Eurobasket Daily News Report: 9/23/2012 4:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/23/2012 4:04:01 AM

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Men News

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AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18

Standings

1. Egypt		2-0
2. Senegal		2-0
3. Tunisia		1-1
4. Angola		1-1
5. Kenya		0-2
6. Mali		0-2

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ARGENTINA

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 4

North

Sep. 23: Regatas C. - Libertad S.
Sep. 23: Atenas - La Union
Sep. 23: Sionista - Quimsa
Sep. 23: Olimpico LB - Union Progr.

South

Sep. 22: Obras - 9 de Julio 92-66
Sep. 22: Boca Jrs - Argentino 59-75
Sep. 23: GECR Indalo - Wuber-Est.Bahia
Sep. 23: Lanus - Penarol

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

William GRAVES
  Libertad S.
  (198-F/G-88)
  Avg: 20.7

1. Graves, Libertad S.	20.7
2. Roby, Wuber-Es.	19.7
3. Cequeira, Sionista	18.7
4. DeGroat, Boca Jrs	17.0
5. Nelson, 9 de Julio	17.0
6. Seawright, GECR I.	16.7
7. Funes, Argentino	16.3
8. De los Santo., Arg.	16.3
9. Osimani, Obras	16.0
10. Saglietti, Libert.	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Darren PHILLIP
  Union Progr.
  (201-F-78)
  Avg: 15.3

1. Phillip, Union Pro.	15.3
2. Sanchez, Libertad.	10.3
3. Seawright, GECR I.	9.3
4. Clancy, Olimpico.	9.0
5. Nelson, 9 de Julio	9.0
6. Lewis, La Union	8.8
7. Williams, Quimsa	8.7
8. DeGroat, Boca Jrs	8.7
9. Field, Obras	8.3
10. Fierro, Atenas	8.0

Assists Per Game

Facundo CAMPAZZO
  Penarol
  (179-PG-91)
  Avg: 6

1. Campazzo, Penarol	6.0
2. Faggiano, Wuber-.	5.3
3. Treise, Libertad S.	5.3
4. Laprovittola, Lanus	4.7
5. Aguirre, Quimsa	3.7
6. Osimani, Obras	3.7
7. Van Lacke, Boca J.	3.7
8. Quinteros, Regat.	3.3
9. Lytch, Argentino	3.3
10. Hopson, Boca Jrs	3.3

Steals Per Game

Nicolas AGUIRRE
  Quimsa
  (188-G-88)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Aguirre, Quimsa	3.3
2. Pau, Olimpico LB	3.0
3. De los Santo., Arg.	2.3
4. Ramirez, Olimpico.	2.3
5. Laprovittola, Lanus	2.3
6. Ciorciari, GECR I.	2.0
7. Gerlero, Regatas C.	2.0
8. Boccia, Lanus	2.0
9. Pittman, Sionista	2.0
10. Phillip, Union Pr.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Robert BATTLE
  Lanus
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Battle, Lanus	1.7
2. Mata, Penarol	1.7
3. Clancy, Olimpico.	1.3
4. Carlwell, Argentino	1.0
5. Dilligard, Union P.	1.0
6. Wolkowyski, La Uni.	1.0
7. Ayarza, 9 de Julio	1.0
8. Williams, Quimsa	1.0
9. Bulfoni, Atenas	1.0
10. Lauria, La Union	0.8

Standings - TNA

TNA Standings

North
1. Atl.Echague		1-0
2. Estudian.Con.		1-0
3. Instituto Cor.		1-0
4. Obera TC		1-0
5. San Mart.C.		1-0
6. Alvear		0-1
7. La Union		0-1
8. San Isidro		0-1
9. Sarmiento		0-1
10. Union Sunch		0-1
South
1. Banda Norte		1-0
2. Huracan		1-0
3. San Lorenzo Ch.		1-0
4. Alianza Viedma		0-0
5. Ciclista		0-0
6. Quilmes MP		0-0
7. Sport Club		0-0
8. Bragado		0-1
9. MH Basket		0-1
10. Rocamora		0-1

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 21: San Mart.C. - Alvear 98-74
Sep. 21: Banda Norte - San Isidro 83-80
Sep. 21: Sarmiento - Obera TC 82-86
Sep. 21: San Lorenzo Ch. - Bragado 75-69
Sep. 21: La Union - Estudian.Con. 74-84
Sep. 21: Huracan - MH Basket 73-71
Sep. 21: Atl.Echague - Rocamora 67-53
Sep. 21: Union Sunch - Instituto Cor. 59-65
Sep. 23: Ciclista - Sport Club
Sep. 23: Quilmes MP - Alianza Viedma

League 3rd Round - by Leonardo Contieri

North: Regatas Corrients stays undefeated as the bet Quimsa 82-67 with 20 points from Tony Washam, 16 from Miguel Gerlero and 9 points and 8 rebounds from Federico Kammerichs. Cheyne Gadson scored 17 for Quimsa and Diego Lo Gripo added 11.
Atenas barely defeated winless Union Progresista at home, 70-69 with 16 points from Robert Hornsby and 10 from Diego Guaita. Cesar Avalle led Union with 17 and Darren Phillip added 10 points and 17 boards.
Libertad won at sionista's court 77-79 with 16 points from Williams Graves and Marcos Saglietti. Ricky Sanchez (11 boards), Gabriel Mikulas and Jonatan Treise added 12 each. Luis Cequeira scored 23 for Sionista and Alejandro Zilli added 10.
Olimpico won at home, 68-64 over La Union with 15 points from Sam Clancy, 11 from Hernando Salles and 10 from Ariel Pau. Nicolas Lauria and Greg Lewis scored 12 each for La Union.
South: In a duel between undefeated teams, Argentino won at Obras court 72-83 behind's Juan Cangelosi's 20 points, Nicolas de los Santos 17 and Fernando Funes 15. Daniel Fitzgeral made his debut for Obras with 16 points and Julio Mazzaro added 14.
Boca barely defeated 9 de Julio 76-71 with 20 points from John Degroat and Joel Jones, Daniel Santiago added 11 and 8 rebounds. Ayerza scored 16 for 9 de julio and Jaz Cowan added 15.
Pearol got its first victory, away from home, 83-89 at Gimnasia Indalo's court. Five players scored in double figures for the winners, led by David's Teague 19 and Thomas Terrel 17. David Jackson scored 24 for Gimnasia, Diego Romero added 18 and Kaheim Seawright 14 and 12 rebounds.
Lanus beat Estudiantes 84-74 with six players scoring ten or more points, led by Nicolas Laprovittola's and William MCFarlasn's 18. Lucas Faggiano scored 23 alongside 5 rebounds and 5 assits for Estudiantes and Richard Roby added 18.

Gregory Lewis claims Argentinian LigaA Round 3 award - by Eurobasket News

Experienced American Gregory Lewis (200-F-78, agency: Dream Team Management) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for La Union and that's him to receive a Latinbasket.com Player of the Round 3 award.
The 34-year old forward had the game-high 20 points adding nine rebounds and five assists for La Union in his team's victory, helping them to edge out Atenas (2-2) 89-88. This is the first win for La Union (1-3). It's Lewis' second year at La Union and it's hard to imagine this team without him. So far Winthrop University graduate has very impressive stats. Lewis is in league's top in points (9th best: 17.0ppg) and averages solid 51.7% FGP and 62.5% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 23-year old point guard Lucas Faggiano (189-PG-89) of Wuber-Est.Bahia. Faggiano impressed basketball fans with 23 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Bad luck as Wuber-Est.Bahia lost that game 74-84 to Lanus (2-1). The season is still at the very beginning and this lost game may not be such crucial, of course if they start win the games. Let's wait for the next round. Faggiano is one of the most experienced players at Wuber-Est.Bahia and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

The third best performed player last round was Italian guard Javier Bulfoni (192-G-76) of Atenas (#5). Bulfoni scored 21 points and grabbed six rebounds. Despite Bulfoni's great performance Atenas lost 88-89 to La Union (1-3). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Atenas needs is to lose another game like this one. Their record is 2 victories and 2 lost games. Bulfoni has a very solid season so far. In 3 games in Argentina he scored 12.0ppg. Javier Bulfoni has also Argentinian passport and can play in the league with a status of domestic player.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Nicolas Laprovittola (184-PG-90) of Lanus - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 8 assists
5. Kyle Lamonte (191-G-84) of La Union - 23 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Darren Phillip (201-F-78) of Union Progr. - 10 points, 17 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Tony Washam (200-F-82) of Regatas C. - 20 points and 3 rebounds
8. Sam Clancy (202-C-80) of Olimpico LB - 15 points and 7 rebounds
9. Luis Cequeira (180-PG-85) of Sionista - 23 points and 2 rebounds
10. John DeGroat (198-F-85) of Boca Jrs - 20 points and 6 rebounds

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)

Daniel Fitzgerald joins Obras Sanitarias Buenos Aires - by Eurobasket Center

Obras Sanitarias Buenos Aires agreed terms with 28-year old American forward Daniel Fitzgerald (206-F-84, college: Marquette). In his first game he scored 16 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Argentino 72-83. Fitzgerald played most recently at Sendai 89ers (Japan). While playing 52 games for Sendai 89ers last season he recorded 18.5ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.4apg and 1.5spg. It was a very successful year in his career as He was selected to Asia-Basket.com All-Japanese BJ League Honorable Mention. Fitzgerald is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Germany, Japan and Switzerland. Fitzgerald graduated Marquette University in 2008 and it will be his fifth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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AUSTRALIA

36ers romp past Taipans, 89-62 - by Eurobasket News

The Adelaide 36ers closed their 2012 NBL preseason tournament in fine style on Saturday night at Dandenong Stadium with an all the way 89-62 win over the Cairns Taipans.

Adelaide led from start to finish in another impressive offensive display, equalling the biggest margin of victory in the tournament. All 12 Sixers got on the scoresheet, with Stephen Weigh (198-F/G-87) leading his team with 16 points and seven rebounds, while CJ Massingale (191-G-82, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Metro St.) had 15 points and Jason Cadee (186-G-91) 14 on a perfect four of four shooting from deep as Adelaide shot 52% from the field and knocked down 14 treys.

Cairns played without import point guard Jamar Wilson and it showed, with the Snakes unable to play with any kind of fluency for much of the contest, shooting just 26% from the field in the opening half and 33% for the game. Alexander Loughton (205-F/C-83, college: ODU) led the Taipans with 15 points while Cameron Tragardh (209-C/F-83, college: ORU) produced 14 points and seven boards and Brad Hill (198-G/F-86) contributed 12 points.

The 36ers finished the tournament with a 2-1 record after their double overtime loss to Wollongong on Thursday and a six point win over the Sydney Kings on Friday, while the Taipans came away from Dandenong with three defeats in their three games after losses to Melbourne and New Zealand.

It was all Adelaide in the early going as Cadee hit a corner trey and Luke Schenscher ran down the lane and threw down a jam to give the 36ers a 6-0 lead in the first two minutes.

Cadee splashed another three seconds later, but the crowd was energised when Cairns forward Shane Edwards skied for a monstrous one hand alley-oop flush.

However, the 36ers have shown throughout this tournament that they will feature an offensively potent squad in 2012/13, and they rode five points from athletic swingman Mitch Creek to power to a 20-10 advantage.

Creek had another four points late to give him nine for the quarter, and Adam Gibson (188-PG-86) knocked down a trey to give Adelaide an imposing 27-13 lead after one.

The 36ers continued the onslaught as the second period got underway with a 7-0 run capped by a Creek dunk in transition giving them a massive 34-15 lead, forcing Cairns coach Aaron Fearne to burn a quick timeout with his team struggling to contain the Adelaide offensive juggernaut.

The Taipans looked disorganised without Wilson on the floor directing traffic, and Adelaide continued to hammer home their advantage as Massingale buried a three to offset a transition dunk from Brad Hill and make it a 20 point ballgame midway through the quarter.

Edwards played a lone hand offensively for Cairns down the stretch, and six points from Daniel Johnson helped Adelaide to a 48-28 lead at intermission.

The Taipans came out with more energy as the second half got underway, but Weigh hit a three from the wing and Creek threw in an audacious hook shot to keep the margin above 20 early in the third period.

Adelaide kept pouring it on, and threes to Cadee and Massingale blew out the lead to 24 midway through the quarter.

It was the Cadee and Massingale show as they knocked down a couple of tough perimeter shots late, and the Sixers were in total command with ten minutes remaining up 68-45.

Cairns were playing out the last quarter for pride only, but Adelaide were showing no mercy and a three to youngster Tom Daly followed by a tough baseline jumper by Nate Crosswell expanded the margin to 28 with two minutes gone.

It was garbage time the rest of the way with both coaches running their benches extensively, and although the Taipans tried to make it somewhat respectable, Adelaide was just too strong on the night.

Courtesy of NBL Australia

Kings too good for Breakers, 100-93 - by Eurobasket News

In the upset of the tournament, the Sydney Kings overcame the New Zealand Breakers 100-93 on the final day of action Saturday afternoon at the 2012 National Basketball League preseason tournament in Dandenong.

The Kings defeated the Breakers in last years preseason Sunshine State Challenge and repeated the dose in a high-scoring battle, storming home with a 26-16 final quarter.

Kings import point guard Corin Henry (180-PG-88, college: Tarleton St.) showed his potential with a superb display, leading all scorers with 25 points and adding four rebounds, while Darnell Lazare (203-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: LSU) and Ben Madgen (193-G/F-85, college: Augusta St.) both had 19 points for a Sydney unit that shot 54% from the field and 50% from long distance.

The Breakers shot the ball at 58% from the field and placed five guys in double figures, but committed 22 turnovers in a key stat. Will Hudson led New Zealand with 19 points and six rebounds, while Alex Pledger (213-C-87, college: Belm.Abbey) contributed 16 points and seven boards and Cedric Jackson (191-G-86, college: Cleveland St.) finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists and seven turnovers.

Sydney finished with a 1-2 record over the three days of the carnival after losses to Perth and Adelaide, while New Zealand closed the tournament with a 2-1 mark after knocking over Townsville and Cairns.

The Kings played without starting small forward James Harvey, who was rested as a precautionary measure, and the Breakers also came into the game undermanned with both Tom Abercrombie and Mika Vukona not suiting up for the two-time defending NBL champions.

Sydney exploded out of the blocks with Ian Crosswhite throwing down a couple of big dunks after some nice ball movement, and the Kings jumped to an early 8-2 lead.

But Daryl Corletto (193-G-81) responded with seven points of his own and Pledger was strong inside for a pair of scores to help the Breakers gain a 13-10 advantage midway through the quarter.

Corletto had another pair of buckets to take his tally to 11 points in a highly entertaining first period, and Kings import Darnell Lazare answered with an impressive eight to keep Sydney close at the first break, down 30-25.

CJ Bruton showed some of the old magic as we got underway in the second, with a three pointer followed by a sweet no look feed to Hudson for the bucket as a 7-0 Breaker run saw New Zealand forge to a 37-25 lead.

Consecutive three point plays to Madgen kept the Kings in it, but the Breakers remained in control midway through the quarter up 43-35.

They expanded it to double figures once again, but with three minutes left Henry took over with eight points as part of a 10-2 Sydney run that pulled them within three, 50-47, late in the period.

Pledger and Hudson answered with buckets, and New Zealand took a 54-48 lead into halftime on the back of a blistering 65% success rate from the field in the opening stanza.

The Kings came out of the break more focused than the defending NBL champs, and an early 6-0 run tied the game early in the third quarter.

But with Crosswhite on the bench for Sydney, New Zealands size advantage was taking its toll, and a 12-4 run saw the Breakers sprint to an eight point lead midway through the period.

However, the Kings continued to fight, and a pair of triples from Aaron Bruce, a trifecta to Luke Martin and a tough three point play to Lazare saw the purple and gold roar back into contention, with only a last second three pointer from Jackson giving New Zealand a 77-74 advantage with one quarter left to play.

Tom Garlepp and Graeme Dann opened the scoring for Sydney in the final period, but Leon Henry responded with a gut-check three to make it a four point Breaker lead with seven minutes left.

However, Martin nailed a trey, and two free throws to Henry gave the Kings their first lead since the opening quarter.

Sydney upped their intensity, and Henry exploded with a three point play followed by a drive and dish to Lazare for the layup, and suddenly it was the Kings with all the momentum leading by four, 88-84, with four minutes remaining.

Jackson decided to impose his will on the contest with a bucket in traffic and a pass to Dillon Boucher for the score, but the Kings were in a determined mood, and five straight points from Madgen blew the margin out to seven with just over a minute left.

A late triple from Daryl Corletto kept things interesting, but the Breakers could get no closer than five points down the stretch, and Sydney closed it out from the free throw line.

Courtesy of NBL Australia

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CHILE

Standings - LIBSUR

DIMAYOR Standings

1. San Fernando		1-0
2. U.Concepcion		1-0
3. Duoc		0-0
4. Liceo Mixto		0-0
5. San Luis		0-0
6. U.Catolica		0-0
7. I.P. Virginio		0-1
8. Quilicura		0-1

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 22: Quilicura - U.Concepcion 61-90
Sep. 22: San Fernando - I.P. Virginio 107-70
Sep. 22: Duoc - Liceo Mixto
Sep. 22: U.Catolica - San Luis

Dimayor: roster news for U.Concepcion, Catolica and Liceo Mixto - by Daniel Valencia

CD Universidad de Concepcion

The finalists from last year agreed to terms with the american Terrell Taylor (203-C-81, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Virginia Tech). Taylor is an american center with plenty of experience in South America, playing in Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela and also a stint with CD Universidad de Concepcion back in 2009, playing 20 games with averages of 16 points and 10 rebounds per game.

CD Universidad Catolica de Santiago

Catolica agreed to terms with the National Team player Rodrigo Espinoza (183-G-81, agency: Players Group), one of the best shooting guard of the last decade, and also with the american Jeffrey Fahnbulleh (200-C/F-85), a forward with playing experience in France, Switzerland, Uruguay and Chile, where he played for CD Universidad Catolica de Santiago in 2008.

CD Liceo Mixto de Los Andes

The champion, Liceo Mixto, agreed to terms with the american A.J. Hardeman (203-F). He is a forward that just finished his NCAA career at the university of New Mexico and will have his first experience playing overseas.

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CHINA

COLOMBIA

ROSTER CHANGES IN HORMIGUEROS, CARL MITCHELL ARRIVES - by Victor Garcia

Hormigueros de Santander trying to find a key pice in thier roster has added the american forward Carl Mitchell (205-F-79, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: N.Kentucky) (2.05 F), at his 33 yeard Mitchell is a experienced forward good scorer and rebounder with experience in Luxemburg, Hungary, Dominican Republic and Venezuela.
Mitchell will fill the small forward spot in Hormigueros, the team is already ranked in the 10th place of the standings with a 9-1 record,

ISLANDERS ADDS JESUS URBINA - by Victor Garcia

Islanders wants to stay strong and inked for the first time in the Colombian League the good Colombian-Venezuelan Forward Jesus Urbina (201-F-84, college: George Mason) (2,00 F).
Urbina father born in Colombia, Jess has been member of several Venezuelas national teams and has a solid name as rebounder and good scorer, now Islanders looks deeper if the frontcourt, and looks as a solid challenger for the postseason, the Island team is making a great effort this season for all the Islanders fans.

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Standings - D2

1Liga Standings

1. Kara Trutnov		1-0
2. Liberec		1-0
3. Sokol P.		1-0
4. Sparta Praha		1-0
5. JBC Brno		0-0
6. Loko Plzen		0-0
7. Proton Zlin		0-0
8. Sokol H.K.		0-0
9. U19		0-0
10. Litomerice		0-1
11. Nymburk B		0-1
12. Ostrava		0-1
13. Sokol V.		0-1

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 21: Sparta Praha - Ostrava 88-83
Sep. 21: Sokol P. - Nymburk B 88-65
Sep. 21: Liberec - Litomerice 85-82
Sep. 21: Sokol V. - Kara Trutnov 78-81
Sep. 23: JBC Brno - Loko Plzen
Sep. 23: Sokol H.K. - Proton Zlin

MBC edge Decin in pre-season action - by Eurobasket News

Mitteldeutscher BC earned pre-season victory in Czech Republic. They overcame Decin 88:78. Steve Wachalski (203-F/C-83) scored 16 points to pace the winners.
Decin got to a slightly better start. The Czech team accumulated a 19:17 lead after ten minutes. Decin arrived at halftime up by three points 41:38. But MBC turned things around in the third term. The German side surged ahead for a 61:55 lead at the final intermission. Mitteldeutscher BC stayed in charge throughout the fourth frame and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Djordje Pantelic (204-F-84) posted 11 points, while Chad Timberlake (194-G-84, college: Fair Dickinson) added 13 points for the winners. Jakub Houska (206-PF-82) answered with 19 points for Decin. Peter Sedmak (207-C-85) provided 13 points in the loss.

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DENMARK

Standings - Basketligaen

Ligaen Standings

1. Aarhus BC		1-0
2. Svendborg		1-0
3. Bakken		0-0
4. Horsholm		0-0
5. Naestved		0-0
6. Randers		0-0
7. SISU		0-0
8. Vaerlose		0-0
9. Aalborg		0-1
10. Horsens IC		0-1

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 22: Aarhus BC - Aalborg 97-90 OT
Sep. 22: Svendborg - Horsens IC 97-87
Sep. 23: SISU - Naestved
Sep. 23: Bakken - Horsholm

Stats Leaders - Basketligaen

Points Per Game

Ryan WILLEN
  Aalborg
  (204-F/C-89)
  Avg: 32

1. Willen, Aalborg	32.0
2. Darboe, Svendborg	30.0
3. Thorsteinsso., Aal.	24.0
4. Thomann, Horse.	24.0
5. Jukic, Horsens IC	23.0
6. Petkov, Aarhus BC	22.0
7. Washington, Svend.	21.0
8. McShane, Aarhus BC	20.0
9. Rutherford, Svend.	19.0
10. Dezouvre, Aarhus	19.0

Rebounds Per Game

Randy DEZOUVRE
  Aarhus BC
  (195-F/G-87)
  Avg: 14

1. Dezouvre, Aarhus	14.0
2. Thomann, Horse.	12.0
3. Washington, Svend.	11.0
4. Petkov, Aarhus BC	11.0
5. Willen, Aalborg	10.0
6. Rutherford, Svend.	9.0
7. Jukic, Horsens IC	7.0
8. Rasmussen, Aalborg	7.0
9. McShane, Aarhus BC	6.0
10. Laier, Aarhus BC	5.0

Assists Per Game

Louis GIBSON
  Aarhus BC
  (195-SF-90)
  Avg: 16

1. Gibson, Aarhus BC	16.0
2. Bowlin, Horsens IC	7.0
3. Plannthin, Svend.	6.0
4. Thorsteinsso., Aal.	4.0
5. Darboe, Svendborg	4.0
6. Willen, Aalborg	4.0
7. Gertz, Svendborg	3.0
8. Rutherford, Svend.	3.0
9. Varga, Horsens IC	3.0
10. Magaard, Svendbo.	2.0

Steals Per Game

Frederik RUNGBY
  Horsens IC
  (199-F-93)
  Avg: 3

1. Rungby, Horsens IC	3.0
2. McShane, Aarhus BC	3.0
3. Bowlin, Horsens IC	3.0
4. Rutherford, Svend.	2.0
5. Thorsteinsso., Aal.	2.0
6. Dezouvre, Aarhus	2.0
7. Washington, Svend.	2.0
8. Darboe, Svendborg	2.0
9. Gibson, Aarhus BC	2.0
10. Sakne, Horsens IC	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Keane THOMANN
  Horse.
  (211-C-89)
  Avg: 2

1. Thomann, Horse.	2.0
2. Washington, Svend.	1.0
3. Rutherford, Svend.	1.0
4. Plannthin, Svend.	1.0
5. Kristiansen, Aalbo.	0.0
6. Jensen, Aarhus BC	0.0
7. Sorensen, Aalborg	0.0
8. Haddad, Svendborg	0.0
9. Soerensen, Aalborg	0.0
10. Gibson, Aarhus BC	0.0

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D-LEAGUE

Red Claws name Mike Taylor as coach - by Eurobasket News

Mike Taylor (agency: Pro One Sports), formerly an assistant coach with Rio Grande of the NBA Developmental League, was named the new head coach of the Maine Red Claws on Friday afternoon.

The Boston Celtics, who will be the exclusive parent team for the Red Claws beginning this season, made the announcement.

Mike impressed us with not only his coaching experience, but his enthusiasm and ability to develop young players, said Austin Ainge, former coach of the Red Claws and current Director of Player Personnel for the Celtics. He brings a blend of international and NBA D-League experience that will benefit the Celtics players assigned to Maine and the entire Red Claws roster."

As an assistant with Rio Grande, Taylor was responsible for developing game plans, scouting, practice plans and player development. Taylor also has international experience as an assistant coach for the Czech Republic National Team during the summers of 2010, 2011 and 2012. He also was the head coach for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany from 2003-11. In his 10 seasons in Europe between teams in Germany and England, Taylor amassed a record of 188-115.

Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

D-Fenders to host first-ever NBA Development League game in Ontario - by Eurobasket News

The Los Angeles D-Fenders will host a special preseason game on November 17th against the Bakersfield Jam at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif., it was announced today. The contest will be the first NBA Development League game ever played at Citizens Business Bank Arena.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to showcase the D-Fenders to basketball fans in Ontario," said Joey Buss, D-Fenders President and CEO. "Playing here is exciting for us because we have a chance to expand our fan base and bring basketball to Citizens Business Bank Arena just as the Lakers do year after year."

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm and fans can expect performances from the 2012-13 Laker Girls. Tickets will go on sale September 24th.

The D-Fenders are coming off of a historic 2011-12 season in which they shattered the NBA D-League record for wins in a season (38), earned the Regular Season Champion award and reached the NBA D-League Finals. In addition, the D-Fenders developed eight NBA Call-Ups along with six Lakers assignment players en route to winning the inaugural Development Champion award.

During the D-Fenders last meeting with the Jam in 2012, the D-Fenders completed a 2-0 NBA D-League Semifinals sweep to reach their first Finals berth in franchise history. Including the playoffs, the D-Fenders lead the all-time series versus the Jam 21-18.

Over the five previous D-Fenders seasons, the franchise has played three preseason games at three different venues throughout California, including Toyota Sports Center (2006-07), Paige Fieldhouse at Camp Pendleton (2007-08), and Hope International University (2008-09).

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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ESTONIA

Valga has a new head coach Tarmo Petter - by Sander Loon

Estonian coach Tarmo Petter takes over Valga. Valga Korvpallikool terminated last position with 3 wins and 25 losses. Tarmo Petter last team was Tartu likool II (Estonia 1.League). From the last season will continue 4 players : Veljo Vares (200-F/G-81), Joonas Jarvelainen (202-F/C-90), Robert Petersonig (190-F-90) Brendon Paidra .Veljo Vares had 9.7 ppg and 5,6 rpg, Joonas Jarvelainen 4,2 ppg, 2.2 rpg, Robert Petersonig 5,9 ppg, 4 rpg, 1,3 apg in KML.

Kalev/Cramo and Rakvere Tarvas won pre-season games - by Sander Loon

Estonian Champion Kalev/Cramo earned second straight win in Finland.Yesterday Kalev takes win against Salon Vilpas 96:86.Todays game was against Finland Champion Nilan Bison. First quarter win Bisons with 2 points and half time 41:40, but Kalev takes minimum won 81:80. Rait Keerles (201-F-80), Tanel Sokk (188-G-85), Gregor Arbet (195-G/F-83) and Gert Dorbek (193-SG-85) added 12 points for the winners. Martin Zeno (196-G-85, college: Texas Tech) answered with 26 points and Jeb Ivey (190-G-80, college: Portland St.) adds 22 points in the loss.

Rakvere Tarvas edge Karhu Kauhajoki in Rakvere 86:80
Tarvas takes lead in second quarter which was won 32:14.Kaido Saks (207-F-86) and Renato Lindmets (198-F-84, college: Westfield St.) added 20 points for the winners.J'Nathan Bullock (196-F-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Cleveland St.) answered 21 points in the loss.

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EUROLEAGUE

FIBA ASIA CUP

Iran celebrate title in Tokyo - by Eurobasket News

FINAL

Japan - Iran 51-53
Iran clinched the crown at the Fiba Asia Cup. They upset Japan in Tokyo today to celebrate success at the tournament. Aren Davoudichegani (185-PG-86) drained a triple with 19 seconds remaining in regulation to seal the victory for Iran. The victory also means automatic qualification at 2013 Fiba Asia Championship for Iran. Samad Nik Khahbahrami (198-F-83) finished with 14 points to lead the winners. Iran enjoyed a slim 13:11 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the gap in the second quarter. The visitors arrived at the interval up by 7 points 30:23. But Japan turned things around in the third frame. The hosts finally picked up the right tempo and fired 21 points to pull ahead. Japan entered the fourth frame up by 4 points 44:40. It all came down to the final seconds in this one. Furukawa drained a triple to make it 51:47 for Japan with just over a minute to go. Asghar Kardoust pulled Iran within one 50:51. Then Aren Davoudichegani hit his three-pointer to make it 53:51 for Iran. J.R. Sakuragi and Furukawa had chances to save the game for Japan but missed their attempts. Mohammad Jamshidi, Hamed Afagh and Asghar Kardoust accounted for 8 points each for the winners. Kosuke Kanamaru (193-F/G-89) answered with 16 points for Japan. J.R. Sakuragi added 10 points in the loss.

3-4 Place

Philippines - Qatar 63-79
Qatar clinch Bronze at the Fiba Asia Cup in Tokyo. The GCC champions repeated of their bronze medal success from two years ago, having beaten Philippines at the similar stage at the 3rd FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup. Tonight they needed 79:63 to finish on the third place. Qatar started the game with 12-8 lead and added 23-18 in the second period. Norwood Gabe reduced to 55:47 at the end of the third period as Philippines won the quarter 22-20. Qatar however needed a 24-15 surge in the last stanza to win bronze at Fiba Asia Cup in Tokyo. Mohammed Yousef (204-C-82) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Clinton Fihnoir Johnson (193-G-84) had 16. Suliman Khalid posted 14, while Ali Erfan had 10 points and 11 rebounds. Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) replied with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while David Gary notched 15. Dillinger Jared scored 12 and Norwood Gabe added 10.

5-6 Place

China - Taiwan 67-63
China defeat Taiwan for the 5th place at the 2012 Fiba Asia Cup. The Chinese team grabbed 67:63 win in the last game to take the higher step. Taiwan meanwhile ended up on the 6th place. China won the first period 18-16 and added 11-8 in the second frame. Duan JiangPeng nailed three to send the teams to the lockers for 29:24. Taiwan however was too far to give up and Tseng Wen-Ting tied the game at 42:42 midway throughout the third period. China meanwhile led 49:47 at the end of the third period and then needed 18-16 to seal the victory. Wang Zhelin (215-PF-94) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Zhao TaiLong (193-G/F-90) posted 14. Duan JiangPeng scored 11 and Wang Zirui delivered 6. Lin Chih-Chieh (192-G-82) replied with 20 points in the losing case and Tseng Wen-Ting posted 12. Mao Chia-En brought 10, while Wu Tai-Hao had 9.

7-8 Place

Lebanon - Uzbekistan 84-73
Fadi Khatib (199-F-79) leads Lebanon to the 7th place at the 2012 Fiba Asia Cup He erupted with 44 points as his team won over Uzbekistan 84:73 in the last game. The latter finished on the 8th position. Lebanon scored the first 8 points in the game and never looked behind after. They won the first period 28-15 and added 21-16 in the second frame. Moreover Lebanon was stronger in the third quarter with 18-17 for 67:48 lead after 30 minutes. Uzbekistan replied with 25-17 to reduce to 11 points at the end. Elie Estephane (193-G-86, college: Alabama So. CC) scored 14 points for the winners and Roustom Elie posted 11. Aleksandr Kozlov (201-F-82) finished the game with 24 points in defeat and Juginisov Samender delivered 17. Kadirov Nail and Yahin Aleksandr scored 8 points each in a loss.

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FRANCE

Limoges brings in Reda Rhalimi for tryout - by Eurobasket News

Limoges brings in Moroccan center Reda Rhalimi (213-C-82, college: St.Mary's, CA) for tryout. He played for As de Sale in Moroccan D1. Two years ago his team played 6 games in African Champions Cup, where Rhalimi recorded 7.0ppg and 6.8rpg. He's been a member of Moroccan National Team since 2001. He has quite strong international experience playing previously in Greece, France, China, Egypt, Philippines and Japan. In 2007-07 he played for JDA Dijon Bourgogne in ProA, but he did not impress (1.7ppg, 2.7rpg) and was let go very shortly. Then next season he played part of the season for Cholet Basket (ProA), where in 14 games he had 3.2ppg, 2.4rpg.

Charleville to test Mourad Benkloua - by Eurobasket News

Etoile Charleville-Mezieres (ProB) invited 20-year old domestic center Mourad Benkloua (206-92) for a try-out period. Benkloua played for the last two years at the junior team of Chorale de Roanne Basket (ProA).
He was a member of French U18 National Team between 2009 and 2010, and played also for U16 National Team between 2007 and 2008. Benkloua represented France at the European Championships U16 in Italy four years ago. His team got to the Semifinals and his stats at that event were 8 games: 4.4ppg, 6.4rpg.
Benkloua played previously for another French team: Centre Federal du Basket-Ball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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GERMANY

ALBA Berlin fire past BC Donetsk in Varese - by Eurobasket News

ALBA Berlin - BC Donetsk 73:65

ALBA Berlin recorded the first win at the pre-season tournament in Varese. They defeated the former team of their head coach Sasa Obradovic BC Donetsk. DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.) came up with 13 points to lead ALBA.
BC Donetsk jumped to an early lead. They recorded a 25:11 lead after ten minutes. But ALBA turned things around in the second quarter. The German team answered with a 21:13 run to cut the deficit. ALBA got within just two points at the final break. The German side triggered a 22:12 run in the fourth period to seal the victory at the end. Heiko Schaffartzik (183-PG-84) added 11 points, while Deon Thompson (203-F-88, college: N.Carolina) contributed 10 points for the winners. Ramel Curry (192-G-80, college: CSU Bakersfield) answered with 13 points for BC Donetsk. Vojdan Stojanovski (194-G-87) had 12 points in defeat.

ALBA Berlin: DaShaun Wood 13, Heiko Schaffartzik 11, Deon Thompson 10
BC Donetsk: Ramel Curry 13, Vojdan Stojanovski 12

MBC edge Decin in pre-season action - by Eurobasket News

Mitteldeutscher BC earned pre-season victory in Czech Republic. They overcame Decin 88:78. Steve Wachalski (203-F/C-83) scored 16 points to pace the winners.
Decin got to a slightly better start. The Czech team accumulated a 19:17 lead after ten minutes. Decin arrived at halftime up by three points 41:38. But MBC turned things around in the third term. The German side surged ahead for a 61:55 lead at the final intermission. Mitteldeutscher BC stayed in charge throughout the fourth frame and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Djordje Pantelic (204-F-84) posted 11 points, while Chad Timberlake (194-G-84, college: Fair Dickinson) added 13 points for the winners. Jakub Houska (206-PF-82) answered with 19 points for Decin. Peter Sedmak (207-C-85) provided 13 points in the loss.

Crews moved from Crailsheim to Dorsten - by Moritz Korff

The Crailsheim Merlins (2. Bundesliga Pro A) have parted company with Rickie Crews (205-C, college: Holy Family). The Deptford, N.J., native did not waste no time and established contact with Pro B team BG Dorsten, that was looking for a post player since the exit of Quincy Okolie (203-F/C-88, college: Northwood, FL). Crews is currently working out with the Dorsten team. He graduated from NCAA Division Two school Holy Family earlier this year. As a senior he had averaged 11.9 points, 6.9 rebounds per contest and ranked second in the entire NCAA Division Two in blocks per game (3.8rpg).

SC Rist Wedel Give Davey Hopkins Try-Out - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO B team SC Rist Wedel have Davey Hopkins (195-G/F) in for a try-out. Hopkins is a 195cm forward from Riverside, California who is a rookie and just played college basketball the last years. He started his college basketball career in 2007 for Cal.Baptist (NAIA) where he played until 2009. In the last three years he played for Biola, CA (NAIA). This past summer, he toured through Germany with the news release team. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been NAIA D1 Sweet 16 -08, NAIA D1 All-Tournament Team -12, and NAIA D1 Elite Eight -12

Source: SC Rist Wedel

Mike Taylor To Coach Boston Celtics Farm Team Maine Red Claws - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Not too long ago, Mike Taylor (agency: Pro One Sports ) was active helping develop German national players Robin Benzing and Per Guenther and now continues to move up the coaching ladder as he will help form future Boston Celtic players in the D-league with The Maine Red Claws. After a long stint in Germany with ratiopharm Ulm from 2003-2011, the Pennsylvania native returned back to the States last season and was an assistant coach for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. There he was responsible for developing game plans, scouting, practice plans and player development. Boston Celtic Director of Player Personnel Austin Ainge is thrilled about having Mike Taylor (agency: Pro One Sports ) (agency: Pro One Sports ) as new head coach for the D-league team Mike impressed us with not only his coaching experience, but his enthusiasm and ability to develop young players. He brings a blend of international and NBA D-League experience that will benefit the Celtics players assigned to Maine and the entire Red Claws roster", stated Austin Ainge. 2012-13 will mark the 4th season that the Celtics have used the Maine Red Claws as their NBA Development League affiliate and the first under the new hybrid affiliation. Under the new agreement, Boston will be Maines sole NBA affiliate and will have full control over the teams basketball operations. Taylor was a very popular coaching figure in Germany having brought ratiopharm Ulm into the Beko BBL in 2006. In his stay at Ulm from 2006-2011, he helped lead the team into the 2009 playoffs. He was also responsible in shaping the ratiopharm Ulm team into their final run last season as new coach Thorsten Leibenath got the majority of his players. Recently, Taylor had been an assistant coach with the Czech national team from 2010-2012. In his 10 seasons in Europe, he amassed a record of 188-115.

Source: www.nba.com

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IRAN

2012 Fiba Asia Cup: Davoudichegani's trey wins title for Iran - by Eurobasket News

Japan - Iran 51:53

Iran clinched the crown at the Fiba Asia Cup. They upset Japan in Tokyo today to celebrate success at the tournament. Aren Davoudichegani (185-PG-86) drained a triple with 19 seconds remaining in regulation to seal the victory for Iran. The victory also means automatic qualification at 2013 Fiba Asia Championship for Iran. Samad Nik Khahbahrami (198-F-83) finished with 14 points to lead the winners.
Iran enjoyed a slim 13:11 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the gap in the second quarter. The visitors arrived at the interval up by 7 points 30:23. But Japan turned things around in the third frame. The hosts finally picked up the right tempo and fired 21 points to pull ahead. Japan entered the fourth frame up by 4 points 44:40. It all came down to the final seconds in this one. Furukawa drained a triple to make it 51:47 for Japan with just over a minute to go. Asghar Kardoust (212-C-86) pulled Iran within one 50:51. Then Aren Davoudichegani hit his three-pointer to make it 53:51 for Iran. J.R. Sakuragi (206-F/C-76, college: UCLA) and Furukawa had chances to save the game for Japan but missed their attempts. Mohammad Jamshidi (197-SF-91), Hamed Afagh (190-SG-83) and Asghar Kardoust accounted for 8 points each for the winners. Kosuke Kanamaru (193-F/G-89) answered with 16 points for Japan. J.R. Sakuragi added 10 points in the loss.

Japan: Kosuke Kanamaru 16, J.R. Sakuragi 10
Iran: Samad Nik Khahbahrami 14, Mohammad Jamshidi 8, Hamed Afagh 8, Asghar Kardoust 8

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ISRAEL

Standings - National League

National League Standings

1. Elitzur Ramla		0-0
2. Elitzur Yavne		0-0
3. Hapoel Afula		0-0
4. Hapoel K/S		0-0
5. Hapoel Kazrin		0-0
6. Hod Hasharon		0-0
7. Ironi K-A		0-0
8. Ironi Nahariya		0-0
9. Ironi Nes-Ziona		0-0
10. Ironi Ramat Gan		0-0
11. Kiryat Tivon		0-0
12. Macc.B.Yaakov		0-0
13. Maccabi K/B		0-0
14. Maccabi K/G		0-0

Regular Season: Round 1

Oct. 16: Ironi Ramat Gan - Ironi Nes-Ziona
Oct. 16: Maccabi K/G - Hod Hasharon
Oct. 16: Macc.B.Yaakov - Ironi K-A
Oct. 16: Hapoel Afula - Elitzur Ramla
Oct. 16: Maccabi K/B - Hapoel Kazrin
Oct. 16: Ironi Nahariya - Hapoel K/S
Oct. 16: Kiryat Tivon - Elitzur Yavne

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ITALY

Cantu open season with triumph in SuperCup - by Eurobasket News

Pallacanestro Cantu - Montepachi Siena 80:73

Pallacanestro Cantu celebrated the first trophy of the new season. They toppled Montepaschi Siena for the SuperCup title tonight. The teams clashed in Rimini. Alex Tyus (205-C-88, college: Florida) scored 18 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to pace the winners.
Montepaschi Siena started the game aggressively. The reigning SeriaA champions cleared off to a 23:16 lead after ten minutes. Cantu however managed to slow their opponents down in the second quarter. The team found the right weapons to narrow the gap at 5-point mark at halftime 42:37. Pallacanestro Cantu denied the deficit and surged ahead in the third term. They accumulated a narrow 2-point lead at the final break. Cantu stayed in full control throughout the fourth frame. They kept Siena at distance throughout the rest of the clash and celebrated a well-deserved win at the end. Manuchar Markoishvili (196-SF-86) finished with 15 points, while Jerry Smith (188-PG-87, college: Louisville) added 14 points for Cantu. Viktor Sanikidze (203-SF-86) answered with 17 points and 16 rebounds for Siena. Bobby Brown (188-PG-84, college: CS Fullerton) delivered 18 points in the loss.

Pallacanestro Cantu: Alex Tyus 18, Manuchar Markoishvili 15, Jerry Smith 14
Montepaschi Siena: Bobby Brown 18, Viktor Sanikidze 17+16 boards

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JAPAN

JORDAN

Hoops dream takes Qahwash to D-League - by Omar Shafaamri

KITCHENER - Tracking Imad Qahwash (188-PG-87, college: Cent.Arkansas) 's court career is like following a bouncing basketball.

Since graduating from Grand River Collegiate, the Kitchener native has criss-crossed the world to pursue his passion of playing professionally.

There were four years at Central Arkansas University, a stint in Russias second division and years with Jordans national team.

But this month, he got an offer that could take him to the next level. Sunday, he flies to Los Angeles to train with the D-Fenders, an NBA D-league franchise and prime affiliate of the L.A. Lakers.

I want to get to the highest level possible, said Qahwash, 25. I think being with this team could lead to a lot of great things. The great thing about the D-league is that you actually have a chance at the NBA.

First, he has to make the D-Fenders. This one-day tryout doesnt come with any guarantees. But, show well, play hard and he might be asked to stick around on a contract.

Im really hungry to prove myself, he said. This is one of the best leagues in the world.

Either way, Qahwash has options. He has standings offers to play in Spains third division and Moroccos top tier, if it doesnt pan out on the coast.

But the focus, right now, is on winning a roster spot in L.A. Practices run at the Lakers training facility which, for a lifelong Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash fan, is about as good as it gets.

If I bump into those guys, I wouldnt know what to say, Qahwash said.

To make his mark, hell need to flash the skills that set him apart from the pack speed, conditioning, defence and ball distribution.

Qahwash has been sinking upwards of 500 shots of a day, running the hills at Chicopee and doing drills at RIM Park in preparation. He has been waiting for a chance like this since he was seven years old and wants to make the most of it.

Its a dream come true, said Qahwash, who also runs the Adidas Tri-City Top 40 Camp, a summer gathering that showcases local high school hoopsters. Ive put in years of work. I feel I deserve it but at the same time Im very humbled by the opportunity.

Now, he just has to see which way the ball bounces.

Josh Brown
The Record

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KOSOVO

Univers to fight for survival - by Dren Shporta

Dritero Sefaja , has admitted in a inteerview with kosovan sports portal, borozani.com that his team this year will fight for survival in the BKT Superleague. After a good season 2011-12, the college boys this season will fight for survival, said Dritero Sefaja , the coach of Kolegji Univers.

They have lost some of the key players from last season after they went to the newcomer RTV 21 and former champions, Prishtina. Likes of Albatrit Berisha, Edis Kuraja, Hekuran Binxhia are not anymore the part of the Univers's team.

"We'll try to take some other national players within next week, to strengthen our squad, but I don't think that we can cause problems to first four this season," were the words of young coach Dritero Sefaja , reports borozani.com

Kolegji Univers will go to Minatori court of Mitrovica in the first week of the new season to face the champions and cup winners, Trepca.

Juniku from Bashkimi to Univers - by Dren Shporta

Bashkimi has lost two playmakers of last season. After Samir Shaptahovic has gone to Peja, it is now reported that Fisnik Juniku (180-PG-89) has left the orange club for Kolegji Univers.

Kolegji Univers will fight for to stay in the elite league this season, and after a number of their key players left the club, they have find solution in Fisnik Juniku (180-PG-89), as a replacement.

Juniku, last season was playing for Futura, and in the midseason left for Bashkimi. Now when Bashkimi has got a american guard Phil Brooks, Juniku was transferred to Kolegji Univers.

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LATVIA

LITHUANIA

Siauliai advance into Final of LOC Cup 2012 - by Eurobasket News

Liepajas Lauvas - Siauliai 88:95

Siauliai advanced into the final of LOC Cup 2012 pre-season tournament in Liepaja. They defeated the hosts for the second victory in a row. Siauliai will now take on Neptunas Klaipeda for the trophy. Papa Dia (212-F-87, college: SMU) came up with 23 points to lead the charge.
Siauliai fired 29 points in the opening quarter to take an 11-point lead. Liepaja stopped the bleeding in the second quarter. The hosts cut the deficit at 9-point mark at halftime. Siauliai regained control in the third frame. The Lithuanian side made it a 12-point game before the fourth frame. Liepaja unleashed 32 points in the fourth term but could not avoid the loss. Laurynas Samenas (192-G-88) accounted for 21 points, while Vitali Liutych (197-SG-92) added 11 points for the winning side. Ivars Timermanis (203-F-82, agency: Alti Sport) answered with 30 points for Liepajas Lauvas. Ernestas Ezerskis (192-PG-87) had 13 points in defeat.

Liepajas Lauvas: Ivars Timermanis 30, Ernestas Ezerskis 13
Siauliai: Papa Dia 23, Laurynas Samenas 21, Vitali Liutych 11

Stelmet Zielona Gora fire past Rudupis in Decin - by Eurobasket News

Stelmet Zielona Gora - Rudupis 94:79

Stelmet Zielona Gora recorded the first win at the pre-season tournament in Czech Republic. They overcame Rudupis. Walter Hodge (183-PG-86, college: Florida) came up with 18 points to lead the Polish side.
Stelmet Zielona Gora accounted for a 26:20 lead after ten minutes. They maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. Zielona Gora posted a 48:43 lead at the interval. Rudupis managed to get closer in the third stanza. The Baltic side got within a single point at the final intermission 65:66. But Stelmet Zielona Gora went on a massive rally in the fourth frame to seal the victory. Oliver Stevic (204-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) finished with 17 points, while Mantas Cesnauskis (189-G-81) added 12 points for the winning side. Gediminas Orelikas (198-G/F-90) answered with 25 points for Rudupis. Zygimantas Janavicius (192-G-89, agency: Interperformances) had 23 points in the loss.

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MEXICO

Standings - LNBP

LNBP Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 6

Sep. 20: Osos - Huracanes 95-108
Sep. 20: Guerreros - Lechugueros 91-83
Sep. 20: Pioneros - Panteras 90-93
Sep. 21: Toros - Halc.Rojos 89-75
Sep. 20: Gansos - Abejas 84-106
Sep. 20: Soles - Barreteros 83-73
Sep. 21: Fuerza Regia - Halc.Xalapa 77-89
Sep. 20: Gigantes - Corr.Victoria 72-92

Regular Season: Round 7

Sep. 22: Pioneros - Barreteros
Sep. 22: Soles - Panteras
Sep. 22: Guerreros - Abejas
Sep. 22: Gansos - Lechugueros
Sep. 23: Toros - Halc.Xalapa
Sep. 23: Fuerza Regia - Halc.Rojos
Sep. 22: Gigantes - Huracanes
Sep. 22: Osos - Corr.Victoria

LNBP Round 6: Panteras beat Pioneros by three after a very close game - by Eurobasket News

There were just 6 rounds played in Regular Season of LNBP and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The most exciting game of round 6 in the LNBP took place in Cancun. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of 5th ranked Pioneros (3-3) to fourth ranked Panteras (5-1) 93-90 on Thursday evening. The guests trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 51-44 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Panteras shot 60.4 percent from the field. They also forced 21 Pioneros turnovers. 32 personal fouls committed by Pioneros helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for Puerto Rican point guard Ricardo Melendez (179-83) who led his team to a victory with 34 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds. American power forward Lee Nailon (205-75, college: TCU) contributed with 23 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Jamaican-American point guard Akeem Scott (186-83, college: High Point) replied with 22 points for Pioneros. Pioneros' coach Josep Claros rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Panteras moved-up to second place, which they share with Toros. Pioneros lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth position with three games lost. They share it with Fuerza Regia and Barreteros. Panteras is looking forward to face Soles (#12) in Mexicali in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Pioneros will play at home against Barreteros (#10) in Zacatecas and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Halcones Rojos (4-2) against fourth ranked Toros (5-1) on Friday night. Visiting Halcones Rojos were defeated by Toros in Nuevo Laredo 89-75. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Halcones Rojos. It was a key game for the second position in the league. American forward Adrian Henning (203-82, college: Austin Peay St.) scored 17 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Rene Rougeau chipped in 17 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals during the contest. The best for the losing side was Venezuelan power forward Luis Bethelmy (200-86) with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Halcones Rojos' coach tested ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Toros moved-up to second place, which they share with Panteras. Halcones Rojos at the other side dropped to the fourth position with two games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Toros will play against league's leader Halcones UV Xalapa at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Halcones Rojos will play against Fuerza Regia in Monterrey and hope to get back on the winning track.
LNBP top team - Halcones UV Xalapa (6-0) managed to deliver another win on Friday. This time they beat eighth ranked Fuerza Regia (3-3) in Monterrey 89-77. LeRoy Hickerson notched 34 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds to lead the effort. Halcones UV Xalapa's coach Angel Gonzalez used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 17 points and 5 rebounds by Lance Allred did not help to save the game for Fuerza Regia. Undefeated Halcones UV Xalapa have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 6-0 record. Loser Fuerza Regia keeps the eighth place with three games lost. They share the position with Barreteros and Pioneros. Halcones UV Xalapa will meet league's second-placed Toros in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Fuerza Regia will play against Halcones Rojos (#6) in Veracruz and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Bottom-ranked Gigantes is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their sixth consecutive match to tenth ranked Correcaminos (4-2) 92-72. Correcaminos have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Gigantes still closes the standings with six games lost. Correcaminos' next round opponent will be Osos (#14) and are hoping to win another game. Gigantes will play against Huracanes in Tampico and hope to get finally their first victory.
Bottom-ranked Gansos is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their sixth consecutive match to seventh ranked Abejas (4-2) 106-84 on Thursday evening. It was a good game for Steffphon Pettigrew who led his team to a victory with 27 points and 8 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. Abejas have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Gansos still closes the standings with six games lost. Abejas will face Guerreros (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Gansos will play against Lechugueros (#13) in Leon and look forward to get finally their first victory.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 6: Huracanes beat Osos on the road 108-95. Soles won against Barreteros on its own court 83-73. Lechugueros unfortunately lost to Guerreros in a road game 83-91.
The most impressive performance of 6th round was 31 points, 9 assists and 5 steals by Michael Hunter of Guerreros.

Gigantes - Corr.Victoria 72-92

Bottom-ranked Gigantes is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their sixth consecutive match to tenth ranked Correcaminos (4-2) 92-72. Correcaminos have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Gigantes still closes the standings with six games lost. Correcaminos' next round opponent will be Osos (#14) and are hoping to win another game. Gigantes will play against Huracanes in Tampico and hope to get finally their first victory.

Osos - Huracanes 95-108

No shocking result in a game when ninth ranked Huracanes (4-2) beat on the road 13th ranked Osos (1-5) 108-95 on Thursday. The game was mostly controlled by Huracanes. Osos was better in third quarter 27-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 24-of-27 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. Huracanes outrebounded Osos 35-22 including 24 on the defensive glass. They shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 63.2 percentage. It was a good game for American swingman Anthony Johnson (197-79, college: La-Lafayette, agency: Interperformances) who led his team to a victory with 30 points and 7 rebounds (perfect from downtown making all five shots). The former international point guard Omar Quintero (183-81, college: S.Nazarene) contributed with 23 points and 5 assists (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) for the winners. American swingman Samuel Bowie (198-75, college: SE Louisiana) replied with 22 points and his fellow American import guard Marlyn Bryant (193-82, college: S.Florida) added 17 points in the effort for Osos. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Huracanes have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Osos lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the fourteenth position with five games lost. Huracanes will face bottom-ranked Gigantes (#16) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Osos will play against Correcaminos in Ciudad Victoria.
Top scorers:
Huracanes: A.Johnson 30+7reb, O.Quintero 23+4reb+5ast, M.Morrison 19+5reb+3ast, M.Pilgrim 12+4reb, R.Zamora 10+4reb+2ast, J.Gonzalez 7+3reb
Osos: S.Bowie 22+4reb+3ast, M.Bryant 17+4reb+3ast, M.Helton 15+3reb, K.Gayden 14+4reb, L.Morinia 13+3reb+3ast, J.Camacho 8+1reb

Gansos - Abejas 84-106

Bottom-ranked Gansos is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their sixth consecutive match to seventh ranked Abejas (4-2) 106-84 on Thursday evening. The guests trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 59-36 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Gansos were plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for American forward Steffphon Pettigrew (195, college: W.Kentucky) who led his team to a victory with 27 points and 8 rebounds. The other American import forward Eugene Phelps (198, college: Long Beach St.) contributed with 21 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Five Abejas players scored in double figures. Giovanni Silva replied with 24 points and 7 rebounds and American CamRon Clay (203-82) added 21 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Gansos. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Abejas have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Gansos still closes the standings with six games lost. Abejas will face Guerreros (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Gansos will play against Lechugueros (#13) in Leon and look forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Abejas: S.Pettigrew 27+8reb+3ast, E.Phelps 21+7reb+1ast, L.Ramirez 19+1reb+3ast, V.Buelna 11+2reb+2ast, M.Mattis 11+5reb+1ast, J.Malpica 9+2reb+2ast
Gansos: G.Silva 24+7reb+1ast, C.Clay 21+6reb+1ast, S.Thorson 10+3reb+3ast, J.Perez 9+2reb+1ast, D.Chambers 9+4reb+1ast, G.Edson 5+3reb+1ast

Toros - Halc.Rojos 89-75

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Halcones Rojos (4-2) against fourth ranked Toros (5-1) on Friday night. Visiting Halcones Rojos were defeated by Toros in Nuevo Laredo 89-75. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Halcones Rojos. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The game was mostly controlled by Toros. Halcones Rojos was better in fourth quarter 20-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Toros dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Halcones Rojos' 24. American forward Adrian Henning (203-82, college: Austin Peay St.) scored 17 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import swingman Rene Rougeau (198-86, college: UNLV, agency: ProSportsCareers) chipped in 17 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals during the contest. The best for the losing side was Venezuelan power forward Luis Bethelmy (200-86) with 16 points and 7 rebounds and Puerto Rican point guard Carlos Rivera (187-83, college: Hofstra, agency: Paris Global Sports) scored 11 points and 8 assists. Five Toros and four Halcones Rojos players scored in double figures. Halcones Rojos' coach tested ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Toros moved-up to second place, which they share with Panteras. Halcones Rojos at the other side dropped to the fourth position with two games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Toros will play against league's leader Halcones UV Xalapa at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Halcones Rojos will play against Fuerza Regia in Monterrey and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Toros: I.Ofoegbu 19+4reb+1ast, A.Henning 17+6reb+7ast, R.Rougeau 17+6reb+6ast, B.Angley 16+3reb+4ast, L.Ellis Vasquez 13+2reb, J.Lopez 5+4reb
Halc.Rojos: L.Bethelmy 16+7reb, N.Alonzo 15+2reb, C.Rivera 11+4reb+8ast, M.Mitchell 11+2reb, F.Cruz 9+3reb+2ast, L.Davis 6+3ast

Fuerza Regia - Halc.Xalapa 77-89

LNBP top team - Halcones UV Xalapa (6-0) managed to deliver another win on Friday. This time they beat eighth ranked Fuerza Regia (3-3) in Monterrey 89-77. The game was mostly controlled by Halcones UV Xalapa. Fuerza Regia managed to win second period 23-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Halcones UV Xalapa made 8 blocks. American guard LeRoy Hickerson (196-82, college: Cumberlands) notched 34 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds to lead the effort and international guard Orlando Mendez-Valdez (185-86, college: W.Kentucky) supported him with 18 points and 5 rebounds. Halcones UV Xalapa's coach Angel Gonzalez used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 17 points and 5 rebounds by American center Lance Allred (211-81, college: Weber St., agency: SportsTalent) did not help to save the game for Fuerza Regia. His fellow American import forward Terrence Shannon (203-79, college: Elgin CC, agency: Paris Global Sports) added 13 points and 8 rebounds. Four Fuerza Regia players scored in double figures. Halcones UV Xalapa have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 6-0 record. Loser Fuerza Regia keeps the eighth place with three games lost. They share the position with Barreteros and Pioneros. Halcones UV Xalapa will meet league's second-placed Toros in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Fuerza Regia will play against Halcones Rojos (#6) in Veracruz and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Halc.Xalapa: L.Hickerson 34+6reb+1ast, G.Vargas 19+2reb+2ast, O.Mendez-Valdez 18+5reb+2ast, L.Mata 6+3reb, S.Monroe 4+1reb, V.Avila 3+3reb
Fuerza Regia: L.Allred 17+5reb+1ast, G.Stokes 14+2reb, T.Shannon 13+8reb+1ast, R.Major 12+3reb, A.Joseph Tyronzic 7+1reb+4ast, A.Izaguirre 6+9reb+1ast

Pioneros - Panteras 90-93

The most exciting game of round 6 in the LNBP took place in Cancun. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of 5th ranked Pioneros (3-3) to fourth ranked Panteras (5-1) 93-90 on Thursday evening. The guests trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 51-44 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Panteras shot 60.4 percent from the field. They also forced 21 Pioneros turnovers. 32 personal fouls committed by Pioneros helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for Puerto Rican point guard Ricardo Melendez (179-83) who led his team to a victory with 34 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds. American power forward Lee Nailon (205-75, college: TCU) contributed with 23 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Jamaican-American point guard Akeem Scott (186-83, college: High Point) replied with 22 points and the former international guard Forrest Fisher (193-80) added 18 points and 5 rebounds (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) in the effort for Pioneros. Four Pioneros players scored in double figures. Pioneros' coach Josep Claros rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Panteras moved-up to second place, which they share with Toros. Pioneros lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth position with three games lost. They share it with Fuerza Regia and Barreteros. Panteras is looking forward to face Soles (#12) in Mexicali in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Pioneros will play at home against Barreteros (#10) in Zacatecas and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Panteras: R.Melendez 34+6reb+1ast, L.Nailon 23+5reb+2ast, J.Alfredo Casillas 12+5reb+2ast, A.Garcia 9+11reb+5ast, K.Malpica 7+5ast, L.Miguel Rangel 5
Pioneros: A.Scott 22+2reb+2ast, F.Fisher 18+5reb, S.Soriano 14+1reb+1ast, H.Llamas 11+2reb+1ast, J.Harris 8+2reb+3ast, J.Dominguez 6

Soles - Barreteros 83-73

There was an upset when higher ranked Barreteros (3-3) lost to fourteenth ranked Soles (2-4) in Mexicali 73-83 on Thursday. The hosts trailed by 5 points at the halftime before their 50-35 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Soles outrebounded Barreteros 41-23 including a 17-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. Barreteros were plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for American center Kentrell Gransberry (206-85, college: S.Florida) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 14 rebounds. The former international forward Roman Martinez (201-88, college: N.Mexico) contributed with 20 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Naturalized American forward Ramiro Loera Almanza (196-81, college: Cameron) replied with 18 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and forward Christopher Silva added 12 points in the effort for Barreteros. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Soles moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Lechugueros and Guerreros. Loser Barreteros keep the eighth position with three games lost. Soles will face higher ranked Panteras (#3) in Aguascalientes in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game.
Top scorers:
Soles: K.Gransberry 30+14reb, R.Martinez 20+9reb, C.Elliott 13+5reb+5ast, J.Griffin 10+3reb, S.Aguirre 3+2reb+2ast, J.Flores 3+2reb+2ast
Barreteros: R.Loera Almanza 18+2reb, J.Habel 13+3reb, C.Silva 12+3reb+3ast, J.Horton 10+3reb+4ast, M.Battle 9+3reb+1ast, R.Navarro 6+1reb

Guerreros - Lechugueros 91-83

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when twelfth ranked Guerreros (2-4) won against at home 11th ranked Lechugueros (2-4) 91-83 on Thursday. Lechugueros trailed 45-44 at halftime, rallying from a 30-17 deficit at the end of first quarter to trim the gap. Guerreros made 24-of-30 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Lechugueros turnovers. Lechugueros were plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for American point guard Michael Hunter (178, college: Cal-Irvine) who led his team to a victory with 31 points, 9 assists and 5 steals. The other American import forward Travis Gabbidon (201, college: UTSA) contributed with 24 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Hunter is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas. Senegalese center Babacar Camara (211-81, college: CS Fullerton) replied with 25 points and 6 rebounds and Jamaican guard Ricky Johns (193-85, college: Utah) added 17 points in the effort for Lechugueros. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Lechugueros' coach Harold Arceneaux let to play eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Guerreros moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Lechugueros and Soles. Guerreros will face higher ranked Abejas (#5) in Guanajuato in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game.
Top scorers:
Guerreros: M.Hunter 31+4reb+9ast, T.Gabbidon 24+9reb+1ast, S.Shorter 19+3reb+1ast, A.Alamo 14+8reb+1ast, F.Calixto 3+2reb+3ast, J.Avalos 0
Lechugueros: B.Camara 25+6reb, R.Johns 17+4reb, E.Cuen 13+7reb, J.Walker 11+8reb+2ast, E.Martin 5+1reb, A.Sanchez 5+3reb+1ast

Hickerson's 34-point game gives him LNBP Player of the Round award - by Eurobasket News

30-year old guard LeRoy Hickerson (196-G-82) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's best team Halc.Xalapa and receives a Latinbasket.com LNBP Player of the Round 6.
He had the game-high 34 points adding six rebounds for Halc.Xalapa in his team's victory, helping them to beat Fuerza Regia (#8, 3-3) 89-77. It allowed Halc.Xalapa to consolidate first place in the Mexican LNBP. They maintain perfect record without any lost game in the league. The season is still on an early stage, but Halc.Xalapa already had a very good start winning all 6 without losing a single one. In the team's last game Hickerson had a remarkable 69.2% from 2-point range. He turned to be Halc.Xalapa's top player in his first season with the team. University of the Cumberlands graduate has very impressive stats this year. Hickerson is in league's top in points (8th best: 21.5ppg) and averages solid 68.3% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Kentrell Gransberry (206-C-85) of Soles. He is American center in his first season at Soles. In the last game Gransberry recorded impressive double-double of 30 points and 14 rebounds. Of course Soles cruised to a 83-73 relatively comfortable win over slightly higher-ranked Barreteros (#10, 3-3). The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. But Soles managed to improve slightly their position in standings taking 12th place. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 2-4 record. Gransberry is a newcomer at Soles and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Michael Hunter (178-PG) of Guerreros (#11). Hunter got into 30-points club by scoring 31 points in the last round. He went also for nine assists. He was a key player of Guerreros, leading his team to a 91-83 win against Lechugueros (2-4). The chances of Guerreros not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 4 games, recording just two victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Hunter could try to bring Guerreros' a little bit higher in the standings. Hunter has individually a great season in Mexico. After only 6 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 21.3ppg (9th best) and assists with 3.7apg (9th best). He also has 2.2spg and FGP: 57.8%. Hunter attended one of camps at Eurobasket Summer League on his way to pro basketball.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Ricardo Melendez (179-PG-83) of Panteras - 34 points and 6 rebounds
5. Steffphon Pettigrew (195-F) of Abejas - 27 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Travis Gabbidon (201-F) of Guerreros - 24 points and 9 rebounds
7. Anthony Johnson (197-G/F-79) of Huracanes - 30 points and 7 rebounds
8. Babacar Camara (211-C-81) of Lechugueros - 25 points and 6 rebounds
9. Ike Ofoegbu (205-F-85) of Toros - 19 points and 4 rebounds
10. Adrian Henning (203-F-82) of Toros - 17 points, 6 rebounds and 7 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

Radoje Vujosevic joined Sutjeska - by Darko Pekic

Radoje Vujosevic (209-C-89), the young and talented big man born in Niksic has decided to return to his home town and signed today a contract with Sutjeska. He will add some extra size under the basket and help the team coached by Dusan Dubljevic to achieve the season goals.

Vujosevic was a U20 National Team member and Montenegro B National Team member. He spent last five seasons in Mornar where he was mostly the back up center. Now he will have a chance to earn the place in the starting five and please the crowd in Niksic. Vujosevic averaged last year 4.3ppg and 3.5rpg.

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MOROCCO

NBA

Where is DJ White going to play? - by Eurobasket

Rumors swirling around the Shanghai Sharks signing big man D.J. White (206-F-86, college: Indiana), may be premature, as several NBA teams have inquired about the NBA level big. Recent injuries to players such as Channing Frye of the Suns, may have opened the door for players such as D.J. White, who when healthy has been a great player off the bench.

Over the past several weeks, White has been linked to Maccabi Tel Aviv, various NBA teams, and now the Shanghai Sharks of the CBA, which is owned by Yao Ming, formerly of the Houston Rockets.

Brooklyn Nets open doors to new arena - by Eurobasket News

Big-time professional sports returned to Brooklyn for the first time in more than 50 years on Friday (Saturday, PHL time), when the Brooklyn Nets finally unveiled their new stadium after a decade-long fight with neighbors.

The 675,000-square-foot, 18,000-seat Barclays Center will officially open on September 28 with a concert by rapper Jay-Z, and the Nets - formerly the New Jersey Nets - will play their first game at the arena, against the New York Knicks, on November 1.

The team's arrival marks the first time in 55 years the borough can lay claim to a major professional sports team, following the removal of the celebrated Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles, a move that outraged local baseball fans.

Built on the site of a gritty former rail yard, the arena sits in the middle of a busy shopping area. But the project's close proximity to a rapidly gentrifying stretch of quaint residential neighborhoods made it a lightning rod for criticism.

The main opposition came from Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn, a group that fought the development's use of eminent domain. The group has planned a series of "It's a Crime!" events next week to protest what it says are the project's failures, including long delays in the construction of affordable housing.

But at the ribbon-cutting, where developer Bruce Rattner was flanked by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Nets' majority owner Mikhail Prokhorov, there was little talk of the legal battles that had long delayed the event.

Architect Gregg Pasquarelli said the arena's design was meant to pay homage to the "grittiness of Brooklyn," while still appearing modern and employing elegant, minimalist elements.

"We were trying to push the limits of what a sports arena can be. We wanted to make this arena more like a cultural building or a museum," said Pasquarelli, as he led a tour of the facility. "What we love about sports is it's theater with an uncertain ending. What shines is the court... the performers."

The arena's exterior is formed from 12,000 unique panels of weathered steel and its canopy entrance rises 30 feet from the ground. The scoreboard - though not the court - can be seen clearly from the outdoor plaza at the entrance.

"When the Nets get really good, this place will be rocking," Pasquarelli said. "You'll get incredible acoustics, it will be loud. It will give them an incredible home-court advantage."

"On the map"

Andrew Zimbalist, a professor of economics at Smith College who has studied the economic impact of arenas, said the Barclay's Center spelled good news for Brooklyn - largely because an existing fan base in New Jersey would now cross into New York to spend money on tickets and entertainment.

"The revenue that used to accrue in New Jersey will now accrue in Brooklyn," he said.

Outside the arena, the response was mixed.

Jahmel Phillip, a Brooklyn native, said he planned to take his three children to the arena for their first taste of professional basketball. But Eric Dessner, an eye doctor who moved recently to the area, said he found it ugly.

"It looks like it's 50 years old and rusting over," he said.

But he conceded it would be good for Brooklyn, because it would both boost local businesses and bolster local pride. For Brooklyn, he said, "It's showtime. It's on the map. It has a professional sports team."

The Brooklyn Dodgers played at Brooklyn's Ebbets Field until 1957, when the baseball franchise was moved to California and renamed the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Shop owners were more upbeat.

"I'm ecstatic," said Paul Parris, a co-owner of Vinney's Styles, a menswear shop several blocks from the arena that specializes in sneakers and urban fashion. He said he planned to stay open later on game nights.

"This is everything they're going to be wearing to the games," he said

Courtesy of www.gmanetwork.com

Raja Bell seeks Jazz buyout, would welcome Heat opportunity - by Eurobasket News

The buyout that was expected to come in July still hasnt arrived for Raja Bell (6'5''-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: FIU). Because of that, the veteran guard recognizes that even a possible move into free agency might not mean the opportunity to suit up for his hometown Miami Heat.

The defensive-minded swingman with 3-point range said Friday that he remains hopeful of receiving his release from the Utah Jazz in advance of next weeks start of training camp and that few teams hold the allure of the Heat.

They would be on the top of my list, for sure, he said on 640 Sports Andy Slater Show. Again, hometown crowd, my kids are in elementary school here. Itd be great for me to get a chance to play here in Miami where I grew up and I know a lot of people, and be a part of this history that theyre going to make for the city. But thats not always just up to me.

Facing a diminished role amid an uneasy relationship with the Jazz staff, the native of St. Croix, who attended both Killian High and Florida International University, appeared poised for a buyout early in the free-agency period. He is due $3.48 million this coming season from Utah on the final year of his contract.

Courtesy of South Florida Sun-Sentinel (by Ira Winderman)

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NCAA1

Billy Gillispie accused of verbal abuse of young player - by Eurobasket News

The mother of a teenager at Billy Gillispie's summer basketball camp claims in a letter to a top school administrator that the former Texas Tech coach repeatedly verbally abused her son, according to a document obtained Friday by The Associated Press.

The woman wrote that other coaches at the camp told her son that Gillispie "likes to pick someone and try to 'break them' for some reason," and that the young man "wasn't doing anything wrong," according to a letter to Texas Tech's chancellor obtained through an open records request.

Gillispie resigned from Texas Tech on Thursday, citing health concerns after he was hospitalized twice in the past month. The 52-year-old Gillispie stepped down amid allegations he mistreated players on his team.

The mother's name is redacted in the Aug. 20 letter to university chancellor Kent Hance. No written reply was made but Hance called the Texas Tech alum, who is a teacher, to discuss the matter, officials said.

On the camp's first day in late June the woman's son, now a high school senior, overthrew a pass to another camper.

"It happens," the mother wrote in her letter. "That's the only thing he thought brought on the barrage of insults spurted from the mouth of your coach Gillispie. This was the first of many such verbal attacks."

On Aug. 29, several Texas Tech players went to athletic director Kirby Hocutt with claims of mistreatment by Gillispie.

Two days later, the school announced it was scrutinizing Gillispie and his leadership. The same day CBSsports.com reported that Gillispie made players practice long hours, which led to injuries.

Just hours before Gillispie and Hocutt were to meet Aug. 31 to discuss the players' claims, the coach called 911 and was taken to a Lubbock hospital where he stayed for six days. A week later Gillispie traveled to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where he said he was treated for kidney problems, abnormal headaches and high blood pressure.

He said doctors ordered him to avoid stress for 30 days. Hocutt removed Gillispie from making day-to-day decisions about the program so he could focus on his health.

On Sept. 5, the school disclosed it had reprimanded Gillispie and an assistant in January for exceeding practice-time limits last fall. Hocutt docked the team twice the number of hours that Gillispie had exceeded during a two-week period in October, or 12 hours and 20 minutes.

The NCAA allows 20 hours of practice per week.

Gillispie did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Athletic department spokesman Blayne Beal said Hocutt declined comment on the latest allegations against Gillispie.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Texas Tech officials failed Billy Gillispie just as he failed them - by Eurobasket News

The one thing Texas Tech athletics director Kirby Hocutt got right on the day he hired Billy Gillispie to coach Red Raiders basketball, a day that passed only 18 months ago, was the declaration he made with considerable pride to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: We just hired one of the best college basketball coaches in the nation.

Indeed, he had.

Gillispies background included rescuing the program at Texas-El Paso when the previous coach resigned a week into preseason practice. He all but invented basketball at Texas A&M, winning 70 games in three seasons and reaching the NCAA Sweet 16 at a place that hadnt been to the NCAA Tournament since, quite literally, the Reagan administration.

So he left no doubt he could win. He also failed spectacularly at Kentucky, fired in just two years from one of the games most prestigious and powerful programs as those he coached and those who observed him coaching complained about his demandingand sometimes demeaningways, often including two-hour practices on game days. Gillispie then punctuated that a few months later with the third DUI of his coaching career.

With Gillispies background, it made little sense to hire him as basketball coach at an institution that cares little about the game.

And it made no sense whatsoever to hire him at the school that had gone through the chaotic firing of wildly successful football coach Mike Leachallegedly because of his demanding, sometimes demeaning ways. And it was unimaginable to hire Gillispie and then fail to assure the problems that developed at Kentucky did not resurface at Texas Tech.

Texas Tech plays basketball mostly because its expected.

Its devotion to the game is minimal. An average of only 8,665 attended games last year, when the Red Raiders were terrible in Gillispies only season. But it was only a bit better than that10,314 per gamein the heart of Bob Knights tenure, when the Raiders reached the Sweet 16. Not even a home game against Big 12 powerhouse Kansas filled the building that year.

Knight himself was known to complain about the lack of attendance. Pat Knight, Bobs son and Gillispies predecessor, said when he took the job at Lamar, I was not going to take another job where they didnt care about basketball.

Thats a choice the Texas Tech administration and its fans are free to make. We all have our preferences. But essentially rolling a ball to Gillispie and then grabbing it back at the first sign of negative publicity is a clear indication of how small-time a high-major basketball program can be.

This is the joke many in the media perpetrate on the public, referring to such elite programs as Gonzaga and Xavier as mid-major, when their ambition and execution are so much grander than many of those in the BCS conferences. Techs only claim to being a power program is its membership in the Big 12, which means the checks are larger and the opponents look more appealing on the marquee.

When it comes to actually operating like a program that cares about the game, Texas Tech prefers to punt.

Gillispie was accused by some Red Raiders players of pushing them beyond reasonable limits and perhaps beyond the NCAA-mandated limits for allowable practice time. He also was defended by several Tech players, including some who went through the same practices sessions.

Its impossible to know the truth of the matter unless one monitors the situation. If someone in authority at Tech had been keeping a close eye on how Gillispie conducted business last season, the players wouldnt have needed to schedule a late-summer meeting with the athletics director to air complaints. They could have been addressed as they were observed.

Given what occurred with Leach in 2009, Gillispie should have been smart enough to change his methods upon arriving at Texas Tech. And his bosses should have been smart enough to make sure he did.

Gillispie is responsible for his own actions here, and he will pay the dearest price, but he is not the only one at fault.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

Arlington Seguin's Parrish commits to TCU basketball - by Eurobasket News

The TCU basketball team picked up its first commitment of the 2013 class on Friday as Arlington Seguin guard Brandon Parrish verbally agreed to play for the Horned Frogs.

"I chose TCU because its a good school, has a nice campus with good academics," Parrish said. "From the basketball aspect of it there will some nice exposure because theyre going to be in the Big 12. I want to be a part of the rebuilding process at TCU and a part of coach Trent Johnson's legacy."

Parrish, a 6-foot-5 guard, averaged over 14 points a game, shot 39 percent from behind the arc and 71 percent from the free throw line last season as a junior for the District 7-4A champs and Class 4A area round playoff finalists.

Parrish chose TCU over offers from LSU, Marquette, Miami, Oklahoma St. and Washington among others.

"Im just glad to have all this recruiting stuff done and Im ready to go win a state championship now," Parrish said.

Courtesy of www.star-telegram.com

Northwestern junior guard JerShon Cobb banned for year - by Eurobasket News

Northwestern junior guard Jershon Cobb (6'5''-G) has been suspended for the upcoming season because of violations of team policy, the school announced on Friday.

Cobb, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, will sit out this season and have two years of eligibility remaining.

"There are standards that each student-athlete is expected to uphold," Northwestern coach Bill Carmody said in a statement. "JerShon has our complete support as he works to fulfill those expectations and we look forward to having him rejoin the program in a full capacity in the future."

Cobb has started 33 games and has averaged 7.3 points and 22.5 minutes in his first two seasons. He was expected to provide the Wildcats depth in their backcourt this season as they attempt to reach their first NCAA tournament.

Courtesy of ESPN

Report: NCAA probing Saint Mary's men's hoops - by Eurobasket News

The Saint Mary's men's basketball program is under investigation by the NCAA for potential recruiting violations, ESPN.com reported Friday.

ESPN.com, citing several anonymous sources, reported that it was told by a source that an email was sent Friday from the president's office to the Saint Mary's board of regents acknowledging that the college was cooperating with an ongoing NCAA investigation into the men's basketball program.

In response to a query from The Associated Press, Saint Mary's sent an email saying the school and the NCAA have been "working cooperatively on a matter related to the men's basketball program."

The email said the Moraga, Calif., school would have no further comment. More news to come.

Courtesy of www.sacbee.com

LIU basketball players suspended after campus brawl - by Eurobasket News

Four Long Island University basketball players have been suspended after they were arrested on charges of assault in a campus brawl with the track team.

The fight broke out during a welcome-back party for students at the Brooklyn campus last weekend. Police say the four players were arrested Thursday after the track team members filed complaints. They were not seriously injured but were taken to a hospital.

Among those arrested include Julian Boyd (6'7''-F-90), a forward who was named the Northeast Conference player of the year last year, and two high scorers, Jamal Olaswere, Troy Joseph (6'6''-G/F-91) and a fourth player, C.J. Garner (5'10''-G-90). The team is ranked No. 1 in the conference.

The school's provost says no other students were implicated.

Courtesy of http://abclocal.go.com

Gillispie resigns as Texas Tech basketball coach - by Eurobasket News

Texas Tech fans had pinned their basketball hopes on Billy Gillispie.

He had turned around two other flagging programs in the state, and they hoped he would do the same for the Red Raiders.

They watched a difficult first year in which Texas Tech won just one Big 12 game. Now fans wont get a chance to see a possible turnaround similar to what the 52-year-old coach had done at UTEP and Texas A&M.

Gillispie, a West Texas native, resigned on Thursday, citing health concerns.

Billy has decided to focus on his health, and we wish him a full recovery, athletic director Kirby Hocutt said in a news release. We are proud of the young men that he has brought to this campus. Billys decision allows him to concentrate on his well-being and allows us to turn our attention to preparations for the upcoming season.

Gillispie didnt immediately return a call or text from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Gillispie will be paid the remainder of this contract year, about seven-months worth, or about $467,000. Chris Walker, who took over day-to-day operations, will remain in that position until an interim head coach is chosen.

Gillispies resignation letter said he appreciated the opportunity to coach the Red Raiders, but that he needed to tend to his health, officials said.

The move came less than a month after the school announced it was looking into allegations of player mistreatment last fall by the veteran coach a sensitive topic at Texas Tech, given the 2009 firing of football coach Mike Leach after claims that he mistreated a player suffering from a concussion.

Hocutt, who declined to make further comment Thursday, earlier this month called the allegations very troubling.

In January, the school reprimanded Gillispie and assistant coach Brooks Jennings after a review found the team had exceeded practice-time limits in 2011. The school reported the secondary violation to the NCAA and penalized itself by reducing the teams practice time by about 12 hours.

While all that was filtering out, Gillispies health was apparently growing worse.

Twice in a 10-day span this past month, 911 calls were made from Gillispies home. The first, on Aug. 31, came hours before he was to meet with Hocutt and led to a six-day stay in a Lubbock hospital. The two men never met to discuss the allegations.

Gillispie wasnt taken to the hospital after the second call on Sept. 10. But the following day, he left for the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where he said he got treatment for kidney problems and abnormal headaches. Doctors there told him to avoid stress for 30 days.

Gillispie succeeded Pat Knight, who went 50-61 in his three-plus years. Knight had taken over after his father resigned in February 2008.

Five years ago, Gillispie was one of the hottest names in the college game and had reached a pinnacle: coaching at perennial powerhouse Kentucky.

That peak lasted just two years. He was fired from Kentucky in 2009 after going 40-27 in two seasons, and the Wildcats missed the NCAA tournament for the first time in 17 years. When he returned to coaching at Texas Tech two years later, he came cheap. He went from an annual salary at Kentucky of $2.3 million to $800,000 a year at Texas Tech, signing a five-year contract to succeed Pat Knight.

In late 2009, Gillispie and Kentucky settled lawsuits against each other, with the former Wildcats coach getting about $3 million with no admission of wrongdoing from the school. Six months after his firing, Gillispie sought treatment at John Lucas substance-abuse program in Houston following his third arrest for drunken driving in 10 years.

Gillispies first two years as a college head coach were at UTEP in the Western Athletic Conference. He made headlines there for the biggest turnaround in basketball history, taking the Miners from 6-24 in 2002-03 to 24-8 the following year.

The conference named him coach of the year in 2004, the same year he was a finalist for the Naismith Coach of the Year the first of three times he made the final cut. He was then an adept recruiter, and he stayed in close contact with scores of Texas high school coaches to stay in the loop about the states talent.

He later went to Texas A&M, taking a downtrodden program and leading the Aggies to three consecutive 20-win seasons after they went winless in Big 12 play the year before he got there. At the end of Gillispies first year with the Aggies in 2005, he was named the APs Big 12 coach of the year.

It was the NIT after his first season and the NCAA tournament after the next two getting the Aggies to the round of 16 in 2007. But Kentucky came courting, and two weeks after his final game with the Aggies, a 65-64 loss to Memphis in the NCAA regional semifinals, he left Texas for the Bluegrass State.

Gillispie is among the basketball coaches who have lost significant amounts of money because of investments with David Salinas, who committed suicide last year as federal investigators probed his management of college coaches money.

Baylors Scott Drew, former Arizona coach Lute Olson, former Utah coach Ray Giacoletti now an assistant at Gonzaga and Baylor football coach Art Briles, who previously coached at Houston, also invested.

Courtesy of www.bostonherald.com

Mark Gottfried gets 6-year deal from North Carolina State - by Eurobasket News

North Carolina State has given men's basketball coach Mark Gottfried a pay raise that makes him the third highest-paid coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

The school said Friday its board of trustees approved a new contract for Gottfried that will pay him $1.95 million per year for six years.

His annual salary remains at $750,000, and his supplemental compensation was boosted from $450,000 to $1.2 million. That moved Gottfried from ninth to third in the ACC in annual guaranteed compensation.

NC State's appearance in the NCAA tournament last March triggered an automatic two-year extension through 2017-18 for Gottfried, who led the Wolfpack to 24 victories in his first season.

Athletic director Debbie Yow says Gottfried's "competitive and recruiting success has accelerated our vision of excellence in an impressive way."

With a solid returning core and prized-recruit Rodney Purvis, the Wolfpack are projected to be an ACC title contender this season.

Courtesy of ESPN

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NEW ZEALAND

Kings too good for Breakers, 100-93 - by Eurobasket News

In the upset of the tournament, the Sydney Kings overcame the New Zealand Breakers 100-93 on the final day of action Saturday afternoon at the 2012 National Basketball League preseason tournament in Dandenong.

The Kings defeated the Breakers in last years preseason Sunshine State Challenge and repeated the dose in a high-scoring battle, storming home with a 26-16 final quarter.

Kings import point guard Corin Henry (180-PG-88, college: Tarleton St.) showed his potential with a superb display, leading all scorers with 25 points and adding four rebounds, while Darnell Lazare (203-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: LSU) and Ben Madgen (193-G/F-85, college: Augusta St.) both had 19 points for a Sydney unit that shot 54% from the field and 50% from long distance.

The Breakers shot the ball at 58% from the field and placed five guys in double figures, but committed 22 turnovers in a key stat. Will Hudson led New Zealand with 19 points and six rebounds, while Alex Pledger (213-C-87, college: Belm.Abbey) contributed 16 points and seven boards and Cedric Jackson (191-G-86, college: Cleveland St.) finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists and seven turnovers.

Sydney finished with a 1-2 record over the three days of the carnival after losses to Perth and Adelaide, while New Zealand closed the tournament with a 2-1 mark after knocking over Townsville and Cairns.

The Kings played without starting small forward James Harvey, who was rested as a precautionary measure, and the Breakers also came into the game undermanned with both Tom Abercrombie and Mika Vukona not suiting up for the two-time defending NBL champions.

Sydney exploded out of the blocks with Ian Crosswhite throwing down a couple of big dunks after some nice ball movement, and the Kings jumped to an early 8-2 lead.

But Daryl Corletto (193-G-81) responded with seven points of his own and Pledger was strong inside for a pair of scores to help the Breakers gain a 13-10 advantage midway through the quarter.

Corletto had another pair of buckets to take his tally to 11 points in a highly entertaining first period, and Kings import Darnell Lazare answered with an impressive eight to keep Sydney close at the first break, down 30-25.

CJ Bruton showed some of the old magic as we got underway in the second, with a three pointer followed by a sweet no look feed to Hudson for the bucket as a 7-0 Breaker run saw New Zealand forge to a 37-25 lead.

Consecutive three point plays to Madgen kept the Kings in it, but the Breakers remained in control midway through the quarter up 43-35.

They expanded it to double figures once again, but with three minutes left Henry took over with eight points as part of a 10-2 Sydney run that pulled them within three, 50-47, late in the period.

Pledger and Hudson answered with buckets, and New Zealand took a 54-48 lead into halftime on the back of a blistering 65% success rate from the field in the opening stanza.

The Kings came out of the break more focused than the defending NBL champs, and an early 6-0 run tied the game early in the third quarter.

But with Crosswhite on the bench for Sydney, New Zealands size advantage was taking its toll, and a 12-4 run saw the Breakers sprint to an eight point lead midway through the period.

However, the Kings continued to fight, and a pair of triples from Aaron Bruce, a trifecta to Luke Martin and a tough three point play to Lazare saw the purple and gold roar back into contention, with only a last second three pointer from Jackson giving New Zealand a 77-74 advantage with one quarter left to play.

Tom Garlepp and Graeme Dann opened the scoring for Sydney in the final period, but Leon Henry responded with a gut-check three to make it a four point Breaker lead with seven minutes left.

However, Martin nailed a trey, and two free throws to Henry gave the Kings their first lead since the opening quarter.

Sydney upped their intensity, and Henry exploded with a three point play followed by a drive and dish to Lazare for the layup, and suddenly it was the Kings with all the momentum leading by four, 88-84, with four minutes remaining.

Jackson decided to impose his will on the contest with a bucket in traffic and a pass to Dillon Boucher for the score, but the Kings were in a determined mood, and five straight points from Madgen blew the margin out to seven with just over a minute left.

A late triple from Daryl Corletto kept things interesting, but the Breakers could get no closer than five points down the stretch, and Sydney closed it out from the free throw line.

Courtesy of NBL Australia

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PARAGUAY

PILAR beats ENCARNACION in FEDERATION CUP - by Santiago Maciel

PILAR won last nights semi final game against direct rival ENCARNACION to put themselves one victory away from becoming champions for 3 straight years.

The Federation Cup, previously known as the Campeonato Nacional de Federaciones, is in its semi final round. Pilar has in its team many players whom are playing in different METROPOLITAN teams. Victor Brizuela, Sanchez, Aldo Acosta (192-F-76), Brizuela , Edgar Riveros, Richard Ozuna are among them.

Even though Pilar does not have a Big Man and never has, they always manage to overcome their deficit with strong defense and fast paste game.
Last night they beat Encarnacion, another favorite team 86 to 77.

On the other semifinal Paranaense clinched a chance to reach the trophy by beating VILLARICA. However, they need to win by a big margin to steal PILARS potential 3 consecutive championship.

In VILLARRICA, Adolfo Lopez (199-F-89) and Mario Gonzalez (198-F-89) were very effective but not enough to put their team in chace of winning their 2nd FEDERATION CUP ti

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PHILIPPINES

Days 7 & 8 of the 2012 FIBA Asia Cup and Hagop Khajirians Crossover Move - by Enzo Flojo

Iran became the second team to qualify outright to the 2013 FIBA-Asia Mens Championships in Beirut after narrowly beating Japan in the Finals. The Iranians joined 2013 host country Lebanon as the first two squads with automatic berths in the continents sole qualifying tournament for the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

Meanwhile, these last two days have broken the hearts of the Filipinos, who ended their Tokyo campaign with consecutive losses to Iran in the semifinals and Qatar in the battle for third place. Nevertheless, as far as I know, by finishing in the top four, the Pinoys, along with Qatar, Japan, and Iran, have earned extra 2013 berths for their respective subzones.

This means that aside from Iran and Lebanon, WABA will have three more teams in next years tourney. The Gulf, EABA, and SEABA subzones will send three teams each, while the SABA and CABA subzones will send one each.

Day 7:
IRAN over PHILIPPINES, 77-60
Iran pulled away from the Philippines in the fourth quarter to barge into the Finals and avenge an earlier loss in the 2012 Jones Cup. Hamed Afagh led the way with 14 points, while Mohammad Jamshidi and Asghar Kardoust each scored 13. Oshin Sahakian added a dozen markers, forming a formidable frontline combo with Kardoust that put the Pinoy big men in perennial foul trouble. Sahakian and Kardoust, both of whom usually play behind Hamed Haddadi and Arsalan Kazemi , stepped up big for Coach Memi Becirovic. They limited Team Pilipinass Marcus Douthit to just 11 points and 7 rebounds. Coach Chot Reyes once again rued his teams woeful outside shooting as a big culprit in this defeat.

IRI 77- Afagh 14, Jamshidi 13, Kardoust 13, Sahakian 12, Bahrami 12, Davoudi 6, Arghavan 6, Foroutan 1, Aslani 0, Yakhchali 0
PHI 60- Tenorio 13, Dillinger 13, Douthit 11, Chan 5, Fonacier 5, De Ocampo 4, Norwood 4, Villanueva 3, David 2, Reyes 0, Thoss 0, Ganuelas 0
QS: 16-17, 30-30, 53-47, 77-60

JAPAN over QATAR, 73-66
The home squad bucked a slow start, took the lead in the second quarter, and never looked back as they re-entered the Finals of the FIBA Asia Cup (Japan was also a Finalist in 2010, when this tourney was still called the Stankovic Cup). Kosuke Takeuchi led Japan with 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Takatoshi Furukawa had his best shooting day of the whole competition, hitting the mark for 15 big points. Mohd Yousuf Mohammed led Qatar with 22 points, while Erfan Ali Saeed tallied 15 markers and 13 boards. Trey Johnson shot just 2-of-14 from the field for Coach Tom Wisman.

JPN 73- Takeuchi 18, Furukawa 15, Sakuragi 12, Hiejima 11, Sakurai 6, Kanamaru 6, Tanaka 5, Hinkley 0, Ota 0, Kurihara 0
QAT 66- Mohammed M 22, Saeed 15, Johnson 10, Salem 14, Daoud 3, El Hadary 2, Mohamed 0, Abdi 0, Mohammed B 0, Zaidan 0
QS: 9-12, 30-19, 51-39, 73-66

TAIWAN over UZBEKISTAN, 86-70
The Taiwanese easily bested the Uzbeks, with five of Coach Hsu Chin-Ches wards scoring in twin digits. Small guys Chen Shih-Chieh and Lee Hsueh-Lin led the way with 13 and 12 points respectively. Uzbekistan actually had more rebounds, but they allowed the Taiwanese to shoot 51% from the floor. Lu Cheng-Ju, Tien Lei and Tseng Wen-Ting each scored 10 markers. Aleksandr Kozlov almost finished with a double-double for Coach Oleg Levin, scoring 21 points and grabbing 9 boards.

TPE 86- Chen SC 13, Lee 12, Tseng 10, Lu 10, Tien 10, Lin 9, Wu 6, Creighton 6, Chen HA 5, Su 4, Mao 1, Chang 0
UZB 70- Kozlov 21, Denisov 11, Nuraliev 6, Safarov 6, Kadirov 6, Tangrikulov 5, Shatrov 5, Juginisov 4, Yahon 4, Nabiev 2, Timofeev 0, Rahimov 0
QS: 30-18, 47-33, 66-53, 86-70

CHINA over LEBANON, 78-63
The young Chinese didnt encounter much resistance from a listless Lebanese side in the consolation round. Despite Fadi El Khatib scoring 34 points, it was clear that Lebanon had other things in their minds (hosting the 2013 FIBA-Asia perhaps?), and that they didnt really play to win. Still, thats not to take anything away from the Chinese, who dominated from start to finish. Zhao Tailong hit 5 triples to lead China with 27 points, while Duan Jiangpeng hit 3 treys of his own to tally 15 markers. Wang Zhelin held his own underneath with 14 points and 9 boards.

CHN 78- Zhao 27, Duan 15, Wang ZL 14, Guo 11, Zhang 6, Yu 4, Wang ZR 1, Sui 0, Cao F 0, Cao Y 0, Wu 0
LIB 63- El Khatib F 34, Thompson 7, Akl 6, Rustom 5, Abdel Nour 5, Tabet 4, El Khatibn C 2, Stephan 0, Sarkis 0
QS: 23-11, 45-31, 65-51, 78-63

Day 8:
IRAN over JAPAN, 53-51
Iran withstood Japans torrid shooting in the third quarter to come back strong in the dying minutes and win the 2012 FIBA Asia Cup. Samad Nikkhah Bahrami struggled from the floor again, but he made a big play inside the final minute by finding Aren Davoudi wide open for the game-winning three-point jumper from the left wing. Davoudi, whos really known as the second-string playmaker to veteran starter Mehdi Kamrani, actually misfired on his first three attempts from beyond the arc, but he made the one that counted the most. Despite shooting just 6-of-15 from the floor, Bahrami still led Iran with 14 points. The Japanese also made life difficult for him by forcing him to commit 7 of his teams 16 turnovers. Needless to say, this was a momentous win for the WABA powerhouse, since they did it without many of their top guns (the aforementioned Haddadi, Kazemi, and Kamrani).

Japan doesnt have anything to be ashamed of, however, as they played splendidly, especially in the third period, where they outscored Iran, 21-10, thanks mainly to the hot shooting of Panasonic Trian guard Kosuke Kanamaru. Kanamaru cooled off in the payoff period, but Takatoshi Furukawa came through, hitting what appeared to be the marginal three-pointer with a little over a minute to go. A few moments after, it was Davoudi who finally pegged the final count.

Irans Bahrami, Hamed Afagh, and Asghar Kardoust joined Japans Kosuke Takeuchi and Ryota Sakurai in the tournaments All-Star/Mythical Five Selection. Bahrami was named overall Most Valuable Player.

IRI 53- Bahrami 14, Jamshidi 8, Afagh 8, Kardoust 8, Davoudi 5, Sahakian 4, Arghavan 4, Aslani 2, Foroutan 0
JPN 51- Kanamaru 16, Sakuragi 10, Furukawa 6, Tanaka 5, Sakurai 5, Takeuchi 4, Hiejima 2, Ota 2, Watanabe 1, Hinkley 0
QS: 13-11, 30-23, 40-44, 53-51

QATAR over PHILIPPINES, 79-63
Coach Tom Wisman was able to extract some semblance of old school magic and mix it with the balanced game of Trey Johnson to lead Qatars bronze medal conquest over the disheartened Philippine team. Coach Chot Reyess wards have struggled with their outside shot during the whole tournament, and things were really bad here as the Pinoys converted just 2 of their 11 three-point attempts and just 37% overall from the field. The outside shooting that was so reliable in their Jones Cup title run was absent this time even as Qatar continuously punctured the hoop from all angles. Mohd Yousuf Mohammed led the Gulf team with 17 points, 9 rebounds and 4 triples, while Johnson and up-and-comer Khalid Abdi scored 16 and 14 respectively. The Filipinos were led by Marcus Douthits injury-plagued double-double performance 17 points and 10 rebounds.

QAT 79- Mohammed M 17, Johnson 16, Abdi 14, Saeed 10, Daoud 7, Salem 5, El Hadary 4, Mohammed B 4, Ali 2
PHI 63- Douthit 17, David 15, Dillinger 12, Norwood 10, De Ocampo 4, Fonacier 3, Tenorio 2, Thoss 0, Chan 0, Villanueva 0
QS: 12-8, 35-26, 55-48, 79-63

CHINA over TAIWAN, 67-63
The 2016 Olympic hopefuls of China ended their learning campaign on a high note, beating their cross-strait rivals to finish at fifth place. Wang Zhelin produced another double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds. Hes slowly but surely morphing into the next dominant big man in Chinese hoops, and itll be exciting to see how well he takes the place of Wang Zhizhi in the senior NT. Zhao Tailong capped off a great tournament by scoring 14 points, while fellow wingman Duan Jiangpeng poured in 11 markers. Lin Chih-Chieh, who plays for the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions in the Chinese Basketball Association, scored a team-high 20 points to lead the Taiwanese.

CHN 67- Wang ZL 20, Zhao 14, Duan 11, Wang ZR 6, Zhang 5, Guo 3, Sui 2, Cao Y 2, Yu 2, Wu 2
TPE 63- Lin 20, Tseng 12, Mao 10, Wu 9, Tien 4, Lee 3, Lu 3, Chen SC 2, Creighton 0
QS: 18-16, 29-24, 49-47, 67-63

LEBANON over UZBEKISTAN, 84-73
Lebanon rebounded from two straight defeats to beat down the Uzbeks for 7th place. Fadi El Khatib further added to his legend, scoring 44 points on 15-of-23 shooting, while playing with no relief. He also collared 7 caroms and had 6 dimes to cap off an all-around effort. He was ably supported by the combined 25 markers of Elie Stephan and Elias Rustom, while seldom-used Nadim Hawe took care of the inside chores with 9 rebounds.

LIB 84- El Khatib F 44, Stephan 14, Rustom 11, Tabet 4, Sarkis 4, Souaid 4, Hawe 3, El Khatib C 0, Akl 0
UZB 73- Kozlov 24, Juginisov 17, Yahin 8, Kadirov 8, Safarov 4, Tangrikulov 3, Denisov 3, Nuraliev 2, Nabiev 2, Timofeev 2, Shatrov 0
QS: 28-15, 49-31, 67-48, 84-73

Source: HoopNut.blogspot.com

Other Ginebra point guards agree: Tenorio is the main point man - by Eurobasket News

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel point guards have spoken, and its unanimous: newly-acquired LA Tenorio (177-PG-84) is the lead point guard for the Gin Kings this season.

JayJay Helterbrand (183-PG-76, college: Kentucky St.), Mike Cortez (183-G-80, college: CS Los Angeles), and Robert Labagala (175-PG) have no problem if the newest member of the squad gets majority of the minutes and the spotlight.

Egos have to be set aside in quest of a championship, Helterbrand told InterAKTV. I welcome LA with open arms. Management has done a tremendous job tinkering with our lineup.

According to the 2009 PBA Most Valuable Player, Tenorios inclusion is vital to the teams championship aspirations.

Weve got a right mix of veterans and young players, so I see LA, coming off his spectacular performance in the Jones Cup, will be an important ingredient for us, said Helterbrand.

Cortez, who was the starting point guard for the Gin Kings for most of last season, knows Tenorios entry will take away huge minutes for the other guards, but he said he has already accepted his new role with the squad.

Im at the point of my career where Im not concerned about not getting more minutes, said Cortez. Im at the stage of my career where the only thing I think about is to win a championship.

Ginebra gave up Enrico Villanueva and two draft picks in a complicated five team deal to bring in Tenorio, and his entry has had the most impact on Robert Labagala. The former University of the East guard has been relegated to Ginebras reserve list, and is scheduled to join the San Miguel Beermen in the ASEAN Basketball League after the Philippine Cup.

Malaki talaga ang epekto sa akin sa pagpasok ni LA, pero accepted ko naman ito. Ang importante sa akin, part pa rin ako ng team at yugn pagpasok ni LA, gumanda yung tsansa naming manalo ng championship. Yun ang objective naming lahat, makuha yung championship, said Labagala, who added that hes looking forward to a bigger role in the ABL.

I hope makatulong ako sa San Miguel, kung dati runner-up sila, were determined na makatulong na bigyan ang San Miguel ng championship.

Courtesy of www.interaksyon.com

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

POLAND

PGE Turow signs PG Vukasin Aleksic after tryout - by Eurobasket News

PGE Turow announced signing of Vukasin Aleksic (184-PG-85, agency: Beo Basket) for 2012/13 season. The Serbian point guard arrived to the club recently for tryout. It was successful and Aleksic earned a deal for the upcoming season. The player spent 2011/12 with Igokea Aleksandrovac. He had 5.2 ppg, 3.6 apg and 2.1 rpg for 27 games. They reached Bosnian league Finals and booked a spot for Adriatic league. Before Igokea, Vukasin Aleksic split 2010/11 season between Nizhny Novgorod and Radnicki Kragujevac. He appeared 8 times in EuroChallenge with Russians registering 8.4 ppg, 4.1 apg and 2.9 rpg. His numbers were lower in Russian league and later with Radnicki Kragujevac. Aleksic played for Radnicki also in 2009/10 registering 13.5 ppg, 5.1 apg and 2.6 rpg for 16 games in Serbian league. He played for Partizan in 2008/09 winning three trophies with them (Serbian and Adriatic league, plus Serbian Cup). In the past, Aleksic played for Serbian youth National Teams.

Trefl Sopot clinch title in Koszalin - by Eurobasket News

Trefl Sopot clinched pre-season tournament title in Koszalin. They overcame AZS Koszalin in the Final 91:82. Filip Dylewicz (202-F-80) stepped up with 20 points to lead the winners.
Trefl Sopot led by a single point after ten minutes 25:24. They fired 27 points in the second quarter to pile up a 7-point lead. AZS Koszalin cut the deficit at 5-point mark at the final intermission. But Trefl Sopot did not allow their opponents to get any closer and rolled to the victory at the end. Adam Waczynski (199-G/F-89, agency: Limelight Hoops) and Przemyslaw Zamojski (194-SG-86, agency: Alti Sport, college: Independence CC) produced 14 points each for the winners. Frank Turner (178-PG-88, agency: Court Side, college: Canisius) had 13 points for Trefl Sopot. Jeff Robinson (198-F-88, college: Seton Hall) answered with 22 points for AZS Koszalin. Lukasz Wisniewski (186-G-84, agency: Promotex, college: Barton County CC) netted 16 points in the loss.
Turow Zgorzelec fired past Energa Czarni 66:60 for the third position at the tourney. Ivan Opacak (201-SG-80, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) stepped up with 14 points for the winning side. Turow piled up a 42:24 halftime lead and never looked back en route to the win. Damian Kulig (206-F/C-87) had 13 points, while Aaron Cel (203-F-87) accounted for 10 in the victory. Robert Tomaszek (204-F-81, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Texas Tech) replied with 19 points, while Mateusz Kostrzewski (201-G/F-89) notched 18 points for Energa Czarni.

Stelmet Zielona Gora fire past Rudupis in Decin - by Eurobasket News

Stelmet Zielona Gora - Rudupis 94:79

Stelmet Zielona Gora recorded the first win at the pre-season tournament in Czech Republic. They overcame Rudupis. Walter Hodge (183-PG-86, college: Florida) came up with 18 points to lead the Polish side.
Stelmet Zielona Gora accounted for a 26:20 lead after ten minutes. They maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. Zielona Gora posted a 48:43 lead at the interval. Rudupis managed to get closer in the third stanza. The Baltic side got within a single point at the final intermission 65:66. But Stelmet Zielona Gora went on a massive rally in the fourth frame to seal the victory. Oliver Stevic (204-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) finished with 17 points, while Mantas Cesnauskis (189-G-81) added 12 points for the winning side. Gediminas Orelikas (198-G/F-90) answered with 25 points for Rudupis. Zygimantas Janavicius (192-G-89, agency: Interperformances) had 23 points in the loss.

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PORTUGAL

Galitos on LPB - by Luis Filipe Cristovao

Galitos - Tley is the eleventh LPB team after the recorded FC Porto and Barreirense dropouts.

At a meeting held this morning in the Portuguese Federation, the Galitos team took participation in the major league, ranking, in the calendar, the Barreirense place.

In turn, in the Proliga, its place has no substitute, and will also have eleven teams participating in the secondary division.

Further to this decision, was also discussed an upcoming remodelling of the national competitions, which will continue to be analysed during the season for it to take effect at the 2013/14 season.

Jose Calabote is the new coach of Sampaense Basket - by Hugo Carvalho

Jose Calabote is the new coach of Sampaense Basket.
He is a well known name in portuguese basketball. Calabote developed a remarkable job at Benfica at youth in the last years.
This good work was now recognized at the highest level of portuguese basketball, a challenge called Sampaense Basket.
Calabote think this team is young, has no stars, but with a great team spirit and attitude.
The team is working hard, are 3 times per day.... this is fantastic!
Calabote praises working conditions that the club offers and also praised the effort and commitment of President Pedro Veloso. Also left a compliment for the locals who also has supported the team.

www.fpb.pt

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RUSSIA

Lokomotiv admit defeat in Ohayon chase - by Anton Zirkov

Lokomotiv Kuban has stated the end of the pursuit of Israeli international guard - Yogev Ohayon (190-PG-87) who will stay in Maccabi Tel-Aviv.
The long saga came to an end today as the player has agreed a new deal with the Euroleague powerhouse,leaving Lokomotiv with a big gap in the guard position.
The team Managment are already in the market and looking for a new point guard.
Team officials told Eurobasket Russia that they won't try to appeal to FIBA or CAS and the matter is "an History for them".
The team are considering a Legal Process against Ohayon's agent - Iman Shokuohizadeh saying he mislead the team by telling them that Ohayon has a Buyout clause in his Maccabi contract.

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

SCOTLAND

Standings

National League Standings

1. C.Eriksson F.		3-0
2. Edinburgh K.		3-0
3. Troon T.		3-0
4. St.Mirren S.		1-1
5. Stirling K.		1-2
6. Glasgow Univ.		1-2
7. Dunfermline R.		1-2
8. Glasgow R. II		0-1
9. Glasgow Storm		0-2
10. Boroughmuir		0-3

Regular Season: Round 3

Sep. 22: Dunfermline R. - Boroughmuir 87-80
Sep. 22: Troon T. - Stirling K. 76-55
Sep. 22: St.Mirren S. - Edinburgh K. 65-79
Sep. 22: Glasgow Univ. - C.Eriksson F. 59-78
Sep. 22: Glasgow Storm - Glasgow R. II

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

SERBIA

Azovmash tabs Miroslav Raduljica - by Eurobasket News

Azovmash Mariupol (Superleague) inked 24-year old Serbian international center Miroslav Raduljica (213-88). The centre comes on loan from Anadolu Efes. Raduljica played most recently at Partizan in Serbian A League. In 20 A League games he averaged 12.2ppg, 5.5rpg and 1.3apg last season. He helped them to win the championship title. A very good season in his career as he was awarded Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Domestic Player of the Year, Center of the Year and selected to 1st Team. Raduljica also played 37 games in Euroleague where he had 10.0ppg and 3.9rpg.
He has been also a member of Serbian international program for some years. Raduljica has played for Senior National Team since 2009 and previously for U20 National Team in 2008. He represented Serbia at the European Championships in Poland three years ago. Raduljicas team won Silver and his stats at that event were 7 games: 3.3ppg.
Raduljica is already quite experienced player. He played professionally in Italy, Turkey (Anadolu Efes).

By Eurobasket Data Center

Metalac adds Zivanovic to their roster - by Eurobasket News

Vujic Metalac Valjevo (A League) added to their roster 23-year old Serbian guard Stefan Zivanovic (196-89). Zivanovic moved there from Kozuv in FYR Macedonian Prva Liga. He managed to play in four leagues last year (!!!). The last season Zivanovic played at Vojvodina. He also played at Viva Basket that season. The other team Zivanovic played that season for was Crvena Zvezda. Another team he played that season for was Radnicki Basket.
Zivanovic played in the final of Radivoj Korac (Serbian Cup) in 2011.
He was a member of Serbian U20 National Team in 2009 and a member of University National Team last year. Zivanovic represented Serbia at the European Championships U18 in Madrid (Spain) five years ago. His team won Gold and his stats at that event were 8 games: 4.4ppg, 2.3rpg..

By Eurobasket Data Center

PGE Turow signs PG Vukasin Aleksic after tryout - by Eurobasket News

PGE Turow announced signing of Vukasin Aleksic (184-PG-85, agency: Beo Basket) for 2012/13 season. The Serbian point guard arrived to the club recently for tryout. It was successful and Aleksic earned a deal for the upcoming season. The player spent 2011/12 with Igokea Aleksandrovac. He had 5.2 ppg, 3.6 apg and 2.1 rpg for 27 games. They reached Bosnian league Finals and booked a spot for Adriatic league. Before Igokea, Vukasin Aleksic split 2010/11 season between Nizhny Novgorod and Radnicki Kragujevac. He appeared 8 times in EuroChallenge with Russians registering 8.4 ppg, 4.1 apg and 2.9 rpg. His numbers were lower in Russian league and later with Radnicki Kragujevac. Aleksic played for Radnicki also in 2009/10 registering 13.5 ppg, 5.1 apg and 2.6 rpg for 16 games in Serbian league. He played for Partizan in 2008/09 winning three trophies with them (Serbian and Adriatic league, plus Serbian Cup). In the past, Aleksic played for Serbian youth National Teams.

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

SPAIN

Rafael Hettsheimer signs with Real Madrid - by Eurobasket News

Real Madrid bolstered their frontcourt. They signed Rafael Hettsheimer (206-C-86). The centre inked a one-year deal with the option of extending for one more season. The Brazilian centre spent the last three seasons with CAI Zaragoza. He notched 13.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last season in ACB. Rafael Hettsheimer earned All-Spanish ACB Honourable Mention. Previously the centre had stints with Ribeirao, Girona, Akasvayu Ferrer Vic, Lleida. He has been the member of Brazilian National Team since 2005. Rafael Hettsheimer participated at 2011 Fiba Americas in Argentina. The centre posted 9.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in Mar del Plata.

Regal Barcelona beats Valencia 77-63 in SuperCup Semis - by Eurobasket News

Regal Barcelona - Valencia 77-63

Regal Barcelona cruised past Valencia tonight 77-63 in the Semifinals of 2012 Endesa SuperCup. Barca is the defending champion from 2011 and now waits for the winner of Real Madrid - CAI Zaragoza game. Barca was better team from the start. They made 22-12 lead in the first ten minutes, but Valencia cut the margin to 6 until the halftime. The reigning champion made 19-17 in Q3 and kept Valencia to 14 pts for rest of the game, while they scored 20 at the other side. That was enough for comfortable victory in this meeting. Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) led Barca with 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Ante Tomic (217-C-87) scored 12 points for 16 minutes on the court. Nathan Jawai (208-F/C-86, college: Midland CC) helped with 11 points and 6 boards for 18 minutes. In the loosing squad, Vitor Faverani (211-C-88) was better than the others with 14 points and 6 rebs. Rafael Martinez (191-G-82) and Justin Doellman (206-F-85, college: Xavier) scored 13 and 9 points respectively. SuperCup Final will be played tomorrow.

Regal Barcelona: Pete Mickeal 15+8 boards, Ante Tomic 12, Nathan Jawai 11+6 boards
Valencia: Vitor Faverani 14+6 boards, Rafael Martinez 13, Justin Doellman 9

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

SWEDEN

Standings - BasketEttan

Basketettan Standings

North
1. BG Lulea		1-0
2. Solna Branten		1-0
3. Taby		1-0
4. Akropol		0-0
5. Blackeberg		0-0
6. Fryshuset		0-0
7. Jarva Devils		0-0
8. LF Future		0-0
9. Umea		0-0
10. Alvik Basket		0-1
11. Orongo		0-1
12. Uppsala KFUM		0-1
South
1. Haga Haninge		1-0
2. Hoganas		1-0
3. Boras II		0-0
4. Brahe Basket		0-0
5. Eos		0-0
6. Helsingborg		0-0
7. Jarfalla		0-0
8. Malbas		0-0
9. Sanda		0-0
10. Talje		0-0
11. Eskilstuna		0-1
12. Hogsbo		0-1

Regular Season: Round 1

North

Sep. 22: BG Lulea - Alvik Basket 84-74
Sep. 22: Orongo - Solna Branten 63-81
Sep. 22: Taby - Uppsala KFUM 101-65

South

Sep. 22: Hoganas - Hogsbo 83-82
Sep. 22: Eskilstuna - Haga Haninge 71-94

Regular Season: Round 2

North

Sep. 23: LF Future - Alvik Basket
Sep. 23: Jarva Devils - Akropol
Sep. 23: Umea - Fryshuset

South

Sep. 23: Boras II - Jarfalla
Sep. 23: Brahe Basket - Sanda
Sep. 23: Talje - Eos
Sep. 23: Malbas - Helsingborg

Stats Leaders - BasketEttan

Points Per Game

Markus LENNGREN
  Hogsbo
  (196-F-83)
  Avg: 27

1. Lenngren, Hogsbo	27.0
2. Flink, BG Lulea	24.0
3. Andersson, Taby	24.0
4. Lopez, Eskilstuna	23.0
5. Juhlin, Alvik Bask.	22.0
6. Hakansson, Haga H.	22.0
7. Hillgren, Alvik B.	21.0
8. Ezra, Up.	21.0
9. Strazdauskas, Hog.	19.0
10. Larsson, Solna B.	19.0

Rebounds Per Game

William GUTENIUS
  Orongo
  (205-F/C-92)
  Avg: 13

1. Gutenius, Orongo	13.0
2. Hillgren, Alvik B.	12.0
3. Flink, BG Lulea	11.0
4. Ezra, Up.	11.0
5. Eliasson, Solna B.	10.0
6. Urban, Eskilstuna	8.0
7. Hallberg, BG Lulea	8.0
8. Kuksta, Hoganas	8.0
9. Kidane, Solna B.	8.0
10. Savickas, Hoganas	7.0

Assists Per Game

Jimmy LUNDIN
  Taby
  (184-G-90)
  Avg: 8

1. Lundin, Taby	8.0
2. Merzoug, Taby	7.0
3. Westerlund, Taby	6.0
4. Jagbeck, Alvik B.	5.0
5. Larsson, Solna B.	5.0
6. Baltrokonis, Hogan.	5.0
7. Holmback, Orongo	5.0
8. Ehlde, Taby	4.0
9. Friberg, Up.	3.0
10. Lindmark, BG Lulea	3.0

Steals Per Game

Tomas OBERG
  Haga Haninge
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 6

1. Oberg, Haga Hanin.	6.0
2. Urban, Eskilstuna	3.0
3. Westerlund, Taby	3.0
4. Juozapaitis, Hogan.	3.0
5. Ezra, Up.	3.0
6. Lundin, Taby	3.0
7. Jagbeck, Alvik B.	2.0
8. Kebede, Solna B.	2.0
9. Larsson, Solna B.	2.0
10. Gunnarsson, Solna	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Henos KIDANE
  Solna B.
  (192-G-94)
  Avg: 3

1. Kidane, Solna B.	3.0
2. Hillgren, Alvik B.	2.0
3. Hallberg, BG Lulea	2.0
4. Lightner, Solna B.	1.0
5. Soderman, Haga H.	1.0
6. Korling, Alvik Bas.	1.0
7. Von Uthmann, BG L.	1.0
8. Eliasson, Solna B.	1.0
9. Lennartsson, Oron.	1.0
10. Makkonen, Solna	1.0

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

TAIWAN

Taiwan finishes sixth place in 2012 Asia Cup - by Chris Wang

Taiwan missed two jumpers in the last 15 seconds that could have tied the game and lost to China 67-63 in the classification round on Saturday, finishing for the sixth place in the 2012 Asia Cup tournament in Tokyo, Japan.

Trailing 29-24 at the half and 49-47 at the end of the third quarter, Taiwan mounted the final comeback in the final period. Lee hsueh-lins three tied the game at 63-63 with 2:47 remaining before Zhao Tailong made a go-ahead jumper with 1:13 remaining.

Lin Chih-chieh, who had a team-high 20 points, and Lee Hsueh-lin missed consecutive jumpers in the last 15 seconds. Zhao then added another jumper for China, which sent its second national team with the average age of 20.7, with 0.5 second to go.

Final eight of the 2012 Asia Cup are: 1. Iran, 2. Japan, 3. Qatar, 4. Philippines, 5. China, 6. Taiwan, 7. Lebanon, 8. Uzbekistan.

Iran has earned an automatic bid for the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship for Men by winning the tournament while Lebanon would also automatically qualify as the host country.

Japan and China have earned two extra seats for the East Asia zone, which means the top four teams in the East Asia Basketball Championship (EABC) next year will secure berths in the Asia Championship. Taiwan should have no problem making the top four in the EABC.

2012 Fiba Asia Cup: China defeat Taiwan for the 5th place - by Eurobasket News

China-Taiwan 67:63

China defeat Taiwan for the 5th place at the 2012 Fiba Asia Cup. The Chinese team grabbed 67:63 win in the last game to take the higher step. Taiwan meanwhile ended up on the 6th place.
China won the first period 18-16 and added 11-8 in the second frame. Duan JiangPeng (197-F-90) nailed three to send the teams to the lockers for 29:24. Taiwan however was too far to give up and Tseng Wen-Ting (203-F/C-84) tied the game at 42:42 midway throughout the third period. China meanwhile led 49:47 at the end of the third period and then needed 18-16 to seal the victory.
Wang Zhelin (215-PF-94) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Zhao TaiLong (193-G/F-90) posted 14. Duan JiangPeng scored 11 and Wang Zirui (190-G-93) delivered 6. Lin Chih-Chieh (192-G-82) replied with 20 points in the losing case and Tseng Wen-Ting posted 12. Mao Chia-En (195-F/G-82) brought 10, while Wu Tai-Hao (203-F/C-85, college: BYU-Hawaii) had 9.

China: Wang Zhelin 20+14 rebs, Zhao TaiLong 14, Duan JiangPeng 11, Wang Zirui 6
Taiwan: Lin Chih-Chieh 20, Tseng Wen-Ting 12, Mao Chia-En 10, Wu Tai-Hao 9

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

TUNISIA

Standings - D1

Division Standings

Group A
1. C Africain		2-0
2. CA Bizerte		2-0
3. AS Hammamet		1-0
4. ES Sahel		1-1
5. US Monastir		0-1
6. CSHL		0-2
7. ESG		0-2
Group B
1. ES Rades		2-0
2. Stade Nabeulien		2-0
3. JS Kairouan		1-1
4. SSK		1-1
5. Ezzahra		0-1
6. JS Manazeh		0-1
7. CS Cheminots		0-2

Regular Season: Round 2

Sep. 22: CA Bizerte - ESG 70-62
Sep. 22: ES Sahel - C Africain 63-64
Sep. 22: CSHL - AS Hammamet 55-65

Sep. 22: Stade Nabeulien - SSK 82-53
Sep. 22: ES Rades - JS Manazeh 73-63
Sep. 22: JS Kairouan - CS Cheminots 72-44

Regular Season: Round 3

Sep. 29: C Africain - US Monastir
Sep. 29: ESG - ES Sahel
Sep. 29: AS Hammamet - CA Bizerte

Sep. 29: SSK - Ezzahra
Sep. 29: CS Cheminots - Stade Nabeulien
Sep. 29: JS Manazeh - JS Kairouan

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

TURKEY

TUBAD Tournament : Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul have the cup - by Bulent Karagoz

At the last day of the tournament Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul won the cup by passing Banvit Basketbol Kulubu 79-73 in a breathtaking match. The leading stars - Serkan Erdogan (190-G-78) and David Hawkins (194-G-82, college: Temple) - of the two teams were on the game. Both teams had a controlled start. After the first five minutes the score was only 6-5. Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul lead the period 19-15 with the 7 points of Henry Domercant (194-G-80, college: E.Illinois).

Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul had excellent periot starts during the game. They had consecutively scores (15-24) till the break of Banvit Basketbol Kulubu. Cenk Akyol (198-G/F-87) had an excellent second period with 9 points. After the break there was more aspirant Banvit Basketbol Kulubu and they cut the distance. At the end of the periot Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul had the marge of 8 points. (34-42)

The third period was a fight a duel of the two teams. The score was 63-63 after the incessant three points baskets of Kenan Bajramovic (205-C-81) and Semi Mehija. Cenk tried to answer Banvit Basketbol Kulubu for Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul, but the Sami Mehija has a word to say. Banvit Basketbol Kulubu leaded the score (71-70) after the second part of the three points rain of Banvit Basketbol Kulubu. At the end of the period the score was 73-73 after Milan Macvan three points basket. During the last 1:10 of the game Hawkins and Mehija were on the scene and leaded their teams but David Hawkins did it. 73-79. Hawkins had 17 points and Cenk scored 13 where Stimac had 15 points for Banvit Basketbol Kulubu.

After the game Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul win the cup and David Hawkins was the MVP of the tournament. Sami Mehija had the best defencer award after the game.

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

UKRAINE

Raduljica replaces Akingbala? - by Alexander Muzyka

Miroslav Raduljica's appearance in Mariupol created a big rumours about foreigners' roster of Azovmash. Remind that Serbian became the eighth foreign player for this team as well as Superleague rules allows to have just five ones for an official game. This foreigners' overflow was created just only because of a big number of injuries in Azovmash roster, basket-planet.com informs. They say Miroslav Raduljica will replace Akinlolu Akingbala (208-C-83) who has a big problems with the knees and can leave Mariupol at all. Plus Azovmash will start the new season without Ivan Paunic and Manny Harris - they have a small injuries and will return to the game in a future. So Aleksandar Kesar's team will start officials just with five foreigners, as it is allowed.
By the way, Oleksi Pecherov will be the new captain of the team in a season 2012/13.

Eziukwu: Kryvyi Rih instead of Mykolaiv - by Alexander Muzyka

Callistus Eziukwu (208-F/C-85) will have a try-out in Kryvbasbasket this week-end, basket-planet.com informs. American centerforward from Polish AZS Koszalin earlier tried to be inked in MBC Mykolaiv but Agris Galvanovskis decided not to tab him but invited Eric Coleman (200-C-85) from Hoverla. So Eziukwu has moved to another Ukrainian team and to another Latvian coach. The main try-out of him will have place at the friendlies tournament in... Mykolaiv. There will MBC Mykolaiv, Kryvbasbasket, Khimik and BC Odesa to fight this week-end.

Kryvbasbasket and Khimik reach Final in Mykolaiv - by Eurobasket News

Kryvbasbasket and Khimik advanced into the Final of Mykolaiv pre-season tournament.
Kryvbasbasket defeated BC Odessa 69:65 in the opening game of the day. Winsome Frazier (193-F/G-82, college: Mississippi St.) came up with 19 points to lead the winners. The teams stayed close throughout the first half. The scoreboard read 36:36 at the interval. Kryvbasbasket pulled in front in the third quarter. The Kryvyi Rih team eked out a 55:48 lead before the fourth frame. BC Odessa went on a comeback rally but came up short of win at the end. Callistus Eziukwu (208-F/C-85, college: Grand Valley St.) and James Florence (185-G-88, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mercer) posted 12 points each for the winners. Dario Hunt (203-F-89, college: Nevada) answered with 15 points for BC Odessa. Hernst Laroche (185-G, college: N.Mexico St.) finished with 15 points in defeat.
Khimik upset Mykolaiv 68:61 in another game of the day. Sava Lesic (205-C/F-88) notched 14 points to lead the visitors. Mykolaiv started strong. The hosts enjoyed a 37:34 halftime advantage. But Khimik turned things around in the third quarter. The Yuzny team denied the deficit and surged ahead for a 57:52 lead before the final quarter. Khimik limited the hosts to 9 points in the fourth frame to seal the win. Devoe Joseph (193-G-90, agency: Interperformances, college: Oregon) notched 13 points, while Vernon Goodridge (206-F-84, college: La Salle) added 12 points for the visitors. Josh Mayo (182-G-87, agency: Stanislav Ryzhov, college: Ill.-Chicago) answered with 22 points for Mykolaiv. Dwayne Mitchell (196-G/F-82, agency: Interperformances, college: La-Lafayette) had 14 points for the hosts.

ALBA Berlin fire past BC Donetsk in Varese - by Eurobasket News

ALBA Berlin - BC Donetsk 73:65

ALBA Berlin recorded the first win at the pre-season tournament in Varese. They defeated the former team of their head coach Sasa Obradovic BC Donetsk. DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.) came up with 13 points to lead ALBA.
BC Donetsk jumped to an early lead. They recorded a 25:11 lead after ten minutes. But ALBA turned things around in the second quarter. The German team answered with a 21:13 run to cut the deficit. ALBA got within just two points at the final break. The German side triggered a 22:12 run in the fourth period to seal the victory at the end. Heiko Schaffartzik (183-PG-84) added 11 points, while Deon Thompson (203-F-88, college: N.Carolina) contributed 10 points for the winners. Ramel Curry (192-G-80, college: CSU Bakersfield) answered with 13 points for BC Donetsk. Vojdan Stojanovski (194-G-87) had 12 points in defeat.

ALBA Berlin: DaShaun Wood 13, Heiko Schaffartzik 11, Deon Thompson 10
BC Donetsk: Ramel Curry 13, Vojdan Stojanovski 12

Azovmash tabs Miroslav Raduljica - by Eurobasket News

Azovmash Mariupol (Superleague) inked 24-year old Serbian international center Miroslav Raduljica (213-88). The centre comes on loan from Anadolu Efes. Raduljica played most recently at Partizan in Serbian A League. In 20 A League games he averaged 12.2ppg, 5.5rpg and 1.3apg last season. He helped them to win the championship title. A very good season in his career as he was awarded Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Domestic Player of the Year, Center of the Year and selected to 1st Team. Raduljica also played 37 games in Euroleague where he had 10.0ppg and 3.9rpg.
He has been also a member of Serbian international program for some years. Raduljica has played for Senior National Team since 2009 and previously for U20 National Team in 2008. He represented Serbia at the European Championships in Poland three years ago. Raduljicas team won Silver and his stats at that event were 7 games: 3.3ppg.
Raduljica is already quite experienced player. He played professionally in Italy, Turkey (Anadolu Efes).

By Eurobasket Data Center

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UNITED KINGDOM

Standings - BBL

BBL Standings

1. Durham W.		1-0
2. Manchester G.		1-0
3. Newcastle E.		1-0
4. Surrey Heat		1-0
5. Leicester R.		1-0
6. Cheshire Jets		0-0
7. Plymouth R.		0-0
8. Glasgow Rocks		0-1
9. London Lions		0-1
10. Mersey Tigers		0-1
11. Sheffield S.		0-1
12. Worcester W.		0-1

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 21: Manchester G. - London Lions 85-84
Sep. 22: Worcester W. - Durham W. 76-82
Sep. 21: Newcastle E. - Glasgow Rocks 72-65
Sep. 21: Sheffield S. - Leicester R. 55-71
Sep. 22: Surrey Heat - Mersey Tigers 106-45
Sep. 23: London Lions - Newcastle E.
Sep. 23: Durham W. - Glasgow Rocks
Sep. 23: London Lions - Newcastle E.

BBL Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

James JONES
  Manchest.
  (193-G/F-83)
  Avg: 29

1. Jones, Manchest.	29.0
2. Baldarelli, Durham	25.0
3. Owumi, Worceste.	24.0
4. Chapman, Newcastl.	23.0
5. Cricelli, Surrey H.	21.0
6. Jackman, London L.	19.0
7. Ogedengbe, London	18.0
8. Elderkin, Durham W.	18.0
9. Holmes, Surrey H.	18.0
10. Keister, Durham W.	18.0

Rebounds Per Game

Frank HOLMES
  Surrey H.
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 12

1. Holmes, Surrey H.	12.0
2. Flournoy, Newcastl.	11.0
3. Defoe, Newcastl.	11.0
4. Davis, Glasgow	11.0
5. James, London L.	10.0
6. Cricelli, Surrey H.	10.0
7. Wedemire, Glasgow	10.0
8. Watts, Manchest.	9.0
9. Chapman, Newcastl.	8.0
10. Ocitti, Worceste.	8.0

Assists Per Game

Chavis HOLMES
  Surrey H.
  (193-G-86)
  Avg: 9

1. Holmes, Surrey H.	9.0
2. Huffman, Newcastl.	7.0
3. Joseph, Surrey He.	5.0
4. Bailey, Manchest.	5.0
5. Cricelli, Surrey H.	4.0
6. Ocitti, Worceste.	4.0
7. Bucci, Durham W.	4.0
8. Raftopoulos, Surre.	4.0
9. Irish, London Lions	4.0
10. Aliu, Manchest.	4.0

Steals Per Game

David ALIU
  Manchest.
  (198-F-81)
  Avg: 8

1. Aliu, Manchest.	8.0
2. James, London L.	6.0
3. McGinn, Mersey T.	5.0
4. Cricelli, Surrey H.	5.0
5. Ocitti, Worceste.	5.0
6. Flournoy, Newcastl.	4.0
7. Woods, Mersey T.	4.0
8. Chapman, Newcastl.	4.0
9. Williams, Manchest.	4.0
10. Gill, Manchester	4.0

Blocks Per Game

Owen MCNALLY
  Glasgow .
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 2

1. McNally, Glasgow	2.0
2. Maddox, Newcastl.	2.0
3. Ebogbe, Mersey T.	2.0
4. Irving, Worceste.	1.0
5. Martin, London L.	1.0
6. Ocitti, Worceste.	1.0
7. Cricelli, Surrey H.	1.0
8. Robinson, Glasgow	1.0
9. Flournoy, Newcastl.	1.0
10. Smith, Newcastl.	1.0

BBL Round Up Sat 22 Sep - by Paul Nilsen

Durham Wildcats got their BBL campaign off to the best possible start with an excellent 76-82 road win at Worcester Wolves.
Worcester led 40-35 at the break but Wildcats turned it around in the third quarter. First an 8-0 burst gave them a 43-45 lead and then when Wolves had edged in front again they remained calm to finish the third quarter with another 8-0 run to lead 51-56 with 10 minutes to play.
The match's crucial moment came at 67-67 midway through the fourth quarter.
An Andrew Keister (205-F-88, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross) three started an 8-0 tear, which would all but seal the match for Durham. They briefly pulled nine ahead, their largest lead of the match, before emerging victorious with plenty to spare.
Surrey Heat made light work of Mersey Tigers to record a 106-45 victory in their opening match of the BBL Championship season.
A red hot start by the newly named Surrey Heat saw the home team open a 24-2 lead before the Tigers had time to draw breath. Their lead continued to grow until Martelle McLemore put it to 50 (80-30) with an emphatic dunk. Three more points completed the scoring as Heat led 83-30 heading into the final stanza.
The margin of victory in the fourth wasn't quite as great as Heat took the opportunity to run their bench in front of a delighted home crowd.

BBL Round Up Friday 21 Sep - by Paul Nilsen

The opening night of the BBL Championship saw wins for the reigning champions, the Newcastle Eagles, last season's runners-up, the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders, and this season's new boys, the Manchester Giants.

The Eagles were dominant in the middle two quarters of their game against the Glasgow Rocks to emerge 72-65 winners in the North East. Joe Chapman (193-G-84, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: Marquette) picked up where he left off to lead the Eagles with 23 points and 8 rebounds, while Charles Smith added 18 and Darius Defoe had a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.

They scored the last 8 points of the first quarter and carried that momentum into the second to establish an early double-digit lead at 25-15. They went on to restrict the Rocks to just 7 second quarter points as they led 35-21 at the midway point, and the first 6 points after the break pushed the lead through twenty on a Kareem Maddox (202-F/C-89, college: Princeton) dunk. The Rocks revived themselves only for Charles Smith to hit two three-pointers in quick succession to halt the visitors. The Eagles then scored the first 6 points of the fourth quarter to keep the lead around 20, before a valiant effort down the stretch made the score respectable for the Rocks.

Elsewhere, the Riders overcame the One Health Sharks Sheffield 55-71 on the road. Jorge Calvo's trio of three-pointers in the first quarter lit up a 10-2 run that gave them a lead at 16-21 that they would not relinquish. That was followed by a dominant second quarter that included an 11-0 surge up to the half time break as new big man Rob Fraley scored 17 first half points and Jay Couisnard (198-F-88, college: UMKC) hit a three-pointer on the buzzer. The Sharks restricted their visitors to just 7 third quarter points, but it wasn't enough as the Riders kept them at arm's length, Fraley scoring 23 and GB Olympic player Drew Sullivan adding 13.

Finally, the Manchester Giants returned to the BBL with a dramatic last minute 85-84 defeat of the London Lions in the North West. James Jones (193-G/F-83, college: Whitworth) led the scoring with 29 points, while Mo Williams added 15 and David Watts 13.

After a slow start, the Giants had much the better of the first half and led 41-36 at the break. But the Lions put them under pressure in the third quarter and had them on the rack in a 20-5 spell that saw the visitors head into the fourth with a 55-62 lead. The pendulum swung once more as Stefan Gill scored 8 early fourth quarter points to tie the game at 68, and the Giants pushed on as Watts and Jones added triples in an 11-0 run that helped them lead 83-77 going into the final minute. But an 'and-one' play from Duane James (196-F-83, college: Binghamton) and a Devon Bailey turnover that led to another James score saw the Lions back in at 83-82 with 30 seconds to play. Mike Martin then stole the ball from Stefan Gill and converted at the other end to give the Lions a dramatic late lead - a seven point swing in 40 seconds. Bailey atoned for his mistake by making 2/2 from the free-throw line to give the lead back to the Giants with23 seconds to play, and the roles were truly reversed as Duane James turned the ball over with 18 seconds left, forcing Perry Lawson to foul James Jones. He missed both free-throws, only for Mike Martin to continue the role reversal as he turned over with six seconds remaining leaving the Giants to just keep the ball to secure the victory.

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URUGUAY

Standings - LUB

LUB Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 2

Sep. 21: Malvin - Trouville 98-93 OT
Sep. 21: Defensor - Bohemios 93-56
Sep. 21: Cordon - Nacional 78-85
Sep. 21: Aguada - Sayago 77-70
Sep. 21: Tabare - Hebraica 69-75
Sep. 22: Welcome - Bigua
Sep. 22: Montevideo - Un.Atletica
Sep. 22: Olimpia - Larre Borges

Stats Leaders - LUB

Points Per Game

Mildon AMBRES
  Nacional
  (198-F/G-84)
  Avg: 25

1. Ambres, Nacional	25.0
2. Galindo, Malvin	21.5
3. Martinez, Malvin	19.0
4. Giano, Nacional	19.0
5. Aguiar, Hebraica	18.0
6. Barrera, Hebraica	16.0
7. Fitipaldo, Malvin	14.5
8. Martin, Nacional	14.0
9. Parodi, Hebraica	14.0
10. Rivero, Nacional	11.0

Rebounds Per Game

Hatila PASSOS
  Hebraica
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 14.5

1. Passos, Hebraica	14.5
2. Myles, Malvin	10.5
3. Martin, Nacional	9.5
4. Charquero, Nacional	7.0
5. Ambres, Nacional	7.0
6. Newsome, Malvin	7.0
7. Paez, Hebraica	5.0
8. Calfani, Malvin	5.0
9. Suarez, Nacional	4.5
10. Galindo, Malvin	4.5

Assists Per Game

Gustavo BARRERA
  Hebraica
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Barrera, Hebraica	6.5
2. Fitipaldo, Malvin	6.5
3. Martinez, Malvin	6.0
4. Aguiar, Hebraica	4.0
5. Vanderbeken, Hebra.	3.0
6. Izuibejeres, Hebra.	2.5
7. Myles, Malvin	2.5
8. Ambres, Nacional	1.5
9. Osimani, Malvin	1.5
10. Borsellino, Malvin	1.5

Steals Per Game

Gustavo BARRERA
  Hebraica
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Barrera, Hebraica	3.5
2. Giano, Nacional	2.5
3. Fitipaldo, Malvin	1.5
4. Rivero, Nacional	1.5
5. Antunez, Nacional	1.5
6. Izuibejeres, Hebra.	1.5
7. Aguiar, Hebraica	1.5
8. Ambres, Nacional	1.0
9. Parodi, Hebraica	1.0
10. Borsellino, Malvin	1.0

Blocks Per Game

Claudio CHARQUERO
  Nacional
  (207-C-77)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Charquero, Nacional	1.5
2. Passos, Hebraica	1.5
3. Calfani, Malvin	1.0
4. Ambres, Nacional	1.0
5. Vanderbeken, Hebra.	1.0
6. Modernell, Nacional	0.5
7. Paez, Hebraica	0.5
8. Martin, Nacional	0.5
9. Parodi, Hebraica	0.5
10. Myles, Malvin	0.5

Alex Galindo leads Malvin to beat Trouville - by Hector Lopez

Alexander Galindo (200-F-85, college: FIU) scored two three points shots during the overtime leading Malvin to defeat Trouville 98-93. The regular time finished 80-80 and Trouville took a five points lead at the beginning of the overtime and then apppears Galindo, who finished with 27 points and 3 rebounds. Also for Malvin Fernando Martinez (170-PG-79) netted 25 points with 8 assists and Anthony Myles (208-F/C-82, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Xavier) added 10 points and 12 rebounds. For Trouville Justin Keenan (202-F/C-88, college: Ferris St.) scored 44 points and grabbed 7 rebounds and Brad Kanis (218-C-84, college: Grand Canyon), now an Uruguayan citizen, scored 9 points and took 5 rebounds. Other results:
Defensor Sporting 96 - Walter Baxley (193-G-84, college: Mars Hill) 28 points 6 rebounds, Sebastian Izaguirre (207-C-85) 21 points 11 rebounds, Jose Juan Bravo (202-C-86) 5 points 5 rebounds.
Bohemios 56 - Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) 13 points 7 rebounds, Jenard Harrison (203-F-84, college: Amer.Internat.) 10 points 5 rebounds, John Huggins (188-G-82, college: Amer.Internat.) 9 points 4 rebounds.
- - -
Aguada 77 - Pablo Morales (200-F-79) 27 points Christopher Hayes (206-F-87, college: Detroit Mercy) 8 points 6 rebounds.
Sayago 70 - Stanley Jones (208-C-86, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Francis Marion) 22 points 5 rebounds, Terence Shellman (198-F-78) 5 poinst 17 rebounds.
- - -
Nacional 85 - Mildon Ambres (198-F/G-84, college: S.Nazarene) 33 points 6 rebounds, Kevin Martin (208-C-83, college: Florida Gulf Coast) 13 points 15 rebounds.
Cordon 78 - Timothy Jennings (193-G-83, college: Gardner-Webb) 27 points 9 rebounds 9 assists, Brian Morris (205-F-87, college: Humboldt St.) 12 points 12 rebounds.
- - -
Hebraica 75 - Mauricio Aguiar (197-F-83, agency: Players Group) 25 points 6 assists, Hatila Passos (211-C-86, college: N.Mexico St.) 12 points 17 rebounds, Jamie Vanderbeken (210-F-87, college: Iowa St.) 2 points 1 rebound.
Tabare 69 - Howard Wilkerson (198-F-84, agency: Two Points, college: Wofford) 15 points 10 rebounds, Edward Cage (203-F-78, college: Bradley) 10 points 7 rebounds.

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Women News

Dakar 2012: Senegalaise Ndiaye stop Mali Victory dance - by Olusegun Ikuesan

What looked like a smooth run for Mali turned out a bitter pile in their mouth as they failed to consolidate on a 14 points lead going into the last quarter in Day-2 pairing against regional foe Senegal in the 2012 Afrobasket for U18 Women allowing Senegal snatch victory at the buzzer with Adja Fatou Ndiaye being the heroin of the night.

Mali had race to a first and second quarter win (18-08 and 22-12) to take a 20 points lead at half, though lost the third quarter 09-15 but that could only reduce margin by just six points as they lead Senegal by 49-35 points into the fourth quarter.

Senegal however, mounted a spirited pressure which Mali could not sustain resulting in three of it players (Penda Toure, Madjan Camara and Aminata Traore) fouling out early in the fourth quarter, this development gave Senegal the needed confidence to continue with the pressure thus reducing Mali to make series of turn-over and just as the cheering crowd had looked forward to an over-time, youthful Ndiaye was fouled right under the basket with both teams in team foul.

The youthful centre makes no mistake in sinking both free throws to give her side a hard earn victory. Ndiaye scored a total of 6 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, teammates Aminata Kamara and Ndeye Fatou Diop contributing 15 points each.

Dakar 2012: Tunisia over-ran Kenya 76-48 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Tunisia Saturday punished complacent Kenyan side in Day-2 of the Afrobasket for U18 Women at the basketball gymnasium of the Marius Ndiaye Stadium winning by 76-48 points.

Both side enter the game threading cautiously ending the first quarter by 19-16 points but the Tunisian broke loose in the second quarter winning by 16-08 points for a half-time score of 35-24 points. Kenya came into the third quarter determine to turn the table against the Tunisian an effort which paid off earlier in first five minute of the quarter thus reducing the margin to just seven points (37-30) but Tunisia guard Wefa Lobiri made some consistent shots scoring 11 of her 15 points within five minutes to open up the game as Tunisia race to a 21-09 points win the quarter to take a 23 points advantage into the last quarter.

Tunisia fought back a late in the dying minute of the fourth quarter winning by 20-15 points for a final score-line of 76-48 points thus sealing their first victory in the championship. Tunisia Houda Hamrouni led the floor with 31 points and 9 rebound with forward Nouha Jeffel adding 13 points and 5 rebounds for their side first win in the championship.

Dakar 2012: Egypt ride past Angola 76-43 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Defending champion of the Afrobasket for U18 Women, Egypt on match Day-2 prove too hot for Angola with scintillating performance that took away the scoring prowess of the Angolan.

The energetic spur on the duo of Ola El-Temsahi and Soraia Deghady ran ring round the Angolan defense and offense like hot knife passing through butter as the champion won all four quarter (15-04, 21-09, 19-16, 21-14).

El-Temsahi led the scorer chat with 23 points, 2 rebound and 2 assist, Deghady who never scored in the first half recorded 14 points, 4 assist and 2 rebound with hundred percent from the three point and free throw range while Salma Salem contributed 10 points and 3 rebounds for the emphatic win over Angola.

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AUSTRALIA

Bendigo to face Bulleen in WNBL pre season final - by Eurobasket News

Bendigo Spirit will face the Bulleen Boomers in the WNBL Pre Season Tournament Final after the two Victorian-based teams claimed back-to-back wins.

WNBL Pre Season Tournament Final Day Fixtures
Sunday 23 September

10:00 Logan Thunder v Dandenong Rangers
10:00 Sydney Uni Flames v Townsville Fire
10:00 China B v Canberra Capitals
12:00 Adelaide Lightning v West Coast Waves

12:00 Bendigo Spirit v Bulleen Boomers FINAL

Fire rebound to beat China B

The Townsville Fire shook off the disappointment of their thrashing at the hands of Bendigo to rebound with a brilliant 86-74 win over China B on day two of the WNBL Pre Season Tournament.

It was Nicole Romeo (168-G-89, college: Washington) (24 points) and youngster Olivia Thompson (185-F-93) (17 points) that led the way for the Fire as they upset the fancied Chinese outfit in a performance in stark contrast to their opening day efforts.

From the outset there was an improved intensity about the Fire, with their defensive pressure on the Chinese shooters a highlight of the 12-point win.

Micaela Cocks (10 points 7 rebounds) and Mia Newley (15 points) provided plenty of offensive spark, with the China team exposed defensively.

What we learnt
Plenty of Fire in the belly: Despite being played off the court against Bendigo, Townsville showed plenty of fight and determination to get the win.

Waves win big over Logan

The West Coast Waves have got the victory their performances have deserved, easily accounting for Logan Thunder 70-53 to claim a first win of the WNBL Pre Season Tournament.

In another lively showing by the Waves it was Deanna Smith (179-G-80) again setting the tempo, finishing with a game-high 19 points to go with her 5 assists, while Natalie Burton put in another classy showing of 12 points and 9 rebounds.

The game was over as a contest by half time as the Waves established a 39-22 advantage, holding that same margin until the final buzzer in a performance sure to get fans excited ahead of the season proper.

Emma Langford was again impressive for the Thunder, taking on much of the scoring load to finish with 18 points.

What we learnt
Burton rises to the top: 24-year-old Natalie Burton could prove to be one of the recruits of the year, with the recent college graduate displaying some polished post moves.
Langford down low: Emma Langford was a focal point in the post for the Thunder and will take on plenty of extra scoring responsibility this season.

Boomers into Final after Caps win

A Tess Madgen (180-G/F-90) -inspired Bulleen Boomers outfit booked their place in the final of the WNBL Pre Season Tournament after a 70-60 win over a plucky Canberra Capitals.

Coming off a brilliant first-up performance, Madgen backed it up again with 20 points 5 rebounds and 4 steals to lead the Boomers, with Alice Kunek again impressive on her way to 16 points and 12 rebounds.

After leading early the Capitals could not resist the Bulleen charge despite the best efforts of Jess Bibby (16 points) and gun new recruit Samantha Norwood (12 points 11 rebounds).

The Boomers will now face Bendigo for the opportunity to win the WNBL Pre Season title.

What we learnt
Size does matter: The duo of Hollie Florence (nee Grima) and Emma MacDonald (nee Randall) may not have gelled as of yet, but the signs are there that the pair could be the best frontcourt in the WNBL.

Norwood sneaky effective: Samantha Norwood has back-to-back double-doubles, monstering the glass and getting inside buckets.

Lightning outgun Rangers

Adelaide Lightning has produced a convincing second half display to crush the Dandenong Rangers 91-64 at the WNBL Pre Season Tournament to finish the pool games 1-1.

Highly-coveted youngster Nadeen Payne (188-F/C-93) showed exactly why so many clubs wanted her signature, finishing with a game-high 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting, while Amy Lewis was again a scoring threat with 15 points.

The Lightning finished with six players in double figures, while Kathleen Macleod led the Rangers offense with 21 points on a forgettable 6-of-23 shooting.

What we learnt
What a Payne: Youngster Nadeen Payne gave us a glimpse of her immense talent and with Laura Hodges and Suzy Batkovic she will form a deadly frontcourt trio.

Blicavs a star in the making: Hard not to be impressive by this AIS product in action. Strong, athletic inside-outside player who is ready for the big stage.

Perera shoots Bendigo to Final

Chantella Perera (175-G-86, college: Fresno St.) put on a shooting clinic to book Bendigo Spirit a spot in the WNBL Pre Season Tournament Final against Bulleen Boomers after accounting for Sydney Uni Flames 75-61.

The former Bulleen guard was unstoppable, finishing with an amazing 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting to add to her 8 rebounds and 4 assists in arguably the performance of the tournament.

In a topsy-turvy contest Sydney held the early advantage before Bendigo, minus the injured Renae Camino, began to feed off the energy created by Perera.

Gabrielle Richards (191-C-84, college: Oregon) offered plenty of support with 16 points and 9 rebounds, while Alicia Poto (18 points) and Katie-Rae Ebzery (15 points) were the best for the Flames.

What we learnt
Perera in the spotlight: After limited court time with the Boomers last season, Perera could emerge from the shadows to be a scoring force in the WNBL this season with Bendigo.

Katie-Rae the go-to: The departure of Belinda Snell has created the need for a primary scorer for the Flames and Katie-Rae Ebzery shows signs she can be that player.

Courtesy of WNBL Australia

Caps topple champions at WNBL pre season tournament - by Eurobasket News

Canberra Capitals have caused the first upset of the WNBL Pre Season Tournament, coming back from 13 points down early in the second half to win 76-68. In the final game of the evening at Dandenong Stadium the Caps came from 10 points down at half time to overrun the home team in a brilliant fighting display by Carrie Graf's squad.

Match Report

Waves push Bulleen to the limit

It took late free throws from Tess Madgen (180-G/F-90) for the Bulleen Boomers to finally shake off a determined West Coast Waves 71-65 in their opening fixture.

Despite 23 points from Madgen the Boomers were pushed to the limit by an impressive Waves outfit led by Deanna Smith (179-G-80) (18 points).

Match Report

Flames hold off Logan

A late flourish from the Sydney Uni Flames has seen them hold off a determined Logan Thudner 77-69 to open their victory account.

Led by Katie-Rae Ezbery the Flames defensive pressure and high-tempo style got the better of the Thunder.

Match Report

Spirit start win big win over Townsville

The Bendigo Spirit had the biggest win of WNBL Pre Season Tournament opening day, thrashing Townsville Fire 91-55.

New import Kathleen Scheer (187-G/F, college: Duke) top-scored with 18 points, while Renae Camino (177-G-86) was also impressive before succumbing to a calf injury.

Match Report

Adelaide go down to China B

The tall timber and strong outside shooting of China B proved too much for the Adelaide Lightning, going down 92-77 in a high-scoring affair.

Amy Lewis (175-G-86, college: Troy) led the charge with 20 points, with the Lighning missing key duo Suzy Batkovic and Jenni Screen.

CLICK HERE for full boxscores.

Courtesy of WNBL Australia

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CANADA

Hannah Sunley-Paisley joins TSV Quakenbrueck Dragons - by Eurobasket Center

TSV Quakenbrueck Dragons agreed terms with Canadian center Hannah Sunley-Paisley (186-C). In her first game she scored 11 points and grabbed 4 rebounds helping her new team beat Opladen 57-43. Sunley-Paisley played most recently at University of Ottawa (Canada). A very impressive season as she received an award of CIS All-Canadian Player of the Year.

By Eurobasket Data Center

TSV Quakenbrueck Dragons lands Moore - by Eurobasket Center

TSV Quakenbrueck Dragons strengthened their roster with addition of 23-year old Canadian guard Brittany Moore (168-G-89). In her first game she scored 18 points and grabbed 4 rebounds helping her new team beat Opladen 57-43. Moore played most recently at Queen's (Canada).

By Eurobasket Data Center

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EGYPT

Dakar 2012: Egypt ride past Angola 76-43 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Defending champion of the Afrobasket for U18 Women, Egypt on match Day-2 prove too hot for Angola with scintillating performance that took away the scoring prowess of the Angolan.

The energetic spur on the duo of Ola El-Temsahi and Soraia Deghady ran ring round the Angolan defense and offense like hot knife passing through butter as the champion won all four quarter (15-04, 21-09, 19-16, 21-14).

El-Temsahi led the scorer chat with 23 points, 2 rebound and 2 assist, Deghady who never scored in the first half recorded 14 points, 4 assist and 2 rebound with hundred percent from the three point and free throw range while Salma Salem contributed 10 points and 3 rebounds for the emphatic win over Angola.

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18

Div.B Stats Leaders - by Greg

Points Per Game

Iva KOSTOVA
(178-SG-94)
Avg: 20.8

1. Kostova, BUL	20.8
2. Austgulen, NOR	19.3
3. Kedem, ISR	15.7
4. Jespersen, DEN	15.5
5. Joseph, ENG	15.3
6. Papova, BLR	14.6
7. Stojanovska2, MKD	14.0
8. Hristova, BUL	13.9
9. Kraujunaite, LTU	13.8
10. Kalenta, BLR	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Amadea SZAMOSI
(190-C/F-94)
Avg: 11

1. Szamosi, HUN	11.0
2. Green, ENG	10.4
3. Papova, BLR	9.7
4. Jespersen, DEN	9.6
5. Rakovic, MNT	8.9
6. Perrenoud, SUI	8.4
7. Kalenta, BLR	8.3
8. Austgulen, NOR	7.4
9. Kostourkova, POR	7.3
10. Stojanovska2, MKD	7.0

Assists Per Game

Justina KRAUJUNAITE
(174-F-95)
Avg: 3.9

1. Kraujunaite, LTU	3.9
2. Viana, POR	3.6
3. Bridina, LAT	3.1
4. Sirsinaityte, LTU	3.0
5. Wood, SCO	3.0
6. Papova, BLR	2.9
7. Csutoras, HUN	2.7
8. Kmetovska, MKD	2.7
9. Bravo-H., ENG	2.7
10. Jamsa, FIN	2.6

Steals Per Game

Iva KOSTOVA
(178-SG-94)
Avg: 4

1. Kostova, BUL	4.0
2. Ferreira, POR	2.6
3. Bridina, LAT	2.4
4. Nikpaljevic, MNT	2.4
5. Dzirma, GER	2.3
6. Dayan, ISR	2.1
7. Dimitrova, BUL	2.1
8. Myshapud, BLR	2.0
9. Runsas, FIN	2.0
10. Abboud, ISR	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Laura PERRENOUD
(189-C-94)
Avg: 3.1

1. Perrenoud, SUI	3.1
2. Papova, BLR	2.6
3. Kalenta, BLR	2.1
4. Kostova, BUL	1.8
5. Kostova, BUL	1.6
6. Kostourkova, POR	1.4
7. Szamosi, HUN	1.4
8. Zelnyte, LTU	1.1
9. Gulich, GER	1.1
10. Tveito, NOR	1.1

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

FRANCE

Standings - LFB

LFB Standings

1. Bourges		1-0
2. Landes		1-0
3. Lyon		1-0
4. Nantes		1-0
5. Charleville		0-0
6. Lattes Montp.		0-0
7. Mondeville		0-0
8. Toulouse		0-0
9. Union Hainaut		0-0
10. Villeneuve		0-0
11. Aix-en-Provence		0-1
12. Arras		0-1
13. Perpignan		0-1
14. Tarbes		0-1

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 22: Lyon - Arras 75-63
Sep. 22: Landes - Tarbes 68-64
Sep. 22: Bourges - Perpignan 66-55
Sep. 22: Nantes - Aix-en-Provence 55-51
Sep. 23: Union Hainaut - Mondeville
Sep. 23: Villeneuve - Charleville
Sep. 23: Lattes Montp. - Toulouse

LFB Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Celine DUMERC
  Bourges
  (169-G-82)
  Avg: 20

1. Dumerc, Bourges	20.0
2. Bishop, Perpignan	18.0
3. Sy-Diop, Lyon	17.0
4. Bade, Arras	17.0
5. Le Gluher, Landes	16.0
6. Tolo, Aix-en-P.	16.0
7. Salagnac, Tarbes	16.0
8. Abalde, Landes	16.0
9. Michel, Nantes	15.0
10. Podrug, Lyon	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Stephany SKRBA
  Bourges
  (188-F-87)
  Avg: 14

1. Skrba, Bourges	14.0
2. Troina, Nantes	11.0
3. Murphy, Aix-en-P.	11.0
4. Baer, Lyon	10.0
5. Francis, Aix-en.	10.0
6. Thorburn, Aix-en.	9.0
7. Michel, Nantes	9.0
8. Amant, Nantes	9.0
9. Humphrey, Landes	8.0
10. El Gargati, Tarbes	8.0

Assists Per Game

Carmen GUZMAN
  Landes
  (172-SG-85)
  Avg: 7

1. Guzman, Landes	7.0
2. Podrug, Lyon	6.0
3. Aubert, Nantes	5.0
4. Gomis, Arras	4.0
5. Sy-Diop, Lyon	4.0
6. Ciglar, Perpignan	4.0
7. Plagnard, Lyon	4.0
8. Bjorklund, Perpi.	4.0
9. Salagnac, Tarbes	3.0
10. Bade, Arras	3.0

Steals Per Game

Sarah MICHEL
  Nantes
  (180-SG-89)
  Avg: 5

1. Michel, Nantes	5.0
2. Tchatchouang, Perp.	5.0
3. El Gargati, Tarbes	4.0
4. Ocete, Tarbes	3.0
5. Page, Lyon	3.0
6. Bjorklund, Perpi.	2.0
7. Guzman, Landes	2.0
8. Murphy, Aix-en-P.	2.0
9. Dumerc, Bourges	2.0
10. Bade, Arras	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Emmeline NDONGUE
  Bourges
  (191-C-83)
  Avg: 4

1. Ndongue, Bourges	4.0
2. Francis, Aix-en.	3.0
3. Tolo, Aix-en-P.	2.0
4. Reghaissia, Landes	2.0
5. Humphrey, Landes	1.0
6. Ngoyisa, Nantes	1.0
7. Podrug, Lyon	1.0
8. Bishop, Perpignan	1.0
9. Salagnac, Tarbes	1.0
10. Diallo, Bourges	1.0

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GERMANY

Standings - 2.Bundesliga - by Eurobasket News

2.Bundesliga Standings

North
1. Neuss		2-0
2. Berlin		1-0
3. Bielefeld		1-0
4. Hagen Phoenix		1-0
5. Quakenbrueck		1-0
6. Chemnitz		0-0
7. Rhein MB II		0-0
8. Goettingen		0-1
9. Gruenberg		0-1
10. Mainz		0-1
11. Opladen		0-1
12. Hannover		0-2
South
1. Heidelberg		1-0
2. Keltern		1-0
3. Bad Aibling		0-0
4. Jahn Muenchen		0-0
5. Saarlouis		0-0
6. Sandhausen		0-0
7. Speyer		0-0
8. Trier		0-0
9. Wuerzburg		0-0
10. Leimen		0-1
11. Viernheim		0-1

Regular Season: Round 1

North

Sep. 22: Neuss - Hannover 77-57
Sep. 22: Hagen Phoenix - Gruenberg 68-64
Sep. 22: Bielefeld - Goettingen 64-54
Sep. 22: Mainz - Berlin 61-63
Sep. 22: Quakenbrueck - Opladen 57-43
Sep. 23: Chemnitz - Rhein MB II

South

Sep. 22: Leimen - Keltern 56-74
Sep. 22: Viernheim - Heidelberg 40-67
Sep. 23: Saarlouis - Sandhausen
Sep. 23: Trier - Speyer
Sep. 23: Jahn Muenchen - Bad Aibling

Johnson's pro career starts at Gruner Stern Keltern - by Eurobasket Center

Gruner Stern Keltern strengthened their roster with addition of 22-year old American guard Diamber Johnson (170-G-90). In her first game she scored 7 points helping her new team beat Leimen 74-56. Johnson played most recently at Mississippi State University (NCAA) in the U.S. While playing 30 games for Mississippi St. last season she averaged 14.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.6apg and 1.6spg. She just graduated Mississippi State University and it will be her first season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Cantu starts her pro career at TK Hannover - by Eurobasket Center

TK Hannover agreed terms with American guard Rebecca Cantu (163-G). In her first game she scored 4 points. However her new team lost to Neuss 57-77. Cantu played most recently at Texas A&M - Corpus Christi (NCAA) in the U.S. She just graduated Texas A&M - Corpus Christi and actually missed last season. It will be her first season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

TSV Quakenbrueck Dragons add Brittany Moore, Hannah Sunley-Paisley and Kandace Davis - by Eurobasket Center

TSV Quakenbrueck Dragons add Brittany Moore (168-G-89), Hannah Sunley-Paisley (186-C) and Kandace Davis (185-F-88, college: Towson) for the upcoming season.
TSV Quakenbrueck Dragons strengthened their roster with addition of 23-year old Canadian guard Brittany Moore. In her first game she scored 18 points and grabbed 4 rebounds helping her new team beat Opladen 57-43. Moore played most recently at Queen's (Canada).
Hannah Sunley-Paisley scored 11 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Sunley-Paisley played most recently at University of Ottawa (Canada). A very impressive season as she received an award of CIS All-Canadian Player of the Year.
American forward Kandace Davis scored 7 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Davis played most recently at Towson University (NCAA) in the U.S. She just graduated Towson University and actually missed last season. It will be her first season in pro basketball.

Smith's pro career starts at BG 74 Goettingen - by Eurobasket Center

BG 74 Goettingen strengthened their roster with addition of American guard Danielle Smith (175-G). In her first game she scored 4 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. However her new team lost to Bielefeld 54-64. Smith played most recently at University Louisiana at Lafayette (NCAA) in the U.S. She just graduated University Louisiana at Lafayette and actually missed last season. It will be her first season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Schnitzler back in Mainz - by Marsha Owusu Gyamfi

The return of the 25 year old from their time abroad in Switzerland was planned for October. But now Katharina Schnitzler (173-G-87, college: La-Monroe) - not in game shape - is back already for the season opener on saturday there again.

She played the last preseason game, which was a 57:56 (34:22) win against TG Sandhausen. ASC Mainz Coach Schoch however was not satisfied with the game. In particular, the rebounding was realy bad, Coach Schoch complained about not boxing out. There were a lot of good 15 second sequences on defense, but still to much careless mistakes. Caoch Schoch plans to cut them down to have better chances through the league games.

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HUNGARY

UNI Seat Gyor will travel with full squad to Zagreb - by Mate Papp

After the arrival of new signing Chay Shegog (195-C-90), UNI Seat Gyor can travel with a full squad to Zagreb where they meet Novi Zagreb on an exhibition game. The two teams will play again on monday, this time in Gyor. It is going to be the first friendly game of the defending Hungarian champions in their own hall. It is also a good news for head coach Akos Fuzy that Nora Nagy-Bujdoso restarted trainings after her injury.

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

ITALY

Women Eurobasket 2013: tough draw for Italy NT - by Carlo Grilli

For Women Eurobasket 2013 (France, June 15th to 30th) the draw was not clement with the Azzurre.
In group B Italy took Russia, Spain and Sweden; "We drew out certainly the most difficult group - said coach Roberto Ricchini - but that does not mean that we'll leave defeated or resigned. Russia is the outgoing European champion, Spain for years has been in the the elite of world basketball, Sweden is an emerging team and last summer defeated Spain twice. The path is not easy at all; whatever happens, the deal with competitive teams will be a good test for our young people: well measure ourselves against our limitations, also trying to compete with everyone. "
Italy will debut on June 15 in Vannes against Sweden, 16 back on the field to challenge Spain, 17 last engagement of the first stage against Russia. the top three teams in each group will qualify for the next round. From the quarter-finals the seat will be Orchies.

Group A (Vannes)
Turkey, Slovakia, Montenegro, Ukraine

Group B (Vannes)
Russia, Italy, Spain, Sweden

Group C (Trelaze)
France, Great Britain, Serbia, Latvia

Group D (Trelaze)
Czech Republic, Croatia, Lithuania, Belarus

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

PORTUGAL

News Women's League - by Joao Santos

Check the main transfers of Women League :

Sport Alges Dafundo : Simone Costa (176-G-96) (former Benfica's Player) ; Joana Soeiro (170-PG-95) (former Gafanha's Player) ; Joana Bernardeco (168-G-90) (former GDESSA/Barreiro's Player) ; Jamie Smith (182-F-90) (former University of Nevada's Player) ; Jessica Almeida (172-PG-93) (former MRGROUP/Olivais Coimbra's Player)

AD Vagos : Ebony Ellis (190-C-88, college: N.Illinois) (former Odra Brzeg's Player); Aurea Mendes (former Calvo's Player) ; Joana Fernandes (former Sangalhos's Player)

GDESSA/Barreiro : Catarina Caldeira (166-G-89) (former Cab's Player) ; Veronica Wilson (190-C) (former Fresno State University's Player)

Quinta dos Lombos : Filipa Bernardeco (173-G-92) (former GDEMAM's Player) ; Marcia Costa (former Montijo BANDA BASKET's Player) ; Marinela Pinheiro (185-F-85) (former CD Clube Desportivo Torres Novas's Player) ; Maria Kostourkova (188-C-97) (former SIMECQ's Player)

Boa Viagem-Angra-Acore : Ta-Myra Davis (185-F/C-87, college: Wright St.) (former Montijo BANDA BASKET's Player) ;

CAB Madeira : - Debora Escorcio (186-F/C-84) (former AD Baloncesto Avils's Player) ; Carmen Reynolds (182-G/F-90, college: Michigan) (former Univ. Michigan's Player) ; Justine Raterman (185-F-90, college: Dayton) (former Univ. de Dayton's Player)

Academico FC - Liberty Seguros : - Isabel Leite (former Sanjoanense's Player) ; Daniela Pinto (former Coimbres's Player) ;

Montijo BANDA BASKET : Monea Baker (former Shippensburg University's Player) ; Jasmine Abrams (185-F-88) (former University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff's Player)

MRGROUP/Olivais Coimbra : Marcy Goncalves (177-G/F-90) (former CAB Madeira's Player)

Clube Desportivo Torres Novas : Donica Cosby (172-G-88, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Oklahoma City) (former Acadmico's Player)

L.A.C./MELOM Naturance : Francisca Braga (180-F-90) (former Acadmico's Player) ; Vanessa Soares (175-90) (former IPPorto's Player) ; Keisha Mosley (185-F-89) (former Western Kentucky Univerty's Player) ; Christina Dewitt (191-F-88, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: N.Carolina) (former Southern Lady Generals's Player);

Associacao Desportiva Ovarense : Sofia Pinheiro (formerSanjoanense's Player) ;

Retiring Sky guard Ticha Penicheiro playing last game Saturday - by Eurobasket News

When the Chicago Sky played the Seattle Storm on Tuesday, Seattle forward Tina Thompson became the first player in WNBA history to score 7,000 career points.

Interestingly, there is also a Sky connection (albeit a loose one) to a Thompson scoring milestone that dates back to when she first became the leagues all-time leading scorer with 6,263 points in 2010.

Sky guard Ticha Penicheiro (5'11''-G-74, college: ODU) assisted on the basket that put Thompson over the top. Both were players for the Los Angeles Sparks at the time.

Over her 15-year WNBA career, Penicheiro has assisted on big baskets like Thompsons, routine baskets and everything in between. In fact, shes assisted on so many baskets that she is the all-time leader in assists in WNBA history with 2,597.

Now, Penicheiro could use some assistance herself.

Shes going to need all of her friends, teammates and fans to help her get through todays season finale (7 p.m.) at Allstate Arena against the Washington Mystics. It will be an emotional roller coaster for her, and in all likelihood, there will be some tears involved.

The game will be the very last of Penicheiros storied career. She announced earlier this week that she plans to retire at the end of this season.

I think it will be hard, Penicheiro said of her last game, and retirement in general. I knew this day would eventually come but its still sad. I have so much passion left for the game still.

The heart may be there, but the body is another story.

Penicheiro is known for her incredible commitment to health and fitness, not to mention her durability. But for the first time in her career, shes been spending more time in the training room than on the court. Shes missed 15 games this season due to various problems with her legs, ranging from the hamstrings to the calves.

Its been one thing after another and its been really hard to stay healthy and stay on the floor, Penicheiro said. I had always told everybody that I was going to walk away, not limp away. But thats not whats happening and its hard because thats something you really cant control. This season, I wasnt able to play the game the way I know I can play it and the way I want to play it and I think that kind of helped me to make the decision.

I also think its probably time. Its been 15 years. I was injured this season probably for a reason. There are a lot of miles on this body.

Penicheiros WNBA odometer started spinning in Sacramento. A coveted rookie out of Old Dominion in 1998, she started every game during her first season and missed just five starts and a total of only 27 games over her next 11 years in Sacramento.

She helped the Monarchs win the WNBA championship in 2005 and became the WNBAs all-time leader in assists in 2008, often wowing crowds with her razzle dazzle passes.

The passing is kind of a gift from God, I think, because it involves vision and instincts and that comes naturally, Penicheiro said. I always compare it to people who are born with the ability to draw. You cant really teach that. You either have that talent or you dont.

I also started playing at a young age with guys. They were always trying to block my shot so I think I tried to pass more so I wouldnt get my shot blocked.

Penicheiro, the daughter of a basketball coach, grew up in Portugal, and made California a second home. After the Sacramento franchise folded in 2009, Penicheiro played two seasons in Los Angeles.

She was then picked up by the Sky via free agency last winter. Even though Penicheiro was in the twilight of her career, Sky coach Pokey Chatman saw her as a valuable acquisition for a team that was in need of veteran leadership.

Ticha has such influence with her teammates, and not just in showing players like Courtney (Vandersloot) and Piph (Epiphanny Prince) guard skills. Thats obvious, Chatman said. Its also off the court. Ticha has Piph eating salads now and shes got people thinking more about their fitness and health and the way they work out.

I didnt know someone could positively affect a team so much and not see the court time.

Penicheiros not sure if shes ready to see absolutely no court time from here on out. But at least she knows shes not leaving the WNBA empty handed.

Ill remember the championships and the individual accolades and the records. That stuff is all great, Penicheiro said. But those things dont talk to me, they dont hug me. Its the friendships Ive made that Ill really cherish. Those are for life.

I have friends Ive met through basketball and they are my dearest friends. Thats the most important thing Ill always keep with me from this experience.

Courtesy of www.dailyherald.com

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

PUERTO RICO

Standings - Women

BSNF Standings

1. Quebradillas		9-3
2. Morovis M.		8-2
3. Carolina G.		8-2
4. San German		6-5
5. Juncos V.		5-7
6. Aguas B.T.		3-7
7. Ponce L.		0-13

Regular Season: Round 10

Sep. 20: Quebradillas - Aguas B.T. 73-75
Sep. 20: San German - Morovis M. 68-87
Sep. 21: Ponce L. - Juncos V. 53-90
Sep. 22: Carolina G. - Quebradillas

Stats Leaders - Superleague 25

Points Per Game

Yolanda MARTIN
  Aguas B.T.
  (180-G-83)
  Avg: 27.4

1. Martin, Aguas B.T.	27.4
2. Valentin, Carolina	22.7
3. Werema, Juncos V.	21.4
4. Seals, Aguas B.T.	17.5
5. Bruszewski, Quebra.	17.3
6. Williams, Morovis	17.1
7. Lewis, Ponce L.	16.9
8. Fairweather, Ponce	16.4
9. Jones, Carolina G.	16.3
10. Rosado, Morovis M.	14.9

Rebounds Per Game

Denise LEWIS
  Ponce L.
  (185-F-90)
  Avg: 12.6

1. Lewis, Ponce L.	12.6
2. Vargas-S., Juncos	11.9
3. Jones, Carolina G.	11.4
4. Rosario, Ponce L.	11.1
5. Martin, Aguas B.T.	10.1
6. Seals, Aguas B.T.	9.6
7. Williams, Morovis	9.2
8. Gonzalez, San G.	8.6
9. Pineiro, Morovis M.	8.4
10. Werema, Juncos V.	8.2

Assists Per Game

Karla RUIZ
  Aguas B.T.
  (--)
  Avg: 3.7

1. Ruiz, Aguas B.T.	3.7
2. Jones, Carolina G.	3.4
3. Escalera, Morov.	3.3
4. Colon, Ponce L.	3.3
5. Bruszewski, Quebra.	3.2
6. Rosado, San German	3.2
7. Figueroa, Morov.	3.1
8. Johnson, Aguas B..	3.1
9. Rodriguez, Carolin.	3.0
10. Rosario, Ponce L.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Pamela ROSADO
  Morovis M.
  (165-PG-86)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Rosado, Morovis M.	2.9
2. Valentin, Carolina	2.7
3. Fairweather, Ponce	2.6
4. De La Paz, Juncos	2.5
5. Matthews, Aguas B.	2.3
6. Martin, Aguas B.T.	2.3
7. Rodriguez, Carolin.	2.1
8. Johnson, Aguas B..	2.1
9. Jones, Carolina G.	2.0
10. Flores, Aguas B.T.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Esmary VARGAS-SANCHEZ
  Juncos V.
  (191-C-81)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Vargas-S., Juncos	3.5
2. Williams, Morovis	2.3
3. Rosario, Ponce L.	1.9
4. Seals, Aguas B.T.	1.3
5. Placido, Quebradil.	1.1
6. Werema, Juncos V.	1.1
7. Rosado, San German	1.0
8. Escalera, Morov.	0.9
9. Flores, Ponce L.	0.9
10. Smith, San German	0.9

Williams leads Morovis in an imppresive win: - by Luis Modestti

Angelina Williams (183-F/C-83, college: Illinois) netted 37 points to lead Morovis over Atleticas de San German 87-67. Morovis improves their record to 8-2 while San German is 6-5.

Williams led a 22-6 run in the first quarter and never looked back, finishing the first ten minutes up 24-12.

Atleticas were led by Stephanie Rosado who had 22 points and 10 boards.

Tigresas de Aguas Buenas defeated another top team by beating Piratas de Quebradillas 75-71.

Monique Martin had 23 points and Dominic Seals 20 for the winners who are now 3-7, improving the win total from last year.

Then on Friday Valencianas de Juncos got their first win at home by dominating Leonas de Ponce 90-53. Yaitza Guerra had 24 points for the winners.

The action today has Carolina at Quebradillas.

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

RUSSIA

Nadezhda continue preseason action - by Eurobasket News

Nadezhda continue preseason action and played another two friendly games.
At first Nadezhda won over Enegria 82:61. Trailing 21-22 after the first period the team needed a strong second half. Nadezhda posted 20-9 in the third quarter and finished the game with 23-12 in the last stanza. Elena Danilochkina (183-SG-86) and Teilane-Tamane Zane stepped up with 16 points to lead the winners. Liudmila Sapova (185-F/C-84) posted 14, while Zhedik Natalia netted 11.
Later Kibirkstis-Tiche-IKI edged Nadezhda Orenburg 72:70. The Lithuanian team opened the game with 29:19, but could win any other quarters. Nadezhda did everything they could to win the game but reduce only to 2 final points. Celeste Trahan-Davis (184-C-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Elizabeth City) led all the winners with 13 points and Daniels posted 12. Lina Pikciute (192-F-90) produced 11, while Vitalija Vasciunaite (172-G-88, college: St.Francis, NY) added 9.

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

SENEGAL

SLOVAKIA

Standings - Women

Extraliga Standings

1. Good Angels		1-0
2. MBK Ruzomb.		1-0
3. Piestanske C.		1-0
4. Samorin		1-0
5. Levice		0-0
6. SKBD Rucon		0-0
7. Cassovia K.		0-1
8. Ostrava		0-1
9. Petrzalka		0-1
10. Poprad		0-1

Regular Season: Round 1

Sep. 18: MBK Ruzomb. - Ostrava 98-56
Sep. 21: Samorin - Poprad 97-39
Sep. 22: Piestanske C. - Petrzalka 88-65
Sep. 15: Good Angels - Cassovia K. 100-30
Sep. 23: SKBD Rucon - Levice

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

TUNISIA

Dakar 2012: Tunisia over-ran Kenya 76-48 - by Olusegun Ikuesan

Tunisia Saturday punished complacent Kenyan side in Day-2 of the Afrobasket for U18 Women at the basketball gymnasium of the Marius Ndiaye Stadium winning by 76-48 points.

Both side enter the game threading cautiously ending the first quarter by 19-16 points but the Tunisian broke loose in the second quarter winning by 16-08 points for a half-time score of 35-24 points. Kenya came into the third quarter determine to turn the table against the Tunisian an effort which paid off earlier in first five minute of the quarter thus reducing the margin to just seven points (37-30) but Tunisia guard Wefa Lobiri made some consistent shots scoring 11 of her 15 points within five minutes to open up the game as Tunisia race to a 21-09 points win the quarter to take a 23 points advantage into the last quarter.

Tunisia fought back a late in the dying minute of the fourth quarter winning by 20-15 points for a final score-line of 76-48 points thus sealing their first victory in the championship. Tunisia Houda Hamrouni led the floor with 31 points and 9 rebound with forward Nouha Jeffel adding 13 points and 5 rebounds for their side first win in the championship.

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

TURKEY

Fenerbahce and Samsun won Bolu tournament openers - by Eurobasket News

Fenerbahce and Samsun won Bolu tournament openers as they edged another two Turkish teams.
Fenerbahce outscored Istanbul Universitesi 55:50. Anastasiya Veremeenko (194-C-87) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Vardarli, Tuncluer and Horasan followed her with 7 points apiece. Irina Osipova (196-C-81) and Gezer ended up with 11 points in the losing effort. Bahar Yapar (179-F-89) and Anna Montanana (186-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: G.Washington) delivered 7 points each in a loss.
TED Ankara lost to Samsun 59:64. Megan Frazee (191-G/F-87, college: Liberty) erupted with 24 points and 14 rebounds for the winners, while Vajda had massive 19 points and 18 boards. Jelavic followed them with 9 points in a win. Dabovic replied with 22 points for the team from the capital. Mactabene Amachree (190-G-78, college: Abil.Christian) notched 15 and Murat had 6.

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

WNBA

Standings

WNBA Standings

Eastern
1. Connecticut S.		24-9
2. Indiana F.		21-12
3. Atlanta D.		19-14
4. New York L.		15-19
5. Chicago S.		14-20
6. Washington M.		6-29
Western
1. Minnesota L.		27-6
2. L.Angeles S.		23-11
3. S.Antonio SS		20-13
4. Seattle S.		16-18
5. Tulsa S.		9-24
6. Phoenix M.		7-26

Regular Season: Round 39

Sep. 22: New York L. - Tulsa S. 91-74
Sep. 21: Seattle S. - S.Antonio SS 84-75
Sep. 22: Chicago S. - Washington M. 77-58
Sep. 21: Phoenix M. - Minnesota L. 66-89
Sep. 21: Washington M. - Indiana F. 53-66

Regular Season: Round 40

Sep. 23: Phoenix M. - Seattle S.
Sep. 23: S.Antonio SS - Minnesota L.
Sep. 23: Connecticut S. - Atlanta D.
Sep. 23: Indiana F. - Tulsa S.

Candice Dupree signs long-term deal with Mercury - by Eurobasket News

The Phoenix Mercury have signed All-Star forward Candice Dupree (6'2''-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Temple) to a multi-year extension.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

A three-time WNBA All-Star, Dupree returned to the Mercury on Tuesday after missing 21 games with a left knee injury. Before the injury, she had started 151 straight games, the ninth-longest streak in WNBA history.

Dupree has averaged 15 points and 7.4 rebounds in just over two seasons with Phoenix. She has the two best rebounding seasons in franchise history and top three rebounding games. She also has the highest career shooting percentage in team history at 59.3 percent and fell just short of the WNBA record for a season by shooting 66.4 percent in 2010.

Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

Retiring Sky guard Ticha Penicheiro playing last game Saturday - by Eurobasket News

When the Chicago Sky played the Seattle Storm on Tuesday, Seattle forward Tina Thompson became the first player in WNBA history to score 7,000 career points.

Interestingly, there is also a Sky connection (albeit a loose one) to a Thompson scoring milestone that dates back to when she first became the leagues all-time leading scorer with 6,263 points in 2010.

Sky guard Ticha Penicheiro (5'11''-G-74, college: ODU) assisted on the basket that put Thompson over the top. Both were players for the Los Angeles Sparks at the time.

Over her 15-year WNBA career, Penicheiro has assisted on big baskets like Thompsons, routine baskets and everything in between. In fact, shes assisted on so many baskets that she is the all-time leader in assists in WNBA history with 2,597.

Now, Penicheiro could use some assistance herself.

Shes going to need all of her friends, teammates and fans to help her get through todays season finale (7 p.m.) at Allstate Arena against the Washington Mystics. It will be an emotional roller coaster for her, and in all likelihood, there will be some tears involved.

The game will be the very last of Penicheiros storied career. She announced earlier this week that she plans to retire at the end of this season.

I think it will be hard, Penicheiro said of her last game, and retirement in general. I knew this day would eventually come but its still sad. I have so much passion left for the game still.

The heart may be there, but the body is another story.

Penicheiro is known for her incredible commitment to health and fitness, not to mention her durability. But for the first time in her career, shes been spending more time in the training room than on the court. Shes missed 15 games this season due to various problems with her legs, ranging from the hamstrings to the calves.

Its been one thing after another and its been really hard to stay healthy and stay on the floor, Penicheiro said. I had always told everybody that I was going to walk away, not limp away. But thats not whats happening and its hard because thats something you really cant control. This season, I wasnt able to play the game the way I know I can play it and the way I want to play it and I think that kind of helped me to make the decision.

I also think its probably time. Its been 15 years. I was injured this season probably for a reason. There are a lot of miles on this body.

Penicheiros WNBA odometer started spinning in Sacramento. A coveted rookie out of Old Dominion in 1998, she started every game during her first season and missed just five starts and a total of only 27 games over her next 11 years in Sacramento.

She helped the Monarchs win the WNBA championship in 2005 and became the WNBAs all-time leader in assists in 2008, often wowing crowds with her razzle dazzle passes.

The passing is kind of a gift from God, I think, because it involves vision and instincts and that comes naturally, Penicheiro said. I always compare it to people who are born with the ability to draw. You cant really teach that. You either have that talent or you dont.

I also started playing at a young age with guys. They were always trying to block my shot so I think I tried to pass more so I wouldnt get my shot blocked.

Penicheiro, the daughter of a basketball coach, grew up in Portugal, and made California a second home. After the Sacramento franchise folded in 2009, Penicheiro played two seasons in Los Angeles.

She was then picked up by the Sky via free agency last winter. Even though Penicheiro was in the twilight of her career, Sky coach Pokey Chatman saw her as a valuable acquisition for a team that was in need of veteran leadership.

Ticha has such influence with her teammates, and not just in showing players like Courtney (Vandersloot) and Piph (Epiphanny Prince) guard skills. Thats obvious, Chatman said. Its also off the court. Ticha has Piph eating salads now and shes got people thinking more about their fitness and health and the way they work out.

I didnt know someone could positively affect a team so much and not see the court time.

Penicheiros not sure if shes ready to see absolutely no court time from here on out. But at least she knows shes not leaving the WNBA empty handed.

Ill remember the championships and the individual accolades and the records. That stuff is all great, Penicheiro said. But those things dont talk to me, they dont hug me. Its the friendships Ive made that Ill really cherish. Those are for life.

I have friends Ive met through basketball and they are my dearest friends. Thats the most important thing Ill always keep with me from this experience.

Courtesy of www.dailyherald.com

Sun Playoffs set - by Eurobasket News

The Connecticut Sun will begin its bid for a WNBA championship next Thursday, September 27th at Mohegan Sun Arena, hosting the New York Liberty at 8 p.m. in the first round the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Game 2 of this best-of-three series will be at New York on Saturday, September 29th, at 7 p.m. If necessary, Game 3 will be back at Mohegan Sun Arena on Monday, October 1st, at 7 p.m.

At 24-9 with one regular season home game remaining against the Atlanta Dream on Sunday at 5 p.m., the Sun have already clinched the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Liberty (14-19) are seeded fourth overall.

Connecticut was 4-1 against the Liberty during the regular season.

Connecticut has one game remaining in the regular season, on Sunday at 5 p.m. at Mohegan Sun Arena against Atlanta. A win over the Dream would give the Sun the second best record in the league, behind the Minnesota Lynx.

The winner of the first round series between the Sun and Liberty will face the winner of the series between No.

2 seeded Indiana and No. 3 seeded Atlanta in the best-of-three Eastern Conference Finals.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Smith scores 16 as Storm beat Silver Stars 84-75 - by Eurobasket News

Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) thought it was just a nice shot. She had no idea it was a milestone.

Jackson scored 11 points and became the fourth WNBA player to reach 6,000 career points in the Seattle Storm's 84-75 victory over the San Antonio Silver Stars on Friday night.

Jackson, who now has 6,003, points reached the milestone on a fastbreak layup with 8:16 left in the second quarter, giving Seattle its first double-digit lead at 27-17.

"I didn't think about it. Nobody said anything," she said. "I didn't even know until the timeout (right after her basket) when I heard all the cheering, and I thought, 'Yeah, that was a really nice lay-up, that was an awesome lay-up.'"

Jackson missed the first half of the season to train with the Australian national team for the London Olympics, then was sidelined with a strained left hamstring for Seattle's past three games.

Katie Smith (5'11''-G-74, college: Ohio St.) scored 16 points to lead Seattle (15-18), Ann Wauters had 14 points and 13 rebounds, and Camille Little and Sue Bird (5'9''-PG-80, college: Connecticut) each had 12. The third-place Storm close the season Sunday against defending champion Minnesota, and then open the Western Conference playoffs at Los Angeles on Thursday.

Jackson's milestone was second for a Storm player this week. On Tuesday, veteran Tina Thompson (6'2''-F-75, agency: Merit Sports, college: USC), in her first year with Seattle after starring previously with Houston and Los Angeles, became the first WNBA player to surpass 7,000 points. Jackson, a three-time league MVP, has played her entire career with the Storm.

"The nice thing with her is she has done it all for Seattle," said coach Brian Agler, who limited Jackson to just 11 minutes to avoid aggravating the hamstring again. "Hopefully, she'll get a chance to catch up with Tina."

Danielle Adams (6'1''-F/C-89, college: Texas A&M) had 16 points and 10 rebounds for San Antonio (20-13), and Sophia Young added 12 points and 11 rebounds.

The Storm scored the first four points of the game and led all the way, increasing the advantage to 21 in the second quarter. Seattle led 48-29 at halftime.

The Silver Stars closed the gap in the third, getting as close as five before Seattle stretched it back out to a seemingly safe 12 points at 77-65 with 2:41 left. However,San Antonio pulled to 79-75 on a 3-pointer by Shameka Christon with 39 seconds left. However, they didn't score again and Seattle hit five free throws to seal the win.

"We might have relaxed a little bit, and they hit a couple of tough shots," said Smith, whose 16 points put her within 32 of catching Lisa Leslie for No. 2 on the WNBA's all-time scoring list. "It's hard, because they're still battling, setting good picks, and they have shooters. You slip up a little bit defensively and give them space, and they can knock it down."

Silver Stars coach Dan Hughes was happy with the second-half performance, if not the final result.

"I just felt like we were a play behind there in the first half, especially in the second quarter," Hughes said. "And Seattle shot the ball extremely well at that point. Our players did a good job of coming out in the second half. They gave a great effort and better execution."

The Silver Stars close the season against Los Angeles on Saturday before facing the Lynx in the opener of their first-round series next Friday.

Courtesy of http://seattletimes.com

Moore shines as Lynx maul Mercury - by Eurobasket News

Maya Moore (6'0''-SG-89, college: Connecticut) poured in a game-high 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting as the Minnesota Lynx thumped the Phoenix Mercury, 89-66 at US Airways Center.

Erin Thorn (5'10''-G-81, college: BYU) netted 17 points on 6-of-10 from the floor off the bench, while Seimone Augustus (6'0''-SF-84, college: LSU) added 16 points and Lindsay Whalen donated 13 points in the Lynx's third victory in their last four tries.

DeWanna Bonner (6'4''-G-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Auburn) scored 17 points and pulled down five rebounds, while Samantha Prahalis contributed 14 points in the loss for Phoenix, which lost its sixth straight game.

Minnesota led by two after one quarter, but exploded in the second stanza, outscoring the Mercury, 27-12 to lead 51-35. The league-leading Lynx dominated the rest of the way, leading by as many as 33 en route to the victory.

Courtesy of www.wzzm13.com

Phillips scores 19 as Fever beat Mystics 66-53 - by Eurobasket News

With three starters sitting out, Indiana coach Lin Dunn liked what she saw from the backups.

Erin Phillips (5'8''-PG-85) scored a season-high 19 points and the Indiana pulled away in the second half to beat the Washington Mystics 66-53. Jessica Davenport added 14 to help the Fever (21-12) snap a three-game losing streak. Indiana also reached 21 wins for the seventh time in the last eight years.

"It's like good news, bad news. The bad news is we've got some people sick or hurt. But the good news is that gives all these other players quality time in a very competitive situation," Dunn said. "We're playing to win. We feel like this is gonna help our bench going into the playoffs."

The second-place Fever open the first round of the postseason on Thursday at home against Atlanta.

Indiana was without three injured starters including Briann January (5'8''-PG-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Arizona St.) and Shavonte Zellous - who are both undergoing evaluations for concussion symptoms after suffering head injuries Monday against Minnesota - and Katie Douglas. Karima Christmas left in the second quarter and didn't return.

Erlana Larkins (6'1''-F-86, college: N.Carolina) (eight points and 11 rebounds) and Jeanette Pohlen (6'0''-G-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Stanford) (six points and five rebounds) were the other replacements in the starting lineup.

"We've prided ourselves on having a deep bench throughout the season," Phillips said. "Everybody's played almost every game."

Monique Currie (6'0''-G/F-83, college: Duke) scored 16 points to lead last-place Washington (5-28), which has lost 12 straight and 18 of its last 20.

"Defensively, to hold Indiana to 66 points is a pretty good job," Mystics coach Trudi Lacey said. "I thought offensively we struggled shooting the ball. We just missed a lot of open shots."

The Mystics shot 34 percent (22 of 65) from the field and were outrebounded 43-40.

Washington was also short-handed, playing without leading scorer Crystal Langhorne due to a left foot strain, as well as Noelle Quinn and Michelle Snow.

Phillips, starting in place of January, scored 11 of her points in the third quarter as Indiana extended a two-point halftime lead to 12 points heading to the fourth.

"We started with eight players, and then we were down to seven, so physically, it was a tough battle. But we played a lot of zone, pretty much all zone," Phillips said. "I thought we did a pretty good job to hold them to what we did. We won the boards, so just all around it was a pretty good effort."

The Mystics pulled to 54-47 on a 3-pointer by Jasmine Thomas early in the last quarter, but Indiana soon went on a 6-0 run and Washington got no closer than within 11 the rest of the way.

The first half featured 10 lead changes, the final one coming when Tamika Catchings drove the lane, scored and was fouled with :28 left. She converted the free throw and Indiana led 28-26 at halftime.

"Look at going into Sunday's game against Tulsa and then moving on to the playoffs, we're gonna need this group to step up big, so this is a good start for them," said Catchings, who sat out most of the second half and finished with nine points.

Courtesy of www.whiotv.com