Eurobasket Daily News Report: 9/16/2012 1:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/16/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Curtis Stinson joins Cedevita - by Eurobasket News

KK Cedevita Zagreb (A1) agreed terms with 29-year old American guard Curtis Stinson (191-83, college: Iowa State). He played last summer at Caneros in LNB league in Dominican Republic. Stinson managed to play in four leagues last year (!!!). He also played at Marinos in Venezuelan LPB that season. In 4 LPB games he had 6.0ppg, 1.5rpg, 4.5apg and 1.3spg. Last season Stinson played at Iowa Energy in USA D-League. In 30 D-League games he had 11.7ppg, 4.6rpg, 5.8apg and 1.5spg. The other team he also played last season for was Krka in Slovenian league. In 4 Adriatic League games he had 8.3ppg, 3.3rpg and 4.5apg.
Stinson played also professionally in Greece and Philippines. He graduated Iowa State in 2006 and it will be his seventh season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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ARGENTINA

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Standings

North
1. Atenas		1-0
2. Libertad S.		1-0
3. Regatas C.		1-0
4. Sionista		1-0
5. La Union		0-1
6. Olimpico LB		0-1
7. Quimsa		0-1
8. Union Progr.		0-1
South
1. Boca Jrs		1-0
2. Club 9		1-0
3. Obras		1-0
4. Argentino		0-0
5. Lanus		0-0
6. GECR Indalo		0-1
7. Penarol		0-1
8. Wuber-Est.Bahia		0-1

Regular Season: Round 1

North

Sep. 14: Libertad S. - Olimpico LB 86-64
Sep. 14: La Union - Sionista 81-92
Sep. 13: Union Progr. - Regatas C. 70-75
Sep. 14: Quimsa - Atenas 64-67

South

Sep. 14: Club 9 - GECR Indalo 78-66
Sep. 14: Wuber-Est.Bahia - Obras 76-92
Sep. 14: Penarol - Boca Jrs 58-70

Regular Season: Round 2

North

Sep. 16: Union Progr. - Sionista
Sep. 16: Quimsa - Olimpico LB
Sep. 16: La Union - Regatas C.
Sep. 16: Libertad S. - Atenas

South

Sep. 16: Penarol - Obras
Sep. 16: Club 9 - Lanus
Sep. 16: Wuber-Est.Bahia - Boca Jrs
Sep. 16: Argentino - GECR Indalo

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

Paolo QUINTEROS
  Regat.
  (185-PG-79)
  Avg: 23

1. Quinteros, Regat.	23.0
2. Graves, Libertad S.	22.0
3. Huertas, Obras	21.0
4. Gutierrez, Obras	21.0
5. Roby, Wuber-Es.	20.0
6. Ruiz, Club 9	20.0
7. Torre, Club 9	20.0
8. Cequeira, Sionista	18.0
9. Stanton, Quimsa	18.0
10. Lewis, La Union	18.0

Rebounds Per Game

James WILLIAMS
  Quimsa
  (204-F/C-79)
  Avg: 14

1. Williams, Quimsa	14.0
2. Phillip, Union Pro.	11.0
3. Seawright, GECR I.	11.0
4. Mata, Penarol	11.0
5. Nelson, Club 9	11.0
6. Fizer, Wuber-Es.	10.0
7. Sanchez, Libertad.	10.0
8. Lewis, La Union	10.0
9. Gutierrez, Obras	10.0
10. Clancy, Olimpico.	9.0

Assists Per Game

Federico VAN LACKE
  Boca Jrs
  (191-G-80)
  Avg: 7

1. Van Lacke, Boca J.	7.0
2. Campazzo, Penarol	6.0
3. Aguirre, Quimsa	6.0
4. Konsztatd, Obras	5.0
5. Sanchez, Libertad.	5.0
6. Sanchez, Wuber-.	5.0
7. Faggiano, Wuber-.	5.0
8. Treise, Libertad S.	4.0
9. Cequeira, Sionista	4.0
10. Gadson, Quimsa	4.0

Steals Per Game

Javier BULFONI
  Atenas
  (192-G-76)
  Avg: 4

1. Bulfoni, Atenas	4.0
2. Ciorciari, GECR I.	4.0
3. Pau, Olimpico LB	3.0
4. Torre, Club 9	3.0
5. Mata, Penarol	3.0
6. Nelson, Club 9	3.0
7. Hornsby, Atenas	2.0
8. Phillip, Union Pro.	2.0
9. Pittman, Sionista	2.0
10. Campazzo, Penarol	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Juan GUTIERREZ
  Obras
  (205-F/C-83)
  Avg: 4

1. Gutierrez, Obras	4.0
2. Tintorelli, Quimsa	2.0
3. Dilligard, Union P.	2.0
4. McGowan, Olimpico.	1.0
5. Pittman, Sionista	1.0
6. Baldo, Wuber-Es.	1.0
7. Ramirez, Olimpico.	1.0
8. Clancy, Olimpico.	1.0
9. Rasio, Penarol	1.0
10. Elsener, Atenas	1.0

TNA: roster changes - by Facundo Iatzky

union sunchales cut Brian Egwuatu who could not make his debut due to an injury. they replaced him with Charles Bailey (191-G/F-79, college: Missouri Western), player who has experience in TNA.
huracan trelew had to release Daniel Ederra due to an injury too. The replacement is the former player of argentino Junin Enzo Cafferata (186-G-88)
Just a few week before the begining of the league Facundo Sucatzky decided to leave Estudiantes Concordia because of personal reasons. his replacement is Gustavo Dario Imsandt (193-G-85)

League starts! - by Leonardo Contieri

North Zone: Atenas trailed by 22 at halftime at Quimsa's court before coming back for a 67-64 win.. Robert Hornsby led five
Atenas players in double figures as he scored 12 points, Bruno Labaque added 11 points and six rebounds and Javier Bulfoni
added 11 points, 4 rebounds and 4 steals. Jamew Williams finished with 15 points and 14 rebounds for Quimsa and Ramzee
Stanton added 18.
Union Progresista returned returned to first division after almost 24 years but lost at home in season opener 70-75 to
Regatas Corrientes. Paolo Quinteros led Reagtas with 23 points and Nicolas Romano added 12. Darren Phillips led Progresista
with 15 points and 11 rebound while Diego Cavaco scored 16.
Sionista also won away from home, 92-81 over La Union with 6 players scoring over 10 points. Luis Cequeira finished with
18, points, 5 rebounds and 4 asssits, Josh Pittman and Jerome Meyinse adde 13 each. Greg Lewis finished with 18 points and
10 rebounds for La Union.
Libertad was the only home team to win in the north, as the defeated Olimpico 86-64. William Graves had 22 points, Marcos
Saglietti scored 18 and Ricky Sanchez finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds and 5 assists for Libertad. Jonatan Machuca,
Cedric McGowan and Ariel Pau scored 12 for Olimpico and Sam Clancy scored 11 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.
South Zone: Obras Sanitarias had a blown-out victory away from home, leading 53-27 at halftime before setting for a 92-76
final score over Bahia Blanca Estudiantes, Juan Gutierrez scored 12 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and blcoked 4 shots, David
Huertas added 21, Martin Osimani 18 and Tyler Field 16. Richard Roby scored 20 for the home team and Marcus Fizer added 15
and 10 boards.
9 de Julio defeated Gimnasia 78-66 with 20 points from Gaston Torre and Enzo Ruiz, Ed Nelson added 16 and 11 rebounds.
Kahiem Seawright led Gimnasia with 14 points and 11 rebounds, Diego Romero added 12 and Santiago Scala 11.

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BELARUS

BELGIUM

BOSNIA

Partizan wins tournament in Laktasi - by Nicky Vasic

BC Partizan MT:S Beograd have won a four-team friendly tournament in Laktasi tonight by beating Russian side BC Khimky Moscow Region 68:56. Very young and talented side coached by legendary coach Dusko Vujosevic (agency: Beo Basket ) showed some great defensive play to keep favored Russian side at only 56 points. Djordje Gagic (210-C-90, agency: Interperformances) led the winning side with 27 points, French wonderkid Leo Westermann (198-G-92, agency: Beo Basket) added 11 points while Drew Gordon (205-F-90, college: N.Mexico) helped with 9. K.C. Rivers (196-G/F-87, college: Clemson) scored 21 for the losing side. It is also worth mentioning that Fridzon and Monya from Khimky, and Andjusic, Bertans, Musli and Lucic from Partizan were all rested.

Prior to the final match, home team BC Igokea Aleksandrovac beat Slovenian side Krka Novo Mesto to claim 3rd place.

Eurobasket 2012 Bosnians abroad recap! - by Chris Mathieu

Eurobasket 2012 Bosnians abroad recap!

You could field a pretty strong team with players who have origins in Bosnia and Hercigovina. Most of the players on this list were either born in Bosnia or are of Bosnian descent.

SUAD SEHOVIC: Suad was once one of the brightest young stars in European basketball a few seasons ago. A devastating knee injury robbed him of some of his athleticism but he has bounced back to be a very solid pro player. Now 25 years old, he has developed into one of the leaders of a very surprising Montenegro team. Suad was close to being a member of the BiH National team a few years ago but the KSBiH balked at guaranteed playing time for him and he moved onto Montenegro instead.
SEAD SEHOVIC: Just 23, the younger brother of Suad has developed into a very reliable player for Montenegro as well. He does a little of everything well and is a reliable shooter who rarely forces or takes a bad shot for his team.
DINO PITA: Dino is an excellent shooter coming off the bench, he does little else well but can knock down shots from anywhere on the court and has excellent range. He personifies the role of shooting specialist and has developed into an excellent role player.
BOJAN BOGDANOVIC: Bojan was kicked off the Croatian team early this summer, raising hopes he would return home and represent BiH, but this was not to be and he rejoined his Croatian teammates. Bojan has great size for a shooting guard at 203cm and is a natural scorer. One of the best in Europe at putting the ball in the basket there is a very good chance he will play in the NBA someday soon. Bojan can score in bunches and is a smooth player who has developed into a consistent threat on the court.
DAMIR MARKOTA: Damir is as skilled as any player in Europe and even spent some time in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks. He is however, maddingly inconsistent and rarely strings together long stretches were he dominates. He is however an excellent role player who rarely forces the action on the court, that can be a mixed blessing however when you are as talented as he is.
DARKO PLANINIC: Darko had a brief chance to display his talent with the New Orleans Hornets summer league team this summer. He rejoined the Croatian National Team just in time to once again display that he is an excellent scoring threat coming off the bench for the team.
RASID MAHALBASIC: Rasid is the undisputed leader of his team and is a crafty scorer for his them. More productive than talented, he reminds one a bit of Luis Scola a smart, crafty player who gets every ounce of production out of his body.
DAVOR LAMESIC: Davor was one of the most surprising players for Austria this summer, proving to be a crafty solid player who has few weaknesses. He could score, has great range and surprising rebounding and passing ability for a player his size.
EMIR PRELDZIC: Emir was once a rising star of basketball whose rise has stalled at the level of good player. He just isnt a good enough scorer or rebounder to make a huge difference even with his amazing passing ability. He doesnt use his strengths as well as he should and prefers to play on the perimeter and his play has leveled off dramatically. Still, Emir is a very solid player who can do some surprising things on the basketball court for his team.

INTERVIEW JUSUF NURKIC! - by Chris Mathieu

INTERVIEW Jusuf Nurkic (212-C-94)!

One of the rising stars of basketball and a member of the platinum generation of Bosnian basketball talents did an interview with Eurobasket.com and shared some of his insight into his meteoric rise to the heights of basketball stardom.
It was an a fairytale of a year for Jusuf Nurkic from relative unknown going into the season to a breakout series of games in the Nike International Junior Tournament in Belgrade were the world was first exposed to the talents of a 17 year old wunderkind Jusuf Nurkic. He then got permission to join and proudly accepted the chance to represent BiH at the under 18 European championships division B. The Bosnian team, which had never been in division A before stormed through the competition going 7-1 with the only loss being by just two points. The team handled the competition in the playoff rounds handily, played with skill and composure and were led by the dominating presence of Jusuf Nurkic. Jusuf went on to average 19ppg 13rbpg 1apg 2stlpg 2blkpg and was the undisputed leader of the team and was voted MVP of the competition.
In a surprising and bold move Coach Aleksander Petrovic added three member of the BiH Junior team to the senior team Adin Vrabac, Nedim Buza and Jusuf Nurkic. Even though Jusuf didnt play a ton of minutes in the series he was inserted into games at key points and played a pivotal role in two games, his debut against Netherlands in Sarajevo brought the crowd to their feet. His play in limited minutes in a crucial victory against Georgia helped bring the team back from the brink of defeat. Jusuf is a well-grounded young man who just turned 18 during the Eurobasket games last month. The sky is the limit if he continues to work hard and has the passion to be the best at his craft and get everything out of his immensely talented body that he has been blessed with. Few players ever experience such a meteoric rise; even fewer handle it with such grace and composure
Q) How did you get introduced to playing basketball? At what age did you start playing?
A) First so it is very accidentally happened. The man that is my agent, believed I could do something I guess and I am all super thankful for that. Unfortunately there was a lot of ridicule on this account but here I managed to at least accomplish something good. I started to train in basketball in 2009.

Q) You have tremendous size for such a young player; did your parents play basketball?
A) I did not know that I would grow so much; the parents did not play basketball. Dad tried something in the then Sloboda Dita Tuzla but he had problems with his sneakers and could not play.

Q) You had a breakout series at the Nike Invitational Junior Tournament in Belgrade and averaged 18ppg 11rbpg and 2 blpg and everyone took notice. How does it feel to be a rising star of basketball?
A) In Belgrade that was the first time in career I got a chance and I think I took it. It was nice to be noticed in Belgrade of course to me it fits, but it's important to be firmly on the ground, especially when it comes to young players.

Q) You had a very busy 2012 and it seems handled it all like a professional, looking back did you learn anything for these experiences?
A) That was really hard but it's definitely an amazing experience to be in that time with such great players, it can of course only be used as a positive and of course I learned a lot.

Q) What are you goals for this 2012-13 Club season, both personally and professionally?
A) For this season, I want to more advanced challenges and debut with club and have every opportunity to use it (what I have learned).

Q) What was the most memorable experience from this past season and summer?
A) Certainly the most interesting moment to me is of course playing with the others on the team and for wearing the national jersey Bosnia. In Georgia when we get them in front of nine thousand fans and I spent the decisive minutes on the court is really inexplicable.

Q) Both National Teams of BiH the U18 and Senior Team appeared to put personal goals aside and the focus was on the greater good and sacrifice for the team. How that was made possible?
A) Yes, it really was successful U18 to get first place and move in the A division and that none of the predecessors in BiH managed to do so and we have even been the first is really great. Coach Aleksandar Petrovic placed us on the European map as well, we ended up first in the group proved everything all coincided.

Q) How did it feel to accomplish so much with the BiH Teams this summer?
A) The feeling is really extra special because I'm training for the first time the national team jersey and really such a success that I could've expected but all at once the dreams are fulfilled.

Q) Everyone likes to talk about your scoring and rebounding, I was most impressed with the run the team went on in Georgia when they inserted you into the lineup, it seemed to give the team energy and changed the momentum of the game, how important is defensive improvements to you?
A) I do not know if someone loves you, but I honestly do not like to talk about myself or that I praise myself for my work. As for Georgia, so many problems, and sleeplessness, but we have found a formula for victory and got them I think the young players when they entered the court must be verified through the defense and of course to bring this positive energy into what I hope is successful.

Q) Who was your favorite player from the former Yugoslavia playing basketball? What about NBA?
A) Of course they are the famous Mirza Delibasic and Vlade Divac..As far as the NBA right now is certainly dwight howard.

Q) Who is the one professional athlete you would pay to watch play their sport?
A) The magnificent Michael Jordan,

Q) What do you like to do with your time away from basketball?
A) In my free time socializing with family and society

Q) What music are you listening to these days?
A) Mostly folk music like Dino Merlin Zdravko Colic ...or so say Balkan music

Q) What do you consider to be your greatest strengths?
A) I think I have some different elements but mostly being a force under the basket.

Q) Do you have a favorite NBA team? NBA player?
A) Of course, my favorites are the small club, Los Angeles Lakers.

Q) Are you interested in joining Mirza Teletovic in the NBA someday?
A) Mirza's really a player who deserves to be given a chance out in the NBA and I believe he will be one of the key players the Nets.

Q) How do you keep a level head when expectations for you have gone sky high?
A) Of course all are predicting something and I keep to myself and for now I think I'm on the right track you just have to be normal like everyone else.

Q) It is always so hard to predict what an 18 year old kid will turn out to be professionally, you have the size, skill and athleticism to be an excellent professional basketball player. The best basketball players in the world have a burning passion to dominate and be the best; do you feel you have that same competitive fire?
A) I agree very much there is excellent talent in the world but very few of them fail to make a great career and I will try to get the most out of myself, so whatever it was at the end and we shall see.

Q) Do you think the success of BiH basketball will continue into the future and build upon what has been started this season?
A) At last I am absolutely sure the right people are in the right place to live for the bh.kosarku and no doubt will continue to be so.

Q) I like to say youre a mini version of Arvydas Sabonis, because of your size, shooting range, passing ability, rebounding and surprising athleticism. Sabonis is considered one, if not the best centers of all time. Have you ever seen footage of him play, especially before all the leg injuries slowed him down?
A) Sabonis was really big and it was hard to compare anyone with a man who has had a career that he had. I only can dream of what he could have become if not for all of his injuries if he played and had stayed healthy, in any case I can say congratulations to him for his career.

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Legs say thanks party style! - by David Edole

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Back to back winners of the local Amateur Basketball Championship Tournament, Legs, made up of members from Huntums Ghut and Lower Estate, held a party last evening, September 14, 2012 at UPs Cineplex, to say thanks to their fans and supporters.

The team retained their Basketball Federation Senior title by defeating Mega Mix in the final back in August 2012 and retaining their title which was first won in 2011.

Captain of the team, Kennedy Bass (196-F-81, college: Anderson, SC), Speaking to this news site, explained that because of all the support the team got from their friends and families, they decided to throw a party, that is totally free, so that everyone can come out and enjoy their victory.

The team celebrated their win with a party at Sand Box bar at UPs Complex last year and decided to do another party this year. We just giving back to our fans like I said, and try keep on doing what we do, this is what we do; party together.

Fans, family and supporters of the team, who attended the party, were treated to a live DJ, drinks and six-time road march champions Showtime Band, all for free.

Team Captain sent out appreciation to Hon. Mark Vanterpool and Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, for being there throughout the season as main sponsors.

He added that both Hon. Vanterpool and Hon. Walwyn, came up big for the team throughout the season and for that the team says thanks.

Mr. Bass said the team that ranges in age from 18-35, lost three years in a row prior to 2011. In light of this, he said the team was forced to make some changes in key positions on the court. We made some changes and we pull through to win two straight, we going for third next year.

One advantage his team has over others that participated in the league, Bass noted, is the fact that his team is probably one of the closest teams, family wise. Mr. Bass said the team has been together for a long time, it has about 5-7 guys that played together for a very long time. 10 years or more. the chemistry is what has us going.

The Legs basketball team, according to the team captain, is made up of talented guys, both who travelled overseas to develop their skills in the game and the others who have raw talent. Everybody is well known.

Mr. Bass, was recruited by an overseas coach and attended the Clinton Community College in Iowa, right after high school, in efforts to further develop his skills in basketball.

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CANADA

Halifax Rainmen trade Taliek Brown to Laval Kebs - by Eurobasket News

The Halifax Rainmen announce that they have traded the rights to 6'1" Taliek Brown (6'1''-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Connecticut) to the Laval Kebs in exchange for the Kebs first round draft pick in the 2013 NBL Canada Draft.

"We wish Taliek nothing but the best, he was a great player for us over the past two seasons" stated Halifax Rainmen President Andre Levingston. 'We have some really great players coming into camp this season and simply decided it was time to go in another directions".

The Laval Kebs are very pleased on what they received in todays trade.

The Laval Kebs are very happy to have made this deal with the Rainmen today, says Kebs VP & General Manager Vincent Bernier. We have always been a great fan of Taliek and we are very excited to have him join our team in Laval.

Brown, an NCAA Champion while at UConn in 2004, averaged 12.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game last season with the Halifax Rainmen.

Courtesy of NBL Canada

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CHINA

COLOMBIA

Standings

Copa Federacion Standings

1. Guerreros		5-0
2. Once Caldas		5-0
3. Bucaros		4-1
4. Arrieros		3-1
5. Islanders		2-1
6. Cafeteros		1-2
7. Bayside		1-4
8. Choco		1-4
9. Hormigueros		0-4
10. Patriotas		0-5

Regular Season: Round 3

Sep. 14: Once Caldas - Bucaros 83-74
Sep. 14: Bayside - Patriotas 75-59
Sep. 14: Choco - Hormigueros 71-70
Sep. 14: Guerreros - Islanders 116-88
Sep. 14: Arrieros - Cafeteros 100-107
Sep. 15: Choco - Hormigueros
Sep. 15: Arrieros - Cafeteros
Sep. 15: Guerreros - Islanders
Sep. 15: Bayside - Patriotas
Sep. 15: Bucaros - Once Caldas

FEDERATION CUP DAY 6 RESULTS - by Victor Garcia

Guerreros got its sixth straight victory and now is alone at the top of the standings, the Bogots team is the only undefeated team in the Cup
Guerreros 92 R. Bell 19 pts, S. Ortiz 17 pts
Islanders 65 K. Jones 17 pts, T. Bragss 12 pts

Arrieros took revenge of its previous defeat and won its game against the Cafeteros de Armenia.
Arrieros 111
Cafeteros 100

Choco team is getting more consistence the hand of Manu Cordoba is notorious now, the team defeated Hormigueros for the second straight night.
Nuevo Choco 74.
Hormigueros 65

Patriotas got its first victory of the season, defeating Bayside in San Andrs, with this victory Patriotas hopes keeps alive.
Bayside 61
Patriotas 78 M. Dodd 24 pts, B. Byerson 17 pts + 16 rebs.

Bukaros got a very importante victory in the Once Caldas home.
Once Caldas 94
Bukaros 97

ROSTER CHANGES IN CAFETEROS, RELEASES WILSON, ADDS ADAMS - by Victor Garcia

Cafeteros de Armenia team the most surprising team in the opening of the 2012 Federation Cup choose to send back home Jeremiah Wilson and inked the american Forward Martavius Adams (2,03 - Forward), Adams finished his career at Arkansas St averaging 11pts and 7 rebounds per game.
Played his first overseas pro tournament in Uruguay with Gaston posting good numbers.
Cafeteros team is already 2 - 3 in the standings.

ROSTER CHANGES IN CAFETEROS, RELEASES WILSON, ADDS ADAMS - by Victor Garcia

Cafeteros de Armenia team the most surprising team in the opening of the 2012 Federation Cup choose to send back home Jeremiah Wilson and inked the american Forward Martavius Adams (2,03 - Forward), Adams finished his career at Arkansas St averaging 11pts and 7 rebounds per game.
Played his first overseas pro tournament in Uruguay with Gaston posting good numbers.
Cafeteros team is already 2 - 3 in the standings. Martavius Adams (203-F)

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CROATIA

D.J. Strawberry may join Cibona Zagreb - by Eurobasket News

D.J. Strawberry (196-G-85, college: Maryland) may soon join Cibona Zagreb. Various sources report that the guard has agreed on terms of contract with the Croatian team and is set to leave Hapoel Holon. D.J. Strawberry has an option of opting out of his contract with Hapoel for the better proposal from Euroleague or EuroCup team. D.J. Strawberry spent the previous season in Israel. He played at Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem (Winner League). In 5 Eurocup games he had 14.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.8apg and 1.4spg. Strawberry played also 29 games in Winner League where he had 15.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.2apg and 1.6spg. A very impressive season as he earned Eurobasket.com All- League Honorable Mention in in 2012.
Strawberry played also professionally in Italy and Lithuania. He graduated from University of Maryland in 2007 and it will be his sixth season in pro basketball.

MZT Skopje edge Split in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News

MZT Skopje - Split 85:78

MZT Skopje advanced into the title game of the Mirza Delibasic Memorial tournament in Sarajevo. They held off Split behind 22 points from Damjan Stojanovski (195-SG-87).
MZT Skopje jumped to an early lead. They recorded a 24:16 advantage after ten minutes. The Macedonian team maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They recorded a 42:30 halftime advantage. Split managed to narrow the gap in the third term. They got within five points at the final break 54:59. Split got within one in the fourth term but MZT Skopje remained calm and executed the victory in the dying minutes. Uros Nikolic (207-F/C-87) posted 20 points, while Igor Mijajlovic (192-PG-84, agency: Global Sports Plaza) added 16 points for the winners. Vedran Vukusic (206-F-82, college: Northwestern) answered with 21 points for Split. Nikola Vujcic (211-C-78) netted 14 points in the loss.

MZT Skopje: Damjan Stojanovski 22, Uros Nikolic 20, Igor Mijajlovic 16
Split: Vedran Vukusic 21, Nikola Vujcic 14

Curtis Stinson joins Cedevita - by Eurobasket News

KK Cedevita Zagreb (A1) agreed terms with 29-year old American guard Curtis Stinson (191-83, college: Iowa State). He played last summer at Caneros in LNB league in Dominican Republic. Stinson managed to play in four leagues last year (!!!). He also played at Marinos in Venezuelan LPB that season. In 4 LPB games he had 6.0ppg, 1.5rpg, 4.5apg and 1.3spg. Last season Stinson played at Iowa Energy in USA D-League. In 30 D-League games he had 11.7ppg, 4.6rpg, 5.8apg and 1.5spg. The other team he also played last season for was Krka in Slovenian league. In 4 Adriatic League games he had 8.3ppg, 3.3rpg and 4.5apg.
Stinson played also professionally in Greece and Philippines. He graduated Iowa State in 2006 and it will be his seventh season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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CYPRUS

Season start for Petrolina AEK - by Michael Aristidou

Petrolina AEK Larnaca finishes their roster with the addition of American guard Dion Dixon (190-G-89). The team now is ready to start preparation next Monday. Head coach Nikolas Papadopoulos made some statements in Cypriot sites saying that his team wants to make a step forward this year. Last season Petrolina AEK Larnaca reached the semis.
In other news Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD Agios Dometios are close to Greek center Thanasis Souflias

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

LNB Semifinals: Third games - by Eurobasket News

Indios SF downed Titanes in Game Three 88-78 taking 3-0 lead in the series. Ollie Bailey (201-F-85, college: Oklahoma City) was a key player in victory with 27 points and 5 rebounds. Edner Elisma (205-F/C-75, college: Georgia Tech) and Reggie Charles (201-F-81) helped their team with 13 points each, while Robert Glenn (201-F/C-89, college: IUPUI) added with 12 pts. In defeat, Gerardo Suero (193-G-89, college: Albany) was better than the others with 20 points and Jose Lloreda (201-F/C-80, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: LSU) scored 16 points. Luis Flores (188-G-81, college: Manhattan) stopped to 13 pts in this loss. Indios celebrated 99-83 win in Game One and 81-74 victory in the second meeting.
In the other Semis, Caneros handed 88-83 loss to Metros in Game Three. It means that Caneros came to 1-2 in the series. Two teams will meet again tomorrow.
The format is best-of-seven.

LNB: Indios SF is the first finalist, Metros jumps to 3-1 against Caneros - by Eurobasket News

Fourth games of the LNB Semifinals were played last night.
Indios SF grabbed 70-69 victory against Titanes closing the series with perfect 4-0. It means that Indios advanced to the LNB Finals and now waits for the winner of Caneros - Metros series. Robert Glenn (201-F/C-89, college: IUPUI) led Indios with 15 points and 5 rebounds, while Richard Ortega followed him with 13 points. In the loosing squad, Gerardo Suero (193-G-89, college: Albany) was better than the others with 17 points and 7 rebs. Quarters: 18-18, 12-22, 23-12, 17-17.
Also last night Metros celebrated 80-77 win against Caneros. Metros jumped to 3-1 lead in the series and now needs one more victory for the finals. Evan Brock (204-F-84, college: Alabama) exploded with 20 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. Their second scorer was Joseph Jones (204-C/F-86, college: Texas A&M) with 15 points (5 rebs). Caneros got double-double of 24 points and 10 rebounds from Edward Santana (203-F-80, agency: Regeneracom Sports). Metros and Caneros will meet tomorrow in Game Five.

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ESTONIA

Kalev/Cramo tab Frank Elegar - by Eurobasket News

Kalev/Cramo bolstered their frontcourt. They added Frank Elegar (206-C-86, college: Drexel) to the roster. The centre started the previous season in Greece. He played for Marousi BC. Frank Elegar notched 9.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.1 block per appearance. In February the US Virgin Islands player moved to Turkey. Frank Elegar signed with Antalya. The centre averaged 10.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals per game in TBL. Previously Frank Elegar had stints in France, Turkey, Germany. He has been the member of US Virgin Islands National Team since 2006. Frank Elegar participated at 2010 Centrobasket. The centre notched 10.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per game in Dominican Republic.

Anwil shoot down Tartu Ulikool at Kasztelan Cup - by Eurobasket News

Anwil - Tartu Ulikool 83:73

Anwil earned the first win at home Kasztelan Cup tournament. They held off Estonian Tartu Ulikool. Ryan Wright (206-C/F-87, college: Oklahoma) stepped up with 16 points to lead the winners.
Anwil fired 25 points in the opening quarter to take a 3-point lead. They maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. Anwil ensured a 50:39 halftime advantage. The hosts limited Tartu to 12 points in the third term to accumulated a 12-point lead before the fourth frame. Tartu Ulikool managed to outscore the Polish team in the fourth quarter but could not rescue the game. Ruben Boykin (201-F-85, college: N.Arizona), Krzysztof Szubarga (182-PG-84) and Marcus Ginyard (196-G/F-87, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina) provided 13 points each for the winners. Egidijus Dimsa (205-C-85) answered with 20 points for Tartu Ulikool. Justin Ingram (185-PG-85, agency: Two Points, college: Toledo) had 14 points in the loss.

Anwil: Ryan Wright 16, Ruben Boykin 13, Krzysztof Szubarga 13, Marcus Ginyard 13
Tartu Ulikool: Egidijus Dimsa 20, Justin Ingram 14

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EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE

Atlanta ESL official first day games, courts 1 & 2! - by ESL News

Atlanta ESL first day official games, Court 1:

Game 1: France 81 Russia 61
This was game was not a very close game even though we had two quality teams on the floor. France just took control and never looked back. France was led by Joel Smith who had 17 pts and 4 rebounds. Russia had a very balanced attack and was led by Kenneth Moore with 16 pts.

Film: http://www.youtube.com/user/EurobasketAtlanta?feature=mhee

France 81:, Moses Edun 9 pts, 4 rbs, 1 ast, Ervin Herron, (196-F/G, college: So.Poly State) 14 pts, 4 rbs, Mike Dabney, (203-F/C-88) 14 pts 5 rbs, Anthony Sims, (193-G/F, college: W.Florida) 4 pts 4rbs 1 ast, Trevor Niles (198-F/G-88) 6 pts, 3 rbs, Oliver Hunter 7 pts, 1 rb, Tremanye Russell 6 pts, 2rbs, 1 ast, Joel Smith 17 pts, 4 rbs, 2 ast,, Derrick Darkis 4 pts, 1 rb, 1 ast.
Russia: Brice Kellog, 9 pts, 1rb, 1 ast, Corey Edmondson (188-G-89, college: Reinhardt) 7 pts, 1 ast, Kenneth Moore 16 pts, 3 rbs, Stein Stohlman 5 pts, 1 rb, Dwayne Harmason 9 pts, 2 ast, Richard England 8 pts, 3rbs, Geoff Gaylor 3 rbs 1 ast, Zach Payton 3 pts 1 rb 3 ast, Joseph Jones 1 rb 1 ast.

Game 2: Germany 91 Greece 85
Germany's balanced attack barely separated them from Greece. Kenneth Willis led his team with 19 pts. Dwight Gordon followed with 15 pts and Senario Hillman followed with 14 pts. On the losing side for Greece, Jeremy Bynum had 22 pts and Jemarco Warren had 15pts.

Film: http://www.youtube.com/user/EurobasketAtlanta?feature=mhee

Germany: P.J. Meyers 2 pts 2 rbs 6 ast, Dwight Gordon 15 pts 4 rbs 2 ast, Kenneth Willis 19 pts 1 rb 3 ast, Dario Green 11 pts, Senario Hillman 14 pts, Brandon Sims 22 pts 3 rbs, Cedric Melice 2 pts 2 rbs 2 ast, R.J. Jarrett 8 pts 3 rbs.
Greece: Sam Taub 8 pts 2 rbs 1 ast, Omare Kinsey 2 pts 2 rbs 3 ast, Antonio Ester 14 pts 8 rbs 4 ast, Jeremy Bynum 22 pts, Jamarco Warren (180-G-88) 15 pts 1ast, Richard Lewis 5 pts 2 ast, Deshar Clipper 10 pts 4 rbs, Lucas Hackett 3 pts 1 ast, Mark Phillips 6 pts 3 rbs 1 ast.

Atlanta ESL first day official games, Court 2:

Game 1: England 68 Spain 65
On Court two England won a very close match with Spain and defeated them in the end with 68-65 score. For England, Brandon Armstrong led the charge with 18 pts and 4 rebounds. On the losing end of this match Tim Eriste and Justin Monroe each had 13 pts.

Film: http://www.youtube.com/user/EurobasketAtlanta?feature=mhee

England: Brad Hougabrok 11 pts, 1 rb, 5 ast, Justin Chambers 8 pts, 4 rbs, Justin Lockhart 5 rbs, Tre Cunningham (195-G-86) 4 pts, 1 rb, Albert Abrams 10 pts 3 rbs, Steve Baker 9 pts 1 rb 1 ast, Brandon Armstrong 18 pts, 4rbs, Stanely Honrat 8 pts, 4rbs, 3 ast.
Spain: Clayton Burkes 1rb, Sidney Harris 8 pts 5 rbs, Hector Genao 4 pts 1 rb, Tim Eriste 13 pts, 5 rbs 3 ast, Daron Sims 14 pts, 4 rbs, Tyrell Timpson 5 pts 2 rbs, 2 ast, Josh Spears 2 pts 1 rb 2 ast, Maurice Stewart 6 pts, 3 1rb, 1ast, Justin Monroe 13 pts 1 rb.

Game 2: Ireland 77 Italy 71
Another close game of the day was the Ireland vs. Italy game where Ireland snuck a victory out in the end with a 77-71 score. Richard Francis led Ireland with 17 pts and Dimar Pitts followed him with 14 pts. On the losing side for Italy, Tim Giles (168-PG-87, college: Wilberforce) brought home 16 pts.

Film: http://www.youtube.com/user/EurobasketAtlanta?feature=mhee

Ireland: Adam Waldo (203-F/C-84, college: Belmont) 2 pts, 1 rb, 1 ast, Marquette Knight (195-SF-88) 4 pts, 8 rbs, 1 ast, Richard Francis 17 pts, 2 rbs, 1 ast, Andre Cornelius 7 pts, 2 rbs, 1 ast, Chris McHenry 11 pts, 1 rb , 3 ast, Damier Pitts 14 pts, 2 rbs, 2 ast, Brandon Long 12 pts, Marcus Travis 10 pts, 2 rbs, 3 ast.
Italy: Eric Chwillinski 6 pts, 2 rbs, 1 ast, Wayne Turner 4 pts, 3 rbs, 3 ast, Tim Giles 16 pts, 1 rb, 1 ast, Donald Vaughn 27 pts, 5 rbs, Brandon Hichson 1 rb, Sam Goodmen 8 pts, 2 rbs 3 ast, Emmanuel Williams 1 rb, 1 ast, Neil Edwards 10 pts, 9 rbs.

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EUROCHALLENGE

EUROCUP

Maccabi TLV Plays Olympiakos, Bamberg & Paris-Levallois - by David Pick

Eurobasket was tipped Maccabi Tel Aviv's overseas preseason schedule which includes games against Euroleague and German champions.

Israeli power Maccabi Tel Aviv will depart for Bamberg, Germany, on September 20th, for a pair of preseason games against Euroleague champions Olympiakos, and hosts Bamberg, champions of the German BBL League.

After Germany, Maccabi will travel to France and spend three days participating in a preseason tournament including hosts Paris-Levallois, Belgium Spirou and Turkish Galatasaray.
Maccabi and Paris-Levallois will faceoff in Game 1 of the semis while Spirou and Galatasaray will matchup in Game 2.

Tel Aviv is expected to return to Israel on October 1st.

Tel Aviv recently demolished Maccabi Haifa 89-71 at Nokia Arena in the teams' first preseason exhibition game. Tel Aviv played without several key players including Israelis Lior Eliyahu and Guy Pnini. David Blatt's foreigners Nik Caner-Medley (rest), Giorgi Shermadini, and Pops Mensah-Bonsu were also absent.

Lester Hudson Close To Chinese DongGuan, Pooh Jeter & Vroman Jackson Near Shandong - by David Pick

Former NBA and Euroleague forward Marcus Haislip, who recently signed in China with the DongGuan Leopards, is heavily recruiting former CBA championship teammate Lester Hudson, sources told Eurobasket.

DongGuan already agreed to terms with former California State Fullerton bullseye shooter Josh Akognon, however, Haislip apparently suggested Hudson to DongGuan owners as a better fit. The ex-NBAer who according to sources has already agreed to financial terms with the Chinese club, is expected to sign the paperwork within the next few days.

Hudson, a 6'3" 28-year-old guard out of Tennessee-Martin, was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 58th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.

Hudson had NBA stints with the Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Memphis Grizzlies, and a pair of D-League teams before heading to China in January, 2011, where he won the domestic title for the Guandong Tigers. Hudson started last season with Chinese Qingdao Double Star where he finished second in the league in scoring (33.6ppg) and steals (2.9spg), and fourth in the league in assists (6.3apg) along with 7 boards per game. Later that season, Hudson returned to the United States where he would join the Austin Toros, and sign two 10-day contracts with the Cleveland Cavaliers before ending up with the Memphis Grizzlies.

------

In related news, Eurobasket sources informed that Chinese Shandong Bulls agreed to terms of a one-year deal with 6'10" American-Lebanese Vroman Jackson and 5'11" bullet-like point guard Pooh Jeter.

Jackson, 31, a versatile rebounding and scoring power-forward/center was selected (31) in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. Jackson was traded to the New Orleans Hornets before moving overseas to play in Spain, Lithuania, Iran, China, Korea, and Philippines, where he finished last season, recording double-doubles of 16.6 points and 12 rebounds, along with 4.1 dimes, 1.4 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game.

Shandong's second recruit is the 29-year-old California native Pooh Jeter, brother of Olympian Gold medalist sprinter Carmelita Jeter.

Jeter, a high volume explosive shooter played 61 games for the Sacramento Kings during the 2010-11 season, prior to signing with Spanish Joventut Badalona where he spent last season, posting 11.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.

In 2009, Jeter recorded a European career high of 39 points on 9/10 shooting from beyond the arc, including a game winning buzzer-beating trey to lead Hapoel Jerusalem to a 102-99 road win over Hapoel Afula. Jeter recently turned down a guaranteed offer from Germany's Division I Artland Dragons.

Maccabi TLV Plays Olympiacos, Bamberg & Paris-Levallois - by David Pick

Eurobasket was tipped Maccabi Tel-Aviv's overseas preseason schedule which includes games against Euroleague and German champions.

Israeli power Maccabi Tel Aviv will depart for Bamberg, Germany, on September 20th, for a pair of preseason games against Euroleague champions Olympiacos Pireus, and hosts Brose Baskets Bamberg, champions of the German BBL League.

After Germany, Maccabi will travel to France and spend three days participating in a preseason tournament including hosts Paris-Levallois, Belgium Belgacom Spirou and Turkish Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul.
Maccabi and Paris-Levallois will faceoff in Game 1 of the semis while Spirou and Galatasaray will matchup in Game 2.

Tel Aviv is expected to return to Israel on October 1st.

Tel Aviv recently demolished Maccabi Haifa 89-71 at Nokia Arena in the teams' first preseason exhibition game. Tel Aviv played without several key players including Israelis Lior Eliyahu and Guy Pnini. David Blatt's foreigners Nik Caner-Medley (rest), Giorgi Shermadini, and Pops Mensah-Bonsu were also absent.

Larry Owens joins Budivenyk for try-out - by Eurobasket News

Larry Owens (201-G/F-83, college: ORU) joined Budivelnyk. The forward will stay with the Kyiv outfit for a try-out period. Larry Owens started the pre-season with Gravelines but was cut recently. Last season Larry Owens spent between D-League and NBA. He played for the Tulsa 66ers. His stats read 12.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.2 blocks per game in D-League. He also appeared in six NBA games. Larry Owens notched 2.2 points and 2.2 boards per appearance for the New Jersey Nets. The forward made it into D-League All-Defensive 2nd Team. Larry Owens participated at AirTran Orlando Summer League and NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas.
Larry Owens debuted for Budivelnyk at the Brest Basket Show tournament yesterday. The forward scored 5 points against Limoges.

Panionios land Strahinja Dragicevic - by Eurobasket News

Strahinja Dragicevic (203-F-86) will continue his career in Greece. He agreed on terms of contract with Panionios. The forward spent the previous season in Cyprus. He played for Keravnos Strovolou. Strahinja Dragicevic posted 9.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game in EuroChallenge. In Cypriot League the forward notched 12.4 points per appearance. He became Cypriot Cup winner with Keravnos. Eurobasket.com named the forward into All-Cyprus League 2nd Team. Previously Strahinja Dragicevic had stints with Crvena Zvezda, Walter Tigers Tuebingen, Mega Hypo Leasing Beograd, Partizan Beograd and Borac. He played in Balkan League semifinal in 2009.

D.J. Strawberry may join Cibona Zagreb - by Eurobasket News

D.J. Strawberry (196-G-85, college: Maryland) may soon join Cibona Zagreb. Various sources report that the guard has agreed on terms of contract with the Croatian team and is set to leave Hapoel Holon. D.J. Strawberry has an option of opting out of his contract with Hapoel for the better proposal from Euroleague or EuroCup team. D.J. Strawberry spent the previous season in Israel. He played at Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem (Winner League). In 5 Eurocup games he had 14.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.8apg and 1.4spg. Strawberry played also 29 games in Winner League where he had 15.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.2apg and 1.6spg. A very impressive season as he earned Eurobasket.com All- League Honorable Mention in in 2012.
Strawberry played also professionally in Italy and Lithuania. He graduated from University of Maryland in 2007 and it will be his sixth season in pro basketball.

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EUROLEAGUE

Maccabi TLV Plays Olympiacos, Bamberg & Paris-Levallois - by David Pick

Eurobasket was tipped Maccabi Tel-Aviv's overseas preseason schedule which includes games against Euroleague and German champions.

Israeli power Maccabi Tel Aviv will depart for Bamberg, Germany, on September 20th, for a pair of preseason games against Euroleague champions Olympiacos Pireus, and hosts Brose Baskets Bamberg, champions of the German BBL League.

After Germany, Maccabi will travel to France and spend three days participating in a preseason tournament including hosts Paris-Levallois, Belgium Belgacom Spirou and Turkish Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul.
Maccabi and Paris-Levallois will faceoff in Game 1 of the semis while Spirou and Galatasaray will matchup in Game 2.

Tel Aviv is expected to return to Israel on October 1st.

Tel Aviv recently demolished Maccabi Haifa 89-71 at Nokia Arena in the teams' first preseason exhibition game. Tel Aviv played without several key players including Israelis Lior Eliyahu and Guy Pnini. David Blatt's foreigners Nik Caner-Medley (rest), Giorgi Shermadini, and Pops Mensah-Bonsu were also absent.

Lester Hudson Close To Chinese DongGuan, Pooh Jeter & Vroman Jackson Near Shandong - by David Pick

Former NBA and Euroleague forward Marcus Haislip, who recently signed in China with the DongGuan Leopards, is heavily recruiting former CBA championship teammate Lester Hudson, sources told Eurobasket.

DongGuan already agreed to terms with former California State Fullerton bullseye shooter Josh Akognon, however, Haislip apparently suggested Hudson to DongGuan owners as a better fit. The ex-NBAer who according to sources has already agreed to financial terms with the Chinese club, is expected to sign the paperwork within the next few days.

Hudson, a 6'3" 28-year-old guard out of Tennessee-Martin, was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 58th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.

Hudson had NBA stints with the Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Memphis Grizzlies, and a pair of D-League teams before heading to China in January, 2011, where he won the domestic title for the Guandong Tigers. Hudson started last season with Chinese Qingdao Double Star where he finished second in the league in scoring (33.6ppg) and steals (2.9spg), and fourth in the league in assists (6.3apg) along with 7 boards per game. Later that season, Hudson returned to the United States where he would join the Austin Toros, and sign two 10-day contracts with the Cleveland Cavaliers before ending up with the Memphis Grizzlies.

------

In related news, Eurobasket sources informed that Chinese Shandong Bulls agreed to terms of a one-year deal with 6'10" American-Lebanese Vroman Jackson and 5'11" bullet-like point guard Pooh Jeter.

Jackson, 31, a versatile rebounding and scoring power-forward/center was selected (31) in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. Jackson was traded to the New Orleans Hornets before moving overseas to play in Spain, Lithuania, Iran, China, Korea, and Philippines, where he finished last season, recording double-doubles of 16.6 points and 12 rebounds, along with 4.1 dimes, 1.4 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game.

Shandong's second recruit is the 29-year-old California native Pooh Jeter, brother of Olympian Gold medalist sprinter Carmelita Jeter.

Jeter, a high volume explosive shooter played 61 games for the Sacramento Kings during the 2010-11 season, prior to signing with Spanish Joventut Badalona where he spent last season, posting 11.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.

In 2009, Jeter recorded a European career high of 39 points on 9/10 shooting from beyond the arc, including a game winning buzzer-beating trey to lead Hapoel Jerusalem to a 102-99 road win over Hapoel Afula. Jeter recently turned down a guaranteed offer from Germany's Division I Artland Dragons.

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FIBA ASIA CUP

Standings

Group A
1. China		1-0
2. Uzbekistan.		1-0
3. Lebanon		1-1
4. Philippine.		1-1
5. Macau		0-2
Group B
1. Japan		2-0
2. Iran		1-0
3. Qatar		1-1
4. Taiwan		1-1
5. India		0-3

Preliminary Round: Round 3

Sep. 16: PHI - UZB
Sep. 16: CHN - LEB

Sep. 16: IND - TAI 88-113
Sep. 16: IRI - QAT

Results and Stats from Day 2 in Tokyo - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Lebanon - Philippines 68-78
Philippines clinched the first win at Fiba Asia Cup in Tokyo. They held off Lebanon to gain 1-1 record in Group A. Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) stepped up with 25 points and 21 rebounds as Philippines caught up with Lebanon in the ladder. It was a tough battle from start to finish. Lebanon snatched a 20:19 lead ten minutes into the game. Lebanon stretched the margin in the second frame. They accounted for a 41:38 halftime lead. But Philippines turned things around in the third quarter. Marcus Douthit and Norwood put Philippines in front. They recorded a 59:53 lead at the final break. Garnett Thompson put Lebanon within two points midway through the final frame but Philippines quickly restored a safe cushion and never looked back en route to the win. Gary David (188-G/F-78) and LA Tenorio (177-PG-84) provided 11 points each for the winners. Fadi Khatib (199-F-79) answered with 24 points and 15 boards for Lebanon. Garnett Thompson had 17 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

Uzbekistan - Macau 81-61
Uzbekistan celebrated the first win at the 2012 Fiba Asia Cup in Japan. They rolled past Macau in Group A. Aleksandr Kozlov (201-F-82) finished with 24 points and 15 rebounds to lead the winners. Macau fell at 0-2 record after the defeat. Uzbekistan held their opponents to 11 points in the first frame to take a 3-point lead. Macau however surprised Uzbekistan in the second term and earned a 27:26 halftime lead. Uzbekistan made some necessary arrangements during the big break and fired from all guns in the third quarter. They easily cleared off to a 17-point distance before the fourth quarter. Uzbekistan erupted for 29 points in the final term and sealed the victory at the end. Vyacheslav Denisov (195-G-83) delivered 19 points, while Aleksandr Yahin added 14 points for the winners. Fu In (178-SG-88) answered with 12 points for Macau. Shao Bing Cai had 10 points in the loss.

Group B

Qatar - India 84-63
Qatar posted the first win at the Fiba Asia Cup in Tokyo. They held off India to improve at 1-1 record in Group B. Mohammed Yousef (204-C-82) scored 13 points to lead the winners. Qatar limited India to just 6 points in the starting quarter and gained a 9-point lead. India did not allow their opponents to clear off in the second quarter. India cut the deficit at 6-point mark at the interval 25:31. Qatar increased the tempo in the third term. They capitalized firing 27 points and opening a 14-point advantage at the final break. Qatar did not look in the fourth quarter and rallied to the victory. Omar Abdelkader (206-C-83) posted 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Yasseen Ismail added 12 points for Qatar. Narender Kumar (195-G/F-88) and Pethani Rikin (206-C-90) answered with 14 points each for India.

Taiwan - Japan 78-90
Japan registered the second straight win at the Fiba Asia Cup. They knocked down Taiwan in Group B. J.R. Sakuragi (206-F/C-76, college: UCLA) posted 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the hosts. Taiwan slipped at 0-1 record after the loss. Japan set the tone early in the encounter. They dropped 27 points in the opening quarter to ensure a 13-point lead. Japan stretched the lead in the second frame. They accumulated a 53:34 halftime advantage. Taiwan started to find their game in the second half. They cut the deficit at 18-point mark in the third term and went on a desperate rescue rally in the fourth stanza. But the gap proved too deep to overcome as Japan rolled to the victory. Takatoshi Furukawa (190-G/F-87) notched 16 points, whie Kosuke Takeuchi added 15 points in the win. Tien Lei (202-F-83) answered with 19 points for Taiwan. Tseng Wen-Ting had 15 points in the loss.

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FRANCE

Sorgues tab Quincy Hankins-Cole - by Eurobasket News

Sorgues bolstered their roster. They added Quincy Hankins-Cole (203-F-90) to the squad. The forward started his pro career last season. He played for Snaefell in Iceland. Quincy Hankins-Cole tallied 18.2 points, 13.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game in Express League. Eurobasket.com named the forward into All-Icelandic Express League 2nd Team. Quincy Hankins-Cole graduated from Pikeville in 2011. He notched 12.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals per game in his senior season. The forward became NAIA D1 Champion. Quincy Hankins-Cole made it into NAIA D1 All-Tournament Team.

Gerald Fitch close to Strasbourg - by Eurobasket News

Strasbourg is looking for replacement for Rashad McCants (193-G/F-84, college: N.Carolina). The decision may be the signing of Gerald Fitch (191-G-82, college: Kentucky). The sides are reportedly in talks. Gerald Fitch spent the last season in Spain. He played for Unicaja Malaga. The guard notched 10.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game in Euroleague. In ACB his stats read 10.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists per appearance. Previously Gerald Fitch had stints in Spain, Turkey, Italy, D-League, NBA, Ukraine and Croatia. He was named All-Turkish League Player of the Year in 2009. The guard also earned All-Spanish ACB Honourable Mentions in 2010 and 2011.

Limoges fire past Mons-Hainaut at Brest Basket Show Sport - by Eurobasket News

Limoges - Mons-Hainaut 63:54

Limoges occupied the third position at the Brest Basket Show Sport tournament. They held off Mons-Hainaut on the second day of the toruney. Terence Dials (206-F/C-83, college: Ohio St.) delivered 13 points to lead the French outfit.
Limoges strongly entered the game. They accumulated a 20:14 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Limoges held their Belgian opponents to 8 points in the second frame to accumulate a 37:22 halftime lead. Mons-Hainaut started to recover in the second half. They cut the deficit at 10-point mark at the final intermission. Mons-Hainaut got closer in the fourth term but Limoges stayed calm and marched to the victory. Brad Wanamaker (193-G-89, college: Pittsburgh) provided 10 points, while Kyle McAlarney (185-G-87, college: Notre Dame) added 9 points for Limoges. Josh Bostic (196-F-87, college: Findlay, OH) answered with 15 points for Mons-Hainaut. Brian Qvale (210-C-88, college: Montana) had 8 points in the loss.

Limoges: Terence Dials 13, Brad Wanamaker 10, Kyle McAlarney 9
Mons-Hainaut: Josh Bostic 15, Brian Qvale 8

Maccabi TLV Plays Olympiacos, Bamberg & Paris-Levallois - by David Pick

Eurobasket was tipped Maccabi Tel-Aviv's overseas preseason schedule which includes games against Euroleague and German champions.

Israeli power Maccabi Tel Aviv will depart for Bamberg, Germany, on September 20th, for a pair of preseason games against Euroleague champions Olympiacos Pireus, and hosts Brose Baskets Bamberg, champions of the German BBL League.

After Germany, Maccabi will travel to France and spend three days participating in a preseason tournament including hosts Paris-Levallois, Belgium Belgacom Spirou and Turkish Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul.
Maccabi and Paris-Levallois will faceoff in Game 1 of the semis while Spirou and Galatasaray will matchup in Game 2.

Tel Aviv is expected to return to Israel on October 1st.

Tel Aviv recently demolished Maccabi Haifa 89-71 at Nokia Arena in the teams' first preseason exhibition game. Tel Aviv played without several key players including Israelis Lior Eliyahu and Guy Pnini. David Blatt's foreigners Nik Caner-Medley (rest), Giorgi Shermadini, and Pops Mensah-Bonsu were also absent.

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FYR MACEDONIA

MZT Skopje edge Split in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News

MZT Skopje - Split 85:78

MZT Skopje advanced into the title game of the Mirza Delibasic Memorial tournament in Sarajevo. They held off Split behind 22 points from Damjan Stojanovski (195-SG-87).
MZT Skopje jumped to an early lead. They recorded a 24:16 advantage after ten minutes. The Macedonian team maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They recorded a 42:30 halftime advantage. Split managed to narrow the gap in the third term. They got within five points at the final break 54:59. Split got within one in the fourth term but MZT Skopje remained calm and executed the victory in the dying minutes. Uros Nikolic (207-F/C-87) posted 20 points, while Igor Mijajlovic (192-PG-84, agency: Global Sports Plaza) added 16 points for the winners. Vedran Vukusic (206-F-82, college: Northwestern) answered with 21 points for Split. Nikola Vujcic (211-C-78) netted 14 points in the loss.

MZT Skopje: Damjan Stojanovski 22, Uros Nikolic 20, Igor Mijajlovic 16
Split: Vedran Vukusic 21, Nikola Vujcic 14

Feni Industri signs PF Sasa Bratic - by Eurobasket News

Sasa Bratic (202-F/G-81, agency: BeoExcell) is a new member of Feni Industri. The Serbian power forward penned a deal for the upcoming season. He arrives to the club from Radnicki Kragujevac. Bratic signed with Radnicki in December averaging 5.6 points and 3.6 rebounds in 15 Adriatic league games. He also added 1.4 ppg and 1.5 rpg for 13 games in Serbian championship. Before Radnicki Kragujevac, Sasa Bratic played for Cypriot AEK Larnaca. He shined with 14.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg and 2.7 apg for 3 games. Bratic started 2010/11 season with Maccabi Haifa. In the past he very successfully played for Ukrainian Khimik Yuzhny. Bratic also has experience from Hapoel Galil Elyon, Lavovi, Atlas Banka, FMP, Radnicki Belgrade, Crvena Zvezda and Beovuk. In 2006 and 2007 he was named Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Bosman Player of the Year. In 2008, Sasa Bratic was named to Eurobasket.com FIBA Eurocup All-Europeans Team.

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GERMANY

Artland Dragons outscored BC Telenet Oostende in Lich - by Eurobasket News

Artland Dragons outscored BC Telenet Oostende 85:78. The German team won the first period 28:25, but led only 1 point at the halftime. Only due to the narrow victories in the second half they managed to seal the total success. Petar Popovic (211-C-79) top-scored for the winners with 25 points and Haynes nailed 14. Taylor and Andrew Drevo (202-F/C-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Nebraska) posted 11 each, while Kerusch had 10. Wright answered with 20 points in the losing effort and Mario Stojic (198-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances) had 13. Lojeski brought 11, while Katnic posted 9.
Pallacanestro Cantu meanwhile outscored New Yorker Phantoms. The Italian team grabbed 89:79 win to reach the Final. Nicolas Mazzarino (181-PG-75, agency: Players Group) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Pietro Aradori (195-SG-88) notched 15. Brooks scored 11, while Tabu and Cukinas added 10 each. Mitchell replied with 19 points and Davis posted 17 in defeat.

New Yorker Phantoms finished Caorle Tournament - by Eurobasket News

New Yorker Phantoms finished Caorle Tournament on the 4th place. Pallacanestro Cantu wins Caorle Tournament with 4 participating teams. In the Final they edged SAIE 3 Bologna 73:71.
In the game for the third place EA7 Emporio Armani Milano overcame New Yorker Phantoms 105:78. Langford paced all the winners with 28 points and Stipcevic nailed 14. Fotsis and Hendrix delivered 12 apiece, while Gianluca Basile (192-G-75) and Bourousis notched 11 each. For New Yorker Phantoms Harding NaNa (203-F-81, college: Delaware) posted 17 points in defeat and Robert Kulawick (191-G-86, agency: Pro One Sports) netted 14. Mitchell posted 13 and Mittmann had 10.
Artland Dragons meawhile outscored LTi GIESSEN 46ers 85:72 in Lich. Trailing 18:21 after the first period, the Dragons needed 22-=14 to take the lead at the halftime. Moreover they won the third quarter 25-11 and did not mind 20-26 in the last period. Taylor top-scored for the winners with 25 points and Popovic nailed 20. Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Florida) answered with 17 points in defeat, while LaQuan Prowell (203-SF-84, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Auburn) notched 15.

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GREECE

Kolossos Rodou lands Laron Dendy - by Chris Mammides

VAP Kolossos Rodou agreed financial terms with the American power forward center LaRon Dendy (205-C-88). The graduate of Middle Tenessee State had a solid season with his college as he ended the year with 14.8 points per game while he was dashing down 7.1 rebounds. Head Coach Minas Gekos will give the chance to the rookie to start his proffesional career with a first stop in the beatifull island of Rodos of Dodekanese!

Other news
Efthimios Tsakaleris (207-F/C-89) agreed fianncial terms with Aris Thessaloniki for a two years contract.

Panionios land Strahinja Dragicevic - by Eurobasket News

Strahinja Dragicevic (203-F-86) will continue his career in Greece. He agreed on terms of contract with Panionios. The forward spent the previous season in Cyprus. He played for Keravnos Strovolou. Strahinja Dragicevic posted 9.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game in EuroChallenge. In Cypriot League the forward notched 12.4 points per appearance. He became Cypriot Cup winner with Keravnos. Eurobasket.com named the forward into All-Cyprus League 2nd Team. Previously Strahinja Dragicevic had stints with Crvena Zvezda, Walter Tigers Tuebingen, Mega Hypo Leasing Beograd, Partizan Beograd and Borac. He played in Balkan League semifinal in 2009.

Panionios clinch second straight win in Zielona Gora - by Eurobasket News

Stelmet Zielona Gora - Panionios 82:89

Panionios celebrated the second consecutive win at the Lech Birgfellner Memorial in Zielona Gora. The Greek team overcame hosting Stelmet Zielona Gora for 2-0 record. Landon Milbourne (201-F-87, agency: Three Eye Sports, college: Maryland) posted 19 points to lead the winners.
Panionios fired 26 points in the opening quarter to take an 8-point lead. They stayed in front throughout the second quarter. Panionios established a 46:38 halftime advantage. They did not slow down after the big break. Panionios ensured a 71:62 lead at the final intermission. Stelmet Zielona Gora narrowed the gap in the fourth frame but could not threaten the margin and lost the battle. Ashton Gibbs (187-PG-90, college: Pittsburgh) produced 18 points, while Christopher Booker (208-F/C-81, college: Purdue) contributed 11 points in the victory. Walter Hodge (183-PG-86, college: Florida) erupted for 29 points for Stelmet Zielona Gora. Quinton Hosley (201-F/G-84, college: Fresno St.) netted 12 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and issued 5 assists in the loss.

Stelmet Zielona Gora: Walter Hodge 29, Quinton Hosley 12
Panionios: Landon Milbourne 19, Ashton Gibbs 18, Christopher Booker 11

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HOLLAND

EiffelTowers Matt Bauscher sidelined with knee injury - by Fred Roggen

Dutch champion EiffelTowers Den Bosch combo guard Matt Bauscher (188-G-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Boise St.) has suffered a knee injury during a practice session this week.
Bauscher twisted his knee in practice this week, so EiffelTowers has suffered its first preseason injury to its backcourt. An MRI should giving more clarity on the injury the upcoming week. Matt Bauscher. the latest signing of EiffelTowers, is a former "Player of Year" of the Dutch Basketball League.

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INDIA

2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Qatar down India for initial victory - by Eurobasket News

Qatar - India 84:63

Qatar posted the first win at the Fiba Asia Cup in Tokyo. They held off India to improve at 1-1 record in Group B. Mohammed Yousef (204-C-82) scored 13 points to lead the winners.
Qatar limited India to just 6 points in the starting quarter and gained a 9-point lead. India did not allow their opponents to clear off in the second quarter. India cut the deficit at 6-point mark at the interval 25:31. Qatar increased the tempo in the third term. They capitalized firing 27 points and opening a 14-point advantage at the final break. Qatar did not look in the fourth quarter and rallied to the victory. Omar Abdelkader (206-C-83) posted 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Yasseen Ismail (204-F/C-80) added 12 points for Qatar. Narender Kumar (195-G/F-88) and Pethani Rikin (206-C-90) answered with 14 points each for India.

Qatar: Mohammed Yousef 13, Omar Abdelkader 12+11 boards, Yasseen Ismail 12
India: Narender Kumar 14, Pethani Rikin 14

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ISRAEL

Interview with former Israel NT player Jeron Roberts - by Serafim Karaiskakis

Jeron Roberts (194-G/F-76, college: Wyoming) former Israel NT player, recently retired after 14 years overseas and accepted a position as the Head Women's Coach of a new University, Pacifica University in Covina.

You played in many countries, which one you enjoyed most and why?

The Country I enjoyed the most was Israel. I spent the most time there, 10 of my 14yrs of playing were spent in that country and the country is like my second home. I love it there, its so easy to manage, everyone speaks english, the majority of the television is in english, the weather is amazing. Its comparable to california weather and thats where im from, the Los angeles area, Covina, where its very warm and not very cold winters, the food was great as well,its a very americanized place.

Which game from your career as a player you will never forget?

There are alot of games I will never forget but one of the big ones was playing against the Greek national team in the European Championships in 2007 in Madrid. They had all the stars of Greece and it was probably one of the biggest games I played in, they were known as a great defensive team,I played well, but we lost, but it was a great experience to play against them as well as the Spanish National team.

How hard was to decide to retire? Did you have any offers this summer to continue playing?

It was hard for me to retire. Of course you always want to continue playing as a player, but i always said that i wanted to coach and I was presented a great opportunity to build a program. Not often do you get the chance to mold a program from its beginning stages and i felt like the chance to be a Head Coach doesn't come often so I felt that it was my time to give back to the younger generation and give them the knowledge and experience I gained over 14yrs of playing.

Who is the coach you admire most?

Its hard to pick one Coach that I admire the most but to name a few I would say in not any order Arik Shivek, Zvika Sherf, Robbie Belinko..Israeli Coaches of many national teams and teams abroad. They were great coaches I had the chance to be coached by.

Tell us few words about your new job at the University? What about your future plans with your new job?

At my new University, Pacifica University, in Covina, California. I am building the best program possible. We are a new school established in 2010. We are the first ALL SPORTS University. All the degrees and programs are geared toward the sports industry. We have a Men's program in competition this year in which I will be an Assistant Coach and the Women's program where i will be the Head Coach gets underway for the 2013-2014 season. So I have one year to recruit and build the best program possible. For now we are and independent school which means we haven't settled into a division yet. We want to build and grow and become a small school off no more than 3000 students with strong academics and basketball programs. i will be heading the Women's side and I would like to also keep the European influence and connections i have and offer the chance for European players to come to college as well. i was a player and I remember hearing guys say all the time that they wish they could go to college and ask me if I could help them. Now Im in a position where I can offer that on the women's side and before they become professional they can come and experience playing at a competitive level in college and be coached to the highest level by someone who has been where they have been and where they are trying to go. I hope to bridge that gap and be a positive influence in the Coaching world and make Pacifica University Women's Basketball the best program it can be. For any good women players who haven't turned professional and do want to go to college, i want them to feel free to contact me at jeronroberts@gmail.com and i will definetly see what can be done about placing the right players.

I want to thank you for this interview and the oppurtunity to share my story and my new profession. I will truly miss my playing days but I love my new calling and being a coach is something I have always wanted to do. This is the first start, I dont know where it will end but I am definetly up to and ready for the challenge!!

www.serwrites.blogspot.com

Maccabi TLV Plays Olympiacos, Bamberg & Paris-Levallois - by David Pick

Eurobasket was tipped Maccabi Tel-Aviv's overseas preseason schedule which includes games against Euroleague and German champions.

Israeli power Maccabi Tel Aviv will depart for Bamberg, Germany, on September 20th, for a pair of preseason games against Euroleague champions Olympiacos Pireus, and hosts Brose Baskets Bamberg, champions of the German BBL League.

After Germany, Maccabi will travel to France and spend three days participating in a preseason tournament including hosts Paris-Levallois, Belgium Belgacom Spirou and Turkish Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul.
Maccabi and Paris-Levallois will faceoff in Game 1 of the semis while Spirou and Galatasaray will matchup in Game 2.

Tel Aviv is expected to return to Israel on October 1st.

Tel Aviv recently demolished Maccabi Haifa 89-71 at Nokia Arena in the teams' first preseason exhibition game. Tel Aviv played without several key players including Israelis Lior Eliyahu and Guy Pnini. David Blatt's foreigners Nik Caner-Medley (rest), Giorgi Shermadini, and Pops Mensah-Bonsu were also absent.

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ITALY

Pallacanestro Cantu wins Caorle Tournament - by Eurobasket News

Pallacanestro Cantu wins Caorle Tournament with 4 participating teams. In the Final they edged SAIE 3 Bologna 73:71.
Aradori top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Jerry Smith (188-PG-87, college: Louisville) nailed 15. Markoishvili delivered 12, while Leunen and Cusin posted 6 each. Steven Smith (203-F-83, college: La Salle) replied with 17 points in the losing effort and Giuseppe Poeta (190-PG-85) added 14. Rocca notched 13, while Kenny Hasbrouck (191-G-86, college: Siena) posted 11.
In the game for the third place EA7 Emporio Armani Milano overcame New Yorker Phantoms 105:78. Langford paced all the winners with 28 points and Stipcevic nailed 14. Fotsis and Hendrix delivered 12 apiece, while Basile and Ioannis Bourousis (213-C-83, agency: FCM) notched 11 each. For New Yorker Phantoms Harding NaNa (203-F-81, college: Delaware) posted 17 points in defeat and Kulawick netted 14. Mitchell posted 13 and Mittmann had 10.

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JAPAN

2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Japan stay on winning track with victory over Taiwan - by Eurobasket News

Japan - Taiwan 90:78

Japan registered the second straight win at the Fiba Asia Cup. They knocked down Taiwan in Group B. J.R. Sakuragi (206-F/C-76, college: UCLA) posted 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the hosts. Taiwan slipped at 0-1 record after the loss.
Japan set the tone early in the encounter. They dropped 27 points in the opening quarter to ensure a 13-point lead. Japan stretched the lead in the second frame. They accumulated a 53:34 halftime advantage. Taiwan started to find their game in the second half. They cut the deficit at 18-point mark in the third term and went on a desperate rescue rally in the fourth stanza. But the gap proved too deep to overcome as Japan rolled to the victory. Takatoshi Furukawa (190-G/F-87) notched 16 points, whie Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) added 15 points in the win. Tien Lei (202-F-83) answered with 19 points for Taiwan. Tseng Wen-Ting (203-F/C-84) had 15 points in the loss.

Japan: J.R. Sakuragi 19+10 boards, Takatoshi Furukawa 16, Kosuke Takeuchi 15
Taiwan: Tien Lei 19, Tseng Wen-Ting 15

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LATVIA

LEBANON

2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Philippines upset Lebanon - by Eurobasket News

Philippines - Lebanon 78:68

Philippines clinched the first win at Fiba Asia Cup in Tokyo. They held off Lebanon to gain 1-1 record in Group A. Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) stepped up with 25 points and 21 rebounds as Philippines caught up with Lebanon in the ladder.
It was a tough battle from start to finish. Lebanon snatched a 20:19 lead ten minutes into the game. Lebanon stretched the margin in the second frame. They accounted for a 41:38 halftime lead. But Philippines turned things around in the third quarter. Marcus Douthit and Norwood put Philippines in front. They recorded a 59:53 lead at the final break. Garnett Thompson (206-C/F-80, agency: Veracity Sports, LLC, college: Providence) put Lebanon within two points midway through the final frame but Philippines quickly restored a safe cushion and never looked back en route to the win. Gary David (188-G/F-78) and LA Tenorio (177-PG-84) provided 11 points each for the winners. Fadi Khatib (199-F-79) answered with 24 points and 15 boards for Lebanon. Garnett Thompson had 17 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

Philippines: Marcus Douthit 25+21 boards, Gary David 11, LA Tenorio 11
Lebanon: Fadi Khatib 24+15 boards, Garnett Thompson 17+11 boards

Moutahed inks Marc Salyers - by Rabih Khoury

Moutahed Tripoly signed their first import for the 2012-2013 by inking American veteran forward Marc Salyers (205-F-79, college: Samford). Salyers will finally play in Lebanon after he missed his chance last season with both Sagesse and Anibal. The former Euroleague star will join his former coach where both won the French League with Chorale de Roanne where Saleyrs was named player of the year. Moutahed are still looking for their second import who will be a combo guard !!

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LITHUANIA

Rudupis Prienu and Juventus play friendlies - by Eurobasket News

Rudupis Prienu overcame Triumph 95:85. The Russian team won the first period 23-20 and added 20-13 in the second frame. Later on the later however was dominated by Rudupis Prienu. The latter posted two same quarters in the second half to win them both with 30-21 surge. Gintaras Kadziulis (193-G-80) and Gediminas Orelik top-scored for the winners with 20 points each, while Zygimantas Janavicius (192-G-89, agency: Interperformances) had 18. Arnas Labuckas scored 12 and Arturas Milaknis (195-G-86) netted 11. Landry replied with 24 points in defeat and Artiom Kuziakin brought 16.
Earlier Triumph overcame Juventus 82:76. The Russian team opened the game with 23-14, but allowed the Lithuanian team to respond with 27-19 in the second frame. Only due to the second half Triumph managed to seal the victory. They posted 21-19 in the third quarter and finished the game with 19-16 in the last. Sergey Karasev (202-SG-93) top-scored for the winners with 34 points and Evgeny Valiev (205-F-90, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) added 9.

Dnipro clinch STIHL Cup title - by Eurobasket News

Dnipro claimed STIHL Cup title in Lithuania. They overcame Siauliai 85:66 in the Final. Daniel Kickert (208-C/F-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) and Derrick Low (188-PG-86, college: Washington St.) posted 21 points each to lead the Ukrainian team. Siauliai led by a single point 19:18 after the opening quarter. But Dnipro used a 28:18 run in the second quarter to surge ahead. The visitors stayed dominant in the third term. They posted a 70:53 lead at the final intermission. Dnipro limited Siauliai to 13 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the victory at the end. Timofeyenko provided 13 points for the winners. Vitali Liutych (197-SG-92) answered with 16 points for Siauliai. Ovidijus Galdikas (217-C-88) netted 12 points in the loss.
Meanwhile Kryvbasbasket occupied the third position at the tournament. They outgunned Liatkabelis 85:71 in the second day of the tourney. Zoran Krstanovic (204-C-82, agency: TSS Management) accounted for 21 points to lead the Ukrainian team. Vitali Malchevskiy (204-F-87) added 15 points, while Pierce Caldwell (191-G-88, agency: Alti Sport, college: Incarnate Word) had 14 in the winning effort. Gytis Sirutavicius (195-SF-83) delivered 12 points for Liatkabelis. Kaspars Cipruss (210-C-82, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 11 points in the losing case.

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MACAU

2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Uzbekistan confidently open their campaign - by Eurobasket News

Uzbekistan - Macau 81:61

Uzbekistan celebrated the first win at the 2012 Fiba Asia Cup in Japan. They rolled past Macau in Group A. Aleksandr Kozlov (201-F-82) finished with 24 points and 15 rebounds to lead the winners. Macau fell at 0-2 record after the defeat.
Uzbekistan held their opponents to 11 points in the first frame to take a 3-point lead. Macau however surprised Uzbekistan in the second term and earned a 27:26 halftime lead. Uzbekistan made some necessary arrangements during the big break and fired from all guns in the third quarter. They easily cleared off to a 17-point distance before the fourth quarter. Uzbekistan erupted for 29 points in the final term and sealed the victory at the end. Vyacheslav Denisov (195-G-83) delivered 19 points, while Aleksandr Yahin (205-C-89) added 14 points for the winners. Fu In (178-SG-88) answered with 12 points for Macau. Shao Bing Cai (191-PG-92) had 10 points in the loss.

Uzbekistan: Aleksandr Kozlov 24+15 boards, Vyacheslav Denisov 19, Aleksandr Yahin 14
Macau: Fu In 12, Shao Bing Cai 10

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MALTA

Floriana lands Phillip Thomas - by Eurobasket

Floriana Francesco Fenech (Powerade League) landed 23-year old American forward Phillip Thomas (203-113kg-89). He has only college experience while playing for Idaho, E.Utah JC and then for Portland State University (NCAA). Thomas missed last season and had one year break from professional basketball.
So his pro career will start in Malta.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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MEXICO

Standings - LNBP

LNBP Standings

1. Halc.Xalapa		4-0
2. Toros		4-0
3. Halc.Rojos		3-1
4. Fuerza Regia		3-1
5. Panteras		3-1
6. Pioneros		3-1
7. Corr.Victoria		2-2
8. Abejas		2-2
9. Barreteros		2-2
10. Huracanes		2-2
11. Guerreros		1-3
12. Lechugueros		1-3
13. Osos		1-3
14. Soles		1-3
15. Gansos		0-4
16. Gigantes		0-4

Regular Season: Round 4

Sep. 13: Lechugueros - Gigantes 88-85
Sep. 13: Abejas - Osos 87-79
Sep. 13: Barreteros - Fuerza Regia 71-82
Sep. 13: Panteras - Toros 63-72
Sep. 13: Corr.Victoria - Guerreros 107-83
Sep. 13: Halc.Rojos - Pioneros 104-94
Sep. 13: Halc.Xalapa - Soles 102-86
Sep. 13: Huracanes - Gansos 100-72

Regular Season: Round 6

Sep. 20: Pioneros - Panteras
Sep. 20: Soles - Barreteros
Sep. 20: Guerreros - Lechugueros
Sep. 20: Gansos - Abejas
Sep. 21: Toros - Halc.Rojos
Sep. 21: Fuerza Regia - Halc.Xalapa
Sep. 20: Gigantes - Corr.Victoria
Sep. 20: Osos - Huracanes

Osos de Guadalajara lands Camacho - by Eurobasket Center

Osos de Guadalajara (LNBP) strengthened their roster with addition of 23-year old forward Jorge Camacho (200-F-89, college: E.Kentucky). In his first game he scored 7 points. However his new team lost to Abejas 79-87. Camacho played most recently at Rayos de Hermosillo (CIBACOPA). While playing 51 games for Hermosillo last season he averaged 9.1ppg, 4.4rpg and 1.2apg. He helped them to win the championship title. Camacho graduated Eastern Kentucky University in 2009 and it will be his fourth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Lechugueros de Leon sign Jermaine Walker - by Eurobasket Center

Lechugueros de Leon (LNBP) signed 35-year old American forward Jermaine Walker (198-F-102kg-77, college: Miami, FL). In his first game he scored 21 points and grabbed 4 rebounds helping his new team beat Gigantes 88-85. Walker played most recently at Guaros de Lara (Venezuela). While playing 7 games for Guaros last season his stats were: 9.4ppg, 3.7rpg and 1.1spg. He is a very experienced player. Walker played also pro basketball in Argentina, Colombia, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Japan, Philippines and Venezuela. He graduated University of Miami, Florida in 1997 and it will be his 16th season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Michael Munoz joins Gigantes Edomex - by Eurobasket Center

Gigantes Edomex (LNBP) agreed terms with Michael Munoz. In his first game he scored 12 points, grabbed 3 rebounds and 6 assists. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Lechugueros 85-88. Munoz played most recently at Toros Nuevo Laredo (LNBP).

By Eurobasket Data Center

Lechugueros de Leon lands Camara - by Eurobasket Center

Lechugueros de Leon (LNBP) strengthened their roster with addition of 31-year old Senegalese ex-international center Babacar Camara (211-C-113kg-81, college: CS Fullerton). In his first game he scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds helping his new team beat Gigantes 88-85. Camara played most recently at Kyoto Hannaryz (Japan). While playing 39 games for Kyoto Hannar. last season he averaged 8.0ppg and 5.1rpg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Camara is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in China, France, Italy, Japan, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Senegal. Camara graduated California State University, Fullerton in 2004 and it will be his nineth season in pro basketball. Camara played for Senegalese senior national until 2005.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Gigantes Edomex adds Morris to their roster - by Eurobasket Center

Gigantes Edomex (LNBP) added to their roster American guard Adam Morris (185-G, college: Tex.A&M-Kingsv.). In his first game he scored 2 points. However his new team lost to Lechugueros 85-88. Morris played most recently at Toros Nuevo Laredo (LNBP). He just graduated Texas A&M University - Kingsville and it will be his first season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

LNBP Round 4: Undefeated Pioneros lose their first game against Halcones Rojos - by Eurobasket News

LNBP Regular Season is still in too early stage and there may be still significant changes in the standings. There was no lack of excitement in the last round games. The round ended with loss of the undefeated team, favorites losing the games, games ending by tiny margin and even winless team recording their first victory.

The most surprising game was the first loss of undefeated Pioneros (3-1) in Veracruz on Thursday night. Visitors were defeated by seventh ranked Halcones Rojos (3-1) 104-94. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Pioneros. The game was mostly controlled by Halcones Rojos. Pioneros managed to win third quarter 28-24. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Halcones Rojos looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Pioneros' players. 25 personal fouls committed by Pioneros helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of Puerto Rican point guard Carlos Rivera (187-83, college: Hofstra, agency: Paris Global Sports) who helped to win the game recording 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and the former international forward Noe Alonzo (200-83, college: Grand Canyon) who added 22 points during the contest. At the losing side the former international guard Forrest Fisher (193-80) responded with 25 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Halcones Rojos have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Pioneros. Halcones Rojos is looking forward to face Soles (#14) in Mexicali in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Pioneros will play on the road against the league's leader Halcones UV Xalapa (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very significant was Fuerza Regia's (#6) 82-71 road victory against 5th ranked Barreteros. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Barreteros. The winners were led by American center Lance Allred (211-81, college: Weber St., agency: SportsTalent) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds and Terrence Shannon supported him with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Fuerza Regia's coach Dan Tacheny allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 16 points and 4 steals by Michael Batte did not help to save the game for Barreteros. Fuerza Regia have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Barreteros at the other side dropped to the seventh position with two games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Fuerza Regia will play against Panteras (#5) in Aguascalientes in the next round. Barreteros will play at home against the league's second-placed Toros in Nuevo Laredo and hope to get back on the winning track.
Quite upsetting was Panteras' (#2) home defeat in a game versus top-ranked Toros 72-63. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Panteras. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Rene Rougeau fired a double-double by scoring 20 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks for the winners. Ricardo Melendez produced 18 points for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Toros have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Halc.Xalapa. Loser Panteras dropped to the third place with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Toros will meet Barreteros (#9) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Panteras will play against Fuerza Regia (#4) in Monterrey and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Lechugueros has registered their first victory this season after three consecutive loses. They used home court advantage to defeat Gigantes (0-4) 88-85. It was a very good performance for Jermaine Walker who helped to win the game recording 21 points. Lechugueros' coach Harold Arceneaux used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Lechugueros (1-3) left bottom position moving up to eleventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. It was Gigantes' fourth loss in a row. Newly promoted team still closes the standings with four games lost. Lechugueros' next round opponent will be Osos (#13). Gigantes will play against Abejas in Guanajuato and hope to get finally their first victory.
LNBP top team - Halcones UV Xalapa (4-0) had no problems winning another game on Thursday. This time they beat eighth ranked Soles (1-3) 102-86. Worth to mention a quality performance of LeRoy Hickerson who helped to win the game recording 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Halcones UV Xalapa's coach Angel Gonzalez used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Halcones UV Xalapa have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record, which they share with Toros. Loser Soles dropped to the eleventh place with three games lost. Halcones UV Xalapa will face Pioneros (#6) in Cancun in the next round where they are favorite. Soles will play on the road against Halcones Rojos (#3) in Veracruz.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 4: Osos lost to Abejas on the opponent's court 79-87. Corr.Victoria outscored Guerreros in a home game 107-83. Winless Gansos were rolled over Huracanes on the road 100-72.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 37 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds by Travis Gabbidon of Guerreros.

Halc.Rojos - Pioneros 104-94

The most surprising game was the first loss of undefeated Pioneros (3-1) in Veracruz on Thursday night. Visitors were defeated by seventh ranked Halcones Rojos (3-1) 104-94. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Pioneros. The game was mostly controlled by Halcones Rojos. Pioneros managed to win third quarter 28-24. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Halcones Rojos looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Pioneros' players. 25 personal fouls committed by Pioneros helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of Puerto Rican point guard Carlos Rivera (187-83, college: Hofstra, agency: Paris Global Sports) who helped to win the game recording 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and the former international forward Noe Alonzo (200-83, college: Grand Canyon) who added 22 points during the contest. At the losing side the former international guard Forrest Fisher (193-80) responded with 25 points and Jamaican-American point guard Akeem Scott (186-83, college: High Point) scored 16 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Halcones Rojos have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Pioneros. Halcones Rojos is looking forward to face Soles (#14) in Mexicali in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Pioneros will play on the road against the league's leader Halcones UV Xalapa (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Halc.Rojos: N.Alonzo 22+3reb+3ast, C.Rivera 17+5reb+6ast, L.Davis 14+5reb, L.Bethelmy 10+8reb+2ast, M.Mitchell 9+1reb+2ast, J.Aubry 8+3reb+2ast
Pioneros: F.Fisher 25+3reb+2ast, J.Harris 18+1reb+1ast, A.Scott 16+4reb+3ast, J.Dominguez 10+1ast, H.Hernandez 7+2reb, C.Turley 4+4reb+1ast

Halc.Xalapa - Soles 102-86

LNBP top team - Halcones UV Xalapa (4-0) had no problems winning another game on Thursday. This time they beat eighth ranked Soles (1-3) 102-86. The hosts trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 102-86. Halcones UV Xalapa made 25-of-32 free shots (78.1 percent) during the game, while Soles only scored eight points from the stripe. Soles were plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a quality performance of American guard LeRoy Hickerson (196-82, college: Cumberlands) who helped to win the game recording 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and Venezuelan point guard Gregory Vargas (180-86) who added 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (made all of his seven free throws) during the contest. Halcones UV Xalapa's coach Angel Gonzalez used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to get some rest. At the losing side the former international forward Roman Martinez (201-88, college: N.Mexico) responded with 28 points and 6 rebounds and American guard Carl Elliott (193-83, college: G.Washington, agency: SportsTalent) scored 10 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Halcones UV Xalapa have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record, which they share with Toros. Loser Soles dropped to the eleventh place with three games lost. Halcones UV Xalapa will face Pioneros (#6) in Cancun in the next round where they are favorite. Soles will play on the road against Halcones Rojos (#3) in Veracruz.
Top scorers:
Halc.Xalapa: G.Vargas 22+6reb+4ast, L.Hickerson 22+7reb+5ast, F.Harris 14+4reb+1ast, S.Monroe 14+1reb+2ast, O.Mendez-Valdez 10+2reb+2ast, V.Mariscal 8+3reb+3ast
Soles: R.Martinez 28+6reb+2ast, J.Griffin 11+1reb+1ast, J.Luis Bucio 10+2reb+1ast, C.Elliott 10+3reb+6ast, N.Doaks 7+6reb+2ast, J.Flores 6+5ast

Barreteros - Fuerza Regia 71-82

Very significant was Fuerza Regia's (#6) 82-71 road victory against 5th ranked Barreteros. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Barreteros. The game without a history. Fuerza Regia led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Fuerza Regia had a 30-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Fuerza Regia especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 58.8 percentage. The winners were led by American center Lance Allred (211-81, college: Weber St., agency: SportsTalent) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import forward Terrence Shannon (203-79, college: Elgin CC, agency: Paris Global Sports) supported him with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Fuerza Regia's coach Dan Tacheny allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 16 points and 4 steals by Michael Batte did not help to save the game for Barreteros. American guard Jason Horton (188-86, college: Missouri) added 12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Fuerza Regia have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Barreteros at the other side dropped to the seventh position with two games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Fuerza Regia will play against Panteras (#5) in Aguascalientes in the next round. Barreteros will play at home against the league's second-placed Toros in Nuevo Laredo and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Fuerza Regia: L.Allred 22+10reb+1ast, T.Shannon 16+7reb, G.Grays 11+2reb+5ast, G.Stokes 10+2reb+4ast, G.Giron 9+3reb+1ast, M.Strobbe 5+2reb+1ast
Barreteros: M.Batte 16+4reb+2ast, J.Habel 12+4reb+4ast, C.Silva 12+6reb+1ast, J.Horton 12+5reb+4ast, A.Chacon 8+1reb, R.Loera Almanza 4+2reb

Lechugueros - Gigantes 88-85

Lechugueros has registered their first victory this season after three consecutive loses. They used home court advantage to defeat Gigantes (0-4) 88-85. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Gigantes won fourth quarter 22-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Lechugueros players were unselfish on offense dishing 27 assists. It was a very good performance for American forward Jermaine Walker (198-77, college: Miami, FL) who helped to win the game recording 21 points. Senegalese center Babacar Camara (211-81, college: CS Fullerton) contributed with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Four Lechugueros players scored in double figures. Lechugueros' coach Harold Arceneaux used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American guard Sam Liggins (178, college: Alders.-Broad.) replied with 24 points and 5 assists and British V.Islands-Vincentian center John Gardiner (203-83, college: Sam Houston St.) added 21 points and 8 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) in the effort for Gigantes. Lechugueros (1-3) left bottom position moving up to eleventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. It was Gigantes' fourth loss in a row. Newly promoted team still closes the standings with four games lost. Lechugueros' next round opponent will be Osos (#13). Gigantes will play against Abejas in Guanajuato and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Lechugueros: J.Walker 21+4reb+1ast, A.Sanchez 15+2reb+4ast, B.Camara 13+11reb+2ast, E.Martin 13+2reb, R.Johns 12+2reb+6ast, E.Cuen 9+1reb+3ast
Gigantes: S.Liggins 24+4reb+5ast, J.Gardiner 21+8reb+3ast, M.Munoz 12+3reb+6ast, M.BRIGGS 11+8reb, A.Velarde 7+3reb+4ast, Z.Alvidrez 6+1reb+2ast

Abejas - Osos 87-79

Everything could happen in Guanajuato at the game between two tied teams. Both ninth ranked Abejas and 11th ranked Osos had identical 1-2 record. This time Abejas used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from 87-79 on Thursday night. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 24-17. But Osos won second period 25-22. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Abejas dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Osos' 32. Osos were plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. Americans were the main players on the court. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Steffphon Pettigrew (195, college: W.Kentucky) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and forward Eugene Phelps (198, college: Long Beach St.) who added 18 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side forward Keith Gayden (202-83, college: Duquesne) responded with 17 points and 8 rebounds and guard Marlyn Bryant (193-82, college: S.Florida) scored 20 points. Abejas (2-2) moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. Osos lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keep the eleventh position with three games lost. Abejas will face bottom-ranked Gigantes (#16) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Osos will play against Lechugueros (#12) in Leon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Abejas: S.Pettigrew 23+4reb+3ast, E.Phelps 18+5reb+2ast, M.Mattis 17+5reb+2ast, J.Malpica 8+1reb, V.Buelna 7+2reb+2ast, A.Sandoval 6+3reb+2ast
Osos: M.Bryant 20+2reb+2ast, K.Gayden 17+8reb, J.Smith 15+7reb+1ast, J.Camacho 7, E.Zuniga 6+4reb, M.Helton 5+3reb+2ast

Corr.Victoria - Guerreros 107-83

Everything could happen in Ciudad Victoria at the game between two tied teams. Both thirteenth ranked Correcaminos and 10th ranked Guerreros had identical 1-2 record. This time Correcaminos used a home court advantage and smashed the opponent from 107-83 on Thursday night. The game was mostly controlled by Correcaminos. Guerreros was better in fourth quarter 28-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Americans were the main players on the court. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Rodney Alexander (201-87, college: Oklahoma City) who helped to win the game recording 31 points and 6 rebounds and swingman O'Louis McCullough (198-82, college: Francis Marion) who added 30 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side forward Travis Gabbidon (201, college: UTSA) responded with 37 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds and forward Chris Kaba (203-88, college: N.Colorado) scored 13 points and 9 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Correcaminos (2-2) moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. Guerreros lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the eleventh position with three games lost. Correcaminos will face Gansos (#15) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Guerreros will play against Huracanes (#10) in Tampico and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Corr.Victoria: R.Alexander 31+6reb+3ast, O.McCullough 30+5reb, B.Heredia 20+3reb+2ast, D.Riley 8+9reb, J.Sanchez 5+4reb+2ast, J.Sanchez 4+1reb+1ast
Guerreros: T.Gabbidon 37+9reb, C.Kaba 13+9reb, A.Alamo 13+6reb, M.Hunter 8+2ast, J.Carino 4+1ast, D.Toralva 4+1reb+2ast

Huracanes - Gansos 100-72

Not a big story in a game in Tampico where bottom-ranked Gansos (0-4) were rolled over by twelfth ranked Huracanes (2-2) 100-72 on Thursday. The game without a history. Huracanes led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Gansos' 40. Huracanes looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Gansos' players. Gansos were plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Americans were the main players on the court. Worth to mention a great performance of swingman Marcus Morrison (198-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.) who helped to win the game recording 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and swingman Anthony Johnson (197-79, college: La-Lafayette, agency: Interperformances) who added 17 points and 5 assists during the contest. Four Huracanes players scored in double figures. At the losing side CamRon Clay (203-82) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) and guard Devin Chambers (188-86, college: S.Maine) scored 18 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Huracanes moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Gansos still closes the standings with four games lost. Huracanes will face Guerreros (#11) in the next round. Gansos will play against Correcaminos (#7) in Ciudad Victoria and look forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Huracanes: M.Morrison 17+6reb+5ast, A.Johnson 17+3reb+5ast, O.Quintero 17+2reb+4ast, J.Farrera 11+5reb+3ast, R.Marshall 9+5reb+1ast, M.Pilgrim 9+4reb
Gansos: C.Clay 22+12reb, D.Chambers 18+3reb+3ast, I.Silva 14+7reb+2ast, J.Perez 5+1reb+2ast, D.Pineda 4+6reb, C.Geyne 3+1reb

Panteras - Toros 63-72

Quite upsetting was Panteras' (#2) home defeat in a game versus top-ranked Toros 72-63. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Panteras. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Toros made 8 blocks. American swingman Rene Rougeau (198-86, college: UNLV, agency: ProSportsCareers) fired a double-double by scoring 20 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks for the winners. The former international forward Jesus Lopez (205-83, college: SW Baptist) chipped in 14 points. Puerto Rican point guard Ricardo Melendez (179-83) produced 18 points and the former international guard Karim Malpica (190-78) added 10 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Toros have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Halc.Xalapa. Loser Panteras dropped to the third place with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Toros will meet Barreteros (#9) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Panteras will play against Fuerza Regia (#4) in Monterrey and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Toros: R.Rougeau 20+13reb+3ast, J.Lopez 14+4reb+1ast, I.Ofoegbu 10+6reb+2ast, Q.Gonzalez 9+2reb, B.Angley 8+1reb+4ast, L.Ellis Vasquez 5+6reb+2ast
Panteras: R.Melendez 18+3reb+3ast, L.Nailon 16+4reb+1ast, K.Malpica 10+7reb+5ast, A.Garcia 8+11reb+2ast, J.Alfredo Casillas 7+8reb+4ast, A.Gonzalez 2+3reb+1ast

Alexander number one in Mexican LNBP for round 4 - by Eurobasket News

American forward Rodney Alexander (201-F-87) had a great game in the last round for Corr.Victoria, receiving a Latinbasket.com LNBP Player of the Week award for round 4.
The 25-year old player was the main contributor (31 points, six rebounds and three assists) to his team's victory, helping them to crush Guerreros (#11, 1-3) with 24-point margin 107-83. Corr.Victoria is placed at 7th position in Mexican LNBP. Corr.Victoria is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 2-2 record. In the team's last game Alexander had a remarkable 64.3% from 2-point range. He turned to be Corr.Victoria's top player in his first season with the team. Former Oklahoma City University star has very solid stats this year. Alexander. Alexander is in league's top in points (3rd best: 22.0ppg) and averages impressive 60.6% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was -year old American Travis Gabbidon (201-F) of Guerreros. Gabbidon had a very good evening with 37 points and 9 rebounds. Bad luck as Guerreros lost that game 83-107 to the higher-ranked Corr.Victoria (#7, 2-2). This loss caused Guerreros to drop to 11th position in the standings. 3 lost games are too many comparing to just one victory Guerreros managed to get this year. Gabbidon is a newcomer at Guerreros, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.7ppg (#4). He also registered 4.7 boards per game. Former The Univ.of Texas - San Antonio star Gabbidon is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market.

Third on the list of top players last round was British V.Islands center John Gardiner (203-C-83) of Gigantes (#16). Gardiner scored 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Despite Gardiner's great performance Gigantes lost 85-88 to the higher-ranked Lechugueros (#12, 1-3). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Gigantes can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have awful season losing so far all 4 games. Too bad for Gardiner he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Gardiner has individually a great season in Mexico. After only 3 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 19.3ppg (9th best) and rebounds with 8.7rpg (4th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. CamRon Clay (203-PF-82) of Gansos - 22 points and 12 rebounds
5. Rene Rougeau (198-G/F-86) of Toros - 20 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists
6. LeRoy Hickerson (196-G-82) of Halc.Xalapa - 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Brandon Heredia (180-G-85) of Corr.Victoria - 20 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Carlos Rivera (187-PG-83) of Halc.Rojos - 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists
9. O'Louis McCullough (198-G/F-82) of Corr.Victoria - 30 points and 5 rebounds
10. Roman Martinez (201-F-88) of Soles - 28 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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MONTENEGRO

BC Sutjeska announced the newcomers for 2012/2013 season - by Darko Pekic

Basketball Club Sutjeska from Niksic announced today the names of newcomers for the upcoming season. It seems that the finalist from last season will play an important role in the next season also as they brought the duo from BC Podgorica and Niksic born players- Luka Djurovic (190-G-95) and Marko Perovic (203-C-92) as well as three other players born and raised in Nksic: Radoje Djurkovic (198-C/F-87), Nikola Pavlicevic (192-SG-88) and Marko Calic (195-G/F-86).

The club also hired former Jedinstvo and Buducnost head coach Aleksandar Curovic as coordinator of all youth selections and Velibor Mrvaljevic, as youth team coach.

Djukanovic and Radovic parted ways with Buducnost - by Darko Pekic

Buducnost parted ways today with two players- Nemanja Radovic (206-F/C-91, agency: Beo Basket) and Milutin Djukanovic (190-PG-91). Two former U20 National Team members of Montenegro did not get many minutes in Podgorica last season and probably their situation would be similar in the next season and the Club decided to part pays with them.

Djukanovic is a product of Lovcen. He also spent some time in Ulcinj before joining Buducnost. Radovic was one of the biggest prospects in his generation when he decided to move from Mornar to Buducnost in 2011. But he did not get a real chance last year to make a step forward in his career. Both players are now free agents.

Updates from Herceg Novi: Primorje is now called Primorje 1945 - by Darko Pekic

Basketball club Primorje from Herceg Novi started today their season preparation and announced that they had brought six newcomers for the 2012/2013 season. And it will probably not be the end of their transfer activities. The newcomers are former Buducnost and Danilovgrad point guard and U20 NT member of Montenegro, Bojan Ratkovic (181-PG-92), U18 NT member of Montenegro Vaso Popovic (184-G-94) who came from Mediteran, his teammates Stefan Perovic (202-F/C-93) who played for Buducnost also, and Serbian players Nemanja Mitic, Djordje Jakovljevic and Aleksandar Radenkovic (185-G-92).

They will join the players that played for Primorje last year: Denis Arapovic (188-G-92), Stefan Arapovic (191-G/F-90), Jovan Bacovic (197-F-86), Veselin Kovacevic (200-F-94), Luka Savic (199-F-95) and Rajko Krivokapic (199-F-85).Two youth players participated in the first practice: Mirko Dabovic (1994) and Pavle Roganovic (1995). The club will be called this year Primorje 1945 and it will represent all the clubs from Municipality of Herceg Novi, which means they all will participate in Primorje's activities. The news is that all youth selections will be reorganized and Primorje will have six youth selections next season coached by local coaches. The head coach Dejan Jevtic will be assisted by the former point guard of Primorje Milutin Bulatovic (178-G-84) and ex Buducnost youth team coach 'Como' Perovic.

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NBA

Lester Hudson Close To Chinese DongGuan, Pooh Jeter & Vroman Jackson Near Shandong - by David Pick

Former NBA and Euroleague forward Marcus Haislip, who recently signed in China with the DongGuan Leopards, is heavily recruiting former CBA championship teammate Lester Hudson, sources told Eurobasket.

DongGuan already agreed to terms with former California State Fullerton bullseye shooter Josh Akognon, however, Haislip apparently suggested Hudson to DongGuan owners as a better fit. The ex-NBAer who according to sources has already agreed to financial terms with the Chinese club, is expected to sign the paperwork within the next few days.

Hudson, a 6'3" 28-year-old guard out of Tennessee-Martin, was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 58th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.

Hudson had NBA stints with the Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Memphis Grizzlies, and a pair of D-League teams before heading to China in January, 2011, where he won the domestic title for the Guandong Tigers. Hudson started last season with Chinese Qingdao Double Star where he finished second in the league in scoring (33.6ppg) and steals (2.9spg), and fourth in the league in assists (6.3apg) along with 7 boards per game. Later that season, Hudson returned to the United States where he would join the Austin Toros, and sign two 10-day contracts with the Cleveland Cavaliers before ending up with the Memphis Grizzlies.

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In related news, Eurobasket sources informed that Chinese Shandong Bulls agreed to terms of a one-year deal with 6'10" American-Lebanese Vroman Jackson and 5'11" bullet-like point guard Pooh Jeter.

Jackson, 31, a versatile rebounding and scoring power-forward/center was selected (31) in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. Jackson was traded to the New Orleans Hornets before moving overseas to play in Spain, Lithuania, Iran, China, Korea, and Philippines, where he finished last season, recording double-doubles of 16.6 points and 12 rebounds, along with 4.1 dimes, 1.4 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game.

Shandong's second recruit is the 29-year-old California native Pooh Jeter, brother of Olympian Gold medalist sprinter Carmelita Jeter.

Jeter, a high volume explosive shooter played 61 games for the Sacramento Kings during the 2010-11 season, prior to signing with Spanish Joventut Badalona where he spent last season, posting 11.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.

In 2009, Jeter recorded a European career high of 39 points on 9/10 shooting from beyond the arc, including a game winning buzzer-beating trey to lead Hapoel Jerusalem to a 102-99 road win over Hapoel Afula. Jeter recently turned down a guaranteed offer from Germany's Division I Artland Dragons.

Clippers sign Matt Barnes - by Eurobasket News

The Los Angeles Clippers signed free agent forward Matt Barnes (6'7''-F-80, college: UCLA).

With Carol Butler as the likely starter at small forward, Barnes should be able to provide nice bench depth.

The Clippers also have Lamar Odom, who can fill in at either forward spot but is more of a big-man than a small forward.

The nine-year NBA veteran has averaged 7.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 21.3 minutes over his career. In 63 games played for the Lakers last season, Barnes tallied 7.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

This marks Barnes second stint with the Clippers. After signing with Los Angeles as a free agent rookie in 2003-04, he averaged 4.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 19.1 minutes in 38 games played that season.

Barnes turned in his most productive NBA campaign with the Phoenix Suns during the 2008-09 season. In 77 games played (40 starts) with the Suns, Barnes averaged a career-high 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 27.0 minutes per game.

Aside from the Clippers, Lakers and Suns, Barnes has also played for the Sacramento Kings, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic over his career.

Barnes was originally drafted in the second round (46th overall selection) of the 2002 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies but was traded to Cleveland prior to the start of his rookie season. After being waived by the Cavaliers during training camp, Barnes played 50 games for Fayetteville of the NBA D-League averaging 9.7 points and 3.3 rebounds during the 2002 season.

During his four-year collegiate career at UCLA (1998-2002), Barnes tallied 8.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 22.6 minutes per game. Barnes helped lead the Bruins to NCAA Tournament appearances in all four of his seasons at UCLA, including three straight appearances in the Sweet Sixteen.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Lakers sign Darius Johnson-Odom to non-guaranteed contract - by Eurobasket News

The Lakers signed second-round draft pick Darius Johnson-Odom (6'2''-PG-89, college: Marquette) to a non-guaranteed contract and extended an invitation to training camp.

Theyre a little guard heavy so he has to play really well to make the team, said Lance Young, Johnson-Odoms agent.

The Lakers were high enough on Johnson-Odom to pay the Dallas Mavericks about $500,000 so they could move up and select the shooting guard from Marquette with the 55th pick in the draft. But Johnson-Odom struggled with his shooting touch in summer league games and the Lakers signed Jodie Meeks to become their primary backup shooting guard.

The 6-foot-2 Johnson-Odom averaged 3.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 15.8 minutes during the summer league.

He didnt play how he would have liked, Young said.

Young said he had expected Johnson-Odom to be an immediate contributor for the Lakers this season after he averaged 18.3 points during his senior season and earned first team All-Big East Conference honors.

Recent developments have complicated those hopes.

After the Dwight Howard trade and signing Jodie Meeks, it made it a little bit tougher for him, Young said. The odds are stacked against him a little bit versus a few weeks ago.

Courtesy of www.latimes.com

Jazz sign 2nd round pick Kevin Murphy - by Eurobasket News

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has signed second-round draft pick Kevin Murphy (6'6''-G-90, college: Tenn Tech). Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released.

The 6-7, 185-pound guard out of Tennessee Tech was selected 47th overall by the Jazz in the 2012 NBA Draft. In five games (two starts) for the Jazz entry in the 2012 Orlando Pro Summer League, Murphy averaged 8.6 points and 2.4 rebounds in 23 minutes of action.

A native of Atlanta, Ga., Murphy amassed 2,019 points, 535 rebounds and 248 assists in four years at Tennessee Tech. During his senior season in 2011-12, he averaged 20.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 34.5 minutes.

Murphy, who ranks second all-time at Tennessee Tech in scoring, was twice named to the All-Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) First Team (2011, 2012) as well as the OVC All-Tournament Team (2011, 2012). Following his freshman season, he was named to the 2009 OVC All-New Comer Team.

Courtesy of www.abc4.com

Chris Bosh willing to play center - by Eurobasket News

When Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) joined the Miami Heat in the summer of 2010, he told himself his days of playing center were finished. But after manning the 5 often in the Heat's run to the title last season, Bosh is willing to reconsider.

When Miami opens the 2012-13 season against the Boston Celtics on Oct. 30, Bosh said he expects to be listed as the starting center.

"It's becoming natural to me," Bosh told ESPN.com on Thursday. "I have a very unique opportunity to do something very special for myself and my team. I think all the time that you have to evolve and get better. This is me evolving as a player."

The 6-foot-11, 235-pound power forward said he was reluctant to make the change after dabbling at center in his time with the Toronto Raptors. Teammate LeBron James also initially shied away from playing down low, as well as being labeled as a point guard, with the Heat, preferring the comfort zone of small forward.

But James seemed more open to other roles and labels last season, earning the nickname "1-through-5" from Heat coach Erik Spoelstra for his ability to guard each position.

After seeing the results and the persistence of his coaches, Bosh ultimately relented as well. In Miami's amorphous lineup, the 28-year-old Bosh essentially manned the center role in the playoffs, playing next to forwards Udonis Haslem or Shane Battier as opposed to centers Joel Anthony or Ronny Turiaf in each of his nine postseason starts.

"It kept happening," Bosh said. "It's been happening since my rookie year. When I signed in Miami, I said, 'That's it. No more 5!' Next thing I know, I'm there again.

"And the coaches, I was just listening to what they were saying. They said, 'We're a much better team with you at the 5.' I said, 'Well ... OK.' Next thing I know we win a championship. It's like, 'Well. I've done myself a great service. And I'm gonna be at the center.' There's really no debating that. I just accept it and see how I can get better at it."

Bosh worked on his 3-point range before last season to make himself more flexible for Spoelstra's nontraditional style, and the Miami Herald reported Sunday that Bosh added 6 pounds of lean muscle to ready himself for a season at center for the Heat, who signed shooters Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis this summer but again failed to add much help down low.

"We're such a unique team," Bosh said. "We have such great guys that are very talented. It's just all over the place -- I may be at the top of the key, I might be in the corner, I might be on the block, I might be on the wing. I prepare for everything."

Calling himself a center, however, may take some getting used to.

"The center, I've kind of taken the label off it," he said. "I just want to be out there playing. I just consider myself a player. I'm gonna play my game, I'm not gonna change up anything, I'm gonna try and improve, and if we're better with me at the center, then I'm willing to do it."

The Heat seemed that way last season, fighting off outside pressure to win 46 regular-season games (second-best in the Eastern Conference) and then a Bosh abdominal strain that cost the Heat big man nine playoff games en route to their first championship in the Big Three era.

Bosh said the palpable pressure the Heat faced last season is gone and he's beginning to tuck the memories away as the team readies for training camp. He's already got his eyes on a repeat bid, and has toned up on past champions this offseason to do so.

"I watch those NBA championship DVDs all the time," he said. "I've been watching the back-to-back champs, (trying to find) what happened in a back-to-back year. It's the same thing, and you have to go through the same thing all over again. And they say it's more difficult, so I'm just preparing myself for that."

Miami certainly has its work cut out for itself this season.

The Los Angeles Lakers retooled their lineup by adding two perennial All-Stars in Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, the latter of whom surprised Bosh by landing in L.A. And the Oklahoma City Thunder bring back a speedy team that Bosh called a "testament to where the game is going."

He also cautioned overlooking the New York Knicks.

"I just wanna say -- the freakin' Knicks, man. I think they're going to be a good team," Bosh said. "Nobody's really talking about them, and I don't like it. They're flying under the radar right now. I think the Knicks are gonna be a very good team."

In the meantime, Bosh is soaking in his first title reign in the remaining days of the offseason before beginning the process of his first title defense.

"I get that question all the time: 'Has it really sunk in?' Two weeks into it, I'm like, 'Yeah, it's sunk in!'" he said. "I've been dreaming about this my whole life. It hits me every day.

"But we're in the mode where it's almost time for training camp, so I'm putting those memories right where they belong, in the past. We'll reminisce every now and then, but we have an important job this season coming up. We have to defend our title."

Courtesy of ESPN

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NBLCANADA

NEW ZEALAND

Wollongong Hawks defeat New Zealand Breakers - by Mike Lacey

Having shared the spoils over the first two games, the third and final pre season game between the Sky City Breakers and the Wollongong Hawks was played at Claudelands Arena, Hamilton on Saturday night. Neither team were at full strength with the injured pair of Tom Abercrombie and CJ Bruton absent from the Breakers team and star import Adris Deleon the most notable absentee from the Hawks line up.

The most nervous man in the house was probably Corey Webster (185-G-88, college: Lambuth) who was playing his first competitive game after serving twelve months suspension after a positive drugs test and was keen to impress coaches, team mates and fans alike. He didnt have to wait long for his opportunity checking in after just 4:30 in the first quarter, knocking down a jump shot with his first touch to reduce the Hawks lead to a single point, 12-13. Another score from the guard helped keep the Breakers in touch, as they trailed 21-23 at the first break.

Consecutive dunks from Will Hudson (206-F/C-89, college: Oakland) mid way through the second quarter brought the crowd into the game and stretched the Breakers lead to five points, 38-33.
A Mika Vukona unsportsmanlike foul and resulting free throws helped the visitors reduce the arrears, the lead to the Breakers 44-43 at half time. Vukona with 11 points was the leading scorer in the game at the break.The Breakers shot just 39% from the field (16 from 41) compared with 60% (15 from 25) from the Hawks but out rebounded their opponent 20-9.

Early baskets from Corletto, Henry and a three from Webster maintained the single point advantage before a Vukona basket from a Webster assist stretched the lead, 55-52 with 4:54 on the clock. Hawks import Lance Hurdle evened the scores with a couple of baskets. The sore clock froze on 2:29 as the table officials lost concentration Daniel Jackson took the opportunity to score twice for the Hawks. With normal service resumed Corletto and development player Rueben Te Rangi knocked down threes, Breakers in the ascendancy 71-66 with a quarter remaining.

Corletto opened the Breakers scoring in the final stanza but a couple of Gruber baskets reduced the Breakers lead to two points with 6:37 remaining, and just a single point with 4 minutes on the clock. Cedric Jackson was fouled by Larry Davidson, minor retaliation from Jackson resulting in free throws to the Hawks centre 77-79 the visitors ahead.
Pledger made two points in the paint but consecutive base line threes from Hurdle interspersed by a three from Jackson put the Hawks ahead 85-82.
Jackson missed with another three point effort as did Vukona before Hurdle iced the game for the Hawks from the free throw line to give them an 88-84 victory and a 2-1 series win.
Leading Scorers;
Breakers Jackson 16, Vukona 13, Corletto 13, Hudson 11, Webster 10
Hawks Hurdle 21,Davison 16, Martin 13, Gruber 12.

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PHILIPPINES

Days 1 & 2 of the 2012 FIBA Asia Cup - by Enzo Flojo

The Philippines dropped a heartbreaker against a young Chinese team on Day 1, but bounced back strong by beating Lebanon on Day 2 of competition at the 2012 FIBA Asia Cup in Ota City, Japan.

After two days, Japan is the only team with a 2-0 record, while both Iran and China sat out Day 2 after opening their campaigns with separate wins on Day 1.

Day 1:

IRAN over INDIA, 83-71
SABA Champion India played well beyond expectations as WABA powerhouse Iran missed some of its key players in the first game of the tournament. The Iranians of Coach Memi Becirovic couldnt completely shake off their Indian foes till the fourth quarter, where Iran finally erected and held on to a double-digit lead. Not surprisingly, veterans Samad Nikkhah Bahrami, Hamed Afagh, and Asghar Kardoust led the way for Iran, combining for 51 points. Oshin Sahakian held the fort down low with 11 rebounds and 5 steals. India was led by Vishesh Bhriguvanshis 21 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Amritpal Singh contributed 15 markers and 7 boards. Youngsters Amir Sedighi, Sajjad Mashayekhi, and Saleh Foroutan missed this game because they were still trying to get their visas in order.

IRI 83- Bahrami 23, Afagh 16, Kardoust 12, Davoudi 10, Jamshidi 9, Arghavan 9, Sahakian 4, Aslani 0, Yakhchali 0
IND 71- Bhriguvanshi 21, Singh Al 15, Singh J 12, Pethani 11, Grewal 6, Singh At 2, Singh L 2, Singh Y 2, Kaushik 0, Philip 0, Brar 0, Singh R 0
QS: 23-17, 40-37, 64-58, 83-71

JAPAN over QATAR, 73-69
Host Japan went to work early and had to withstand a furious endgame rally by the retooled Qatari quintet to post their maiden win on Day 1. With his twin brother Joji out of commission due to an ankle injury, Kosuke Takeuchi was the focal point on offense. The Toyota Alvark big man scored 14 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and blocked 1 shot for Coach Kimika Suzukis Hayabusa. He was backstopped by the sniping of Kosuke Kanamaru and Takatoshi Furukawa, who shot 2 triples each. 36-year old JR Sakuragi also added muscle up front with 13 markers, 9 boards, and 2 rejections. Qatar, meanwhile, was led by the combined 34 points of veterans Erfan Ali Saeed and Yaseen Musa.

*Aside from Joji Takeuchi, Japan is missing NT mainstays Takuya Kawamura and Takumi Ishizaki, while Sean HInkley, the Jap-Am forward, changed his name to Sean Ichioka. Qatars supposed naturalized player, Trey Johnson, also didnt play. He was also absent in the team photo, which might mean he wont see action at all, or hes still fixing his papers.

JPN 73- Takeuchi 14, Kanamaru 14, Sakuragi 13, Furukawa 10, Kurihara 9, Tanaka 8, Sakurai 3, Hiejima 2, Ichioka 0, Watanabe 0
QAT 69- Saeed 21, Musa 13, Salem 10, Daoud 8, El Hadary 6, Mohammed M 6, Abdi 5, Ali 0, Mohamed 0
QS: 24-15, 41-36, 61-50, 73-69

LEBANON over MACAU, 120-51
Lebanon started its campaign by emphatically romping past the hapless Macau squad. The WABA powerhouse team was never threatened in this one, with Elie Stephan hitting 6 threes to finish with a game-high 24 points. Iconic star Fadi El-Khatib returned to continental play with aplomb, too, scoring 22 points in just over 20 minutes of play. With the exception of PG Rodrigue Akl, everyone on the Lebanese team scored at least 5 points. As expected. Macau struggled mightily against their taller and more experience foes, with Lo Hip Meng's 14 points leading Coach Li Jins team.

LIB 120- Stephan 24, El Khatib F 22, Rustom 15, Abdel Nour 11, Tabet 10, Hawe 9, El Khatib C 7, Souaid 7, Martinez 5, Thompson 5, Sarkis 5, Akl 0
MAC 51- Lo 14, Lao FI 12, Cai 11, Lai 8, Iong KK 2, Cheong 2, Iong NS 2, Wong 0, Lao CP 0
QS: 17-32, 25-62, 33-92, 51-120

CHINA over PHILIPPINS, 71-68
Coach Fan Bin gambled on letting foul-plagued starting center Wang Zhelin play in the fourth quarter, but it paid off as China erased a late 8-point deficit to thwart the Filipinos on Day 1. Panathinaikos prospect Guo Ailun led the way for the hulking Chinese with 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting. The 18-year old star-in-the-making used a variety of dribble drives to make a beeline to the basket in the final frame. Zhao Tailong also did well with 11 markers, while Zhelin collared 14 caroms in all. Naturalized Pinoy Marcus Douthit struggled to get his shots and finished with just 10 points on 3-of-5 FG shooting. Whats worse, however, was the Philippines missing 10 free throws throughout the game. This was a strong aspect of their game in the recent Jones Cup, and they would do well to rediscover their free throw accuracy.

CHN 71- Guo 18, Zhao 11, Sui 7, Wu 7, Duan 6, Wang ZL 6, Sun 6, Cao Y 4, Yu 3, Zhang 3, Wang ZR 0, Cao F 0
PHI 68- De Ocampo 11, Douthit 10, Fonacier 10, Norwood 9, Tenorio 8, Dillinger 8, David 7, Chan 5, Reyes 0, Thoss 0, Villanueva 0
QS: 18-15, 40-33, 54-56, 71-68

Day 2:

QATAR over INDIA, 84-63
Qatar bottled up Indian scorer Vishesh Bhriguvanshi to just 4-of-13 shooting and utilized a great third quarter scoring binge to bump up their record to 1-1 after their opening day loss to the hosts. Big men Mohd Yousuf Mohammed and Omar Salem combined for 25 points and 19 rebounds to dominate the interior, while Daoud Daoud and Yaseen Musa each poured in a dozen markers for the Gulf powerhouse. Narender Grewal and Rikin Pethani led India with 14 points each, while Amritpal Singh grabbed 12 rebounds on top of his 9 markers.

QAT 84- Mohammed M 13, Daoud 12, Musa 12, Salem 12, Mohamed 9, Mohammed B 8, Saeed 6, Zaidan 6, Abdi 4, Ali 0
IND 63- Grewal 14, Pethani 14, Bhriguvanshi 9, Singh Al 9, Singh J 9, Singh At 4, Singh Y 4, Philip 0
QS: 15-6, 31-25, 58-44, 84-63

JAPAN over TAIWAN, 90-78
JR Sakuragi went to town underneath the hole, the Japanese guards hit their treys, and Team Hayabusa basically ran roughshod over their EABA rivals to post win number 2 in Group B action. Coach Kimikazu Suzukis crew converted 56% of their field goals on their way to the big win. Sakuragi, who plays for the Aisin Seahorses of coach Suzuki, scored 19 points to go along with 10 rebounds and 5 assists in a brilliant all-around performance. Kosuke Takeuchi was also solid with 15 markers and 5 boards, while Takatoshi Furukawa and Kosuke Kanamaru remained accurate from long distance. Tien Lei and Tseng Wen-Ting were the bright spots for Taiwan with 19 and 15 points respectively.

JPN 90- Sakuragi 19, Furukawa 16, Takeuchi 15, Kanamau 10, Tanaka 8, Kurihara 7, Watanabe 7, Sakurai 4, Ichioka 2, Ota 2, Hiejima 0, Nagayoshi 0
TPE 78- Tien 19, Tseng 15, Lee 10, Wu 9, Lin 8, Chang 7, Chen SC 4, Chen HA 4, Lu 2, Mao 0, Creighton 0
QS: 27-14, 53-34, 74-56, 90-78

UZBEKISTAN over MACAU, 81-61
The Uzbeks trailed at the half, but unloaded 26 points on the Macau five in the third period to break the game wide open. The CABA squad also limited the lowly Macanese to just 8 points in that stanza to underscore their dominance. Veteran Aleksandr Kozlov led the way with 24 points and 15 rebounds for Coach Oleg Levin, while Vyacheslav Denisov and Aleksandr Yahin scored 19 and 14 respectively. Lao Fu In led Macau with 21 points on the strength of 4 treys, while Cai Shao bing had 10 markers. This is Uzbekistans first tournament win before they tackle a tough three-game sked to end the eliminations.

UZB 81- Kozlov 24, Denizov 19, Yahin 14, Juginisov 9, Nabiev 5, Nuraliev 4, Rahimov 2, Kadirov 2, Tangrikulov 1, Denisov 1, Timofeev 0, Safarov 0
MAC 61- Lao FI 21, Cai 10, Iong KK 8, Cheong 8, Lai 6, Wong 3, Lo 3, Lao CP 2, Iong NS 0
QS: 14-11, 26-27, 52-35, 81-61

PHILIPPINES over LEBANON, 78-68
The Filipinos outscored the Lebanese 21-12 in the third period and played keep-away till the end to post their first win in Group A action. Marcus Douthit rebounded from a dismal showing against China by scoring 25 points and grabbing 21 rebounds to lead Team Pilipinas past the team that inflicted their only loss in the Jones Cup. The Pinoys also shot much better from the line here, making 10 of their 15 attempts. LA Tenorio, Gabe Norwood, Jared Dillinger, and Gary David all scored in twin digits to backstop Douthits stellar performance. As usual, Fadi El-Khatib was the brightest star for Lebanon with 24 points and 15 boards, while Garnett Thompson also shone with 17 markers and 11 rebounds.

PHI 78- Douthit 25, Tenorio 11, David 11, Norwood 10, Dillinger 10, De Ocampo 8, Fonacier 3, Thoss 0, Chan 0
LIB 68- El Khatib F 24, Thompson 17, Akl 10, Abdel Nour 8, El Khatib C 4, Sarkis 3, Stephan 2, Tabet 0, Rustom 0
QS: 19-20, 38-41, 59-53, 78-68

Source: HoopNut.blogspot.com

2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Philippines upset Lebanon - by Eurobasket News

Philippines - Lebanon 78:68

Philippines clinched the first win at Fiba Asia Cup in Tokyo. They held off Lebanon to gain 1-1 record in Group A. Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) stepped up with 25 points and 21 rebounds as Philippines caught up with Lebanon in the ladder.
It was a tough battle from start to finish. Lebanon snatched a 20:19 lead ten minutes into the game. Lebanon stretched the margin in the second frame. They accounted for a 41:38 halftime lead. But Philippines turned things around in the third quarter. Marcus Douthit and Norwood put Philippines in front. They recorded a 59:53 lead at the final break. Garnett Thompson (206-C/F-80, agency: Veracity Sports, LLC, college: Providence) put Lebanon within two points midway through the final frame but Philippines quickly restored a safe cushion and never looked back en route to the win. Gary David (188-G/F-78) and LA Tenorio (177-PG-84) provided 11 points each for the winners. Fadi Khatib (199-F-79) answered with 24 points and 15 boards for Lebanon. Garnett Thompson had 17 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

Philippines: Marcus Douthit 25+21 boards, Gary David 11, LA Tenorio 11
Lebanon: Fadi Khatib 24+15 boards, Garnett Thompson 17+11 boards

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POLAND

VEF Riga take second win at Kasztelan Cup - by Eurobasket News

VEF Riga - Asseco Prokom 74:61

VEF Riga celebrated the second straight win at the Kasztelan Cup in Wloclawek. They held off Asseco Prokom behind 16 points from Kaspars Berzins (211-PF-85).
VEF Riga jumped to an early lead. They posted a 22:14 advantage after ten minutes. The Latvian champions maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They accumulated a 46:33 halftime advantage. Asseco Prokom managed to cut the deficit to 11 points at the start of the fourth frame. But VEF Riga held their opponents to 13 points in the final period and celebrated a comfortable win at the end. Dairis Bertans (192-SG-89) accounted for 13 points, while Will Daniels (203-F-86, college: Rhode Island) added 10 points in the victory. Mateusz Ponitka (196-G/F-93) answered with 12 points for Asseco Prokom. Lukasz Koszarek (187-PG-84), Drew Viney (203-F-88, college: Loyola Mary) and Jerel Blassingame (175-PG-81, college: UNLV) had 10 points each in the loss.

VEF Riga: Kaspars Berzins 16, Dairis Bertans 13, Will Daniels 10
Asseco Prokom: Mateusz Ponitka 12, Lukasz Koszarek 10, Drew Viney 10, Jerel Blassingame 10

Panionios clinch second straight win in Zielona Gora - by Eurobasket News

Stelmet Zielona Gora - Panionios 82:89

Panionios celebrated the second consecutive win at the Lech Birgfellner Memorial in Zielona Gora. The Greek team overcame hosting Stelmet Zielona Gora for 2-0 record. Landon Milbourne (201-F-87, agency: Three Eye Sports, college: Maryland) posted 19 points to lead the winners.
Panionios fired 26 points in the opening quarter to take an 8-point lead. They stayed in front throughout the second quarter. Panionios established a 46:38 halftime advantage. They did not slow down after the big break. Panionios ensured a 71:62 lead at the final intermission. Stelmet Zielona Gora narrowed the gap in the fourth frame but could not threaten the margin and lost the battle. Ashton Gibbs (187-PG-90, college: Pittsburgh) produced 18 points, while Christopher Booker (208-F/C-81, college: Purdue) contributed 11 points in the victory. Walter Hodge (183-PG-86, college: Florida) erupted for 29 points for Stelmet Zielona Gora. Quinton Hosley (201-F/G-84, college: Fresno St.) netted 12 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and issued 5 assists in the loss.

Stelmet Zielona Gora: Walter Hodge 29, Quinton Hosley 12
Panionios: Landon Milbourne 19, Ashton Gibbs 18, Christopher Booker 11

Lukasz Wilczek is on tryout with Start Lublin - by Eurobasket News

Lukasz Wilczek (189-PG-86) is on tryout with Start Lublin. He will be tested at preseason tournament in Lublin.
Lukasz Wilczek started the last season with AZS Politechnika Warszawa. The guard averaged 4.9 points, 5.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds per appearance. He joined AZS Warszawa back in 2010 helping the team win PLK promotion last season. Eurobasket.com named Lukasz Wilczek into All-Polish 1Liga 2nd Team.
In 2005-2006 he appeared for Zubry Bialystok (2Liga) and then in 2006-2007 moved to Mispol Zubry Bialystok (2Liga). In 2008-2009 he started for Zastal Zielona Gora (1Liga, starting five) and after 26 games showed 4.1ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.8apg, 1.6spg. In 2009-2010 started for Polonia 2011 Warszawa (PLK) and in 7 games had 1.6ppg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg. He also played at Bank BPS Basket Kwidzyn (2Liga) and after 9 games showed 7.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 6.7apg, 2.7spg, 2FGP: 63.9%, 3PT: 20%, FT: 68.8%. Also played at Tempcold AZS Politechnika Warszawa (1Liga) where he had 4.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.1apg, 2.0spg.

Polpharma and Energa Czarni win at the start of Slupsk tournament - by Eurobasket News

Polpharma prevailed against AZS Koszalin at the start of Slupsk Mayor Cup pre-season tournament. Uros Mirkovic (205-F/C-82, agency: BeoExcell) scored 20 points to lead Polpharma to a 67:57 victory. Polpharma used a 26:10 run in the opening quarter to clear off. They maintained the advantage well enough throughout the reminder of the contest. Ben McCauley (206-F/C-86, college: N.Carolina St.) produced 18 points, while Lukasz Majewski (199-F-82) added 14 points for the winners. Michael Kuebler (195-G/F-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: Hawaii) netted 15 points for AZS Koszalin. Lukasz Wisniewski (186-G-84, agency: Promotex, college: Barton County CC) had 12 points in the loss.
Energa Czarni overcame Start Gdynia 79:61 in another game at the tourney. Levi Knutson (193-G-88, agency: FCM, college: Colorado) and Valdas Dabkus (204-PF-84) accounted for 15 points each in the victory. Energa Czarni strongly entered the game. They recorded a 42:29 halftime buffer and never looked back en route to the victory. Marcin Dutkiewicz (196-G-86) finished with 12 points for the Slupsk team. Michal Jankowski (192-G-87) answered with 12 points for Start Gdynia.

Anwil shoot down Tartu Ulikool at Kasztelan Cup - by Eurobasket News

Anwil - Tartu Ulikool 83:73

Anwil earned the first win at home Kasztelan Cup tournament. They held off Estonian Tartu Ulikool. Ryan Wright (206-C/F-87, college: Oklahoma) stepped up with 16 points to lead the winners.
Anwil fired 25 points in the opening quarter to take a 3-point lead. They maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. Anwil ensured a 50:39 halftime advantage. The hosts limited Tartu to 12 points in the third term to accumulated a 12-point lead before the fourth frame. Tartu Ulikool managed to outscore the Polish team in the fourth quarter but could not rescue the game. Ruben Boykin (201-F-85, college: N.Arizona), Krzysztof Szubarga (182-PG-84) and Marcus Ginyard (196-G/F-87, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina) provided 13 points each for the winners. Egidijus Dimsa (205-C-85) answered with 20 points for Tartu Ulikool. Justin Ingram (185-PG-85, agency: Two Points, college: Toledo) had 14 points in the loss.

Anwil: Ryan Wright 16, Ruben Boykin 13, Krzysztof Szubarga 13, Marcus Ginyard 13
Tartu Ulikool: Egidijus Dimsa 20, Justin Ingram 14

PGE Turow edge Khimik in overtime in Zielona Gora - by Eurobasket News

PGE Turow - Khimik 101:96 (OT)

PGE Turow earned the first win at the Lech Birgfellinger Memorial in Zielona Gora. They held off Khimik Yuzny in overtime. Aaron Cel (203-F-87) delivered 15 points to lead the Polish team. Khimik suffered the second loss in a row at the tournament.
PGE Turow accumulated a 17:14 lead after ten minutes of action. Khimik got within two points at the interval 38:40. Khimik denied the deficit and pulled in front in the third frame. The Ukrainian team posted a 57:55 lead. But PGE Turow managed to erase the deficit and sent the game into overtime. The Polish team unloaded 20 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the victory at the end. David Jackson (193-G-86, college: W.Illinois) netted 14 points, while Ivan Zigeranovic (212-C-84, agency: BeoExcell) added 13 points for PGE Turow. Devoe Joseph (193-G-90, agency: Interperformances, college: Oregon) answered with game-high 25 points for Khimik. Oleksandr Ryabchuk (189-G-89) added 24 points in the loss.

PGE Turow: Aaron Cel 15, David Jackson 14, Ivan Zigeranovic 13
Khimik: Devoe Joseph 25, Oleksandr Ryabchuk 24

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QATAR

RUSSIA

Budivelnyk win Brest Basket Show Sport tourney - by Eurobasket News

Budivelnyk - Nizhny Novgorod 80:63

Budivelnyk celebrated victory at the Brest Basket Show Sport tournament. They held off Nizhny Novgorod in the Final. Malcolm Delaney (191-G-89, college: Virginia Tech) came up with 15 points to lead the Ukrainian team.
Budivelnyk eked out a 17:15 lead ten minutes into the game. Nizhny Novgorod adjusted their offence and fired 27 points in the second quarter to deny the deficit. They posted a 42:40 halftime advantage. But the Kyiv outfit turned things around in the third term. They went on a stunning 26:9 run to leave the Russian opponents far behind. Budivelnyk stayed dominant throughout the fourth frame and sealed well-deserved win at the end. Mathew Witt (183-PG-84, college: E.Kentucky) and Leo Lyons (206-F-87, college: Missouri) accounted for 13 points each for Budivelnyk. Sergiy Gorbenko (202-F-85) and Artur Drozdov (200-SF-80) contributed 11 points apiece in the victory. Valentin Yurchyk (207-F-87, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) answered with 14 points for Nizhny Novgorod. Dramir Zibirov (187-PG-86) had 11 points in the loss.

Budivelnyk: Malcolm Delaney 15, Mathew Witt 13, Leo Lyons 13
Nizhny Novgorod: Valentin Yurchyk 14, Dramir Zibirov 11

Trofeo Citta di Cagliari: Fenerbahce beat CSKA in Italy - by Eurobasket News

Fenerbahce - CSKA 70:65

Fenerbahce beat CSKA in Italy at the Trofeo Citta di Cagliari. The Turkish side celebrated a 70:65 win to hand the Russian team the second straight loss.
Both teams scored 16 points each in the first period. Fenerbahce managed to win the second frame 22-17 and enjoyed 5-point advantage at the halftime. CSKA seemed to be back on track after 20-8 in the third period, but failed in the last stanza. Fenerbahce needed 24-12 in it to seal the victory.
Bo McCalebb (178-PG-85, college: New Orleans) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) nailed 14. Kaya Peker (207-C/F-80, agency: Court Side) poured in 12, while Oguz Savas (212-C-87) added 10. Anton Ponkrashov (202-SG-86, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) finished the game with 17 points in the losing effort and Drew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) added 9. Vladimir Micov (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) scored 8, while Viktor Khryapa (205-SF-82) had 7.

Fenerbahce: Bo McCalebb 21, Romain Sato 14, Kaya Peker 12, Oguz Savas 10
CSKA: Anton Ponkrashov 17, Drew Nicholas 9, Vladimir Micov 8, Viktor Khryapa 7

Partizan triumphs at Laktasi Tournament - by Eurobasket News

Partizan - BC Khimky Moscow Region 68:56

Partizan wins Laktasi Tournament with 4 participating teams. In the Final game the team edged BC Khimky Moscow Region 68:56.
Both teams scored 16 points each in the first period and then BC Khimky Moscow Region managed to take 2-point lead at the halftime. The Russian team tried their best to keep the advantage but it was difficult to do it against Partizan. The latter won the third period 21-14 and then added 12-5 in the last stanza.
Djordje Gagic (210-C-90, agency: Interperformances) led the winning side with 27 points, while Leo Westermann (198-G-92, agency: Beo Basket) added 11 points. Drew Gordon (205-F-90, college: N.Mexico) helped with 9 in the winning effort.K.C. Rivers (196-G/F-87, college: Clemson) replied with 21 for the losing side. Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) delivered 9 and Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83, agency: Alti Sport) poured in 8.

Partizan: Djordje Gagic 27, Leo Westermann 11, Drew Gordon 9
BC Khimky Moscow Region: K.C. Rivers 21, Zoran Planinic 9, Kresimir Loncar 8

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SENEGAL

Lechugueros de Leon lands Camara - by Eurobasket Center

Lechugueros de Leon (LNBP) strengthened their roster with addition of 31-year old Senegalese ex-international center Babacar Camara (211-C-113kg-81, college: CS Fullerton). In his first game he scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds helping his new team beat Gigantes 88-85. Camara played most recently at Kyoto Hannaryz (Japan). While playing 39 games for Kyoto Hannar. last season he averaged 8.0ppg and 5.1rpg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Camara is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in China, France, Italy, Japan, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Senegal. Camara graduated California State University, Fullerton in 2004 and it will be his nineth season in pro basketball. Camara played for Senegalese senior national until 2005.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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SERBIA

Partizan triumphs at Laktasi Tournament - by Eurobasket News

Partizan - BC Khimky Moscow Region 68:56

Partizan wins Laktasi Tournament with 4 participating teams. In the Final game the team edged BC Khimky Moscow Region 68:56.
Both teams scored 16 points each in the first period and then BC Khimky Moscow Region managed to take 2-point lead at the halftime. The Russian team tried their best to keep the advantage but it was difficult to do it against Partizan. The latter won the third period 21-14 and then added 12-5 in the last stanza.
Djordje Gagic (210-C-90, agency: Interperformances) led the winning side with 27 points, while Leo Westermann (198-G-92, agency: Beo Basket) added 11 points. Drew Gordon (205-F-90, college: N.Mexico) helped with 9 in the winning effort.K.C. Rivers (196-G/F-87, college: Clemson) replied with 21 for the losing side. Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) delivered 9 and Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83, agency: Alti Sport) poured in 8.

Partizan: Djordje Gagic 27, Leo Westermann 11, Drew Gordon 9
BC Khimky Moscow Region: K.C. Rivers 21, Zoran Planinic 9, Kresimir Loncar 8

Radnicki and Vojvodina win in Kumanovo - by Ivan Milenkovic

Two Serbian teams, Radnicki Kragujevac and Vojvodina Novi Sad, will play in the final of tournament in Kumanovo after beating Macedonian teams in semifinals.
Radnicki defeated Rabotnicki Skoplje 83-77. They were led by Terrico White (196-G-90, college: Mississippi) (23 points) and Milos Borisov (199-G/F-85) (15). Steven Markovic (190-G-85) scored 11 points, Stefan Bircevic (209-F/C-89) 8, Stefan Sinovec (195-G-88), Mark Worthington (202-PF-83, college: Metro St.) and Matthew Bryan-Amaning (205-F-88, college: Washington) 6 each, Vladislav Dragojlovic (207-C-79) 5, Stefan Jovic (190-PG-90) 2 and Bojan Krstovic (194-G-80) 1.
Vojvodina were better than hosts Kumanovo 79-74, mostly thanks to Radovan Markovic (194-G-82) (26 points) and Dragomir Marojevic (207-C-81) (17).

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TAIWAN

TURKEY

Maccabi TLV Plays Olympiacos, Bamberg & Paris-Levallois - by David Pick

Eurobasket was tipped Maccabi Tel-Aviv's overseas preseason schedule which includes games against Euroleague and German champions.

Israeli power Maccabi Tel Aviv will depart for Bamberg, Germany, on September 20th, for a pair of preseason games against Euroleague champions Olympiacos Pireus, and hosts Brose Baskets Bamberg, champions of the German BBL League.

After Germany, Maccabi will travel to France and spend three days participating in a preseason tournament including hosts Paris-Levallois, Belgium Belgacom Spirou and Turkish Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul.
Maccabi and Paris-Levallois will faceoff in Game 1 of the semis while Spirou and Galatasaray will matchup in Game 2.

Tel Aviv is expected to return to Israel on October 1st.

Tel Aviv recently demolished Maccabi Haifa 89-71 at Nokia Arena in the teams' first preseason exhibition game. Tel Aviv played without several key players including Israelis Lior Eliyahu and Guy Pnini. David Blatt's foreigners Nik Caner-Medley (rest), Giorgi Shermadini, and Pops Mensah-Bonsu were also absent.

Trofeo Citta di Cagliari: Fenerbahce beat CSKA in Italy - by Eurobasket News

Fenerbahce - CSKA 70:65

Fenerbahce beat CSKA in Italy at the Trofeo Citta di Cagliari. The Turkish side celebrated a 70:65 win to hand the Russian team the second straight loss.
Both teams scored 16 points each in the first period. Fenerbahce managed to win the second frame 22-17 and enjoyed 5-point advantage at the halftime. CSKA seemed to be back on track after 20-8 in the third period, but failed in the last stanza. Fenerbahce needed 24-12 in it to seal the victory.
Bo McCalebb (178-PG-85, college: New Orleans) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) nailed 14. Kaya Peker (207-C/F-80, agency: Court Side) poured in 12, while Oguz Savas (212-C-87) added 10. Anton Ponkrashov (202-SG-86, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) finished the game with 17 points in the losing effort and Drew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) added 9. Vladimir Micov (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) scored 8, while Viktor Khryapa (205-SF-82) had 7.

Fenerbahce: Bo McCalebb 21, Romain Sato 14, Kaya Peker 12, Oguz Savas 10
CSKA: Anton Ponkrashov 17, Drew Nicholas 9, Vladimir Micov 8, Viktor Khryapa 7

Rixos Cup : Semifinals Results - by Baha Kurtulus

Besiktas Istanbul Banvit Basketbol Kulubu : 80 -81
Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul - Anadolu Efes Istanbul : 71-73

Besiktas Istanbul and Banvit Basketbol Kulubu met in first semifinal game. Banvit Basketbol Kulubu celebrated 81-80 win in this meeting.
Vladimir Stimac (211-C-87, agency: Interperformances) top-scored in Banvit Basketbol Kulubu with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Samuel Mejia had one point less. Serkan Erdogan and Erkan Veyseloglu stopped to 13 and 11 points respectively. Cevher Ozer netted 19 points and 7 rebounds, Tutku Acik and Patrick Chistopher followed him with 18 points each. Curtis Jerrels added 12 points in defeat.

Anadolu Efes Istanbul beat Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul in second semifinal game.

Sasha Vujacic (201-SG-84) top-scored with 25 points and Jordan Farmar (188-PG-86, college: UCLA) shined with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for winner. David Hawkins (194-G-82, college: Temple) led Galatasaray with 22 points. Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) added 14 points. Jamont Gordon (193-G/F-87, college: Mississippi St.) helped with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists in defeat.

16th September
15:45 Besiktas Istanbul - Galatasaray ( 3th)
18:00 Banvit Basketbol Kulubu - Anadolu Efes Istanbul ( Final )

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UBA

Ohio Hidden Gems Announce New Head Coach - by Travis McAvene

The Ohio Hidden Gems would like to proudly announce the official signing of Head Coach Kelley McClure (6'1''-G-74, college: Otterbein) . McClure is a well respected, knowledgable basketball mind that is sure to allow the talented core of the Ohio Hidden Gems to immediately make an instant impact among the UBA's top tier of teams.

McClure played his professional basketball for the Rockford Lightning and Sioux Falls Skyforce in the old CBA from 2001 thru 2004. McClure also played overseas in France, Israel, Belgium, and Venezuela from 2004 thru 2008. McClure started his coaching career in 2009 for the Columbus Crusher in the ABA.

'McClure has always been a natural leader on the court, said owner Lucius Jones .' I expect for Kelley to have a very successful season in the UBA, added Jones.'

Last year the Hidden Gems went 6-0 as a travel team in the UBA and looks to build upon that success on and off the court by making the next progression into full season UBA status for the upcoming campaign. Tryout and Mini-Camp Information will be available soon on the UBA website and also at www.leaguelineup.com/hiddengems

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UKRAINE

PGE Turow edge Khimik in overtime in Zielona Gora - by Eurobasket News

PGE Turow - Khimik 101:96 (OT)

PGE Turow earned the first win at the Lech Birgfellinger Memorial in Zielona Gora. They held off Khimik Yuzny in overtime. Aaron Cel (203-F-87) delivered 15 points to lead the Polish team. Khimik suffered the second loss in a row at the tournament.
PGE Turow accumulated a 17:14 lead after ten minutes of action. Khimik got within two points at the interval 38:40. Khimik denied the deficit and pulled in front in the third frame. The Ukrainian team posted a 57:55 lead. But PGE Turow managed to erase the deficit and sent the game into overtime. The Polish team unloaded 20 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the victory at the end. David Jackson (193-G-86, college: W.Illinois) netted 14 points, while Ivan Zigeranovic (212-C-84, agency: BeoExcell) added 13 points for PGE Turow. Devoe Joseph (193-G-90, agency: Interperformances, college: Oregon) answered with game-high 25 points for Khimik. Oleksandr Ryabchuk (189-G-89) added 24 points in the loss.

PGE Turow: Aaron Cel 15, David Jackson 14, Ivan Zigeranovic 13
Khimik: Devoe Joseph 25, Oleksandr Ryabchuk 24

Budivelnyk win Brest Basket Show Sport tourney - by Eurobasket News

Budivelnyk - Nizhny Novgorod 80:63

Budivelnyk celebrated victory at the Brest Basket Show Sport tournament. They held off Nizhny Novgorod in the Final. Malcolm Delaney (191-G-89, college: Virginia Tech) came up with 15 points to lead the Ukrainian team.
Budivelnyk eked out a 17:15 lead ten minutes into the game. Nizhny Novgorod adjusted their offence and fired 27 points in the second quarter to deny the deficit. They posted a 42:40 halftime advantage. But the Kyiv outfit turned things around in the third term. They went on a stunning 26:9 run to leave the Russian opponents far behind. Budivelnyk stayed dominant throughout the fourth frame and sealed well-deserved win at the end. Mathew Witt (183-PG-84, college: E.Kentucky) and Leo Lyons (206-F-87, college: Missouri) accounted for 13 points each for Budivelnyk. Sergiy Gorbenko (202-F-85) and Artur Drozdov (200-SF-80) contributed 11 points apiece in the victory. Valentin Yurchyk (207-F-87, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav) answered with 14 points for Nizhny Novgorod. Dramir Zibirov (187-PG-86) had 11 points in the loss.

Budivelnyk: Malcolm Delaney 15, Mathew Witt 13, Leo Lyons 13
Nizhny Novgorod: Valentin Yurchyk 14, Dramir Zibirov 11

Larry Owens joins Budivenyk for try-out - by Eurobasket News

Larry Owens (201-G/F-83, college: ORU) joined Budivelnyk. The forward will stay with the Kyiv outfit for a try-out period. Larry Owens started the pre-season with Gravelines but was cut recently. Last season Larry Owens spent between D-League and NBA. He played for the Tulsa 66ers. His stats read 12.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.2 blocks per game in D-League. He also appeared in six NBA games. Larry Owens notched 2.2 points and 2.2 boards per appearance for the New Jersey Nets. The forward made it into D-League All-Defensive 2nd Team. Larry Owens participated at AirTran Orlando Summer League and NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas.
Larry Owens debuted for Budivelnyk at the Brest Basket Show tournament yesterday. The forward scored 5 points against Limoges.

Ferro-ZNTU clinch Gavrilov Memorial trophy - by Eurobasket News

Ferro-ZNTU claimed Gavrilov Memorial trophy in Zaporizhya. The hosts prevailed against Politekhnika-Halychyna 102:85 in the Final today. Jeremy Chappell (191-G-87, college: Robert Morris) accounted for 31 points and 9 rebounds to lead the hosts.
Ferro-ZNTU started the game aggressively. They fired 33 points to take a 10-point lead after ten minutes. Ferro-ZNTU extended the lead to 13 points at the interval 50:37. Politekhnika-Halychyna shifted the gear and knocked down 28 points in the third term. They narrowed the deficit at 9-point mark. But Ferro-ZNTU took over again in the final stanza and rallied to the victory at the end. Daniel Werner (203-F-87, college: Florida) delivered 25 points, 10 assists and 9 rebounds, while R.T. Guinn (208-PF-81, college: Baylor) added 15 points for the winners. Darrel Mitchell (181-PG-84, agency: Beo Basket, college: LSU) answered with 18 points for Politekhnika-Halychyna. Vladan Vukosavljevic (206-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) added 16 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.
DniproAzot claimed the third position at the tournament. They held off Mykolaiv 74:68 in the first game today. Alan Wiggins (206-F-85, college: USF) posted 17 points and 8 rebounds to lead the winners. Eric Devendorf (193-G-87, college: Syracuse) and Ronald Davis (190-G-82, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) posted 14 points each for DniproAzot. Onufriyev answered with 16 points for Mykolaiv. Boban Tomic (190-G-88, agency: Alti Sport) netted 11 points in defeat.

Dnipro clinch STIHL Cup title - by Eurobasket News

Dnipro claimed STIHL Cup title in Lithuania. They overcame Siauliai 85:66 in the Final. Daniel Kickert (208-C/F-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) and Derrick Low (188-PG-86, college: Washington St.) posted 21 points each to lead the Ukrainian team. Siauliai led by a single point 19:18 after the opening quarter. But Dnipro used a 28:18 run in the second quarter to surge ahead. The visitors stayed dominant in the third term. They posted a 70:53 lead at the final intermission. Dnipro limited Siauliai to 13 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the victory at the end. Timofeyenko provided 13 points for the winners. Vitali Liutych (197-SG-92) answered with 16 points for Siauliai. Ovidijus Galdikas (217-C-88) netted 12 points in the loss.
Meanwhile Kryvbasbasket occupied the third position at the tournament. They outgunned Liatkabelis 85:71 in the second day of the tourney. Zoran Krstanovic (204-C-82, agency: TSS Management) accounted for 21 points to lead the Ukrainian team. Vitali Malchevskiy (204-F-87) added 15 points, while Pierce Caldwell (191-G-88, agency: Alti Sport, college: Incarnate Word) had 14 in the winning effort. Gytis Sirutavicius (195-SF-83) delivered 12 points for Liatkabelis. Kaspars Cipruss (210-C-82, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 11 points in the losing case.

BC Kyiv invite J.P. Primm - by Eurobasket News

BC Kyiv added J.P. Primm (185-G, college: NC-Asheville) to the roster. The guard will stay on a try-out period with the team. The guard is looking to start his pro career in Europe. J.P. Primm graduated from the University of North Carolina-Ashville. The guard notched 15.4 points, 4.2 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game in his senior season. J.P. Primm was named All-Big South Conference All-Tournament MVP. He made it into All-Big South Conference 2nd Team for the second season in a row. The guard was also named into NABC Division I All-District 3 1st Team. J.P. Primm spent some time with Nanterre in pre-season. However the guard did not make it to the roster and would now try it with BC Kyiv. J.P. Primm has already debuted for the Ukrainian team. He scored 12 points in the loss to Joventut.

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URUGUAY

Standings - LUB

LUB Standings

1. Malvin		1-0
2. Aguada		0-0
3. Bigua		0-0
4. Bohemios		0-0
5. Cordon		0-0
6. Defensor		0-0
7. Larre Borges		0-0
8. Montevideo		0-0
9. Nacional		0-0
10. Olimpia		0-0
11. Sayago		0-0
12. Tabare		0-0
13. Trouville		0-0
14. Un.Atletica		0-0
15. Welcome		0-0
16. Hebraica		0-1

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 14: Hebraica - Malvin 74-75
Sep. 17: Nacional - Montevideo
Sep. 18: Un.Atletica - Defensor
Sep. 18: Sayago - Olimpia

Stats Leaders - LUB

Points Per Game

Luciano PARODI
  Hebraica
  (182-G-94)
  Avg: 20

1. Parodi, Hebraica	20.0
2. Barrera, Hebraica	18.0
3. Galindo, Malvin	16.0
4. Newsome, Malvin	15.0
5. Martinez, Malvin	13.0
6. Fitipaldo, Malvin	13.0
7. Myles, Malvin	12.0
8. Aguiar, Hebraica	11.0
9. Passos, Hebraica	10.0
10. Izuibejeres, He.	9.0

Rebounds Per Game

Hatila PASSOS
  Hebraica
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 12

1. Passos, Hebraica	12.0
2. Newsome, Malvin	9.0
3. Myles, Malvin	9.0
4. Galindo, Malvin	6.0
5. Vanderbeken, Hebra.	6.0
6. Paez, Hebraica	4.0
7. Aguiar, Hebraica	4.0
8. Martinez, Malvin	4.0
9. Izuibejeres, Hebra.	4.0
10. Barrera, Hebrai.	3.0

Assists Per Game

Gustavo BARRERA
  Hebraica
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 5

1. Barrera, Hebraica	5.0
2. Vanderbeken, Hebra.	5.0
3. Martinez, Malvin	4.0
4. Fitipaldo, Malvin	4.0
5. Myles, Malvin	3.0
6. Izuibejeres, Hebra.	3.0
7. Newsome, Malvin	2.0
8. Aguiar, Hebraica	2.0
9. Barriola, Hebraica	1.0
10. Passos, Hebraica	1.0

Steals Per Game

Gustavo BARRERA
  Hebraica
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 4

1. Barrera, Hebraica	4.0
2. Izuibejeres, Hebra.	1.0
3. Osimani, Malvin	1.0
4. Vanderbeken, Hebra.	1.0
5. Calfani, Malvin	1.0
6. Borsellino, Malvin	1.0
7. Aguiar, Hebraica	1.0
8. Fitipaldo, Malvin	0.0
9. Paez, Hebraica	0.0
10. Parodi, Hebraica	0.0

Blocks Per Game

Gaston PAEZ
  Hebraica
  (207-C-79)
  Avg: 1

1. Paez, Hebraica	1.0
2. Newsome, Malvin	1.0
3. Myles, Malvin	1.0
4. Fitipaldo, Malvin	0.0
5. Borsellino, Malvin	0.0
6. Barriola, Hebraica	0.0
7. Osimani, Malvin	0.0
8. Barrera, Hebraica	0.0
9. Izuibejeres, Hebra.	0.0
10. Aguiar, Hebraica	0.0

Malvin defeated Hebraica, the 2011 champions - by Hector Lopez

Malvin, the last year runner up, defeated Hebraica Macabi, the 2011 champions, 75-74 after a 70-70 overtime, for the opening game of the 2012 Uruguayan League. Anthony Myles (208-F/C-82, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Xavier) scored the five points for Malvin during the extra period. He finished the game with 12 points and 9 rebounds. Also for Malvin Alexander Galindo (200-F-85, college: FIU) scored 16 points with 6 rebounds, Reque Newsome (204-C-81, college: S.Indiana) finished with 15 points and 9 rebounds, and Fernando Martinez (170-PG-79) and Bruno Fitipaldo (183-PG-91) netted 13 points each one. For Hebraica Hatila Passos (211-C-86, college: N.Mexico St.) netted 20 points with 12 rebounds, Gustavo Barrera (194-G-85) 18 points 5 assists and Jamie Vanderbeken (210-F-87, college: Iowa St.) 10 points 5 rebounds.

Five import players were announced for the Uruguayan League - by Hector Lopez

Five more import players were announced to join teams for the Uruguayan League during the last hours. They are Chas McFarland (213-C-86, college: Wake Forest) to play for Aguada, Walter Baxley (193-G-84, college: Mars Hill) to join Defensor Sporting, Paul Crosby (203-C) to join Montevideo BBC, Mildon Ambres (198-F/G-84, college: S.Nazarene) will play for Nacional and Ricardo de Bem (210-F/C-84, college: Oklahoma City), will play for Olimpia. With these announcement all the 16 teams playing the Uruguayan League has now the two imports players allowed.

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UZBEKISTAN

VENEZUELA

Standings - LNB

LNB Standings

Central-East
1. Guacharos		7-2
2. Tiburones		6-1
3. Estudiantes		5-4
4. Rojos de Sucre		2-4
5. Atleticos UCV		0-9
Central-West
1. Cent.Apure		7-2
2. Bravos		6-3
3. Aduaneros		5-4
4. Generales		3-5
5. Lanc.Cojedes		1-8

Regular Season: Round 6

Sep. 14: Cent.Apure - Bravos 88-70
Sep. 14: Estudiantes - Atleticos UCV 82-80
Sep. 14: Guacharos - Tiburones 75-82
Sep. 14: Aduaneros - Lanc.Cojedes 114-110
Sep. 14: Rojos de Sucre - Generales
Sep. 15: Cent.Apure - Bravos
Sep. 15: Guacharos - Tiburones
Sep. 15: Estudiantes - Atleticos UCV
Sep. 15: Aduaneros - Lanc.Cojedes
Sep. 15: Rojos de Sucre - Generales

Stats Leaders - LNB

LNB 2012 Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Carter, Guacharos 23.7
Walker, Rojos 22.5
Ramirez, Estudiantes 21.3
Vargas, Aduaneros 19.6
Garcia, Atleticos 17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Sucre, Tiburones 7.8
Graterol, Tiburones 7.6
Umbria, Generales 7.6
Matthews, Centauros 7.0
Aguilera, Bravos 6.7
Vargas, Aduaneros 6.2

Assists Per Game

Berroteran, Aduaneros 5.8
Vargas, Aduaneros 4.8
Centeno, Centauros 4.5
Ecker, Tiburones 4.1
Palacios, Atleticos 3.3

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VTB UNITED LEAGUE

New name, new player for Minsk-2006 - by Eurobasket News

Minsk-2006 changed their name. They will now be named Tsmoki-Minsk. The name and logo have been revealed during the new season presentation.
Tsmoki-Minsk also announced the new player on the roster. They agreed on terms of contract with Dzianis Korshuk (204-PF-78, agency: New Trend Agency). The forward is coming back to Minsk after a season in Odessa. Last season Dzianis Korshuk tallied 7.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in Superleague with BC Odessa. Previously he played for Minsk-2006, AZS Koszalin, Slask Wroclaw, Vitalyur Minsk, Astoria Bydgoszcz, Grodno-93, Osipovichi. He was named All-Belarusian League Player of the Year in 2004. Dzianis Korshuk has been the member of Belarusian National Team since 1996.

Kalev/Cramo tab Frank Elegar - by Eurobasket News

Kalev/Cramo bolstered their frontcourt. They added Frank Elegar (206-C-86, college: Drexel) to the roster. The centre started the previous season in Greece. He played for Marousi BC. Frank Elegar notched 9.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.1 block per appearance. In February the US Virgin Islands player moved to Turkey. Frank Elegar signed with Antalya. The centre averaged 10.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals per game in TBL. Previously Frank Elegar had stints in France, Turkey, Germany. He has been the member of US Virgin Islands National Team since 2006. Frank Elegar participated at 2010 Centrobasket. The centre notched 10.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per game in Dominican Republic.

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Women News

Paulista standings - by Eurobasket News

Paulista Standings

1. Sao Jose		3-0
2. Abdala		2-0
3. Guarulhos		2-1
4. Santo Andre		2-1
5. Ourinhos		1-0
6. Rio Claro		1-0
7. Recreativa		1-1
8. Sao Caetano		1-3
9. ABPV		0-0
10. Americana		0-0
11. Marilia		0-1
12. XV/Unimep		0-1
13. Divino/COC		0-3

Santo Andre prevail against Sao Caetano in Paulista League - by Eurobasket News

Santo Andre claimed an 85:70 win over Sao Caetano in the Paulista League action. The victory propelled Santo Andre at 2-1 record just one win shy of league leading Sao Jose. Jaqueline Silvestre (178-F-86) stepped up with 29 points to lead the winners. Santo Andre faced a three-point deficit at halftime 41:38. But they went on a 23:13 run in the third term to surge ahead. Santo Andre dominated throughout the fourth frame and sealed the victory at the end. Micaela Martins (180-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Katia Cavallaro (168-G-83) added 15 points each for the winners. Sao Caetano answered with 23 points from Julia Santos (182-F-88). Thaissa Frediani (166-G-89) netted 14 points in the loss.
In the meantime Guarulhos held off Divino 63:59 to improve at 2-1 record. Lisiane Basilio (182-F/C-81) netted 18 points to lead the hosts. Emily Da Silva (167-G-92) had 10 points for Divino.

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CZECH REPUBLIC

MEKR'S CUP 2012:ZVVZ USK Praha lost and won in Day 3 - by Eurobasket News

ZVVZ USK Praha lost and won in Day 3 of the MEKRS CUP 2012. The Czech team finished with 1-2 record in Group B and will play for the 5-6 places.
At first ZVVZ USK Praha won over TSV Wasserburg 90:82. They started with 27:18 and added 25-18 in the second frame. Both teams scored 22 points each in the third period, while the German side replied with 25-16 in the lasts stanza to reduce to 9 points at the end. Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Katerina Elhotova (180-SG-89) added 20. Zrustova Michaela scored 12 and Anna De Forge (178-SG-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Nebraska) had 10. Cannon Emma answered with 23 points in the losing case.
Later Wisla overcame ZVVZ USK Praha 77:74 to win the group. The Polish side trailed 19:28 at the end of the first period but then produced 23-12 in the second period. The teams exchanged another victories in the second half, but 19-11 in the final period was enough for the Polish team to seal the victory. Cristina Ouvina (174-G-90) paced all the winners with 15 points and Petra Stampalija (189-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had 14. Eva Viteckova erupted with 30 points in the losing case and Burgrova Ilona scored 12.

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HUNGARY

MEKRS CUP 2012: Uni Gyor lost to Russian team, will play for 5-6 places - by Eurobasket News

Uni Gyor lost to Russian team, will play for 5-6 places at the MEKRS CUP 2012. The Hungarian team finished with 1-2 record in Group A.
In Day 3 Nadezhda Orenburg overcame Uni Gyor 83:50. Liudmila Sapova (185-F/C-84) top-scored for the winners with 19 points, while Natalia Zhedik (182-SF-88) posted 16. Danilochkina Alena and Tamane Zane delivered 11 points each in a win. Agnes Dobos (190-C-96) ended up with 12 points in the losing effort and Krisztina Raksanyi (180-G-91) notched 8.
In the game for the 5-6 places Uni Gyor will face ZVVZ USK PRAHA. The Czech team finished with 1-2 record in Group B. At first ZVVZ USK Praha won over TSV Wasserburg 90:82. Later Wisla overcame ZVVZ USK Praha 77:74 to win the group.

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POLAND

MEKR'S CUP 2012: CCC Polkowice finishes second in Group A - by Eurobasket News

CCC Polkowice finishes second in Group A with 2-1 record.
In Day 2 Nadezhda won over CCC Polkowice 68:54. Alexandra Tarasova (194-C-91) stepped up with 20 points and Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) netted 19. Sapova Liudmila scored 9, whilst Keiru Katerina added 6. Valeriya Musina (183-G-87, college: Lee) replied with 20 points in the losing effort.
In Day 3 CCC Polkowice outscored KARA Trutnov 72:62. The Polish side started with 21-16 but had only 1 point lead at the halftime. CCC Polkowice however needed two victories in the second half to seal a comfortable win. They won the third quarter 22-15 and finished the game with 14-12 in the last stanza. Valeriya Musina top-scored for the winners with 26 points and Leciejewska Magdalena netted 15. Ambrosia Anderson (186-F-84, college: BYU) scored 20 points in the losing effort, while Lenka Vetrovcova (188-C-84) posted 12.

MEKR'S CUP 2012: Wisla conquers Group B, advances to the Final - by Eurobasket News

Wisla conquers Group B, advances to the Final of the MEKRS CUP 2012.
In the first game of Day 3 the Polish favorites overcame ambitious Dynamo Kursk. The Russian team won the first period 20-14 and led 4 points at the halftime. Wisla meanwhile dominated the second half and posted two narrow wins to seal the victory in the game. Anke De Mondt (176-F/G-79) paced all the winners with 21 points and Petra Stampalija (189-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had 16. Lisina Ekaterina posted 16 points in defeat and Burik Tatiana added 11.
Later Wisla overcame ZVVZ USK Praha 77:74 to win the group. The Polish side trailed 19:28 at the end of the first period but then produced 23-12 in the second period. The teams exchanged another victories in the second half, but 19-11 in the final period was enough for the Polish team to seal the victory. Cristina Ouvina (174-G-90) paced all the winners with 15 points and Petra Stampalija had 14. Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) erupted with 30 points in the losing case and Burgrova Ilona scored 12.

Joanna Walich agreed terms with Conquero - by Eurobasket News

CB Conquero Huelva (LFB) strengthened their roster with addition of 31-year old Polish international power forward Joanna Walich (183-81). She played for the last two years at CCC Polkowice in Polish PLKK. In 11 Euroleague games she recorded 5.2ppg and 1.8rpg last season. Walich also played 33 games in PLKK where she recorded 6.1ppg and 3.4rpg. She helped them to make it to the final after they ended regular season as second best team. Walich represented Poland at the European Championships in Latvia three years ago. Her stats at that event were 6 games: 3.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.0bpg.
Walich is a very experienced player.

By Eurobasket Data Center (from @lovewomensbball)

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PUERTO RICO

Standings - Women

BSNF Standings

1. Quebradillas		8-2
2. Morovis M.		7-0
3. Carolina G.		7-2
4. San German		5-3
5. Juncos V.		3-7
6. Aguas B.T.		1-7
7. Ponce L.		0-10

Regular Season: Round 8

Sep. 13: Carolina G. - Ponce L. 80-71
Sep. 14: Quebradillas - San German 77-66
Sep. 14: Juncos V. - Carolina G. 54-75
Sep. 15: Quebradillas - Morovis M.

Stats Leaders - Superleague 25

Points Per Game

Yolanda MARTIN
  Aguas B.T.
  (180-G-83)
  Avg: 27.9

1. Martin, Aguas B.T.	27.9
2. Valentin, Carolina	23.3
3. Werema, Juncos V.	23.1
4. Jones, Carolina G.	18.8
5. Bruszewski, Quebra.	17.6
6. Seals, Aguas B.T.	16.9
7. Fairweather, Ponce	16.9
8. Smith, San German	15.1
9. Rosado, Morovis M.	14.5
10. Gonzalez, San G.	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

Yolanda JONES
  Carolina G.
  (184-F-84)
  Avg: 12.8

1. Jones, Carolina G.	12.8
2. Rosario, Ponce L.	11.9
3. Martin, Aguas B.T.	10.1
4. Seals, Aguas B.T.	9.6
5. Werema, Juncos V.	8.7
6. Bruszewski, Quebra.	8.7
7. Gonzalez, San G.	8.3
8. Williams, Morovis	7.8
9. Pineiro, Morovis M.	7.5
10. Magee, Carolina G.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Karla RUIZ
  Aguas B.T.
  (--)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Ruiz, Aguas B.T.	3.6
2. Rodriguez, Carolin.	3.5
3. Escalera, Morov.	3.5
4. Johnson, Aguas B..	3.5
5. Rosado, San German	3.4
6. Fairweather, Ponce	3.3
7. Concepcion, Junco.	3.3
8. Jones, Carolina G.	3.2
9. Figueroa, Morov.	3.2
10. Colon, Ponce L.	3.1

Steals Per Game

Pamela ROSADO
  Morovis M.
  (165-PG-86)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Rosado, Morovis M.	3.5
2. Magee, Carolina G.	3.0
3. Fairweather, Ponce	2.8
4. Rodriguez, Carolin.	2.7
5. De La Paz, Juncos	2.6
6. Jones, Carolina G.	2.5
7. Martin, Aguas B.T.	2.5
8. Matthews, Aguas B.	2.3
9. Valentin, Carolina	2.2
10. Johnson, Aguas B.	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Angelina WILLIAMS
  Morovis M.
  (183-F/C-83)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Williams, Morovis	2.3
2. Rosario, Ponce L.	1.5
3. Placido, Quebradil.	1.2
4. Werema, Juncos V.	1.1
5. Seals, Aguas B.T.	1.1
6. Escalera, Morov.	1.0
7. Smith, San German	0.9
8. Flores, Ponce L.	0.9
9. Martin, Aguas B.T.	0.8
10. Bruszewski, Quebr.	0.8

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RUSSIA

Dynamo Kursk lost to Polish representative and will face another one in the last game - by Eurobasket News

Dynamo Kursk lost to Polish representative and will face another one in the last game of MEKRS CUP 2012
In the first game of Day 3 the Polish favorites overcame ambitious Dynamo Kursk. The Russian team won the first period 20-14 and led 4 points at the halftime. Wisla meanwhile dominated the second half and posted two narrow wins to seal the victory in the game. Anke De Mondt (176-F/G-79) Anke paced all the winners with 21 points and Stampalija Petra had 16. Ekaterina Lisina (202-C-87) posted 16 points in defeat and Burik Tatiana added 11.
Tomorrow Kursk will face CCC Polkowice for 3-4 places. In Day 3 CCC Polkowice outscored KARA Trutnov 72:62. The Polish side started with 21-16 but had only 1 point lead at the halftime. CCC Polkowice however needed two victories in the second half to seal a comfortable win. They won the third quarter 22-15 and finished the game with 14-12 in the last stanza. Musina Valerija top-scored for the winners with 26 points and Magdalena Leciejewska (191-C-86) netted 15. Ambrosia Anderson (186-F-84, college: BYU) scored 20 points in the losing effort, while Lenka Vetrovcova (188-C-84) posted 12.

MEKR'S CUP 2012: Nadezhda wins Group A - by Eurobasket News

Nadezhda wins Group A of the MEKRS CUP 2012. The Russian team celebrated three straight victories in the group and advanced to the Finals. Tomorrow Nadezhda will take on Wisla for the first place.
In Day 2 Nadezhda won over CCC Polkowice 68:54. Alexandra Tarasova (194-C-91) stepped up with 20 points and Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) netted 19. Liudmila Sapova (185-F/C-84) scored 9, whilst Keiru Katerina added 6. Musina Valerija replied with 20 points in the losing effort.
In Day 3 Nadezhda Orenburg overcame Uni Gyor 83:50. Liudmila Sapova top-scored for the winners with 19 points, while Zhedik Nataliea posted 16. Danilochkina Alena and Tamane Zane delivered 11 points each in a win. Agnes Dobos (190-C-96) ended up with 12 points in the losing effort and Krisztina Raksanyi (180-G-91) notched 8.

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SPAIN

Joanna Walich agreed terms with Conquero - by Eurobasket News

CB Conquero Huelva (LFB) strengthened their roster with addition of 31-year old Polish international power forward Joanna Walich (183-81). She played for the last two years at CCC Polkowice in Polish PLKK. In 11 Euroleague games she recorded 5.2ppg and 1.8rpg last season. Walich also played 33 games in PLKK where she recorded 6.1ppg and 3.4rpg. She helped them to make it to the final after they ended regular season as second best team. Walich represented Poland at the European Championships in Latvia three years ago. Her stats at that event were 6 games: 3.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.0bpg.
Walich is a very experienced player.

By Eurobasket Data Center (from @lovewomensbball)

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WNBA

Standings

WNBA Standings

Eastern
1. Connecticut S.		22-9
2. Indiana F.		20-10
3. Atlanta D.		18-14
4. New York L.		13-17
5. Chicago S.		12-18
6. Washington M.		6-26
Western
1. Minnesota L.		25-5
2. L.Angeles S.		21-11
3. S.Antonio SS		19-11
4. Seattle S.		14-17
5. Phoenix M.		7-23
6. Tulsa S.		7-23

Regular Season: Round 36

Sep. 14: L.Angeles S. - Connecticut S. 93-82
Sep. 14: S.Antonio SS - Seattle S. 90-66
Sep. 13: L.Angeles S. - Chicago S. 86-77
Sep. 14: Phoenix M. - Tulsa S. 84-92
Sep. 14: Washington M. - Atlanta D. 74-82
Sep. 14: Indiana F. - Minnesota L. 64-66

Regular Season: Round 37

Sep. 16: S.Antonio SS - Tulsa S.
Sep. 16: Washington M. - New York L.
Sep. 16: Phoenix M. - Chicago S.
Sep. 16: Seattle S. - Connecticut S.
Sep. 17: Minnesota L. - Indiana F.

Latest Games: Sparks topple Sun 93-82 - by Diamadis Farmakis

Candace Parker scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Sparks to a 93-82 victory against the Connecticut Sun on Friday.

Kristi Toliver (5'7''-PG-87, college: Maryland) added 18 points and Nneka Ogwumike had 17 points and eight rebounds as the Sparks recorded their eighth straight win at home to improve to 14-1.

The Sparks (22-10) remained two games ahead of San Antonio for second place in the Western Conference, while San Antonio has two games in hand

Tina Charles returned to the lineup for Connecticut and had 21 points and 13 rebounds for her WNBA-leading 17th double double. Charles, the league's leading rebounder and fifth-leading scorer, missed her first career game Wednesday with a groin strain.

The Sun (22-9) had only their fourth road loss of the season. They stayed a game and a half ahead of Indiana for first in the Eastern Conference.

Connecticut pulled to 81-80 on Kara Lawson's 3-pointer and Parker came back with a left-handed layup off a pretty pass from Toliver. Parker added a pair of free throws and scored on a reverse layup to give L.A. an 87-82 lead.

The Sun missed on the ensuing possession and Ogwumike banked in a shot. Alana Beard got a steal with less than a minute remaining to seal the victory.

Charles scored 15 points on 6 for 11 shooting from the field with six rebounds in the first half. Her one-hander in the paint and free throw gave Connecticut a 37-34 lead.

The Sparks missed 10 of their first 14 shots, but took a 20-18 lead into the second quarter on a 3-pointer by Toliver that completed her 11-point first quarter.

Latest games (6): Silver Stars silence Storm 90-66 - by Eurobasket News

S.Antonio SS - Seattle S. 90-66
Becky Hammon (5'9''-PG-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Colorado St.) scored 25 points and the San Antonio Silver Stars beat the Seattle Storm 90-66 on Friday night. Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) added 19 points, Shameka Christon (6'1''-G/F-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Arkansas) 13 and Danielle Robinson 10 for San Antonio (19-11). Tina Thompson and Ann Wauters each had 12 points and Svetlana Abrosimova added 11 for Seattle (13-17). Sue Bird (hip flexor) and Lauren Jackson (strained hamstring) both missed the game with injuries. The Silver Stars had a season-high 15 steals and outscored Seattle 16-0 on fastbreak points. "That's what has been missing in that little skid that we had - our defensive presence, our activity level and energy level," Hammon said. "I feel like now we are starting to find our groove again. We're starting to play the way we want to play. It all starts on the defensive end." Hammon went 5 for 7 on 3-pointers after going a combined 5 for 21 from long distance in her previous four games. San Antonio, which had lost three straight at home, had a steal on five of the Storm's first seven possessions. The steals only resulted in a 4-2 lead off layups by Hammon and Christon, but a needed defensive tone was established. "We wanted to get more aggressive in the passing lanes," Silver Stars coach Dan Hughes said. "We wanted to pressure the ball. We wanted to play to a situation where the turnover feature was more a package than we were playing to. We felt like we were settling a lot to just play position defense and I think we are at our best when we dictate defensively." Robinson's 15-foot jumper gave San Antonio a 15-11 lead, but Seattle closed the final four minutes of the first on a 14-5 run. Thompson and Tanisha Wright each made a 3-pointer during the run for a 25-20 lead after the first. Hammon scored three straight baskets to cut Seattle's lead to 27-26 with 6 minutes left in the first half. Christon's 3-pointer a minute later gave the Silver Stars a 29-27 lead, their first since 15-13. Christon and Hammon hit consecutive 3-pointers to give San Antonio a 37-31 lead, but Seattle responded with a short jumper by Wauters and a 3-pointer by Shekinna Stricklen. "They shot the ball well from 3, especially Becky and Christon," Seattle coach Brian Agler said. "They got some second opportunities. They scored off turnovers. They got to the free throw line. They scored 50, almost 60 points in those three areas." Holding a 38-36 lead at the half, the Silver Stars increased the edge to double digits in the third quarter. Hammon's 3-pointer capped an 8-0 run by San Antonio to open the third, prompting a timeout by Agler. Katie Smith hit a 3-pointer out of the timeout to cut the lead to 46-39, but the Silver Stars' lead grew to as many as 12 points in the quarter. "We just started really bad with the first four minutes, but then we came back," Abrosimova said. "The game is a game of runs, (but) our runs were not as good as theirs." Young scored 13 points in the third quarter, going 4 for 4 from the field and 5 for 5 on free throws. Hammon hit her fifth 3-pointer for an 86-63 lead with 2 minutes left after San Antonio had a rebound on successive 3-point misses by Christon and Hammon. San Antonio went 6 for 20 in the final quarter, but maintained its lead by outrebounding Seattle 22-13 in the second half and forcing 10 turnovers. Silver Stars reserve Shenice Johnson scored all nine of her points in the second half and finished with six rebounds and two steals. " (Coach Hughes) just told me to clear my mind, play your game," Johnson said. "He told me that he has been watching me my whole career and that he has not been satisfied with the way I have been playing since the break. He ripped me to shreds to be honest with you, but tonight I felt like I responded." *Courtesy of www.chron.com

L.Angeles S. - Connecticut S. 93-82
Candace Parker (6'4''-C-86, college: Tennessee) is feeling better after experiencing some fatigue coming out of the Olympic break. Parker had 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Sparks to a 93-82 victory against the Connecticut Sun on Friday night. Kristi Toliver (5'7''-PG-87, college: Maryland) added 18 points and Nneka Ogwumike had 17 points and eight rebounds for the Sparks, who have won eight straight home games to improve to 14-1 at home overall. The Sparks (22-10) remained two games ahead of San Antonio for second place in the Western Conference. Parker helped hold off a Sun rally while recording her 16th double-double of the season. She also had five assists. "We just want to continue to get better going into the playoffs," Parker said. "I know I myself haven't played so well since the break, and my teammates have done a good job of (supporting me) and continuing to believe in me and continue to give me motivation. "I don't want to admit weakness, but I think everybody's a little tired. I've been playing basketball since October. It's been a year. You hit that wall and then you build your way back up. Hopefully, I'm on the way back up." Tina Charles returned to the lineup for Connecticut and had 21 points and 13 rebounds for her WNBA-leading 17th double double. Charles, the league's leading rebounder and fifth-leading scorer, missed a WNBA game for the first time in her first career on Wednesday, sitting out with a groin strain. It was only the fourth road loss of the season for the Sun (22-9), who stayed a game and a half ahead of Indiana for first in the Eastern Conference. Connecticut pulled to 81-80 on Kara Lawson's 3-pointer and Parker came back with a layup off a pretty pass from Toliver. Parker added a pair of free throws and scored on a reverse layup to give Los Angeles an 87-82 lead. The Sun missed on the ensuing possession and Ogwumike banked in a shot. Alana Beard got a steal with less than a minute remaining to seal the victory. Connecticut committed 21 turnovers. One was a traveling violation by Tan White with 2:38 to go and Connecticut trailing 83-80. "This was a major disappointment tonight, because that's what you need to do better to win in the playoffs," Connecticut coach Mike Thibault said. "We've been a low turnover team all year, but in a couple of our losses, we've had bad turnover games that have come back to haunt us, and this is one of them." Charles was guarded by Parker at times in the third and had only two points on 1-for-4 shooting in the quarter. Renee Montgomery finished with 15 points and White had 11. Connecticut opened the fourth quarter on a 17-4 run. White made two 3-pointers during the surge and McCray had one. Ogwumike pushed the Sparks to their biggest lead at 70-51 in the third with back-to-back baskets in the paint. Montgomery kept Connecticut in it with a 10-point third quarter, including three 3-pointers. The Sun twice called timeout during Los Angeles' 18-0 run in the third but turned it over on each possession. Parker responded with a score both times, on a left-handed turnaround shot after she dribbled the length of the court, and on a one-handed shot over Charles for a 62-47 lead. "We were containing her great in the first half," Charles said of Parker. "Once they got on that run that put us down 15, she was one of the main causes of it. She was getting the ball in transition. That was a big thing for them." *Courtesy of www.mercurynews.com

Phoenix M. - Tulsa S. 84-92
Ivory Latta (5'6''-PG-84, college: N.Carolina) scored 11 of her 20 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Tulsa Shock past the Phoenix Mercury 92-84 on Friday. Glory Johnson (6'3''-F-90, college: Tennessee) added 18 points and six rebounds as the Shock (7-23) snapped a four-game losing streak. Lynetta Kizer had 19 points and seven rebounds for Phoenix (7-23), which has lost four of its past five. Tulsa took advantage of 21 Phoenix turnovers, converting them into 25 points, seven in the final period. The Shock ran off seven straight points midway through the fourth quarter to take an 87-78 lead with 3:20 left. With three starters out because of injury, Phoenix used just seven players on Friday, including three rookies. Olympian Diana Taurasi, who has missed 22 games this season, much of it with a hip flexor, sat out for the second straight night. The league's second-leading scorer, DeWanna Bonner, also did not play because of a sore back. Riquna Williams added 16 points, six rebounds and four assists for Tulsa, which has beaten Phoenix only twice in the past 12 meetings. Free agent and Phoenix native Dymond Simon, in just her sixth pro game, had 16 points, six assists, six rebounds and three steals for the Mercury. Roneeka Hodges hit a pair of 3-pointers and the Mercury missed 13 of their first 18 shots as Tulsa opened up a 22-13 lead after one period. Phoenix scored the first seven points of the second quarter and made 14 of 22 from the field in the period and tied it at 42 at the break. The teams traded baskets much of the third quarter although Alexis Hornbuckle's 3-pointer from the top of the key gave Phoenix a 68-63 lead in the final minute of the quarter. However, Latta hit a 3-pointer for Tulsa to put the Shock within two going into the final period. *Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Washington M. - Atlanta D. 74-82
Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-SF-86, college: Louisville) scored 26 points and Lindsey Harding (5'8''-G-84, college: Duke) added 19 to help the Atlanta Dream rally from an 11-point third quarter deficit and beat the Washington Mystics 82-74 Friday night. Atlanta (18-14), third in the Eastern Conference and bound for the playoffs, has won five-of-six. Monique Currie led Washington (5-26) with 20 points and Matee Ajavon added 15. Washington's leading scorer, Crystal Langhorne, left in the second quarter with a left foot strain and did not return. Trailing by four early in the fourth quarter, Atlanta went on an 8-0 run and eventually led by five. The Mystics tied it at 65 on a 3-pointer by Currie. Atlanta went ahead for good on McCoughtry's two free throws with 3:28 left. After Washington miss, McCoughtry sandwiched a jumper and a 3-pointer around a free throw by Currie to make it 72-66 with 2:18 to play and Washington got no closer than within four points and the rest of the way. The Mystics have lost 10 straight and are 1-12 since the Olympic break. Atlanta swept the season series from Washington 4-0. Trailing 50-39 early in the third quarter, Atlanta used an 8-0 run that started and ended with Harding jumpers to get within three. Sancho Lyttle's jumper tied the score at 54. Atlanta trailed by two after three quarters. *Courtesy of www.sacbee.com

Indiana F. - Minnesota L. 64-66
Lindsay Whalen (5'9''-PG-82, college: Minnesota) banked a fade-away jumper in with 1.6 seconds left to give the Minnesota Lynx a 66-64 win over the Indiana Fever on Friday night. The Lynx bounced back from their fifth loss of the year to add to their WNBA-best record. Maya Moore (6'0''-SG-89, college: Connecticut) finished with 15 points and Devereaux Peters added 13 in the win for Minnesota which is 25-5 this season. The Fever watched their three-game winning streak come to an end. Tamika Catchings posted her eighth double-double of the season with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Briann January chipped in 16 points as Katie Douglas had 14. January tied the game at 64 with just under 24 seconds left with a driving layup in the the chest of the Lynx defender. Whalen nearly dribbled the clock out when she made the game-winner from 10-feet away. *Courtesy of www.sacbee.com

L.Angeles S. - Chicago S. 86-77
Rookie Nnemkadi Ogwumike (6'2''-F-90, college: Stanford) scored a career-high 30 points and had 11 rebounds to help the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Chicago Sky 87-77 on Thursday night. Delisha Milton-Jones (6'1''-F-74, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Florida) added 19 points for Los Angeles. Coming off a 1-4 trip, the Sparks improved to 13-1 at home and 21-10 overall. They moved two games ahead of San Antonio for second place in the Western Conference with four games remaining. The top two teams get home-court advantage in the playoffs. Ogwumike scored 16 points in the second half and helped turn away a late Chicago rally. "She was super," Sparks coach Carol Ross said. "She kept battling in the paint. She created a lot of plays just by being aggressive. She was clearly the sparkiest of Sparks tonight." Swin Cash (6'1''-SF-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Connecticut) scored 19 of her 23 points in the second half for Chicago, and Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) had 19. The Sky (12-18) fell a game behind New York for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Sky center Sylvia Fowles, an Olympian and the WNBA's second-leading rebounder, missed her third straight game because of a strained calf. Ogwumike gave Los Angeles a 12-point lead when she put back a missed shot with 3:20 remaining, but Chicago put together a 10-2 run to trim the Sparks' lead to 81-77 on Cash's 3-pointer with 51.2 seconds to go. The teams exchanged turnovers and Chicago committed two fouls. Kristi Toliver made a free throw, and Ogwumike took an inbound pass from Milton-Jones for an uncontested layup with 28.9 seconds left as Los Angeles held on for its seventh straight win at home. The Sparks managed to win despite a rough night for leading scorer Toliver, who was 0 for 5 from the field and finished with six points. "We just came off a 1-4 road trip," Ogwumike said. "We knew this game was essential, and also learning from the win was really important, too. "I think pushing the ball was working well for us, and playing outside of ourselves, because a lot of times we're kind of stagnant and we don't play past the first option. I think by moving the ball . that really added to our success tonight." Cash had a 14-point third quarter as Chicago closed to 61-57. Prince scored six in the third, including a long jumper and a pair of free throws. Chicago was coming off a win against first-place Minnesota. "We're in the playoff race and this one hurts," Cash said. Ogwumike scored 14 and Milton-Jones added 11 to lead the Sparks a 44-35 halftime lead. Chicago coach Pokey Chatman acknowledged that her team has to play a different way without Fowles inside to defend against players like Ogwumike. "She's a tremendous player," Chatman said of Ogwumike. "She has those volleyball hops. She runs the floor. She gets 10 from the (free-throw) line. She gets six on the putbacks. She gets four because she gets up over somebody. She's not a rookie anymore." The Sky shot 35 percent in the first half, including 0 for 8 from 3-point range, and Cash was held to one basket, a layup before the buzzer. Ogwumike and Milton-Jones combined for 17 of the Sparks' 27 first-quarter points. Ogwumike began her night with a three-point play and scored an uncontested layup for a 22-10 lead. Courtesy of www.mercurynews.com