EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 1/5/2013 4:04:01 AM

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ANTIGUA   



Sandals Foundation/Rockersville basketball invitational - by Don Farrell

t
ST JOHNS, Antigua The Sandals Foundation, Rockersville, Grays Green Invitational Basketball Tournament commences on January 7 at Fort Road Basketball Complex.

Chief organiser Bobby Joseph told OBSERVER Sports that 14 teams, including two youth teams, would contest the tournament which comprises of nine First Division teams and three from Second Division.

The 14 teams are defending league champions, Ahkimo, the overall play-off champions, Baldwin Spencer Braves, Kenneth A Gomez & Sons United, Big Banana Express, Roots, Ottos Sweet Bs, Vertex, Newfield Tapers, DC Diamonds, Harold Lovell Rockersville, Samantha Marshall Bolans Ravens and Ottos Officials, along with the youth teams, PMS KC Ballers and ABBA Stars.

The tournament, which was rebranded six years ago, will have an opening ceremony during which the teams will be addressed by sports officials and sponsors, after which follows the knock-out finals between Ahkimo and Big Banana Express for a $1,000 purse.

Joseph expressed gratitude to the main sponsor Sandals Foundation which has been on board for the past three years, and also to Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and Finance Minister Harold Lovell for their role.

The management of Chase Supermarket also came in for praise for their role.

Vivian Boast Destin of Baldwin Braves was the back-to-back tournament MVP in 2011 and 2012.


*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA   


Davis is back at Wuber-Est.Bahia - by Eurobasket News

Wuber Estudiantes de Bahia Blanca (LigaA) agreed terms with 39-year old forward Devin Davis (202-107kg-74, college: Miami, OH). Its actually his comeback to Bahia Blanca as he played here before. Davis played last season at GECR Indalo (LigaA). In 29 games last year he had 10.2ppg and 9.5rpg (#3 in the league). He also played at Atletico Aguada in Uruguayan LUB that season. In 7 games he recorded 12.9ppg and 11.7rpg (#3 in the league). The most of previous (2010-11) season Davis spent at Wuber Estudiantes de Bahia Blanca. In 28 LigaA games that year he recorded 11.5ppg, 7.1rpg and 1.9spg. The other team he played that season for was Soles in Mexican LNBP. In 14 games he recorded 10.9ppg, 6.8rpg and 1.9apg.
In 1997 Davis was drafted by Idaho Stampede (CBA) as #4 pick overall.
The former Miami University, Ohio standout is in his 16th (!!!) season in pro basketball.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as Davis team made it to the LEB Gold Semifinals in 2008. He was selected to Spanish ACB All-Star Game back in 2002 and 2003.
Davis has played also in Philippines, Russia (Dynamo St.Petersburg) and Spain (Regal FC Barcelona, Leche Rio Breogan, Blancos de Rueda, Baloncesto Fuenlabrada and Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa BC).
He is close to retirement age as a player. Its very possible he may end his playing career at Wuber-Est.Bahia.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Penarol tabs Lucas Tischer, ex Brasilia - by Eurobasket News

Penarol Mar del Plata (LigaA) inked 30-year old Brazilian ex-international center Lucas Tischer (208-100kg-83). He already started the season at Uniceub/BRB/Brasilia in Brazilian NBB league. In only one game this season he had 5 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists. Tischer won Brazilian National League championship title for two years in a row (2011 and 2012).
Among other achievements he received Latinbasket.com All-Brazilian National League Most Improved Player of the Year award back in 2005. Tischer was a member of Brazilian Senior National Team back in 2006.
He is a very experienced player. Tischer has played also professionally in Israel (Galil Gilboa), Italy, NBA (Phoenix Suns) and Brazil (Minas, COC Ribeirao, Araraquara, Sao Jose and Assis Basket).

By Eurobasket Data Center


*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA   

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings
 1. Breakers 11-3 
 2. Wildcats 9-4 
 3. Kings 9-6 
 4. Hawks 8-5 
 5. Crocodiles 5-10 
 6. 36ers 5-10 
 7. Tigers 4-8 
 8. Taipans 4-9 

Regular Season: Round 13

Jan. 4: 36ers - Crocodiles 61-75
Jan. 5: Kings - 36ers
Jan. 5: Taipans - Wildcats
Jan. 5: Hawks - Breakers
Jan. 6: Tigers - Kings


Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game
 Ben MADGEN
  Kings
  (193-G/F-85)
  Avg: 18.6
 1. Madgen, Kings18.6 
 2. Jackson, Breakers17.4 
 3. Ervin, Crocodiles17.3 
 4. Wilson, Taipans16.0 
 5. Lisch, Wildcats15.8 
 6. Johnson, 36ers14.9 
 7. Knight, Wildcats14.5 
 8. Goulding, Tigers13.8 
 9. Deleon, Hawks13.8 
 10. Redhage, Wildcats13.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jacob HOLMES
  Crocodiles
  (201-F-83)
  Avg: 8.3
 1. Holmes, Crocodiles8.3 
 2. Johnson, 36ers7.7 
 3. Crosswhite, Kings7.4 
 4. Schenscher, 36ers7.2 
 5. Knight, Wildcats7.0 
 6. Scott, Tigers7.0 
 7. Lazare, Kings6.9 
 8. Forman, Hawks6.9 
 9. Vukona, Breakers6.8 
 10. Petrie, 36ers6.3 
Assists Per Game
 Cedric JACKSON
  Breakers
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 7.6
 1. Jackson, Breakers7.6 
 2. Gibson, 36ers4.8 
 3. Ervin, Crocodiles4.6 
 4. Martin, Hawks3.4 
 5. Wilson, Taipans3.4 
 6. Martin, Wildcats3.1 
 7. Henry, Kings3.1 
 8. Redhage, Wildcats2.8 
 9. Cadee, 36ers2.7 
 10. Goulding, Tigers2.6 
Steals Per Game
 Cedric JACKSON
  Breakers
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Jackson, Breakers2.5 
 2. Martin, Wildcats1.6 
 3. Deleon, Hawks1.4 
 4. Edwards, Taipans1.3 
 5. Ervin, Crocodiles1.2 
 6. Henry, Kings1.1 
 7. Lisch, Wildcats1.1 
 8. Gliddon, Taipans1.1 
 9. Williams, Taipans1.1 
 10. Boucher, Breakers1.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Alex PLEDGER
  Breakers
  (213-C-87)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Pledger, Breakers1.9 
 2. Scott, Tigers1.3 
 3. Forman, Hawks1.1 
 4. Redhage, Wildcats1.0 
 5. Schenscher, 36ers1.0 
 6. Hinder, Crocodiles0.9 
 7. Garlepp, Kings0.8 
 8. Lazare, Kings0.7 
 9. Walker, Tigers0.7 
 10. Abercrombie, Brea.0.6 



*****************************************************
  BELGIUM   

Standings - Division I

Ethias League Standings
 1. M.Hainaut 7-3 
 2. Aalstar 7-3 
 3. Oostende 6-4 
 4. Antwerp 6-5 
 5. Spirou 5-5 
 6. Liege 4-6 
 7. Leuven 3-7 
 8. Verviers-Pep. 2-7 

Regular Season: Round 11

Jan. 4: Antwerp - Spirou 77-58
Jan. 5: Leuven - Oostende
Jan. 5: M.Hainaut - Aalstar
Jan. 6: Liege - Verviers-Pep.


Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game
 Ryan THOMPSON
  Aalstar
  (198-G-89)
  Avg: 18.2
 1. Thompson, Aalstar18.2 
 2. Taylor, M.Hainaut18.1 
 3. Aleksandrov, Vervi.17.8 
 4. Lojeski, Oostende16.8 
 5. Walsh, Spirou16.8 
 6. Mukubu, Liege16.7 
 7. Green, Verviers.15.4 
 8. Clark, Aalstar15.1 
 9. Aska, Leuven14.6 
 10. Robinson, Leuven14.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Matt WALSH
  Spirou
  (197-F/G-82)
  Avg: 7.6
 1. Walsh, Spirou7.6 
 2. Wilkinson, Oostende7.3 
 3. Qvale, M.Hainaut7.0 
 4. Aska, Leuven6.9 
 5. Thondique, Antwerp6.9 
 6. Young, Aalstar6.5 
 7. Gillet, Liege6.4 
 8. Tofi, Aalstar6.2 
 9. Mukubu, Liege6.2 
 10. Aleksandrov, Verv.6.1 
Assists Per Game
 Jerime ANDERSON
  Verviers.
  (187-PG-89)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Anderson, Verviers.5.9 
 2. Djordjevic, Ooste.5.3 
 3. Bosco, Liege4.8 
 4. Marnegrave, Leuven4.8 
 5. Moors, Antwerp3.6 
 6. Raivio, Aalstar3.5 
 7. Lojeski, Oostende3.3 
 8. Walsh, Spirou3.3 
 9. Thompson, Aalstar3.0 
 10. Taylor, M.Hainaut2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Niels MARNEGRAVE
  Leuven
  (191-PG-87)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Marnegrave, Leuven2.4 
 2. Iarochevitch, Liege2.1 
 3. Anderson, Verviers.2.0 
 4. Taylor, M.Hainaut2.0 
 5. Mukubu, Liege1.9 
 6. Hopkins, Antwerp1.9 
 7. Biggs, Antwerp1.8 
 8. Aska, Leuven1.7 
 9. Hanavan, Leuven1.7 
 10. Anderson, Aalstar1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Chris FERGUSON
  Verviers.
  (206-C-89)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Ferguson, Verviers.1.8 
 2. Wilkinson, Oostende1.4 
 3. Qvale, M.Hainaut1.3 
 4. Young, Aalstar1.1 
 5. Riddick, Spirou0.8 
 6. Dukes, Leuven0.8 
 7. Aska, Leuven0.8 
 8. Thondique, Antwerp0.7 
 9. Love, Antwerp0.6 
 10. Lojeski, Oostende0.6 



*****************************************************
  BOSNIA   


KK SPARS bringing the glory of basketball back to Sarajevo and back to Bosnia! - by Chris Mathieu

KK SPARS bringing the glory of basketball back to Sarajevo and back to Bosnia!
KK BOSNA brought glory to Bosnia and Sarajevo in the 1970s and 80s with their amazing play culminating in winning what are todays Euroleague. Hard times fell on the team and the country in the 1990s and basketball like everything else in the country suffered as a result. KK BOSNA made a mini resurgence in the mid-2000s but it was done through irresponsible management and spending, resulting in the team being sanctioned by FIBA and not being allowed to sign international players until they settle their past debts.
The team is still floundering and a major issue with them is talent evaluation and development. The team has passed on top European prospect Cedi Osman and domestic talents never gave a chance to Bosnian phenom Armin Hot who is tearing up the Bosnian domestic league this season looking like a Bosnian Dwayne Wade in his prime.
Sarajevans have a burning passion for all things basketball supporting KK BOSNA until the team failed to meet expectations. The fans interests were peaked a few years later by the upstart Triland Development team who won D2 a couple of years ago only to decline a promotion and instead step back to D3 instead. One again Sarajevan basketball fans were disappointed again.
Now comes the spectacular rise of KK SPARS who have built an amazing organization in only a few years that competes with the top young clubs in Europe. Much credit should be given to the leadership of the club who have organized a terrific organization.
KK SPARS made their international debut last year at the NIJT tournament and played like a team new to the international scene. Domestically they competed well getting to the finals of D2 before losing to the more experienced KK KAKANJ team who were then promoted to D1.
KK SPARS came back this season and stormed through the NIJT tournament in Rome going 4-0 and thrashing Fenerbache in the final by 18 points! They have climbed to first place in D2 in Bosnia recently beating their nearest rivals OKK Sloboda Tulza after being down by 10 with two minutes to go!
KK SPARS have amassed an amazing level of talent for such a new club and has handled them all well. They feature some of the top prospects in Europe in Doko Salic, Nedim Buza, Adin Vrabac, Aleksej Nikolic as well as young and up and coming players like Alija Piric and a few other very young talents in their lower division teams
Who knows KK SPARS train ends up but the journey so far has been nothing short of spectacular, still a chance to climb on board basketball fans before its too late!


*****************************************************
  BRAZIL   


Penarol tabs Lucas Tischer, ex Brasilia - by Eurobasket News

Penarol Mar del Plata (LigaA) inked 30-year old Brazilian ex-international center Lucas Tischer (208-100kg-83). He already started the season at Uniceub/BRB/Brasilia in Brazilian NBB league. In only one game this season he had 5 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists. Tischer won Brazilian National League championship title for two years in a row (2011 and 2012).
Among other achievements he received Latinbasket.com All-Brazilian National League Most Improved Player of the Year award back in 2005. Tischer was a member of Brazilian Senior National Team back in 2006.
He is a very experienced player. Tischer has played also professionally in Israel (Galil Gilboa), Italy, NBA (Phoenix Suns) and Brazil (Minas, COC Ribeirao, Araraquara, Sao Jose and Assis Basket).

By Eurobasket Data Center


*****************************************************
  BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Carey records double-double - by David Edole

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss placed six Golden Eagles in double-figures, as it dominated Dillard, 135-41, in its final non-conference game of the season.
Southern Miss improved closed its non-conference slate with an 11-2 record. It was its 20th consecutive home win and their 28th straight non-conference home victory, which tied the school record.

The Golden Eagles set numerous records, including most points (135), steals (27) three-pointers (18), largest margin of victory (+94), largest halftime margin (+45), while also tying the record for most assists in a game (40) and turnovers forced (36).

The 135 points, 51 made field goals, 40 assists and 27 steals are also Conference USA records.

"I thought it was good that everyone was able to play," said Southern Miss head coach Donnie Tyndall. "We shared the ball very well. Our big guys had their best game tonight. We did a good job around the rim. We were able to really pressure them and force turnovers and score off of those."

Daveon Boardingham and Cedric Jenkins led the Black and Gold with 22 points apiece, which was a career-high for both players. Dwayne Davis had 17 points and Michael Craig had 14. Norville Carey (196-F) recorded his first career double-double, scoring 14 points and pulling down a game-high 12 rebounds. Jonathan Mills added 13 points and nine boards. Jamie Chapman also scored nine points in just five minutes of play.

Neil Watson scored just eight points, but set a new school record with 17 assists, which is also the second most in Conference USA history.

Southern Miss came out of the gate fast, scoring the first 12 points of the game, including a pair of three-pointers from Rashard McGill and Watson. Dillard got on the board with a jumper from Tyrone Williams, but the Golden Eagles scored the next 12 points to take a 24-2 lead 6:57 into the game.

The Golden Eagles also went on runs of 8-0, 10-0 and 10-0 before taking a 68-23 halftime lead. The 68 points are tied for the fourth most in a half in school history.

Southern Miss connected on 51-of-90 (56.7-percent) from the field, including 18-of-36 (50.0-percent) from three-point range. The Golden Eagles also connected on 93.8-percent (15-of-16) from the free throw line. Dillard was held to just 37.2-percent (16-of-43) from the floor and 35.7% (5-of-14) from behind the arc. Southern Miss also outrebounded Dillard, 52-to-17.

Jaquan Green led the Bleu Devils with 15 points.


Ray victor with a double double - by David Edole

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. The Warner University mens basketball team opened the New Year with a convincing 83-54 victory over Concordia University (Canada) on Wednesday in the Countess de Hoernle SLC on the campus of Northwood University. All five starters scored in double-digits as Mark St. Fort and Ray Victor (186-G, college: Warner) both recorded double-doubles.

The Royals improve their record to 10-5 becoming the fifth team in The Sun Conference with at least 10 wins; the Stingers drop to 7-6 with the loss.

It was all Warner from the very beginning as the Royals scored the first nine points of the game and led 21-9 after nine minutes of action. Ian Wilhelm and Bryce Kachinski led the first half charge for the Royals scoring 27 of the teams 44 points. Wilhelm led all players with 15 first half points while Kachinski scored 12. The Royals led 44-23 at the break.

Defensively, the Royals forced 12 Stingers turnovers and held the visitors to 28.6% shooting from the field. Kachinski recorded three of Warners six steals in the first half.

The Royals offense improved in the second half as they poured in 39 points on 50% shooting from the floor. The Royals held their largest lead of the game (32) with less than four minutes to play before settling for the 29 point victory (83-54).

As all five starters finished in double-digits, Wilhelm and Kachinski finished with 40 points combined. Wilhelm, the Royals newest 1000-point scorer, led all players with 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Kachinski shot 7-for-15 from the field and totaled 19 points. Kachinski needs just 65 points to join Wilhelm with 1000 in his Warner career.

Ray Victor led the Royals rebounding effort that out-reached the Stingers 41-31. Victor finished with 16 boards and 11 points. Mark St. Fort also posted a double-double with 10 rebounds and 12 points. St. Fort also blocked a season-high four shots. Kayo Taylor rounded out the Royals starters in double-digits and finished with 10 points on 5-of-10 shooting.


Leslee Smith led the Saints inside with a career high 13 rebounds - by David Edole

Trying to move forward past their loss on day one, the Saints took the court against an even better opponent on the first day of 2013 Tuesday. Seward squared off against the 23rd ranked and host team Lamar State-Port Arthur in their last non-conference game of the 2012-2013 season. The Saints got off to a much better start on the offensive start against the Seahawks, turning defensive stops into points on the other end, jumping out to a 31-17 midway through the first. They played even with Lamar State through the last part of the period and into the half the teams went with Seward on top 40-26. The Saints shot 45% in the first half while holding a potent Lamar State-Port Arthur team to just 8 field half field goals and 33% shooting.

In the second half the Saints opened up strong again, building their lead to as many as 17 midway through and looked like they were in complete control of the game. However, down the stretch the Seahawks got into their flow while the Saints shooting woes of the day before came back to get them again. Lamar State-Port Arthur closed the Saints gap to 10 and then 4 before tying the game at 62 with 2:40 remaining. Following a timeout, the Saints got things figured out on both ends of the floor, shutting the door on Lamar State-Port Arthurs offensive attack while grinding out buckets on their end of the floor. Seward finished the game outscoring the Seahawks 8-0 and came away with a 70-62 upset win to finish their trip.

Jabari Peters led the Saints to the win with a career high 27 points to go along with his career high 9 rebounds while Jerry Cobb was the only other Saint to get into double figures in the win as he finished with 10. Leslee Smith (200-F) led the Saints inside with a career high 13 rebounds in the victory. Seward shot 41% from the field in the win and held the Seahawks to just 37% shooting in the game.

Seward finishes the non-conference 9-5, the first time that they have lost five games before league play since the 2003-2004 season in which they finished 11-19. Now things ramp up for the guys in green as they turn their attention towards defending their Jayhawk West Conference crown from a season ago. First up for the Saints will be a stiff test as they take on 13-1 and 9th ranked Barton Saturday at home in the Greenhouse at 8:00. Free tickets are available courtesy of our buyout sponsor Sunflower Bank at their Liberal location or at McDonalds and Hutchs.


*****************************************************
  CANADA   

CIS Standings

CIS Standings
Atlantic
 1. Cape Breton 7-0 
 2. Acadia 6-0 
 3. UPEI 4-2 
 4. St.Francis X. 4-3 
 5. New Brunsw. 3-5 
 6. Dalhousie 2-5 
 7. St.Mary's 2-5 
 8. Memorial 0-8 
CanWest Pacific Division
 1. UBC 8-2 
 2. Victoria 7-3 
 3. UFV 7-3 
 4. UNBC 5-5 
 5. TRU 4-5 
 6. TWU 3-7 
 7. Mount Royal 2-8 
 8. UBC Okanagan 1-8 
CanWest Prairie Division
 1. Alberta 9-1 
 2. Winnipeg 7-3 
 3. Manitoba 6-4 
 4. Saskatchewan 6-4 
 5. Lethbridge 5-5 
 6. Calgary 4-6 
 7. Regina 3-7 
 8. Brandon 2-8 
OUA East
 1. Ryerson 8-0 
 2. Carleton 8-1 
 3. Ottawa 8-1 
 4. Queen's 6-2 
 5. Laurentian 5-4 
 6. York 4-5 
 7. Toronto Univ. 2-6 
 8. RMC 0-0 
OUA West
 1. Windsor 6-2 
 2. Lakehead 4-4 
 3. Guelph 3-5 
 4. McMaster 3-5 
 5. Brock 2-6 
 6. Laurier 2-6 
 7. Western 1-7 
 8. Waterloo 0-8 
Quebec League
 1. McGill 3-1 
 2. Concordia 3-2 
 3. Bishop's 2-1 
 4. Laval 2-4 
 5. UQAM 1-3 

Regular Season: Round 15

Jan. 3: Windsor - Laurier 93-73
Jan. 4: York - Ottawa 74-93
Jan. 3: Brock - McMaster 73-79
Jan. 4: Laval - UQAM 63-77
Jan. 4: Waterloo - Lakehead 59-93
Jan. 3: Guelph - Western 58-57
Jan. 4: Laurentian - Carleton 57-81

Regular Season: Round 16

Jan. 5: Queen's - Toronto Univ.
Jan. 5: McMaster - Laurier
Jan. 5: Western - Brock
Jan. 5: Acadia - UPEI
Jan. 5: Dalhousie - St.Francis X.
Jan. 5: Windsor - Guelph
Jan. 5: Waterloo - Lakehead
Jan. 5: Laurentian - Ottawa
Jan. 5: York - Carleton
Jan. 5: TRU - UBC Okanagan
Jan. 6: Queen''s - Ryerson
Jan. 8: St.Francis X. - Cape Breton


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Stephon LAMAR
  Saskatch.
  (185-G-)
  Avg: 25.8
 1. Lamar, Saskatch.25.8 
 2. Dorsey, Cape Bret.25.7 
 3. Allin, Laurier23.7 
 4. Perrin, TWU21.2 
 5. Hill, Toronto Univ.20.4 
 6. Dunn, St.Francis X.20.1 
 7. Scrubb, Carleton19.6 
 8. Thomas, St.Franc.19.6 
 9. Freeman, UFV19.4 
 10. Parchment, UFV19.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Owen KLASSEN
  Acadia
  (208-F-91)
  Avg: 13
 1. Klassen, Acadia13.0 
 2. Ezenibe, St.Mary''s12.0 
 3. Allin, Laurier11.3 
 4. Phillip, Windsor11.0 
 5. Kamen, UBC10.0 
 6. Salhia, Lakehead9.6 
 7. Burns, Saskatch.9.4 
 8. Bozinovic, TRU8.8 
 9. Moses, Calgary8.7 
 10. Waldner, Lethb.8.7 
Assists Per Game
 Andrew CUNNINGHAM
  Winnipeg
  (186-G-)
  Avg: 7.8
 1. Cunningham, Winnip.7.8 
 2. Jones, Ryerson5.6 
 3. Pasquale, Laure.5.1 
 4. Walton, Manitoba5.0 
 5. Collins, Windsor5.0 
 6. Lamar, Saskatch.4.9 
 7. York, UFV4.9 
 8. Daley, New Brunsw.4.9 
 9. Bonhomme, Brandon4.8 
 10. Hebert, Regina4.8 
Steals Per Game
 Jimmy DORSEY
  Cape Breton
  (188-G-)
  Avg: 4.7
 1. Dorsey, Cape Bret.4.7 
 2. Daley, New Brunsw.3.4 
 3. Perrin, TWU3.0 
 4. Evans, Victoria2.8 
 5. Baker, Saskatch.2.8 
 6. Baker, Alberta2.8 
 7. Donkoh, St.Franc.2.7 
 8. Parchment, UFV2.5 
 9. Pink, St.Mary''s2.5 
 10. Thomas, St.Franc.2.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Matthew CHESSON
  Laurier
  (201-C-)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Chesson, Laurier2.4 
 2. Salhia, Lakehead2.1 
 3. Moses, Calgary2.0 
 4. O''Brien, New B.2.0 
 5. Dewar, Alberta1.8 
 6. Duke, UPEI1.7 
 7. Klassen, Acadia1.7 
 8. Thomas, St.Franc.1.7 
 9. Halpin, St.Mary''s1.7 
 10. Osuntola, Windsor1.4 


CIS Round 15 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News

The biggest surprise of round 15 in CIS was guest Marauders' (3-5) road victory over 3rd placed Badgers (2-6) 79-73 on Thursday evening. The guests trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 79-73. Marauders shot 25 for 36 from the free-throw line, while Badgers only scored nine points from the stripe. 24 personal fouls committed by Badgers helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was guard Joe Rocca (193) who scored 23 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Rohan Boney (193) chipped in 12 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Didi Mukendi (183) who recorded 16 points and 6 rebounds. Badgers' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Marauders moved-up to third place, which they share with New Brunsw. and Guelph. Badgers at the other side dropped to the fifth position with six games lost. They share it with Toronto Univ. and Laurier. Marauders is looking forward to face Golden Hawks (#6) in Waterloo, ON in the next round. Badgers will play on the road against Mustangs in London, ON and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Important game to mention about took place in Guelph, ON. Fourth ranked Gryphons (3-5) saved a 1-point victory at home edging 7th ranked Mustangs (1-7) 58-57 on Thursday evening. It was a good game for forward Daniel McCarthy (190) who saved his team from a defeat with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). Zachary Angus contributed with 6 points for the winners. Guard Ryan Higgins (193) answered with 14 points and 5 rebounds for Mustangs. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Gryphons moved-up to third place, which they share with New Brunsw. and McMaster. Mustangs lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with seven games lost. Gryphons will play against league's leader Lancers in Windsor, ON in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Mustangs will play at home against Badgers (#5) in St.Catharines, ON and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Citadines can celebrate finally their first win this season after three consecutive loses. The victory is especially important as it came on the road game in Quebec City, QC, where they defeated Rouge et Or (2-4) 77-63 on Friday. It was a great evening for Gregory Saint-Amand who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points and 8 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Boris Hadzimuratovic with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds. Rouge et Or's coach tested eleven players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Citadines maintains fifth place with 1-3 record. Loser Rouge et Or keeps the fourth position with four games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Leader Lancers delivered the sixth victory. This time they crushed 5th ranked Golden Hawks (2-6) 93-73 in Windsor, ON. It was a quality performance for Lien Phillip who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 15 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Lancers have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 6-2 record, which they share with Queen's. Golden Hawks lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fifth position with six games lost. Lancers' next round opponent will be Gryphons (#3) in Guelph, ON, which may be the game of the day. Golden Hawks will play on the road against Marauders in Hamilton, ON and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Bottom-ranked Warriors (0-8) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 93-59 loss to second ranked Thunderwolves (4-4) in Waterloo, ON on Friday evening. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. The best player for the winners was Yoosrie Salhia who had a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 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. Thunderwolves have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain second place with 4-4 record having six points less than leader McGill. Loser Warriors still closes the standings with eight games lost. Thunderwolves will have a break next round. Warriors will play again at home against the league's second-placed Thunderwolves (#2) in Thunder Bay, ON and hope to get finally their first victory.

In the last two games of round 15 Ottawa crushed York in Ottawa, ON 93-74. Laurentian was smashed by Carleton at home 57-81.
The best stats of 15th round was 27 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists by Warren Ward of Ottawa.

Laval - UQAM 63-77

Citadines can celebrate finally their first win this season after three consecutive loses. The victory is especially important as it came on the road game in Quebec City, QC, where they defeated Rouge et Or (2-4) 77-63 on Friday. The game without a history. Citadines led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. It was a great evening for forward Gregory Saint-Amand (193-88) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points and 8 rebounds. Forward Alexandre Bernard (196) helped adding 16 points and 12 rebounds. Four Citadines players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was naturalized Bosnian forward Boris Hadzimuratovic (204-91, college: High School) with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds and Thibaud Dezutter scored 8 points and 4 assists. Rouge et Or's coach tested eleven players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Citadines maintains fifth place with 1-3 record. Loser Rouge et Or keeps the fourth position with four games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Laval: B.Hadzimuratovic 20+10reb, K.Amrani 9+2reb+1ast, T.Dezutter 8+4reb+4ast, A.Guilard 6+6reb, K.Demers-Belanger 6+4ast, H.Ryan 5+3reb+3ast
UQAM: G.Saint-Amand 20+8reb+3ast, R.Kwaku Addai 19+3reb+4ast, A.Bernard 16+12reb+1ast, P.Tamba 12+9reb+2ast, N.Audet 4+3reb+4ast, M.Bazile 2+1reb+2ast
gschID: 190496


York - Ottawa 74-93

There was no surprise in Toronto, ON where 6th ranked Lions (4-5) were crushed by third ranked Gee-Gees (8-1) 93-74 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by Gee-Gees. Lions was better in fourth quarter 29-25. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Gee-Gees forced 19 Lions turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Warren Ward (196-89) who scored 27 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Guard Johnny Berhanemeskel (185) chipped in 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Daniel Tulloch (196) who recorded 25 points and 8 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and guard David Tyndale (180) added 15 points and 4 assists respectively. Four Lions players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Gee-Gees have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Carleton. Loser Lions dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. Gee-Gees will face Voyageurs (#5) in Sudbury, ON in the next round. Lions will play at home against the league's second-placed Ravens in Ottawa, ON.
Top scorers:
York: D.Tulloch 25+8reb+1ast, D.Tyndale 15+4reb+4ast, A.Rados 14+5reb, I.Akeem 11+1reb, T.Rutty 4+4reb+3ast, R.Isaac 3+1reb+2ast
Ottawa: W.Ward 27+7reb+6ast, J.Berhanemeskel 22+5reb+5ast, G.Gonthier-Dubue 18+7reb+3ast, M.L'Africain 9+6reb+7ast, V.Gill 6+3reb+1ast, M.Plunkett 6+2reb
gschID: 190495


Laurentian - Carleton 57-81

No shocking result in a game in Sudbury, ON where second ranked Ravens (8-1) smashed 5th ranked Voyageurs (5-4) 81-57 on Friday. The game without a history. Ravens led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 24-of-27 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. Ravens outrebounded Voyageurs 47-25 including a 34-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Voyageurs were plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Tyson Hinz (198-91) who scored 14 points. The former international guard Philip Scrubb (190-92) chipped in 14 points. Five Ravens players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was Alex Ratte who recorded 15 points and swingman Georges Serresse (191) added 13 points respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Ravens have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. They maintain second place with 8-1 record having just one point less than leader McGill, which they share with Ottawa. Voyageurs lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth position with four games lost. Ravens will face Lions (#6) in Toronto, ON in the next round. Voyageurs will play at home against Gee-Gees in Ottawa, ON and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Laurentian: A.Ratte 15+3reb, G.Serresse 13+3reb+1ast, R.Bennett 9+2reb, M.Pasquale 7+2reb+5ast, S.Hirst 5+1reb, T.Carter-Newman 4+3reb
Carleton: K.Blain 14+2reb, T.Hinz 14+4reb+3ast, P.Scrubb 14+3reb+2ast, T.Scrubb 12+6reb+1ast, C.Springer-Williams 11+4reb, K.Churchill 6+9reb
gschID: 190494


Waterloo - Lakehead 59-93

Bottom-ranked Warriors (0-8) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 93-59 loss to second ranked Thunderwolves (4-4) in Waterloo, ON on Friday evening. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. Thunderwolves dominated on the defensive end, holding Warriors to just 7 points in fourth quarter. They also forced 19 Warriors turnovers. Thunderwolves looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was naturalized Egyptian forward Yoosrie Salhia (198-87) who had a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Joseph Jones (188-89) chipped in 16 points. Five Thunderwolves players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Wayne Bridge (188-90) who recorded a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds and naturalized British swingman Mike Helsby (195-89) added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Thunderwolves have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain second place with 4-4 record having six points less than leader McGill. Loser Warriors still closes the standings with eight games lost. Thunderwolves will have a break next round. Warriors will play again at home against the league's second-placed Thunderwolves (#2) in Thunder Bay, ON and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Waterloo: J.Gill 15+7reb+2ast, W.Bridge 14+10reb+1ast, M.Helsby 10+5reb+4ast, K.Coleman 9+3reb, S.Pejicic 4+2reb+1ast, D.Buchanan 3+1reb+1ast
Lakehead: J.Jones 16+4reb+3ast, R.Thomson 14+5reb+2ast, J.Hart 12+5reb+6ast, M.Schmidt 11+3reb+1ast, Y.Salhia 11+10reb+3ast, D.Harvey 9+2reb+1ast
gschID: 190493


Guelph - Western 58-57

Important game to mention about took place in Guelph, ON. Fourth ranked Gryphons (3-5) saved a 1-point victory at home edging 7th ranked Mustangs (1-7) 58-57 on Thursday evening. Mustangs were ahead by 1 point after three quarters before a 19-17 charge of Gryphons, which allowed them to win the game. Gryphons had a 15-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. Mustangs were plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for forward Daniel McCarthy (190) who saved his team from a defeat with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). Guard Zachary Angus (185) contributed with 6 points for the winners. Guard Ryan Higgins (193) answered with 14 points and 5 rebounds and forward Peter Scholtes (196) added 10 points in the effort for Mustangs. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Gryphons moved-up to third place, which they share with New Brunsw. and McMaster. Mustangs lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with seven games lost. Gryphons will play against league's leader Lancers in Windsor, ON in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Mustangs will play at home against Badgers (#5) in St.Catharines, ON and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Western: R.Higgins 14+5reb, P.Scholtes 10+1reb, G.Morrow 8+2reb, G.Johnson 7+3reb+1ast, C.Drouin 6+2reb, E.Dooley 4+3reb
Guelph: D.McCarthy 20+10reb+2ast, S.Cornelissen 6+2reb, Z.Angus 6+3reb+3ast, T.Armstrong 6+3reb+1ast, M.Clark 5+2reb, T.Thompson 4+3reb+1ast
gschID: 190492


Windsor - Laurier 93-73

Leader Lancers delivered the sixth victory. This time they crushed 5th ranked Golden Hawks (2-6) 93-73 in Windsor, ON. It looked good early as Golden Hawks took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Lancers had a 32-15 second period charge getting the lead and Golden Hawks were not able to take back game control losing it eventually 73-93. Lancers forced 26 Golden Hawks turnovers. They brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. It was a quality performance for the former international forward Lien Phillip (203-89) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 15 rebounds. Forward Evan Matthews (206-92) accounted for 18 points and 10 rebounds for the winning side. Center Matthew Chesson (201) came up with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds and guard William Coulthard (188) added 15 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Golden Hawks in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Lancers have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 6-2 record, which they share with Queen's. Golden Hawks lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fifth position with six games lost. Lancers' next round opponent will be Gryphons (#3) in Guelph, ON, which may be the game of the day. Golden Hawks will play on the road against Marauders in Hamilton, ON and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Laurier: M.Chesson 15+10reb+2ast, W.Coulthard 15+5reb+2ast, J.Forde 11+6reb+3ast, P.Donnelly 10+6reb+1ast, A.Walters 6+4reb, A.Obano 6+2reb
Windsor: E.Matthews 18+10reb+1ast, M.Petrella 15+2reb+4ast, I.Seferagic 14+3reb, L.Phillip 14+15reb+1ast, R.Osuntola 10+4reb+1ast, E.Diloreto 8+2reb
gschID: 190491


Brock - McMaster 73-79

The biggest surprise of round 15 in CIS was guest Marauders' (3-5) road victory over 3rd placed Badgers (2-6) 79-73 on Thursday evening. The guests trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 79-73. Marauders shot 25 for 36 from the free-throw line, while Badgers only scored nine points from the stripe. 24 personal fouls committed by Badgers helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was guard Joe Rocca (193) who scored 23 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Rohan Boney (193) chipped in 12 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Four Marauders players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Didi Mukendi (183) who recorded 16 points and 6 rebounds and guard C.J. Smith (183) added 16 points respectively. Badgers' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Marauders moved-up to third place, which they share with New Brunsw. and Guelph. Badgers at the other side dropped to the fifth position with six games lost. They share it with Toronto Univ. and Laurier. Marauders is looking forward to face Golden Hawks (#6) in Waterloo, ON in the next round. Badgers will play on the road against Mustangs in London, ON and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Brock: C.Smith 16+4reb+3ast, D.Mukendi 16+6reb+1ast, M.Gibson 13+5reb+2ast, J.Tipping 9+3reb+1ast, T.Kasamba 6+2reb, I.Egueh 6+5reb+5ast
McMaster: J.Rocca 23+6reb, A.Redpath 18+4reb+1ast, R.Boney 12+6reb+6ast, T.Black 10+8reb, N.Pelech 6+5reb, S.Laws 4+5reb+4ast
gschID: 190490



A NEW STORM A BREWIN - by John Gary

courtesy oursportscentral.com After frantic comings and goings on the roster during DEcember, the remade Storm showed their new dudes in a three game holiday set at home over the past week.The major acquistions are small forward Brandon Robinson, the National Basketball League of Canada all time leading scorer and power forward Omari Johnson,who is on the league all time lists for rebounds,blocked shots and scoring. Time began for the NBL of Canada only about 15 months ago so all time encompasses just about a season and a half. Even so these two make a huge difference when they wander through the room door.


*****************************************************
  CHINA   

Standings - CBA

CBA Standings
 1. Beijing Ducks 14-3 
 2. Guangdong ST 14-3 
 3. Shanxi Zh. 11-6 
 4. Liaoning H. 11-6 
 5. Shandong FB 10-7 
 6. Bayi R. 9-8 
 7. Xinjiang FT 9-8 
 8. Zhejiang CB 9-8 
 9. Guangsha L. 9-8 
 10. TianJin S. 9-8 
 11. DongGuan L. 9-8 
 12. Fujian QB 7-10 
 13. Jiangsu D. 6-10 
 14. Foshan LL 6-11 
 15. Jilin NE T. 5-12 
 16. Shanghai S. 4-13 
 17. Qingdao E. 2-15 

Regular Season: Round 18

Jan. 4: Qingdao E. - Fujian QB 92-104
Jan. 4: TianJin S. - Bayi R. 89-98
Jan. 4: Shanghai S. - Beijing Ducks 88-101
Jan. 4: Foshan LL - Shandong FB 87-106
Jan. 4: DongGuan L. - Shanxi Zh. 122-102
Jan. 4: Zhejiang CB - Guangsha L. 103-91
Jan. 4: Guandong ST - Xinjiang FT 102-98
Jan. 4: Liaoning H. - Jilin NE T. 100-96

Regular Season: Round 19

Jan. 6: Guangsha L. - DongGuan L.
Jan. 6: Zhejiang CB - Jiangsu D.
Jan. 6: Shanghai S. - TianJin S.
Jan. 6: Beijing Ducks - Jilin NE T.
Jan. 6: Guandong ST - Shanxi Zh.
Jan. 6: Foshan LL - Qingdao E.
Jan. 6: Shandong FB - Bayi R.
Jan. 6: Fujian QB - Xinjiang FT


Stats Leaders - CBA

Points Per Game
 Gary FORBES
  Guangsha L.
  (201-G/F-85)
  Avg: 33.7
 1. Forbes, Guangsha33.7 
 2. Daniels, Qingdao E.32.0 
 3. Douby, Zhejiang CB31.9 
 4. Williams, Shanxi Z.30.9 
 5. Gaines, Shanxi Zh.30.8 
 6. Akognon, Liaoning.30.8 
 7. Randolph, Foshan28.1 
 8. Spencer, Jilin N.28.0 
 9. Harris, Jiangsu D.27.9 
 10. Hudson, DongGuan27.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Donnell HARVEY
  TianJin S.
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 16.2
 1. Harvey, TianJin S.16.2 
 2. Gaines, Shanxi Zh.13.6 
 3. Randolph, Foshan13.4 
 4. Harris, Jiangsu D.13.3 
 5. Abbas, Shandong FB12.5 
 6. Ramos, Guangsha L.11.9 
 7. Daniels, Qingdao E.11.8 
 8. Li, Liaoning H.11.7 
 9. Siler, Jiangsu D.11.6 
 10. Wang, Fujian QB11.2 
Assists Per Game
 Osama DAGHLES
  TianJin S.
  (198-G-79)
  Avg: 10.8
 1. Daghles, TianJin S.10.8 
 2. Marbury, Beijing6.0 
 3. Williams, Shanxi Z.5.2 
 4. Jeter, Shandong FB5.1 
 5. Lu, Shanxi Zh.4.8 
 6. Hudson, DongGuan4.8 
 7. Qahwash, Jiang.4.8 
 8. Douby, Zhejiang CB4.6 
 9. Gaines, Fujian QB4.6 
 10. Williams, Guangdo.4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Quincy DOUBY
  Zhejiang CB
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Douby, Zhejiang CB2.9 
 2. Hu, Jiangsu D.2.5 
 3. Co, Xinjiang FT2.5 
 4. Spencer, Jilin N.2.5 
 5. Marbury, Beijing2.4 
 6. Meng, Jiangsu D.2.2 
 7. Zhong, Jilin NE T.2.1 
 8. Jeter, Shandong FB2.1 
 9. Ding, Zhejiang CB2.1 
 10. Abbas, Shandong2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Hamady N''DIAYE
  Ti.
  (213-C-87)
  Avg: 4.1
 1. N''Diaye, Ti.4.1 
 2. Zhang, Shanghai S.2.2 
 3. Yi, Guangdong ST2.0 
 4. Siler, Jiangsu D.2.0 
 5. Yan, Shanxi Zh.1.7 
 6. Haislip, DongGuan.1.7 
 7. Morris, Beijing Du.1.6 
 8. Han, Liaoning H.1.5 
 9. Wang, Bayi R.1.4 
 10. Yi, Jiangsu D.1.3 



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  COSTA RICA   

Standings - D1

LBS Standings
 1. Barva 6-0 
 2. Sanatura-Escazu 4-1 
 3. Limon 3-2 
 4. Coopenae-USJ 3-3 
 5. Grupo Babel 2-3 
 6. Liceo 0-4 
 7. Grecia 0-5 



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  CROATIA   


Pesaro lands Rok Stipcevic - by Eurobasket News

Victoria Libertas Pesaro (SerieA) tabbed 27-year old Croatian ex-international point guard Rok Stipcevic (185-82kg-86). He played recently at EA7 Armani (SerieA). In 12 games this season he averaged 6.1ppg and 1.1rpg. He also played 9 games in Euroleague where he had 3.1ppg and 1.2rpg. The last season Stipcevic played at Cimberio Varese. In 36 SerieA games last year he had 11.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.3apg and 1.2spg.
The previous (10-11) season he played at Cibona in Croatian league. In 9 Euroleague games that season he had 10.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.1apg and 1.0spg. Stipcevic also played 19 games in Adriatic League where he had 9.8ppg, 1.9rpg and 3.2apg.
Among other achievements His team made it to the Cup (Kresimir Cosic Cup) Semifinals for four years in a row (between 2008 and 2011). Stipcevic received also Eurobasket.com Croatian A1 League All-Defensive Team award back in 2010.
He was also a member of Croatian international program for some years. Stipcevic played for Croatian Senior National Team between 2010 and 2012 and previouslyfor U20 National Team between 2005 and 2006. He also represented Croatia at the Qualifications to European Championships 2013 last year. His stats at that event were 8 games: 4.9ppg, 1.1rpg, 2.1apg.
Stipcevic has played previously for two other Croatian teams: KK Zadar and Borik Puntamika.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Luka Bujas is the new head coach of KK Krizevci - by Dajana Karl

Prigorje Financije Krizevci's head and their head coach Marin Zirdum have decided to part their ways.

Coach Zirdum doesn't agree with certain decisions made by the Management, which resulted with him leaving.
At the yesterday's meeting it was decided that coach Luka Bujas will take over Zirdum's role.

This 26-year-old has been coaching KK Krizevci U18 and U16 teams for the past three months and during that period the teams haven't lost a single game.




*****************************************************
  CYPRUS   

Standings - Division A

Division A Standings
 1. Keravnos 8-2 
 2. Etha 8-3 
 3. AEK 7-4 
 4. Apoel 7-4 
 5. Apollon 5-6 
 6. AEL 4-6 
 7. Omonia 2-8 
 8. ENAD 1-9 

Regular Season: Round 11

Jan. 4: AEK - Apoel 73-67
Jan. 4: Apollon - Etha 102-99
Jan. 5: Omonia - ENAD
Jan. 6: Keravnos - AEL



*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC   

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings
 1. CEZ Nymburk 19-1 
 2. NH Ostrava 14-6 
 3. BK Pardubice 12-6 
 4. BC Kolin 12-8 
 5. BK Prostejov 11-8 
 6. BK Decin 10-8 
 7. Levice 9-10 
 8. Chomutov 8-11 
 9. USK Praha 8-12 
 10. Svitavy 7-12 
 11. J.Hradec 6-13 
 12. B&W Opava 6-14 
 13. Usti n/Labem 3-16 

Regular Season: Round 21

Jan. 5: B&W Opava - CEZ Nymburk 64-89
Jan. 5: BK Prostejov - Svitavy
Jan. 5: BK Pardubice - Chomutov
Jan. 5: Levice - USK Praha
Jan. 5: BK Decin - J.Hradec
Jan. 6: Usti n/Labem - NH Ostrava


Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game
 Jan TOMANEC
  J.Hradec
  (205-C-85)
  Avg: 20.4
 1. Tomanec, J.Hradec20.4 
 2. Blazek, B&W Opava18.5 
 3. Deloach, Svitavy18.4 
 4. Zabas, BK Pardubi.17.9 
 5. Meno, USK Praha17.8 
 6. Fields, Chomutov17.7 
 7. Bolds, BC Kolin17.4 
 8. Reese, Usti n.17.1 
 9. Bosak, Chomutov16.3 
 10. Dufault, BK Prost.15.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 John FIELDS
  Chomutov
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 10.4
 1. Fields, Chomutov10.4 
 2. Meno, USK Praha9.9 
 3. Tomanec, J.Hradec9.8 
 4. Muirhead, BK Pardu.8.2 
 5. Blazek, B&W Opava7.4 
 6. Simmons, Levice7.3 
 7. Wilson, NH Ostrava7.3 
 8. Nuhanovic, Levice7.1 
 9. Bolds, BC Kolin6.9 
 10. Bohacik, BK Pardu.6.8 
Assists Per Game
 Jakub SIRINA
  B&W Opava
  (185-G-87)
  Avg: 6.2
 1. Sirina, B&W Opava6.2 
 2. Ames, NH Ostrava5.7 
 3. Deloach, Svitavy4.6 
 4. Pavkovic, CEZ N.4.1 
 5. Pope, BK Decin4.1 
 6. Glover, Chomutov3.9 
 7. Ciz, NH Ostrava3.9 
 8. Sotnar, USK Praha3.8 
 9. Muirhead, BK Pardu.3.3 
 10. Nolen, Usti n.3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Showron GLOVER
  Chomutov
  (180-PG-87)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Glover, Chomutov2.7 
 2. Sirina, B&W Opava2.5 
 3. Ames, NH Ostrava2.3 
 4. Bolds, BC Kolin2.3 
 5. Nolen, Usti n.2.1 
 6. Deloach, Svitavy1.8 
 7. Reese, Usti n.1.7 
 8. Welsch, CEZ N.1.6 
 9. Taylor, CEZ N.1.6 
 10. Pope, BK Decin1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrew NAYMICK
  CEZ N.
  (209-C-85)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Naymick, CEZ N.1.8 
 2. Nuhanovic, Levice1.5 
 3. Miklosik, B&W O.1.3 
 4. Fields, Chomutov1.1 
 5. Slavik, USK Praha1.0 
 6. Simmons, Levice1.0 
 7. Meno, USK Praha1.0 
 8. Kohout, BK Prost.0.9 
 9. Mroz, Svitavy0.8 
 10. Nelson, BK Pardu.0.8 


Standings - D2

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

Regular Season: Round 14

Jan. 4: Loko Plzen - Sokol V. 92-55
Jan. 4: Ostrava - Liberec 74-68
Jan. 4: Nymburk B - Sokol H.K. 56-84
Jan. 6: JBC Brno - Sokol P.
Jan. 6: Kara Trutnov - Sparta Praha
Jan. 6: Proton Zlin - Litomerice


NH Ostrava loses to Basketbal Svitavy - by Eurobasket News

The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with extra overtimes and favorites losing the games.

The most important game in the last round took place in Svitavy between second ranked NH Ostrava (14-6) and eleventh ranked Basketbal Svitavy (7-12) on Thursday night. NH Ostrava was defeated by Basketbal Svitavy on the road 75-88. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Basketbal Svitavy's pressure prevailed and they won that period 24-15 extending their advantage to 13 points. Basketbal Svitavy outrebounded NH Ostrava 45-24 including a 32-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. American point guard Michael Deloach (183-86, college: Norfolk St.) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 39 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Jiri Jelinek (203-87) contributed with 15 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Basketbal Svitavy's coach Lubomir Ruzicka used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American point guard Rahsaan Ames (184-78, college: Shaw) replied with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 6 rebounds and 12 assists for NH Ostrava. Basketbal Svitavy moved-up to tenth place. NH Ostrava at the other side keeps the second position with six games lost. Basketbal Svitavy are looking forward to face higher ranked BK Prostejov (#5) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. NH Ostrava will play against BK Usti nad Labem and is hoping to win this game.
NBL top team - CEZ Nymburk (18-1) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat seventh ranked Levice (9-10) 77-63. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Levice. Worth to mention a quality performance of Slovakian power forward Radoslav Rancik (207-79, college: St.Cloud St., agency: Beo Basket) who helped to win the game recording 10 points and 9 rebounds and Petr Benda who added 10 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. American forward Jeremy Simmons (204-89, college: Charleston, agency: Interperformances) responded with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Defending champion maintains first position with 18-1 record. Levice at the other side keeps the seventh place with ten games lost. CEZ Nymburk will play against B&W Opava (#12) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Levice will play against USK Praha (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
BK Usti nad Labem (#13) forced the game against BK Lions Hradec (#12) into an overtime, but lost by four points 81-85 on Thursday night. The winners were led by Jan Tomanec who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds. BK Lions Hradec's coach Karel Forejt allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Even 25 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists by Brad Reese did not help to save the game for BK Usti nad Labem. BK Lions Hradec (6-13) moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with B&W Opava. BK Usti nad Labem lost eighth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 16 games lost. BK Lions Hradec will meet higher ranked BK Decin (#6) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. BK Usti nad Labem will play against the league's second-placed NH Ostrava (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
The game in Prostejov was also worth to mention about. Fourth ranked BK Pardubice (12-6) played at the court of 5th ranked BK Prostejov (11-8). BK Pardubice managed to secure a 9-point victory 75-66. The best player for the winners was Evaldas Zabas who scored 20 points. BK Pardubice's coach Jan Slowiak allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. BK Pardubice have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. BK Prostejov at the other side keeps the fifth position with eight games lost. BK Pardubice's next round opponent will be Levharti Chomutov (#8) at home where they are favorite. BK Prostejov will play against Basketbal Svitavy.
The game between fifth ranked BC Kolin (12-8) and 10th ranked B&W Opava (6-13) in Kolin on Thursday ended with biggest points difference. BC Kolin outscored guests from Opava 98-77. Demarius Bolds orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 29 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. BC Kolin moved-up to fourth place. B&W Opava lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh position with 13 games lost. BC Kolin will have a break next round. B&W Opava will play at home against the league's leader CEZ Nymburk (#1).

In the last game of round 20 BK Decin beat USK Praha on the road 66-59.

BK Prostejov - BK Pardubice 66-75

The game in Prostejov was also worth to mention about. Fourth ranked BK Pardubice (12-6) played at the court of 5th ranked BK Prostejov (11-8). BK Pardubice managed to secure a 9-point victory 75-66. BK Prostejov was tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. BK Pardubice forced 19 BK Prostejov turnovers. The best player for the winners was Lithuanian point guard Evaldas Zabas (188-88) who scored 20 points. Canadian-Jamaican forward Corey Muirhead (197-83, college: W.Carolina) chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds. BK Pardubice's coach Jan Slowiak allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American forward Austin Dufault (205-90, college: Colorado) produced 14 points and 9 rebounds and international Kamil Svrdlik (206-86, college: Fair Dickinson) added 12 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the hosts. BK Pardubice have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. BK Prostejov at the other side keeps the fifth position with eight games lost. BK Pardubice's next round opponent will be Levharti Chomutov (#8) at home where they are favorite. BK Prostejov will play against Basketbal Svitavy.
Top scorers:
BK Prostejov: A.Dufault 14+9reb, K.Svrdlik 12+7reb, P.Slezak 11+2ast, D.Pandula 9+6reb+3ast, R.Marko 6+3reb+1ast, M.Venta 6+3reb
BK Pardubice: E.Zabas 20+4reb+1ast, C.Muirhead 15+7reb+2ast, P.Bohacik 10+7reb+1ast, T.Nelson 8+5reb, S.Faifr 7+2reb+1ast, M.Carnecky 6+3reb+1ast
gschID: 183050


BC Kolin - B&W Opava 98-77

The game between fifth ranked BC Kolin (12-8) and 10th ranked B&W Opava (6-13) in Kolin on Thursday ended with biggest points difference. BC Kolin outscored guests from Opava 98-77. The game was mostly controlled by BC Kolin. B&W Opava was better in fourth quarter 16-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. BC Kolin dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to B&W Opava's 34. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American guard Demarius Bolds (190-84, college: Missouri Western, agency: I.D.S. Law) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 29 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward David Machac (205-80) contributed with 16 points for the winners. Bolds is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four BC Kolin players scored in double figures. The former international guard Jakub Sirina (185-87) replied with 23 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists and forward Jakub Blazek (203-80) added 22 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for B&W Opava. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. BC Kolin moved-up to fourth place. B&W Opava lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh position with 13 games lost. BC Kolin will have a break next round. B&W Opava will play at home against the league's leader CEZ Nymburk (#1).
Top scorers:
B&W Opava: J.Sirina 23+5reb+7ast, J.Blazek 22+6reb+2ast, M.Palat 10+1reb+1ast, M.Miklosik 9+7reb+1ast, P.Dokoupil 7+5reb+2ast, M.Kvapil 2
BC Kolin: D.Bolds 29+10reb+5ast, D.Machac 16+4reb+1ast, R.Field 14+2reb+1ast, D.Radulovic 10+1reb+4ast, U.Benacek 9+1reb, E.Ubilla 8+4reb+8ast
gschID: 183049


CEZ Nymburk - Levice 77-63

NBL top team - CEZ Nymburk (18-1) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat seventh ranked Levice (9-10) 77-63. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Levice. The game was mostly controlled by CEZ Nymburk. Levice was better in third quarter 19-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Levice to just 6 points in second quarter. CEZ Nymburk players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. They brought some defensive toughness making 8 blocks. Worth to mention a quality performance of Slovakian power forward Radoslav Rancik (207-79, college: St.Cloud St., agency: Beo Basket) who helped to win the game recording 10 points and 9 rebounds and the former international center Petr Benda (203-82, agency: Court Side) who added 10 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. American forward Jeremy Simmons (204-89, college: Charleston, agency: Interperformances) responded with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds and Slovenian center Salih Nuhanovic (208-82) scored 15 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Defending champion maintains first position with 18-1 record. Levice at the other side keeps the seventh place with ten games lost. CEZ Nymburk will play against B&W Opava (#12) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Levice will play against USK Praha (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Levice: S.Nuhanovic 15+8reb+1ast, J.Simmons 13+10reb+2ast, R.Grznar 8+6reb+1ast, B.Fields 8+3reb+1ast, R.Nuber 7+1reb+2ast, T.Mrvis 5+3reb+1ast
CEZ Nymburk: L.Palyza 11+3reb+1ast, P.Benda 10+5reb+3ast, J.Welsch 10+1reb+3ast, R.Rancik 10+9reb, A.Naymick 9+5reb+1ast, M.Pavkovic 8+2reb+7ast
gschID: 183048


USK Praha - BK Decin 59-66

No shocking result in a game when sixth ranked BK Decin (10-8) beat on the road 9th ranked USK Praha (8-12) 66-59 on Thursday. USK Praha was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. BK Decin made 22-of-27 free shots (81.5 percent) during the game. USK Praha was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Bosnian forward Admir Alic (197-84) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points. American guard Levell Sanders (189-75, college: Seton Hall) contributed with 14 points for the winners. BK Decin's coach Pavel Budinsky used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to get some rest. International Lubos Barton (202-80, college: Valparaiso) replied with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds and Congolese-French forward Boris Meno (203-83, college: Davidson, agency: Two Points) added 12 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for USK Praha. BK Decin maintains sixth position with 10-8 record. Loser USK Praha keeps the ninth place with 12 games lost. BK Decin will face BK Lions Hradec (#11) in J.Hradec in the next round where they are favorite. USK Praha will play on the road against Levice and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
USK Praha: B.Meno 12+7reb, L.Barton 11+10reb+1ast, M.Mares 10+2reb+1ast, J.Slavik 9+2reb+1ast, M.Sotnar 7+2reb+5ast, J.Stariat 4+2reb
BK Decin: A.Alic 19+2reb+1ast, L.Sanders 14+4reb+1ast, L.Stria 12+4reb+3ast, R.Landa 6+4reb, P.Sedmak 6+3reb+1ast, J.Houska 4+5reb
gschID: 183047


J.Hradec - Usti n/Labem 85-81 OT

BK Usti nad Labem (#13) forced the game against BK Lions Hradec (#12) into an overtime, but lost by four points 81-85 on Thursday night. The hosts trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 21-17 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time and get a 4-point victory in overtime. BK Lions Hradec forced 28 BK Usti nad Labem turnovers. The winners were led by center Jan Tomanec (205-85) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds and Jan Pavlik (186-78, agency: Court Side) supported him with 22 points. BK Lions Hradec's coach Karel Forejt allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Even 25 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists by American forward Brad Reese (199-88, college: Texas Tech) did not help to save the game for BK Usti nad Labem. American-Polish forward Robert Lewandowski (208-89, college: Texas Tech) added 18 points and 7 rebounds for the guests. BK Lions Hradec (6-13) moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with B&W Opava. BK Usti nad Labem lost eighth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 16 games lost. BK Lions Hradec will meet higher ranked BK Decin (#6) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. BK Usti nad Labem will play against the league's second-placed NH Ostrava (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Usti n/Labem: B.Reese 25+8reb+4ast, R.Lewandowski 18+7reb, S.Licartovsky 12+4reb+4ast, T.Hruby 9+5reb, A.Pistecky 8+5reb+3ast, J.Krakovic 6+8reb+2ast
J.Hradec: J.Pavlik 22+1reb+1ast, J.Tomanec 20+10reb, E.Eisman 9+3reb+4ast, R.Zachrla 8+7reb+1ast, T.Voslajer 7+5reb+1ast, R.Pearson 6+7reb+4ast
gschID: 183046


Svitavy - NH Ostrava 88-75

The most important game in the last round took place in Svitavy between second ranked NH Ostrava (14-6) and eleventh ranked Basketbal Svitavy (7-12) on Thursday night. NH Ostrava was defeated by Basketbal Svitavy on the road 75-88. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Basketbal Svitavy's pressure prevailed and they won that period 24-15 extending their advantage to 13 points. Basketbal Svitavy outrebounded NH Ostrava 45-24 including a 32-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. American point guard Michael Deloach (183-86, college: Norfolk St.) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 39 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Jiri Jelinek (203-87) contributed with 15 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Basketbal Svitavy's coach Lubomir Ruzicka used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American point guard Rahsaan Ames (184-78, college: Shaw) replied with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 6 rebounds and 12 assists and his fellow American import guard Chadwick-Farrell Barnes (190-83, college: New Orleans) added 13 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for NH Ostrava. Five NH Ostrava players scored in double figures. Basketbal Svitavy moved-up to tenth place. NH Ostrava at the other side keeps the second position with six games lost. Basketbal Svitavy are looking forward to face higher ranked BK Prostejov (#5) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. NH Ostrava will play against BK Usti nad Labem and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
NH Ostrava: L.Jurecka 14+1reb, J.Stehlik 13+3reb, C.Barnes 13+7reb+2ast, R.Ames 12+6reb+12ast, J.Greene 12+7reb, F.Zbranek 7+2ast
Svitavy: M.Deloach 39+10reb+4ast, P.Mroz 16+7reb+1ast, J.Jelinek 15+9reb+1ast, L.Moravec 7+3reb+2ast, T.Teply 5+1ast, T.Macela 5+1reb+2ast
gschID: 183045



Deloach's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

26-year old point guard Michael Deloach (183-PG-86) had a very impressive game in the last round for Svitavy and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 20.
He had a double-double of 39 points and 10 rebounds, while his team beat NH Ostrava (#2, 14-6) 88-75. Svitavy is placed at 10th position in Czech Republic league. Svitavy is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 7-12 record. In the team's last game Deloach had a remarkable 90.0% from 2-point range and got five three-pointers out of 10 attempts. He turned to be Svitavy's top player in his first season with the team. Norfolk State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Deloach is in league's top in points (3rd best: 18.4ppg), assists (3rd best: 4.6apg) and averages solid 55.0% FGP and 48.3% from behind 3-point line.

Second best performed player last round was Demarius Bolds (190-G-84, agency: I.D.S. Law) of BC Kolin. He is American guard in his first season at BC Kolin. In the last game Bolds recorded impressive double-double of 29 points and 10 rebounds. Of course he lead BC Kolin to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked B&W Opava (#12, 6-13) 98-77. This victory allowed BC Kolin to move up to 4th position in the standings. His team's 12-8 record is not bad at all. Bolds is a newcomer at BC Kolin and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 17.4ppg (#7). He also registered 6.9 boards per game. Former Missouri Western State College star Bolds is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Brad Reese (199-F-88) of Usti n/Labem (#13). Reese showcased his all-around game by recording 25 points, eight rebounds and four assists in the last round. Despite Reese's great performance Usti n/Labem lost 81-85in overtime to slightly higher-ranked J.Hradec (#11, 6-13). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Usti n/Labem can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have extremely bad season and 3-16 record places them at the very bottom of the standings. Too bad for Reese he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Reese has individually a great season in Czech Republic. After 19 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 17.1ppg (8th best). Reese attended one of camps at Eurobasket Summer League on his way to pro basketball.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Jakub Sirina (185-G-87) of B&W Opava - 23 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists
5. Jeremy Simmons (204-F-89) of Levice - 13 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Corey Muirhead (197-F-83) of BK Pardubice - 15 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Jakub Blazek (203-F-80) of B&W Opava - 22 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Pawel Mroz (215-C-84) of Svitavy - 16 points and 7 rebounds
9. Salih Nuhanovic (208-C-82) of Levice - 15 points and 8 rebounds
10. Rahsaan Ames (184-PG-78) of NH Ostrava - 12 points, 6 rebounds and 12 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)


*****************************************************
  D-LEAGUE   

Standings

D-League Standings
East Conference
 1. Maine RC 10-6 
 2. Santa Cruz W. 9-3 
 3. Sioux Falls S. 9-6 
 4. Canton C. 9-8 
 5. Erie Bay H. 8-5 
 6. Ft.Wayne MA 6-10 
 7. Iowa E. 5-7 
 8. Springfield A. 4-9 
West Conference
 1. Texas L. 9-5 
 2. Bakersfield J. 9-6 
 3. Tulsa 66ers 8-6 
 4. Rio Grande VV 7-7 
 5. Austin T. 7-9 
 6. Los Angeles D. 5-6 
 7. Reno B. 4-8 
 8. Idaho S. 4-12 

Regular Season: Round 24

Jan. 4: Tulsa 66ers - Idaho S. 99-114
Jan. 4: Maine RC - Erie Bay H. 85-98
Jan. 4: Reno B. - Sioux Falls S. 109-116
Jan. 4: Austin T. - Rio Grande VV 108-118

Regular Season: Round 25

Jan. 5: Maine RC - Canton C.
Jan. 5: Springfield A. - Erie Bay H.
Jan. 5: Ft.Wayne MA - Santa Cruz W.
Jan. 5: Tulsa 66ers - Texas L.
Jan. 5: Los Angeles D. - Sioux Falls S.
Jan. 5: Reno B. - Iowa E.
Jan. 6: Bakersfield J. - Iowa E.


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Chris DOUGLAS-ROBERTS
  Texas L.
  (201-G-87)
  Avg: 22.5
 1. Douglas-R., Texas22.5 
 2. Howard, Ft.Wayne.21.3 
 3. Johnson-Odom, Los21.1 
 4. Goudelock, Sioux F.20.3 
 5. Dentmon, Austin T.19.7 
 6. Mack, Maine RC19.7 
 7. Joseph, Austin T.19.0 
 8. Mays, Springfield19.0 
 9. Fortson, Los A.18.8 
 10. Kennedy, Erie B.18.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Arinze ONUAKU
  Canton C.
  (206-F-87)
  Avg: 11.5
 1. Onuaku, Canton C.11.5 
 2. Mays, Springfield11.4 
 3. Harris, Iowa E.10.3 
 4. Varnado, Sioux F.10.0 
 5. Butch, Bakersfi.9.6 
 6. Evans, Idaho S.9.5 
 7. Wilkerson, Austin8.9 
 8. Jackson, Austin T.8.9 
 9. Johnson, Ft.Wayne.8.9 
 10. Wright, Maine RC8.8 
Assists Per Game
 Chris WRIGHT
  Iowa E.
  (185-PG-89)
  Avg: 7.7
 1. Wright, Iowa E.7.7 
 2. Marshall, Bakers.7.6 
 3. Mack, Maine RC7.5 
 4. Machado, Rio G.7.1 
 5. Singletary, Texas6.3 
 6. Fortson, Los A.6.2 
 7. Russell, Ft.Wayne.6.0 
 8. Temple, Reno B.5.8 
 9. Uzoh, Springfield5.5 
 10. Kennedy, Erie B.5.5 
Steals Per Game
 Jamario MOON
  Los A.
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Moon, Los A.2.8 
 2. Scott, Springfield2.4 
 3. Wright, Maine RC2.4 
 4. Downs, Maine RC2.3 
 5. Sutton, Tulsa 66e.2.1 
 6. Gutierrez, Canton2.1 
 7. Johnson, Rio G.2.0 
 8. Murry, Rio G.2.0 
 9. McNeal, Bakersfi.2.0 
 10. Tyndale, Sioux F.2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Jarvis VARNADO
  Sioux F.
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 3.9
 1. Varnado, Sioux F.3.9 
 2. Melo, Maine RC3.8 
 3. Moon, Los A.2.6 
 4. Flowers, Los A.2.6 
 5. Eyenga, Texas L.2.5 
 6. Reed, Springfield2.3 
 7. Johnson, Ft.Wayne.2.2 
 8. Gladness, Santa C.2.1 
 9. Orton, Tulsa 66ers1.8 
 10. Benson, Erie Bay1.7 


D-Fenders ink Ronald DuPree - by Eurobasket News

Los Angeles D-Fenders agreed terms with 32-year old swingman Ronald DuPree (199-95kg-81, college: LSU, agency: Priority Sports). He was about to sign at Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA, but it seems he will not stay with that team after all. Part of last season DuPree spent at Aget Service in Italian Lega2. In 9 games last year he had very impressive stats: 15.9ppg, 7.2rpg, 2.3apg and 1.8spg. He also played at Regatas Corrientes in Argentinian LigaA earlier that season. In 9 games he recorded 10.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg and 1.0spg. The most of previous (2010-11) season DuPree spent at Utah Flash. In 35 D-League games that year he recorded also great stats: 15.1ppg, 5.7rpg and 2.9apg. Quite impressive season as he was named to Gatorade All-D-League Honorable Mention and All-Defensive 2nd Team. The other team he played shortly were the Raptors. But in two NBA games he recorded just 1.0ppg and 1.5rpg.
In 2003 DuPree was drafted by Gary Steelheads (CBA) in second round (11th overall).
The former Louisiana State University standout is in his tenth season in pro basketball.
DuPree won D-League West Division championship title in 2009.
He has played also professionally in Germany (Telekom Baskets), other NBA teams (Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder and Toronto Raptors) and D-League (Tulsa 66ers).

By Eurobasket Data Center


Maine Red Claws tab Andre Barrett, ex Roanne - by Eurobasket News

Maine Red Claws inked 31-year old former USA international point guard Andre Barrett (175-82, college: Seton Hall, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices). He played most recently at Chorale de Roanne Basket in French ProA. In 15 games last season he recorded 12.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 4.9apg and 1.3spg. A very good season in his career as he was voted to French ProA All-Star Game. Barrett also played 8 games in EuroChallenge where he averaged 12.1ppg, 1.9rpg and 5.8apg.
In 2005 (a year after he left the college) Florida Flame selected him as first overall pick in D-League draft.
He attended Seton Hall University until 2004 and it will be his ninth season in pro basketball.
Among other achievements Barrett won Spanish ACB championship title in 2009. He received also All-D-League 2nd Team award back in 2008.
Barrett was also a member of USA international program for some years. He played for USA Senior National Team back in 2003 and previouslyfor University National Team in 2001. Barrett represented USA at the Pan American Championships ten years ago. His team got to the Semifinals.
Barrett is a very experienced player. He has played also professionally in Germany, NBA (Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, LA Clippers, Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors), Spain (Regal FC Barcelona) and D-League (Idaho Stampede, Austin Toros and Bakersfield Jam).

By Eurobasket Data Center


Four games on Friday night in the League - by Eurobasket News

Reno B. - Sioux Falls S. 109-116
The Reno Bighorns (4-8) fell to the Sioux Falls Skyforce (9-6) 116-109 Friday night in Reno. The Bighorns and Skyforce played close throughout. There were 18 lead changes and the game was tied 17 times. The biggest lead for the Bighorns was seven points and eight for the Skyforce. Marcus Landry (6'7''-F-85, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wisconsin) led the Bighorns with 20 points and nine rebounds. The 'Horns had five other players in double figures, Antoine Wright (19), Jerome Jordan (17), Kevin Murphy (16), Walker Russell (17), and Dar Tucker (14). The Skyforce were led by Demetris Nichols (6'9''-F-84, college: Syracuse)' 25 points and six rebounds. Newly-acquired guard Donald Sloan (6'3''-G-88, college: Texas A&M) added 22 points. Miami Heat assignee, Dexter Ptitman, had 18 points for Sioux Falls. Courtesy of: oursportscentral.com

Austin T. - Rio Grande VV 108-118
The Rio Grande Valley Vipers beat the Austin Toros 118-108 on Friday at Cedar Park Center. The Vipers' Andrew Goudelock (6'3''-G-88, college: Charleston) led all scorers with 30 points and three assists. The Vipers (7-7) had six players finish in double figures. Terrence Jones (6'9''-F-92, college: Kentucky) finished with 20 points and five rebounds, and Tim Ohlbrecht (6'11''-F/C-88) (18 points and 14 rebounds) and Toure' Murry (10 points, 10 rebounds) each finished with double-doubles. Christopher Johnson contributed 13 points, five steals and five rebounds, and Vernon Macklin scored 11 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Spurs assignee Cory Joseph (6'3''-PG-91, college: Texas) led the Toros with 26 points, six rebounds and four assists. Jamarr Sanders added 18 points, and Rick Jackson contributed another double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Spurs assignee Nando De Colo contributed 15 points, nine assists and six rebounds. JaMychal Green scored 16 points and pulled in three rebounds off the bench. The Toros (7-9) head to Reno, Nev., for the NBA D-League Showcase. They take on the Santa Cruz Warriors at noon Tuesday, Jan. 8. Austin returns home to face the Texas Legends at 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13. Courtesy of: brownsvilleherald.com

Tulsa 66ers - Idaho S. 99-114
Sean Evans (6'8''-F-88, college: St.John's) had 21 points and 12 rebounds and Solomon Alabi added 10 points and 11 rebounds off the bench as the Idaho Stampede won their third consecutive game, beating the Tulsa 66ers 114-99. Idaho shot 52.3 percent in the win, a season high, while taking just nine three-pointers (making four). Justin Holiday (6'6''-F-89, college: Washington) had 19 points, eight assists and three steals while Josh Owens added 16 points and six rebounds. Durrell Summers totaled 15 points and six rebounds and recent addition Carlon Brown had 15 points off the bench for Idaho (4-12). The Stampede collected 16 offensive rebounds, enhancing their offensive output, and took 31 free throws. Coby Karl added nine points and eight assists. The Stampede defense was just as strong, holding Tulsa (8-6) to just 41.2 percent from the floor. The three assigned players from the Oklahoma City Thunder (Jeremy Lamb, Perry Jones and Daniel Orton) were held to 11-of-38 shooting, including a 3-of-18, 12-point performance from 2012 lottery pick Lamb. Jones and Orton had 12 and 10 points, respectively. Andrew Rautins (6'4''-G-86, college: Syracuse) and Dominique Sutton (6'5''-F-86, college: N.C.Central) (16 rebounds) led the way for the 66ers scoring 18 points apiece. Hollis Thompson added 16 off the bench. Idaho capitalized in the paint and on the break, doubling up Tulsa in points in the paint 72 to 36, while they held a 24-9 advantage in fastbreak points. The Stampede led by as many as 20 and never trailed in the second half, as they shot nearly 58 percent from the floor in the final two quarters. Courtesy of: oursportscentral.com

Maine RC - Erie Bay H. 85-98
Kyle Goldcamp (6'10''-F-86, college: Gannon) led a balanced attack with 16 points and the Erie BayHawks used a big second quarter to take control on the way to a 98-85 victory over the Maine Red Claws in an NBA D League game tonight. The BayHawks improved to 8-5 heading into Saturday night's game against Springfield. Tirrell Baines (6'6''-F-86, college: Marshall) scored 15 points for Erie, which shot 49 percent from the floor and outrebounded Maine 57-38. D.J. Kennedy finished with 11 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and four steals for the BayHawks, who also got 12 points from Henry Sims and 10 from Keith Benson. DaJuan Summers (6'8''-F-88, college: Georgetown) led Maine with 19 points. Courtesy of: goerie.com


BayHawks trade pair in 3-team deal - by Eurobasket News

Donald Sloan (6'3''-G-88, college: Texas A&M) won't make another run at the NBA with the Erie BayHawks. The BayHawks (7-5) traded Sloan's rights and Mychel Thompson (6'7''-F-88, college: Pepperdine) to the Sioux Falls Skyforce Thursday as part of a three-team deal heading into today's 7 p.m. game at Maine (10-5). Sloan, who was waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers last month, indicated he didn't want to return to Erie. " (It's) nothing against (coach) Gene Cross," said Sloan, who averaged 20.6 points in nine games with Erie last season. "I definitely wanted to play for him. Nothing against (assistant) Ben McDonald. He's a great guy. Just on the other side of things, I felt like I needed to be elsewhere." A 6-foot 3-inch, 205-pound point guard, Sloan, 24, declined to specifically say why he didn't want to return to Erie, but indicated he and the franchise weren't on the "same page." "Some other stuff had happened there," Sloan said. "Some stuff didn't happen that was supposed to happen. I just felt like I need to go somewhere else." Erie received Mike Singletary and a second-round pick in the 2013 D-League draft from Rio Grande Valley. A 6-foot 6-inch, 220-pound forward out of Texas Tech, Singletary, 24, averaged 13.4 points and 5.5 rebounds and shot 44.4 percent from 3-point range in 13 games with the Vipers. "You're getting a physical wing that attacks," Cross said. "In getting him here, you've got a really good all-around player." Cross said Singletary, who will make his Erie debut today, can take pressure off D.J. Kennedy. "You try to do what's best for your team," Cross said. "We felt bringing Mike in was going to be best for our group." The Skyforce sent guard Andrew Goudelock (6'3''-G-88, college: Charleston) to the Vipers. A 6-foot 3-inch guard, Goudelock, 24, averaged 20.3 points in 14 games with the Skyforce. In explaining why Erie traded Sloan's rights, Cross said it was a matter of being uncertain about whether Sloan would be in Erie for an extended period of time. "If you bring a player like Donald in, it's a gamble on your part," Cross said. Calling Sloan "an NBA player," Cross said he and BayHawks general manager Allan Houston were concerned about waiving a player to add Sloan and then watching Sloan get called back up to the NBA. "I don't necessarily think Donald is going to be here and I don't think Allan thought he was as well, based on what we were hearing," Cross said. Cross even referenced to last season, when Erie got veteran guard Mike James, who played seven games for Erie before joining the Chicago Bulls. He ended the season with the Bulls. Cross said they talked with several teams about Sloan in the last couple of days. "There's a calculated risk in all scenarios," Cross said. "We felt that the risk of losing him and facing him again was less than bringing him in and the possibility of losing him and disrupting the continuity of our group. We already have enough moving pieces as it is." Sloan ended last season with the Cavaliers. He averaged four points in 20 games with the Cavs this season before getting waived Christmas Day. "It's definitely a business," Sloan said. "They told me I did everything they wanted me to do. They were making changes to the roster. I could end up back there after they finish making changes to the roster." Sloan was on a non-guaranteed contract. The Cavs picked up Shaun Livingston (6'7''-G-85) off waivers. Livingston was waived by the Washington Wizards. "They did it in a very good way," Sloan said. "The Cavs gave me a great opportunity. I wouldn't be surprised if I ended up going back to Cleveland." Sloan said he feels good about playing for Sioux Falls (8-6), which plays Erie two more times Feb. 8-9 at Erie Insurance Arena. The BayHawks lost at Sioux Falls 103-89 Dec. 7. " (It's) a very talented team," Sloan said. " (They) have some great players. I'm just trying to go in and see if I can fit and jell." Thompson, 24, was in his second season with Erie. A third-round pick of the BayHawks in the 2011 draft, the 6-foot 7-inch, 215-pound forward averaged 10.3 points for Erie this season. Along with trading Thompson and the rights to Sloan, the BayHawks also placed Erik Daniels back on their 10-man roster. Daniels missed Erie's past six games with ankle and hand injuries. As Erie's top pick in its 2008-09 expansion season, the 6-foot 8-inch, 215-pound Daniels, 30, is averaging 4.2 points in five games. To make room for Daniels, the BayHawks placed rookie Brandon Bowdry on their inactive list. A 6-foot 6-inch, 220-pound forward, Bowdry, 24, averaged a point per game in 10 games with Erie. Erie has seven days to either waive or trade Bowdry or address why he's inactive. Courtesy of: goerie.com


Texas Legends tab Michael James - by Eurobasket News

Frisco Texas Legends inked 38-year old guard Michael James (184-75, college: Duquesne). He played most recently at Chicago Bulls in the NBA. In 11 games last season he averaged 4.8ppg and 2.6apg. He helped them to win the Central Division title. James also played at Erie Bay Hawks that season. In 6 D-League games last year he had very impressive stats: 20.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 5.0apg and 1.2spg. The most of previous (10-11) season he spent at Aliaga Petkim in Turkish TBL. In 11 games that year he had 12.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.5apg and 1.3spg. The other team James played that season for was Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank in Chinese CBA. In 8 games he had also great stats: 27.9ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.5apg and 2.6spg.
He has played also in Austria, France and other NBA team (New Orleans Hornets, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors and Minnesota Timberwolves).
James is close to retirement age as a player. It may be one of last seasons in his extensive career, which he may end at Texas Legends.
James attended University of Duquesne until 1998 and it will be his 15th (!!!) season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


*****************************************************
  ERITREA   


Taking a quick look how the Eritrean diaspora has fared - by Kristian Santiago

Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Washington St.) scored 11 points in a 82-64 rout against Malage for Valencia in the Spanish ACB just before christmas.
The U.S:-born guard is currently averaging 10,6 ppg, most of it coming from 3-pointers.
Jonathan Mesghna (198-F-89) secured a starting-spot on the team of the University of Maine in the NCAA.
Being also specialised on 3-pointers, he Germany-born Mesghna is averaging 7,4 ppg and 41,7 % from beyond the arc for the Black Bears.
The former Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt - development guard recently scored 13 points against Quinnipac and is going to have another year of eligibility on the collegiate level.
Joey Habtemariam (175-PG), a point-guard for Northwestern College, is currently coming off the bench to provide a couple of 3's as well as assists in his freshman-season for the Raiders.
Robel Atoberhan (188-F-85) is still active in Munich, Germany these days. In a 82-68 winner over Dachau in the Regionalliga, Atoberhan collected eight points, six rebounds and 10 assists for Muenchen Basket.
Other Germany-based players like Dahlak Tesfahiwet (G), Quflom Teschm (182-G-82), Joe Tesfaldet (186-G-80) and Robel's brother Alexander Atoberhan (189-G-85) retired over the last year.


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  ESTONIA   

Standings - KML

KML Standings
 1. Tarvas 13-4 
 2. TU/Rock 11-0 
 3. Kalev/Cramo 9-5 
 4. Valga 7-7 
 5. TTU 6-7 
 6. Rapla 6-7 
 7. Parnu 5-9 
 8. Tln Kalev 3-12 
 9. Hito/Johvi 1-12 

Regular Season: Round 13

Jan. 4: Parnu - Kalev/Cramo 71-76
Jan. 4: Tln Kalev - Valga 54-80
Jan. 5: Rapla - TU/Rock
Jan. 5: Hito/Johvi - TTU
Jan. 5: Rapla - TU/Rock
Jan. 6: Parnu - Tln Kalev
Jan. 6: TTU - Valga


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Maris LAKSA
  Tarvas
  (205-F-81)
  Avg: 17.1
 1. Laksa, Tarvas17.1 
 2. Tamm, Tarvas16.2 
 3. Campbell, Tln Kalev15.8 
 4. Lindmets, Tarvas15.7 
 5. Akenparg, TTU15.4 
 6. Matulionis, Parnu15.2 
 7. Okoye, Tln Kalev14.5 
 8. Pilk, Rapla14.5 
 9. Peciukeviciu., Par.13.8 
 10. Laur, Hito/Johvi13.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Rain RAADIK
  Parnu
  (208-C-89)
  Avg: 11.5
 1. Raadik, Parnu11.5 
 2. Okoye, Tln Kalev10.4 
 3. Lindmets, Tarvas9.4 
 4. Trumm, Hito/Johvi8.8 
 5. Grafs, Valga7.0 
 6. Ringmets, Rapla6.9 
 7. Arnold, TTU6.8 
 8. Cunda, Valga6.8 
 9. Keedus, TTU6.7 
 10. Grim, Valga6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Reimo TAMM
  Tarvas
  (185-PG-84)
  Avg: 5.2
 1. Tamm, Tarvas5.2 
 2. Peciukeviciu., Par.5.2 
 3. Keedus, TTU5.0 
 4. Cunda, Valga4.3 
 5. Campbell, Tln Kalev3.9 
 6. Saare, Hito/Johvi3.8 
 7. Laane, Rapla3.7 
 8. McLeod, Kalev/Cr.3.5 
 9. Pilk, Rapla2.8 
 10. Akenparg, TTU2.3 
Steals Per Game
 Reimo TAMM
  Tarvas
  (185-PG-84)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Tamm, Tarvas2.6 
 2. Laane, Rapla2.5 
 3. Akenparg, TTU2.1 
 4. Peciukeviciu., Par.2.0 
 5. Campbell, Tln Kalev1.7 
 6. Keedus, TTU1.7 
 7. Pilk, Rapla1.6 
 8. Okoye, Tln Kalev1.5 
 9. Cunda, Valga1.5 
 10. Lindmets, Tarvas1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrew ARNOLD
  TTU
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Arnold, TTU1.3 
 2. Saarmets, TTU0.8 
 3. Saks, Tarvas0.7 
 4. Matulionis, Parnu0.7 
 5. Grim, Valga0.6 
 6. Raadik, Parnu0.6 
 7. Okoye, Tln Kalev0.6 
 8. Tambre, Hito/Johvi0.5 
 9. Lindmets, Tarvas0.4 
 10. Nurger, Rapla0.4 


BSBC 2013 (U16): Finland cruise past Estonia - by Eurobasket News

Estonia - Finland 45:77

Finland celebrated the second consecutive victory at the Baltic Sea Basketball Cup tournament. They shot down hosting Estonia to improve at 2-0 record. Lassi Nikkarinen (176-PG-97) provided 14 points to lead the charge.
Finland jumped to an early lead. They accumulated a 20:9 advantage after ten minutes. Finland maintained the lead throughout the second term. They established a 39:20 halftime advantage. Finland held Estonia to 10 points in the third quarter to boost the lead to 26-point mark. Finland stayed confident throughout the fourth frame and cruised to the victory. Lauri Markkanen (200-PF-97) chipped in 10 points for the winners. Robert Valge (187-SF-97) answered with 8 points for Estonia. Kregor Hermet (195-PF-97) had 6 points in the loss.

Estonia: Robert Valge 8, Kregor Hermet 6
Finland: Lassi Nikkarinen 14, Lauri Markkanen 10, Riku Laine (194-G-97) 9


BSBC 2013 (U18): Saimon Sutt paces Estonia past Finland - by Eurobasket News

Estonia - Finland 90:83

Estonia claimed the second win in a row at the start of the Baltic Sea Basketball Cup tournament. The hosts held off Finnish counterparts to stay undefeated. Saimon Sutt (198-SG-95) came up with 31 points to pace the winners.
Finland erupted for 29 points in the opening quarter to take a 3-point lead. The visitors maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. Finland piled up a 56:52 lead at the interval. Estonia finally adjusted their defence in the third quarter. The hosts limited Finland to 18 points and erased the deficit. The teams entered the fourth frame tied at 74. Estonia held their opponents 9 points in the final period and snatched a tough win at the end. Sten Olmre (192-SG-95) posted 14 points, while Karl-Martin Kask (206-F-95) chipped in 13 points for the winning side. Henri Niemisto (194-G-96) responded with 22 points for Finland. Miikka Mikkonen (193-F-95) provided 13 points in the losing case.

Estonia: Saimon Sutt 31, Sten Olmre 14, Karl-Martin Kask 13
Finland: Henri Niemisto 22, Miikka Mikkonen 13


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  EUROLEAGUE   

Standings

Euroleague Standings
Group E
 1. CSKA 2-0 
 2. Real Madrid 2-0 
 3. Zalgiris 1-1 
 4. Unicaja 1-1 
 5. Panathinaikos 1-1 
 6. Anadolu Efes 1-1 
 7. ALBA 0-2 
 8. Brose Bask. 0-2 
Group F
 1. Caja Laboral 2-0 
 2. Khimky 2-0 
 3. Montepaschi 2-0 
 4. FCB Regal 1-1 
 5. Olympiacos 1-1 
 6. Besiktas 0-2 
 7. Fener.Ulker 0-2 
 8. Maccabi T-A 0-2 
Stage One Standings

Top 16: Round 2

E

Jan. 3: Anadolu Efes - Panathinaikos 78-64
Jan. 4: Zalgiris - Unicaja 75-63
Jan. 3: Brose Bask. - Real Madrid 67-82
Jan. 4: ALBA - CSKA 57-75

F

Jan. 4: Fener.Ulker - Montepaschi 92-98
Jan. 3: Khimky - FCB Regal 78-65
Jan. 4: Olympiacos - Besiktas 77-64
Jan. 3: Maccabi T-A - Caja Laboral 70-71

Top 16: Round 3

E

Jan. 11: CSKA - Brose Bask.
Jan. 11: Anadolu Efes - ALBA
Jan. 11: Panathinaikos - Unicaja
Jan. 11: Real Madrid - Zalgiris

F

Jan. 11: Caja Laboral - Besiktas
Jan. 11: Montepaschi - Khimky
Jan. 11: FCB Regal - Olympiacos
Jan. 11: Maccabi T-A - Fener.Ulker


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Bobby BROWN
  Montepaschi
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 21
 1. Brown, Montepaschi21.0 
 2. Langford, EA7 A.17.0 
 3. Weems, CSKA16.9 
 4. Nachbar, Brose B.16.4 
 5. Spanoulis, Olympia.16.3 
 6. Schilb, Chalon15.5 
 7. Aradori, Cantu15.0 
 8. Jerrells, Besiktas15.0 
 9. Krstic, CSKA14.6 
 10. Bourousis, EA7 A.14.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Aron BAYNES
  Un.Olimpija
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 9.8
 1. Baynes, Un.Olimpija9.8 
 2. Bourousis, EA7 A.8.3 
 3. Williams, Chalon7.6 
 4. Gordon, Partizan7.5 
 5. Mahalbasic, Asseco6.8 
 6. Khryapa, CSKA6.7 
 7. Lasme, Panathin.6.5 
 8. James, Maccabi T-A6.2 
 9. Bilan, Cedevita6.0 
 10. Hines, Olympiacos6.0 
Assists Per Game
 Bobby BROWN
  Montepaschi
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Brown, Montepaschi5.9 
 2. Planinic, Khimky5.7 
 3. Diamantidis, Panat.5.7 
 4. Spanoulis, Olympia.5.5 
 5. Blassingame, Assec.5.1 
 6. Cook, EA7 Armani5.0 
 7. Farmar, Anadolu4.5 
 8. Teodosic, CSKA4.4 
 9. Tabu-Eboma, Cantu4.2 
 10. Westermann, Parti.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Ricky HICKMAN
  Maccabi .
  (189-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Hickman, Maccabi2.2 
 2. Jaaber, Zalgiris2.1 
 3. Gordon, Anadolu1.8 
 4. Green, Cedevita1.6 
 5. Lucic, Partizan1.6 
 6. Teodosic, CSKA1.6 
 7. McCalebb, Fener.Ul.1.4 
 8. Khryapa, CSKA1.4 
 9. Cook, EA7 Armani1.4 
 10. Djedovic, ALBA1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Stephane LASME
  Panathin.
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Lasme, Panathin.2.1 
 2. James, Maccabi T-A1.6 
 3. Tomic, FCB Regal1.6 
 4. Cusin, Cantu1.4 
 5. Falker, Besiktas1.3 
 6. Ress, Montepaschi1.2 
 7. Khryapa, CSKA1.2 
 8. Vidmar, Besiktas1.2 
 9. Gordon, Partizan1.1 
 10. Ford, Brose Bask.1.1 


Euroleague round 2 (Top 16) best performance: Bobby Brown - by Eurobasket News

American point guard Bobby Brown (188-PG-84) put on an amazing game in the last round for second-ranked Montepaschi, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 2 (Top 16).
The 28-year old player was the main contributor (41 pointsseven assists) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Fener.Ulker (#6, 0-2) 98-92. Montepaschi is placed at 2nd position in Euroleague group F. But it's just the very beginning of the Top 16 and Montepaschi won both games without losing any. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. In the team's last game Brown had a remarkable 66.7% from 2-point range and got four three-pointers out of 6 attempts. He turned to be Montepaschi's top player in his first season with the team. Former California State University, Fullerton star has very solid stats this year. Brown is league's best scorer averaging so far 21.0ppg and is league's best passer with 5.9apg. Brown is in league's top in and averages impressive 40.2% from behind 3-point line.

The second best player in last round's games was 23-year old Bosnia and Herzegovina Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SG-89) of Fener.Ulker. Bogdanovic had a very good evening with 31 points and 4 rebounds. Bad luck as Fener.Ulker lost that game 92-98 to Montepaschi (2-0). The Top 16 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. Bogdanovic is well-known at Fener.Ulker and is a proven leader in his second season with the team.

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Ricky Hickman (189-PG-85) of Maccabi T-A (#8). Hickman scored 18 points and passed five assists. Despite Hickman's great performance Maccabi T-A lost 70-71 to Caja Laboral (#3, 2-0). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Maccabi T-A can only dream about fighting for top spots in group F. They have awful Top 16 losing so far all 2 games. Too bad for Hickman he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Hickman has a very solid season. In 12 games in Euroleague he scored 13.3ppg. He also has 3.3apg, 2.2spg and FGP: 51.5%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91) of Real Madrid - 19 points and 8 rebounds
5. Damir Markota (209-F-85) of Besiktas - 14 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Viktor Sanikidze (203-SF-86) of Montepaschi - 19 points and 8 rebounds
7. Nenad Krstic (212-C-83) of CSKA - 15 points and 3 rebounds
8. Viktor Khryapa (203-F-82) of CSKA - 10 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Emir Preldzic (205-SF-87) of Fener.Ulker - 15 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists
10. Ante Tomic (217-C-87) of FCB Regal - 16 points and 5 rebounds

The Player of the week is chosen 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)


Top 16 Round 2 Results and Stats - by Eurobasket News

Group E
Zalgiris - Unicaja 75-63
Zalgiris claimed the first win at the Euroleague Top 16 round. They overcame Unicaja in Kaunas tonight. Both teams are now tied at 1-1 record in Group E. Zalgiris led by four points after ten minutes 21:17. The teams stayed close throughout the second quarter. Zalgiris managed to secure a 34:30 halftime lead. Unicaja denied the deficit in the third term. Krunoslav Simon put the visitors in front 42:41 with a three-pointer. Kizminskas and Kaukenas returned the lead to Zalgiris as the Lithuanian team entered the fourth quarter up by one point 52:51. Zalgiris quickly cleared off to a safe distance in the fourth frame. They held the Malaga team to just 12 points in the final period and celebrated a well-deserved win at the end. Mindaugas Kuzminskas provided 14 points to pace the home team. Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) added 12 points, while Paulius Jankunas (205-PF-84, agency: Alti Sport) contributed 11 points for the hosts. Earl Calloway and Luka Zoric (211-C-84) answered with 11 points each for Unicaja.

ALBA - CSKA 57-75
CSKA outclass ALBA in Berlin in front of almost 10000 fans. The Russian Champion needed a 75:57 win for a 2-0 record in Group E. The German team fell at 0-2 record. CSKA grabbed 24-13 lead at the first period and never looked behind. The guests added 16-15 in the second frame and led 40:28 at the halftime. Alba replied with 19-17 rally in the third quarter, but could not come closer to the favorites. The team from Moscow finished the game with 18-10 burst in the last stanza for the final success. Teodosic Milos top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Nenad Krstic (212-C-83) added 15. Khryapa Viktor collected 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Aaron Jackson (190-G-86, college: Duquesne) had 9. DaShaun Wood (185-PG-85, college: Wright St.) finished the game with 14 points in defeat and Byars Derrick scored 11.

Anadolu Efes - Panathinaikos 78-64
Anadolu Efes clinched the first win in EuroLeague Top 16 round. They held off Panathinaikos at home arena to improve at 1-1 record in Group E. Jordan Farmar (188-PG-86, college: UCLA) led well-balanced effort with 13 points. Anadolu Efes did not waste too much time in taking the lead. They grabbed control early in the game to post a 24:17 lead ten minutes into it. Anadolu Efes extended the margin in the second quarter. The Turkish side accumulated a 45:32 halftime advantage. The hosts kept Panathinaikos at bay throughout the third quarter. The Hellenes faced a massive 21-point deficit heading into the fourth frame. The Athens team got within 12 points after buckets from Maciulis and Kapono but Vujacic capped the regulation with a jumper to seal 14-point win for the hosts. Lucas had 12 points, while Dusko Savanovic (204-PF-83, agency: Beo Basket) added 11 points in the victory. Michael Bramos answered with 16 points for Panathinaikos. Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) netted 15 points in the loss.

Brose Bask. - Real Madrid 67-82
Real Madrid cruised to the second straight win in Top 16 Euroleague round. They fired past Brose Baskets on the road tonight. Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91) finished with 19 points and 8 rebounds to lead the winners. Real Madrid scored 26 points in the starting quarter to set the tone. The visitors accumulated a 4-point lead after ten minutes. Real maintained the pressure throughout the second quarter. They enjoyed a 47:38 halftime lead. Brose Baskets tried to get back into the game in the third quarter. Bostjan Nachbar (207-PF-80) put the hosts within four with a triple midway through the frame 49:53. Real hung on to establish a 63:57 lead at the final intermission. The visitors tipped off the final frame with an 8:2 run to ensure a 71:59 lead and never looked back en route to the win. Jaycee Carroll (188-G-83, agency: Priority Sports) had 13 points, while Sergio Rodriguez added 11 points and 6 assists for Real. Bostjan Nachbar answered with 19 points for Bamberg. Anton Gavel (188-PG-84, agency: Pro One Sports) finished with 17 points in defeat.

Group F
Olympiacos - Besiktas 77-64
Olympiacos Piraeus leave no chance for Besiktas in the last game of the second round in Top 16. The Greek side won all the quarters of the game for the final 77:64 win. Olympiacos Piraeus started with 20-13 surge and continued their dominance in the whole game. The Greek side posted a 17-14 rally for 10-point halftime advantage. Moreover Olympiacos scored 20 points in the third and the last quarters that was also enough to win the frames. They won the third period 20-19 and finished the game with 20-18. Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) led the way with 18 points and Georgios Printezis posted 14. Konstantinos Sloukas (197-G-90) delivered 9, while Kyle Hines and Acie Law brought 8 apiece. Daniel Ewing ended up with 15 points in the losing effort and Damir Markota (209-F-85) notched 14. Curtis Jerrells produced 13 points in the losing case.

Fener.Ulker - Montepaschi 92-98
Bobby Brown (188-PG-84, college: CS Fullerton) erupts with 41 points against Fenerbahce in Istanbul as his Montepaschi Siena stole an important win. The Italian side grabbed 98:92 victory for 2-0 record in Group E. The Turkish side meanwhile fell at 0-2 record. Both teams scored 26 points in the first period and then the hosts pushed the tempo for good until the end of the first half. Fenerbahce took 51:45 lead at the halftime but could not match the opponents in the second half. The team from Siena needed a 24-22 rally to reduce to 73:69 after three quarters. Montepaschi Siena won the last period 29-19 and sealed a 6-point win. Viktor Sanikidze (203-SF-86) brought 19 points for the winners and Hackett Daniel scored 9. David Moss (196-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana St.) delivered 7 points in a win. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SG-89) answered with 31 points in the losing effort and McCalebb Bo notched 17. Preldzic Emir posted 15, while Sato Romain had 11.

Maccabi T-A - Caja Laboral 70-71
Caja Laboral shock Maccabi in front of 11000 fans in EuroLeague Top 16 Round 2. The Spanish team survived a 71:70 win after 12-point halftime advantage. Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv won the first period 23-20, but failed in the second frame. The Spanish team erupted with 24-9 surge and grabbed a 44:32 deficit. The Israeli team erupted with a massive run in the third period and after 24-6 in it took the lead. They led 58:50 early in the last stanza but could not win the game. Brad Oleson closed a 10-0 run for 60:58 lead and then he brought 69:67 advantage. Nemanja Bjelica top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Brad Oleson posted 10. Milko Bjelica (205-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) added 8, while Andres Nocioni and Fernando San Emeterio scored 7 each. Ricky Hickman (189-PG-85, college: NC-Greensboro) answered with 18 points in defeat, while Darko Planinic added 11. Devin Smith and Sylven Landesberg (198-F/G-90, college: Virginia) delivered 10 points apiece in a loss. Fernando San Emeterio scored the last shot for the winning side, while Yogev Ohayon (187-PG-87) missed the chance to bring the win for the hosts.

Khimky - FCB Regal 78-65
Khimky gained the second straight win at the EuroLeague Top 16 stage. They held off visiting Barcelona tonight to improve at 2-0 record in Group F. Zoran Planinic (198-G-82) provided 16 points and 6 assists for the winners. Khimky dominated from start to finish in this one. Barcelona faced a three-point deficit after ten minutes 18:21. Khimky fired 25 points in the second frame to extend the lead. The hosts ensured a 46:41 advantage at the interval. Barcelona continued to struggle offensively in the absence of Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) in the second half. The Spanish powerhouse accounted for just 14 points in the third period as Khimky stretched the lead to 7 points at the final intermission. The home team opened the fourth frame with 8 points in a row to gain a 15-point lead. Barcelona never got closer than 13 points in the reminder of the contest as Khimky raced to the victory. Vitaliy Fridzon produced 13 points, while Alexey Zhukanenko (210-F-86, agency: Alti Sport) and Paul Davis chipped in 10 points each in the win. Ante Tomic (217-C-87) answered with 16 points for Barcelona. Pete Mickeal had 14 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.


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  FINLAND   

Standings - Division I

1st Standings
Division A
 1. Porvoon Tarmo 11-2 
 2. ToPo 8-4 
 3. Oulun NMKY 8-5 
 4. BC Nokia 7-5 
 5. Tapiolan Honka 7-6 
 6. Huima 5-7 
 7. Pyrinto II 5-9 
 8. SayRi 4-9 
 9. Ura Basket 2-10 
Division B
 1. KaU Koris 11-5 
 2. Jarvenpaa 9-5 
 3. Kerava ET 9-5 
 4. TuNMKY 8-6 
 5. HBA-Marsky 7-7 
 6. BC Jyvaskyla 6-10 
 7. JyWe 5-9 
 8. Espoo Basket 3-11 

Regular Season: Round 15

A

Jan. 4: SayRi - Pyrinto II 80-88
Jan. 5: ToPo - Huima
Jan. 5: BC Nokia - Ura Basket
Jan. 5: Tapiolan Honka - Porvoon Tarmo

B

Jan. 5: BC Jyvaskyla - TuNMKY
Jan. 5: Jarvenpaa - Kerava ET
Jan. 5: KaU Koris - Espoo Basket


Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game
 Brian MOULTRIE
  BC Nokia
  (198-C/F-87)
  Avg: 25.5
 1. Moultrie, BC Nokia25.5 
 2. Richardson, Ura B.24.8 
 3. Ricks, BC Jyvasky.22.8 
 4. Pederson, SayRi22.6 
 5. Mays, Huima21.9 
 6. Clark, Tapiolan Ho.21.1 
 7. Tate, Porvoon20.2 
 8. Tarjanne, Jarvenpaa19.8 
 9. Salminen, TuNM.19.6 
 10. Coleman, ToPo19.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Brian MOULTRIE
  BC Nokia
  (198-C/F-87)
  Avg: 14.8
 1. Moultrie, BC Nokia14.8 
 2. Corpening, BC Jyva.14.8 
 3. Towa, Kerava ET13.6 
 4. Syrjala, KaU Koris12.1 
 5. Keskitalo, JyWe11.3 
 6. Stephens, Huima11.3 
 7. Salminen, TuNM.11.1 
 8. Coleman, ToPo10.9 
 9. Young, Porvoon10.8 
 10. Suotamo, Espoo B.9.8 
Assists Per Game
 Lauri JARVINEN
  KaU Koris
  (185-C-85)
  Avg: 5.3
 1. Jarvinen, KaU Koris5.3 
 2. Ricks, BC Jyvasky.4.8 
 3. Kyllonen, Porvoon4.3 
 4. Herrala, HBA-M.4.3 
 5. Ginty, ToPo3.9 
 6. Viita, Jarvenpaa3.9 
 7. Riihela, BC Nokia3.8 
 8. Russell, Oulun N.3.7 
 9. Mays, Huima3.7 
 10. Harjula, Pyrinto3.6 
Steals Per Game
 La Trice LITTLE
  Kerava ET
  (187-G-79)
  Avg: 3
 1. Little, Kerava ET3.0 
 2. Ricks, BC Jyvasky.2.8 
 3. Michelsen, HBA-M.2.3 
 4. Thomas, SayRi2.3 
 5. Corpening, BC Jyva.2.2 
 6. Herrala, HBA-M.2.2 
 7. Viita, Jarvenpaa2.1 
 8. Richardson, Ura B.2.1 
 9. Andersen, Espoo B.1.9 
 10. Pederson, SayRi1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Harri KESKITALO
  JyWe
  (210-C-90)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Keskitalo, JyWe2.5 
 2. Pulkkinen, Pyrin.2.3 
 3. Woods, BC Nokia1.8 
 4. Corpening, BC Jyva.1.7 
 5. Mua, Kerava ET1.5 
 6. Young, Porvoon1.4 
 7. Suotamo, Espoo B.1.3 
 8. Nuolivirta, HBA-M.1.2 
 9. Salminen, TuNM.1.1 
 10. Stephens, Huima1.1 


1.DIVISION: SayRi waiting help from USA - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Division 1A, round 14: The Christmas break is over also on this level. Riento from Saynatsalo started so well tonight vs Pyrinto II (Tampere) leading 14-2 (in 3:06 minutes) and 17-4 (in 5:21 minutes), but the visitor TP II came back to the game actually already at the end of the opening quarter. SayRi (4-9) was leading by one (44-43) during the half time, but Pyrinto II (5-9) won anyway the game 80-88. SayRi had only one American on the roster. Eryk Thomas (200-C/F-85, college: E.Tenn.St.) led the hosts with 23 points. Team Riento has recently signed with American G Shaquille Johnson (190-G-90, college: Marshall), who has never played in Europe earlier. Johnson will be in Finland first next week. Joni Harjula (189-G-83) led Pyrinto with 26 pts.
SayRi - Pyrinto II 80-88 (44-43). (Eryk Thomas 23/8, Topias Kuukkanen 22, Kosti Naukkarinen 15 - Joni Harjula 26, Jari Pulkkinen 19/18, Osku Heinonen 12).


KORISLIIGA: Kataja defeated KTP again - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, round 20: Kataja (Joensuu) is a better basketball team than KTP (Kotka) right now. Kataja defeated KTP in Joensuu on Dec 28 by 13 points (84-71) and tonight Kataja won over KTP in Kotka by 11 pts 88-99 (47-53). Quarters: 22-32, 25-21, 12-20, 29-26. KTP (14-6) had only three players over 10 points tonight. Sefton Barrett (196-SF-83, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Cent.Michigan) led the hosts with 23 pts. Timo Heinonen (198-F-81) added 23 pts and made his all six 3-pointers! Antwine Williams netted 12 pts. Jukka Matinen (203-F-78) made six points and has now scored 5003 pts during his career. Matinen started on top level in Finland 1995 and has now played 418 games. He is averaging 12,0 ppg. Kataja's three American players combined 50 points. Johnell Smith (180-PG-80, college: New Orleans) led Kataja (15-5) with 20 pts and Jerald Fields (201-F/C-82, college: E.Tenn.St.) punished his old team with a double-double 14pts/10rbs.
KTP - Kataja 88-99 (47-53). (Sefton Barrett 23/7, Timo Heinonen 23, Antwine Williams 12 - Johnell Smith 20, Jonte Flowers 16, Jerald Fields 14/10. A: 1109).
UU-Korihait (Uusikaupunki) has signed with American F Demond Watt (200-F-89, college: Texas A&M-CC). Watt played last season in Sweden (Orebro) averaging 16,6 ppg - 8,5 rpg in 36 contests. This season Watt has been playing in the IBA league (Gary Splash). Watt will arrive in Finland next week.


BSBC 2013 (U18): Saimon Sutt paces Estonia past Finland - by Eurobasket News

Estonia - Finland 90:83

Estonia claimed the second win in a row at the start of the Baltic Sea Basketball Cup tournament. The hosts held off Finnish counterparts to stay undefeated. Saimon Sutt (198-SG-95) came up with 31 points to pace the winners.
Finland erupted for 29 points in the opening quarter to take a 3-point lead. The visitors maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. Finland piled up a 56:52 lead at the interval. Estonia finally adjusted their defence in the third quarter. The hosts limited Finland to 18 points and erased the deficit. The teams entered the fourth frame tied at 74. Estonia held their opponents 9 points in the final period and snatched a tough win at the end. Sten Olmre (192-SG-95) posted 14 points, while Karl-Martin Kask (206-F-95) chipped in 13 points for the winning side. Henri Niemisto (194-G-96) responded with 22 points for Finland. Miikka Mikkonen (193-F-95) provided 13 points in the losing case.

Estonia: Saimon Sutt 31, Sten Olmre 14, Karl-Martin Kask 13
Finland: Henri Niemisto 22, Miikka Mikkonen 13


BSBC 2013 (U16): Finland cruise past Estonia - by Eurobasket News

Estonia - Finland 45:77

Finland celebrated the second consecutive victory at the Baltic Sea Basketball Cup tournament. They shot down hosting Estonia to improve at 2-0 record. Lassi Nikkarinen (176-PG-97) provided 14 points to lead the charge.
Finland jumped to an early lead. They accumulated a 20:9 advantage after ten minutes. Finland maintained the lead throughout the second term. They established a 39:20 halftime advantage. Finland held Estonia to 10 points in the third quarter to boost the lead to 26-point mark. Finland stayed confident throughout the fourth frame and cruised to the victory. Lauri Markkanen (200-PF-97) chipped in 10 points for the winners. Robert Valge (187-SF-97) answered with 8 points for Estonia. Kregor Hermet (195-PF-97) had 6 points in the loss.

Estonia: Robert Valge 8, Kregor Hermet 6
Finland: Lassi Nikkarinen 14, Lauri Markkanen 10, Riku Laine (194-G-97) 9


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  FRANCE   


Andrew Drevo signs at Le Mans, ex Art.Dragons - by Eurobasket News

Le Mans Sarthe Basket (ProA) landed 32-year old American power forward Andrew Drevo (202-113kg-81, college: Nebraska, agency: Warren Sports International). He played recently at Art.Dragons in German BBL league. The last season Drevo played for Artland Dragons (BBL). In 8 games this season he averaged 8.4ppg and 3.6rpg. He also played 2 games in Eurocup where he had 6.5ppg and 2.5rpg. The last season Drevo played at Iowa Energy in D-League. In 52 games last year he had 11.3ppg, 6.3rpg and 2.1apg.
The previous (10-11) season he played at Eisbaeren Bremerhaven in BBL. In 37 games that season he had 9.7ppg, 4.5rpg and 1.3apg.
Among other achievements Drevos team made it to the Bundesliga Semifinals in 2010. He received also Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Honorable Mention award back in 2010.
Drevo is a very experienced player. He has played also professionally in Spain (Girona FC), Germany (New Yorker Phantoms), Sweden (Sodertalje Kings) and France (Etendard de Brest and JSF Nanterre).
Drevo attended University of Nebraska until 2004 and it will be his ninth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


*****************************************************
  GERMANY   


EuroLeague: CSKA outclass ALBA in Berlin - by Eurobasket News

ALBA - CSKA 57:75

CSKA outclass ALBA in Berlin in front of almost 10000 fans. The Russian Champion needed a 75:57 win for a 2-0 record in Group E. The German team fell at 0-2 record.
CSKA grabbed 24-13 lead at the first period and never looked behind. The guests added 16-15 in the second frame and led 40:28 at the halftime. Alba replied with 19-17 rally in the third quarter, but could not come closer to the favorites. The team from Moscow finished the game with 18-10 burst in the last stanza for the final success.
Milos Teodosic (195-PG-87) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Nenad Krstic (212-C-83) added 15. Viktor Khryapa (203-F-82) collected 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Aaron Jackson (190-G-86, college: Duquesne) had 9. DaShaun Wood (185-PG-85, college: Wright St.) finished the game with 14 points in defeat and Derrick Byars (201-G/F-84, agency: Beo Basket, college: Vanderbilt) scored 11.

ALBA: DaShaun Wood 14, Derrick Byars 11
CSKA: Milos Teodosic 17, Nenad Krstic 15, Viktor Khryapa 10+10 rebs, Aaron Jackson 9


Can Elvir Ovcina Continue To Keep The LTi Giessen 46ers A Float In The Beko BBL? - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Every weekend, the Fraport Skyliners meet teams with young hungry athletic players ready to make life uncomfortable for the 2004 Beko BBL champion. In the last weeks, the Fraport Skyliners have tangled with tough players like Mark mr fantastic Dorris who is like an elegant ballerina side stepping into the lane and knows how to drop shots, but just in a less hectic way than 2007 Beko BBL top scorer Derrick Allen, Reggie Redding of the Walter Tigers Tuebingen who is as versatile being able to play the positions one to four like New England Patriots receiver Juan Edelman who is like a swiss army knife being able to play so many positions on the field or FC Bayern Munich forward Robin Benzing who might be the best 208cm small forward in the Beko BBL. However it isnt only these young players that the Fraport Skyliners have to deal with week in and week out, but also a hand full of dinosaurs who continue to pop out their heads being just as aggressive as the young guns. Guys like Chris Ensminger who seems to have a special Ohio anti basketball aging gene inside him or ex Skyliner Bernd Kruel who at 36 keeps goin with his basketball Einstein mind even if his body isnt always on the same page continue to give Beko BBl teams problems. This weekend the Fraport Skyliners meet another grizzled hulk with Elvir Ovcina (212-F/C-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Syracuse) who is 36 and like Kruel just doesnt disappear , but just keeps coming back each season for more banging, scoring and rebounding. Ovcina is a big movable big man from Bosnia and Herzgevonia that is one of the better passers and is playing his seventh season in Germany. He played threes easons in Oldenburg, won a cup in 2005 with Cologne and after seasons in Greece with top team Olympiakos Pireus, the Ukraine and Belgium, he returned back to Germany in 2001 and is playing his third season in Giessen. The last years havent been easy for the LTi Giessen 46ers as they have always been near the bottom of the standings and had to fight financial problems, but that didnt deter Ovcina from always giving his best and coming to play on every night no matter what. The question is why would a player of his caliber and age want to play for a less than average club and risk unwanted grey hairs to appear? I like the management and people. They are all really nice. I like how the organization is trying to build a winner. The fans are also amazing. I remember when I played with Oldenburg and Cologne, it was always most difficult winning in Giessen, stressed Elvir Ovcina. Even though the LTi Giessen 46ers have had more hard times on the basketball court than anyone wants in Giessen, there always seems to be a breath of positive hope when Ovcina is on the court. Ovcina is that type of player that brings that special self confidence and calmness on to the court that can carry over to his teammates. It is also a plus when a guy of his age still gets much respect. Ovcina is the best example like with Chris Ensminger why big men can still play at age 36 and guards cant. Guards lose speed while old men get stronger. Being strong is more important than speed. It presents even more of a problem when a big man like Ovcina can hit the three as well. He is very smart, is a good passer and has a high basketball IQ. Ensminger is more the banger while Ovcina more the finesse player. He is so dangerous in the set play with his pick and pop and his high passing efficiency, warned basketball expert Steven Clauss.

In the 2010-2011 despite losing eight players including key guys like David Teague, Kevin Johnson, and Lorenzo Williams and only keeping two players with Elvir Ovcina and Jannik Freese, the Giessen 46ers jumped out to a 5-2record and was one of the biggest surprises in the BEKO BBL together with Phoenix Hagen in the first two months. The team might not have beat the most glamorous sounding and strong BEKO BBL teams besides the Telekom Baskets Bonn, but they played The EWE Baskets Oldenburg tough and lost a nail bitter to the Brose Baskets Bamberg 81-80, a game where they made a furious comeback and just came up short. "We started playing defense after 30 minutes against Bamberg", stressed Elvir Ovcina. Giessen may not have had the most talented team, but they had achieved one important ingredient early that many teams have problems finding which is that early team chemistry. "We had a complete squad and many people players complimented each other. We had very athletic wing players and big guys with great hands and that take up a lot of space. We knew how to work with each other and we know each time that when we stepped on the court, we were capable of surprising any team in the BEKO BBL", added Elvir Ovcina. In 2009-2010, the team started 0-6 and after six games in 2010-2011 had 4 wins already. "Management did a good job bringing in new players. Only me and Jannik Freese remained. We might not have good results in preseason, but we always knew that if we continued to work hard, we would have success", stressed Elvir Ovcina. "I wasnt surprised by the good Giessen start. They had some talent on their team that came together early", commented Quentin Pryor. "Their strength were their guards who were great and you had a great inside presence with Peacock. As far their weaknesses, I think just consistency", expressed John Bynum. The question remained how well the Giessen 46ers would play if the team sustained an injury or went into a slump. Misfortune hit the club in Frankfurt as Anthony Smith got hurt in the first half in the 82-64 loss. After this loss, it seemed like some nasty plague was stuck in them as the team went on a 13 game losing streak as the team went from the playoffs places to the back places of the standings as quickly as Marv Albert can yelp yessssssssssssss. The team then made changes and some results started to evolve. The team brought in the fire man Michael Jordan to try to save the season and brought in coach Steven Key. "Giessen had been up and down last season but they became a different team , with a new head coach and the addition of MJ, they can play with anyone on any night just like any other team in the BBL", warned John Bynum. Since the arrival of Jordan, the team started to win more games and slowly crawled away from the bottom. The team seemed very solid at the start of the season, but with the addition of new coach Steven key and Jordan and Jeffers, the team seemed to be so much stronger at the end. The LTI Giessen season was saved as they finished the season in 15th place with a record of 9-25. They finished the season losing six of their last seven games, but beat MBC on the second to last game day to save their miserable season.

Every new season, a new saying can be, it can only get better as fans can only hope that something will change and some kind of success will come back to the small university town. The club decided to bring in 29 year old Bjoern Harmsen who was younger than the star players Elvir Ovcina and Maurice Jeffers. Harmsen brought success to MBC, so why couldnt he do the same in Giessen? Back in the 70s, Giessen had nothing to do with cellar duels as they won many German titles, but any dreaming of that is as distant as Kevin Durnant ever was playing for BBC Bayreuth. Our goal was to stay in the league. If we can limit injuries then maybe we can achieve a bit more, added Bjoern Harmsen at the start of the season. Harmsen came to Giessen and did a house cleaning axing eight players, but kept team captain Elvir Ovcina who is getting better with age, but continues to be one of the top centers in the league, fan favorite and x-factor Maurice Jeffers who can always change a game with his play, young German big man Robert Ohle and young developing German point guard Mathias Perl. He brought in MBC players Wayne Bernard who is a Beko BBL veteran and point guard Radenko Pilcevic. Some players didnt work out like Angel Garcia and Bozo Djurasovic, but Harmsen had an ace in his back pocket bringing in more quality with second year man Barry Stewart, athletic rebounder and Euroleague veteran Koko Archibong and flashy Achmadschau Zazai. Harmsen also got a lot of credit for bringing in basketball project Misan Nikabatse who is always remembered for his dunk over Yao Ming in 2002 and seemed to be on his way to the NBA in 2002. His career didnt quite reach the heights that he expected to and he was saved by Harmsen as the German hadnt played professional basketball in the last two years.

Last season the LTi Giessen 46ers needed to win in Hagen on the last game day, but lost and had a record of 9-25 and luckily were able to remain in the Beko BBL with a wild card. Giessen started the season slow with a three game losing streak, but then won a wild 110-109 scoring festival in the Osthalle against the Artland Dragons. They won back to back games in Trier and was the first team that season to beat the Brose Baskets Bamberg at home 68-65. Giessen has been some what unpredictable as they beat Phoenix Hagen at home, but also lost on back to back weekends on the road in Munich and Tuebingen by a combined score of 59 points, but then again should have beat Braunschweig at home losing 63-62 not being able to win game on a last possession. In the Beko BBL, any team can beat any team and Giessen has the potential to always be capable of making surprises. Giessen is a great team that plays tough. They play very well at home and play scrappy. They can move the ball well and have good perimeter shooters with Stewart and Bernard. They also know how to defend and press very well, stressed ex LTi Giessen 46er Michael Umeh last season. One thing that Giessen excels at is their guard play. You need to take away their guard play. They seem to make about 60% of their points from their guards. You also always have to be aware of Elvir Ovcina. I have played against him a lot and he is such a great passer and has great court vision, warned ex Wake Forest player Kyle Visser. Defense also seems to have gelled in the early going as they allowed 75 points or fewer in eight of the first 14 games. Our strength is our defense. If we can keep teams at 75 points, then we always have a good chance to win, added Achmadschau Zazai. Despite the well rounded guard play, point guard Zazai knows where the team could still improve. We have to have better ball movement. We have the least assists in the league, warned Zazai last January. However in the last four months, the team had a record of 4-15 as they couldnt get around the corner to having more success. They suffered two five game losing streaks and lost their last three games. Their biggest win was a 78-65 win in Frankfurt which in a way always makes their season as they are their biggest rival.

A big problem with the organization LTi Giessen 46ers is simply that they have big problems trying to build a good team identity. It is not secret that players come and go everywhere in the Beko BBL except for maybe Bamberg, but in Giessen a annual house cleaning is about as normal as Kevin Love getting a double double. The team said farewell to 11 players during the season and off season and added eight new players. Before any new players were added, they got a new coach with Mathias Fischer who comes from Germany and won titles in Austria with Gmunden and was coach of the year. He had already got his feet wet in the coaching ranks in the Beko BBL being an assistant with Rhein Energie Cologne. Fischer is a coach that likes to develop young players and has given young Germans the chance to get minutes like with Oskar Fassler. As is sometimes the case players come a lot quicker than they stay as was the case with Americans Jimmy Baxter and John Fields. Baxter who is a basketball world traveler and had played in more than 10 countries left early as he was unable to get integrated and John Fields left for the Czech Republic as the big man position was crowded, but currently he is producing 17,6ppg and 9,8rpg. The team also has to say good bye ot Austrian Benjamin Ortner that went to Italy early in the season to play for Montepaschi Siena . The team kept only two players with experienced Elvir Ovcina who still plays like a 28 year old and Achmadschau Zazai who is a quick flashy guard that has been a spark plug in recent weeks. The team added many knows players including a known face in Giessen with Ryan Brooks who had been a rookie in 2010-2011. Last season he was a dominant scorer in Finland. The team took a risk bringing in Dijuan Harris after he had played in lower leagues like Finland and second division Turkey, but he has matured well in the Beko BBL and been solid. The team also brought in some talented Germans with Oskar Fassler who played in Trier, Dominik Spohr who came from Hagen and Andreas Buchert who has Beko BBL experience and played in Ehingen last season in the PRO A. It is never easy filling vacant spots during the season with new players, but Giessen did a good job finding solid players. With three players going the team hauled in inside player Jasmin Perkovic that won the 2009 Beko BBL title with Oldenburg, Laquan Prowell that adds scoring and experience having played in France for the last three years and American Jeffery Bonds like Prowell is another versatile forward that had played in Spain since 2007. The biggest strength of the team is maintaining that fighting mentality that it is known to have. The team is carried by the hardcore fans. The team has talent and can beat any team on any given nigt as was the case with ratiopharm Ulm. They need to find some kind of team chemistry fast if they want to get free from the Beko BBL cellar. Their weakness is simply many no name players, plus the fact that three players left early and three new players came to the team not really helping build the team chemistry faster. So far this season the club has suffered a eight game losing streak. Besides beating Ulm at home, they also were able to beat Bonn at home. A big problem is playing consistent defense as they have allowed 80 plus points eight times. However in a seven game stretch, they allowed only 80 points once. If being near the end of the standings hasnt been enough of a torture, the fans got a rude Christmas gift as shortly after the big win at home against Ulm, the club announced that it has filled for bankruptcy. The team will be able to finish out the season, but the future of this traditional team seems to be up in the air.
In the last years, The Skyliners have dominated the Hessen derby posting a 11-3 record. Frankfurt has demonstrated a special confidence and calmness that makes the Osthalle in Giessen look more like their own personal lounge area than a hostile Giessen playground with naughty kids throwing sticks and stones. Who could forget the onslaught before Christmas 2005 as Frankfurt routed Giessen 96 to 63 with seven three pointers from Desmond Ferguson. I had a good rhythm going on in that game and my teammates made a good job getting me the ball. I wasnt able to find my rhythm much while I played in Frankfurt for various reasons, but that game was probably my highlight playing there, added ex Skyliner Desmond Ferguson. Three years ago under the guidance of Charles Barton, Frankfurt won a nail bitter 73 to 67 as Frankfurt showed nerves of steal in the dwindling minutes of the fourth quarter. Two years ago, Frankfurt won a tight game, even though it seemed like they were never in any real danger of losing as Derrick Allen led the team with 19 points and an energized Alex King flew into the arena with a specially made superman cape and steered the team off the bench scoring in double figures. Who could forget the buzzer beater by Karlsruhe German Rouven Roessler in 2007? Well that game winning shot that beat Frankfurt was 34 months ago, and Roessler still has the shot dancing in his dreams. I remember that buzzer beater as if it was yesterday. I got the video clip to the game three weeks ago, said ex Giessen 46er Rouven Roessler. . In the 2008-2009 season, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners won in Giessen 75-57 getting 19 points form Lorenzo Gordon. In Frankfurt, they pounded Giessen 93-72 as Pascal Roller and in 2009-2010, Frankfurt won at home 80-69 getting 22 points from Derrick Allen. The last game against Giessen was a nail bitter win by Frankfurt in Giessen which was won 69-68 as Pascal Roller won the game with 13 seconds to play with two free throws. In the first meeting last season Frankfurt won 82-64 as Giessen was outscored 48-21 in the second half. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were led by Dashaun Wood with 21 points and Roger Powell added 18 points. In the second meeting in Frankfurt, Giessen lost 81-62 as Dashaun Wood scored 26 points. The last time that Frankfurt lost was in December 2002 and they have won the last nine games in a row against Giessen on the road. Last season, the two teams split the season series as the Fraport Skyliners won in Giessen 64-56 as Jermareo Davidson had 16 points and Michael Thompson 13 points. In the return date, the LTi Giessen 46ers got revenge winning in Frankfurt 78-65. This Saturday will showcase a real cellar duel with the 18th LTi Giessen 46ers playing 16th ranked Fraport Skyliners. The LTi Giessen 46ers have been playing better as of late having won two of their last three games including a huge win at home against ratiopharm Ulm. The Fraport Skyliners are coming off a loss against FC Bayern Munich and this is another must win for them. The key to success remains their bread and butter. This is a must win for us. We cut down the scoring average of Munich 36 points. If we can do the same to Giessen then we should have a good chance of winning, smiled Fraport Skyliner guard Devin Gibson.

The Lti Giessen 46ers are led by Ryan Brooks. Brooks is back in Giessen after playing his rookie season there in 2010-2011 as he played 34 games: 9.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 75.5%. Brooks is a 24 year old 193cm guard that played at Temple (NCAA) from 2006-2010. In his senior year, he played 35 games: 14.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 81.0%. He played a total of 127 NCAA games. Last season he played for Namika Lahti (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five): 40 games: 18.6ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 81.6%. Laquan Prowell is a 28 year old 203cm forward from Montgomery, Alabama that is playing his first season in the Beko BBL. Prowell is a superb athlete and leaper, versatile player who can score off the post up, dribble, and also from 3-point range. He played at Furman from 2003-2005 and continued his NCAA career at Auburn from 2005-2008 where he played with Fraport Skyliner Quantez Robertson. He came to Europe and gained experience in Turkey, Greece and played in France the last three seasons. Last season he played for Saint Vallier Basket Drome (France-ProB, starting five): 27 games: 15.1ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 60.2%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 83.7%; in May'12 moved to ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-ProA): 6 games: 4.3ppg, 1.2rpg. He played with ex Skyliner Ilian Evtimov helping Chalon win the French PRO A title. 36 year old 211cm power forward/center Elvir Ovcina who came late to the Giessen 46ers in the 2009-2010 season is playing his fourth season in Giessen. He is a movable center, who passes and scores well. He played at Syracuse (NCAA) from 1995-1999 and played a year together with ex NBA player John Wallace reaching the NCAA final in 1996 losing to Kentucky. He played for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg from 2001-2004 and won the BEKO BBL cup with Rhein Energy Cologne in 2005. He had his most success as a player with one team with Ostende winning the league title in 2006 and 2007 and cup in 2008. In 2009-2010 for Giessen, he played 14 games averaging 14.1ppg, 8.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 69.4%. In 2010-2011, he played 34 games: 11.4ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 17.6%, FT: 76.4%. Last season for Giessen he played 33 games: 11.4ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 80.0%.

The team recently acquired Jeffery Bonds who is a 30 year old 199cm forward that is playing his first season in Germany. He is a small forward who can adapt to any style of play. Can shoot the long 3 ball, also can attack inside... all-around player, very good in rebounds. Has the ability to score in a variety of ways. Take pride in defense. He played at Cal-Poly Pomona (NCAA2) from 2001-2005. In his first two seasons as a professional he played in England for the Birmingham Bullets (United Kingdom-BBL) and Sheffield Sharks. He played from 2007-2012 in Spain in the Leb Gold league four years and one season in the Leb silver league. Last season he played for Knet Rioja Clavijo (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five): 33 games: 10.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 70.0%. The team also brought in Dijuan Harris who is a 26 year old 175cm gurad from Charlotte, North Carolina that is playing his third professional season and first in Germany. He played for Hillsborough CC (NJCAA) in 2006-2007. He finished his NCAA career for Charlotte from 2007-2010. In his senior year he played 31 games: 8.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 4.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 73.3%. In 2010-2011, he was a rookie playing for Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five), left in Nov.'10: 11 games: 19.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 75.0%. Last season he played for Usak Universitesi Belediye %. spor (Turkey-TB2L, starting five): 36 games: 14.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 23.4%, FT: 72.9%. Quick 26 year old 177cm Achmadschah Zazai is playing hiss econd season for the LTi Giessen 46ers who has already played for 11 teams in his still young career. He started his basketball career at TUS Lichterfelde in 2003. From 2005-2011, he played for teams like SG FT/MTV Braunschweig, : BSG Ludwigsburg, Bremen Roosters, Horsens IC (Denmark), Telemotive Muenchen, Artland Dragons, TV Langen, USC Freiburg and BV Chemnitz 99 (Germany-ProA). Last season for Giessen he played 27 games: 3.1ppg, 1.1rpg, 2.0apg.
Oskar Fassler is a 24 year old 198cm guard is playing his first season with Giessen and also comes from the Alba Berlin fraction. He played for TUS Lichterfelde Berlin (Regionalliga) from 2004-2006. He joined Alba Berlin in 2006 and played there until 2009. He also was a young player that didnt get a real chance as he was sitting on the bench. He only played 22 BEKO BBL games. In 2009-2010, he started with Alba Berlin and then moved to Science City Jena (ProA, starting five): 12 games: 9.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 77.8%, also played at Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (1.Bundesliga): 4 games: 4.3ppg, 2.0rpg. In 2010-2011 for TBB Trier he played 25 games: 5.8ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 59.1%He was a part of the German U-18 and U-20 teams and played at the European Championships U20 Division B in Targu Mures (Romania) -08: (Champion): 7 games: 3.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.4apg. Lasts eason for TBB Trier he played 31 games: 2.6ppg, 1.8rpg. The team also added Dominik Spohr who is a 23 year old 198cm forward from Hagen. He started his basketball career in 2004 for BBV Hagen (Regionalliga) where he played until 2007. He then played for Phoenix Hagen from 2007-2012. Last season for Phoenix Hagen he played 30 games: 1.9ppg, 1.4rpg; played also for BG Hagen (Regionalliga): 6 games: 13.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.2apg. He played a total of 64 Beko BBL games for Phoenix Hagen. The team also added 25 year old 208cm forward Andy Buchert who comes from Trier. He got experience playing in the States first for : Tallahasse CC from 2005-2007. He then played fro Winthrop from 2007-2010. In 2010-2011 he turned professional and played for Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (1.Bundesliga): 1 game: 0pts, 1reb, 1ast, 1block, in Dec.'10 moved to Phoenix Hagen (1.Bundesliga): 9 games: 3.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.6bpg; left in Feb. '11. Last season he played for Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (ProA): 27 games: 11.3ppg, 7.0rpg, FGP: 53.1%, FT: 55.2%.




Dominique Johnson Leaves The Duesseldorf Giants - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


PRO A team Duesseldorf Giants have announced today that the team will head into the second half of the season without Dominique Johnson (177-PG-87, college: N.Texas) Johnson is a 25 year old 177cm guard from Kansas City, Missouri that was playing his rookie season in Germany. The American decided to head back home on account of personal reasons. He had played at N.Texas (NCAA) and in his senior year played 33 games: 10.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 85.7%. He came to Duesseldorf with a lot of expectations, but didnt average more than 7,3 minutes in 12 games. He averaged 1,9ppg and 1,0rpg while shooting a solid 44,4% from the three point line. His best game was 10 points in 11 minutes against Cuxhaven.

Source: Duesseldorf Giants



Adam Waleskowski Moves To The Duesseldorf Giants - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

When Turkish head coach Murat Didin talks about bringing the Duesseldorf Giants back to the Beko BBL, he isnt kidding or choking on yummy Doner food, but he is doing everything in his power to make the team better and get it back to the best league in Germany and he made another giant step in that direction by getting Adam Waleskowski (204-F-82, agency: Three Eye Sports, college: Florida St.). Waleskowski is not an unknown player to Germany as he played for BG Goettingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga) in the 2010-2011 season playing EuroCup: 8 games: 3.6ppg, 2.1rpg, left in Feb. '11; German League: 20 games: 8.1ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 76.7%. Last season, he played for Pizza Express Apollon (Cyprus-Division A): 7 games: 6.4ppg, left in Dec.'11, in Mar.'12 moved to Astrum Levice (Czech Rep.-NBL): 9 games: 10.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.6%, FT: 76.5%; played also at Onyx Levice (Slovakia-Extraliga): 4 games: 4.3ppg. Waleskowski is a 30 year old 204cm forward from Ohio that also has the German citzenship. He played for Florida State and in his senior year in 2004-2005, he played 31 games: 8.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 25ast, FGP: 49.2%, 3FGP: 42%. In 2005 he turned professional and played for : Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (Germany-2.Bundesliga) until 2007 where he dominated the league. In 2007-2008, he played for Besancon Basket Comte Doubs (France-ProB, starting five): 26 games: 14.0ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 70.6%. In 2008-2009, he played for JSF Nanterre (France-ProB): 7 games: 7.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 59.5%, FT: 37.5%; left in Nov.'08, in Jan.'09 moved to Achilleas Kaimakliou (Cyprus-Division A, starting five): 11pts, 17reb, 1ast, 1steal, in April '09 signed at Besancon Basket Comte Doubs (France-ProA): 4 games: 4.8ppg. In 2009-2010, he played for Achilleas Kaimakliou (Cyprus-Division A).


Sollazzo commits to Uni-Riesen Leipzig - by Moritz Korff

2. Bundesliga Pro A team Uni-Riesen Leipzig has signed Adam Sollazzo (198-G-90, agency: Edge Sports, college: E.Tenn.St.). The 22-year-old Tampa, Florida, native will replace Harry Marshall (183-G-88, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Indiana St.) who went back to the United States. Marshall saw action in 14 Pro A games this season, averaging 12.6 points and a team-high 3.3 assists per contest.
New recruit Sollazzo is a 2012 graduate of East Tennessee State University (NCAA Division One). He averaged 14.9 points, 5.5 boards, 4.4 assists and 1.6 steals a game for the Buccaneers last season and was named to the 2011-12 All-Atlantic Sun First Team. Sollazzo had a short stint at BC Timisoara following his NCAA career, but left the Romanian side in pre-season.


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  GREECE   


EuroLeague: Olympiacos Piraeus leave no chance for Besiktas - by Eurobasket News

Olympiacos Piraeus- Besiktas JK Istanbul 77:64

Olympiacos Piraeus leave no chance for Besiktas in the last game of the second round in Top 16. The Greek side won all the quarters of the game for the final 77:64 win.
Olympiacos Piraeus started with 20-13 surge and continued their dominance in the whole game. The Greek side posted a 17-14 rally for 10-point halftime advantage. Moreover Olympiacos scored 20 points in the third and the last quarters that was also enough to win the frames. They won the third period 20-19 and finished the game with 20-18.
Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) led the way with 18 points and Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) posted 14. Konstantinos Sloukas (197-G-90) KOSTAS delivered 9, while Kyle Hines (198-F-86) and Acie Law (190-G-85, college: Texas A&M) brought 8 apiece. Daniel Ewing (191-G-83, agency: Alti Sport, college: Duke) ended up with 15 points in the losing effort and Damir Markota (209-F-85) notched 14. Curtis Jerrells (185-G-87, college: Baylor) produced 13 points in the losing case.

Olympiacos Piraeus: Vassilis Spanoulis 18, Georgios Printezis 14, Konstantinos Sloukas 9, Kyle Hines 8, Acie Law 8
Besiktas JK Istanbul: Daniel Ewing 15, Damir Markota 14, Curtis Jerrells 13


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  HOLLAND   


Henk Norel selected the top Dutch playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Dutchs who are currently playing abroad.

Henk Norel
Henk Norel
   #1. This week's number one is an international center Henk Norel (214-87, currently plays in Spain). He was the major contributor in a CAI Zaragoza's victory against the closely-ranked Gescrap BB (10-5) 81-74 in the Spanish ACB in Sunday night's game. Norel scored 16 points, had 5 rebounds and made 2 blocks in 29 minutes on the court. CAI Zaragoza (9-6) is placed sixth in the ACB. Norel has relatively good stats this year: 12.4ppg, 6.3rpg, 2FGP: 61.0%(83-136) and FT: 51.3% in the 15 games he played so far. He is currently a member of the Dutch senior national team.

Robin Smeulders
Robin Smeulders
   #2. Second place goes to an international forward Robin Smeulders (207-87, agency: Court Side, college: Portland, currently plays in Germany). Smeulders contributed to an easy victory against the league outsider LTi 46ers (4-12) 102-86 in the German BBL last Sunday. He recorded 8 points. EWE Baskets Oldenburg (12-5) is placed second in the BBL. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. This season Smeulders averages: 7.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 2FGP: 58.5%(38-65), 3FGP: 28.6% and FT: 77.1%. He has a dual citizenship: Dutch and German. Smeulders is in the roster of the Dutch senior national team.

Thomas van der Mars
Thomas van der Mars
   #3. The Dutch player who performed third best last week abroad was former U20 international center Thomas van der Mars (208-90, currently plays college basketball in the States), who plays in the NCAA. He could not help the Portland (0-1) in their last game. Despite van der Mars' good performance the Portland lost 50-61 on the road to the University of San Diego. He scored 12 points, had 8 rebounds and made 2 blocks in 28 minutes. This year van der Mars' overall stats are: 7.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 2FGP: 58.5%(38-65), 3FGP: 28.6% and FT: 77.1% in the 17 games. He played for the Dutch U20 national team three years ago.

Roeland Schaftenaar
Roeland Schaftenaar
   #4. Power forward Roeland Schaftenaar (211-88, college: Oregon St., currently plays in Spain), who plays in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) was not able to help Leche Rio Breogan (7-6) in their last game on Friday. Despite Schaftenaar's good performance Leche Rio Breogan was defeated 77-69 in Logrono by the lower-ranked CB Clavijo (#7). He recorded 10 points. Schaftenaar's total stats this season are: 7.0ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.8apg. He used to play for the Dutch national team back in 2010.

Kevin van Wijk
Kevin van Wijk
   #5. Former U16 international forward Kevin van Wijk (203-89, currently studies in the States), who plays in the NCAA was not able to secure a victory for the Valparaiso (0-1) in their last game. Despite van Wijk's good performance the Valparaiso lost 54-63 at home to the Loyola University of Chicago. He scored 10 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 25 minutes. This year van Wijk's total stats are: 7.0ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.8apg in the 12 games. He used to play for the Dutch U16 national team eight years ago.

Charlon Kloof
Charlon Kloof
   #6. Point guard Charlon Kloof (190-90, is currently at the American university) couldn't help the St.Bonaventure in their game against the Iona College (1-1) in the NCAA. Kloof scored 7 points and added 8 assists. The St.Bonaventure was badly defeated 93-74 on their home court in St.Bonaventure, NY by the Iona College. Kloof has averaged so far 7.0ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.8apg. He is a former U20 international player as he played for the Dutch team three years ago.

Kadeem Pantophlet
Kadeem Pantophlet
   #7. Former U20 international forward Kadeem Pantophlet (201-90, currently plays college basketball in the States) couldn't help the Duquesne in their game against the The Pennsylvania State University (0-1) in the NCAA. He recorded 9 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. But the Duquesne was defeated 84-74 in University Park, PA by the The Pennsylvania State University. Pantophlet has averaged so far 7.0ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.8apg. He used to play for the Dutch U20 national team four years ago.

Jito Kok
Jito Kok
   #8. Center Jito Kok (206-94, currently plays college basketball in the States) faced previously mentioned Thomas van der Mars in the NCAA last game. Kok managed to help University of San Diego to win against the University of Portland (0-1) 61-50. He scored only 4 points and blocked 3 shots. It's Kok's first season with the team. Kok has averaged so far 7.5ppg, 3.9rpg and 1.1spg. He plays currently for the Dutch U18 national team.

Shane Hammink
Shane Hammink
   #9. U18 international forward Shane Hammink (201-94, currently plays college basketball in the States) contributed to an easy victory against the Houston Baptist University 75-58 in the NCAA in Friday night's game. Hammink scored only 1 points and added 3 passes in 13 minutes. The Louisiana State University has conference record this season. Hammink has averaged so far 7.5ppg, 3.9rpg and 1.1spg in the 15 games. He is a naturalized American. Hammink is also in the roster of the Dutch U18 national team. Strangely he has never played in Holland.

Olaf Schaftenaar
Olaf Schaftenaar
   #10. Center Olaf Schaftenaar (206-93, currently plays college basketball in the States) contributed to an easy victory against the University of Texas-Pan American crushing them 84-59 in the NCAA last Monday. Schaftenaar scored only 3 points. The Oregon State University has conference record this season. Schaftenaar has averaged so far 7.5ppg, 3.9rpg and 1.1spg. He is a former U18 international player as two years ago he still played for the Dutch national team.

The list of other players, who all have Dutch passport but never been selected to any of Dutch national teams:

   #1. Joey van Zegeren McAdam (208-F-90, currently plays college basketball in the States), who plays in the NCAA could not help the Virginia Tech to beat the Brigham Young University (1-0). van Zegeren McAdam recorded 7 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 18 minutes. The Virginia Tech was crushed 97-71 on the road by the Brigham Young University. van Zegeren McAdam has averaged so far 7.0ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.8apg in the 12 games he played so far.

   #2. Josh Duinker (210-F/C-89, college: Richmond, currently plays in Spain) contributed to a Caceres Basket's surprising victory against the third-ranked Meridiano Alicante (8-5) 65-64 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) on Friday night. Duinker recorded 6 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 19 minutes. Caceres Basket (5-8) is placed 12th in the LEB Gold. Duinker has averaged so far 8.6ppg, 4.9rpg and 1.1apg in the 13 games. He has a dual citizenship: Australian and Dutch.

   #3. Devon Van Oostrum (190-G-93, currently plays in Spain) is a teammate of previously mentioned Josh Duinker and both played together in the last Spanish LEB Gold game. Van Oostrum helped Caceres Basket edge the third-ranked Meridiano Alicante (8-5) 65-64. He recorded 6 points. Van Oostrum has averaged so far 9.9ppg, 2.7rpg and 2.5apg. He is another player who holds two passports: Dutch and British.

   #4. Kim Tillie (210-F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Utah, currently plays in Spain) was not able to help UCAM Murcia (24-6) in their game against Asefa Estudiantes (8-7) in the Spanish ACB. Tillie cannot count Sunday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 2 points in 4 minutes on the court. his team was crushed 91-68 at home by the much lower-ranked (#7) Asefa Estudiantes. Tillie has averaged so far 7.5ppg, 3.9rpg and 1.1spg in the 15 games. He has both Dutch and French nationalities.


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  ICELAND   

Standings - Iceland Express League

Express L. Standings
 1. Grindavik 9-2 
 2. Snaefell 8-3 
 3. Stjarnan 8-3 
 4. KR 7-3 
 5. Thor Thorl 7-3 
 6. Keflavik 6-5 
 7. Skallagrimur 4-6 
 8. Njardvik 4-7 
 9. Fjolnir 4-7 
 10. IR 3-8 
 11. Tindastoll 2-8 
 12. KFI 2-9 

Regular Season: Round 11

Jan. 4: Stjarnan - Fjolnir 95-87
Jan. 4: Grindavik - Tindastoll 89-74
Jan. 4: IR - Keflavik 84-111
Jan. 4: Thor Thorl - Skallagrimur 72-76
Jan. 4: Njardvik - Snaefell 70-104
Jan. 4: KR - KFI 104-87

Regular Season: Round 12

Jan. 13: KR - Fjolnir
Jan. 13: Stjarnan - Tindastoll
Jan. 13: Grindavik - Keflavik
Jan. 13: IR - Snaefell
Jan. 13: Njardvik - Thor Thorl
Jan. 13: Skallagrimur - KFI


Stats Leaders (Men)

Points Per Game
 Eric PALM
  IR
  (188-G-87)
  Avg: 26.3
 1. Palm, IR26.3 
 2. Smith, Thor Thorl25.5 
 3. Medlock, Skallagri.23.6 
 4. Zeglinski, Grindav.23.5 
 5. Shouse, Stjarnan22.8 
 6. Broussard, Grind.22.5 
 7. Jonsson, Snaefell22.1 
 8. Craion, Keflavik20.8 
 9. Quaintance, Skalla.20.3 
 10. Vilbergsson, Skal.18.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Marcus VAN
  Njardvik
  (201-F/C-85)
  Avg: 15.5
 1. Van, Njardvik15.5 
 2. Craion, Keflavik13.5 
 3. Quaintance, Skalla.11.8 
 4. Mills, Stjarnan10.3 
 5. Spicer, Fjolnir10.1 
 6. Valentine, Tindast.10.0 
 7. McQueen, Snaefell9.8 
 8. Virijevic, KFI8.9 
 9. Helgason, Stjarnan8.4 
 10. Moore, Njardvik7.7 
Assists Per Game
 Justin SHOUSE
  Stjarnan
  (180-G-81)
  Avg: 9.7
 1. Shouse, Stjarnan9.7 
 2. Threatt, Snaefell9.7 
 3. Zeglinski, Grindav.7.4 
 4. Gibson, Tindastoll7.2 
 5. Smith, Thor Thorl5.1 
 6. Quaintance, Skalla.4.6 
 7. Fridriksson, Njard.4.5 
 8. Hermannsson, KR4.2 
 9. Valsson, Keflavik4.2 
 10. Magnusson, KR4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Haminn QUAINTANCE
  Skalla.
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Quaintance, Skalla.3.1 
 2. Hilmarsson, Thor T.2.3 
 3. Smith, Thor Thorl2.2 
 4. Moore, Njardvik2.2 
 5. Jonsson, Thor Thorl2.2 
 6. Lewis, Keflavik2.2 
 7. Medlock, Skallagri.2.2 
 8. Broussard, Grind.2.1 
 9. Valentine, Tindast.2.1 
 10. Threatt, Snaefell2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Brian MILLS
  Stjarnan
  (203-F-88)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Mills, Stjarnan1.9 
 2. Quaintance, Skalla.1.8 
 3. Craion, Keflavik1.7 
 4. Magnusson, KR1.5 
 5. Thorsteinsso., Gri.1.4 
 6. Van, Njardvik1.2 
 7. Valdimarsson, Stja.1.0 
 8. Valentine, Tindast.0.9 
 9. Acox, KR0.9 
 10. Gudbrandsson, Kef.0.8 


Haukar sign Terrence Watson - by Snorri Arnaldsson

1st division team Haukar have signed Terrence Watson (200-F-87, college: Ball St.) as a replacement for Aaryon Williams (198-PG-86, college: N.Mexico Highlands) who left the team in December.

Watson played and coached for IA in the 1st division last year and was voted the 1st division player of the year with averages of 24.4ppg, 15.1rpg and 5.0apg whilst guiding IA to the final four where they barely lost out against Skallagrimur, who later earned promotion to the Dominosleague. Haukar currently sit in the 4th place and hope that the addition of Watson will help them gain on the league leaders.


Stjarnan adds Jarrid Frye - by Snorri Arnaldsson

Jarrid Frye (194-G/F-85, college: Sacred Heart) has signed a contract with Dominosleague team Stjarnan to play with them until the end of the season. Frye previously played for AMMAK and Feni Indistrija in the Macedonia Superleague where he was chosen the best defender for the 2011-2012 season.

Stjarnan Coach Teitur Orlygsson was happy with the addition, saying: "Our defense hasn't been as good as we want it to be, and we hope that Frye will help us in that department." Stjarnan is currently in 4th place in the Dominosleague and will take on 8th place Fjolnir tonight.


Dominos League Round 11: Thor Thorl is upset by Skallagrimur - by Eurobasket News

Express L. is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 11 rounds left.

The game between second ranked Thor Thorl (7-3) and ninth ranked Skallagrimur (4-6) was the most important one in the last round on Friday night. Thor Thorl was defeated by Skallagrimur in a tough game in Thorlakshofn 72-76. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Thor Thorl. The guests trailed by 12 points after first quarter, but they rallied back and won the game by 4 points. Skallagrimur forced 20 Thor Thorl turnovers. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was forward Haminn Quaintance (201-F-85, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Kent St.) who had a double-double by scoring 17 points, 19 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Carlos Medlock (183-87, college: E.Michigan) chipped in 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward David Jackson (201-88, college: Penn St.) produced a double-double by scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds for the hosts. Skallagrimur moved-up to seventh place. Thor Thorl at the other side dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with KR. Skallagrimur are looking forward to face bottom-ranked KFI (#12) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Thor Thorl will play against Njardvik (#8) in Njardvik and is hoping to win this game.
Leader Grindavik delivered the ninth victory. This time they beat 11th ranked Tindastoll (2-8) 89-74. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Tindastoll. American point guard Sammy Zeglinski (182-88, college: Virginia) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Aaron Broussard contributed with 18 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. American forward George Valentine (203, college: Winthrop) answered with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds for Tindastoll. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Grindavik (9-2) have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place. Tindastoll at the other side keeps the eleventh position with eight games lost. Grindavik will play against Keflavik (#6) at home in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Tindastoll will play against Stjarnan (#3) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game in Njardvik supposed to be also quite interesting. Third ranked Snaefell (8-3) played at the court of 7th ranked Njardvik (4-7). Snaefell smashed Njardvik 104-70 on Friday. It was a great evening for Asim McQueen who led his team to a victory scoring 29 points and 8 rebounds. Marcus Van responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 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. Snaefell moved-up to second place, which they share with Stjarnan. Loser Njardvik dropped to the eighth position with seven games lost. They share it with Fjolnir. Snaefell will meet IR (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Njardvik will play against Thor Thorl in Thorlakshofn and hope to secure a win.

Other games of round 11 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
bottom-ranked KFI was defeated by KR in Reykjavik 104-87. Stjarnan beat Fjolnir at home 95-87. Keflavik destroyed IR on the opponent's court 111-84.
The best stats of 11th round was 32 points and 19 rebounds by Michael Craion of Keflavik.

Thor Thorl - Skallagrimur 72-76

The game between second ranked Thor Thorl (7-3) and ninth ranked Skallagrimur (4-6) was the most important one in the last round on Friday night. Thor Thorl was defeated by Skallagrimur in a tough game in Thorlakshofn 72-76. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Thor Thorl. The guests trailed by 12 points after first quarter, but they rallied back and won the game by 4 points. Skallagrimur forced 20 Thor Thorl turnovers. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was forward Haminn Quaintance (201-85, college: Kent St., agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) who had a double-double by scoring 17 points, 19 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Carlos Medlock (183-87, college: E.Michigan) chipped in 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward David Jackson (201-88, college: Penn St.) produced a double-double by scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds and guard Benjamin Smith (178-87, college: Jacksonville) added 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the hosts. Four Thor Thorl players scored in double figures. Skallagrimur moved-up to seventh place. Thor Thorl at the other side dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with KR. Skallagrimur are looking forward to face bottom-ranked KFI (#12) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Thor Thorl will play against Njardvik (#8) in Njardvik and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Thor Thorl: D.Jackson 24+10reb+3ast, B.Smith 19+6reb+4ast, D.Flake 11+9reb+1ast, G.Jonsson 11+9reb+3ast, D.Hilmarsson 7+5reb+2ast, D.Arnar Agustsson 0
Skallagrimur: C.Medlock 22+5reb+4ast, H.Quaintance 17+19reb+4ast, P.Axel Vilbergsson 15+9reb, S.Egilsson 9+3ast, H.Hreidarsson 7+6reb, O.Jonsson 4+3reb+1ast
gschID: 180224


KR - KFI 104-87

There was no surprise in Reykjavik where 12th ranked KFI (2-9) was defeated by fifth ranked KR (7-3) 104-87 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by KR. KFI managed to win fourth quarter 33-25. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded KFI 49-35 including a 34-23 advantage in defensive rebounds. KR looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. It was a great evening for international center Finnur Magnusson (208-85, college: Catawba) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 14 rebounds (on 12-of-14 shooting from the field). Martin Hermannsson (190-94) helped adding 20 points and 9 assists. Four KR players scored in double figures. American point guard Damier Pitts (177-89, college: Marshall) responded with 35 points (!!!) and 8 assists and the other American import Tyrone Bradshaw (202-86, college: S.Indiana) produced a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds. The victory was the third consecutive win for KR. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Thor Thorl. KFI lost their eighth game in a row. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with nine games lost. KR's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Reykjavik Fjolnir.
Top scorers:
KFI: D.Pitts 35+1reb+8ast, T.Bradshaw 22+10reb+1ast, M.Virijevic 10+13reb+1ast, S.Toluwase 8+7reb, H.Hreinsson 4+1reb+1ast, L.Sigurdsson 4+2reb
KR: F.Magnusson 24+14reb+2ast, K.Acox 21+9reb, M.Hermannsson 20+3reb+9ast, B.Bjornsson 12+3reb+4ast, E.Johannsson 9+5reb+2ast, J.Kristjansson 8+1reb
gschID: 180223


Stjarnan - Fjolnir 95-87

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Stjarnan (8-3) defeated at home 8th ranked Fjolnir (4-7) 95-87 on Friday. Stjarnan dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Fjolnir's 36. They outrebounded Fjolnir 46-34 including 34 on the defensive glass. Stjarnan looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists. It was a great evening for American swingman Jarrid Frye (194-85, college: Sacred Heart) who led his team to a victory scoring 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Naturalized FYR Macedonian forward Jovan Zdravevski (197-80) helped adding 21 points. American guard Isaac Miles (187-88, college: Murray St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds and international Arni Ragnarsson (194-87, college: Al.-Huntsville) scored 10 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Stjarnan moved-up to second place, which they share with Snaefell. Loser Fjolnir keeps the eighth position with seven games lost. They share it with Njardvik. Stjarnan will meet at home Tindastoll (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Fjolnir's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Reykjavik to the arena KR.
Top scorers:
Fjolnir: I.Miles 19+11reb+1ast, G.Olafsson 17+5reb+1ast, T.Tomasson 13+2reb+5ast, B.Rikhardsson 13+2reb+3ast, A.Ragnarsson 10+8reb+9ast, A.Gudmundsson 10+3reb+1ast
Stjarnan: J.Zdravevski 21+4reb+2ast, J.Frye 18+7reb+5ast, M.Valdimarsson 13+5reb+2ast, B.Mills 12+10reb+1ast, J.Shouse 11+4reb+10ast, D.Jonsson 9+1reb+5ast
gschID: 180222


Grindavik - Tindastoll 89-74

Leader Grindavik delivered the ninth victory. This time they beat 11th ranked Tindastoll (2-8) 89-74. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Tindastoll. The game was mostly controlled by Grindavik. Tindastoll was better in fourth quarter 29-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Grindavik brought some defensive toughness making 8 blocks. American point guard Sammy Zeglinski (182-88, college: Virginia) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. His fellow American import forward Aaron Broussard (195-90, college: Seattle) contributed with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Four Grindavik players scored in double figures. American forward George Valentine (203, college: Winthrop) answered with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds and the former international forward Throstur Johannsson (198-89) added 15 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Tindastoll. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Grindavik (9-2) have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place. Tindastoll at the other side keeps the eleventh position with eight games lost. Grindavik will play against Keflavik (#6) at home in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Tindastoll will play against Stjarnan (#3) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Tindastoll: G.Valentine 20+14reb, T.Johannsson 15+10reb+1ast, I.Rafn Ingvarsson 14+4reb+1ast, A.Bjornsson 8+4reb+1ast, S.Birgisson 6+1reb, H.Viggosson 5+6reb+2ast
Grindavik: S.Zeglinski 19+9reb+6ast, A.Broussard 18+13reb+2ast, S.Thorsteinsson 12+8reb, J.Olafsson 10+4reb+3ast, T.Olafsson 9+1reb+1ast, B.Brynjolfsson 7+2reb+2ast
gschID: 180221


IR - Keflavik 84-111

Very expected game in Reykjavik where 10th ranked IR (3-8) was rolled over by sixth ranked Keflavik (6-5) 111-84 on Friday. The game without a history. Keflavik led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to IR's 40. It was a great evening for American forward Michael Craion (195-89, college: ORU, agency: Ronsport) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 32 points and 19 rebounds. point guard Valur Valsson (182-94) helped adding 16 points and 8 assists. American guard Eric Palm (188-87, college: McKendree) responded with 29 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and Serbian-Canadian forward Nemanja Sovic (198-77, college: Pfeiffer) produced a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds. Five Keflavik and four IR players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Keflavik maintains sixth place with 6-5 record. IR lost their third game in a row. They keep the tenth position with eight games lost. Keflavik will meet league's leader Grindavik on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. IR will play against the league's second-placed Snaefell (#2) in Stykkisholmur and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
IR: E.Palm 29+5reb+4ast, S.Claessen 12+2reb+2ast, V.Jonsson 12+4reb, N.Sovic 10+10reb+1ast, H.Magnusson 9+4reb, H.Fridriksson 6+2reb+1ast
Keflavik: M.Craion 32+19reb+1ast, B.Baptist 18+6reb+1ast, M.Gunnarsson 17+2reb+3ast, V.Valsson 16+1reb+8ast, D.Lewis 12+4reb+2ast, R.Albertsson 5+1reb+2ast
gschID: 180220


Njardvik - Snaefell 70-104

The game in Njardvik supposed to be also quite interesting. Third ranked Snaefell (8-3) played at the court of 7th ranked Njardvik (4-7). Snaefell smashed Njardvik 104-70 on Friday. The game without a history. Snaefell led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 26-of-30 free shots (86.7 percent) during the game. Snaefell forced 20 Njardvik turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was a great evening for American forward Asim McQueen (203-88, college: Tulane, agency: Pro One Sports) who led his team to a victory scoring 29 points and 8 rebounds. The former international guard Palmi Sigurgeirsson (190-78) helped adding 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). American power forward Marcus Van (201-85, college: Cent.Michigan) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and swingman Agust Orrason (191-93) scored 19 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Snaefell moved-up to second place, which they share with Stjarnan. Loser Njardvik dropped to the eighth position with seven games lost. They share it with Fjolnir. Snaefell will meet IR (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Njardvik will play against Thor Thorl in Thorlakshofn and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Njardvik: A.Orrason 19+5reb+1ast, M.Van 16+10reb, N.Moore 12+6reb+2ast, E.Fridriksson 11+1reb+2ast, O.Petursson 4+1reb, R.Oli Alexandersson 2+1reb+3ast
Snaefell: A.McQueen 29+8reb+1ast, P.Sigurgeirsson 24+5reb+5ast, J.Olafur Jonsson 14+5reb+2ast, J.Threatt 10+8reb+11ast, S.Thorvaldsson 7+6reb+1ast, S.Torfason 5+1reb
gschID: 180219



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  ITALY   


EuroLeague: Bobby Brown erupts with 41 points against Fenerbahce - by Eurobasket News

Fenerbahce Ulker - Montepaschi Siena 92:98

Bobby Brown erupts with 41 points against Fenerbahce in Istanbul as his Montepaschi Siena stole an important win. The Italian side grabbed 98:92 victory for 2-0 record in Group E. The Turkish side meanwhile fell at 0-2 record.
Both teams scored 26 points in the first period and then the hosts pushed the tempo for good until the end of the first half. Fenerbahce took 51:45 lead at the halftime but could not match the opponents in the second half. The team from Siena needed a 24-22 rally to reduce to 73:69 after three quarters. Montepaschi Siena won the last period 29-19 and sealed a 6-point win.
Viktor Sanikidze (203-SF-86) brought 19 points for the winners and Daniel Hackett (200-PG-87, agency: Two Points, college: USC) scored 9. David Moss (196-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana St.) delivered 7 points in a win. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SG-89) answered with 31 points in the losing effort and Bo McCalebb (178-PG-85, college: New Orleans) notched 17. Emir Preldzic (205-SF-87, agency: Beo Basket) posted 15, while Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) had 11.

Fenerbahce Ulker: Bojan Bogdanovic 31, Bo McCalebb 17, Emir Preldzic 15, Romain Sato 11
Montepaschi Siena: Bobby Brown (188-PG-84, college: CS Fullerton) 41, Viktor Sanikidze 19, Daniel Hackett 9, David Moss 7


Denis Clemente from Pesaro to Venezia - by Armando Caporaso

After the arrival of the new playmaker Torey Thomas (180-PG-85, college: Holy Cross) Pesaro decided to release the Puertorican player Denis Clemente (183-PG-86, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Kansas St.), arrived in Lega A1 just 2 months ago. Clemente played only 8 games with the Scavolini closing his experience with 3.9 points and 1.5 rebounds in 19.8 minutes with a season high of just 7 points against Cantu' not convincing staff and fans. But the italian experience of the young point guard is not over, after few hours the Umana Venezia has agreed putting him under contract to substitute the injured Ivan Zoroski (195-G-79) hoping to find a player with different motivations to re-launch himself in Lega A1. However this isn't his first time in Europe, in 2010/11 played in Israel with the Maccabi Rishon and in Greece with Marousi while, after a season at home in Puerto Rico, during the last season was one of the best scorer of the Slovakia Extraliga (BK Nitra) with 17.9 ppg closing with the same numbers also in Eurochallenge (just 6 games for the Slovakian team). These performances have attracted the attentions of Napoli who had bet on him for the new team in Lega A2, excluded after only 3 games (where Clemente was not at all disfigured, scoring 24 points in the second match).


Pesaro lands Rok Stipcevic - by Eurobasket News

Victoria Libertas Pesaro (SerieA) tabbed 27-year old Croatian ex-international point guard Rok Stipcevic (185-82kg-86). He played recently at EA7 Armani (SerieA). In 12 games this season he averaged 6.1ppg and 1.1rpg. He also played 9 games in Euroleague where he had 3.1ppg and 1.2rpg. The last season Stipcevic played at Cimberio Varese. In 36 SerieA games last year he had 11.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.3apg and 1.2spg.
The previous (10-11) season he played at Cibona in Croatian league. In 9 Euroleague games that season he had 10.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.1apg and 1.0spg. Stipcevic also played 19 games in Adriatic League where he had 9.8ppg, 1.9rpg and 3.2apg.
Among other achievements His team made it to the Cup (Kresimir Cosic Cup) Semifinals for four years in a row (between 2008 and 2011). Stipcevic received also Eurobasket.com Croatian A1 League All-Defensive Team award back in 2010.
He was also a member of Croatian international program for some years. Stipcevic played for Croatian Senior National Team between 2010 and 2012 and previouslyfor U20 National Team between 2005 and 2006. He also represented Croatia at the Qualifications to European Championships 2013 last year. His stats at that event were 8 games: 4.9ppg, 1.1rpg, 2.1apg.
Stipcevic has played previously for two other Croatian teams: KK Zadar and Borik Puntamika.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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  KUWAIT   

Standings

D1 Standings
 1. Al Kuwait 13-1 
 2. Al Qadsia 10-1 
 3. Kazma 10-2 
 4. Al Sahel 10-2 
 5. Al Arabi 7-5 
 6. Al Jahraa 6-6 
 7. Al Nasar 5-7 
 8. Al Sulaibikhat 5-7 
 9. Al Yarmook 3-9 
 10. Al Salmiyah 2-11 
 11. Al Tadhamon 1-10 
 12. Al Shabab 1-12 

Regular Season: Round 22

Jan. 4: Al Qadsia - Al Sulaibikhat 92-69
Jan. 4: Al Kuwait - Al Nasar 84-57
Jan. 4: Al Salmiyah - Al Arabi 35-79

Regular Season: Round 23

Jan. 11: Al Sahel - Al Salmiyah
Jan. 11: Kazma - Al Tadhamon
Jan. 11: Al Qadsia - Al Jahraa


D1 Round 22: No surprise as #1 Al Kuwait defeats Al Nasar - by Eurobasket News

D1 top team - Al Kuwait (13-1) had no problems winning another game on Friday. This time they crushed seventh ranked Al Nasar (5-7) in Kuwait City 84-57. Al Kuwait have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-1 record. Al Nasar at the other side keeps the seventh place with seven games lost. They share the position with Al Sulaibikhat.
10th ranked Al Salmiyah (2-11) was outscored at home by fifth ranked Al Arabi (7-5) with the biggest margin this round 79-35. Al Arabi maintains fifth position with 7-5 record. Al Salmiyah lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with 11 games lost. Al Arabi will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Al Salmiyah will play on the road against Al Sahel (#4) in Abu Halifa and hopes to get back on the winning track.

In the last game of round 22 Al Sulaibikhat was destroyed by Al Qadsia on the opponent's court 92-69.

Al Qadsia - Al Sulaibikhat 92-69

Very expected game in Kuwait City where 8th ranked Al Sulaibikhat (5-7) was crushed by fourth ranked Al Qadsia (10-1) 92-69. Al Qadsia moved-up to second place. Al Sulaibikhat lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with seven games lost. They share it with Al Nasar. Al Qadsia will play against Al Jahraa (#6) at home in the next round. Al Sulaibikhat will have a break next round.
gschID: 230951


Al Kuwait - Al Nasar 84-57

D1 top team - Al Kuwait (13-1) had no problems winning another game on Friday. This time they crushed seventh ranked Al Nasar (5-7) in Kuwait City 84-57. Al Kuwait have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-1 record. Al Nasar at the other side keeps the seventh place with seven games lost. They share the position with Al Sulaibikhat.
gschID: 230950


Al Salmiyah - Al Arabi 35-79

10th ranked Al Salmiyah (2-11) was outscored at home by fifth ranked Al Arabi (7-5) with the biggest margin this round 79-35. Al Arabi maintains fifth position with 7-5 record. Al Salmiyah lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with 11 games lost. Al Arabi will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Al Salmiyah will play on the road against Al Sahel (#4) in Abu Halifa and hopes to get back on the winning track.
gschID: 230949



*****************************************************
  LATVIA   


BSBC 2013 (U18): Latvia topple Sweden for second straight win - by Eurobasket News

Latvia - Sweden 72:58

Latvia claimed the second consecutive victory at the start of the annual Baltic Sea Basketball Cup. They overcame Swedish counterparts in Tallinn tonight. Edgars Lasenbergs (186-G-95) produced 19 points to pace the winners.
Latvia enjoyed a 16:14 lead after ten minutes of action. They fired 28 points in the second frame to take a 44:30 halftime advantage. Latvia stretched the lead in the third term. They enjoyed an 18-point lead at the final intermission. Sweden limited Latvia to just 7 points in the fourth frame but just cut the deficit at the end. Ervins Meznieks-Zahars (194-F-96) finished with 11 points, while Andzejs Pasecniks (211-C-95) added 10 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Erik Johansson (194-F-96) answered with 20 points for Sweden. Gustav Hansson (182-G-95) chipped in 10 points in the loss.

Latvia: Edgars Lasenbergs 19, Ervins Meznieks-Zahars 11, Andzejs Pasecniks 10
Sweden: Erik Johansson 20, Gustav Hansson 10


BSBC 2013 (U16): Latvia outlast Sweden for first win - by Eurobasket News

Latvia - Sweden 79:69 (OT)

Latvian U16 selection claimed the opening win at the Baltic Sea Basketball Cup in Tallinn. Dzeiks-Eduards Krumins (186-G-97) netted 18 points to lead Latvia to a tough win over Swedish counterparts. Latvia and Sweden are now tied at 1-1 record.
Latvia confidently opened the game. They grabbed a 20:14 lead after ten minutes. Sweden slowed their opponents down in the second quarter. The Scandinavian team erased the deficit and levelled things up at 32. Sweden pulled ahead in the third term. They grabbed a 5-point lead heading into the fourth frame. But Latvia held their counterparts to 10 points in the next period and sent the game into overtime. Latvia outgunned Sweden 15:5 in the extra frame to seal the winning outcome. Zigmars Raimo (190-PF-97) netted 17 points, while Renars Birkans (180-PG-97) delivered 14 points for the winners. Gustav Ericson (187-PG-97) answered with 10 points for Sweden. Theodore Silveira (192-SF-97), Craig Lecesne (196-PG-97) and Gustav Malmstrom (197-PF-97) had 8 points each in the loss.

Latvia: Dzeiks-Eduards Krumins 18, Zigmars Raimo 17, Renars Birkans 14
Sweden: Gustav Ericson 10, Theodore Silveira 8, Craig Lecesne 8, Gustav Malmstrom 8


*****************************************************
  LEBANON   

Standings - Division A

Division A Standings
 1. Sagesse 9-1 
 2. Al Riyadi 8-2 
 3. Amchit 8-2 
 4. Byblos 6-4 
 5. Moutahed 6-4 
 6. Champville 6-4 
 7. Bejjeh 3-7 
 8. Hoops 2-8 
 9. Anibal 1-9 
 10. Antranik 1-9 

Regular Season: Round 11

Jan. 4: Al Riyadi - Bejjeh 94-68
Jan. 4: Hoops - Sagesse 91-108
Jan. 4: Moutahed - Byblos 86-90
Jan. 2: Amchit - Anibal 119-89
Jan. 2: Champville - Antranik 118-79

Regular Season: Round 12

Jan. 5: Amchit - Champville
Jan. 6: Sagesse - Moutahed
Jan. 7: Byblos - Al Riyadi
Jan. 8: Anibal - Hoops
Jan. 9: Bejjeh - Antranik


Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game
 Aaron HARPER
  Sagesse
  (199-G/F-81)
  Avg: 29.8
 1. Harper, Sagesse29.8 
 2. Gray, Anibal26.8 
 3. Blair, Hoops26.2 
 4. Gadson, Antranik25.5 
 5. Khatib, Champville24.1 
 6. Ampim, Antranik22.9 
 7. Williams, Bejjeh22.7 
 8. Youngblood, Byblos22.3 
 9. Terry, Champville20.1 
 10. Salyers, Moutahed19.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Michael FRASER
  Byblos
  (203-C/F-84)
  Avg: 16.4
 1. Fraser, Byblos16.4 
 2. Ampim, Antranik12.3 
 3. Johnson, Anibal11.7 
 4. Luca, Hoops11.0 
 5. Salyers, Moutahed9.9 
 6. Bawji, Moutahed9.5 
 7. Woods, Al Riyadi9.3 
 8. Sims, Sagesse9.1 
 9. Ismail, Al Riyadi9.0 
 10. Harper, Sagesse8.2 
Assists Per Game
 Larry BLAIR
  Hoops
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 6.6
 1. Blair, Hoops6.6 
 2. Fahed, Moutahed6.2 
 3. Akl, Sagesse6.0 
 4. Zaloum, Antranik5.9 
 5. Mahmoud, Al Riyadi5.6 
 6. Chatfield, Mouta.5.5 
 7. Ismail, Al Riyadi5.5 
 8. Youngblood, Byblos5.4 
 9. Khatib, Champville5.2 
 10. Khoury, Amchit5.1 
Steals Per Game
 Corey WILLIAMS
  Bejjeh
  (191-G-77)
  Avg: 3
 1. Williams, Bejjeh3.0 
 2. Youngblood, Byblos2.7 
 3. Blair, Hoops2.7 
 4. Zaloum, Antranik2.0 
 5. Gray, Anibal1.9 
 6. Ismail, Al Riyadi1.8 
 7. Kassem, Bejjeh1.7 
 8. Mneimneh, Byblos1.7 
 9. Harper, Sagesse1.7 
 10. Rida, Amchit1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Dane JOHNSON
  Anibal
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Johnson, Anibal3.1 
 2. Woods, Al Riyadi2.5 
 3. Fraser, Byblos2.2 
 4. Fakhreddine, Hoops1.8 
 5. Ampim, Antranik1.5 
 6. Ismail, Al Riyadi1.3 
 7. Gadson, Antranik0.9 
 8. Freije, Amchit0.9 
 9. Bawji, Moutahed0.9 
 10. Sabra, Byblos0.8 


Hoops ink Jesse Perry - by Eurobasket News

Hoops Club (Division A) signed American forward Jesse Perry (200). He just graduated from Arizona (NCAA). In 34 games last season he had 12.2ppg, 7.6rpg and 1.3apg. He helped them to make it to the final. A very impressive season as he was named to All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention and Pac-12 All-Tournament Team.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as Perrys team won Pac-10 Regular Season in 2011. He was also voted NJCAA D1 All-America 1st Team back in 2010 at his college time.
As mentioned above Perry is just out of college, so it will be his first season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center


*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA   

Standings - LKL

LKL Standings
 1. Rudupis 10-0 
 2. Neptunas 8-3 
 3. Zalgiris 6-0 
 4. Siauliai 5-4 
 5. Lietkabelis 5-5 
 6. Nevezis 5-5 
 7. Pieno Zvaigzdes 5-6 
 8. Juventus 5-6 
 9. Lietuvos rytas 4-2 
 10. Sakalai 3-9 
 11. LSU-Baltai 2-8 
 12. Naglis Palangos 0-10 

Regular Season: Round 16

Jan. 3: Neptunas - Juventus 96-83
Jan. 4: Sakalai - Pieno Zvaigzdes 69-71
Dec. 30: Sakalai - Zalgiris 67-85
Jan. 5: Lietkabelis - Siauliai
Jan. 5: LSU-Baltai - Nevezis
Jan. 5: Naglis Palangos - Rudupis


Stats Leaders - LKL

Points Per Game
 Gediminas ORELIKAS
  Rudupis
  (200-G/F-90)
  Avg: 18.6
 1. Orelikas, Rudupis18.6 
 2. Samenas, Siauliai16.9 
 3. Hughes, Pieno Z.15.7 
 4. Gailius, Neptunas15.5 
 5. Mazeika, Neptunas13.6 
 6. Butkevicius, Lietk.13.4 
 7. Dia, Siauliai13.2 
 8. Kadziulis, Rudupis13.1 
 9. Sinica, Sakalai12.5 
 10. Gates, Pieno Z.12.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Aurimas KIEZA
  Siauliai
  (202-PF-82)
  Avg: 10.6
 1. Kieza, Siauliai10.6 
 2. Bishop, Nevezis8.4 
 3. Sarakauskas, Nept.8.0 
 4. Urbonas, LSU-Baltai7.9 
 5. Vene, Rudupis6.8 
 6. Sinica, Sakalai6.4 
 7. Dia, Siauliai6.4 
 8. Varnelis, Juventus6.1 
 9. Gates, Pieno Z.5.6 
 10. Cipruss, Lietkabe.5.4 
Assists Per Game
 Lewis JACKSON
  Siauliai
  (178-PG-89)
  Avg: 5.2
 1. Jackson, Siauliai5.2 
 2. Stasys, LSU-Baltai4.1 
 3. Janavicius, Rudupis4.0 
 4. Dainys, Neptunas3.8 
 5. Viskontas, Juvent.3.7 
 6. Gintvainis, Sakalai3.6 
 7. Broadus, Neptunas3.5 
 8. Butkevicius, Lietk.3.1 
 9. Ginevicius, Lietka.3.1 
 10. Kadziulis, Rudupis3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Parrish BROWN
  Naglis P.
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Brown, Naglis P.2.4 
 2. Butkevicius, Lietk.2.0 
 3. Ginevicius, Lietka.1.9 
 4. Stasys, LSU-Baltai1.8 
 5. Tamosiunas, LSU-B.1.7 
 6. Hughes, Pieno Z.1.7 
 7. Vene, Rudupis1.7 
 8. Sinica, Sakalai1.6 
 9. Kadziulis, Rudupis1.6 
 10. Milaknis, Rudupis1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Tomas URBONAS
  LSU-Baltai
  (215-C-92)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Urbonas, LSU-Baltai3.1 
 2. Silinskis, Nevezis2.0 
 3. Petrukonis, Juven.1.3 
 4. Ramasauskas, Saka.1.1 
 5. McClure, Neptunas1.1 
 6. Kieza, Siauliai1.0 
 7. Valeika, Rudupis0.9 
 8. Kupsas, Lietkabelis0.8 
 9. Gates, Pieno Z.0.8 
 10. Dia, Siauliai0.8 


EuroLeague: Zalgiris prevail against Unicaja in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

Zalgiris - Unicaja 75:63

Zalgiris claimed the first win at the Euroleague Top 16 round. They overcame Unicaja in Kaunas tonight. Both teams are now tied at 1-1 record in Group E.
Zalgiris led by four points after ten minutes 21:17. The teams stayed close throughout the second quarter. Zalgiris managed to secure a 34:30 halftime lead. Unicaja denied the deficit in the third term. Krunoslav Simon put the visitors in front 42:41 with a three-pointer. Kizminskas and Kaukenas returned the lead to Zalgiris as the Lithuanian team entered the fourth quarter up by one point 52:51. Zalgiris quickly cleared off to a safe distance in the fourth frame. They held the Malaga team to just 12 points in the final period and celebrated a well-deserved win at the end. Mindaugas Kuzminskas (205-F-89) provided 14 points to pace the home team. Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) added 12 points, while Paulius Jankunas (205-PF-84, agency: Alti Sport) contributed 11 points for the hosts. Earl Calloway (191-G-83, college: Indiana) and Luka Zoric (211-C-84) answered with 11 points each for Unicaja.

Zalgiris: Mindaugas Kuzminskas 14, Ksistof Lavrinovic 12, Paulius Jankunas 11
Unicaja: Earl Calloway 11, Luka Zoric 11


*****************************************************
  MALI   


Amara Sy selected the top Malian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

We bring you last week's top performances from Malians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Amara Sy
Amara Sy
   #1. This week's number one is former international forward Amara Sy (202-81, currently plays in France). He was the major contributor in an ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket's victory against the 11th-ranked Limoges CSP Elite (3-10) crushing them 79-56 in the French ProA in Friday night's game. Sy scored 11 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and dished 4 assists (was perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line) in 26 minutes on the court. ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket (9-5) is placed fourth in the ProA. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. It's Sy's first season with the team. He has relatively good stats this year: 12.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.0apg, 1.6bpg, 2FGP: 47.9%, 3FGP: 43.8% and FT: 68.6% in the 14 games he played so far. Sy has a dual citizenship: Mali and French. He played for the Mali senior national team two years ago.

Mamadou Sy
Mamadou Sy
   #2. Second place goes to former international forward Mamadou Sy (200-85, college: Cloud County CC, currently plays in France). Sy managed to help SO Maritime Boulogne in a victory against the tenth-ranked Charleville-Mezieres (6-8) 113-105 in the French ProB (second division) last Friday. He scored only 2 points in 9 minutes on the court. SO Maritime Boulogne (11-6) is placed sixth in the ProB. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. This year Sy averages: 1.0ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.5apg in the four games. He is another player who holds two passports: Mali and French. Sy played for the Mali national team in 2011.

Negueba Samake
Negueba Samake
   #3. The Mali player who performed third best last week abroad was former international center Negueba Samake (211-90, currently plays in France), who plays in the French ProB (second division). He could not help Bordeaux (2-15) to beat Aix-Maurienne (9-8). Samake did not beat the league record on Friday evening. He scored only 2 points and blocked 3 blocks. The bottom-ranked Bordeaux was defeated 73-63 at home by the much higher-ranked Aix-Maurienne (#8). It was Bordeaux's seventh consecutive loss in a row. Samake's overall stats this season are: 3.0ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.3bpg, 2FGP: 33.3% and FT: 75.0%. Similarly like Sy and Sy above he has both Mali and French nationalities. Samake played for the Mali national team two years ago.

Dramane Diarra
Dramane Diarra
   #4. An experienced power forward Dramane Diarra (203-80, college: Kansas St., currently plays in France) was not able to help Saint Vallier (7-10) in their game against Chalons-Reims (12-5) in the French ProB (second division). He cannot count it as his best performance. Diarra scored only 2 points in 9 minutes on the court. Saint Vallier was badly defeated 93-74 on the road by the much higher-ranked (#4) Chalons-Reims. This year Diarra's overall stats are: 3.8ppg and 2.0rpg in the 10 games. Similarly like three previous players above, he also holds two passports: Mali and French. Diarra used to play for the Mali national team back in 2011.

Modibo Diarra
Modibo Diarra
   #5. Former international power forward Modibo Diarra (208-80, college: Memphis, currently plays in NBLCanada) contributed to an easy victory against the Halifax Rainmen (10-10) crushing them 119-97 in the NBL Canada last Friday. He recorded only 2 points. The Saint John Mill Rats have 11-9 record this season. Diarra's total stats this year are: 3.8ppg and 2.0rpg. He used to play for the Mali national team four years ago.

The list of other players, who all have Mali passport but never been selected to any of Mali national teams:

   #1. Bandja Sy (203-F, currently plays college basketball in the States) led N.Mexico St. to an easy victory against the The Univ.of Texas - San Antonio (0-3) crushing them 82-62 in the NCAA last Thursday. Sy scored 25 points, had 8 rebounds and made 3 blocks. The New Mexico State University has 1-2 conference record this season. Sy is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fourth year in N.Mexico St.'s roster. This season he has relatively solid stats: 12.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.0apg and 1.6bpg. Sy has a dual citizenship: Mali and French.

   #2. Yohann Sangare (193-G-83, currently plays in France), who plays in the French ProA could not help Chorale de Roanne (6-8) to beat Cholet (7-7). It was not his best game last Friday. Sangare scored only 2 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 28 minutes. Chorale de Roanne was badly defeated 79-60 on the road by the higher-ranked (#7) Cholet. This year Sangare averages: 6.0ppg, 3.1rpg and 3.9apg in the 14 games he played so far. He is another player who holds two passports: Mali and French.

   #3. Experienced Mamoutou Diarra (200-F-80, currently plays in France) was not able to help JSF Nanterre (6-8) in their game against Gravelines-Dunkerque (9-5) in the French ProA. Diarra's contribution was not very remarkable in Friday's game. He scored only 2 points. JSF Nanterre was defeated 87-77 on the opponent's court by the much higher-ranked Gravelines-Dunkerque (#6). This season Diarra averages: 1.4ppg. Similarly like Sangare and Sy above he has both Mali and French nationalities.

Other top Mali players, who play abroad:

Ibrahima Sidibe (180-PG-95) plays for Entente Orleans 45 in French ProA
Mohamed Tangara (208-F/C-84) plays for Libolo in Angolan Division I
Issa Coulibaly (198-F-95) plays for JDA Dijon in French ProA
Drissa Ballo (198-F-95) plays for JDA Dijon in French ProA
Sambou Traore (199-PF-79) plays for Limoges CSP Elite in French ProA
Nianta Diarra (200-F/C-93) plays for STB Le Havre in French ProA
Mahamadou Drame (188-SG-86) plays for Nantes in French ProB
Oumar Sylla (201-F-84) plays for ifm Baskets Konstanz in German ProB
Mamoudou Sy (196-F-83) plays for Blois in French NM1

Notice: The list above includes only some of the Mali playing currently abroad. Go to Mali Abroad Page to see completed list.


*****************************************************
  MEXICO   

Standings - LNBP

LNBP Standings
 1. Halc.Xalapa 33-4 
 2. Toros 29-8 
 3. Halc.Rojos 29-8 
 4. Soles 28-9 
 5. Panteras 25-12 
 6. Pioneros 25-12 
 7. Fuerza Regia 22-15 
 8. Huracanes 21-15 
 9. Abejas 19-18 
 10. Barreteros 15-22 
 11. Corr.Victoria 15-22 
 12. Lechugueros 12-25 
 13. Guerreros 8-29 
 14. Osos 6-31 
 15. Gansos 6-32 
 16. Gigantes 3-34 

Regular Season: Round 37

Jan. 3: Corr.Victoria - Toros 96-81
Jan. 3: Barreteros - Gansos 95-62
Jan. 4: Soles - Osos 94-58
Jan. 3: Huracanes - Fuerza Regia 87-80
Jan. 3: Lechugueros - Halc.Rojos 61-105
Jan. 3: Panteras - Guerreros 109-86
Jan. 3: Abejas - Halc.Xalapa 103-107
Jan. 3: Pioneros - Gigantes 101-66

Regular Season: Round 38

Jan. 5: Pioneros - Osos
Jan. 5: Soles - Gigantes
Jan. 5: Corr.Victoria - Fuerza Regia
Jan. 5: Huracanes - Toros
Jan. 5: Panteras - Gansos
Jan. 5: Barreteros - Guerreros
Jan. 5: Lechugueros - Halc.Xalapa
Jan. 5: Abejas - Halc.Rojos

Round 9

Jan. 7: Huracanes - Abejas


Cyrus Tate is a newcomer at Huracanes, ex Oita H.Devils - by Eurobasket News

Huracanes de Tampico (LNBP) strengthened their roster with addition of 28-year old American power forward Cyrus Tate (203-120kg-85, college: Iowa). He already started the season at Oita H.Devils in Japanese BJ League. In 15 games this season he recorded very impressive stats: 17.7ppg, 9.7rpg, 1.6apg and 1.3spg. The last summer Tate played at Tijuana Zonkeys. In 48 CIBACOPA games he averaged impressive 15.5ppg, 6.5rpg and 1.4apg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. Great season indeed as he was voted to Latinbasket.com All-Mexican CIBACOPA Honorable Mention. Tate also played at Final Genclik in Turkish TB2L earlier that season. In 23 games last season he averaged 13.4ppg and 5.7rpg.
The previous (10-11) season he played at Oita Heat Devils in BJ League. In 11 games that year he averaged 11.9ppg and 8.6rpg. The other team Tate played shortly was Espartanos in Venezuelan league. In three Liga Americas games he averaged 3.3ppg and 1.3rpg. Another team he played briefly was Bakersfield Jam in D-League.
Three years ago (a year after he left the college) Tate was drafted by Bakersfield Jam (D-League) as #5 pick overall.
The former University of Iowa star is in his fourth season in pro basketball.
He has played also professionally in .

By Eurobasket Data Center


LNBP Round 37: Toros are defeated by Correcaminos - by Eurobasket News

The teams have now bigger motivation at this stage of Regular Season. Every game can be crucial and decide about teams' position at the end of Regular Season.

The game between second ranked Toros (29-8) and eleventh ranked Correcaminos (15-22) was the most important one in the last round on Thursday night. Toros were defeated by Correcaminos in Ciudad Victoria 96-81. It ended at the same time the ten-game winning streak of Toros. The game was mostly controlled by Correcaminos. Toros managed to win fourth quarter 25-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Correcaminos shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 51.7 percentage. American forward Brandon Robinson (202-81, college: Auburn, agency: Paris Global Sports) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 14 rebounds for the winners and naturalized American swingman Joseph Hutchingson Mejia (196-85, college: Lincoln, MO) chipped in 20 points. At the losing side American-Nigerian forward Ike Ofoegbu (205-85, college: SMU) responded with 17 points. Toros' coach Jose Martinez rotated ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Correcaminos moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Barreteros. Toros at the other side keep the second position with eight games lost. They share it with Halc.Rojos. Correcaminos is looking forward to face higher ranked Fuerza Regia (#7) in Monterrey in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Toros will play on the road against Huracanes (#8) in Tampico and are hoping to win this game.
LNBP top team - Halcones UV Xalapa (33-4) added another victory to their record. This time they beat ninth ranked Abejas (19-18) in Guanajuato 107-103. American guard Kevin Sowell (190-81, agency: Interperformances) nailed 27 points and 6 assists for the winning side and Orlando Mendez-Valdez accounted for 19 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Halcones UV Xalapa's coach Angel Gonzalez allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American forward Eugene Phelps (198, college: Long Beach St.) came up with a double-double by scoring 25 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists for Abejas in the defeat. Halcones UV Xalapa have an impressive series of nine victories in a row. They maintain first place with 33-4 record. Abejas lost third consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with 18 games lost. Halcones UV Xalapa will play against Lechugueros (#12) in Leon in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Abejas will play on the road against Huracanes in Tampico and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Tampico was also quite interesting. 7th ranked Fuerza Regia (22-15) played at the court of eighth ranked Huracanes (21-15). Huracanes managed to secure a 7-point victory 87-80 on Thursday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Fuerza Regia. Marcus Morrison fired 28 points and 4 steals for the winners. Mario West produced 21 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Huracanes maintains eighth place with 21-15 record. Loser Fuerza Regia keeps the seventh position with 15 games lost. Huracanes will meet at home Abejas (#9) in the next round. Fuerza Regia will play against Correcaminos in Ciudad Victoria and hope to secure a win.
12th ranked Lechugueros (12-25) were outscored at home by third ranked Halcones Rojos (29-8) with the biggest margin this round 105-61. Worth to mention a great performance of Danilo Pinnock who helped to win the game recording 21 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Halcones Rojos. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Toros. Lechugueros lost their third game in a row. They keep the twelfth position with 25 games lost. Halcones Rojos' next round opponent will be Abejas (#9) in Guanajuato and are hoping to win another game. Lechugueros will play at home against the league's leader Halcones UV Xalapa.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 37: Osos were destroyed by Soles on the opponent's court 94-58. Barreteros outscored Gansos in a home game 95-62. Guerreros were rolled over Panteras on the road 109-86. Pioneros crushed Gigantes on its own court 101-66.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 39 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds by Jamelle Horne of Soles.

Soles - Osos 94-58

Very expected game in Mexicali where 14th ranked Osos (6-31) were crushed by fourth ranked Soles (28-9) 94-58. The game without a history. Soles led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Osos' 26. Soles forced 28 Osos turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of Panamanian forward Jamelle Horne (200-88, college: Arizona) who helped to win the game recording 39 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds (on 15-of-19 shooting from the field). The former international forward Michael Lizarraga (200-89, college: CS Northridge) contributed with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Soles' coach Ivan Deniz felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. American swingman O'Louis McCullough (198-82, college: Francis Marion) answered with 17 points and 6 rebounds and forward Jorge Camacho (200-89, college: E.Kentucky) added 16 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Osos. The victory was the third consecutive win for Soles. They maintain fourth place with 28-9 record. Newly promoted Osos keep the fourteenth position with 31 games lost. Soles' next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Gigantes (#16) in Toluca which should be another easy win for them. Osos will play on the road against Pioneros in Cancun.
Top scorers:
Soles: J.Horne 39+6reb+1ast, M.Lizarraga 20+10reb, J.Luis Bucio 10+4reb+2ast, K.Gransberry 9+1reb, J.Griffin 5+4reb+1ast, S.Aguirre 3+1reb+1ast
Osos: O.McCullough 17+6reb+1ast, J.Camacho 16+6reb+1ast, M.Helton 10+4reb+1ast, A.Velez 8, N.Stallings 7+6reb+2ast, G.Moron 0+4reb
gschID: 188709


Abejas - Halc.Xalapa 103-107

LNBP top team - Halcones UV Xalapa (33-4) added another victory to their record. This time they beat ninth ranked Abejas (19-18) in Guanajuato 107-103. It looked good early as Abejas took an 5-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Halcones UV Xalapa had a 32-22 second period charge getting the lead and Abejas were not able to take back game control losing it eventually 103-107. Halcones UV Xalapa made 26-of-31 charity shots (83.9 percent) during the game. They brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. American guard Kevin Sowell (190-81, agency: Interperformances) nailed 27 points and 6 assists for the winning side and international guard Orlando Mendez-Valdez (185-86, college: W.Kentucky) accounted for 19 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Sowell is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Halcones UV Xalapa players scored in double figures. Halcones UV Xalapa's coach Angel Gonzalez allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American forward Eugene Phelps (198, college: Long Beach St.) came up with a double-double by scoring 25 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists and American-Jamaican forward McHugh Mattis (198-84, college: S.Florida) added 32 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Abejas in the defeat. Halcones UV Xalapa have an impressive series of nine victories in a row. They maintain first place with 33-4 record. Abejas lost third consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with 18 games lost. Halcones UV Xalapa will play against Lechugueros (#12) in Leon in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Abejas will play on the road against Huracanes in Tampico and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Halc.Xalapa: K.Sowell 27+2reb+6ast, V.Mariscal 21+2reb+1ast, L.Hickerson 20+6reb+1ast, O.Mendez-Valdez 19+6reb+8ast, A.Parada 10+5reb, L.Mata 8+4reb+1ast
Abejas: M.Mattis 32+5reb+1ast, E.Phelps 25+15reb+5ast, S.Pettigrew 25+8reb, E.Abdu 8+4reb+2ast, C.Castillo 8+4reb+2ast, V.Buelna 5+5reb+1ast
gschID: 188715


Lechugueros - Halc.Rojos 61-105

12th ranked Lechugueros (12-25) were outscored at home by third ranked Halcones Rojos (29-8) with the biggest margin this round 105-61. The game without a history. Halcones Rojos led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Lechugueros' 18 and made 16-of-18 charity shots (88.9 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Lechugueros 35-24 including 26 on the defensive glass. Halcones Rojos players were unselfish on offense dishing 33 assists comparing to just 15 passes made by Lechugueros' players. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Panamanian guard Danilo Pinnock (196-83, college: G.Washington) who helped to win the game recording 21 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). The former international power forward Arim Solares (202-83) contributed with 9 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Trinidad and Tobago-American point guard Ian Young (191-81, college: Auburn) answered with 26 points and 5 assists and Senegalese center Babacar Camara (211-81, college: CS Fullerton) added 15 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Lechugueros. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Halcones Rojos. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Toros. Lechugueros lost their third game in a row. They keep the twelfth position with 25 games lost. Halcones Rojos' next round opponent will be Abejas (#9) in Guanajuato and are hoping to win another game. Lechugueros will play at home against the league's leader Halcones UV Xalapa.
Top scorers:
Halc.Rojos: D.Pinnock 21+3reb+3ast, F.Benitez 12+3reb+2ast, L.Davis 12+3reb+1ast, N.Alonzo 11+2reb+1ast, F.Cruz 11+2reb+2ast, A.Solares 9+8reb+1ast
Lechugueros: I.Young 26+2reb+5ast, B.Camara 15+6reb, C.Turley 6+3reb+1ast, G.Preer 6+2reb+2ast, E.Cuen 5+5reb+1ast, J.Rios 3
gschID: 188714


Barreteros - Gansos 95-62

Very predictable result in Zacatecas where tenth ranked Barreteros (15-22) smashed 15th ranked Gansos (6-32) 95-62. The game was mostly controlled by Barreteros. Gansos was better in fourth quarter 24-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Barreteros dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Gansos' 36. Barreteros forced 21 Gansos turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 29 assists comparing to just 3 passes made by Gansos' players. It was a very good performance for American forward Reginald McKoy (198-80, college: Kennesaw St.) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds. His fellow American import guard Jason Horton (188-86, college: Missouri) contributed with 20 points, 8 assists and 5 steals (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. Horton is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Barreteros players scored in double figures. Barreteros' coach Andres Contreras felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Forward Jose Perez (197) answered with 19 points and 9 rebounds and Nigerian-American center Nkem Nweke (208-88, college: N.Mexico) added 13 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Gansos. Barreteros maintains tenth place with 15-22 record, which they share with Corr.Victoria. Gansos lost their fifth game in a row. Newly promoted team keep the fifteenth position with 32 games lost. Barreteros' next round opponent will be Guerreros (#13) in Chilpancingo. Gansos will play on the road against Panteras in Aguascalientes.
Top scorers:
Barreteros: J.Horton 20+8ast, R.McKoy 18+11reb, R.Loera Almanza 15+2reb+3ast, J.Habel 12+12reb+1ast, A.Donzella 9+4reb+3ast, S.Escobar 8+5reb+5ast
Gansos: J.Perez 19+9reb, C.Duran 16+3ast, N.Nweke 13+9reb, G.Abraham 8+6reb, A.LOUBERT 6+3reb, R.Mejia 0
gschID: 188713


Panteras - Guerreros 109-86

Not a big story in a game in Aguascalientes where 13th ranked Guerreros (8-29) were rolled over by fifth ranked Panteras (25-12) 109-86. The game was mostly controlled by Panteras. Guerreros was better in second period 23-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Panteras dominated down low during the game scoring 72 of its points in the paint compared to Guerreros' 52. They outrebounded Guerreros 43-31 including a 36-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Panteras players were unselfish on offense dishing 41 assists comparing to just 23 passes made by Guerreros' players. It was a very good performance for naturalized Puerto Rican guard Jesus Mora (191-86) who helped to win the game recording 28 points and 4 assists. Power forward Alberto Gonzalez (203-85) contributed with 16 points and 4 assists (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. Mora is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas. Four Panteras players scored in double figures. Panteras' coach Juan Cardona felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Guard Fernando Calixto (184-79) answered with 30 points and 4 assists and guard Yitzahak Castro (183-76) added 13 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Guerreros. The victory was the third consecutive win for Panteras. They maintain fifth place with 25-12 record, which they share with Pioneros. Guerreros lost their eleventh game in a row. Newly promoted team keep the thirteenth position with 29 games lost. Panteras' next round opponent will be Gansos (#15) in Ciudad de Mexico and are hoping to win another game. Guerreros will play on the road against Barreteros in Zacatecas.
Top scorers:
Panteras: J.Mora 28+3reb+4ast, A.Gonzalez 16+4reb+4ast, A.Villalobos 14+2reb+2ast, R.Melendez 14, K.Malpica 11+1reb+5ast, F.Verdugo 11+4reb+6ast
Guerreros: F.Calixto 30+2reb+4ast, D.Toralva 17+3reb+4ast, Y.Castro 13+7reb+5ast, J.Carino 9+3reb+2ast, F.Hernandez 7+10reb+5ast, J.Calvo 4+2ast
gschID: 188712


Huracanes - Fuerza Regia 87-80

The game in Tampico was also quite interesting. 7th ranked Fuerza Regia (22-15) played at the court of eighth ranked Huracanes (21-15). Huracanes managed to secure a 7-point victory 87-80 on Thursday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Fuerza Regia. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 32-18. But Fuerza Regia won third quarter 19-11. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Huracanes looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American swingman Marcus Morrison (198-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.) fired 28 points and 4 steals for the winners. The former international point guard Omar Quintero (183-81, college: S.Nazarene) chipped in a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 assists. American guard Mario West (195-84, college: Georgia Tech) produced 21 points and 5 rebounds and center Lance Allred (211-81, college: Weber St., agency: SportsTalent) added 16 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Huracanes and five Fuerza Regia players scored in double figures. Huracanes maintains eighth place with 21-15 record. Loser Fuerza Regia keeps the seventh position with 15 games lost. Huracanes will meet at home Abejas (#9) in the next round. Fuerza Regia will play against Correcaminos in Ciudad Victoria and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Huracanes: M.Morrison 28+4reb+3ast, E.Basden 19+10reb+2ast, O.Quintero 16+2reb+13ast, C.Tate 10+8reb, J.Gonzalez 7+3reb+2ast, M.Ayala 5+2reb
Fuerza Regia: M.West 21+5reb+2ast, L.Allred 16+7reb, M.Charlo 15+3reb+1ast, E.Little 10+6reb+3ast, S.Monreal 10+1reb+6ast, G.Giron 6+5reb
gschID: 188711


Corr.Victoria - Toros 96-81

The game between second ranked Toros (29-8) and eleventh ranked Correcaminos (15-22) was the most important one in the last round on Thursday night. Toros were defeated by Correcaminos in Ciudad Victoria 96-81. It ended at the same time the ten-game winning streak of Toros. The game was mostly controlled by Correcaminos. Toros managed to win fourth quarter 25-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Correcaminos shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 51.7 percentage. American forward Brandon Robinson (202-81, college: Auburn, agency: Paris Global Sports) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 14 rebounds for the winners and naturalized American swingman Joseph Hutchingson Mejia (196-85, college: Lincoln, MO) chipped in 20 points. Four Correcaminos players scored in double figures. At the losing side American-Nigerian forward Ike Ofoegbu (205-85, college: SMU) responded with 17 points and American-Puerto Rican point guard Wilfredo Pagan (184-76) scored 16 points. Toros' coach Jose Martinez rotated ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Correcaminos moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Barreteros. Toros at the other side keep the second position with eight games lost. They share it with Halc.Rojos. Correcaminos is looking forward to face higher ranked Fuerza Regia (#7) in Monterrey in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Toros will play on the road against Huracanes (#8) in Tampico and are hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Corr.Victoria: B.Robinson 28+14reb+2ast, M.Allen 20+3reb+3ast, J.Hutchingson Mejia 20+4reb+3ast, M.Gainous 15+7reb, B.Heredia 6+2reb+1ast, G.Maciel 5+1reb+2ast
Toros: I.Ofoegbu 17+4reb, W.Pagan 16+1ast, B.Angley 9+4reb+1ast, L.Ellis Vasquez 9, M.Hutchingson 8+1reb, R.Rougeau 8+4reb
gschID: 188710


Pioneros - Gigantes 101-66

Everything went according to plan in Cancun where sixth ranked Pioneros (25-12) outscored bottom-ranked Gigantes (3-34) 101-66. The game without a history. Pioneros led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 72 of its points in the paint compared to Gigantes' 36. Pioneros forced 20 Gigantes turnovers and outrebounded them 40-20 including a 27-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 30 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Gigantes' players. It was a very good performance for American forward Matt Robertson (206-87, college: Rollins, agency: Duran International) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 7 rebounds. The former international forward Hector Hernandez (206-85, college: Fresno St.) contributed with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Pioneros' coach Josep Claros felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. American forward Jermaine Johnson (201-85, college: Charleston, agency: Interperformances) answered with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and Mica Ramos added 17 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Gigantes. Five Pioneros and four Gigantes players scored in double figures. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Pioneros. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Panteras. Gigantes lost their sixth game in a row. Newly promoted team stay dead last with 34 lost games. Pioneros' next round opponent will be Osos (#14) and are hoping to win another game. Gigantes will play against Soles in Mexicali.
Top scorers:
Pioneros: M.Robertson 23+7reb+2ast, H.Hernandez 18+10reb+3ast, S.Soriano 13+5reb, M.Williams 12+8reb+1ast, H.Llamas 12+2reb+2ast, J.Villanueva 12+3reb
Gigantes: J.Johnson 17+8reb+5ast, M.Ramos 17+5reb, J.Inzunza 12+1reb+2ast, E.Swanson 11+2reb+3ast, Z.Alvidrez 7+1reb, M.Munoz 2+2reb
gschID: 188708



Fuerza Regia adds West to their roster, ex La Villa - by Eurobasket News

Fuerza Regia Monterrey (LNBP) added to their roster 29-year old American guard Mario West (195-98kg-84, college: Georgia Tech). West managed to play in three leagues in three countries last year (!!!). He played last summer at La Villa in La Vega League in Dominican Republic. He also played at Caneros in Dominican Rep. LNB that season. The other team West played that season for was Meralco Bolts in Filipino PBA. In 11 games he recorded very impressive stats: 30.1ppg, 7.8rpg, 2.7apg, 2.5spg and 1.1bpg. Another team he played that season for was Tezenis in Italian Lega2. In 28 games last season he averaged 13.3ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.4apg and 3.1spg (leader !!!). A very spectacular season in his career as he was selected Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 Defensive Player of the Year.
The previous (2011) summer West played at Cocolos in LNB. Another team he played shortly were Brooklyn Nets (previous name New Jersey Nets) in NBA. In 6 games that year he averaged 3.7ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.7apg and 1.2spg.
West has played previously professionally in Italy (Tezenis Verona) and D-League (Maine Red Claws).
He attended Georgia Tech until 2007 and it will be his sixth season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Gustavo Ayon selected the top Mexican playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

We bring you last week's top performances from Mexicans who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Gustavo Ayon
Gustavo Ayon
   #1. This week's number one is an international power forward Gustavo Ayon (209-85, college: San Jose St., currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA. He could not help the Orlando Magic (12-20) to beat the Washington Wizards (4-26). Ayon recorded 8 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists in 35 minutes on the court. The Orlando Magic lost 97-105 on the road to the Wizards. It was Magic's seventh consecutive loss in a row. It's Ayon's first season with the team. This year he averages: 3.7ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 52.4% and FT: 57.6% in the 29 games he played so far. Ayon is currently a member of the Mexican senior national team.

Romel Beck
Romel Beck
   #2. Second place goes to an international swingman Romel Beck (201-82, agency: Interperformances, college: UNLV, currently plays in Israel), who plays in the Israeli Winner League. He was not able to help Bnei Hasharon (4-7) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Beck's very good performance Bnei Hasharon was crushed 113-85 in Tel-Aviv by the leading Maccabi T-A. He was the top scorer with 32 points. Beck is currently first on the list of top scorers. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Beck averages: 19.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.6apg, 2FGP: 63.5%(61-96), 3FGP: 28.3% and FT: 83.7%. He is a naturalized American. Beck is in the roster of the Mexican senior national team. He used to play for Correcaminos Victoria in Mexican league.

Earl Watson
Earl Watson
   #3. The Mexican player who performed third best last week abroad was an experienced former international point guard Earl Watson (185-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: UCLA, currently plays in NBA). Watson managed to help Utah Jazz in a victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves (15-14) crushing them 106-84 in the NBA on Wednesday night. He scored only 2 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 9 assists in 24 minutes. The Utah Jazz has 16-17 record this season. They ended the series of three consecutive loses. This year Watson's overall stats are: 1.9ppg, 1.7rpg, 4.2apg, 2FGP: 30.6%, 3FGP: 14.3% and FT: 66.7% in the 18 games. He is a naturalized American. Watson played for the Mexican national team six years ago. Strangely he has never played in Mexico.

Paul Stoll
Paul Stoll
   #4. Point guard Paul Stoll (180-85, currently plays in Israel) contributed to a Maccabi Haifa's victory against the eighth-ranked Maccabi Rishon (5-6) 79-73 in the Israeli Winner League in Sunday night's game. Stoll scored 8 points and added 5 assists. Maccabi Bazan Haifa (8-3) is placed second in the Winner League. Stoll belongs to league's best passers and is ranked #6. This season he has very high stats. Stoll averages: 15.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.2apg and 1.9spg. He is a naturalized American. Stoll is also Mexican national team player. He used to play for Algodoneros de La Comarca - Torreon in Mexican league.

Raul Delgado
Raul Delgado
   #5. Former University international guard Raul Delgado (188-91, currently plays college basketball in the States) led BYU to an easy victory against the Northern Arizona University (2-1) crushing them 84-54 in the NCAA last Thursday. Delgado scored 11 points and blocked 2 blocks in a mere 17 minutes. The Brigham Young University has 1-0 conference record this season. Delgado has very impressive stats this year: 15.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.2apg and 1.9spg in the 11 games. He used to play for the Mexican university national team two years ago.

One more player who has never been selected to any of national teams, but has Mexican passport:

   #1. Juan Anderson (198-F-93, currently plays college basketball in the States) managed to help Marquette University to win in overtime against the University of Connecticut 82-76 in the NCAA on Tuesday night. Anderson recorded only 1 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. The Marquette University has conference record this season. Anderson has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 15.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.2apg and 1.9spg. Anderson is a naturalized American. Apparently he has never played in Mexico.

Other top Mexican players, who play abroad:

Juan Alvarez (200-F-92) plays for Bigua in Uruguayan LUB
Diego Gonzalez (175-PG-84) plays for Aguada in Uruguayan LUB
Jaime Serna (205-F-89) plays for CB Clavijo in Spanish LEB Gold
Mark Sanchez (201-F-87) plays for Kapfenberg Bulls in Austrian A Bundesliga
Gabriel Sandoval (198-G/F-81) plays for Arizona Scorpions in the ABA
Daniel Villanueva (F-89) plays for Zamora in Spanish EBA
Manuel Gutierrez (182-G-84) plays for Quilmes MP in Argentinian TNA
Isiah Martinez (185-G-90) plays for Colorado Cougars in the ABA


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  MONTENEGRO   


Nikola Vucevic's double-double lands him Player of the Week award among Montenegrins playing currently abroad - by Eurobasket Center

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Montenegrin players, who play currently abroad.

Nikola Vucevic
Nikola Vucevic
   #1. This week's number one is an international center Nikola Vucevic (210-90, college: USC, currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA. He could not help the Orlando Magic (12-20) in their last game. Despite Vucevic's very good performance the Orlando Magic was edged in an overtime 112-110 on the road by the Miami Heat. He had a double-double by scoring 20 points and getting 29 rebounds. Vucevic also added 2 blocks and 3 steals in 47 minutes on the court; quite an impressive performance considering it's only his second season in pro basketball. It was Magic's seventh consecutive loss in a row. Vucevic has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 11.1ppg, 10.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1bpg, 2FGP: 50.9% and FT: 63.8% in the 32 games he played so far. Vucevic is currently a member of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Nikola Pekovic
Nikola Pekovic
   #2. Second place goes to an international center Nikola Pekovic (209-86, agency: Beo Basket, currently plays in NBA). He led Minnesota Timberwolves to a victory over the Phoenix Suns (12-21) 111-107 in the NBA last Saturday. Pekovic was MVP of the game. He recorded a double-double by scoring 28 points and getting 11 rebounds. The Minnesota Timberwolves have 15-14 record this season. This year Pekovic has very high stats. He averages: 15.7ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 49.9% and FT: 77.0%. Pekovic is in the roster of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Milko Bjelica
Milko Bjelica
   #3. The Montenegrin player who performed third best last week abroad was an international power forward Milko Bjelica (205-84, also represented by Beo Basket, currently plays in Euroleague). Bjelica contributed to a 1-point Caja Laboral's victory against the eighth-ranked Maccabi T-A (0-2) 71-70 in the Euroleague in Thursday night's game. He scored 8 points. Caja Laboral Vitoria (2-0) is placed third in group F. Bjelica's overall stats this season are: 4.0ppg, 2.6rpg, 2FGP: 28.2%, 3FGP: 23.1% and FT: 81.3%. He has a dual citizenship: Serbian and Montenegrin. Bjelica is also a member of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Bojan Dubljevic
Bojan Dubljevic
   #4. Power forward Bojan Dubljevic (205-91, another player represented by Beo Basket, currently plays in Spain) contributed to an easy victory against the tenth-ranked Unicaja Malaga (8-7) 82-64 in the Spanish ACB last Sunday. He scored 7 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 20 minutes. Valencia Basket (11-4) is placed third in the ACB. Dubljevic has relatively good stats this year: 12.1ppg and 3.3rpg in the 14 games. He is also Montenegrin national team player.

Omar-Sharif Cook
Omar-Sharif Cook
   #5. International point guard Omar-Sharif Cook (188-82, another player represented by Beo Basket, college: St.John's, currently plays in Euroleague) is a teammate of previously mentioned Milko Bjelica and both played together in the last Euroleague game. Cook managed to help Caja Laboral Vitoria to win against the eighth-ranked Maccabi T-A (0-2) 71-70. He scored 5 points and added 5 passes. It's Cook's first season with the team. Cook's overall stats this year are: 2.5ppg, 4.0apg and 1.5spg. He is a naturalized American. Cook plays currently for the Montenegrin national team. Strangely he has never played in Montenegro.

Blagota Sekulic
Blagota Sekulic
   #6. Center Blagota Sekulic (209-82, agency: FCM, currently plays in Spain) was the major contributor in a 3-point CB Canarias' victory against one of league's weakest teams Assignia Manresa (2-13) 81-78 in the Spanish ACB in Saturday night's game. Sekulic scored 18 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in a mere 17 minutes. Iberostar Canarias Tenerife (5-10) is placed 14th in the ACB. This year Sekulic's overall stats are: 7.9ppg and 4.2rpg in the 15 games. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Montenegrin National Team roster.

Zarko Rakocevic
Zarko Rakocevic
   #7. Former international forward Zarko Rakocevic (204-84, agency: Interperformances, currently plays in Austria), who plays in the Austrian A Bundesliga was not able to help BC Vienna (11-2) in their last game. Despite Rakocevic's very good performance the league leader BC Vienna lost 78-86 in Gussing to the lower-ranked (#5) Knights. He was the top scorer with 24 points. Rakocevic also added 6 rebounds in 31 minutes. They ended the series of four consecutive victories. Rakocevic is ranked first on the list of the best blockers in the league with 1.2bpg. This year his other stats are: 16.5ppg, 5.4rpg and 1.3apg in the 11 games. Rakocevic used to play for the Montenegrin national team four years ago.

Sasha Pavlovic
Sasha Pavlovic
   #8. Swingman Sasha Pavlovic (200-83, currently plays in NBA) was not able to secure a victory for the Portland Trail Blazers (16-15) in their game against the Los Angeles Lakers (15-16) in the NBA. He recorded 5 points. The Portland Trail Blazers were badly defeated 104-87 in Los Angeles by the Lakers. Pavlovic's total stats this season are: 2.4ppg and 1.6rpg. He used to play for the Montenegrin national team back in 2008.

Nemanja Djurisic
Nemanja Djurisic
   #9. Former U20 international forward Nemanja Djurisic (203-92, currently plays college basketball in the States) contributed to Georgia's surprising victory against the Florida A&M University (1-0) 82-73 in the NCAA last Saturday. Djurisic recorded 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 23 minutes. The University of Georgia has conference record this season. This year Djurisic's total stats are: 2.4ppg and 1.6rpg in the 25 games. He used to play for the Montenegrin U20 national team two years ago.

Marko Ljujic
Marko Ljujic
   #10. Center Marko Ljujic (205-90, agency: BBEH Cokrlija, currently plays in Sweden) contributed to a White Eagles' victory against the league outsider Nassjo (3-17) 80-67 in the Swedish Basketligan on Thursday night. Ljujic recorded a double-double by scoring 18 points and getting 11 rebounds. White Eagles Stockholm (5-15) is placed tenth in the Basketligan. It was his team's first victory after seven consecutive loses. Ljujic has averaged so far 8.7ppg and 3.6rpg. He is a former U20 international player as three years ago he still played for the Montenegrin national team.

   #11. U21 international power forward Marko Todorovic (210-92, currently plays in Euroleague) helped his Spanish team Regal FC Barcelona win their game against the seventh-ranked Fenerbahce Ulker crushing them 100-78 in the Euroleague in Friday night's game. Todorovic recorded only 2 points in 2 minutes on the court. Todorovic has averaged so far 1.8ppg and 1.7rpg in the nine games. He plays currently for the Montenegrin U21 national team.

   #12. International power forward Ivan Maras (207-86, another player represented by Beo Basket, currently plays in Cyprus) couldn't help Etha in their game against AEK in the Cypriot Division A. Maras recorded 7 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. It was his first game for Etha this season. His team was edged 67-65. Maras is also in the roster of the Montenegrin national team.

   #13. International swingman Suad Sehovic (196-87, currently plays in Ukraine) couldn't help Khimik in their game against Kryvbasbasket in the Ukrainian Superleague. Sehovic cannot count Friday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 3 points. His team was badly defeated by 16 points 89-73. This season Sehovic has relatively solid stats: 11.9ppg, 4.7rpg and 1.2apg. He is also Montenegrin national team player.

   #14. Former international guard Vujadin Subotic (198-81, currently plays in Cyprus) faced previously mentioned Ivan Maras in the Cypriot Division A last game. Subotic helped AEK edge the league leader Etha 67-65. He recorded 5 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 32 minutes. Subotic has reliable stats this year: 11.3ppg and 4.6rpg in the eight games. He used to play for the Montenegrin national team back in 2008.

   #15. U21 international power forward Radosav Spasojevic (204-92, another player represented by Interperformances, currently plays in Austria), who plays in the Austrian A Bundesliga couldn't help Arkadia Lions (1-13) in their last game on Thursday. Despite Spasojevic's very good performance the bottom-ranked Arkadia Lions were crushed 99-73 in Graz by the higher-ranked UBSC (#8). He was the top scorer with 16 points. Spasojevic also added 4 rebounds. Spasojevic is ranked fourth on the list of the top scorers in the league. This season he has very high stats. Spasojevic averages: 19.1ppg, 6.1rpg and 2.6apg. He is also in the roster of the Montenegrin U21 national team.

The list of other players, who all have Montenegrin passport but never been selected to any of Montenegrin national teams:

   #1. Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91, currently plays in Euroleague) led his Spanish team Real Madrid to a victory over the eighth-ranked Brose Baskets Bamberg (0-2) 82-67 in the Euroleague on Thursday night. He was the best player in that game. Mirotic scored 19 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 22 minutes. Real Madrid (2-0) is placed first in group E. Mirotic has relatively good stats this year: 12.5ppg and 5.1rpg in the 12 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Montenegrin and Spanish. Despite Mirotic's Montenegrin passport, he previously played for the Spanish U20 national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Montenegrin team.

   #2. Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81, agency: Beo Basket, currently plays in Czech Republic) contributed to a CEZ Nymburk's victory against the seventh-ranked Levice (9-10) 77-63 in the Czech Republic NBL last Thursday. Pavkovic scored 8 points and added 7 passes. CEZ Basketball Nymburk (18-1) is placed first in the NBL. Pavkovic is ranked fourth on the list of the best passers in the league. His total stats this season are: 5.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.1apg and 1.2spg.

   #3. Nikola Dragovic (206-F-87, college: UCLA, currently plays in Italy), who plays in the Italian SerieA could not help Air Avellino (3-10) to beat Juvecaserta (6-7). He recorded 6 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 17 minutes. Air Avellino was edged in an overtime 86-84 on the road by the higher-ranked (#10) Juvecaserta. It was Air Avellino's fourth consecutive loss in a row. This year Dragovic has relatively solid stats: 10.3ppg, 5.6rpg and 1.2spg in the 13 games. He is another player who holds two passports: Serbian and Montenegrin. Despite Dragovic's Montenegrin nationality, he previously played for the Serbian university national team and probably cannot be called to the Montenegrin team.


Ivan Maras joined Etha - by Darko Pekic

Montenegrin big man and former member of the National Team, Ivan Maras (207-PF-86, agency: Beo Basket), has joined Etha, a team that plays in he Cypriot Division A. In his first game for Etha, Maras recorded 7 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. In Etha last year played two Montenegrin big men- Savo Djikanovic (211-C-75, agency: Beo Basket) and Boris Lalovic (209-C-81).

Maras played last season in Serbia and Belgium but he did not find a good opportunity at the beginning of this season so he decided to sit out the first part of the season. He was raised in Buducnost junior team and later became their captain and National Team member.


Vladimir Dasic will not join Cedevita - by Darko Pekic

Vladimir Dasic (208-PF-88) will not join Cedevita. The member of Montenegrin NT starting five and the club from Zagreb did not reach an agreement because Dasic put the offer on hold and Cedevita decided to withdraw from the negotiations. The former player of Buducnost will now look at other options and according to his own words there are other offers on the table waiting for him.

Dasic started the season in Besiktas but the club decided to release him in December. He averaged 4. ppg and 1.8 rpg in Euroleague this season.


*****************************************************
  NBA   

Standings

NBA Standings
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
 1. New York K. 22-10 
 2. Brooklyn N. 18-15 
 3. Boston C. 15-17 
 4. Philadelph.76 15-19 
 5. Toronto R. 12-21 
Central Div.
 1. Indiana P. 19-14 
 2. Chicago B. 18-13 
 3. Milwaukee B. 16-15 
 4. Detroit P. 13-22 
 5. Cleveland C. 8-26 
Southeast Div.
 1. Miami Heat 22-9 
 2. Atlanta H. 20-11 
 3. Orlando M. 12-20 
 4. Charlotte B. 8-24 
 5. Washington W. 4-27 
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
 1. Oklah.City T. 25-7 
 2. Denver N. 18-16 
 3. Portland TB 17-15 
 4. Utah Jazz 17-17 
 5. Minnesota T. 15-14 
Pacific Div.
 1. LA Clippers 26-8 
 2. Golden St.W. 22-10 
 3. LA Lakers 15-17 
 4. Sacramento K. 13-20 
 5. Phoenix Suns 12-22 
Southwest Div.
 1. San Antonio S. 26-9 
 2. Memphis G. 20-10 
 3. Houston R. 19-14 
 4. Dallas M. 13-20 
 5. N.Orleans H. 7-25 

Regular Season: Round 65

Jan. 4: Toronto R. - Sacramento K. 96-105
Jan. 4: Boston C. - Indiana P. 94-75
Jan. 4: Miami Heat - Chicago B. 89-96
Jan. 4: Detroit P. - Atlanta H. 85-84
Jan. 4: Memphis G. - Portland TB 84-86
Jan. 4: Phoenix Suns - Utah Jazz 80-87
Jan. 4: Washington W. - Brooklyn N. 113-115 2OT
Jan. 4: Oklah.City T. - Philadelph.76 109-85
Jan. 4: LA Clippers - LA Lakers 107-102
Jan. 4: Charlotte B. - Cleveland C. 104-106
Jan. 4: Milwaukee B. - Houston R. 101-115

Regular Season: Round 66

Jan. 5: Atlanta H. - Boston C.
Jan. 5: Orlando M. - New York K.
Jan. 5: Indiana P. - Milwaukee B.
Jan. 5: Brooklyn N. - Sacramento K.
Jan. 5: Cleveland C. - Houston R.
Jan. 5: Minnesota T. - Portland TB
Jan. 5: Dallas M. - N.Orleans H.
Jan. 5: San Antonio S. - Philadelph.76
Jan. 5: Denver N. - Utah Jazz
Jan. 5: LA Clippers - Golden St.W.


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Kobe BRYANT
  LA Lakers
  (198-SG-78)
  Avg: 30.5
 1. Bryant, LA Lakers30.5 
 2. Anthony, New Y.28.9 
 3. Durant, Oklah.Ci.28.3 
 4. James, Miami Heat26.6 
 5. Harden, Houston R.26.3 
 6. Irving, Cleveland23.1 
 7. Westbrook, Oklah..21.8 
 8. Wade, Miami Heat20.7 
 9. Aldridge, Portland.20.6 
 10. Curry, Golden S.20.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Anderson VAREJAO
  Clevelan.
  (205-C-82)
  Avg: 14.4
 1. Varejao, Clevelan.14.4 
 2. Love, Minnesota T.14.0 
 3. Randolph, Memph.12.3 
 4. Howard, LA Lakers12.0 
 5. Asik, Houston R.11.6 
 6. Lee, Golden St.W.11.0 
 7. Hickson, Portland.10.8 
 8. Vucevic, Orlan.10.5 
 9. Noah, Chicago B.10.4 
 10. Cousins, Sacramen.10.3 
Assists Per Game
 Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 11.4
 1. Rondo, Boston C.11.4 
 2. Paul, LA Clippers9.3 
 3. Holiday, Philadel.9.0 
 4. Vasquez, N.Orlean.9.0 
 5. Westbrook, Oklah..8.6 
 6. Williams, Brooklyn7.8 
 7. Calderon, Toron.7.6 
 8. Parker, San A.7.4 
 9. James, Miami Heat6.9 
 10. Teague, Atlanta6.8 
Steals Per Game
 Chris PAUL
  LA Clippers
  (183-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Paul, LA Clippers2.6 
 2. Conley, Memphis G.2.4 
 3. Jennings, Milwauke.2.1 
 4. Westbrook, Oklah..2.1 
 5. Leonard, San A.1.9 
 6. Lin, Houston R.1.9 
 7. Harden, Houston R.1.9 
 8. Rondo, Boston C.1.9 
 9. Kidd, New York K.1.9 
 10. Young, Philadelph.1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Larry SANDERS
  Milwauke.
  (211-F-88)
  Avg: 3
 1. Sanders, Milwauke.3.0 
 2. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.2.9 
 3. Hibbert, Indiana P.2.7 
 4. Howard, LA Lakers2.6 
 5. Duncan, San A.2.5 
 6. Smith, Atlanta H.2.3 
 7. Lopez, Brooklyn N.2.3 
 8. Noah, Chicago B.2.0 
 9. McGee, Denver N.2.0 
 10. Lopez, N.Orleans2.0 


Action-packed Friday review - by Eurobasket News

LA Clippers - LA Lakers 107-102
Chris Paul (6'0''-PG-85, college: Wake Forest) had 30 points and 13 assists, Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma) added 24 points, and the Los Angeles Clippers led all the way in beating the Lakers 107-102 on Friday night. Kobe Bryant (6'6''-SG-78) scored 38 points and Dwight Howard had 21 points and 15 rebounds for the Lakers, who lost for the second time this season to their Staples Center co-tenants. Bryant carried the Lakers in the fourth quarter when they closed to 99-97 on his 23-foot jumper with 1:29 left. But Paul scored the Clippers' final eight points to seal the victory and drop the Lakers two games below .500. The Clippers lead the Lakers by 10 games in the standings. The Lakers continue to struggle under new coach Mike D'Antoni. They've lost three of their last four games. The Clippers shot 50 percent and dominated the paint, 52-36. Bryant scored 16 points in the fourth, when the Lakers rallied from 19 points down. The Clippers fouled for much of the final 5:51. Howard missed two free throws but then made two to get the Lakers within four before Bryant's jumper left them trailing 99-97. The Lakers got within three early in the third only to have the Clippers push their lead to 10 points. It was a similar situation in the second, when the Lakers got within five points on Bryant's 3-pointer before the Clippers ran their lead back to 10 points by halftime. The Clippers had dropped two consecutive road games earlier in the week, when their 17-game winning streak was snapped. Courtesy of: huffingtonpost.com

Phoenix Suns - Utah Jazz 80-87
Al Jefferson (6'10''-F/C-85) scored 21 points and Paul Millsap added 19 to lead the Utah Jazz past the slumping Phoenix Suns, 87-80 on Friday night. Gordon Hayward (6'9''-G/F-90, agency: Priority Sports, college: Butler) added 14 points off the bench for the Jazz, who have won consecutive games for the first time since Dec. 5 - 12. Utah was without center Enes Kanter, who sprained his right ankle in a win Wednesday against Minnesota. Marcin Gortat (6'11''-C-84) had 18 points and 11 rebounds for Phoenix. Goran Dragic added 17 points, but only six after the first quarter. Utah's bench outscored Phoenix's reserves 32-14. Randy Foye gave the Jazz the lead for good, 47-44, on a 3-pointer with 9:41 left in the third quarter. Four minutes later, Jefferson scored six straight points to key a 14-2 run that stretched Utah's lead to 65-52. Phoenix pulled no closer than seven the rest of the way. The Suns shot 77.8 percent from the floor in the first quarter to take a 31-25 lead, with three of four starters scoring eight points or more. But that abruptly changed in the second quarter, when the Suns' second unit went 8:24 without scoring. Fortunately for Phoenix, the Jazz were just as cold - the teams combined to miss 21 consecutive shots over a 4:28 span and Utah led only 42-40 at halftime. Phoenix's nine second-quarter points were a season low for any quarter and just two points off the franchise record for futility. Courtesy of: foxnews.com

Milwaukee B. - Houston R. 101-115
James Harden (6'5''-SG-89, college: Arizona St.) scored 29 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 115-101 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. Harden shot 11 of 18 from the floor to go with seven assists and four steals for Houston, which has won 10 of its last 13 games. The Rockets, who shot 54 percent from the field, also got 22 points from Carlos Delfino (6'7''-SF-82) in his return to Milwaukee. He played for the Bucks from 2009-12 before signing with Houston as an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. The Rockets' Jeremy Lin was taken to the locker room with 10:34 left in the third after the left side of his head was slightly bloodied after he collided with the right cheek of Milwaukee's Larry Sanders (6'11''-F-88, college: VCU) as the two scrambled for a loose ball near half court. He returned to the bench with just under 3 minutes left in the period and started the fourth quarter. Milwaukee equaled a season worst by losing its third game in a row despite 16 points from Brandon Jennings. Houston, which remains on the road for eight of its next 10 games, pulled away with a 13-0 run midway through the fourth quarter. It started with three consecutive 3-pointers. After Patrick Patterson drilled one, Harden made two of them. He was fouled on the first but missed the free throw, and then added another after an offensive rebound by Patterson for a 104-90 lead. After a layup by Lin, Harden capped the run with two free throws for a 108-90 lead with 4:12 to play. Milwaukee committed five turnovers during that stretch. Houston outscored Milwaukee 30-14 in the third quarter and led 77-72 at the start of the fourth. The Rockets scored 19 of the first 21 points of the period and took a 66-60 lead on a layup by Toney Douglas with 6:19 to play. Milwaukee opened the quarter with three turnovers in a row and then missed 13 straight field goals. The Bucks shot 20 percent in the quarter. In the second quarter, a 22-5 run by Milwaukee gave the Bucks an 18-point lead, their largest of the game. Milwaukee held a 26-25 lead when it scored 10 points in a row, capped by a layup by John Henson for a 35-35 lead with 8:37 remaining. Another layup and free throw by Henson gave the Bucks a 48-30 advantage with 5:55 to play. Courtesy of: galvestondailynews.com

Oklah.City T. - Philadelph.76 109-85
'The don't lose two in a row.' Those were the words of 76ers guard Royal Ivey before his team played the Oklahoma City Thunder Friday, the team that he played for the past two seasons. Wednesday, the Thunder lost at home to the Brooklyn Nets by 16 points and watched in surprise as All-Star Kevin Durant (6'9''-SF-88, college: Texas) got ejected from the game. Ivey knew how his former running mates would react following Wednesday's setback, and they proved him right as the Thunder methodically buried the Sixers, 109-85, to improve their NBA-best record to 25-7. The Thunder pulled away in the third quarter when they outscored the Sixers by 32-24, while shooting 11-for-13, and upped their lead to 78-66 and they continuously built on that in the final 12 minutes of the contest. Oklahoma City shot 23-for-36 in the second half from the floor. Russell Westbrook (6'3''-PG-88, college: UCLA) scored 27 and Kevin Durant 26 for the Thunder, while Serge Ibaka totaled 15 points and 10 rebounds. Kevin Martin came off the bench to contribute 16. Nick Young (6'6''-G/F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: USC), who was the only Sixer to go to the foul line, led the team with 21 points, while Jrue Holiday finished with 15 and 9 assists. Dorell Wright chipped in 11 and Thaddues Young added 10 while Spencer Hawes had 13 rebounds. The Sixers are now 2-5 on this road trip and 15-19 overall. They again were hurt by turnovers (20) and their inability to get to the foul line as Oklahoma City had a 21-6 scoring advantage from the line. Courtesy of: philly.com

Toronto R. - Sacramento K. 96-105
Sacramento Kings coach Keith Smart called DeMarcus Cousins (6'11''-C/F-90, agency: SportsTalent, college: Kentucky) "the guy who makes it all work for us." Friday night's performance was the perfect example of that. Cousins scored a season-high 31 points and matched his career high with 20 rebounds, John Salmons (6'7''-F-79, college: Miami, FL) scored eight of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and the Kings topped the Toronto Raptors 105-96. "He had the right energy to start the game, he had the right mindset of not trying to score 50 but trying to let his teammates play," Smart said of Cousins. "He's in a good spot as a basketball player right now and he's only going to get better." Salmons said Cousins is helping the Kings win by trusting his teammates and giving up the ball when he gets double-teamed. "He's involved and he's understanding the game better," Salmons said. "He's understanding what it takes to win. He's trying to do to things for this team to move up in the standings and make a playoff push." Jason Thompson scored 14 points and Isaiah Thomas had 11 as the Kings won their second straight road game. They'd gone 1-13 away from home before winning at Cleveland on Wednesday. "It doesn't happen that often so we're going to enjoy this," Smart said. This is Sacramento's longest road winning streak since a three-game run from March 23-27, 2011. The Kings have won six of eight overall following their second five-game losing streak of the season. "We're playing some good team basketball," Cousins said. "It doesn't matter who's having a good night, let's feed them the rock. That's been our mindset and it's been working." Kyle Lowry (6'0''-PG-86, college: Villanova) scored 24 points and Ed Davis had 11 points and 13 rebounds for the Raptors, who came in having won eight of nine and a season-best five straight at home. "We did not have an answer for DeMarcus Cousins inside," said Raptors coach Dwane Casey. "We did not play with any zip. We were flat." Alan Anderson scored 20 points, DeMar DeRozan had 14 and Jose Calderon added 13 for the Raptors, who also lost 107-100 at Sacramento on Dec. 5. "It's definitely tough," DeRozan said. "Cousins is someone to reckon with in the post." He sure is. The hulking center proved a problem for every defender Toronto tried against him, especially Amir Johnson, who fouled out without taking a single shot. This was the third 20-rebound game of Cousins' career, but Smart said he expects plenty more. "Twenty rebounds for him can be an every fifth game event," Smart said. "He's always going to be in the top area of rebounding because he does a great job of going after the basketball." Cousins had 19 rebounds the last time the Kings visited the Raptors, snapping a seven-game slide north of the border with a 98-91 victory last Jan. 11. "I hate coming through the airport but I enjoy coming to Toronto," Cousins said with a laugh. The Raptors' fate was sealed in a dreadful third quarter that saw them make just three of 21 field goal attempts and commit six turnovers as Sacramento turned a one-point halftime lead into a 19-point advantage heading into the fourth. "I don't know what happened to them, but I know we played a very good third quarter," Smart said. The Raptors went 11 for 39 from the field in the second half after going 19 for 40 in the first. Cousins had nine points, four rebounds and three assists in the first quarter as Sacramento led 23-22. Anderson scored seven points as Toronto replied with a 17-5 spurt to start the second, taking a 39-31 lead with 7:02 to play. But Sacramento closed the half on an 8-0 run to lead 54-53 at intermission. The Kings surged ahead with a 12-0 run to open the second half as the Raptors fell apart. Toronto was outscored 28-10 overall as the Kings used 10 points from Cousins to take an 82-63 lead into the final quarter. Courtesy of: times-standard.com

Boston C. - Indiana P. 94-75
Kevin Garnett (6'11''-F/C-76) scored 18 points before he was ejected for a flagrant foul in the fourth quarter, and the Boston Celtics snapped a four-game losing streak by beating the Indiana Pacers 94-75 on Friday night. Rajon Rondo (6'1''-PG-86, college: Kentucky) added 18 points, seven assists and five rebounds for Boston, which had lost eight of 10 to fall a season-worst three games below .500. Garnett also had seven rebounds. Tyler Hansbrough (6'9''-F-85, college: N.Carolina) scored 19 points and David West and Roy Hibbert had 10 rebounds apiece for the Pacers. The Central Division leaders had won six of seven and nine of 11. The Celtics used a 17-3 run in the second quarter to take control of the game. There was plenty of intensity, though, with the Pacers drawing three technical fouls before Garnett was given a Flagrant 2 foul for flailing at Hansbrough in the fourth quarter, hitting him in the face. Paul Pierce scored 13 for the Celtics, and rookie Jared Sullinger had seven points and 10 rebounds before fouling out for the fourth time in seven games. The Pacers shot 31.8 percent from the field, a season low, with West and Paul George each going 4 for 18. Indiana led 16-15 after one, with Hibbert collecting five points and six rebounds in the opening quarter. The Celtics trailed 20-19 early in the second when they scored 17 of the next 20 points to open a double-digit lead. Boston made it a 15-point game before the end of the half but led 47-35 at the break. The Pacers cut the deficit to 10 points with the first basket of the third quarter but Boston soon went on an 11-2 run to make it a 19-point game. It was 24 in the fourth quarter. Courtesy of: huffingtonpost.com

Detroit P. - Atlanta H. 85-84
Austin Daye (6'11''-F-88, college: Gonzaga) had a season-best 20 points and the Detroit Pistons beat the Atlanta Hawks 85-84 on Friday night for their fourth consecutive victory. The Hawks, who trailed by as many as 19, had a chance to win in the final seconds, but Andre Drummond blocked Lou Williams' jumper at the buzzer to preserve the win. The Pistons have won six of seven overall, with the only loss coming in double overtime at Atlanta. The second unit has powered the surge, outscoring the starters in several games, and the reserves outscored Atlanta's backups 41-14, led by Daye. Greg Monroe (6'11''-C-90, college: Georgetown) added 18 points and nine rebounds for Detroit. Jason Maxiell had 10 points and 10 boards. Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) had 20 points for Atlanta, while Al Horford had 18 points and 15 rebounds. Daye dominated the first half, hitting his first seven shots on the way to 16 points and powering Detroit to a 51-36 lead. Smith had 14 at the break for the Hawks, but Atlanta only shot 36 percent in the half and missed 12 of its 14 3-point attempts. Smith then picked up his fourth foul in the opening seconds of the third quarter, decreasing his effectiveness at both ends of the floor. The Hawks got their offense going after halftime, hitting four 3-pointers in the first six minutes of the third, but still struggled to get any stops. Atlanta closed to 66-55, but Maxiell turned Detroit's 12th offensive rebound into a three-point play and a 14-point advantage. Detroit struggled down the stretch and Atlanta within single digits with five minutes to play. Korver and Williams hit back-to-back 3-pointers to close a 16-0 surge that trimmed the Pistons' lead to 83-82 with 3:13 to play. Rodney Stuckey's layup ended the run, and Maxiell had a chance to add to the lead, but missed a pair of free throws. The Hawks had multiple chances to hit a tying shot, but couldn't get any to fall until Horford's jumper with 5.6 seconds left. It was originally ruled his first 3-pointer of the season, but was changed to a two-pointer after a review. That left the Pistons with an 85-84 lead, but Tayshaun Prince threw away the ensuing inbounds pass to set up the final play. Courtesy of: huffingtonpost.com

Miami Heat - Chicago B. 89-96
Even when seated, the Chicago Bulls outrebounded the Miami Heat. Following one missed shot, the ball rolled between forward Carlos Boozer (6'10''-F/C-80, college: Duke)'s legs as he fell on his backside, yet he still managed to scoop it up and feed a teammate for two more second-chance points for Chicago. Dominating on the glass and the hardwood, the Bulls became only the third visiting team to win in Miami this season, beating the Heat 96-89 Friday night. Chicago outrebounded Miami 48-28. The Bulls had 19 offensive rebounds to four for the Heat. "Everybody in both locker rooms understands what the overwhelming key to the game was," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. "They were throwing it up there and playing volleyball against us." The Eastern Conference-leading Heat fell to 15-3 at home. Their other home defeats came against the Knicks and Warriors. "It always feels good to beat the Heat," said center Joakim Noah (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Florida), who had 12 rebounds. "And we get a night out in the city, so we're hyped right now. We haven't been playing great basketball and this is probably our biggest win of the year against the defending champs. It feels good." The first meeting between the teams this season was a bruiser, and the Bulls repeatedly outfought and outfoxed Miami on the boards. The Heat, who are last in the NBA in rebounds, had won four games this season when outrebounded by 15 or more. But this time the disparity beat them. "It's just the will of going to do it," LeBron James (6'8''-SF-84) said. "It's a reoccurrence. You give a team like this extra possessions, they're going to capitalize." James scored 30 points, extending his streaks of scoring at least 20 points to 31 consecutive games this season, and 52 games in a row overall when including last year's playoff run. He has scored at least 25 in eight consecutive games. But he had just six rebounds, which led the Heat. Boozer had 12 rebounds for Chicago, and Taj Gibson added nine in 17 minutes. The Bulls' final offensive rebound helped seal the win. Jimmy Butler grabbed it and fed Boozer for a layup with 46 seconds left to put them up 93-86. Chicago had 20 second-chance points to seven for Miami. "It's killing us, plain and simple," said Heat center Chris Bosh, who had one offensive rebound in 38 minutes. "Is it scheme? Is it mental? We'd better figure it out." Boozer scored 27 points after totaling a season-high 31 Wednesday at Orlando. Noah, back after missing one game with flu-like symptoms, had 13 points. They set the tone with their physical play. "I don't know if that small ball is going to work against us," Noah said. "Not with guys like Carlos Boozer in the game." While the Heat were often on their heels, they kept coming back. A jarring foul by Kirk Hinrich near the sideline staggered James and he collapsed on the Bulls bench, then was helped to his feet by coach Tom Thibodeau. Seconds later, James sank a 3. Noah drew a flagrant foul when he tackled James around the neck with one arm to stop a drive early in the fourth quarter. The violation led to a four-point possession for the Heat, with James sinking four consecutive free throws. The next time Miami had the ball, James drove for a dunk that cut Chicago's lead to 75-72. But the Heat got no closer. "We understand how important rebounding is," Thibodeau said, "and it showed tonight." Chicago won with more than mere muscle. The Bulls' 5-foot-9 Nate Robinson made a leaping interception of a James pass, then smartly bounced the ball off Miami's Shane Battier to avoid traveling. The ball dribbled out of bounds, allowing Chicago to keep possession. Robinson's 3-pointer with 6 1/2 minutes left gave the Bulls their biggest lead, 83-73. The Bulls pounded the boards from the start and scored the final 10 points of the first quarter for a 26-22 lead. Butler's buzzer-beater to end the first half put them up 49-48. Marco Belinelli sank a 3-pointer to put Chicago up 75-66 after three quarters. The Heat had won their past two games, both in overtime, but the Bulls wouldn't let them get to OT. Courtesy of: theolympian.com

Charlotte B. - Cleveland C. 104-106
When, oh when, are the Charlotte Bobcats going to get one of these guys? Kyrie Irving (6'3''-G-92, college: Duke) played all of 11 games his single season at Duke, yet the Cleveland Cavaliers still drafted him first overall in 2011. Looked like a pretty valid decision Friday when Irving scored 16 of his team's 20 fourth-quarter points, including a 12-foot pull-up with a second left to beat the Bobcats 106-104. Point guard Irving was spectacular - 33 points, six assists and five rebounds - and he needed to be. The Bobcats came all the way back from down 17 to take the lead with just under five minutes left on Ramon Sessions (6'3''-PG-86, college: Nevada)' two free throws. Then Irving beat the Bobcats pretty much single-handedly, scoring 14 of Cleveland's final 16 points. Bobcats rookie Jeff Taylor, who coach Mike Dunlap is grooming as this team's defensive stopper, guarded Irving those last few possessions. On the final one Taylor kept Irving from driving by, but couldn't stop the pull-up jump shot in the lane. 'Those moments I live for,' said Irving, who missed most of his freshman season at Duke with a toe injury. 'To have the ability to make it, and have the trust of my teammates and the trust of the coaching staff.' No one in the Bobcats' locker room understood all that better than captain Gerald Henderson, a fellow Blue Devil. Though Henderson was gone from Durham before Irving arrived, they played a lot of pickup ball together on Duke's campus. Henderson described in detail what makes Irving so dangerous. 'You never know what shot he's going to take because he can make so many,' Henderson said. 'You know how good he is off the dribble, so you give him some cushion. But he can make the jump shot. 'He's really special because he can score in so many ways.' All this spoiled an impressive second-half recovery, built mostly on reserve guards Ramon Sessions (20 points and 12-of-12 from the foul line) and Ben Gordon (6'2''-G-83, college: Connecticut) (27 points on 11-of-20 shooting). Ramon Sessions and Gordon were so dynamic down the stretch that Bobcats point guard and leading scorer Kemba Walker never played in the fourth quarter. The Bobcats (8-24) outscored the Cavs by 10 in the fourth quarter, but Henderson's desperate 30-footer at the buzzer bounced off the front rim. 'That's not really my range,' Henderson said. 'But it was on line and you always get excited when you see that. But then it hit the rim.' The problems for the Bobcats in the first half were familiar of late - a slow start and too many turnovers. With Charlotte committing 10 before halftime, the Cavs kept launching fast breaks to shoot 59 percent. 'To reel them back in was impressive,' Dunlap said. ' (But) the lesson learned here is we can't come out flat as a tack.' Courtesy of: charlotteobserver.com

Washington W. - Brooklyn N. 113-115 2OT
Joe Johnson (6'7''-G-81, college: Arkansas)'s jumper with 0.7 seconds left in the second overtime lifted the Brooklyn Nets to a 115-113 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night. Bradley Beal (6'3''-SG-93, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida) 's two free throws tied the score at 113 with 9.1 seconds to play before Johnson, who had 18 points, hit the shot that improved Brooklyn to 4-1 under interim coach P.J. Carlesimo. Brook Lopez (7'0''-C/F-88, college: Stanford) had 27 points and 13 rebounds for the Nets, and Deron Williams (6'3''-PG-84, college: Illinois) added 24 points and 10 assists. Beal had a career-high 24 points. Jordan Crawford scored 23 points and Nene, who fouled out in the first overtime, had 20 for Washington, which lost its fourth in a row and is now 4-27. After Martell Webster's jumper gave the Wizards a 106-104 lead to begin the second overtime, Gerald Wallace made a layup and Keith Bogans converted a three-point play and a layup for a 111-106 lead with 3:21 to play. Beal hit a 3-pointer as the first overtime ended to tie the score at 104. It was the second time Washington extended the game at the horn. Nene hit a hook shot to tie it at 93 in regulation. The Wizards scored the first eight points of overtime to take a 101-93 lead with 1:27 left, but the Nets later scored eight straight for a 104-101 lead with 3.4 seconds left, before Beal's shot. The game featured the return of Andray Blatche, who was let go by Washington last summer after seven stormy seasons. The Wizards used the amnesty provision on Blatche, who was banished from the team by coach Randy Wittman last March for poor conditioning. Blatche was booed by the crowd when he entered with just under five minutes to play in the first quarter. Moments later, with the crowd still booing, he hit his first shot and then drew laughs when he tripped as he ran down the court. He had 13 points and 12 rebounds. On Friday morning, Carlesimo joked that he might not play Blatche to save him from the crowd's reaction. "Don't do this to me. This means a lot. I want to go out there and hear the boos. I want to hear everything. I want to have fun," Blatche said. "They're going to react the same way they reacted when I was here. The only thing different is that I don't play for them now, so I expect it. It's not going to affect me because you're supposed to boo me. I'm on the other team." The Wizards started off quickly, shooting 9 of 11 as they took a 20-10 lead with 6:27 to play in the first quarter and led 30-20 after one. In the second quarter, Washington stretched the lead to 36-22 before the Nets hit four consecutive 3-pointers to cut the deficit to two. The Wizards led 55-52 at halftime behind 13 points by Nene and Crawford. Courtesy of: orovillemr.com

Memphis G. - Portland TB 84-86
Wesley Matthews (6'5''-G-86, college: Marquette) scored 21 points, J.J. Hickson (6'9''-F/C-88, college: N.Carolina St.) added 19 points and 11 rebounds, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 86-84 on Friday night. Rudy Gay (6'9''-F/G-86, college: Connecticut)'s jumper from near the top of the key was off the mark, allowing the Trail Blazers to escape a closely played game that saw nine ties and 21 lead changes. LaMarcus Aldridge had 15 points and 12 rebounds for Portland, while Nicolas Batum and Damian Lillard added 11 points apiece, Lillard also handing out eight assists. Marreese Speights (6'10''-F/C-87, college: Florida) had a season-high 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Grizzlies in place of Zach Randolph, who missed the game with flu-like symptoms. Gay had 19 points, but was 8 of 21 from the field. Marc Gasol scored 12 points and had a career-best eight blocks. Darrell Arthur contributed 10 points off the Memphis bench. Randolph, the Grizzlies' leading rebounder and second-leading scorer, missed his first game of the season. The teams were tied at 80 with 4:05 left, the ninth tie of the game, when Hickson hit one of two free throws. Batum's 3-pointer with 3:28 remaining put Portland, which never led by more than four, ahead for good. Memphis was within 85-84, but Mike Conley missed a layup with 7.9 seconds left, and the Trail Blazers were able to secure possession and the victory as Aldridge split a pair of free throws with 2.1 seconds to go. Memphis carried a 50-47 lead into halftime behind 17 points from Gay, who was 7 of 13 from the field. Gasol had eight points, but already had surpassed his career best with seven blocks in the half. Hickson and Matthews led the Trail Blazers with 10 points apiece. Memphis had the lead to eight points in the half, but could never extend it to double digits as Batum, Hickson and Matthews were a combined 11 of 18 from the field. The Grizzlies missed eight of their first nine shots in the game, but finished the half shooting 51 percent, while Portland was at 46 percent. Speights picked up the offensive pace for Memphis in the third quarter, scoring 16 of the Grizzlies' first 20 points. But Portland was getting its offensive production from several sources. Matthews connected on a trio of 3-pointers, while Hickson and Aldridge helped with the scoring. That helped the Trail Blazers tie it at 72 at the end of the third. Courtesy of: startribune.com


Daequan Cook could sign at the Bulls - by Eurobasket News

Chicago Bulls is about to tab 26-year old guard Daequan Cook (196-95kg-87, college: Ohio State) who recently played at Houston Rockets. In 16 NBA games this season he averaged 3.4ppg and 1.1rpg. The last season Cook played at the Thunder. In 73 NBA games last year he had 4.8ppg and 1.8rpg.
In 2007 he was drafted by Philadelphia 76ers in first round (21st overall). Cook attended Ohio State and it may be his sixth season in pro basketball. he received All-Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year award back in 2007 at his college time.
Cook has played previously professionally in other NBA team (Miami Heat) and D-League (Iowa Energy).

By Eurobasket Data Center


The Hornets waived McGuire - by Eurobasket News

New Orleans Hornets (NBA) waived 28-year old swingman Dominic McGuire (206-100kg-85, college: Fresno State, agency: Priority Sports). In 9 NBA games he played this season he recorded just 2.1ppg, 3.1rpg and 1.0apg. McGuire also played at the Raptors earlier that season. In 15 NBA games this year he averaged only 2.1ppg and 3.2rpg.
The last season he played at the Warriors. In 63 NBA games last year he averaged 3.6ppg, 3.9rpg and 1.7apg.
The previous (10-11) season McGuire played at the Bobcats. In 52 NBA games that year he averaged 3.3ppg and 3.8rpg.
In 2007 he was drafted by Washington Wizards in second round (47th overall). McGuire attended Fresno State and it is his sixth season in pro basketball. he received WAC All-Defensive Team award back in 2007 at his college time.
McGuire has played previously for two other NBA teams: Sacramento Kings and Charlotte Bobcats.

By Eurobasket Data Center (via @nbatransactions)


*****************************************************
  NBLCANADA   

NBLC Standings

NBL Canada Standings
 1. London L. 16-2 
 2. Summerside S. 12-9 
 3. Oshawa P. 11-8 
 4. St.John M.R. 11-10 
 5. Moncton M. 11-12 
 6. Halifax R. 10-11 
 7. Windsor Exp. 9-12 
 8. Montreal J. 1-17 

Regular Season: Round 18

Jan. 4: St.John M.R. - Summerside S. 97-114
Jan. 3: Oshawa P. - London L. 87-100
Jan. 3: St.John M.R. - Moncton M. 105-93
Jan. 4: Moncton M. - Halifax R. 105-93
Jan. 3: Montreal J. - Windsor Exp. 104-98
Jan. 4: Montreal J. - Windsor Exp. 103-122

Regular Season: Round 19

Jan. 6: Montreal J. - Oshawa P.
Jan. 6: St.John M.R. - London L.
Jan. 6: Moncton M. - Summerside S.
Jan. 5: Halifax R. - London L.


Action continues with six games - by Eurobasket News

St.John M.R. - Moncton M. 105-93
The Moncton Miracles, presented by Rogers, lost to the Saint John Mill Rats with a final score of 93-105. The Miracles now sit with a 10-12 record. These two New Brunswick teams matched up evenly for the first 8 minutes of the game until Saint John took off and ended the first quarter up 20-30 over Moncton. The Mill Rats would continue to push throughout the next 12 minutes and lead by as much as 18 points in the second quarter. The Miracles would continue to try and play catch up but would finish the half trailing 41-65. Saint John would lead for the remainder of the game. Late in the fourth quarter the Miracles were able to bring the game within 5 points but the Mill Rats were not letting this game slip away from them like they had but a week ago. The Miracles who normally shoot phenomenal from the behind the 3-point line struggled shooting 17.14% (6-35) while the Mill Rats shot 40.74% (11-27). Moncton managed to shoot better than Saint John from everywhere else on the court but were unable to come out on top in the end. Devin Sweetney (6'6''-G/F-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: St.Francis, PA) led the way for the Miracles with 29 points shooting 14 for 14 from the free-throw line. Darrell Wonge (6'7''-F-86, agency: Veracity Sports, LLC, college: Winston Salem) followed with 19 points, now only 11 points away from hitting the 1,000 career points mark. Anthony Anderson (5'11''-G-81, college: Massachusetts) was the top scorer for the Mill Rats with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Antonio Burks was continued the scoring with 15 points. The Miracles bench was handed a technical foul as well as Oliver McNally. Courtesy of: oyetimes.com

Moncton M. - Halifax R. 105-93
The Moncton Miracles, presented by Rogers, beat the Halifax Rainmen with a final score of 105-93. The Miracles now sit with a 11-12 record. The Rainmen started the game with an early 1-5 lead over the Miracles. Micah Brand (6'11''-C-80, college: Massachusetts) would then take it to the net for Moncton, make the basket and get the call bringing the score to 4-5. At the 7 minute mark the game was tied up at 7-7 with both teams playing physical at both ends of the court with Halifax already in foul trouble. With just under 2 minutes on the clock the Miracles had began to build momentum and were building on a 19-14 lead. The first quarter ended with the Miracles leading 24-14. The Miracles defense would pick up in the second quarter forcing two shot clock violations in a row. Moncton shot 15.38% from the 3-point line in the first quarter and would continue to struggle from outside and work to get their points in the paint. At the end of the first half the Miracles were still holding on strong and still bringing the heat leading 48-31. Halifax came out hungry in the fourth quarter and within 90 seconds had scored 9 points making it a 5-point ball game, 79-74. Two minutes later the game was tied up but would only remain close for a short period before Moncton once again pulled ahead. Devin Sweetney led the way for the Miracles with 31 points. Micah Brand followed with 20 points and Sylvania Watkins dropped 15 points and pulled down 14 rebounds. Joey Haywood (6'1''-PG-84) was the top scorer for the Rainmen with 19 points. Tyrone Levett was right behind him with 15 points and Quinnel Brown with 13. Halifax's Quinnel Brown was handed an unsportsmanlike foul and Tyrone Levett was fouled out of the game. Courtesy of: oursportscentral.com

Montreal J. - Windsor Exp. 103-122
A huge third quarter bolted the Windsor Express to a 122-103 win over Montreal in the middle game of their three game series. Windsor (9-12) put up 37 points in the third, outscoring the Jazz (1-18) by 20 points and erasing Montreal's 55-54 lead at halftime. The Express jumped out to a 33-26 lead after the first quarter, but Montreal staged an early comeback, taking the second frame by a mark of 29-21. Lester Prosper (6'10''-F/C-88, college: Old Westbury) had his best game as a member of the Express, dropping a team-high 25 points, while grabbing 10 rebounds and swatting 5 blocks. As a team, Windsor shot 50% from 3-point range, helped by a 5-for-8 mark from Mike Helms (6'1''-PG-82, college: Oakland) and a 3-for-4 record for Chris Commons (6'9''-F-84, college: USC Aiken). Helms had 21 points, one of six Express players to score in double digits. Darren Duncan (5'11''-PG-88, college: Merrimack) battled through a flu bug to score 19 with 5 assists and 5 rebounds. Eric Frederick (6'8''-F-88, college: Texas Wesleyan) had a game-high 26 in a losing effort for the Jazz. The two teams settle their series tomorrow night at 7pm. Windsor will look to take their second game of the weekend before a long layoff, with their next away game on January 13th in London. Courtesy of: oursportscentral.com

St.John M.R. - Summerside S. 97-114
The Summerside Storm came up with a big 114-97 victory Friday at Harbour Station against the Saint John Mill Rats. It was Summerside's fifth game against the division rivals, winning two of the first four matchups. The Storm opened up the scoring, taking a 4-0 lead, before Saint John managed to tie the game up at 10, but that's as close as they got, the Storm quickly went on a 9-0 run to get a 19-10 first quarter lead. Summerside continued their stong play in the second quarter, breaking out to a double-digit lead. Chris Cayole (6'7''-F-85, college: St.Michael's) ended the half on a high note and gave his team more momentum going into the locker room with a three-point bucket before the buzzer and gave his team a 55-35 lead. The Mill Rats came out of halftime strong and went on a run to pull within 13 points after a three-pointer by Jerice Crouch (6'0''-G-84, college: Chattanooga). The two teams began trading baskets midway through the third until Saint John found a spark and managed to cut Summerside's lead to 11 going into the final quarter. The Mill Rats tried to shake Summerside's offence by applying pressure but the Storm was able to break down their defense and didn't look back from there, they ended the game on a run and improve to 12-9 (win-loss) on the season, dropping the Mill Rats to 11-10 and moving into first in the tough Atlantic Division. The Storm were led offensively by Antonio Ballard (6'4''-G/F, college: Miami, OH) and Chris Cayole, both with 23. Jerice Crouch had a big night but was unable to get a win with a 28-point effort. The Storm's next game is Sunday at 2 p.m.against the Miracles in Moncton. Courtesy of: journalpioneer.com

Montreal J. - Windsor Exp. 104-98
Darren Duncan scored a game-high 24 points to go with seven assists as the Windsor Express fell 104-98 to the Montreal Jazz in NBL of Canada action Thursday. Chris Commons, who was named NBL of Canada player of the week, added 20 points and nine rebounds, while Kevin Loiselle had a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Anthony Johnson chipped in with 16 points and six rebounds for the Express. J.R. Harrison (6'6''-F-84, college: Rice) carried the Jazz to their first win of the season by netting 17 points. Windsor came out firing in the opening quarter to take a 25-18 lead, but the Jazz rallied in the second and led 46-42 at the half. The Express were outscored 57-24 off the bench and made just six of 24 attempts from the three-point line. The Express (8-12), coming off a hard-fought 108-102 road win over the defending champion London Lightning last weekend, will look to rebound tonight when they take on the Jazz again at 7 p.m. Courtesy of: canada.com

Oshawa P. - London L. 87-100
It was a win for the ages . . . all ages. The London Lightning, smarting from their second loss of the season Sunday and still smarting from having the Oshawa Power come into The Gardens and hand them their first loss, exacted some revenge from the Power Thursday. They travelled to Oshawa and short-circuited the Power 100-87 in National Basketball League of Canada play before an appreciation night crowd of 2,200. It was also tougher because the Lightning are nursing some injuries. DeAnthony Bowden could only play for 10 minutes because of a groin injury. Morgan Lewis is still out with a knee injury. So when it came down to the short strokes, it took a team effort to get it done and it came from a combination of the young and the old for the Lightning. Adrian Moss filled in admirably for Bowden. Jermaine Blackburn (6'7''-G/F-83, college: Boise St.) was terrific but in the end it came down to Tim Ellis (6'4''-G-81, college: Kansas St.), Elvin Mims and Rodney Buford (6'5''-G-77, college: Creighton) who slammed the door on the determined Power. 'That's what we have to do as veterans. We have to take leadership of the team,' said Ellis, a forward. 'Some of the younger guys follow us as long as we keep doing our job. We don't expect them to come in and handle the game every night. Some night's they're going to lean on us just like we need them.' The Lightning led by as many as 15 but whenever it looked like they were going to break it open, they would either turn the ball over or make miss a key shot. Moss and Blackburn did a lot of the scoring to keep them on top. Until the fourth quarter that is. That's when the veterans took over. Mims hit key shots and made two big steals. Ellis contributed rebounds and steals and Buford came in with the lead at just five points and hit three shots in a row, including a three-pointer. 'Listen, our veterans all played well,' Richardson said. 'They especially played great defence in the fourth quarter when it was needed. The young players did a job as well.' Moss led the Lightning with 20 points and he is regaining the confidence in his shot he'd lost a little in recent games. He also added six assists and five steals. Blackburn had 17 points, three blocks, three steals and nine rebounds. Ellis and Buford had 13 each with Jeremy Williams hitting for 10. Nick Okorie (6'1''-PG-88, college: Texas Tech) threw down 24 for the Power. 'That's a good team,' said Richardson of the Power. 'They are probably the second or third best team in the league right now.' This game was just the latest in a series of tough games. 'Every game is tough,' Ellis said. 'We got a target on our back now. We lost two and it gives hope to every team to come in and give us their best shot. Last time we had a sour taste (when Oshawa won.) I remember them coming in and celebrating on our court which is not a good sight. It's not for us to come in here and say we want to celebrate on their court but we owed them.' Ellis said there's a reason why the Lightning didn't celebrate very much. 'We ain't won nothing yet,' he said. 'We're looking for a championship.' The Lightning now go on the road for a pair of games. They will play Halifax on Saturday and Saint John Mill Rats on Sunday. It's their first trip to the east coast. The Lightning are 17-2 but Thursday was only their seventh road game of the season. They are perfect on the road. The Lightning come back for a four-game home stretch between Jan. 10-20, then finish with 11 of their last 15 regular-season games on the road. Courtesy of: lfpress.com


*****************************************************
  NCAA1   

Top 25 - Men

HorizL Standings
 1. Loyola, IL 1-0 (10-3) 
 2. Ill.-Chicago 1-0 (10-4) 
 3. Wright St. 1-0 (10-4) 
 4. Detroit Mercy 1-0 (9-5) 
 5. Valparaiso 1-1 (11-5) 
 6. Youngstown St. 0-1 (8-6) 
 7. Cleveland St. 0-1 (8-7) 
 8. Green Bay 0-1 (6-8) 
 9. Wisc.-Milwaukee 0-1 (4-11) 

Regular Season: Round 55

Jan. 4: Mississippi - Fordham 95-68
Jan. 4: Alabama A&M - Jackson St. 88-87 OT
Jan. 4: Tennessee - Memphis 80-85
Jan. 4: Valparaiso - Cleveland St. 74-50
Jan. 4: Loyola, MD - Rider 71-65
Jan. 4: Alabama St. - Grambling St. 69-56
Jan. 4: St.Louis - Savannah St. 67-59
Jan. 4: Siena - Iona 62-66
Jan. 4: Tulane - Wofford 62-48
Jan. 4: Sam Houston St. - Texas A&M-CC 61-57
Jan. 4: Rhode Island - Brown 59-47
Jan. 4: Holy Cross - Yale 54-61
Jan. 4: St.Peter''s - Manhattan 53-55
Jan. 4: Georgia - G.Washington 52-41
Jan. 4: Southern - Prairie View A&M 50-45
Jan. 4: Alcorn St. - Texas Southern 48-57

Regular Season: Round 56

Jan. 5: Rutgers - Pittsburgh
Jan. 5: Maryland - Virginia Tech
Jan. 5: Morgan St. - St.Joseph's
Jan. 5: Dayton - UAB
Jan. 5: Duke - Wake Forest
Jan. 5: Elon - Princeton
Jan. 5: Notre Dame - Seton Hall
Jan. 5: Maine - UMBC
Jan. 5: Michigan St. - Purdue
Jan. 5: ODU - Delaware
Jan. 5: TCU - Texas Tech
Jan. 5: Boston U. - Hartford
Jan. 5: Northeastern - NC-Wilmington
Jan. 5: LSU - Beth.-Cookman
Jan. 5: S.Carolina - S.Carolina St.
Jan. 5: Kansas St. - Oklahoma St.
Jan. 5: Detroit Mercy - Green Bay
Jan. 5: William & Mary - George Mason
Jan. 5: Baylor - Texas
Jan. 5: Butler - New Orleans
Jan. 5: Ohio - Marshall
Jan. 5: Marquette - Georgetown
Jan. 5: Winthrop - High Point
Jan. 5: Stony Brook - New Hampshire
Jan. 5: Montana St. - E.Washington
Jan. 5: IPFW - Nebraska-Omaha
Jan. 5: Georgia St. - JMU
Jan. 5: Longwood - Co.Carolina
Jan. 5: La Salle - Pennsylvania
Jan. 5: Vermont - Albany
Jan. 5: Massachusetts - E.Michigan
Jan. 5: Florida Gulf Coast - Jacksonville
Jan. 5: Illinois - Ohio St.
Jan. 5: Kennesaw St. - Mercer
Jan. 5: Georgia Tech - Miami, FL
Jan. 5: Quinnipiac - LIU Brooklyn
Jan. 5: Niagara - Fairfield
Jan. 5: St.Mary's, CA - Loyola Mary
Jan. 5: USF - BYU
Jan. 5: Pepperdine - Portland
Jan. 5: Army - Columbia
Jan. 5: Santa Clara - Gonzaga
Jan. 5: UCLA - Stanford
Jan. 5: Creighton - Indiana St.
Jan. 5: Stetson - N.Florida
Jan. 5: Campbell - Gardner-Webb
Jan. 5: Sacred Heart - St.Francis, NY
Jan. 5: Loyola, IL - Youngstown St.
Jan. 5: Clemson - Florida St.
Jan. 5: St.Francis, PA - Bryant
Jan. 5: Cincinnati - St.John's
Jan. 5: Coppin St. - Howard
Jan. 5: Wagner - Fair Dickinson
Jan. 5: Alabama - Oakland
Jan. 5: Drexel - Towson
Jan. 5: Boston Coll. - N.Carolina St.
Jan. 5: Northwestern St. - Lamar
Jan. 5: Radford - Charleston So.
Jan. 5: W.Virginia - Oklahoma
Jan. 5: Cent.Florida - Florida A&M
Jan. 5: Colorado St. - St.Bonaventure
Jan. 5: Sam Houston St. - Texas A&M-CC
Jan. 5: VCU - Lehigh
Jan. 5: E.Carolina - NC-Wesleyan
Jan. 5: Arizona - Utah
Jan. 5: SE Louisiana - Cent.Arkansas
Jan. 5: Norfolk St. - Navy
Jan. 5: Rice - Harvard
Jan. 5: Charleston - Furman
Jan. 5: Nicholls St. - ORU
Jan. 5: S.Dakota - S.Dakota St.
Jan. 5: N.Arizona - S.Utah
Jan. 5: Jacksonville St. - Tennessee St.
Jan. 5: SE Missouri St. - Murray St.
Jan. 5: UMKC - N.Dakota St.
Jan. 5: Canisius - Marist
Jan. 5: N.Kentucky - USC Upstate
Jan. 5: Presbyterian - VMI
Jan. 5: Robert Morris - Cent.Conn.St.
Jan. 5: Missouri - Bucknell
Jan. 5: Austin Peay St. - Tenn-Martin
Jan. 5: Liberty - NC-Asheville
Jan. 5: Davidson - NC-Greensboro
Jan. 5: Dartmouth - Colgate
Jan. 5: E.Kentucky - SIU Edwardsville
Jan. 5: Wright St. - Wisc.-Milwaukee
Jan. 5: Mt.St.Mary's - Monmouth
Jan. 5: Georgia South - N.Carolina A&T
Jan. 5: SF Austin - McNeese St.
Jan. 5: Citadel - W.Carolina
Jan. 5: FIU - La-Lafayette
Jan. 5: Morehead St. - E.Illinois
Jan. 5: Lipscomb - E.Tenn.St.
Jan. 5: Tulane - Wofford
Jan. 5: Providence - De Paul
Jan. 5: Arkansas - Delaware St.
Jan. 5: Illinois St. - N.Iowa
Jan. 5: Samford - Chattanooga
Jan. 5: W.Illinois - IUPUI
Jan. 5: N.Texas - La-Monroe
Jan. 5: Texas Arlington - Louisiana Tech
Jan. 5: Drake - Missouri St.
Jan. 5: Arkansas St. - W.Kentucky
Jan. 5: S.Alabama - Middle Tenn.St.
Jan. 5: Troy - UALR
Jan. 5: Tenn Tech - Belmont
Jan. 5: Weber St. - N.Dakota
Jan. 5: N.Mexico St. - Texas St.
Jan. 5: Evansville - S.Illinois
Jan. 5: Montana - Portland St.
Jan. 5: Boise St. - Walla Walla
Jan. 5: Utah St. - Idaho
Jan. 5: Utah Valley - NJIT
Jan. 5: Idaho St. - N.Colorado
Jan. 5: Washington St. - Washington
Jan. 5: San Jose St. - Seattle
Jan. 5: UNLV - CSU Bakersfield
Jan. 5: Cal Poly - SLO - Cal-Irvine
Jan. 5: Cal-Davis - Pacific
Jan. 5: CS Northridge - CS Fullerton
Jan. 5: UCSB - Long Beach St.
Jan. 5: USC - California
Jan. 5: Hawaii - Cal-Riverside


Stats Leaders - NCAA1

Points Per Game
 Ray MCCALLUM
  Detroit .
  (190-G-91)
  Avg: 18.4
 1. McCallum, Detroit18.4 
 2. Sykes, Green Bay16.6 
 3. Perry, Youngsto.16.4 
 4. Broekhoff, Valpa.16.1 
 5. Aaron, Wisc.-Mi.15.8 
 6. Averkamp, Loyol.15.7 
 7. Calliste, Detroit12.9 
 8. Talton, Ill.-Chica.12.6 
 9. Barnes, Ill.-Chica.12.5 
 10. van Wijk, Valpara.12.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ryan BROEKHOFF
  Valpa.
  (201-F-90)
  Avg: 8.1
 1. Broekhoff, Valpa.8.1 
 2. Eargle, Youngsto.7.0 
 3. Fouse, Green Bay6.8 
 4. Brown, Green Bay6.8 
 5. Averkamp, Loyol.6.5 
 6. Belin, Youngsto.6.1 
 7. Mason, Clevelan.5.9 
 8. Humes, Ill.-Chicago5.9 
 9. Haarsma, Wisc.-.5.8 
 10. van Wijk, Valpara.5.4 
Assists Per Game
 Ray MCCALLUM
  Detroit .
  (190-G-91)
  Avg: 5.1
 1. McCallum, Detroit5.1 
 2. Talton, Ill.-Chica.4.8 
 3. Lee, Cleveland St.4.7 
 4. Payne, Loyola, IL4.7 
 5. Perry, Youngsto.4.6 
 6. Aaron, Wisc.-Mi.4.1 
 7. Sykes, Green Bay3.8 
 8. Buggs, Valparaiso3.5 
 9. Allen, Youngsto.3.1 
 10. Arceneaux, Wright3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Ray MCCALLUM
  Detroit .
  (190-G-91)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. McCallum, Detroit1.7 
 2. Talton, Ill.-Chica.1.7 
 3. Douglas, Clevelan.1.6 
 4. Perry, Youngsto.1.6 
 5. Mason, Clevelan.1.5 
 6. Calliste, Detroit1.4 
 7. Buggs, Valparaiso1.4 
 8. Vest, Wright St.1.4 
 9. Cole, Youngsto.1.4 
 10. Anderson, Detroit1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Damian EARGLE
  Youngsto.
  (201-F-89)
  Avg: 3.4
 1. Eargle, Youngsto.3.4 
 2. Averkamp, Loyol.1.6 
 3. Harris, Wisc.-Mi.1.1 
 4. Mason, Clevelan.1.1 
 5. Fouse, Green Bay1.0 
 6. Crittle, Ill.-Chic.0.9 
 7. Brown, Green Bay0.9 
 8. Belin, Youngsto.0.9 
 9. Anderson, Detroit0.9 
 10. Mays, Green Bay0.8 


No. 3 Arizona Tops Colorado, 92-83 - by Eurobasket News

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - By a fraction of a second, the Arizona Wildcats are still unbeaten.

Colorado's Sabatino Chen (6'4''-G-90) banked in a 3-pointer at the end of regulation, but officials waved it off after reviewing the video and the third-ranked Wildcats went on to win 92-83 in overtime on Thursday night.

Some replays indicated the shot was taken in time. Others showed that perhaps it wasn't.

"It came down to fingertips, maybe," Chen said.

Maybe.

Chalk up another heart-stopping victory for Arizona, following a 65-64 win over Florida on Mark Lyons' layup at the buzzer and 68-67 over San Diego State on Nick Johnson's late block.

"We have a great group of guys but we can get a lot better," Johnson said. "We've escaped with some tough wins but we're going to go back to practice and get better."

This one - in the Pac-12 opener for both - was the most improbable of all. Arizona (13-0, 1-0 Pac-12) outscored the Buffaloes 10-2 over the final 1:35 of regulation to force overtime. The Buffaloes (10-3, 0-1) missed four of six free throws in that span.

"We would have gotten what we deserved if we had lost," Arizona coach Sean Miller said.

When Chen banked in the 3-pointer, it looked like that would be the outcome. But after huddling for several minutes, the officials said no. Referee James Breeding told a television announcer that the ball was on Chen's fingertips when the lights around the backboard went on.

"If it's the wrong call, I'm really, really sick to my stomach," Colorado coach Tad Boyle said, " because we had guys in this locker room that deserved to win that game."

Arizona outscored the Buffaloes 10-2 over the final 1:35 of regulation to force the overtime. The Buffaloes missed four of six free throws in that stretch.

The Wildcats were down by 17 points in the first half and 16 with 12:40 to go in regulation.

Askia Booker led Colorado (10-3, 0-1) with 18 points.

Arizona's 13-0 start is the second-best in school history and best since the Wildcats won their first 16 in 1932-33.

Chen scored a career-high 15 points, 12 in the second half. Josh Scott scored 15 points and Xavier Johnson had 13 for the Buffaloes, who beat Arizona by two points to win the Pac-12 tournament last season.

Lyons overcame an awful start to score a season-high 24 points, including two free throws that tied it at 80 with 9.2 seconds left in regulation.

Solomon Hill scored 15 points for the Wildcats. His 3-pointer with 1:35 to go in the second half cut the lead to 78-73.

Nick Johnson stole the ball from Andre Roberson and was fouled. Johnson made one of two free throws to cut it to 78-74 with 1:15 to play.

Scott made one of two free throws to make it 79-74 with 1:13 left. Lyons missed but Booker threw the ball away to Arizona's Jordin Mayes, whose layup cut the lead to 79-76 with 51 seconds on the clock.

Spencer Dinwiddie could make just one of two free throws with 44 seconds to go and it was 80-76. Lyons' driving layup cut it to 80-78 with 27 seconds to go.

Jeremy Adams was fouled and missed both free throws, then Lyons drove to the hoop, was fouled by Johnson and made both free throws as the crowd went crazy with 9.2 seconds left.

They fell silent when Chen banked in the shot at the end of regulation. But officials huddled around the monitor for several minutes before ruling the shot no good.

Parrom scored the first five points for Arizona in the overtime. His three-point play made it 83-82, the Wildcats' first lead since it was 5-4.

"We're playing with fire with the way that we're playing offense," Miller said. "We have talented players and we're trying to score against good defenses in January on the first three passes of a possession. It doesn't work that way."

Arizona made just 3 of its first 17 shots, going 9:40 without a field goal in the first half. When Roberson hit a 3-pointer from the corner on an out of bounds play as the shot clock expired, the Buffaloes led 30-13 with 4:37 to go in the half. Arizona had not trailed by more than 11 points this season.

Consecutive 3-pointers by Parrom and Grant Jerrett finally ended the drought and the Wildcats finished the half on a 14-4 run to cut Colorado's lead to 34-27.

But the Buffaloes regained command in the second half and led 56-40 on Chen's 3-pointer with 12:40 left in regulation.

"I'm proud of our team. I can't fault their effort," Boyle said. "We played a tough team on the road and we did what we had to do to win."
Courtesy of: http://www.arizonawildcats.com


Wolverines Topple Northwestern in Big Ten Opener - by Eurobasket News

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Sophomore guard Trey Burke (Columbus, Ohio/Northland HS) and junior guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (6'6''-G-92) Jr. (Miami, Fla./Palmetto Senior) combined for 44 points, and redshirt junior forward Jordan Morgan (6'8''-F-91) (Detroit, Mich./University of Detroit Jesuit) recorded his fourth career double-double as the University of Michigan men's basketball team (No. 2 AP/No. 2 ESPN/USA Today) rolled over Northwestern, 94-66, it its Big Ten opener on Thursday night (Jan. 3) inside Welsh Ryan Arena.

All five starters scored in double digits for the Wolverines. Burke and Hardaway led the team with 23 and 21 points, respectively, while Morgan added 12 points to go with 13 rebounds, and freshman guards Glenn Robinson III (St. John, Ind./Lake Central) and Nik Stauskas (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada/St. Mark's School [Mass.]) chipped in 10 apiece.

Michigan jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead in a little more than three minutes of play after forcing two Northwestern turnovers within the first minute of the game. After the Wildcats finally scored on a layup at the 16:12 mark, Burke nailed back-to-back three-pointers, giving him 13 points in just five minutes of play.

The Wolverines extended their lead to 20-4 over the next two minutes, until the Wildcats scored five straight points in 18 seconds. However, Stauskas responded, scoring five straight of his own.

Michigan took its first 20-point advantage of the game following back-to-back triples by Hardaway midway through the half. Northwestern then cut U-M's lead down to 14, but Hardaway once again nailed back-to-back three-pointers to give Michigan the 45-25 lead with 4:28 to play in the first, and the Wolverines entered the locker room with the 51-30 advantage. U-M shot 58 percent (19-of-33) from the floor, including 8-of-12 (67 percent) from behind the arc, and outrebounded the Wildcats, 23-11, in the opening 20 minutes.

U-M pushed its lead to 27 (63-36) within the first four minutes out of the break, but Northwestern used a 9-2 run to cut its deficit to 65-45 at the 12:16 mark. The Wolverines never relinquished their 20-point lead, however, scoring eight straight points in response. After a tip-in by Morgan, Hardaway and Morgan scored on back-to-back fastbreak slams, and Burke followed with a jumper to cap the run with eight minutes to play.

U-M lead by as many as 32 over the final eight minutes of the game with the help of three more triples from Stauskas, freshman guard Caris LeVert (Pickerington, Ohio/Central) and fifth year senior guard Corey Person (Kalamazoo, Mich. (Central), respectively.

The Maize and Blue shot 34-of-57 (60 percent) from the floor, including 13-of-22 (59 percent) from behind the three-point line in the game while holding Northwestern to just 24-of-59 (41 percent).

The Wolverines will return to Ann Arbor on Sunday (Jan. 6) when they host Iowa inside Crisler Center. Tipoff is slated for noon, and the game will be televised on the Big Ten Network.
Courtesy of: http://www.mgoblue.com


Aggies Sink HBU in Non-Con Finale, 67-59 - by Eurobasket News

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) Elston Turner (6'5''-G-90) scored 11 of his 17 points in the second half as Texas A&M pulled away from Houston Baptist for a 67-59 victory Thursday night.

Texas A&M (10-3) led by only three points with 3:45 remaining, but the Aggies scored 13 of the last 19 points.

Houston Baptist (4-10) had a 33-23 edge in rebounds, but the Huskies committed 23 turnovers that led to 24 points for the Aggies.

Senior forward Ray Turner made 7 of 11 shots and scored 14 points for Texas A&M, while Fabyon Harris added 12.

Caleb Crayton (6'3''-G) led Houston Baptist with 13 points.

The Aggies did not trail in the second half, but HBU pulled within 49-47 on a 3-pointer by Marcel Smith with 6:18 remaining. Turner answered with a 3-pointer and made two free throws as Texas A&M pulled away.
Courtesy of: http://www.aggieathletics.com


Wagner Opens Conference Play With 60-56 Win Over Monmouth - by Eurobasket News

Staten Island, NY - In a defensive battle, it was only fitting that a Marcus Burton (6'0''-G-93) (Charlotte, NC / David W. Butler) steal in the game's waning moments cemented Wagner's 60-56 victory over Monmouth in the Northeast Conference (NEC) opener for both teams at the Spiro Sports Center.

After Burton split a pair at the line on the ensuing possession, the Hawks called time to set up one final play. Burton then rose to the occasions, splitting the gap with eight seconds to play before stealing the ball from Dion Nesmith and drawing a foul. The sophomore guard then capped his team-best 15-point performance with a pair from the line while giving the Seahawks their second-straight hard-earned win. The Hawks, meanwhile, dropped their sixth-straight game in heartbreaking fashion.

Joining Burton in double-figures was sophomore Mario Moody (6'7''-F-92) (East Orange, NJ / East Orange Campus), who finished up one rebound shy of a double-double (12 points/9 rebounds). To watch a highlight package of Moody's big plays click HERE. Rounding out the top scorers with 10 points apiece were senior Jonathon Williams (Richmond, CA / Kennedy / City College of San Francisco) and junior Kenneth Ortiz (6'0''-PG-91) (Newark, NJ / Science Park / Southern Mississippi).

Monmouth's Andrew Nicholas led all scorers with a game-high 21 points as the sophomore guard shot 7-for-12 from the floor and 4-for-7 from long range. Unfortunately for the Hawks, the rest of team converted on just 12-of-39 (.308), including 4-for-11 (.363) from deep.

Leading 27-24 at the break, Wagner began the second half with a 12-2 run that took just 2:53. Ortiz opened the scoring with a free throw, before Moody flushed his third dunk of the evening. Following a pair of Monmouth free throws, freshman Eric Fanning (Trenton, NJ / Perkiomen (PA)) converted an old-fashioned three-point play off a nifty pass from Ortiz. Ortiz then sank his first collegiate three pointer from the right baseline and Fanning added another three-point play to cap the spurt and give the Seahawks a 39-26 lead with 17:07 to play.

The Hawks responded with six-straight points, before Moody dunked for the fourth time in the game and Ortiz converted a fast break layup. Khalil Brown briefly answered with a jumper as the Seahawks extended their lead to a game-high 15 at 49-34 with 9:28 to play following a Burton three pointer and a Williams' three-point play.

Down but not out, Monmouth got back in the game with a methodical 17-4 run over the 5:07 to make it a one-possession game at 53-51 with 4:00 to play following a Jesse Steele three pointer. During that time, the Green & White turned the ball over four times while attempting just three shots from the floor.

Ortiz made it a two-possession game with a pair from the line just over a minute later, before Nicholas answered with a three-point play to draw Monmouth to within one at 55-54 with just 1:34 left on the clock. Moody then converted a pair on the other end to make it 57-54 with 1:02 to go. The pesky Hawks would again answer with a running layup from Steele with 47 seconds remaining, which would ultimately set the stage for Burton's big finish.

In the opening stanza, Monmouth scored the game's first four points, before Wagner scored 10-straight points, fueled by seven markers from Williams, who was making his first collegiate appearance off the bench. With the lead now at 21-14 with 6:57 remaining in the first half, the Hawks scored seven-straight points in just over a minute to tie the game at 21-21. As would be the storyline for the rest of the evening, the Seahawks would respond. Burton canned a jumper and a layup on back-to-back possessions as the Green & White assumed a 27-24 halftime advantage.

Wagner shot 43.2 percent (19-for-44) from the floor and 78.3 percent (18-for-23) from the line while winning the battle of the boards (32-29) for 10th time in 12 games. The Seahawks also posted advantages in points in the paint (28-16), points off turnovers (22-16), second chance points (10-7), fast break points (15-9) and bench points (30-7).

Monmouth shot just 37.3 percent (19-for-51), but made good on 44.4 percent (8-for-18) from deep, and 71.4 percent (10-for-14) from the line.

Wagner returns to action on Saturday, January 5 against Fairleigh Dickinson with tip time slated for 4:00 pm.

Notes:
* Burton's 15 points are two off his career-high of 17 set in the Seahawks' 77-65 overtime win over Coppin State earlier this season. He has now notched double-figures on four occasions this year and seven times for his career.

* The Green & White improve to a perfect 6-0 when leading with five minutes to play and is 31-1 over the last two seasons.

* Wagner is a perfect 4-0 at home and 16-3 at the Spiro Sports Center over the last two seasons. Additionally, since the renovated building opened on February 20, 1999 the Seahawks are 115-64 (.642).

* Wagner has won four-straight games against Monmouth with each game being decided by 10 points or less.

* The Seahawks are 16-7 over the last two years in games decided by 10 points or less.

* Wagner improved to 19-13, all-time, in conference openers with its third-straight win in such games, as Bashir Mason became just the second coach in school history to win his NEC debut, joining former mentor Dan Hurley.

* Mason has also now defeated two North Carolina graduates over his last four games (Larry Brown - SMU / King Rice - Monmouth). Ironically, all three were point guards at the collegiate level.

* Tonight was the seventh different starting line-up employed by the Seahawks this year.

* Williams returned after missing the last game due to injury and came off the bench after starting the first 40 games he appeared in.

* Spurred by Burton and Williams, the reserves scored 21 of Wagner's 27 points in the first half and 30 of its 60 for the game.

* Ortiz scored all 10 of his points after halftime and is a perfect 10-for-10 at the line over the last five minutes and in overtime over the last two games. He also converted his first career three pointer and blocked a personal-best two shots.

* The Seahawks are now 24-32, all-time, vs the Hawks but hold an impressive 17-11 record at home.

* This was the fourth of six games for the Green & White against teams that will be changing conference affiliations next season.

* Wagner has now won eight-straight games on January 3rd with six coming by 10 points or less.

* Tonight's game was the first of eight that will be played on a Thursday by the Seahawks. Last year, the Green & White went 9-1 on Thursdays.

* Former Green & White standouts Dedrick Dye, Class of 2003, and Nigel Wyatte, Class of 2004, were in attendance. Both were 1,000 point scorers for Wagner and members of the 2003 NEC Championship squad.

Follow Wagner Athletics on Twitter (@wagnerathletics) for all the latest news and updates on the athletic department, @WagnerHoops for news and updates on the mens basketball program and @bashirmason to follow the Seahawks first-year head coach.
Courtesy of: http://www.wagnerathletics.com


*****************************************************
  NEW ZEALAND   


Kirk Penney's 30 points make him top New Zealand player abroad of the week - by Eurobasket Center

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of New Zealanders who are currently playing abroad.

Kirk Penney
Kirk Penney
   #1. This week's number one is an experienced former international guard Kirk Penney (196-80, agency: Duran International, college: Wisconsin, currently plays in Turkey). He led TED Kolejliler to a 3-point victory over the closely-ranked Mersin (7-5) 88-85 in the Turkish TBL in Saturday night's game. Penney was MVP of the game. He recorded 30 points (!!!) in 39 minutes on the court. TED Kolejliler Ankara (8-5) is placed seventh in the TBL. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. Penney is currently third on the league's list of top scorers with 18.6ppg. He also averaged so far 3.3rpg, 3.2apg, 2FGP: 56.1%(37-66), 3FGP: 46.2%(36-78) and FT: 83.7% in the 12 games he played so far. Penney played for the New Zealand senior national team two years ago.

Everard Bartlett
Everard Bartlett
   #2. Second place goes to an international guard Everard Bartlett (198-86, currently plays in Australia). He led Perth Wildcats to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Kings (9-6) crushing them 95-61 in the Australian NBL last Sunday. Bartlett scored 13 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 3 assists. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Perth Wildcats (9-4) are placed second in the NBL. It's Bartlett's first season with the team. This year he averages: 4.9ppg, 1.6rpg, 2FGP: 32.3%, 3FGP: 30.2% and FT: 83.3%. Bartlett is in the roster of the New Zealand senior national team.

Isaac Fotu
Isaac Fotu
   #3. The New Zealand player who performed third best last week abroad was an international forward Isaac Fotu (203-93, currently plays college basketball in the States). He led Hawaii to a 2-point victory against the California State University, Fullerton (1-1) 90-88 in the NCAA on Thursday night. Fotu scored 29 points (!!!) and grabbed 9 rebounds in 35 minutes. The University of Hawaii has 1-0 conference record this season. This year Fotu's overall stats are: 4.9ppg, 1.6rpg, 2FGP: 32.3%, 3FGP: 30.2% and FT: 83.3% in the 13 games. He has a dual citizenship: Tongan and New Zealand. Fotu is also a member of the New Zealand senior national team.

Mika Vukona
Mika Vukona
   #4. Forward Mika Vukona (198-82, currently plays in Australia) contributed to a New Zealand Breakers' victory against the league outsider Cairns Taipans (4-9) 66-61 in the Australian NBL in Monday night's game. He scored 6 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. New Zealand Breakers (11-3) are placed first in the NBL. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Vukona's total stats this season are: 6.6ppg, 6.8rpg and 2.1apg. He is another player who holds two passports: Fijian and New Zealand. Vukona is also New Zealand national team player.

Thomas Abercrombie
Thomas Abercrombie
   #5. Former international swingman Thomas Abercrombie (198-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Washington St., currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Mika Vukona. But that was another game of his team in Australian NBL which we would like to mention. Abercrombie helped New Zealand Breakers win their game against the sixth-ranked Adelaide 36ers (5-10) 71-66. He scored 7 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 33 minutes. New Zealand Breakers (11-3) are placed first in the NBL. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Abercrombie is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fifth year in New Zealand Breakers' roster. This season Abercrombie's total stats are: 9.6ppg and 4.4rpg in the 14 games. He used to play for the New Zealand national team two years ago.

Alex Pledger
Alex Pledger
   #6. Center Alex Pledger (213-87, college: Belm.Abbey, currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Mika Vukona. He played also in the last Australian NBL game facing Thomas Abercrombie (above) in the other team. Pledger managed to help New Zealand Breakers to win against the sixth-ranked Adelaide 36ers (5-10) 71-66. He scored 5 points, had 4 rebounds and made 2 blocks. Pledger has been at the team for four years. Pledger is currently first on the league's list of best blockers. He has averaged so far 9.0ppg, 6.1rpg and 1.9bpg. Pledger is an international player who is currently on the senior New Zealand National Team roster.

Corey Webster
Corey Webster
   #7. Former international guard Corey Webster (188-88, college: Lambuth, currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Mika Vukona. He played also in the last Australian NBL game facing Alex Pledger (above) in the other team. Webster helped New Zealand Breakers win their game against the sixth-ranked Adelaide 36ers (5-10) 71-66. He scored 6 points in only 10 minutes. Webster has averaged so far 6.4ppg and 1.6rpg in the 10 games. He used to play for the New Zealand national team two years ago.

Dillon Boucher
Dillon Boucher
   #8. Forward Dillon Boucher (196-75, currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Mika Vukona and both played together in the last Australian NBL game. Boucher helped New Zealand Breakers win their game against the league outsider Cairns Taipans (4-9) 66-61. He scored only 3 points. Boucher plays fifth season for the team. Boucher has averaged so far 2.6ppg, 3.1rpg and 1.9apg. He used to play for the New Zealand national team back in 2007.

Jeremiah Trueman
Jeremiah Trueman
   #9. International power forward Jeremiah Trueman (207-87, college: Alaska-Anch., currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Everard Bartlett and both played together in the last Australian NBL game. Trueman helped Perth Wildcats win their game against the closely-ranked Kings (9-6) crushing them 95-61. He scored only 4 points and blocked 2 shots in 12 minutes. Trueman has averaged so far 3.7ppg and 2.0rpg in the 13 games. He is also in the roster of the New Zealand national team.

Leon Henry
Leon Henry
   #10. Swingman Leon Henry (200-85, college: S.Idaho JC, currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Mika Vukona. He played also in the last Australian NBL game facing Dillon Boucher (above) in the other team. Henry helped New Zealand Breakers win their game against the league outsider Cairns Taipans (4-9) 66-61. He scored only 2 points. Henry has averaged so far 2.5ppg and 2.4rpg. He is an international player who is currently on the senior New Zealand National Team roster.

   #11. International forward Robert Loe (211-91, currently studies in the States) helped St.Louis win their game against the University of New Mexico 60-46 in the NCAA last Monday. Loe scored 7 points in 21 minutes. Loe has averaged so far 2.5ppg and 2.4rpg in the 13 games. He plays currently for the New Zealand national team.


*****************************************************
  NIGERIA   


Josh-Emmanuel Akognon's 32 points make him top Nigerian player abroad of the week - by Eurobasket Center

We bring you last week's top performances from Nigerians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Josh-Emmanuel Akognon
Josh-Emmanuel Akognon
   #1. This week's number one is former international point guard Josh-Emmanuel Akognon (180-86, college: CS Fullerton, currently plays in China). Akognon led Liaoning Hunters to a victory over the closely-ranked Bayi Rockets (9-8) crushing them 123-91 in the Chinese CBA on Sunday night. He was MVP of the game. Akognon recorded 32 points (!!!) and added 3 passes in 33 minutes on the court. Liaoning Jiebao Hunters (11-6) are placed fourth in the CBA. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. It's Akognon's first season with the team. Akognon belongs to league's top scorers and is ranked #6 with 30.8ppg. This year his other stats are: 3.4rpg, 2.6apg, 1.9spg, 2FGP: 54.5%, 3FGP: 35.9% and FT: 84.7% in the 16 games he played so far. Akognon has a dual citizenship: Nigerian and American. He played for the Nigerian senior national team four years ago.

Ebi Ere
Ebi Ere
   #2. Second place goes to former international swingman Ebi Ere (195-81, college: Oklahoma, currently plays in Italy). He contributed to a Cimberio Varese's victory against the 12th-ranked Vanoli Cremona (4-9) 94-84 in the Italian SerieA on Sunday night. Ere recorded 8 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Cimberio Varese (12-1) is placed first in the SerieA. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Ere belongs to league's top scorers and is ranked #8. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Ere averages: 16.2ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 49.4%, 3FGP: 46.4%(32-69) and FT: 76.1%. He is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and American. Ere played for the Nigerian national team in 2009.

Derrick Obasohan
Derrick Obasohan
   #3. The Nigerian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international forward Derrick Obasohan (198-81, agency: Beo Basket, college: Texas Arlington, currently plays in France). He helped Cholet win their game against the 11th-ranked Chorale de Roanne (6-8) 79-60 in the French ProA in Friday night's game. Obasohan scored 14 points in 26 minutes. Cholet Basket (7-7) is placed seventh in the ProA. They ended the series of three consecutive loses. This year Obasohan's overall stats are: 8.4ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 41.7%, 3FGP: 28.9% and FT: 87.5% in the eight games. He has both American and Nigerian nationalities. Obasohan is also a member of the Nigerian senior national team.

Benjamin Eze
Benjamin Eze
   #4. Power forward Benjamin Eze (207-81, college: S.Idaho JC, currently plays in Italy), who plays in the Italian SerieA could not help Montepaschi Siena (10-3) to beat Umana Venezia (6-7). He recorded 6 points in 15 minutes. Montepaschi Siena was edged 65-63 on the road by the lower-ranked (#8) Umana Venezia. It was Montepaschi Siena's first loss after six consecutive victories. This year Eze's total stats are: 5.5ppg and 5.2rpg in the six games. He also holds two passports: Nigerian and Italian. Eze used to play for the Nigerian national team back in 2009.

Ike Diogu
Ike Diogu
   #5. International power forward Ike Diogu (204-83, college: Arizona St., currently plays in China) helped Guandong Tigers win their game against the tenth-ranked TianJin Steel (9-8) 107-93 in the Chinese CBA last Friday. Diogu scored 13 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Guangdong Southern Tigers (14-3) are placed second in the CBA. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. Diogu has relatively good stats this season: 14.1ppg and 9.9rpg. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Diogu plays currently for the Nigerian national team.

Alade Aminu
Alade Aminu
   #6. Center Alade Aminu (210-87, college: Georgia Tech, currently plays in Turkey) managed to help Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir in a victory against the 14th-ranked Olin Edirne (3-10) 82-70 in the Turkish TBL on Saturday night. He recorded 5 points in 23 minutes. Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir (10-3) is placed fourth in the TBL. This year Aminu has relatively solid stats: 13.4ppg, 6.2rpg and 1.3spg in the 13 games. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Nigerian National Team roster.

Chukwudinma Odiakosa
Chukwudinma Odiakosa
   #7. Former U22 international power forward Chukwudinma Odiakosa (203-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois St., currently plays in Israel), who plays in the Israeli National League (second division) was not able to help Hod Hasharon (8-3) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite Odiakosa's very good performance Hod Hasharon was crushed 89-68 in Nes Ziyona by the leading Ironi Nes-Ziona. He recorded a double-double by scoring 22 points and getting 15 rebounds. Odiakosa belongs to league's top scorers (ranked #4) and also on the list of best rebounders (first place). This season he has very high stats. Odiakosa averages: 20.3ppg, 15.4rpg and 1.3bpg. He used to play for the Nigerian U22 national team nine years ago.

Michael Umeh
Michael Umeh
   #8. Point guard Michael Umeh (188-84, agency: Two Points, college: UNLV, currently plays in Italy), who plays in the Italian Lega2 (second division) was not able to secure a victory for one of league's weakest teams Pall.Trento (5-7) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Umeh's very good performance Pall.Trento was edged in an overtime 106-105 at home by the higher-ranked Fileni BPA Jesi (#10). He was the second best scorer with 16 points. Umeh has reliable stats this season: 14.8ppg, 3.7rpg and 1.7apg. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Umeh used to play for the Nigerian national team back in 2011.

Ike Ofoegbu
Ike Ofoegbu
   #9. Former international forward Ike Ofoegbu (205-85, college: SMU, currently plays in Mexico), who plays in the Mexican LNBP (second division) couldn't help Toros (29-8) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Toros lost 81-96 in Ciudad Victoria to the much lower-ranked (#11) Correcaminos. Ofoegbu was the top scorer with 17 points. He also added 4 rebounds in 27 minutes. It was Toros' first loss after ten consecutive victories. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Ofoegbu has very impressive stats this year: 16.9ppg, 5.3rpg and 1.6apg in the 34 games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Ofoegbu used to play for the Nigerian national team two years ago.

Andy Ogide
Andy Ogide
   #10. Forward Andy Ogide (204-87, college: Colorado St., currently plays in Spain), who plays in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) couldn't help Ourense (15-13) in their last game. Despite his very good performance his team was edged 85-83 in Pamplona by the much lower-ranked (#8) Planasa NV. Ogide was the second best scorer with 18 points. He also added 7 rebounds in 30 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only Ogide's second season in pro basketball. Ogide is currently seventh on the league's list of best rebounders with 6.7rpg. This year his other stats are: 11.6ppg and 1.4spg in the 13 games. Ogide is an international player who is currently on the senior Nigerian National Team roster.

   #11. Former U19 international guard Ayodeji Egbeyemi (193-90, currently plays college basketball in the States) helped Loyola Mary win their game against the Cal State - Bakersfield 73-66 in the NCAA in Saturday night's game. He recorded 12 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks in 37 minutes. Egbeyemi's stats this year are: 11.6ppg and 1.4spg in the 13 games. He used to play for the Nigerian U19 national team six years ago.

   #12. Former international center Jeleel Akindele (216-83, college: Chicago St., currently plays in Italy) helped Juvecaserta edge in an overtime one of league's weakest teams Air Avellino 86-84 in the Italian SerieA last Sunday. Akindele recorded 7 points. Akindele belongs to league's best rebounders and is ranked #3. He has very reliable stats this season: 11.8ppg, 8.2rpg and 1.2spg. Akindele used to play for the Nigerian national team back in 2009.

   #13. International forward Ekenechukwu Ibekwe (210-85, college: Maryland, currently plays in Spain) couldn't help Lagun Aro GBC in their game against Blusens Monbus in the Spanish ACB. He scored 6 points in 19 minutes. His team lost 60-71. Ibekwe is currently first on the league's list of best blockers with 1.9bpg. He also averaged so far 8.3ppg and 5.5rpg in the 15 games. Ibekwe holds both American and Nigerian passports. He is also Nigerian national team player.

   #14. Former U16 international center Christopher Obekpa (206-93, currently studies in the States) couldn't help the St.John's in their game against the Villanova University in the NCAA. Obekpa cannot count Wednesday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 3 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, passed 3 assists and added 4 blocks in 33 minutes. His team lost in an overtime 86-98. Obekpa has averaged so far 8.3ppg and 5.5rpg in the 15 games. He used to play for the Nigerian U16 national team back in 2008.

The list of other players, who all have Nigerian passport but never been selected to any of Nigerian national teams:

   #1. Emeka Okafor (206-F/C-82, college: Connecticut, currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA could not help the Washington Wizards (4-26) in their last game. Despite his good performance the Washington Wizards lost 77-87 on the road to the Chicago Bulls. Okafor had a double-double by scoring 11 points and getting 18 rebounds. He also added 2 blocks in 36 minutes. It was Wizards' third consecutive loss in a row. Okafor has relatively good stats this year: 7.7ppg, 7.1rpg and 1.4bpg in the 30 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Nigerian and American.

   #2. Chinemelu Elonu (206-F/C-87, college: Texas A&M, currently plays in Turkey) was not able to help Tofas (5-8) in their game against Anadolu Efes (11-2) in the Turkish TBL. Despite his very good performance last Monday Elonu recorded a double-double by scoring 21 points and getting 12 rebounds. He also added 3 blocks. Elonu belongs to league's best rebounders (ranked #5) and also on the list of best blockers (fourth place). This season he averages: 9.6ppg and 8.2rpg.

   #3. Gani Lawal (205-C/F-88, college: Georgia Tech, currently plays in Italy) led Lottomatica Roma to a victory against the closely-ranked Enel Brindisi (7-6) 86-82 in the Italian SerieA in Sunday night's game. Lawal recorded 13 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Acea Virtus Roma (8-5) is placed fifth in the SerieA. Lawal is currently sixth on the list of best rebounders and also on the list of best blockers (fourth place). He has very reliable stats this season: 13.5ppg, 7.4rpg and 1.2bpg. Lawal is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and American.

   #4. Olaseni Lawal (208-F/C-86, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wayne St., MI, currently plays in Italy) led Tezenis VE to a victory over the closely-ranked AcegasAps TR (7-5) 67-51 in the Italian Lega2 (second division) last Sunday. Lawal was the best player in that game. He had a double-double by scoring 20 points and getting 16 rebounds. Lawal also added 3 blocks in 34 minutes. Tezenis Verona (7-6) is placed seventh in the Lega2. Lawal is currently first on the league's list of best rebounders and also on the list of best blockers (second place). He has very reliable stats this year: 10.2ppg, 13.5rpg, 1.6bpg and 2.2spg in the 13 games. Lawal has both American and Nigerian nationalities. Worth to mention he played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

   #5. Experienced Uche Nsonwu-Amadi (208-F/C-78, agency: Beo Basket, college: Wyoming, currently plays in France) contributed to an easy victory against the 11th-ranked Limoges CSP Elite (3-10) crushing them 79-56 in the French ProA last Friday. He scored 10 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished 4 assists. ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket (9-5) is placed fourth in the ProA. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Nsonwu-Amadi has relatively good stats this season: 11.7ppg, 7.4rpg and 1.6apg.

   #6. Festus Ezeli (210-C-89, college: Vanderbilt, currently plays in NBA) managed to help Golden State Warriors to win against the Boston Celtics 101-83 in the NBA in Saturday night's game. He scored only 2 points and blocked 5 blocks. Ezeli has averaged so far 2.8ppg and 4.2rpg.

   #7. Aleksey Adediran (204-C-82, college: Binghamton, currently plays in Ukraine) was not able to secure a victory for Mykolaiv in their game against DniproAzot in the Ukrainian Superleague, despite his very good performance last Saturday. He was the top scorer with 19 points. Adediran also added 7 rebounds in 22 minutes. But his team lost 77-92. Adediran has relatively good stats this year: 10.2ppg, 4.0rpg and 1.1spg in the 20 games. He also holds two passports: Nigerian and Russian.

   #8. Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86, college: Providence, currently plays in Mexico) was the major contributor in a Fuerza Regia's victory against the closely-ranked Abejas 91-79 in the Mexican LNBP (second division) on Friday night. Efejuku scored 19 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 6 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). Efejuku has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 18.8ppg, 4.1rpg and 3.1apg. Efejuku has Nigerian and Jamaican nationalities.

   #9. Reggie Okosa (208-F/C-80, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: La Salle, currently plays in Japan) contributed to an easy victory against the 11th-ranked Saitama Broncos crushing them 97-53 in the Japanese BJ League in Sunday night's game. He scored 18 points, had 8 rebounds and dished 6 assists in 25 minutes. Okosa has relatively good stats this year: 14.7ppg, 8.2rpg and 3.0apg in the 22 games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports.

   #10. Stan Okoye (198-F-91, currently plays college basketball in the States) contributed to an VMI's surprising victory against the Shenandoah University crushing them 110-54 in the NCAA last Wednesday. Okoye scored 21 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 6 assists in 25 minutes. He has very impressive stats this year: 20.3ppg, 15.4rpg and 1.3bpg in the 11 games.


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  PANAMA   


Gary Forbes' double-double lands him Player of the Week award among Panamanians playing currently abroad - by Eurobasket Center

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Panamanians who are currently playing abroad.

Gary Forbes
Gary Forbes
   #1. This week's number one is former international swingman Gary Forbes (201-85, college: Virginia, currently plays in China), who plays in the Chinese CBA. He could not help Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (9-8) in their last game. Despite Forbes' very good performance Zhejiang Guangsha Lions lost 97-106 on the road to the lower-ranked (#13) Jiangsu Dragons. He had a double-double by scoring 46 points and getting 17 rebounds. Forbes also added 3 assists in 39 minutes on the court. It was Zhejiang Guangsha Lions' third consecutive loss in a row. Forbes is currently first on the league's list of top scorers with 33.7ppg. He also averaged so far 7.9rpg, 3.4apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 48.7%, 3FGP: 32.9% and FT: 72.8% in the nine games he played so far. Forbes is a naturalized American. He played for the Panamanian senior national team two years ago. Strangely Forbes has never played in Panama.

Michael Hicks
Michael Hicks
   #2. Second place goes to an experienced former international swingman Michael Hicks (194-76, college: Texas A&M-CC, currently plays in Italy). Hicks led Tuscany Pistoia to a 1-point victory over the ninth-ranked C.de Latte BRE (6-6) 72-71 in the Italian Lega2 (second division) on Sunday night. He was MVP of the game. Hicks recorded 22 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 32 minutes. Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (9-3) is placed second in the Lega2. Hicks is ranked eighth on the list of the top scorers in the league with 18.3ppg. This year his other stats are: 5.7rpg, 1.5apg, 2.2spg, 2FGP: 47.6%, 3FGP: 35.8% and FT: 88.2% in the 12 games. Hicks played for the Panamanian national team in 2011.

Danilo Pinnock
Danilo Pinnock
   #3. The Panamanian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international guard Danilo Pinnock (196-83, college: G.Washington, currently plays in Mexico). He led Halcones Rojos to a victory over the 12th-ranked Lechugueros (12-25) crushing them 105-61 in the Mexican LNBP (second division) in Thursday night's game. Pinnock was the best player in that game. He recorded 21 points and added 3 assists. Halcones Rojos de Veracruz (29-8) is placed third in the LNBP. It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Pinnock has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 15.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 50.9%, 3FGP: 44.9% and FT: 82.1%. Pinnock is a naturalized American. He is also a member of the Panamanian senior national team. Pinnock used to play for Toros de Chorrillo in Panamanian league.

Leonardo Pomare
Leonardo Pomare
   #4. Forward Leonardo Pomare (203-86, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: San Diego, currently plays in Japan), who plays in the Japanese BJ League was not able to help Kyoto Hannaryz (12-12) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the sixth-placed Kyoto Hannaryz lost 77-92 in Okinawa to the leading Okinawa GK in the Western group. Pomare was the second best scorer with 16 points. He also added 8 rebounds and 2 blocks in 27 minutes. Pomare has relatively good stats this year: 13.0ppg, 9.8rpg and 1.6apg in the 22 games. He is a naturalized American. Pomare used to play for the Panamanian national team back in 2011. He played also for Fieras de Cocle in Panamanian league.

The list of other players, who all have Panamanian passport but never been selected to any of Panamanian national teams:

   #1. Jamelle Horne (200-F-88, college: Arizona, currently plays in Mexico) led Soles to a victory over the 14th-ranked Osos (6-31) crushing them 94-58 in the Mexican LNBP (second division) last Friday. He was MVP of the game. Horne recorded 39 points (!!!) and grabbed 6 rebounds; quite an impressive performance considering it's only his second season in pro basketball. Soles de Mexicali (28-9) is placed fourth in the LNBP. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Horne has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 21.7ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.1apg and 1.6spg.

   #2. Gabriel Giron (192-G-88, currently plays in Mexico), who plays in the Mexican LNBP (second division) could not help Fuerza Regia (22-15) to beat Huracanes (21-15). Giron recorded 6 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Fuerza Regia was defeated 87-80 on the road by the lower-ranked Huracanes (#8). There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. Giron's overall stats this season are: 8.1ppg, 2.8rpg and 1.8apg. He has a dual citizenship: Panamanian and Mexican.

   #3. Jordan Henriquez (211-F-89, currently plays college basketball in the States) managed to help Kansas State University in a victory against the University of South Dakota (2-2) crushing them 70-50 in the NCAA in Monday night's game. Henriquez scored 5 points, had 5 rebounds and made 3 blocks in 16 minutes. The Kansas State University has conference record this season. It's Henriquez's fourth year with the team. This year his overall stats are: 8.1ppg, 2.8rpg and 1.8apg in the 32 games he played so far. Henriquez is a naturalized American. Apparently he has never played in Panama.

Other top Panamanian players, who play abroad:

Joel Munoz (179-PG-80) plays for Paulistano in Brazilian NBB
Jamaal Levy (206-C-83) plays for Olimpico de La Banda in Argentinian LigaA
Jose Lloreda (203-F/C-80) plays for Sionista in Argentinian LigaA
Levour Warren (196-SF-81) plays for Air Avellino in Italian SerieA
Josimar Ayarza (205-F-87) plays for 9 de Julio in Argentinian LigaA
Antonio Garcia (203-F/C-76) plays for Panteras in Mexican LNBP
Dionisio Gomez Camargo (203-F-80) plays for Shiga L-Stars in Japanese BJ League
Ernesto Oglivie (199-F-89) plays for Maldonado in Uruguayan LUB
Daniel King (203-F-87) plays for Maldonado in Uruguayan LUB

Notice: The list above includes only some of the Panamanian playing currently abroad. Go to Panamanian Abroad Page to see completed list.


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  POLAND   

Standings - DBE

TBL Standings
 1. PGE Turow 11-4 
 2. Asseco Prok. 10-4 
 3. Trefl Sopot 10-4 
 4. Stelmet ZG 9-5 
 5. AZS Koszalin 8-6 
 6. Energa Czarni 8-6 
 7. Anwil 8-6 
 8. Polpharma 5-9 
 9. Siarka Jezioro 5-10 
 10. Kotwica 4-10 
 11. Start Gdynia 4-10 
 12. Rosa Radom 3-11 

Regular Season: Round 15

Jan. 3: PGE Turow - Siarka Jezioro 95-81
Jan. 5: Energa Czarni - Polpharma
Jan. 5: Rosa Radom - Anwil
Jan. 5: Stelmet ZG - Asseco Prok.
Jan. 5: Kotwica - Trefl Sopot
Jan. 6: AZS Koszalin - Start Gdynia


DBE Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Walter HODGE
  Stelmet ZG
  (183-PG-86)
  Avg: 20.5
 1. Hodge, Stelmet ZG20.5 
 2. Dloniak, Siarka J.19.7 
 3. McCauley, Polph.18.0 
 4. Hosley, Stelmet ZG17.4 
 5. Montgomery, Rosa16.1 
 6. Carter, Polpharma15.6 
 7. Mosley, Kotwica15.4 
 8. Addison, Siarka J.14.9 
 9. Dylewicz, Trefl So.14.7 
 10. Blassingame, Asse.14.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kim ADAMS
  Rosa Radom
  (201-F/C-82)
  Avg: 8.9
 1. Adams, Rosa Radom8.9 
 2. Doaks, Siarka J.8.7 
 3. Harris, AZS K.8.4 
 4. McCauley, Polph.8.2 
 5. Cel, PGE Turow8.1 
 6. Boykin, Anwil8.0 
 7. Stevic, Stelmet ZG7.7 
 8. Gadri-N., Energa C.7.7 
 9. Rothbart, Start G.7.1 
 10. Montgomery, Rosa6.7 
Assists Per Game
 Frank TURNER
  Trefl Sopot
  (178-PG-88)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Turner, Trefl Sopot6.5 
 2. Szubarga, Anwil5.9 
 3. Hodge, Stelmet ZG5.5 
 4. Jefferson, Kotwica5.4 
 5. Blassingame, Assec.5.4 
 6. Abernethy, Energa5.0 
 7. Skibniewski, AZS K.4.2 
 8. Koszarek, Asseco3.8 
 9. Chylinski, PGE T.3.6 
 10. Long, Siarka J.3.6 
Steals Per Game
 Walter HODGE
  Stelmet ZG
  (183-PG-86)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Hodge, Stelmet ZG2.6 
 2. Szubarga, Anwil2.0 
 3. Alexander, Siarka2.0 
 4. Hosley, Stelmet ZG1.9 
 5. Addison, Siarka J.1.8 
 6. Koszarek, Asseco1.6 
 7. Jackson, PGE Turow1.6 
 8. Jefferson, Kotwica1.6 
 9. Acker, Asseco Prok.1.4 
 10. Mosley, Kotwica1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Bertengeh GADRI-NICHOLSON
  Energa C.
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Gadri-N., Energa C.1.7 
 2. Looby, Trefl Sopot1.4 
 3. Lapeta, Stelmet ZG1.3 
 4. Kulig, PGE Turow1.3 
 5. Harris, AZS K.1.3 
 6. Boykin, Anwil1.1 
 7. Rothbart, Start G.1.1 
 8. Adams, Rosa Radom1.0 
 9. Doaks, Siarka J.1.0 
 10. Alexander, Siarka1.0 



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  RUSSIA   


EuroLeague: CSKA outclass ALBA in Berlin - by Eurobasket News

ALBA - CSKA 57:75

CSKA outclass ALBA in Berlin in front of almost 10000 fans. The Russian Champion needed a 75:57 win for a 2-0 record in Group E. The German team fell at 0-2 record.
CSKA grabbed 24-13 lead at the first period and never looked behind. The guests added 16-15 in the second frame and led 40:28 at the halftime. Alba replied with 19-17 rally in the third quarter, but could not come closer to the favorites. The team from Moscow finished the game with 18-10 burst in the last stanza for the final success.
Milos Teodosic (195-PG-87) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Nenad Krstic (212-C-83) added 15. Viktor Khryapa (203-F-82) collected 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Aaron Jackson (190-G-86, college: Duquesne) had 9. DaShaun Wood (185-PG-85, college: Wright St.) finished the game with 14 points in defeat and Derrick Byars (201-G/F-84, agency: Beo Basket, college: Vanderbilt) scored 11.

ALBA: DaShaun Wood 14, Derrick Byars 11
CSKA: Milos Teodosic 17, Nenad Krstic 15, Viktor Khryapa 10+10 rebs, Aaron Jackson 9


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  SERBIA   


Ivan Paunic is a newcomer at Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa BC - by Eurobasket News

Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa BC (ACB) strengthened their roster with addition of 26-year old Serbian ex-international shooting guard Ivan Paunic (194-90kg-87, agency: Beo Basket). He already started the season at Azovmash in Ukrainian Superleague. In 14 Superleague games this season he recorded 3.4ppg, 2.2rpg and 1.1apg. He also played 6 games in Eurocup where he averaged 5.3ppg, 3.3rpg and 1.3apg. Paunic also played 7 games in VTB United League where he averaged 3.4ppg, 2.0rpg and 1.3apg. He ended the last season at SAIE3 Bologna in Italian SerieA. In 6 games he averaged 3.2ppg and 1.3rpg. But the most of that year Paunic spent at BC Nizhny Novgorod in Russian PBL. The team played in three different competitions (!!!) that year, and he was exposed to basketball on different levels. In 18 PBL games he averaged 10.0ppg, 3.4rpg and 1.5apg. Paunic also played 11 games in EuroChallenge where he averaged 8.9ppg, 3.4rpg and 2.2apg. He also played 16 games in VTB United League where he averaged 11.1ppg, 4.4rpg and 1.7apg.
Among other achievements Paunics team made it to the Russian Cup final in 2011. He received also Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Defensive Player of the Year award back in 2008.
Paunic was also a member of Serbian international program for some years. He played for Serbian Senior National Team between 2009 and 2012 and previouslyfor U20 National Team in 2007. Paunic represented Serbia at the Qualifications to European Championships 2013 last year. His stats at that event were 6 games: 2.2ppg, 1.3rpg.
Paunic has played also professionally in Belgium (Base Oostende), Greece (Aris) and Serbia (Partizan, Vojvodina Srbijagas and Mega Vizura).

By Eurobasket Data Center (via @MiskoRaznatovic)


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  SLOVENIA   


Zlatorog extends Udrih through 2015 - by Zeljko Zule

One of the most experienced players in Telemach League is set to keep playing for his current team, as Zlatorog Lasko extended former national team member Samo Udrih (195-G-79) until the end of the 2014-15 season, the club announced today. Udrih led Zlatorog this season in scoring with 16.9 points, assists (3.8 apg) and steals (2.5 spg). Udrih has already played for Zlatorog (Pivovarna Lasko) in the 2000-01 season.


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  SOUTH KOREA   

Standings

KBL Standings
 1. SK Knights 22-5 
 2. Mobis Phoebus 20-8 
 3. ET Land 18-9 
 4. Anyang KGC 13-14 
 5. LG Sakers 13-15 
 6. Samsung Th. 12-15 
 7. Sonic Boom KT 12-15 
 8. Goyang Orions 12-16 
 9. Dongbu Promy 10-18 
 10. KCC Egis 5-22 

Regular Season: Round 21

Jan. 4: Goyang Orions - Dongbu Promy 75-80
Jan. 2: LG Sakers - KCC Egis 74-76
Jan. 3: SK Knights - ET Land 74-66
Jan. 4: Mobis Phoebus - LG Sakers 66-61
Jan. 3: Anyang KGC - Sonic Boom KT 62-75

Regular Season: Round 22

Jan. 5: ET Land - Samsung Th.
Jan. 5: Goyang Orions - SK Knights
Jan. 5: Sonic Boom KT - Anyang KGC
Jan. 6: Samsung Th. - LG Sakers
Jan. 6: Mobis Phoebus - Goyang Orions
Jan. 6: Sonic Boom KT - Dongbu Promy



*****************************************************
  SPAIN   

Standings - LEB Gold

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

Regular Season: Round 13

Jan. 4: Planasa NV - Ourense 85-83
Jan. 4: Palencia - Melilla 82-73
Jan. 4: FCB Regal II - Lobe Huesca 77-82
Jan. 4: Clavijo - Breogan 77-69
Jan. 4: Andorra - A.Ford Burgos 75-86
Jan. 4: Coruna - Forca Lleida 73-80
Jan. 4: Caceres - Lucentum 65-64

Regular Season: Round 14

Jan. 11: A.Ford Burgos - Forca Lleida
Jan. 11: Andorra - Lobe Huesca
Jan. 13: FCB Regal II - Breogan
Jan. 11: Clavijo - Lucentum
Jan. 11: Caceres - Melilla
Jan. 11: Palencia - Ourense
Jan. 11: Planasa NV - Coruna


Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game
 Jamar SAMUELS
  Lobe H.
  (200-F-89)
  Avg: 17.1
 1. Samuels, Lobe H.17.1 
 2. Ruiz de Gala., Cla.16.8 
 3. Zengotitaben., Cor.16.1 
 4. Winchester, Breog.15.8 
 5. Barbour, Ourense15.2 
 6. Starosta, Plana.14.7 
 7. Blanch, Andorra14.5 
 8. Eriksson, FCB R.14.3 
 9. Sanchez, Melilla14.0 
 10. Hezonja, FCB R.13.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ondrej STAROSTA
  Plana.
  (215-C-79)
  Avg: 9.6
 1. Starosta, Plana.9.6 
 2. Wachsmann, Melilla8.8 
 3. Sikma, A.Ford B.8.3 
 4. Samuels, Lobe H.7.8 
 5. Diouf, Breogan7.0 
 6. Ogide, Ourense6.7 
 7. McDermott, Palen.6.7 
 8. Thompson, Forca L.6.0 
 9. Rejon, Lucentum5.9 
 10. Kale, Coruna5.9 
Assists Per Game
 Daniel PEREZ
  Andorra
  (188-PG-90)
  Avg: 5.3
 1. Perez, Andorra5.3 
 2. Uriz, Clavijo5.0 
 3. Marco, Melilla4.6 
 4. Rodriguez, Forca L.4.5 
 5. Lopez, A.Ford B.4.5 
 6. Sanz, Planasa NV3.9 
 7. Forcada, Palencia3.9 
 8. Creus, FCB R.3.7 
 9. Lopez, Ourense3.5 
 10. Gonzalez, Ourense3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Mikel URIZ
  Clavijo
  (182-PG-89)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Uriz, Clavijo1.8 
 2. Castro, Melilla1.8 
 3. Otegui, Palencia1.8 
 4. Samuels, Lobe H.1.8 
 5. Lopez, A.Ford B.1.7 
 6. Schreiner, Andorra1.7 
 7. Blanch, Andorra1.7 
 8. Hobbs, Caceres1.7 
 9. Abouo, Lobe Huesca1.7 
 10. Perez, Andorra1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Michel DIOUF
  Breogan
  (208-C-89)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Diouf, Breogan1.6 
 2. Flis, Andorra1.5 
 3. Sikma, A.Ford B.1.3 
 4. Samuels, Lobe H.1.1 
 5. Starosta, Plana.1.0 
 6. Thompson, Forca L.1.0 
 7. Mbaye, FCB R.1.0 
 8. Hampl, Andorra0.9 
 9. McDermott, Palen.0.8 
 10. Kale, Coruna0.7 


Standings - LEB Silver

LEB Silver Standings
 1. Guadalajara 8-2 
 2. Oviedo CB 7-3 
 3. Prat Juventud 7-4 
 4. Clinicas Rincon 6-4 
 5. Aurteneche M. 5-5 
 6. Avila 5-5 
 7. Lan Mobel ISB 5-5 
 8. Cafes Aitona 4-6 
 9. Palma 4-7 
 10. Castello 3-7 
 11. La Palma 2-8 

Regular Season: Round 12

Jan. 4: Palma - Prat Juventud 74-77
Jan. 5: Cafes Aitona - Clinicas Rincon
Jan. 5: Castello - Aurteneche M.
Jan. 6: Lan Mobel ISB - Avila


Stats Leaders-LEB Silver

Points Per Game
 Will HANLEY
  Oviedo CB
  (200-G/F-90)
  Avg: 18.3
 1. Hanley, Oviedo CB18.3 
 2. Luettgerodt, Avila17.4 
 3. Llorente, Guadalaj.15.0 
 4. Balmon, Guadalaj.14.7 
 5. Matemalas, Palma14.3 
 6. Galick, Oviedo CB14.3 
 7. Arzallus, Cafes A.13.9 
 8. Perez, Oviedo CB13.5 
 9. Pantin, Lan M.13.3 
 10. Kearse, Lan M.13.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Will HANLEY
  Oviedo CB
  (200-G/F-90)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Hanley, Oviedo CB10.9 
 2. Balmon, Guadalaj.10.2 
 3. Pantin, Lan M.10.0 
 4. Diagne, Avila9.3 
 5. Ausina, Castello8.8 
 6. Aramburu, Cafes A.8.4 
 7. Ortega, Castello8.2 
 8. Joseph, Palma7.6 
 9. Marti, Prat J.7.3 
 10. Galick, Oviedo CB7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Francisco CARDENAS
  Oviedo CB
  (177-PG-90)
  Avg: 6.2
 1. Cardenas, Oviedo6.2 
 2. Ibargutxi, Lan M.4.5 
 3. Llorente, Guadalaj.4.4 
 4. San Emeterio, Pal.3.8 
 5. Vilanova, Prat J.3.5 
 6. Bassas, Prat J.3.2 
 7. Alvarado, Aurtenec.3.0 
 8. Diaz, La Palma3.0 
 9. Diaz, Clinicas Rin.3.0 
 10. Fernandez, Avila2.8 
Steals Per Game
 Alberto DIAZ
  Clinicas Rincon
  (190-PG-94)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Diaz, Clinicas Rin.2.4 
 2. Rueda, Castello2.2 
 3. Santana, La Palma2.0 
 4. Balmon, Guadalaj.2.0 
 5. Cardenas, Oviedo1.9 
 6. Arruti, Aurtenec.1.8 
 7. Arcelus, Aurtenec.1.7 
 8. Elias, Aurtenec.1.7 
 9. Martinez, Cafes A.1.7 
 10. Forbes, Aurtenec.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Willie GALICK
  Oviedo CB
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Galick, Oviedo CB2.2 
 2. Arteaga, Guadalaj.2.0 
 3. Marti, Prat J.1.9 
 4. Aramburu, Cafes A.1.8 
 5. Joseph, Palma1.8 
 6. Fall, Clinicas Rin.1.6 
 7. Hidalgo, Castello1.3 
 8. Diagne, Avila1.1 
 9. Pantin, Lan M.1.1 
 10. Diop, Aurtenec.1.0 


Samuels' double-double lands him LEB Gold Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

23-year old forward Jamar Samuels (200-F-89) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Lobe Huesca and receives a Eurobasket.com LEB Gold Player of the Week award for round 13.
He had a double-double of 38 points and 13 rebounds, while his team beat FCB Regal II (#11, 5-8) 82-77. Lobe Huesca is placed at 6th position in Spanish LEB Gold. Lobe Huesca is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 6-7 record. In the team's last game Samuels had a remarkable 56.3% from 2-point range. He turned to be Lobe Huesca's top player in his first season with the team. Kansas State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Samuels is league's best scorer averaging so far 17.1ppg. Samuels is in league's top in rebounds (4th best: 7.8rpg) and averages solid 1.1bpg and 51.0% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Ondrej Starosta (215-C-79) of Planasa NV. He is Czech Republic center in his second season at Planasa NV. In the last game Starosta recorded impressive 25 points and 5 rebounds. It was enough for Planasa NV to edge the lower-ranked Ourense (#14, 3-10) by 2 points 85-83. Planasa NV's 8th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 6-7 record. Starosta is well-known at Planasa NV and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 14.7ppg (#6). He also registered 9.6 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Lucas Sikma (203-F-89) of league's leader A.Ford Burgos. Sikma showcased his all-around game by recording 16 points, nine rebounds and four assists in the last round. He was a key player of A.Ford Burgos, leading his team to a 86-75 win against #2 ranked Andorra in a game of the week. A.Ford Burgos confirms their top position in the standings Sikma has a great season in Spain. After 12 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 8.3rpg (3rd best). He also has 1.3bpg and FGP: 62.2%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. David Mesa (202-C-80) of Clavijo - 16 points and 6 rebounds
5. Daniel Rodriguez (182-PG-84) of Forca Lleida - 24 points and 2 assists
6. Sergi Pino (196-F-87) of Forca Lleida - 15 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Inaki Sanz (190-PG-84) of Planasa NV - 16 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists
8. Antonio Pena (203-F-86) of Caceres - 14 points and 7 rebounds
9. Anthony Winchester (193-G-83) of Breogan - 19 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Andy Ogide (204-F-87) of Ourense - 18 points and 7 rebounds

The Player of the week is chosen 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)


Mad-Croc let Garcia go - by Eurobasket News

Mad-Croc Fuenlabrada (ACB) cut 25-year old American forward Charles Garcia (206-104kg-88, college: Seattle). In 15 ACB games he played this season he averaged 5.7ppg and 3.6rpg.
The last season Garcia played at Fort Wayne Mad Ants in D-League. In 13 games last year he had 11.8ppg and 6.9rpg. He can count that season as a very successful as was selected to D-League All-Star Game. He also played at Sioux Falls Skyforce in D-League that season. In 23 games he had 14.8ppg and 6.5rpg. The other team Garcia played that season for were the Hawks in NBA. In 13 games he had 11.8ppg and 6.8rpg.

He ended the previous (10-11) season at Iowa Energy in D-League. In three games that year he had just 2.0ppg and 1.3rpg. But the most of that year Garcia spent at Potros in Mexican LNBP. In 5 games he had 7.8ppg, 4.6rpg and 1.0spg.
Among other achievements He won D-League championship title in 2011. Garcia received also All-Independent Player of the Year award and All-Independent 1st Team award back in 2010 at his college time.
Garcia has played also professionally in Turkey (Oyak Renault), NBA (Atlanta Hawks) and D-League (Utah Flash).
He attended Seattle University until 2010 and it is his third season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Ivan Paunic is a newcomer at Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa BC - by Eurobasket News

Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa BC (ACB) strengthened their roster with addition of 26-year old Serbian ex-international shooting guard Ivan Paunic (194-90kg-87, agency: Beo Basket). He already started the season at Azovmash in Ukrainian Superleague. In 14 Superleague games this season he recorded 3.4ppg, 2.2rpg and 1.1apg. He also played 6 games in Eurocup where he averaged 5.3ppg, 3.3rpg and 1.3apg. Paunic also played 7 games in VTB United League where he averaged 3.4ppg, 2.0rpg and 1.3apg. He ended the last season at SAIE3 Bologna in Italian SerieA. In 6 games he averaged 3.2ppg and 1.3rpg. But the most of that year Paunic spent at BC Nizhny Novgorod in Russian PBL. The team played in three different competitions (!!!) that year, and he was exposed to basketball on different levels. In 18 PBL games he averaged 10.0ppg, 3.4rpg and 1.5apg. Paunic also played 11 games in EuroChallenge where he averaged 8.9ppg, 3.4rpg and 2.2apg. He also played 16 games in VTB United League where he averaged 11.1ppg, 4.4rpg and 1.7apg.
Among other achievements Paunics team made it to the Russian Cup final in 2011. He received also Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Defensive Player of the Year award back in 2008.
Paunic was also a member of Serbian international program for some years. He played for Serbian Senior National Team between 2009 and 2012 and previouslyfor U20 National Team in 2007. Paunic represented Serbia at the Qualifications to European Championships 2013 last year. His stats at that event were 6 games: 2.2ppg, 1.3rpg.
Paunic has played also professionally in Belgium (Base Oostende), Greece (Aris) and Serbia (Partizan, Vojvodina Srbijagas and Mega Vizura).

By Eurobasket Data Center (via @MiskoRaznatovic)


EuroLeague: Zalgiris prevail against Unicaja in Kaunas - by Eurobasket News

Zalgiris - Unicaja 75:63

Zalgiris claimed the first win at the Euroleague Top 16 round. They overcame Unicaja in Kaunas tonight. Both teams are now tied at 1-1 record in Group E.
Zalgiris led by four points after ten minutes 21:17. The teams stayed close throughout the second quarter. Zalgiris managed to secure a 34:30 halftime lead. Unicaja denied the deficit in the third term. Krunoslav Simon put the visitors in front 42:41 with a three-pointer. Kizminskas and Kaukenas returned the lead to Zalgiris as the Lithuanian team entered the fourth quarter up by one point 52:51. Zalgiris quickly cleared off to a safe distance in the fourth frame. They held the Malaga team to just 12 points in the final period and celebrated a well-deserved win at the end. Mindaugas Kuzminskas (205-F-89) provided 14 points to pace the home team. Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) added 12 points, while Paulius Jankunas (205-PF-84, agency: Alti Sport) contributed 11 points for the hosts. Earl Calloway (191-G-83, college: Indiana) and Luka Zoric (211-C-84) answered with 11 points each for Unicaja.

Zalgiris: Mindaugas Kuzminskas 14, Ksistof Lavrinovic 12, Paulius Jankunas 11
Unicaja: Earl Calloway 11, Luka Zoric 11


LEB Gold Round 13: Ford Burgos defeat leader River Andorra - by Eurobasket News

LEB Gold is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 13 rounds left.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of River Andorra (11-2) at the home court on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by Ford Burgos (11-2) 86-75. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of River Andorra. It was a key game for the top position in the league as both teams had the same 10-2 record before this meeting. The game was mostly controlled by Ford Burgos. River Andorra managed to win fourth quarter 24-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Ford Burgos made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. Ford Burgos had a 26-15 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Ford Burgos especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Lucas Sikma (203-89, college: Portland) who helped to win the game recording 16 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Power forward Josep Ortega (201-84) contributed with 16 points for the winners. Naturalized Russian power forward Dmitry Flis (203-84) answered with 14 points for River Andorra. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ford Burgos have an impressive series of nine victories in a row. Ford Burgos keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Andorra. Ford Burgos is looking forward to face Lleida Basquet (#9) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. River Andorra will play against Lobe Huesca (#6) and is hoping to win this game.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Meridiano Alicante (8-5) against twelfth ranked Caceres Basket (5-8) on Friday night. Visiting Meridiano Alicante was edged by Caceres Basket in a tough game in Caceres 64-65. American forward Antonio Pena (203-86, college: Villanova) stepped up and scored 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and Roberto Morentin chipped in 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. At the losing side American forward Taylor Coppenrath (205-81, college: Vermont) responded with 8 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Caceres Basket moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with FCB Regal II. Meridiano Alicante at the other side keeps the third position with five games lost. They share it with Palencia. Caceres Basket will play against Melilla Baloncesto (#13) at home in the next round. Meridiano Alicante will play against CB Clavijo (#7) in Logrono and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game in Logrono was also quite interesting. 5th ranked Leche Rio Breogan (7-6) played at the court of seventh ranked CB Clavijo (6-7). CB Clavijo managed to secure a 8-point victory 77-69 on Friday. Alberto Ruiz de Galarreta nailed 19 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side. Anthony Winchester came up with 19 points and 6 rebounds for Leche Rio Breogan in the defeat. Leche Rio Breogan's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. CB Clavijo moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Leche Rio Breogan keeps the fifth position with six games lost. CB Clavijo will meet at home higher ranked Meridiano Alicante (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Leche Rio Breogan will play against FCB Regal II in Barcelona and hope to secure a win.
A very interesting game took place in Pamplona. It ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 14th ranked Ourense (3-10) to eighth ranked Planasa NV (6-7) 85-83 on Friday evening. Host team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. Ondrej Starosta fired 25 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Planasa NV moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Newly promoted Ourense stay at the bottom position with ten games lost. Planasa NV's next round opponent will be Leyma Basquet (#10) in Coruna. Ourense will play on the road against Palencia Baloncesto (#4).

Other games in round 13 were not that significant. Forca Lleida beat Coruna on the road 80-73. Palencia won against Melilla on its own court 82-73. Lobe Huesca managed to outperform FCB Regal II in a road game 82-77.
The most impressive performance of 13th round was 38 points (!!!) and 13 rebounds by Jamar Samuels of Lobe Huesca.

Coruna - Forca Lleida 73-80

There was a surprise result when tenth ranked Lleida Basquet (6-7) beat higher ranked Leyma Basquet (6-7) in Coruna 80-73. Lleida Basquet moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Leyma Basquet. Lleida Basquet's next round opponent will be league's leader Ford Burgos on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
gschID: 187063


Andorra - A.Ford Burgos 75-86

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of River Andorra (11-2) at the home court on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by Ford Burgos (11-2) 86-75. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of River Andorra. It was a key game for the top position in the league as both teams had the same 10-2 record before this meeting. The game was mostly controlled by Ford Burgos. River Andorra managed to win fourth quarter 24-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Ford Burgos made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. Ford Burgos had a 26-15 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Ford Burgos especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Lucas Sikma (203-89, college: Portland) who helped to win the game recording 16 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Power forward Josep Ortega (201-84) contributed with 16 points for the winners. Naturalized Russian power forward Dmitry Flis (203-84) answered with 14 points and point guard Daniel Perez (188-90) added 10 points and 6 assists in the effort for River Andorra. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ford Burgos have an impressive series of nine victories in a row. Ford Burgos keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Andorra. Ford Burgos is looking forward to face Lleida Basquet (#9) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. River Andorra will play against Lobe Huesca (#6) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
A.Ford Burgos: J.Xavier 16+2reb, L.Sikma 16+9reb+4ast, J.Ortega 16+3reb+1ast, D.Lopez 11+3reb+6ast, J.Garcia 9+3reb, A.Miguel 8+2reb+2ast
Andorra: D.Flis 14+4reb+1ast, J.Safford 13+3reb, A.Maresch 12+1reb+2ast, D.Perez 10+3reb+6ast, M.Blanch 9+4reb+1ast, T.Schreiner 6+1reb+1ast
gschID: 187069


Palencia - Melilla 82-73

Very expected game when 13th ranked Melilla Baloncesto (3-10) lost on the road to fourth ranked Palencia Baloncesto (8-5) 82-73. It looked good early as Melilla Baloncesto took an 6-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Palencia Baloncesto had a 25-15 second period charge getting the lead and Melilla Baloncesto was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 73-82. Palencia Baloncesto forced 21 Melilla Baloncesto turnovers. Strangely Melilla Baloncesto outrebounded Palencia Baloncesto 33-18 including a 24-12 advantage in defensive rebounds. Power forward Urko Otegui (203-81) fired 22 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. Power forward Roger Fornas (202-82) chipped in 11 points and 5 rebounds. German power forward Kiril Wachsmann (203-83, college: Iona, agency: Edge Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds and power forward Jose Amador (210-83, agency: Duran International) added 15 points respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Palencia Baloncesto moved-up to third place, which they share with Lucentum. Melilla Baloncesto at the other side keeps the thirteenth position with ten games lost. Palencia Baloncesto's next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Ourense (#14) at home which should be an easy win for them. Melilla Baloncesto will play against Caceres Basket and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Palencia: U.Otegui 22, A.Ott 12+3ast, J.Porzingis 12+1reb, R.Fornas 11+5reb, C.Bravo 10+1reb+4ast, X.Forcada 6+2reb+4ast
Melilla: J.Amador 15+4reb, K.Wachsmann 13+11reb+1ast, H.Manzano 11+2reb+2ast, J.Antonio Marco 11+5reb+3ast, F.Sanchez 9+2reb+1ast, A.Selakovs 6+4reb+1ast
gschID: 187065


FCB Regal II - Lobe Huesca 77-82

Everything could happen in Barcelona at the game between two tied teams. Both tenth ranked Lobe Huesca and 11th ranked FCB Regal II had identical 5-7 record. But FCB Regal II was not able to use a home court advantage and was defeated by the opponent from Huesca 82-77. FCB Regal II was ahead by 4 points after three quarters before a 23-14 charge of Lobe Huesca, which allowed them to win the game. Lobe Huesca forced 23 FCB Regal II turnovers and had a 15-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. American forward Jamar Samuels (200-89, college: Kansas St.) fired a double-double by scoring 38 points (!!!) and 13 rebounds for the winners. Slovenian center Matej Krusic (211-87) chipped in 9 points and 12 rebounds. point guard Joan Creus (185-92) produced 16 points and 7 rebounds and Swedish swingman Marcus Eriksson (196-93) added 18 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four FCB Regal II players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Lobe Huesca (6-7) moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 4 other teams. FCB Regal II lost their fifth game in a row. Newly promoted team keeps the eleventh position with eight games lost. Lobe Huesca's next round opponent will be league's second-placed River Andorra on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. FCB Regal II will play against Leche Rio Breogan (#5) in Lugo.
Top scorers:
Lobe Huesca: J.Samuels 38+13reb, E.Sanchez 11+1reb+4ast, M.Krusic 9+12reb+2ast, A.Fuentes 6+3reb+3ast, S.Cebular 5+2reb+1ast, D.Pukis 5+1reb
FCB Regal II: M.Eriksson 18+5reb+2ast, J.Creus 16+7reb+3ast, J.Perez 11+3reb+3ast, M.Hezonja 10+3reb+3ast, A.Zhigulin 7+2reb, A.Matali 6+5reb+2ast
gschID: 187068


Clavijo - Breogan 77-69

The game in Logrono was also quite interesting. 5th ranked Leche Rio Breogan (7-6) played at the court of seventh ranked CB Clavijo (6-7). CB Clavijo managed to secure a 8-point victory 77-69 on Friday. The hosts trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 46-37 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Guard Alberto Ruiz de Galarreta (198-83) nailed 19 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side and center David Mesa (202-80) accounted for 16 points and 6 rebounds. American guard Anthony Winchester (193-83, college: W.Kentucky) came up with 19 points and 6 rebounds and Nigerian-Dominican point guard Sean Ogirri (188-86, college: Wyoming) added 18 points respectively for Leche Rio Breogan in the defeat. Leche Rio Breogan's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. CB Clavijo moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Leche Rio Breogan keeps the fifth position with six games lost. CB Clavijo will meet at home higher ranked Meridiano Alicante (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Leche Rio Breogan will play against FCB Regal II in Barcelona and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Clavijo: A.Ruiz de Galarreta 19+6reb+1ast, D.Mesa 16+6reb+1ast, B.Arevalo 9+4reb+8ast, J.Tomas 7+2reb+2ast, M.Mejeris 7+9reb, D.Busma 7
Breogan: A.Winchester 19+6reb+3ast, S.Ogirri 18+1reb+1ast, R.Schaftenaar 10+3reb, M.Gomez 9+4reb+2ast, M.Diouf 8+6reb+2ast, E.Martinez 3+2reb
gschID: 187067


Caceres - Lucentum 65-64

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Meridiano Alicante (8-5) against twelfth ranked Caceres Basket (5-8) on Friday night. Visiting Meridiano Alicante was edged by Caceres Basket in a tough game in Caceres 64-65. Meridiano Alicante was tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. They outrebounded Meridiano Alicante 41-27 including 28 on the defensive glass. American forward Antonio Pena (203-86, college: Villanova) stepped up and scored 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and power forward Roberto Morentin (206-81, college: Cent.Florida) chipped in 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. At the losing side American forward Taylor Coppenrath (205-81, college: Vermont) responded with 8 points and 9 rebounds and point guard Pedro Rivero (186-79) scored 11 points. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Caceres Basket moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with FCB Regal II. Meridiano Alicante at the other side keeps the third position with five games lost. They share it with Palencia. Caceres Basket will play against Melilla Baloncesto (#13) at home in the next round. Meridiano Alicante will play against CB Clavijo (#7) in Logrono and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Caceres: A.Pena 14+7reb+1ast, R.Morentin 10+7reb+4ast, R.Nguema 9+6reb+1ast, O.Ashaolu 7+3reb+1ast, J.Duinker 6+6reb, B.Hobbs 6+2reb
Lucentum: R.Bas 12, P.Rivero 11+3reb+1ast, T.Coppenrath 8+9reb+1ast, G.Rejon 7+2reb+3ast, A.Llorca 7+3ast, R.Huertas 6+2reb+1ast
gschID: 187066


Planasa NV - Ourense 85-83

A very interesting game took place in Pamplona. It ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 14th ranked Ourense (3-10) to eighth ranked Planasa NV (6-7) 85-83 on Friday evening. Host team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. The hosts were ahead by 7 points but lost the second period ending it with a 1-point deficit before their 27-24 run, which allowed them to win the game. Czech center Ondrej Starosta (215-79) fired 25 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. point guard Inaki Sanz (190-84) chipped in 16 points and 6 assists. Swingman Julio Alberto Gonzalez (196-81) produced 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and Nigerian forward Andy Ogide (204-87, college: Colorado St.) added 18 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Ourense players scored in double figures. Planasa NV moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Newly promoted Ourense stay at the bottom position with ten games lost. Planasa NV's next round opponent will be Leyma Basquet (#10) in Coruna. Ourense will play on the road against Palencia Baloncesto (#4).
Top scorers:
Planasa NV: O.Starosta 25+5reb, I.Sanz 16+4reb+6ast, S.Douglass 14+3reb+2ast, A.Savitski 9+3reb+2ast, A.Frutos 9+2reb+2ast, V.Volkus 7+4reb+3ast
Ourense: N.Barbour 18+1reb, A.Ogide 18+7reb+1ast, J.Alberto Gonzalez 17+7reb+5ast, M.Kedzo 11+6reb, A.Sanchez 5, J.Mugica 5+3reb
gschID: 187064



*****************************************************
  SWEDEN   

Standings - Basketligan

Basketligan Standings
 1. Sundsvall 17-3 
 2. Uppsala 14-6 
 3. Boras 14-6 
 4. Sodertalje 12-5 
 5. Norrkoping 12-7 
 6. Solna 12-8 
 7. 08 10-9 
 8. LF Basket 8-11 
 9. Jamtland 6-14 
 10. Eagles 5-15 
 11. Eco Orebro 4-16 
 12. Nassjo 3-17 

Regular Season: Round 20

Jan. 4: Jamtland - LF Basket 94-93
Jan. 4: Sundsvall - Solna 91-71
Jan. 4: Boras - Sodertalje 81-92
Jan. 3: Eagles - Nassjo 80-67
Jan. 4: Norrkoping - Uppsala 80-65
Jan. 4: Eco Orebro - 08 70-89

Round 23

Jan. 6: Sodertalje - LF Basket


Stats Leaders - Basketligan

Points Per Game
 James MILLER
  Boras
  (180-PG-79)
  Avg: 24.1
 1. Miller, Boras24.1 
 2. Dugat, LF Basket20.4 
 3. Wesby, Sundsvall19.6 
 4. Palm, Boras17.5 
 5. Oglesby, Boras17.3 
 6. Sigurdarson, Sunds.16.9 
 7. Hudson, Jamtland16.7 
 8. Castle, Eco Orebro16.4 
 9. Ruach, Nassjo16.3 
 10. Cuffee, Sundsvall16.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Hlynur BAERINGSSON
  Sunds.
  (200-F-82)
  Avg: 10.3
 1. Baeringsson, Sunds.10.3 
 2. Palm, Boras10.0 
 3. Simms, Sodertalje9.8 
 4. Walker, Nassjo8.5