Eurobasket Daily News Report: 8/22/2012 1:00:00 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/22/2012 1:00:00 AM

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

ARGENTINA

Brescia to get on loan Juan Fernandez from Olimpia Milano - by Facundo Iatzky (T)

Juan Fernandez (193-G-90, college: Temple) will be sent on loan from Olimpia Milano to Centrale del Latte Brescia (lega due). The Argentinean PG with Italian passport spent his college career with Temple and was signed to a multi-year deal by EA7.The official announcement is expected soon. Juan averaged 11.2 pts, 2,8 reb and 3,8 ass in his senior year in Temple University. He has also played with argentinean national team in the last southamerican championship.

Houston Rockets sign Carlos Delfino - by Eurobasket News (T)

Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced on Monday that the team has signed guard/forward Carlos Delfino (6'7''-SF-82). The unrestricted free agent recently competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, averaging 15.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists with Argentina.

Delfino (6-6, 230, Argentina) has played in seven NBA seasons, averaging 7.7 points (.362, 520-1435 3FG), 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 440 career games (165 starts) with Detroit, Toronto and Milwaukee. His most productive years have come the past three seasons with the Bucks, where he has averaged 10.6 points, 4.5 boards, 2.5 assists and 1.32 steals in 30.4 minutes per outing over 178 games (159 starts). Delfino also connected on a career-best 134 3-pointers in 2009-10 and averaged 2.1 3-point field goals per game in 2010-11, which ranked fifth in the league.

Drafted by the Pistons with the 25th overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, Delfino spent three seasons with Detroit before joining the Raptors in a trade. He was acquired by Milwaukee along with Roko Ukic from Toronto in exchange for Amir Johnson and Sonny Weems on Aug. 18, 2009. In addition to the NBA, Delfino has played a key role on Argentinas gold-medal-winning teams at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece and at the 2011 FIBA Americas Tournament. Delfino began his career internationally with Reggio Calabria (2000-02) and Skipper Bologna (2002-04). He also averaged 13.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 10 games with Khimki Moscow in the Russian Superleague in 2008-09.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

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ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18

Results and Stats from Day 2 of Second Stage in Ulaanbaatar - by Eurobasket News

Group E

South Korea - Lebanon 95-63
South Korea registered the fifth straight win at U18 Asia Championship. They defeated Lebanon to improve at 4-0 record at the Second Stage Group E. Sangjae Kang (202-F-94) came up with 28 points to lead the Korean side. Lebanon fell at 2-2 record after the loss. South Korea left Lebanon far behind after the opening quarter. They ensured a 24:10 lead after ten minutes of action. South Korea maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They established a 50:27 halftime lead. South Korea did not loosen the grasp in the third quarter. They piled up a 64:48 lead at the final break. The Korean side kept their opponents at bay throughout the final frame and raced to a comfortable win at the end. Gibeom Cheon (187-G-94) notched 21 points and 11 rebounds for South Korea. SeunGook Choi added 21 points in the victory. Wael Arakji (192-G-94) answered with 16 points for Lebanon. Ali Mezher had 10 points in the loss.

Japan - India 100-71
Japan clinched the first win at the Second Stage of U18 Asia Championship. They knocked down India for 1-3 record in Group E. India in the meantime fell at 0-4 record in the ladder. Japan unleashed 29 points in the opening quarter to clear off. They posted a 12-point lead at the first break. Japan stayed aggressive offensive in the second quarter. They piled up a 56:35 halftime buffer. Japan kept India at safe distance throughout the third term. They ensured a 31-point buffer before the final term. Japan did not look back in the fourth quarter and coasted to the victory. Masahiro Narita (185-SF-94) accounted for 23 points to lead the charge. Yuta Osaka (179-PG-94) netted 20 points for the winnners. Palpreet Singh Brar (204-C-94) answered with 31 points for India. Rakesh Singh had 15 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Syria - China 71-101
China delivered another victory at U18 Asia Championship. They knocked down Syria for the fifth win in a row at the tournament. They share the top place in Group E with South Korea. Wang Zhelin (215-C/F-94) accounted for 22 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge. China eked out an 18:11 lead to take a 7-point lead after ten minutes. The margin grew at 20-point mark midway through the second quarter. China established a 45:25 halftime advantage. China stayed in charge throughout the third term. They recorded a 76:49 lead at the final intermission. China did not slow down in the fourth quarter rolling to a comfortable win at the end. Li Jinglong (195-F-95) netted 19 points, while Li Qi added 17 points for the winners. Ockba Baghajati (182-G-94) answered with 22 points for Syria. Mouhammad Shahin had 12 points and 8 boards in defeat.

Group F

Saudi Arabia - Bahrain 72-75
Mahamed Naser (191-F-97) leads Bahrain over Saudi Arabia in Day 5 of the 22nd Asia U18 Championship. He nailed 25 points as Bahrain grabbed important 75:72 win over the opponents. Bahrain improved to 1-3 record to keep the chances alive for the Quarterfinals, while Saudi Arabia fell at 0-4 record. It was a real battle for the initial win in Group F. Both teams scored 15 points each in the first period, but then Bahrain erupted with 26-11 in the second frame for 15-point advantage at the halftime. Moreover they added 26-18 in the third period but could hardly win the game. Mohammed Safwan reduced to 3 points at the end, while Faqihi Waheed could not tie the game. Mohammed Buallay (185-F-95) poured in 18 points and Ali Sayed Hasan scored 13. Shukralla Ali Hassan collected 10 points and 11 rebounds in the winning effort. Nassir Abojalas (195-F-94) finished the game with massive 25 points and 20 rebounds, whilst Mohammed Safwan had 16 points and 11 boards. Faqihi Waheed notched 11 and Alhosawe Mohammed poured in 10

Philippines - Taiwan 88-83
Philippines edge Taiwan to take the second place in Group F of the 22nd Asia U18 Championship. Philippines needed 88:83 win to tie both records at 3-1. Philippines won the first period 17-14 and added 26-20 in the second frame. Taiwan however dominated the third period and grabbed 1-point lead after thirty minutes. With the game poised at 83:82 Jerie Pingoy (175-G-94) finished a 3-point play to nudge his team ahead. Lee Chua-ji converted one of the two free-throws to cut the deficit for Taipei, while Alejandro Rodolfo sank both his attempts from the foul-line to firm up the win. Jerie Pingoy stepped up with 25 points for the winners and Alejandro Rodolfo nailed 22. Rey Nambatac (179-G-94) delivered 10, while Javelosa Michael and Suarez Janus brought 6 each. Lin Kuan-Chun (184-G-95) ended up with 25 points in the losing case and Fang Shih-En as well as Lin Yu-Ping had 16 each. Huang Hung-Han delivered 9 points each in a loss.

Iran - Indonesia 97-26
Iran stormed past Indonesia in Day 5 of the 22nd Asia U18 Championship. Iran improved to 4-0 record in Group F after an easy 97:26 victory. Iran started with 29-9 and did not slow down even until the end of the game. They added massive 20-1 surge in the second frame and led 49:10 at the halftime. Indonesia managed to score 13 maximum 13 points in the third quarter, but got 21 from Iran. Moreover the latter added 27-3 in the last stanza to prove their ambitions for the top places. Saeid Bagheri (203-PF-94) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Mohammad Yazdanpanah (201-F-95) notched 16. Foroutannik Saleh and Rahmati Hossein followed them with 13 points apiece. Yerikho Tuasela (178-G-94) posted 9 in defeat and Adrianno Andre brought 6.

13-14 Place

Hong Kong - Mongolia 98-81
Hong Kong beat Mongolia to finish 13 th at the 22nd Asia U18 Championship. Hong Kong overcame the home side 98:81 to send Mongolia to 14th position. Mongolia actually started better and won the first period 26-23. The second quarter however was decisive in the game and brought 30-14 burst for the guests. Hong Kong grabbed 53:40 at the halftime and never looked behind after. Moreover they won the third period 20-19 and finished the game with 25-22. Tong Ho Man was the last to score for the winners to seal the last victory. Chung Ho Wa (181-G-94) stepped up with 21 points and Chang Yiu-Fai (168-PG-94) nailed 17. Leung Shiu Wah delivered 16, while Ho Chun Kit and Ng Chun Yan scored 9 each. Munkhnasan Lkhamjav (180-G-94) erupted with 31 points in the losing effort, whilst Chinzorig Enkhtaivan had 23 points and 10 rebounds.

15-16 Place

Singapore - Kazakhstan 59-76
Kazakhstan celebrated the first win at the U18 Asia Championship. It happened in the final game for the Kazakh team at the tournament. They held off Singapore to claim the 15th overall position at the tournament. Maxim Marchuk (195-F/G-94) tallied 15 points, 14 boards and 7 assists to lead the winners. Kazakhstan snatched a 22:15 lead after ten minutes of action. They managed to clear off in the second quarter. Maxim Rakhimov team gained a 39:23 halftime advantage. The margin grew at 25-point mark at the final break. Singapore could not recover and Kazakhstan cruised to the victory. Maxim Nalagov (196-C-94) accounted for 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Birzban Zhumabek added 13 points for the winners. Loon Tay Ding (185-PF-94) answered with 14 points for Singapore. Koh En Jia had 10 points in the loss.

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AUSTRALIA

Taipans re-sign Williams - by Hugh McAuliffe

The Skytrans Cairns Taipans are pleased to announce the re-signing of Cairns local and Far North fan favourite Kerry Williams (181-G-87) for the 2012/13 season.

Williams played in all 28 games for the Snakes last season after missing the entire 2010/11 season due to a serious knee injury he suffered in a pre-season game. Williams will, once again, join forces with Jamar Wilson to forge a formidable back court combination.

Williams is currently leading the Cairns Bartercard Marlins charge to the QBL playoffs, averaging 10.8 points per game and 5.1 assists. His hard nose defense combined with his control on the offensive end was a major influence in head coach, Aaron Fearne, making his final decision.

Kerry has had a strong off-season in the QBL and we are confident he will take his current form into the NBL season, said Fearne.

He understands our offensive and defensive systems and after having a good QBL season and injury free pre-season I am expecting him to have a greater impact this year.

Williams is the final contracted Australian player to join the Snakes, with an import announcement still to come.

The 2012/13 NBL season officially tips of on Saturday October 6 against North Queensland rivals, the Townsville Crocodiles.

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AUSTRIA

Hungary strike late, prevail against Austria - by Eurobasket News

Hungary - Austria 81:75

Hungary registered the first win in Group C of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. Laszlo Ratgeber team took down visiting Austria for 1-1 record. Austria fell at 1-2 record after the loss. Peter Lorant (206-PF-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) delivered 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the hosts.
Hungary led by a single point 14:13 after ten minutes. However Austria pulled in charge in the second frame. They went on a 12:2 run to ensure a 25:16 lead midway through the period. Austria arrived at halftime up by 5 points 38:33. The visitors opened an 8-point lead midway through the third quarter. Hungary returned the lead but Davor Lamesic (205-PF-83, agency: Interperformances) sank two free throws and sent Austria into the final frame up by one 59:58. The hosts opened the fourth frame on a 6:2 run to surge in front. Lanegger and Davor Lamesic returned the lead to Austria but Peter Lorant and Vojvoda made it 70:69 for Hungary. Hungary soon opened a 10-point lead 81:71. Austria could not recover and had to surrender at the end. Adam Hanga (200-SG-89, agency: Peter Lorant%20Andras&AgencyNm=TSS Management">TSS Management) finished with 17 points, while Obie Trotter (188-PG-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) provided 11 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in the victory. Rasid Mahalbasic (208-C-90) answered with 17 points for Austria. Davor Lamesic and Jason Detrick (195-SF-80, agency: Court Side, college: Oklahoma) chipped in 13 points each in the loss.

Hungary: Peter Lorant 19+10 boards, Adam Hanga 17, Obie Trotter 11
Austria: Rasid Mahalbasic 17, Davor Lamesic 13, Jason Detrick 13

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AZERBAIJAN

Sweden hold off Azerbaijan for first win - by Eurobasket News

Sweden - Azerbaijan 96:79

Sweden posted the first win at 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They powered past visiting Azerbaijan for 1-1 record in Group B. Christian Maraker (206-PF-82, college: Pacific) accounted for 19 points to lead the hosts.
Azerbaijan opened the game aggressively. The hosts set the tone scoring 25 points in the first ten minutes and taking a 10-point lead. It did not take long for Sweden to recover. The hosts organized a rally that put them within one at halftime 41:42. Jonas Jerebko (206-PF-87) allowed the hosts to spur in front early in the third term. Sweden piled up a 66:60 advantage heading into the fourth frame. Azerbaijan stayed close throughout the first part of the final quarter but then the visitors ran out of steam and Sweden capitalized. The home team went on a 13:3 run to post a 90:77 lead. Sweden did not look afterwards cruising to the victory. Jonas Jerebko delivered 18 points, 7 assists and 6 boards for Sweden. Kenny Grant (188-G-82, college: Davidson) added 14 points and 10 rebounds in the win. Jaycee Carroll (188-G-83, agency: Priority Sports) answered with 27 points for Azerbaijan. Rasim Bashak (200-F-80, agency: Court Side) had 24 points in the loss.

Sweden: Christian Maraker 19, Jonas Jerebko 18, Kenny Grant 14+10 boards
Azerbaijan: Jaycee Carroll 27, Rasim Bashak 24

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BAHRAIN

U18 Championship: Naser Mahamed leads Bahrain over Saudi Arabia - by Eurobasket News

Saudi Arabia U18-Bahrain U18 72:75

Mahamed Naser (191-F-97) leads Bahrain over Saudi Arabia in Day 5 of the 22nd Asia U18 Championship. He nailed 25 points as Bahrain grabbed important 75:72 win over the opponents. Bahrain improved to 1-3 record to keep the chances alive for the Quarterfinals, while Saudi Arabia fell at 0-4 record.
It was a real battle for the initial win in Group F. Both teams scored 15 points each in the first period, but then Bahrain erupted with 26-11 in the second frame for 15-point advantage at the halftime. Moreover they added 26-18 in the third period but could hardly win the game. Safwan Mohammed (203-C-94) reduced to 3 points at the end, while Waheed Faqihi (185-F-94) could not tie the game.
Mohammed Buallay (185-F-95) poured in 18 points and Ali Sayed Hasan (182-F-94) scored 13. Ali Hassan Shukralla collected 10 points and 11 rebounds in the winning effort. Nassir Abojalas (195-F-94) finished the game with massive 25 points and 20 rebounds, whilst Safwan Mohammed had 16 points and 11 boards. Waheed Faqihi notched 11 and Mohammed Alhosawe (173-G-94) poured in 10.

Saudi Arabia U18: Nassir Abojalas 25+20 rebs, Safwan Mohammed 16+11 rebs, Waheed Faqihi 11, Mohammed Alhosawe 10
Bahrain U18: Mahamed Naser 25, Mohammed Buallay 18, Ali Sayed Hasan 13, Ali Hassan Shukralla 10+11 rebs

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BELGIUM

Belgium destroy Switzerland in Antwerp - by Eurobasket News

Belgium-Switzerland 98:49

Belgium destroy Switzerland in Antwerp at the end of the third day at the 2013 Eurobasket Qualifiers. The hosts grabbed an easy 98:49 win as they clinched victories in all four quarters.
Belgium started with 27-8 and never looked behind after. They added 25-21 in the second frame and enjoyed 52:29 lead at the halftime.
Moreover the second half also belonged to the home side. Belgium won the third period 19-13 and finished the game with 27-7. Maxime De Zeeuw was the last to score in the game for the winning side.
Beye Tabu-Eboma (184-SG-85) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Pierre-Antoine Gillet (201-F-91) notched 13. Van Rossom Sam and De Zeeuw Maxime followed them with 10 points apiece.David Ramseier (203-F/C-87) replied with 13 points in defeat and Dusan Mladjan (198-SG-86, agency: Interperformances) brought 12.

Belgium: Beye Tabu-Eboma 18, Pierre-Antoine Gillet 13, Sam Van Rossom (188-PG-86) 10, Maxime De Zeeuw (205-PF-87) 10
Switzerland: David Ramseier 13, Dusan Mladjan 12

Unflexible Lions give no chance to their Swiss guests - by Bert Larsimont

After an excellent first quarter for the host team, the Lotto Arena attendance in Antwerp already understood that the Lions would reach a high score tonight. The visiting Swiss national team never seemed able to challenge the Belgian Lions of Coach Eddy Casteels in this EuroBasket 2013 qualifying round game (Group E).
The scoreboard showed 27-8 after ten minutes in this game. Led by excellent guards Jonathan Tabu (184-SG-85) and Sam Van Rossom (188-PG-86), the whole Belgian team played well in the first and second quarters.
After 52-29 at the half and despite several efforts by Swiss hardworking players Dusan Mladjan (198-SG-86) and David Ramseier (203-F/C-87) to reduce the gap, the Lions kept doing well offensively. It was 71-42 at the end of the third quarter. The hosts did not reach the three-digit mark of 100 in scoring but gave absolutely no chance to their guests who never reached the 50-point margin. The game ended with a dunk by Belgian tall guy Maxime De Zeeuw (205-PF-87) and the scoreboard eventually showed 98-49.

The Belgian Lions literally outscored the Swiss team in several sectors of the game: 23-6 in assists, 37-16 in rebounds, 16-5 in fast break points, 84.2% (16/19)-50% (11/22) in free-throw percentage, 12-3 in steals, 40-24 in points in the paint and 28-8 in bench points.

Best scorers:
Belgium: Moors 4, Van Rossom 10, Beghin 6, Mwema 8, Tabu 18, Marnegrave 3, Muya 9, Mukubu 8, De Zeeuw 10, Gillet 13, Iarochevitch 9.
Switzerland: Kazadi 6, Mladjan 12, Petkovic 4, D. Ramseier 13, Dos Santos 2, Stockalper 3, Vogt 4, Dubas 3, F. Ramseier 2.

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BELIZE

Mad-Croc Fuenlabrada gets bigger with Charles Garcia - by Eurobasket News (T)

Mad-Croc Fuenlabrada announced signing of Charles Garcia (206-F-88, college: Seattle) for the next season. He will play as Cotonou due to his Belize citizenship. Garcia spent last season in NBA D-League. He started it with the Sioux Falls Skyforce averaging 14.8 points and 6.5 rebounds for 23 games. In March, the player moved to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants adding 11.8 ppg and 6.9 rpg for 13 games. He participated at D-League All-Star Game. A year ago Charles Garcia won D-League title with Iowa Energy. During that season he also spent some time with Potros ITSON (Mexico), Utah Flash and Oyak Renault. He played for the University of Seattle in 2009/10 and was named All-Independent Player of the Year -10. Seattle won Independent Conference title. This summer Charles Garcia played for the Phoenix Suns at 2012 NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas. He had 9 ppg and 3.4 rpg for 5 games.

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BOSNIA

Georgia surprise Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News

Bosnia and Herzegovina - Georgia 95:96

Georgia stayed perfect at Group D of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They sneaked past Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo for 2-0 record. Jacob Pullen (183-PG-89, college: Kansas St.) scored 20 points to lead the visitors. Bosnia and Herzegovina suffered the first defeat and slipped at 2-1.
Georgia shocked the hosts in the opening ten minutes. The visitors went on a massive 28:9 run to leave the hosts far behind. Viktor Sanikidze (203-SF-86) pushed the margin to 21-point at the start of the second quarter. But Bosnia and Herzegovina started to wake up in the second frame. They got within 16-point mark at halftime 38:54. The hosts worked hard to narrow the gap at just 5 points 72:77 at the final break. Bosnia and Herzegovina would narrow the deficit at 2-point mark on several occasions in the final frame. Mirza Teletovic (205-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) drained a triple to make 95:96 with 26 seconds remaining. However the teams went scoreless in the dying seconds as Georgia escaped with victory at the end. Viktor Sanikidze posted 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Manuchar Markoishvili (196-SF-86) had 17 points for the winners. Mirza Teletovic replied with 27 points for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nihad Djedovic (198-F-90, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 20 points in the loss.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Mirza Teletovic 27, Nihad Djedovic 20
Georgia: Jacob Pullen 20, Viktor Sanikidze 19+11 boards, Manuchar Markoishvili 17

Terrible game opening too much to overcome - by Sead Buljina

EC Qualifications, 3rd Round: Bosnia - Georgia 95:96

Sarajevo, Arena: "Mirza Delibasic", Attendance: 7000

Bosnia: Avdibegovic Armin DNP, Masic Ante 17, Nurkic Jusuf DNP, Vrabac Adin DNP, Wright Zach 4 (15asts, 13 rebs, 4 stls), Buza Nedim DNP, Mitrovic Nemanja DNP, Kikanovic Elmedin 6, Teletovic Mirza 27, Persic Dalibor 8, Djedovic Nihad 20, Sinanovic Nedzad 13 (12 rbs, 21 min). Head coach: Aco Petrovic.

Georgia withstood a furious Bosnia and Herzegovina rally to escape Sarajevo with a 96-95 upset of the hosts.

Host have been chasing large deficit from the first quarter throughout the whole game. The first quarter ended with unbeliavable 9:28 guests' lead. Georgians just could not miss. Their naturalized player, Pullen even made a lucky 3-pointer off the backboard. At the same time, Bosnians could not hit the ocean.

Hosts have won remaining three periods. Carried by amazing fans' support Bosnian players have cut Georgia's lead to only 2 points with 8 minutes to go. From that point on it was a close game.
Zach Wright had an outstanding performance with 15 assists, 13 rebounds and 4 steals. Mirza Teletovic with 27 points led all scorers. However, turning point appeared to be Kikanovic's substitution by Nedzad Sinanovic who not only closed the paint on defensive end, changed bunch of oposing players' shots but also grabbed 12 rebounds while scoring 13 points in only 21 minutes of playing time.
Guests did lead from the first quarter but the home team came charging back and it came down to a furious final few seconds. Mirza Teletovic nailed a three-pointer for the Bosnians to make it a one-point game with 26 seconds. Bosnia defended the next Georgian posession well and had 6 seconds left on the clock for the final shot. Following a time-out in a down-to-wire game host players failed to score for a win.
It is worth mentioning that Bosnian National team head coach Aco Petrovic included juniors Adin Vrabac (1994), Jusuf Nurkic (1994) and Nedim Buza (1995) to the roster for
tonight's game. Bosnia could not count on injured PG Josip Naletilic who can play decent 5-10 minutes just like Armin Avdibegovic. That would give Zach Wright much needed breather.
Our National team plays next qualification game for 2013 EC against Romania on Friday. Romania head coach is famous Bosnian coach Mladen Ostojic. Zack Wright (188-G-85, college: Central Mo.)

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BULGARIA

Germany defeat Bulgaria in Sofia - by Eurobasket News

Bulgaria - Germany 70:82

Germany celebrated the second straight win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They knocked down Bulgaria in Sofia to improve at 2-0 record in Group B. Bulgaria in the meantime suffered the second straight loss and slipped at 1-2. Jan-Hendrik Jagla (211-PF-81, college: Penn St.) came up with 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the visitors.
Germany opened the game with seven points in a row. They soon opened a double-digit lead but Cedric Simmons (206-F/C-86, college: N.Carolina St.) capped the frame with a three-pointer to put Bulgaria within 8 points 14:22. Lucca Staiger (195-SG-88, college: Iowa St.) and Jan-Hendrik Jagla gave Germany a 30:16 lead early in the second frame. The hosts crowned the half with five points in a row to narrow the gap at 13-point mark 28:41. Germany maintained the lead well throughout the third term. They arrived at the final intermission up by 8 points 58:50. Chavdar Kostov (195-SG-88, agency: Interperformances) and Avramov put the home team within six points but Germany quickly restored a 12-point lead and never looked back en route to the victory. Per Guenther (185-G-88) provided 16 points, while Lucca Staiger and Heiko Schaffartzik (183-PG-84) had 12 points each for the winners. Chester Cedric Simmons answered with 21 points and 9 boards for Bulgaria. Chavdar Kostov netted 11 points in the loss.

Bulgaria: Cedric Simmons 21, Chavdar Kostov 11
Germany: Jan-Hendrik Jagla 19+10 boards, Per Guenther 16, Lucca Staiger 12, Heiko Schaffartzik 12+10 assists

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CAPE VERDE

Cape Verde National Team 2012 - by Kristian Santiago

That is the current roster of Cape Verde in the Zone II qualifiers:

4 B.J. Monteiro (195-G/F-90, agency: Two Points) - Liege (BEL)
5 Jean Claude Rodrigues
6 Ivan Almeida (198-G-89, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Stonehill) - Bairro
7 Clayton Timas - Worcester State (USA)
8 Mario Correia (189-G-78, college: Bryant) - Primeiro Agosto (ANG)
9 Joel Almeida (195-F-85, college: Brockport St.) - Bairro
10 Pedro Silva (198-F-79)
11 Betinho - Academica do Mindelo
12 Walter Tavares C La Palma (ESP)
13 Brian Rudolph (180-G-88) - Loyola Md. (USA)
14 Kevin Coronel "Kony" - Academica do Mindelo
15 Rodrigo Mascarenhas (197-F-80) ASA (ANG)

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CHINA

China Tops Syria 101-71 as Korea Blasts Lebanon 95-63 - by Arthur Volbert

As expected, China defeated Syria 101-71 in the FIBA Asia U-18 Championship setting up a confrontation with undefeated Korea tomorrow. Korea smashed Lebanon 95-63.

Wang Zhelin led China with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Li Jinglong (195-F-95) had 19 points and 4 rebounds. Li Qi had 17 points and 6 rebounds. Dai Huaibo had 15 points and 3 rebounds, Luo Hanchen had 9 points and 7 assists. Gao Shang scored 8 in 11 minutes. Zhou Qi was scoreless with 3 rebounds in 11 minutes, with 4 fouls and 3 turnovers.

Ockba Baghajati had 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for Syria.

Link to box score:
http://www.fibaasia.net/UserImages/BSF0120128212487.PDF

Other games:
Philippines 88 Chinese Taipei 83
Iran 97 Indonesia 26
Bahrain 75 Saudi Arabia 72
Japan 100 India 71
Kazakhstan 76 Singapore 59
Hong Kong 98 Mongolia 81

GROUP E
Team W L Pts GA
China (CHN) 4 0 08 1.6691
Korea (KOR) 4 0 08 1.4532
Lebanon (LIB) 2 2 06 0.9043
Syria (SYR) 1 3 05 0.8129
Japan (JPN) 1 3 05 0.8091
India (IND) 0 4 04 0.6364

GROUP F
Team W L Pts GA
Iran, I.R. (IRI) 4 0 08 1.5921
Philippines (PHI) 3 1 07 1.1828
Chinese Taipei (TPE) 3 1 07 1.1299
Indonesia (INA) 1 3 05 0.8812
Bahrain (BRN) 1 3 05 0.8585
Saudi Arabia, K. (KSA) 0 4 04 0.6479

U18 Championship: China pile up scalps in Ulaanbaatar - by Eurobasket News

China U18 - Syria U18 101:71

China delivered another victory at U18 Asia Championship. They knocked down Syria for the fifth win in a row at the tournament. They share the top place in Group E with South Korea. Wang Zhelin (215-C/F-94) accounted for 22 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge.
China eked out an 18:11 lead to take a 7-point lead after ten minutes. The margin grew at 20-point mark midway through the second quarter. China established a 45:25 halftime advantage. China stayed in charge throughout the third term. They recorded a 76:49 lead at the final intermission. China did not slow down in the fourth quarter rolling to a comfortable win at the end. Li Jinglong (195-F-95) netted 19 points, while Li Qi (198-F-95) added 17 points for the winners. Ockba Baghajati (182-G-94) answered with 22 points for Syria. Mouhammad Shahin (192-F-94) had 12 points and 8 boards in defeat.

China U18: Wang Zhelin 22+11 boards, Li Jinglong 19, Li Qi 17
Syria U18: Ockba Baghajati 22, Mouhammad Shahin 12

Yi Jianlian's preference is to play in NBA - by Eurobasket News

Jianlian Yi (7'0''-PF-87), who is reportedly receiving high levels of interest from top flight European teams, including Real Madrid, is committed to playing in the NBA next season.

Speaking to NetEase on Sunday, Lu Yu, a member of Yis representative team, said that although there has been communication with European teams, Europe is at this point a secondary option.

For now, were not considering playing in Spain, said Lu. I can only say that Yis first choice is to return to the NBA.

But after averaging career lows in points and rebounds last season for the Dallas Mavericks, it appears unlikely that there is a market for the seven-footers services in the NBA this year. Another issue is a strained MCL, which Yi suffered in the Olympics against Australia, which may be another major reason why teams have cooled their interest. Yi has struggled with staying healthy in the past, having never played more than 66 games in any of his five seasons.

With what looks to be a tough road back to the NBA, Europe may be Yis only choice. Yesterday, Spanish site Encestando reported that Yi is looking for a US $2.5 million salary from Real Madrid next season. That figure, however, looks to be too high for the Spanish giants, who like many other teams in that region, are dealing with a spiraling European economy. Yis salary, in addition to the considerable taxes that the club will have to pay on top of it, appears to be too much of a financial burden to carry, reports Encestando. In combination with his MCL, the exact severity of which is unknown at present, and Yi to Spain appears to be far from a done deal.

**UPDATE**

French outlet, BasketNews, is reporting that Real Madrid have cut off negotiations after considering Yis salary demands.

Courtesy of www.niubball.com

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COSTA RICA

USJ Arba triumphed in Clausura - by Gianni Pascucci

Last week, Coopenae-USJ ARBA San Ramon claimed the Clausura Tournment of LBS defeating in decisive game of Final Series Ferreteria Brenes Barva 90-81.
The Finals ended 2-1 for USJ Arba, and import player Greg Plater (185-G-89, college: Long Beach St.) was the game MVP with 30 points in the third game. The top performers at the losing side were Carlos Quesada (198-C-85) with 17 points, Rohel Wilson (197-F/C-89) and Amir Alvarado (198-F-84, college: Marshalltown CC) with 16 pts each
USJ Arba is now playing the National Series vs. the winner of Apertura Tournment, Sanatura. The series winner will bve the 2012 National Champion.

National Final Series are on 2-1 for Sanatura - by Gianni Pascucci

After that Sanatura had won the first two games of the National Finals, Coopenae USJ Arba San Ramon won Game 3 on the road, 80-74, forcing Sanatura to play another game, this time in San Ramon.
With 18 points apiece, Kay Martinez (198-G-84, college: Jackson St.), Daniel Simmons (194-F/C-80) and Greg Plater (185-G-89, college: Long Beach St.) led USJ Arba to the win.
Game 4 will be played on Friday, August 24 and Game 5, if necessary, is scheduled for sunday 26. See here down teh resume of the first three games

Game 1 Sanatura - Coopenae USJ Arba 82-75
Game 2 Coopenae USJ Arba - Sanatura 77-85
Game 3 Sanatura - Coopenae USJ Arba 74-80

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CROATIA

Croatia survive thriller in Kyiv - by Eurobasket News

Ukraine - Croatia 79:80 (OT)

Croatia celebrated the second straight victory at the start of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying campaign. They survived overtime drama in Kyiv to gain 2-0 record in Group C. Ukraine suffered the first loss and fell at 2-1 record. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SG-89) topscored with 20 points for Croatia. He drained a decisive three-pointer late in overtime to win the game for the visitors.
Ukraine stayed confident throughout the opening quarter. They secured a 22:18 lead at the first break. The margin grew at 8-point mark midway through the second term 29:21. Croatia were able to narrow the gap at 2-point mark at halftime 36:38. Ukraine kept Croatia behind throughout the third frame. The hosts entered the fourth stanza up by one 53:52. Croatia triggered an 8:0 run that put the Balkan team in front 65:61 with just over four minutes remaining in regulation. Ukraine returned the lead after free throws by Zabirchenko 67:65 with just over two minutes remaining. Bojan Bogdanovic tied things up and Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85, agency: Beo Basket) put Croatia in front once again but Steven Burtt (185-G-84, college: Iona) drew things level at 69. Ukic was put on the stripe with 2 seconds remaining in regulation but missed both shots to send the game into overtime. Ukraine led throughout the bigger part of overtime however Bojan Bogdanovic nailed a late triple and sealed the victory for Croatia. Krunoslav Simon netted 15 points, while Damir Markota (209-F-85) added 14 points for the winners. Viacheslav Kravtsov (212-C-87, agency: Beo Basket) responded with 14 points for Ukraine. Steven Burtt, Artur Drozdov (200-SF-80) and Pecherov had 11 points each in the loss.

Ukraine: Viacheslav Kravtsov 14, Steven Burtt 11, Artur Drozdov 11, Pecherov 11
Croatia: Bojan Bogdanovic 20, Krunoslav Simon 15, Damir Markota 14

Jaksa Vulic to coach Cedevita juniors - by Eurobasket News (T)

Jaksa Vulic will work next season with Cedevita junior team. He replaces Veljko Mrsic, who took over Cibona earlier this summer. Vulic won the gold medal with Croatian juniors at U18 EuroBasket in Lithuania. He was named Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U18 Best Coach -12. The coach led U18 Croatia also last summer at U18 EuroBasket in Wroclaw. Last two seasons Jaksa Vulic worked with youth selections of Siroki. From 2008 to 2010, he was Head Coach of Dubrava Zagreb. In the past, Vulic also worked as HC of Cedevita, Siroki and Zagreb. In 2006, he was named Eurobasket.com All-Bosnia and Hertzegovina League Coach of the Year -06. He won the Bosnian Cup with Siroki. As a player, Jaksa Vulic was a member of Zagreb, Vinkovci and Botinec.

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ESTONIA

EUROCHALLENGE

EUROCUP

Henry Domercant inks 1+1 year deal with Galatasaray - by Eurobasket News (T)

Henry Domercant (194-G-80, college: E.Illinois) officially became a new member of Galatasaray Medical Park. The player signed 1+1 year deal with his new club. Domercant spent last season with Unics Kazan averaging 15.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists for 19 Euroleague games. He was fifth scorer of the competition helping Unics to reach the Quarterfinals in their debut Euroleague season. Domercant played 21 games in Russian league collecting 11.7 ppg and 2.8 rpg, while in VTB United League he added 13.1 ppg and 2.8 rpg for 18 appearances. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-VTB League Player of the Year -12. He was also named to Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague 2nd Team -12. Before Unics, Henry Domercant played one year for Spartak St. Petersburg. He also has experience from Montepaschi, Dynamo Moscow, Olympiakos, Efes Pilsen and Karsiyaka. Few years ago Domercant received Bosnian citizenship and played for their NT at 2011 EuroBasket. He had 13.2 ppg and 3.4 rpg for 5 games in Lithuania.

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EUROLEAGUE

Real Madrid lands rebounding ace Marcus Slaughter - by Eurobasket News (T)

Real Madrid signed a 2-year deal with Marcus Slaughter (204-C/F-85, college: San Diego St.). The player was one of the best Euroleague rebounders last season. Slaughter played for Brose Baskets Bamberg collecting 11.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.8 spg and 1.3 bpg for 10 Euroleague games. He was ranked sixth in performance index ranking (17.7 per game), third in rebounding, second in blocks and tied for third in steals in Euroleague regular season. The player averaged 8.4 points and 4.9 rebounds in 44 German league games helping Bamberg to defend the title. He participated at the All-Star Game. Before Bamberg, Marcus Slaughter played for Valladolid. There he registered 9.9 ppg and 6 rpg in 34 ACB league games. In 2009/10, he played for Nancy and year before that the player spent with Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. He also has experience from Gravelines, Hapoel Jerusalem and Karsiyaka. Slaughter is a product of San Diego State University.

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Standings Div.A (Men)

Standings

Group Qualification Gr.A
1. Montenegro.		3-0
2. Serbia		2-1
3. Estonia		2-1
4. Iceland		1-2
5. Israel		1-2
6. Slovakia		0-3
Group Qualification Gr.B
1. Germany		2-0
2. Azerbaijan.		2-1
3. Sweden		1-1
4. Bulgaria		1-2
5. Luxembourg.		0-2
Group Qualification Gr.C
1. Croatia		2-0
2. Ukraine		2-1
3. Hungary		1-1
4. Austria		1-2
5. Cyprus		0-2
Group Qualification Gr.D
1. Georgia		2-0
2. Bosnia		2-1
3. Latvia		1-1
4. Romania		1-1
5. Holland		0-3
Group Qualification Gr.E
1. Belgium		2-0
2. Finland		2-0
3. Poland		1-2
4. Switzerlan.		1-2
5. Albania		0-2
Group Qualification Gr.F
1. Italy		3-0
2. Czech Rep.		2-1
3. Turkey		1-1
4. Portugal		0-2
5. Belarus		0-2

Qualifying Round: Round 3

Aug. 21: BEL - SUI 98-49

Aug. 21: SWE - AZE 96-79

Aug. 21: BIH - GEO 95-96
Aug. 21: LAT - NED 85-70

Aug. 21: ISL - ISR 83-110

Aug. 21: HUN - AUT 81-75

Aug. 21: POL - FIN 79-81

Aug. 21: UKR - CRO 79-80 OT

Aug. 21: ITA - TUR 78-69

Aug. 21: SVK - SRB 71-93

Aug. 21: BUL - GER 70-82

Aug. 21: POR - CZE 67-74

Aug. 21: EST - MNT 64-77

Qualifying Round: Round 4

Aug. 24: SVK - ISR
Aug. 24: SRB - EST
Aug. 24: MNT - ISL

Aug. 24: LUX - BUL
Aug. 24: GER - SWE

Aug. 24: CRO - HUN
Aug. 24: CYP - UKR

Aug. 24: ROM - BIH
Aug. 24: GEO - LAT

Aug. 24: FIN - BEL
Aug. 24: ALB - POL

Aug. 24: BLR - ITA
Aug. 24: TUR - POR

EuroBasket 2013 Qualifying Round. Day 3 - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Estonia - Montenegro 64-77
Montenegro reach third straight win in Group A of the EuroBasket qualifiers as they beat Estonia. The guests grabbed 77:64 for 3-0 record on top. Montenegro took 17:9 after the first period and added 16-14 in the second frame. Sokk and Arbert reduced to 5 points early in eh third, while Blagota Sekulic (209-C-82, agency: FCM) increased to 46:35. Bjelica nailed some free throws to close the period at 54:40. No matter how hard Estonia tried to catch up, they managed to reduce only to final 13 points. Dorbek Gert scored the last points for the home side. Sehovic Suad top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Dasic Vladimir netted 15. Blagota Sekulic delivered 12, whilst Dubljevic Bojan added 10 points and 11 rebounds. Dorbek Gert replied with 16 points in the losing effort and Janar Talts (207-PF-83) as well as Vene Siim-Sander had 11 each. Kangur Kristjan followed them with 10 points in a loss.

Iceland - Israel 83-110
Israel overcame Iceland in Group A of the 2013 Eurobasket Qualifiers. The Israeli team grabbed 110:83 away from home for the initial success. Israel improved to 1-2 record, while Iceland fell at the same record. Israel took massive 29-19 lead and continued their dominance in the first half. They added 21-17 in the second period and enjoyed 50:36 halftime advantage. The third quarter was a disaster for the home side that allowed the guests to explode with 30-15 for a massive lead. Yivzori nailed three to bring three digit number for the guests in the game with 3 minutes to go. His another three-pointer was the last for his team in the game as Israel had 110 points in the board for the win. Casspi and Limonad top-scored for the winners with 17 point and Tyus notched 16. Halperin poured in 13, while Yogev Ohayon (190-PG-87) added 11. Palsson finished the game with 19 points in the losing effort and Stefansson brought 17. Hlynur Baeringsson (197-F-82) notched 15, whilst Sigurdarson had 14.

Slovakia - Serbia 71-93
Serbia earned the second win at 2013 EuroBasket Qualification. They overcame Slovak Republic on the road to improve at 2-1 record in Group A. Slovak Republic suffered the third loss in a row and remained at the bottom of the ladder. Milos Teodosic (195-PG-87) came up with 15 points and 7 assists to lead the visitors. The teams stayed on fire throughout the opening quarter. They teamed up for 50 points as Serbia eked out a 26:24 lead. Serbia stayed red hot in the second term. They knocked down 30 points more though Slovak Republic could not match the effort and faced a 17-point deficit at halftime 39:56. Serbia held their opponents to 13 points in the third term to accumulate a 27-point lead. Slovak Republic outscored the visitors in the fourth period but could not avoid another loss. Nenad Krstic had 14 points, while Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) added 11 points and 9 rebounds in the victory. Anton Gavel (188-PG-84, agency: Pro One Sports) answered with 26 points and 7 assists for Slovak Republic. Martin Sykora (193-G/F-81) had 12 points in the loss.

Group B

Sweden - Azerbaijan 96-79
Sweden posted the first win at 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They powered past visiting Azerbaijan for 1-1 record in Group B. Christian Maraker (206-PF-82, college: Pacific) accounted for 19 points to lead the hosts. Azerbaijan opened the game aggressively. The hosts set the tone scoring 25 points in the first ten minutes and taking a 10-point lead. It did not take long for Sweden to recover. The hosts organized a rally that put them within one at halftime 41:42. Jonas Jerebko (206-PF-87) allowed the hosts to spur in front early in the third term. Sweden piled up a 66:60 advantage heading into the fourth frame. Azerbaijan stayed close throughout the first part of the final quarter but then the visitors ran out of steam and Sweden capitalized. The home team went on a 13:3 run to post a 90:77 lead. Sweden did not look afterwards cruising to the victory. Jonas Jerebko delivered 18 points, 7 assists and 6 boards for Sweden. Kenny Grant (188-G-82, college: Davidson) added 14 points and 10 rebounds in the win. Jaycee Carroll (188-G-83, agency: Priority Sports) answered with 27 points for Azerbaijan. Rasim Bashak had 24 points in the loss.

Bulgaria - Germany 70-82
Germany celebrated the second straight win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They knocked down Bulgaria in Sofia to improve at 2-0 record in Group B. Bulgaria in the meantime suffered the second straight loss and slipped at 1-2. Jan-Hendrik Jagla came up with 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the visitors. Germany opened the game with seven points in a row. They soon opened a double-digit lead but Cedric Simmons capped the frame with a three-pointer to put Bulgaria within 8 points 14:22. Lucca Staiger and Jan-Hendrik Jagla gave Germany a 30:16 lead early in the second frame. The hosts crowned the half with five points in a row to narrow the gap at 13-point mark 28:41. Germany maintained the lead well throughout the third term. They arrived at the final intermission up by 8 points 58:50. Chavdar Kostov (195-SG-88, agency: Interperformances) and Avramov put the home team within six points but Germany quickly restored a 12-point lead and never looked back en route to the victory. Per Guenther provided 16 points, while Lucca Staiger and Heiko Schaffartzik (183-PG-84) had 12 points each for the winners. Chester Cedric Simmons answered with 21 points and 9 boards for Bulgaria. Chavdar Kostov netted 11 points in the loss.

Group C

Ukraine - Croatia 79-80 OT
Croatia celebrated the second straight victory at the start of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying campaign. They survived overtime drama in Kyiv to gain 2-0 record in Group C. Ukraine suffered the first loss and fell at 2-1 record. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SG-89) topscored with 20 points for Croatia. He drained a decisive three-pointer late in overtime to win the game for the visitors. Ukraine stayed confident throughout the opening quarter. They secured a 22:18 lead at the first break. The margin grew at 8-point mark midway through the second term 29:21. Croatia were able to narrow the gap at 2-point mark at halftime 36:38. Ukraine kept Croatia behind throughout the third frame. The hosts entered the fourth stanza up by one 53:52. Croatia triggered an 8:0 run that put the Balkan team in front 65:61 with just over four minutes remaining in regulation. Ukraine returned the lead after free throws by Zabirchenko 67:65 with just over two minutes remaining. Bojan Bogdanovic tied things up and Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85, agency: Beo Basket) put Croatia in front once again but Steven Burtt drew things level at 69. Ukic was put on the stripe with 2 seconds remaining in regulation but missed both shots to send the game into overtime. Ukraine led throughout the bigger part of overtime however Bojan Bogdanovic nailed a late triple and sealed the victory for Croatia. Krunoslav Simon netted 15 points, while Damir Markota added 14 points for the winners. Viacheslav Kravtsov responded with 14 points for Ukraine. Steven Burtt, Artur Drozdov (200-SF-80) and Pecherov had 11 points each in the loss.

Hungary - Austria 81-75
Hungary registered the first win in Group C of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. Laszlo Ratgeber team took down visiting Austria for 1-1 record. Austria fell at 1-2 record after the loss. Peter Lorant delivered 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the hosts. Hungary led by a single point 14:13 after ten minutes. However Austria pulled in charge in the second frame. They went on a 12:2 run to ensure a 25:16 lead midway through the period. Austria arrived at halftime up by 5 points 38:33. The visitors opened an 8-point lead midway through the third quarter. Hungary returned the lead but Davor Lamesic (205-PF-83, agency: Interperformances) sank two free throws and sent Austria into the final frame up by one 59:58. The hosts opened the fourth frame on a 6:2 run to surge in front. Lanegger and Davor Lamesic returned the lead to Austria but Peter Lorant and Vojvoda made it 70:69 for Hungary. Hungary soon opened a 10-point lead 81:71. Austria could not recover and had to surrender at the end. Adam Hanga finished with 17 points, while Obie Trotter provided 11 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in the victory. Rasid Mahalbasic (208-C-90) answered with 17 points for Austria. Davor Lamesic and Jason Detrick chipped in 13 points each in the loss.

Group D

Latvia - Holland 85-70
Latvia earned the first win at 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They held off visiting Netherlands in Riga. Rihards Kuksiks chipped in 28 points to lead the hosts. Netherlands fell at 0-3 record in Group D after the defeat. The teams stayed tied after ten minutes 22:22. Latvia pulled in front in the second quarter. The hosts accumulated a 40:36 halftime lead. Latvia maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. Rihards Kuksiks nailed 11 points in the period as Latvia secured a 60:51 lead heading into the fourth frame. Jansen, Henk Norel and Kees Akerboom (200-SF-83, agency: Court Side) pulled the Dutch team within two points 65:67 midway through the final frame. However Latvia immediately responded with 12:3 rally to restore a safe cushion. Latvia kept their opponents at bay in the dying moments and sealed the victory. Kaspars Berzins had 13 points, while Davis Bertans (205-SF-92) netted 16 points in the win. Netherlands answered with 16 points from Henk Norel. Kees Akerboom banked 13 points in defeat.

Bosnia - Georgia 95-96
Georgia stayed perfect at Group D of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They sneaked past Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo for 2-0 record. Jacob Pullen scored 20 points to lead the visitors. Bosnia and Herzegovina suffered the first defeat and slipped at 2-1. Georgia shocked the hosts in the opening ten minutes. The visitors went on a massive 28:9 run to leave the hosts far behind. Viktor Sanikidze (203-SF-86) pushed the margin to 21-point at the start of the second quarter. But Bosnia and Herzegovina started to wake up in the second frame. They got within 16-point mark at halftime 38:54. The hosts worked hard to narrow the gap at just 5 points 72:77 at the final break. Bosnia and Herzegovina would narrow the deficit at 2-point mark on several occasions in the final frame. Mirza Teletovic (205-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) drained a triple to make 95:96 with 26 seconds remaining. However the teams went scoreless in the dying seconds as Georgia escaped with victory at the end. Viktor Sanikidze posted 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Manuchar Markoishvili (196-SF-86) had 17 points for the winners. Mirza Teletovic replied with 27 points for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nihad Djedovic nailed 20 points in the loss.

Group E

Belgium - Switzerland 98-49
Belgium destroy Switzerland in Antwerp at the end of the third day at the 2013 Eurobasket Qualifiers. The hosts grabbed an easy 98:49 win as they clinched victories in all four quarters. Belgium started with 27-8 and never looked behind after. They added 25-21 in the second frame and enjoyed 52:29 lead at the halftime. Moreover the second half also belonged to the home side. Belgium won the third period 19-13 and finished the game with 27-7. De Zeeuw Maxime was the last to score in the game for the winning side. Tabu-Eboma Beye top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Pierre-Antoine Gillet (201-F-91) notched 13. Sam Van Rossom (188-PG-86) and De Zeeuw Maxime followed them with 10 points apiece.

Poland - Finland 79-81
Finland shock Poland in Koszalin in front of 3000 fans. The Nordic side grabbed valuable 81:79 win as Koponen Petteri made a free throw at the end of the game. It was a real thriller in the court. Both teams scored 22 points each in the first period and only in the second frame Finland took 2-point advantage after 20-18. Poland meanwhile replied with the same score in the third period and tied the game after three quarters. Berisha Dardan later made the same at 70:70 and Michal Ignerski (207-F-80, agency: Stanley International, college: Mississippi St.) nailed three for 73:72. Huff Shawn and Koivisto nailed threes for 78:75, while Poland could reduce just to one point. Koponen Petteri made a free throw at the end of the game to seal the victory with Finland. Koponen Petteri poured in 26 points for the winners and Huff Shawn added 15. Lee Gerald notched 13, whilst Hanno Mottola (209-PF-76, college: Utah) added 11. Michal Ignerski answered with 22 points in the losing effort and Berisha Dardan brought 16. Marcin Gortat (213-C-84) collected 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Skibniewski Robert delivered 9.

Group F

Italy - Turkey 78-69
Italy clinched the third straight win in Group F of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They held off Turkey in Sassari. Italy remained on top of the ladder at 3-0 record, while Turkey slipped at 1-1. Luigi Datome (203-F-87) top-scored with 23 points for the Azzurri. The visitors jumped to an early advantage. Turkey gained an 18:14 lead after ten minutes. The margin grew at 8-point mark early in the second quarter. Arslan soon gave Turkey a 10-point lead. But Italy managed to cut the deficit to 4 points at the interval 32:36. Turkey maintained the lead throughout intense third quarter. The visitors entered the final stanza up by four points 55:51. Arslan, Gonlum and Erden made it 61:51 for Turkey at the start of the final frame. However Luigi Datome drained a triple to trigger an 18:1 run from the Azzurri as they posted a 71:64 lead with under three minutes to go. Italy never looked back afterwards marching to the victory. Daniel Hackett (200-PG-87, agency: Two Points, college: USC) finished with 15 points, while Danilo Gallinari accounted for 16 points and 11 boards for Italy. Emir Preldzic and Ilkan Karaman answered with 14 points apiece for Turkey.

Portugal-Czech Republic 67:74

Czech Republic closed Day 3 with the win over Portugal at the 2013 EuroBasket qualifying round. The guests grabbed 74:67 win in Feijo in front of 1500 fans.
Czech Republic did not waste time and started with 24-10 in the first period. The victory however was not that easy later in the game. Portugal produced 24-19 in the second frame as Gomes Joao reduced to 41:34. Lubos Barton (202-SF-80, college: Valparaiso) meanwhile brought 50:36 for the guests and Vojtech Hruban (200-G/F-89) scored for 58:44. Portugal tried hard to recover and managed to reduce to 4 points with 1 minute to go. Pumprla Pavel's however nailed three with the buzzer for the final success.
Benda Petr top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Vojtech Hruban netted 12. Pumprla Pavel poured in 11, whilst Lubos Barton scored 9. Silva Jaime replied with 20 points in the losing effort and Gomes Joao brought 10.

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FINLAND

EUROBASKET: Finland won the thriller - by Rauno Hurmalainen

EuroBasket, Qualifying Round, Group E: Poland playing the third game and second game at home, visitor Finland having the second contest, first time on the road tonight in Koszalin, Poland. It became a thriller, though Finland had a 11-point-lead already during the third quarter. And Finland won the thriller finally by two 79-81 (40-42). Quarters: 22-22, 18-20, 20-18, 19-21. The hosts won the rebounds 33-28, but could not stop Finnish PG Petteri Koponen (194-PG-88), who scored already during the first half 18 points and totally 26 pts in the game. Shawn Huff (198-SF-84, college: Valparaiso) added 15 pts and Gerald Lee Jr (208-C-87, college: ODU) 13 pts. Michal Ignerski (207-F-80, agency: Stanley International, college: Mississippi St.) led Poland with 22 pts. Poland is still without a victory at home as also Belgium succeeded to defeat Poland. Finland record is now 2-0 and the next opponent will be Belgium!
Poland - Finland 79-81 (40-42). P: Michal Ignerski 22, Dardan Berisha 16/4s, Marcin Gortat 13/11/3b. 1 - 75,0% (18/24), 2 - 43,8% (14/32), 3 - 45,8% (11/24). - F: Petteri Koponen 26/5a, Shawn Huff 15, Gerald Lee Jr 13/5. 1 - 81,0% (17/21), 2 - 47,6% (20/42), 3 - 50,0% (8/16).
Next game: Finland - Belgium on Friday, August 24 at 7 p.m. in Helsinki.

Location: Koszalin,Poland - by Pekka Salminen

Yours truly has joined senior national team time anti is time for European Championship qualifications. Group of five, two teams will qualify, thats the name of the game.

I joined the team after U20 program at Turkey where we lost to the hosts and beat Iran. Had a rough start in the Turkey game, got our act together in the second half and kept on playing well against Iran.

Next stop was Germany.
Lost to Germany but beat Turkey, which of course was a great self-confidence boost for us.

Basketball has taken me to a lot of countries and it was a great experience to travel to a country I have not visited before. My first scouting trip took me to a new country/experience: Albania. Have to teal U this much: A nice trip, beautiful country and the hospitality was something great.

Susijengi (wolf pack, our nickname) started the qualifications at home vs Albania, took a W after great performance in the first half.

We will have tough games ahead, first challenge will be Poland (tomorrow). Then Belgium will travel to Helsinki (game on Friday) and the we will play at Switzerland on Tuesday.
This is an exhausting schedule, but no excuses, no whining, no complaining. We are capable and ready

Meanwhile preparation for upcoming domestic season keeps on rolling at Honka. I have found it kind of hard to be at two different places at the same time, have tried but a great coaching team a must in this situation and at Honka we have that, we really do. And we have good players as well, have completed the domestic spots, 1-2 imports more and we will be more than ready . Our goal is to take Honka back to the league.

By the way, this upcoming season the league will be played first time ever without team from Helsinki area. When I was young ( a long time ago) there was five team from that area! We are from the area (Espoo, neighboring city to Helsinki), so next year

Time to go, video meeting.
Over and out.

P

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FRANCE

STB Le Havre tab Michael Thompson - by Eurobasket (T)

STB Le Havre strengthened their roster with addition of 23-year old American point guard Michael Thompson (177-86kg-89, college: Northwestern). He played most recently at Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt in German BBL. While playing 6 German BBL games for Fraport SKY last season Thompson averaged 7.0ppg, 4.0rpg and 3.3apg. He played also 27 games in German BBL where he had 8.5ppg, 1.7rpg and 1.7apg. Thompson graduated Northwestern University in 2011 and it will be his second season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Roman Virastiuk joins Boulazac - by Eurobasket News (T)

Boulazac added young talent to their roster. They invited Roman Virastiuk (207-C/F-92) for a try-out period. The Ukrainian centre played for BC Kyiv before. Last season Roman Virastiuk averaged 0.6 points per game in Superleague. He mostly played for the junior team. The centre was the member of U16, U18 and U20 Ukrainian National Teams. Roman Virastiuk participated at U20 European Championship with Ukraine this summer. He notched 3.0 points and 2.0 rebounds per game in Slovenia.
Boulazac have already confirmed 10 players for the upcoming season. They are Arnaud Kerckhof (193-PG-84), Darnell Harris (181-G-86, college: La Salle), Osiris Eldridge (191-G-88, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois St.), Thomas Dubiez (195-SG-80), Justin Hawkins (201-SF-85, agency: Two Points, college: N.Mexico St.), Yannick Gaillou (195-SF-79), Amadi McKenzie (201-PF-86, college: Tenn Tech), Darryl Monroe (202-C/F-86, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: George Mason), Mehdi Cheriet (204-PF-87, college: San Diego St.) and David Ramseier (203-F/C-87).

Antibes bring in Tim Blue - by Eurobasket News (T)

Tim Blue (205-F-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.) will continue his career in France. He has agreed on terms of contract with Antibes. The forward has already joined training sessions with his new team. Tom Blue spent the last season in Finland. He played for KTP Basket Kotka. Tim Blue averaged 23.2 points, 10.4 boards, 1.8 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 steal per game in Korisliiga. Eurobasket.com named Tim Blue All-Finnish Korisliiga Forward of the Year. He also made it into Finnish Korisliiga All-Defensive Team. Previously Tim Blue played in Netherlands and Germany. He participated at Dutch League All-Star Games in 2008, 2009 and 2010. The forward made it into All-Dutch Eredivisie 2nd Team in 2009.

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GEORGIA

GERMANY

Petar Popovic Signs With The Artland Dragons - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber (T)

The Artland Dragons have gained experience at the center position with Petar Popovic (211-C-79) giving him a one year deal. Popovic is a 33 year old 211 cm center from Serbia. He is a very experienced center, who knows ho to play back-to-the basket and has good fundamentals. He isn' t an explosive leaper, neither a shot-blocker, and probably he grabs less rebounds than expected, but he' s a good inside presence defensively and has enough soft hands to score in double digits any night. Last season, he played for Crvena Zvezda Beograd (A League, starting five): Adriatic League: 25 games: 11.2ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 54.4%, FT: 77.2%; Serbian League: 21 games: 11.1ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 55.0%, FT: 58.5%. "Petar is a typical, physical center. He is very good under and with his back to the basket. He also has potential with the mid distance shot. He is expereinced and will give us physical presence under the basket", warned Dragons head coach Stefan Koch

Popovic started his basketball career in 1999 with Spartak Subotica (1A). He then played for Crvena Zvezda Beograd from 2000-2001. He then played forHemofarm Vrsac from 2001-2005. In 2005-2006, he played for Benetton Treviso (Italy-SerieA, starting five): Euroleague: 19 games: 9.9ppg, 3.4rpg, 2FGP: 55.9%, FT: 71.2%; Italian League: 30 games: 7.9ppg, 3.2rpg, 2FGP: 62.2%. In 2006-2007, he played for KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd (A, starting five): ULEB Cup: 14 games: 8.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 2FGP: 55.3%, 3FGP: 0%, FT: 57.7%; SRBn League; Adriatic League: 26 games: 11.8ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 60.3%, FT: 77.5%. In 2007-2008, he played for DKV Joventut Badalona (Spain-ACB): Spanish ACB Regular Season: 28 games: 4.8ppg, 1.4rpg; ULEB Cup: 11 games: 9.0ppg, 2.7rpg, FGP: 71.2%, 3PT: 0%; Spanish ACB Play-Offs: 2 games: 1.0ppg. In 2008-2009, he played for MMT Estudiantes Madrid (Spain-ACB) playing until 2010 there playing a total of 68 ACB games. In 2010-2011, he played for Spartak St.Petersburg (Russia-PBL, starting five): EuroCup Qualifying Round: 2 games: 9.0ppg, 3.5rpg; EuroChallenge: 14 games: 9.0ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 62.0%, FT: 66.7%; Russian League: 32 games: 7.3ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP: 59.3%, FT: 66.1%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Yugoslavian National Team -01, 04, Yugoslavian University National Team -01, Yugoslavian U21 National Team -01, Global Games U21 in Dallas -01, World University Games in Benjin (China) -01 (Champion), Yugoslavian Cup Semifinals -02, Yugoslavian Cup Finals -03, FIBA Champions Cup Semifinals -03, FIBA Europe League Quarterfinals -04, Serbia and Montenegro League Finalist -04, 05, Eurobasket.com All-Serbia and Montenegro League Most Improved Player of the Year -04, Olympic Games in Athens -04, ULEB Cup Semifinals -05, Eurobasket.com Adriatic League All-Defensive Team -05, Adriatic League Regula Season Champion -05

Adriatic League Champion -05, Serbia and Montenegro League Regular Season Runner-Up -05, Eurobasket.com All-Serbia and Montenegro League 2nd Team -05, Eurobasket.com Serbia and Montenegro League All-Defensive Team -05, Italian SerieA Supercup Finalist -05, Italian Cup Semifinals -06, Italian SerieA Regular Season Runner-Up -06, Italian SerieA Champion -06, Adriatic League All-Star Game -07, Radivoj Korac (Serbian Cup) Semifinals -07, ULEB Cup Quarterfinals -07, Serbian League Finalist -07, 12, Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) Winner -08, ULEB Cup Winner -08, Spanish ACB Semifinals -08, Spanish ACB Regular Season Runner-Up -08, Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) Semifinals -09, Russian Cup Winner -11, EuroChallenge Semifinals -11, and Radivoj Korac (Serbian Cup) Finalist -12

Source:Artland Dragons

Fabian Boeke And Joshua Jones Leave SC Risr Wedel - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Just when you think that your team is complete, certain circumstances disrupt the schedule as PRO B team SC Rist Wedel learned. German Fabian Boeke (211-F-86, college: Washington St.) and American Joshua Jones (196-G/F-87, college: Husson) wont be strapping on the SC Rist Wedel jersey this season. Boeke is a 26 year old 211cm forward that belonged to the teams best players last season playing 23 games: 13.5ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 58.7%, 3PT: 26.5%, FT: 68.8%. The club had planned the same role for the ex NCAA player at Washington State this season, but now will have a huge void that needs to be filled. Boeke cant stay with the team any longer, on account of his job that doesnt allow him to be able to play PRO B any longer due to time constraints. The club also announced that swing man Joshua Jones wil be leaving. Jones is a 25 year old 198cm forward that was going to play his second professional season. After stints in the D league, and IBA leagues, the Maine native was looking to start his professional career in Germany. Jones had had a try out. The club thanks the American for his great attitude and fighting mentality. The team thanks both and wishes them the best for the future.

Source:SC Rist Wedel

Logan Stutz Goes To The ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber (T)

PRO A team ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen didnt waste anytime after losing Dallas Green by hauling in Logan Stutz (205-F-88, college: Washburn). Stutz is a 24 year old 205cm power forward from Kansas City, Missouri that will be starting his second professional basketball season and second in Germany. Last season, he played for BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-ProA, starting five): 11 games: 16.1ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 68.1%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 76.8%, left in Dec.'11, in Jan.'12 moved to WBC Raiffeisen Wels (Austria-A Bundesliga): 16 games: 4.2ppg, 2.3rpg. "We are happy to be able to so quickly get a player after the short stay of Dallas Green that has already played in the league", added ETB Wohnbau Baskets essen sport director Markus Horn. Stutz started his basketball career in 2008 for Washburn (NCAA2). Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been MIAA Tournament Semifinals -09, MIAA Tournament Finalist -10, All-MIAA 1st Team -11, NABC Division II All-South Central Region 1st Team -11, NABC Division II All-Star Game -11, and Austrian Bundesliga A Semifinals -12

Source: ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen

Robert Geier Goes And Max Wittenberg Comes To Herten - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber (T)

PRO B team RheinLand Versicherungen Hertener Lions have announced that Robert Geier will leave the team while Max Wittenberg will join. Geier is a 20 year old 181cm guard that played 2 PRO B games last seaosn and mostly for the Regionaliga 2 and junior teams the last two seasons. "On account of his job, Robert isnt able to meet the high training standards", stressed Lions head coach Dirk Altenbeck . The club announced that Max Wittenberg will join the team. He is a 16 year old 189cm shooting guard that last played for the Metropol Baskets. He scored six points in the first test game and left a good impression.

Source: RheinLand Versicherungen Hertener Lions

Brandon Thomas Moves To FC Bayern Munich - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber (T)

Rumours had been circulating for months about where Brandon Thomas (198-G/F-84, college: Massachusetts) would play this season and Germany always seemed to be the place, but just where was the question. With the upcoming regular season inching closer and closer, Brandon Thomas finally lifted the secret and will play for traditional team FC Bayern Munich this season getting a one year deal. Thomas is a 28 year old 198cm swing man from San Antonio, Texas that could melt a basketball on the current hot ground of Munich with his big smile if given the opportunity. Last season, Thomas played for Vanoli-Braga Cremona (Italy-SerieA) playing 7 games: 4.1ppg, 2.7rpg; in Dec.'11 moved to Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (Germany-BBL, starting five): German League: 31 games: 11.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 62.1%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 71.1%; EuroChallenge: 9 games: 14.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 88.0%. "We are happy that we could win Brandon for us. He knows the Beko BBL and brings two charachteristics with him. He has great athletic ability and is able to to play two positions on offense and defense. This versatility is good for our roster", stressed FC Bayern Munich sport director Marko Pesic (198-G-76).

Thomas started his basketball career in 2002 playing for Long Island (NCAA) until 2004. He then played for Massachusetts (NCAA) from 2005-2007. In the 2007-2008 season, he started his professional basketball season and in the first two seasons played in lower leagues in Europe, but quickly showed his immense scoring talent which made him interesting for Beko BBL teams. He played for Team FOG Naestved (Denmark-Basketliga, starting five): : 24 games: Score-1 (24.5ppg), 4.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, 1.0bpg, 2FGP: 61.2%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 71.0%. In 2008-2009, he played for Kraftwerk Wels (Austria-A Bundesliga, starting five): 45 games: 20.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 66.6%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 68.5%. In 2009-2010, he moved to the BEKO BBL and helped the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig reach the playoffs again after a long absence and kicking out Oldenburg in the playoffs playing 40 games: 10.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 74.6%. In 2010-2011, he played a second season for the Phantoms playing 37 games: 14.3ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 78.7%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Danish League All-Star Game -08 (MVP), Danish League Player of the year -08, Eurobasket.com Danish Ligaen All-Imports Team -08, Eurobasket.com All-Danish Ligaen 2nd Team -08, Austrian Cup Finalist -09, Austrian Bundesliga A All-Star Game -09, Eurobasket.com All-Austrian Bundesliga 2nd Team -09, Eurobasket.com All-Austrian Bundesliga Guard of the Year -09, German Bundesliga Semifinals -10, 12
German Bundesliga Cup Finalist -11, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga 2nd Team -11, and EuroChallenge Quarterfinals -12

Source: FC Bayern Munich

T.J. Smith: "You should average five rebounds anyways and one or two always falls in your lap at some point in the game" - by Moritz Korff

T.J. Smith (188-G-84, college: Ky Wesleyan) has left his mark on the 1. Regionalliga West in these past two years. The 28-year-old point guard from Rialto, California, received Eurobasket.com All-RLW First Team honors in 2011 and 2012 and was named the 2011 Eurobasket.com All-RLW Defensive Player of the Year. Last season the graduate of NCAA D2 school Kentucky Wesleyan averaged 23.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.6 steals per contest for SVD 49 Dortmund. Eurobasket.com had the chance to talk with him about his overseas career, his game and his plans for the up and coming campaign.

What's your status regarding the 2012-13 season? Are you still available?
T.J. Smith: My status regarding the 2012-2013 season at this moment I'm still available on the market to play anywhere. Nothing has came up for me to return to Germany, but I sure do hope something comes up quickly, because I love playing and should be playing.

After making the Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga West First Team in the last two years, do you think it is time for you to move to a higher league?
After making the Regionalliga West First team two years straight, I do honestly feel it's time to play in a higher league only to keep pushing myself and compete against different competition. I'm always looking for new motivation.

You were named Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga West Defensive Player of the Year after the 2010-11 season: What are the characteristics of a good defender in your opinion?
When I was named Regionalliga West Defensive Player of the year it was an honor. In my opinion honestly in order to be a good defender you have to possess will power and HEART to compete on the defensive end night in and night out!

Besides your defensive skills, what else are your strengths on the basketball court?
Other than my defense, my other strengths on the court are my heart, my passion and my will to win. That's my strongest aspect, because I never quit on nothing. I'm also a great leader, because I push myself and others all the time to be better. I love watching others getting better as the season progresses. Last but not least I just try to bring my all around game to the court in order to better myself and to keep constantly thinking the game.

How is it possible to averaged seven rebounds per game as a guard like you did last season?
I averaged seven rebounds this past season, because it goes with my strengths on the court as far as heart passion and will to win. The way I look at it: I'm an athletic point guard, so if I don't use my natural abilities, then that means I'm letting it go to waste. Like I said before I push my self night in and night out, meaning trying to raise my abilities every night. I feel if I do that, then only good results can come from that. Besides you should average five rebounds anyways and one or two always falls in your lap at some point in the game...

How did you spend the summer basketball wise?
This whole summer I just worked on my game and played in summer leagues the whole summer. I also worked on my body always staying ready for action no matter what the case can be. I don't relax, because I know somebody else is out there just as hungry as me. So I just stay positive and working on everything.

The 2011-12 season was the first year in which the Regionalliga teams were allowed to have only one American player on the roster. How did that rule affect the level of competition in the league?
Since this past season we where only allowed to have one American, I honestly don't think it affected the level of competition. What I do think is that it allowed more of the German players in the league shine more as far as playing and getting experience. I actually think that it was good, because some teams had no American and the German players on those teams showed a lot of team unity. Overall it was a good thing to see.

Germany defeat Bulgaria in Sofia - by Eurobasket News

Bulgaria - Germany 70:82

Germany celebrated the second straight win at the 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They knocked down Bulgaria in Sofia to improve at 2-0 record in Group B. Bulgaria in the meantime suffered the second straight loss and slipped at 1-2. Jan-Hendrik Jagla (211-PF-81, college: Penn St.) came up with 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the visitors.
Germany opened the game with seven points in a row. They soon opened a double-digit lead but Cedric Simmons (206-F/C-86, college: N.Carolina St.) capped the frame with a three-pointer to put Bulgaria within 8 points 14:22. Lucca Staiger (195-SG-88, college: Iowa St.) and Jan-Hendrik Jagla gave Germany a 30:16 lead early in the second frame. The hosts crowned the half with five points in a row to narrow the gap at 13-point mark 28:41. Germany maintained the lead well throughout the third term. They arrived at the final intermission up by 8 points 58:50. Chavdar Kostov (195-SG-88, agency: Interperformances) and Avramov put the home team within six points but Germany quickly restored a 12-point lead and never looked back en route to the victory. Per Guenther (185-G-88) provided 16 points, while Lucca Staiger and Heiko Schaffartzik (183-PG-84) had 12 points each for the winners. Chester Cedric Simmons answered with 21 points and 9 boards for Bulgaria. Chavdar Kostov netted 11 points in the loss.

Bulgaria: Cedric Simmons 21, Chavdar Kostov 11
Germany: Jan-Hendrik Jagla 19+10 boards, Per Guenther 16, Lucca Staiger 12, Heiko Schaffartzik 12+10 assists

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GREECE

Nikos Liakopoulos continues in Palefsiniakos - by Giorgos Diploidis (T)

Nikos Liakopoulos (191-G-83, agency: FCM) will continue in the team of Panelefsiniakos AOK Eleusina. The experienced guard was having terific seasons in the A2 category and last period decided to return to A1. With Kolossos last season had 8.2ppg, 1.5rpg, 2.2apg in 34 matches and they finally got the fourth place in the championship.

The newscomer in the first category Panelefsiniakos appreciated his value and decided to make him part of their squad. By sure a very good adding for the club of Athens.

PAOK close to Karydas - by Giorgos Diploidis (T)

PAOK Thessaloniki is close to sign Athanasios Karydas (182-G-79) to cover one of their places of point guard. Karydas last period was playing for KAOD so in PAOK Thessaloniki he will find Kosta Charalampidis (189-G-76) who was also in the club of Drama. Karydas in KAOD had 5.2ppg, 1.7rpg in 20 matches.

The team of Thessaloniki started yesterday (20/08) the preparation for the new season and coach Soulis Markopoulos try to have as many players as he can sooner for the forthcoming season. With the team of Thessaloniki make trainings Dimitris Charitopoulos and Marios Matalon (after a demand of them).

AGOR lands Billy White for two years - by George Fragkos (T)

A.G.O Rethymno Aegean found what their coach Stergios Koufos was looking for. The team for Crete seemed to need more power near the basket and this may be solved with the signing of Billy White (203-F-89).

White is 23 years old and he is coming from the D-League team, Iowa Energy. He began his playing career from the San Diego State, where he achieved to become one of the starting five, recording considerable point and rebound averages. As a senior of San Diego, White was one of the leaders of the team that made it to the regional semi-finals, where they were defeated by the later champions of that year, UConn Huskies.

After his graduation from the college, he tried to play in Europe joining Hungarian Albacomp, but in December he left Hungary to return to the USA and play in the D-League. At Iowa Energy he participated in 3 games, having 2 points and 1.3 rebounds per game.

According to the official announcement, White has already signed a contract which will keep him in Greece for the following two years.

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HOLLAND

Latvia hand Netherlands third straight loss in EuroBasket qualification - by Eurobasket News

Latvia - Netherlands 85:70

Latvia earned the first win at 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They held off visiting Netherlands in Riga. Rihards Kuksiks (197-SF-88, college: Arizona St.) chipped in 28 points to lead the hosts. Netherlands fell at 0-3 record in Group D after the defeat.
The teams stayed tied after ten minutes 22:22. Latvia pulled in front in the second quarter. The hosts accumulated a 40:36 halftime lead. Latvia maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. Rihards Kuksiks nailed 11 points in the period as Latvia secured a 60:51 lead heading into the fourth frame. Jansen, Henk Norel (214-C-87) and Kees Akerboom (200-SF-83, agency: Court Side) pulled the Dutch team within two points 65:67 midway through the final frame. However Latvia immediately responded with 12:3 rally to restore a safe cushion. Latvia kept their opponents at bay in the dying moments and sealed the victory. Kaspars Berzins (211-PF-85) had 13 points, while Davis Bertans (205-SF-92) netted 16 points in the win. Netherlands answered with 16 points from Henk Norel. Kees Akerboom banked 13 points in defeat.

Latvia: Rihards Kuksiks 28, Davis Bertans 16, Kaspars Berzins 13
Netherlands: Henk Norel 16, Kees Akerboom 13

Niels Vorenhout out indefinitely with hernia - by Fred Roggen

Stepco BS Weert started Monday evening the pr-season immediately with adversity. Stepco's team captain Niels Vorenhout (202-F-80, agency: Court Side) suffers from a hernia and is sidelined for 5-8 weeks.
Also last season the forward was lacked in the early stage of the season, when due to appendicitis. Vorenhout started just his seventh season in Weert and is kown as a emotional player at times who likes to motivate his teammates. The experience Dutch forward played 27 games and averaged 3.7ppg, 2.6rpg last season.

ZZ Leiden keeps Arvin Slagter - by Fred Roggen (T)

ZZ Leiden and guard Arvin Slagter (191-G-85, agency: Court Side) will stay together for one more season, as the club confirmed on Tuesday. Slagter returned for one season in Leiden and averaged 7.5ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 77.4%; in 40 games of the Dutch Basketball League last season. In 2003 he moved to Rotterdam Basketbal where he played until the 2006-07 season. Then he spent three seasons with World Class Aviation Academy Giants (2007-10) and in the summer of 2007 left the Giants to play for ZZ Leiden. In domestic competition, he won the 2010-11 Dutch National Championship and took the Dutch Cup in 2010 and 2012 with ZZ Leiden. He counts 59 caps with the Mens Dutch National Team.

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HONG KONG

U18 Championship: Hong Kong beat Mongolia to finish 13th - by Eurobasket News

Hong Kong U18-Mongolia U18 98:81

Hong Kong beat Mongolia to finish 13 th at the 22nd Asia U18 Championship. Hong Kong overcame the home side 98:81 to send Mongolia to 14th position.
Mongolia actually started better and won the first period 26-23. The second quarter however was decisive in the game and brought 30-14 burst for the guests. Hong Kong grabbed 53:40 at the halftime and never looked behind after. Moreover they won the third period 20-19 and finished the game with 25-22. Tong Ho Man was the last to score for the winners to seal the last victory.
Chung Ho Wa (181-G-94) stepped up with 21 points and Chang Yiu-Fai (168-PG-94) nailed 17. Leung Shiu Wah (189-SF-94) delivered 16, while Ho Chun Kit (191-C-95) and Ng Chun Yan (196-C-12) scored 9 each. Munkhnasan Lkhamjav (180-G-94) erupted with 31 points in the losing effort, whilst Enkhtaivan Chinzorig (188-C-95) had 23 points and 10 rebounds.

Hong Kong U18: Chung Ho Wa 21, Chang Yiu-Fai 17, Leung Shiu Wah 16, Ho Chun Kit 9, Ng Chun Yan 9
Mongolia U18: Munkhnasan Lkhamjav 31, Enkhtaivan Chinzorig 23+10 rebs

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HUNGARY

Troy Brewer is the final piece for Szeged - by Levente Szabo (T)

Rookie guard, Troy Brewer (195-G) will start his professional career in Hungary after he inked a one year deal with Naturtex-SZTE-Szedeak Szeged. The American guard is the third and last import signing of the team which he will join in early September.

Troy started his collegiate career at the University of Georgia but due to the lack of playing time he decided to transfer to the American University. After sitting out a year he came in as a starter for coach Jeff Jones. The 6'5" guard averaged 11.9ppg, 3.3rpg and 1.5apg (FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 79.2%) in his senior year and helped his team to a 20-12 record which was good for the 3rd place in the Patriot League.

Although he is a rookie, Troy Brewer is familiar with the Hungarian basketball. Last year he played with his college team some exhibition games in Europe and one of their opponents was Hungarian top division team Kecskemet. Troy scored in that game 21 points but his team lost by one point against the Hungarian team.

Hungary strike late, prevail against Austria - by Eurobasket News

Hungary - Austria 81:75

Hungary registered the first win in Group C of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. Laszlo Ratgeber team took down visiting Austria for 1-1 record. Austria fell at 1-2 record after the loss. Peter Lorant (206-PF-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) delivered 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the hosts.
Hungary led by a single point 14:13 after ten minutes. However Austria pulled in charge in the second frame. They went on a 12:2 run to ensure a 25:16 lead midway through the period. Austria arrived at halftime up by 5 points 38:33. The visitors opened an 8-point lead midway through the third quarter. Hungary returned the lead but Davor Lamesic (205-PF-83, agency: Interperformances) sank two free throws and sent Austria into the final frame up by one 59:58. The hosts opened the fourth frame on a 6:2 run to surge in front. Lanegger and Davor Lamesic returned the lead to Austria but Peter Lorant and Vojvoda made it 70:69 for Hungary. Hungary soon opened a 10-point lead 81:71. Austria could not recover and had to surrender at the end. Adam Hanga (200-SG-89, agency: Peter Lorant%20Andras&AgencyNm=TSS Management">TSS Management) finished with 17 points, while Obie Trotter (188-PG-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) provided 11 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in the victory. Rasid Mahalbasic (208-C-90) answered with 17 points for Austria. Davor Lamesic and Jason Detrick (195-SF-80, agency: Court Side, college: Oklahoma) chipped in 13 points each in the loss.

Hungary: Peter Lorant 19+10 boards, Adam Hanga 17, Obie Trotter 11
Austria: Rasid Mahalbasic 17, Davor Lamesic 13, Jason Detrick 13

Josiah Turner is the first new import of Albacomp - by Tamas Deri (T)

The management of Albacomp just published some hours ago, that american guard Josiah Turner (190-G-92) signed for the coming season. The 190 cm tall, 20 years old playmaker was rated the nations 11th-best prospect by Rivals.com, and played for the U19 national team of USA before starting his NCAA carreer with Arizona. He had a real good freshman season helping the Wildcats with 6.8 points, 3.1 rebonds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals in 24 minutes on the court and playing in the PAC12 Final. Turner decided to play a season in Europe before trying to get on the NBA draft coming summer, so he accepted the offer of the hungarian top team and will arrive this week to the country.

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ICELAND

Israel overcame Iceland in Group A - by Eurobasket News

Iceland-Israel 83:110

Israel overcame Iceland in Group A of the 2013 Eurobasket Qualifiers. The Israeli team grabbed 110:83 away from home for the initial success. Israel improved to 1-2 record, while Iceland fell at the same record.
Israel took massive 29-19 lead and continued their dominance in the first half. They added 21-17 in the second period and enjoyed 50:36 halftime advantage. The third quarter was a disaster for the home side that allowed the guests to explode with 30-15 for a massive lead. Yivzori nailed three to bring three digit number for the guests in the game with 3 minutes to go. His another three-pointer was the last for his team in the game as Israel had 110 points in the board for the win.
Omri Casspi (204-SF-88) and Raviv Limonad (191-SG-84) top-scored for the winners with 17 point and Alex Tyus (205-C-88, college: Florida) notched 16. Yotam Halperin (193-SG-84) poured in 13, while Yogev Ohayon (190-PG-87) added 11. Haukur Palsson (197-SF-92, college: Maryland) finished the game with 19 points in the losing effort and Jon Stefansson (196-G-82) brought 17. Hlynur Baeringsson (197-F-82) notched 15, whilst Jakob Sigurdarson (192-PG-82, college: Birm.Southern) had 14.

Iceland: Haukur Palsson 19, Jon Stefansson 17, Hlynur Baeringsson 15, Jakob Sigurdarson 14
Israel: Omri Casspi 17, Raviv Limonad 17, Alex Tyus 16, Yotam Halperin 13, Yogev Ohayon 11

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INDIA

U18 Championship: Japan overwhelm India - by Eurobasket News

Japan U18 - India U18 100:71

Japan clinched the first win at the Second Stage of U18 Asia Championship. They knocked down India for 1-3 record in Group E. India in the meantime fell at 0-4 record in the ladder.
Japan unleashed 29 points in the opening quarter to clear off. They posted a 12-point lead at the first break. Japan stayed aggressive offensive in the second quarter. They piled up a 56:35 halftime buffer. Japan kept India at safe distance throughout the third term. They ensured a 31-point buffer before the final term. Japan did not look back in the fourth quarter and coasted to the victory. Masahiro Narita (185-SF-94) accounted for 23 points to lead the charge. Yuta Osaka (179-PG-94) netted 20 points for the winnners. Palpreet Singh Brar (204-C-94) answered with 31 points for India. Rakesh Singh (198-PF-95) had 15 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Japan U18: Masahiro Narita 23, Yuta Osaka 20, Shuto Terazono 16
India U18: Palpreet Singh Brar 31, Rakesh Singh 15

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INDONESIA

U18 Championship: Iran stormed past Indonesia in Day 5 - by Eurobasket News

Iran U18-Indonesia U18 97:26

Iran stormed past Indonesia in Day 5 of the 22nd Asia U18 Championship. Iran improved to 4-0 record in Group F after an easy 97:26 victory. Indonesia meanwhile fell at 1-3 record.
Iran started with 29-9 and did not slow down even until the end of the game. They added massive 20-1 surge in the second frame and led 49:10 at the halftime. Indonesia managed to score 13 maximum 13 points in the third quarter, but got 21 from Iran. Moreover the latter added 27-3 in the last stanza to prove their ambitions for the top places.
Saeid Bagheri (203-PF-94) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Mohammad Yazdanpanah (201-F-95) notched 16. Saleh Foroutannik (203-F/C-94) and Hossein Rahmati (204-C-93) followed them with 13 points apiece. Yerikho Tuasela (178-G-94) posted 9 in defeat and Andre Adrianno (175-G-94) brought 6.

Iran U18: Saeid Bagheri 23+11 rebs, Mohammad Yazdanpanah 16, Saleh Foroutannik 13, Hossein Rahmati 13
Indonesia U18: Yerikho Tuasela 9, Andre Adrianno 6

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IRAN

ISRAEL

Maccabi Haifa inks 2-year deal with Alex Chubrevich - by Eurobasket News (T)

The Maccabi Bazan Haifa professional basketball team of the Israeli Basketball Super League announced today they have signed Israeli-Russian center Alex Chubrevich for two seasons.

Chubrevich, 26, began the 2011-12 season with Knet Rioja Clavijo in Spain's second division appearing in 9 games, posting averages of 3.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 12.1 minutes per game, before returning to Israel to play for both Ironi Ramat Gan in the second division and Barak Netanya in the Super League.

The 7-foot center was named to the 2010-11 Spanish LEB-Silver All-Bosmans team in Spain's second division for CB Illescas Urban CLM, appearing in 28 games, tallying 10.6 points and 8.4 rebounds (3rd in the league) in 23.2 minutes per game. Prior to his 2010-11 season in Spain, Chubrevich played three seasons in Israel's second division from 2007-10 with a short stint with Gilboa Galil in the Super league at the start of the 2008-09 season.

'Alex is a physical and energetic big man who can run the floor, impact the game as a rebounder and defender and add valuable frontcourt depth,' said Maccabi Bazan Haifa head coach Brad Greenberg. 'He's a developing player who is competitive and coachable and affords us options to play a very big lineup.'
"We are excited to have Alex Chubrevich join Maccabi Bazan Haifa this season as he is a player who has the size and the potential to develop throughout the season," said Maccabi Bazan Haifa owner Jeffrey Rosen.

Chubrevich joins a Maccabi Bazan Haifa roster that features Jewish American head coach Brad Greenberg on the lines, team captain Ido Kozikaro, former NBA swingman Donta Smith, center James Thomas, Greek-American swingman Pat Calathes, point guard Paul Stoll, power forward Anton Shoutvin, point guard Lior Segev, and forward Sean Labanowski.

Courtesy of Maccabi Bazan Haifa

Israel overcame Iceland in Group A - by Eurobasket News

Iceland-Israel 83:110

Israel overcame Iceland in Group A of the 2013 Eurobasket Qualifiers. The Israeli team grabbed 110:83 away from home for the initial success. Israel improved to 1-2 record, while Iceland fell at the same record.
Israel took massive 29-19 lead and continued their dominance in the first half. They added 21-17 in the second period and enjoyed 50:36 halftime advantage. The third quarter was a disaster for the home side that allowed the guests to explode with 30-15 for a massive lead. Yivzori nailed three to bring three digit number for the guests in the game with 3 minutes to go. His another three-pointer was the last for his team in the game as Israel had 110 points in the board for the win.
Omri Casspi (204-SF-88) and Raviv Limonad (191-SG-84) top-scored for the winners with 17 point and Alex Tyus (205-C-88, college: Florida) notched 16. Yotam Halperin (193-SG-84) poured in 13, while Yogev Ohayon (190-PG-87) added 11. Haukur Palsson (197-SF-92, college: Maryland) finished the game with 19 points in the losing effort and Jon Stefansson (196-G-82) brought 17. Hlynur Baeringsson (197-F-82) notched 15, whilst Jakob Sigurdarson (192-PG-82, college: Birm.Southern) had 14.

Iceland: Haukur Palsson 19, Jon Stefansson 17, Hlynur Baeringsson 15, Jakob Sigurdarson 14
Israel: Omri Casspi 17, Raviv Limonad 17, Alex Tyus 16, Yotam Halperin 13, Yogev Ohayon 11

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ITALY

Reggio Emilia brings in Giedrius Staniulis for tryout - by Eurobasket News (T)

Reggio Emilia brought in Giedrius Staniulis (205-C/F-91) for tryout. The Lithuanian PF/C will spend next 30 days with the team and will try to earn a deal for the next season. Staniulis arrives to Reggio Emilia from Panevezys Lietkabelis, where he averaged 8.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1 block for 21 LKL games. He was fourth shot blocker of the competition. The player added 9.6 ppg and 5.6 rpg for 16 Baltic league appearances. Before Panevezys Lietkabelis, Giedrius Staniulis spent two years with Perlas Vilnius. He had 11.4 ppg and 5.8 rpg for 12 Baltic league games in their second season together. His numbers in LKL were lower. In the past, Staniulis played for KKM-Aisciai Kauno and also for Zalgiris Kaunas juniors. He successfully played for U16, U18 and U20 Lithuanian National Teams from 2007 until the last summer. In 2008, he won the silver medal with U18 Lithuania at U18 EuroBasket in Amalaida Pyrgos. He also won the bronze medal with U16 Lithuania in 2007.

Pesaro offers deal to Valerio Amoroso - by Eurobasket News (T)

Valerio Amoroso (204-F/C-80) could become a new member of Pesaro soon. The team offered him a deal and Amoroso will most likely accept it. The Italian PF/C spent last season with Banca Tercas Teramo. He appeared 32 times in SerieA collecting 11.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 2 apg. Amoroso played for Canadian Solar Bologna in 2010/11. There he had 8.2 ppg and 4.6 rpg for 27 games. From 2008 to 2010, Valerio Amoroso played also played for Teramo. He had 12.2 ppg and 4.7 rpg for 26 league games in their second season together. The player registered almost the same numbers for 6 games in EuroCup. In the past, Amoroso was a member of Montegranaro and Scafati. He played for Italian National Team in Qualifications to European Championships 2009.

Italy topple Turkey in Sassari - by Eurobasket News

Italy - Turkey 78:69

Italy clinched the third straight win in Group F of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They held off Turkey in Sassari. Italy remained on top of the ladder at 3-0 record, while Turkey slipped at 1-1. Luigi Datome (203-F-87) top-scored with 23 points for the Azzurri.
The visitors jumped to an early advantage. Turkey gained an 18:14 lead after ten minutes. The margin grew at 8-point mark early in the second quarter. Arslan soon gave Turkey a 10-point lead. But Italy managed to cut the deficit to 4 points at the interval 32:36. Turkey maintained the lead throughout intense third quarter. The visitors entered the final stanza up by four points 55:51. Arslan, Gonlum and Erden made it 61:51 for Turkey at the start of the final frame. However Luigi Datome drained a triple to trigger an 18:1 run from the Azzurri as they posted a 71:64 lead with under three minutes to go. Italy never looked back afterwards marching to the victory. Daniel Hackett (200-PG-87, agency: Two Points, college: USC) finished with 15 points, while Danilo Gallinari (205-SF-88, agency: Players Group) accounted for 16 points and 11 boards for Italy. Emir Preldzic (205-SF-87, agency: Beo Basket) and Ilkan Karaman (205-F-90) answered with 14 points apiece for Turkey.

Italy: Luigi Datome 23, Danilo Gallinari 16+11 boards, Daniel Hackett 15
Turkey: Emir Preldzic 14, Ilkan Karaman 14

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JAPAN

2012 William Jones Cup: Japan snatch win over Jordan - by Eurobasket News

Japan - Jordan 84:83

Japan clinched the second victory at William Jones Cup. They sneaked past Jordan for 2-2 record. Takatoshi Furukawa (190-G/F-87) delivered 23 points to lead the winners.
Japan posted a 16:13 lead after ten minutes of action. They unleashed 30 points in the second quarter to clear off. Japan established a 46:28 halftime advantage. Japan stayed in front throughout the third term. They entered the fourth frame up by 19 points 69:50. However Jordan almost came up with a miraculous comeback. They exploded with 33 points in the fourth frame and lost the game by a whisker. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) provided 18 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for Japan. Makoto Hiejima (190-G-90) had 16 points for the winners. Wesam Al-Sous (183-PG-83) answered with 23 points for Jordan. Rasheim Wright (192-G-81, college: District of Col.) and Mahmoud Abdeen (189-PG-87) netted 12 points each in the loss.

Japan: Takatoshi Furukawa 23, Kosuke Takeuchi 18+10 boards, Makoto Hiejima 16
Jordan: Wesam Al-Sous 23, Rasheim Wright 12, Mahmoud Abdeen 12

U18 Championship: Japan overwhelm India - by Eurobasket News

Japan U18 - India U18 100:71

Japan clinched the first win at the Second Stage of U18 Asia Championship. They knocked down India for 1-3 record in Group E. India in the meantime fell at 0-4 record in the ladder.
Japan unleashed 29 points in the opening quarter to clear off. They posted a 12-point lead at the first break. Japan stayed aggressive offensive in the second quarter. They piled up a 56:35 halftime buffer. Japan kept India at safe distance throughout the third term. They ensured a 31-point buffer before the final term. Japan did not look back in the fourth quarter and coasted to the victory. Masahiro Narita (185-SF-94) accounted for 23 points to lead the charge. Yuta Osaka (179-PG-94) netted 20 points for the winnners. Palpreet Singh Brar (204-C-94) answered with 31 points for India. Rakesh Singh (198-PF-95) had 15 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Japan U18: Masahiro Narita 23, Yuta Osaka 20, Shuto Terazono 16
India U18: Palpreet Singh Brar 31, Rakesh Singh 15

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JORDAN

KAZAKHSTAN

U18 Championship: Kazakhstan defeat Singapore to clinch 15th place - by Eurobasket News

Kazakhstan U18 - Singapore U18 76:59

Kazakhstan celebrated the first win at the U18 Asia Championship. It happened in the final game for the Kazakh team at the tournament. They held off Singapore to claim the 15th overall position at the tournament. Maxim Marchuk (195-F/G-94) tallied 15 points, 14 boards and 7 assists to lead the winners.
Kazakhstan snatched a 22:15 lead after ten minutes of action. They managed to clear off in the second quarter. Maxim Rakhimov team gained a 39:23 halftime advantage. The margin grew at 25-point mark at the final break. Singapore could not recover and Kazakhstan cruised to the victory. Maxim Nalagov (196-C-94) accounted for 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Birzban Zhumabek (192-F-95) added 13 points for the winners. Loon Tay Ding (185-PF-94) answered with 14 points for Singapore. Koh En Jia (190-C-94) had 10 points in the loss.

Kazakhstan U18: Maxim Marchuk 15+14 boards, Maxim Nalagov 13+10 boards, Birzban Zhumabek 13
Singapore U18: Loon Tay Ding 14, Koh En Jia 10

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LATVIA

LEBANON

U18 Championship: South Korea keep on winning in Ulaanbaatar - by Eurobasket News

South Korea U18 - Lebanon U18 95:63

South Korea registered the fifth straight win at U18 Asia Championship. They defeated Lebanon to improve at 4-0 record at the Second Stage Group E. Sangjae Kang (202-F-94) came up with 28 points to lead the Korean side. Lebanon fell at 2-2 record after the loss.
South Korea left Lebanon far behind after the opening quarter. They ensured a 24:10 lead after ten minutes of action. South Korea maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They established a 50:27 halftime lead. South Korea did not loosen the grasp in the third quarter. They piled up a 64:48 lead at the final break. The Korean side kept their opponents at bay throughout the final frame and raced to a comfortable win at the end. Gibeom Cheon (187-G-94) notched 21 points and 11 rebounds for South Korea. SeunGook Choi added 21 points in the victory. Wael Arakji (192-G-94) answered with 16 points for Lebanon. Ali Mezher (182-PG-94) had 10 points in the loss.

South Korea U18: Sangjae Kang 28, Gibeom Cheon 21+11 boards, SeunGook Choi 21
Lebanon U18: Wael Arakji 16, Ali Mezher 10

2012 William Jones Cup: Taiwan shoot down Lebanon - by Eurobasket News

Taiwan - Lebanon 81:74

Taiwan registered the second win at William Jones Cup. The hosts prevailed against Lebanon. Taiwan are now at 2-2 record, while Lebanon slipped at 0-4. Tseng Wen-Ting (203-F/C-84) knocked down 16 points to lead the hosts.
Lebanon looked better in the opening quarter. The visitors earned a 21:12 lead after ten minutes. Taiwan improved their performance at both ends of the floor in the second quarter. The home team denied the deficit and surged ahead for a 36:35 halftime lead. Taiwan extended the margin in the third quarter. They accumulated a 4-point lead at the final intermission. Taiwan did not slow down in the fourth stanza and raced to a comfortable win at the end. Lin Chih-Chieh (192-G-82) and Lu Cheng-Ju (194-F-86) notched 11 points each for the winners. Jean Abdel Nour (198-F/G-83) replied with 19 points for Lebanon. Cheikh Hussein El Khatib (186-PG-86) had 14 points in defeat.

Taiwan: Tseng Wen-Ting 16, Lin Chih-Chieh 11, Lu Cheng-Ju 11
Lebanon: Jean Abdel Nour 19, Cheikh Hussein El Khatib 14

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LITHUANIA

Asesoft Ploiesti and Arvydas Cepulis part ways - by Eurobasket News (T)

Arvydas Cepulis (196-G-79) is no longer a member of Asesoft Ploiesti. According to local media, the player will sign a deal in his native Lithuania. Cepulis finished last season with Asesoft and he also played there from 2007 to 2010. They won four championship titles together and two Cup trophies. Last season the player had 12.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 1.4 apg in 24 games. He started 2011/12 with Lithuanian Delikatesas Joniskis. Cepulis participated four times at Romanian league All-Star Game. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Bosman Player of the Year -09. Arvydas Cepulis spent 2010/11 season with Siauliai. In the past, he also played in Siauliai and for Polish Ostromecko Astoria Bydgoszcz.
Asesoft Ploiesti officially has five players under the contract: Aleksandar Vlahovic, Darius Hargrove, Robert Nyakundi, Vukasin Mandic and Vladimir Tica.

Reggio Emilia brings in Giedrius Staniulis for tryout - by Eurobasket News (T)

Reggio Emilia brought in Giedrius Staniulis (205-C/F-91) for tryout. The Lithuanian PF/C will spend next 30 days with the team and will try to earn a deal for the next season. Staniulis arrives to Reggio Emilia from Panevezys Lietkabelis, where he averaged 8.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1 block for 21 LKL games. He was fourth shot blocker of the competition. The player added 9.6 ppg and 5.6 rpg for 16 Baltic league appearances. Before Panevezys Lietkabelis, Giedrius Staniulis spent two years with Perlas Vilnius. He had 11.4 ppg and 5.8 rpg for 12 Baltic league games in their second season together. His numbers in LKL were lower. In the past, Staniulis played for KKM-Aisciai Kauno and also for Zalgiris Kaunas juniors. He successfully played for U16, U18 and U20 Lithuanian National Teams from 2007 until the last summer. In 2008, he won the silver medal with U18 Lithuania at U18 EuroBasket in Amalaida Pyrgos. He also won the bronze medal with U16 Lithuania in 2007.

Mindaugas Zukauskas retires - by Eurobasket News (T)

Mindaugas Zukauskas (201-F-75, agency: World Sport Agency) today announced his retirement from professional basketball. He will turn 37 on August 24. Zukauskas spent last three seasons with Siauliai. In the latest one the player had 7.2 ppg and 3.1 rpg for 31 LKL games. He also added 7.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 2.7 apg for 23 games in Baltic league. Before Siauliai, Zukauskas played three years for Scavolini Pesaro. From 2001 to 2006, he was a member of Montepaschi Siena. In the past, he also played for Union Olimpija and Zalgiris. He started pro career with Siauliai. Mindaugas Zukauskas played for Lithuanian National Team from 1996 to 2006. They won the gold medal at 2003 EuroBasket in Sweden. In 2001, Zukauskas was Euroleague champion with Zalgiris.

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MONGOLIA

MONTENEGRO

Montenegro reach third straight win in Group A of the EuroBasket qualifiers - by Eurobasket News

Estonia-Montenegro 64:77

Montenegro reach third straight win in Group A of the EuroBasket qualifiers as they beat Estonia. The guests grabbed 77:64 for 3-0 record on top.
Montenegro took 17:9 after the first period and added 16-14 in the second frame. Sokk and Arbert reduced to 5 points early in eh third, while Blagota Sekulic (209-C-82, agency: FCM) increased to 46:35. Bjelica nailed some free throws to close the period at 54:40. No matter how hard Estonia tried to catch up, they managed to reduce only to final 13 points. Gert Dorbek (193-SG-85) scored the last points for the home side.
Suad Sehovic (196-G/F-87) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Vladimir Dasic (208-PF-88, agency: Beo Basket) netted 15. Blagota Sekulic delivered 12, whilst Bojan Dubljevic (205-PF-91, agency: Beo Basket) added 10 points and 11 rebounds. Gert Dorbek replied with 16 points in the losing effort and Janar Talts (207-PF-83) as well as Siim-Sander Vene (203-SF-90, agency: Alti Sport) had 11 each. Kristjan Kangur (201-SF-82) followed them with 10 points in a loss.

Estonia: Gert Dorbek 16, Janar Talts 11, Siim-Sander Vene 11, Kristjan Kangur 10
Montenegro: Suad Sehovic 22, Vladimir Dasic 15, Blagota Sekulic 12, Bojan Dubljevic 10+11 rebs

Zarko Rakocevic returns to Austria - by Eurobasket News (T)

Zarko Rakocevic (204-C-84) is back to Austria. The Montenegrin big guy signed a deal with his former team Zepter Vienna. He started last season with them as well, but in December transferred to Valencia. In January, Rakocevic penned a deal with Lugano Tigers helping them to win the Swiss LNA title. They were also Cup winners. Rakocevic was named Eurobasket.com All-Swiss LNA Bosman Player of the Year -12 and Eurobasket.com All-Swiss LNA 2nd Team -12. Season 2010/11 Zarko Rakocevic spent with Igokea Aleksandrovac. He appeared 23 times in Adriatic league averaging 5 points and 3.1 rebounds. He also added 6.8 ppg and 3.2 rpg for 9 games in domestic championship. In the past, Rakocevic was a member of Bosna ASA BHT and Partizan Belgrade. He also has experience from Khimik Yuzhny and Buducnost Podgorica.

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NBA

Jason Terry hopes his Mavs jersey will be retired - by Eurobasket News

For Jason Terry (6'2''-PG-77, college: Arizona), winning an NBA title was the ultimate as far as personal team achievements are concerned. But what could happen next would be sheer euphoria.

The bow was winning the championship, but the icing on the cake will be putting that jersey up in the rafters, Terry told the Star-Telegram on Monday. If it happens, Ill be grateful.

Terry was referring to the possibility of having his Dallas Maverick No. 31 jersey retired in the American Airlines Center rafters. By Terrys estimation, he figures he made enough big shots, played enough major minutes, shed enough sweat, blood and tears, put up enough credible numbers, displayed enough leadership qualities and was such a fixture in the community to join Brad Davis and Rolando Blackman as the only Mavs players to have their jersey retired.

Terry, 34, also led the Mavs to the 2006 NBA Finals and helped them win the 2011 championship. In other words, he has built an impressive resume during his eight-year tenure with the Mavs.

When you start talking about a jersey in the rafters and stuff like that, he took us to the Finals and was the first point guard to do it, and all those consecutive 50-game seasons, Terry said. And then finally winning the championship.

The credentials are there. Now whether or not that happens, only God knows.

Terry signed a three-year, $15 million free agent contract with the Boston Celtics last month. But he wants everyone to know he was more than willing to re-sign with the Mavs, but the Mavs wanted to go in another direction.

Still, Terry is appreciative for his time with the Mavs.

What we did in my eight-year career here in Dallas, Ill never forget it, Terry said during his youth basketball camp at the Plano Sports Authority. I grew not only as a basketball player, but as a person, as a father.

I grew as a human being, and that was all because of the community of Dallas and how they supported me.

Whether that support -- along with his contributions to the Mavs -- leads to Terrys jersey one day hanging in the AAC rafters remains to be seen.

Courtesy of http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com

Cavs promote Mike Gansey - by Eurobasket News (T)

The Cavaliers have promoted Mike Gansey to director of development league operations.

Gansey served last season as basketball operations assistant, a position he will retain. In his new role, the 29-year-old Gansey will work closely with Cavs vice president David Griffin and Canton Charge (NBA D-League) coach Alex Jensen on personnel matters. Griffin oversees the Charge's operations, and Jensen's role in personnel will expand.

Gansey, who is from Olmsted Falls, played college ball at West Virginia. He led the Mountaineers to the round of 16 in the NCAA tournament. Gansey played professionally overseas in Italy, Germany and Spain, and also played two seasons in the D-League with Anaheim, Idaho and Erie.

Cleveland announced the move on Monday.

Courtesy of www.chron.com

Yi Jianlian's preference is to play in NBA - by Eurobasket News

Jianlian Yi (7'0''-PF-87), who is reportedly receiving high levels of interest from top flight European teams, including Real Madrid, is committed to playing in the NBA next season.

Speaking to NetEase on Sunday, Lu Yu, a member of Yis representative team, said that although there has been communication with European teams, Europe is at this point a secondary option.

For now, were not considering playing in Spain, said Lu. I can only say that Yis first choice is to return to the NBA.

But after averaging career lows in points and rebounds last season for the Dallas Mavericks, it appears unlikely that there is a market for the seven-footers services in the NBA this year. Another issue is a strained MCL, which Yi suffered in the Olympics against Australia, which may be another major reason why teams have cooled their interest. Yi has struggled with staying healthy in the past, having never played more than 66 games in any of his five seasons.

With what looks to be a tough road back to the NBA, Europe may be Yis only choice. Yesterday, Spanish site Encestando reported that Yi is looking for a US $2.5 million salary from Real Madrid next season. That figure, however, looks to be too high for the Spanish giants, who like many other teams in that region, are dealing with a spiraling European economy. Yis salary, in addition to the considerable taxes that the club will have to pay on top of it, appears to be too much of a financial burden to carry, reports Encestando. In combination with his MCL, the exact severity of which is unknown at present, and Yi to Spain appears to be far from a done deal.

**UPDATE**

French outlet, BasketNews, is reporting that Real Madrid have cut off negotiations after considering Yis salary demands.

Courtesy of www.niubball.com

Houston Rockets sign Carlos Delfino - by Eurobasket News (T)

Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced on Monday that the team has signed guard/forward Carlos Delfino (6'7''-SF-82). The unrestricted free agent recently competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, averaging 15.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists with Argentina.

Delfino (6-6, 230, Argentina) has played in seven NBA seasons, averaging 7.7 points (.362, 520-1435 3FG), 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 440 career games (165 starts) with Detroit, Toronto and Milwaukee. His most productive years have come the past three seasons with the Bucks, where he has averaged 10.6 points, 4.5 boards, 2.5 assists and 1.32 steals in 30.4 minutes per outing over 178 games (159 starts). Delfino also connected on a career-best 134 3-pointers in 2009-10 and averaged 2.1 3-point field goals per game in 2010-11, which ranked fifth in the league.

Drafted by the Pistons with the 25th overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, Delfino spent three seasons with Detroit before joining the Raptors in a trade. He was acquired by Milwaukee along with Roko Ukic from Toronto in exchange for Amir Johnson and Sonny Weems on Aug. 18, 2009. In addition to the NBA, Delfino has played a key role on Argentinas gold-medal-winning teams at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece and at the 2011 FIBA Americas Tournament. Delfino began his career internationally with Reggio Calabria (2000-02) and Skipper Bologna (2002-04). He also averaged 13.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 10 games with Khimki Moscow in the Russian Superleague in 2008-09.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

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NCAA1

Kansas freshman Doyle leaves program - by Eurobasket News (T)

Freshman guard Milton Doyle has left the Kansas basketball program.

Jayhawks coach Bill Self said in a statement Monday that he spoke with Doyle at length over the weekend about his role in the program. Self said that "the first option was welcoming him back for the fall," but that Doyle decided on his own to leave the program.

The 6-foot-4 guard from Chicago was a late addition to the Jayhawks' recruiting class. He was originally committed to Florida International before Isiah Thomas was let go as coach.

Self said Doyle decided to find a program where he had a chance to make an impact early in his career. Kansas returns Elijah Johnson and Travis Releford from last season's national runner-up, and has several high-profile recruits joining the team.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

UCF keeps big man, but Jordan gone - by Eurobasket News (T)

Central Florida basketball coach Donnie Jones received good and bad news about the quartet of seniors he hoped to have on the court this season.

All-Conference USA big man Keith Clanton (6'9''-F) told Jones over the weekend that he would return for his final season. Meanwhile, Marcus Jordan (6'3''-G-88), Josh Crittle (6'9''-F/C-90) and C.J. Reed (6'3''-G) have decided to leave the program, UCF announced Monday.

Jordan, the youngest son of NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, will continue to take classes at UCF. Reed, a former Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Player of the Year as a junior guard at Bethune-Cookman, sat out last year after transferring to UCF, and now he is transferring again to Georgia Southern.

Reed's father, Cliff Reed, was hired at Georgia Southern as an assistant earlier this month and also coached his son at Bethune.

Crittle, a 6-foot-9 center, had reportedly recently visited DePaul. But it is unknown if that is where he will transfer.

The UCF seniors were given the option by the NCAA to transfer immediately after the Knights' basketball and football programs with hit with sanctions for major recruiting violations. The punishment included one-year postseason bans in both sports.

UCF is appealing its postseason ban in football, but not basketball.

School officials said Jordan's decision was unrelated to the NCAA penalties.

Clanton, a 6-foot-8 forward, was courted by national champion Kentucky and Florida State, among others, after the penalties were announced July 31. But the Orlando native announced on Twitter on Saturday that he would be at UCF when classes opened Monday.

''I think to people's surprise I will be returning to UCF for my Sr. season,'' Clanton posted on his account. ''I love this team and my dreams and goals can be fulfilled here.''

The decision was a huge victory for Jones, who retains a player that averaged a team-high 14.5 points and 8.1 rebounds in leading the Knights to a 22-11 finish last season.

Jordan has previously expressed interests beyond the basketball court, including possible business ventures, and received permission from UCF's coaching staff to spend this past summer away from Orlando.

Jordan was arrested July 2 for resisting arrest and disorderly conduct for an incident outside a hotel in Omaha, Neb.

The 6-3 shooting guard's departure is a blow to the Knights, who lose the 13.7 points and 2.4 assists he averaged as a junior. He also had 24 double-digit scoring performances.

They also lose a charismatic personality, whose presence promoting UCF on social media, combined with his family pedigree, helped draw more fans to Knights basketball games.

Jordan's older brother, Jeffrey Jordan, played 13 games as a senior at UCF last season after transferring from Illinois. But he left the program in early January, citing personal reasons.

Jones said recently that he wanted to give all his seniors the time and space they needed to make their decisions.

''It's always a hard decision with seniors,'' Jones said. ''They got hit with this ... and the main focus for everyone is I told them, 'It's about you. I want the best for you and the right decision for you.'

''They still have an opportunity here in a program they've played in and for a coach that knows it no better than me. And our program's been built around those guys.''

He was also adamant that even if there were some defections, he felt the core of the program would remain strong.

''I know we've had some setbacks here. But setbacks are set up for comebacks. It's just on how you approach things,'' Jones said. ''I'm still very excited about our team, about the recruits we have coming in, and about the commitment here at this university. So it's a great time to be a part of what's still happening here.''

Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

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PHILIPPINES

2012 William Jones Cup: Philippines beat Anyang KGC to stay perfect - by Eurobasket News

Philippines - Anyang KGC 82:79

Philippines registered the third consecutive win at the William Jones Cup. They narrowly defeated Anyang KGC from South Korea to improve at 3-0 record. Anyang KGC slipped at 2-2 record after the loss. Jeffrei Chan (192-F-83) produced 14 points and 6 rebounds to lead the winners.
Philippines surged ahead in the opening quarter. They accounted for a 24:16 lead after ten minutes. Anyang KGC cut the deficit in the second frame. The Korean team got within 2 points at halftime 42:40. Anyang KGC erupted for 31 points in the third term to spur in front. They accumulated a 6-point advantage heading into the fourth period. But Philippines limited their opponents to just 8 points in the fourth frame and snatched a narrow success at the end. Gary David (188-G/F-78) had 13 points for Philippines, while Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) had 11 points and 12 rebounds in the win. Pattillo Juan (197-F-88, college: W.Kentucky) answered with 19 points for Anyang KGC. Jung Hwi-Ryang (198-C/F-84) provided 14 points in the loss.

Philippines: Jeffrei Chan 14, Gary David 13, Marcus Douthit 11+12 boards
Anyang KGC: Pattillo Juan 19, Jung Hwi-Ryang 14

U18 Championship: Philippines edge Taiwan in Group F thriller - by Eurobasket News

Philippines U18-Taiwan U18 88:83

Philippines edge Taiwan to take the second place in Group F of the 22nd Asia U18 Championship. Philippines needed 88:83 win to tie both records at 3-1.
Philippines won the first period 17-14 and added 26-20 in the second frame. Taiwan however dominated the third period and grabbed 1-point lead after thirty minutes. With the game poised at 83:82 Jerie Pingoy (175-G-94) finished a 3-point play to nudge his team ahead. Lee Chua-ji converted one of the two free-throws to cut the deficit for Taipei, while Rodolfo Alejandro (180-G-95) sank both his attempts from the foul-line to firm up the win.
Jerie Pingoy stepped up with 25 points for the winners and Rodolfo Alejandro nailed 22. Rey Nambatac (179-G-94) delivered 10, while Michael Javelosa (193-G/F-95) and Janus Suarez (185-G-94) brought 6 each. Lin Kuan-Chun (184-G-95) ended up with 25 points in the losing case and Fang Shih-En (199-C-94) as well as Lin Yu-Ping had 16 each. Huang Hung-Han (189-F-94) delivered 9 points each in a loss.

Philippines U18: Jerie Pingoy 25, Rodolfo Alejandro 22, Rey Nambatac 10, Michael Javelosa 6, Janus Suarez 6
Taiwan U18: Lin Kuan-Chun 25, Fang Shih-En 16, Lin Yu-Ping 16, Huang Hung-Han 9

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POLAND

Kotwica inks American PG Corey Jefferson - by Eurobasket News (T)

Kotwica reinforced its roster at position 1. The team signed a deal with American point guard Corey Jefferson (183-G-85, college: Texas St.). He arrives to the club from Slovakian team Spisska Nova Ves. Jefferson appeared 34 times with them last season averaging 14.8 points, 7.1 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 steals. He was top assistant of the league and No.3 in steals. They reached Playoff Semifinals. Corey Jefferson played for Spisska Nova Ves also in 2009/10 and 2010/11. He was named to Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian League 2nd Team -11, 12. A year ago he participated at Extraliga All-Star Game. In the past, Jefferson played for Texas State University at San Marcos.

Kotwica also announced signing of Grzegorz Arabas (190-F/G-78, agency: Promotex), who arrives from Polpharma Starogard. The team penned a deal with two more players: Jaroslaw Zyskowski (201-G-92, agency: Promotex) and Rafal Rajewicz (203-C-88, agency: Promotex).

Tony Weeden joins Anwil - by Eurobasket News (T)

Anwil Wloclawek penned deal with Tony Weeden (186-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: Chicago St.). The guard is coming back to Poland where he started the previous season. Tony Weeden tipped off the last season with Polpharma. He averaged 15.4 points, 3.2 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game in PLK. He won Polish SuperCup with Polpharma. Later the guard moved to Italy. He joined Cimberio Varese. Tony Weeden notched 8.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals per appearance in SeriaA. He participated at PLK All-Star Game in 2012. Previously Tony Weeden had stints with Marousi, BPS Kwidzyn, Slask Wroclaw, Quebec City Kebekwa, Quad-City Riverhawks, Indiana Alley Cats and Macon Blaze.

Finland shock Poland in Koszalin - by Eurobasket News

Poland-Finland 79:81

Finland shock Poland in Koszalin in front of 3000 fans. The Nordic side grabbed valuable 81:79 win as Petteri Koponen (194-PG-88) made a free throw at the end of the game.
It was a real thriller in the court. Both teams scored 22 points each in the first period and only in the second frame Finland took 2-point advantage after 20-18. Poland meanwhile replied with the same score in the third period and tied the game after three quarters. Dardan Berisha (193-SG-88, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) later made the same at 70:70 and Michal Ignerski (207-F-80, agency: Stanley International, college: Mississippi St.) nailed three for 73:72. Shawn Huff (198-SF-84, college: Valparaiso) and Koivisto nailed threes for 78:75, while Poland could reduce just to one point. Petteri Koponen made a free throw at the end of the game to seal the victory with Finland.
Petteri Koponen poured in 26 points for the winners and Shawn Huff added 15. Gerald Lee (208-C-87, college: ODU) notched 13, whilst Hanno Mottola (209-PF-76, college: Utah) added 11. Michal Ignerski answered with 22 points in the losing effort and Dardan Berisha brought 16. Marcin Gortat (213-C-84) collected 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Robert Skibniewski (183-PG-83) delivered 9.

Poland: Michal Ignerski 22, Dardan Berisha 16, Marcin Gortat 13+11 rebs, Robert Skibniewski 9
Finland: Petteri Koponen 26, Shawn Huff 15, Gerald Lee 13, Hanno Mottola 11

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PORTUGAL

Sport Lisboa Benfica adds Franklin to their roster - by Eurobasket Center (T)

Sport Lisboa Benfica agreed terms with 25-year old American Ricky Franklin (185-PG-87, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee). Franklin played most recently at S.C. Lusitania EXPERT (LPB). While playing 24 games for Lusitania last season he recorded 16.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.5apg and 1.7spg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. It was a very successful year in Franklins career as He was selected to Eurobasket.com Portuguese League All-Imports Team. Franklin graduated from University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee in 2010 and it will be his third season in pro basketball.

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PUERTO RICO

Indios SFM sign Verdejo: - by Luis Modestti (T)

Indios SFM of the Dominican National League signed Puerto Rican guard Jesus Verdejo (193-G-85, college: S.Florida) to replace Joel Jones (196-G/F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Sacramento St.) who had to leave due to injury.

Jones averaged 11.7 points in three games for Indios who are in first place in the North Circuit with an 11-3 record.

Verdejo has international experience in Mexico and averaged 17.5 points last season with Abejas. In Puerto Rico he played for Guayama and averaged 7.97 points in 29 games. He is known for being a defensive specialist.

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ROMANIA

Miercurea Ciuc signs two players - by Eurobasket News (T)

Perla Harghitei Miercurea Ciuc continues with signings for the upcoming season. New members of the team are Sasa Avalic (198-G-80) and Marijo Hajdic (206-F/C-89).
Sasa Avalic arrives to the club from Cypriot Papa Johns Omonia Nicosia. He appeared 8 times for them last season averaging 10.4 points. They parted ways in December. Avalic finished 2010/11 season with the same team. He started 2010/11 with Slovakian Handlova and later moved to Iskra Svit. The guard also has experience from Greece and Serbia.
Marijo Hajdic split last season between Svjetlost Slavonski Brod and Dubrovnik. With Dubrovnik he had 11.5 ppg and 4.6 rpg in 14 Croatian league games. He played for the same team also from 2004 to 2011.

Asesoft Ploiesti and Arvydas Cepulis part ways - by Eurobasket News (T)

Arvydas Cepulis (196-G-79) is no longer a member of Asesoft Ploiesti. According to local media, the player will sign a deal in his native Lithuania. Cepulis finished last season with Asesoft and he also played there from 2007 to 2010. They won four championship titles together and two Cup trophies. Last season the player had 12.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 1.4 apg in 24 games. He started 2011/12 with Lithuanian Delikatesas Joniskis. Cepulis participated four times at Romanian league All-Star Game. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Bosman Player of the Year -09. Arvydas Cepulis spent 2010/11 season with Siauliai. In the past, he also played in Siauliai and for Polish Ostromecko Astoria Bydgoszcz.
Asesoft Ploiesti officially has five players under the contract: Aleksandar Vlahovic, Darius Hargrove, Robert Nyakundi, Vukasin Mandic and Vladimir Tica.

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SAUDI ARABIA

SENEGAL

Senegal National Team 2012 - by Kristian Santiago

This is the national team of Senegal that sucessfully qualified for the Afrobasket 2013 by placing first in the zone II qualifiers in Cape Verde.

Roster:
Pape Mor Faye (UGB St.Louis)
Mohamed Diop (198-PF-81) (UGB St.Louis)
Mamadou Ndoye (UGB St.Louis)
Malick Gadiaga (189-G-81) (ASCC BOPP)
Malick Ndiaye (93) (Maroc)
Abdou Khadre Ndiaye (178-G) (Maroc)
Ibrahima Mbengue (AS Douanes Dakar)
Mouhammad Faye (208-F-85, college: SMU)
Maleye N'Doye (203-F-80, college: Furman) (France)
Pape Badji (206-F/C-92) (Suisse)
Younousse Diop (US Rail Thies)
Boubacar Coly (206-F-83, college: Morgan St.) (Canada)

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SERBIA

Nikola Pesakovic moves to KK partizan to KK Vojvodina - by Zoran Popovic (T)

Nikola Pesakovic (193-G-91) becomes new member of KK Vojvodina. Pesakovic was player of KK Partizan, but after knee injury and surgery break of 6 months, Pesakovic played half season for KK Borac Cacak. On his 10 games for KK Borac Cacak last season, Pesakovic average scored 12.1 points, 2.8 boards, 2.2 assists per game. Pesakovic started career in KK Borac Cacak and after short role in KK Partizan Beograd, KK Vojvodina is his third team in career.

Serbia bounce back after loss, trounce Slovak Republic - by Eurobasket News

Slovak Republic - Serbia 71:93

Serbia earned the second win at 2013 EuroBasket Qualification. They overcame Slovak Republic on the road to improve at 2-1 record in Group A. Slovak Republic suffered the third loss in a row and remained at the bottom of the ladder. Milos Teodosic (195-PG-87) came up with 15 points and 7 assists to lead the visitors.
The teams stayed on fire throughout the opening quarter. They teamed up for 50 points as Serbia eked out a 26:24 lead. Serbia stayed red hot in the second term. They knocked down 30 points more though Slovak Republic could not match the effort and faced a 17-point deficit at halftime 39:56. Serbia held their opponents to 13 points in the third term to accumulate a 27-point lead. Slovak Republic outscored the visitors in the fourth period but could not avoid another loss. Nenad Krstic (213-C-83) had 14 points, while Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) added 11 points and 9 rebounds in the victory. Anton Gavel (188-PG-84, agency: Pro One Sports) answered with 26 points and 7 assists for Slovak Republic. Martin Sykora (193-G/F-81) had 12 points in the loss.

Slovak Republic: Anton Gavel 26, Martin Sykora 12
Serbia: Milos Teodosic 15, Nenad Krstic 14, Nemanja Bjelica 11

Sasa Avalic signs in Romania - by Eurobasket News (T)

Sasa Avalic (198-G-80) will continue his career in Romania. The Serbian guard signed a 1-year deal with Perla Harghitei Miercurea Ciuc. They compete in Romanian top division. Sasa Avalic arrives to the club from Cypriot Papa Johns Omonia Nicosia. He appeared 8 times for them last season averaging 10.4 points. They parted ways in December. Avalic finished 2010/11 season with the same team. He started 2010/11 with Slovakian Handlova and later moved to Iskra Svit. With Handlova he had 9.1 ppg and 2.9 rpg in 14 Extraliga games. Later with Svit Avalic appeared only onece, before he joined Omonia. In 2009/10 season, Sasa Avalic played for Dafni Athens collecting 9.7 ppg and 2.9 rpg for 23 games. He also has experience from Spisska Nova Ves, Swisslion Takovo, Etha Nicosia and Banjalucka Pivarna. In the past, Avalic played for Sloga and Masinac.

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SEYCHELLES

National League - by Carlos Pereira

Stars whip Juniors to close in on title

Cobras upset Baya to move to second place

Defending womens league champions Anse Etoile Stars closed in on defending their title won last season after inflicting a heavy 91-19 defeat on Juniors during the weekend, while Premium Cobras defeated Baya to move to second on the table.

With one round of matches remaining in the three-round league, Stars are the number one favourites to win the title after registering a 100% winning streak throughout the first two.
In case of defeats against rivals HotShots and Mont Fleuri in the third round, the girls of coach Michel Malbrook will still add another piece of silverware to their collection. They can only lose the title if they lose by walk-over.
In Saturdays match, Stars dominated all four quarters 24-7, 13-0, 28-4 and 26-8 with young Jana Malbrook contributing 23 points to lead the scoring.
Coach Malbrook praised his young players for their perfect league campaign so far this season. He explained that the youngsters have brought more options to their game and allow the more experienced players to take a break and recover during matches.
He added that they are still adopting a strict training programme and this will go on until they win the league title. After that, they will attempt winning the Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) Cup for back-to-back doubles.
Stars have now garnered 18 points from nine victories in as many matches.
Winless Juniors stay at the bottom of the table on eight points.
In the mens division league, Premium Cobras have moved up to the second place on the table following their 97-66 win over Baya. Cobras won the first two quarters 22-16 and 22-17 for a 44-33 half-time lead. In the second half, captain Amadou Sylla and company switched to a stronger gear, dominating the last two quarters 28-17 and 26-16 to outpace Baya 97-66 at the final whistle.

Sylla and Dan Cme scored 21 points apiece to lead the scoring for the Cobras, while captain Timmy Adam was Bayas top scorer with 23 points.
Cobras now have 21 points from nine wins and three losses, while the defeat the fourth in 12 games has left Baya in fifth position on 20 points.
In the Anse Boileau derby played during the weekend, Angels outscored Drifters 85-73, bringing their points tally to 17. After five wins and seven defeats they are now sixth on the table.
Barry Dubignon was Angels leading scorer with 20 points the same total achieved by Drifters top scorer Arnaud Arissol.
As for Drifters, they are occupying seventh spot on the league table. They have 16 points from three wins and 10 defeats out of 13 matches.
Mont Buxton-based MBU Rockers were also among the winners during the weekend. They defeated RC Dynamics 85-69, bringing their points tally to 21 after seven wins and seven defeats.
Pascal Bibi contributed 31 points to finish as Rockers leading scorer, while Emmanuel Jupiter led Dynamics with 20 points.
Rockers are now in fourth spot, while Dynamics are eighth on 15 points from two wins and 11 defeats.

Meanwhile, in the mens league division two, leaders Praslin Warriors collected a win and a loss in their two away matches played at Victoria Gymnasium.
In their first match on Saturday, the Warriors lost 55-67 to second-placed Beau Vallon Heat, while on Sunday they beat Juniors 76-36 to maintain top spot with 21 points from nine wins and three losses.
R. D.

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SINGAPORE

SLOVAKIA

Serbia bounce back after loss, trounce Slovak Republic - by Eurobasket News

Slovak Republic - Serbia 71:93

Serbia earned the second win at 2013 EuroBasket Qualification. They overcame Slovak Republic on the road to improve at 2-1 record in Group A. Slovak Republic suffered the third loss in a row and remained at the bottom of the ladder. Milos Teodosic (195-PG-87) came up with 15 points and 7 assists to lead the visitors.
The teams stayed on fire throughout the opening quarter. They teamed up for 50 points as Serbia eked out a 26:24 lead. Serbia stayed red hot in the second term. They knocked down 30 points more though Slovak Republic could not match the effort and faced a 17-point deficit at halftime 39:56. Serbia held their opponents to 13 points in the third term to accumulate a 27-point lead. Slovak Republic outscored the visitors in the fourth period but could not avoid another loss. Nenad Krstic (213-C-83) had 14 points, while Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) added 11 points and 9 rebounds in the victory. Anton Gavel (188-PG-84, agency: Pro One Sports) answered with 26 points and 7 assists for Slovak Republic. Martin Sykora (193-G/F-81) had 12 points in the loss.

Slovak Republic: Anton Gavel 26, Martin Sykora 12
Serbia: Milos Teodosic 15, Nenad Krstic 14, Nemanja Bjelica 11

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SLOVENIA

Krka adds Domen Lorbek, completes roster for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News (T)

Domen Lorbek (197-G/F-85) is a new member of Krka Novo Mesto. The player didn't appear in any official game with Air Avelino last season due to injury. He played for Lagun Aro GBC in 2010/11 averaging 5.4 points and 1 rebound for 31 games. He finished 2009/10 season with Lagun Aro as well. Lorbek joined them in February of 2010 collecting 6 ppg and 2.1 rpg for 9 games. He started that season with Cajasol, but in December moved to Helios Domzale and finally ended it with Lagun Aro. In the past, Domen Lorbek played for Benetton Treviso, Estudiantes and Union Olimpija. With Slovenian National Team Lorbek had 5.9 ppg and 2 rpg for 8 games at 2009 EuroBasket in Poland. He also added 6.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 1.9 apg for 9 games at 2007 EuroBasket in Spain. With this signing Krka Novo Mesto completed its roster for the upcoming season.

Hopsi gets four players - by Zeljko Zule (T)

Hopsi made four roster addition for the upcoming 2011-12 season, signing Aljaz Korosec (190-PG-92) and Davorin Govedic (207-C-88) for one year and struck a deal with Krka to get Martin Mezan (192-G-93) and Jan Osolnik (203-F-93) on loan for the season.
Aljaz Korosec started the 2011-12 season with Helios and later moved to LTH Skofja Loka, where he averaged 11.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals in 14 Telemach league games. Davorin Govedic arrives from Vrani Vransko, for whom he posted 5.2 points in 18 games of Division III last season. Martin Mezan averaged 14.4 points in 18 games of Division III for Krka II last season and his teammate Jan Osolnik averaged 9.0 points in 10 games.

Krka completes its roster with Domen Lorbek - by Zeljko Zule (T)

Krka has completed its roster by inking Domen Lorbek (197-G/F-85) as its last player. Lorbek arrives from Italian side Avellino, but he suffered from foot injury and did not played any match in the 2011-12 season.
Domen Lorbek rounds out a deep Krka frontcourt that already featured Tomaz Bolcina (206-F/C-94), Jurica Golemac (209-F-77, agency: Beo Basket), Erjon Kastrati (197-F/G-94), Jaka Klobucar (198-G-87), Marko Pajic (204-F/C-92) and Jakov Vladovic (186-PG-83).

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SOUTH KOREA

2012 William Jones Cup: Philippines beat Anyang KGC to stay perfect - by Eurobasket News

Philippines - Anyang KGC 82:79

Philippines registered the third consecutive win at the William Jones Cup. They narrowly defeated Anyang KGC from South Korea to improve at 3-0 record. Anyang KGC slipped at 2-2 record after the loss. Jeffrei Chan (192-F-83) produced 14 points and 6 rebounds to lead the winners.
Philippines surged ahead in the opening quarter. They accounted for a 24:16 lead after ten minutes. Anyang KGC cut the deficit in the second frame. The Korean team got within 2 points at halftime 42:40. Anyang KGC erupted for 31 points in the third term to spur in front. They accumulated a 6-point advantage heading into the fourth period. But Philippines limited their opponents to just 8 points in the fourth frame and snatched a narrow success at the end. Gary David (188-G/F-78) had 13 points for Philippines, while Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) had 11 points and 12 rebounds in the win. Pattillo Juan (197-F-88, college: W.Kentucky) answered with 19 points for Anyang KGC. Jung Hwi-Ryang (198-C/F-84) provided 14 points in the loss.

Philippines: Jeffrei Chan 14, Gary David 13, Marcus Douthit 11+12 boards
Anyang KGC: Pattillo Juan 19, Jung Hwi-Ryang 14

U18 Championship: South Korea keep on winning in Ulaanbaatar - by Eurobasket News

South Korea U18 - Lebanon U18 95:63

South Korea registered the fifth straight win at U18 Asia Championship. They defeated Lebanon to improve at 4-0 record at the Second Stage Group E. Sangjae Kang (202-F-94) came up with 28 points to lead the Korean side. Lebanon fell at 2-2 record after the loss.
South Korea left Lebanon far behind after the opening quarter. They ensured a 24:10 lead after ten minutes of action. South Korea maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They established a 50:27 halftime lead. South Korea did not loosen the grasp in the third quarter. They piled up a 64:48 lead at the final break. The Korean side kept their opponents at bay throughout the final frame and raced to a comfortable win at the end. Gibeom Cheon (187-G-94) notched 21 points and 11 rebounds for South Korea. SeunGook Choi added 21 points in the victory. Wael Arakji (192-G-94) answered with 16 points for Lebanon. Ali Mezher (182-PG-94) had 10 points in the loss.

South Korea U18: Sangjae Kang 28, Gibeom Cheon 21+11 boards, SeunGook Choi 21
Lebanon U18: Wael Arakji 16, Ali Mezher 10

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SPAIN

Estudiantes tab Carl English - by Eurobasket News (T)

Asefa Estudiantes brought in Carl English (192-G-81, college: Hawaii). The sides have agreed on terms of contract. The deal is meant for two seasons. The guard spent the last season with Cajasol. The Canadian player averaged 7.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game in ACB. Previously Carl English had stints with Joventut, Caja Laboral, Gran Canaria, KK Zadar, Bologna, Florida Flame and North Charleston Lowgators. Carl English was named Adriatic League All-Star Game MVP in 2007. He made it into All-Croatian A1 League 2^nd Team the same season. Carl English has been the member of Canadian National Team since 2005. He participated at Marchand Cup and Fiba Americas Championship last year.

Standings - LEB Gold

LEB Gold Standings

1. A.Ford Burgos		0-0
2. Andorra		0-0
3. Breogan		0-0
4. Caceres		0-0
5. Clavijo		0-0
6. Coruna		0-0
7. FCB Regal II		0-0
8. Forca Lleida		0-0
9. Lobe Huesca		0-0
10. Lucentum		0-0
11. Melilla		0-0
12. Ourense		0-0
13. Palencia		0-0
14. Planasa NV		0-0

Regular Season: Round 1

Oct. 5: Forca Lleida - A.Ford Burgos
Oct. 5: Lobe Huesca - Andorra
Oct. 6: Breogan - FCB Regal II
Oct. 7: Lucentum - Clavijo
Oct. 5: Melilla - Caceres
Oct. 5: Ourense - Palencia
Oct. 5: Coruna - Planasa NV

Alicante keeps young Alberto Jodar - by Eurobasket News (T)

Alicante announced signing of 1-year contract extension with Alberto Jodar (204-F/C-91). The player arrived last summer from Real Madrid II. Jodar appeared 18 times in Liga Endesa, but he had very limited playing time. He averaged less than a point. The young PF/C had 7.4 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Real Madrid II in 15 EBA games in 2010/11 season. He played for them also in 2009/10 and two years before that he spent with Fuenlabrada II. Alberto Jodar won the gold medal with U20 Spanish National Team last summer. He had 4.3 ppg and 2 rpg for 8 games at U20 EuroBasket in Bilbao. In 2008 and 2009, Jodar played for U18 Spain. In 2006 and 2007, he won two gold medals with U16 NT and was one of their key players. At U16 EuroBasket in Rethimno the player exploded with 15.4 ppg and 7.9 rpg for 8 games.

Mad-Croc Fuenlabrada gets bigger with Charles Garcia - by Eurobasket News (T)

Mad-Croc Fuenlabrada announced signing of Charles Garcia (206-F-88, college: Seattle) for the next season. He will play as Cotonou due to his Belize citizenship. Garcia spent last season in NBA D-League. He started it with the Sioux Falls Skyforce averaging 14.8 points and 6.5 rebounds for 23 games. In March, the player moved to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants adding 11.8 ppg and 6.9 rpg for 13 games. He participated at D-League All-Star Game. A year ago Charles Garcia won D-League title with Iowa Energy. During that season he also spent some time with Potros ITSON (Mexico), Utah Flash and Oyak Renault. He played for the University of Seattle in 2009/10 and was named All-Independent Player of the Year -10. Seattle won Independent Conference title. This summer Charles Garcia played for the Phoenix Suns at 2012 NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas. He had 9 ppg and 3.4 rpg for 5 games.

Real Madrid lands rebounding ace Marcus Slaughter - by Eurobasket News (T)

Real Madrid signed a 2-year deal with Marcus Slaughter (204-C/F-85, college: San Diego St.). The player was one of the best Euroleague rebounders last season. Slaughter played for Brose Baskets Bamberg collecting 11.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.8 spg and 1.3 bpg for 10 Euroleague games. He was ranked sixth in performance index ranking (17.7 per game), third in rebounding, second in blocks and tied for third in steals in Euroleague regular season. The player averaged 8.4 points and 4.9 rebounds in 44 German league games helping Bamberg to defend the title. He participated at the All-Star Game. Before Bamberg, Marcus Slaughter played for Valladolid. There he registered 9.9 ppg and 6 rpg in 34 ACB league games. In 2009/10, he played for Nancy and year before that the player spent with Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. He also has experience from Gravelines, Hapoel Jerusalem and Karsiyaka. Slaughter is a product of San Diego State University.

Forca Lleida signs F Sergi Pino - by Eurobasket News (T)

Forca Lleida announced signing of Sergi Pino (196-F-87) for the upcoming season. The player spent last two with Sant Josep Girona in LEB Gold. In the latest one he averaged 10.5 points and 4.3 rebounds in 34 games. In their first year together Pino registered 7.2 ppg and 2.7 rpg in 42 appearances. They reached Playoff Semifinals in 2011. Before Girona, Sergi Pino spent two years with L'Hospitalitet. He also has experience from Imaje Sabadell Gapsa and Finques Olesa.
Last week, Lleida extended deal with Jose Simeon (187-PG-91). The guard will enter his second straight season with the team. Simeon arrived to Lleida from Valencia. There the guard notched 1.3 points and 1.0 board per Euroleague game. In ACB Jose Simeon notched 1.6 points per appearance. He was the member of U16, U18 and U20 Spanish National Teams. Eurobasket.com named Jose Simeon All-Spanish ACB Newcomer of the Year in 2010.
The team also signed Dominic Calegari (208-F/C-87, college: Cal-Davis) and Dani Rodriguez.

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SWEDEN

SWITZERLAND

SYRIA

U18 Championship: China pile up scalps in Ulaanbaatar - by Eurobasket News

China U18 - Syria U18 101:71

China delivered another victory at U18 Asia Championship. They knocked down Syria for the fifth win in a row at the tournament. They share the top place in Group E with South Korea. Wang Zhelin (215-C/F-94) accounted for 22 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge.
China eked out an 18:11 lead to take a 7-point lead after ten minutes. The margin grew at 20-point mark midway through the second quarter. China established a 45:25 halftime advantage. China stayed in charge throughout the third term. They recorded a 76:49 lead at the final intermission. China did not slow down in the fourth quarter rolling to a comfortable win at the end. Li Jinglong (195-F-95) netted 19 points, while Li Qi (198-F-95) added 17 points for the winners. Ockba Baghajati (182-G-94) answered with 22 points for Syria. Mouhammad Shahin (192-F-94) had 12 points and 8 boards in defeat.

China U18: Wang Zhelin 22+11 boards, Li Jinglong 19, Li Qi 17
Syria U18: Ockba Baghajati 22, Mouhammad Shahin 12

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TAIWAN

2012 William Jones Cup: USA cruise past Taiwan B - by Eurobasket News

USA - Taiwan B 126:71

USA clinched the third straight win at the start of William Jones Cup. They defeated Taiwanese B National Team. Eight players scored in double digits for the USA selection. Freddie Williams (6'2''-G-87, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Clayton St.) stepped up with 27 points to pace the charge.
USA led by just five points after the opening quarter 18:13. However the North American team increased the tempo in the second quarter. They unloaded 31 points and ensured a 49:33 halftime lead. USA erupted for 43 points in the third term. They boosted the margin to as many as 40 point before the final quarter. The visitors knocked down 34 points in the fourth period and rallied to a well-deserved win at the end. Brad Reese (6'7''-F-88, college: Texas Tech) accounted for 21 points and 10 rebounds for USA. Gerard Anderson (6'6''-F-87, college: CS Fullerton) provided 15 points for the winners. Sung Yu-Hsuan (6'0''-G-89) answered with 26 points for Taiwan. Chen Kuan-Chuan (6'5''-F-93) had 13 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

USA: Freddie Williams 27, Brad Reese 21+10 boards, Gerard Anderson 15
Taiwan B: Sung Yu-Hsuan 26, Chen Kuan-Chuan 13

U18 Championship: Philippines edge Taiwan in Group F thriller - by Eurobasket News

Philippines U18-Taiwan U18 88:83

Philippines edge Taiwan to take the second place in Group F of the 22nd Asia U18 Championship. Philippines needed 88:83 win to tie both records at 3-1.
Philippines won the first period 17-14 and added 26-20 in the second frame. Taiwan however dominated the third period and grabbed 1-point lead after thirty minutes. With the game poised at 83:82 Jerie Pingoy (175-G-94) finished a 3-point play to nudge his team ahead. Lee Chua-ji converted one of the two free-throws to cut the deficit for Taipei, while Rodolfo Alejandro (180-G-95) sank both his attempts from the foul-line to firm up the win.
Jerie Pingoy stepped up with 25 points for the winners and Rodolfo Alejandro nailed 22. Rey Nambatac (179-G-94) delivered 10, while Michael Javelosa (193-G/F-95) and Janus Suarez (185-G-94) brought 6 each. Lin Kuan-Chun (184-G-95) ended up with 25 points in the losing case and Fang Shih-En (199-C-94) as well as Lin Yu-Ping had 16 each. Huang Hung-Han (189-F-94) delivered 9 points each in a loss.

Philippines U18: Jerie Pingoy 25, Rodolfo Alejandro 22, Rey Nambatac 10, Michael Javelosa 6, Janus Suarez 6
Taiwan U18: Lin Kuan-Chun 25, Fang Shih-En 16, Lin Yu-Ping 16, Huang Hung-Han 9

2012 William Jones Cup: Taiwan shoot down Lebanon - by Eurobasket News

Taiwan - Lebanon 81:74

Taiwan registered the second win at William Jones Cup. The hosts prevailed against Lebanon. Taiwan are now at 2-2 record, while Lebanon slipped at 0-4. Tseng Wen-Ting (203-F/C-84) knocked down 16 points to lead the hosts.
Lebanon looked better in the opening quarter. The visitors earned a 21:12 lead after ten minutes. Taiwan improved their performance at both ends of the floor in the second quarter. The home team denied the deficit and surged ahead for a 36:35 halftime lead. Taiwan extended the margin in the third quarter. They accumulated a 4-point lead at the final intermission. Taiwan did not slow down in the fourth stanza and raced to a comfortable win at the end. Lin Chih-Chieh (192-G-82) and Lu Cheng-Ju (194-F-86) notched 11 points each for the winners. Jean Abdel Nour (198-F/G-83) replied with 19 points for Lebanon. Cheikh Hussein El Khatib (186-PG-86) had 14 points in defeat.

Taiwan: Tseng Wen-Ting 16, Lin Chih-Chieh 11, Lu Cheng-Ju 11
Lebanon: Jean Abdel Nour 19, Cheikh Hussein El Khatib 14

2012 Jones Cup Men Day 4 results - by Chris Wang

Boxcores in .png format available for download at https://www.box.com/s/d6319f1344755683f669

UPG (US) 126-71 Taiwan B
http://2012wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3076-10000.php
Philippines 82-79 KGC (South Korea)
http://2012wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3057-10000.php
Japan 84-83 Jordan
http://2012wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3052-10000.php
Taiwan 81-74 Lebanon
http://2012wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3048-10000.php

Standings:
Iran 3-0
Philippines 3-0
UPG (US) 3-0
KGC (South Korea) 2-2
Taiwan 2-2
Japan 2-2
Jordan 1-2
Lebanon 0-4
Taiwan B 0-4

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TURKEY

Italy topple Turkey in Sassari - by Eurobasket News

Italy - Turkey 78:69

Italy clinched the third straight win in Group F of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They held off Turkey in Sassari. Italy remained on top of the ladder at 3-0 record, while Turkey slipped at 1-1. Luigi Datome (203-F-87) top-scored with 23 points for the Azzurri.
The visitors jumped to an early advantage. Turkey gained an 18:14 lead after ten minutes. The margin grew at 8-point mark early in the second quarter. Arslan soon gave Turkey a 10-point lead. But Italy managed to cut the deficit to 4 points at the interval 32:36. Turkey maintained the lead throughout intense third quarter. The visitors entered the final stanza up by four points 55:51. Arslan, Gonlum and Erden made it 61:51 for Turkey at the start of the final frame. However Luigi Datome drained a triple to trigger an 18:1 run from the Azzurri as they posted a 71:64 lead with under three minutes to go. Italy never looked back afterwards marching to the victory. Daniel Hackett (200-PG-87, agency: Two Points, college: USC) finished with 15 points, while Danilo Gallinari (205-SF-88, agency: Players Group) accounted for 16 points and 11 boards for Italy. Emir Preldzic (205-SF-87, agency: Beo Basket) and Ilkan Karaman (205-F-90) answered with 14 points apiece for Turkey.

Italy: Luigi Datome 23, Danilo Gallinari 16+11 boards, Daniel Hackett 15
Turkey: Emir Preldzic 14, Ilkan Karaman 14

Fenerbahce not in a hurry to add a new player - by Baha Kurtulus

The Turkish team eyes Papaloukas

Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul is not in a hurry to add a new player to the roster. The Turkish powerhous made some big signings during the offseason like Batiste, Sato, Andersen, Ermis and McCalebb but they might have not finished their market yet. As reported earlier (via Eurohoops), Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul is eyeing Theo Papaloukas. The Greek PG is free agent after his season in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

A Turkish source told Sportando that Papaloukas is one of the names Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul is interested in but the club is not in a hurry to add a new player now. The coaching staff wants to wait till the first preseason games to understand if and where the roster needs to be strengthen.

Courtesy of www.sportando.net

Henry Domercant inks 1+1 year deal with Galatasaray - by Eurobasket News (T)

Henry Domercant (194-G-80, college: E.Illinois) officially became a new member of Galatasaray Medical Park. The player signed 1+1 year deal with his new club. Domercant spent last season with Unics Kazan averaging 15.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists for 19 Euroleague games. He was fifth scorer of the competition helping Unics to reach the Quarterfinals in their debut Euroleague season. Domercant played 21 games in Russian league collecting 11.7 ppg and 2.8 rpg, while in VTB United League he added 13.1 ppg and 2.8 rpg for 18 appearances. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-VTB League Player of the Year -12. He was also named to Eurobasket.com All-Euroleague 2nd Team -12. Before Unics, Henry Domercant played one year for Spartak St. Petersburg. He also has experience from Montepaschi, Dynamo Moscow, Olympiakos, Efes Pilsen and Karsiyaka. Few years ago Domercant received Bosnian citizenship and played for their NT at 2011 EuroBasket. He had 13.2 ppg and 3.4 rpg for 5 games in Lithuania.

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UBA

UKRAINE

Croatia survive thriller in Kyiv - by Eurobasket News

Ukraine - Croatia 79:80 (OT)

Croatia celebrated the second straight victory at the start of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying campaign. They survived overtime drama in Kyiv to gain 2-0 record in Group C. Ukraine suffered the first loss and fell at 2-1 record. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SG-89) topscored with 20 points for Croatia. He drained a decisive three-pointer late in overtime to win the game for the visitors.
Ukraine stayed confident throughout the opening quarter. They secured a 22:18 lead at the first break. The margin grew at 8-point mark midway through the second term 29:21. Croatia were able to narrow the gap at 2-point mark at halftime 36:38. Ukraine kept Croatia behind throughout the third frame. The hosts entered the fourth stanza up by one 53:52. Croatia triggered an 8:0 run that put the Balkan team in front 65:61 with just over four minutes remaining in regulation. Ukraine returned the lead after free throws by Zabirchenko 67:65 with just over two minutes remaining. Bojan Bogdanovic tied things up and Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85, agency: Beo Basket) put Croatia in front once again but Steven Burtt (185-G-84, college: Iona) drew things level at 69. Ukic was put on the stripe with 2 seconds remaining in regulation but missed both shots to send the game into overtime. Ukraine led throughout the bigger part of overtime however Bojan Bogdanovic nailed a late triple and sealed the victory for Croatia. Krunoslav Simon netted 15 points, while Damir Markota (209-F-85) added 14 points for the winners. Viacheslav Kravtsov (212-C-87, agency: Beo Basket) responded with 14 points for Ukraine. Steven Burtt, Artur Drozdov (200-SF-80) and Pecherov had 11 points each in the loss.

Ukraine: Viacheslav Kravtsov 14, Steven Burtt 11, Artur Drozdov 11, Pecherov 11
Croatia: Bojan Bogdanovic 20, Krunoslav Simon 15, Damir Markota 14

MBC Mykolaiv land Dwayne Mitchell - by Eurobasket News (T)

MBC Mykolaiv bolstered their roster. They added Dwayne Mitchell (196-G/F-82, agency: Interperformances, college: La-Lafayette) to the squad. The forward spent last three seasons in Israel. He played for Hapoel Holon, Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion and Ironi Ashkelon. Last season Dwayne Mitchell notched 15.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game in Premier League playing the Ashkelon team. He earned All-Israeli League Honourable Mention. Dwayne Mitchell participated at Israeli League All-Star Game. Eurobasket.com named Dwayne Mitchell All-Israeli League Player of the Year in 2011. Previously the forward had stints in D-League, Germany and France. Dwayne Mitchell took part at D-League All-Star Game in 2008.

Roman Virastiuk joins Boulazac - by Eurobasket News (T)

Boulazac added young talent to their roster. They invited Roman Virastiuk (207-C/F-92) for a try-out period. The Ukrainian centre played for BC Kyiv before. Last season Roman Virastiuk averaged 0.6 points per game in Superleague. He mostly played for the junior team. The centre was the member of U16, U18 and U20 Ukrainian National Teams. Roman Virastiuk participated at U20 European Championship with Ukraine this summer. He notched 3.0 points and 2.0 rebounds per game in Slovenia.
Boulazac have already confirmed 10 players for the upcoming season. They are Arnaud Kerckhof (193-PG-84), Darnell Harris (181-G-86, college: La Salle), Osiris Eldridge (191-G-88, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois St.), Thomas Dubiez (195-SG-80), Justin Hawkins (201-SF-85, agency: Two Points, college: N.Mexico St.), Yannick Gaillou (195-SF-79), Amadi McKenzie (201-PF-86, college: Tenn Tech), Darryl Monroe (202-C/F-86, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: George Mason), Mehdi Cheriet (204-PF-87, college: San Diego St.) and David Ramseier (203-F/C-87).

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UNITED KINGDOM

Ojo Joins Raiders For Another Year - by Paul Nilsen (T)

The UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders are delighted to announce the return of Michael Ojo (195-G, college: Lehigh) to the team for the 2012/13 season. The 6'3" shooting guard put pen to paper over the weekend and agreed to return to the Raiders for a second season.

Ojo is an exciting athletic talent who developed his game into one of the most deadly 3 point shooters in the BBL last season. He shot a sizzling 40% from the 3 point line, 90% from the free throw line, while averaging 13 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.

Ojo joined the Raiders last summer, straight from graduating from Lehigh University in the USA. He was most effective in last year's player rotations as the sixth man - the first player off the bench - and this year will see increased playing time as part of a shortened bench.

"Michael was one of the players from last season's team that I really wanted to see return this September," said Raiders Coach Gavin Love. "He had a really solid rookie season, and I want him to build on this and have a great 2012/13."

He returns to the team alongside Anthony Rowe and Jeremy Bell from last season. It leaves Raiders Coach Gavin Love with just one more slot to fill - an American forward, that he is close to signing.

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WILLIAM JONES CUP

2012 Jones Cup Men Day 4 results - by Chris Wang

Boxcores in .png format available for download at https://www.box.com/s/d6319f1344755683f669

UPG (US) 126-71 Taiwan B
http://2012wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3076-10000.php
Philippines 82-79 KGC (South Korea)
http://2012wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3057-10000.php
Japan 84-83 Jordan
http://2012wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3052-10000.php
Taiwan 81-74 Lebanon
http://2012wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3048-10000.php

Standings:
Iran 3-0
Philippines 3-0
UPG (US) 3-0
KGC (South Korea) 2-2
Taiwan 2-2
Japan 2-2
Jordan 1-2
Lebanon 0-4
Taiwan B 0-4

Standings

1. Iran		3-0
2. Philippines		3-0
3. USA		3-0
4. Japan		2-2
5. S.Korea		2-2
6. Jordan		1-1
7. Taiwan		1-2
8. Taiwan B		0-4
9. Lebanon		0-4

Preliminary Round: Round 4

Aug. 21: JPN - JOR 84-83
Aug. 21: PHI - KOR 82-79
Aug. 21: LEB - TAI 74-81
Aug. 21: USA - TAB 126-71

Preliminary Round: Round 5

Aug. 22: IRI - USA
Aug. 22: TAB - LEB
Aug. 22: PHI - JPN
Aug. 22: JOR - TAI

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Women News

U20 Belarus downs U20 Poland in very important game, 60-54 - by Eurobasket News

U20 BELARUS - U20 POLAND 60-54

Belarus registered very important win against Poland 60-54 in Day Five of U20 EuroBasket in Derbecen. Both teams have 2-2 record now in Group E and Holland also has the same numbers. Two of these three teams will advance to the Quarterfinals, but their names will be known on Wednesday. Belarus was down by 4 with ten minutes remaining in the game, but than they took control on its rival to end the last period with 20-10, what was enough for the victory. Quarters: 12-11, 10-16, 18-17, 20-10. Ksenija Voishal (182-F-94) led Belarus in scoring with 18 points and Maryia Papova (186-PF-94) followed her with 15 points, plus 9 rebounds. Maryia Filonchyk (187-PF-92) added 14 pts and 7 boards to this win. In Poland, Magdalena Zietara (170-G/F-92) was better than the others with 14 points. Martyna Stelmach (187-F/C-92) and Paulina Kuras (170-G-92) netted 10 points each. Belarus will play against Holland in do-or-die game on Wednesday, while Poland will meet top-ranked Spain.

Belarus: Ksenija Voishal 18, Maryia Papova 15+9 boards, Maryia Filonchyk 14+7 boards
Poland: Magdalena Zietara 14, Martyna Stelmach 10, Paulina Kuras 10

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CANADA

U17 Canada keeps U17 Mali winless in Amsterdam - by Eurobasket News

U17 MALI - U17 CANADA 42-77

Second win for Canada at FIBA U17 World Championship in Amsterdam. Canada smashed Mali 77-42 for 2-2 record in Group A. At the other side, Mali closes the standings in this pool with 0-4. Canada had impressive start making 26-6 lead in the first ten minutes of play. They jumped to plus 25 at the halftime and rest of the game was just the formality. Kia Nurse (177-PG-96) scored 14 points in victory and Kolbie Orum (187-PF-95) added 13 points, plus 7 rebs. Audrey-Ann Caron-Goudreau (187-SF-95) followed them with 11 pts. In Mali, Awa Keita (182-C-96) was better than the others with 11 points and 8 rebounds. Aissata Fomba (175-SG-95) had 7 points and same numbers of boards, while Mariam Maiga (167-SG-96) stopped to 6 pts. In the last day of the Preliminary Round Canada will meet Belgium. Mali will take on powerful USA.

Mali: Awa Keita 11+8 boards, Aissata Fomba 7+7 boards, Mariam Maiga 6
Canada: Kia Nurse 14, Kolbie Orum 13+7 boards, Audrey-Ann Caron-Goudreau 11

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20

Division A, Day 4: Start of the second stage in Debrecen - by Eurobasket News

Group E

Lithuania - Poland 50-53
Very valuable win for Poland at the start of the second stage at U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. Poland was better than Lithuania jumping to 2-1 record in Group E and now shares the second place with Sweden. At the other side, Lithuania closes the standings in this pool with 0-3. Lithuania was up by 15 at the halftime and it seemed they will take this game easily, but than Poland exploded after the breather. They intensified defense limiting its rival to just 4 pts for the entire Q3, while they drained 22 at the other side. In very exciting Q4 Poland managed to take 52-46 lead with 27 seconds remaining in the game. Lithuania came to minus two few moments later, but Cossengue sealed the victory for Poland from the free throw line. Magdalena Zietara (170-G/F-92) paced Poland with 18 points and 5 rebounds. Ramona Casimiro (170-G-92) had 14 points and 9 rebs, and Martyna Stelmach (187-F/C-92) added 7 pts, plus 6 rebs. In Lithuania, Monika Grigalauskyte (190-PF-92) shined with 15 points and 9 rebs, while Laura Svaryte (190-C/F-92) had double-double of 13 points and 12 boards. Dovile Saurazaite (170-G-92) stopped to 11 pts in this defeat. Poland will play against Belarus today, while Lithuania's rival will be Holland.

Sweden - Belarus 76-65
Sweden outplayed Belarus 76-65 to start the second stage at U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. Both teams had 1-1 record in Group E before this meeting. Now, Sweden shares the second place with Poland, while Belarus has the same score as 4th ranked Holland. Farhiya Abdi (188-F-92) (9 rebs) and Ellen Nystrom (180-G-93) led the winners with 15 points each, while Binta Drammeh (180-F-92) followed them with 14 pts and 7 rebs. In defeat, Maryia Filonchyk (187-PF-92) was better than the others with double-double of 21 points and 10 rebs, and Maryia Papova (186-PF-94) netted 16 points (5 rebs). Maryna Ivashchanka (190-C-93) stopped to 12 points and 6 boards. Sweden had double digit lead with ten minutes remaining in the game and it was too much for Belarus. Quarters: 23-18, 22-22, 18-11, 13-14. Sweden will play against Spain today and the winner will secure a ticket for the Quarterfinals. Belarus will meet Poland, also in very important game.

Holland - Spain 41-70
Spain had no mercy for Holland in the opening round of the second stage at U20 EuroBasket in Derbecen. It was 70-41 win for Spain, who now has 3-0 record in Group E. Spain already booked a ticket for the Quarterfinals at this event. They made 14-point lead until the halftime and jumped to plus 20 with one quarter left. Holland was not able to reply and actually Spain increased its lead to the final plus 29. Queralt Casas (180-G-92) and Marta Claret (185-C-92) netted 16 and 14 points respectively for the winners. Their third scorer was Elena Diaz (188-C-92) with 9 points. In the loosing squad, Marlou De Kleijn (182-F-92, agency: Regeneracom Sports) and Liesbeth Visser (169-PG-92) top-scored with just 7 points each. Holland dropped to 1-2 now sharing the fourth place with Belarus. Spain is alone on top of this pool. Today Spain will play against Sweden, while Holland will take on Lithuania.

Group F

France - Russia 59-62
Russia had to work very hard to beat France 62-59 in the opening game of the second stage in Debrecen (U20 EuroBasket). France had 8-point lead with ten minutes remaining in the game. They even jumped to plus 9 with 5:45 to go, but Russia didn't give up. Russia made impressive 14-4 run in just few minutes and later managed to take the victory in this game thanks to free throws by Alexandra Stolyar (178-G-92) and Efimova. Ksenia Tikhonenko (190-F/C-93, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) led Russia with 12 points and 11 rebounds in this meeting. Darya Namok (179-G-93) and Stoylar posted 10 points each. France got 19 points from Adja Konteh (173-G/F-92) and 13 from Sara Chevaugeon (177-G-93). Quarters: 16-17, 12-12, 9-16, 25-14. Turkey will meet Slovakia today. France will play do-or-die game against Serbia.

Slovakia - Ukraine 72-63
Slovakia started the second stage of U20 EuroBasket with victory. They downed Ukraine 72-63 for 2-1 record in Group F. At the other side, Ukraine dropped to 1-2. There are six participants in this group and only four of them will advance to the Quarterfinals. Slovakia had 13-point lead with one quarter left in the game and they jumped to plus 18 with 3:44 remaining. Marta Palenikova (184-G/F-92) stepped up for the winners with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Barbora Balintova (176-G-94) scored 13 points and Martina Letkova (189-F-92) added two points less. In Ukraine, Alina Iagupova (186-G-92, agency: LBM Management) collected 33 points and 7 rebounds, but with pretty bad percentage for FG2 (2/10). She reached valuation 25. Oleksandra Chek (191-C-93, agency: New Trend Agency) had 14 points and 8 rebounds in this defeat. Slovakia will meet top-ranked Turkey today, while Ukraine will play against Russia.

Serbia - Turkey 45-56
Few of Serbia's players finally recovered after food poisoning in Debrecen, but still Turkey celebrated 56-45 victory in this meeting. It was the opening round of the second stage at U20 EuroBasket and Turkey stays on top of Group F with perfect 3-0 record. Serbia dropped to 1-2 in this pool. Thanks to this win Turkey already secured a ticket for the Quarterfinals, while Serbia still has a good chance to do it. Serbia had 1-point lead with 10 minutes remaining in the game, but Turkey totally cook control on its rival after that. Turkey limited Serbia to just 8 pts for the entire last quarter, while they drained 20 at the other side, what was enough for comfortable victory. Ozge Kavurmacioglu (187-F-93) was a key player in this win with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Merve Aydin (174-PG-94) scored 10 points and Ecem Guler (189-PF-92) helped with 8. In Serbia, Snezana Colic (178-G-92) collected 18 points and 11 rebounds. Ivana Brajkovic (195-C-93) (5 rebs) and Jovana Jaksic (178-F/G-92) posted 6 points each. Championship continues today and Turkey will meet Slovakia. Serbia will play against France (0-3) and it will most likely be the crucial game for both teams.

Group G

Italy - Portugal 57-48
Italy celebrated its first win at U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. They outplayed Portugal 57-48 in the opening game of Group G. Teams in this pool fight for the survival in Division A and only the winner will avoid relegation. Latvia and UK are also placed to this group. Italy celebrated against Portugal thanks to great played first half of the game. Italy made 15-point lead in the first 20 minutes and Portugal closed the gap to 8 pts with one quarter left. However, Italy was strong enough to keep its lead for rest of the way. Virginia Galbiati (173-G-92) scored 14 points for her team and Francesca Dotto (170-PG-93) had 12. Their third scorer was Irene Cigliani (177-F-92) with 8 points. In defeat, Daniela Domingues (176-G/F-92) collected 17 points and 5 rebounds. Jessica Almeida (172-PG-93) scored 13 points and Ines Faustino (170-G-92) netted 9. Italy will play against UK today. Portugal will take on Latvia.

Latvia - United Kingdom 77-56
Latvia made a first step forward to survival in U20 EuroBasket Division A. They handed 77-56 loss to UK for 1-0 record in Group G. Participants of this pool are also Italy and Portugal and only the group winner will avoid relegation to Division B. Latvia took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 23-13, 13-9, 23-19, 18-15. Dita Rozenberga (181-F-92) scored 21 points and grabbed 5 rebounds for the winners. Krista Bridina (174-PG-94) (5 as) and Sabine Dukate (174-F-93) netted 14 points each. In UK, Francesca Whitby (175-G-92) and Rosie Hynes (172-G-93) delivered 13 and 12 pts respectively. Olufemi Hamilton (170-G-93) stopped to 10 points. Latvia will play against Portugal in the next game, while UK will meet Italy.

Division A: Day Five in Debrecen - by Eurobasket News

Group E

Spain - Sweden 61-63
Sweden handed first loss to Spain at U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. It was a 63-61 thriller win for Sweden, who joined Spain now on top of Group E with almost perfect 3-1 record. Sweden has a nice chance to win this pool and both teams already booked a spot for the Quarterfinals. It is important to mention that Sweden earned promotion last summer from Division B to Division A, while Spain is the defending champion at this event. Sweden celebrated thanks to jump shot by Farhiya Abdi (188-F-92) in the finish. Spain was scoreless for the last two and a half minutes of this game. Quarters: 17-17, 17-8, 13-17, 16-19. Abdi led Sweden with double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Binta Drammeh (180-F-92) added 17 points and 9 rebs. Their third scorer was Amanda Zahui (190-C-93) with 8 pts (7 rebs). In Spain, Andrea Vilaro (177-G-93, college: Florida) posted 17 points and Queralt Casas (180-G-92) stopped to 10 for 38 minutes on the court. Laura Gil (190-C-92, agency: Josep and Nicolas) collected 8 points and 11 rebounds. In the last day of the second stage Sweden will play against Lithuania. Spain will meet Poland.

Holland - Lithuania 66-54
Holland handed 66-54 loss to Lithuania in Day Five of U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. Thanks to this victory Holland improved to 2-2 record in Group E, while Lithuania stays the only winless team in this pool with 0-4. Holland has a nice chance to reach the quarterfinals, but everything will be clear on Wednesday. Sharon Lammerink (189-C-93) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Marlou De Kleijn (182-F-92, agency: Regeneracom Sports) added 16 points, plus 6 rebounds. Zera Butter (179-G-92) helped with 12 points and 8 boards. In the loosing squad, Santa Okockyte (176-PG-92) collected 19 points and 8 rebounds. Santa Okockytee had double-double of 11 points and 15 rebs, and Kornelija Valiuskyte (172-G-92) added 10 pts. Holland exploded in the last ten minutes to take the victory in this game. Quarters: 16-14, 12-17, 12-15, 26-8. Holland will meet Belarus in the last day of the second stage and it could be a do-or-die game for both teams. Lithuania will play against Sweden.

Belarus - Poland 60-54
Belarus registered very important win against Poland 60-54 in Day Five of U20 EuroBasket in Derbecen. Both teams have 2-2 record now in Group E and Holland also has the same numbers. Two of these three teams will advance to the Quarterfinals, but their names will be known on Wednesday. Belarus was down by 4 with ten minutes remaining in the game, but than they took control on its rival to end the last period with 20-10, what was enough for the victory. Quarters: 12-11, 10-16, 18-17, 20-10. Ksenija Voishal (182-F-94) led Belarus in scoring with 18 points and Maryia Papova (186-PF-94) followed her with 15 points, plus 9 rebounds. Maryia Filonchyk (187-PF-92) added 14 pts and 7 boards to this win. In Poland, Magdalena Zietara (170-G/F-92) was better than the others with 14 points. Martyna Stelmach (187-F/C-92) and Paulina Kuras (170-G-92) netted 10 points each. Belarus will play against Holland in do-or-die game on Wednesday, while Poland will meet top-ranked Spain.

Group F

Turkey - Slovakia 56-43
Turkey celebrated another win in Debrecen. This time they outplayed Slovakia for 4-0 record in Group F. With this victory Turkey already secured first place in this pool before the Quarterfinals. Slovakia dropped to 2-2, but still has a good chance to reach the next stage. Turkey won every single period of this game. Quarters: 13-10, 16-13, 12-10, 15-10. Olcay Cakir (180-PG-93) stepped up with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners, while Ayse Cora (175-G/F-93) scored 11 pts and grabbed 6 boards. Gizem Basaran (194-C-92) (6 rebs) and Ecem Guler (189-PF-92) helped with 10 points each. Slovakia didn't have anyone with double digits in scoring. Angelika Oravcova (175-PG-92) (6 rebs) and Zofia Hruscakova (190-C-95) (5 rebs) scored 8 points each. Wednesday is the last day of the second stage in Debrecen. Turkey will play against Russia, while Slovakia will meet last ranked France.

Serbia - France 44-68
France celebrated first win in Group F of U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. They downed Serbia with comfortable 68-44 and both teams now have 1-3 record in this pool. Three Quarterfinals tickets are still available in this group, but who will take them it will be known on Wednesday night. France took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 18-10, 19-10, 13-14, 18-10. Christelle Diallo (193-C-93) led France with 15 points and 6 rebounds, and Margaux Galliou-Loko (184-F-93) was their second scorer with 10 points. Marie Mbuyamba (185-F/C-93) (8 rebs) and Romane Bernies (170-PG-93) posted 8 points each. In Serbia, Jovana Jaksic (178-F/G-92) was the leading scorer with just 9 points. Natasa Kovacevic (187-F-94) had 7 and Tijana Dijan (174-PG-92) added one less. In the last day of the second stage France will meet Slovakia. Serbia's rival will be Ukraine.

Ukraine - Russia 68-62
Very important win for Ukraine in Day Five of U20 EuroBasket in Derbecen. Ukraine was too strong for Russia 68-62 joining them with 2-2 record in Group F. Both teams have a nice chance to reach the Quarterfinals, but everything will be clear on Wednesday night. Ukraine was up by 12 (58-46) after impressive third quarter (22-9). However, Russia didn't give up and they came to minus 4 with 3:33 remaining in the game. Alina Iagupova (186-G-92, agency: LBM Management) and her teammates immediately replied with mini 5-0 run to secure the victory in this meeting. Quarters: 20-17, 16-20, 22-9, 10-16. Iagupova shined with 24 points and 15 rebounds in Ukraine. Lyudmyla Naumenko (184-F-93) had 11 points and Anna Kiriyenko (190-C-93) was their third scorer with only 6 pts. In Russia, Galina Kiseleva (184-F-93) was better than the others with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Ekaterina Fedorenkova (178-SG-93) scored 14 points, while Ksenia Tikhonenko (190-F/C-93, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) followed with 9 pts and 13 boards. On Wednesday, Ukraine will meet Serbia (1-3). Russia will play against undefeated Turkey.

Group G

Portugal - Latvia 60-57 OT
Portugal grabbed very important 60-57 OT win against Latvia. Both teams have 1-1 record now in Group G, where teams fight for the survival in Division A of U20 EuroBasket. Italy is currently the leading team of this pool with perfect 2-0 score. Portugal forced an OT thanks to jump shot by Daniela Domingues (176-G/F-92), after what both teams were scoreless for the last 48 seconds in regular time. With 2 minutes to go in OT teams were still tied and it was 54-54. Ines Faustino (170-G-92) made 4-0 run on her own and Ruta Veidere (188-C-94) answered with lay-up for Latvia. Domingues made two free throws for Portugal to secure the victory with 11 seconds remaining. Latvia scored only one FT in their last possession. Quarters: 18-14, 9-10, 8-13, 16-14, 9-6 OT. Domingues had 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Faustino scored 16 points and Jessica Almeida (172-PG-93) added 12. Vitoria Pacheco (179-C-92) secured great help with 11 points and 15 rebs. In defeat, Dita Rozenberga (181-F-92) had double-double of 18 points and 10 rebs. Veidere collected 12 pts and 9 boards, while Krista Bridina (174-PG-94) stopped to 9 points. On Wednesday, Portugal will play against UK. Latvia will meet Italy.

United Kingdom - Italy 47-68
Italy jumped to 2-0 record in Group G of U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. Teams in this group fight for the survival in Division A and only the winner will make it. UK dropped to 0-2 after this loss and they are already in very difficult situation. Italy was better team from the beginning and they were increasing lead after each period. Quarters: 17-13, 20-12, 19-11, 12-11. Giovanna Pertile (182-F-92) stepped up for Italy with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Nene Diene (169-PG-92) (5 rebs) and Clara Salvini (180-C-92) helped with 11 and 10 points respectively. In UK, Jessica Hurd (185-C-92) collected 16 points and 6 rebounds, and Olufemi Hamilton (170-G-93) posted 10 pts. Erin McGarrachan (182-G-92) collected 8 points and 10 boards. In the next game Italy will meet Latvia. UK will play against Portugal.

Standings Div.B (Women) - by Charles Ramsdell

Standings Div.B

1. Greece		4-0
2. Hungary		4-0
3. Czech Rep.		3-1
4. Belgium		3-2
5. Germany		2-2
6. Romania		2-3
7. Switzerlan.		1-3
8. Israel		1-4
9. Bulgaria		0-5

Preliminary Round: Round 5

Aug. 21: HUN - ROM 73-51
Aug. 21: CZE - BUL 69-64
Aug. 21: BEL - GER 68-58
Aug. 21: ISR - SUI 57-61

Preliminary Round: Round 6

Aug. 22: SUI - HUN
Aug. 22: GER - ISR
Aug. 22: ROM - CZE
Aug. 22: GRE - BEL

W-Standings - Group A

Standings

Group E
1. Spain		3-1
2. Sweden		3-1
3. Holland		2-2
4. Poland		2-2
5. Belarus		2-2
6. Lithuania		0-4
Group F
1. Turkey		4-0
2. Ukraine		2-2
3. Slovakia		2-2
4. Russia		2-2
5. Serbia		1-3
6. France		1-3
Group G (Places 13-16)
1. Italy		2-0
2. Latvia		1-1
3. Portugal		1-1
4. U.Kingdom		0-2

Second Stage: Round 5

Aug. 21: UKR - RUS 68-62
Aug. 21: NED - LTU 66-54
Aug. 21: ESP - SWE 61-63
Aug. 21: POR - LAT 60-57 OT
Aug. 21: BLR - POL 60-54
Aug. 21: TUR - SVK 56-43
Aug. 21: ENG - ITA 47-68
Aug. 21: SRB - FRA 44-68

Second Stage: Round 6

Aug. 22: SWE - LTU
Aug. 22: POL - ESP
Aug. 22: BLR - NED

Aug. 22: UKR - SRB
Aug. 22: SVK - FRA
Aug. 22: RUS - TUR

Aug. 22: LAT - ITA
Aug. 22: POR - ENG

Stats Leaders (Women)

Points Per Game

Alina IAGUPOVA
(186-G-92)
Avg: 26.6

1. Iagupova, UKR	26.6
2. Zietara, POL	18.2
3. Abdi, SWE	16.0
4. Butter, NED	15.8
5. Colic, SRB	15.0
6. Filonchyk, BLR	14.8
7. Papova, BLR	14.8
8. Rozenberga, LAT	14.4
9. De Kleijn, NED	14.0
10. Casas, ESP	14.0

Rebounds Per Game

Monika GRIGALAUSKYTE
(190-PF-92)
Avg: 10.2

1. Grigalauskyt., LTU	10.2
2. Tikhonenko, RUS	9.8
3. Iagupova, UKR	9.6
4. Svaryte, LTU	9.4
5. Mistygacz, POL	8.8
6. Filonchyk, BLR	8.6
7. Papova, BLR	8.6
8. Green, ENG	8.4
9. Pacheco, POR	8.0
10. Hruscakova, SVK	8.0

Assists Per Game

Mariona ORTIZ
(183-F/G-92)
Avg: 4.2

1. Ortiz, ESP	4.2
2. Iagupova, UKR	4.0
3. Cakir, TUR	4.0
4. Dotto, ITA	3.2
5. Zietara, POL	3.2
6. Dotto, ITA	3.0
7. Adams, NED	2.8
8. Casas, ESP	2.8
9. Kuras, POL	2.7
10. Bernies, FRA	2.6

Steals Per Game

Alina IAGUPOVA
(186-G-92)
Avg: 3.6

1. Iagupova, UKR	3.6
2. Casas, ESP	3.4
3. Domingues, POR	3.0
4. De Kleijn, NED	2.4
5. Mistygacz, POL	2.4
6. Ortiz, ESP	2.4
7. Butter, NED	2.4
8. Cakir, TUR	2.4
9. Dotto, ITA	2.4
10. Gil, ESP	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Dorota MISTYGACZ
(183-F/C-92)
Avg: 1.8

1. Mistygacz, POL	1.8
2. Ivashchanka, BLR	1.4
3. Cornelie, FRA	1.4
4. Tikhonenko, RUS	1.2
5. Papova, BLR	1.2
6. Efimova, RUS	1.2
7. Diallo, FRA	1.0
8. Basaran, TUR	1.0
9. Diaz, ESP	0.6
10. Kowalska, POL	0.6

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FRANCE

U20 Russia outplays U20 France 62-59 thanks to 14-4 run in Q4 - by Eurobasket News

U20 FRANCE - U20 RUSSIA 59-62

Russia had to work very hard to beat France 62-59 in the opening game of the second stage in Debrecen (U20 EuroBasket). France had 8-point lead with ten minutes remaining in the game. They even jumped to plus 9 with 5:45 to go, but Russia didn't give up. Russia made impressive 14-4 run in just few minutes and later managed to take the victory in this game thanks to free throws by Alexandra Stolyar (178-G-92) and Efimova. Ksenia Tikhonenko (190-F/C-93, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) led Russia with 12 points and 11 rebounds in this meeting. Darya Namok (179-G-93) and Stoylar posted 10 points each. France got 19 points from Adja Konteh (173-G/F-92) and 13 from Sara Chevaugeon (177-G-93). Quarters: 16-17, 12-12, 9-16, 25-14. Turkey will meet Slovakia today. France will play do-or-die game against Serbia.

France: Adja Konteh 19, Sara Chevaugeon 13
Russia: Ksenia Tikhonenko 12+11 boards, Darya Namok 10, Alexandra Stolyar 10

U20 France wins first game in Group F - by Eurobasket News

U20 SERBIA - U20 FRANCE 44-68

France celebrated first win in Group F of U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. They downed Serbia with comfortable 68-44 and both teams now have 1-3 record in this pool. Three Quarterfinals tickets are still available in this group, but who will take them it will be known on Wednesday night. France took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 18-10, 19-10, 13-14, 18-10. Christelle Diallo (193-C-93) led France with 15 points and 6 rebounds, and Margaux Galliou-Loko (184-F-93) was their second scorer with 10 points. Marie Mbuyamba (185-F/C-93) (8 rebs) and Romane Bernies (170-PG-93) posted 8 points each. In Serbia, Jovana Jaksic (178-F/G-92) was the leading scorer with just 9 points. Natasa Kovacevic (187-F-94) had 7 and Tijana Dijan (174-PG-92) added one less. In the last day of the second stage France will meet Slovakia. Serbia's rival will be Ukraine.

Serbia: Jovana Jaksic 9, Natasa Kovacevic 7, Tijana Dijan 6
France: Christelle Diallo 15+6 boards, Margaux Galliou-Loko 10, Marie Mbuyamba 8+8 boards, Romane Bernies 8

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GERMANY

Herne fills the squad - by Marsha Owusu Gyamfi

New 1. DBBL-Team Herner TC comittet new players.

Coach Marek Piotrowski brings in two new players, Caroline Van der Velde (183-PF-93) and Winona Schoelei. Forward van der Velde played for BBZ Opladen before and Schoelei moves up from the 2nd team. She played for the Herner WNBL-Team as well. In addition to the young players Pia Kassack und Louisa Braeuer the team of Herne has some young ambitious players who can learn a lot from the pro players.

One of those is the 22 year old and 1.85m big post player Amber Hegge (185-F-88). She is known as a hard working teamplayer. Her former colle coach is really impressed: "She is an outstanding leader and yet selfless and a real team player," confirms her Willimas Ryun, head coach of the basketball team of the University of South Dakota, for the Amber Hegge in the past five years more than 1000 points scored. Herne is goig to be here first pro player stop and Hegge knows there are a lot of changes to come.

On wednesday 22nd august Herne is playing the first preseason game vs 2. DBBL Team TG Neuss.

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HOLLAND

U20 Holland explodes in Q4 to beat U20 Lithuania 66-54 - by Eurobasket News

U20 HOLLAND - U20 LITHUANIA 66-54

Holland handed 66-54 loss to Lithuania in Day Five of U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. Thanks to this victory Holland improved to 2-2 record in Group E, while Lithuania stays the only winless team in this pool with 0-4. Holland has a nice chance to reach the quarterfinals, but everything will be clear on Wednesday. Sharon Lammerink (189-C-93) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Marlou De Kleijn (182-F-92, agency: Regeneracom Sports) added 16 points, plus 6 rebounds. Zera Butter (179-G-92) helped with 12 points and 8 boards. In the loosing squad, Santa Okockyte (176-PG-92) collected 19 points and 8 rebounds. Santa Okockytee had double-double of 11 points and 15 rebs, and Kornelija Valiuskyte (172-G-92) added 10 pts. Holland exploded in the last ten minutes to take the victory in this game. Quarters: 16-14, 12-17, 12-15, 26-8. Holland will meet Belarus in the last day of the second stage and it could be a do-or-die game for both teams. Lithuania will play against Sweden.

Holland: Sharon Lammerink 17, Marlou De Kleijn 16+6 boards, Zera Butter 12+8 boards
Lithuania: Santa Okockyte 19+8 boards, Santa Okockytee 11+15 boards, Kornelija Valiuskyte 10

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ITALY

U17 Italy books Quarterfinals ticket in Amsterdam - by Eurobasket News

U17 ITALY - U17 SOUTH KOREA 79-53

Italy booked a ticket for the Quarterfinals of FIBA U17 World Championship in Amsterdam. They blasted South Korea 79-53 for almost perfect 3-1 record in Group A. Italy was better team from the beginning and they had no troubles to celebrate comfortable victory. Quarters: 17-11, 16-13, 24-16, 22-13. Elisa Penna (186-SG-95) scored 13 points and pulled down 11 rebounds for the winners. Cecilia Zandalasini (181-SF-96) had 11 points and 9 rebs, while Sofia Marangoni (173-SG-95) (6 as) and Francesca Pan (180-SG-97) (5 rebs) posted 10 points each. In the loosing squad, Park Jinhui (173-SG-96) shined with double-double of 12 points and 15 rebounds. Park Jieun (183-C-95) scored 11 pts and Kim Heejin (168-SF-95) added 9. South Korea dropped to 1-3 but still has a chance to reach the next stage. They will have to beat Canada on Wednesday. Italy will meet Belgium in the last day of the Preliminary Round.

Italy: Elisa Penna 13+11 boards, Cecilia Zandalasini 11+9 boards, Sofia Marangoni 10+6 as, Francesca Pan 10+6 boards
South Korea: Park Jinhui 12+15 boards, Park Jieun 11, Kim Heejin 9

U20 Italy finally grabs first win in Debrecen - by Eurobasket News

U20 ITALY - U20 PORTUGAL 57-48

Italy celebrated its first win at U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. They outplayed Portugal 57-48 in the opening game of Group G. Teams in this pool fight for the survival in Division A and only the winner will avoid relegation. Latvia and UK are also placed to this group. Italy celebrated against Portugal thanks to great played first half of the game. Italy made 15-point lead in the first 20 minutes and Portugal closed the gap to 8 pts with one quarter left. However, Italy was strong enough to keep its lead for rest of the way. Virginia Galbiati (173-G-92) scored 14 points for her team and Francesca Dotto (170-PG-93) had 12. Their third scorer was Irene Cigliani (177-F-92) with 8 points. In defeat, Daniela Domingues (176-G/F-92) collected 17 points and 5 rebounds. Jessica Almeida (172-PG-93) scored 13 points and Ines Faustino (170-G-92) netted 9. Italy will play against UK today. Portugal will take on Latvia.

Italy: Virginia Galbiati 14, Francesca Dotto 12, Irene Cigliani 8
Portugal: Daniela Domingues 17+5 boards, Jessica Almeida 13, Ines Faustino 9

U20 Italy jumps to 2-0 in Group G - by Eurobasket News

U20 UNITED KINGDOM - U20 ITALY 47-68

Italy jumped to 2-0 record in Group G of U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. Teams in this group fight for the survival in Division A and only the winner will make it. UK dropped to 0-2 after this loss and they are already in very difficult situation. Italy was better team from the beginning and they were increasing lead after each period. Quarters: 17-13, 20-12, 19-11, 12-11. Giovanna Pertile (182-F-92) stepped up for Italy with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Nene Diene (169-PG-92) (5 rebs) and Clara Salvini (180-C-92) helped with 11 and 10 points respectively. In UK, Jessica Hurd (185-C-92) collected 16 points and 6 rebounds, and Olufemi Hamilton (170-G-93) posted 10 pts. Erin McGarrachan (182-G-92) collected 8 points and 10 boards. In the next game Italy will meet Latvia. UK will play against Portugal.

UK: Jessica Hurd 16+6 boards, Olufemi Hamilton 10, Erin McGarrachan 8+10 boards
Italy: Giovanna Pertile 17+5 boards, Nene Diene 11+5 boards, Clara Salvini 10

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LATVIA

U20 Portugal grabs 60-57 OT win against U20 Latvia - by Eurobasket News

U20 PORTUGAL - U20 LATVIA 60-57 OT

Portugal grabbed very important 60-57 OT win against Latvia. Both teams have 1-1 record now in Group G, where teams fight for the survival in Division A of U20 EuroBasket. Italy is currently the leading team of this pool with perfect 2-0 score. Portugal forced an OT thanks to jump shot by Daniela Domingues (176-G/F-92), after what both teams were scoreless for the last 48 seconds in regular time. With 2 minutes to go in OT teams were still tied and it was 54-54. Ines Faustino (170-G-92) made 4-0 run on her own and Ruta Veidere (188-C-94) answered with lay-up for Latvia. Domingues made two free throws for Portugal to secure the victory with 11 seconds remaining. Latvia scored only one FT in their last possession. Quarters: 18-14, 9-10, 8-13, 16-14, 9-6 OT. Domingues had 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Faustino scored 16 points and Jessica Almeida (172-PG-93) added 12. Vitoria Pacheco (179-C-92) secured great help with 11 points and 15 rebs. In defeat, Dita Rozenberga (181-F-92) had double-double of 18 points and 10 rebs. Veidere collected 12 pts and 9 boards, while Krista Bridina (174-PG-94) stopped to 9 points. On Wednesday, Portugal will play against UK. Latvia will meet Italy.

Portugal: Daniela Domingues 17+7 boards+ 5 as, Ines Faustino 16, Jessica Almeida 12, Vitoria Pacheco 11+15 boards
Latvia: Dita Rozenberga 18+10 boards, Ruta Veidere 12+9 boards, Krista Bridina 9

U20 Latvia too strong for U20 UK, 77-56 - by Eurobasket News

U20 LATVIA - U20 UNITED KINGDOM 77-56

Latvia made a first step forward to survival in U20 EuroBasket Division A. They handed 77-56 loss to UK for 1-0 record in Group G. Participants of this pool are also Italy and Portugal and only the group winner will avoid relegation to Division B. Latvia took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 23-13, 13-9, 23-19, 18-15. Dita Rozenberga (181-F-92) scored 21 points and grabbed 5 rebounds for the winners. Krista Bridina (174-PG-94) (5 as) and Sabine Dukate (174-F-93) netted 14 points each. In UK, Francesca Whitby (175-G-92) and Rosie Hynes (172-G-93) delivered 13 and 12 pts respectively. Olufemi Hamilton (170-G-93) stopped to 10 points. Latvia will play against Portugal in the next game, while UK will meet Italy.

Latvia: Dita Rozenberga 21+5 boards, Krista Bridina 14+5 as, Sabine Dukate 14
United Kingdom: Francesca Whitby 13, Rosie Hynes 12, Olufemi Hamilton 10

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LITHUANIA

MALI

NCAA1

Telge Basket brings in rookie C Devona Allgood - by Eurobasket News (T)

Devona Allgood (190-C-90) is set to start her professional basketball career. The American center penned a 1-year deal with Telge Basket. They compete in Swedish top division for women - Damligan. Algood is a product of Princeton University, where she graduated few months ago. She appeared 29 times for her school as a senior averaging 10.2 points and 6.1 rebounds. Princeton was Ivy League champion and Algood was named to All-Ivy League 2nd Team. She helped Princeton to win Ivy League also in 2010 and 2011. In her junior season Devona Algood had 11.9 ppg and 7.2 rpg for 29 games and she was named to All-Ivy League 1st Team -11. In 2009, the player was named to Ivy League All-Rookie Team. Telge won last two championship title in Sweden.

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POLAND

PORTUGAL

U20 Italy finally grabs first win in Debrecen - by Eurobasket News

U20 ITALY - U20 PORTUGAL 57-48

Italy celebrated its first win at U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. They outplayed Portugal 57-48 in the opening game of Group G. Teams in this pool fight for the survival in Division A and only the winner will avoid relegation. Latvia and UK are also placed to this group. Italy celebrated against Portugal thanks to great played first half of the game. Italy made 15-point lead in the first 20 minutes and Portugal closed the gap to 8 pts with one quarter left. However, Italy was strong enough to keep its lead for rest of the way. Virginia Galbiati (173-G-92) scored 14 points for her team and Francesca Dotto (170-PG-93) had 12. Their third scorer was Irene Cigliani (177-F-92) with 8 points. In defeat, Daniela Domingues (176-G/F-92) collected 17 points and 5 rebounds. Jessica Almeida (172-PG-93) scored 13 points and Ines Faustino (170-G-92) netted 9. Italy will play against UK today. Portugal will take on Latvia.

Italy: Virginia Galbiati 14, Francesca Dotto 12, Irene Cigliani 8
Portugal: Daniela Domingues 17+5 boards, Jessica Almeida 13, Ines Faustino 9

U20 Portugal grabs 60-57 OT win against U20 Latvia - by Eurobasket News

U20 PORTUGAL - U20 LATVIA 60-57 OT

Portugal grabbed very important 60-57 OT win against Latvia. Both teams have 1-1 record now in Group G, where teams fight for the survival in Division A of U20 EuroBasket. Italy is currently the leading team of this pool with perfect 2-0 score. Portugal forced an OT thanks to jump shot by Daniela Domingues (176-G/F-92), after what both teams were scoreless for the last 48 seconds in regular time. With 2 minutes to go in OT teams were still tied and it was 54-54. Ines Faustino (170-G-92) made 4-0 run on her own and Ruta Veidere (188-C-94) answered with lay-up for Latvia. Domingues made two free throws for Portugal to secure the victory with 11 seconds remaining. Latvia scored only one FT in their last possession. Quarters: 18-14, 9-10, 8-13, 16-14, 9-6 OT. Domingues had 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Faustino scored 16 points and Jessica Almeida (172-PG-93) added 12. Vitoria Pacheco (179-C-92) secured great help with 11 points and 15 rebs. In defeat, Dita Rozenberga (181-F-92) had double-double of 18 points and 10 rebs. Veidere collected 12 pts and 9 boards, while Krista Bridina (174-PG-94) stopped to 9 points. On Wednesday, Portugal will play against UK. Latvia will meet Italy.

Portugal: Daniela Domingues 17+7 boards+ 5 as, Ines Faustino 16, Jessica Almeida 12, Vitoria Pacheco 11+15 boards
Latvia: Dita Rozenberga 18+10 boards, Ruta Veidere 12+9 boards, Krista Bridina 9

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PUERTO RICO

Crucial third quarter gave Juncos a victory over Ponce: - by Luis Modestti

Valencianas de Juncos scored 41 points in the third quarter to win over Leonas de Ponce 106-80 at Juan Pachin Vicens Auditorium.

Ponce won the first half 45-40, but Juncos reacted in the third quarter by scoring 41 points and dominated the rest of the way.

Gaati Werema (183-G-88, college: Prairie View A&M) scored 34 points and Barbara Concepcion 22 for the winners.

Jessica Fairweather had 24 for Ponce who is 0-2.

BSNF action continues today as Gigantes de Carolina visit Atleticas de San German.

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ROMANIA

Targu Mures announced rookie Chantel Hilliard - by Eurobasket News (T)

Targu Mures announced rookie Chantel Hilliard (187-F/C-90) for 2012/2013 season. The 6'2" Forward Auburn University (NCAA 1) Team 31 Sports Management lands in Romania for the 2012-2013 season.
The American Forward will start her rookie campaign in Romania with Targu Mures.
In 2008-2009 she started for Auburn (NCAA) and in 30 games averaged 4.0ppg, 2.8rpg. In 2009-2010 for Auburn (NCAA) her stats read 3.5ppg, 2.4rpg. In 2010-2011 she showed 6.4ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 52.2%, FT: 63.9%.
Hilliard finished up her college career at Auburn University this past season averaging 6.0ppg 4.0rpg FG: 52%. Hilliard should help strengthen the inside for Targue Mures as they try to make another run at the Championship.
In 2009 Chantel Hilliard became SEC Regular Season Champion -09 and SEC Tournament Finalist -09.

Tarkeisha Wysinger-Mackey signs with Targu Mures - by Eurobasket News (T)

Tarkeisha Wysinger-Mackey (177-G-89) signs with Targu Mures for the next season. The Romanian team added another foreigner to the team.
Tarkeisha Wysinger-Mackey will start her rookie campaign in Romania with Targu Mures.
In 2007-2008 she started for Louisiana Tech (NCAA, starting five) and averaged 9.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.1apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 34.1%, 3Pts: 17.4%, FT: 72.7%.
In 2008-2009 for Louisiana Tech her stats read 4.3ppg, 2.8rpg. In 2009-2010 she improved to 8.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 13.6%, FT: 56.8%.
Wysinger-Mackey stared at LA Tech under WNBA and LA Tech Great Teressa Weatherperson where Wysinger-Mackey ended her senior campaign averaging 11.4ppg 5.8rpg, 2.8apg, 1.9spg for the LadyTechsters. A few career accomplishments Wysinger-Mackey achieved at LA Tech: WAC All-Freshman Team, All WAC 2nd Team, All WAC Defensive Team, All State LSWA 2nd Team. Wysinger-Mackey also help led the Lady Techsters to the NCAA Tournament in 2010 after helping the Lady Techsters win the WAC Tournament.

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RUSSIA

Dynamo-GUVD tab Anastasiya Loginova - by Eurobasket News (T)

Dynamo-GUVD added Anastasiya Loginova (190-C-90). The centre has just parted ways with Spartak Saint Petersburg. She played in Saint Petersburg since 2010. Last season Anastasiya Loginova notched 5.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game in PBL. Previously the centre had stints with Dynamo Moscow Region, Gloria Moscow and Spartak-SHVSM Moscow. She was the member of U16, U18, U19 and U20 Russian National Team. Last year Anastasiya Loginova debuted for the Russian University National Team.

U20 Ukraine hands 68-62 loss to U20 Russia, both teams have 2-2 - by Eurobasket News

U20 UKRAINE - U20 RUSSIA 68-62

Very important win for Ukraine in Day Five of U20 EuroBasket in Derbecen. Ukraine was too strong for Russia 68-62 joining them with 2-2 record in Group F. Both teams have a nice chance to reach the Quarterfinals, but everything will be clear on Wednesday night. Ukraine was up by 12 (58-46) after impressive third quarter (22-9). However, Russia didn't give up and they came to minus 4 with 3:33 remaining in the game. Alina Iagupova (186-G-92, agency: LBM Management) and her teammates immediately replied with mini 5-0 run to secure the victory in this meeting. Quarters: 20-17, 16-20, 22-9, 10-16. Iagupova shined with 24 points and 15 rebounds in Ukraine. Lyudmyla Naumenko (184-F-93) had 11 points and Anna Kiriyenko (190-C-93) was their third scorer with only 6 pts. In Russia, Galina Kiseleva (184-F-93) was better than the others with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Ekaterina Fedorenkova (178-SG-93) scored 14 points, while Ksenia Tikhonenko (190-F/C-93, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) followed with 9 pts and 13 boards. On Wednesday, Ukraine will meet Serbia (1-3). Russia will play against undefeated Turkey.

Ukraine: Alina Iagupova 24+5 boards, Lyudmyla Naumenko 11, Anna Kiriyenko 6
Russia: Galina Kiseleva 18+6 boards, Ekaterina Fedorenkova 14, Ksenia Tikhonenko 9+13 boards

U20 Russia outplays U20 France 62-59 thanks to 14-4 run in Q4 - by Eurobasket News

U20 FRANCE - U20 RUSSIA 59-62

Russia had to work very hard to beat France 62-59 in the opening game of the second stage in Debrecen (U20 EuroBasket). France had 8-point lead with ten minutes remaining in the game. They even jumped to plus 9 with 5:45 to go, but Russia didn't give up. Russia made impressive 14-4 run in just few minutes and later managed to take the victory in this game thanks to free throws by Alexandra Stolyar (178-G-92) and Efimova. Ksenia Tikhonenko (190-F/C-93, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) led Russia with 12 points and 11 rebounds in this meeting. Darya Namok (179-G-93) and Stoylar posted 10 points each. France got 19 points from Adja Konteh (173-G/F-92) and 13 from Sara Chevaugeon (177-G-93). Quarters: 16-17, 12-12, 9-16, 25-14. Turkey will meet Slovakia today. France will play do-or-die game against Serbia.

France: Adja Konteh 19, Sara Chevaugeon 13
Russia: Ksenia Tikhonenko 12+11 boards, Darya Namok 10, Alexandra Stolyar 10

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SERBIA

U20 Turkey shines in the last quarter to beat U20 Serbia 56-45 - by Eurobasket News

U18 SERBIA - U18 TURKEY 45-56

Few of Serbia's players finally recovered after food poisoning in Debrecen, but still Turkey celebrated 56-45 victory in this meeting. It was the opening round of the second stage at U20 EuroBasket and Turkey stays on top of Group F with perfect 3-0 record. Serbia dropped to 1-2 in this pool. Thanks to this win Turkey already secured a ticket for the Quarterfinals, while Serbia still has a good chance to do it. Serbia had 1-point lead with 10 minutes remaining in the game, but Turkey totally cook control on its rival after that. Turkey limited Serbia to just 8 pts for the entire last quarter, while they drained 20 at the other side, what was enough for comfortable victory. Ozge Kavurmacioglu (187-F-93) was a key player in this win with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Merve Aydin (174-PG-94) scored 10 points and Ecem Guler (189-PF-92) helped with 8. In Serbia, Snezana Colic (178-G-92) collected 18 points and 11 rebounds. Ivana Brajkovic (195-C-93) (5 rebs) and Jovana Jaksic (178-F/G-92) posted 6 points each. Championship continues today and Turkey will meet Slovakia. Serbia will play against France (0-3) and it will most likely be the crucial game for both teams.

Serbia: Snezana Colic 18+11 boards, Ivana Brajkovic 6+5 boards, Jovana Jaksic 6
Turkey: Ozge Kavurmacioglu 17+14 boards, Merve Aydin 10, Ecem Guler 8

U20 France wins first game in Group F - by Eurobasket News

U20 SERBIA - U20 FRANCE 44-68

France celebrated first win in Group F of U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. They downed Serbia with comfortable 68-44 and both teams now have 1-3 record in this pool. Three Quarterfinals tickets are still available in this group, but who will take them it will be known on Wednesday night. France took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 18-10, 19-10, 13-14, 18-10. Christelle Diallo (193-C-93) led France with 15 points and 6 rebounds, and Margaux Galliou-Loko (184-F-93) was their second scorer with 10 points. Marie Mbuyamba (185-F/C-93) (8 rebs) and Romane Bernies (170-PG-93) posted 8 points each. In Serbia, Jovana Jaksic (178-F/G-92) was the leading scorer with just 9 points. Natasa Kovacevic (187-F-94) had 7 and Tijana Dijan (174-PG-92) added one less. In the last day of the second stage France will meet Slovakia. Serbia's rival will be Ukraine.

Serbia: Jovana Jaksic 9, Natasa Kovacevic 7, Tijana Dijan 6
France: Christelle Diallo 15+6 boards, Margaux Galliou-Loko 10, Marie Mbuyamba 8+8 boards, Romane Bernies 8

Energa Torun brings Milica Cvetanovic - by Tamara Ruzic

Milica Cvetanovic (195-C-86) will continue her career in Poland. Serbian center panned a one year deal with Energa Torun. Cvetanovic played two seasons for Atomeromu from Hungary. Last season, Cvetanovic appeared 23 games, where she averaged 24min, 11.8 pts, 6.8 reb, 1 ass, 0.8 bl, 3.3 to.
Cvetanovic also played for Herceg Novi ( Montenegro), Burhaniye (Turkey), Kraljevo and Hemofarm (Serbia) and Szolnok (Hungary).

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SLOVAKIA

SOUTH KOREA

SPAIN

SWEDEN

U20 Sweden hands first loss to U20 Spain in Debrecen, 63-61 - by Eurobasket News

U20 SPAIN - U20 SWEDEN 61-63

Sweden handed first loss to Spain at U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. It was a 63-61 thriller win for Sweden, who joined Spain now on top of Group E with almost perfect 3-1 record. Sweden has a nice chance to win this pool and both teams already booked a spot for the Quarterfinals. It is important to mention that Sweden earned promotion last summer from Division B to Division A, while Spain is the defending champion at this event. Sweden celebrated thanks to jump shot by Farhiya Abdi (188-F-92) in the finish. Spain was scoreless for the last two and a half minutes of this game. Quarters: 17-17, 17-8, 13-17, 16-19. Abdi led Sweden with double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Binta Drammeh (180-F-92) added 17 points and 9 rebs. Their third scorer was Amanda Zahui (190-C-93) with 8 pts (7 rebs). In Spain, Andrea Vilaro (177-G-93, college: Florida) posted 17 points and Queralt Casas (180-G-92) stopped to 10 for 38 minutes on the court. Laura Gil (190-C-92, agency: Josep and Nicolas) collected 8 points and 11 rebounds. In the last day of the second stage Sweden will play against Lithuania. Spain will meet Poland.

Spain: Andrea Vilaro 17, Queralt Casas 10, Laura Gil 8+11 boards
Sweden: Farhiya Abdi 21+10 boards, Binta Drammeh 17+9 boards, Amanda Zahui 8+7 boards

Telge Basket brings in rookie C Devona Allgood - by Eurobasket News (T)

Devona Allgood (190-C-90) is set to start her professional basketball career. The American center penned a 1-year deal with Telge Basket. They compete in Swedish top division for women - Damligan. Algood is a product of Princeton University, where she graduated few months ago. She appeared 29 times for her school as a senior averaging 10.2 points and 6.1 rebounds. Princeton was Ivy League champion and Algood was named to All-Ivy League 2nd Team. She helped Princeton to win Ivy League also in 2010 and 2011. In her junior season Devona Algood had 11.9 ppg and 7.2 rpg for 29 games and she was named to All-Ivy League 1st Team -11. In 2009, the player was named to Ivy League All-Rookie Team. Telge won last two championship title in Sweden.

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SWITZERLAND

Riva Basket returns 'Eurobasket.com All-Italian A1 Guard of The Year' Cameo Hicks - by Eurobasket News (T)

Riva Basket announced very important signing for the upcoming season. The team returned American guard Cameo Hicks (178-G/F-84, college: Washington). She spent last two seasons in Italy with Pool Comense. In the latest one Hicks was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Italian A1 Guard of The Year'. In 2011 and this year as well she was named to Eurobasket.com All-Italian A1 1st Team. Last season Cameo Hicks averaged 14.8 points and 4.3 rebounds for 29 games with the club. She had almost the same numbers in 2010/11. Hicks was second scorer of the competition two years in a row. Cameo Hicks already played for Riva Basket in 2009/10 collecting 19.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 3.6 apg for 12 games. Before Riva, she played for Neuchatel two years. In 2009, Cameo Hicks was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Swiss LNA Player of the Year'.

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TURKEY

U20 EuroBasket: Turkey secures first place in Group F - by Eurobasket News

U20 TURKEY - U20 SLOVAKIA 56-43

Turkey celebrated another win in Debrecen. This time they outplayed Slovakia for 4-0 record in Group F. With this victory Turkey already secured first place in this pool before the Quarterfinals. Slovakia dropped to 2-2, but still has a good chance to reach the next stage. Turkey won every single period of this game. Quarters: 13-10, 16-13, 12-10, 15-10. Olcay Cakir (180-PG-93) stepped up with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners, while Ayse Cora (175-G/F-93) scored 11 pts and grabbed 6 boards. Gizem Basaran (194-C-92) (6 rebs) and Ecem Guler (189-PF-92) helped with 10 points each. Slovakia didn't have anyone with double digits in scoring. Angelika Oravcova (175-PG-92) (6 rebs) and Zofia Hruscakova (190-C-95) (5 rebs) scored 8 points each. Wednesday is the last day of the second stage in Debrecen. Turkey will play against Russia, while Slovakia will meet last ranked France.

Turkey: Olcay Cakir 12+5 boards+5 as, Ayse Cora 11+6 boards, Gizem Basaran 10+6 boards, Ecem Guler 10
Slovakia: Angelika Oravcova 8+6 boards, Zofia Hruscakova 8

U20 Turkey shines in the last quarter to beat U20 Serbia 56-45 - by Eurobasket News

U18 SERBIA - U18 TURKEY 45-56

Few of Serbia's players finally recovered after food poisoning in Debrecen, but still Turkey celebrated 56-45 victory in this meeting. It was the opening round of the second stage at U20 EuroBasket and Turkey stays on top of Group F with perfect 3-0 record. Serbia dropped to 1-2 in this pool. Thanks to this win Turkey already secured a ticket for the Quarterfinals, while Serbia still has a good chance to do it. Serbia had 1-point lead with 10 minutes remaining in the game, but Turkey totally cook control on its rival after that. Turkey limited Serbia to just 8 pts for the entire last quarter, while they drained 20 at the other side, what was enough for comfortable victory. Ozge Kavurmacioglu (187-F-93) was a key player in this win with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Merve Aydin (174-PG-94) scored 10 points and Ecem Guler (189-PF-92) helped with 8. In Serbia, Snezana Colic (178-G-92) collected 18 points and 11 rebounds. Ivana Brajkovic (195-C-93) (5 rebs) and Jovana Jaksic (178-F/G-92) posted 6 points each. Championship continues today and Turkey will meet Slovakia. Serbia will play against France (0-3) and it will most likely be the crucial game for both teams.

Serbia: Snezana Colic 18+11 boards, Ivana Brajkovic 6+5 boards, Jovana Jaksic 6
Turkey: Ozge Kavurmacioglu 17+14 boards, Merve Aydin 10, Ecem Guler 8

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UKRAINE

U20 Ukraine hands 68-62 loss to U20 Russia, both teams have 2-2 - by Eurobasket News

U20 UKRAINE - U20 RUSSIA 68-62

Very important win for Ukraine in Day Five of U20 EuroBasket in Derbecen. Ukraine was too strong for Russia 68-62 joining them with 2-2 record in Group F. Both teams have a nice chance to reach the Quarterfinals, but everything will be clear on Wednesday night. Ukraine was up by 12 (58-46) after impressive third quarter (22-9). However, Russia didn't give up and they came to minus 4 with 3:33 remaining in the game. Alina Iagupova (186-G-92, agency: LBM Management) and her teammates immediately replied with mini 5-0 run to secure the victory in this meeting. Quarters: 20-17, 16-20, 22-9, 10-16. Iagupova shined with 24 points and 15 rebounds in Ukraine. Lyudmyla Naumenko (184-F-93) had 11 points and Anna Kiriyenko (190-C-93) was their third scorer with only 6 pts. In Russia, Galina Kiseleva (184-F-93) was better than the others with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Ekaterina Fedorenkova (178-SG-93) scored 14 points, while Ksenia Tikhonenko (190-F/C-93, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) followed with 9 pts and 13 boards. On Wednesday, Ukraine will meet Serbia (1-3). Russia will play against undefeated Turkey.

Ukraine: Alina Iagupova 24+5 boards, Lyudmyla Naumenko 11, Anna Kiriyenko 6
Russia: Galina Kiseleva 18+6 boards, Ekaterina Fedorenkova 14, Ksenia Tikhonenko 9+13 boards

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UNITED KINGDOM

U20 Italy jumps to 2-0 in Group G - by Eurobasket News

U20 UNITED KINGDOM - U20 ITALY 47-68

Italy jumped to 2-0 record in Group G of U20 EuroBasket in Debrecen. Teams in this group fight for the survival in Division A and only the winner will make it. UK dropped to 0-2 after this loss and they are already in very difficult situation. Italy was better team from the beginning and they were increasing lead after each period. Quarters: 17-13, 20-12, 19-11, 12-11. Giovanna Pertile (182-F-92) stepped up for Italy with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Nene Diene (169-PG-92) (5 rebs) and Clara Salvini (180-C-92) helped with 11 and 10 points respectively. In UK, Jessica Hurd (185-C-92) collected 16 points and 6 rebounds, and Olufemi Hamilton (170-G-93) posted 10 pts. Erin McGarrachan (182-G-92) collected 8 points and 10 boards. In the next game Italy will meet Latvia. UK will play against Portugal.

UK: Jessica Hurd 16+6 boards, Olufemi Hamilton 10, Erin McGarrachan 8+10 boards
Italy: Giovanna Pertile 17+5 boards, Nene Diene 11+5 boards, Clara Salvini 10

U20 Latvia too strong for U20 UK, 77-56 - by Eurobasket News

U20 LATVIA - U20 UNITED KINGDOM 77-56

Latvia made a first step forward to survival in U20 EuroBasket Division A. They handed 77-56 loss to UK for 1-0 record in Group G. Participants of this pool are also Italy and Portugal and only the group winner will avoid relegation to Division B. Latvia took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 23-13, 13-9, 23-19, 18-15. Dita Rozenberga (181-F-92) scored 21 points and grabbed 5 rebounds for the winners. Krista Bridina (174-PG-94) (5 as) and Sabine Dukate (174-F-93) netted 14 points each. In UK, Francesca Whitby (175-G-92) and Rosie Hynes (172-G-93) delivered 13 and 12 pts respectively. Olufemi Hamilton (170-G-93) stopped to 10 points. Latvia will play against Portugal in the next game, while UK will meet Italy.

Latvia: Dita Rozenberga 21+5 boards, Krista Bridina 14+5 as, Sabine Dukate 14
United Kingdom: Francesca Whitby 13, Rosie Hynes 12, Olufemi Hamilton 10

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WNBA

Catchings, Moore named Players of the Week in WNBA - by Eurobasket News

Tamika Catchings (6'1''-SF-79, college: Tennessee) of the Indiana Fever and Maya Moore (6'0''-SG-89, college: Connecticut) of the Minnesota Lynx were named the WNBA's Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week for the period ending August 20.

Both women excelled in their return to WNBA action after they teamed up to help the U.S. women's basketball team to its fifth straight gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics.

Catchings, the reigning league MVP, led Indiana to a 2-0 mark, recording a double-double with 14 points and 14 boards in the Fever's first game of the week against Washington before following with a 17-point, nine-board performance in a win over Atlanta.

Moore, who garnered WNBA Rookie of the Year honors a season ago while helping Minnesota to its first championship in franchise history, guided the Lynx to a 2-0 record for the week.

The University of Connecticut product poured in 17 points against Washington to start the week before a dominating 22-point, 10-rebound effort against Tulsa.

Other candidates for the Player of the Week were Atlanta's Angel McCoughtry, Chicago's Sylvia Fowles, and Washington's Matee Ajavon in the East, and, in the West, Los Angeles' Kristi Toliver, San Antonio's Becky Hammon, Seattle's Tanisha Wright and Tulsa's Glory Johnson.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com