Eurobasket Daily News Report: 8/6/2012 1:00:00 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/6/2012 1:00:00 AM

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ARGENTINA

Penarol land David Teague - by Eurobasket News (T)

David Teaguez (196-G-83, college: Purdue) will continue his career in Argentina. The guard has agreed on terms of contract with Penarol Mar del Plata. The guard started the previous season with SantAntimo in Italy. He tallied 15.6 points, 6.3 boards per game. Later David Teaguez moved to Ukraine. The guard signed contract with DniproAzot. He tallied 3.1 points and 2.7 rebounds per appearance. Previously David Teaguez had spells with Flamengo, LTi Giessen, Vichy and AEL. He earned All-German Bundesliga Honourable Mention in 2010. The guard participated at Portsmouth Invitational Tournament in 2007.

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AUSTRALIA

36ers defeat Nicholls State in pre-season game - by Hugh McAuliffe

The Adelaide 36ers have defeated visiting US college team Nicholls State University in a pre-season match at Adelaide Arena, 85-75.

Coming off just two weeks of pre-season training, the 36ers started slowly with contracted players Jason Cadee, Anthony Petrie, Mitch Creek, Stephen Weigh and Daniel Johnson.

Adelaide trailed at the first break 23-16, and by halftime had managed to reduce the deficit by just one point, 46-40.

In the third quarter, Adelaide ran away with the lead with Weigh and Creek showing their experience. The 36ers outscored the Colonels 27-15 for the period to lead by six points at the final break, 67-61.

The fourth quarter solidified Adelaide's lead and they took the game home comfortably.

Top scorers for the match were Mitch Creek and Stephen Weigh with 23 a piece and Daniel Johnson with 17.

New Adelaide signing Jason Cadee had eight points, seven assists, four rebounds and one steal in his first game in Adelaide colours.

Fellow new Sixer Anthony Petrie debuted for the Sixers with eight points and eight rebounds.

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AUSTRIA

Austria rally past Georgia in Gussing - by Stefan Heinrich

Austria - Georgia 89:77

Georgia played this friendly game in Gussing without NBA Center Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) but with the 2 "American" Guards Jacob Pullen (182-PG-89, college: Kansas St.) and Corey Fisher (185-G-88, college: Villanova)

Austria opened the game with a strong first Quarter as the game with a 23-19 lead and they never looked back during the whole game. During the second quarter Neno Asceric's team increased their lead to a 41-34. In the second half the Austrian team the Austrian led by 20 points and both coaches used the chance to play their bench players as well and in the end Austria won the game with 89:77.

Austria
Schreiner: 6 Points, 6 Assists
Davor Lamesic (203-F-83, agency: Interperformances): 12 Points, 2 Rebounds, 2 Assists
Ochsenhofer: 2 Minutes on the court
Nagler: 11 Points, 2 Rebounds
Jason Detrick (198-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Oklahoma): 12 Points, 4 Rebuonds, 4 Assists, 2 Steals
Vieider: 2 Minutes on the court
Greimeister: 2 Minutes on the court
Mahalbasic: 10 Points, 5 Rebounds, 3 Turnovers
Danek: 4 Rebounds
Gaspar: 4 Points
Lanegger: 4 Points, 3 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 2 Steals
Sebastian Koch (200-F-88): 12 Points, 2 Blocks
Klepeisz: 9 Points, 2 Rebounds
Maresch: 9 Points, 3 Turnovers

Georgia
A. Boisa: 3 Points
Fisher: 5 Points, 3 Assists, 3 Turnover
Markoishvili: 12 Points
Patsatsia: 1 Point, 4 Rebounds
Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86): 10 Points, 4 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 4 Turnover
Dvalishvili: 3 Minutes on the court
Metreveli: 1 Point
Tornike Shengelia (207-F-91): 16 Points, 9 Rebounds, 3 Turnover
Lejava: 6 Points
Richard Matiashvili (209-C-89): 11 Points, 5 Rebounds
Bekauri: 2 Points
Jacob Pullen: 10 Points, 3 Assists
<<>><<>>

Swans complete roster with Point Guard Josh Brown - by Stefan Prager (T)

Austrian runner up Allianz Swans Gmunden completed their roster for the upcoming season with point guard Josh Brown. After his collegiate career at Mount Olive and Towson Brown played in Romania and Iceland last season. He started 11/12 in Bucarest playing for Dinamo but left due to financial problems of the team. For KR Reykjavik Brown averaged 20.2 ppg along with 4.7 apg while shooting a solid 48% from the field appearing in 17 games. Brown will have to fullfill big footsteps as he will replace last seasons ABL MVP Sharaud Curry in Gmundens lineup.

Swans complete roster with Point Guard Josh Brown - by Stefan Prager (T)

Austrian runner up Allianz Swans Gmunden completed their roster for the upcoming season with point guard Joshua Brown (187-G-88, college: Towson). After his collegiate career at Mount Olive and Towson Brown played in Romania and Iceland last season. He started 11/12 in Bucarest playing for Dinamo but left due to financial problems of the team. For KR Reykjavik Brown averaged 20.2 ppg along with 4.7 apg while shooting a solid 48% from the field appearing in 17 games. Brown will have to fullfill big footsteps as he will replace last seasons ABL MVP Sharaud Curry in Gmundens lineup.

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BALKAN LEAGUE

Galil Gilboa signs American big guy Travis Hyman - by Eurobasket News (T)

Travis Hyman (213-F/C-87, college: Bowie St.) will continue his career in Israel. The American big guy signed a 1-year deal with Galil Gilboa. They are reining Balkan league champions. Hyman arrives to the club from Bowie State University, where he graduated few months ago. He had 10.1 ppg and 8.6 rpg for his school as a senior. Bowie State is NCAA Division II school. Hyman transferred to Bowie State in 2009. The player participated at 2012 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft) averaging 4 points, 5 rebounds and 3.3 blocks for 3 games. After graduation, Travis Hyman joined ACPBL team Beltway Bombers and they won the title together. Hyman was named USBasket.com All-ACPBL Center of the Year -12.

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BOSNIA

Adecco 2012: Bosnia and Herzegovina clinched second place in Ljubljana - by Eurobasket News

Bosnia and Herzegovina-Croatia 78:68

Bosnia and Herzegovina clinched second place in Ljubljana as they beat Croatia in their last game of Adecco 2012. Bosnia and Herzegovina needed 78:68 win to finish with 2-1 record. Serbia triumphed at the Adecco Cup 2012. The team won all three games of the tournament including the last one over the hosts. In Day 3 Serbia overcame Slovenia 80:75 in Ljubljana.
Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for Bosnia with 25 pints and Nihad Djedovic (196-F-90, agency: Beo Basket) netted 23. Zack Wright (188-G-85, college: Central Mo.) delivered 15, while Elmedin Kikanovic (211-C-88, agency: Beo Basket) scored 9. Damir Markota (210-C/F-85) finished the game with 17 points, whilst Fran Pilepic (192-G-89) and Roko-Leni Ukic (196-G-84) added 10 apiece.
Milos Teodosic was named MVP of the tournament. The Top Five of the Adecco Cup was awarded to Zoran Dragic (Slovenia), Milos Teodosic (Serbia), Dusko Savanovic (Serbia), Mirza Teletovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Roko-Leni Ukic (Croatia).

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Mirza Teletovic 25, Nihad Djedovic 23, Zack Wright 15, Elmedin Kikanovic 9
Croatia: Damir Markota 17, Fran Pilepic 10, Roko-Leni Ukic 10

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BRAZIL

Sorocaba add young Adyb Natan - by Paulo Freire (T)

The Liga Sorocabana de Basquete team brings in the young Adyb Natan to their roster.
Adib Fernandes (F) has only 20 years old, he is 2.00 heigh and 92 kg, he started playing basketball in the State of Goias, playing for a small local club, then he moved to the State of Rio de Janeiro, were he played for Comary and Macae basketball. His next step was in the State of Sao Paulo, were he played for the XV de Piracicaba. Last season he played for Flamengo in the U-20 NBB developmental League (L.D.O).

Fernando Penna goes to Pinheiros - by Paulo Freire

Fernando Rossi, Director of E.C. Pinheiros/Sky Sao Paolo basketball team, used his personal twitter to announce the newest player of the team for next season. The newcomer is the point guard Fernando Penna (189-G-83).

Penna has not had a good season in the Franca team in the last NBB, Penna comes to pinheiros to split minutes in the court along with Paulinho Boracina.

The player who can also play as guard in the second position, will found a former teammate Bruno Fiorotto, both played together at the E.C. Pinheiros/Sky Sao Paolo biggest rival Paulistano.

The champions Brasilia sign Isaac Golcalves - by Paulo Freire (T)

After renewing the contract of their starting lineup and some key players with Guilherme Giovannoni, Alex Garcia, Nezinho and Arthur besides keeping Alirio, Ronald and Lucas Tischer the Brasilia team announced the hiring of the young small forward Isaac Goncalves (193-F/G-90).

The 21 years old played his first NBB last season by Vila Velha and had an average of 7.0 points per game. In the final stretch of the national competition, the player got hurt and stayed out of the last seven games of the regular season.

Ceara State has new basketball team - by Paulo Freire (T)

The Ceara State now is in the elite of Brazilian basketball. Lead by head coach Alberto Bial , who create the project for a new team in the northeast of Brazil, the Ceara State create a new team to play the NBB, fill out a region that never have been on the NBB.

The new team already have a sponsor as the Sky television and the government of the ceara state will provide a good financial health for the team.
Along with coach Alberto Bial is Flavio Aurelio Soares (187-G-72), more knowing as Espiga, the former player who retired and is in his second year working as an coach assistant.

The new players are:

Andre Bresolin (195-G/F-87)
David Rossetto (180-PG-93)
Matheus Costa (179-G-80)
Felipe Ribeiro (201-F-79)
William Drudi (206-C/F-81)
Adriano Machado (208-C-83)
Rogerio Klafke (201-F-71)
Jimmy de Oliveira (189-F/G-90) de Oliveira
Guilherme Schneider (192-G-86)

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CROATIA

Darda signs 2-year deal with Stjepan Tesija - by Eurobasket News (T)

Darda continues with signings for the next season. Their latest addition is Stjepan Tesija (206-F-89), who penned a 2-year deal. Tesija arrives to the club from Alkar Sinj, where he played last season. He appeared 28 times in A1 averaging 7.5 points and 4 rebounds. During the season Tesija spent some time with A2 team Kastela. He played for them also from 2008 until the last summer. In the past, Stjepan Tesija was a member of Split youth teams. Earlier this summer he participated at EuroDraft Camp in Schwechat (Austria). He had 11.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 2.5 apg in 4 games with Apollo team.
Darda recently penned a 1-season deal with point guard Igor Salamun (186-G-85). Darda also extended deals with head coach Senad Muminovic and team captain Dejan Meznaric (205-F/C-87). Both of them penned 5-year contract extensions.

Adecco 2012: Bosnia and Herzegovina clinched second place in Ljubljana - by Eurobasket News

Bosnia and Herzegovina-Croatia 78:68

Bosnia and Herzegovina clinched second place in Ljubljana as they beat Croatia in their last game of Adecco 2012. Bosnia and Herzegovina needed 78:68 win to finish with 2-1 record. Serbia triumphed at the Adecco Cup 2012. The team won all three games of the tournament including the last one over the hosts. In Day 3 Serbia overcame Slovenia 80:75 in Ljubljana.
Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for Bosnia with 25 pints and Nihad Djedovic (196-F-90, agency: Beo Basket) netted 23. Zack Wright (188-G-85, college: Central Mo.) delivered 15, while Elmedin Kikanovic (211-C-88, agency: Beo Basket) scored 9. Damir Markota (210-C/F-85) finished the game with 17 points, whilst Fran Pilepic (192-G-89) and Roko-Leni Ukic (196-G-84) added 10 apiece.
Milos Teodosic was named MVP of the tournament. The Top Five of the Adecco Cup was awarded to Zoran Dragic (Slovenia), Milos Teodosic (Serbia), Dusko Savanovic (Serbia), Mirza Teletovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Roko-Leni Ukic (Croatia).

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Mirza Teletovic 25, Nihad Djedovic 23, Zack Wright 15, Elmedin Kikanovic 9
Croatia: Damir Markota 17, Fran Pilepic 10, Roko-Leni Ukic 10

A1 league newcomer Osjecki Sokol signs Veljko Budimir - by Eurobasket News (T)

Osjecki Sokol started with signings for the next season. The A1 league newcomer brought in experienced forward Veljko Budimir (199-G/F-85, agency: Court Side). The team starts preparations for 2012/13 tomorrow.
Veljko Budimir spent last season with Vrijednosnice OS Darda. He appeared 29 times for the club averaging 14.2 points and 4.7 rebounds. Before Darda, Budimir played one year for Szolnoki Olajbanyasz. He had 8.8 ppg and 3.1 rpg for 38 games helping Szolnok to win the Hungarian league title. They were also Cup winners in the country. Budimir played 8 EuroChallenge games that season registering 5.6 ppg and 3.4 rpg. Budimir played for Zabok in 2009/10 and before that he spent two years with Svjetlost Slavonski Brod. In the past, he played several years for Osijek.

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CYPRUS

Cyprus celebrate third straight win at Four Nations Tournament - by Eurobasket News

Cyprus - Jordan 70:67

Cyprus registered the third straight win at Four Nations Tournament. The hosts held off Jordan to clinch the trophy. Andreas Sizopoulos (189-G-83) scored 13 points to lead the winners. Jordan suffered the third straight loss.
Cyprus led by five points after ten minutes 23:18. The teams stayed close throughout the second quarter. Cyprus registered a 40:35 halftime lead. The home team stretched the margin in the third term. They accounted for a 60:44 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Jordan went on a massive comeback rally in the final stanza but came up just short of win at the end. Anthony King (206-F/C-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Miami, FL) posted 12 points, while Christodoulos Kaskiris (206-C/F-79) had 10 points for the winners. Ali Jamal (205-C/F-88) answered with 22 points and 14 boards for Jordan. Mohammad Shaher (210-C-90) had 12 points in the loss.

Cyprus: Andreas Sizopoulos 13, Anthony King 12, Christodoulos Kaskiris 10
Jordan: Ali Jamal 22+14 boards, Mohammad Shaher 12

Great honor for Linos Gavriel - by Michael Aristidou

Cypriot coach Linos Gavriel became the first Cypriot coach who will work abroad as head coach. Linos Gavriel will be head coach of last season African champion Etoile du Sahel from Tunisia. The team also won the double last season divison1 of Tunisia.

On his first statement as head coach of the team Linos Gavriel said
Is a great owner that the team chooses me to be their head coach. My goals are the same with the team, and that is the reason that I am here. I will try to do my best in order the team to win the double in the league and the African champion league. Special thanks to the people that help this dream to became true

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DENMARK

Bakken Bears adds Jamaican forward to their roster - by Eurobasket Center (T)

Bakken Bears added to their roster 24-year old Jamaican forward Orane Chin (200-F-88, college: CS Fullerton). Chin played most recently at University of South Florida (NCAA) in the U.S. He just graduated California State University, Fullerton and it will be his first season in pro basketball. He helped his team to end the season as a conference runner-up. Chin was also selected to All-Big West Honorable Mention. His stats at CSF were 10.2ppg, 5.0rpg, and 1.9apg in 30 games.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Horsens tab Frederik Rungby - by Eurobasket News (T)

Horsens added another player to their roster. They agreed on terms of contract with Frederik Rungby (198-F-93). The forward played for Bakken Bears last season. He tallied 1.0 point and 1.2 rebounds per game for the Bears. Frederick Rungby became the Ligaen champion with Bakken. Previously Frederick Rungby played for Aabyhoj and Aarhus. Frederik Rungby used to play for U16 and U18 Danish National Teams. This summer he joined U20 National selection. Frederik Rungby participated at U20 European Championship in Division B. He averaged 2.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game in Sofia.

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ESTONIA

Justin Ingram signs with Tartu Ulikool - by Eurobasket News (T)

Justin Ingram (185-PG-85, agency: Two Points, college: Toledo) signs with Tartu Ulikool for the upcoming season. The American Points Guard moves to Estonia.
Last year American playmaker Justin Ingram played for Factum Sport Debrecen. He became the top-scorer of the league with 24.6ppg, 3.7rpg, Assists-5 (5.7apg), Steals-4 (2.4spg), FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT-3 (89.0%).
The 185 cm tall Ingram is a very experienced point guard. He graduated on the University of Toledo in 2007 averaging 14.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.8apg, 2.1spg. In 2004 he was voted to the Freshman of the conference, played twice in the MAC semi- and once in the finals.
He started his professional career with Saint-Etienne B. C. in the Pro B of France and had a great season putting up 14.7ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.3apg, 1.6spg. In the coming season he played for JL Bourg Basket in the same league and was the 4th best scorer 3rd best assister with 17.7 points and 4.9 assists. He spent also one season with Clermontois Basket Auvergne before moving to Olympique Antibes playing the last season and averaging 13.9ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.4apg, 1.4spg in 34 games.

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EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE

Final Day Games in Houston, Texas ESL get interesting! - by ESL News

Game 9: Dubai 70 Beunos Aires 59
This was a very competitive contest for a chance to advance into the next round of the playoffs, however Dubai was too strong in the end and squeaked out a 68-59 win as Buenos Aires was forced to foul down the stretch.
Jejaun Plair had an outstanding game scoring 21 points and dishing out 3 assists. Marcus Smallwood (198-F-82, agency: Court Side, college: N.Illinois) aided the Dubai effort with 18 points and 5 rebounds. Beunos Aires was led by Vernold Posey with 18 points on the losing side of this battle.

Dubai-70, T.J Johnson, 8 pts, 2 rbs, 5 asts, Tokorra Cato, 3 pts, 2 reb, 1 ast, Marcus Smallwood, 18 pts, 5 reb, 2 asts, Jejuan Plair 21 pts, 1 rebs, 3 asts, Kenny Laguerre, 9 pts, 8 rbs, Lontrell Jackson, 3 rbs, Richard Thomas 11 pts, 5 rbs, 2 asts

Beunos Aires-59, Daniel Bryant (177-PG-87), 10 pts, 2 rbs, 1 ast, Andre Bailey, 4 pts, 5 rbs, 3 asts, Vernold Posey, 18 pts, 1 reb, 2 asts, Chelten Carter, 8 pts, 6 rbs, 1 ast, Zayne Gawanab, 0 pts, 2 rbs, 1 ast, Calvin Jenkins 11 pts, 2 rebs, Bens Hamga 8 pts, 3 reb

Game 10: Tokyo 61 Okinawa 57
This game was a close contest and the game went back and forth in a rematch contest that Okinawa won yesterday. However, Tokyo was able to pull out the victory with a 61-57 score to advance to the next game. Tokyo displayed a balanced attack as they were led by Akeem Sween with 15 pts, Todavius Williams 12 pts, and Morris Smith with 10 pts. Okinawa was led by Terrance Hill, who had a great game with 23 pts in defeat.

Tokyo-72, Akeem Sween, 15 pts, 4 rbs, 2 asts, Jesse Williams, 7 pts, 1 reb, 2 asts, Todavius Williams, 12 pts, 3 rbs, 1 asts, Lamont Houston, 8 pts, 2 rbs, 5 asts, Yan Moukoury, 9 pts, 9 rbs, 2 asts, Morris Smith, 10 pts, 1 rbs, 2 asts

Okinawa-57, Terrance Hill, 23 pts, 7 rbs, 1 ast, Jeremy Lewis, 7 pts, 7 rebs, 4 asts, Garrett Davis, 3 pts, 2 rbs, 1 asts, Raason Young (198-F, college: Montana St. - Billin), 11 pts, 7 rbs, 1 ast, Telvin Marshall, 0 pts, 5 rbs, 1 ast, Griffen Warren, 13 pts, 3 asts.

Game 11: Dubai 67 Mexico City 62
How fitting that the first game of official games ended up a rematch for two playoff teams with one in Mexico City being undefeated. Game was tough and well fought however, Dubai is so hot since yesterday afternoon games and evening that they have not lost a game since then and squeaked out a 67-62 win. Dubai was led by Jejuan Plair, who happens to be just unstoppable at the moment followed by Richard Thomas with 11 pts and Lontrell Jackson with 11 pts. Mexico City was led Brandon OBrien who had 20 points in the teams first loss of the ESL.

Dubai-49, Tokorra Cato, 8 pts, 0 reb, Marcus Smallwood, 6 pts, 4 reb, 1 asts, Jejuan Plair 13 pts, 4 rebs, 2 asts, Kenny Laguerre, 8 pts, 3 rbs, 2 asts, T.J. Johnson, 9 pts, 3 rebs, 3 asts, Richard Thomas 11 pts, 8 rbs, 6 asts, Lontrell Jackson, 11 pts, 3 rbs, 1 ast

Mexico City-62, Brandon OBrien 26 pts, 2 rbs, 1 ast, Harout Massayan, 5 pts, 1 rebs, John Pichon 7 pts, 4 rbs, 1 asts, Broderick Hubbard, 2 pts, 3 rbs, Douglas Williams, 10pts, 5 rbs, 1 ast, Stavon Williams, 4 pts, 5 rbs, 1 ast, Greg Plummer, 14 pts, 3 rbs, 1 ast

Game 12: Okinawa 81 Buenos Aires 72
Also, a rematch from game two was the Okinawa vs. Buenos Aires game. Okinawa was led by two big time scoring efforts with Terrance Hill leading the way with 28 pts, 8 rbs and 6 asts to give Okinawa the victory 81-72. Raason Young had 26 pts and 5 rbs to help Okinawa as well. Beunos Aires was led by Chelton Carter with 21 points in a well fought effort, but just could not get the victory.

Okinawa-81, Telvin Marshall, 5 pts, 2 rbs, 2 asts, Griffen Warren, 8 pts, 1 rbs, 3 asts, Terrance Hill, 28 pts, 8 rbs, 6 asts, Jeremy Lewis, 12 pts, 2 rebs, 3 asts, Garrett Davis, 0 pts, 1 rb, 1 ast, Raason Young, 26 pts, 5 rebs, 1 ast

Buenos Aires-72, Daniel Bryant, 17 pts, 2 rbs, 4 asts, Andre Bailey, 7 pts, 7 rbs, 3 asts, Vernold Posey, 4 pts, 2 rbs, 2 asts, Chelten Carter, 21 pts, 1 rbs, 1 ast, Zayne Gawanab, 8 pts, 1 rbs, 1 ast, Calvin Jenkins 11 pts, 8 rbs, 2 asts, Bens Hamga 2 pts, 1 reb

Day 2, Houston ESL official games are very exciting and competitive! - by ESL News

Game 1: Mexico City 52 Dubai 49
This was a very competitive contest featuring two quality teams for the first game of the day.
However Mexico City was too strong in the end and squeaked out a 52-49 win.
This game went down to the final minutes as both teams wanted the win; however one team could only grab the victory.
Brandon Obrien (198-F) had an outstanding game scoring 26 points and grabbing 2 rebounds. Gregory Plummer (193-G-83, college: Eckerd) had a nice floor game as he chipped in 13 points for the winning team. Kenny LaGuerre (205-F/C-85) had a solid performance for Dubai as he led his team with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Marcus Smallwood (198-F-82, agency: Court Side, college: N.Illinois) helped out the cause contributing 9 points and 6 rebounds and 2 assists

Mexico City-52, Brandon Obrien 26 pts, 2 rbs, 1 ast, Harout Massayan, 0 pts, 4 rebs, John Pichon (198-F-86, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: McNeese St.) 5 pts, 6 rbs, 1 asts, Broderick Hubbard (199-F), 2 pts, 1 reb, Douglas Williams (191-G-88), 4 pts, Stavon Williams, 2 pts, 4 rbs, Gregory Plummer, 13 pts, 2 reb, 1 ast
Dubai-49, Tokorra Cato (173-PG-87), 0 pts, 0 reb, Marcus Smallwood, 9 pts, 6 reb, 2 asts, JejuJejuan Plair (185-G-85) 9 pts, 1 rebs, Kenny LaGuerre, 10 pts, 6 reb, Lance Sydney Lucas, 2 pts, TJ Johnson, 10 pts, 4 rebs, 5 asts, Richard Thomas 9 pts, 1 ast

Game 2: Okinawa 54 Buenos Aires 52
Okinawas balanced attack and professional play separated them from Buenos Aires late in the game and they never looked back. Griffen Warren (178-PG-86) was very solid as he scored 13 pts and 2 rbs and 2 assists for the winners. Raason Young (198-F, college: Montana St. - Billin) chipped in 10 pts, 3 rbs, 1 ast for the winners in support.
Andre Bailey led Buenos Aires with 11 pts, 7 rbs and 3 asts in defeat.

Okinawa-54, Telvin Marshall (196-G-92), 8 pts, 3 rbs, Griffen Warren, 13 pts, 2 rbs, 2 ast, Terrance Hill (193-G-89), 8 pts, 2 reb, 1 asts, Jeremy Lewis (180-PG-86), 8 pts, 5 rebs, 1 ast, Garrett Davis (188-G-87), 0 pts, Raason Young, 10 pts, 3 rebs, 1 ast, Travis Jones, 7 pts, 4 rbs, 2 ast
Buenos Aires-52, Daniel Bryant (177-PG-87), 11 pts, 2 rbs, Andre Bailey, 11 pts, 7 rbs, 3 asts, Vernold Posey (186-PG), 2 pts, 7 asts, Chelten Carter (188-PG-89), 8 pts, 2 rbs, 1 ast, Zayne Gawanab (187-PG-82), 7 pts, 1 rbs, 1 ast, Calvin Jenkins (198-F/G-84, college: Nova SE) 8 pts, 5 rebs, Bens Hamga 5 pts, 1 reb

Game 3: Tokyo 67 Dubai 60
This game was very competitive and came down to the final minutes as Tokyo was able to hold off Dubai and keep the victory 67-60. Tokyo had a balanced attack as three men scored 17 pts each and they were Lamont Houston (170-PG-86, college: Warner), Morris Smith (193-G-87, college: UTSA) and Yan Moukoury (201-F-88). and 5 rebs. Richard Thomas led Dubai with 19 pts, while Kenny LaGuerre added 17 pts and 9 rbs.

Tokyo-67, Akeem Sween (191-G-87), 3 pts, 1 ast, Tadavius Williams, 3 pts, 1 rb, 2 asts, Jesse Williams (188-G-84, college: SU-Shreveport), 4 pts, 5 rbs, 1 ast, Lamont Houston, 17 pts, 3 rbs, 1 ast, Andre Perkins (183-G-89), 6 pts, 2 rbs, 1 ast, Morris Smith, 17 pts, 3 rbs, 1 ast, Yan Moukoury, 17 pts, 2 rebs, 2 ast
Dubai-60, Tokorra Cato, 3 pts, 1 rbs, Kenny LaGuerre, 17 pts, 9 rbs, 2 asts, , 0 pts, 1 ast, Richard Thomas, 19 pts, 2 rbs, 1 ast, Marcus Smallwood, 8 pts, 3 rbs, T.J. Johnson (190-G-89), 8 pts, 2 rbs, 4 ast, JejuJejuan Plair, 5 pts, 1 rbd

Game 4: Mexico City 76 Buenos Aires 70
This game was a track meet as Mexico City again displayed poise and a balanced attack to take the victory 76-70. Brandon Obrien led all scorers with 25 pts while Gregory Plummer added 21 pts in the victory. Buenos Aires has very much talent, but have not put it all together yet. However, Daniel Bryant shined with 17 pts while Vernard Posey chipped in 8 pts and 8 asts for the losing team.

Mexico City-76, Harout Massoyan, 2 pts, 2 rbs, 1 ast, Douglas Williams, 13 pts, 4 rbs, 1 ast, Brandon Obrien, 25 pts, 2 reb, 1 ast, John Pichon, 4 pts, 8 rbs, 2 asts, Stavon Williams, 4 pts, 2 asts, Broderick Hubbard, 7 pts, 3 rbs, 1 ast, Gregory Plummer, 21 pts, 4 rbs
Buenos Aires-70, Chelten Carter, 4 pts, 3 rbs, 1 ast, Vernard Posey, 8 pts, 2 rbs, 8 asts, Andre Bailey, 8 pts, 4 rbs, 2 asts, Bens Hamga, 5 pts, 6 rbs, 2 asts, Daniel Bryant, 19 pts, 2 rbd, 1 ast, Calvin Jenkins, 15 pts, 5 rbs, Zayne Gawanab, 9 pts, 1 rbd

Game 5: Okinawa 80 Tokyo 72
This game was a close contest and the game went back and forth however, Okinawa was able to pull out the victory with a 80-72 score over Tokyo. Again, Okinawa displayed a balanced attack as they were led by Jeremy Lewis with 20 pts, while Terrance Hill had 19 pts and Raason Young chipped in 17 pts. Tokyo had a balanced attack as well, but it was not enough as big man Yan Moukoury led the losing team with 23 pts.

Okinawa-80, Terrance Hill, 19 pts, 4 rbs, 1 ast, Jeremy Lewis, 20 pts, 5 rebs, 4 asts, Garrett Davis, 2 pts, 2 rbs, 1 asts, Raason Young, 17 pts, 2 rbs, Telvin Marshall, 5 pts, 8 rbs, 1 ast, Travis Jones, 14 pts, 1 rbs, Griffen Warren, 3 pts, 4 asts.
Tokyo-72, Akeem Sween, 14 pts, 1 reb, 1 ast, Jesse Williams, 8 pts, 3 reb, Todavius Williams, 10 pts, 2 rbs, 2 asts, Lamont Houston, 2 pts, 2 rbs, Andre Perkins, 2 pts, Yan Moukoury, 23 pts, 2 asts, Morris Smith, 13 pts, 5 rbs, 1 ast

Game 6: Dubai 76 Buenos Aires 50
Dubai shaked off the early morning losses and got a much needed victory 62-52. Dubai really had a balanced attack in the victory being led by JejuJejuan Plair wth 14 pts, Richard Thomas had 13 pts and followed by Marcus Smallwood with 12 pts. On the other side for the losing team only one player really stood out for them as Calvin Jenkins had 16 pts.

Dubai-76, T.J. Johnson, 8 pts, 2 asts, Tokorra Cuto, 11 pts, 1 rbs, 1 asts, Jejaun Plair, 14 pts, 1 ast, Richard Thomas, 13 pts, 2 rbs, 1 ast, Lontrell Jackson, 10 pts, 1 rbd, 1 ast, Marcus Smallwood, 12 pts, 5 rb, 2 asts, Kenny LaGuerre, 8 pts, 5 rebs, 1 ast
Beunos Aires-50, Andre Bailey, 9 pts, 3 rbs, 3 asts, Vernard Posey, 4 pts, 4 asts, Calvin Jenkins, 16 pts, 3 rbs, Chelton Carter, 2 pts, 1 rbs, 2 ast, Bens Hamga, 4 pts, 1 rbd, 6 pts, 5 rbs, Daniel Bryant, 6 pts, 1 ast, Zayne Gawanab, 2 pts, 4 rbs, 1 ast

Game 7: Mexico City 71 Tokyo 65
This game was a very competitive game that saw two very good teams and an unbeaten Mexico City team stay unbeaten with a 71-65 victory. Down the stretch Mexico City put it together and was too much for Tokyo down the stretch. Mexico City was led by Brandon Obrien with 27 points and was virtually unstoppable. The veteran, Gregory Plummer chipped in 13 pts. Morris Smith had 26 pts and 5 rbs for Tokyo in the close loss for his team.

Mexico City-71, Stavon Williams, 5 pts, 7 rbs, 1 ast, John Pichon, 12 pts, 5 rbs, 1 ast, Brandon Obrien, 27 pts, 6 rbs, 2 asts, Broderick Hubbard, 6 pts, 4 rbs, 1 asts, Harout Massoyan, 0 pts, 1 rbs, 1 asts, Gregory Plummer, 13 pts, 2 rbs, 2 ast, Douglas Williams, 8 pts, 2 rbs, 1 ast,
Tokyo-65, Lamont Houston, 9 pts, 2 rbs, 1 ast, Tadavius Williams, 7 pts, 2 rebs, 1 asts, Yan Moukoury, 9 pts, 2 rbs, 2 asts, Jesse Williams, 3 pts, 3 rbs, 2 asts, Akeem Sween, 9 pts, 2 rbs, 1 ast, Morris Smith, 26 pts, 5 rbs, 3 asts, Luke Doolittle, 2 pts, 1 rbd, 2 asts

Game 8: Dubai 76 Okinawa 63
This game was not a very close contest as the game got out of hand early and Dubai held onto the victory even though Okinawa made several attempts to get back in the game. Dubai was able to pull out the victory with a 76-63 score over Okinawa for their second victory of the day. Jejaun Plair had 17 pts and led Dubai. On the losing side for Okinawa, Griffen Warren had 20 pts.

Dubai-76, T.J. Johnson, 13 pts, 2 asts, JejuJejuan Plair, 17 pts, 2 rbs, 2 asts, Tokorra Cato, 9 pts, 2 asts, Kenny LaGuerre, 8 pts, 5 rbs, Marcus Smallwood, 4 pts, 2 rbs, Richard Thomas, 16 pts, 4 rbs, 2 asts
Okinawa-63, Terrance Hill, 19 pts, 9 rbs, 1 ast, Jeremy Lewis, 0 pts, 1 rebs, 2 asts, Garrett Davis, 3 pts, 2 rbs, 1 asts, Raason Young, 12 pts, 4 rbs, Telvin Marshall, 4 pts, 3 rbs, 1 ast, Travis Jones, 5 pts, 1 rbs, Griffen Warren, 20 pts, 1 rbd, 1 ast.

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EUROCUP

Galatasaray officially announce Boniface Ndong - by Eurobasket News (T)

Galatasaray officially announce Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) for the upcoming season. The Senegalese moves from Regal Barca.
In 2011-2012 for Regal FC Barcelona he averaged 5.9ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 46.5%, FT: 72.7% in EuroLeague and in Spanish League showed 9.2ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 61.6%, FT: 66.7%.
Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) played for Barsa for three seasons.
In the second one he had 6.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for 20 Euroleague games. Ndong also added 6 ppg and 3.8 rpg in 41 Spanish league games. Barca won the ACB title and Copa del Rey. In 2009/10, Boniface Ndong helped Barca to win the Euroleague title. He had 8.9 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 20 games that season. In Spain, Ndong added 6.5 ppg and 3.8 rpg. Before Barca, Boniface Ndong spent two and a half years with Unicaja Malaga. He also has experience from Spartak St Petersburg, Los Angeles Clippers and Dijon. Boniface Ndong played for the Senegalese National Team at the AfroBasket 2009 in Libya. He shined with 19 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 1.6 bpg for 7 games at this event. In 2005, he was named Africabasket.com AllAfrican Championships Best Center.

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EUROLEAGUE

Zalgiris announced Rimantas Kaukenas on one year deal - by Eurobasket News (T)

Zalgiris announced Rimantas Kaukenas (192-SG-77, college: Seton Hall) on one year deal. The Lithuanian star comes back from Italy.
Montepaschi Siena enjoyed two seasons with the shooting guard Rimantas Kaukenas. In 2011-2012: Montepaschi Siena he averaged 14.5ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 64.3% in Euroleague and in Italian League after 23 games showed 9.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 84.1%.
Earlier Rimantas Kaukenas played for Real Madrid. He played 18 Euroleague games collecting 10.3 ppg, 1.1 rpg and 1.3 apg. In the Spanish league, Kaukenas added 8.3 ppg, 1.1 rpg and 1.1 apg for 29 games.
Rimantas Kaukenas joined the Whites also from Montepaschi. With the Italian powerhouse Kaukenas spent four very successful years. They won three consecutive SerieA titles and one National Cup. In 2011 Rimantas Kaukenas helped the Siena team with 13 ppg, 14 rpg and 1.4 apg for 33 games in SerieA. In Euroleague, he had 14.7 ppg, 2 rpg and 1.5 apg in 14 games. Before Montepaschi, Kaukenas played one year for Cantu, one for Telekom Baskets Bon, one for Lietuvo Rytas and one for Hapoel Galil Elyon. He graduated at the Seton Hall University in 2000.

Real to announce Dontaye Draper - by Eurobasket News (T)

Real Madrid are set to announce Dontaye Draper (180-PG-84, college: Charleston) in the upcoming days. The guard has agreed on terms of contract with the team. The deal is meant for two seasons with the option of extending for another one. Dontaye Draper spent the last season with Cedevita Zagreb. He tallied 11.9 points, 2.9 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game in A1 League. In EuroCup his stats read 14.3 points, 3.7 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 2.0 steals per appearance. Dontaye Draper also posted 10.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.5 steals in Adriatic League. Eurobasket.com named Dontaye Draper All-Adriatic League Guard of the Year. He also earned All-Croatian League Honourable Mention. Dontaye Draper played for Croatia at 2011 EuroBasket. His stats read 6.6 points, 4.6 boards, 7.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game in Lithuania.

Wilkinson in his on way to Besiktas - by Ugur Turker

Michael Wilkinson (204-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Wisconsin) is on the list of Besiktas Istanbul. Newly Euroleague participant is looking for former Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul player in order to strengthen backcourt. Wilkinson completed last two season in Russia, Lokomotif and Unics Kazan respectively. He played with 10.1 ppg and 5.7 rpg in Russian League. It is claimed that negotiations are going on and signings will be soon. Macedonian player played Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul in 2009-2010 seaon; Aris, Kkimky in his career as well.

Unicaja Malaga officially gets Earl Calloway, Cajasol declines to match offer - by Eurobasket News (T)

Earl Calloway (191-G-83, college: Indiana) officially became a new member of Unicaja Malaga. Cajasol declined to match the offer and Calloway will spent next two years with the Malaga team. Last week Unicaja also signed Txemi Urtasun (193-G-84, agency: Interperformances) from Cajasol and landed former NBA player Marcus Williams (191-G-85, college: Connecticut).
Earl Calloway spent last three years with Cajasol. In their first season together he had 9.4 ppg, 4.2 apg and 2.3 rpg for 36 games. In 2011, Calloway helped Cajasol to reach the EuroCup Finals. Last season the player had 7.6 ppg, 3.1 apg and 2.2 rpg for 36 games. He joined the club in 2009 from Cibona Zagreb, where he played in 2008/09. Calloway won Croatian league title and Cup with them. He also shined in Adriatic league and was named Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League Import Player of the Year -09, while Cibona reached Finals. In the past, Calloway played for the NBA D-League team Fort Wayne Mad Ants and University of Indiana. He received Bulgarian citizenship two years ago.

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FINLAND

Finland U18 exchanged the victories against Holland - by Eurobasket News

Finland U18 exchanged the victories against Holland in two friendly games before the start of the European Championship in the B Division.
In Game 1 Dutch U18 edged Finland U18 81:56. Floris Versteeg stepped up with 21 points. Mike Schilder (183-PG-94, agency: Court Side) delivered 15 points, while Shane Hammink added 8 points and 11 boards in the victory. Joonas Lehtoranta (185-F/G-94) scored 15 in defeat and Julius Rajala (205-C/F-94) had 12.
In Game 2 Finland needed overtime to seal an 80-79 win. Trailing 2 points after three quarters, the Finnish side won the fourth period 16-14 and then produced 7-6 in overtime. Shane Hammink made one free throw at the end of the game for the final success 79:80.
Joonas Lehtoranta stepped up with 23 points and Mikael Kauhanen (202-F-94) netted 18. Julius Rajala notched 12 and Oskar Michelsen delivered 11.

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FRANCE

Gravelines inks Larry Owens for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News (T)

As expected, Gravelines-Dunkerque announced signing of a 1-year deal with Larry Owens (201-G/F-83, college: ORU). The American swingman appeared 6 times for the New Jersey Nets last season. He had 2.2 ppg and 2.2 rpg. Owens spent most of the year with the NBA D-League team Tulsa 66ers. There he had 12.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 3.5 apg for 31 games. In 2010/11 season Larry Owens changed few teams. He started with Turk Telekom Ankara and in November moved to Tulsa. After that he got a 10-day deal from the San Antonio Spurs and soon after that he rejoined Tulsa. Finally, Owens finished the season with Washington Wizards averaging 6.2 points and 22 rebounds fro 5 games. In the past, Larry Owens played for Liege and Clermont.

Bojan Lazic and Ulrick N'Gomo sign with Puy - by Eurobasket News (T)

Bojan Lazic (190-G-85) and Ulrick N'Gomo sign with Puy for the upcoming season. Both players head to France.
Bojan Lazic is a Bosnian player who started his career in 2000-2003 for Hemofarm Vrsac cadet team. Later he played for KK Lions Vrsac (1B) and Radnik Bijeljina (Bosnia-D1). In 2006-2007 moved to Ergonom Best Nis (SCG-A) and then in 2008-2009 headed to BC Targoviste Bucuresti (Romania-Div.A, starting five). In 18 games he averaged 6.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 15.6%, FT: 60.4%.
In 2010-2011 Bojan Lazic moved to Ultimate Basket Prilep (FYR Macedonia-Superleague) and showed 8.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 60.5%.
Ulrick N'Gomo participated at the Summer League Cergy. He also was a member of the All Star Game N3. Earlier he played for Nice.

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GERMANY

David Holston Moves Back To Turkey - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber (T)

David Holston (170-PG-86, college: Chicago St.) gave a fresh sparkle to the Beko BBL last season with his 167cm leading the Artland Dragons into the Beko BBL semi finals, but instead of staying he has opted to return back to Turkey where he started his professonal basketabll career. With the Artland Dragons, the 27 year old from Pontiac, Michigan played 40 Beko BBL games: Score-4 (15.3ppg), 3.0rpg, Assists-2 (5.6apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 88.2%; EuroCup Qualifications: 2 games: 6.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 4.5apg; EuroChallenge: 13 games: 12.2ppg, 3.3rpg, Assists-2 (6.3apg), Steals-2 (1.8spg), FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 73.9%. In the 40 games, he scored in double figures 30 times. He scored 20 or more points 12 times and his best scoring game was 32 points against EnBW Ludwigsburg. Afte rplaying his first two seasons with Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir, he will play this season for Mersin Buyuksehir Belediyesi (Turkey-TBL) that finished last season in 10th place with a record of 12-18. In his one season in the Beko BBL, he ran away with countless awards playing in the German Bundesliga All-Star Game -12, Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge 2nd Team -12, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Guard of the Year -12, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Newcomer of the Year -12, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga 1st Team -12, Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Imports Team -12, and reaching the German Bundesliga Semifinals -12

Sadam Eco Moves To The Itzehoe Eagles - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber (T)

Regionaliga team Itzehoe Eagles have gotten some PRO A experience into the club with Sadam Eco (195-F/G-91). Eco is a 21 year old 195cm swingman that already has 28 PRO A games under his belt. Last season, Eco played for the Gloria Giants Duesseldorf (ProA): 16 games: 1.0ppg, 1.2rpg. Eco got a big chance with the Regionaliga team in that he will be able to play basketball and learn the trade of becoming a banker something his past teams couldnt offer him. Despite having offers from other PRO A teams and a team from the first division in Bosnia, the German is sure that he made the right choice. "I heard a lot about Itzehoe and that is why I came here. I liked the whole concept here", stressed Sadam Eco. Last season for the Gloria Giants Duesseldorf, the best game of Eco was in the playoffs against Kirchheim steering five points. "Eco is a big steal for us", warned Eagles head coach Paul Larysz. Eco started his basketball career in 2009 with BSG Bremerhaven (2. Regionalliga): 16 games: 12.6ppg, played also at Eisbaeren Bremerhaven junior team: 12 games: 18.3ppg, 6.2rpg. In 2010-2011, he played for Cuxhaven BasCats (ProA): 12 games: 2.3ppg, 1.5rpg, also a license to play for Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (1.Bundesliga). Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been German NBBL All-Star Game -10, and German 2.Bundesliga Pro A Semifinals -12

Source:Itzehoe Eagles

Latvian big man to add size and experience to Bernau roster - by Moritz Korff (T)

SSV Lok Bernau has boosted its frontcourt for the 2012-13 season by the addition of Latvian post player Zintis Plivda (206-C-88, agency: Promotex). The 24-year-old competed in the first Latvian league LBL since 2004 and in the course of the years also saw action in the Baltic League. Last season Plivda played 35 games for Latvijas Universitate, averaging 9.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per contest.
"For quite some time we were looking for somebody who will help us with his physical presence in both offense and defense. Zintis exactly matches this profile and will help our team with his skills tremendously", explained Bernau coach Rene Schilling.
Plivda represented his country on the international stage on several occassions as a youngster. In 2006 he attended the U18 European Championships with the Latvian National Team and played the 2008 U18 EURO, averaging 5 points and 2.3 boards through three encounters.

Lithuanians Lopeta and Ramanauskas move to 1. RLW newcomer Herford - by Moritz Korff (T)

Chartrael Hall (188-G-86, college: Bellarmine) and Hugh Barnett (206-C/F-86, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Ark.-Pine Bluff) were main figures of BBG Herfords championship run in the 2. Regionalliga West last season. However, after moving up to the 1. Regionalliga West, a pair of Lithuanian players will strengthen the Herford team and try to follow in Hall's and Barnett's footsteps. BBG announced on Sunday that Giedrius Lopeta (186-G-87) and Egidijus Ramanauskas (202-F-88) have agreed to terms with the team. Lopeta started this past season with TV Werne, but left after two games played (13ppg, 4.5apg, 2.5rpg). In January he joined the Baskets Luedenscheid for the remainder of the campaign. Ramanauskas played for NKL team Silute in his native Lithuania last season, averaging 6.5 points, 4.8 boards and one block per outing and then transferred to another NKL outfit, Gargzdai-Bremena. He appeared in 16 games until the end of the season and produced 8.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1 steal a contest.

Ehingen: Virgil Matthews handed contract extension - by Moritz Korff (T)

Ehingen's coach on the floor, Virgil Matthews (188-G-83, college: Montana), will return to the Steeples after the summer break and lead the Pro A team in the 2012-13 season, the Steeples announced. Matthews will play his third year in Ehingen. Last season he averaged 11.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and close to two steals per contest. He had a season-high 19 points against the Saar-Pfalz Braves in November. By signing Matthews and Andre Calvin (196-F-85, college: Drake), the Steeples return their two American key players from the 2011-12 campaign.

Derek Coleman returns to Germany, joins Crailsheim Merlins - by Moritz Korff (T)

Derek Coleman (180-G-84, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Robert Morris) will join Pro A team Crailsheim Merlins for the 2012-13 season, according to swp.de. It will be his second stint in German basketball. Coleman played for the Osnabrueck Ballers in 2008-09, averaging 15.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.9 steals per contest. He has not played in Europe since then. The Boston, Ma., native is a product of Robert Morris University (NCAA Division One). He completed his college career in 2007 and then took his game to the Netherlands. In his first year as a pro, Coleman was second in assists per game (6.1apg) in the Dutch Eredivisie and also scored 10.8 points a game.

UBC Muenster keeps Tota and adds Hicks - by Moritz Korff (T)

1. Regionalliga West team UBC Muenster has extended the contract of Konrad Tota (195-F-80, college: Dickinson St.) and added David Hicks (185-G-88) to its roster for the 2012-13 season, according to echo-muenster.de
Tota averaged 16.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game for UBC last season. The Canadian holds a Polish passport, so that the Muenster team was able to sign an American import, who will run the point instead of Philip Guenther, who had signed with Pro B side BSV Wulfen earlier this summer.
Hicks, a 2011 graduate of Long Island University (NCAA D1), will join the team. In his final year of his college career Hicks scored 10.9 points and collected 3.4 rebounds for the Blackbirds. It will be his first season in European basketball, he did not play in this past season.

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HUNGARY

Virtus Roma confirms Peter Lorant and Bobby Jones - by Eurobasket News (T)

Virtus Roma officially announced signing of Peter Lorant (207-F/C-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) and Bobby Jones (201-F-84, college: Washington) for the next season.
Peter Lorant arrives to the club from Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa BC, where he had 3.4 ppg and 2.3 rpg for 27 games in Liga Endesa last season. Before Lagun Aro GBC, the player spent four years with LEB Gold team Burgos. He had 11.3 ppg and 5.5 in their last season together. Lorant played for the Hungarian National Team in Qualifications to European Championships 2011.
Bobby Jones was Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 Forward of the Year -12. He shined with 14.4 ppg and 7.9 rpg in 41 games with Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia last season. Before Pistoia, Jones played for Forli, Montegranaro and Teramo. He also has 3 years of the NBA experience. In 2008/09 season the player had 5.3 ppg and 1.7 rpg in 44 games with Miami Heat.

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IRAN

Shahintab moves to Azad - by Mohammad Amin Maghsoodlou (T)

Mehran Shahintab is Azad University Tehran new head coach , he signed his official contract with the club during last week. Shahintab spent last season whit Petro where they riched to the final series.

Mehran Shahintab recent Awards/Achievements:
Iranian Superleague Champion -04, 06, 07, 11
Asia-Basket.com All-Iran Superleague Coach of the Year -04, 05
Head Coach: Iran Junior National Team -04
Asian Championships for Juniors in Bangalore, India -04
Iranian Superleague Regular Season Champion -05, 06, 07, 11
Iranian Superleague Finalist -05, 08, 12
WABA Cup Finalist -05
Tehran Cup Winner -06
Asian Club Championships -07 (Champion), 08 (Champion), 11
Iranian Superleague Regular Season Runner-Up -08
WABA Club Championships -08 (Finalist), 09 (Semifinals), 11
Asia-Basket.com All-Asian Club Championships Best Coach -08
Iranian Superleague Semifinals -09, 10

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ISRAEL

Netanya brings in Ramel Bradley - by Eurobasket News (T)

Ramel Bradley (188-G-85) is a new member of GreenTops Netanya, according to Eurobasket's David Pick. The American point guard finished last season with Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem. He joined them in January collecting 12 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 2.3 apg for 16 Premier League games. The player started last season with Maccabi Ashdod, where he had 17.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 3.3 apg for 12 games. Bradley played for Maccabi Ashdod also in 2010/11. He was top-scorer of the league with 17.7 ppg in 18 games. Before Israel, Ramel Bradley spent one year with French JDA Dijon. His rookie year the player spent with Cedevita Zagreb. Bradley graduated at the University of Kentucky four years ago. He shined with 15.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 3.4 apg for his school as a senior.

Galil Gilboa signs American big guy Travis Hyman - by Eurobasket News (T)

Travis Hyman (213-F/C-87, college: Bowie St.) will continue his career in Israel. The American big guy signed a 1-year deal with Galil Gilboa. They are reining Balkan league champions. Hyman arrives to the club from Bowie State University, where he graduated few months ago. He had 10.1 ppg and 8.6 rpg for his school as a senior. Bowie State is NCAA Division II school. Hyman transferred to Bowie State in 2009. The player participated at 2012 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft) averaging 4 points, 5 rebounds and 3.3 blocks for 3 games. After graduation, Travis Hyman joined ACPBL team Beltway Bombers and they won the title together. Hyman was named USBasket.com All-ACPBL Center of the Year -12.

Hapoel Holon inks American PG Zack Rosen - by Eurobasket News (T)

Zack Rosen's (185-PG-89) dream has come true. The standout Penn point guard signed his first pro contract Thursday night, with Hapoel Holon of the Israeli Premier League. Rosen broke the news himself, putting up a picture of the contract on his Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Zack Rosen graduated at the University of Pennsylvania few months ago. He shined with 18.5 ppg, 5.2 apg, 3.3 rpg and 1.4 spg for 31 games as a senior. The player was named to NABC Division I All-District 13 1st Team -12 and USBasket.com All-NCAA D1 2nd Team -12. Rosen had wonderful season with Pennsylvania as sophomore. At that time he had 17.7 ppg, 4.4 apg and 3.3 rpg for 28 games. In 2010, 2011 and this year as well the player was named to All-Ivy League 1st Team. Pennsylvania was Ivy league runner-up last season.
Earlier this summer Zack Rosen player for the Philadelphia 76ers at the NBA Summer League in Orlando. He had 3 ppg and 3.5 apg for 2 games.

Hapoel Eilat land Tony Younger - by Eurobasket News (T)

Hapoel Eilat strengthened their roster. As reported by David Pick on Twitter, they agreed on terms of contract with Tony Younger (200-F-80, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Spring Hill). The forward is not new to Israel. He played here since 2002. Tony Younger had stints with Maccabi Kiryat Bialik, Elitzur Qiryat Ata, Elitzur Netanya. Last season Tony Younger spent with Ironi Kiryat Ata. He tallied 19.1 points, 7.4 boards, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game in National League. Eurobasket.com named Tony Younger into All-Israeli National League 1^st Team in 2007. He was named Israeli National League Player of the Year in 2003. The forward also made it into Israeli National League 1^st Team in 2003 and 2005.

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ITALY

Virtus Roma signs rookie Jordan Taylor - by Eurobasket News (T)

Jordan Taylor (185-PG-89, college: Wisconsin) will start his professional basketball career in Italy. The player signed a deal with Virtus Roma. Taylor graduated at the University of Wisconsin few months ago averaging 14.8 points, 4.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds for 36 games as a senior. He had even better numbers as a junior. That season Taylor registered 18.1 ppg, 4.7 agp and 4.1 rpg in 34 games. With Wisconsin the player reached NCAA Sweet 16 in 2011 and this year as well. He was named to All-Big Ten 1st Team -11, 12. This year Wisconsin also reached Big Ten Tournament Semifinals. In 2011, the player was named to Big Ten All-Defensive Team.
Last week, Virtus Roma signed deals with Peter Lorant and Bobby Jones. Lorant arrives to the club from Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa BC. Bobby Jones was Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 Forward of the Year -12.

Virtus Roma confirms Peter Lorant and Bobby Jones - by Eurobasket News (T)

Virtus Roma officially announced signing of Peter Lorant (207-F/C-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) and Bobby Jones (201-F-84, college: Washington) for the next season.
Peter Lorant arrives to the club from Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa BC, where he had 3.4 ppg and 2.3 rpg for 27 games in Liga Endesa last season. Before Lagun Aro GBC, the player spent four years with LEB Gold team Burgos. He had 11.3 ppg and 5.5 in their last season together. Lorant played for the Hungarian National Team in Qualifications to European Championships 2011.
Bobby Jones was Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 Forward of the Year -12. He shined with 14.4 ppg and 7.9 rpg in 41 games with Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia last season. Before Pistoia, Jones played for Forli, Montegranaro and Teramo. He also has 3 years of the NBA experience. In 2008/09 season the player had 5.3 ppg and 1.7 rpg in 44 games with Miami Heat.

Italy post two straight wins at the start of Sopot Basket Cup - by Eurobasket News

Italy recorded back-to-back victories at the start of Sopot Basket Cup in Poland.
The Azzurri opened the preceding with a narrow 87:85 win over Latvia. Marco Cusin (211-C-85, agency: Interperformances) came up with 18 points to pace the winners. Italy jumped to a 25:21 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the lead to 5-point mark at halftime 48:43. Italy stayed in control in the third quarter. They ensured a 6-point buffer heading into the fourth frame. Latvia went on a 26:22 run in the fourth frame but came up short of victory at the end. Pietro Aradori (194-SG-88) notched 14 points, 6 assists and 3 boards, while Angelo Gigli (209-F/C-83) had 13 points for the winners. Rihards Kuksiks (198-G/F-88, agency: Two Points, college: Arizona St.) answered with 23 points for Latvia. Martins Meiers (206-C-91) produced 13 points in the loss.
Next Italy took on Montenegro. And once again the Azzurri proved the strength claiming a 78:72 win. Daniel Hackett (198-G-87, agency: Two Points, college: USC) notched 19 points and 8 rebounds to lead Italy. Montenegro enjoyed a 16:14 lead after ten minutes. Italy poured in 27 points in the second term to take a 41:37 halftime lead. Italy limited their opponents to 11 points in the third term to boost the gap to as many as 9 points. Montenegro knocked down 24 points in the fourth frame but Italy survived the challenge and eked out victory. Angelo Gigli had 14 points, while Luca Vitali (201-G-86) added 9 points for the Azzurri. Milko Bjelica (207-C-84, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 14 points for Montenegro. Taylor Rochestie (185-PG-85, college: Washington St.) had 13 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.

Italy U18 and Latvian side exchanged victories - by Eurobasket News

Italy U18 and Latvian side exchanged victories. In Game 1 Italy U18 celebrated a 77:62 win, while Latvia U18 replied with 61:59 in Game 2.
At first Italy U18 grabbed an easy 77:62 victory. The Italian side started with 20-16 and led 39:32 at the halftime. The teams were tied at 53:53, while the last quarter fully belonged to Andrea Capobianco's team. Amedeo Tessitori (205-C-94) poured in 22 points to pace the winners and Simone Fontecchio (197-F-95) and Amato delivered 14 each. Matteo Imbro (190-PG-94) followed them with 7 points. Smits replied with 17 points in defeat, while Elvis Endzels (180-G-94) and Stelmahers netted 8 each.
In Game 2 Latvia started with 18-14 and played better in the second half. They won the third period 20-15 and added 14-13 in the last stanza. Ivars Zvigurs (195-G-95) top-scored for the winners with 11 points and Stelmahers had 10. Mirco Turel (192-G-94) ended up with 11 points in the losing effort, while Matteo Imbro posted 9.

Ndudi Ebi signs with Avellino - by Pervin Elgin

The agency of the player confirmed the signing to Sportando

Today Ndudi Ebi (Higher Vision Sports) who formerly was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2003 NBA draft out of Westbury Christian High School has officially signed a contract with Italian First Division Club S.S. Felice Scandone Avellino. Last season, Ebi averaged 24.8 points per game and 9.3 rebounds for Anibal in Lebanon and during the summer 29.0 points per game and 18.6 rebounds for the Chinese outfit Jiangsu.

Courtesy of sportando.net

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JAMAICA

JORDAN

KENYA

Equity Coach targeting unbeaten second leg - by Eurobasket News

The Equity basketball team coach Radhi Ndalu has pointed out that the team has no intentions of taking their feet off the gas pedal as they seek to be crowned champions of the Nairobi Basketball Association League.
Equity finished the 1st leg of the League unbeaten after 11 matches. They have gone further to start the 2nd leg with a positive start winning the 3 matches so far. Their latest victims were student side Multi Media University whom they beat 67 44 on Sunday at the Railways Sports Club.
Speaking to michezoafrika.com, Ndalu pointed out that his intention is to overcome all the teams just the way they did in the first leg but they will not underrate any team nonetheless.
Though we are unbeaten, we want to approach all matches with caution because any team can surprise us. It is a risky affair to under estimate opponents and I think that is what has helped us to achieve the current form that we have.

Ndalu mentioned that teams should expect a different Equity that wants to win the league.
Having played 14 matches unbeaten, teams are bound to study the way you play so there are tactical aspects of our game that we have changed to cover ourselves. The coach added.

Equity has 2 matches lined up this weekend against Old Pirates on Saturday and Mt. Kenya University Nairobi campus on Sunday at the Railways Sports Club.
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.com/

Barclays tops NBA league, Equity unscathed - by Eurobasket News

Barclays Banks basketball team The Eagles are at the helm of the Nairobi Basketball Association League Zone A with 27 points from 14 matches played. Barclays Bank finished the 1st leg (11 matches) of the league with only one defeat going down to JKUAT Juja campus. They are followed by Don Bosco and Little Price who both have 25 points.
JKUAT Juja campus that has been in top form with their latest win coming from beating second place Don Bosco 90- 76 on Saturday at the Railways Sports Club, are in the 4th position with 24 points. Zetech College (23 points), high School students Upper Hill (20 points) and Neo Sasa Moran (19 points) follow at position 5, 6 and 7 respectively. Zetech has played 14 matches while Upper Hill has participated in 15 and Morans 12.
Saints, Dolphins and Mt. Kenya University Thika Campus follow with the three teams all sharing 18 points. All the teams have won 5 of their 14 matches with Saints and Dolphins forfeiting a match each. The last two teams are Woodley Knights and King Deaf with 15 points each after playing 13 matches.

In the Zone B of the league Strathmore Blades lead the standings with 33 points after 17 matches. This is the second team of the Strathmore University basketball team with the first team participating in the Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League. They are followed by Equity Bank which is the only team yet to taste defeat in the entire league. Equity has played 14 matches with the 67 44 drubbing of Multi Media University being their latest victory
Athi River based Daystar University comes in 3rd with 25 points after playing 16 matches. Legacy and Baraka extreme follow with the two teams having 23 points each having played 14 matches. The second half of Zone B sees Old Pirates, Multi Media University and Kenya Polytechnic occupy position 6, 7 and 8 respectively. Old Pirates and MMU share 22 points while Kenya Poly has 21 points.
The bottom three teams are Heroes, Our Lady Queen of Peace and Friends of Basketball (Kenya). Heroes and Our Lady share 18 points after 15 matches but Heroes has forfeited one of its matches. F.O.B has 16 points from 14 matches.

The league will resume next weekend at the Railways Sports Cub.
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.com/

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LATVIA

Latvia lose two in a row in Sopot - by Eurobasket News

Latvian National Team travelled to Poland to take part at Sopot Basket Cup international tournament. The Baltic team suffered back-to-back defeats in two opening games.
Italy opened the preceding with a narrow 87:85 win over Latvia. Marco Cusin (211-C-85, agency: Interperformances) came up with 18 points to pace the winners. Italy jumped to a 25:21 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the lead to 5-point mark at halftime 48:43. Italy stayed in control in the third quarter. They ensured a 6-point buffer heading into the fourth frame. Latvia went on a 26:22 run in the fourth frame but came up short of victory at the end. Pietro Aradori (194-SG-88) notched 14 points, 6 assists and 3 boards, while Gigli had 13 points for the winners. Rihards Kuksiks (198-G/F-88, agency: Two Points, college: Arizona St.) answered with 23 points for Latvia. Martins Meiers (206-C-91) produced 13 points in the loss.
Next Latvia faced Poland. The hosts proved the strength. Marcin Gortat (213-C-84) accounted for 24 points and 15 boards to lead Poland to a 99:74 win. Dardan Berisha (192-G-88, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) added 15 points for the winners. Poland established a 54:33 halftime lead. They stretched the margin to 24 points with one quarter remaining. Poland kept Latvia at bay throughout the final frame and sealed the victory at the end. Mateusz Ponitka (196-G-93) posted 14 points, while Skibniewski and Wojciechowski added 10 points each in the win. Davis Bertans (208-F-92) answered with 17 points for Latvia. Kaspars Berzins (213-F/C-85) had 11 points in the losing effort.

Italy U18 and Latvian side exchanged victories - by Eurobasket News

Italy U18 and Latvian side exchanged victories. In Game 1 Italy U18 celebrated a 77:62 win, while Latvia U18 replied with 61:59 in Game 2.
At first Italy U18 grabbed an easy 77:62 victory. The Italian side started with 20-16 and led 39:32 at the halftime. The teams were tied at 53:53, while the last quarter fully belonged to Andrea Capobianco's team. Amedeo Tessitori (205-C-94) poured in 22 points to pace the winners and Simone Fontecchio (197-F-95) and Amato delivered 14 each. Matteo Imbro (190-PG-94) followed them with 7 points. Smits replied with 17 points in defeat, while Elvis Endzels (180-G-94) and Stelmahers netted 8 each.
In Game 2 Latvia started with 18-14 and played better in the second half. They won the third period 20-15 and added 14-13 in the last stanza. Ivars Zvigurs (195-G-95) top-scored for the winners with 11 points and Stelmahers had 10. Mirco Turel (192-G-94) ended up with 11 points in the losing effort, while Matteo Imbro posted 9.

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LITHUANIA

MEXICO

Fuerza Regia Monterrey to sign Renaldo Major - by Eurobasket News (T)

Renaldo Major (201-F-82, agency: Edge Sports, college: Fresno St.) is heading to Fuerza Regia Monterrey, according to Sportando.net. The American forward spent last season with the NBA D-League team Bakersfield Jam. He shined with 14.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 2.3 apg for 50 games. He was awarded with USBasket.com All-D-League Honorable Mention -12 and Gatorade All-D-League Honorable Mention -12. Before Bakersfield, Major spent almost four years with Dakota Wizards. In their last season together he had 15.6 ppg and 5.5 rg in 48 games. Back in 2006/07 season Major got a short term deal with the Golden State Warriors. However, he appeared only once for the franchise. Renaldo Major won D-League title with Dakota in 2007. In the past, he won the USBL title with Dodge City Legend.

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MONTENEGRO

Over 40 NT of Montenegro won the European Championships in Lithuania - by Darko Pekic

Over 40 NT of Montenegro won tonight the European Championships in Kaunas (Lithuania). The former professional players outscored Lithuania 91-85 and won the gold medal in the 7th European Championship organized for former players and amateurs over 40 years old. On their road to the gold medal Montenegro defeated Lithuania 99:97 and Russia 78:55 in the group stage, Russia B in the quarterfinals 96:63, and Italy in the semifinals 97:81.

The best scorer of the game against Lithuania was Goran Boskovic (198-G/F-72, agency: Beo Basket) with 32 points, Dragan Vukcevic (201-F-71, agency: Beo Basket), his former teammate in Buducnost added 23 and Gavrilo Pajovic (187-G-71) contributed with 17 points and 7 assists.

Montenegro was represented in the European Championship by: Goran Boskovic, Rajo Bozovic, Jakov Blazevic, Milo Djukanovic, Maksim Gegovic, Vlado Ivanovic, Vojislav Kovac, Miomir Mugosa (202-F-68), Zoran Nisavic (190-G-68, agency: Beo Basket), Gavrilo Pajovic, Zoran Vujicic (200-F-66), Dragan Vukcevic and Zoran Vukcevic. Coaching staff was composed of Momcilo Popovic , Veselin Begovic and Savo Mandic.

Montenegro split starting games at Sopot Basket Cup - by Eurobasket News

Montenegrin National Team split starting games at the Sopot Basket international Cup in Poland.
Montenegro opened their campaign with a 75:69 win over Poland. Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) came up with 16 points to lead the visitors. Montenegro built a 17:14 lead ten minutes into the game. Poland denied the deficit and surged ahead for a 38:37 halftime lead. But Montenegro returned the advantage in the third quarter. They eked out a narrow 56:55 lead heading into the fourth frame. Montenegro limited Poland to just 14 points in the fourth frame and sealed the victory at the end. Suad Sehovic accounted for 12 points, while Milko Bjelica (207-C-84, agency: Beo Basket) added 11 points for Montenegro. Marcin Gortat (213-C-84) answered with 27 points and 11 rebounds for Poland. Lukasz Koszarek (187-G-84) had 19 points in the loss.
Montenegro then faced Italy. The Azzurri claimed the second win at the tournament beating the Balkan team 78:72. Daniel Hackett notched 19 points and 8 rebounds to lead Italy. Montenegro enjoyed a 16:14 lead after ten minutes. Italy poured in 27 points in the second term to take a 41:37 halftime lead. Italy limited their opponents to 11 points in the third term to boost the gap to as many as 9 points. Montenegro knocked down 24 points in the fourth frame but Italy survived the challenge and eked out victory. Gigli had 14 points, while Vitali added 9 points for the Azzurri. Milko Bjelica answered with 14 points for Montenegro. Taylor Rochestie (185-PG-85, college: Washington St.) had 13 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.

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NBA

Hornets sign guard Mason - by Eurobasket News (T)

The New Orleans Hornets announced Saturday that they have signed guard Roger Mason (6'5''-G/F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Virginia).

Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Mason, an eight-year NBA veteran, holds career averages of 6.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 18.1 minutes per game over 424 contests (88 starts).

Also, the Hornets announced today that center Robin Lopez underwent successful surgery to correct a tear of his medial meniscus in his left knee.

Lopez was acquired July 27 along with forward Hakim Warrick and cash considerations from the Phoenix Suns. The 7'0'' center averaged 5.4 points and 3.3 rebounds for the Suns last season in 14.0 minutes over 64 games.

Courtesy of www.dailycomet.com

NBA rumors: Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs considering Andray Blatche - by Eurobasket News

Andray Blatche (6'11''-F/C-86) was once a very promising prospect that was drafted out of high school by the Washington Wizards. He was selected with the 49th pick in the 2005 NBA Draft. Blatche stands at 611 and averaged 8.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.4 turnovers per game in 26 games for the Wizards last season.

Blatche has on occasion flashed the ability to be considered a solid NBA starter. On September 24, 2010, Blatche received a contract extension from the Wizards. Blatche averaged a career high 16.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game that same season, so the franchise looked to make the right move regarding the extension.

However, following the 10 season, Blatche was dealing with injuries and reports said he wasnt doing much to make sure he was in playing condition. On March 20, 2012, the Wizards announced that they were benching Blatche indefinitely due to lack of conditioning, and that would prove to be the final straw for the New York Native. Things got so bad for Andray, he was booed numerous times on his own home court because of publicly criticizing the team earlier in the season. On July 17, 2012, the Wizards announced that they had waived Blatche via the amnesty clause. No team placed a bid on the remaining three years and roughly $24 million on his contract.

Blatche is now an unrestricted free agent, looking for a destination to revive his career. Just a day ago, CBS reported through the NBA Rumors grapevine, that virtually nobody in the NBA was interested in signing him. What a difference 24 hours makes, as the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs, have expressed interest in the 25 year old forward. ESPNs Marc Stein posted on his twitter account, Free-agent rumble that just dribbled across the pond: Heat & Spurs among teams to express exploratory interest in free agent Andray Blatche.

If any of these NBA rumors hold water, and both teams go after him, he has an important decision to make if he wants to turnaround his young career.. Go play for the glorious super global champion, Miami Heat and have his every move put under the Miami media microscope. Or go to Texas, and play for the Spurs, who are considered boring and are nowhere near the media darlings the Heat are. Spurs also have a few veterans on the roster, who Blatche can gain experience and wisdom from. Some new scenery and some growing up just might revive Andrays career, depending on where he goes.

Courtesy of www.rantsports.com

Thunder signs Daniel Orton - by Eurobasket News (T)

The Oklahoma City Thunder has added Oklahoma City native and former Bishop McGuinness standout Daniel Orton (6'10''-F-90, college: Kentucky) to its roster, the team announced Saturday.

Orton, a 6-foot-10 center, will join the team on a non-guaranteed training camp contract and is not assured a spot on the opening night roster.

The off-season additions of Perry Jones III, Hasheem Thabeet and Hollis Thompson bumped the number of players under contract with the Thunder to the league-maximum 15. Orton is expected to be one of a handful of training camp invitees who must fight to make the final roster.

If Orton does not make the team, its likely that he will be assigned to the Thunder-owned Tulsa 66ers of the NBA D-League. Its something the Thunder has done in the past with former training camp players like Jerome Dyson and Elijah Millsap.

Orton was selected 29th overall by Orlando in the 2010 NBA Draft after just one season at Kentucky. Injuries have plagued Orton since high school, when a knee injury caused him to miss the entire regular season of his senior season at McGuinness. As a high school junior, the last time he played meaningful minutes, Orton averaged 13.7 points, 11.7 rebounds and 5.2 blocks.

In two seasons with Orlando, Orton averaged 2.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 16 games. He did not appear in any games as a rookie in 2010-11 after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee early in that season.

In January, the Magic declined to pick up Ortons third-year option, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Orton, who will turn 22 on Monday, is now believed to be fully healthy.

Courtesy of http://blog.newsok.com

Robin Lopez undergoes successful knee surgery - by Eurobasket News

Center Robin Lopez (7'0''-C/F-88, college: Stanford), who the New Orleans Hornets acquired in a trade from the Phoenix Suns on July 27, underwent successful surgery Saturday to correct a tear of his medial meniscus in his left knee.

The procedure was performed by Dr. El Attrache at the Kerlan Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles. Lopez, 7 feet, is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for training camp this fall.

Lopez was acquired along with forward Hakim Warrick and cash considerations from the Suns. He averaged 5.4 points and 3.3 rebounds for the Suns last season in 14.0 minutes over 64 games.

Last month, rookie guard Austin Rivers underwent a procedure to remove a bone spur from his right ankle, and guard Xavier Henry had arthroscopic surgery to repair a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee. Similar to Lopez, Rivers and Henry are expected to be ready before training camp begins.

Courtesy of www.nola.com

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NCAA1

NCAA2

Northwest Nazarene Announces Recruiting Class - by Sanjey Noriega

From nnusports.com

NAMPA, Idaho - Northwest Nazarene University head men's basketball coach Dave Daniels is excited to announce the addition of five student-athletes to the Crusaders roster for the 2012-13 season.

Kenny Jones, Mario Donaldson, Derek Isaak, Austin Damon and Garrett Williams have each signed National Letters-of-Intent or scholarship agreements to attend NNU and play for the Crusaders next season.

Jones (6-1, 190, G, Los Angeles, CA/St.Bernard HS/UCLA) will join the Crusaders from UCLA, where he saw action in six games last season for the Pac-12 Bruins. Kenny is a powerful and explosive athlete that can score in a variety of ways and is a great defender, Daniels commented. He is a fierce competitor and will make an immediate impact on our team.

Kenny graduates from UCLA in June and will be studying for his Masters Degree in Social Work at NNU.

Donaldson (6-3, 190, G, Rockton, IL/Hononegah HS/Ellsworth CC) comes to NNU from Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, IA., where he averaged 14.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game for the Panthers.

Mario is a high IQ guard that can play several positions, Daniels added. He is a proven scorer that can make plays for himself as well as others. Mario is a young man that loves the Lord, is a great student and a great basketball player.

Isaak (6-1, 170, G, Coulee City, WA/Almira/Coulee-Hartline HS) will graduate this June from Almira/Coulee-Hartline High School and join the Crusaders as a freshman. Derek is a winner, Daniels commented. Derek scored a state-record 44 points in the state championship game in leading Coulee City to victory. He is a wonderful young man and we are excited to have him coming to NNU.

Isaak, who was a four-time Washington All-State selection, was named the 2012 Washington 1B Player-of-the-Year and was a 2012 McDonald's All-American nominee. He scored 2,380 career points, averaging 28.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game as a senior.

Damon (6-6, 205, F, Spokane, WA/Lewis & Clark HS) will graduate from Lewis & Clark High School and also join the Crusaders as a freshman. Damon is a 6-6 guard-forward combo that can really shoot the ball. He is a dedicated student and a great fit with our program.

Williams (5-10, 160, G, Nampa, ID/Vallivue HS) will graduate from Vallivue High School this spring and will join the Crusaders as a freshman. Garrett is a young man with a passion for life, the Lord and basketball. He is a joy to be around and we look forward to seeing him develop.

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NORWAY

Sweden cruise past Norway in Cyprus - by Eurobasket News

Sweden - Norway 84:57

Sweden overcame Norway for the second win at the Four Nations international tournament in Cyprus. Christian Maraker (206-F-82, college: Pacific) came up with 17 points, 11 boards and 4 assists to lead the winners. Sweden finished at 2-1 record, while Norway slipped at 1-2.
Sweden started strongly as they posted a 21:12 lead after ten minutes. Sweden boosted the margin in the second quarter. They ensured a 45:30 halftime lead. Sweden stayed in charge throughout the third term. They accounted for a 64:46 lead at the final intermission. Sweden maintained the margin throughout the final stanza claiming a well-deserved win at the end. Dino Pita (192-G-88) posted 13 points, while Johan Jeansson (197-F/G-85) contributed 11 points for the winners. Anders Stien (195-G-90) had 16 points for Norway. Stian Mjos (182-PG-89) finished with 12 points in the loss.

Sweden: Christian Maraker 17+11 boards, Dino Pita 13, Johan Jeansson 11
Norway: Anders Stien 16, Stian Mjos 12

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PHILIPPINES

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jamelle CORNLEY
  Rain o.
  (196-F-87)
  Avg: 22.6

1. Cornley, Rain o.	22.6
2. Blakely, B-Meg L.	22.4
3. Yap, B-Meg Llam.	16.7
4. Lee, Rain or Shine	14.0
5. Chan, Rain or Shine	13.4
6. Simon, B-Meg Llam.	10.8
7. Norwood, Rain o.	9.6
8. Pingris, B-Meg L.	8.3
9. de Ocampo, B-Meg	8.0
10. Cruz, Rain or Shi.	7.2

Rebounds Per Game

Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 13.4

1. Blakely, B-Meg L.	13.4
2. Cornley, Rain o.	11.6
3. Pingris, B-Meg L.	8.3
4. Reavis, B-Meg L.	6.3
5. de Ocampo, B-Meg	6.3
6. Cruz, Rain or Shine	5.3
7. Norwood, Rain o.	5.1
8. Yap, B-Meg Llam.	4.8
9. Quinahan, Rain o.	4.7
10. Belga, Rain or Sh.	4.4

Assists Per Game

Paul LEE
  Rain or Shine
  (191-G-)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Lee, Rain or Shine	3.6
2. Blakely, B-Meg L.	3.2
3. Cornley, Rain o.	3.0
4. Norwood, Rain o.	2.9
5. Pingris, B-Meg L.	2.8
6. Urbiztondo, B-Meg	2.7
7. Yap, B-Meg Llam.	1.9
8. Chan, Rain or Shine	1.9
9. de Ocampo, B-Meg	1.8
10. Arana, Rain o.	1.6

Steals Per Game

Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Blakely, B-Meg L.	2.7
2. Urbiztondo, B-Meg	1.0
3. Chan, Rain or Shine	1.0
4. Cornley, Rain o.	0.9
5. Norwood, Rain o.	0.9
6. Buenafe, Rain o.	0.8
7. Ibanes, Rain o.	0.7
8. Arana, Rain o.	0.5
9. Barroca, B-Meg L.	0.5
10. Yap, B-Meg Llam.	0.4

Blocks Per Game

Marqus BLAKELY
  B-Meg L.
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Blakely, B-Meg L.	2.5
2. Quinahan, Rain o.	0.6
3. Norwood, Rain o.	0.6
4. Reavis, B-Meg L.	0.5
5. Ibanes, Rain o.	0.4
6. Pingris, B-Meg L.	0.4
7. Yap, B-Meg Llam.	0.4
8. de Ocampo, B-Meg	0.4
9. Barroca, B-Meg L.	0.3
10. Arana, Rain o.	0.3

2012 PBA Governors Cup Finals Games 6 & 7: Painters Shine Thru the Rain - by Enzo Flojo

The B-Meg Llamados made it awfully tough, but the Rain or Shine Elasto-Painters wouldnt be denied their date with destiny.

Led by James Yap and Marqus Blakely, B-Megs resolve was never in doubt as the Llamados equalized the series in Game 6. For the second straight game, Coach Tim Cones wards limited the Painters to just 81 points, and they themselves never looked back in forcing a rubber match.

By all indications, Game 7 promised to be a barn-burner, and it did not disappoint.

The Painters, never tagged as a title contender anytime this season until their fortunes changed in the Governors Cup, seized the moment and delivered on Coach Yeng Guiaos championship guarantee. After a couple of bad games, Finals MVP and National Team guard Jeff Chan scored 16 points to help RoS clinch its first PBA title ever.

The exit of Llamados import Marqus Blakely definitely helped the Painters cause, but it was mainly the big misses of B-Megs top guns in crunch time that sealed the result. PJ Simon and James Yap had some clear looks in the dying minutes that couldve trimmed Rain or Shines lead to just a couple of points, but they muffed their chances and, with that, B-Meg slowly sank amidst the din of the Painters onslaught.

Rookie of the Year Paul Lee, sidelined with a shoulder injury, could only watch as his teammates turned back every B-Meg rally. Nevertheless, he was still a picture of delight as he enjoyed the first PBA championship in what promises to be a colorful pro career.

Game 6 Report:
B-MEG LLAMADOS over RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO-PAINTERS, 97-81

The B-MEG Llamados used a total team effort to win its second straight elimination game, defeating Rain or Shine, 97-81, in Game Six of the Governors Cup finals Friday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

James Yap once again led the charge for B-MEG, top-scoring with 20 points and nine rebounds, but got ample support from his teammates in the rout. Marqus Blakely posted 19 points and 15 rebounds, outplaying his counterpart Jamelle Cornley, while Peter June Simon added 16 and eight. Jonas Villanueva chipped in 11 points.

The Llamados defense limited Cornley to just 14 points and held the Elasto Painters to just 38 percent shooting. Rain or Shine shot just 18 percent from beyond the arc, with sharpshooter Jeff Chan going 1-of-9 from behind the three-point line.

Rain or Shine was still in striking distance early in the fourth quarter after a TY Tang three-pointer cut the B-MEG lead to just seven points, 70-63. A turnaround, buzzer-beating three-pointer by Simon in the ensuing possession, however, triggered a 14-2 run that put the game away, 84-65.

The Llamados led by as much as 24 points late in the game after back-to-back three-pointers by Yap, who has had a marvelous series, averaging 21 points in the Finals coming into the game.

BML 97- Yap 20, Blakely 19, Simon 16, Villanueva 11, Barroca 8, De Ocampo 8, Urbiztondo 7, Reavis 6, Pingris 2, Gaco 0, Burtscher 0.
ROS 81- Cornley 14, Tang 13, Norwood 12, Quinahan 9, Chan 7, Buenafe 7, Ibanes 7, Belga 6, Arana 4, Cruz 2.
QS: 19-13, 42-30, 65-56, 97-81

Game 7 Report:
RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO-PAINTERS over B-MEG LLAMADOS, 83-76

In the ultimate game of the season, Rain or Shine finally booked its date with destiny.

The Elasto Painters survived a tough challenge from a veteran B-MEG squad, 83-76, to win the Governors Cup in a thrilling Game Seven Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Rain or Shine, which won its first PBA title in franchise history after six years in the league, caught a big break after Llamados import Marqus Blakely fouled out with still 8:30 remaining in the game. B-MEG tried to come back behind James Yap, who led all scorers with 23 points, but was kept at bay with timely hits by Rain or Shine.

Import Jamelle Cornley scored 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead the Elasto Painters. Jeff Chan and Gabe Norwood added 16 and 15 points, respectively.

Rain or Shine won the title despite missing star guard Paul Lee, the leagues Rookie of the Year, who re-injured his shoulder in Game Two. Guiao ruled out playing Lee in Game Seven despite Lee making his desire known that he wanted to see action to help his team.

The Elasto Painters raced to a fast 35-22 start in the first quarter, with Cornley and Chan, the finals Most Valuable Player, combining for 17 points. B-MEG, though, would cut the deficit to just two points at the half, 50-48.

The game remained close to start the second half, before foul trouble sent Blakely to the bench late in the third quarter, allowing Rain or Shine to grab the upper hand again.

The Elasto Painters made good on the promise of coach Yeng Guiao, who guaranteed a victory after the teams Game Two loss.

"Naglakas-loob lang ako, either mag-mukha akong tanga, o magmukha akong genius," he said, adding that his pronouncement added to the confidence of his players, none of whom had any championship experience coming into the series.

"Tingin ko nakatulong."

ROS 83- Cornley 20, Chan 16, Norwood 15, Ibanes 8, Cruz 7, Belga 7, Arana 5, Tang 4, Buenafe 1, Jaime 0, Quinahan 0.
BML 76- Yap 23, Blakely 15, Simon 11, Urbiztondo 8, De Ocampo 8, Barroca 5, Reavis 4, Pingris 2, Villanueva 0.
QS: 35-22, 50-48, 68-64, 83-76.

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

Rain or Shine humbles B-Meg, 83-76; clinches first PBA crown - by Eurobasket News

Rain or Shine - B-Meg Llamados 83-76
Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao guaranteed the win and his team delivered. The Elasto Painters nipped the B-Meg Llamados, 83-76, in Game 7 Sunday night to clinch the 2012 PBA Governors Cup title for its first title in history at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 'Everyday is see them. I know they have a big heart. I saw it in them (that we will win),' said Guiao. 'It's either I'd look stupid or a genius and I thought it helped us also.' Import Jamelle Cornley led the way with 20 points and 14 rebounds but it was a total team effort. 'This is a very special group. We have a zero experience in the championship and they'll get better,' added Guiao, who chalked up his sixth title as a coach. 'It was a dream they had nurtured for six years and it came to fruition and it was through a lot of effort, planning, the big hearts and the determination of a young bunch of guys,' said Guiao, who chalked up his sixth title. Jeff Chan, who bagged the Finals MVP award, added 14 of his 16 points in the first half. Guiao revealed that part of the game plan was to really focus on rebounding and attack Marqus Blakely (196-F-89, college: Vermont). And it proved to be just right with Blakely fouling out early with still 8:30 left. 'I don't think it was the turning points but it was a big factor because when Blakely was still there I think we were leading. It was just an added bonus,' said Guiao. ROS was up 74-67 when Blakely picked up his sixth foul. The Llamados though, managed to stay within reach with James Yap (191-F/G-82) carrying them through. Yap made a hanging one-hander look easy before a Rafi Reavis (203-C-77, college: Coppin St.) basket down low pulled B-Meg to within three, 73-76, with still 5:25 left. Cornley took advantage of a slower defender as he hit a hook before Ryan Arana (186-G-83) found Beau Belga for the short stab that extended ROS' lead back to six, 80-74. B-Meg still had time but couldn't convert as it missed easy shots that would've trimmed the deficit. Gabe Norwood (196-G/F-85, college: George Mason) chipped in with 15 points and five rebounds. Chan averaged 12 points and three rebounds in the Finals. Yap had a game-high 23 points while Blakely finished with 15 points and 16 rebounds. *Courtesy of http://sports.inquirer.net

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POLAND

Poland with win and loss at Sopot Basket Cup - by Eurobasket News

Poland registered win and loss at the start of Sopot Basket Cup.
The hosts opened their campaign versus Montenegro. The Balkan team claimed a 75:69 win. Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) came up with 16 points to lead the visitors. Montenegro built a 17:14 lead ten minutes into the game. Poland denied the deficit and surged ahead for a 38:37 halftime lead. But Montenegro returned the advantage in the third quarter. They eked out a narrow 56:55 lead heading into the fourth frame. Montenegro limited Poland to just 14 points in the fourth frame and sealed the victory at the end. Suad Sehovic (197-G/F-87) accounted for 12 points, while Bjelica added 11 points for Montenegro. Marcin Gortat (213-C-84) answered with 27 points and 11 rebounds for Poland. Lukasz Koszarek (187-G-84) had 19 points in the loss.
Poland next took on Latvia. This time the hosts proved the strength. Marcin Gortat accounted for 24 points and 15 boards to lead Poland to a 99:74 win. Dardan Berisha (192-G-88, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) added 15 points for the winners. Poland established a 54:33 halftime lead. They stretched the margin to 24 points with one quarter remaining. Poland kept Latvia at bay throughout the final frame and sealed the victory at the end. Mateusz Ponitka (196-G-93) posted 14 points, while Robert Skibniewski (182-G-83) and Jakub Wojciechowski (213-C/F-90) added 10 points each in the win. Davis Bertans (208-F-92) answered with 17 points for Latvia. Berzins had 11 points in the losing effort.

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RWANDA

Junior Hoops Thrash Espoir - by Eurobasket News

The national U-18 basketball team on Thursday evening showed that they can mix up with the big boys after walloping top flight side Espoir 71-51 in their first of two warm-up games.

Pascal Karekezi, Olivier Shyaka, Eric Ngenzi and Muhammed Rafiki were the star performers as the youthful side's pace and power left the Espoir players gasping for air.

The junior hoops team was in action last evening against league champions APR in their second warm-up match as they prepare to make their debut in the Afro-Basketball championship slated for August 16-25 in Maputo Mozambique.

The team is currently in residential training at La Pallise Hotel and trains twice a day.

U-18 Men's team

Manzi Ernest Nestor, Karekezi Rurangirwa Pascal, Uwizeye Placide, Rafiki Muhamed, Uwimana Sankara, Kubwimana Kazingufu Ali,Munyandamutsa Niyomugabo Sunny,Mugirangeza Ruterana Fabrice, Ndoli Jean Paul, Kaje Elie, Shyaka Olivier, Munyaneza Eric, Niyonkuru Pascal, Mugisha Igor, Ngenzi Eric, Shyaka Scifon, Charles Mbazumutima, Albert Tuyishime.

Friendly

U-18 71-51 Espoir
Courtesy of: The New Times

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SERBIA

Adecco 2012: Serbia triumphs at the tournament - by Eurobasket News

Slovenia-Serbia 75:80

Serbia triumphs at the Adecco Cup 2012. The team won all three games of the tournament including the last one over the hosts. In Day 3 Serbia overcame Slovenia 80:75 in Ljubljana.
Serbia won the opening period 19-17 and added 20-17 in the second frame. Moreover the winners of the tournament needed 26-16 in the third period for 15-point lead after three quarters. Slovenia did not give up and replied with 25-15 in the last stanza but it was not enough for the total success.
Nemanja Nedovic (192-PG-91, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the winners with 15 points and Dusko Savanovic (204-PF-83, agency: Beo Basket) notched 9. Zoran Dragic (196-F/G-89) replied with 18 points in the losing effort and Jure Balazic (204-F-80) nailed 13. Jaka Blazic (193-G-90) delivered 11, while Domen Lorbek (197-G/F-85) scored 9.
Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) was named MVP of the tournament. The Top Five of the Adecco Cup was awarded to Zoran Dragic (Slovenia), Milos Teodosic (Serbia), Dusko Savanovic (Serbia), Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Roko-Leni Ukic (196-G-84) (Croatia).

Slovenia: Zoran Dragic 18, Jure Balazic 13, Jaka Blazic 11, Domen Lorbek 9
Serbia: Nemanja Nedovic 15, Dusko Savanovic 9

BKK Radnicki signs Bogic Vujosevic and Luka Andjusic - by Eurobasket News (T)

BKK Radnicki reinforced its roster with point guard Bogic Vujosevic (189-PG-92, agency: Beo Basket) and guard Luka Andjusic (194-G-94).
Bogic Vujosevic heads to BKK Radnicki from Vojvodina Novi Sad. He appeared 40 times with the club last season averaging 4.4 points, 1.7 assists and 1.2 rebounds in Superleague and A League. Vujosevic played for U19 Serbian National Team last summer. He had 8 ppg and 2.6 apg for 9 games helping Serbia to win the Silver at U19 World Championship in Latvia. In the past, he played for U18 and 16 NT.
Luka Andjusic spent last three years with Hemofarm Stada juniors. Before that, Andjusic played for the cadet team of Partizan Belgrade.
Earlier this summer, BKK Radnicki hired Marko Icelic as the new Head Coach. Dragan Nikolic took HC position at Metalac Valjevo.

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SLOVENIA

SPAIN

Obradoiro CAB keep Levon Kendall, Andres Rodriguez and Oriol Junyent - by Eurobasket News (T)

Obradoiro CAB started to work on building the roster for the next season. They kept the key players on the roster. Levon Kendall (209-F-84, college: Pittsburgh), Andres Rodriguez (184-PG-81, college: American) and Oriol Junyent (208-C-76) will stay with the team for the next season.

Levon Kendall will enter his third straight season with Obradoiro. The Canadian forward tallied 9.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game last season. Previously Levon Kendall had stints with Panionios and Marousi in Greece. He has been the member of Canadian National Team since 2005.
Anders Rodriguez joined Obradoiro back in 2010. Last season the Puerto Rican guard averaged 3.7 points, 3.8 assists, 1.9 boards and 1.2 steals per game in ACB. Anders Rodriguez finished the season in Puerto Rico. The guard played for Capitanes de Arecibo. His stats read 8.4 points, 7.3 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.8 steals per appearance.
Oriol Junyent stays with Obradoiro since 2010. Last season the centre notched 5.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.

Real to announce Dontaye Draper - by Eurobasket News (T)

Real Madrid are set to announce Dontaye Draper (180-PG-84, college: Charleston) in the upcoming days. The guard has agreed on terms of contract with the team. The deal is meant for two seasons with the option of extending for another one. Dontaye Draper spent the last season with Cedevita Zagreb. He tallied 11.9 points, 2.9 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game in A1 League. In EuroCup his stats read 14.3 points, 3.7 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 2.0 steals per appearance. Dontaye Draper also posted 10.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.5 steals in Adriatic League. Eurobasket.com named Dontaye Draper All-Adriatic League Guard of the Year. He also earned All-Croatian League Honourable Mention. Dontaye Draper played for Croatia at 2011 EuroBasket. His stats read 6.6 points, 4.6 boards, 7.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game in Lithuania.

Canarias keep veteran C Ricardo Guillen - by Eurobasket News (T)

Ricardo Guillen (205-F/C-76) will play next season in Liga Endesa. Canarias announced signing of a 1-year contract extension with the veteran center. It will be their fourth straight season together. In the latest one Guillen appeared 30 times in LEB Gold averaging 14.4 points and 4.5 rebounds. Canarias won the LEB Gold title. Guillen was top-scorer of the competition in 2010/11 with 19.4 ppg. He also was fifth rebounder of the league with 7.5 ppg. For his performance Guillen was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold Player of the Year -11. In 2009, 2010 and 2011 he was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold Domestic Player of the Year. Before Canarias, Ricardo Guillen spent two years with Lobos and one two with Los Barrios. He also has experience from Tenerife, Gijon, Leon and Unicaja.

Unicaja Malaga officially gets Earl Calloway, Cajasol declines to match offer - by Eurobasket News (T)

Earl Calloway (191-G-83, college: Indiana) officially became a new member of Unicaja Malaga. Cajasol declined to match the offer and Calloway will spent next two years with the Malaga team. Last week Unicaja also signed Txemi Urtasun (193-G-84, agency: Interperformances) from Cajasol and landed former NBA player Marcus Williams (191-G-85, college: Connecticut).
Earl Calloway spent last three years with Cajasol. In their first season together he had 9.4 ppg, 4.2 apg and 2.3 rpg for 36 games. In 2011, Calloway helped Cajasol to reach the EuroCup Finals. Last season the player had 7.6 ppg, 3.1 apg and 2.2 rpg for 36 games. He joined the club in 2009 from Cibona Zagreb, where he played in 2008/09. Calloway won Croatian league title and Cup with them. He also shined in Adriatic league and was named Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League Import Player of the Year -09, while Cibona reached Finals. In the past, Calloway played for the NBA D-League team Fort Wayne Mad Ants and University of Indiana. He received Bulgarian citizenship two years ago.

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SWEDEN

TURKEY

Milan Macvan signed with Galatasaray - by Pervin Elgin

The Serbian moves to the Turkish powerhouse

Milan Macvan signed a two-year contract with Galatasaray Sports Club Istanbul, one of the most important clubs of Turkey. The Serbian power-forward decided to exit the contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv, thanks to the option at his disposal, and move to the Turkish team, that in the 2012/2013 season will compete at the highest level both in the Beko Turkish League and in the Eurocup. In the 2011/2012 season, Galatasaray Medical Park reached the semifinals of the Beko Turkish League, losing for 1-3 against the future National Champions of Besiktas after winning the Regular Season with a record of 25 wins and 5 losses, and also reached the Top 16 of Euroleague. The head coach Ergin Ataman - one of the most famous and important coaches in the history of Turkish basketball - was confirmed to lead the team for the 2012/2013 season. Milan Macvan played the 2011/2012 season on loan from Maccabi Tel Aviv to Partizan Belgrade, immediately becoming the team leader. He averaged 15.3 points per game, shooting with 63.9% from 2pt, 37.5% from 3pt and 83.3% from ft, adding 8.2 rebounds (best rebounder of the regular season!) for 19.8 of personal ranking in Euroleague (after being Finalist in the Euroleague Final Four 2011), and led Partizan to conquest both the Serbian National Cup and the Serbian National Championship, and also played the Final Four of Adriatic League. He will come back to play in the Eurocup, after being awarded as "Eurocup Rising Star 2009".

Courtesy of sportando.net

Tofas is ready for Elonu - by Sinan Can (T)

AFTER a succesful year which ended with a place at Play-Off and earning a spot at Eurochallenge Cup, Tofas keeps imroving the roster. Bursa club who signed Josh Heytvelt and Steve Burtt so far, also is reported to be close with Nigerian big man Chinemelu Elonu (206-F/C-87, college: Texas A&M) . Coach Ahmet Caki's side maintained with last years roster on many spots, as only one place at frontcourt rotation has been a question mark. ANyway, the club is very close to Elone who spent his last season at Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez where he averaged 10.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in French League. Elone helped French team on Eurochallenge Cup with 12.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. Nigeraian player is a product of Texas A&M University where he left 2009, as athletic big man played for CAI Zaragoza of Spain, Panionios of Greece, before coming to Pau-Orthez.

Wilkinson in his on way to Besiktas - by Ugur Turker

Michael Wilkinson (204-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Wisconsin) is on the list of Besiktas Istanbul. Newly Euroleague participant is looking for former Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul player in order to strengthen backcourt. Wilkinson completed last two season in Russia, Lokomotif and Unics Kazan respectively. He played with 10.1 ppg and 5.7 rpg in Russian League. It is claimed that negotiations are going on and signings will be soon. Macedonian player played Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul in 2009-2010 seaon; Aris, Kkimky in his career as well.

Galatasaray officially announce Boniface Ndong - by Eurobasket News (T)

Galatasaray officially announce Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) for the upcoming season. The Senegalese moves from Regal Barca.
In 2011-2012 for Regal FC Barcelona he averaged 5.9ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 46.5%, FT: 72.7% in EuroLeague and in Spanish League showed 9.2ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 61.6%, FT: 66.7%.
Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) played for Barsa for three seasons.
In the second one he had 6.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for 20 Euroleague games. Ndong also added 6 ppg and 3.8 rpg in 41 Spanish league games. Barca won the ACB title and Copa del Rey. In 2009/10, Boniface Ndong helped Barca to win the Euroleague title. He had 8.9 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 20 games that season. In Spain, Ndong added 6.5 ppg and 3.8 rpg. Before Barca, Boniface Ndong spent two and a half years with Unicaja Malaga. He also has experience from Spartak St Petersburg, Los Angeles Clippers and Dijon. Boniface Ndong played for the Senegalese National Team at the AfroBasket 2009 in Libya. He shined with 19 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 1.6 bpg for 7 games at this event. In 2005, he was named Africabasket.com AllAfrican Championships Best Center.

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Donate to Choice Basketball Association - by David Edole

Welcome to choices basketball league

We would first like to thank you for visiting our website! Choices Basketball Association was formed with the vision to educate and create multiple opportunities for the youth of the Virgin Islands. As a non-profit organization, we continue to work diligently on fundraising for these programs. With your help we can get closer to our goals in developing life building opportunities for the future of the Virgin Islands.

AAU Development is the program that develops basketball talent alongside strong education background. With this development, we will be able to have tutorial programs for our young athletes to continue a strong growth in education. This program will also allow us to send our athletes to tournaments away in the United States for full exposure and for future opportunities in schools and sports.

http://choicesbasketballvi-org.webs.com/apps/donations/

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UGANDA

Power, Kyambogo renew title hunt - by Eurobasket News

FORGET the Lugogo indoor stadium, there are games to play. And in the Airtel National Basketball League, they dont come bigger than DMark Power and the Kyambogo Warriors.
The arch-rivals face off today at the YMCA, shifting the focus back on court after a week of bickering between basketball governing body FUBA, the National Council of Sports (NCS) and MTN over the MTN Arena.
The three parties reached some sort of agreement two days ago but FUBAs wish of having todays games at Lugogo did not materialise, sending back the show to the home of Ugandan basketball.
FUBAs main worry is bad weather and the hope is their worst fears will not come true because no one wants to see a Power-Kyambogo collision affected by anything besides player-talent.
Thats the least that the crowd, likely to be at capacity level, will expect.
Kyambogos section of the crowd will also expect a victory, having seen their team lose 71-68 to Power in June.
That defeat remains the only spot on Kyambogos season and another defeat will be a cause for real concern. With Ivan Enabu back in the ranks, the Warriors chances look good.
Still, they must contain Ben Komakech, who saves his peerless best for Kyambogo.
Meanwhile, A1 Challenge will be favourites to complete the seasonal double over the Makerere Sparks when the two meet in the womens division earlier.
A1 defeated the Sparks 39- 33 in June.
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.com/

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UKRAINE

Emmanuel Jones moves to Budivelnyk for a tryout period - by Eurobasket News (T)

Jones Emmanuel (200-F-85, college: UTPA) moves to Budivelnyk for a tryout period. According to Budivelnyk Kyiv Official Website the player moves from Asia.
In 2005-2007 he played for Riverside CC and then in 2007-2008 moved to UTPA (NCAA). In 22 games he averaged 9.3ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 54.8%, FT: 67.1%. In his last season for UTPA his stats read 17.7ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 65.9%.
In 2009-2010 Jones Emmanuel joined Idaho Stampede (D-League) and showed 5.5ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 13.8%, FT: 75.0%. The season 2010-2011 appeared for TTL Taiwan Beer (Taiwan-SBL, starting five) and after 39 games had 18.0ppg, Reb-4 (11.3rpg), 1.2apg, Steals-2 (1.7spg), Blocks-2 (1.9bpg), FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 76.1%. The last season for TTL Taiwan Beer (Taiwan-SBL, starting five) he had 19.4ppg, 10.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.4spg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 80.9%.

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URUGUAY

Three teams already advanced to the Metro 2nd stage - by Hector Lopez

Goes joined Atenas and Marne to play the Metro league second stage, with only one round still to be played to finish the regular season. There are five candidates for the other three positions. The results for the 21th round were:
Goes 82 - Jimmy Boston (201-F-77, college: N.C.Central) 15 points, Matias de Gouveia 22 points
Larranaga 76 - Gordon James (198-F-79, college: Bridgeport) 12 points 12 rebounds 4 blocks
- - -
Atenas 84 - Anthony Johnson (203-F-88, college: Fairfield) 24 points 16 rebounds 2 blocks
Marne 79 - Eric Freeman (205-C-79, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Ky Wesleyan) 34 points 21 rebounds 3 assists
- - -
Capitol 78 - Kevin Martin (208-C-83, college: Florida Gulf Coast) 27 points 14 rebounds 2 blocks
Cader 76 - Grady Reynolds (198-F-80, agency: Strategic Sports, college: St.John's) 13 points 8 rebounds
- - -
Urunday Universitario 94 - Howard Wilkerson (198-F-84, agency: Two Points, college: Wofford) 25 points 12 rebounds 3 blocks
Yale 77 - Jerry Echenique (201-C-79, college: High Point) 25 points 13 rebounds
- - -
Verdirrojo 83 - Kevin Nelson (192-G-84, college: Park) 30 points 4 rebounds 6 assists
Guruyu Waston 74 - Martavius Adams 28 points 12 rebounds

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ZIMBABWE

Harare Win U-17 Inter-Provincial Tourney - by Eurobasket News

HARARE are this year's winners of the Under-17 boys and girls inter-provincial tournament held in Mutare over the weekend. The tournament saw all the provinces fighting for honours in the boys and girls section and Harare scooped the title in both categories at Mutare Boys High and Mutare Girls High.
In the boys section Harare beat Mashonaland East 34-15 to clinch the title.
Harare, who were the winners of Pool B, had beaten Pool B's runners-up Manicaland 36-13 in the semi-finals to book their place in the finals.
Mashonaland East beat Masvingo 23-22 in a tightly-contested match.
In the girls' competition, Harare defeated Mashonaland East 52-23 to be crowned champions.
They had dismissed Manicaland 37-17 in the semi-finals.
Basketball Union of Zimbabwe competition director, Simon Lawson, said they saw some improvement from developing provinces such as Matabeleland North.
"Quality-wise there are some provinces doing well and you find that Matabeleland North have gone up, they only missed the semi-finals with just two points which a big development from them because they are a developing province.
"We had a full house, the provinces are really committed. Teams representing the provinces were not from one school, they selected teams from district level and its a fair criteria, you get players from different schools," said Lawson.
Patrick Nhamburo and Mary Chawaipira were the Most Valuable Players in the boys and girls section respectively
The inter-provincials were used as a platform to select a national team that will compete in the COSASA games scheduled for Namibia from August 28 to September 3.
The teams are expected into camp on August 23 in Bulawayo with Lawson taking care of the boys' team while Sikhumbuzo Ndlovu will be in charge of the girls' team.
Teams
Boys: Patrick Nhamburo (Prince Edward), Fungai Tarehwa (Hillcrest), Tapiwa Saruchera (Mazowe), Lance Brian Mangwiro (Nyamauru), Tinotenda Chirara (Churchill), Tavonga Masawi (Serima), Denzel Kurima (Goromonzi), Naboth Moyo (St John's Emerald High), Tatenda Madembo (Serima), Tendai Mangenje (Mutare Boys), Tanaka Muyambo (Watershed), Abundance Vhori (Serima), Keith Chibi (Mazowe), Larry Takupa (Prince Edward), Takunda Mukuhlani (Kutama College), Blessing Mlambo (St Ignatius), Tafadzwa Musarurwa (Marist Nyanga), Victor Bingura (Mufakose 2).
Girls: Christel Nyauchi (Mashonaland East), Tinotenda Nyanhete (Mashonaland East), Mary Chawaipira (Harare), Trish Chijiri (Harare), Cynthia Mambo (Harare), Tracy Makovere (Harare), Petra Mukondo (Mashonaland West), Bridget Gumbo (Bulawayo), Florengo Masekesu (Midlands), Shuvai Mhorisa (Mashonaland Central), Victoria Mpandare (Matabeleland South), Vuyelwa Kalenga (Matabeleland North), Prudence Muzenda (Midlands), Rudo Vito (Manicaland), Faith Mushowe (Manicaland).
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.com/

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Women News

AUSTRALIA

2012 Olympics: Australia downs Canada 72-63, both teams advance to QFinals - by Eurobasket News

CANADA - AUSTRALIA 63-72

Australia celebrated 72-63 victory against Canada in the last day of the Preliminary Round at 2012 Olympics in London. Thanks to this win Australia finished as the second ranked team of Group B with 4-1 record. Canada is No.4 in this pool with 2-3 and both teams advanced to the Quarterfinals. There, Australia will play against China, while Canada's rival will be powerful USA. Cambage Elizabeth (203-C-91) had 15 points in the first half as Australia led 35-22 at halftime after scoring the first 12 points of the game. Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) hit six straight free throws, grabbed two key defensive rebounds and a steal in the last minute after Canada cut the Australians' lead to three on Courtney Pilypaitis' 3-pointer with 1:11 to play. Quarters: 24-10, 11-12, 12-20, 25-21. Cambage top-scored in victory with 19 points and Jackson added 18 pts, plus 9 rebounds. Belinda Snell (181-SF-81) helped her country with 12 points. In the loosing squad, Kimberley Smith (186-F-84, college: Utah) was better than the others with 17 points. Shona Thorburn (178-G-82, college: Utah) (5 as) and Teresa Gabriele (165-PG-79) stopped to 9 points each. All teams will take a rest on Monday and will play their Quarterfinals games on Tuesday.

Canada: Kimberley Smith 17, Shona Thorburn 9+5 as, Teresa Gabriele 9
Australia: Cambage Elizabeth 19, Lauren Jackson 18+9 boards, Belinda Snell 12

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AUSTRIA

Latvia smashes Austria 73-32 for 9th place at U18 EuroBasket Division B - by Eurobasket News

U18 AUSTRIA - U18 LATVIA 32-73

Latvia had no troubles to beat Austria in the last day of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Latvia celebrated huge 73-32 win in the game for 9th place at this event. Austria finished as No.10. Latvia jumped to double-digit lead already in the first quarter and extended it to plus 27 until the halftime. Nothing has changed after the breather as Latvia was still dominating and extending its lead from minute to minute until the final 73-32. Paula Tomsone (193-C-94) (6 rebs) and Kitija Laksa (180-G-96) scored 15 points each for the winners. Paula Langina (180-F-94) added 14 points and 7 rebounds. In Austria, Aleksandra Novakovic (172-PG-94) was the leading scorer with just 8 points. Anja Fuchs-Robetin (180-SG-96) (6 rebs) and Simona Wagner (190-C-95) netted 5 pts each. Belarus won the Gold in Strumica.

Austria: Aleksandra Novakovic 8, Anja Fuchs-Robetin 5+6 boards, Simona Wagner 5
Latvia: Paula Tomsone 15+6 boards, Kitija Laksa 15, Paula Langina 14+7 boards

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BELARUS

Belarus wins U18 EuroBasket Division B title - by Eurobasket News

U18 UNITED KINGDOM - U18 BELARUS 74-76

Belarus is the gold medal winner in Strumica. They grabbed 76-74 victory over UK in the Big Final of U18 EuroBasket Division B. The Silver belongs to UK and both teams won the promotion for Division A. Belarus was 76-72 up with 1:56 remaining in the game and both teams missed twice in their next possessions. Ashleigh Munns finally made a jump shot for UK with 50 seconds to go. Holubeva missed for Belarus and Joseph was blocked at the other side of the court. Shequila Joseph (189-F-95) had another chance in the finish, but she missed a hook and Belarus grabbed gold medal in Strumica. Quarters: 14-18, 17-20, 24-21, 21-15. Hanna Kalenta (190-C-94) shined for the winners with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Maryia Papova (186-PF-94) had 19 points and 6 assists, while Alena Holubeva (176-PG-94) helped her team with 17 points. In UK, Joseph top-scored with 22 points and Cheridene Green (187-C-95) added 14 pts, plus 14 rebs. Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott (183-PG-95) was the second player in UK with 14 points. Portugal won the Bronze in Strumica.

UK: Shequila Joseph 22, Cheridene Green 14+14 boards, Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott 14
Belarus: Hanna Kalenta 19+12 boards, Maryia Papova 19+6 as, Alena Holubeva 17

Russia U20 beat Belarus U20 in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News

Russia U20-Belarus U20 74:63

Russia U20 beat Belarus U20 in Istanbul at the International Tournament. The Russian team improved to 1-1 record after 74:63 victory.
Belarus won the first period 19-15, but the Russian team tied the score at the halftime producing 22-18 in the second period. Moreover the second half fully belonged to the winners. They won the third period 16-13 and then added 21-13 in the last stanza.
Alina Zamaraeva (180-SG-93) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Karina Nizamova (170-PG-92) nailed 14. Mariya Davydova (189-F/C-93) and Alexandra Stolyar (178-G-92) delivered 10 points apiece. Maryia Filonchyk (187-PF-92) finished the game with 35 points in the losing effort as Belarus fell at 0-2 record. Natallia Baklaha (172-PG-93) and Aliaksandra Musatava (174-SG-92) scored 7 points each in defeat.
In another game Turkey U20 won the second straight game at home International Tournament in Istanbul. The hosts overcame Sweden U20 67:58 for 2-0 record. The Scandinavian team meanwhile dropped at 1-1.

Russia U20: Alina Zamaraeva 17, Karina Nizamova 14, Mariya Davydova 10, Alexandra Stolyar 10
Belarus U20: Maryia Filonchyk 35, Natallia Baklaha 7, Aliaksandra Musatava 7

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BELGIUM

U18 Czech Republic survives in Division A, Belgium drops to Division B - by Eurobasket News

U18 BELGIUM - U18 CZECH REPUBLIC 60-64

Czech Republic survived in U18 EuroBasket Division A. They outplayed Belgium in the last day of the competition 64-60 to win Group G with perfect 6-0 record. Belgium ended as No.3 of this pool with 3-3 record and faced with relegation to Division B. Romania and Poland are also relegated. Czech Republic exploded after the breather and later its players were focused in the finish to take the victory in this meeting. Quarters: 10-25, 10-11, 30-13, 14-11. Sarka Jozova (174-SG-94) led the winners with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Anna Hruskova (179-F-95) had 13 points and 10 boards, while Gabriela Lachnitova (176-PG-94) added 12 pts. In the loosing squad, Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-SF-95) shined with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Manon Humblet (182-C/F-94) scored 9 and Justine Tabruyn (174-PG-95) netted 8 pts. France won the Gold in Bucharest and Silver belongs to Russia. Serbia took the Bronze.

Belgium: Hind Ben Abdelkader 16+6 boards, Manon Humblet 9, Justine Tabruyn 8
Czech Republic: Sarka Jozova 16+5 boards, Anna Hruskova 13+10 boards, Gabriela Lachnitova 12

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BRAZIL

BULGARIA

U18 Bulgaria destroys U18 Denmark for fifth place in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 BULGARIA - U18 DENMARK 79-45

It was a game for the fifth place at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Bulgaria celebrated huge 79-45 win over Denmark to take this spot. Denmark ended as sixth ranked team. Bulgaria made 10-point lead in Q1 and jumped to plus 22 until the halftime. All after that was just the formality. Iva Kostova (178-SG-94) was totally the best player of this game. She had 31 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists (valuation 36!). Radostina Dimitrova (175-SF-94) had 14 points and 5 rebs, while Viktoria Valchinova (165-PG-95) added 8 pts. In Denmark, Maria Jespersen (179-G-94) collected 17 points and 11 rebounds. Their second scorer was Frederikke Mollerup (177-G/F-95) with 8 points. Belarus won the gold in Strumica. The Silver belongs to UK and Bronze to Portugal.

Bulgaria: Iva Kostova 31+8 boards+5 as, Radostina Dimitrova 14+5 boards, Viktoria Valchinova 8
Denmark: Maria Jespersen 17+11 boards, Frederikke Mollerup 8

A1 Standings - by Eurobasket

Division A Standings

1. Cherno More		5-1
2. Plovdiv		4-2
3. NSA Delta		3-3
4. Minyor		0-6

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CANADA

CHINA

USA hands 114-66 loss to China, wins Group A with 5-0 - by Eurobasket News

CHINA - USA 66-114

The Americans were at it again, putting up record numbers in another impressive offensive performance at the Olympic basketball tournament. This time it was the U.S. women's team. Just days after the U.S. men shattered the Olympic record for points in a game, the women tied their Olympic mark in a 114-66 rout of China on Sunday. Diana Taurasi (6'0''-SG-82, college: Connecticut) scored 22 as the women matched the 114 points they scored against Spain in 1992, but fell well short of the women's Olympic mark of 128 points set by Brazil in 2004. (Courtesy of The Associated Press, via www.chron.com)
USA finished Preliminary Round in London with perfect 5-0. Of course, USA is the winner of Group A and will meet Canada in the Quarterfinals. China ended as No.3 in this pool with 2-3 record and also advanced to the next stage. Their rival will be Australia. USA took control on China in the second period and never looked back after that. Quarters: 31-28, 30-8, 33-12, 20-18. As mentioned above, Taurasi scored 22 points in victory and Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-SF-86, college: Louisville) followed her with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Maya Moore (6'0''-SG-89, college: Connecticut) (7 rebs) and Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) (5 rebs) netted 12 points each. In China, Chen Nan (6'5''-C-83) and Song XiaoYun (5'9''-PG-83) posted 16 and 15 points respectively. Ma Zengyu (6'0''-F-84) delivered 13 pts. Quarterfinals are scheduled for Tuesday.

China: Chen Nan 16, Song XiaoYun 15, Ma Zengyu 13
USA: Diana Taurasi 22, Angel McCoughtry 16+6 boards+6 as, Maya Moore 12+7 boards, Tina Charles 12+5 boards

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CROATIA

CZECH REPUBLIC

2012 Olympics: Czech Republic blasts Angola 82-47, heads to Quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News

ANGOLA - CZECH REPUBLIC 47-82

Czech Republic booked a spot for the Quarterfinals of 2012 Olympic Games in London. They destroyed Angola today 82-47 taking the fourth place in Group A with 2-3 record. In the QFinals Czech Republic will meet top-ranked team of Group B - France. Angola finished its first Olympics winless (0-5). Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) drained all of her 19 points in the first half and paced her country to 15-point lead. She made all eight of her shots - including three 3-pointers. The Czechs poured it on in the second half behind Michaela Zrustova (184-F-87), who scored all 20 of her points after the break. Hana Horakova (182-F/G-79) was third scorer in victory with 7 points (9 rebs). Angola got 18 points and 5 rebounds from Nassecela Mauricio (181-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas), while Nadir Manuel (185-PF-86) collected 10 points and 12 boards. Luisa Tomas (192-C-83) added 9 points in this defeat. Quarterfinals are scheduled for Tuesday.

Angola: Nassecela Mauricio 18+5 boards, Nadir Manuel 10+12 boards, Luisa Tomas 9
Czech Republic: Michaela Zrustova 20, Eva Viteckova 19, Hana Horakova 7

U18 Czech Republic survives in Division A, Belgium drops to Division B - by Eurobasket News

U18 BELGIUM - U18 CZECH REPUBLIC 60-64

Czech Republic survived in U18 EuroBasket Division A. They outplayed Belgium in the last day of the competition 64-60 to win Group G with perfect 6-0 record. Belgium ended as No.3 of this pool with 3-3 record and faced with relegation to Division B. Romania and Poland are also relegated. Czech Republic exploded after the breather and later its players were focused in the finish to take the victory in this meeting. Quarters: 10-25, 10-11, 30-13, 14-11. Sarka Jozova (174-SG-94) led the winners with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Anna Hruskova (179-F-95) had 13 points and 10 boards, while Gabriela Lachnitova (176-PG-94) added 12 pts. In the loosing squad, Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-SF-95) shined with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Manon Humblet (182-C/F-94) scored 9 and Justine Tabruyn (174-PG-95) netted 8 pts. France won the Gold in Bucharest and Silver belongs to Russia. Serbia took the Bronze.

Belgium: Hind Ben Abdelkader 16+6 boards, Manon Humblet 9, Justine Tabruyn 8
Czech Republic: Sarka Jozova 16+5 boards, Anna Hruskova 13+10 boards, Gabriela Lachnitova 12

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DENMARK

EUROCUP

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18

Div.A Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Paulina HERSLER
(190-PF-94)
Avg: 20.9

1. Hersler, SWE	20.9
2. Ben Abdelkad., BEL	18.6
3. Stamolamprou, GRE	16.3
4. Bilgic, TUR	14.3
5. Hruscakova, SVK	14.0
6. Stanacev, SRB	14.0
7. Tikvic, CRO	13.6
8. Balintova, SVK	12.9
9. Raileanu, ROM	12.8
10. Delaere, BEL	12.8

Rebounds Per Game

Eva LISEC
(191-C-95)
Avg: 10.9

1. Lisec, SLO	10.9
2. Hruscakova, SVK	10.6
3. Tikvic, CRO	9.0
4. Badiane, FRA	9.0
5. Begic, CRO	8.6
6. Stankovic, SRB	8.3
7. Gaye, FRA	8.2
8. Hersler, SWE	7.9
9. Marchenkova, RUS	7.7
10. Treffers, NED	7.7

Assists Per Game

Olivia EPOUPA
(168-PG-94)
Avg: 4.6

1. Epoupa, FRA	4.6
2. Stanacev, SRB	4.4
3. Eriksson, SWE	3.3
4. Havlikova, CZE	3.3
5. Gabrovsek, SLO	3.3
6. Ben Abdelkad., BEL	3.2
7. Owczarzak, POL	3.0
8. Mandic, SRB	2.8
9. Dumitrache, ROM	2.7
10. Novikova, RUS	2.6

Steals Per Game

Leticia ROMERO
(177-G-95)
Avg: 2.6

1. Romero, ESP	2.6
2. Hanson, SWE	2.4
3. Gavrila, ROM	2.3
4. Aydin, TUR	2.2
5. Epoupa, FRA	2.1
6. Balintova, SVK	2.0
7. Stamolamprou, GRE	2.0
8. Bilgic, TUR	2.0
9. Gladkova, RUS	1.9
10. Owczarzak, POL	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Dragana STANKOVIC
  SRB
  (188-PF-95)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Stankovic, SRB	2.8
2. Tikvic, CRO	2.6
3. Gaye, FRA	2.2
4. Jaworska, POL	1.7
5. Marchenkova, RUS	1.3
6. Hersler, SWE	1.3
7. Coklar, TUR	1.0
8. Badiane, FRA	0.8
9. Bende, BEL	0.8
10. Slim, NED	0.7

Division B: Belarus grabs the Gold - by Eurobasket News

FINAL

United Kingdom - Belarus 74-76
Belarus is the gold medal winner in Strumica. They grabbed 76-74 victory over UK in the Big Final of U18 EuroBasket Division B. The Silver belongs to UK and both teams won the promotion for Division A. Belarus was 76-72 up with 1:56 remaining in the game and both teams missed twice in their next possessions. Ashleigh Munns finally made a jump shot for UK with 50 seconds to go. Holubeva missed for Belarus and Joseph was blocked at the other side of the court. Shequila Joseph (189-F-95) had another chance in the finish, but she missed a hook and Belarus grabbed gold medal in Strumica. Quarters: 14-18, 17-20, 24-21, 21-15. Hanna Kalenta (190-C-94) shined for the winners with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Maryia Papova (186-PF-94) had 19 points and 6 assists, while Alena Holubeva (176-PG-94) helped her team with 17 points. In UK, Joseph top-scored with 22 points and Cheridene Green (187-C-95) added 14 pts, plus 14 rebs. Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott (183-PG-95) was the second player in UK with 14 points. Portugal won the Bronze in Strumica.

3-4 place

Portugal - Hungary 68-57
Portugal won the Bronze at U18 EuroBasket Division B. They handed 68-57 loss to Hungary in the last day of the championship in Strumica. Thanks to this win Portugal also won the promotion for Division A, while Hungary stays without the medal and also without the promotion. Portugal shined in the second half to take the victory in this meeting. Quarters: 18-12, 9-13, 20-17, 21-15. Josephine Filipe (175-G/F-95) top-scored in Portugal with 19 points and Joana Canastra (173-SG-94) had two less. Maria Kostourkova (188-C-97) shined with double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds. In defeat, Amadea Szamosi (190-F/C-94) collected 15 points and 11 boards. Fanni Csutoras (181-G/F-94) scored 13 points and Janka Hegedus (184-F-94) stopped to 9 pts, plus 5 rebs. Belarus won the Gold in Strumica and Silver belongs to UK. They also won the promotion for Division A.

5-6 place

Bulgaria - Denmark 79-45
It was a game for the fifth place at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Bulgaria celebrated huge 79-45 win over Denmark to take this spot. Denmark ended as sixth ranked team. Bulgaria made 10-point lead in Q1 and jumped to plus 22 until the halftime. All after that was just the formality. Iva Kostova (178-SG-94) was totally the best player of this game. She had 31 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists (valuation 36!). Radostina Dimitrova (175-SF-94) had 14 points and 5 rebs, while Viktoria Valchinova (165-PG-95) added 8 pts. In Denmark, Maria Jespersen (179-G-94) collected 17 points and 11 rebounds. Their second scorer was Frederikke Mollerup (177-G/F-95) with 8 points. Belarus won the gold in Strumica. The Silver belongs to UK and Bronze to Portugal.

7-8 place

Lithuania - Germany 72-66
Lithuania was better than Germany in the last day of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Thanks to this win Lithuania ended as the 7th ranked team at this event. Germany is No.8. Germany made 7-point lead in the first half, but Lithuania answered with 17-11 after the breather. They shined in the last ten minutes (21-14) to take the victory in this meeting. Ieva Kazlauskaite (180-F-94) scored 16 points for the winners. Austeja Sirsinaityte (164-PG-95) (7 rebs, 5 as) and Roberta Mizgeryte (188-PF-95) delivered 12 points each. Chantal Neuwald (180-G-95) replied with 15 points in defeat and Levke Brodersen (168-G-94) had three points less. Elisabeth Dzirma (179-G-94) stopped to 11 pts. Belarus is the gold medal winner in Strumica. UK ended with Silver and Portugal took the Bronze. All three teams won the promotion for Division A.

9-10 place

Austria - Latvia 32-73
Latvia had no troubles to beat Austria in the last day of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Latvia celebrated huge 73-32 win in the game for 9th place at this event. Austria finished as No.10. Latvia jumped to double-digit lead already in the first quarter and extended it to plus 27 until the halftime. Nothing has changed after the breather as Latvia was still dominating and extending its lead from minute to minute until the final 73-32. Paula Tomsone (193-C-94) (6 rebs) and Kitija Laksa (180-G-96) scored 15 points each for the winners. Paula Langina (180-F-94) added 14 points and 7 rebounds. In Austria, Aleksandra Novakovic (172-PG-94) was the leading scorer with just 8 points. Anja Fuchs-Robetin (180-SG-96) (6 rebs) and Simona Wagner (190-C-95) netted 5 pts each. Belarus won the Gold in Strumica.

11-12 place

Finland - Ukraine 74-72
Finland grabbed 74-72 win against Ukraine in the last day of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. It was a game for 11th place at this event and it belongs to Finland. Ukraine ended as No.12. It was a very exciting finish and Noora Jarvikangas (182-SF-94) paced Finland to victory from the free throw line. Quarters: 20-9, 17-21, 18-17, 19-25. Evianna Sipila (178-SF-95) led the winners with 22 points and 6 rebounds. Jarvikangas scored 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Maria Aijanen (187-F/C-95) and Emmi Leino (182-F/G-94) added 8 pts each. In Ukraine, Miriam Uro-Nile (190-C-94) shined with 27 points and 5 rebounds. Nataliya Skorbatyuk (183-F-95) (5 as) and Olga Krayevska (178-PG-94) (5 as) scored 15 and 12 points respectively. Belarus won the Gold in Strumica. The Silver belongs to UK and Bronze to Portugal.

13-14 place

Israel - Montenegro 70-52
Israel finished as 13th ranked team of U18 EuroBasket Division B. They handed 70-52 loss to Montenegro in the last day of the championship in Strumica. Montenegro ended as No.14. Israel took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 15-9, 23-15, 14-11, 18-17. Nof Kedem (170-SG-94) led the winners with 21 points and 5 rebounds. Hadar Levi (170-PG-94) scored 17 points and May Dayan (170-PG-94) helped with 7. In defeat, Milica Manojlovic (98) delivered 14 points. Vanja Mudresa (96) and Kristina Rakovic (182-F/C-94) (16 rebs!) posted 10 and 9 pts respectively. The Gold belongs to Belarus. UK won the Silver and Portugal took the Bronze. All three teams won the promotion for Division A.

W-Standings - Group A

Standings

Group E
1. France		4-1
2. Spain		4-1
3. Turkey		3-2
4. Russia		3-2
5. Sweden		1-4
6. Greece		0-5
Group F
1. Italy		3-2
2. Holland		3-2
3. Serbia		3-2
4. Croatia		3-2
5. Slovakia		2-3
6. Slovenia		1-4
Group G (Places 13-16)
1. Czech Rep.		6-0
2. Poland		3-3
3. Belgium		3-3
4. Romania		0-6

Quarter-Finals: Round 7

Places 9-12

Aug. 3: SVK - GRE 81-48

Q-Finals

Aug. 3: NED - TUR 77-69 2OT

Aug. 3: CZE - ROM 70-67

Places 9-12

Aug. 3: SWE - SLO 68-58

Q-Finals

Aug. 3: ESP - SRB 60-64

Aug. 3: BEL - POL 56-64

Q-Finals

Aug. 3: FRA - CRO 51-43
Aug. 3: ITA - RUS 42-64

Division A: France wins the Gold in Bucharest, Olivia Epoupa is MVP - by Eurobasket News

Group Final

France - Russia 65-61
France won the Gold at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. They failed in the Final against Belgium a year ago, but tonight France outsmarted Russia 65-61 taking the first place at this event. Russia had 44-48 lead at the beginning of the last quarter, but France created impressive 10-2 run after that for 54-50 with 6:10 remaining in the game. Mostly owing to Olivia Epoupa (168-PG-94), France jumped to 62-56 with 3 minutes left. All what Russia managed to do for rest of the way was minus 3 after triple by Byazrova, but Lidija Turcinovic (179-SG-94) answered with one free throw setting the score to the final 65-61. Quarters: 14-8, 11-18, 19-20, 21-15. Epoupa was a key player in victory with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. She reached valuation 25 and was named MVP of the tournament. Turcinovic (5 rebs) and Mousdandy Djaldi-Tabdi (184-F-95) helped France with 9 points each. In Russia, Alexandra Marchenkova (183-PF-94) shined with 20 points and 7 rebounds, and Julia Gladkova (183-F-94) had 11 pts, plus 5 rebs. Polina Fedorova (188-PF-95) had 10 points (5 rebs) and was their last player with double digits in scoring. Russia won the Silver in Bucharest, while the Bronze belongs to Serbia.

Bronze

Holland - Serbia 46-59
Serbia won the Bronze at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. The celebrated 59-46 victory against Holland in the game for third place. Serbia opened it with impressive 16-2 run and later finished first quarter with 22-9. Holland was not able to reply in the second period and faced with huge 39-17 deficit at the halftime. Serbia had no troubles to keep comfortable lead for rest of the way. Aleksandra Stanacev (167-PG-94) top-scored in Serbia with 15 points, and Natasa Kovacevic (187-F-94) helped with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Sanja Mandic (177-G-95) also had 11 points and 5 assists in this meeting, while Dragana Stankovic (188-PF-95) added 10 points and 8 boards. Holland got 10 points from Emese Hof (188-C-96) and their second scorer was Kourtney Treffers (186-PF-94) with 8 pts (8 rebs). Isabella Slim (181-F-95) and Yordi Kathmann (176-F-94) stopped to 7 points each. France won the Gold in Bucharest and Silver belongs to Russia.

Places 5-6

Turkey - Spain 60-71
Spain was better than Turkey 71-60 in the game for fifth place at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. Position No.6 belongs to Turkey. Spain had wonderful beginning of the game as they made 24-8 lead in the first quarter. Turkey improved after that, but still Spain was strong enough to keep the comfortable lead and even to increase it. They had 69-49 with 2:29 remaining in the game. Elena De Alfredo (170-G-94) scored 13 points for the winners, while Ariadna Pujol (182-F-95) (6 rebs) and Marta Montoliu (182-G-94) added 12 points each. In Turkey, Pelin Bilgic (173-G-94) was the leading scorer with 16 points. Elif Emirtekin (184-F-94) (7 rebs) and Gizem Sezer (196-C-94) (6 rebs) posted 10 points each. France grabbed the Gold in Bucharest after 65-61 win against Russia. The Bronze belongs to Serbia.

Places 7-8

Croatia - Italy 72-49
Croatia finished U18 EuroBasket with 72-49 victory against Italy. It was a game for the seventh place in Bucharest. Croatia made 25-9 lead already in the first quarter. Italy closed the gap to 11 pts until the halftime, but Croatia took control on its rival after that and with 19-9 in Q3 resolved question about the winner. Ana-Marija Begic (190-C-94) led Croatia with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Anja Majstorovic (184-SF-94) and Iva Cigic (174-PG-94) followed her with 14 points each. In Italy, Ilaria Milazzo (167-PG-94) was better than the others with 11 points and Elisa Penna (185-F-95) added 9 pts, plus 8 rebs. Francesca Minali (185-C-94) was limited to 6 points. France won the Gold in Bucharest. Silver belongs to Russia and Bronze to Serbia.

Places 9-10

Sweden - Slovakia 55-70
Slovakia finished as ninth ranked team of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. They cruised past Sweden in the last day of the competition. Sweden ended as No.10. Slovakia won all four quarters in this game (18-15, 19-16, 15-13, 18-11). Angelika Slamova (173-G-94) was the leading player in Slovakia with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Michaela Rakova (187-F-94) had 14 points and 7 rebs, while Barbora Balintova (176-G-94) added 13 pts. In Sweden, Paulina Hersler (190-PF-94) (10 rebs) and Linnea Frykbo (169-SG-94) posted 14 points each. Gabriella Hanson (180-SG-95) collected 13 points and 5 rebs. In the battle for Gold, France was better than Russia 65-61. Serbia won the Bronze in Bucharest.

Places 11-12

Slovenia - Greece 55-58
Greece grabbed 58-55 win against Slovenia in the last day of U18 EuroBasket. It was a game for 11th place in Bucharest and it belongs to Greece. Slovenia ended as No.12. Greece made 10-point lead in the first quarter and jumped to plus 19 until the breather. Slovenia drastically improved after that, but Greece was strong enough to keep the lead until the end. Anna Stamolamprou (171-PG-95) scored 18 points for the winners and Amanda Lovely (180-PF-94) added 12 points, plus 8 rebounds. Vasiliki Fouraki (183-F-95) followed them with 11 points and 5 rebs. In Slovenia, Barbara Sut (179-PF-94) was better than the others with 13 points and 6 rebounds. Alina Gjerkes (177-F-94) (8 rebs) and Sara Meden (170-PG-94) (5 as) posted 11 points each. France is the gold medal winner in Bucharest. Silver belongs to Russia and Bronze to Serbia.

Group G

Romania - Poland 36-76
Poland destroyed Romania in the last day of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. Poland finished as the second ranked team of Group G with 3-3 record. However, that is not enough for the survival in Division A. Romania (0-6) is the last ranked team at this event and of course also faced with relegation to Division B. Poland took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 22-12, 28-11, 12-9, 14-4. Karolina Puss (182-SF-94) shined in victory with 26 points and 9 rebounds. Julia Adamowicz (178-SF-94) scored 13 points and Magdalena Wojdalska (185-SG-94) had 11. In defeat, Cristina Gavrila (172-G-95) was better than the others with 11 points and 9 rebounds. Iulia Raileanu (189-PF-95) had 10 points and Kinga Domokos (188-F/C-94) stopped to 6. Czech Republic is the winner of Group G with perfect 6-0 record. They survived in Division A.

Belgium - Czech Republic 60-64
Czech Republic survived in U18 EuroBasket Division A. They outplayed Belgium in the last day of the competition 64-60 to win Group G with perfect 6-0 record. Belgium ended as No.3 of this pool with 3-3 record and faced with relegation to Division B. Romania and Poland are also relegated. Czech Republic exploded after the breather and later its players were focused in the finish to take the victory in this meeting. Quarters: 10-25, 10-11, 30-13, 14-11. Sarka Jozova (174-SG-94) led the winners with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Anna Hruskova (179-F-95) had 13 points and 10 boards, while Gabriela Lachnitova (176-PG-94) added 12 pts. In the loosing squad, Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-SF-95) shined with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Manon Humblet (182-C/F-94) scored 9 and Justine Tabruyn (174-PG-95) netted 8 pts. France won the Gold in Bucharest and Silver belongs to Russia. Serbia took the Bronze.

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FINLAND

Finland is No.11, Ukraine is No.12 at U18 EuroBasket Division B - by Eurobasket News

U18 FINLAND - U18 UKRAINE 74-72

Finland grabbed 74-72 win against Ukraine in the last day of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. It was a game for 11th place at this event and it belongs to Finland. Ukraine ended as No.12. It was a very exciting finish and Noora Jarvikangas (182-SF-94) paced Finland to victory from the free throw line. Quarters: 20-9, 17-21, 18-17, 19-25. Evianna Sipila (178-SF-95) led the winners with 22 points and 6 rebounds. Jarvikangas scored 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Maria Aijanen (187-F/C-95) and Emmi Leino (182-F/G-94) added 8 pts each. In Ukraine, Miriam Uro-Nile (190-C-94) shined with 27 points and 5 rebounds. Nataliya Skorbatyuk (183-F-95) (5 as) and Olga Krayevska (178-PG-94) (5 as) scored 15 and 12 points respectively. Belarus won the Gold in Strumica. The Silver belongs to UK and Bronze to Portugal.

Finland: Evianna Sipila 22+6 boards, Noora Jarvikangas 15+8 boards, Maria Aijanen 8, Emmi Leino 8
Ukraine: Miriam Uro-Nile 27+5 boards, Nataliya Skorbatyuk 15+5 as, Olga Krayevska 12+5 as

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FRANCE

France wins the Gold at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

U18 FRANCE - U18 RUSSIA 65-61

France won the Gold at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. They failed in the Final against Belgium a year ago, but tonight France outsmarted Russia 65-61 taking the first place at this event. Russia had 44-48 lead at the beginning of the last quarter, but France created impressive 10-2 run after that for 54-50 with 6:10 remaining in the game. Mostly owing to Olivia Epoupa (168-PG-94), France jumped to 62-56 with 3 minutes left. All what Russia managed to do for rest of the way was minus 3 after triple by Byazrova, but Lidija Turcinovic (179-SG-94) answered with one free throw setting the score to the final 65-61. Quarters: 14-8, 11-18, 19-20, 21-15. Epoupa was a key player in victory with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. She reached valuation 25 and was MVP of this meeting. Turcinovic (5 rebs) and Mousdandy Djaldi-Tabdi (184-F-95) helped France with 9 points each. In Russia, Alexandra Marchenkova (183-PF-94) shined with 20 points and 7 rebounds, and Julia Gladkova (183-F-94) had 11 pts, plus 5 rebs. Polina Fedorova (188-PF-95) had 10 points (5 rebs) and was their last player with double digits in scoring. Russia won the Silver in Bucharest, while the Bronze belongs to Serbia.

France: Olivia Epoupa 20+12 boards+5 as, Lidija Turcinovic 9+5 boards, Mousdandy Djaldi-Tabdi 9
Russia: Alexandra Marchenkova 20+7 boards, Julia Gladkova 11+5 boards, Polina Fedorova 10+5 boards

2012 Olympics: France wins Group B with perfect 5-0 record - by Eurobasket News

FRANCE - RUSSIA 65-54

France finished Preliminary Round in London with perfect 5-0 record. They outplayed Russia today 65-54, but even on Friday it was clear that France will be the winner of this pool. At the other side, Russia dropped to 3-2 and also advanced to the Quarterfinals. There, France will meet the fourth ranked team of Group A - Czech Republic. Russia will have to wait until the end of the day to find out who will be its rival in the QFinals. The win Sunday means France will avoid a matchup with the U.S. until the gold medal game if the Americans beat China later in the day and both teams continue to advance. France had 4-point lead early in the third quarter, after what they made crucial 17-3 run for 44-26 with 4:07 left. Russia scored the next six points, but France closed the third period with a 11-2 run to seal the victory. Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) stepped up for France with 12 points and Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87) followed her with 9 pts. Nwal-Endene Miyem (188-PF-88) was third scorer in victory with 8 points. In the loosing squad, Eugeniya Belyakova (182-SF-86) was better than the others with 14 points. Becky Hammon (175-PG-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Colorado St.) (5 rebs), Nadezhda Grishaeva (195-C-89) and Natalia Vieru (198-C-89) posted 8 points each. Quarters: 10-15, 15-6, 30-13, 10-20. Quarterfinals are scheduled for Tuesday.

France: Celine Dumerc 12, Sandrine Gruda 9, Nwal-Endene Miyem 8
Russia: Eugeniya Belyakova 14, Becky Hammon 8+5 boards, Nadezhda Grishaeva 8, Natalia Vieru 8

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GERMANY

U18 Lithuania takes seventh place in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 LITHUANIA - U18 GERMANY 72-66

Lithuania was better than Germany in the last day of U18 EuroBasket Division B in Strumica. Thanks to this win Lithuania ended as the 7th ranked team at this event. Germany is No.8. Germany made 7-point lead in the first half, but Lithuania answered with 17-11 after the breather. They shined in the last ten minutes (21-14) to take the victory in this meeting. Ieva Kazlauskaite (180-F-94) scored 16 points for the winners. Austeja Sirsinaityte (164-PG-95) (7 rebs, 5 as) and Roberta Mizgeryte (188-PF-95) delivered 12 points each. Chantal Neuwald (180-G-95) replied with 15 points in defeat and Levke Brodersen (168-G-94) had three points less. Elisabeth Dzirma (179-G-94) stopped to 11 pts. Belarus is the gold medal winner in Strumica. UK ended with Silver and Portugal took the Bronze. All three teams won the promotion for Division A.

Lithuania: Ieva Kazlauskaite 16, Austeja Sirsinaityte 12+7 boards+5 as, Roberta Mizgeryte 12
Germany: Chantal Neuwald 15, Levke Brodersen 12, Elisabeth Dzirma 11

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GREECE

U18 Greece celebrates 58-55 win against U18 Slovenia for 11th place in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

U18 SLOVENIA - U18 GREECE 55-58

Greece grabbed 58-55 win against Slovenia in the last day of U18 EuroBasket. It was a game for 11th place in Bucharest and it belongs to Greece. Slovenia ended as No.12. Greece made 10-point lead in the first quarter and jumped to plus 19 until the breather. Slovenia drastically improved after that, but Greece was strong enough to keep the lead until the end. Anna Stamolamprou (171-PG-95) scored 18 points for the winners and Amanda Lovely (180-PF-94) added 12 points, plus 8 rebounds. Vasiliki Fouraki (183-F-95) followed them with 11 points and 5 rebs. In Slovenia, Barbara Sut (179-PF-94) was better than the others with 13 points and 6 rebounds. Alina Gjerkes (177-F-94) (8 rebs) and Sara Meden (170-PG-94) (5 as) posted 11 points each. France is the gold medal winner in Bucharest. Silver belongs to Russia and Bronze to Serbia.

Slovenia: Barbara Sut 13+6 boards, Alina Gjerkes 11+8 boards, Sara Meden 11+5 as
Greece: Anna Stamolamprou 18, Amanda Lovely 12+8 boards, Vasiliki Fouraki 11+5 boards

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HOLLAND

Serbia beats Holland 59-46 to win the Bronze at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

U18 HOLLAND - U18 SERBIA 46-59

Serbia won the Bronze at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. The celebrated 59-46 victory against Holland in the game for third place. Serbia opened it with impressive 16-2 run and later finished first quarter with 22-9. Holland was not able to reply in the second period and faced with huge 39-17 deficit at the halftime. Serbia had no troubles to keep comfortable lead for rest of the way. Aleksandra Stanacev (167-PG-94) top-scored in Serbia with 15 points, and Natasa Kovacevic (187-F-94) helped with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Sanja Mandic (177-G-95) also had 11 points and 5 assists in this meeting, while Dragana Stankovic (188-PF-95) added 10 points and 8 boards. Holland got 10 points from Emese Hof (188-C-96) and their second scorer was Kourtney Treffers (186-PF-94) with 8 pts (8 rebs). Isabella Slim (181-F-95) and Yordi Kathmann (176-F-94) stopped to 7 points each. France won the Gold in Bucharest and Silver belongs to Russia.

Holland: Emese Hof 10, Kourtney Treffers 8+8 boards, Isabella Slim 7, Yordi Kathmann 7
Serbia: Aleksandra Stanacev 15, Natasa Kovacevic 11+11 boards+5 as, Sanja Mandic 11+5 as, Dragana Stankovic 10+8 boards

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HUNGARY

U18 Portugal wins the Bronze and promotion to Division A - by Eurobasket News

U18 PORTUGAL - U18 HUNGARY 68-57

Portugal won the Bronze at U18 EuroBasket Division B. They handed 68-57 loss to Hungary in the last day of the championship in Strumica. Thanks to this win Portugal also won the promotion for Division A, while Hungary stays without the medal and also without the promotion. Portugal shined in the second half to take the victory in this meeting. Quarters: 18-12, 9-13, 20-17, 21-15. Josephine Filipe (175-G/F-95) top-scored in Portugal with 19 points and Joana Canastra (173-SG-94) had two less. Maria Kostourkova (188-C-97) shined with double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds. In defeat, Amadea Szamosi (190-F/C-94) collected 15 points and 11 boards. Fanni Csutoras (181-G/F-94) scored 13 points and Janka Hegedus (184-F-94) stopped to 9 pts, plus 5 rebs. Belarus won the Gold in Strumica and Silver belongs to UK. They also won the promotion for Division A.

Portugal: Josephine Filipe 19, Joana Canastra 17, Maria Kostourkova 16+14 boards
Hungary: Amadea Szamosi 15+11 boards, Fanni Csutoras 13, Janka Hegedus 9+5 boards

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ISRAEL

U18 Israel defeats U18 Montenegro to take 13th place in Strumica - by Eurobasket News

U18 ISRAEL - U18 MONTENEGRO 70-52

Israel finished as 13th ranked team of U18 EuroBasket Division B. They handed 70-52 loss to Montenegro in the last day of the championship in Strumica. Montenegro ended as No.14. Israel took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 15-9, 23-15, 14-11, 18-17. Nof Kedem (170-SG-94) led the winners with 21 points and 5 rebounds. Hadar Levi (170-PG-94) scored 17 points and May Dayan (170-PG-94) helped with 7. In defeat, Milica Manojlovic (98) delivered 14 points. Vanja Mudresa (96) and Kristina Rakovic (182-F/C-94) (16 rebs!) posted 10 and 9 pts respectively. The Gold belongs to Belarus. UK won the Silver and Portugal took the Bronze. All three teams won the promotion for Division A.

Israel: Nof Kedem 21+5 boards, Hadar Levi 17, May Dayan 7
Montenegro: Milica Manojlovic 14, Vanja Mudresa 10, Kristina Rakovic 9+16 boards

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ITALY

Salerno Basket brings in Liliana Miccio - by Eurobasket News (T)

Salerno Basket brings in Liliana Miccio (182-F/C-89) for the upcoming season. The Italian player comes from Saces Dike Napoli.
In 2007-2008 she appeared for Carpedil Battipaglia (A2) and in 2009-2010 played for Gea Magazzini Alcamo (A2, starting five). In 2010-2011 moved to Virtus Cagliari (A2, starting five) and in 27 games averaged 10.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 83.3%.
The season 2011-2012 Liliana Miccio spent with Saces Dike Napoli (A2) and had 7.6ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 38.4%, 3PT-1 (42.7%), FT: 86.2%.
Anita Meloni (183-F/C-77) meanwhile heads to Bull Basket Latina. In 2007-2008 she played for Castellani Pontedera (A2) and then in 2008-2009 moved to Caffe Mokambo Chieti (A2, starting five). In 2010-2011 for C.U.S. Chieti (A2) her stats read 1.0ppg, 1.9rpg after 35 games. Anita Meloni was Italian A2 South Regular Season Champion -11 and Italian A2 South Finalist -11.

Italy U20 wins Caorle tournament - by Eurobasket News

Italy U20 wins Caorle tournament with 3 participating teams.
In Day 1 Italy U20 outscored Portugal U20 65:61. The hosts of the tournament won the first half 31:28 and then increased the total victory to 4 points. Irene Cigliani (177-F-92) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Francesca Dotto (170-PG-93) nailed 13. Maffenini delivered 11, while Salvini posted 6.
In Day 2 Italy U20 overcame Great Britain U20 53:46. The latter won the opening tip 9:4, but the hosts took control of the game later in the half. They needed a strong push to take 30:20 at the halftime. Later on Italy held the necessary win and reached 7-point victory. Giovanna Pertile (182-F-92) stepped up with 11 points and Francesca Dotto F as well as Irene Cigliani posted 9 each. Virginia Galbiati (173-G-92) delivered 8, while Nene Diene (169-PG-92) had 7.

Erika Striulli signs with Cus Cagliari - by Eurobasket News (T)

Erika Striulli signs with Cus Cagliari for the upcoming season. The Italian player moves back to A1 division.
In 2005-2006 she started for Reyer Venezia (A1) and in 2006-2007 moved to Nemaz Udine (A2, starting five). In 2007-2008 she played for Libertas Sporting Udine (A2) as well as in the season after. In 2009-2010 appeared for 811 Sauris Udine (A2) and in 2010-2011 moved to Ducato Lucca (A1).
In Jan.'12 signed at Sernavimar Marghera (A2, starting five) and in 13 games averaged 10.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.9apg, 3.0spg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 75.0%.
Erika Striulli was a member of the Italian U20 National Team -09-10. At the European Championships U20 in Gdynia (Poland) -09 she averaged 12.1ppg, 1.4apg, Steals-4 (2.5spg), FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 25.0%. She was named Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U20 3rd Team -09.

Karolina Piotrkiewicz moves to Sea Logistic - by Eurobasket News (T)

Karolina Piotrkiewicz (190-C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Liberty) moves to Sea Logistic for 2012/2013 season. The Polish University National Team player in 2007 year remains in Italy.
In 2011-2012 she played for Iveco Lenzi Bolzano (Italy-A2, starting five) and showed 12.8ppg, Reb-2 (10.4rpg), 1.2apg, 2.3spg, Blocks-2 (1.0bpg), FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 22.5%, FT: 70.4%. Last year she was named Eurobasket.com All-Italian A2 Honorable Mention Team -12.
In 2001 she started for Ronchetti COB Calais (France) and then experienced in Liberty (NCAA). In 31 games she averaged 6.9ppg, 7.9rpg, FG: 39.5%, 3PT: 23.5%, FT: 62.5%. In 2007-2008 appeared in TermoCarispe La Spezia (Italy-A1): only pre-season, then moved to Dexia Namur (Belgium-D1) where she also played in Euroleague. The last season the player was in Union Saint-Amand Porte du Hainaut (France-NF1).

U18 Croatia too strong for U18 Italy 72-49, takes 7th place in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

U18 CROATIA - U18 ITALY 72-49

Croatia finished U18 EuroBasket with 72-49 victory against Italy. It was a game for the seventh place in Bucharest. Croatia made 25-9 lead already in the first quarter. Italy closed the gap to 11 pts until the halftime, but Croatia took control on its rival after that and with 19-9 in Q3 resolved question about the winner. Ana-Marija Begic (190-C-94) led Croatia with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Anja Majstorovic (184-SF-94) and Iva Cigic (174-PG-94) followed her with 14 points each. In Italy, Ilaria Milazzo (167-PG-94) was better than the others with 11 points and Elisa Penna (185-F-95) added 9 pts, plus 8 rebs. Francesca Minali (185-C-94) was limited to 6 points. France won the Gold in Bucharest. Silver belongs to Russia and Bronze to Serbia.

Croatia: Ana-Marija Begic 16+11 boards, Anja Majstorovic 14, Iva Cigic 14
Italy: Ilaria Milazzo 11, Elisa Penna 9+8 boards, Francesca Minali 6

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KENYA

USIU Flames' heat unstoppable as Lions roar on - by Eurobasket News

The USIU Flames seem to be unstoppable in the Womens Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League as they lead the table standings with 20 points after winning all their 10 matches. The outstanding form of Hilda Indasi and Sarah Chan has helped the side even beat Defending Champions Eagle Wings whom they upset 58 52 last weekend.
Eagle Wings are in 2nd place with 16 points followed by Co-op Bank who have 15 points from 9 matches. They share the same number of points with Storms who have won 5 of their 10 matches. Their latest defeat came courtesy of Mombasa based Kenya Ports Authority on Sunday going down 46 64. Western Delight (14 points), KPA (13 points) and Strathmore University (10 points) occupy position 5, 6 and 7 respectively.
The last three teams are Mennonites, NYTA Shimba Hills and Gladiators. Mennonites has 8 points failing to win a single match in the 8 they have participated in followed by Shimba Hills who have 7 points, winning 2 of their 5 matches. Gladiators are rooted at the bottom of the standings (6 points) also not winning any match since the league kicked off in April.
In the mens category KCB Lions still dominate the standings after they banked Ulinzi 74-65 on Sunday. The Lions also another unbeaten team in the league has 20 points followed by USIU with 18 points. USIU Tigers record is 8/10 with their two defeats coming from the league leaders KCB (78-49) and UON Terrorists (87-85).
Strathmore who will play Co-op bank on Friday evening follow at 3rd position with 15 points. KPA is next with the same number of points with both teams winning 6 of their 9 matches. Defending Champions Co-op bank is at 5th with 14 points after winning 5 of its 9 matches.
The mid table is occupied by UON Terror (13 points), Mennonites (12 points) and Blazers (11 points). The three teams are at positions 6, 7 and 8 respectively. Kakamega based Masinde Muliro is at position 9 after playing 7 matches winning just 3 of those.
Ulinzi has managed to move in the table standings displacing Thunder to the 10th position despite the two teams sharing 7 points. Ulinzi has played 6 matches winning only one while Thunder has taken part in 7 matches, winning one losing 4 and forfeiting one. Kisumu based Lakeside are the last team with 5 points. They have only one win when they beat Strathmore at the Kisumu Sports Grounds, they have lost 4 and forfeited one.
The league resumes on Friday evening at the Nyayo Gymnasium.
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.com/

Blades and Swords in Friday Night action - by Eurobasket News

Strathmore University basketball teams will be in action in this months edition of Friday Night Basketball this evening at the Nyayo Gymnasium from 6pm.

The ladies team the Swords will be facing Safe Spaces in the first match while the mens team the Blades will be up against 2011 Defending Champions Co-op Bank. The Swords are placed 7th on the log with 10 points while Safe Spaces follow them closely with same number of points but have played a match more (8 matches) compared to the students.
Only one point separates Blades and Co-op with the champions having 14 points while the Blades have 15 points from 9 matches losing only 3 of those. Their recent win came on Sunday when they beat defense forces side Ulinzi 59 52.
Co-op bank who had a shaky start to their title defense have regained form after a number of new signings to the side and the match will prove to be an exciting one. Apart from the two league matches there will also be a wheelchair exhibition match where the East select will face the West.
The wheel chair match will kick off at 7.30 pm while the Blades vs Co-op start at 8.00pm
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.com/

Footprint Girls clinch Excel Basketball Trophy - by Eurobasket News

Nairobi based Footprints Girls team clinched the annual Excel Daima Girls Basketball tournament after defeating Alliance Girls 18-13 in a thrilling final staged at the Excel Girls school in Kitengela.

The tournament that was sponsored by Daima Milk in conjunction with Excel Girls High school attracted 10 teams. Prior to the finals , Footprints Girls defeated Moi Girls 16-2 in the semi finals while Alliance Girls had eliminated Precious Blood B 18-4 in a tough encounter that drew wild cheers from spectators.

The tournament was graced by Excel Girls school Chairman Peter Gitonga , Daima Milk General Manager Kiran Dhotre and Cricket star David Obuya among other officials.
Teams that featured in the one day tournament included Makini school, Moi GirlsA, Kenya High A, Precious Blood B, Alliance, Footprint, Moi GirlsB, Kenya High B, and Precious Blood A
respectively.
While presenting medals to winners, Gitonga lauded Daima Milk for sponsoring the tournament and choosing to hold the event in the newly build basketball court .He noted that sports is an art of exchanging culture and sharpening the talent of the youth.
People from all walks of life have now woken up to a new reality that sports is a new avenue of employment and in the process some have attracted huge sponsors in the international arena and to add icing to the cake, monetary benefits said Gitonga
He challenged the competitors to push their talents to the maximum limits to win while urging them to use that success as the beginning of bigger things in sports.
We in Excel Girls school strive to give students solutions that will empower them to face the future with pride and confidence. Basketball is part of the solutions we are developing in our school Observed Gitonga.

Results at a glance-
Footprints 10 Alliance 8,
Excel 2 Makini school 12,
Kenya High B 6 Footprints 25,
Kenya High A 12 Excel 2,
Alliance 18,Kenya High B 0,
Moi Girls A 2 Precious Blood B 8,
Moi Girls B 2 Precious Blood A 2,
Makini school 14 Kenya High A 11,
Excel 2 Moi Girls A 12,
Footprints 8 Precious Blood A 2,
Moi Girls A 1 Kenya High A 0,

Semis-Precious Blood B 4 Alliance Girls 18,Footprints 16 Moi Girls 2.

Finals-Alliance Girls 13 Footprints 18.
Courtesy of: MICHEZOAFRIKA

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LATVIA

LITHUANIA

MONTENEGRO

OLYMPIC GAMES

2012 Olympics, Day 5: Quarterfinals are set in London - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Croatia - Turkey 65-70
Turkey celebrated fourth victory at 2012 Olympics in London. They outplayed Croatia today 70-65 for almost perfect 4-1 record in Group A. That is enough for the second place and ticket for the Quarterfinals, where Turkey will play against Russia. Croatia finished its first participation at the Olympics with 1-4 record (No.5). They failed to reach the next stage. Quanitra Hollingsworth (196-C-88, college: VCU) was the leading player in Turkey with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Esmeral Tuncluer (176-G-80) (5 as) and Bahar Caglar (186-F-88) scored 11 points each. Ana Lelas (183-G/F-83) answered with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in defeat. Andja Jelavic (172-G-80) and Jelena Ivezic (182-F/G-84) posted 10 points each. Croatia opened the fourth quarter with a 10-0 scoring run, but then the American-born center Quanitra Hollingsworth took over. After scoring to end Croatias burst, she also hit another basket after Iva Ciglars 3-pointer had brought Croatia within two with 2:38 left. Quarters: 18-24, 15-7, 25-13, 12-21. Turkey will take a rest on Monday.

Angola - Czech Republic 47-82
Czech Republic booked a spot for the Quarterfinals of 2012 Olympic Games in London. They destroyed Angola today 82-47 taking the fourth place in Group A with 2-3 record. In the QFinals Czech Republic will meet top-ranked team of Group B - France. Angola finished its first Olympics winless (0-5). Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) drained all of her 19 points in the first half and paced her country to 15-point lead. She made all eight of her shots - including three 3-pointers. The Czechs poured it on in the second half behind Michaela Zrustova (184-F-87), who scored all 20 of her points after the break. Hana Horakova (182-F/G-79) was third scorer in victory with 7 points (9 rebs). Angola got 18 points and 5 rebounds from Nassecela Mauricio (181-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas), while Nadir Manuel (185-PF-86) collected 10 points and 12 boards. Luisa Tomas (192-C-83) added 9 points in this defeat. Quarterfinals are scheduled for Tuesday.

China - USA 66-114
The Americans were at it again, putting up record numbers in another impressive offensive performance at the Olympic basketball tournament. This time it was the U.S. women's team. Just days after the U.S. men shattered the Olympic record for points in a game, the women tied their Olympic mark in a 114-66 rout of China on Sunday. Diana Taurasi (183-SG-82, college: Connecticut) (6'0''-SG-82, college: Connecticut) scored 22 as the women matched the 114 points they scored against Spain in 1992, but fell well short of the women's Olympic mark of 128 points set by Brazil in 2004. (Courtesy of The Associated Press, via www.chron.com)
USA finished Preliminary Round in London with perfect 5-0. Of course, USA is the winner of Group A and will meet Canada in the Quarterfinals. China ended as No.3 in this pool with 2-3 record and also advanced to the next stage. Their rival will be Australia. USA took control on China in the second period and never looked back after that. Quarters: 31-28, 30-8, 33-12, 20-18. As mentioned above, Taurasi scored 22 points in victory and Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-SF-86, college: Louisville) followed her with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Maya Moore (6'0''-SG-89, college: Connecticut) (7 rebs) and Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) (5 rebs) netted 12 points each. In China, Chen Nan (6'5''-C-83) and Song XiaoYun (5'9''-PG-83) posted 16 and 15 points respectively. Ma Zengyu (6'0''-F-84) delivered 13 pts. Quarterfinals are scheduled for Tuesday.

Group B

United Kingdom - Brazil 66-78
Brazil avoided last place in Group B of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. They handed 78-66 loss to United Kingdom to finish as the fifth ranked team in this pool. UK closes the standings with 0-5. Both teams failed to reach the Quarterfinals and already said goodbye to this edition of the Olympics. Brazil was up by 3 at the halftime and made 25-17 after the breather. That was too much for UK. Clarissa Dos Santos (187-C-88) stepped up for Brazil with double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds. Erika De Souza (197-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) also was great adding 16 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, while Adriana Pinto (170-SG-78) helped with 15 points and 12 assists. The hosts got 15 points and 11 rebounds from Natalie Stafford (175-SG-76). Johannah Leedham (180-SF-87, college: Franklin Pierce) (6 rebs) and Julie Page (188-PF-83, college: E.Washington) (5 rebs) netted 12 and 11 points respectively. Tournament continues on Tuesday, but without Brazil and UK.

Canada - Australia 63-72
Australia celebrated 72-63 victory against Canada in the last day of the Preliminary Round at 2012 Olympics in London. Thanks to this win Australia finished as the second ranked team of Group B with 4-1 record. Canada is No.4 in this pool with 2-3 and both teams advanced to the Quarterfinals. There, Australia will play against China, while Canada's rival will be powerful USA. Cambage Elizabeth (203-C-91) had 15 points in the first half as Australia led 35-22 at halftime after scoring the first 12 points of the game. Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) hit six straight free throws, grabbed two key defensive rebounds and a steal in the last minute after Canada cut the Australians' lead to three on Courtney Pilypaitis' 3-pointer with 1:11 to play. Quarters: 24-10, 11-12, 12-20, 25-21. Cambage top-scored in victory with 19 points and Jackson added 18 pts, plus 9 rebounds. Belinda Snell (181-SF-81) helped her country with 12 points. In the loosing squad, Kimberley Smith (186-F-84, college: Utah) was better than the others with 17 points. Shona Thorburn (178-G-82, college: Utah) (5 as) and Teresa Gabriele (165-PG-79) stopped to 9 points each. All teams will take a rest on Monday and will play their Quarterfinals games on Tuesday.

France - Russia 65-54
France won the Gold at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. They failed in the Final against Belgium a year ago, but tonight France outsmarted Russia 65-61 taking the first place at this event. Russia had 44-48 lead at the beginning of the last quarter, but France created impressive 10-2 run after that for 54-50 with 6:10 remaining in the game. Mostly owing to Olivia Epoupa (168-PG-94), France jumped to 62-56 with 3 minutes left. All what Russia managed to do for rest of the way was minus 3 after triple by Byazrova, but Lidija Turcinovic (179-SG-94) answered with one free throw setting the score to the final 65-61. Quarters: 14-8, 11-18, 19-20, 21-15. Epoupa was a key player in victory with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. She reached valuation 25 and was MVP of this meeting. Turcinovic (5 rebs) and Mousdandy Djaldi-Tabdi (184-F-95) helped France with 9 points each. In Russia, Alexandra Marchenkova (183-PF-94) shined with 20 points and 7 rebounds, and Julia Gladkova (183-F-94) had 11 pts, plus 5 rebs. Polina Fedorova (188-PF-95) had 10 points (5 rebs) and was their last player with double digits in scoring. Russia won the Silver in Bucharest, while the Bronze belongs to Serbia.

Standings - Women

Standings

Group A
1. USA		5-0
2. Turkey		4-1
3. China		3-2
4. Czech Rep.		2-3
5. Croatia		1-4
6. Angola		0-5
Group B
1. France		5-0
2. Australia		4-1
3. Russia		3-2
4. Canada		2-3
5. Brazil		1-4
6. U.Kingdom		0-5

Quarter-Finals: Round 6

Aug. 7: USA - CAN 91-48
Aug. 7: AUS - CHN 75-60
Aug. 7: FRA - CZE 71-68
Aug. 7: TUR - RUS 63-66

Semi-Finals: Round 7

Aug. 9: AUS - USA
Aug. 9: RUS - FRA
Aug. 9: AUS - USA

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POLAND

Poland and Romania face with relegation to U18 EuroBasket Division B - by Eurobasket News

U18 ROMANIA - U18 POLAND 36-76

Poland destroyed Romania in the last day of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. Poland finished as the second ranked team of Group G with 3-3 record. However, that is not enough for the survival in Division A. Romania (0-6) is the last ranked team at this event and of course also faced with relegation to Division B. Poland took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 22-12, 28-11, 12-9, 14-4. Karolina Puss (182-SF-94) shined in victory with 26 points and 9 rebounds. Julia Adamowicz (178-SF-94) scored 13 points and Magdalena Wojdalska (185-SG-94) had 11. In defeat, Cristina Gavrila (172-G-95) was better than the others with 11 points and 9 rebounds. Iulia Raileanu (189-PF-95) had 10 points and Kinga Domokos (188-F/C-94) stopped to 6. Czech Republic is the winner of Group G with perfect 6-0 record. They survived in Division A.

Romania: Cristina Gavrila 11+9 boards, Iulia Raileanu 10, Kinga Domokos 6
Poland: Karolina Puss 26+9 boards, Julia Adamowicz 13, Magdalena Wojdalska 11

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PORTUGAL

ROMANIA

RUSSIA

Eshaya Murphy pens deal with EuroCup champions - by Eurobasket News (T)

Eshaya Murphy (182-G/F-85, college: USC) pens deal with Dynamo Kursk for the 2012/2013 season. The Montenegrin National Team player heads to Russia.
Last year Eshaya Murphy played for Ros Casares. She averaged 10.8ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 84.2% in Euroleague and in Spanish League showed 13.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.0apg, Steals-3 (1.9spg), FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 85.2%.
Over the last few years Eshaya Murphy changed some teams. In 2008-2009 she appeared in Baloncesto Feve San Jose Leon (Spain-LFB, starting five) and in Spanish League after 28 games averaged massive 20.3ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.2apg, Steals-2 (2.8spg), FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 79.9%, while in EuroCup became the top-scorer with 22.2ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.2apg, 2.5spg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 84.3%. In summer 2009 played for Washington Mystics (WNBA), in June moved to Indiana Fever (WNBA) and in 27 games had 3.7ppg, 1.6rpg. Also appeared in Aguas Buenas Tigresas (Puerto Rico-LSF). In 2009-2010 moved to Soller Joventud Mariana (Spain-LFB) and again became the top-scorer of the League with 21.1ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.0apg, Steals-2 (2.6spg), FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 77.3%. In 2010 played for Indiana Fever (WNBA): 15 games: 5.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 37.7%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 57.1%, in July moved to Chicago Sky (WNBA): 11 games: 5.1ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 29.0%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 66.7%. In 2010 continued with Soller Joventud Mariana (Spain-LFB, starting five) and was again the best top-scorer of the League averaging 25.5ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.8apg, Steals-1 (2.5spg), FGP: 48.4%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 77.0%

France wins the Gold at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

U18 FRANCE - U18 RUSSIA 65-61

France won the Gold at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. They failed in the Final against Belgium a year ago, but tonight France outsmarted Russia 65-61 taking the first place at this event. Russia had 44-48 lead at the beginning of the last quarter, but France created impressive 10-2 run after that for 54-50 with 6:10 remaining in the game. Mostly owing to Olivia Epoupa (168-PG-94), France jumped to 62-56 with 3 minutes left. All what Russia managed to do for rest of the way was minus 3 after triple by Byazrova, but Lidija Turcinovic (179-SG-94) answered with one free throw setting the score to the final 65-61. Quarters: 14-8, 11-18, 19-20, 21-15. Epoupa was a key player in victory with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. She reached valuation 25 and was MVP of this meeting. Turcinovic (5 rebs) and Mousdandy Djaldi-Tabdi (184-F-95) helped France with 9 points each. In Russia, Alexandra Marchenkova (183-PF-94) shined with 20 points and 7 rebounds, and Julia Gladkova (183-F-94) had 11 pts, plus 5 rebs. Polina Fedorova (188-PF-95) had 10 points (5 rebs) and was their last player with double digits in scoring. Russia won the Silver in Bucharest, while the Bronze belongs to Serbia.

France: Olivia Epoupa 20+12 boards+5 as, Lidija Turcinovic 9+5 boards, Mousdandy Djaldi-Tabdi 9
Russia: Alexandra Marchenkova 20+7 boards, Julia Gladkova 11+5 boards, Polina Fedorova 10+5 boards

2012 Olympics: France wins Group B with perfect 5-0 record - by Eurobasket News

FRANCE - RUSSIA 65-54

France finished Preliminary Round in London with perfect 5-0 record. They outplayed Russia today 65-54, but even on Friday it was clear that France will be the winner of this pool. At the other side, Russia dropped to 3-2 and also advanced to the Quarterfinals. There, France will meet the fourth ranked team of Group A - Czech Republic. Russia will have to wait until the end of the day to find out who will be its rival in the QFinals. The win Sunday means France will avoid a matchup with the U.S. until the gold medal game if the Americans beat China later in the day and both teams continue to advance. France had 4-point lead early in the third quarter, after what they made crucial 17-3 run for 44-26 with 4:07 left. Russia scored the next six points, but France closed the third period with a 11-2 run to seal the victory. Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) stepped up for France with 12 points and Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87) followed her with 9 pts. Nwal-Endene Miyem (188-PF-88) was third scorer in victory with 8 points. In the loosing squad, Eugeniya Belyakova (182-SF-86) was better than the others with 14 points. Becky Hammon (175-PG-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Colorado St.) (5 rebs), Nadezhda Grishaeva (195-C-89) and Natalia Vieru (198-C-89) posted 8 points each. Quarters: 10-15, 15-6, 30-13, 10-20. Quarterfinals are scheduled for Tuesday.

France: Celine Dumerc 12, Sandrine Gruda 9, Nwal-Endene Miyem 8
Russia: Eugeniya Belyakova 14, Becky Hammon 8+5 boards, Nadezhda Grishaeva 8, Natalia Vieru 8

Russia U20 beat Belarus U20 in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News

Russia U20-Belarus U20 74:63

Russia U20 beat Belarus U20 in Istanbul at the International Tournament. The Russian team improved to 1-1 record after 74:63 victory.
Belarus won the first period 19-15, but the Russian team tied the score at the halftime producing 22-18 in the second period. Moreover the second half fully belonged to the winners. They won the third period 16-13 and then added 21-13 in the last stanza.
Alina Zamaraeva (180-SG-93) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Karina Nizamova (170-PG-92) nailed 14. Mariya Davydova (189-F/C-93) and Alexandra Stolyar (178-G-92) delivered 10 points apiece. Maryia Filonchyk (187-PF-92) finished the game with 35 points in the losing effort as Belarus fell at 0-2 record. Natallia Baklaha (172-PG-93) and Aliaksandra Musatava (174-SG-92) scored 7 points each in defeat.
In another game Turkey U20 won the second straight game at home International Tournament in Istanbul. The hosts overcame Sweden U20 67:58 for 2-0 record. The Scandinavian team meanwhile dropped at 1-1.

Russia U20: Alina Zamaraeva 17, Karina Nizamova 14, Mariya Davydova 10, Alexandra Stolyar 10
Belarus U20: Maryia Filonchyk 35, Natallia Baklaha 7, Aliaksandra Musatava 7

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SERBIA

SLOVAKIA

Slovakia takes ninth place at U18 EuroBasket, Sweden is No.10 - by Eurobasket News

U18 SWEDEN - U18 SLOVAKIA 55-70

Slovakia finished as ninth ranked team of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. They cruised past Sweden in the last day of the competition. Sweden ended as No.10. Slovakia won all four quarters in this game (18-15, 19-16, 15-13, 18-11). Angelika Slamova (173-G-94) was the leading player in Slovakia with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Michaela Rakova (187-F-94) had 14 points and 7 rebs, while Barbora Balintova (176-G-94) added 13 pts. In Sweden, Paulina Hersler (190-PF-94) (10 rebs) and Linnea Frykbo (169-SG-94) posted 14 points each. Gabriella Hanson (180-SG-95) collected 13 points and 5 rebs. In the battle for Gold, France was better than Russia 65-61. Serbia won the Bronze in Bucharest.

Sweden: Paulina Hersler 14+10 boards, Linnea Frykbo 14, Gabriella Hanson 13+5 boards
Slovakia: Angelika Slamova 18+7 boards, Michaela Rakova 14+7 boards, Barbora Balintova 13

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SLOVENIA

SPAIN

U18 Spain takes 5th place in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

U18 TURKEY - U18 SPAIN 60-71

Spain was better than Turkey 71-60 in the game for fifth place at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. Position No.6 belongs to Turkey. Spain had wonderful beginning of the game as they made 24-8 lead in the first quarter. Turkey improved after that, but still Spain was strong enough to keep the comfortable lead and even to increase it. They had 69-49 with 2:29 remaining in the game. Elena De Alfredo (170-G-94) scored 13 points for the winners, while Ariadna Pujol (182-F-95) (6 rebs) and Marta Montoliu (182-G-94) added 12 points each. In Turkey, Pelin Bilgic (173-G-94) was the leading scorer with 16 points. Elif Emirtekin (184-F-94) (7 rebs) and Gizem Sezer (196-C-94) (6 rebs) posted 10 points each. France grabbed the Gold in Bucharest after 65-61 win against Russia. The Bronze belongs to Serbia.

Turkey: Pelin Bilgic 16, Elif Emirtekin 10+7 boards, Gizem Sezer 10+6 boards
Spain: Elena De Alfredo 13, Ariadna Pujol 12+6 boards, Marta Montoliu 12

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SUDAN

USIU Star soon to land a pro deal in Europe - by Eurobasket News

She is one of the forces behind the rise of the USIU Flames Basketball team and her powerful combination with top points snatcher Hilda Indasi has constantly ripped top teams apart including former champions KPA and lately a walk past reigning defending champions Eagle Wings last weekend.
With her support, USIU Flames has won all her first leg matches and enjoy the summit of the KBF Premier league table as they go for glory at the end of the season.
Michezoafrika.com has reliably learned that Sarah Chan (191-C/F-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Union (TN)), a Sudanese national could soon land a professional deal in Europe with two top clubs in Portugal and France having expressed interest in signing her for the next season.
Chan a former Undergraduate student at USIU is expected to leave the country later in August once talks between her agent and the clubs conclude.
I am excited at this opportunity but at the same time saddened that I will have to leave this wonderful team. She said.
We have had a good run this far in the league but I still hold a strong belief that the team is capable of holding on to their good performance to the end of the season. She added.
Currently I am weighing my options on whether to go to France or Portugal but whoever comes with the best deal I am ready for the challenge. It is always an honor to play for USIU anytime and my departure should serve as an encouragement to other players to perform better so they can also get a chance out there. She added.
Chan holds the view that the Kenyan league has posted some tremendous growth lately but more so credits her team mates for their dedication and commitment towards making USIU one of the best teams in Kenya.
There is a good blend in our team and for us being at the top, it shows there is growth. My team mates are just the best and I know they will continue with the smooth flow to the end of the season. I wish them all the best and I know they will remain up there, She concluded.
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.com/

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SWEDEN

Turkey U20 won the second straight game at home Tournament - by Eurobasket News

Turkey U20-Sweden U20 67:58

Turkey U20 won the second straight game at home International Tournament in Istanbul. The hosts overcame Sweden U20 67:58 for 2-0 record. The Scandinavian team meanwhile dropped at 1-1.
Olcay Cakir (180-PG-93) and Ozge Kavurmacioglu (187-F-93) led the way with 12 points, while Gulsah Duman (175-G-93) had 10. Ayse Cora (175-G/F-93) followed them with 8 points in a win. Binta Drammeh (180-F-92) ended up with 13 points in the losing effort and Ananda Amanda Zahui (190-C-93) posted 11. Louise Noaksson (175-G-93), Ida Christansen and Gustavsson finished the game with 7 points apiece.
Sweden surprised Russia in the opener and started with 18-13 against Turkey. They hosts however woke up later in the half and bounced back with 20-11 in the second period. Moreover Turkey won the third quarter 18-12 and increased to 10 points after 30 minutes. Sweden managed to win the last stanza 17-16 and cut it to final 9 points.

Turkey U20: Olcay Cakir 12, Ozge Kavurmacioglu 12, Gulsah Duman 10, Ayse Cora 8
Sweden U20: Binta Drammeh 13, Amanda Zahui 11, Louise Noaksson 7, Ida Christansen 7, Gustavsson 7

Slovakia takes ninth place at U18 EuroBasket, Sweden is No.10 - by Eurobasket News

U18 SWEDEN - U18 SLOVAKIA 55-70

Slovakia finished as ninth ranked team of U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. They cruised past Sweden in the last day of the competition. Sweden ended as No.10. Slovakia won all four quarters in this game (18-15, 19-16, 15-13, 18-11). Angelika Slamova (173-G-94) was the leading player in Slovakia with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Michaela Rakova (187-F-94) had 14 points and 7 rebs, while Barbora Balintova (176-G-94) added 13 pts. In Sweden, Paulina Hersler (190-PF-94) (10 rebs) and Linnea Frykbo (169-SG-94) posted 14 points each. Gabriella Hanson (180-SG-95) collected 13 points and 5 rebs. In the battle for Gold, France was better than Russia 65-61. Serbia won the Bronze in Bucharest.

Sweden: Paulina Hersler 14+10 boards, Linnea Frykbo 14, Gabriella Hanson 13+5 boards
Slovakia: Angelika Slamova 18+7 boards, Michaela Rakova 14+7 boards, Barbora Balintova 13

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TURKEY

Turkey wins over Croatia in London, 70-65 - by Eurobasket News

CROATIA - TURKEY 65-70

Turkey celebrated fourth victory at 2012 Olympics in London. They outplayed Croatia today 70-65 for almost perfect 4-1 record in Group A. That is enough for the second place and ticket for the Quarterfinals, where Turkey will play against Russia. Croatia finished its first participation at the Olympics with 1-4 record (No.5). They failed to reach the next stage. Quanitra Hollingsworth (196-C-88, college: VCU) was the leading player in Turkey with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Esmeral Tuncluer (176-G-80) (5 as) and Bahar Caglar (186-F-88) scored 11 points each. Ana Lelas (183-G/F-83) answered with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in defeat. Andja Jelavic (172-G-80) and Jelena Ivezic (182-F/G-84) posted 10 points each. Croatia opened the fourth quarter with a 10-0 scoring run, but then the American-born center Quanitra Hollingsworth took over. After scoring to end Croatias burst, she also hit another basket after Iva Ciglars 3-pointer had brought Croatia within two with 2:38 left. Quarters: 18-24, 15-7, 25-13, 12-21. Turkey will take a rest on Monday.

Croatia: Ana Lelas 14+6 boards+5 as, Andja Jelavic 10, Jelena Ivezic 10
Turkey: Quanitra Hollingsworth 14+6 boards, Esmeral Tuncluer 11+5 as, Bahar Caglar 11

U18 Spain takes 5th place in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

U18 TURKEY - U18 SPAIN 60-71

Spain was better than Turkey 71-60 in the game for fifth place at U18 EuroBasket in Bucharest. Position No.6 belongs to Turkey. Spain had wonderful beginning of the game as they made 24-8 lead in the first quarter. Turkey improved after that, but still Spain was strong enough to keep the comfortable lead and even to increase it. They had 69-49 with 2:29 remaining in the game. Elena De Alfredo (170-G-94) scored 13 points for the winners, while Ariadna Pujol (182-F-95) (6 rebs) and Marta Montoliu (182-G-94) added 12 points each. In Turkey, Pelin Bilgic (173-G-94) was the leading scorer with 16 points. Elif Emirtekin (184-F-94) (7 rebs) and Gizem Sezer (196-C-94) (6 rebs) posted 10 points each. France grabbed the Gold in Bucharest after 65-61 win against Russia. The Bronze belongs to Serbia.

Turkey: Pelin Bilgic 16, Elif Emirtekin 10+7 boards, Gizem Sezer 10+6 boards
Spain: Elena De Alfredo 13, Ariadna Pujol 12+6 boards, Marta Montoliu 12

Turkey U20 won the second straight game at home Tournament - by Eurobasket News

Turkey U20-Sweden U20 67:58

Turkey U20 won the second straight game at home International Tournament in Istanbul. The hosts overcame Sweden U20 67:58 for 2-0 record. The Scandinavian team meanwhile dropped at 1-1.
Olcay Cakir (180-PG-93) and Ozge Kavurmacioglu (187-F-93) led the way with 12 points, while Gulsah Duman (175-G-93) had 10. Ayse Cora (175-G/F-93) followed them with 8 points in a win. Binta Drammeh (180-F-92) ended up with 13 points in the losing effort and Ananda Amanda Zahui (190-C-93) posted 11. Louise Noaksson (175-G-93), Ida Christansen and Gustavsson finished the game with 7 points apiece.
Sweden surprised Russia in the opener and started with 18-13 against Turkey. They hosts however woke up later in the half and bounced back with 20-11 in the second period. Moreover Turkey won the third quarter 18-12 and increased to 10 points after 30 minutes. Sweden managed to win the last stanza 17-16 and cut it to final 9 points.

Turkey U20: Olcay Cakir 12, Ozge Kavurmacioglu 12, Gulsah Duman 10, Ayse Cora 8
Sweden U20: Binta Drammeh 13, Amanda Zahui 11, Louise Noaksson 7, Ida Christansen 7, Gustavsson 7

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UBA

Matrix Draft for experience, Sherida Triggs First Draft Pick in Matrix' history - by David Walls

ATLANTA, GA (August 6, 2012) The GIE Lady Matrix, presented by Universal Phoenix Group, took their first step towards building their roster for their inaugural season with the 2012-13 WUBA Expansion Draft on Monday, Aug. 6, 2012.

Sherida Triggs (6'1''-F/C-85, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: ODU), a 6-2 forward out of Old Dominion became the first pick in Matrix history with the first pick of the 1-round expansion draft. Triggs appeared in 6 games for the Boa Boa Viagem-Angra-Acore (Portugal) last season before joining the GIE Lady Disciples of the WUBA. During her time in Portugal, Triggs averaged 17.9 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 38.4 minutes per game. He later joined the Disciples where she continued to produce a double-doubles. Triggs demonstrated her dominating prowess when she captured the 2012 WUBA All-Star Game MVP during 2012 WUBA All-Star festivities in Atlanta, GA.

We were ecstatic with how the draft went for the Matrix today, said Paris Dean, Lady Matrix new head coach. We will follow her all the way to the championship.

Triggs will be honored with the 1st overall pick on the 2012-13 WUBA draft. The Matrix didnt want to wait to announce the rights of its first pick. Other picks will be made at the WUBA draft in Atlanta, GA.

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UKRAINE

UNITED KINGDOM

2012 Olympics: Brazil outplays UK 78-66, avoids last place in Group B - by Eurobasket News

UNITED KINGDOM - BRAZIL 66-78

Brazil avoided last place in Group B of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. They handed 78-66 loss to United Kingdom to finish as the fifth ranked team in this pool. UK closes the standings with 0-5. Both teams failed to reach the Quarterfinals and already said goodbye to this edition of the Olympics. Brazil was up by 3 at the halftime and made 25-17 after the breather. That was too much for UK. Clarissa Dos Santos (187-C-88) stepped up for Brazil with double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds. Erika De Souza (197-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) also was great adding 16 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, while Adriana Pinto (170-SG-78) helped with 15 points and 12 assists. The hosts got 15 points and 11 rebounds from Natalie Stafford (175-SG-76). Johannah Leedham (180-SF-87, college: Franklin Pierce) (6 rebs) and Julie Page (188-PF-83, college: E.Washington) (5 rebs) netted 12 and 11 points respectively. Tournament continues on Tuesday, but without Brazil and UK.

UK: Natalie Stafford 15+11 boards, Johannah Leedham 12+6 boards, Julie Page 11+5 boards
Brazil: Clarissa Dos Santos 16+13 boards, Erika De Souza 16+8 boards+6 as, Adriana Pinto 15+12 assists

Belarus wins U18 EuroBasket Division B title - by Eurobasket News

U18 UNITED KINGDOM - U18 BELARUS 74-76

Belarus is the gold medal winner in Strumica. They grabbed 76-74 victory over UK in the Big Final of U18 EuroBasket Division B. The Silver belongs to UK and both teams won the promotion for Division A. Belarus was 76-72 up with 1:56 remaining in the game and both teams missed twice in their next possessions. Ashleigh Munns finally made a jump shot for UK with 50 seconds to go. Holubeva missed for Belarus and Joseph was blocked at the other side of the court. Shequila Joseph (189-F-95) had another chance in the finish, but she missed a hook and Belarus grabbed gold medal in Strumica. Quarters: 14-18, 17-20, 24-21, 21-15. Hanna Kalenta (190-C-94) shined for the winners with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Maryia Papova (186-PF-94) had 19 points and 6 assists, while Alena Holubeva (176-PG-94) helped her team with 17 points. In UK, Joseph top-scored with 22 points and Cheridene Green (187-C-95) added 14 pts, plus 14 rebs. Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott (183-PG-95) was the second player in UK with 14 points. Portugal won the Bronze in Strumica.

UK: Shequila Joseph 22, Cheridene Green 14+14 boards, Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott 14
Belarus: Hanna Kalenta 19+12 boards, Maryia Papova 19+6 as, Alena Holubeva 17

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WNBA