Eurobasket Daily News Report: 1/6/2013 4:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 1/6/2013 4:04:01 AM

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Standings

Adriatic League Standings

1. Igokea			13-3
2. Crvena Zvezda			11-5
3. Partizan			11-5
4. Buducnost			9-7
5. Cedevita			9-7
6. MZT Skopje			9-7
7. Un.Olimpija			8-8
8. Radnicki KG			8-8
9. KK Split			7-9
10. Zadar			6-9
11. Cibona			6-10
12. Krka			5-10
13. Siroki WWin			5-11
14. Szolnok			4-12

Regular Season: Round 16

Jan. 5: Igokea - Radnicki KG 88-85
Jan. 5: Partizan - Cibona 74-68
Jan. 5: Cedevita - KK Split 72-75
Jan. 5: MZT Skopje - Buducnost 69-76
Jan. 5: Szolnok - Siroki WWin 69-75
Jan. 5: Un.Olimpija - Crvena Zvezda 56-70
Jan. 6: Zadar - Krka

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Darko PLANINIC
  Siroki W.
  (211-C-90)
  Avg: 15.7

1. Planinic, Siroki W.	15.7
2. Travis, Zadar	15.4
3. Rakocevic, Crvena	15.4
4. Capin, Radnicki KG	14.9
5. Sutalo, Siroki W.	14.7
6. White, Radnicki KG	14.5
7. Blazic, Un.Olimpija	14.3
8. Strawberry, Cibona	13.9
9. Bader, Szolnok	13.7
10. Wright, Cedevita	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Boris SAVOVIC
  Crvena Z.
  (210-F-87)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Savovic, Crvena Z.	8.7
2. Bader, Szolnok	8.3
3. Gordon, Partizan	8.1
4. Travis, Zadar	7.1
5. Sakic, Siroki WWin	6.9
6. Baynes, Un.Olimpija	6.8
7. Planinic, Siroki W.	6.1
8. Cekovski, MZT S.	5.7
9. Hamilton, Cibona	5.6
10. Kastropil, Zadar	5.5

Assists Per Game

Srdan SUBOTIC
  KK Split
  (190-G-80)
  Avg: 5

1. Subotic, KK Split	5.0
2. Capin, Radnicki KG	4.7
3. Vladovic, Krka	4.3
4. Hammonds, Igokea	4.1
5. Simon, Szolnok	4.1
6. Markovic, Radnicki.	3.4
7. Rannikko, Un.Olimp.	3.1
8. Sutalo, Siroki W.	2.9
9. Nelson, Crvena Z.	2.9
10. Strawberry, Cibona	2.9

Steals Per Game

D.J. STRAWBERRY
  Cibona
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Strawberry, Cibona	2.3
2. Salin, Un.Olimpija	1.9
3. Green, Cedevita	1.9
4. Hammonds, Igokea	1.8
5. White, Radnicki KG	1.6
6. Travis, Zadar	1.5
7. Lucic, Partizan	1.5
8. Allen, Zadar	1.5
9. Stojanovski, MZT S.	1.5
10. Worthington, Radn.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Dejan MUSLI
  Partizan
  (213-C-91)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Musli, Partizan	1.3
2. Gecevski, MZT S.	1.2
3. Planinic, Siroki W.	1.1
4. Baynes, Un.Olimpija	0.9
5. Kraljevic, KK Split	0.8
6. Gordon, Partizan	0.8
7. Lalic, Krka	0.7
8. Bryan-A., Radnicki.	0.7
9. Sobin, KK Split	0.6
10. Vujcic, KK Split	0.6

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AUSTRALIA

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Breakers		12-3
2. Wildcats		10-4
3. Kings		10-6
4. Hawks		8-6
5. Crocodiles		5-10
6. 36ers		5-11
7. Tigers		4-8
8. Taipans		4-10

Regular Season: Round 13

Jan. 5: Kings - 36ers 86-82
Jan. 5: Hawks - Breakers 76-78
Jan. 5: Taipans - Wildcats 66-85
Jan. 4: 36ers - Crocodiles 61-75
Jan. 6: Tigers - Kings

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Ben MADGEN
  Kings
  (193-G/F-85)
  Avg: 19.3

1. Madgen, Kings	19.3
2. Ervin, Crocodiles	17.3
3. Jackson, Breakers	17.0
4. Lisch, Wildcats	16.5
5. Wilson, Taipans	16.1
6. Johnson, 36ers	15.0
7. Knight, Wildcats	14.3
8. Goulding, Tigers	13.8
9. Scott, Tigers	13.4
10. Redhage, Wildcats	13.4

Rebounds Per Game

Jacob HOLMES
  Crocodiles
  (201-F-83)
  Avg: 8.3

1. Holmes, Crocodiles	8.3
2. Johnson, 36ers	7.9
3. Crosswhite, Kings	7.3
4. Scott, Tigers	7.0
5. Knight, Wildcats	7.0
6. Lazare, Kings	7.0
7. Schenscher, 36ers	6.9
8. Vukona, Breakers	6.7
9. Forman, Hawks	6.6
10. Weigh, 36ers	6.2

Assists Per Game

Cedric JACKSON
  Breakers
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Jackson, Breakers	7.5
2. Gibson, 36ers	4.8
3. Ervin, Crocodiles	4.6
4. Martin, Hawks	3.4
5. Wilson, Taipans	3.3
6. Martin, Wildcats	3.1
7. Henry, Kings	3.1
8. Cadee, 36ers	2.8
9. Bruce, Kings	2.6
10. Goulding, Tigers	2.6

Steals Per Game

Cedric JACKSON
  Breakers
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Jackson, Breakers	2.7
2. Martin, Wildcats	1.6
3. Williams, Taipans	1.3
4. Edwards, Taipans	1.3
5. Deleon, Hawks	1.3
6. Ervin, Crocodiles	1.2
7. Martin, Hawks	1.2
8. Lisch, Wildcats	1.1
9. Henry, Kings	1.1
10. Tovey, Wildcats	1.1

Blocks Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Breakers
  (213-C-87)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Pledger, Breakers	1.8
2. Scott, Tigers	1.3
3. Redhage, Wildcats	1.1
4. Forman, Hawks	1.0
5. Schenscher, 36ers	1.0
6. Hinder, Crocodiles	0.9
7. Garlepp, Kings	0.8
8. Wagstaff, Wildcats	0.7
9. Lazare, Kings	0.7
10. Walker, Tigers	0.7

Wildcats def. Taipans - by Hugh McAuliffe

The Perth Wildcats have smashed the Cairns Taipans 85-66 to make it 10 wins and four losses at the half-way point of the iiNet NBL Championship season.

The game marked big man Matthew Knight's (204-F/C-85, college: Loyola Mary) return to the Wildcats line-up after spending five games on the sideline with a calf tear, and he didn't disappoint on return, scoring 13 points and pulling down seven rebounds.

The Wildcats start to the game went a long way to them securing the W', opening proceedings with a 10-0 run, and preventing the Taipans from scoring until half-way through the opening term.

Kevin Lisch was unstoppable for the Wildcats, playing one of his best games of the 2012/13 campaign, scoring a season high 26 points, as well as pulling down four rebounds, giving off two assists and picking up two steals. Jesse Wagstaff once again made a solid contribution with 15 points.

Despite the Wildcats fast start to the game, a few missed open looks allowed the Taipans to keep in touch and by the time the quarter came to an end the Wildcats only held a 16-9 advantage.

The tempo picked up in the second quarter as the game looked like it would turn into a three-point shoot-out with Kevin Lisch and Jesse Wagstaff knocking shots down from long range for the Wildcats.

The Taipans appeared to have enough answers to keep in touch with the Wildcats but the away team managed to get a small break on their opponents when Matt Knight reminded Cairns he was back with six straight points in the paint.

Kevin Lisch also showed why he is the league's reigning MVP in the first half, running rings around the Taipans and scoring 15 early points.

The Wildcats scored 33 points in second term, making it their highest scoring quarter so far this season, beating last week's 29-point first quarter effort against Sydney, and at the main break had a 49-37 lead.

The third quarter saw an even contest between the two-sides but the Wildcats did enough to keep their opponents at bay.

Scoring was coming from Redhage, Hire and Lisch, while Cam Tovey knocked down a three to reach the individual milestone of scoring 500 career points as a Perth Wildcat. The Cats 23-point quarter their equal highest third term for the season.

As the clock counted down, the game was well and truly in the Wildcats' grasp and the lead only continued to grow. The final margin a big 19-point win for Perth.

Wildcats star Kevin Lisch put on a clinic and was thrilled to see his team play so well.

'Cairns is always tough, at their place, I don't care what the record says, so it's a good win for us,' said Lisch.

'I think we are doing a better job at spacing and moving the ball, but at the same time in the second quarter we let them get too many baskets, but it was a good one.'

The MVP enjoyed having Knight back in the paint.

'He makes a big difference, it was good to see him back, I think he had jelly legs missing the one dunk, but it's great to have him back!'

Important for the Wildcats was once again their statistics on the glass, with 18 of their 39 rebounds pulled down on the offensive end.

Their defensive pressure was too much for the Taipans, causing 24 turnovers which led to 26 points, while only allowing Cairns to score seven from their own turnovers.

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AUSTRIA

Standings - A Bundesliga

A Bundesliga Standings

1. BC Vienna		11-2
2. Gmunden		11-3
3. Kapfenberg		10-3
4. Klosterneub.		10-5
5. Gussing		9-6
6. Wels		7-8
7. Oberwart		6-7
8. UBSC Graz		6-9
9. Furstenfeld		5-8
10. St.Polten		2-13
11. Arkadia		1-14

Regular Season: Round 16

Jan. 5: Klosterneub. - St.Polten 88-65
Jan. 5: Wels - Arkadia 85-65
Jan. 5: UBSC Graz - Gussing 76-77
Jan. 6: BC Vienna - Oberwart
Jan. 7: Furstenfeld - Kapfenberg

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Tyler TIEDEMAN
  Wels
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 20.9

1. Tiedeman, Wels	20.9
2. Gilchrese, UBSC G.	19.3
3. Shaw, Kapfenberg	19.1
4. Spasojevic, Arkadia	18.9
5. Grum, Furstenfeld	18.8
6. Pearson, Furstenf.	18.4
7. Dale, UBSC G.	18.0
8. Ray, BC Vienna	17.8
9. Suljanovic, Kloste.	17.7
10. Stegnjaic, UBSC G.	16.7

Rebounds Per Game

Maurice PEARSON
  Furstenf.
  (206-F/C-89)
  Avg: 12.1

1. Pearson, Furstenf.	12.1
2. Heard, Gussing	8.3
3. Sanchez, Kapfenbe.	7.8
4. Trmal, BC Vienna	7.6
5. Speiser, St.Polten	7.2
6. Bortolin, Arkadia	7.2
7. Stegnjaic, UBSC G.	7.1
8. Ray, BC Vienna	7.0
9. Lamesic, Wels	7.0
10. Suljanovic, Klost.	6.7

Assists Per Game

Giovonne WOODS
  Kapfenberg
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Woods, Kapfenberg	6.2
2. Boylan, BC Vienna	6.0
3. Klepeisz, Gussing	5.3
4. Tiedeman, Wels	4.5
5. Lanegger, Klostern.	4.3
6. Schaal, UBSC G.	4.1
7. O''Neal, Furstenfeld	4.0
8. Farokhmanesh, Wels	3.9
9. Ahmetbasic, Wels	3.7
10. Danek, BC Vienna	3.7

Steals Per Game

Eric GILCHRESE
  UBSC G.
  (183-PG-87)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Gilchrese, UBSC G.	2.7
2. Boylan, BC Vienna	1.9
3. Pryor, Kapfenberg	1.8
4. Ray, BC Vienna	1.8
5. Arnold, Gmunden	1.6
6. Cox, Furstenfeld	1.5
7. Markovic, UBSC G.	1.5
8. O''Neal, Furstenfeld	1.4
9. Oppland, Gmunden	1.4
10. Payton, Klostern.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Matias BORTOLIN
  Arkadia
  (205-C-93)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Bortolin, Arkadia	1.3
2. Rakocevic, BC Vi.	1.2
3. Cresnar, Furstenf.	1.2
4. Arnold, Gmunden	1.0
5. Washington, Wels	1.0
6. Mayer, Gmunden	0.9
7. Shaw, Kapfenberg	0.8
8. Koch, Gussing	0.7
9. Pearson, Furstenf.	0.6
10. Greimeister, Klos.	0.6

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BELGIUM

Standings - Division I

Ethias League Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 11

Jan. 5: M.Hainaut - Aalstar 96-73
Jan. 4: Antwerp - Spirou 77-58
Jan. 5: Leuven - Oostende 73-84
Jan. 6: Liege - Verviers-Pep.

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Ryan THOMPSON
  Aalstar
  (198-G-89)
  Avg: 18.2

1. Thompson, Aalstar	18.2
2. Taylor, M.Hainaut	18.1
3. Aleksandrov, Vervi.	17.8
4. Walsh, Spirou	16.8
5. Lojeski, Oostende	16.8
6. Mukubu, Liege	16.7
7. Green, Verviers.	15.4
8. Clark, Aalstar	15.1
9. Bostic, M.Hainaut	14.7
10. Robinson, Leuven	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Brian QVALE
  M.Hainaut
  (210-C-88)
  Avg: 7.7

1. Qvale, M.Hainaut	7.7
2. Walsh, Spirou	7.6
3. Wilkinson, Oostende	7.4
4. Thondique, Antwerp	6.9
5. Young, Aalstar	6.6
6. Aska, Leuven	6.6
7. Gillet, Liege	6.4
8. Wright, Oostende	6.2
9. Mukubu, Liege	6.2
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.	5.5
3. Marnegrave, Leuven	5.0
4. Bosco, Liege	4.8
5. Moors, Antwerp	3.6
6. Raivio, Aalstar	3.4
7. Lojeski, Oostende	3.3
8. Walsh, Spirou	3.3
9. Thompson, Aalstar	3.0
10. Taylor, M.Hainaut	2.9

Steals Per Game

Niels MARNEGRAVE
  Leuven
  (191-PG-87)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Marnegrave, Leuven	2.4
2. Taylor, M.Hainaut	2.1
3. Iarochevitch, Liege	2.1
4. Anderson, Verviers.	2.0
5. Hopkins, Antwerp	1.9
6. Mukubu, Liege	1.9
7. Biggs, Antwerp	1.8
8. Hanavan, Leuven	1.7
9. Green, Verviers.	1.6
10. Bostic, M.Hainaut	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Chris FERGUSON
  Verviers.
  (206-C-89)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Ferguson, Verviers.	1.8
2. Wilkinson, Oostende	1.5
3. Qvale, M.Hainaut	1.4
4. Young, Aalstar	1.0
5. Riddick, Spirou	0.8
6. Dukes, Leuven	0.8
7. Thondique, Antwerp	0.7
8. Aska, Leuven	0.7
9. Love, Antwerp	0.6
10. Lojeski, Oostende	0.6

Standings - Division II

Division II Standings

1. Kangor.-Boom		12-3
2. Houthalen		11-5
3. Sint-Jan Ant.		10-6
4. Gembo BBC		9-6
5. St-Niklase		9-6
6. Excelsior		9-7
7. Waregem		8-6
8. Gent Dragons		8-7
9. CEP Fleurus		8-7
10. M.Hainaut II		8-8
11. Sprimont		7-7
12. Tongeren		7-9
13. Oudenaarde		5-10
14. Essor Charleroi		2-13
15. Giants II		1-14

Regular Season: Round 17

Jan. 5: Gent Dragons - Excelsior 88-73
Jan. 4: M.Hainaut II - Sint-Jan Ant. 81-90
Jan. 4: CEP Fleurus - Point Chaud 64-74
Jan. 6: Essor Charleroi - St-Niklase
Jan. 6: Gembo BBC - Kangor.-Boom
Jan. 6: Giants II - Houthalen
Jan. 6: Oudenaarde - Waregem

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BOSNIA

Standings - BIH League

Division Standings

1. Capljina		9-2
2. Bosna		8-3
3. Mladost		8-3
4. Radnik B.		7-4
5. Borac Nektar		6-5
6. Zrinjski HT		5-6
7. Kakanj		5-7
8. Varda HE		4-7
9. Vogosca		4-7
10. Leotar		4-8
11. Posusje		3-7
12. Servitium		3-7
Play in international cups:
1. Igokea		-
2. Siroki WWin		-

Regular Season: Round 12

Jan. 5: Kakanj - Leotar 75-85
Jan. 5: Bosna - Capljina
Jan. 5: Servitium - Radnik B.
Jan. 5: Mladost - Zrinjski HT
Jan. 5: Varda HE - Borac Nektar
Jan. 5: Posusje - Vogosca

D1 Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Mujo TULJKOVIC
  Vogosca
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 23.1

1. Tuljkovic, Vogosca	23.1
2. Bakovic, Posusje	21.5
3. Djurasovic, Leotar	21.0
4. Sinadinovic, Zrinj.	20.7
5. Hadzifejzovi., Kak.	20.5
6. Hot, Vogosca	19.5
7. Bijelic, Mladost	18.4
8. Bjelica, Capljina	18.3
9. Peljto, Kakanj	18.0
10. Aleksic, Leotar	16.5

Rebounds Per Game

Bozo DJURASOVIC
  Leotar
  (200-F-87)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Djurasovic, Leotar	8.7
2. Tuljkovic, Vogosca	8.3
3. Josilo, Varda HE	8.1
4. Jazvin, Zrinjski HT	8.0
5. Hadzifejzovi., Kak.	7.6
6. Bijelic, Mladost	7.2
7. Lalovic, Zrinjski.	7.1
8. Erkic, Radnik B.	6.9
9. Jovanovic, Radnik	6.4
10. Goranovic, Radnik	6.4

Assists Per Game

Dinko PELJTO
  Kakanj
  (187-PG-87)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Peljto, Kakanj	6.9
2. Hot, Vogosca	6.8
3. Sinadinovic, Zrinj.	6.1
4. Kascelan, Leotar	5.9
5. Kovacevic, Capljina	5.8
6. Radovanovic, Radni.	5.4
7. Bakovic, Posusje	5.1
8. Ivanic, Mladost	4.7
9. Hodzic, Bosna	4.4
10. Kastratovic, Vard.	3.9

Steals Per Game

Amin HOT
  Vogosca
  (192-G-92)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Hot, Vogosca	3.4
2. Kovacevic, Capljina	2.2
3. Bjelica, Capljina	2.2
4. Lovric, Posusje	2.1
5. Hodzic, Bosna	1.8
6. Sinadinovic, Zrinj.	1.7
7. Peljto, Kakanj	1.7
8. Josilo, Varda HE	1.6
9. Jovanovic, Radnik	1.6
10. Erkic, Radnik B.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Igor BIJELIC
  Mladost
  (207-C/F-88)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Bijelic, Mladost	1.4
2. Djurasovic, Leotar	0.9
3. Buza, Bosna	0.9
4. Mustapic, Posusje	0.8
5. Djuranovic, Borac	0.7
6. Jovanovic, Radnik	0.5
7. Leric, Bosna	0.5
8. Loncarevic, Radnik	0.5
9. Erkic, Radnik B.	0.5
10. Aljovic, Vogosca	0.5

Standings - D2 Leagues

Division Standings

1.Liga RS
1. HEO		10-0
2. Bratunac		6-4
3. Gacko		6-4
4. Gradanski		5-3
5. Drina Birac		5-5
6. Feniks		5-5
7. Prijedor		5-5
8. Sutjeska		4-6
9. Rogatica		2-6
10. Rudar		2-6
11. Jahorina		2-8
A1 Liga
1. Spars Sarajevo		10-1
2. Sloboda Tuzla		9-2
3. Play Off		8-3
4. Gradina S.		6-5
5. Celik		6-5
6. Brcko		6-5
7. Student		6-5
8. Bosnjak		5-6
9. Spars Mostar		4-7
10. Orlovik		3-8
11. Limometal		2-9
12. Donji Vakuf		1-10
Liga Herceg-Bosne
1. Vitez		8-0
2. Brotnjo		6-2
3. Student M.		5-3
4. Siroki II		4-4
5. Busovaca		4-4
6. Kiseljak		3-5
7. Livno		3-5
8. Grude		2-6
9. Rama		1-7

Adriatic League: Siroki WWin snatch win in Hungary - by Eurobasket News

Szolnok - Siroki WWin 69:75

Siroki WWin claimed the fourth win in the Adriatic League season. They shot down Szolnok to catch up with the Hungarian team at 4-11 record in the ladder. Marko Sutalo (193-G-83, agency: BeoExcell) came up with 15 points to pace the winners.
Siroki jumped to a narrow 21:19 lead after ten minutes. Szolnok however erased the deficit in the second frame. The hosts pulled ahead for a 37:34 halftime lead. Siroki WWin turned things their way in the third term. The Bosnian team held the hosts to 10 points and spurred in front for a 56:47 advantage at the final intermission. Ernests Kalve (200-F-87) dragged the hosts within four points late in regulation however Marko Sutalo sank two free throws to seal the win for the visitors. Rashaun Freeman (206-C/F-84, college: Massachusetts) and Johnathon Jones (183-PG-88, agency: TSS Management, college: Oakland) delivered 12 points each for Siroki WWin. Ernests Kalve answered with 17 points for Szolnok. Akos Horvath (193-SG-81) had 11 points in the loss.

Szolnok: Ernests Kalve 17, Akos Horvath 11
Siroki WWin: Marko Sutalo 15, Rashaun Freeman 12, Johnathon Jones 12

Adriatic League: Igokea snatch tough win over Radnicki - by Eurobasket News

Igokea - Radnicki 88:85

Igokea remained on top of the ladder posting the 13th win. Branko Jorovic (204-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) scored 22 points as the league leaders held off visiting Radnicki.
Igokea got to an explosive start to the game. They totalled 29 points in the opening quarter to gain a 10-point lead. Radnicki adjusted their defence in the second frame. The Serbian team limited Igokea to 16 points to cut the deficit to 8 points 37:45. Radnicki pulled even closer in the third quarter. The visitors narrowed the gap at 4 points 61:65 heading into the fourth frame. Aleksandar Capin (186-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket) tied things up at 79 late in regulation. Howeve Igokea answered with 6:2 rally to pull ahead. Milos Borisov drained a triple however Hammonds and Nebojsa Joksimovic (193-SF-81) answered with three free throws as Igokea escaped with a narrow win at the end. Nebojsa Joksimovic netted 20 points, while Milos Komatina (205-F/C-84) had 12 points in the victory. Aleksandar Capin answered with game-high 29 points for Radnicki. Terrico White (196-G-90, college: Mississippi) provided 13 points for the visitors.

Igokea: Branko Jorovic 22, Nebojsa Joksimovic 20, Milos Komatina 12
Radnicki: Aleksandar Capin 29, Terrico White 13

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

BULGARIA

Standings A1

NBL Standings

1. Lukoil Academik		9-1
2. Levski Sofia		9-2
3. Rilski Sportist		7-3
4. Balkan		6-6
5. Cherno More		5-4
6. Tundja Yambol		5-5
7. Beroe		3-6
8. Chernomorets		3-6
9. Spartak Pleven		3-7
10. U20		0-10

Regular Season: Round 11

Jan. 5: Balkan - Levski Sofia 52-69
Jan. 6: Beroe - Cherno More
Jan. 6: Lukoil Academik - Rilski Sportist
Jan. 6: Spartak Pleven - U20
Jan. 6: Chernomorets - Tundja Yambol

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Reginald HOLMES
  Beroe
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 20.7

1. Holmes, Beroe	20.7
2. Tyler, Chernomo.	18.3
3. Lilov, Balkan	17.7
4. Smith, Rilski S.	17.7
5. Zahariev, Rilski S.	17.7
6. Marinovic, Levski	17.3
7. Durchev, Tundja Y.	16.7
8. Simeonov, U20	15.9
9. Mirkovic, Rilski S.	15.4
10. Boev, Chernomore.	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

James TYLER
  Chernomo.
  (218-C-88)
  Avg: 13.3

1. Tyler, Chernomo.	13.3
2. Santos, Balkan	10.7
3. Ormon, Tundja Y.	9.5
4. Galiotos, Cherno M.	8.3
5. Agre, Spartak	7.6
6. Simeonov, U20	7.0
7. Watkins, Lukoil A.	6.8
8. Dupree, Rilski S.	6.7
9. Gugino, Rilski S.	6.1
10. Lilov, Balkan	5.6

Assists Per Game

Will WALKER
  Beroe
  (183-G-)
  Avg: 7.1

1. Walker, Beroe	7.1
2. Heath, Lukoil A.	6.6
3. Mirkovic, Rilski S.	6.1
4. Marinovic, Levski	5.5
5. Velikov, Cherno M.	5.1
6. Karamfilov, U20	4.4
7. Massamba, Lukoil A.	4.2
8. Radionov, Tundja Y.	4.2
9. Rakovic, Chernomo.	3.9
10. Lilov, Balkan	3.8

Steals Per Game

Bozhidar AVRAMOV
  Lukoil A.
  (196-PG-90)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Avramov, Lukoil A.	3.5
2. Radionov, Tundja Y.	2.8
3. Velikov, Cherno M.	2.7
4. Heath, Lukoil A.	2.6
5. Zahariev, Rilski S.	2.3
6. Gugino, Rilski S.	2.3
7. Green, Lukoil A.	2.3
8. Mirkovic, Rilski S.	2.1
9. Holmes, Beroe	2.1
10. Govedarov, Tundja	2.1

Blocks Per Game

James TYLER
  Chernomo.
  (218-C-88)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Tyler, Chernomo.	2.7
2. Hart, Beroe	1.9
3. Dupree, Rilski S.	1.5
4. Santos, Balkan	1.2
5. Zahariev, Rilski S.	1.1
6. Banev, Lukoil A.	1.1
7. Varbanov, Levski S.	0.9
8. Gugino, Rilski S.	0.9
9. Borisov, Cherno M.	0.7
10. Sjekloca, Tundja	0.7

Levski with a flying start of 2013 - by Valentin Anguelov

Mens team of Levski started 2013 with a flying start. They beat Balkan on their own court by the score 69-52 in the first game of the round number 11 from NBL in 2013. Titi Papazovs team controlled the match for most of the time as only for a few moments Balkan was close and even at one point tied the score. However, the players of Levski won after an excellent game in defense, especially in the last quarter when they allowed only 5 points for the home side. The victory was important for the confidence of the team Levski ahead of derby match versus Lukoil Academic next Saturday at "Universiada" hall in Sofia. After this success Levski now has 9 wins and 2 losses while Balkan has six wins and five defeats. In meantime Levski practically eliminated this potential rival fighting for second place. Success against Rilski Sportist at home later in the season will practically guarantee them a minimum second position at the end of the regular season before the playoffs.

The hosts equalized for 45 apiece minutes before the end of the third quarter, although Levski had the advantage before that point in every aspect of the game. Marko Marinovic scored a buzzer beater at the end of third to put his team by 4 points ahead of the other side - 51-47. Same player started the last quarter with a basket and more importantly - Levski didnt allow any field goal for their opponent for 6 consecutive minutes. That was crucial for the outcome as quickly the difference in their favor grew up to 18 points. Levski defence showed up big time as the hosts scored only two baskets in the last 10 minutes (three pointer and a lay up), which speaks quite enough for the excellent play under their own hoop for the boys of coach Titi Papazov.

The big advantage of this match for Levski was their offensive rebounds as well as they captured 19 rebounds and that gave them second chance opportunities.

Marko Marinovic had no luck from long distance, but as usual, the he ran the offense very well and made several spectacular and effective penetrations. He finished with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Nikolay Varbanov (210-C-85, agency: Interperformances) added 11 points and was a rebound shy of double double.

Derby against Lukoil Academic is next Saturday - January 12th with tip off at 15.30 local time but before that Levski will travel to Croatia to play versus Djuro Djakovic on January 8th (Tuesday). That will be one of the two remaining games for them in the first stage of the Balkan League.

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

CANADA

CIS Standings

CIS Standings

Atlantic
1. Cape Breton		7-0
2. Acadia		6-1
3. UPEI		5-2
4. St.Francis X.		4-4
5. New Brunsw.		3-5
6. Dalhousie		3-5
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		4-6
6. TWU		3-7
7. Mount Royal		2-8
8. UBC Okanagan		2-8
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. Carleton		9-1
2. Ottawa		9-1
3. Ryerson		8-0
4. Queen's		7-2
5. Laurentian		5-5
6. York		4-6
7. Toronto Univ.		2-7
8. RMC		0-0
OUA West
1. Windsor		7-2
2. Lakehead		5-4
3. McMaster		4-5
4. Brock		3-6
5. Guelph		3-6
6. Laurier		2-7
7. Western		1-8
8. Waterloo		0-9
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 16

Jan. 5: McMaster - Laurier 93-84
Jan. 5: Dalhousie - St.Francis X. 85-59
Jan. 5: Queen's - Toronto Univ. 82-74
Jan. 5: Windsor - Guelph 82-72
Jan. 5: Western - Brock 79-87
Jan. 5: Laurentian - Ottawa 77-87
Jan. 5: Acadia - UPEI 69-84
Jan. 5: York - Carleton 62-112
Jan. 5: TRU - UBC Okanagan 59-76
Jan. 5: Waterloo - Lakehead 52-85
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, Laurier	23.7
4. Perrin, TWU	21.2
5. Hill, Toronto Univ.	20.7
6. Scrubb, Carleton	20.4
7. Faulkner, Queen''s	20.1
8. Dunn, St.Francis X.	20.0
9. Thomas, St.Franc.	19.6
10. Freeman, UFV	19.4

Rebounds Per Game

Owen KLASSEN
  Acadia
  (208-F-91)
  Avg: 13

1. Klassen, Acadia	13.0
2. Ezenibe, St.Mary''s	12.0
3. Allin, Laurier	11.3
4. Phillip, Windsor	10.9
5. Kamen, UBC	10.0
6. Salhia, Lakehead	9.6
7. Burns, Saskatch.	9.4
8. Bozinovic, TRU	8.8
9. Faulkner, Queen''s	8.7
10. Moses, Calgary	8.7

Assists Per Game

Andrew CUNNINGHAM
  Winnipeg
  (186-G-)
  Avg: 7.8

1. Cunningham, Winnip.	7.8
2. Jones, Ryerson	5.6
3. Pasquale, Laure.	5.1
4. Walton, Manitoba	5.0
5. Daley, New Brunsw.	4.9
6. York, UFV	4.9
7. Lamar, Saskatch.	4.9
8. Bonhomme, Brandon	4.8
9. Hebert, Regina	4.8
10. Johnson, Lethbri.	4.7

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, TWU	3.0
4. Baker, Alberta	2.8
5. Evans, Victoria	2.8
6. Baker, Saskatch.	2.8
7. Donkoh, St.Franc.	2.6
8. Parchment, UFV	2.5
9. Pink, St.Mary''s	2.5
10. Walton, Manitoba	2.4

Blocks Per Game

Yoosrie SALHIA
  Lakehead
  (198-F-87)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Salhia, Lakehead	2.1
2. Chesson, Laurier	2.1
3. Moses, Calgary	2.0
4. O''Brien, New B.	2.0
5. Dewar, Alberta	1.8
6. Halpin, St.Mary''s	1.7
7. Duke, UPEI	1.7
8. Klassen, Acadia	1.7
9. Thomas, St.Franc.	1.7
10. Osuntola, Windsor	1.5

Warren Ward claims Canadian CIS weekly honour - by Eurobasket News

Former international guard Warren Ward (196-G-89) had a very impressive game in the last round for Ottawa and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 15.
The 23-year old guard had the game-high 27 points adding seven rebounds and six assists for Ottawa in his team's victory, helping them to crush York (#6, 4-5) with 19-point margin 93-74. Ottawa maintains the 3rd position in Canadian CIS. They are still close to the very top. Ottawa would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 8-1 record. In the team's last game Ward had a remarkable four three-pointers out of 7 attempts. He has many years of experience at Ottawa, through which he has constantly improved. Warren Ward averages this season 18.9ppg and 6.9rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was -year old forward Daniel Tulloch (196-F) of York. Tulloch impressed basketball fans with 25 points and 8 rebounds. Bad luck as York lost that game 74-93 to the higher-ranked Ottawa (#3, 8-1). York managed to keep the same 6th spot in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 4-5 record. Tulloch is a newcomer at York and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was Gregory Saint-Amand (193-F-88) of UQAM (#5). Saint-Amand scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He was a key player of UQAM, leading his team to a 77-63 easy win against slightly higher-ranked Laval (#4, 2-4). UQAM can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 1-3 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Saint-Amand he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Saint-Amand has a very solid season. In 3 games in Canada he scored 14.0ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Gabriel Gonthier-Dubue (198-F) of Ottawa - 18 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Matthew Chesson (201-C) of Laurier - 15 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Yoosrie Salhia (198-F-87) of Lakehead - 11 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Boris Hadzimuratovic (204-F-91) of Laval - 20 points and 10 rebounds
8. Evan Matthews (206-F-92) of Windsor - 18 points and 10 rebounds
9. Alexandre Bernard (196-F) of UQAM - 16 points and 12 rebounds
10. Lien Phillip (203-F-89) of Windsor - 14 points and 15 rebounds

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

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

CROATIA

Adriatic League: KK Split stun Cedevita on the road - by Eurobasket News

Cedevita - KK Split 72:75

KK Split scored five last points of the game and shocked Cedevita away from home tonight. Kruslin drained a triple and Vedran Vukusic (206-F-82, college: Northwestern) added two from the penalty line as KK Split gained the 7th win in the season.
Cedevita jumped to an early lead. They registered a 25:19 lead after ten minutes of action. Cedevita kept KK Split at bay throughout the second quarter. The hosts enjoyed a 42:33 halftime advantage. KK Split turned things around in the third quarter. The visitors held Cedevita to 12 points in the third stanza to cut the deficit to 5 points. Cedevita were still up by two points heading into the final minute of regulation 72:70. But Kruslin connected from behind the arc and then Vedran Vukusic followed with two free throws to win the game for KK Split. Nikola Vujcic (211-C-78) accounted for 18 points, while Vedran Vukusic added 14 points for KK Split. Bracey Wright (191-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Indiana) answered with 19 points for Cedevita. Derwin Kitchen (193-PG-86, college: Florida St.) netted 14 points in the loss.

Cedevita: Bracey Wright 19, Derwin Kitchen 14
KK Split: Nikola Vujcic 18, Vedran Vukusic 14, Josip Sobin 10

Adriatic League: Partizan survive thriller to edge Cibona - by Eurobasket News

Partizan - Cibona 74:68

Partizan came from behind in the fourth quarter to earn a rough home win over Cibona tonight. The victory propelled Partizan at 11-5 record among top three in the ladder. Cibona fell at 6-10 record after the defeat. Dragan Milosavljevic (198-G-89) delivered 15 points to pace the winners.
Partizan led by three points at the first intermission 17:14. They kept Cibona behind throughout the second frame. The hosts arrived at halftime up by 4 points 40:36. Cibona opened the second half on an 8:1 run to surge ahead. Partisan managed to level things up at the end of the third term 51:51. Cibona quickly surged ahead in the final frame. They posted a 58:53 lead after three minutes of action. The lead changed hands for several times before Vladimir Lucic (202-SF-89, agency: Beo Basket) hit a three-pointer to give Partizan a 69:66 lead with just over a minute remaining. Dragan Milosavljevic converted a three-point play to make it 72:66 for the hosts. D.J. Strawberry (196-G-85, college: Maryland) cut the deficit but Vladimir Lucic accounted for a decisive bucket that sealed the win for the home team. He finished with 13 points for Partizan. Drew Gordon (205-F-90, college: N.Mexico) added 11 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. D.J. Strawberry answered with 19 points for Cibona. Tomislav Zubcic (208-C/F-90, agency: Beo Basket) had 14 points in the loss.

Partizan: Dragan Milosavljevic 15, Vladimir Lucic 13, Drew Gordon 11
Cibona: D.J. Strawberry 19, Tomislav Zubcic 14

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

CYPRUS

Omonoia lands Harris and Chkhatarashvili - by Chris Mammides

The newcomer head Coach of Pappa Johns Omonoia Nicosia Marios Argyrou (he replaced Tsaggaridis two weeks ago) and the management of the team decided to proceed in two transfer in order to cover a bit the "hole" of the players left the team two weeks ago and in order to be able to "fight" for a place in the division, they decided to add the American Eugene Harris (188-G-86, college: High Point) and the Georgian Niko Chkhatarashvili (203-G/F-86) , ex player of Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD.

The Nicosia club which split ways already with the top scorer of the league Lee Ingram who joine forces with a team from Skopje and the Serbian Ilic who's monthly contract expired, will play against ENAD tonight in a do or die game the whole season since possible negative result will drive the team all the way to the second division

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 21

Jan. 5: BK Prostejov - Svitavy 99-95
Jan. 5: BK Decin - J.Hradec 84-63
Jan. 5: B&W Opava - CEZ Nymburk 64-89
Jan. 5: Levice - USK Praha 56-80
Jan. 5: BK Pardubice - Chomutov 113-82
Jan. 6: Usti n/Labem - NH Ostrava

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Jan TOMANEC
  J.Hradec
  (205-C-85)
  Avg: 20.1

1. Tomanec, J.Hradec	20.1
2. Deloach, Svitavy	18.8
3. Zabas, BK Pardubi.	18.2
4. Blazek, B&W Opava	17.9
5. Fields, Chomutov	17.7
6. Meno, USK Praha	17.4
7. Bolds, BC Kolin	17.4
8. Reese, Usti n.	17.1
9. Dufault, BK Prost.	15.7
10. Bosak, Chomutov	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

John FIELDS
  Chomutov
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 10.1

1. Fields, Chomutov	10.1
2. Meno, USK Praha	9.7
3. Tomanec, J.Hradec	9.6
4. Muirhead, BK Pardu.	8.3
5. Wilson, NH Ostrava	7.3
6. Nuhanovic, Levice	7.3
7. Simmons, Levice	7.2
8. Blazek, B&W Opava	7.1
9. Mroz, Svitavy	6.9
10. Bolds, BC Kolin	6.9

Assists Per Game

Jakub SIRINA
  B&W Opava
  (185-G-87)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Sirina, B&W Opava	6.1
2. Ames, NH Ostrava	5.7
3. Deloach, Svitavy	4.7
4. Pope, BK Decin	4.3
5. Pavkovic, CEZ N.	4.3
6. Glover, Chomutov	4.1
7. Ciz, NH Ostrava	3.9
8. Kemp, Levice	3.8
9. Sotnar, USK Praha	3.7
10. Radulovic, BC Kol.	3.2

Steals Per Game

Showron GLOVER
  Chomutov
  (180-PG-87)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Glover, Chomutov	2.9
2. Sirina, B&W Opava	2.4
3. Ames, NH Ostrava	2.3
4. Bolds, BC Kolin	2.3
5. Nolen, Usti n.	2.1
6. Deloach, Svitavy	1.8
7. Reese, Usti n.	1.7
8. Pope, BK Decin	1.6
9. Welsch, CEZ N.	1.6
10. Pistecky, Usti n.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Andrew NAYMICK
  CEZ N.
  (209-C-85)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Naymick, CEZ N.	1.7
2. Nuhanovic, Levice	1.6
3. Miklosik, B&W O.	1.3
4. Simmons, Levice	1.1
5. Fields, Chomutov	1.0
6. Slavik, USK Praha	1.0
7. Kohout, BK Prost.	0.9
8. Meno, USK Praha	0.9
9. Svrdlik, BK Prost.	0.8
10. Nelson, BK Pardu.	0.8

Austin Dufault Moves from Prostejov to Ostrava - by Surujh Roopnarine

BK Prostejov's leading scorer, Austin Dufault (205-F-90, college: Colorado) has moved on to BK Nova Hut Ostrava. Ostrava (14-6), decimated by injuries to Jeremiah Wilson (203-F-88, college: Tarleton St.) and Rostislav Pelikan (209-F/C-78) in the front-court land the 22-year old rookie out of the University of Colorado who on the season has appeared in 19 contests for BK Prostejov (12-8), averaging 15.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 52.3% from the field and 38.7% from three. A four year starter at Colorado, Dufault, 6-9, is currently 10th in the NBL in scoring, 14th in steals and 16th in three-point field goal percentage (minimum 20 attempts).
Dufault has already joined Ostrava this weekend and is training in hopes of being available for the club very shortly according to Ostrava spokesperson Vladimir Raszka.

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

DENMARK

Standings - Basketligaen

Ligaen Standings

1. Svendborg		15-2
2. Bakken		13-3
3. Horsens IC		13-4
4. SISU		10-6
5. Naestved		10-7
6. Randers		6-10
7. Aarhus BC		5-11
8. Horsholm		5-11
9. Vaerlose		3-13
10. Aalborg		1-14

Regular Season: Round 20

Jan. 5: Horsholm - Svendborg 80-79
Jan. 6: Bakken - SISU
Jan. 6: Vaerlose - Aarhus BC

Stats Leaders - Basketligaen

Points Per Game

Bonell COLAS
  Randers
  (205-F-82)
  Avg: 24.7

1. Colas, Randers	24.7
2. Rutherford, Svend.	24.7
3. Jukic, Horsens IC	21.0
4. Ocana, Randers	20.7
5. Willen, Aalborg	20.2
6. Bowlin, Horsens IC	20.1
7. Walker, Naestved	19.2
8. Delk, Vaerlose	18.8
9. Darboe, Svendborg	18.7
10. Tomko, Bakken	18.5

Rebounds Per Game

Bonell COLAS
  Randers
  (205-F-82)
  Avg: 14.8

1. Colas, Randers	14.8
2. Rutherford, Svend.	10.3
3. Jukic, Horsens IC	10.1
4. Dezouvre, Aarhus	8.8
5. Washington, Svend.	8.3
6. Walker, Naestved	8.1
7. Willen, Aalborg	7.7
8. Baker, Vaerlose	7.7
9. Moritz, SISU	7.5
10. Thomann, Horse.	7.5

Assists Per Game

Miguel ORTEGA
  Randers
  (188-PG-91)
  Avg: 7.1

1. Ortega, Randers	7.1
2. Bowlin, Horsens IC	7.0
3. Darboe, Svendborg	5.5
4. Murphy, Naestved	5.1
5. Nielsen, SISU	5.1
6. Plannthin, Svend.	4.5
7. Tomko, Bakken	4.5
8. Jonsson, Aarhus BC	4.4
9. Jakobsen, Bakken	4.3
10. Mariegaard, Svend.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Skyler BOWLIN
  Horsens IC
  (190-G-89)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Bowlin, Horsens IC	3.1
2. Tomko, Bakken	2.4
3. Delk, Vaerlose	2.3
4. Nielsen, SISU	2.1
5. Jukic, Horsens IC	2.1
6. Walker, Naestved	1.8
7. Ortega, Randers	1.8
8. Darboe, Svendborg	1.8
9. Rungby, Horsens IC	1.7
10. Dennis, SISU	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Gregory WASHINGTON
  Svend.
  (208-C/F-84)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Washington, Svend.	2.5
2. Colas, Randers	2.5
3. Marinkovic, Horsho.	1.4
4. Jukic, Horsens IC	1.2
5. Jukic, Horsholm	1.1
6. Christoffers., Bak.	1.1
7. Smith, SISU	0.9
8. Thomann, Horse.	0.9
9. Frandsen, Naestved	0.9
10. Jensen, Vaerlose	0.8

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

D-LEAGUE

Standings

D-League Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 25

Jan. 5: Los Angeles D. - Sioux Falls S. 92-104
Jan. 5: Maine RC - Canton C. 91-92
Jan. 5: Tulsa 66ers - Texas L. 80-116
Jan. 5: Ft.Wayne MA - Santa Cruz W. 118-90
Jan. 5: Reno B. - Iowa E. 115-113
Jan. 5: Springfield A. - Erie Bay H. 104-110
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., Texas	22.5
2. Howard, Ft.Wayne.	20.7
3. Johnson-Odom, Los	20.6
4. Goudelock, Sioux F.	20.3
5. Dentmon, Austin T.	19.7
6. Mack, Maine RC	19.7
7. Joseph, Austin T.	19.0
8. Fortson, Los A.	18.7
9. Mays, Springfield	18.5
10. Kennedy, Erie B.	18.5

Rebounds Per Game

Arinze ONUAKU
  Canton C.
  (206-F-87)
  Avg: 11.5

1. Onuaku, Canton C.	11.5
2. Mays, Springfield	11.3
3. Harris, Iowa E.	10.1
4. Varnado, Sioux F.	10.0
5. Butch, Bakersfi.	9.6
6. Evans, Idaho S.	9.5
7. Jackson, Austin T.	8.9
8. Wilkerson, Austin	8.9
9. Johnson, Ft.Wayne.	8.9
10. Wright, Maine RC	8.8

Assists Per Game

Chris WRIGHT
  Iowa E.
  (185-PG-89)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Wright, Iowa E.	7.5
2. Mack, Maine RC	7.5
3. Machado, Rio G.	7.1
4. Singletary, Texas	6.3
5. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	6.0
6. Fortson, Los A.	5.9
7. Kennedy, Erie B.	5.4
8. Johnson-Odom, Los	5.3
9. Uzoh, Springfield	5.3
10. Karl, Idaho S.	5.1

Steals Per Game

Jamario MOON
  Los A.
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Moon, Los A.	2.8
2. Wright, Maine RC	2.4
3. Downs, Maine RC	2.3
4. Scott, Springfield	2.3
5. Greene, Los A.	2.0
6. McNeal, Bakersfi.	2.0
7. Sutton, Tulsa 66e.	2.0
8. Murry, Rio G.	2.0
9. Johnson, Rio G.	2.0
10. Uzoh, Springfield	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Jarvis VARNADO
  Sioux F.
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 3.9

1. Varnado, Sioux F.	3.9
2. Melo, Maine RC	3.8
3. Moon, Los A.	2.6
4. Flowers, Los A.	2.6
5. Eyenga, Texas L.	2.5
6. Reed, Springfield	2.2
7. Johnson, Ft.Wayne.	2.2
8. Gladness, Santa C.	2.0
9. Orton, Tulsa 66ers	1.8
10. Eric, Canton C.	1.7

Tim Ohlbrecht claims D-League weekly honour - by Eurobasket News

German Tim Ohlbrecht (210-F/C-88) had a great game in the last round for Rio Grande VV and that's him to receive a USBasket.com Player of the Week award for round 24.
The 24-year old power forward had a double-double of 18 points and fourteen rebounds, while his team beat Austin T. (#5, 7-9) 118-108. Rio Grande VV is placed at 4th position in D-League. Rio Grande VV 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 7-7 record. Ohlbrecht turned to be Rio Grande VV's top player in his first season with the team. Tim Ohlbrecht averages this season 14.5ppg and 6.9rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 26-year old forward Dominique Sutton (195-F-86) of Tulsa 66ers. Sutton impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 18 points and 16 rebounds. Bad luck as Tulsa 66ers lost that game 99-114 to the lower-ranked Idaho S. (#8, 4-12). Tulsa 66ers managed to keep the same 3rd spot in the standings. His team's 8-6 record is not bad at all. Sutton is a newcomer at Tulsa 66ers and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was Marcus Landry (201-F-85, agency: Edge Sports) of Reno B. (#7). Landry scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Despite Landry's great performance Reno B. lost 109-116 to the higher-ranked Sioux Falls S. (#3, 9-6). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Reno B. not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 8 games, recording just four victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Landry could try to bring Reno B.'s a little bit higher in the standings. Landry has a very solid season. In 12 games in D-L he scored 17.4ppg. He also has 4.8rpg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 52.2% and 3PT: 48.8%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Andrew Goudelock (190-G-88) of Rio Grande VV - 30 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Demetris Nichols (205-F-84) of Sioux Falls S. - 25 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Justin Holiday (198-F-89) of Idaho S. - 19 points, 3 rebounds and 8 assists
7. Rick Jackson (206-F-89) of Austin T. - 16 points and 11 rebounds
8. Sean Evans (203-F-88) of Idaho S. - 21 points and 12 rebounds
9. D.J. Kennedy (198-G/F-89) of Erie Bay H. - 11 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists
10. Cory Joseph (190-PG-91) of Austin T. - 26 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists

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)

STAMPEDE DOWN BIG 3 FROM OKC IN WIN AT TULSA SOILD PERFORMANCE FROM SUTTON - by Allen Waters

TULSA, Okla. -- Sean Evans 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 on Friday night. Idaho shot 52.3 percent in the win, a season high, while attempting just nine 3-pointers (4-for-9).
Justin Holiday 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. Dominique Sutton (16 rebounds) led the way for the 66ers scoring 18 points to keep the 66 ers in the game. Sutton ability to guard several positions and happen to be 2nd in the D-League in steals has proven to be one of the best on ball and off ball defenders. Hollis Thompson added 16 off the bench.
Idaho capitalized in the paint and on the break, doubling up Tulsa in points in the paint 72-36, 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 over the final two quarters..
Dominique Sutton (6'5''-F-86, college: N.C.Central)

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

ESTONIA

Standings - KML

KML Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 13

Jan. 4: Parnu - Kalev/Cramo 71-76
Jan. 5: Hito/Johvi - TTU 66-82
Jan. 4: Tln Kalev - Valga 54-80
Jan. 5: Rapla - TU/Rock 51-79
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, Tarvas	17.1
2. Tamm, Tarvas	16.2
3. Campbell, Tln Kalev	15.8
4. Lindmets, Tarvas	15.7
5. Akenparg, TTU	15.4
6. Matulionis, Parnu	15.2
7. Okoye, Tln Kalev	14.5
8. Pilk, Rapla	14.5
9. Laur, Hito/Johvi	14.4
10. Peciukeviciu., Pa.	13.8

Rebounds Per Game

Rain RAADIK
  Parnu
  (208-C-89)
  Avg: 11.5

1. Raadik, Parnu	11.5
2. Okoye, Tln Kalev	10.4
3. Lindmets, Tarvas	9.4
4. Trumm, Hito/Johvi	8.6
5. Grafs, Valga	7.0
6. Arnold, TTU	7.0
7. Cunda, Valga	6.8
8. Ringmets, Rapla	6.6
9. Grim, Valga	6.6
10. Keedus, TTU	6.5

Assists Per Game

Erik KEEDUS
  TTU
  (198-F-90)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Keedus, TTU	5.2
2. Peciukeviciu., Par.	5.2
3. Tamm, Tarvas	5.2
4. Cunda, Valga	4.3
5. Campbell, Tln Kalev	3.9
6. Laane, Rapla	3.7
7. Saare, Hito/Johvi	3.7
8. McLeod, Kalev/Cr.	3.5
9. Pilk, Rapla	2.6
10. Akenparg, TTU	2.2

Steals Per Game

Rait-Riivo LAANE
  Rapla
  (178-PG-93)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Laane, Rapla	2.6
2. Tamm, Tarvas	2.6
3. Akenparg, TTU	2.1
4. Peciukeviciu., Par.	2.0
5. Keedus, TTU	1.8
6. Campbell, Tln Kalev	1.7
7. Lindmets, Tarvas	1.5
8. Pilk, Rapla	1.5
9. Cunda, Valga	1.5
10. Okoye, Tln Kalev	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Andrew ARNOLD
  TTU
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Arnold, TTU	1.3
2. Saarmets, TTU	0.7
3. Matulionis, Parnu	0.7
4. Saks, Tarvas	0.7
5. Raadik, Parnu	0.6
6. Okoye, Tln Kalev	0.6
7. Grim, Valga	0.6
8. Tambre, Hito/Johvi	0.5
9. Makke, TTU	0.4
10. Nurger, Rapla	0.4

BSBC 2013 (U16): Latvia wrap up campaign with win - by Eurobasket News

Estonia - Latvia 51:55

Latvia capped their Baltic Sea Basketball Cup campaign with victory. They upset hosting Estonia for 1-2 record. Zigmars Raimo (190-PF-97) posted 19 points and 14 boards to pace Latvia. Estonia suffered the third straight loss at the tourney.
The hosts held on to a 13:12 lead after the starting quarter. Latvia managed to pull in front in the second frame. They accumulated a 26:19 halftime advantage. Latvia kept Estonia behind in the third term. The visitors entered the final quarter up by 8 points 44:36. Estonia outscored their opponents in the fourth term but came up short of victory at the end. Dzeiks-Eduards Krumins (186-G-97) chipped in 12 points, while Renars Birkans (180-PG-97) delivered 9 points for the winners. Robert Valge (187-SF-97) answered with 13 points for Estonia. Sander Viilup (186-SG-97) produced 12 points in the losing case.

Estonia: Robert Valge 13, Sander Viilup 12
Latvia: Zigmars Raimo 19+14 boards, Dzeiks-Eduards Krumins 12, Renars Birkans 9

BSBC 2013 (U18): Latvia outlast Estonia to clinch title - by Eurobasket News

Estonia - Latvia 58:68

Latvia celebrated the Baltic Sea Basketball Cup tournament title. They knocked down Estonia in Tallinn tonight to finish at perfect 3-0 record. Andzejs Pasecniks (211-C-95) came up with 23 points and 11 rebounds for the winners.
Latvia eked out a narrow 16:14 lead after ten minutes. Latvia maintained the lead throughout the second frame. They arrived at halftime up by three points 32:29. Latvia stretched the gap in the third term. The visitors held Estonia to 13 points to take a 10-point advantage. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the final period as Latvia coasted to the victory at the end. Klavs Cavars (200-C-96) provided 11 points in the winning case. Saimon Sutt (198-SG-95) answered with 18 points for Estonia. Kristofer Kurvits (192-G/F-96) chipped in 11 points in the loss.

Estonia: Saimon Sutt 18, Kristofer Kurvits 11
Latvia: Andzejs Pasecniks 23+11 boards, Klavs Cavars 11, Jekabs Paipa 7, Edgars Lasenbergs 7

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

EUROLEAGUE

Bobby Brown claims Euroleague weekly honour - by Eurobasket News

American Bobby Brown (188-PG-84) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's second-best Montepaschi and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 2 (Top 16).
The 28-year old playmaker had the game-high 41 points adding seven assists for Montepaschi in 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. California State University, Fullerton graduate has very impressive 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 solid 40.2% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 23-year old Bosnia and Herzegovina shooting guard Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SG-89) of Fener.Ulker. Bogdanovic impressed basketball fans 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 by Fener.Ulker fans and he already established his position as one of team's most reliable players.

The third best performed player last round was American 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 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)

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

FINLAND

Standings - Division I

1st Standings

Division A
1. Porvoon Tarmo		11-3
2. ToPo		9-4
3. BC Nokia		8-5
4. Oulun NMKY		8-5
5. Tapiolan Honka		8-6
6. Huima		5-8
7. Pyrinto II		5-9
8. SayRi		4-9
9. Ura Basket		2-11
Division B
1. KaU Koris		12-5
2. Kerava ET		10-5
3. Jarvenpaa		9-6
4. TuNMKY		8-6
5. HBA-Marsky		7-7
6. BC Jyvaskyla		6-10
7. JyWe		5-9
8. Espoo Basket		3-12

Regular Season: Round 15

Jan. 5: ToPo - Huima 96-74
Jan. 5: BC Nokia - Ura Basket 94-80
Jan. 5: Tapiolan Honka - Porvoon Tarmo 82-73
Jan. 4: SayRi - Pyrinto II 80-88

Jan. 5: KaU Koris - Espoo Basket 88-66
Jan. 5: Jarvenpaa - Kerava ET 59-88
Jan. 5: BC Jyvaskyla - TuNMKY

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Brian MOULTRIE
  BC Nokia
  (198-C/F-87)
  Avg: 26.6

1. Moultrie, BC Nokia	26.6
2. Richardson, Ura B.	25.2
3. Ricks, BC Jyvasky.	22.8
4. Pederson, SayRi	22.6
5. Mays, Huima	21.9
6. Clark, Tapiolan Ho.	20.8
7. Tarjanne, Jarvenpaa	19.8
8. Tate, Porvoon	19.7
9. Salminen, TuNM.	19.6
10. Young, Porvoon	19.6

Rebounds Per Game

Michael CORPENING
  BC Jyvas.
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 14.8

1. Corpening, BC Jyva.	14.8
2. Moultrie, BC Nokia	14.5
3. Towa, Kerava ET	13.6
4. Syrjala, KaU Koris	12.0
5. Stephens, Huima	11.3
6. Keskitalo, JyWe	11.3
7. Young, Porvoon	11.2
8. Salminen, TuNM.	11.1
9. Coleman, ToPo	10.9
10. Suotamo, Espoo B.	9.9

Assists Per Game

Lauri JARVINEN
  KaU Koris
  (185-C-85)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Jarvinen, KaU Koris	5.5
2. Ricks, BC Jyvasky.	4.8
3. Herrala, HBA-M.	4.3
4. Kyllonen, Porvoon	4.1
5. Ginty, ToPo	3.9
6. Viita, Jarvenpaa	3.9
7. Riihela, BC Nokia	3.8
8. Mays, Huima	3.7
9. Russell, Oulun N.	3.7
10. Harjula, Pyrinto	3.6

Steals Per Game

La Trice LITTLE
  Kerava ET
  (187-G-79)
  Avg: 3

1. Little, Kerava ET	3.0
2. Ricks, BC Jyvasky.	2.8
3. Michelsen, HBA-M.	2.3
4. Thomas, SayRi	2.3
5. Corpening, BC Jyva.	2.2
6. Richardson, Ura B.	2.2
7. Herrala, HBA-M.	2.2
8. Viita, Jarvenpaa	2.1
9. Mua, Kerava ET	1.8
10. Andersen, Espoo	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Harri KESKITALO
  JyWe
  (210-C-90)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Keskitalo, JyWe	2.5
2. Pulkkinen, Pyrin.	2.3
3. Woods, BC Nokia	1.9
4. Corpening, BC Jyva.	1.7
5. Mua, Kerava ET	1.5
6. Young, Porvoon	1.4
7. Suotamo, Espoo B.	1.2
8. Nuolivirta, HBA-M.	1.2
9. Stephens, Huima	1.1
10. Salminen, TuNM.	1.1

BSBC 2013 (U16): Finland celebrate title with win over Sweden - by Eurobasket News

Finland - Sweden 64:60

Finnish U16 National Team claimed the title at the traditional Baltic Sea Basketball Cup tournament in Tallinn. They held off Swedish counterparts for the third straight win at the tourney today. Lauri Markkanen (200-PF-97) came up with 19 points and 7 rebounds for the winners.
Sweden jumped to an early lead. They accumulated a 21:10 lead after ten minutes of action. But Finland bounced back in the second term. They limited their opponents at 10 points and cut the deficit at 5-point mark at halftime 26:31. Finland continued to stay aggressive defensively in the third term. They held Sweden at 9 points in the quarter and got within 2 points. Finland exploded with 26 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the decisive victory at the end. Lassi Nikkarinen (176-PG-97) and Matias Oksa (196-SF-97) dropped 9 points each for the winners. Marcus Larsson (191-SG-97) answered with 11 points and 7 rebounds for Sweden. Nils Johansson (195-SG-97), Samuel Berkelund (201-SF-97) and Craig Lecesne (196-PG-97) chipped in 10 points each in the loss.

Finland: Lauri Markkanen 19, Lassi Nikkarinen 9, Matias Oksa 9
Sweden: Marcus Larsson 11, Nils Johansson 10, Samuel Berkelund 10, Craig Lecesne 10

BSBC 2013 (U18): Finland topple Sweden to clinch third spot - by Eurobasket News

Finland - Sweden 92:63

Finland claimed the third position at the Baltic Sea Basketball Cup tournament. They overcame Swedish counterparts on the final day of the tourney. Henri Niemisto (194-G-96) provided 21 points to lead the charge.
Finland surged ahead in the opening quarter. They accumulated a 24:17 lead after ten minutes. Finland kept their opponents at bay throughout the second frame. They established a 49:30 halftime advantage. Finland cleared off in the third quarter. They went on a massive 25:7 run to ensure a comfortable 37-point lead heading into the fourth frame. Finland never looked back afterwards cruising to the victory. Oskar Michelsen (203-PF-95) produced 19 points, while Juho-Matti Henttonen (195-C-96) added 13 points in the win. Henrik Jadersten (208-F-95) responded with 11 points for Sweden. Tim Shuberg and Martin Hyberg (202-C-95) chipped in 10 points each in the loss.

Finland: Henri Niemisto 21, Oskar Michelsen 19, Juho-Matti Henttonen 13
Sweden: Henrik Jadersten 11, Tim Shuberg 10, Martin Hyberg 10

1.DIVISION: Brian Moultrie scored 40 points - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Division 1 A, round 14: When BC Nokia (8-5) beat Ura Basket from Kaarina tonight 94-80 (39-27) the MVP on the court was American F Brian Moultrie (198-C/F-87, college: Armstr.Atlantic). Moultrie led BC Nokia with 40 points (1 - 2/4, 2 - 19/24, 3 - 0/1) and 11 rebounds in 30:37 minutes. Also Kraidon Woods (205-C/F-88, college: Drake) had a double-double 19pts/11rbs. Nolan Richardson (188-G-84, college: Midwestern St.) led Ura Basket (2-11) with 29 pts and Bobby Nash (198-G/F-84) added 27pts/10rbs.
In Helsinki Torpan Pojat crushed Huima (Aanekoski) 96-74 (50-38). ToPo won all four quarters. Elias Kajander (196-F-80) was ToPo's leading scorer with 22 pts. American Marcus Capers (193-G-89, college: Washington St.) added 18 pts. DeAndre Mays (188-G-87, agency: Stanislav Ryzhov, college: Youngstown St.) netted 23 pts for Huima. Andre Stephens (202-F-87, college: S.Mississippi) had a double-double 18pts/13rbs.
In Espoo local Honka (Tapiola) caused the loss # 3 to Tarmo (Porvoo). Honka (8-6) defeated Tarmo (11-3) by nine 82-73. Tarmo was ahead by one (36-37) during the half time. Honka made 50% (12/24) of the shots from behind the arc, Tarmo had difficulties to hit even once, when shooting 14 times (1/14). Tuomas Iisalo (195-SF-82, agency: Court Side) led Honka with 19 pts. Newcomer Malik Moore (192-G-77, college: Amer.Internat.) started with 17 pts in 36:39 minutes. Vernon Taylor (190-G-87, college: Troy) helped Tarmo with 27pts/10rbs.
BC Nokia - Ura Basket 94-80 (39-27). (Brian Moultrie 40/11, Kraidon Woods 19/11, Timo Riihela 13 - Nolan Richardson 29, Bobby Nash 27/10, Santeri Latvala 9).
ToPo - Huima 96-74 (50-38). (Elias Kajander 22, Marcus Capers 18, Sad Niskanen 11 - DeAndre Mays 23, Andre Stephens 18/13, Sami Mantymaa 13).
Honka - Tarmo 82-73 (36-37). (Tuomas Iisalo 19, Ronnie Clark 17, Malik Moore 17/4a - Vernon Taylor 27/10, Jerrah Young 23/16, Isaiah Tate 13/7).

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

FRANCE

Standings - N1

NM1 Standings

1. Orchy		10-3
2. Cognac		10-3
3. Souffel		10-4
4. Vichy		10-4
5. Quimper		10-4
6. Blois		8-5
7. La Rochelle		7-6
8. Monaco		7-6
9. Rueil		7-7
10. Sorgues		6-7
11. Angers BC 49		5-8
12. Chartres		4-9
13. Challans		4-9
14. St Chamond		4-9
15. Rennes		4-9
16. CFBB		0-13

Regular Season: Round 15

Jan. 5: Cognac - Sorgues 87-74
Dec. 22: Quimper - Blois 82-81
Jan. 5: Souffel - Angers BC 49 82-53
Jan. 5: Orchy - Monaco 79-85
Jan. 5: Rueil - Chartres 60-48
Dec. 22: Vichy - Rennes 59-46
Jan. 5: CFBB - Challans 55-83

Regular Season: Round 16

Jan. 12: Angers BC 49 - Quimper
Jan. 12: Rennes - Rueil
Jan. 12: Sorgues - St Chamond
Jan. 12: Blois - Orchy
Jan. 12: CFBB - La Rochelle
Jan. 12: Chartres - Cognac
Jan. 12: Challans - Monaco

Stats Leaders - N1

Points Per Game

Ville KAUNISTO
  Blois
  (205-F-82)
  Avg: 18.5

1. Kaunisto, Blois	18.5
2. Zamroz, Sorgues	18.4
3. Herard, Challans	18.1
4. Petrovic, Orchy	17.8
5. Raji, Quimper	17.6
6. Hill, Angers BC 49	17.1
7. Inglis, CFBB	16.8
8. Cole, La Rochelle	16.3
9. Pene, Rennes	16.2
10. Thinon, Sorgues	15.4

Rebounds Per Game

Ville KAUNISTO
  Blois
  (205-F-82)
  Avg: 11.5

1. Kaunisto, Blois	11.5
2. Calasan, Monaco	8.8
3. Raji, Quimper	8.4
4. Caskill, Cognac	8.3
5. Inglis, CFBB	8.2
6. Diame, Rueil	8.1
7. Sall, Rennes	8.0
8. Cole, La Rochelle	7.3
9. Tornato, Blois	6.8
10. Pasut, Sorgues	6.7

Assists Per Game

Anthony CHRISTOPHE
  Monaco
  (190-G-83)
  Avg: 7

1. Christophe, Monaco	7.0
2. Rathieuville, Chal.	6.3
3. Cherry, Quimper	6.2
4. Fellah, Angers B.	5.3
5. Barbry, Orchy	5.2
6. Thomas, Vichy	4.8
7. Brochard, Blois	4.8
8. Saounera, Rueil	4.4
9. Boivin, Chartres	4.4
10. Mouillard, Cognac	4.3

Steals Per Game

Rida EL AMRANI
  Vichy
  (180-PG-86)
  Avg: 3.1

1. El Amrani, Vichy	3.1
2. Bennett, Monaco	2.2
3. Saounera, Rueil	2.1
4. Mouillard, Cognac	2.0
5. Lessort, Vichy	2.0
6. Herard, Challans	1.9
7. Pene, Rennes	1.9
8. Gueye, Sorgues	1.8
9. Lonzieme, Angers B.	1.8
10. Davis, Blois	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Moise DIAME
  Rueil
  (205-C-86)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Diame, Rueil	1.7
2. Davis, Blois	1.7
3. Alingue, Souffel	1.5
4. Inglis, CFBB	1.4
5. N''Diaye, Souffel	1.4
6. Rinna, St Chamond	1.1
7. Tornato, Blois	1.0
8. Pasut, Sorgues	0.9
9. Traore, Angers B.	0.9
10. Kaunisto, Blois	0.8

NM1 Round 15: Leader Orchesien BC loses to Monaco - by Eurobasket News

Top ranked Orchesien BC (10-3) recorded its third loss in Orchies on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by eighth ranked Monaco (7-6) 85-79. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 19-13. But Orchesien BC won second period 26-24. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was naturalized Tunisian power forward Mehdi Labeyrie-Hafsi (203-78) who scored 24 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Anthony Christophe (190-83) chipped in 24 points. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Russell Carter (196-85, college: Notre Dame) who recorded 22 points and 5 rebounds. Orchesien BC's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Monaco have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to seventh place, which they share with La Rochelle. Orchesien BC at the other side still keeps top position with three games lost. They share it with Cognac. Monaco is looking forward to face Vendee Challans (#13) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Orchesien BC will play against Blois (#6) and is hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Quimper. Fourth ranked Quimper UJAP (10-4) saved a 1-point victory at home edging 6th ranked Blois (8-5) 82-81 on Saturday evening. It was a good game for Nigerian forward Corey Raji (198-88, college: Boston Coll., agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) who saved his team from a defeat with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Carlos Cherry contributed with 9 points and 9 assists for the winners. American forward Daviin Davis (193-85, college: Weber St.) answered with 22 points and 5 rebounds for Blois. Blois' coach Hugues Occansey tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Quimper UJAP moved-up to third place, which they share with Vichy and Souffel. Blois at the other side keeps the sixth position with five games lost. Quimper UJAP will play against Angers BC 49 (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Blois will play against the league's leader Orchesien BC (#1) in Orchies and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked CFBB (0-13) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 83-55 loss to fifteenth ranked Vendee Challans (4-9) in Paris on Saturday evening. It was a great evening for Fabien Herard who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). The best for the losing side was Ywen Smock with 12 points. CFBB's coach Jacques Commeres gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Vendee Challans moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser CFBB still closes the standings with 13 games lost. Vendee Challans will meet at home higher ranked Monaco (#8) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. CFBB will play against La Rochelle (#7) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Souffel.. Local Souffelweyersheim (10-4) outscored 11th ranked Angers BC 49 (5-8) 82-53. It was a quality performance for Frederic Broliron who led the winners and scored 16 points and 5 rebounds. Souffelweyersheim's coach Stephane Eberlin felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Souffelweyersheim moved-up to third place, which they share with Vichy and Quimper. Angers BC 49 at the other side keeps the eleventh position with eight games lost. Souffelweyersheim will have a break next round. Angers BC 49 will play at home against Quimper UJAP (#5).

Other games of round 15 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Sorgues was defeated by Cognac in a road game 87-74. Rueil beat Chartres at home 60-48. Rennes lost to Vichy on the opponent's court 46-59.
The best stats of 15th round was 21 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists by Ian Caskill of Cognac.

Cognac - Sorgues 87-74

There was no surprise when 10th ranked Sorgues (6-7) was defeated on the road by fifth ranked Cognac (10-3) 87-74. The game was mostly controlled by Cognac. Sorgues was better in third quarter 28-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They shot the lights out from three nailing 13 long-distance shots on high 54.2 percentage. Cognac players were unselfish on offense dishing 29 assists. It was an exceptional evening for American center Ian Caskill (207-81, college: JMU) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 21 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Cedric Bertorelle (198-78) accounted for 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists for the winning side. American Quincy Hankins-Cole (203-90) came up with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds and American-Italian swingman Ryan Zamroz (192-87, college: Master's) added 20 points and 7 assists respectively for Sorgues in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Cognac used an opportunity after Orchy lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position. Sorgues lost third consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with seven games lost. Cognac's next round opponent will be Chartres (#12) on the road which should be an easy win for them. Sorgues will play against Saint Chamond.
Top scorers:
Cognac: I.Caskill 21+11reb+4ast, C.Bertorelle 17+5reb+6ast, D.Sencanski 14+7reb+1ast, S.Doucoure 13+4reb+2ast, R.Hillotte 8+1reb+5ast, M.Choplin 7+3reb+7ast
Sorgues: R.Zamroz 20+4reb+7ast, Q.Hankins-Cole 20+10reb+2ast, C.Mansare 17+7reb+1ast, X.Pasut 14+9reb, W.Gueye 2+1reb+3ast, P.Clerence 1+2reb

CFBB - Challans 55-83

Bottom-ranked CFBB (0-13) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 83-55 loss to fifteenth ranked Vendee Challans (4-9) in Paris on Saturday evening. The game without a history. Vendee Challans led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. It was a great evening for forward Fabien Herard (198-79) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Center Nils Gouacide (208-84) helped adding 23 points. The best for the losing side was Ywen Smock (203-96) with 12 points and Damien Inglis (203-95) scored 9 points and 5 rebounds. CFBB's coach Jacques Commeres gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Vendee Challans moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser CFBB still closes the standings with 13 games lost. Vendee Challans will meet at home higher ranked Monaco (#8) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. CFBB will play against La Rochelle (#7) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Challans: N.Gouacide 23+1reb, F.Herard 21+11reb, J.Geay 13+2reb+3ast, O.Sylla 7, J.Rathieuville 7+3reb+6ast, S.Cherasse 7+2reb+1ast
CFBB: Y.Smock 12+2reb+1ast, E.Ory 11+2reb+1ast, D.Inglis 9+5reb+1ast, P.Rigot 6+3reb, C.Eliezer-Vanerot 5, S.Gombauld 4+3reb+1ast

Rueil - Chartres 60-48

No shocking result in a game when tenth ranked Rueil (7-7) defeated at home 12th ranked Chartres (4-9) 60-48. The game was mostly controlled by Rueil. Chartres was better in third quarter 12-11. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 17-of-22 charity shots (77.3 percent) during the game. It was an exceptional evening for Serbian forward Slobodan Ocokoljic (204-80, college: Weber St., agency: TSS Management) who led the winners and scored 16 points. Alexis Desespringalle (192-91) accounted for 9 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Guard Abgue Barakaou (185-81) came up with 11 points and forward Guillaume Merie (198-83) added 0 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals respectively for Chartres in the defeat. Chartres' coach Raphael Gaume let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Rueil moved-up to ninth place. Chartres lost third consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with nine games lost. Rueil's next round opponent will be Union Rennes (#15) on the road which should be theoretically an easy game. Chartres will play against the league's second-placed Cognac where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Rueil: S.Ocokoljic 16+4reb, I.Saounera 14+2reb+3ast, M.Diame 11+7reb, A.Desespringalle 9+8reb+3ast, K.Gourari 6+9reb+2ast, D.Gentil 4+4reb
Chartres: A.Barakaou 11+2reb+2ast, M.Ipouck 7+3reb, L.Avramovic 7+2reb, G.Lemon 6+4reb+1ast, A.Hergott 6+4reb, Z.Bojovic 5+4reb

Orchy - Monaco 79-85

Top ranked Orchesien BC (10-3) recorded its third loss in Orchies on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by eighth ranked Monaco (7-6) 85-79. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 19-13. But Orchesien BC won second period 26-24. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was naturalized Tunisian power forward Mehdi Labeyrie-Hafsi (203-78) who scored 24 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Anthony Christophe (190-83) chipped in 24 points. Four Monaco players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Russell Carter (196-85, college: Notre Dame) who recorded 22 points and 5 rebounds and Serbian power forward Djordje Petrovic (204-84) added 21 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Orchesien BC's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Monaco have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to seventh place, which they share with La Rochelle. Orchesien BC at the other side still keeps top position with three games lost. They share it with Cognac. Monaco is looking forward to face Vendee Challans (#13) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Orchesien BC will play against Blois (#6) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Monaco: M.Labeyrie-Hafsi 24+8reb+2ast, A.Christophe 24+3reb+3ast, O.Bardet 13+10reb, D.Vebobe 10+3reb, T.Bennett 6+2reb, J.Jones 3
Orchy: R.Carter 22+5reb, D.Petrovic 21+5reb+1ast, J.Verbeke 11+2reb+2ast, R.Brocheray 7+5reb+2ast, A.Belkessa 6, J.Bestron 4+3reb+1ast

Souffel - Angers BC 49 82-53

The game with biggest result difference took place in Souffel.. Local Souffelweyersheim (10-4) outscored 11th ranked Angers BC 49 (5-8) 82-53. The game was mostly controlled by Souffelweyersheim. Angers BC 49 was better in fourth quarter 19-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Angers BC 49 to just 6 points in first quarter. They outrebounded Angers BC 49 42-31 including a 33-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Souffelweyersheim especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 57.9 percentage. It was a quality performance for guard Frederic Broliron (193-79) who led the winners and scored 16 points and 5 rebounds. Senegalese power forward Abdoulaye N'Diaye (210-84, college: USC) accounted for 8 points and 13 rebounds for the winning side. Four Souffelweyersheim players scored in double figures. Souffelweyersheim's coach Stephane Eberlin felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Icelandic Logi Gunnarsson (192-81) came up with 15 points and American forward Anthony Hill (204-88, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) added 7 points and 9 rebounds respectively for Angers BC 49 in the defeat. Souffelweyersheim moved-up to third place, which they share with Vichy and Quimper. Angers BC 49 at the other side keeps the eleventh position with eight games lost. Souffelweyersheim will have a break next round. Angers BC 49 will play at home against Quimper UJAP (#5).
Top scorers:
Souffel: F.Minet 16+2reb+2ast, F.Broliron 16+5reb+1ast, J.Alingue 13+4reb+3ast, J.Tschamber 11+3reb+4ast, J.Bach 10+8reb+2ast, A.N'Diaye 8+13reb
Angers BC 49: L.Gunnarsson 15+2reb+2ast, T.Lonzieme 10+5reb, A.Fellah 10+3reb+1ast, H.Suhard 7+1reb+2ast, A.Hill 7+9reb+2ast, M.Chupin 4+4reb

Quimper - Blois 82-81

Important game to mention about took place in Quimper. Fourth ranked Quimper UJAP (10-4) saved a 1-point victory at home edging 6th ranked Blois (8-5) 82-81 on Saturday evening. Blois was ahead by 6 points after three quarters before a 22-15 charge of Quimper UJAP, which allowed them to win the game. It was a great shooting night for Quimper UJAP especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 58.8 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists. It was a good game for Nigerian forward Corey Raji (198-88, college: Boston Coll., agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) who saved his team from a defeat with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Spanish point guard Carlos Cherry (184-79, agency: Global Sports Plaza) contributed with 9 points and 9 assists for the winners. American forward Daviin Davis (193-85, college: Weber St.) answered with 22 points and 5 rebounds and Finnish forward Ville Kaunisto (205-82) added 14 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Blois. Four Blois players scored in double figures. Blois' coach Hugues Occansey tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Quimper UJAP moved-up to third place, which they share with Vichy and Souffel. Blois at the other side keeps the sixth position with five games lost. Quimper UJAP will play against Angers BC 49 (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Blois will play against the league's leader Orchesien BC (#1) in Orchies and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Quimper: C.Raji 22+7reb+4ast, F.Thibedore 15+1reb+1ast, W.Molas 10+4reb+1ast, C.Cherry 9+1reb+9ast, O.Kolb 7+2reb+1ast, B.Doumbe 6+2reb+1ast
Blois: D.Davis 22+5reb+2ast, J.Tornato 18+6reb+2ast, G.Staelens 15+3reb+2ast, V.Kaunisto 14+10reb+3ast, P.Brochard 8+5ast, M.Sy 2+1reb

Vichy - Rennes 59-46

Very expected game when 13th ranked Union Rennes (4-9) was defeated on the road by fourth ranked JA Vichy (10-4) 59-46. The game was mostly controlled by JA Vichy. Union Rennes was better in third quarter 16-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. JA Vichy forced 22 Union Rennes turnovers. It was an exceptional evening for Belgian forward Douglas Tshomba (201-83, college: Tusculum) who led the winners and scored 14 points and 5 rebounds. American power forward Justin Reynolds (204-88, college: Texas A&M-CC) accounted for 12 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side. Forward Bernard M'Poy (197-87) came up with 14 points and 5 rebounds and Senegalese guard El Kabir Pene (190-84) added 12 points respectively for Union Rennes in the defeat. Union Rennes' coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. JA Vichy have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Quimper and Souffel. Newly promoted Union Rennes dropped to the twelfth position with nine games lost. JA Vichy will have a break next round. Union Rennes will play at home against Rueil (#9).
Top scorers:
Vichy: D.Tshomba 14+5reb+1ast, J.Reynolds 12+7reb, Y.Smail 7+1reb+1ast, G.Pons 7+2reb+2ast, O.Da Silveira 6+4reb, G.Lessort 6+8reb+2ast
Rennes: B.M'Poy 14+5reb, E.Kabir Pene 12+1reb+1ast, S.Ben Driss 6+2reb+3ast, E.Esneu Doguet 6+2reb+2ast, J.Dessart 5+5reb+2ast, G.Broudic 3+2reb

Batum, Matthews lead Blazers over Wolves 102-97 - by Eurobasket News

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Nicolas Batum (203-SF-88) and Wesley Matthews each made five 3s and scored 26 points to lead the Portland Trail Blazers over the injury-depleted Minnesota Timberwolves 102-97 on Saturday night.

The Blazers matched a franchise record with 16 3-pointers and withstood a fourth-quarter rally by the Timberwolves to win for the 10th time in 13 games and finish their four-game road trip with a 3-1 record.

Nikola Pekovic led the Timberwolves with 21 points but left the game in the third quarter because of a left hip strain. Only hours earlier, Minnesota learned it lost star forward Kevin Love to a broken right hand for the second time this season when an MRI confirmed the injury.

The banged-up Timberwolves who dressed only 10 players also played without point guard Ricky Rubio, who sat out with back spasms.

Damian Lillard had 20 points for the Blazers.
Courtesy of: http://www.ktvz.com

Tony Parker had 20 points and the San Antonio Spurs routed the Philadelphia 76ers - by Eurobasket News

SAN ANTONIO -- Tony Parker (188-PG-82) had 20 points, Manu Ginobili scored 19 and the San Antonio Spurs routed the Philadelphia 76ers 109-86 on Saturday night.

Tim Duncan added 16 points, Danny Green had 13 and Gary Neal finished with 12 for San Antonio, which has won 10 straight at home. Tiago Splitter had 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Spencer Hawes scored 22 points for Philadelphia, which has lost three straight and five of six. Evan Turner added 12 points and Thaddeus Young, Jason Richardson and Jrue Holiday each added 11.

San Antonio improved to 14-2 at home while rebounding from a blowout loss Thursday against the New York Knicks.

Philadelphia shot 42 percent from the field, including a 3-for-17 night from long range. The Spurs had 24 assists while shooting 48 percent.

Parker was 8 for 16 from the field in 29 minutes, the most of any San Antonio player in an easy victory.

Philadelphia's only lead came via Young's hook shot on the game's opening possession. Splitter tied the game with a layup on the ensuing possession and Duncan's 15-foot jumper gave the Spurs a 4-2 lead they would never relinquish.

Ginobili made his first three attempts, following a pair of 3s with a crossover dribble, drive and one-handed dunk for a 29-16 lead with 3 minutes left in the first.

NOTES: San Antonio's Stephen Jackson (sprained right ankle) missed his 16th game of the season. He injured his ankle against New York, tripping over a waitress working the courtside seats. ... Nando De Colo was recalled from San Antonio's Austin affiliate in the NBA Development League prior to the Saturday's game. ... Former Spurs F Malik Rose is now serving as an analyst for the 76ers' television broadcasts. Rose subbed as an analyst for former teammate Sean Elliott on several San Antonio broadcasts last season prior to joining Philadelphia's crew. Rose is a native of Philadelphia.
Courtesy of: The Associated Press

Bordeaux signs Nigel Wyatte - by Eurobasket News

JSA Bordeaux Basket (ProB) signed 32-year old American power forward Nigel Wyatte (204-98kg-81, college: Wagner, agency: Court Side). He just played at Staten Island Vipers (ABA) in the U.S.. The last season Wyatte played at ESSM Le Portel Cote dOpale. In 34 ProB games last year he had 11.1ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.4apg and 1.0spg.
The previous (10-11) season he played at Paris-Levallois. In 13 ProA games that season he recorded 3.8ppg and 2.5rpg. A very impressive season as he was named to Eurobasket.com All-French ProB 3rd Team. Wyatte also played 2 games in EuroChallenge where he recorded 3.5ppg, 3.5rpg (#3 in the league) and 1.0apg.
In 2004 he was drafted by Brooklyn Kings (USBL) in second round (15th overall).
Wyatte attended Wagner College and it will be his ninth season in pro basketball.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as His team won French ProB Regular Season in 2009. Wyatte was also voted All-NEC Defensive Player of the Year back in 2004 at his college time.
Wyatte has played also professionally in Germany, Holland and Spain (Lobe Huesca, Melilla Baloncesto, Plasencia Extremadura and Celso).

By Eurobasket Data Center

Ian Caskill claims French NM1 weekly honour - by Eurobasket News

Experienced American Ian Caskill (207-C-81) had a very impressive game in the last round for league's second-best Cognac and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com NM1 Player of the Week award for round 15.
The 31-year old center had a double-double of 21 points and eleven rebounds, while his team beat Sorgues (#10, 6-7) 87-74. Cognac is placed at 2nd position in French NM1. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Cognac will need more victories to improve their 10-3 record. In the team's last game Caskill had a remarkable 70.0% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at Cognac, through which he has constantly improved. James Madison University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Caskill is in league's top in rebounds (4th best: 8.3rpg) and averages solid 65.1% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 33-year old forward Fabien Herard (198-F-79) of Challans. Herard impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds. Of course he lead Challans to another comfortable win outscoring CFBB (#16, 0-13) 83-55. The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. But Challans managed to improve slightly their position in standings taking 13th place. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 4-9 record. Herard is one of the most experienced players at Challans and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 18.1ppg (#3). He also registered 6.5 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was Tunisian Mehdi Labeyrie-Hafsi (203-F/C-78) of Monaco (#8). Labeyrie-Hafsi scored 24 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He was a key player of Monaco, leading his team to a 85-79 win against the higher-ranked Orchy (#1, 10-3). Monaco needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 7 victories and 6 lost games. Labeyrie-Hafsi has a very solid season. In 12 games in France he scored 10.8ppg. Mehdi Labeyrie-Hafsi has also French passport and can play in the league with a status of domestic player.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Anthony Christophe (190-G-83) of Monaco - 24 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Corey Raji (198-F-88) of Quimper - 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Quincy Hankins-Cole (203-PF-90) of Sorgues - 20 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Jonathan Tornato (210-C-89) of Blois - 18 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Cedric Bertorelle (198-G-78) of Cognac - 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists
9. Ville Kaunisto (205-F-82) of Blois - 14 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Daviin Davis (193-F-85) of Blois - 22 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists

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)

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FYR MACEDONIA

Adriatic League: Buducnost bring win from Skopje - by Eurobasket News

MZT Skopje - Buducnost 69:76

Buducnost made a successful trip to FYR Macedonia tonight. They defeated MZT Skopje for 9-7 record in the Adriatic League ladder. Strahinja Milosevic (203-F-85) finished with 14 points to lead the winners.
Buducnost led by as many as 4 points after ten minutes of action 22:18. The Montenegrin side extended the lead in the second frame. Buducnost accounted for a comfortable 51:30 halftime advantage. MZT Skopje tried to put up a comeback rally in the third term. The Macedonian side fired 24 points to narrow the gap at 11-point mark. Buducnost however stayed at safe distance throughout the final frame and rolled to the win at the end. Dee Bost (187-G-89, college: Mississippi St.), Aleksa Popovic (201-SF-87) and Gerald Lee (208-C-87, college: ODU) provided 13 points each for Buducnost. Gjorji Cekovski (203-PF-79) answered with 13 points for MZT Skopje. Damjan Stojanovski (197-SG-87) chipped in 11 points in the loss.

MZT Skopje: Gjorji Cekovski 13, Damjan Stojanovski 11
Buducnost: Strahinja Milosevic 14, Dee Bost 13, Aleksa Popovic 13, Gerald Lee 13

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GERMANY

Standings - 1. Bundesliga

BBL Standings

1. Brose Bask.		14-2
2. EWE Baskets		12-5
3. B.Muenchen		11-6
4. Ratiopharm		11-6
5. ALBA		10-5
6. Art.Dragons		10-7
7. TBB Trier		9-7
8. Walter Tigers		8-9
9. Phoenix Hagen		8-9
10. Bremerhaven		8-9
11. s.Oliver Baskets		7-9
12. Bayreuth		7-10
13. MBC		7-10
14. Telekom Baskets		6-9
15. NY Phantoms		6-10
16. Fraport SKY		6-11
17. Neckar L'burg		5-12
18. LTi 46ers		4-13

Regular Season: Round 17

Jan. 5: Art.Dragons - Phoenix Hagen 93-104
Jan. 5: Brose Bask. - Bayreuth 85-74
Jan. 5: B.Muenchen - Ratiopharm 80-78
Jan. 5: MBC - s.Oliver Baskets 80-66
Jan. 5: Neckar L'burg - Walter Tigers 73-78
Jan. 5: LTi 46ers - Fraport SKY 59-79
Jan. 6: ALBA - NY Phantoms
Jan. 6: Walter Tigers - TBB Trier

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

John BRYANT
  Ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 16.6

1. Bryant, Ratiopharm	16.6
2. White, Phoenix	16.4
3. Brooks, LTi 46ers	16.2
4. Thompson, ALBA	15.8
5. Burrell, Bremerha.	15.5
6. Peacock, Fraport	15.3
7. Bell, Phoenix Hagen	14.8
8. Duggins, Walter T.	14.3
9. Nachbar, Brose B.	14.1
10. Taylor, Neckar L.	14.1

Rebounds Per Game

John BRYANT
  Ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 9.8

1. Bryant, Ratiopharm	9.8
2. Chubb, EWE Baskets	8.1
3. Anderson, s.Oliv.	7.2
4. Boateng, NY Phant.	6.7
5. Burtschi, Bremerha.	6.6
6. Roberts, B.Mue.	6.6
7. Robertson, Fraport	6.6
8. King, Art.Dragons	6.5
9. McGhee, Bayreuth	6.4
10. Boone, s.Oliver.	6.3

Assists Per Game

Jared JORDAN
  Telekom .
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 8.4

1. Jordan, Telekom	8.4
2. Rice, B.Muenchen	5.0
3. White, Phoenix	4.5
4. Joyce, EWE Baskets	4.4
5. Wood, ALBA	3.9
6. Redding, Walter T.	3.9
7. Gibson, Fraport SKY	3.8
8. Burrell, Bremerha.	3.6
9. Timberlake, MBC	3.6
10. Taylor, Neckar L.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Quantez ROBERTSON
  Fraport .
  (189-G-84)
  Avg: 2

1. Robertson, Fraport	2.0
2. Kramer, EWE B.	1.8
3. White, Phoenix	1.8
4. Bernard, Neckar L.	1.8
5. Wood, ALBA	1.6
6. Linhart, TBB Trier	1.6
7. Anderson, s.Oliv.	1.5
8. Duggins, Walter T.	1.5
9. Burtschi, Bremerha.	1.5
10. Gibson, Fraport S.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Dino GREGORY
  Phoenix .
  (200-F-89)
  Avg: 2

1. Gregory, Phoenix	2.0
2. Bryant, Ratiopharm	1.6
3. Ford, Brose Bask.	1.3
4. Pantelic, MBC	1.2
5. Homan, B.Muenchen	1.2
6. Morrison, Bremerha.	1.1
7. Zirbes, Brose Bask.	1.1
8. Wohlfarth-B., Tele.	1.1
9. Turek, Neckar L.	1.1
10. Boateng, NY Phan.	1.0

Standings - ProA

ProA Standings

1. Goettingen		13-3
2. Vechta		12-4
3. Karlsruhe		10-5
4. Cuxhaven		10-6
5. Duesseldorf		10-6
6. Chemnitz		9-6
7. Heidelberg		8-7
8. Jena		8-8
9. Ehingen		8-8
10. ETB Wohnbau		6-9
11. Finke Baskets		6-9
12. Gotha		6-10
13. NBC		6-10
14. Kirchheim		5-10
15. Crailsheim		5-11
16. Leipzig		3-13

Regular Season: Round 16

Jan. 5: Vechta - Duesseldorf 99-79
Jan. 5: Cuxhaven - NBC 92-77
Jan. 5: Jena - Goettingen 85-88
Jan. 5: Crailsheim - Ehingen 82-89
Jan. 5: Leipzig - Gotha 67-81
Jan. 6: Kirchheim - Karlsruhe
Jan. 6: ETB Wohnbau - Heidelberg
Jan. 7: Finke Baskets - Chemnitz

Stats Leaders - 2.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

Logan STUTZ
  ETB Wohnbau
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 21.9

1. Stutz, ETB Wohnbau	21.9
2. Thomas, Cuxhaven	19.7
3. Williams, Vechta	19.3
4. Brazelton, NBC	18.9
5. Kelly, Cuxhaven	16.9
6. Calvin, Ehingen	16.4
7. Barker, Jena	16.2
8. Alexander, Kirchhe.	15.9
9. White, Heidelberg	15.6
10. Khartchenkov, Lei.	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Chris GADLEY
  Leipzig
  (207-C-87)
  Avg: 11

1. Gadley, Leipzig	11.0
2. Stutz, ETB Wohnbau	8.4
3. Lawson, Chemnitz	8.4
4. Black, Karlsruhe	8.1
5. Henley, ETB W.	7.9
6. Calvin, Ehingen	7.8
7. Livas, Goettingen	7.6
8. Baker, Gotha	7.3
9. Adomaitis, Jena	7.0
10. Dennis, Finke B.	6.8

Assists Per Game

Richard WILLIAMS
  Vechta
  (178-PG-87)
  Avg: 7.9

1. Williams, Vechta	7.9
2. Aud, Finke Baskets	7.1
3. Coleman, Crailsheim	6.2
4. Cook, ETB Wohnbau	5.5
5. Brazelton, NBC	4.9
6. Kelly, Cuxhaven	4.8
7. Smith, Gotha	4.7
8. Matthews, Ehingen	4.6
9. Barth, Heidelberg	4.5
10. Barker, Jena	4.4

Steals Per Game

Richard WILLIAMS
  Vechta
  (178-PG-87)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Williams, Vechta	2.8
2. Matthews, Ehingen	2.7
3. White, Heidelberg	2.3
4. Brooks, Kirchheim	1.9
5. Johnson, Duesseld.	1.8
6. Bynum, Chemnitz	1.8
7. Lawson, Chemnitz	1.7
8. Stockton, Karlsruhe	1.5
9. Alexander, Kirchhe.	1.5
10. Brazelton, NBC	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Chris GADLEY
  Leipzig
  (207-C-87)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Gadley, Leipzig	2.5
2. White, Heidelberg	2.0
3. Flomo, Duesseldorf	1.4
4. De Michael, NBC	1.3
5. Lawson, Chemnitz	1.3
6. Thompson, NBC	1.1
7. Smallwood, Kirchhe.	1.1
8. Menck, Karlsruhe	0.9
9. Harris, Cuxhaven	0.9
10. Adams, Finke B.	0.8

Standings - Pro B

ProB Standings

Group North
1. Schwelm		12-1
2. Herten Lions		10-3
3. Rist Wedel		10-3
4. Oldenburg		6-6
5. SU Medien		6-7
6. Recklinghausen		6-7
7. Dorsten		6-7
8. BSW Sixers		5-8
9. Hannover		4-8
10. MTV Wolfenbuettel		4-9
11. Wulfen		4-9
12. Stahnsdorf		4-9
Group South
1. Dragons		12-1
2. Weissenhorn		8-5
3. Noerdlingen		8-5
4. Langen		8-5
5. Licher Baeren		7-6
6. Fraport SKY II		6-6
7. Bayer Giants		6-6
8. Dresden		6-7
9. Hanau		6-7
10. Leitershofen		5-8
11. Konstanz		3-10
12. TSV Troester		2-11

Regular Season: Round 13

North

Dec. 23: Stahnsdorf - Recklinghausen 94-83
Dec. 22: Herten Lions - Wulfen 82-66
Jan. 22: BSW Sixers - Rist Wedel 76-82
Jan. 5: MTV Wolfenbuettel - SU Medien 69-80
Jan. 5: Dorsten - Schwelm 63-83
Jan. 6: Oldenburg - Hannover

South

Jan. 5: Leitershofen - Weissenhorn 89-81
Dec. 23: Langen - Hanau 77-61
Jan. 5: Dragons - TSV Troester 72-66
Dec. 23: Konstanz - Dresden 71-91
Dec. 23: Licher Baeren - Noerdlingen 59-74
Jan. 6: Fraport SKY II - Bayer Giants

The Telekom Baskets Bonn Reel In Jamel Mclean - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The search for a power forward has ended for Beko BBL team Telekom Baskets Bonn as the team announced the arrival of Jamel McLean (203-F-88, college: Xavier) who got a contract until the end of the season. Jamel McLean is a 24 year old 203cm forward that was born in Brooklyn New York but grew up in Hampton Beach Virginia. This is his second season in Europe and fourth team. He started the season with Givova Scafati Basket (Italy-Lega2, starting five), in Oct.'12 moved to Telenet Oostende (Belgium-Ethias League), left in Dec.'12. With Oostende, he played five games averaging 7,0ppg, 6,2rpg and 1,8spg. He also played Eurocup playing six games averaging 4,7ppg and 4,8rpg. "He is a player with rich European experience and was active until the end of December. That was the most important thing for us. He is very active, works hard on defense and is an excellent rebounder. We strengthen our defense with him and give us more options on offense", stressed Bonn head coach Michael Koch. He started his basketball career at Tulsa (NCAA) in 2006-2007 an dthen played his last three years of NCAA ball with Xavier. In hiss enior year, he played 31 games: 10.6ppg, 8.4rpg, FGP: 53.9%, FT: 61.2%. Last season as a rookie he played for Stella Artois Leuven Bears (Belgium-D1): 36 games: 9.3ppg, 6.8rpg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 62.8%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Atlantic 10 Regular Season Champion -08, 09, 11, Atlantic 10 Tournament Semifinals -08, 09, 10, NCAA Elite Eight -08, Athletes in Action -08, William Jones Cup Tournament -08, Atlantic 10 Regular Season Co-Champion -10, NCAA Sweet 16 -10, All-Atlantic 10 3rd Team -11, and Belgian Cup Semifinals -12

Source: Telekom Baskets Bonn

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%.

Dane Watts (ratiopharm Ulm) Sebastian Betz Has Been Taking My Roommate Pep Talks To Heart - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports) is a 26 year old 203cm forward from Warrensburg, Missouri. He will be playing his second season for ratiopharm Ulm. Last season for ratiopharm Ulm, he played 38 games averaging 9.6ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 24.6%, FT: 58.1%He played at Creighton (NCAA) from 2004-2008 with NBA player Anthony Tolliver. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 11.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3Pts: 42.5%, FT: 71.8%. In 2008, he came to Germany and started his professional basketball career with EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 32 games: 8.9ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP-1 (68.4%), 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 68.7%. In 2009-2010, he came to The Walter Tigers Tuebingen playing 34 games: 10.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 71.0%. In 2010-2011 for Tuebingen, he played 33 games: 13.7ppg, Reb-4 (7.6rpg), 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 54.5%; in May'11 moved to Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (France-ProA): 3 games: 7.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg. At Creighton, he won awards such as MVC Tournament Winner -05, 07, MVC All-Freshman Team -05, MVC Regular Season Runner-Up -07, and MVC Tournament Semifinals -08. He spoke to eurobasket before the game against FC Bayern Munich January 5th.

ratiopharm Ulm celebrated a big win in Tuebingen 80-67. Except for the Tigers leading 19-18 after one quarter, Ulm was in control of game after that. What was key for having the game in control in the last three quarters and getting the win?

It was a very intense game from start to finish. We were able to hit some outside shots to get the lead and then made solid plays to finish the game. Different players stepping up was big this game, Esterkamp hitting big shots, Betz and Jeter giving us big minutes off the bench.

Would you have thought before the game that John Bryant and Kenny Frease wouldnt be as big a factor in the game as one might have thought?

JB got his eye busted and had to get stitches at halftime, that forced us to play small and that forced Tuebingen to match up.

Sebastian Betz showed his worth again scoring nine points in 15 minutes. Is there a more effective role player in short minutes than him in the Beko BBL?

We are fortunate to have a guy like Bastie on our team. He is a fighter and can knock down big shots. He has been taking my roommate "pep" talks to heart before these games.

The next game is against FC Bayern Munich. Often teams have or dont have the luxury of having their schedule filled with playing the same team twice in a short amount of time. ratiopharm Ulm play Munich twice in a span of 22 days. Is this more of an advantage or disadvantage this season?

I guess it is an advantage when it comes to preparing the X's and O's of their playbook. The second time meeting up will be about making adjustments and who can execute their game plan. Both teams will be familiar with each other so it will be an intense battle.

FC Bayern Munich may have the best front court in the Beko BBL. How much of a challenge is it playing against Jan Jagla? It seems like a physical Dane Watts will be key to winning this duel?

He is tall and can shoot the 3. Limiting his shots and keeping the other bigs off the glass will be key. They have a big rotation with Troutman, Homan and Roberts.

Are you surprised how well the Los Angeles Clippers have played this season. Where could the journey of this franchise end this season?

Chris Paul has brought the needed toughness and leadership to that team. If Chauncey and Grant Hill can return healthy they could get out of the first round of the playoffs, after that anything can happen.

Why do you think are Germans so keen and good at celebrating New yeaas with fire works?

I dont know, I'm just glad that my son was able to sleep through the 1 1/2 hours of explosions outside of our window.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Duck Dynasty Season 1

Brian Harper (TBB Trier) We Got Back To Playing Our Type Of Basketball - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Brian Harper (206-F/G-85, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Paine) is a 27 year old 206cm forward that is commencing his first season in Germany in the Beko BBL for TBB Trier. He started off playing guard at 6'5" at Paine and grew to 6'10" and never changing positions. Brian's a smooth shooting wing with explosive athleticism. He has tremendous lateral movement with a wing span of 7'4". Brian is a talented ball handler. He adds an extra advantage as he utilizes his size to rebound over smaller defenders. He played at Paine (NCAA2) from 2003-2007. He turned professional in 2007 and played for Gimle BBK Bergen (Norway-1Div., starting five): 15 games: Score-3 (25.1ppg), 8.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, 2.0bpg, 2FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 21.5%, FT: 66.3%. In 2008-2009, he played for KCC Egis (Korea-KBL, starting five): Korean League: 9 games: 15.1ppg, 5.6rpg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 76.7%; released in Nov.'08, in Feb.'09 moved to Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 8 games: 3.5ppg, 1.6rpg; in March '09 signed at Reno Bighorns (D-League): 5 games: 1.2ppg. In the last three years, he played in Japan for Toyama Grouses (Japan-BJ League) playing a total of 102 games. Last season, he played 49 games: 16.3ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 28.7%, FT: 61.3%. He spoke to Eurobasket before the game against the Telekom Baskets Bonn

TBB Trier snapped a three game losing streak right before the new year against MBC with a win. What things did the team improve on in that win looking back on the three game losing streak?

I think we just got back to playing our type of basketball . We did a better job of executing on defense and that allowed us to get the must needed win.

TBB Trier is known as being a hard edged defensive team, but also showed their offensive qualities against MBC having five players in double figures. How important is it for guys like Monninghoff and Chikoko to continue to be consistent in the minutes they play especially in the scoring department?

I feel like we have a lot of guys that can be productive on the offensive end of the court and when guys like Monninghoff and Chikoko put up good numbers it just makes us a more dangerous team.

The next game is against the Telekom Baskets Bonn. What has been your impression of this team this season?

They are a very talented team and always seem to be well prepared I am looking forward to a good game.

Bonn have lost Patrick Ewing jr at the four and Marquis Blakley failed the physical. Now you might have to square off against impressive rookie Kyle Weems. Do you ever do your own video on player opponents or do you just pick up on everything in team video?

I always watch extra game film on my own. It gives me the opportunity to get a better feel of what a team likes to do and a chance to watch my particular match-up.

An interesting duel could be Barry Stewart and Robert Vaden two guys that know how to score. Could keeping one or the other in check be key to getting the win?

Like you said both guys are really good scorers and I'm sure that both teams feel that whoever can slow the other team down more will win the game.

The Los Angeles Clippers have been impressive with a record of 25-9. Where could their journey end this season in the NBA?

They have been playing some great basketball but the western conference is so strong that I think their season will probably end in the first or second round of the playoffs. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't be surprised if they went deeper they aren't short on the talent.

How did you enjoy your first New Years Eve in Europe? Were you surprised how focused Germans are when celebrating the new year?

My fianc and I loved it. The Germans know how to bring in the New Year !

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Looper

Thanks Brian for the chat.

Geddes Robinson the main man in Rhoendorf's upswing - by Moritz Korff

Basketball is a team sport? True. But nonetheless the talent and skill of an individual can take a team to new heights without a doubt. There's no championship winning team without at least one standout player, somebody has to be the leading scorer after all. Geddes Robinson (195-PF-87, agency: SDJ Sports, college: Utah Valley) is just that for current 2. Bundesliga Pro B South leader Dragons Rhoendorf. The 25-year-old power forward is the statistical leader of a club that looks like a championship candidate this season. The Dragons are 11-1. Though a 77-81 loss to Noerdlingen in mid-December ruined the clean sheet, a lot is working well for the Rhoendorf team. "The things that have been working so far is playing as a team and being able to trust each other. My teammates are so unselfish, I just try my best to be the same", Robinson said.

The 2012 graduate of Utah Valley University, who left school with a degree in behavioral science with an emphasis in psychology, is amongst the league's most productive players, averaging 19.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals per contest. While being best known for his rebounding at UVU - Robinson finished his college career with all-time leading rebounder honors under his belt - he emerged as a very capable scorer in Rhoendorf, a rather unheralded part of his game up to this point. "I felt like I could always score the ball, but I have come to understand on every team I play for my role can change. I just have to accept it, because at the end of the night winning is what matters. You cant brag about scoring 30 if you lost", he added. While in Germany Robinson has been able to accomplish both, winning and scoring. He produced 16 points or more in each of his twelve appearances this season and recorded eight double-doubles.

An undersized power forward, standing 6'5'' tall, he just outworks and outmaneuvers taller opponents and is currently ranked second in the league in rebounds per contest: "I like that rebounding can give a person the feeling of dominating the game. With less second chance shots the opposing team will feel powerless", Robinson said, and commenting on the expression that the team which controls the boards usually wins the game, he added: "I believe that statement to be true, because the more my team has the ball, the more opportunities we have to score." And to win. And to add to their record, which could eventually result in pushing for a championship. "My team will handle the pressure just fine", Robinson said about playing with a bull's eye on his back, "we handled being unbeaten for such a long time and did good with that. This is just another challenge we have to prove we can do."

After several months playing and living in Germany, another task appears to be a no-brainer for Robinson. As a first year player he had to deal with a cultural shock, which turned out to be much more of a joy than a hassle for him: "Its a big difference in a positive way, because Im in a town where people accept me even before I played a game. It's like Im family to them and Im thankful for it, because thats a blessing in itself. Playing in small gyms to me is basketball regardless. I love to compete whether we're outside playing, inside big gyms or small. Im from New York, we just need a ball and a rim."

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

GREECE

Standings - A1

A1 Standings

1. Olympiacos		10-0
2. Panionios		9-2
3. Panathinaikos		8-2
4. PAOK		8-3
5. AGOR		6-4
6. Apollon Patras		5-5
7. Ikaros		5-6
8. KAOD		4-6
9. Aris		4-7
10. Kolossos		4-7
11. Peristeri GS		4-7
12. Kavala		3-8
13. Panelefsiniakos		2-8
14. Ilysiakos		2-9

Regular Season: Round 11

Jan. 5: Panionios - PAOK 82-68
Jan. 5: Kolossos - Kavala 72-86
Jan. 5: Aris - Peristeri GS 70-46
Jan. 5: Ilysiakos - Ikaros 66-64
Jan. 6: Panathinaikos - Apollon Patras
Jan. 6: AGOR - KAOD
Jan. 6: Panelefsiniakos - Olympiacos

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

Nikos PAPPAS
  Panionios
  (195-G-90)
  Avg: 20.2

1. Pappas, Panionios	20.2
2. Kiritsis, Ikaros	18.6
3. Gagaloudis, Kavala	18.3
4. Liakopoulos, Panel.	17.2
5. Dendy, Kolossos	15.6
6. McGrath, PA.	15.2
7. Gibson, Ikaros	14.4
8. Printezis, Olympia.	14.3
9. Grant, Apollon	14.1
10. Petrovic-S., Apol.	14.0

Rebounds Per Game

Kevin PALMER
  KAOD
  (198-G/F-87)
  Avg: 8.3

1. Palmer, KAOD	8.3
2. Faye, Ikaros	7.6
3. Michel, KAOD	7.2
4. Jankovic, Panionios	6.9
5. Lasme, Panathin.	6.8
6. Papadopoulos, PAOK	6.8
7. Asimakopoulo., Aris	6.7
8. Vrkic, Ikaros	6.6
9. Kanonidis, Periste.	6.5
10. Haritopoulos, PAOK	6.5

Assists Per Game

Dimitris DIAMANTIDIS
  Panath.
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Diamantidis, Panat.	5.1
2. Spanoulis, Olympia.	5.0
3. Liakopoulos, Panel.	4.6
4. Petroulas, Periste.	4.4
5. Gagaloudis, Kavala	4.4
6. Grundy, Kavala	4.2
7. Hatten, Kolossos	4.0
8. Pappas, Panionios	3.6
9. McGrath, PA.	3.5
10. Sloukas, Olympiac.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Anthony GRUNDY
  Kavala
  (189-PG-79)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Grundy, Kavala	2.6
2. Grant, Apollon	2.4
3. Palmer, KAOD	2.4
4. Pappas, Panionios	2.3
5. Petway, AGOR	2.0
6. Papanikolaou, Olym.	1.9
7. Knowles, KAOD	1.8
8. Klaiber, Apollon	1.8
9. Mantzaris, Olympia.	1.7
10. Pelekanos, Aris	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Brent PETWAY
  AGOR
  (204-F-85)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Petway, AGOR	2.4
2. Coleman, Kavala	2.0
3. Michel, KAOD	1.5
4. Faye, Ikaros	1.5
5. Lasme, Panathin.	1.3
6. Scott, Ilysiakos	1.2
7. Papadopoulos, PAOK	1.1
8. Turner, Apollon	1.0
9. Powell, Olympiacos	1.0
10. Wyatt, Ikaros	0.8

Standings - A2

A2 Standings

1. Filathlitikos		10-1
2. Nea Kifisia		9-2
3. Lavrio		8-3
4. Trikalla		8-3
5. Pagrati		7-4
6. Koroivos		7-4
7. Ikaroi Serron		7-4
8. Agia Paraskevis		6-5
9. Ermis Lagkada		4-7
10. Arkadikos		4-7
11. Irakleio		3-8
12. OFI		2-9
13. Doxa Lefkadas		1-10
14. Niki Volou		1-10

Regular Season: Round 11

Jan. 5: OFI - Niki Volou 93-87
Jan. 5: Pagrati - Nea Kifisia 89-80
Jan. 5: Trikalla - Ikaroi Serron 89-78
Jan. 5: Lavrio - Koroivos 79-86
Jan. 5: Agia Paraskevis - Doxa Lefkadas 74-62
Jan. 5: Irakleio - Arkadikos 64-67
Jan. 5: Filathlitikos - Ermis Lagkada 107-66

Stats Leaders - A2

Points Per Game

Kostas TOTSIOS
  Ikaroi S.
  (191-G-78)
  Avg: 21.1

1. Totsios, Ikaroi S.	21.1
2. Anagnostopou., Erm.	20.5
3. Karaboulas, Nea K.	19.3
4. Giannakopoul., Lav.	18.9
5. Kakiouzis, Lavrio	18.1
6. Kitsoulis, OFI	17.5
7. Vranjes, Pagrati	17.2
8. Psileas, Agia P.	17.1
9. Moschovitis, Nea K.	15.5
10. Gizogiannis, Arka.	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Savvas MANOUSOS
  Doxa L.
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Manousos, Doxa L.	8.7
2. Noeas, Koroivos	8.6
3. Cubrilo, Arkadikos	8.5
4. Anagnostopou., Erm.	8.5
5. Kakiouzis, Lavrio	8.1
6. Doychinov, OFI	7.6
7. Papachristos, Trik.	7.4
8. Charismidis, Trika.	6.8
9. Pelkic, Irakleio	6.8
10. Koutroulias, Pagr.	6.7

Assists Per Game

Nikos GIKAS
  Filathlitikos
  (186-PG-91)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Gikas, Filathlitik.	5.9
2. Moschovitis, Nea K.	5.4
3. Karydas, Koroivos	5.3
4. Vasilopoulos, Pagr.	5.2
5. Tsiotras, Arkadikos	4.2
6. Papadakis, OFI	4.1
7. Giannakopoul., Lav.	3.5
8. Simeonidis, Ikaroi	3.5
9. Cosic, Koroivos	3.4
10. Mavrogiannis, Nik.	3.4

Steals Per Game

Nikos KATSARES
  Trikalla
  (190-G-83)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Katsares, Trikalla	2.9
2. Vranjes, Pagrati	2.3
3. Gikas, Filathlitik.	2.3
4. Karydas, Koroivos	2.1
5. Tsiotras, Arkadikos	2.1
6. Onasoglou, Ermis L.	2.0
7. Kapiniaris, Ikaroi	1.9
8. Psileas, Agia P.	1.9
9. Sakellarakis, Irak.	1.8
10. Adetokoubo, Filat.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Thanasis ADETOKOUBO
  Filath.
  (200-F-93)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Adetokoubo, Filath.	1.2
2. Doychinov, OFI	1.2
3. Papachristos, Trik.	1.0
4. Charismidis, Trika.	0.9
5. Sigounas, Arkadikos	0.9
6. Pelkic, Irakleio	0.8
7. Vagenas, Doxa L.	0.7
8. Kakiouzis, Lavrio	0.7
9. Nikoloudis, Ikaroi	0.6
10. Anagnostopou., Er.	0.6

Div.B Standing

B Standings

North Group
1. Iraklis		8-2
2. Filippos Veroias		7-3
3. Stratoni		7-3
4. Aias Evosmou		6-4
5. Marousi		6-4
6. Anatolia		6-5
7. Egaleo		5-5
8. Doxa Pefkon		5-6
9. Ionikos N.F.		4-6
10. Metamorfosi		4-6
11. Periko/Arhelaos		3-7
12. MENT		3-7
13. Ionikos Ionias		2-8
South Group
1. Psyhiko		9-1
2. AEK Athens		9-1
3. Panerythraikos		7-3
4. Amyntas Dafnis		6-4
5. Holargos		6-4
6. Aetos		6-4
7. Near East		5-5
8. Doukas		5-5
9. Enosi		4-6
10. Esperos Patras		4-7
11. Halkidas		3-8
12. Diagoras		0-0
13. Perama Ermis		0-11

Regular Season: Round 11

North

Jan. 5: Metamorfosi - MENT 84-75
Jan. 5: Anatolia - Marousi 77-73
Jan. 5: Filippos Veroias - Periko/Arhelaos 74-59
Jan. 5: Iraklis - Stratoni 73-56
Jan. 5: Egaleo - Ionikos Ionias 72-62
Jan. 5: Aias Evosmou - Doxa Pefkon 63-53

South

Jan. 5: AEK Athens - Holargos 88-85
Jan. 5: Amyntas Dafnis - Aetos 87-70
Jan. 5: Esperos Patras - Enosi 72-71
Jan. 5: Near East - Perama Ermis 69-56
Jan. 5: Halkidas - Psyhiko 62-66
Jan. 5: Kronos AD - Doukas 58-65

Tomic's double-double lands him A2 Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

32-year old power forward Branislav Tomic (205-F/C-80) had an amazing evening in the last round for Koroivos and receives a Eurobasket.com A2 Player of the Week award for round 11.
He had a double-double of 26 points and 14 rebounds, while his team beat Lavrio (#3, 8-3) 86-79. Koroivos is placed at 6th position in Greek A2. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Koroivos will need more victories to improve their 7-4 record. In the team's last game Tomic had a remarkable 58.8% from 2-point range. It was one of impressive evenings for him as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Branislav Tomic averages this season 11.8ppg.

Second best performed player last round was Giannis Maltesios (206-C-85) of Niki Volou. He is a center in his first season at Niki Volou. In the last game Maltesios recorded impressive 29 points and 9 rebounds. Bad luck as Niki Volou lost that game 87-93 to slightly higher-ranked OFI (#12, 2-9). The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. Niki Volou dropped in the standings to very bottom position. 10 lost games are too many comparing to just one victory Niki Volou managed to get this year. Maltesios is a newcomer at Niki Volou and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Kostas Vardavas (193-G-81) of Agia Paraskevis (#8). Vardavas scored 24 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Agia Paraskevis, leading his team to a 74-62 win against the lower-ranked Doxa Lefkadas (#13, 1-10). Agia Paraskevis needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 6 victories and 5 lost games. Vardavas has a very solid season. In 11 games in Greece he scored 11.7ppg. He also has 6.6rpg and FGP: 50.5%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Kostas Totsios (191-G-78) of Ikaroi Serron - 32 points and 4 assists
5. Vassilis Kitsoulis (204-F-83) of OFI - 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Apostolos Koutroulias (206-C-76) of Pagrati - 21 points and 16 rebounds
7. Tasos Charismidis (203-F-81) of Trikalla - 15 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists
8. Thanasis Adetokoubo (200-F-93) of Filathlitikos - 20 points and 4 rebounds
9. Petar Cosic (186-G-85) of Koroivos - 20 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Dimos Fotiou (197-F-82) of Pagrati - 27 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists

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)

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HOLLAND

Standings - Eredivisie

Eredivisie Standings

1. Den Bosch		14-3
2. Leiden		14-4
3. M.Magixx		11-6
4. Groningen		11-6
5. Leeuwarden		10-8
6. Den Helder K.		10-8
7. Zwolle		9-9
8. Weert		6-12
9. Rotterdam		1-15
10. Amsterdam		1-16

Regular Season: Round 16

Jan. 5: Leeuwarden - Zwolle 91-85
Jan. 5: Groningen - Den Helder K. 83-75
Jan. 5: Weert - Leiden 65-63
Jan. 6: Den Bosch - M.Magixx
Jan. 6: Amsterdam - Rotterdam

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

HUNGARY

Levy replaces Nick Williams - by Levente Szabo

As we published a few days ago, Jonathan Levy (193-G-82, college: CS San Bernar.) and Falco-Szova KC-Szombathely parted ways after the team's poor performance in the first part of the season. The 6'4" guard won't leave the country though as he was signed by Atomeromu SE Paks for a 1 month replacement job and will join the team tomorrow.

Levy will replace Nick Williams (192-SG-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Cincinnati) who had a hand surgery during the Christmas break and his rehab will take a few more weeks. Jonathan Levy will have his debut against his former team on next thursday with Atomeromu SE Paks.

Adriatic League: Siroki WWin snatch win in Hungary - by Eurobasket News

Szolnok - Siroki WWin 69:75

Siroki WWin claimed the fourth win in the Adriatic League season. They shot down Szolnok to catch up with the Hungarian team at 4-11 record in the ladder. Marko Sutalo (193-G-83, agency: BeoExcell) came up with 15 points to pace the winners.
Siroki jumped to a narrow 21:19 lead after ten minutes. Szolnok however erased the deficit in the second frame. The hosts pulled ahead for a 37:34 halftime lead. Siroki WWin turned things their way in the third term. The Bosnian team held the hosts to 10 points and spurred in front for a 56:47 advantage at the final intermission. Ernests Kalve (200-F-87) dragged the hosts within four points late in regulation however Marko Sutalo sank two free throws to seal the win for the visitors. Rashaun Freeman (206-C/F-84, college: Massachusetts) and Johnathon Jones (183-PG-88, agency: TSS Management, college: Oakland) delivered 12 points each for Siroki WWin. Ernests Kalve answered with 17 points for Szolnok. Akos Horvath (193-SG-81) had 11 points in the loss.

Szolnok: Ernests Kalve 17, Akos Horvath 11
Siroki WWin: Marko Sutalo 15, Rashaun Freeman 12, Johnathon Jones 12

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ICELAND

Best players of Icelandic Express L. round 11 - by Eurobasket News

American Michael Craion (195-F-89, agency: Ronsport) had an amazing evening in the last round for Keflavik and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 11.
The 23-year old forward had a double-double of 32 points and nineteen rebounds, while his team outclassed IR (#10, 3-8) with 27-point margin 111-84. Keflavik maintains the 6th position in Icelandic Express L.. Keflavik 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 6-5 record. Craion turned to be Keflavik's top player in his first season with the team. Oral Roberts University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Craion is in league's top in points (8th best: 20.8ppg), rebounds (2nd best: 13.5rpg) and averages solid 1.7bpg and 56.8% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 27-year old international center Finnur Magnusson (208-C-85) of KR. Magnusson impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 24 points and 14 rebounds. Of course he lead KR to another comfortable win 104-87 over the lower-ranked KFI (#12, 2-9) being unquestionably team leader. This victory allowed KR to move up to 4th position in the standings. His team's 7-3 record is not bad at all. Magnusson is one of the most experienced players at KR and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

The third best performed player last round was American Haminn Quaintance (201-F-85, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) of Skallagrimur (#7). Quaintance showcased his all-around game by recording 17 points, nineteen rebounds (!!!) and four assists in the last round. He was a key player of Skallagrimur, leading his team to a 76-72 win against slightly higher-ranked Thor Thorl (#5, 7-3). The chances of Skallagrimur ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 6 games, recording just four victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Quaintance could help Skallagrimur to bring them higher in the standings. Quaintance has a great season in Iceland. After only 9 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 20.3ppg (9th best), rebounds with 11.8rpg (3rd best) and assists with 4.6apg (6th best). He also has 3.1spg, 1.8bpg and FGP: 53.5%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Damier Pitts (177-PG-89) of KFI - 35 points and 8 assists
5. George Valentine (203-F) of Tindastoll - 20 points and 14 rebounds
6. Palmi Sigurgeirsson (190-G-78) of Snaefell - 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Asim McQueen (203-F-88) of Snaefell - 29 points and 8 rebounds
8. Isaac Miles (187-G-88) of Fjolnir - 19 points and 11 rebounds
9. Kristofer Acox (195-G-93) of KR - 21 points and 9 rebounds
10. David Jackson (201-F-88) of Thor Thorl - 24 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists

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)

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

INDIA

Uttarakhand clinch National Championship title - by Eurobasket News

Uttarakhand - Punjab 79:61

Uttarakhand are crowned new National Champions. They dethroned Punjab beating those in the title game. Yadwinder Singh (197-C-86) came up with impressive 33 points and 12 rebounds to pace the winners.
Uttarakhand cleared off late in the opening quarter. They posted a 23:16 lead ten minutes into the game. Uttarakhand maintained the lead throughout the second frame. They ensured a 45:34 halftime advantage. Punjab were unable to trigger the intrigue in the third term. Uttarakhand team rallied to a comfortable 58:41 lead at the final intermission. Punjab struggled to get any closer in the fourth frame as Uttarakhand cruised to the victory. Krishnan Murli and Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (193-G-91) posted 15 points each in the win. Singh Satnam answered with 19 points and 13 boards for Punjab. Ranbir Singh and Talwinder finished with 13 points each in the loss.

Uttarakhand: Yadwinder Singh 33+12 boards, Krishnan Murli 15, Vishesh Bhriguvanshi 15
Punjab: Singh Satnam 19+13 boards, Ranbir Singh 13, Singh Talwinder 13

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

ITALY

Standings - B1

Nazionale Standings

1. Torino		12-3
2. Matera		12-4
3. Agrigento		11-5
4. Castelletto		10-5
5. Lucca		9-6
6. Treviglio		9-7
7. Bari		8-7
8. Chieti		8-8
9. Omegna		8-8
10. Casalpusterlengo		7-8
11. Firenze		7-8
12. Recanati		6-9
13. Ferrara		6-9
14. San Severo		6-9
15. Perugia		5-10
16. Reggio Calabr.		5-10
17. Latina Basket		5-11
18. Mirandola		5-11
Folded
1. Bologna		6-4

Regular Season: Round 18

Jan. 5: Omegna - Treviglio 71-40
Jan. 6: Perugia - Ferrara
Jan. 6: Reggio Calabr. - Lucca
Jan. 6: Casalpusterlengo - Firenze
Jan. 6: Mirandola - Recanati
Jan. 6: San Severo - Matera
Jan. 6: Bari - Castelletto
Jan. 6: Torino - Latina Basket

stats leader

Points Per Game

Davide POLTRONERI
  Perugia
  (195-SG-85)
  Avg: 20.3

1. Poltroneri, Perugia	20.3
2. Parente, Lucca	17.7
3. Ruggiero, Bari	17.3
4. Ferrarese, Trevigl.	17.1
5. Casadei, Firenze	16.8
6. Gueye, San Severo	16.7
7. Circosta, Bologna	16.4
8. Pierini, Recanati	15.9
9. Bolzonella, Castel.	15.9
10. Wojciechowsk., To.	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Andrea IANNILLI
  San Severo
  (207-C-84)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Iannilli, San Seve.	11.6
2. Rossi, Chieti	10.6
3. Baldi Rossi, Torino	8.9
4. Wojciechowsk., Tor.	8.9
5. Raminelli, Bologna	8.7
6. Benfatto, Ferrara	8.7
7. Ihedioha, Castelle.	8.6
8. Pazzi, Castelletto	8.6
9. Mancin, Mirandola	7.8
10. Bonessio, Bari	7.8

Assists Per Game

Jordan LOSI
  Mirandola
  (182-PG-80)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Losi, Mirandola	5.8
2. Piazza, Bologna	5.6
3. Simoncelli, Castel.	4.7
4. Marino, Casalp.	4.5
5. Ferrarese, Trevigl.	3.8
6. Rajola, Chieti	3.7
7. Caroldi, Firenze	3.6
8. Santolamazza, Lati.	3.0
9. Gnaccarini, Recana.	2.9
10. Mariani, Omegna	2.8

Steals Per Game

Alessandro PIAZZA
  Bologna
  (174-PG-87)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Piazza, Bologna	3.8
2. Parente, Lucca	3.4
3. Tavernelli, Latina	3.3
4. Vico, Matera	3.3
5. Maggio, San Severo	3.2
6. Spizzichini, Ferra.	3.2
7. Bonamente, Perugia	3.2
8. Cortesi, Ferrara	3.1
9. Gueye, San Severo	3.0
10. Capitanelli, Fire.	2.9

Blocks Per Game

Andrea CAPITANELLI
  Firenze
  (203-C-86)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Capitanelli, Firen.	1.8
2. Raminelli, Bologna	1.7
3. Rossi, Chieti	1.3
4. Del Brocco, San S.	1.0
5. Gagliardo, Latina	0.9
6. Iannilli, San Seve.	0.9
7. Mancin, Mirandola	0.9
8. Casadei, Firenze	0.8
9. Pazzi, Castelletto	0.8
10. Iannuzzi, Matera	0.7

Gallinari scores 26 points to lead Nuggets past Jazz 110-91 - by Eurobasket News

Danilo Gallinari (205-SF-88, agency: Players Group) scored 26 points and the Denver Nuggets rebounded from a rare home loss to beat the Utah Jazz 110-91 on Saturday night.

Andre Iguodala added 18 points and Kenneth Faried had 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Nuggets, who improved to 11-2 at home this season after their eight-game winning streak at the Pepsi Center was snapped Thursday in a loss to Minnesota.

The Nuggets extended their recent success against Utah at home, winning for the eighth time in the past 10 meetings between the teams at the Pepsi Center.

Paul Millsap had 15 points to lead the Jazz, who were without center Enes Kanter (ankle) and guard Mo Williams (right thumb surgery).
Courtesy of: http://www.foxnews.com

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

JAPAN

Standings - BJ League

BJ Standings

Eastern
1. Yokohama BC		17-6
2. Iwate Big Bulls		17-6
3. Niigata Albirex		17-7
4. Toyama Grouses		14-9
5. Akita NH		13-7
6. Shinshu BW		13-12
7. Chiba Jets		9-12
8. Sendai 89ers		8-12
9. Tokyo Cinq R.		8-15
10. Gunma		4-19
11. Saitama Bron.		2-19
Western
1. Okinawa GK		19-3
2. Shimane SM		16-7
3. Hamamatsu P.		16-9
4. Fukuoka Rizing		15-8
5. Shiga L-Stars		13-10
6. Kyoto Hannar.		12-12
7. Takamatsu FA		9-14
8. Oita H.Devils		9-14
9. Osaka Evessa		4-17
10. Miyazaki SS		3-20

Regular Season: Round 25

Jan. 5: Fukuoka Rizing - Shimane SM 95-103
Jan. 2: Okinawa GK - Kyoto Hannar. 92-77
Jan. 5: Chiba Jets - Shinshu BW 88-78
Jan. 3: Okinawa GK - Kyoto Hannar. 87-64
Jan. 5: Takamatsu FA - Tokyo Cinq R. 84-77
Jan. 5: Shiga L-Stars - Miyazaki SS 82-59
Jan. 5: Saitama Bron. - Sendai 89ers 75-90
Jan. 5: Yokohama BC - Niigata Albirex 75-74
Jan. 5: Gunma - Iwate Big Bulls 70-80
Jan. 5: Oita H.Devils - Hamamatsu P. 60-85
Jan. 5: Toyama Grouses - Osaka Evessa 59-75

Regular Season: Round 26

Jan. 6: Toyama Grouses - Osaka Evessa
Jan. 6: Gunma - Iwate Big Bulls
Jan. 6: Saitama Bron. - Sendai 89ers
Jan. 6: Chiba Jets - Shinshu BW
Jan. 6: Yokohama BC - Niigata Albirex
Jan. 6: Shiga L-Stars - Miyazaki SS
Jan. 6: Takamatsu FA - Tokyo Cinq R.
Jan. 6: Fukuoka Rizing - Shimane SM
Jan. 6: Oita H.Devils - Hamamatsu P.

BJ League Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Dominique KELLER
  Miyazaki.
  (203-F-88)
  Avg: 21.3

1. Keller, Miyazaki.	21.3
2. Burns, Yokohama BC	20.8
3. Jones, Tokyo C.	20.5
4. Parker, Shimane SM	20.2
5. Woods, Miyazaki SS	19.8
6. Werner, Chiba Jets	19.3
7. Kennedy, Yokohama.	18.4
8. Thomas, Hamamats.	18.1
9. Tate, Oita H.Devils	17.6
10. Woodbury, Okina.	17.6

Rebounds Per Game

Wendell WHITE
  Oita H.
  (198-G-84)
  Avg: 13.5

1. White, Oita H.	13.5
2. Holm, Niigata Albi.	13.3
3. Warren, Fukuoka	12.5
4. Willard, Sendai 89.	12.2
5. Bell, Osaka Evessa	12.0
6. Cox, Osaka Evessa	10.9
7. Werner, Chiba Jets	10.7
8. Sato, Tokyo Cinq	10.2
9. Parker, Shimane SM	10.2
10. Blackledge, Iwate	10.1

Assists Per Game

Tanaka KENSUKE
  Chiba Jets
  (187-G-85)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Kensuke, Chiba Je.	6.2
2. Namizato, Okina.	6.1
3. Galloway, Hamamats.	6.0
4. Shimura, Sendai	5.9
5. Harris, Akita NH	4.7
6. Burns, Yokohama BC	4.7
7. Lyons, Takamats.	4.0
8. Tomori, Gunma	3.7
9. Mito, Toyama G.	3.6
10. Brown, Toyama G.	3.6

Steals Per Game

Draelon BURNS
  Yokohama BC
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Burns, Yokohama BC	2.5
2. McHenry, Okina.	2.3
3. Masato, Iwate B.	2.2
4. Bell, Osaka Evessa	2.0
5. Brown, Toyama G.	2.0
6. Bell, Chiba Jets	1.9
7. Shimura, Sendai	1.9
8. Parker, Shimane SM	1.8
9. Yamauchi, Okina.	1.8
10. Namizato, Okina.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Jeral DAVIS
  Shimane SM
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Davis, Shimane SM	3.5
2. Blackledge, Iwate	2.9
3. Fairley, Miyazaki.	2.0
4. Marshall, Shins.	2.0
5. Brown, Toyama G.	1.7
6. Williams, Takamats.	1.7
7. Carter, Tokyo C.	1.7
8. Newton, Okinawa GK	1.5
9. Parker, Shimane SM	1.5
10. Bell, Osaka Eves.	1.4

Chiba whoop Shinshu to remain outsiders for a play-off slot - by Mark Buckton

n the second of the weekend's two game series, Marquin Chandler (202-F-82, college: San Jose St.) sank five points in quick succession to break an early deadlock midway through a very physical 1Q, leading the Chiba Jets to a 14-11 lead come the first break and giving an indication of the game to come.
Never again were the visitors to come close to outscoring their hosts with Joe Werner (201-C-84, college: Wisc.-La Cros.), breaking up most of the Shinshu Brave Warriors Nagano attacks on the basket going into the first break, adding four points of his own to the team tally after 10:00, 13 total on 27:35 played come the final buzzer.
D'Andre Bell (198-G/F-87, college: Georgia Tech) started quietly in the first qarter with 3 points off 2:19 played before stepping up to nail 8 more by half-time, 23 total at the end of the fourth, and by the midway point the game was all but over at 32-19; a score that flattered Shinshu far more than the hosts.
The 3Q started a lot slower as the 'two foreigners' rule kicked-in, but with the physical aspect giving way to a more technical game, the set-plays of both teams saw Chiba net 25 in the quarter to the visitors' 18 on their way to a 20-point 57-37 lead for the final period, D'Andre Bell contributing 9, Joe Werner and Marquin Chandler 7 apiece.
The 4Q saw both teams revert to the 3 foreigners lineup they used so often throughout, with Shinshu's point-man, Takanori Goya (190-G-83), all-but blanked after a decent 7 points in 8.09 play in 1Q but just one more after a further 13.56 of court time returning to net 4 in the last period; much too little much too late as the Jets swept the series 2-0 on the back of a hugely one-sided 84-55.

BJ League Round 25: Niigata Albirex loses #1 position - by Eurobasket News

The round was rather attractive and full of interesting results. The round ended with change at the leadership position and favorites losing the games.

Round 25 in BJ League means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Yokohama where host Yokohama BC (17-6) edged league's leader Niigata Albirex (17-7) 75-74 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Niigata Albirex. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Niigata Albirex was trailing by 1 point at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 22-20 charge of Yokohama BC, which allowed them to win the game. Strangely Niigata Albirex outrebounded Yokohama BC 41-18 including a 18-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. American guard Draelon Burns (194-85, college: De Paul, agency: Top Notch Sports) fired 26 points for the winners. Swingman Masayuki Kabaya (183-82) chipped in 23 points. Yokohama BC's coach Reggie Geary used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American center Chris Holm (212-84, college: Vermont, agency: Top Notch Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 16 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for lost side. Yokohama BC have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Iwate Big Bulls. Niigata Albirex at the other side dropped to the third place with seven games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Yokohama BC. Niigata Albirex will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest and make it back to the top of the standings. Yokohama BC will try to continue on its current victory against third ranked Niigata Albirex at home.
Another exciting game was between second ranked Shimane Magic and 3rd placed Fukuoka Rizing where Shimane Magic (16-7) beat Fukuoka Rizing (15-8) on the road 103-95. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Fukuoka Rizing. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Michael Parker (202-81, college: Evergreen St.) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points and 19 rebounds. Brandon Freeman contributed with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists (made all of his nine free throws !!!) for the winners. Shimane Magic's coach Zeljko Pavlicevic allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Trinidad and Tobago power forward Julius Ashby (205-82, college: Colorado) answered with 20 points and 9 rebounds for Fukuoka Rizing. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Shimane Magic. They maintain second place with 16-7 record having just two points less than leader Yokohama BC. Fukuoka Rizing at the other side dropped to the fourth position with eight games lost. Shimane Magic will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Fukuoka Rizing will play again at home against the league's second-placed Shimane Magic (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Leader Okinawa GK delivered the nineteenth victory on Thursday night. This time they crushed 6th ranked Kyoto Hannar. (12-12) 87-64. Anthony McHenry stepped up with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. At the losing side Masaharu Kataoka responded with 19 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Okinawa GK. They maintain first place with 19-3 record. Loser Kyoto Hannar. keeps the sixth position with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Leader Okinawa GK recorded the nineteenth victory. This time they beat 6th ranked Kyoto Hannar. (12-12) 92-77. Narito Namizato nailed 22 points and 8 assists for the winning side. Okinawa GK's coach Tohyama Kohto allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Okinawa GK. They maintain first place with 19-3 record. Kyoto Hannar. at the other side keeps the sixth position with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game in Chiba was also quite interesting. 6th ranked Shinshu BW (13-12) played at the court of seventh ranked Chiba Jets (9-12). Chiba Jets defeated Shinshu BW 88-78 on Saturday. The game was dominated by American players. Marquin Chandler fired 30 points for the winners. Chiba Jets' coach Shinji Tomiyama used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Chiba Jets maintains seventh place with 9-12 record. Shinshu BW lost their fifth game in a row. They keep the sixth position with 12 games lost. Chiba Jets will face again higher ranked Shinshu BW (#6) in Nagano in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.

Other games of round 25 were very predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Sendai 89ers defeated Saitama Bron. in a road game 90-75. Gunma was beaten by Iwate Big Bulls at home 70-80. Hamamatsu P. destroyed Oita H.Devils on the opponent's court 85-60. Takamatsu FA managed to outperform Tokyo Cinq R. in a home game 84-77. Miyazaki SS was rolled over Shiga L-Stars on the road 82-59. Toyama Grouses was defeated by Osaka Evessa on its own court 59-75.

Yokohama BC - Niigata Albirex 75-74

Round 25 in BJ League means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Yokohama where host Yokohama BC (17-6) edged league's leader Niigata Albirex (17-7) 75-74 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Niigata Albirex. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Niigata Albirex was trailing by 1 point at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 22-20 charge of Yokohama BC, which allowed them to win the game. Strangely Niigata Albirex outrebounded Yokohama BC 41-18 including a 18-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. American guard Draelon Burns (194-85, college: De Paul, agency: Top Notch Sports) fired 26 points for the winners. Swingman Masayuki Kabaya (183-82) chipped in 23 points. Yokohama BC's coach Reggie Geary used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American center Chris Holm (212-84, college: Vermont, agency: Top Notch Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 16 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and the other American import guard Nile Murry (193-83, college: TCU) added 22 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Niigata Albirex players scored in double figures. Yokohama BC have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Iwate Big Bulls. Niigata Albirex at the other side dropped to the third place with seven games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Yokohama BC. Niigata Albirex will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest and make it back to the top of the standings. Yokohama BC will try to continue on its current victory against third ranked Niigata Albirex at home.
Top scorers:
Niigata Albirex: N.Murry 22+7reb+1ast, C.Holm 16+16reb+3ast, K.Sato 14+5reb, Y.Ikeda 11+2reb+1ast, R.Webb 5+5reb, T.Finger 4+3reb+2ast
Yokohama BC: D.Burns 26+4reb+2ast, M.Kabaya 23+3ast, P.Faye 6+3reb, T.Kennedy 6+5reb+1ast, S.Hisayama 4+2reb, K.Yamada 4+2reb+6ast

Saitama Bron. - Sendai 89ers 75-90

There was no surprise when 11th ranked Saitama Broncos (2-19) were defeated at home by ninth ranked Sendai 89ers (8-12) 90-75 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by Sendai 89ers. Saitama Broncos was better in third quarter 21-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. American forward T.J. Cummings (205-81, college: UCLA, agency: Top Notch Sports) fired a double-double by scoring 32 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Guard Takehiko Shimura (160-83) chipped in 13 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Sendai 89ers' coach Robert Pierce used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. point guard Takuma Yamashiro (167-85) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points and 13 rebounds and guard Yuki Kitamuki (184-85) added 16 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Sendai 89ers and five Saitama Broncos players scored in double figures. The victory was the third consecutive win for Sendai 89ers. They moved-up to eighth place. Saitama Broncos lost their twelfth game in a row. They keep the eleventh position with 19 games lost. Sendai 89ers will have a break next round. Saitama Broncos will play again at home against Sendai 89ers (#8).
Top scorers:
Saitama Bron.: Y.Kitamuki 16+5reb+2ast, D.Baker 15+5reb+2ast, R.Orr 14+2reb+4ast, W.Oliver 11+7reb+1ast, T.Yamashiro 11+13reb, I.Hideo 6+1ast
Sendai 89ers: T.Cummings 32+12reb+3ast, T.Shimura 13+7reb+6ast, K.Coble 11+3reb, S.Willard 10+8reb+2ast, Y.Arai 9+1reb+1ast, S.Coleman 7+4reb

Gunma - Iwate Big Bulls 70-80

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Iwate Big Bulls (17-6) defeated on the road 10th ranked Gunma (4-19) 80-70 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by Iwate Big Bulls. Gunma was better in fourth quarter 25-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Iwate Big Bulls dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Gunma's 38. They outrebounded Gunma 48-37 including 37 on the defensive glass. American forward Lawrence Blackledge (206-86, college: Marquette, agency: Top Notch Sports) fired a double-double by scoring 17 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Nigerian-American power forward Reggie Okosa (208-80, college: La Salle, agency: Top Notch Sports) chipped in a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds. Blackledge is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Iwate Big Bulls players scored in double figures. American forward Dominique Keller (203-88, college: Illinois) produced a double-double by scoring 23 points and 11 rebounds and the other American import guard Jermaine Dixon (191-87, college: Pittsburgh) added 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Gunma's coach Ryan Blackwell rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Iwate Big Bulls. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Yokohama BC. Gunma lost their third game in a row. Newly promoted team keeps the tenth place with 19 games lost. Iwate Big Bulls will have a break next round. Gunma will play again at home against the league's second-placed Iwate Big Bulls (#2).
Top scorers:
Gunma: D.Keller 23+11reb+2ast, J.Dixon 17+8reb+4ast, S.Okada 8+2reb+2ast, L.Witcher 7+5reb+1ast, S.Noriyuki 5+4reb, Y.Okumoto 4+2reb
Iwate Big Bulls: L.Blackledge 17+15reb+4ast, D.Sneed 17+7reb, R.Okosa 16+11reb+2ast, K.Takahashi 14+4reb+1ast, N.Nakamura 10+4reb, T.Masato 6+1reb+1ast

Chiba Jets - Shinshu BW 88-78

The game in Chiba was also quite interesting. 6th ranked Shinshu BW (13-12) played at the court of seventh ranked Chiba Jets (9-12). Chiba Jets defeated Shinshu BW 88-78 on Saturday. Chiba Jets looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The game was dominated by American players. Forward Marquin Chandler (202-82, college: San Jose St.) fired 30 points for the winners. Center Joe Werner (201-84, college: Wisc.-La Cros.) chipped in a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds. Four Chiba Jets players scored in double figures. Chiba Jets' coach Shinji Tomiyama used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Swingman D'Mario Curry (201-85, college: Lincoln Memorial) produced 23 points and 7 rebounds and forward Jermaine Green (203-80, college: N.Texas) added 21 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Chiba Jets maintains seventh place with 9-12 record. Shinshu BW lost their fifth game in a row. They keep the sixth position with 12 games lost. Chiba Jets will face again higher ranked Shinshu BW (#6) in Nagano in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: D.Curry 23+7reb+1ast, J.Green 21+6reb+2ast, S.Yosuke 8+2reb+5ast, E.Morris 7+5reb+2ast, T.Goya 6+2reb+2ast, T.Utsunomiya 5+2reb
Chiba Jets: M.Chandler 30+3reb+2ast, J.Werner 20+12reb+1ast, D.Bell 12+5reb+2ast, M.Gray 10+2reb, R.Itakura 6+5reb, T.Kensuke 4+1reb+3ast

Oita H.Devils - Hamamatsu P. 60-85

Rather expected game when 7th ranked Oita Heat Devils (9-14) were rolled over at home by fourth ranked Hamamatsu Phoenix (16-9) 85-60 on Saturday. Hamamatsu Phoenix forced 22 Oita Heat Devils turnovers and outrebounded them 47-36 including 32 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American forward Adrian Thomas (200-87, college: Miami, FL) fired a double-double by scoring 26 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Forward Shoji Nakanishi (190-82) chipped in 15 points. Hamamatsu Phoenix's coach Ryuji Kawai felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. American center Thomas Granado (208-88, college: Concordia Irvine) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 17 rebounds and the other American import power forward Cyrus Tate (203-85, college: Iowa) added 17 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Oita Heat Devils players scored in double figures. Hamamatsu Phoenix moved-up to third place. Oita Heat Devils lost their tenth game in a row. They keep the seventh position with 14 games lost. Hamamatsu Phoenix will have a break next round. Oita Heat Devils will play again at home against Hamamatsu Phoenix (#3) in Mikawa.
Top scorers:
Oita H.Devils: C.Tate 17+9reb+2ast, T.Granado 12+17reb+2ast, K.Mitomo 11+3reb+6ast, I.Kersulyte 10+3reb+1ast, T.Shimizu 10+3reb+4ast, M.Lottich 0
Hamamatsu P.: A.Thomas 26+12reb+2ast, S.Nakanishi 15+2reb+3ast, J.Parmer 11+4reb+1ast, A.Ohta 9+7reb+1ast, K.Galloway 6+8reb+6ast, M.Ohguchi 6+1reb+3ast

Takamatsu FA - Tokyo Cinq R. 84-77

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both eighth ranked Takamatsu FA and 8th ranked Tokyo Cinq R. had identical 8-14 record. This time Takamatsu FA used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Tokyo 84-77 on Saturday night. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 27-17. But Tokyo Cinq R. won third quarter 24-12. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. American swingman Dexter Lyons (198-81, college: Cent.Florida, agency: I.D.S. Law) fired 17 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. His fellow American import power forward Robert Johnson (203-81, college: Oregon) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points and 13 rebounds. Takamatsu FA's coach Kenzo Maeda used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. American center Jonathan Jones (211-79, agency: TSS Management) produced a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds and guard Cohey Aoki (167-80) added 21 points respectively for lost side. Five Takamatsu FA and four Tokyo Cinq R. players scored in double figures. Takamatsu FA (9-14) moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Oita H.Devils. Tokyo Cinq R. lost their fourth game in a row. They dropped to the ninth position with 15 games lost. Takamatsu FA will face again Tokyo Cinq R. (#9) at home in the next round.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Cinq R.: C.Aoki 21+4reb+1ast, J.Jones 20+10reb+2ast, R.Barrett 17+5reb+1ast, H.Takada 11+4reb+4ast, A.Inoue 4+5reb, K.Sato 3+10reb+1ast
Takamatsu FA: D.Lyons 17+8reb+8ast, D.Tamura 17+2reb+2ast, B.Penn 15+7reb, Y.Kodera 15+1ast, R.Johnson 10+13reb+2ast, M.Suzuki 3+2reb+1ast

Shiga L-Stars - Miyazaki SS 82-59

Not a big story in a game when 10th ranked Miyazaki Shining Suns (3-20) were outplayed on the road by fifth ranked Shiga L-Stars (13-10) 82-59 on Saturday. The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 2-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 82-59. Shiga L-Stars dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Miyazaki Shining Suns' 32. They outrebounded Miyazaki Shining Suns 49-31 including a 33-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. Shiga L-Stars looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Panamanian forward Dionisio Gomez Camargo (203-80, college: Arkansas) fired a double-double by scoring 14 points, 16 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. American forward Ray Nixon (203-84, college: Wisconsin, agency: Top Notch Sports) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points and 12 rebounds. Five Shiga L-Stars players scored in double figures. Nigerian forward Abdullahi Kuso (206-84, college: Tallahassee CC) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points and 14 rebounds and American swingman Ricky Woods (194-84, college: SE Louisiana) added 15 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the third consecutive win for Shiga L-Stars. They maintain fifth place with 13-10 record. Miyazaki Shining Suns lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the tenth position with 20 games lost. Shiga L-Stars will face again Miyazaki Shining Suns (#10) at home in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game.
Top scorers:
Miyazaki SS: R.Woods 15+5reb+3ast, A.Kuso 11+14reb+1ast, Y.Kojima 10+2reb+2ast, H.Otsuka 8+1ast, L.Cunningham 7+2reb+3ast, M.Takahashi 3
Shiga L-Stars: B.Yokoe 15+1ast, D.Gomez Camargo 14+16reb+7ast, J.Nakama 11+4reb+3ast, S.Ogawa 11+1reb+3ast, R.Nixon 10+12reb+3ast, A.Aboya 10+11reb

Toyama Grouses - Osaka Evessa 59-75

There was a surprise result when ninth ranked Osaka Evessa (4-17) won against on the road 4th placed Toyama Grouses (14-9) 75-59 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by Osaka Evessa. Toyama Grouses was better in third quarter 15-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was also dominated by American players. Forward Michael Bell (206-82, college: Florida Atlantic) fired a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Forward Nathan Walkup (200-88, college: Texas A&M, agency: SDJ Sports) chipped in 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Walkup is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas. Four Osaka Evessa players scored in double figures. Osaka Evessa's coach used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Forward Jeremy Jacob (203-87, college: Oregon) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points and 15 rebounds and forward Ira Brown (193-82, college: Gonzaga, agency: SDJ Sports) added 18 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Osaka Evessa maintains ninth place with 4-17 record. Loser Toyama Grouses keep the fourth position with nine games lost. Osaka Evessa will have a break next round. Toyama Grouses will play again at home against Osaka Evessa (#9).
Top scorers:
Toyama Grouses: I.Brown 18+6reb+2ast, M.Joho 11+2reb+4ast, J.Jacob 11+15reb+2ast, T.Fujie 8+1reb+1ast, T.Mito 5+10reb+2ast, B.Cole 4+5reb
Osaka Evessa: D.Lathan 14+3reb+1ast, N.Walkup 12+5reb+4ast, M.Bell 12+13reb+3ast, S.Konno 11+5reb+1ast, D.Cox 8+9reb+1ast, T.Kawabe 8+1reb

Fukuoka Rizing - Shimane SM 95-103

Another exciting game was between second ranked Shimane Magic and 3rd placed Fukuoka Rizing where Shimane Magic (16-7) beat Fukuoka Rizing (15-8) on the road 103-95. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Fukuoka Rizing. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Shimane Magic dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Fukuoka Rizing's 30 and made 25-of-31 charity shots (80.6 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Fukuoka Rizing 49-32 including a 41-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. Shimane Magic brought some defensive toughness making 8 blocks. Fukuoka Rizing was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Michael Parker (202-81, college: Evergreen St.) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points and 19 rebounds. His fellow American import guard Brandon Freeman (191-83, college: UALR, agency: Court Side) contributed with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists (made all of his nine free throws !!!) for the winners. Shimane Magic's coach Zeljko Pavlicevic allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Trinidad and Tobago power forward Julius Ashby (205-82, college: Colorado) answered with 20 points and 9 rebounds and American guard Justin Johnson (198-86, college: Iowa, agency: Top Notch Sports) added 16 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Fukuoka Rizing. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Shimane Magic. They maintain second place with 16-7 record having just two points less than leader Yokohama BC. Fukuoka Rizing at the other side dropped to the fourth position with eight games lost. Shimane Magic will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Fukuoka Rizing will play again at home against the league's second-placed Shimane Magic (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Fukuoka Rizing: A.Takeno 20+3ast, J.Ashby 20+9reb+1ast, J.Johnson 16+6reb+2ast, J.Peppers 13+3reb+1ast, R.Warren 12+8reb+3ast, J.Nakanishi 11+4reb+3ast
Shimane SM: B.Freeman 27+8reb+4ast, M.Parker 23+19reb+1ast, J.Davis 14+9reb, T.Yokoo 14+1reb, B.Puckett 11+6reb+1ast, K.Yamabuchi 9+5ast

Okinawa GK - Kyoto Hannar. 87-64

Leader Okinawa GK delivered the nineteenth victory on Thursday night. This time they crushed 6th ranked Kyoto Hannar. (12-12) 87-64. Okinawa GK dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Kyoto Hannar.'s 32. American Anthony McHenry (202-83, college: Georgia Tech) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and guard Narito Namizato (172-89) chipped in 23 points and 5 assists. Four Okinawa GK players scored in double figures. At the losing side American guard Masaharu Kataoka (190-85) responded with 19 points and American-Panamanian forward Leonardo Pomare (203-86, college: San Diego, agency: Top Notch Sports) scored 7 points and 14 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. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Okinawa GK. They maintain first place with 19-3 record. Loser Kyoto Hannar. keeps the sixth position with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Kyoto Hannar.: M.Kataoka 19+3reb+2ast, J.Boyette 13+1reb+1ast, M.Cousin 9+9reb+2ast, L.Pomare 7+14reb, Y.Okada 5+1ast, T.Murakami 4+1ast
Okinawa GK: N.Namizato 23+5ast, A.McHenry 20+16reb+5ast, D.Larkai 14+3reb, N.Kosuge 11+1reb, J.Newton 9+9reb+1ast, T.Yonamine 4

Okinawa GK - Kyoto Hannar. 92-77

Leader Okinawa GK recorded the nineteenth victory. This time they beat 6th ranked Kyoto Hannar. (12-12) 92-77. It was a great shooting night for Okinawa GK especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 55.6 percentage. Guard Narito Namizato (172-89) nailed 22 points and 8 assists for the winning side and American center Jeff Newton (205-81, college: Indiana) accounted for 15 points and 7 rebounds. Okinawa GK's coach Tohyama Kohto allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Yu Okada (184-83) came up with 18 points and American-Panamanian forward Leonardo Pomare (203-86, college: San Diego, agency: Top Notch Sports) added 16 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Kyoto Hannar. in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Okinawa GK. They maintain first place with 19-3 record. Kyoto Hannar. at the other side keeps the sixth position with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Kyoto Hannar.: Y.Okada 18+4reb+3ast, L.Pomare 16+8reb, D.Palmer 15+2reb+2ast, M.Cousin 12+7reb, J.Boyette 8+1reb+2ast, M.Kataoka 6+4reb+2ast
Okinawa GK: N.Namizato 22+1reb+8ast, T.Woodbury 20+2reb+1ast, J.Newton 15+7reb+2ast, M.Yamauchi 13+5reb, Y.Sugawara 9+1reb+3ast, A.McHenry 6+10reb+1ast

Oita H.Devils add Granado to their roster - by Eurobasket News

Oita Heat Devils (BJ League) added to their roster 25-year old American center Thomas Granado (208-120kg-88, college: Concordia Irvine). He just played at Gunma Crane Thunders in JBL2. Granado helped his team get promotion to BJ League. In 21 JBL2 games this season he recorded 7.4ppg and 5.4rpg. The last season he played at Concordia University at Irvine in GSACon in the NAIA. He contributed to his team winning the league title. A very spectacular season in his career as he was voted to NAIA D1 All-Tournament Team.
Granado has played also professionally in WCBL (Santa Monica Jump).
He attended Concordia University at Irvine until 2012 and it will be his first season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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KOSOVO

Dustin Mitchell Leaves KB Bashkimi Prizren - by Surujh Roopnarine

Star American import Dustin Mitchell (206-F/C-87, college: WiscKing.-Whitew.) is no longer a member of KB Bashkimi Prizren. The 6-9 power forward/Germany's 2nd division and will not back in Kosovo once the season resumes next month. A critical loss for KB Bashkimi Prizren, the team will have to rely on lone remaining import Philip Brooks (188-G-84, college: Langston) as well as any replacement import thay can find prior to the return to action. The club already parted ways with guard/forward Jermont Horton (198-G-83, college: Rutgers-Newark) prior to the Christmas break.

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LATVIA

LBL Standing

LBL Standings

1. Valmiera		11-5
2. Jekabpils		10-7
3. Ventspils		9-1
4. VEF Riga		9-1
5. Barons kvartals		8-7
6. Jelgava		8-8
7. Jurmala		8-8
8. LU		7-9
9. Liepaja		5-11
10. Turiba		3-13
11. U18		1-9

Regular Season: Round 20

Jan. 3: Barons kvartals - Liepaja 77-68
Jan. 5: Jelgava - Ventspils 59-105
Jan. 6: LU - Liepaja
Jan. 6: Barons kvartals - Jurmala
Jan. 6: Valmiera - Turiba

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Maris GULBIS
  Barons k.
  (202-F-85)
  Avg: 21.3

1. Gulbis, Barons k.	21.3
2. Peiners, LU	20.2
3. O''Brien, Jekabpils	16.8
4. Hill jr., Jekabpils	16.5
5. Brown, Jurmala	14.8
6. Porzingis, Valmiera	14.1
7. Apsitis, Turiba	14.0
8. Pasecniks, U18	13.5
9. Aleksejevs, Jekabp.	13.4
10. Berzins, Valmiera	13.4

Rebounds Per Game

Todd O''BRIEN
  Jekabpils
  (213-C-89)
  Avg: 9.2

1. O''Brien, Jekabpils	9.2
2. Butjankovs, Valmi.	8.5
3. Dargais, LU	8.4
4. Mednis, Jurmala	8.2
5. Mizis, Jelgava	8.1
6. Aleksejevs, Jekabp.	7.6
7. Berzins, Valmiera	7.4
8. Gulbis, Barons k.	6.5
9. Ziedins, Valmiera	6.5
10. Hlebowicki, Jekab.	5.6

Assists Per Game

Donald SIMS
  Ventspils
  (185-PG-87)
  Avg: 4.2

1. Sims, Ventspils	4.2
2. Hill jr., Jekabpils	3.9
3. Gabrans, Valmiera	3.7
4. Metra, Barons k.	3.5
5. Bergmanis, Barons	3.5
6. Silavs, Jelgava	3.2
7. Miezis, Barons k.	3.1
8. Kanbergs, Jelgava	3.1
9. Brown, Jurmala	3.1
10. Plater, Liepaja	3.0

Steals Per Game

Nauris MIEZIS
  Barons k.
  (190-F-91)
  Avg: 2

1. Miezis, Barons k.	2.0
2. Brown, Jurmala	2.0
3. Peiners, LU	1.9
4. Rudmiezis, Turiba	1.9
5. Mizis, Jelgava	1.7
6. Sims, Ventspils	1.7
7. Kanbergs, Jelgava	1.5
8. Ate, Liepaja	1.4
9. Jakovics, Liepaja	1.4
10. Ginters, U18	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Jekabs ROZITIS
  Barons k.
  (205-C-86)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Rozitis, Barons k.	1.5
2. Meiers, Ventspils	1.3
3. Daniels, VEF Riga	1.0
4. Aleksejevs, Jekabp.	1.0
5. Ziedins, Valmiera	1.0
6. Hlebowicki, Jekabp.	0.9
7. Iljins, Valmiera	0.9
8. Mednis, Jurmala	0.8
9. O''Brien, Jekabpils	0.8
10. Chamberlain, Jelg.	0.7

LEBANON

Standings - Division A

Division A Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 12

Jan. 5: Amchit - Champville 65-82
Jan. 6: Sagesse - Moutahed
Jan. 7: Byblos - Al Riyadi
Jan. 8: Anibal - Hoops
Jan. 9: Bejjeh - Antranik

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Andre EMMETT
  Amchit
  (196-G/F-82)
  Avg: 40.3

1. Emmett, Amchit	40.3
2. Harper, Sagesse	29.8
3. Gray, Anibal	26.8
4. Blair, Hoops	26.2
5. Gadson, Antranik	25.5
6. Khatib, Champville	24.4
7. Ampim, Antranik	22.9
8. Williams, Bejjeh	22.7
9. Youngblood, Byblos	22.3
10. Terry, Champville	20.4

Rebounds Per Game

Michael FRASER
  Byblos
  (203-C/F-84)
  Avg: 16.4

1. Fraser, Byblos	16.4
2. Bagaric, Amchit	12.5
3. Ampim, Antranik	12.3
4. Tskitishvili, Cham.	12.0
5. Johnson, Anibal	11.7
6. Luca, Hoops	11.0
7. Salyers, Moutahed	9.9
8. Bawji, Moutahed	9.5
9. Woods, Al Riyadi	9.3
10. Sims, Sagesse	9.1

Assists Per Game

Larry BLAIR
  Hoops
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Blair, Hoops	6.6
2. Fahed, Moutahed	6.2
3. Akl, Sagesse	6.0
4. Zaloum, Antranik	5.9
5. Mahmoud, Al Riyadi	5.6
6. Ismail, Al Riyadi	5.5
7. Chatfield, Mouta.	5.5
8. Youngblood, Byblos	5.4
9. Emmett, Amchit	5.3
10. Khatib, Champville	5.1

Steals Per Game

Corey WILLIAMS
  Bejjeh
  (191-G-77)
  Avg: 3

1. Williams, Bejjeh	3.0
2. Youngblood, Byblos	2.7
3. Blair, Hoops	2.7
4. Zaloum, Antranik	2.0
5. Gray, Anibal	1.9
6. Ismail, Al Riyadi	1.8
7. Mneimneh, Byblos	1.7
8. Kassem, Bejjeh	1.7
9. Harper, Sagesse	1.7
10. Emmett, Amchit	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Dane JOHNSON
  Anibal
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Johnson, Anibal	3.1
2. Tskitishvili, Cham.	2.8
3. Woods, Al Riyadi	2.5
4. Fraser, Byblos	2.2
5. Bagaric, Amchit	2.0
6. Fakhreddine, Hoops	1.8
7. Ampim, Antranik	1.5
8. Ismail, Al Riyadi	1.3
9. Bawji, Moutahed	0.9
10. Gadson, Antranik	0.9

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

LITHUANIA

Standings - LKL

LKL Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 16

Jan. 3: Neptunas - Juventus 96-83
Jan. 5: Naglis Palangos - Rudupis 85-99
Jan. 5: Lietkabelis - Siauliai 80-85
Jan. 5: LSU-Baltai - Nevezis 71-66
Jan. 4: Sakalai - Pieno Zvaigzdes 69-71
Dec. 30: Sakalai - Zalgiris 67-85

Regular Season: Round 17

Jan. 16: Lietkabelis - Neptunas
Jan. 19: Pieno Zvaigzdes - Rudupis
Jan. 19: Nevezis - Sakalai
Jan. 19: Siauliai - Naglis Palangos
Jan. 19: Juventus - LSU-Baltai

Stats Leaders - LKL

Points Per Game

Gediminas ORELIKAS
  Rudupis
  (200-G/F-90)
  Avg: 18.9

1. Orelikas, Rudupis	18.9
2. Samenas, Siauliai	16.0
3. Hughes, Pieno Z.	15.7
4. Gailius, Neptunas	15.5
5. Mazeika, Neptunas	13.6
6. Kadziulis, Rudupis	13.5
7. Butkevicius, Lietk.	13.3
8. Sinica, Sakalai	12.5
9. Gates, Pieno Z.	12.4
10. Dia, Siauliai	12.3

Rebounds Per Game

Aurimas KIEZA
  Siauliai
  (202-PF-82)
  Avg: 10.3

1. Kieza, Siauliai	10.3
2. Bishop, Nevezis	8.4
3. Sarakauskas, Nept.	8.0
4. Urbonas, LSU-Baltai	7.6
5. Sinica, Sakalai	6.4
6. Vene, Rudupis	6.3
7. Varnelis, Juventus	6.1
8. Dia, Siauliai	6.0
9. Gates, Pieno Z.	5.6
10. Petrukonis, Juven.	5.4

Assists Per Game

Lewis JACKSON
  Siauliai
  (178-PG-89)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Jackson, Siauliai	5.3
2. Stasys, LSU-Baltai	4.5
3. Janavicius, Rudupis	4.0
4. Dainys, Neptunas	3.8
5. Viskontas, Juvent.	3.7
6. Gintvainis, Sakalai	3.6
7. Broadus, Neptunas	3.5
8. Kadziulis, Rudupis	3.3
9. Ginevicius, Lietka.	3.1
10. Orelikas, Rudupis	2.9

Steals Per Game

Parrish BROWN
  Naglis P.
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Brown, Naglis P.	2.4
2. Butkevicius, Lietk.	1.8
3. Stasys, LSU-Baltai	1.8
4. Hughes, Pieno Z.	1.7
5. Ginevicius, Lietka.	1.7
6. Sinica, Sakalai	1.6
7. Milaknis, Rudupis	1.6
8. Kadziulis, Rudupis	1.6
9. Dambrauskas, Sakal.	1.5
10. Tamosiunas, LSU-.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Tomas URBONAS
  LSU-Baltai
  (215-C-92)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Urbonas, LSU-Baltai	2.9
2. Silinskis, Nevezis	1.8
3. Petrukonis, Juven.	1.3
4. Ramasauskas, Saka.	1.1
5. McClure, Neptunas	1.1
6. Kieza, Siauliai	1.0
7. Gates, Pieno Z.	0.8
8. Kuzminskas, Siauli.	0.8
9. Cepukaitis, Pieno	0.8
10. Valeika, Rudupis	0.8

Naglis Palangos land Greer Wright, ex BC Astana - by Eurobasket News

Naglis Palangos (LKL) tabbed 24-year old American forward Greer Wright (201-100kg-89, college: Binghamton). He played most recently at BC Astana in Kazakhstan D1 league.
Among other achievements Wright received All-AEC 1st Team award in 2010 and 2011 at his college time.
Wright graduated from Binghamton University in 2011 and it will be his second season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Lavrinovic's 15 points and 8 rebounds give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

33-year old center Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) had an amazing evening in the last round for Zalgiris and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 16.
He had the game-high 15 points adding eight rebounds and four assists for Zalgiris in his team's victory, helping them to crush Sakalai (#11, 3-9) with 18-point margin 85-67. Zalgiris maintains the 3rd position in Lithuanian league. They maintain perfect record without any lost game in the league. The season is still on an early stage, but Zalgiris already had a very good start winning all 6 without losing a single one. It was one of impressive evenings for Lavrinovic as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Darjus Lavrinovic averages just after two games 11.5ppg.

Second best performed player last round was Gediminas Orelikas (200-G/F-90) of top-ranked Rudupis. He is a swingman in his 3rd season at Rudupis. In the last game Orelikas recorded impressive 22 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Of course he lead Rudupis to another comfortable win 99-85 over Naglis Palangos (#12, 0-11) being unquestionably team leader. Of course Rudupis still keep the league's top spot. He plays for the best team in the league and Rudupis managed to win all 11 games keeping perfect record. Orelikas is one of the most experienced players at Rudupis and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 18.9ppg (#1). He also registered 4.8 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Justas Sinica (203-F-85) of Sakalai (#11). Sinica scored 24 points and passed five assists. Despite Sinica's great performance Sakalai lost 69-71 to the higher-ranked Pieno Zvaigzdes (#8, 5-6). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Sakalai can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 3-9 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Sinica he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Sinica has individually a great season in Lithuania. After 10 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 12.5ppg (8th best) and rebounds with 6.4rpg (5th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Mindaugas Stasys (180-PG-86) of LSU-Baltai - 8 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists
5. Valdas Vasylius (203-F-83) of Neptunas - 17 points and 7 rebounds
6. Modestas Kumpys (192-G-91) of Naglis Palangos - 17 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Mindaugas Girdziunas (188-G-89) of Nevezis - 19 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists
8. Rolandas Jakstas (202-F-92) of Nevezis - 20 points and 8 rebounds
9. Aurimas Kieza (202-PF-82) of Siauliai - 18 points and 8 rebounds
10. Adomas Drungilas (203-C-90) of Lietkabelis - 14 points and 7 rebounds

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

LKL Round 16: Top-ranked Rudupis win another game - by Eurobasket News

LKL top team - Rudupis (11-0) managed to deliver another win on Saturday. This time they beat twelfth ranked Naglis Palangos (0-11) in Palanga 99-85. The game without a history. Rudupis led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 22-of-28 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Naglis Palangos helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Arnas Labuckas (203-87) who helped to win the game recording 25 points and 7 rebounds. Swingman Gediminas Orelikas (200-90) contributed with 22 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Guard Modestas Kumpys (192-91) replied with 17 points and 7 rebounds for Naglis Palangos. Undefeated Rudupis have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 11-0 record. Naglis Palangos at the other side still closes the standings with 11 games lost. Rudupis are looking forward to face Pieno Zvaigzdes (#8) in Pasvalys in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Naglis Palangos will play on the road against Siauliai (#4) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
The game in Panevezys was also worth to mention about. Fourth ranked Siauliai (6-4) played at the court of 5th ranked Lietkabelis (5-6). Siauliai managed to secure a 5-point victory 85-80. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international Aurimas Kieza (202-82, college: Hofstra) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 8 rebounds and Rolandas Alijevas who added 14 points and 5 assists during the contest. At the losing side center Adomas Drungilas (203-90) responded with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Lietkabelis' coach Gintaras Leonavicius rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Siauliai maintains fourth position with 6-4 record. Lietkabelis at the other side keeps the fifth place with six games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Siauliai will play against bottom-ranked Naglis Palangos (#12) in Palanga in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Lietkabelis will play at home against the league's second-placed Neptunas (#2) in Klaipeda and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Vilnius between Pieno Zvaigzdes and Sakalai. Ninth ranked Pieno Zvaigzdes (5-6) got a very close victory on the road over 10th ranked Sakalai (3-9). Pieno Zvaigzdes managed to escape with a 2-point win 71-69 on Friday evening. The winners were led by Tyrell Biggs who scored that evening 12 points and 8 rebounds. Even 24 points and 5 assists by Justas Sinica did not help to save the game for Sakalai. Pieno Zvaigzdes moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Sakalai dropped to the eleventh position with nine games lost. Pieno Zvaigzdes will meet at home league's leader Rudupis in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Sakalai will play against Nevezis (#6) in Kedainiai and hope to secure a win.
Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Nevezis (5-6) and LSU-Baltai (3-8), which took place in Kaunas. Higher ranked Nevezis lost to eleventh ranked LSU-Baltai in a road game 66-71. Mindaugas Stasys fired 8 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. LSU-Baltai's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. LSU-Baltai moved-up to tenth place. Nevezis at the other side dropped to the fifth position with six games lost. LSU-Baltai's next round opponent will be higher ranked Juventus (#7) in Utena and it may be quite challenging game. Nevezis will play at home against Sakalai in Vilnius.
The game between 10th ranked Sakalai (3-9) and top-ranked Zalgiris (6-0) in Vilnius on Sunday ended with biggest points difference. Guests from Kaunas beat Sakalai 85-67. It was a very good performance for Darjus Lavrinovic who helped to win the game recording 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Zalgiris' coach Joan Plaza used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Undefeated Zalgiris have an impressive six-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains third position with 6-0 record having 5 victories less than leader Rudupis. Loser Sakalai dropped to the eleventh place with nine games lost. Zalgiris will have a break next round. Sakalai will play on the road against Nevezis (#6) in Kedainiai.

In the last game of round 16 Juventus was beaten by Neptunas on the road 96-83.

Naglis Palangos - Rudupis 85-99

LKL top team - Rudupis (11-0) managed to deliver another win on Saturday. This time they beat twelfth ranked Naglis Palangos (0-11) in Palanga 99-85. The game without a history. Rudupis led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 22-of-28 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Naglis Palangos helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Arnas Labuckas (203-87) who helped to win the game recording 25 points and 7 rebounds. Swingman Gediminas Orelikas (200-90) contributed with 22 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Guard Modestas Kumpys (192-91) replied with 17 points and 7 rebounds and American center Ryan Olander (213, college: Fairfield, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) added 16 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Naglis Palangos. Four Rudupis and five Naglis Palangos players scored in double figures. Rudupis have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 11-0 record. Naglis Palangos at the other side still closes the standings with 11 games lost. Rudupis are looking forward to face Pieno Zvaigzdes (#8) in Pasvalys in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Naglis Palangos will play on the road against Siauliai (#4) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Naglis Palangos: M.Kumpys 17+7reb+2ast, R.Olander 16+5reb+1ast, E.Lengvinas 14+1reb+6ast, M.Mockevicius 11+2reb+8ast, M.Konate 11+7reb, P.Brown 8+2reb
Rudupis: A.Labuckas 25+7reb, G.Orelikas 22+6reb+2ast, G.Kadziulis 18+2reb+5ast, A.Urbutis 12+9reb, S.Vene 10+1reb+1ast, P.Ivanauskas 7+4reb+3ast

LSU-Baltai - Nevezis 71-66

Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Nevezis (5-6) and LSU-Baltai (3-8), which took place in Kaunas. Higher ranked Nevezis lost to eleventh ranked LSU-Baltai in a road game 66-71. Nevezis was tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. Point guard Mindaugas Stasys (180-86) fired 8 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. Center Tomas Urbonas (215-92) chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds. LSU-Baltai's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Forward Rolandas Jakstas (202-92) produced 20 points and 8 rebounds and guard Mindaugas Girdziunas (188-89) added 19 points and 5 assists (made all of his eight free throws) respectively for lost side. LSU-Baltai moved-up to tenth place. Nevezis at the other side dropped to the fifth position with six games lost. LSU-Baltai's next round opponent will be higher ranked Juventus (#7) in Utena and it may be quite challenging game. Nevezis will play at home against Sakalai in Vilnius.
Top scorers:
Nevezis: R.Jakstas 20+8reb+1ast, M.Girdziunas 19+3reb+5ast, V.Jasikevicius 10+4reb+2ast, D.Silinskis 6+3reb+1ast, G.Zyle 4+6reb, S.Kulevicius 4+2reb+1ast
LSU-Baltai: T.Urbonas 15+5reb, Z.Skucas 14+3reb, S.Vingelis 9+7reb+2ast, V.Sragauskis 9+2reb+3ast, M.Stasys 8+8reb+8ast, P.Malasauskas 6+2reb+2ast

Lietkabelis - Siauliai 80-85

The game in Panevezys was also worth to mention about. Fourth ranked Siauliai (6-4) played at the court of 5th ranked Lietkabelis (5-6). Siauliai managed to secure a 5-point victory 85-80. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 24-6. But Lietkabelis won second period 20-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Siauliai dominated on the defensive end, holding Lietkabelis to just 6 points in first quarter. They made 17-of-22 charity shots (77.3 percent) during the game. Lietkabelis was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international Aurimas Kieza (202-82, college: Hofstra) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 8 rebounds and naturalized Swiss guard Rolandas Alijevas (192-85, agency: Stanislav Ryzhov) who added 14 points and 5 assists during the contest. At the losing side center Adomas Drungilas (203-90) responded with 14 points and 7 rebounds and guard Edgaras Ulanovas (197-92) scored 14 points. Five Lietkabelis players scored in double figures. Lietkabelis' coach Gintaras Leonavicius rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Siauliai maintains fourth position with 6-4 record. Lietkabelis at the other side keeps the fifth place with six games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Siauliai will play against bottom-ranked Naglis Palangos (#12) in Palanga in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Lietkabelis will play at home against the league's second-placed Neptunas (#2) in Klaipeda and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Lietkabelis: E.Ulanovas 14+2reb+3ast, A.Drungilas 14+7reb+1ast, M.Kupsas 12+5reb, A.Butkevicius 12+6reb, V.Ginevicius 10+2reb+3ast, D.Griskenas 7+4reb+2ast
Siauliai: A.Kieza 18+8reb+1ast, R.Alijevas 14+3reb+5ast, V.Liutych 13+3reb, V.Sulskis 9+1reb, L.Samenas 8+5reb+1ast, C.Simon 8

Sakalai - Pieno Zvaigzdes 69-71

A very close game took place in Vilnius between Pieno Zvaigzdes and Sakalai. Ninth ranked Pieno Zvaigzdes (5-6) got a very close victory on the road over 10th ranked Sakalai (3-9). Pieno Zvaigzdes managed to escape with a 2-point win 71-69 on Friday evening. The guests trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 17-14 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Pieno Zvaigzdes dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Sakalai's 24. The winners were led by American forward Tyrell Biggs (203-86, college: Pittsburgh) who scored that evening 12 points and 8 rebounds and American-Puerto Rican point guard TreVon Hughes (183-87, college: Wisconsin, agency: Edge Sports) supported him with 14 points and 7 steals. Even 24 points and 5 assists by forward Justas Sinica (203-85) did not help to save the game for Sakalai. Center Rolandas Matulis (199-73) added 11 points and 10 rebounds for lost side. Pieno Zvaigzdes moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Sakalai dropped to the eleventh position with nine games lost. Pieno Zvaigzdes will meet at home league's leader Rudupis in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Sakalai will play against Nevezis (#6) in Kedainiai and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sakalai: J.Sinica 24+4reb+5ast, Z.Sestokas 12+2reb+1ast, R.Matulis 11+10reb+1ast, I.Ramasauskas 7+4reb, A.Kiausas 6+6reb, E.Seskus 6+3reb+2ast
Pieno Zvaigzdes: T.Hughes 14+3reb+1ast, T.Biggs 12+8reb, S.Vasiliauskas 10+5reb+3ast, G.Maceina 8+4reb+1ast, Y.Gates 8+6reb, M.Ruikis 6+2reb+1ast

Neptunas - Juventus 96-83

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Neptunas (8-3) beat 7th ranked Juventus (5-6) in Klaipeda 96-83 on Thursday. The game was mostly controlled by Neptunas. Juventus was better in fourth quarter 33-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Neptunas forced 20 Juventus turnovers. It was a very good performance for guard Marius Runkauskas (189-86) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 7 rebounds. The former international forward Deividas Gailius (200-88) contributed with 21 points for the winners. Neptunas' coach Kazys Maksvytis used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Center Karolis Petrukonis (212-87, college: Clemson) replied with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds and guard Arvydas Cepulis (197-79) added 21 points in the effort for Juventus. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Neptunas have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 8-3 record having just three points less than leader Rudupis. Loser Juventus dropped to the fifth place with six games lost. Neptunas will face Lietkabelis (#5) in Panevezys in the next round. Juventus will play at home against LSU-Baltai in Kaunas.
Top scorers:
Juventus: A.Cepulis 21+2reb, K.Petrukonis 13+11reb, L.Kisielius 13+6reb, D.Leonard 11+1reb+4ast, D.Gvezdauskas 9+3reb, N.Varnelis 7+6reb+1ast
Neptunas: D.Gailius 21+3reb, M.Runkauskas 18+7reb+3ast, V.Vasylius 17+7reb, E.Dainys 13+1reb+5ast, R.Broadus 9+5reb+4ast, L.Mikalauskas 7+6reb+1ast

Sakalai - Zalgiris 67-85

The game between 10th ranked Sakalai (3-9) and top-ranked Zalgiris (6-0) in Vilnius on Sunday ended with biggest points difference. Guests from Kaunas beat Sakalai 85-67. The guests trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 45-26 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Zalgiris dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Sakalai's 26. Zalgiris forced 22 Sakalai turnovers. Sakalai was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a very good performance for the former international center Darjus Lavrinovic (212-79) who helped to win the game recording 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (205-89) contributed with 16 points for the winners. Zalgiris' coach Joan Plaza used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Swingman Zygimantas Sestokas (196-86, college: Hofstra, agency: Players Group) replied with 21 points and forward Justas Sinica (203-85) added 8 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Sakalai. Zalgiris have an impressive six-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains third position with 6-0 record having 5 victories less than leader Rudupis. Loser Sakalai dropped to the eleventh place with nine games lost. Zalgiris will have a break next round. Sakalai will play on the road against Nevezis (#6) in Kedainiai.
Top scorers:
Sakalai: Z.Sestokas 21+1reb+2ast, I.Ramasauskas 11+5reb, E.Jezukevicius 9+4reb, J.Gintvainis 8+4reb+4ast, J.Sinica 8+6reb+4ast, A.Kiausas 7+6reb+2ast
Zalgiris: M.Kuzminskas 16+4reb, D.Lavrinovic 15+8reb+4ast, T.Darden 10+2reb, J.Foote 8+5reb+2ast, R.Kaukenas 8+1reb+2ast, A.Juskevicius 6+1reb+3ast

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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

Horne number one in Mexican LNBP for round 37 - by Eurobasket News

Panamanian forward Jamelle Horne (200-F-88) put on an amazing game in the last round for Soles, receiving a Latinbasket.com LNBP Player of the Week award for round 37.
The 24-year old player was the main contributor (39 points, six rebounds) to his team's victory, helping them to outclass Osos (#14, 6-31) with 36-point margin 94-58. Soles maintains the 4th position in Mexican LNBP. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Soles will need more victories to improve their 28-9 record. In the team's last game Horne had a remarkable 84.6% from 2-point range and got four three-pointers out of 6 attempts. He turned to be Soles' top player in his first season with the team. Jamelle Horne averages this season 21.7ppg and 6.1rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 31-year old American Brandon Robinson (202-F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) of Corr.Victoria. Robinson had a very good evening with a double-double of 28 points and 14 rebounds. Of course he lead Corr.Victoria to another comfortable win 96-81 over the higher-ranked Toros (#2, 29-8) being unquestionably team leader. Corr.Victoria's 11th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 15-22 record. Robinson is a newcomer at Corr.Victoria, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Eugene Phelps (198-F) of Abejas (#9). Phelps showcased his all-around game by recording 25 points, fifteen rebounds (!!!) and five assists in the last round. Despite Phelps' great performance Abejas lost 103-107 to the higher-ranked Halc.Xalapa (#1, 33-4). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Abejas needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 19 victories and 18 lost games. Phelps has a great season in Mexico. After 33 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 21.5ppg (8th best) and rebounds with 8.7rpg (7th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Jermaine Johnson (201-F-85) of Gigantes - 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists
5. Kevin Sowell (190-G-81) of Halc.Xalapa - 27 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists
6. Hector Hernandez (206-F-85) of Pioneros - 18 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Jason Horton (188-G-86) of Barreteros - 20 points and 8 assists
8. Edward Basden (196-G/F-83) of Huracanes - 19 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Michael Lizarraga (200-F-89) of Soles - 20 points and 10 rebounds
10. Marcus Morrison (198-G/F-84) of Huracanes - 28 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists

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)

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MONTENEGRO

NBA

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. New York K.		23-10
2. Brooklyn N.		19-15
3. Boston C.		16-17
4. Philadelph.76		15-20
5. Toronto R.		12-21
Central Div.
1. Indiana P.		20-14
2. Chicago B.		18-13
3. Milwaukee B.		16-16
4. Detroit P.		13-22
5. Cleveland C.		8-27
Southeast Div.
1. Miami Heat		22-9
2. Atlanta H.		20-12
3. Orlando M.		12-21
4. Charlotte B.		8-24
5. Washington W.		4-27
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Oklah.City T.		25-7
2. Denver N.		19-16
3. Portland TB		18-15
4. Utah Jazz		17-18
5. Minnesota T.		15-15
Pacific Div.
1. LA Clippers		27-8
2. Golden St.W.		22-11
3. LA Lakers		15-17
4. Sacramento K.		13-21
5. Phoenix Suns		12-22
Southwest Div.
1. San Antonio S.		27-9
2. Memphis G.		20-10
3. Houston R.		20-14
4. Dallas M.		13-21
5. N.Orleans H.		8-25

Regular Season: Round 66

Jan. 5: Minnesota T. - Portland TB 97-102
Jan. 5: Dallas M. - N.Orleans H. 96-99 OT
Jan. 5: Indiana P. - Milwaukee B. 95-80
Jan. 5: Atlanta H. - Boston C. 81-89
Jan. 5: LA Clippers - Golden St.W. 115-89
Jan. 5: Brooklyn N. - Sacramento K. 113-93
Jan. 5: Denver N. - Utah Jazz 110-91
Jan. 5: San Antonio S. - Philadelph.76 109-86
Jan. 5: Orlando M. - New York K. 106-114
Jan. 5: Cleveland C. - Houston R. 104-112

Regular Season: Round 67

Jan. 6: Toronto R. - Oklah.City T.
Jan. 6: Miami Heat - Washington W.
Jan. 6: Detroit P. - Charlotte B.
Jan. 6: Phoenix Suns - Memphis G.
Jan. 6: LA Lakers - Denver N.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kobe BRYANT
  LA Lakers
  (198-SG-78)
  Avg: 30.5

1. Bryant, LA Lakers	30.5
2. Anthony, New Y.	29.3
3. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	28.3
4. James, Miami Heat	26.6
5. Harden, Houston R.	26.4
6. Irving, Cleveland	23.4
7. Westbrook, Oklah..	21.8
8. Wade, Miami Heat	20.7
9. Aldridge, Portland.	20.4
10. Curry, Golden S.	20.1

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 Lakers	12.0
5. Asik, Houston R.	11.4
6. Hickson, Portland.	10.8
7. Lee, Golden St.W.	10.8
8. Vucevic, Orlan.	10.7
9. Noah, Chicago B.	10.4
10. Cousins, Sacramen.	10.3

Assists Per Game

Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Rondo, Boston C.	11.3
2. Paul, LA Clippers	9.3
3. Vasquez, N.Orlean.	9.0
4. Holiday, Philadel.	8.9
5. Westbrook, Oklah..	8.6
6. Williams, Brooklyn	7.8
7. Calderon, Toron.	7.6
8. Parker, San A.	7.3
9. James, Miami Heat	6.9
10. Nelson, Orlando M.	6.8

Steals Per Game

Chris PAUL
  LA Clippers
  (183-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Paul, LA Clippers	2.6
2. Conley, Memphis G.	2.4
3. Jennings, Milwauke.	2.2
4. Westbrook, Oklah..	2.1
5. Harden, Houston R.	2.0
6. Lin, Houston R.	1.9
7. Rondo, Boston C.	1.9
8. Leonard, San A.	1.9
9. Kidd, New York K.	1.9
10. Walker, Charlott.	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 Lakers	2.6
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. Gortat, Phoenix	1.9

STAMPEDE DOWN BIG 3 FROM OKC IN WIN AT TULSA SOILD PERFORMANCE FROM SUTTON - by Allen Waters

TULSA, Okla. -- Sean Evans 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 on Friday night. Idaho shot 52.3 percent in the win, a season high, while attempting just nine 3-pointers (4-for-9).
Justin Holiday 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. Dominique Sutton (16 rebounds) led the way for the 66ers scoring 18 points to keep the 66 ers in the game. Sutton ability to guard several positions and happen to be 2nd in the D-League in steals has proven to be one of the best on ball and off ball defenders. Hollis Thompson added 16 off the bench.
Idaho capitalized in the paint and on the break, doubling up Tulsa in points in the paint 72-36, 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 over the final two quarters..
Dominique Sutton (6'5''-F-86, college: N.C.Central)

Miami Heat cut Harris - by Eurobasket News

Miami Heat cut 26-year old guard Terrel Harris (196-86kg-87, college: Oklahoma State). But in 7 NBA games he played this season he averaged just 1.4ppg and 1.3rpg. Harris played there also last season. In 26 NBA games he had 3.3ppg, 2.1rpg and 1.0apg. He also played at Neckar RIESEN Ludwigsburg (previous name Neckar Lburg) in German BBL that season. In 6 games he had only 2.5ppg, 2.2rpg and 1.0apg.
Harris has never been drafted by the NBA. He received Big 12 All-Defensive Team award back in 2009 at his college time.
Harris has played also professionally in France (Strasbourg IG), Germany (EnBW Ludwigsburg) and D-League (Rio Grande Valley Vipers and Maine Red Claws).
He attended Oklahoma State until 2009 and it is his fourth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Recap of ten games from Saturday - by Eurobasket News

LA Clippers - Golden St.W. 115-89
During a television interview, Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes described his team's approach to the Warriors on Saturday. "We're taking this game personal," said Barnes, a former Warrior. The Clippers then went out and beat the Warriors as if they stole something. Golden State had its four-game win streak resoundingly stopped with a 115-89 thrashing. Golden State had won the season's first two meetings over the Clippers, one at Staples in November and handily Wednesday at Oracle Arena. And Los Angeles played as if it had a score settle. And the Warriors (22-11) played as if they had a game to throw away. They showed none of the fight that got them a season-high 12 games over .500. And midway through the third quarter, the Clippers were catching alley-oops and styling as though they wanted to rub it in the Warriors' faces. Clippers guard Chris Paul (6'0''-PG-85, college: Wake Forest), who was lit up for 31 points by Warriors' point guard Stephen Curry (6'3''-PG-88, college: Davidson) in Oakland, had the most effortless 27 points and nine assists you'll ever see. Los Angeles star forward Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma), who was dominated by David Lee the first two games, looked like the superstar of the two, totaling 20 points, seven assists and five rebounds in 30 minutes. The Clippers shot better than 60 percent most of the night. Through three quarters, they had 103 points on 58.3 percent shooting with 26 assists. Golden State was not only porous defensively, but they got bullied on the boards (33-18 the first three quarters). And the Warriors had no chance of outscoring the Clippers on Saturday. From the very outset, they were ice cold. They missed 18 of their 22 shots. The Warriors three key scorers -- Curry, Lee and Klay Thompson -- were 1 of 13 combined. Courtesy of: mercurynews.com

Denver N. - Utah Jazz 110-91
Kenneth Faried shook off a stomach bug to help the Denver Nuggets shake off a rare home loss. After missing the team's morning shootaround because of the illness, Faried scored 15 points and had 10 rebounds as the Nuggets pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat the Utah Jazz 110-91 on Saturday night. 'I got some medication to help my stomach and also help the dehydration. It paid off a lot,' Faried said. 'I was able to come out and play, but I still felt kind of queasy. They said it was up to me at game time, but I'm not going to miss no games.' Danilo Gallinari (6'9''-SF-88, agency: Players Group) scored 26 points and Andre Iguodala (6'6''-SF-84, college: Arizona) added 18 points for the Nuggets, who had intense, focused practices in the aftermath of their eight-game home winning streak being snapped by Minnesota on Thursday. 'It hurt because we knew we could play a lot better and we feel we had a game stolen from us,' Iguodala said. 'Focus was really good at shootaround and I think it carried over to the game.' The Nuggets extended their recent success against Utah at home, winning for the eighth time in the past 10 meetings between the teams at the Pepsi Center. 'It was a bounce-back game played the right way, with passion and intensity,' Nuggets coach George Karl said. 'I thought we got everything we wanted to do. We were executing our offense very well and they didn't get anybody hot. Defensively, we were sound the whole game, it broke (open), and fortunately we had an easy one.' Paul Millsap (6'7''-F-85, college: Louisiana Tech) had 15 points to lead the Jazz, who were without center Enes Kanter (ankle) and guard Mo Williams (right thumb surgery). Leading by four at the break, the Nuggets stretched their advantage to 60-47 by outscoring the Jazz 11-2 to start the third quarter, culminating the run with a 3-pointer by Ty Lawson, who finished with 14 points, and a driving dunk by Iguodala. The Jazz responded with a 12-0 run of their own, getting successive 3-pointers at one point from Randy Foye and Marvin Williams to cut the deficit to 60-56. But Denver gained ground again, taking an 83-72 lead into the fourth quarter after Andre Miller drained a 3-pointer from the corner in the final moments of the third. Miller's bucket came after an apparent dunk by Utah's Gordon Hayward that would have pulled the Jazz within six points was waved off by officials ruling offensive goal-tending because Hayward hung on the rim. Hayward said he held onto the rim because he thought he might be undercut by the looming Faried, who had moved in to try for a block. 'I thought there was going to be some contact and I think there was a little contact and that's why I hung onto the rim,' Hayward said. 'I didn't want to get undercut or anything, but for whatever reason, I think (the officials) thought that me hanging on to the rim caused the ball to go in, and I guess you've just got to live with that. You've got to move on to the next play.' Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said the call was critical because it took the steam of a Jazz push to get within striking distance of the Nuggets. 'It was the turning point in the game,' Corbin said. 'I thought he got hit, so he had a reason to grab on to the rim, to brace himself so he wouldn't flip. But they didn't see it that way.' Following that sequence, the Nuggets put the game away with a 15-3 burst starting the fourth quarter, going in front 98-75 when Iguodala followed his three-point play with a fast-break layup. Utah's only score during that stretch came on a 3-pointer by Hayward. 'You've got to give them credit,' Hayward said. 'They knocked down some shots. I think we gave them way too many easy looks in the paint. We let them get a rhythm going at the free throw line as well. We've just got to be better.' Courtesy of: washingtonpost.com

San Antonio S. - Philadelph.76 109-86
When a man is down, you give him your hand. So Doug Collins did. The problem was he didn't have enough hands for everybody on the roster. The 76ers coach, in the second quarter Saturday night, bent at the waist and offered Thad Young his right hand after Young had slid into his team's bench. Young was diving for a loose ball he couldn't track down. The ball got away from Young, much like wins on this roadtrip eluded the Sixers. A 109-86 loss to San Antonio put the wraps on a season-long eight-game roadtrip, on which they went 2-6. 'We're not here to make excuses,' said Spencer Hawes (7'0''-C-88, college: Washington). 'You look at the standings. We don't have the best record, and we're not playing the best, but we have an opportunity to turn it around and we're right in the mix. It's still early in the season.' Hawes had 22 points and six rebounds, before leaving the game in the fourth quarter with a cut above his left eye that required four stitches. And Jrue Holiday nearly had his second triple-double of the trip, with 11 points, eight boards and eight assists. Against the Southwest Division-leading Spurs, the Sixers (15-20) looked as though they had nothing left to give. They were slow getting to long rebounds, slow to loose balls and slow to cover space behind them among other things. 'This would've been a tall order if we had eight days rest,' said Collins. 'This team is as good as any team in the NBA.' Collins said one thing the Sixers can take from this trip was 'that we played hard every night. Every night.' Having played through a tumultuous trip - one that Collins called 'brutal' in a pregame interview - will do that to a team. The Sixers had eight games in 12 days, winning only two of them. There were chances to win at least two more. Saturday's at AT&T Center wasn't one of them. How bad did it get for the Sixers in the early going against the Spurs? Manu Ginobili crossed over an out-of-position Kwame Brown 16 feet from the basket in the first quarter, then threw down a thunderous left-handed slam without the slightest bit of defensive resistance. Along the way, the Sixers lost for the 14th time in 19 games in heading home for Tuesday's visit from Brooklyn at the Wells Fargo Center - the first game in Philly for Collins' crew in 16 days. 'We get to go home, and I think everybody's excited about that,' Hawes said. 'We're all looking forward to going to sleep in our own beds, going back to the comfortable confines and getting back on track. If there's one saving grace for the downtrodden Sixers, it's that 13 of their next 15 contests are at home. But even wins at home have been hard to come by, with the Sixers owning a 9-7 record there. Still, it's a better option than what awaited them in San Antonio. The Spurs staked a double-digit lead in the opening 12 minutes, a cozy-enough advantage to afford San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich the luxury of sitting Tim Duncan (6'11''-F/C-76, college: Wake Forest) for eight minutes at the start of the second quarter. The door was slightly ajar for the Sixers, but they couldn't burst through. Nick Young knocked down a pair of free throws to cut the Sixers' deficit to 39-32, before Duncan returned to the floor. That was as close as they got to reclaiming a lead they held only once, when Thad Young made the game's first basket. Speaking of Young, his never-stalling motor was on display in the second quarter, while trying in vain to reach an outlet pass from Hawes. Young took a tumble, then took Collins' hand. Trailing San Antonio, 54-42, at halftime, the Sixers' deficit only grew from there. Inside a 70-second span, the Spurs exposed the Sixers' obvious fatigue with a pair of uncontested third-quarter buckets. Take Tony Parker's play with 3:40 to go in the third. Parker, after colliding with Thad Young near the foul line, recovered and dribbled around Young to toss in a crafty scoop shot. Young couldn't cover the space behind him, and none of his teammates had his back in enough time to stop Parker. Then, with 2:30 to go in the period, Ginobili's patience payed off for the Spurs. He delayed delivering a crisp pass to Matt Bonner on the low block, after he had completed a backdoor cut. No Sixer was within four feet of Bonner, when he knocked down his layup to give the Spurs a 76-57 advantage. 'You see the way they run their offense, the efficiency, the unselfishness I think there's a lot we can learn from a team like that,' Hawes said. By the first few minutes of the fourth, Collins had called off his starters in favor of a reserve-heavy lineup. He and the Sixers had conceded another defeat. Courtesy of: thereporteronline.com

Dallas M. - N.Orleans H. 96-99 OT
Having Dirk Nowitzki back in the starting lineup was a significant step for the Dallas Mavericks. Eric Gordon (6'4''-G-88, college: Indiana)'s first start of the season for New Orleans had a much better ending. Gordon, who like Nowitzki missed time recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, completed a three-point play with 4.7 seconds left in overtime Saturday, lifting the Hornets to a 99-96 victory. Though Gordon was 4-of-13 shooting in only his third game this season, he made the biggest basket of the night on a bank shot from the top of the circle after he got Darren Collison in the air and drew the foul. He then sank the free throw. "On that last one, I was starting to feel it a little bit. . I kept on playing and taking jump shots," Gordon said. "It's definitely a confidence booster to do well in overtime, especially for such a tough shooting night, it felt good to overcome it." After a timeout, O.J. Mayo was beyond the 3-point line when Gordon went up the air and by him. Gordon's foot made contact with the ball, knocking it loose. Instead of a foul, officials called it a kicked ball. Dallas got one more chance but Vince Carter (6'6''-G/F-77, college: N.Carolina) 's shot from the right corner ricocheted off the rim. Soon after the game, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban tweeted: "Im sorry NBA fans. Ive tried for 13 yrs to fix the officiating in this league and I have failed miserably. Any Suggestions ? I need help." Nowitzki had a team-high 20 points on 7-of-16 shooting in 34 minutes, his most extensive action this season. He missed a free throw with 18 seconds left in regulation that would have put the Mavericks ahead by a point. "Obviously, I'm not quite there yet, it's still a work in progress, especially playing 30 minutes and then being asked to get the ball down the stretch every time and make something happen, I don't think I'm at that point yet," Nowitzki said. "But I'm going to keep working on going in the right direction and turn it around, pull some of those close games out and get some of those wins." Greivis Vasquez (6'6''-PG-87, agency: Interperformances, college: Maryland) had 15 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter for the Hornets, but missed a final shot at the end of regulation. Vasquez also had nine assists. The Mavericks (13-21) have lost 10 consecutive overtime games, matching an NBA record held by three other teams. That includes seven OT losses this season, five of them in their current 2-11 stretch - the latest against the worst team in the Western Conference. "It feels like it. Yeah, it feels like it. I still believe in the team and I like the guys," coach Rick Carlisle said when asked if this felt like a rock-bottom loss. "This is just a tough time and it's important that everybody sticks together and we've got to fight through it." Ryan Anderson (6'10''-F-88, college: California) had 16 points for New Orleans (8-25), which had lost 14 of its previous 16 games. Gordon had 14 points and Jason Smith scored 12. Al-Farouq Aminu had 10 points and 13 rebounds. Carter had 17 points for the Mavs, and Mayo had 14 on 5-of-17 shooting. Nowitzki had been a reserve in his first six games after missing the first 27 games of his 15th NBA season recovering from arthroscopic right knee surgery. It was the NBA-high 15th different starting lineup for the Mavericks, and the first time this season they had the starting five they anticipated before the star 7-footer had surgery Oct. 19, three weeks into the preseason: Nowitzki with Shawn Marion and offseason additions Chris Kaman, Mayo and Collison. There was a huge ovation when Nowitzki was the last of the starters introduced before the game. Vazquez made a 3-pointer with 7 1/2 minutes left in regulation that put the Hornets up 79-73, their biggest lead of the night. Anderson hit a long 3-pointer from the left wing with 3 minutes left in regulation to put New Orleans up 84-83, and Carter responded with his own 3 for Dallas. After Vasquez missed both of his free throws with 1:12 left, the Mavs led 88-87 after Nowitzki swished a long jumper over Anderson. But Smith then drove past Nowitzki for a layup. Hornets coach Monty Williams was livid when Gordon was called for a foul when providing some help defending Nowitzki. Dallas got the ball on the side before Nowitzki was fouled again by Gordon, this time going to the line. But he missed the first of two free throws for a tie game before Vazquez had to take a wild shot at the buzzer. "It was a fun game for us because we were playing not good, but the fourth quarter and the momentum carried over for us," Vasquez said. "I missed a couple of free throws, but later on I took over and helped basically win the game for us." Courtesy of: startribune.com

Minnesota T. - Portland TB 97-102
Nicolas Batum (6'8''-SF-88) and Wesley Matthews (6'5''-G-86, college: Marquette) each made five 3-pointers en route to 26 points as visiting Portland completed its four-game road trip with its 10th win in 13 overall contests. Damian Lillard scored 20 points and LaMarcus Aldridge added 14 and nine rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who were 16-of-24 from 3-point range. Matthews finished 5-for-7 from beyond the arc after going 5-for-8 in Friday's victory over Memphis. Nikola Pekovic (6'10''-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) had 21 points and 15 rebounds, Dante Cunningham added 10 and 12 and Derrick Williams scored 18 points off the bench for Minnesota, which was without forward Kevin Love due to a broken hand suffered in Thursday's win at Denver. Portland ended the first quarter with a two-point lead and quickly stretched it to 14 as it began the second with four 3-pointers, including three by Matthews. The Trail Blazers were 7-of-10 from beyond the arc in the period and took a 53-43 advantage into the break. The 3-point barrage by Portland continued in the third as Lillard began the quarter with his third of the night and Batum made long shots 42 seconds apart to give the Trail Blazers a 73-51 lead with 4:06 remaining. After Portland's first three baskets of the fourth were made from beyond the arc, Minnesota used a 19-3 run to get within four with 5:15 left. The Timberwolves scored seven straight points to make it a two-point game with 1:19 to go, but Aldridge hit a turnaround jumper with 37.1 seconds remaining to seal the win. Courtesy of: phillyburbs.com

Cleveland C. - Houston R. 104-112
James Harden (6'5''-SG-89, college: Arizona St.) scored 29 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, and the Houston Rockets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 112-104 on Saturday night. Jeremy Lin (6'3''-PG-88, college: Harvard) added 20 points for Houston, which has won 11 of 14. Kyrie Irving (6'3''-G-92, college: Duke) led Cleveland with 30 points, including 11 in the final period, but the Cavaliers fell short of winning two in a row for the second time this season. Harden, who had four points in the first half, made 6 of 17 field-goal attempts, but was 14 of 15 at the line and had a career-high seven steals. He came into the game averaging 26.3 points and has topped the 20-point mark in each of his last 16 games. Harden scored seven straight points for Houston during one key stretch in the final period. He made a foul shot and converted a three-point play to help Houston build a 91-86 lead. Then he made a 3-pointer with the shot clock winding down, making it 94-88 with 5:52 remaining. Harden lost control of his dribble at the top of the key, hurriedly retrieved the ball and hit the shot over Dion Waiters. Harden added another 3-pointer with 3:58 left for a 100-92 lead. Lin's three-point play and Carlos Delfino's 3-pointer helped Houston maintain the lead, but Irving kept Cleveland in the game with a pair of 3-pointers and a foul shot. Harden hit a jumper with 45.7 seconds left and added two free throws at the 29.6-second mark to make it 110-103. The Rockets trailed by 18 in the second quarter of Friday night's 115-101 victory at Milwaukee. They trailed by 10 in the first quarter against Cleveland, but managed to rally for another win. Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao, the league's leading rebounder, missed his ninth straight game with a bruised right knee. Patrick Patterson scored 15 points for Houston while Marcus Morris and Greg Smith had 11 apiece. Smith also had 11 rebounds. Alonzo Gee scored 18 points for Cleveland. Tristan Thompson added 14 points and 16 rebounds. Irving, whose jump shot with one second left gave the Cavaliers a 106-104 win over Charlotte on Friday, brought the crowd to its feet in the first quarter when he spun around a defender while dribbling at midcourt and drove in for a layup. Houston took its first lead midway through the second quarter on Harden's layup. Irving's three-point play gave the Cavaliers a 39-37 lead, but Lin, who scored all 14 of his first-half points in the quarter, hit two 3-pointers and a jumper to help Houston take a 54-50 lead at halftime. The Rockets hit six 3-pointers in the quarter. Irving and Harden each scored nine points in the third quarter and the game was tied at 78 going into the final period. Irving was 10 of 24 from the field. He had six assists and eight turnovers. Courtesy of: huffingtonpost.com

Brooklyn N. - Sacramento K. 113-93
P.J. Carlesimo couldn't tolerate a tired effort from his Brooklyn Nets - though he wouldn't have blamed them if they had dragged through the Barclays Center on Saturday night. Weary from Friday's double-overtime win at Washington and worn by a recent grueling schedule, the Nets' starters set a fast pace and their reserves completed the challenge against the Sacramento Kings. 'I have to admit, I did not expect that,' Carlesimo said after receiving 50 points from his bench players as the Nets coasted to a 113-93 victory. MarShon Brooks and Mirza Teletovic helped spark Brooklyn to a third straight win, ending a period in which the Nets (19-15) played six games in nine days and nine games in 14 days. 'They stepped up it was great for us,' Deron Williams (6'3''-PG-84, college: Illinois) said of the reserves' efforts. The Nets are 5-1 since Carlesimo took over as interim coach. 'I think we woke up. That was an eye-opener,' Williams said of the firing of coach Avery Johnson. Lately, 'I think guys are definitely getting their confidence back, and we're getting our confidence back as a team.' Following Saturday night's unanticipated energy surge, Carlesimo said he felt as good about beating the Kings (13-21) as he did after last week's improbable win at Oklahoma City. 'The bench did exactly what we needed them to do,' Carlesimo said. 'They're the ones that broke the game open.' Over a charmed second-quarter span, the Nets hit three straight jumpers just before the shot clock expired - two by Brooks and a three-pointer by Teletovic - to open a 15-point lead. The 6-foot-9 Teletovic also thrilled the sellout crowd with a blocked shot on DeMarcus Cousins (6'11''-C/F-90, agency: SportsTalent, college: Kentucky) that especially delighted Reggie Evans. 'You know how difficult it is to replace Reggie? It's impossible,' said Teletovic, who had 14 points and five offensive rebounds. 'I'm just trying to do my best when I can.' Brook Lopez (7'0''-C/F-88, college: Stanford) led the Nets with 18 points while Williams and Joe Johnson each scored 15. Brooks and Anday Blatche (11 rebounds) each scored 15 off the bench - allowing Williams and the rest of the Nets' weary starters to relax by late in the fourth quarter. 'We are a deeper team when guys like myself and Mirza play more minutes. It makes us more of a complete team,' said Brooks, who admitted his confidence is coming back after taking 'a bit of a hit' before Carlesimo took over. 'I look forward to more games like this.' It helped that the Kings were also coming off a Friday night game, which they won at Toronto. The Nets ran to a 65-47 halftime lead while shooting 67.5 percent; they shot 51.8 percent for the game. DeMarcus Cousins led the Kings with 28 points and 11 rebounds, though he was generally held in check coming off a 31-point, 20-rebound night at Toronto. 'He's got to always be your No. 1 concern when you play Sacramento,' Carlesimo had said before the game. 'I just feel the energy wasn't there from the beginning,' DeMarcus Cousins said. 'I can say for myself, I started off sluggish. When we start off games like that, especially against good teams, we're going to have a hard time.' Courtesy of: northjersey.com

Indiana P. - Milwaukee B. 95-80
Roy Hibbert (7'2''-C-86, college: Georgetown) had 20 points, 15 rebounds and five blocked shots to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 95-80 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night. Hibbert grabbed a career-high 11 offensive rebounds as the Pacers (20-14) won their seventh straight home game. George Hill (6'2''-PG-86, college: IUPUI) added 14 points after missing Indiana's previous three games with a groin injury. "Roy Hibbert had an exceptional night on both ends of the court," Indiana coach Frank Vogel said. The Bucks scored the first six points of the third to grab a 53-52 lead. But the Pacers responded with an 8-0 run and cruised from there. Indiana, which lost in Boston on Friday night, hasn't lost consecutive games since falling to Denver on Dec. 7 and at Oklahoma City on Dec. 9. Monta Ellis (6'4''-G-85) led the Bucks with 21 points. Brandon Jennings scored 12 points, Larry Sanders had 12 points and 12 rebounds and John Henson collected 13 boards, but the Bucks were outrebounded 59-39 by the Pacers. Lance Stephenson and David West added 10 points apiece for the Pacers, who have won three straight home games against the Bucks. Vogel praised Hill for his return to the court. "Toughness effort by George Hill, playing with some limitations with his groin, toughed it out," he said. Courtesy of: nytimes.com

Orlando M. - New York K. 106-114
Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-SF-84, college: Syracuse) scored 16 of his 40 points in the fourth quarter, helping the New York Knicks outlast the Orlando Magic 114-106 on Saturday night. J.R. Smith (6'6''-G-85) added 18 points off the bench and Tyson Chandler had 14 points and 12 rebounds. The Knicks have won two straight overall and four in a row over the Magic, dating back to last season. Arron Afflalo (6'5''-G-85, college: UCLA) and Jameer Nelson (6'0''-PG-82, college: St.Joseph's) each had 29 points to lead the Magic, and Nik Vucevic contributed 11 points and 18 rebounds. Orlando outrebounded New York 45-40, but had 14 turnovers as it extended its longest losing streak of the season to eight games. All of the losses have come since the injury of starting forward Glen Davis, who continues to rehab his sprained left shoulder. The Magic flipped a four-point halftime deficit into an 89-81 lead entering the fourth. The Knicks rallied using their size, going up 99-97 on a dunk by Chandler with 5:14 left. Orlando's Josh McRoberts got tangled up underneath with Chandler a few trips later and was whistled for a technical. Steve Novak knocked down the ensuing free throw and pushed the Knicks' lead to 102-98. It was 106-102 when Jason Kidd swished a 3-pointer from the corner with less than two minutes to play. Afflalo got a layup to drop a few possessions later, but Anthony quickly answered with a hanging 16-footer. The Magic were forced to foul and the Knicks then closed it out at the foul line. Nelson kept the Magic in the game for most of the second half, but was held scoreless in the final period. Knicks coach Mike Woodson started veteran Marcus Camby for the second straight game, citing the defensive presence he brought to the game early in their recent win over San Antonio. Orlando had other plans to open the game Saturday. Nelson scored eight of the Magic's first 11 points as Orlando built a 14-2 first quarter lead, forcing a quick New York timeout. Orlando held its cushion for most of the half until a 9-0 spurt by the Knicks late in the second quarter gave them their largest lead at 55-48. The Magic were just 7 of 19 from the field in the second quarter, with seven turnovers. New York took a 59-55 edge into halftime. Courtesy of: huffingtonpost.com

Atlanta H. - Boston C. 81-89
Rajon Rondo (6'1''-PG-86, college: Kentucky) had 14 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, and the Boston Celtics rallied to beat the Atlanta Hawks 89-81 on Saturday night. Paul Pierce (6'7''-F/G-77, college: Kansas) scored 17 of his 26 points in the third quarter as the Celtics erased a 19-point deficit and went on to consecutive wins for the first time since late November against Oklahoma City and Orlando. Boston, which beat Indiana 94-75 on Friday night, had lost four straight road games. Louis Williams (6'3''-PG-86) scored 21 of his 28 points in the first half for Atlanta, which has lost two straight. Jeff Teague (6'2''-PG-88, college: Wake Forest) added 17 points, and Josh Smith, who was 2 for 12 in the second half, finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Hawks got off to a fast start, then fell apart in the third quarter as Boston began doubling ballhandlers on the perimeter and clamping down on Atlanta inside. The Celtics trailed by 19 with 6:20 left in the second, but went up 61-60 on Jared Sullinger's alley-oop layup with 3:47 left in the third. It was their first lead since the game's first minute. Boston opened the third with a 14-1 run to pull within one. Hawks coach Larry Drew, whose team missed its first five shots from the field to begin the second half, called timeout at the 7:29 mark, but Teague lost the ball out of the bounds on the ensuing possession. Atlanta was just 2 for 14 from the field in the third and trailed 71-62 heading to the final period. Kevin Garnett's fast-break layup with 8:53 remaining gave the Celtics their first double-digit lead at 79-68. Garnett finished with 14 points. Williams outscored the Celtics 13-10 by the 5:47 mark of the first and hit his first seven shots from the field. His 16th point came on a layup for Atlanta's first double-digit lead at 23-12 late in the first. But the Hawks could not overcome the absence of injured shooting guards Devin Harris and Anthony Morrow, and it hardly helped that Kyle Korver fouled out with 6:37 remaining and DeShawn Stevenson played only 13 minutes because of sore knees. Courtesy of: tauntongazette.com

Kevin Love re-fractures right hand - by Eurobasket News

The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced that an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Image) taken this afternoon at TRIA Orthopadedic Center revealed that forward Kevin Love (6'10''-PF-88, college: UCLA) suffered a re-fracture of his third metacarpal in his right hand. The injury occurred during the third quarter of Thursdays game at Denver. Love will be examined by Dr. Andy Weiland, a hand specialist at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, later this week. An update to Loves status will be provided after that examination. Love initially suffered a fracture of his third and fourth metacarpal in his right hand on Oct. 17. For the season, Love has played in 18 games and leads the Wolves in scoring (18.3 ppg), rebounds (14.0 rpg) and double-doubles (14).
Courtesy of: insidehoops.com

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NBLCANADA

NBLC Standings

NBL Canada Standings

1. London L.		17-2
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.		10-12
7. Windsor Exp.		10-12
8. Montreal J.		1-18

Regular Season: Round 19

Jan. 5: Halifax R. - London L. 85-97
Jan. 5: Montreal J. - Windsor Exp. 121-124
Jan. 6: Montreal J. - Oshawa P.
Jan. 6: St.John M.R. - London L.
Jan. 6: Moncton M. - Summerside S.

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

-year old swingman Antonio Ballard (193-G/F) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked Summerside S. and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 18.
He had a double-double of 23 points and 18 rebounds, while his team crushed St.John M.R. (#4, 11-10) with 17-point margin 114-97. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Summerside S. is placed at 2nd position in NBLCanada league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Summerside S. will need more victories to improve their 12-9 record. Ballard turned to be Summerside S.'s top player in his first season with the team. Miami University, Ohio graduate has very impressive stats this year. Ballard leads league in rebounds with 10.7rpg. Ballard Worth to mention Ballard played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

Second best performed player last round was Anthony Anderson (180-G-81) of St.John M.R.. He is American guard in his second season at St.John M.R.. In the last game Anderson recorded impressive double-double of 26 points and 12 rebounds. Of course St.John M.R. cruised to a 105-93 relatively comfortable win over slightly lower-ranked Moncton M. (#5, 11-12). St.John M.R.'s 4th position in the standings has not changed. His team's 11-10 record is not bad at all. Anderson is well-known at St.John M.R. and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 20.8ppg (#2). His other stats are also decent: 4.9rpg and 6.7apg.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Lester Prosper (208-F/C-88) of Windsor Exp. (#7). Prosper scored 25 points and grabbed ten rebounds. He was a key player of Windsor Exp., leading his team to a 122-103 easy win against slightly lower-ranked Montreal J. (#8, 1-17). The chances of Windsor Exp. ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 12 games, recording just nine victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Prosper could help Windsor Exp. to bring them higher in the standings. Prosper has a very solid season. In 12 games in NBL he scored 9.8ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Brandon Robinson (198-F-89) of Summerside S. - 22 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists
5. Sylvania Watkins (206-F-84) of Moncton M. - 15 points, 14 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Anthony Anderson (180-G-81) of St.John M.R. - 22 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists
7. Juan Mendez (202-F-81) of Montreal J. - 18 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Devin Sweetney (198-G/F-87) of Moncton M. - 31 points and 4 rebounds
9. Chris Commons (206-F-84) of Windsor Exp. - 20 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists
10. Kevin Loiselle (198-F) of Windsor Exp. - 17 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists

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)

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NCAA1

Top 25 - Men

TOP25 Standings

1. Indiana		1-0 (13-1)
2. Louisville		1-0 (13-1)
3. Kentucky		0-0 (9-4)
4. Ohio St.		1-1 (11-2)
5. Michigan		1-0 (13-0)
6. N.Carolina St.		1-0 (11-2)
7. Kansas		0-0 (11-1)
8. Duke		1-0 (13-0)
9. Syracuse		1-0 (13-1)
10. Florida		0-0 (9-2)
11. Arizona		2-0 (13-0)
12. N.Carolina		0-0 (10-3)
13. UCLA		2-0 (12-3)
14. Michigan St.		1-1 (12-2)
15. Creighton		3-0 (14-1)
16. Memphis		0-0 (10-3)
17. Missouri		0-0 (11-2)
18. Baylor		1-0 (9-4)
19. UNLV