of Olympic Qualifying games. Probably, Kim Tae-Sool (180-G-84) will have a starting guard spot instead of Yang.

U17 World Championship: Croatia overwhelm South Korea for 3-0 record in Group B - by Eurobasket News

South Korea U17-Croatia U17 68:124

Croatia overwhelm South Korea for 3-0 record in Group B of the U17 World Championship. The Croatian side remains the only undefeated team in the group after 124:68 victory. The Asian team meanwhile fell at 0-3 record.
Croatia was the favorite of the game and proved their ambitions from the very beginning. They grabbed 25:16 lead after the first period and remained in front until the end of the game. Moreover they added 28-18 in the second quarter and enjoyed 53:34 advantage at the halftime. The second half also belonged to the European team. Croatia won the third quarter 26-11 and then added 45-23 in the fourth quarter. Croatia scored 124 points that is the record so far after three days in Kaunas.
Tomislav Gabric (202-SF-95) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Marko Arapovic (207-C/F-96) posted 20. Karlo Zganec (205-C/F-95) delivered 18 points and 12 boards, whilst Mario Hezonja (202-F/G-95) and Dorian Jelenek (200-SF-95) brought 13 each.

South Korea U17: An Youngjun (95) 12, Kim Nakhyeon (180-G-95) 10
Croatia U17: Tomislav Gabric 21+15 rebs, Marko Arapovic 20, Karlo Zganec 18+12 rebs, Mario Hezonja 13, Dorian Jelenek 13

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SPAIN

U17 World Championship: Spain wins the European battle - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania U17-Spain U17 83:91 OT

Spain wins the European battle at the U17 World Championship. The Spanish outfit outscored Lithuania in Kaunas 91:83 in Group B top game.
It was the game for the second win in the group. The Baltic side started with 17-13, but failed to win the half. Spain needed a 23-15 burst in the second quarter to take a 36:32 advantage at the halftime. Lithuania however was too far to give up and won the third and the fourth quarters. They produced a 22-21 in the third stanza and finished the game with 23-20 in the last period. Spain however held an 8-point victory after 11-4 in overtime.
Agusti Sans (195-F/G-95) led the way with 24 points, while Alberto Martin (182-G-95) and Ferran Ventura (184-PG-95) had 13 each. Ernestas Serkevicius (187-PG-95) ended up with 21 points in the losing effort while Haroldas Saprykinas (188-G-95) delivered 14. Zydrunas Jurgutis (178-PG-95) scored 13 and Lukas Grabauskas (182-PG-95) chipped in with 12.

Lithuania U17: Ernestas Serkevicius 21, Haroldas Saprykinas 14, Zydrunas Jurgutis 13, Lukas Grabauskas 12
Spain U17: Agusti Sans 24, Alberto Martin 13, Ferran Ventura 13

Navarra land Stu Douglass - by Eurobasket News

Navarra bolstered their roster. They added Stu Douglass (190-G-90, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement)s to the squad. The guard will start his pro career in Spain. Stu Douglass has just graduated from the University of Michigan. The guard tallied 7.5 points, 2.6 boards and 2.3 assists per game in his senior season. He was Big Ten Regular Season Co-Champion in 2012.

Cajasol Sevilla keep Luka Bogdanovic - by Eurobasket News

Cajasol Sevilla activated the option for prolonging the contract with Luka Bogdanovic (210-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) for another season. The forward joined Cajasol Sevilla at the start of the previous season. He signed a 1+1 contract. He tallied 11.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game in ACB. Previously Luka Bogdanovic had stints with Roanne, EWE Baskets, Joventut Badalona, Le Mans, Partizan, Crvena Zvezda, Kinder Bologna and Radnicki. The forward was named into French ProA All-Bosmans Team in 2008. Luka Bogdanovic also earned All-German Bundesliga Honourable Mention in 2011. He was the member of U16, U18 and U20 Serbian National Teams. Luka Bogdanovic debuted for Serbian National Team in 2008. The forward was Serbian League champion in 2005, 2006 and 2007. He also earned Adriatic League title in 2007.

Spain U20 record the first win in Torneo Internacional de Murcia - by Eurobasket News

Spain U20-Slovenia U20 79:59

The Spanish U20 Men's basketball team has bounced back from their disappointing loss to Ukraine in game one of Torneo Internacional de Murcia to trounce Slovenia in their second game of the tournament. The hosts celebrated a 79:59 win.
Spain opened the game with 17:13 lead in the opening period and never looked behind after. The hosts added 24-14 in the second period and enjoyed 41:27 halftime advantage. Both teams nailed 16 points each in the third quarter for the same difference after thirty minutes. Spain meanwhile added another 22-16 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Daniel Diez (203-F-93), Alejandro Suarez (205-F/C-93) and Julen Olaizola (203-C/F-93) led the way with 12 points each. Albert Ventura (196-F/G-92) ended up with 9, while Pepe Pozas had 8. Klemen Prepelic (194-G-92) finished the game with 13 points in the losing effort, while Gezim Morina (204-C/F-92) and Alen Omic (215-C-92) posted 11 each. Luka Rupnik (185-PG-93) finished the game with 8 points in a loss.

Spain U20: Daniel Diez 12, Alejandro Suarez 12, Julen Olaizola 12, Albert Ventura 9, Pepe Pozas 8
Slovenia U20: Klemen Prepelic 13, Gezim Morina 11, Alen Omic 11, Luka Rupnik 8

Lithuania U20 upset the hosts in Day 3 of Torneo Internacional de Murcia - by Eurobasket News

Spain U20-Lithuania U20 63:69

Lithuania U20 upset the hosts in Day 3 of Torneo Internacional de Murcia. The Baltic state finished the tournament with 2-1 record on the second place.
Lithuania started with 20:11 in the first period and looked better than the opponents. Spain meanwhile bounced back with 23-18 in the second frame and reduced to 34:38 at the halftime. Both teams nailed 13 points each in the third frame as the board showed the same difference after thirty minutes. In the last stanza the Baltic Side added 18-16 win to seal the victory.
Dovydas Redikas (195-G-92) top-scored for the winners with 23 points, while Jakstas and Butkevicius had 11 each. Edgaras Ulanovas (197-G-92) followed them with 7 points in a win. Pepe Pozas replied with 12 points in the losing effort as Spain finished on the last spot with 1-2 record. Alejandro Abrines (198-G/F-93) nailed 9 and Jaime Fernandez (187-G-93) delivered 8.

Spain U20: Pepe Pozas 12, Alejandro Abrines 9, Jaime Fernandez 8
Lithuania U20: Dovydas Redikas 23, Jakstas 11, Butkevicius 11, Edgaras Ulanovas 7

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TAIWAN

Taiwan in FIBA Asia Cup Group B - by Chris Wang

Taiwan were drawn into Group B along with Iran, Qatar, Japan and a South Asia team in the FIBA Asia Cup, formerly known as the Stankovic Cup, in Tokyo, Japan, in September, FIBA Asia announced.

First off, check out the FIBA Asia press release below:

FIBA Asia Cup: China, Lebanon drawn in Gr. A; Japan, Iran in Gr. B

TOKYO, Japan (4th FIBA Asia Cup): Reigning FIBA Asia Championship winners China were drawn alongside defending champions Lebanon in Group A, while hosts Japan chose to play in Group B as the draw for the 4th FIBA Asia Cup to be played in the Japanese capital from Sept 14-22 was completed at the host city on Sunday.

FIBA Asia Secretary General Hagop Khajirian supervised the Draw Ceremony in the presence of President of Japan Basketball Association and former Prime Minister of Japan Mr. Taro Aso and FIBA Asia Second Vice-President Mr. Yushi Samuro with representatives of various participating teams attending.

Former twice FIBA Asia champions Iran, Chinese Taipei and Qatar the winners of the inaugural edition of this competition when it was called FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup along with the representatives of South Asia Basketball Association, which will be known at the end of the qualifying tournament at New Delhi (India) from July 24-26 are the other teams in Group A.

Apart from Lebanon, China, who are already preparing for this event under coach Fan Bin, will have fellow East Asian team Macau and the qualifiers of SEABA known after the 2012 SEABA Cup in Chiang Mai from July 3-7 and Central Asia.

The top four teams from each group will qualify for the quarterfinal play-offs.

The draw promises some great competition, said FIBA Asia Secretary General Hagop Khajirian.

There is an excellent facility at the OTA Gymnasium that has come up exclusively to host the event and I am sure the competition on the court will be intense, he added.

All in all the 4th FIBA Asia Cup promises to hold the key to the future of FIBA Asia basketball itself, Khajirian said.

I therefore can only look forward to an event of intense competition provided by the participants and impeccable organization provided by the JBA, he added.

Khajirian also thanked the FIBA Asia marketing and TV partners adding that FIBA Asia looks forward earnestly to their continued support.

System of Competition

The 10 teams are pooled into two groups of five teams each for the Preliminary Round. Each team will play all the others in their respective Groups. The top four from each Group will advance to the Quarterfinal Play-offs. The teams finishing fifth in the groups will play off for the 9th place.

About 4th FIBA Asia Cup

The 4th FIBA Asia Cup (earlier known as FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup) is the qualifying event for the 27th FIBA Asia Championship in 2013, which in turn will be the qualifying event for 2014 FIBA World Cup.

The winners of the 4th FIBA Asia Cup will automatically qualify for the 27th FIBA Asia Championship in 2013. The top teams at the 4th FIBA Asia Cup will earn additional berths for their respective FIBA Asia sub zones.

FIBA Asia

The bracket is:
Group A: China, Lebanon, Macau, SEABA, CABA
Group B: Iran, Taiwan, Qatar, Japan, SABA

It appeared that South Korea is not sending any team to Tokyo and its spot was replaced by Macau. As this tournament is the qualifying tourney for the 2013 FIBA Asian Championship, I have no idea why South Korea is absent, unless it has secured the right to host the 2013 event and an automatic berth.

It also seemed to me that FIBA Asia gave one of two spots for Southeast Asian teams to South Asia, which is not officially listed as a FIBA Asia subzone yet.

The current five subzones are: East Asia, Gulf, Middle Asia, Southeast Asia, West Asia.

The seeding process and format of the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship is as follows:

According to the FIBA Asia rules, each zone has two berths, and the host nation China and FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup champions Lebanon were automatically qualified. The other four places are allocated to the zones according to performance in the 2010 FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup. Therefore, with Lebanon, Japan, Qatar and the Philippines finishing in the top four in that tournament, West Asia, East Asia, the Gulf and Southeast Asia were all given one additional qualifying berth per zone.

Based on this format, the top four teams at Tokyo would win an additional berth for their subzones and the arrangement for 16 seeds of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship should be:

Champion of the Asia Cup at Tokyo 1
Host nation 1
East Asia 2+2
Gulf 2
Middle Asia 2
Southeast Asia 2+1
West Asia 2+1

I would say that the seeding heavily favored East Asian teams, especially when you consider that if both the host and the Asia Cup champion are East Asian teams.

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TURKEY

Efes not interested in Tutku Acik - by Alev Sonmez

Engin Ozerhun , the general Manager of Anadolu Efes Istanbul announced that they are not interested in Tutku Acik. Acik's name has been mentioned around the Anadolu Efes Istanbul as well as Besiktas Milangaz Istanbul authorities but the blue-whites are not intereted in this player. It is said that the playmaker is not wanted by the new coach Ergin Ataman (agency: Beo Basket ) of Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul while Besiktas Milangaz Istanbul is currently busy looking for a sponsor before starting the transfer season.

Source:Turkbasket

Finland cruise past Turkey in Ruma - by Eurobasket News

Finland U20 - Turkey U20 86:68

Finland earned the first win at the international tournament in Serbian Ruma. They held off Turkish counterparts to improve at 1-1 record. Alex Murphy (203-F-93) paced the winners with 26 points and 8 rebounds.
Finland left their opponents behind in the opening quarter 28:8. They maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. Finland posted a 43:26 halftime lead. The Finnish team stayed in charge in the third quarter. They arrived at the final intermission up by 17 points 67:50. They kept Turkey at bay in the final stanza posting a well-deserved win at the end. Villematti Kopio (182-PG-92) posted 25 points for Finland. Aleksi Akpaso (192-G-92) added 13 points for the winners. Ugur Dokuyan (197-SF-93) answered with 11 points for Turkey. Ramazan Tekin (212-C-93) had 10 points in the loss.

Finland U20: Alex Murphy 26, Villematti Kopio 25, Aleksi Akpaso 13
Turkey U20: Ugur Dokuyan 11, Ramazan Tekin 10

David Hawkins and Besiktas part ways - by Eurobasket News

David Hawkins (194-G-82, college: Temple) and Besiktas part ways. According to sportando.net David Hawkins announced via Twitter his departure from Besiktas Istanbul after one season.
Last year Besiktas have announced the signing of David Hawkins.The sides have agreed on terms of one-year contract. David Hawkins played earlier with Armani Jeans. The guard notched 13.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.6 steals per game in Euroleague. In Seria A David Hawkins posted 13.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.3 steals per game. The guard earned Eurobasket.com All-Italian Seria A Honourable Mention for the fourth straight season. Previously David Hawkins had stints with Montepaschi, Lottomatica and Rieti. Eurobasket.com named David Hawkins All-Italian SeriaA Guard of the Year back in 2006. The guard also made it into Italian SeriaA All-Defensive Team twice. David Jackson was SeriaA champion as well as Cup and Supercup winner.
In 2011-2012 for Besiktas Milangaz Istanbul (Turkey-TBL, starting five) David Hawkins averaged 14.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 80.0% in EuroChallenge as the Turkish team won the title. In Turkish League after 40 games his stats read 13.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 67.5%.

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Spur for life: Tim Duncan contract negotiation update - by David Edole

Tim Duncan (211-F/C-76, college: Wake Forest), 36, has been in the league awhile. Hes accomplished everything, experienced everything, his legs withstanding the test of time. Duncan could retire tomorrow and his lasting legacy wouldnt be tarnished. But the taste of defeat resonates and thus, Duncan will make another attempt to win his fifth title.
Duncan has earned $204.7 million in his career according to Basketball Reference (not including endorsements). Chances are that the monetary value of Duncans final contract will not be the sole driving force behind the deal. Marc Stein noted on Twitter that Duncan and Spurs would come to an agreement once San Antonio surveys the open market.
Spurs fluid plan w/Spur For Life Tim Duncan: Im told theyll pound out deal specifics & then finalize when timing meshes best w/other biz
Duncans final contract will likely be a two-year deal worth upwards of $20-30 million (AAV: $10-15 million). That would increase the Spurs financial expenditures to at least $57 million this season. There has also been unofficial rumblings of Duncan signing a three-year deal with the final year only partially guaranteed.
If Duncan does indeed take a pay cut, that would allow the Spurs to use their full Mid-Level Exception on Boris Diaw and still retain restricted free agent Danny Green. The Spurs hold Early Bird rights to Green meaning that they can resign Green to 104.5% of his previous salary. For this years purposes, that represents about $3.3 million.
Its quite possible that the remnants of Duncans deal could end up putting the Spurs over the top.
by Quixem RamirezNews

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UBL

Standings

UBL Standings

Northern Division
1. On Point Hoops		5-1
2. Arkansas W.		3-3
3. Tulsa T.		0-0
4. Springfield T.		0-0
Southern Division
1. Texas W.		7-1
2. Austin Rhythm		2-4
3. Mississippi T.		0-6

TEXAS WRANGLERS UBL CHAMPIONS - by Ozzie Denson

Texas Wranglers UBL 2012 Champions
This pass weekend the UBL had Playoffs and Championship games in Dallas, Texas. What a weekend. The first playoff game was the Texas Wranglers vs the Austin Rhythm. Austin gave the defending champs a fight all game long. The Wranglers pull off the win in the last 5 mins of the game. Wranglers 111 Rhythm 105
Game #2
The On Point Hoops of Oklahoma vs the Arkansas Warriors. This game was won in the 4th Quarter. On Point Hoops pulled away and won the game. Arkansas play great but On Point just was to good in the 4th
On Point Hoops 101 Arkansas Warriors 87
Championship Game
Texas Wranglers vs On Point Hoops
What a Game, both teams played great. On Point was up by 16 points with 5 mins left in game. But the Wranglers had plans to win, and came back and tied the game with 24 sec left .
C. J. Carter made 2 point from the line to seal the deal.
Texas Wranglers 113 On Point Hoops 111

TEXAS WRANGLERS 2012 UBL CHAMPIONSION

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UKRAINE

Ukraine U18 wins Future Stars International Tournament - by Eurobasket News

Ukraine U18 wins Future Stars International Tournament with 6 participating teams. After the win and the loss in the group stage, Ukraine won the Semifinal and the Final games.
In the Semifinal game Ukraine U18 overcame Denmark U18 65:54. They started with 16-15 and added 23-18 in the second period. Moreover Ukraine won the third frame 18-11 and did not mind 8-10 in the last stanza. Kudrya and Shevchenko top-scored for the winners with 18 points each, while Sahnyuk posted 11. Rasmus Glarbjerg replied with 13 points in defeat, while Anders Skou added 7.
In the Final game Ukraine U18 outscored Holland U18 66:57. Pishikiv paced all the winners with 18 points, while Kudrya netted 12. Sahnyuk delivered 9 and Petrov posted 6.

Slovenia U20 wins Torneo Internacional de Murcia - by Eurobasket News

Ukraine U20-Slovenia U20 64:71

Slovenia U20 wins Torneo Internacional de Murcia with 4 participating teams. The Slovenian side overcame Ukraine U20 71;64 in the Final day and finished first with 2-1 record. Ukraine suffered the second loss and ended up on the third place.
Ukraine started with 20-15 in the first period, but lost the second quarter 12-23. Later on the teams scored 15 points each in the third period, while Slovenia added narrow 18-17 victory in the last stanza.
Alen Omic (215-C-92) was unstoppable with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Marko Pajic (204-F/C-92) netted 13 and Gezim Morina (204-C/F-92) delivered 6. Vyacheslav Bobrov (202-F-92) finished the game with 16 points in the losing effort, while Olexandr Mishula (187-G-92) and Artamonov had 9 apiece.
In another game Lithuania U20 upset the hosts in Day 3 of Torneo Internacional de Murcia. The Baltic state finished the tournament with 2-1 record on the second place.

Ukraine U20: Vyacheslav Bobrov 16, Olexandr Mishula 9, Artamonov 9
Slovenia U20: Alen Omic 24+12 rebs, Marko Pajic 13, Gezim Morina 6

Lithuania overcame Ukraine in Murcia - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania U20-Ukraine U20 82:71

Lithuania U20 edged Ukraine U20 in Day 2 of the Torneo Internacional de Murcia. The Baltic side tied both records at 1-1 after 82:71 victory.
Lithuania started the game better and reached 28:17 advantage after the first 10 minutes. They added 26-22 and had 54:39 halftime advantage. Ukraine bounced back with 17-9 in the second frame and reduced to 7 points after 30 minutes in the court. The Baltic side meanwhile won the last stanza 19-15 and celebrated the initial win.
Vytenis Cizauskas (190-SG-92) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Paulius Vaitiekunas (205-PF-92) as well as Eigirdas Zukauskas (200-PF-92) had 10 each. Edgaras Ulanovas (197-G-92) poured in 9, while Dovydas Redikas (195-G-92) and Zygimantas Skucas (200-SF-92) scored 8 apiece. Olexandr Mishula (187-G-92) finished the game with 18 points and Oleksandr Prokopenko added 11 in defeat.
In another game the Spanish U20 Men's basketball team has bounced back from their disappointing loss to Ukraine in game one of Torneo Internacional de Murcia to trounce Slovenia in their second game of the tournament. The hosts celebrated a 79:59 win.

Lithuania U20: Vytenis Cizauskas 14, Paulius Vaitiekunas 10, Eigirdas Zukauskas 10, Edgaras Ulanovas 9, Dovydas Redikas 8, Zygimantas Skucas 8
Ukraine U20: Olexandr Mishula 18, Oleksandr Prokopenko 11

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UNITED KINGDOM

Lithuania NT defeat Great Britain in friendly - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania - Great Britain 90:80

Lithuania played the final test game before the start of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. They took on Great Britain in Houston. Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) scored 18 points to lead the Baltic team to the victory.
Great Britain got to a flying start. They dominated throughout the first half. Great Britain used a 15:0 run to ensure a 14-point lead at one point. Great Britain finished the half up by 7 points 44:37. But Lithuania recovered well enough in the third quarter. They exploded with 31 points in the third period to secure a 5-point lead. Lithuania stayed in control in the final frame and rolled to a comfortable win at the end. Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) provided 16 points, while Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) and Jonas Maciulis (198-G/F-85) added 9 points each in the victory. Kyle Johnson (195-G-88, college: LIU Brooklyn) answered with 18 points for Great Britain. Pops Mensah-Bonsu (206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: G.Washington) had 16 points in the loss.

Lithuania: Martynas Pocius 18, Sarunas Jasikevicius 16, Robertas Javtokas 9, Jonas Maciulis 9
Great Britain: Kyle Johnson 18, Pops Mensah-Bonsu 16

Rising Ballers: Pro Performers-Day One Recap - by Ozell Wells

The second annual event strted off with a bang as the visiting coaches and scouts presented and introduced themselves, and thety also stated what they expected to see and what they were expoecting to sign to include into their respective clubs.
The visiting scouts and coaches were: Dermot Russell, Ozell Wells, Franky Marulanda and Steve Maruso.
The day began with intense drill and tactic sessions led by Ozell Wells (offensive) and Franky Marulanda (defensive) witgh subesquent games folowing officiated by English officials.
Best Performers:
Francis Torreborre
Aaran Maher
Dale Samuels
Sam Bogucki (191-G)
Vaidotas Brazdeikis (198-F-80)

Other Notables:
Patryk Bajtus (206-C-91, agency: Promotex)
Desta Smith

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URUGUAY

Thre leaders for the Metro League - by Hector Lopez

Atenas, Cader and Marne are the three leaders for the Metro League after they played trhe delayed games for the 9th round. The results and main scorers were:
Atenas 83 - Anthony Johnson (203-F-88, college: Fairfield) 24 points 6 rebounds 5 blocks
Romis Nelimar 77 - Devon Pearson (198-F-84, college: SMU) 22 points 6 rebounds
- - - -
Urunday Universitario 86 - Howard Wilkerson (198-F-84, agency: Two Points, college: Wofford) 26 points 17 rebounds
Guruyu Waston 76 - Martavius Adams 25 points 6 rebounds
- - - -
Cader 88 - Adrian Bertolini (191-G-78) 19 points, Reggie Okosa (208-F/C-80, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: La Salle) 8 points 14 rebounds
Yale 82 - Ignacio Alessio (203-C-87) 15 points 6 rebounds
- - -
Marne 74 -. Lisandro Rasio (197-F/C-90) 18 points 9 rebounds 3 blocks
Goes 71 - Jimmy Boston (201-F-77, college: N.C.Central) 17 points 7 reboundsw 3 blocks

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VENEZUELA

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS U17

Standings

Group A
1. USA		3-0
2. Australia		2-1
3. China		2-1
4. Czech Rep.		1-2
5. France		1-2
6. Egypt		0-3
Group B
1. Croatia		3-0
2. Spain		2-1
3. Canada		2-1
4. Argentina		1-2
5. Lithuania		1-2
6. S.Korea		0-3

Preliminary Round: Round 3

Group A

Jul. 1: EGY - USA 73-111
Jul. 1: CZE - AUS 58-63
Jul. 1: FRA - CHN 53-59

Group B

Jul. 1: LTU - ESP 83-91 OT
Jul. 1: CAN - ARG 80-76
Jul. 1: KOR - CRO 68-124

Preliminary Round: Round 4

Group A

Jul. 3: CHN - CZE
Jul. 3: AUS - EGY
Jul. 3: USA - FRA

Group B

Jul. 3: ESP - CAN
Jul. 3: ARG - KOR
Jul. 3: CRO - LTU

Day 3 in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Egypt - USA 73-111
USA U17 team earn the third straight victory at the U17 World Championship. The favorites scored three digits against Egypt in a 111:73 victory. Jabari Parker (201-F-95) brought the first points for the winners and then the USA grabbed 25:20 lead at the end of the first period. Domingo scored for 50:37 as it became the end of the first half. Later on USA dominated the court and looked fantastic on the court. They erupted with 36-15 burst in the third period to grab 86:52 lead after three quarters. The task for the last stanza was to reach three digits and they easily managed to do that. Conner Frankamp (186-G-95) gave his side 101:66 lead with 3 minutes to go. Moreover USA scored another 10 points for the final success. Conner Frankamp and Jabari Parker top-scored for the winners with 18 points each, while Kendrick Nunn (193-SG-95) netted 12. Johnathan Williams (206-F/C-95) and Jahlil Okafor-Benton delivered 10 points each. Moataz Hosny replied with 13 points and Ahmed Sayed Soliman as well as Walid Aly (185-F/G-95) nailed 12. Wessam Emad finished the game with 11 points in defeat.

France - China 53-59
China rout France in Day 3 opener at the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship. The Asian team improved to 2-1 record after 59:53 win. The French side meanwhile dropped at 1-2 record in Group A. Both teams entered the game with the same record and battle for the second win. China opened the game with 14-11 lead, but France bounced back with 19-9 in the second frame. The European side grabbed 30: 23 halftime advantage when the teams disappeared in the lockers. The second half however was dominated by China. The latter needed 24-16 in the third period to take the lead and then finished the game with 12-7 in the last stanza. Han Delong (194-F-95) (192-F-95) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Zhou Qi added 18. Zhao Jiwei (185-G-95) delivered 12, while Liu Bo had 9. Arthur Rozenfeld (179-PG-95), Damien Inglis and Petr Cornelie (209-C/F-95) responded with 10 points each in the losing effort.

Czech Republic - Australia 58-63
The Aussies edged Czech Republic in Kaunas in Day 3 second game. The Australia side overcame the European representative 63:58 at the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship. Australia grabbed 14:11 lead at the end of the first and then Fabijan Krslovic scored for 16:13 early in the second. Adam Pechacek (207-C-95) gave however his side a 17:16 lead and he nailed three for 30:25. Jiri Soula made two free throws at the end of the half when the Czechs had 34:29 advantage. Jiri Soula also gave his team the biggest lead at the game at 43:34, but Czech Republic U17 could not keep the win. Benjamin Simmons (203-PF-96) closed a 13-0 run midway through the third period and gave Australia 47:43 lead. Australia also added 14-13 in the last stanza to seal the victory. Benjamin Simmons paced all the winners with 26 points, whilst Dante Exum (193-PG-95) had 10. Fabijan Krslovic ended up with 9 and Mirko Djeric delivered 8. Only 5 players managed to score for the Czechs in the game. Adam Pechacek poured in 18, while Jiri Soula 16 and Martin Peterka added 16 each.

Group B

Lithuania - Spain 83-91 OT
Spain wins the European battle at the U17 World Championship. The Spanish outfit outscored Lithuania in Kaunas 91:83 in Group B top game. It was the game for the second win in the group. The Baltic side started with 17-13, but failed to win the half. Spain needed a 23-15 burst in the second quarter to take a 36:32 advantage at the halftime. Lithuania however was too far to give up and won the third and the fourth quarters. They produced a 22-21 in the third stanza and finished the game with 23-20 in the last period. Spain however held an 8-point victory for 2-1 record. Agusti Sans (195-SG-95) led the way with 24 points, while Alberto Martin and Ferran Ventura (184-PG-95) had 13 each. Ernestas Serkevicius ended up with 21 points in the losing effort while Haroldas Saprykinas delivered 14. Zydrunas Jurgutis (178-PG-95) scored 13 and Lukas Grabauskas chipped in with 12.

Canada - Argentina 80-76
Canada closed Day 3 with the win over Argentina at the U17 World Championship in Kaunas. The North American side grabbed improved to 2-1 record after 80:76 victory. Argentina looked more ambitious in the first period and took 25:14 lead after 10 minutes of the game. Kevin-Mbezela Zabo (186-G-95) later reduced to 10 and then Justin Jackson (198-G-95) gave Canada 30:29 lead midway through the second period. Kevin-Mbezela Zabo later closed the half at 38:37, while the third period brought several changes in the lead. After 18-16 in it Argentina grabbed 55:54 advantage and Gabriel Deck (202-C/F-95) later tied the game at 71:71. Patrick Steeves (201-F/G-95) and SHAYOK however brought the victory for Canada at the end of the game. Kevin-Mbezela Zabo paced all the winners with 18 points, while Marial SHAYOK netted 15. Justin Jackson followed them with 14 points and Patrick Steeves poured in 9. Gabriel Deck collected 19 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, while Alvaro MERLO chipped in with 17. Lucio Reinaudi (183-G-95) scored 11 and Rodrigo HAAG notched 8.

South Korea - Croatia 68-124
Croatia overwhelm South Korea for 3-0 record in Group B of the U17 World Championship. The Croatian side remains the only undefeated team in the group after 124:68 victory. The Asian team meanwhile fell at 0-3 record. Croatia was the favorite of the game and proved their ambitions from the very beginning. They grabbed 25:16 lead after the first period and remained in front until the end of the game. Moreover they added 28-18 in the second quarter and enjoyed 53:34 advantage at the halftime. The second half also belonged to the European team. Croatia won the third quarter 26-11 and then added 45-23 in the fourth quarter. Croatia scored 124 points that is the record so far after three days in Kaunas. Tomislav Gabric (202-SF-95) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Marko Arapovic (207-C/F-96) posted 20. Karlo Zganec (205-C/F-95) delivered 18 points and 12 boards, whilst Mario Hezonja and Dorian Jelenek (200-SF-95) brought 13 each.

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Women News

Elisabeth Pavel signs with Flying Foxes Viena - by Eurobasket News

Elisabeth Pavel (192-C-90) signs with Flying Foxes Viena for the next season. The Romanian player moves from Italy to Austria.
In 2003-2004 she started her career for Magic Sibiu and then after 4 years moved to BC ICIM Arad (D1). In EuroCup after 8 games Pavel averaged 7.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 48.9%, FT: 68.2%. After another season with
BC ICIM Arad (D1), she moved to moved to CSM Satu Mare and then in 2010-2011 to SACES Napoli (Italy-A2, starting five). In 25 games her stats read 12.9ppg, 8.6rpg, 2.1spg, 2FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 57.3%. In 2011-2012 for Saces Dike Napoli (Italy-A2, starting five) she improved to 15.2ppg, Reb-4 (9.7rpg), 1.9spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 76.5%.
Early in April she was number one amongst the players abroad. Elisabeth Pavel led Napoli S.Dike to a victory over the fifth-ranked Il Fotoamatore Firenze crushing them 81-59 in the Italian A2 in Sunday night's game. Pavel was MVP of the game. She had a double-double by scoring 17 points and getting 15 rebounds. Pavel also added 4 blocks and 4 steals in 39 minutes on the court.

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BELARUS

Hungary hands first loss to Belarus - by Eurobasket News

HUNGARY - BELARUS 62-59

Hungary did a great job against Belarus last night. The hosts celebrated 62-59 victory for 3-2 record in Group A of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. At the same time it was the first loss for Belarus, who stays No.1 in the pool with 4-1 score. Hungary was up 59-50 with less than 4 minutes remaining in the game. Visitors came closer soon, but after Alexandria Quigley made it 62-57 to Hungary, Tatyana Troina (188-F-81, college: S.Carolina) came up empty with a three-pointer for Belarus, and a late jump-shot was too little too late for the visitors. Quarters: 16-11, 17-16, 13-17, 16-15. Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) led the winners with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: De Paul) scored 14 points and Katalin Honti (175-G-87) helped with two less. In the loosing squad, Tatyana Troina collected 20 points and 7 rebs. Alexandra Tarasava (170-PG-88) scored 15 and Anastasiya Veremeenko (194-C-87) added 12 points, plus 9 rebs. Hungary will take a rest in Round 7, while Belarus will host Portugal.

Hungary: Dora Horti 15+9 boards, Allie Quigley 14, Katalin Honti 12
Belarus: Tatyana Troina 20+7 boards, Alexandra Tarasava 15, Anastasiya Veremeenko 12+9 boards

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BELGIUM

Slovenia beats Belgium for 4-1 score in Group C - by Eurobasket News

SLOVENIA - BELGIUM 75-56

Slovenia was too strong for Belgium last night in Round Six of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. The hosts registered comfortable 75-56 win mostly thanks to great played third quarter of the game. Slovenia made 20-5 in this period and all after that was just the formality. Teja Oblak (171-G-90) had 19 points and 5 assists in victory, while Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) added 15 points and 9 boards. Nika Baric (169-PG-92) (6 as) and Maja Erkic (183-G/F-85) (5 rebs) helped Slovenia with 11 pts each. Laurence Van Malderen (190-C-81, agency: LBM Management) had 16 points in loss and Emma Meesseman (192-C-93, agency: LBM Management) collected 14 pts and 8 rebs. Quarters: 17-17, 16-15, 20-5, 22-19. Slovenia improved to 4-1 record in Group C sharing the first place with Lithuania. Belgium has 0-5. Slovenia will play in Lithuania on Wednesday, while Belgium will host Slovakia and will try to grab the first win in qualifications. Round Eight will be played next weekend.

Slovenia: Teja Oblak 19+5 as, Sandra Pirsic 15+9 boards, Nika Baric 11+6 as, Maja Erkic 11+5 boards
Belgium: Laurence Van Malderen 16, Emma Meesseman 14+8 boards

Belgium thump Netherlands in Reze - by Eurobasket News

Belgium U18 - Netherlands U18 40:31

Belgium registered the second win at the Reze International Tournament. They held off the Dutch team for 2-1 record in Group A. Anneleen De Baets (165-SG-95) scored 10 points to lead the winners. Netherlands fell at 0-3 record after the loss.
The Dutch team jumped to an early lead. They established a 12:6 lead at the first break. Belgium limited their opponents at 3 points in the second quarter to narrow the gap at single point 14:15 at halftime. Belgium went on an 18:7 run in the third quarter to pull in front. Netherlands tried to save the game in the final period but scored just 9 points and had to surrender at the end. Axelle Bernard (183-C-95) and Heleen Adams (173-SF-94) accounted for 8 points each for Belgium. Kourtney Treffers (186-F-94) responded with game-high 14 points and 11 rebounds for Netherlands. Britt Zappeij (184-C-95) had 5 points in the loss.

Belgium U18: Anneleen De Baets 10, Axelle Bernard 8, Heleen Adams 8
Netherlands U18: Kourtney Treffers 14+11 boards, Britt Zappeij 5

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BULGARIA

CROATIA

Croatia hand Turkey first loss in Reze - by Eurobasket News

Croatia U18 - Turkey U18 47:37

Croatia U18 celebrated the second win at the Reze International Tournament in France. They fired past Turkey to secure 2-1 record in Group B. Turkey slipped at 2-1 record after the initial loss at the tourney. Ivana Dujic (170-PG-95) produced 13 points for the winners.
Croatia held their opponents at 8 points in the first quarter to take a 4-point lead. Croatia boosted the lead in the second quarter. They arrived at halftime up by 8 points 24:16. Croatia opened a double-digit lead in the third term. Turkey however narrowed the deficit to 8 points at the final intermission 27:35. Turkey opened the final quarter on an 8:0 run to draw things level at 35. But Croatia recovered crowning regulation with a 12:2 run and sealing the victory. Ana Marija Begic (190-C-94) delivered 12 points and 7 rebounds, while Anja Majstorovic (184-F/C-94) added 7 points for the winners. Pelin Bilgic (173-G-94) answered with 23 points for Turkey. Merve Aydin (174-PG-94) netted 6 points in the loss.

Croatia U18: Ivana Dujic 13, Ana Marija Begic 12, Anja Majstorovic 7
Turkey U18: Pelin Bilgic 23, Merve Aydin 6

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CZECH REPUBLIC

France stay undefeated in Reze - by Eurobasket News

France U18 - Czech Republic U18 66:41

French U18 National Team posted the third straight win at the Reze international tournament. They knocked down Czech Republic to improve at 3-0 record. Assitan Kone (190-F-95) came up with 14 points to lead the winners.
France started strongly. They cleared off to a 20:10 lead at the first break. The gap grew quickly in the second quarter. The hosts built a 41:17 halftime advantage. France did not slow down in the third term. They accumulated a 54:30 lead with one period remaining. Czech Republic never recovered as France coasted to the win at the end. Aby Gaye (193-C-95) finished with 10 points, while Olivia Epoupa (165-PG-94) and Marie Mane (183-F-95) had 8 points apiece in the win. Sarka Jozova (173-G-94) and Murgasova responded with 7 points each for Czech Republic.

France U18: Assitan Kone 14, Aby Gaye 10, Olivia Epoupa 8, Marie Mane 8
Czech Republic U18: Sarka Jozova 7, Murgasova 7

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ESTONIA

Lithuania take second win in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania U16 - Estonia U16 76:61

Lithuania accounted for the second win in a row at the start of 2012 Baltic Cup tourney in Tallinn. They held off the hosts for 2-0 record. Dalia Belickaite (175-F-96) and Milana Matias (163-G-96) scored 17 points each to pace the hosts.
Estonia jumped to an early lead. The home team ensured a 19:12 advantage after ten minutes. Lithuania cut the deficit at 4-point mark at the interval 30:34. The visitors exploded with 30 points in the third quarter to pull ahead. They secured a 13-point lead at the final intermission. Lithuania kept their opponents at bay throughout the final quarter and rallied to the victory at the end. Kregzdyte chipped in 13 points for the winners. Kadri-Ann Lass (177-F-96) and Marie Roosalu (177-F-96) replied with 16 points for Estonia.

Lithuania U16: Dalia Belickaite 17, Milana Matias 17, Kregzdyte 13
Estonia U16: Kadri-Ann Lass 16, Marie Roosalu 16

Switzerland beats Estonia once again - by Eurobasket News

SWITZERLAND - ESTONIA 68-63

Switzerland registered its second win in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. They outplayed Estonia last night 68-63 improving to 2-3 record in Group B. Estonia dropped to poor 0-5. There are four more rounds to be played in qualifications. Switzerland moved 15 points clear, 56-41, on Giroud's jump-host midway through the third quarter, but Estonia had one more rally in them and when Anderson hit a jump-shot 1:33 from the buzzer the lead was down to just two, 63-61. Giroud and Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) then responded to hold off the Estonians and seal the win. Quarters: 29-18, 12-16, 15-18, 12-11. Karen Twehues drained 25 points in victory and Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) added 23 points, plus 10 rebounds. Sarah Kershaw (180-SF-85) contributed with 12 pts to this victory. Triin Teppo (186-F/C-90) answered with 18 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, while Merike Anderson (180-F/G-81, agency: LBM Management) and Kerttu Jallai (180-F-90, agency: Regeneracom Sports) scored 16 and 10 pts. Switzerland will play in Montenegro on Wednesday. Estonia waits Poland.

Switzerland: Karen Twehues 25, Marielle Giroud 23+10 boards, Sarah Kershaw 12
Estonia: Triin Teppo 18+10 boards, Merike Anderson 16, Kerttu Jallai 10

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Standings Div.A (Women)

Standings

Group A
1. Belarus		4-1
2. Hungary		3-2
3. Ukraine		3-2
4. Israel		2-2
5. Portugal		0-5
Group B
1. Montenegro.		4-1
2. Poland		3-1
3. Serbia		3-2
4. Switzerlan.		2-3
5. Estonia		0-5
Group C
1. Lithuania		4-1
2. Slovenia		4-1
3. Slovakia		3-1
4. Holland		1-4
5. Belgium		0-5
Group D
1. Spain		4-1
2. Sweden		4-1
3. Germany		2-2
4. Romania		2-3
5. Bulgaria		0-5
Group E
1. Italy		4-1
2. Latvia		3-2
3. Finland		3-2
4. Greece		2-2
5. Luxembourg.		0-5

Qualifying Round: Round 6

Jun. 30: HUN - BLR 62-59
Jun. 30: POR - UKR 42-55

Jun. 30: SRB - MNT 72-56
Jun. 30: SUI - EST 68-63

Jun. 30: SLO - BEL 75-56
Jun. 30: NED - LTU 42-63

Jun. 30: SWE - ROM 93-78
Jun. 30: BUL - ESP 51-79

Jun. 30: ITA - LAT 60-57
Jun. 30: LUX - FIN 45-92

Qualifying Round: Round 7

Jul. 4: UKR - ISR
Jul. 4: BLR - POR

Jul. 4: EST - POL
Jul. 4: MNT - SUI

Jul. 4: BEL - SVK
Jul. 4: LTU - SLO

Jul. 4: ROM - GER
Jul. 4: ESP - SWE

Jul. 4: FIN - GRE
Jul. 4: LAT - LUX

Stats Leaders Div.A (Women)

Points Per Game

Frida ELDEBRINK
  SWE
  (174-G-88)
  Avg: 23.6

1. Eldebrink, SWE	23.6
2. Tuukkanen, FIN	22.0
3. Marginean, ROM	20.2
4. Twehues, SUI	18.4
5. Petronyte, LTU	18.2
6. Doron, ISR	18.0
7. Dubljevic, MNT	16.8
8. Perovanovic, MNT	16.5
9. Dabovic, SRB	15.8
10. Stoenescu, ROM	15.4

Rebounds Per Game

Taru TUUKKANEN
  FIN
  (190-C-77)
  Avg: 13.8

1. Tuukkanen, FIN	13.8
2. Petronyte, LTU	11.2
3. Teilane-T., LAT	9.2
4. Dubljevic, MNT	9.0
5. Perovanovic, MNT	8.5
6. Nicholls, ESP	8.2
7. Giroud, SUI	8.0
8. Veremeenko, BLR	8.0
9. Meesseman, BEL	7.8
10. Fleisher, ISR	7.8

Assists Per Game

Nika BARIC
  SLO
  (169-PG-92)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Baric, SLO	5.2
2. Skerovic, MNT	5.2
3. Dubljevic, MNT	5.0
4. Doron, ISR	4.3
5. Radocaj, SRB	4.2
6. Teilane-T., LAT	4.0
7. Karklina, LAT	4.0
8. Parau, ROM	4.0
9. Sottana, ITA	3.8
10. Eldebrink, SWE	3.6

Steals Per Game

Romy BAR
  GER
  (189-F-87)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Bar, GER	4.3
2. Skobel, POL	3.5
3. Hatzinikolao., GRE	3.3
4. Dabovic, SRB	3.0
5. Doron, ISR	3.0
6. Kooij, NED	3.0
7. Ouvina, ESP	3.0
8. Kubatova, SVK	2.8
9. Linkeviciene, LTU	2.6
10. Erkic, SLO	2.6

Blocks Per Game

Anastasiya VEREMEENKO
  BLR
  (194-C-87)
  Avg: 2

1. Veremeenko, BLR	2.0
2. Teilane-T., LAT	1.8
3. Pavel, ROM	1.6
4. Nicholls, ESP	1.6
5. Meesseman, BEL	1.4
6. Majewska, POL	1.3
7. Petronyte, LTU	1.2
8. Kupcikova, SVK	1.0
9. Mesila-K., EST	1.0
10. Pirsic, SLO	1.0

Round Six of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Hungary - Belarus 62-59
Hungary did a great job against Belarus last night. The hosts celebrated 62-59 victory for 3-2 record in Group A of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. At the same time it was the first loss for Belarus, who stays No.1 in the pool with 4-1 score. Hungary was up 59-50 with less than 4 minutes remaining in the game. Visitors came closer soon, but after Alexandria Quigley made it 62-57 to Hungary, Tatyana Troina (188-F-81, college: S.Carolina) came up empty with a three-pointer for Belarus, and a late jump-shot was too little too late for the visitors. Quarters: 16-11, 17-16, 13-17, 16-15. Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) led the winners with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: De Paul) scored 14 points and Katalin Honti (175-G-87) helped with two less. In the loosing squad, Tatyana Troina collected 20 points and 7 rebs. Alexandra Tarasava (170-PG-88) scored 15 and Anastasiya Veremeenko (194-C-87) added 12 points, plus 9 rebs. Hungary will take a rest in Round 7, while Belarus will host Portugal.

Portugal - Ukraine 42-55
Very valuable victory for Ukraine in Round Six of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. They cruised past Portugal on the road 42-55 improving to 3-2 record in Group A. Portugal stays the only winless team in this pool (0-5). Alina Iagupova (186-G-92, agency: LBM Management) top-scored in victory with 17 points and Lyubov Alyoshkina (203-C-81) had double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds. Olena Zherzherunova (191-C/F-78, agency: LBM Management) followed them with 9 points and 6 boards. The hosts did not have anyone with double digits in scoring. Ana Oliveira (176-F-83, college: UTSA), Sara Filipe (187-F-82) and Carla Freitas (170-G-80) stopped to 8 points each. Ukraine shined in the last ten minutes to take the victory in this game. Quarters: 10-15, 9-10, 14-13, 9-17. Ukraine will host Israel on Wednesday. Portugal goes to Belarus.

Group B

Serbia - Montenegro 72-56
Serbia crushed Montenegro last night in Round Six of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. It was comfortable 72-56 win for the hosts and now they have 3-2 record in Group A. Despite its first defeat, Montenegro stays on top of this group with almost perfect 4-1 score. Serbia shined in the second and last period to secure the victory in this game. Their key player was Milica Dabovic (175-PG-82), who registered double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds. She was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 20. Tamara Radocaj (170-PG-87) (7 as) and Marina Mandic (181-G-83) netted 16 and 10 pts respectively. Visitors got 14 points and 9 rebs from Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83). Milica Jovanovic (189-F/C-89) and Snezana Aleksic (172-G-89) scored 11 pts apiece. Quarters: 15-16, 16-8, 16-17, 25-15. Serbia will take a rest in Round 6, while Montenegro will host Switzerland on Wednesday.

Switzerland - Estonia 68-63
Switzerland registered its second win in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. They outplayed Estonia last night 68-63 improving to 2-3 record in Group B. Estonia dropped to poor 0-5. There are four more rounds to be played in qualifications. Switzerland moved 15 points clear, 56-41, on Giroud's jump-host midway through the third quarter, but Estonia had one more rally in them and when Anderson hit a jump-shot 1:33 from the buzzer the lead was down to just two, 63-61. Giroud and Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) then responded to hold off the Estonians and seal the win. Quarters: 29-18, 12-16, 15-18, 12-11. Karen Twehues drained 25 points in victory and Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) added 23 points, plus 10 rebounds. Sarah Kershaw (180-SF-85) contributed with 12 pts to this victory. Triin Teppo (186-F/C-90) answered with 18 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, while Merike Anderson (180-F/G-81, agency: LBM Management) and Kerttu Jallai (180-F-90, agency: Regeneracom Sports) scored 16 and 10 pts. Switzerland will play in Montenegro on Wednesday. Estonia waits Poland.

Group C

Holland - Lithuania 42-63
Lithuania demonstrated its power against Holland last night. Visitors cruised to 42-63 victory in Almere for 4-1 record in Group C of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. Lithuania shares the first place in this pool with Slovenia. At the other side, Holland says No.4 with just one win. The hosts made 13-8 lead in the first ten minutes, but Lithuania answered with 9-16 in Q2 and later jumped to 14-point lead with 10 minutes remaining in the game. Holland was not able to reply and Lithuania marched to the final 42-63 victory. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) had impressive night with monster double-double of 17 points and 19 rebounds (valuation 32!). Greta Sniokaite (180-G-91) had 12 points and Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) added 11 pts, plus 7 boards. Holland got 9 points from Tanya Broering (178-G-84) and Laura Kooij (184-F/C-82) collected 6 points, plus 10 rebounds, but she had poor shooting night. Lithuania will host Slovenia on Wednesday. Holland will take a rest in Round 7 and will play again next weekend.

Slovenia - Belgium 75-56
Slovenia was too strong for Belgium last night in Round Six of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. The hosts registered comfortable 75-56 win mostly thanks to great played third quarter of the game. Slovenia made 20-5 in this period and all after that was just the formality. Teja Oblak (171-G-90) had 19 points and 5 assists in victory, while Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) added 15 points and 9 boards. Nika Baric (169-PG-92) (6 as) and Maja Erkic (183-G/F-85) (5 rebs) helped Slovenia with 11 pts each. Laurence Van Malderen (190-C-81, agency: LBM Management) had 16 points in loss and Emma Meesseman (192-C-93, agency: LBM Management) collected 14 pts and 8 rebs. Quarters: 17-17, 16-15, 20-5, 22-19. Slovenia improved to 4-1 record in Group C sharing the first place with Lithuania. Belgium has 0-5. Slovenia will play in Lithuania on Wednesday, while Belgium will host Slovakia and will try to grab the first win in qualifications. Round Eight will be played next weekend.

Group D

Bulgaria - Spain 51-79
Spain had an easy job in Pravetz last night. It was a Round Six game of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications and visitors celebrated huge 51-79 victory. They have 4-1 record now sharing the first place in Group D with Sweden. Bulgaria is still winless (0-5). Anna Cruz (173-PG-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas) scored 16 points in victory, Elisa Aguilar (177-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) had 13 and Laia Palau (178-G-79) posted 11 points. Bulgaria got 11 points from Vera Perostiyska (196-C-82, college: FIU) (6 rebs) and Radoslava Bachvarova (183-F-87, agency: LBM Management, college: VCU). Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88) had 9 points and 5 rebounds. Spain exploded in the first and last period to celebrate comfortable victory in this game. Quarters: 11-23, 21-20, 8-9, 11-27. Spain will host Sweden on Wednesday, while Bulgaria will take a rest in Round Seven. They will play again next weekend.

Sweden - Romania 93-78
Sweden registered fourth win in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. This time Sweden was better than Romania 93-78 in Round Six, which was played last night. After this victory Sweden jumped to 4-1 record sharing the first place in Group D with Spain. Romania faced with its third defeat in five games. Sweden took control on its rival from the very beginning and they made double digit lead already in the first quarter. It was plus 19 for Sweden at the halftime and despite Romania threatened in Q3 (16-25), the hosts managed to keep comfortable lead for rest of the way. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) exploded with 32 points and 6 rebounds in this game. Stefanie Yderstrom (172-G-90) scored 15 and Elin Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) added 12 pts, plus 5 boards. Gabriela Marginean (182-F-87, college: Drexel) had 23 points and 8 rebs in defeat, while Ancuta Stoenescu (169-G-80, agency: Data Plus Group) followed with 14 pts and 6 rebs. Elisabeth Pavel (192-C-90) was limited to 11 pts and 5 boards in this meeting. Sweden will play in Spain on Wednesday and it could be a decisive game for the first place in Group D at the end of qualifications. Romania will host Germany.

Group E

Italy - Latvia 60-57
Both teams had 3-1 record before this meeting. It was a Round Six of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications and Italy escaped with 60-57 home victory in Latina last night. Thanks to this win Italy stays alone on top of Group E with 4-1 record. Latvia dropped to the second place (3-2). It was a very exciting finish last night. Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) made a pair of free throws for Italy before Kristine Karklina (175-G-83, agency: Regeneracom Sports) hit back to make it 60-57 with 28 seconds left. Sottana missed for Italy to give Latvia a late chance, but Krastina came up empty with a three-point attempt. Quarters: 14-13, 17-9, 13-13, 16-22. Giorgia Sottana led the scorers in Italy with 18 points, while Sabrina Cinili (190-F-89) and Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) netted 10 points each. Latvia got 16 points and 6 boards from Anete Steinberga (187-F-90). Kristine Karklina and Ieva Krastina (175-G/F-90, agency: LBM Management) scored 12 and 9 points respectively. Italy will take a rest in Round 7, while Latvia will host Luxembourg. That game will be played on Wednesday.

Luxembourg - Finland 45-92
Finland had no troubles to beat Luxembourg last night in Contern. It was a huge 45-92 win for the guests, who now have 3-2 record in Group E of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. Luxembourg faced with fifth loss for the same number of games. It was a game without a history. Finland took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 14-22, 13-14, 12-28, 6-28. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Xavier) was the MVP of this game with valuation 39. She had 25 points and 18 rebounds. Tiina Sten (189-G/F-85, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: St.John's) scored 18 pts (5 rebs) and Linda-Lotta Lehtoranta (175-G-91) added 11. Lisy Hetting (173-G-90) posted 12 points for the hosts. Their second scorer was Cathy Schmit (170-G-90) with 9 pts. Finland will host Greece on Wednesday, while Luxembourg will play in Latvia.

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

FINLAND

Finland has no mercy for Luxembourg - by Eurobasket News

LUXEMBOURG - FINLAND 45-92

Finland had no troubles to beat Luxembourg last night in Contern. It was a huge 45-92 win for the guests, who now have 3-2 record in Group E of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. Luxembourg faced with fifth loss for the same number of games. It was a game without a history. Finland took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 14-22, 13-14, 12-28, 6-28. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Xavier) was the MVP of this game with valuation 39. She had 25 points and 18 rebounds. Tiina Sten (189-G/F-85, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: St.John's) scored 18 pts (5 rebs) and Linda-Lotta Lehtoranta (175-G-91) added 11. Lisy Hetting (173-G-90) posted 12 points for the hosts. Their second scorer was Cathy Schmit (170-G-90) with 9 pts. Finland will host Greece on Wednesday, while Luxembourg will play in Latvia.

Luxembourg: Lisy Hetting 12, Cathy Schmit 9
Finland: Taru Tuukkanen 25+18 boards, Tiina Sten 18+5 boards, Linda-Lotta Lehtoranta 11

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FRANCE

HOLLAND

Lithuania celebrates 21-point win in Almere - by Eurobasket News

HOLLAND - LITHUANIA 42-63

Lithuania demonstrated its power against Holland last night. Visitors cruised to 42-63 victory in Almere for 4-1 record in Group C of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. Lithuania shares the first place in this pool with Slovenia. At the other side, Holland says No.4 with just one win. The hosts made 13-8 lead in the first ten minutes, but Lithuania answered with 9-16 in Q2 and later jumped to 14-point lead with 10 minutes remaining in the game. Holland was not able to reply and Lithuania marched to the final 42-63 victory. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) had impressive night with monster double-double of 17 points and 19 rebounds (valuation 32!). Greta Sniokaite (180-G-91) had 12 points and Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) added 11 pts, plus 7 boards. Holland got 9 points from Tanya Broering (178-G-84) and Laura Kooij (184-F/C-82) collected 6 points, plus 10 rebounds, but she had poor shooting night. Lithuania will host Slovenia on Wednesday. Holland will take a rest in Round 7 and will play again next weekend.

Holland: Tanya Broering 9, Laura Kooij 6+10 boards
Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 17+19 boards, Greta Sniokaite 12, Sandra Linkeviciene 11+7 boards

Belgium thump Netherlands in Reze - by Eurobasket News

Belgium U18 - Netherlands U18 40:31

Belgium registered the second win at the Reze International Tournament. They held off the Dutch team for 2-1 record in Group A. Anneleen De Baets (165-SG-95) scored 10 points to lead the winners. Netherlands fell at 0-3 record after the loss.
The Dutch team jumped to an early lead. They established a 12:6 lead at the first break. Belgium limited their opponents at 3 points in the second quarter to narrow the gap at single point 14:15 at halftime. Belgium went on an 18:7 run in the third quarter to pull in front. Netherlands tried to save the game in the final period but scored just 9 points and had to surrender at the end. Axelle Bernard (183-C-95) and Heleen Adams (173-SF-94) accounted for 8 points each for Belgium. Kourtney Treffers (186-F-94) responded with game-high 14 points and 11 rebounds for Netherlands. Britt Zappeij (184-C-95) had 5 points in the loss.

Belgium U18: Anneleen De Baets 10, Axelle Bernard 8, Heleen Adams 8
Netherlands U18: Kourtney Treffers 14+11 boards, Britt Zappeij 5

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

HUNGARY

ITALY

LATVIA

Italy escapes with 60-57 home win against Latvia - by Eurobasket News

ITALY - LATVIA 60-57

Both teams had 3-1 record before this meeting. It was a Round Six of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications and Italy escaped with 60-57 home victory in Latina last night. Thanks to this win Italy stays alone on top of Group E with 4-1 record. Latvia dropped to the second place (3-2). It was a very exciting finish last night. Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) made a pair of free throws for Italy before Kristine Karklina (175-G-83, agency: Regeneracom Sports) hit back to make it 60-57 with 28 seconds left. Sottana missed for Italy to give Latvia a late chance, but Krastina came up empty with a three-point attempt. Quarters: 14-13, 17-9, 13-13, 16-22. Giorgia Sottana led the scorers in Italy with 18 points, while Sabrina Cinili (190-F-89) and Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) netted 10 points each. Latvia got 16 points and 6 boards from Anete Steinberga (187-F-90). Kristine Karklina and Ieva Krastina (175-G/F-90, agency: LBM Management) scored 12 and 9 points respectively. Italy will take a rest in Round 7, while Latvia will host Luxembourg. That game will be played on Wednesday.

Italy: Giorgia Sottana 18, Sabrina Cinili 10, Raffaella Masciadri 10
Latvia: Anete Steinberga. 16+6 boards, Kristine Karklina 12, Ieva Krastina 9

Latvia clinch second straight win in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News

Latvia U16 - Ukraine U16 84:76 (OT)

Latvian U16 National Team registered the second straight win at the 2012 Baltic Cup tournament in Tallinn. They defeated Ukrainian counterparts. Kate Kreslina (178-PG-96) scored 28 points to lead the winners.
Ukraine got to a flying start. They accounted for 55 points in the first half to take a 14-point lead. But Latvia turned things around in the second half. They stiffened their defence liming Ukraine to 18 points after the big break. Latvia were able to knot things up at the end of regulation sending the game into overtime. Latvia outgunned Ukraine 11:3 in the extra period and sealed the victory at the end. Ieva Spigule (179-F-96) and Beate Markane finished with 11 points apiece for Latvia. Anastasiya Polovynka (176-G-96) answered with 21 points and 8 rebounds for Ukraine. Gorobets had 17 points in the loss.

Latvia U16: Kate Kreslina 28, Ieva Spigule 11, Beate Markane 11
Ukraine U16: Anastasiya Polovynka 21, Gorobets 17

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LITHUANIA

Lithuania take second win in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania U16 - Estonia U16 76:61

Lithuania accounted for the second win in a row at the start of 2012 Baltic Cup tourney in Tallinn. They held off the hosts for 2-0 record. Dalia Belickaite (175-F-96) and Milana Matias (163-G-96) scored 17 points each to pace the hosts.
Estonia jumped to an early lead. The home team ensured a 19:12 advantage after ten minutes. Lithuania cut the deficit at 4-point mark at the interval 30:34. The visitors exploded with 30 points in the third quarter to pull ahead. They secured a 13-point lead at the final intermission. Lithuania kept their opponents at bay throughout the final quarter and rallied to the victory at the end. Kregzdyte chipped in 13 points for the winners. Kadri-Ann Lass (177-F-96) and Marie Roosalu (177-F-96) replied with 16 points for Estonia.

Lithuania U16: Dalia Belickaite 17, Milana Matias 17, Kregzdyte 13
Estonia U16: Kadri-Ann Lass 16, Marie Roosalu 16

Lithuania celebrates 21-point win in Almere - by Eurobasket News

HOLLAND - LITHUANIA 42-63

Lithuania demonstrated its power against Holland last night. Visitors cruised to 42-63 victory in Almere for 4-1 record in Group C of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. Lithuania shares the first place in this pool with Slovenia. At the other side, Holland says No.4 with just one win. The hosts made 13-8 lead in the first ten minutes, but Lithuania answered with 9-16 in Q2 and later jumped to 14-point lead with 10 minutes remaining in the game. Holland was not able to reply and Lithuania marched to the final 42-63 victory. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) had impressive night with monster double-double of 17 points and 19 rebounds (valuation 32!). Greta Sniokaite (180-G-91) had 12 points and Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) added 11 pts, plus 7 boards. Holland got 9 points from Tanya Broering (178-G-84) and Laura Kooij (184-F/C-82) collected 6 points, plus 10 rebounds, but she had poor shooting night. Lithuania will host Slovenia on Wednesday. Holland will take a rest in Round 7 and will play again next weekend.

Holland: Tanya Broering 9, Laura Kooij 6+10 boards
Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 17+19 boards, Greta Sniokaite 12, Sandra Linkeviciene 11+7 boards

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

LUXEMBOURG

MONTENEGRO

Serbia celebrates comfortable win against Montenegro, 72-56 - by Eurobasket News

SERBIA - MONTENEGRO 72-56

Serbia crushed Montenegro last night in Round Six of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. It was comfortable 72-56 win for the hosts and now they have 3-2 record in Group A. Despite its first defeat, Montenegro stays on top of this group with almost perfect 4-1 score. Serbia shined in the second and last period to secure the victory in this game. Their key player was Milica Dabovic (175-PG-82), who registered double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds. She was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 20. Tamara Radocaj (170-PG-87) (7 as) and Marina Mandic (181-G-83) netted 16 and 10 pts respectively. Visitors got 14 points and 9 rebs from Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83). Milica Jovanovic (189-F/C-89) and Snezana Aleksic (172-G-89) scored 11 pts apiece. Quarters: 15-16, 16-8, 16-17, 25-15. Serbia will take a rest in Round 6, while Montenegro will host Switzerland on Wednesday.

Serbia: Milica Dabovic 22+11 boards, Tamara Radocaj 16+7 as, Marina Mandic 10
Montenegro: Iva Perovanovic 14+9 boards, Milica Jovanovic 11, Snezana Aleksic 11

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

NORWAY

OLYMPIC GAMES

Standings - Women

Standings

Group A
1. Angola		0-0
2. Chile		0-0
3. USA		0-0
Group B
1. Australia		0-0
2. Brazil		0-0
3. U.Kingdom		0-0
4. Russia		0-0
Group Qualification Gr.A
1. Turkey		3-0
2. Japan		2-3
3. P.Rico		0-2
Group Qualification Gr.B
1. Czech Rep.		3-0
2. Argentina		1-3
3. N.Zealand		0-2
Group Qualification Gr.C
1. Croatia		3-0
2. S.Korea		1-3
3. Mozambique.		0-2
Group Qualification Gr.D
1. France		3-0
2. Canada		3-2
3. Mali		0-2

Additional Qualifying Round: Round 6

Jul. 1: CAN - JPN 71-63

Olympic draw and schedule set - by Eurobasket News

Following the game the draw was conducted for the 5 teams that qualified over the past three days.

The draw and the schedule is as follows:

Group A: Angola, USA, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Turkey
Group B: Russia, Australia, Great Britain, Brazil, France, Canada

28.07.2012
09:00 China Czech Republic, 11:15 Canada Russia, 14:30 Turkey Angola
16:45 USA Croatia, 20:00 Brazil France, 22:15 Australia Great Britain

30.07.2012
09:00 Croatia China, 11:15 Czech Republic Turkey, 14:30 France Australia
16:45 Russia Brazil, 20:00 Great Britain Canada, 22:15 Angola USA

01.08.2012
09:00 Canada France, 11:15 China Angola 14:30 Australia Brazil
16:45 Croatia Czech Republic, 20:00 Great Britain Russia, 22:15 USA Turkey

03.08.2012
09:00 Angola Croatia, 11:15 Russia Australia, 14:30 Brazil Canada
16:45 Turkey China, 20:00 France Great Britain, 22:15 Czech Republic USA

05.08.2012
09:00 France Russia, 11:15 Angola Czech Republic, 14:30 Canada Australia
16:45 China USA, 20:00 Croatia Turkey, 22:15 Great Britain Brazil

All times are local - UTC/GMT +1.

Top four teams of each group will advance to the quarterfinals. Each groups first place will play the other groups fourth, second will play third.

Courtesy of http://lovewomensbasketball.com

Canada final team to earn a spot in Olympics - by Eurobasket News

Canadian womens basketball team is going to their first Olympic games since Sydney 2000 after a 71-63 victory against Japan.

Canada took the lead on the first possession and never lost it. They started with 11-0 run. By the second quarter Japan managed to reduce the deficit to 3 points, but that was it for the a while. Having regained a 10 point lead in the third quarter, Canada started the fourth quarter slow allowing Japan to start with a 7-0 run. Remainder of the fourth quarter was nervous with enormous stakes, but Canadians prevailed.

Courtnay Pilypaitis (184-G-88, college: Vermont) was the key player for Canada, going 5 from 9 behind the arc for a total of 21 points.

Canada rightfully advanced to the Olympics as they were a top 5 team along with the four European teams.

Draw for the Olympics should be done soon.

Canada - Japan 71-63
Canada: Pilypaitis 21, Teresa Gabriele (165-PG-79) 11, Phillips 9
Japan: Yuka Mamiya (185-C/F-90) 14, Takada 12, Oga 11, Tanaka 10

Courtesy of http://lovewomensbasketball.com

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

POLAND

Sweden take first win in Reze - by Eurobasket News

Sweden U18 - Poland U18 82:78 (OT)

Sweden registered the first win at the Reze international tournament. They shot down Polish counterparts in the third round of action. Both teams are now tied at 1-2 record. Paulina Hersler (190-PF-94) was pivotal with 36 points and 13 rebounds for the winners.
The teams were tied at 20 after ten minutes. Sweden pulled in front in the second quarter. They eked out a 39:36 halftime lead. Poland erased the deficit in the third term. They surged ahead for a 54:52 lead into the fourth quarter. Sweden held their opponents to 15 points in the fourth term and tied things up at the end of regulation. The teams entered overtime where Sweden snatched a tough victory. Hansson produced 12 points, while Gabriella Frykbo (170-G-94) and Antia Ilic provided 11 points each for the winning side. Karolina Puss (180-F-94) answered with 15 points for Poland. Dominika Owczarzak (166-G-94) had 14 points in the loss.

Sweden U18: Paulina Hersler 36+13 boards, Hansson 12, Gabriella Frykbo 11, Antia Ilic 11
Poland U18: Karolina Puss 15, Dominika Owczarzak 14

ROW Rybnik add Leah Metcalf - by Eurobasket News

ROW Rybnik continued to strengthen their roster for the next season. They agreed on terms of contract with Leah Metcalf (173-G-83, college: N.Carolina). The guard is not new to Poland. She spent the previous season with Energa Torun. Leah Metcalf averaged 10.9 points, 4.9 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game in PLKK. She earned Eurobasket.com All-Polish PLKK Honourable Mention. Previously the guard had stints with Telge Basketball, Toulouse, Marbo Basket, Basket Esch. She was named Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Damligan Guard of the Year in 2009 and 2011. She was also trumped Damligan Defensive Player of the Year in 2009. Leah Metcalf was Luxembourg League champion in 2008. In 2011 the guard led Telge Basketball to the title in Sweden.

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PORTUGAL

Portugal U18 gain another victory over Norway - by Eurobasket News

Portugal U18 - Norway U18 66:30

Portuguese U18 National Team played the second friendly encounter with their Norwegian counterparts. The hosts claimed the second win in a row. Laura Ferreira (177-G-95) stepped up with 13 points to lead the winners.
Portugal held the Scandinavian team to 8 points in the opening quarter to take an 8-point lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter. The hosts managed to secure an 8-point buffer at the interval 26:18. Portugal cleared off in the third quarter. They went on a 20:4 run to ensure a 46:22 lead before the fourth period. Portugal outgunned the visitors 20:8 in the final frame to seal a comfortable win at the end. Mafalda Barros (166-PG-94) notched 11 points, while Nadia Fernandes (176-F-94) added 10 points for the winners. Kristine Lindholm (179-F-95) responded with 7 points for Norway. Margrethe Kristiansen (177-F-94) netted 6 points in the loss.

Portugal U18: Laura Ferreira 13, Mafalda Barros 11, Nadia Fernandes 10
Norway U18: Kristine Lindholm 7, Margrethe Kristiansen 6

Ukraine hands home loss to Portugal in EuroBasket Qualifications - by Eurobasket News

PORTUGAL - UKRAINE 42-55

Very valuable victory for Ukraine in Round Six of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. They cruised past Portugal on the road 42-55 improving to 3-2 record in Group A. Portugal stays the only winless team in this pool (0-5). Alina Iagupova (186-G-92, agency: LBM Management) top-scored in victory with 17 points and Lyubov Alyoshkina (203-C-81) had double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds. Olena Zherzherunova (191-C/F-78, agency: LBM Management) followed them with 9 points and 6 boards. The hosts did not have anyone with double digits in scoring. Ana Oliveira (176-F-83, college: UTSA), Sara Filipe (187-F-82) and Carla Freitas (170-G-80) stopped to 8 points each. Ukraine shined in the last ten minutes to take the victory in this game. Quarters: 10-15, 9-10, 14-13, 9-17. Ukraine will host Israel on Wednesday. Portugal goes to Belarus.

Portugal: Ana Oliveira 8, Sara Filipe 8, Carla Freitas 8
Ukraine: Alina Iagupova 17, Lyubov Alyoshkina 12+11 boards, Olena Zherzherunova 9+6 boards

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ROMANIA

Sweden outplays Romania in Sodertalje, 93-78 - by Eurobasket News

SWEDEN - ROMANIA 93-78

Sweden registered fourth win in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. This time Sweden was better than Romania 93-78 in Round Six, which was played last night. After this victory Sweden jumped to 4-1 record sharing the first place in Group D with Spain. Romania faced with its third defeat in five games. Sweden took control on its rival from the very beginning and they made double digit lead already in the first quarter. It was plus 19 for Sweden at the halftime and despite Romania threatened in Q3 (16-25), the hosts managed to keep comfortable lead for rest of the way. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) exploded with 32 points and 6 rebounds in this game. Stefanie Yderstrom (172-G-90) scored 15 and Elin Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) added 12 pts, plus 5 boards. Gabriela Marginean (182-F-87, college: Drexel) had 23 points and 8 rebs in defeat, while Ancuta Stoenescu (169-G-80, agency: Data Plus Group) followed with 14 pts and 6 rebs. Elisabeth Pavel (192-C-90) was limited to 11 pts and 5 boards in this meeting. Sweden will play in Spain on Wednesday and it could be a decisive game for the first place in Group D at the end of qualifications. Romania will host Germany.

Sweden: Frida Eldebrink 32+6 boards, Stefanie Yderstrom 15, Elin Eldebrink 12+5 boards
Romania: Gabriela Marginean 23+8 boards, Ancuta Stoenescu 14+6 boards, Elisabeth Pavel 11+5 boards

Elisabeth Pavel signs with Flying Foxes Viena - by Eurobasket News

Elisabeth Pavel (192-C-90) signs with Flying Foxes Viena for the next season. The Romanian player moves from Italy to Austria.
In 2003-2004 she started her career for Magic Sibiu and then after 4 years moved to BC ICIM Arad (D1). In EuroCup after 8 games Pavel averaged 7.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 48.9%, FT: 68.2%. After another season with
BC ICIM Arad (D1), she moved to moved to CSM Satu Mare and then in 2010-2011 to SACES Napoli (Italy-A2, starting five). In 25 games her stats read 12.9ppg, 8.6rpg, 2.1spg, 2FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 57.3%. In 2011-2012 for Saces Dike Napoli (Italy-A2, starting five) she improved to 15.2ppg, Reb-4 (9.7rpg), 1.9spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 76.5%.
Early in April she was number one amongst the players abroad. Elisabeth Pavel led Napoli S.Dike to a victory over the fifth-ranked Il Fotoamatore Firenze crushing them 81-59 in the Italian A2 in Sunday night's game. Pavel was MVP of the game. She had a double-double by scoring 17 points and getting 15 rebounds. Pavel also added 4 blocks and 4 steals in 39 minutes on the court.

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SCOTLAND

U18 Women Warm up for Slovakia Camp - by Eurobasket News

The U18 women, competing in Euro B this summer, warmed up with a game against the senior women last weekend. This was a good test for them as they look forward to travelling to Banska Bystrica, Slovakia on Saturday 23rd June for a 5 day training camp.

The team will play 4 games against the Slovakia national U16 team. This will be a real test for the team as Slovakia were 11th in last years U16 Euro A competition and are in the middle of their preparation for this years tournament.

Coach Lorna Norman this is another step in preparation for the countries well play in group D in Macedonia in the Euro B competition; Ukraine, Lithuania, Germany and Montenegro. Ukraine and Lithuania both played Slovakias juniors and lost, thus dropping down to Euro B this summer.

German U16s won Euro B and are this summer playing Euro A. Montenegros senior women had a fantastic run in last years EuroBasket. So we will play some excellent basketball nations in Macedonia.

Slovakias basketball pedigree is very similar to these nations so this will be excellent preparation for the team. The weather over there is quite hot and with training sessions during the day and games in the evening this is a good rehearsal for Macedonia.
Courtesy of: http://www.basketballscotland.co.uk

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SERBIA

SLOVENIA

SPAIN

Spain demolishes Bulgaria in Pravetz - by Eurobasket News

BULGARIA - SPAIN 51-79

Spain had an easy job in Pravetz last night. It was a Round Six game of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications and visitors celebrated huge 51-79 victory. They have 4-1 record now sharing the first place in Group D with Sweden. Bulgaria is still winless (0-5). Anna Cruz (173-PG-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas) scored 16 points in victory, Elisa Aguilar (177-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) had 13 and Laia Palau (178-G-79) posted 11 points. Bulgaria got 11 points from Vera Perostiyska (196-C-82, college: FIU) (6 rebs) and Radoslava Bachvarova (183-F-87, agency: LBM Management, college: VCU). Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88) had 9 points and 5 rebounds. Spain exploded in the first and last period to celebrate comfortable victory in this game. Quarters: 11-23, 21-20, 8-9, 11-27. Spain will host Sweden on Wednesday, while Bulgaria will take a rest in Round Seven. They will play again next weekend.

Bulgaria: Vera Perostiyska 11+6 boards, Radoslava Bachvarova 11, Jaklin Zlatanova 9+5 boards
Spain: Anna Cruz 16, Elisa Aguilar 13, Laia Palau 11

Spain Worked win in Bulgaria (79-51) - by Lino Lopez

Worked win in Bulgaria (79-51)
The Spanish team took another step in its goal of qualifying for the Eurobasket 2013 after winning at home to Bulgaria in a match that until the last quarter, Bulgarians fought to reduce the advantage that Spain obtained from the first period.
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0
IBON LANDA / FEB COMMUNICATION AREA

The women's team is now a little closer to the goal after winning a victory against Bulgaria worked very trying to keep the income received in the first quarter.

FAST ATTACK ZONE (23-11) 23-11
Bulgaria raised from the beginning a zone defense that in the first few minutes, seemed to work jamming the Spanish attack. In fact, this enabled him to get ahead after achieving a partial 07 (4-7 min 5). However, the team began to dominate the offensive rebound and finding stocks that allowed rapid scoring with ease. Cindy Lima capped a 8-0 run that began to give away on the scoreboard (15-7 min.8). With that assurance came the triple Cristina Ouvia and Anna Cruz , who closed the quarter to put the 11-23 on the scoreboard.

BULGARIA SEEKS counter (20-21) 43-32
With the score against, Bulgaria tried to find counter and keep the defensive intensity to cut differences. But whenever it did, Spain responded. The Lucas Mondelo, with very clear ideas were able to respond to maintain their lead at the break.

BUGS predominate (9-8) 52-40
Up to six minutes without scoring were neither computers in a third quarter in which the game is thickened. Bulgaria defended but did not quite find the way to the ring, thanks to good work of the national team. With failures on both sides, Spain faced the last ten minutes with the score for and be aware of one step closer to victory.

SENTENCE AND VICTORIA (27-11) 79-51

With the tranquility of the scoring for the Bulgarian and very tired all the efforts made so far, the team found their best minutes in attack, scoring easily and retrieving balls to let him go on the counterattack. Thus, the difference was expanded with the passage of 79-51 minutes until the end.

SPAIN (23 +20 +9 +27), 79: L. Nicholls (4), M. Fernandez (5), L. Palau (11), E. Aguilar (13), A. Montaana (8)-starting five-, C. Ouvia (6), C. Lime (10), L. Easter (-), M. Xargay (2), A. Valdemoro (4), A. Cruz (16), V. Bl (-).

BULGARIA (11 +21 +8 +11), 51: Z. Kostova (2), Z. Stanoeva (-), R. Bachvarova (11), J. Zlatanova (9), V. Perostiyska (11)-starting five-, M.Karchovska (3), H. Ivanova (-), R Slavova-Naneva (2), S. Miteva (-), D. Georgieva (6), D. Peteva (7).

MONDELO LUCAS: "WE HAVE TO GO WITHOUT STEP BY STEP AND ANXIETY"

Satisfied with the work of the team showed Lucas Mondelo, national team: "We have imposed a very high pace of play and by the end of the game has given us our result." And while it is an important step because next Wednesday, in case of victory, Spain certify its presence in the Eurobasket 2012, Mondelo says that "we must go step by step and without anxiety about Sweden."

Meanwhile, Anna Cruz, top scorer with 16 points is clear that "the important thing was to win." "It has taken quite detach from them," assessed to emphasize that "we have achieved a victory that leaves us only one to achieve the goal of qualifying."

FEB.ES
IBON LANDA / REA DE COMUNICACIN FEB

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SWEDEN

Sweden take first win in Reze - by Eurobasket News

Sweden U18 - Poland U18 82:78 (OT)

Sweden registered the first win at the Reze international tournament. They shot down Polish counterparts in the third round of action. Both teams are now tied at 1-2 record. Paulina Hersler (190-PF-94) was pivotal with 36 points and 13 rebounds for the winners.
The teams were tied at 20 after ten minutes. Sweden pulled in front in the second quarter. They eked out a 39:36 halftime lead. Poland erased the deficit in the third term. They surged ahead for a 54:52 lead into the fourth quarter. Sweden held their opponents to 15 points in the fourth term and tied things up at the end of regulation. The teams entered overtime where Sweden snatched a tough victory. Hansson produced 12 points, while Gabriella Frykbo (170-G-94) and Antia Ilic provided 11 points each for the winning side. Karolina Puss (180-F-94) answered with 15 points for Poland. Dominika Owczarzak (166-G-94) had 14 points in the loss.

Sweden U18: Paulina Hersler 36+13 boards, Hansson 12, Gabriella Frykbo 11, Antia Ilic 11
Poland U18: Karolina Puss 15, Dominika Owczarzak 14

Sweden outplays Romania in Sodertalje, 93-78 - by Eurobasket News

SWEDEN - ROMANIA 93-78

Sweden registered fourth win in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. This time Sweden was better than Romania 93-78 in Round Six, which was played last night. After this victory Sweden jumped to 4-1 record sharing the first place in Group D with Spain. Romania faced with its third defeat in five games. Sweden took control on its rival from the very beginning and they made double digit lead already in the first quarter. It was plus 19 for Sweden at the halftime and despite Romania threatened in Q3 (16-25), the hosts managed to keep comfortable lead for rest of the way. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) exploded with 32 points and 6 rebounds in this game. Stefanie Yderstrom (172-G-90) scored 15 and Elin Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) added 12 pts, plus 5 boards. Gabriela Marginean (182-F-87, college: Drexel) had 23 points and 8 rebs in defeat, while Ancuta Stoenescu (169-G-80, agency: Data Plus Group) followed with 14 pts and 6 rebs. Elisabeth Pavel (192-C-90) was limited to 11 pts and 5 boards in this meeting. Sweden will play in Spain on Wednesday and it could be a decisive game for the first place in Group D at the end of qualifications. Romania will host Germany.

Sweden: Frida Eldebrink 32+6 boards, Stefanie Yderstrom 15, Elin Eldebrink 12+5 boards
Romania: Gabriela Marginean 23+8 boards, Ancuta Stoenescu 14+6 boards, Elisabeth Pavel 11+5 boards

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SWITZERLAND

Switzerland beats Estonia once again - by Eurobasket News

SWITZERLAND - ESTONIA 68-63

Switzerland registered its second win in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. They outplayed Estonia last night 68-63 improving to 2-3 record in Group B. Estonia dropped to poor 0-5. There are four more rounds to be played in qualifications. Switzerland moved 15 points clear, 56-41, on Giroud's jump-host midway through the third quarter, but Estonia had one more rally in them and when Anderson hit a jump-shot 1:33 from the buzzer the lead was down to just two, 63-61. Giroud and Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) then responded to hold off the Estonians and seal the win. Quarters: 29-18, 12-16, 15-18, 12-11. Karen Twehues drained 25 points in victory and Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) added 23 points, plus 10 rebounds. Sarah Kershaw (180-SF-85) contributed with 12 pts to this victory. Triin Teppo (186-F/C-90) answered with 18 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, while Merike Anderson (180-F/G-81, agency: LBM Management) and Kerttu Jallai (180-F-90, agency: Regeneracom Sports) scored 16 and 10 pts. Switzerland will play in Montenegro on Wednesday. Estonia waits Poland.

Switzerland: Karen Twehues 25, Marielle Giroud 23+10 boards, Sarah Kershaw 12
Estonia: Triin Teppo 18+10 boards, Merike Anderson 16, Kerttu Jallai 10

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TURKEY

UKRAINE

Ukraine hands home loss to Portugal in EuroBasket Qualifications - by Eurobasket News

PORTUGAL - UKRAINE 42-55

Very valuable victory for Ukraine in Round Six of the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. They cruised past Portugal on the road 42-55 improving to 3-2 record in Group A. Portugal stays the only winless team in this pool (0-5). Alina Iagupova (186-G-92, agency: LBM Management) top-scored in victory with 17 points and Lyubov Alyoshkina (203-C-81) had double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds. Olena Zherzherunova (191-C/F-78, agency: LBM Management) followed them with 9 points and 6 boards. The hosts did not have anyone with double digits in scoring. Ana Oliveira (176-F-83, college: UTSA), Sara Filipe (187-F-82) and Carla Freitas (170-G-80) stopped to 8 points each. Ukraine shined in the last ten minutes to take the victory in this game. Quarters: 10-15, 9-10, 14-13, 9-17. Ukraine will host Israel on Wednesday. Portugal goes to Belarus.

Portugal: Ana Oliveira 8, Sara Filipe 8, Carla Freitas 8
Ukraine: Alina Iagupova 17, Lyubov Alyoshkina 12+11 boards, Olena Zherzherunova 9+6 boards

Latvia clinch second straight win in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News

Latvia U16 - Ukraine U16 84:76 (OT)

Latvian U16 National Team registered the second straight win at the 2012 Baltic Cup tournament in Tallinn. They defeated Ukrainian counterparts. Kate Kreslina (178-PG-96) scored 28 points to lead the winners.
Ukraine got to a flying start. They accounted for 55 points in the first half to take a 14-point lead. But Latvia turned things around in the second half. They stiffened their defence liming Ukraine to 18 points after the big break. Latvia were able to knot things up at the end of regulation sending the game into overtime. Latvia outgunned Ukraine 11:3 in the extra period and sealed the victory at the end. Ieva Spigule (179-F-96) and Beate Markane finished with 11 points apiece for Latvia. Anastasiya Polovynka (176-G-96) answered with 21 points and 8 rebounds for Ukraine. Gorobets had 17 points in the loss.

Latvia U16: Kate Kreslina 28, Ieva Spigule 11, Beate Markane 11
Ukraine U16: Anastasiya Polovynka 21, Gorobets 17

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WBCBL

Columbus Hidden Gems (5 Game Win Streak) Look to Clinch NorthEast Regional Regular Season Title! - by Lucius Jones

The Columbus Hidden Gems are up to 5 wins in a row in the always tough NorthEast Region now and look to clinch the Regular Season Title at Home July 8th vs the rival Flint Lady Monarchs.

At 2-1, Columbus faced the Detroit Black Hawks and won a tough 79-75 contest on June 16th. Brittany Smart (5'9''-G-85, college: Cedarville) led the Gems with 22pts, 8rebs, 8asts, and 4-4 3pt shooting. Michele Miller (5'11''-G-85, college: Xavier) scored 18pts with 8rebs and Debbie Merrill (6'1''-F/C, college: Ohio St.) finished with a double-double of 11pts, 10rebs. The backcourt play of Detroit kept them in the game until the bitter end.

The next day The Columbus Hidden Gems faced the Cleveland Crush in a series tie-breaker that ended in a thrilling 95-90 win for the State's Capital. Jeannie Saunders (5'8''-G-86, college: Salem Intern.) had an amazing all around game of 26pts, 7rebs, 5asts, 7steals. Team support for the onslaught came from a very balanced group of Brittany Smart (13pts), Ashleigh Brown (6'0''-F/G-87, college: Miami, OH) and Michele Miller (9pts each), Crystal Murdaugh (6'0''-G/F, college: N.Carolina A&T) (8pts,8rebs) and Star Allen (5'11''-F-85, college: Ohio St.) (8pts). Debbie Merrill, a former 2nd Round WNBA Draft Choice from The Ohio State University is rounding back into form with 8pts, a monsterous 20 rebounds, 7assists, 3steals, and 1 block to boot. All of this was done in a mere 25minutes of work for Merrill as well. Simone Jelks (5'11''-F/G-86, college: USC) led Cleveland's defensive pressure packages that kept the game going back and forth throughout the entire contest.

At 4-1 going against 1 loss Flint, this game's winner was going to be in the driver's seat for the Regional Regular Season Title. A Classic fierce rivalry built upon year's of intense competition that was won by the Hidden Gems in Flint 69-65. Jeannie Saunders and Brittany Smart scored over 50 of the 69points between the two in leading the Columbus Hidden Gems to the NorthEast Regional lead at 5-1. Natasha Morris (5'8''-G/F-88, agency: Dow Sports Management, college: St.Peter's) led Flint with 22points and hit several key baskets that almost pulled the game out for the Monarchs.

The rematch between the Flint Lady Monarchs and Columbus Hidden Gems takes place in Columbus July 8th at 5pm at Lazelle Woods Rec Ctr 8140 Sancus Blvd. <<>><<>>

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WNBA

Standings

WNBA Standings

Eastern
1. Connecticut S.		10-3
2. Indiana F.		8-5
3. Chicago S.		7-5
4. Atlanta D.		7-7
5. New York L.		5-9
6. Washington M.		3-10
Western
1. Minnesota L.		13-1
2. L.Angeles S.		9-7
3. Seattle S.		7-8
4. S.Antonio SS		6-5
5. Phoenix M.		4-9
6. Tulsa S.		2-12

Regular Season: Round 18

Jun. 29: Tulsa S. - Atlanta D. 92-102
Jun. 29: Chicago S. - Phoenix M. 81-84
Jun. 30: New York L. - Seattle S. 77-59
Jun. 29: Washington M. - Connecticut S. 64-77

Regular Season: Round 20

Jul. 3: S.Antonio SS - Phoenix M.
Jul. 5: L.Angeles S. - Minnesota L.
Jul. 5: Indiana F. - S.Antonio SS
Jul. 6: Washington M. - S.Antonio SS
Jul. 6: Tulsa S. - Connecticut S.
Jul. 6: Chicago S. - New York L.