EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 2/16/2013 4:04:01 AM

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Men News

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  ASEAN LEAGUE   


Standings

O Standings
 1. Satria Muda 6-2 
 2. Petron Blaze 3-2 
 3. Saigon H. 3-2 
 4. Singapore S. 2-3 
 5. KL Dragons 2-4 
 6. Thailand S. 2-5 

Regular Season: Round 5

Feb. 15: Thailand S. - Satria Muda 74-90
Feb. 13: Thailand S. - Petron Blaze 73-77
Feb. 13: Satria Muda - Singapore S. 61-48
Feb. 16: Petron Blaze - KL Dragons
Feb. 17: Singapore S. - Saigon H.



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  AUSTRIA   

Standings - 2.Bundesliga

2.Bundesliga Standings
 1. Vienna Timb. 16-2 
 2. Mistelbach 13-3 
 3. Mattersb.R. 13-4 
 4. Basket Flames 12-4 
 5. Worthersee 9-8 
 6. Dornbirn 6-11 
 7. Falcons 5-12 
 8. Kos Celovec 5-12 
 9. Salzburg 3-14 
 10. Tirol 2-14 

Regular Season: Round 18

Feb. 15: Vienna Timb. - Falcons 86-78
Feb. 16: Worthersee - Tirol
Feb. 16: Basket Flames - Dornbirn
Feb. 16: Salzburg - Mistelbach
Feb. 17: Mattersb.R. - Kos Celovec
Feb. 22: Basket Flames - Mistelbach



*****************************************************
  BAHAMAS   


Lavar Simmons will stay with Saint Quentin - by Eurobasket News

Lavar Simmons (201-F/C-83, college: Master's) has reportedly agreed on terms of contract extension with Saint Quentin. The Bahamian centre will spend the reminder of the season with the French team. Lavar Simmons played 13 games for St. Quentin this season. His stats read 7.8 points, 5.5 boards and 1.1 assists per game in ProB. Previously the centre had stints with Al Roche, Le Portel, Boulazac, Brest.


*****************************************************
  BELARUS   

Standings - Premier League

Premier Standings
 1. Grodno-93 20-0 
 2. Sozh Gomel 15-6 
 3. Rubon 9-10 
 4. Tsmoki-Minsk II 9-11 
 5. Impuls BGUIR 8-12 
 6. Svisloch 7-14 
 7. Borisfen 3-18 
Play in international cups:
 1. Tsmoki-Minsk - 

Regular Season: Round 24

Feb. 15: Grodno-93 - Sozh Gomel 99-73
Feb. 15: Impuls BGUIR - Tsmoki-Minsk II 62-71
Feb. 15: Svisloch - Borisfen 108-44

Regular Season: Round 25

Feb. 22: Tsmoki-Minsk II - Grodno-93
Feb. 22: Borisfen - Rubon
Feb. 22: Sozh Gomel - Impuls BGUIR


Stats Leaders - Premier League

Points Per Game
 Kiril SITNIK
  Sozh Gomel
  (190-G-89)
  Avg: 22.7
 1. Sitnik, Sozh Gomel22.7 
 2. Rutkauskas, Tsmok.21.5 
 3. Miakinin, Sozh Gom.15.9 
 4. Semianiuk, Tsmoki.15.3 
 5. Shustau, Svisloch15.0 
 6. Zakhar, Impuls B.14.8 
 7. Indrikov, Rubon13.6 
 8. Sivalko, Rubon13.3 
 9. Sugonyako, Tsmoki.13.1 
 10. Konuyshenko, Gro.12.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ronaldas RUTKAUSKAS
  Tsmoki.
  (203-F-92)
  Avg: 10.2
 1. Rutkauskas, Tsmok.10.2 
 2. Dadukin, Sozh G.10.1 
 3. Semianiuk, Tsmoki.9.3 
 4. Zakhar, Impuls B.8.8 
 5. Sharamet, Borisfen6.3 
 6. Krisevich, Tsmoki.6.2 
 7. Ilyukevich, Rubon6.1 
 8. Kurapau, Tsmoki.6.1 
 9. Sugonyako, Tsmoki.6.0 
 10. Kuzmin, Grodno-936.0 
Assists Per Game
 Siarhei CHARYKAU
  Sozh G.
  (185-PG-82)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Charykau, Sozh G.6.8 
 2. Shustau, Svisloch5.3 
 3. Kuzmin, Grodno-935.1 
 4. Akulich, Rubon4.9 
 5. Ignatchik, Tsmoki.4.9 
 6. Kamarunas, Svisl.4.2 
 7. Kryukov, Borisfen3.4 
 8. Sitnik, Sozh Gomel3.2 
 9. Dadukin, Sozh G.2.7 
 10. Sapegin, Rubon2.5 
Steals Per Game
 Dmitri AKULICH
  Rubon
  (190-G-86)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Akulich, Rubon3.3 
 2. Zakhar, Impuls B.2.4 
 3. Charykau, Sozh G.2.4 
 4. Malkov, Grodno-932.3 
 5. Sitnik, Sozh Gomel2.3 
 6. Volodkin, Impuls B.2.2 
 7. Shustau, Svisloch2.2 
 8. Tatur, Borisfen2.1 
 9. Dadukin, Sozh G.2.0 
 10. Ignatchik, Tsmoki.2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Dzmitry KUZMIN
  Grodno-93
  (196-G-75)
  Avg: 0
 1. Kuzmin, Grodno-930.0 
 2. Kurapau, Tsmoki.0.0 
 3. Zakhar, Impuls B.0.0 
 4. Kryukov, Borisfen0.0 
 5. Volodkin, Impuls B.0.0 
 6. Krisevich, Tsmoki.0.0 
 7. Vasilevich, Grodno.0.0 
 8. Korzh, Grodno-930.0 
 9. Usovich, Borisfen0.0 
 10. Korneenkov, Svisl.0.0 


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

21-year old forward Maks Adam Konate (200-F-91) had a great game in the last round for Svisloch and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 24.
He had a double-double of 29 points and 17 rebounds, while his team outclassed Borisfen (#7, 3-18) with 64-point margin 108-44. Svisloch maintains the 6th position in Belarusian league. Svisloch is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 7-14 record. In the team's last game Konate had a remarkable 58.8% from 2-point range. He just recently signed at Svisloch, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Maks Adam Konate averages this season 18.0ppg and 11.3rpg.

Second best performed player last round was Oleksandr Dolenko (191-PG-90). He is a guard in his first season at Svisloch. In the last game Dolenko recorded impressive double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds. Of course together with Konate he helped Svisloch with another comfortable win outscoring slightly lower-ranked Borisfen (#7, 3-18) 108-44. Svisloch's 6th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 7-14 record. Dolenko is one of the most experienced players at Svisloch and similarly like Maks Adam Konate has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to another Svisloch's star - forward Dmitri Shilovich (200-F-89). Shilovich scored 17 points and grabbed five rebounds. He was another key player of Svisloch, helping his team with a 108-44 easy win against slightly lower-ranked Borisfen (#7, 3-18). The chances of Svisloch not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 14 games, recording just seven victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Shilovich could try to bring Svisloch's a little bit higher in the standings. Shilovich has a very solid season. In 6 games in Belarus he scored 8.3ppg. He also has 4.5rpg and FGP: 51.4%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Nikola Polyulyak (192-G-90) of Svisloch - 8 points, 3 rebounds and 11 assists
5. Igor Konuyshenko (196-G/F-86) of Grodno-93 - 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Pavel Shuleyko (200-F-88) of Svisloch - 14 points and 6 rebounds
7. Aliaksandr Semianiuk (207-F-93) of Tsmoki-Minsk II - 20 points and 8 rebounds
8. Sergei Dadukin (198-F-83) of Sozh Gomel - 10 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Yuriy Ignatiev (198-F-91) of Impuls BGUIR - 11 points and 10 rebounds
10. Vyacheslau Korzh (192-PG-86) of Grodno-93 - 8 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists

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


Premier League Round 24 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News

The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute susprises and upsets.

Round 24 most important game was a victory of Tsmoki-Minsk II over 5th ranked Impuls BGUIR 71-62 on Friday night. Impuls BGUIR was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 5-point lead after three quarters before a 25-11 charge of Tsmoki-Minsk II, which allowed them to win the game. They also forced 24 Impuls BGUIR turnovers. It was a good game for forward Aliaksandr Semianiuk (207-93) who led his team to a victory with 20 points and 8 rebounds. Lithuanian point guard Vytautas Kamarunas (179-89) contributed with 11 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Henadziy Zakhar (198-92) replied with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds for Impuls BGUIR. Tsmoki-Minsk II maintains fourth position with 9-11 record. Impuls BGUIR at the other side keeps the fifth place with 12 games lost. Tsmoki-Minsk II are looking forward to face league's leader Grodno-93 at home in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Impuls BGUIR will play against the league's second-placed Sozh Gomel (#2) and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
An interesting game for Grodno-93 (20-0) which hosted in Grodno second-best Sozh Gomel (15-6). Top-ranked Grodno-93 had an easy win 99-73. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Sozh Gomel. Worth to mention a great performance of swingman Igor Konuyshenko (196-86) who helped to win the game recording 18 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and Vyacheslau Korzh who added 8 points and 7 assists during the contest. Grodno-93's coach Andrei Vasileuka felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was Ukrainian forward Sergei Dadukin (198-83) with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 11 rebounds. Undefeated Grodno-93 have an impressive 20-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 20-0 record. Sozh Gomel at the other side keeps the second place with six games lost. Grodno-93 will play against Tsmoki-Minsk II (#4) on the road in the next round. Sozh Gomel will play against Impuls BGUIR in Minsk and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game between sixth ranked Svisloch (7-14) and 7th ranked Borisfen (3-18) in Osipovichi on Friday ended with biggest points difference. Svisloch outscored guests from Mogilev 108-44. The winners were led by Maks Adam Konate who had that evening a double-double by scoring 29 points and 17 rebounds. Coach Andrei Olbrecht's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 13 points by Evgeniy Kopylov did not help to save the game for Borisfen. Svisloch maintains sixth position with 7-14 record. Borisfen lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom place with 18 games lost. Svisloch will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Borisfen will play against Rubon (#3) in Vitebsk and hope to secure a win.


Impuls BGUIR - Tsmoki-Minsk II 62-71

Round 24 most important game was a victory of Tsmoki-Minsk II over 5th ranked Impuls BGUIR 71-62 on Friday night. Impuls BGUIR was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 5-point lead after three quarters before a 25-11 charge of Tsmoki-Minsk II, which allowed them to win the game. They also forced 24 Impuls BGUIR turnovers. It was a good game for forward Aliaksandr Semianiuk (207-93) who led his team to a victory with 20 points and 8 rebounds. Lithuanian point guard Vytautas Kamarunas (179-89) contributed with 11 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Henadziy Zakhar (198-92) replied with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds and forward Yuriy Ignatiev (198-91) added 11 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Impuls BGUIR. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Tsmoki-Minsk II maintains fourth position with 9-11 record. Impuls BGUIR at the other side keeps the fifth place with 12 games lost. Tsmoki-Minsk II are looking forward to face league's leader Grodno-93 at home in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Impuls BGUIR will play against the league's second-placed Sozh Gomel (#2) and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Tsmoki-Minsk II: A.Semianiuk 20+8reb, V.Krisevich 13+6reb+1ast, V.Ignatchik 11+3reb+6ast, V.Kamarunas 11+7reb+4ast, E.Sugonyako 10+9reb, Y.Kurapau 4+7reb+1ast
Impuls BGUIR: A.Papruha 14+3reb+2ast, K.Volodkin 13+4reb, H.Zakhar 11+11reb+2ast, Y.Ignatiev 11+10reb+1ast, D.Azaare 11+3reb+3ast, A.Matveyeu 2+4reb
gschID: 204761


Svisloch - Borisfen 108-44

The game between sixth ranked Svisloch (7-14) and 7th ranked Borisfen (3-18) in Osipovichi on Friday ended with biggest points difference. Svisloch outscored guests from Mogilev 108-44. The game without a history. Svisloch led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 80 of its points in the paint compared to Borisfen's 32 and made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. Svisloch forced 24 Borisfen turnovers and outrebounded them 55-20 including a 20-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Borisfen's players. The winners were led by Ukrainian forward Maks Adam Konate (200-91) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 29 points and 17 rebounds and point guard Oleksandr Dolenko (191-90) supported him with 19 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Four Svisloch players scored in double figures. Coach Andrei Olbrecht's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 13 points by forward Evgeniy Kopylov (199-91) did not help to save the game for Borisfen. point guard Fedor Kryukov (181-88) added 9 points and 4 assists. Svisloch maintains sixth position with 7-14 record. Borisfen lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom place with 18 games lost. Svisloch will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Borisfen will play against Rubon (#3) in Vitebsk and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Svisloch: M.Adam Konate 29+17reb+2ast, O.Dolenko 19+12reb+4ast, D.Shilovich 17+5reb+2ast, P.Shuleyko 14+6reb+1ast, N.Polyulyak 8+3reb+11ast, A.Korneenkov 8+1reb+4ast
Borisfen: E.Kopylov 13+4reb+1ast, V.Haidukevich 10+4reb+1ast, F.Kryukov 9+3reb+4ast, A.Sharamet 6+6reb, A.Ogunlege 4+1reb+1ast, A.Balabanov 2+2ast
gschID: 204760


Grodno-93 - Sozh Gomel 99-73

An interesting game for Grodno-93 (20-0) which hosted in Grodno second-best Sozh Gomel (15-6). Top-ranked Grodno-93 had an easy win 99-73. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Sozh Gomel. The game without a history. Grodno-93 led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Sozh Gomel's 32. They outrebounded Sozh Gomel 36-25 including 26 on the defensive glass. Grodno-93 players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of swingman Igor Konuyshenko (196-86) who helped to win the game recording 18 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and international point guard Vyacheslau Korzh (192-86) who added 8 points and 7 assists during the contest. Grodno-93's coach Andrei Vasileuka felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was Ukrainian forward Sergei Dadukin (198-83) with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 11 rebounds and Ukrainian forward Ivan Kaliayev (201-87) scored 12 points and 7 rebounds. Five Sozh Gomel players scored in double figures. Grodno-93 have an impressive 20-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 20-0 record. Sozh Gomel at the other side keeps the second place with six games lost. Grodno-93 will play against Tsmoki-Minsk II (#4) on the road in the next round. Sozh Gomel will play against Impuls BGUIR in Minsk and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Grodno-93: I.Konuyshenko 18+4reb+2ast, K.Yafremov 13+2reb, A.Mastou 12+6reb, A.Malkov 11+2reb+2ast, Y.Mishukov 9+2reb, A.Prakapenka 9
Sozh Gomel: K.Sitnik 17+1reb+1ast, S.Charykau 13+1reb+7ast, I.Kaliayev 12+7reb+2ast, D.Khodov 11+3reb+2ast, S.Dadukin 10+11reb+3ast, S.Miakinin 8+1reb+1ast
gschID: 204759



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  BELGIUM   

Standings - Division I

Ethias League Standings
 1. Oostende 12-5 
 2. M.Hainaut 11-6 
 3. Spirou 10-6 
 4. Aalstar 10-6 
 5. Antwerp 9-8 
 6. Liege 6-11 
 7. Leuven 5-10 
 8. Verviers-Pep. 3-14 

Regular Season: Round 17

Feb. 12: Spirou - Verviers-Pep. 95-67
Feb. 15: Antwerp - Verviers-Pep. 90-68
Feb. 15: Liege - M.Hainaut 79-93
Feb. 15: Spirou - Oostende 77-65
Feb. 17: Leuven - Aalstar


Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game
 Matt WALSH
  Spirou
  (197-F/G-82)
  Avg: 18.9
 1. Walsh, Spirou18.9 
 2. Thompson, Aalstar18.1 
 3. Mukubu, Liege17.2 
 4. Lojeski, Oostende16.9 
 5. Taylor, M.Hainaut16.4 
 6. Robinson, Leuven16.3 
 7. Green, Verviers.16.0 
 8. Aleksandrov, Vervi.15.9 
 9. Clark, Aalstar15.1 
 10. Aska, Leuven14.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Matt WALSH
  Spirou
  (197-F/G-82)
  Avg: 9.7
 1. Walsh, Spirou9.7 
 2. Wilkinson, Oostende7.3 
 3. Qvale, M.Hainaut7.0 
 4. Thondique, Antwerp6.7 
 5. Tofi, Aalstar6.5 
 6. Young, Aalstar6.5 
 7. Gillet, Liege6.4 
 8. Aska, Leuven6.1 
 9. Mukubu, Liege6.1 
 10. Wright, Oostende6.0 
Assists Per Game
 Jerime ANDERSON
  Verviers.
  (187-PG-89)
  Avg: 5.6
 1. Anderson, Verviers.5.6 
 2. Marnegrave, Leuven5.2 
 3. Bosco, Liege4.8 
 4. Djordjevic, Ooste.4.5 
 5. Walsh, Spirou3.5 
 6. Black, Antwerp3.4 
 7. Raivio, Aalstar3.3 
 8. Thompson, Aalstar3.3 
 9. Moors, Antwerp3.2 
 10. Lojeski, Oostende3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Niels MARNEGRAVE
  Leuven
  (191-PG-87)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Marnegrave, Leuven2.5 
 2. Taylor, M.Hainaut2.3 
 3. Mukubu, Liege2.2 
 4. Black, Antwerp2.0 
 5. Hopkins, Antwerp1.7 
 6. Hanavan, Leuven1.7 
 7. Iarochevitch, Liege1.7 
 8. Riddick, Spirou1.6 
 9. Anderson, Aalstar1.6 
 10. Thompson, Aalstar1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Wesley WILKINSON
  Oostende
  (207-PF-84)
  Avg: 1.4
 1. Wilkinson, Oostende1.4 
 2. Riddick, Spirou1.3 
 3. Qvale, M.Hainaut1.2 
 4. Ferguson, Verviers.1.2 
 5. Dukes, Leuven1.1 
 6. Love, Antwerp0.8 
 7. Thondique, Antwerp0.7 
 8. Young, Aalstar0.7 
 9. Aska, Leuven0.6 
 10. Williamson, Liege0.5 



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

Standings - D2 Leagues

Division Standings
1.Liga RS
 1. HEO 11-1 
 2. Gradanski 8-3 
 3. Bratunac 8-4 
 4. Gacko 7-5 
 5. Drina Birac 6-5 
 6. Sutjeska 6-6 
 7. Prijedor 5-6 
 8. Feniks 5-7 
 9. Rudar 3-9 
 10. Rogatica 3-9 
 11. Jahorina 2-9 
A1 Liga
 1. Spars Sarajevo 12-1 
 2. Sloboda Tuzla 11-2 
 3. Play Off 10-3 
 4. Gradina S. 7-6 
 5. Celik 7-6 
 6. Student 6-7 
 7. Bosnjak 6-7 
 8. Brcko 6-7 
 9. Spars Mostar 5-8 
 10. Limometal 3-10 
 11. Orlovik 3-10 
 12. Donji Vakuf 2-11 
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 


Damir Krupalija returns to the basketball court with Vogosca! - by Chris Mathieu



Damir Krupalija (205-F/C-79, college: Illinois) returns to the basketball court with Vogosca! Former starter for the BiH National Team and international basketball player has finally returned to the court with Vogosca! After struggling with injuries the last few years Damir appears to be back in playing form. Damir made his debut with Bosnian outfit Vogosca and had an excellent debut 7-15 from the field including 7-7 from the free throw line with a total of 23 points. He also had a solid 13 rebounds 2 assists and a steal in 37 minutes of action! Not bad for a player who had missed about a year of action due to injuries. He was a replacement for another former member of the BiH National Team Mujo Tuljkovic and appears more than ready for the challenge. If the team is to survive and stay in D1 it will need big performances from Damir as well as Amin Hot, who has cooled off after a hot start to the season. Vogosca is currently 6-11 with only a few games left in the first leg of the season.


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

Standings - BNL

NBB Standings
 1. Flamengo 21-0 
 2. Brasilia 15-4 
 3. Uberlandia 15-6 
 4. Bauru 14-7 
 5. Franca 14-8 
 6. Pinheiros/Sky 13-6 
 7. Paulistano 12-10 
 8. Minas 12-10 
 9. S.Jose/Unimed 12-11 
 10. Basquete Cearense 10-10 
 11. Liga Sorocaba 10-12 
 12. Limeira 9-12 
 13. Joinville 8-13 
 14. Mogi das Cruzes 7-14 
 15. Vila Velha 7-15 
 16. Palmeiras 4-17 
 17. Tijuca TC 4-18 
 18. Suzano 3-17 

Regular Season: Round 23

Feb. 14: Pinheiros/Sky - Paulistano 88-86
Feb. 14: Palmeiras - Vila Velha 87-65
Feb. 14: Joinville - Mogi das Cruzes 85-90
Feb. 14: Limeira - S.Jose/Unimed 79-83
Feb. 14: Suzano - Minas 76-97
Feb. 14: Liga Sorocaba - Basquete Cearense 76-86
Feb. 14: Tijuca TC - Franca 59-63

Regular Season: Round 24

Feb. 16: Tijuca TC - Uberlandia
Feb. 16: Joinville - S.Jose/Unimed
Feb. 16: Palmeiras - Minas
Feb. 16: Suzano - Vila Velha
Feb. 16: Flamengo - Franca
Feb. 16: Bauru - Basquete Cearense
Feb. 16: Liga Sorocaba - Brasilia
Feb. 16: Limeira - Mogi das Cruzes

Round 21

Feb. 17: Pinheiros/Sky - Suzano

Round 23

Feb. 18: Bauru - Brasilia
Feb. 18: Flamengo - Uberlandia


Stats Leaders - BNL

Points Per Game
 Marquinhos VIEIRA
  Flamengo
  (207-SF-84)
  Avg: 22.5
 1. Vieira, Flamengo22.5 
 2. Boracini, Pinheiro.20.2 
 3. Simmons, Vila Velha19.8 
 4. Holloway, Liga S.19.8 
 5. Antonio, S.Jose/U.18.9 
 6. Smith, Pinheiro.18.1 
 7. Day, Uberlandia18.1 
 8. Giovannoni, Brasil.18.1 
 9. Nardi Duarte, Min.17.5 
 10. Dos Santos, Brasi.17.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Olivinha RODRIGUEZ
  Flame.
  (202-PF-83)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Rodriguez, Flame.9.4 
 2. Araujo, Mogi d.9.1 
 3. Ribeiro, Basque.9.1 
 4. Giovannoni, Brasil.8.0 
 5. Agba, Bauru7.6 
 6. Antonio, S.Jose/U.7.5 
 7. Castellar, Limeira7.5 
 8. Silveira, Flamengo7.2 
 9. Rodrigues, Minas6.8 
 10. Costa, S.Jose/U.6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Fulvio DE ASSIS
  S.Jose/U.
  (186-PG-81)
  Avg: 8
 1. de Assis, S.Jose/U.8.0 
 2. Dos Santos, Brasil.6.6 
 3. Smith, Pinheiro.5.3 
 4. Boracini, Pinheiro.5.3 
 5. Garcia, Uberlandia5.0 
 6. Pinheiro, Vila Vel.4.8 
 7. Taylor, Bauru4.7 
 8. Campos, Suzano4.7 
 9. Lima, Limeira4.6 
 10. Dawkins, Liga S.4.6 
Steals Per Game
 Paulinho BORACINI
  Pinheiro.
  (183-PG-84)
  Avg: 0.2
 1. Boracini, Pinheiro.0.2 
 2. Benite, Flamengo0.2 
 3. Stallworth, Pinhei.0.2 
 4. Teichmann, Franca0.1 
 5. Ferreira, Uberland.0.1 
 6. Lima, Limeira0.1 
 7. Araujo, Pinheiro.0.1 
 8. Machado, Flamengo0.1 
 9. Castellar, Limeira0.1 
 10. Mensah, Flamengo0.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Arlindo NETO
  Liga Sorocaba
  (187-G-86)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Neto, Liga Soroca.2.1 
 2. Nardi Duarte, Min.2.1 
 3. Campos, Suzano2.1 
 4. Dawkins, Liga S.1.9 
 5. Figueroa, Franca1.9 
 6. Boracini, Pinheiro.1.8 
 7. Teichmann, Franca1.7 
 8. Dos Santos, Brasil.1.7 
 9. Simmons, Vila Velha1.7 
 10. Lima, Limeira1.6 


Brazilian NBB round 23 best performance: Felipe Ribeiro - by Eurobasket News

Former international forward Felipe Ribeiro (201-F-79) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Basquete Cearense, receiving a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for round 23.
The 33-year old player had a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds, while his team beat Liga Sorocaba (#11, 10-12) 86-76. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Basquete Cearense is placed at 10th position in Brazilian NBB. Basquete Cearense 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 10-10 record. Ribeiro turned to be Basquete Cearense's top player in his first season with the team. Felipe Ribeiro has solid league stats. He is in league's top in rebounds (3rd best: 9.1rpg) and averages impressive 1.3bpg and 51.9% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 25-year old Renato Carbonari (204-F/C-87) of Paulistano. Carbonari had a very good evening with 26 points and 5 rebounds. Bad luck as Paulistano was edged by slightly higher-ranked Pinheiros/Sky (#6, 13-6) 88-86. Paulistano managed to keep the same 7th spot in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 12-10 record is not bad and everything may still change. Carbonari is well-known at Paulistano and is a proven leader in his second season with the team.

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Jermaine Beal (191-G-87) of Minas (#8). Beal showcased his all-around game by recording 28 points, five rebounds and four assists in the last round. He was a key player of Minas, leading his team to a 97-76 easy win against the lower-ranked Suzano (#18, 3-17). Minas needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 12 victories and 10 lost games. Beal has a very solid season. In 22 games in Brazil he scored 17.1ppg. He also has 1.3bpg and and 3PT: 42.5%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Babby Araujo (211-C-80) of Mogi das Cruzes - 23 points and 10 rebounds
5. Fulvio de Assis (186-PG-81) of S.Jose/Unimed - 19 points, 3 rebounds and 8 assists
6. Joe Smith (192-SG-77) of Pinheiros/Sky - 27 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Rafael Mineiro Rodrigues (213-C-87) of Minas - 11 points and 10 rebounds
8. Antwaine Wiggins (200-F-88) of Palmeiras - 15 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Fernando Penna (189-G-83) of Pinheiros/Sky - 19 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Ricardo Probst (200-F/C-76) of Joinville - 19 points and 13 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)


NBB Round 23: Pinheiros defeat Paulistano in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News

The most exciting game of round 23 in the NBB took place in Sao Paolo. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 7th ranked Paulistano (12-10) to sixth ranked Pinheiros (13-6) 88-86 in the game for the sixth place. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Paulistano. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Paulistano won third quarter 22-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Pinheiros won last quarter 22-21. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Pinheiros made 7 blocks. It was a great evening for American Joe Smith (192-77, college: Al.-Huntsville) who led his team to a victory scoring 27 points and 5 rebounds. Guard Fernando Penna (189-83) helped adding 19 points and 5 rebounds. Power forward Renato Carbonari (204-87) responded with 26 points and 5 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). Pinheiros maintains sixth place with 13-6 record. Paulistano at the other side keeps the seventh position with ten games lost. They share it with Minas. Pinheiros are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Suzano (#18) in Sao Paulo in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Paulistano will have a break next round.
Bottom-ranked Palmeiras managed to get a fourth victory, breaking the series of two consecutive loses. This time they outleveled fourteenth-ranked Vila Velha in Sao Paulo 87-65. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 22-point difference suggests that Palmeiras is in a good shape to leave the bottom place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Vila Velha. It was an exceptional evening for American guard Caleb Brown (182-87, college: Austin Peay St.) who led the winners and scored 20 points and 5 assists. Antwaine Wiggins accounted for 15 points and 8 rebounds. Palmeiras' coach Arturo Alvarez felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard Benzor Simmons (196-88, college: Tenn-Martin) came up with 25 points for Vila Velha in the defeat. Palmeiras (4-17) moved-up to sixteenth place. Vila Velha at the other side dropped to the fifteenth position with 15 games lost. Palmeiras will play against higher ranked Minas (#8) in Belo Horizonte in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Vila Velha will play on the road against Suzano (#18) in Sao Paulo and hopes to get back on the winning track.
17th ranked Suzano (3-17) was outscored at home by eighth ranked Minas (12-10) with the biggest margin this round 97-76 on Thursday night. The best player for the winners was Jermaine Beal who scored 28 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!). Jefferson Campos produced 15 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists for the hosts. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Minas have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Paulistano. Suzano lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom position with 17 games lost. Minas will meet Palmeiras (#16) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Suzano will play against Pinheiros in Sao Paolo and hope to secure a win.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 23: Franca won against Tijuca TC on the opponent's court 63-59. Limeira unfortunately lost to S.Jose/Unimed in a home game 79-83. Mogi das Cruzes managed to beat Joinville on the road 90-85. Liga Sorocaba was defeated by Basquete Cearense on its own court 76-86.

Tijuca TC - Franca 59-63

Very expected game in Rio de Janeiro where 16th ranked Tijuca TC (4-18) was defeated by fifth ranked Vivo/Franca (14-8) 63-59 on Thursday. The guests trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 21-9 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was guard Caue Borges dos Santos (180-91) who scored 14 points. Center Lucas Mariano (207-93) chipped in 10 points. American forward Rashad Bishop (198-88, college: Cincinnati) produced 13 points and power forward Rodrigo Bahia Bispo (206-79) added 8 points respectively for the hosts. Tijuca TC's coach Miguel da Luz rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Vivo/Franca maintains fifth place with 14-8 record. Loser Tijuca TC dropped to the seventeenth position with 18 games lost. Vivo/Franca will meet league's leader Flamengo in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Tijuca TC will play against Uberlandia (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tijuca TC: R.Bishop 13+2reb+2ast, R.Bahia Bispo 8+4reb, C.Araujo 7+5reb, R.Leichtweis 7+2reb, R.McLemore 6+3reb+1ast, F.Lima 5+2reb+3ast
Franca: C.Borges dos Santos 14+2reb+3ast, L.Mariano 10+4reb, J.Luz dos Santos 9+2reb+1ast, L.Meindl 8+3reb, G.Teichmann 7+3reb+1ast, J.Pablo Figueroa 6+6reb+1ast
gschID: 229255


Limeira - S.Jose/Unimed 79-83

Rather predictable result when ninth ranked Sao Jose/Vinac (12-11) defeated on the road 12th ranked Winner/Limeira (9-12) 83-79 on Thursday. Winner/Limeira trailed by 14 points after 3 quarters before a 26-16 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 79-83 at the end of the game. Sao Jose/Vinac looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was the former international point guard Fulvio de Assis (186-81) who scored 19 points and 8 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). The former international power forward Murilo Becker (210-83) chipped in 17 points and 8 rebounds. Dominican-American guard Ronald Ramon (182-86, college: Pittsburgh) produced 17 points and the former international swingman Diego Pinheiro (195-80) added 14 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Four Sao Jose/Vinac and five Winner/Limeira players scored in double figures. Winner/Limeira's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Sao Jose/Vinac maintains ninth place with 12-11 record. Winner/Limeira lost third consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with 12 games lost. Sao Jose/Vinac will meet Joinville (#13) on the road in the next round. Winner/Limeira will play against Mogi in Mogi das Cruzes and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Limeira: R.Ramon 17+4reb+3ast, D.Barba 15+3reb, D.Pinheiro 14+6reb+2ast, O.Carter 10+4reb+2ast, L.Da Silva 10+6reb+3ast, D.Castellar 4+2reb
S.Jose/Unimed: F.de Assis 19+3reb+8ast, M.Becker 17+8reb+2ast, D.Stefanelli 15+4reb+4ast, D.Costa 12+4reb, A.Calvo 8+2reb+1ast, A.Laws 6+1reb+2ast
gschID: 229263


Joinville - Mogi das Cruzes 85-90

There was a minor upset when 13th ranked Joinville (8-13) was defeated at home by fifteenth ranked Mogi (7-14) 90-85 on Thursday. The guests trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 10-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 90-85. It was a great shooting night for Mogi especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 64.3 percentage. The best player for the winners was the former international center Babby Araujo (211-80, college: BYU) who had a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Gustavinho Lima (178-85) chipped in 11 points and 6 assists. Four Mogi players scored in double figures. Guard Victor De Souza (182-92) produced 32 points (was perfect 12-for-12 from the free throw line !!!) and the former international power forward Ricardo Probst (200-76) added 19 points and 13 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Mogi moved-up to fourteenth place. Joinville lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with 13 games lost. Mogi will meet higher ranked Winner/Limeira (#12) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Joinville will play against Sao Jose/Vinac and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Joinville: V.De Souza 32+1reb+1ast, R.Probst 19+13reb+1ast, T.Aleo 11+1reb, M.Dias 9+5reb+1ast, V.Telo 8+1ast, H.Medeiros 2+2ast
Mogi das Cruzes: B.Araujo 23+10reb+1ast, G.Filipin 15+1reb+1ast, C.Ranches 12+2reb+3ast, G.Lima 11+1reb+6ast, T.Gehrke 8+4reb, M.Riddick 7+2reb
gschID: 229262


Palmeiras - Vila Velha 87-65

Bottom-ranked Palmeiras managed to get a fourth victory, breaking the series of two consecutive loses. This time they outleveled fourteenth-ranked Vila Velha in Sao Paulo 87-65. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 22-point difference suggests that Palmeiras is in a good shape to leave the bottom place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Vila Velha. The game without a history. Palmeiras led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Vila Velha's 24. Palmeiras brought some defensive toughness making 12 blocks. Vila Velha was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was an exceptional evening for American guard Caleb Brown (182-87, college: Austin Peay St.) who led the winners and scored 20 points and 5 assists. His fellow American import forward Antwaine Wiggins (200-88, college: Charleston, agency: Two Points) accounted for 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Five Palmeiras players scored in double figures. Palmeiras' coach Arturo Alvarez felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard Benzor Simmons (196-88, college: Tenn-Martin) came up with 25 points and guard Alexandre Pinheiro (185-85) added 17 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Vila Velha in the defeat. Palmeiras (4-17) moved-up to sixteenth place. Vila Velha at the other side dropped to the fifteenth position with 15 games lost. Palmeiras will play against higher ranked Minas (#8) in Belo Horizonte in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Vila Velha will play on the road against Suzano (#18) in Sao Paulo and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Vila Velha: B.Simmons 25+3reb, A.Pinheiro 17+5reb+2ast, J.Parker 6+3reb, A.Jemmott 6+1reb+2ast, C.Santos 5+4reb+2ast, D.Costa 4+15reb
Palmeiras: C.Brown 20+4reb+5ast, A.Wiggins 15+8reb+2ast, T.Lima 11+8reb+3ast, G.Pereira 11+2ast, T.Curnell 10+4reb, M.Vinicius 9+3reb
gschID: 229261


Suzano - Minas 76-97

17th ranked Suzano (3-17) was outscored at home by eighth ranked Minas (12-10) with the biggest margin this round 97-76 on Thursday night. The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Minas dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Suzano's 32. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Minas made 11 blocks. The best player for the winners was American guard Jermaine Beal (191-87, college: Vanderbilt) who scored 28 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!). The former international swingman Betinho Nardi Duarte (195-88) chipped in 22 points and 4 blocks. Guard Jefferson Campos (190-91) produced 15 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists and guard Paulo Nery (188-81) added 16 points and 4 assists respectively for the hosts. Five Minas and four Suzano players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Minas have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Paulistano. Suzano lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom position with 17 games lost. Minas will meet Palmeiras (#16) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Suzano will play against Pinheiros in Sao Paolo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Suzano: R.Gaspar 16+4reb, P.Nery 16+4reb+4ast, J.Campos 15+5reb+7ast, I.Tracci 11+1reb, R.Da Silva 8+5reb, R.Fusco 5+5ast
Minas: J.Beal 28+5reb+4ast, B.Nardi Duarte 22+2reb+2ast, D.Nunes 15+3reb+3ast, H.Coelho 12+5reb+3ast, R.Mineiro Rodrigues 11+10reb+1ast, P.Crosby 5+5reb+1ast
gschID: 229260


Liga Sorocaba - Basquete Cearense 76-86

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams in Sorocabana where eleventh ranked SKY/Basquete (10-10) beat 10th ranked Liga Sorocaba (10-12) 86-76 on Thursday. The game was mostly controlled by SKY/Basquete. Liga Sorocaba managed to win fourth quarter 21-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. SKY/Basquete shot the lights out from three sinking 13 long-distance shots on high 61.9 percentage. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Felipe Ribeiro (201-79) who had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds. Guard Guilherme Schneider (192-86) chipped in 20 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). American guard Desmond Holloway (190-88, college: Co.Carolina) produced 22 points and the other American import guard Kenny Dawkins (175-87, college: Lamar) added 23 points respectively for the hosts. Five SKY/Basquete and four Liga Sorocaba players scored in double figures. Liga Sorocaba's coach Rinaldo Rodrigues rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. SKY/Basquete moved-up to tenth place. Liga Sorocaba lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh position with 12 games lost. SKY/Basquete will meet higher ranked Paschoalotto/Bauru (#4) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Liga Sorocaba will play against the league's second-placed Brasilia (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Liga Sorocaba: K.Dawkins 23+3reb, D.Holloway 22+4reb+1ast, R.de Bem 14+11reb, L.Machado 10+4reb+1ast, E.Soro 3+1ast, A.Neto 2+2reb+3ast
Basquete Cearense: F.Ribeiro 22+12reb+2ast, G.Schneider 20+3reb+1ast, W.Drudi 15+6reb+2ast, R.Klafke 11+3reb+1ast, D.Rossetto 10+1reb+2ast, M.Costa 3+5reb+1ast
gschID: 229259


Pinheiros/Sky - Paulistano 88-86

The most exciting game of round 23 in the NBB took place in Sao Paolo. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 7th ranked Paulistano (12-10) to sixth ranked Pinheiros (13-6) 88-86 in the game for the sixth place. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Paulistano. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Paulistano won third quarter 22-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Pinheiros won last quarter 22-21. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Pinheiros made 7 blocks. It was a great evening for American Joe Smith (192-77, college: Al.-Huntsville) who led his team to a victory scoring 27 points and 5 rebounds. Guard Fernando Penna (189-83) helped adding 19 points and 5 rebounds. Four Pinheiros players scored in double figures. Power forward Renato Carbonari (204-87) responded with 26 points and 5 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) and international guard Elinho Corazza (193-89, college: Miami Dade CC) scored 9 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists. Pinheiros maintains sixth place with 13-6 record. Paulistano at the other side keeps the seventh position with ten games lost. They share it with Minas. Pinheiros are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Suzano (#18) in Sao Paulo in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Paulistano will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Paulistano: R.Carbonari 26+5reb+1ast, E.Carvalho 17+2reb, A.Oliveira 16+6reb+1ast, E.Corazza 9+7reb+10ast, P.Lima 8+1ast, S.Toyloy 6+5reb+1ast
Pinheiros/Sky: J.Smith 27+5reb+2ast, F.Penna 19+5reb+3ast, S.Stallworth 14+6reb+4ast, A.Bambu 13+5reb+1ast, G.Araujo 7+5reb+1ast, M.Dornelles 5+3reb
gschID: 229256



*****************************************************
  BULGARIA   

Standings A1

NBL Standings
 1. Lukoil Academik 14-2 
 2. Levski Sofia 14-3 
 3. Balkan 11-5 
 4. Rilski Sportist 11-5 
 5. Tundja Yambol 9-8 
 6. Cherno More 7-9 
 7. Beroe 6-10 
 8. Chernomorets 5-10 
 9. Spartak Pleven 4-12 
 10. U20 0-17 

Regular Season: Round 17

Feb. 15: Levski Sofia - Tundja Yambol 84-55
Feb. 15: Cherno More - U20 84-55
Feb. 16: Spartak Pleven - Beroe
Feb. 16: Lukoil Academik - Balkan
Feb. 17: Rilski Sportist - Chernomorets


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Reginald HOLMES
  Beroe
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 20.2
 1. Holmes, Beroe20.2 
 2. Tyler, Chernomo.19.1 
 3. Durchev, Tundja Y.19.0 
 4. Zahariev, Rilski S.18.3 
 5. Smith, Rilski S.18.3 
 6. Lilov, Balkan17.7 
 7. Mirkovic, Rilski S.17.0 
 8. Marinovic, Levski16.5 
 9. Milosevic, Tundja16.1 
 10. Petrovic, Balkan15.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 James TYLER
  Chernomo.
  (218-C-88)
  Avg: 13.9
 1. Tyler, Chernomo.13.9 
 2. Santos, Balkan10.0 
 3. Galiotos, Cherno M.9.5 
 4. Milosevic, Tundja9.4 
 5. Ormon, Tundja Y.7.7 
 6. Agre, Spartak7.3 
 7. Gugino, Rilski S.6.9 
 8. Watkins, Lukoil A.6.8 
 9. Simeonov, U206.6 
 10. Dupree, Rilski S.6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Will WALKER
  Beroe
  (183-G-)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Walker, Beroe6.8 
 2. Heath, Lukoil A.6.1 
 3. Mirkovic, Rilski S.5.5 
 4. Marinovic, Levski5.1 
 5. Rakovic, Chernomo.4.4 
 6. Durchev, Tundja Y.4.3 
 7. Velikov, Cherno M.4.3 
 8. Radionov, Tundja Y.4.1 
 9. Massamba, Lukoil A.3.8 
 10. Lilov, Balkan3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Bozhidar AVRAMOV
  Lukoil A.
  (196-PG-90)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Avramov, Lukoil A.2.8 
 2. Heath, Lukoil A.2.6 
 3. Radionov, Tundja Y.2.6 
 4. Gugino, Rilski S.2.2 
 5. Walker, Beroe2.1 
 6. Green, Lukoil A.2.1 
 7. Velikov, Cherno M.2.1 
 8. Holmes, Beroe2.0 
 9. Govedarov, Tundja1.9 
 10. Zahariev, Rilski1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 James TYLER
  Chernomo.
  (218-C-88)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Tyler, Chernomo.3.2 
 2. Hart, Beroe1.8 
 3. Dupree, Rilski S.1.4 
 4. Watkins, Lukoil A.1.3 
 5. Santos, Balkan1.2 
 6. Gugino, Rilski S.1.0 
 7. Zahariev, Rilski S.0.9 
 8. Banev, Lukoil A.0.9 
 9. Varbanov, Levski S.0.8 
 10. Galiotos, Cherno0.8 



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

CIS Standings

CIS Standings
Atlantic
 1. Cape Breton 16-0 
 2. Acadia 13-3 
 3. UPEI 10-7 
 4. Dalhousie 10-8 
 5. St.Francis X. 7-10 
 6. St.Mary's 6-12 
 7. New Brunsw. 4-12 
 8. Memorial 1-15 
CanWest Pacific Division
 1. UBC 18-3 
 2. Victoria 15-6 
 3. UFV 12-9 
 4. TWU 11-10 
 5. TRU 7-14 
 6. Mount Royal 5-16 
 7. UNBC 5-16 
 8. UBC Okanagan 3-18 
CanWest Prairie Division
 1. Saskatchewan 15-6 
 2. Alberta 14-7 
 3. Winnipeg 14-8 
 4. Manitoba 14-8 
 5. Calgary 13-9 
 6. Lethbridge 12-10 
 7. Brandon 6-15 
 8. Regina 6-15 
OUA East
 1. Carleton 18-1 
 2. Ottawa 15-4 
 3. Ryerson 14-5 
 4. Laurentian 11-9 
 5. Queen's 10-10 
 6. York 8-12 
 7. Toronto Univ. 3-16 
 8. RMC 0-0 
OUA West
 1. Windsor 15-5 
 2. Lakehead 14-6 
 3. McMaster 12-8 
 4. Brock 8-12 
 5. Laurier 7-13 
 6. Waterloo 5-15 
 7. Guelph 5-15 
 8. Western 3-17 
Quebec League
 1. Bishop's 10-4 
 2. McGill 9-4 
 3. Concordia 8-6 
 4. UQAM 4-10 
 5. Laval 3-10 

Regular Season: Round 34

Feb. 15: UPEI - St.Francis X. 98-91
Feb. 15: Lethbridge - Calgary 95-78
Feb. 15: UNBC - Mount Royal 91-99
Feb. 15: UBC - Victoria 86-91
Feb. 14: Concordia - UQAM 82-76
Feb. 15: Saskatchewan - Alberta 82-66
Feb. 14: Calgary - Lethbridge 81-73
Feb. 15: McMaster - Lakehead 75-78
Feb. 15: St.Mary's - Dalhousie 71-72
Feb. 15: UFV - TWU 69-58
Feb. 15: Brandon - Regina 68-54
Feb. 15: Toronto Univ. - Ryerson 67-61
Feb. 15: Laurentian - York 101-104

Regular Season: Round 35

Feb. 16: Laurier - Western
Feb. 16: Guelph - Waterloo
Feb. 16: Brock - Windsor
Feb. 16: UPEI - St.Francis X.
Feb. 16: New Brunsw. - Memorial
Feb. 16: Acadia - Cape Breton
Feb. 16: UQAM - Laval
Feb. 16: Ryerson - Toronto Univ.
Feb. 16: Bishop''s - McGill
Feb. 16: McMaster - Lakehead
Feb. 16: Ottawa - Carleton
Feb. 16: Brandon - Regina
Feb. 16: Saskatchewan - Alberta
Feb. 16: Victoria - UBC
Feb. 16: TWU - UFV
Feb. 16: UBC Okanagan - TRU
Feb. 16: UNBC - Mount Royal
Feb. 17: New Brunsw. - Memorial
Feb. 17: Acadia - Cape Breton


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Maxwell ALLIN
  Laurier
  (193-G-)
  Avg: 22.8
 1. Allin, Laurier22.8 
 2. Lamar, Saskatch.22.7 
 3. Freeman, UFV21.8 
 4. Ratte, Laurentian20.7 
 5. Ogungbemi-J., Calg.20.7 
 6. Faulkner, Queen''s19.9 
 7. Fee, New Brunsw.19.8 
 8. Dunn, St.Francis X.19.7 
 9. Dorsey, Cape Bret.19.6 
 10. Coulthard, Laurier19.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Derek WALDNER
  Lethb.
  (201-C-)
  Avg: 11.5
 1. Waldner, Lethb.11.5 
 2. Ezenibe, St.Mary''s11.3 
 3. Klassen, Acadia11.3 
 4. Kamen, UBC10.8 
 5. Phillip, Windsor10.5 
 6. Salhia, Lakehead10.3 
 7. Allin, Laurier9.3 
 8. Burns, Regina9.3 
 9. Burns, Saskatch.9.2 
 10. Moses, Calgary9.2 
Assists Per Game
 Andrew CUNNINGHAM
  Winnipeg
  (186-G-)
  Avg: 7.6
 1. Cunningham, Winnip.7.6 
 2. Hebert, Regina5.9 
 3. Dorsey, Cape Bret.5.3 
 4. Walton, Manitoba5.1 
 5. Lamar, Saskatch.5.0 
 6. Pasquale, Laure.4.8 
 7. Bonhomme, Brandon4.5 
 8. York, UFV4.5 
 9. Smith, TWU4.3 
 10. Collins, Windsor4.2 
Steals Per Game
 Jimmy DORSEY
  Cape Breton
  (188-G-)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Dorsey, Cape Bret.3.8 
 2. Evans, Victoria3.1 
 3. Daley, New Brunsw.2.8 
 4. Perrin, TWU2.8 
 5. Walton, Manitoba2.7 
 6. Baker, Alberta2.7 
 7. Parchment, UFV2.7 
 8. Smith, TWU2.5 
 9. Donkoh, St.Franc.2.4 
 10. Clarke, St.Franc.2.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Thijin MOSES
  Calgary
  (201--)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Moses, Calgary2.1 
 2. Andrews, Bishop''s2.1 
 3. Eyitayo, Concordia1.8 
 4. Duke, UPEI1.8 
 5. Salhia, Lakehead1.6 
 6. Dewar, Alberta1.5 
 7. Aubertin, UNBC1.4 
 8. Osuntola, Windsor1.4 
 9. Luby, Brock1.4 
 10. James, Brandon1.3 


Canadian CIS round 33 best performance: Andrew Cunningham - by Eurobasket News

Guard Andrew Cunningham (186-G) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Winnipeg, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 33.
The -year old player was the main contributor (33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists) to his team's victory, helping them to edge out Manitoba (14-8) 89-85. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Winnipeg is placed at 3rd position in Canadian CIS. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Winnipeg will need more victories to improve their 14-8 record. In the team's last game Cunningham had a remarkable 91.7% from 2-point range. It's his second year at Winnipeg and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Former Redlands CC star has very solid stats this year. Cunningham is league's best passer with 7.6apg. Cunningham

The second best player in last round's games was -year old Maxwell Allin (193-G) of Laurier. Allin had a very good evening with a double-double of 34 points and 10 rebounds. Of course he lead Laurier to another comfortable win 96-82 over slightly lower-ranked Guelph (#7, 5-15) being unquestionably team leader. Laurier's 5th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 7-13 record. Allin is one of the most experienced players at Laurier and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 22.8ppg (#2). His other stats are also decent: 9.3rpg and 4.2apg.

Third on the list of top players last round was forward Aaron Rados (198-F) of York (#6). Rados got into 30-points club by scoring exactly 30 points in the last round. He went also for twelve rebounds . Despite Rados' great performance York lost 93-95 to slightly higher-ranked Laurentian (#4, 11-8). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of York not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 12 games, recording just seven victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Rados could try to bring York's a little bit higher in the standings. Rados has a very solid season. In 19 games in Canada he scored 11.9ppg. He also has 5.9rpg and FGP: 52.6%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Lien Phillip (203-F-89) of Windsor - 23 points and 14 rebounds
5. Isaac Akeem (190-G-90) of York - 26 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Will Donkoh (185-G) of St.Francis X. - 23 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Mike Andrews (208-C) of Bishop's - 21 points and 9 rebounds
8. Daniel McCarthy (190-F) of Guelph - 22 points and 11 rebounds
9. Owen Klassen (208-F-91) of Acadia - 15 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Wells Davis (196-F) of Waterloo - 22 points and 2 assists

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


CIS Round 34: Golden Bears lose #1 position - by Eurobasket News

The Regular Season in CIS is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 3 rounds. There were many interesting games last round. The round ended with change at the leadership position, derby games, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

Round 34 in CIS means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Saskatoon, SK where host Huskies (15-6) beat league's leader Golden Bears (14-7) 82-66 on Friday evening. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The game without a history. Huskies led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. American guard Stephon Lamar (185, college: Pacific) fired 19 points and 6 assists for the winners. Guard Ben Baker (191) chipped in 14 points and 8 rebounds. Naturalized Kenyan guard Kenneth Otieno (188) produced 8 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Huskies keep a position of league leader, which they share with Victoria. Golden Bears lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the second place with seven games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by UBC. Golden Bears will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest and make it back to the top of the standings. Huskies will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Golden Bears in Edmonton, AB.
The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Thunderbirds (18-3) in Vancouver, BC. Hosts were defeated by Vikies (15-6) 91-86. It ended at the same time the 13-game winning streak of Thunderbirds. It was a key game for the top position in the league as both teams had the same 14-6 record before this meeting. Worth to mention a great performance of Michael Acheampong who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 5 rebounds. Chris McLaughlin contributed with 13 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Vikies' coach Craig Beaucamp allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American guard Doug Plumb (193, college: Minnesota St.) replied with 21 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists for Thunderbirds. Vikies keep a position of league leader, which they share with Saskatchewan. Thunderbirds at the other side still keep top place with three games lost. Vikies will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Thunderbirds will play again on the road against the league's second-placed Vikies in Victoria, BC and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very close game took place in Hamilton, ON between Thunderwolves and Marauders. Second ranked Thunderwolves (14-6) got a very close victory on the road over one of their biggest challengers Marauders (12-8). Thunderwolves managed to escape with a 3-point win 78-75 in the fight for the second place. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Marauders. Ryan Thomson scored 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners. At the losing side Nathan Mccarthy responded with 21 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks. Thunderwolves maintains second position with 14-6 record behind leader UBC. Loser Marauders keep the third place with eight games lost. Thunderwolves will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Marauders will play again against the league's second-placed Thunderwolves in Thunder Bay, ON and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very interesting game took place in Halifax, NS. It ended with only one-point home defeat of 6th ranked Huskies (6-12) to fourth ranked Tigers (10-8) 72-71 on Friday evening. Simon Marr notched a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds to lead the effort. Tigers' coach John Campbell used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Tigers have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 10-8 record. Huskies lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Important game to mention about took place in Sudbury, ON. Sixth ranked Lions (8-12) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging one of their biggest challengers Voyageurs (11-9) 104-101 in the fight for the fourth place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Voyageurs. Isaac Akeem fired 24 points for the winners. Lions' coach Tom Oliveri used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Lions moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Brock. Loser Voyageurs keep the fourth position with nine games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

Rest of the games of round 34 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Calgary were defeated by Lethbridge in Lethbridge, AB 95-78. Toronto Univ. beat Ryerson at home 67-61. Mount Royal won against UNBC on the opponent's court 99-91. UFV managed to outperform TWU in a home game 69-58. St.Francis X. recorded a loss to UPEI on the road 98-91. Brandon defeated Regina on its own court 68-54. Lethbridge was beaten by Calgary in Calgary, AB 81-73. Concordia won against UQAM at home 82-76.
The best stats of 34th round was 42 points (!!!), 6 rebounds and 4 assists by Alex Ratte of Laurentian.

Lethbridge - Calgary 95-78

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams in Lethbridge, AB where 5th ranked Dinos (13-9) were defeated by sixth ranked Pronghorn (12-10) 95-78 on Friday. The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 54-33 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Dinos were plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Center Derek Waldner (201) fired 22 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Guard Morgan Duce (180) chipped in 19 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Four Pronghorn players scored in double figures. Thijin Moses (201) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points and 13 rebounds and guard Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson (175-91) added 19 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for lost side. Pronghorn maintains sixth position with 12-10 record. Loser Dinos keep the fifth place with nine games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Lethbridge: D.Waldner 22+9reb+1ast, J.Chief-Morris 21+8reb+1ast, M.Duce 19+7reb+5ast, L.Reiter 18+5reb+2ast, C.Johnson 8+2reb+4ast, A.Fletcher 2+2reb+1ast
Calgary: T.Moses 21+13reb+2ast, J.Gill 19+2reb+1ast, J.Ogungbemi-Jackson 19+10reb+6ast, M.Letkeman 9+2reb, D.Karch 4, M.Ligertwood 4+1reb+1ast
gschID: 190727


Laurentian - York 101-104

Important game to mention about took place in Sudbury, ON. Sixth ranked Lions (8-12) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging one of their biggest challengers Voyageurs (11-9) 104-101 in the fight for the fourth place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Voyageurs. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 29-21. But Voyageurs won second period 28-25. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Lions dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to Voyageurs' 50. Lions forced 20 Voyageurs turnovers. Guard Isaac Akeem (190-90) fired 24 points for the winners. Forward Nick Tufegdzich (201) chipped in 17 points and 6 rebounds. Five Lions players scored in double figures. Lions' coach Tom Oliveri used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Alex Ratte produced 42 points (!!!), 6 rebounds and 4 assists and swingman Georges Serresse (191) added 25 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Lions moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Brock. Loser Voyageurs keep the fourth position with nine games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
York: I.Akeem 24+3reb, N.Tufegdzich 17+6reb+2ast, R.Isaac 16+5reb+2ast, A.Rados 13, T.Rutty 12+5reb, C.Coldea 7
Laurentian: A.Ratte 42+6reb+4ast, G.Serresse 25+6reb+3ast, J.Weldon 14+6reb+1ast, M.Pasquale 7+1reb+6ast, J.Budd 7+2reb, T.Carter-Newman 4+5reb+1ast
gschID: 190725


Toronto Univ. - Ryerson 67-61

There was a surprise result in Toronto, ON where seventh ranked Blues (3-16) defeated higher ranked Rams (14-5) 67-61 on Friday. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 25-12. But Rams won second period 12-7. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Strangely Rams outrebounded Blues 50-33 including a 19-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. Guard Arun Kumar (183) fired 28 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Naturalized Greek guard Alex Hill (196-90, college: Cornell) chipped in 15 points. Guard Aaron Best (193) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points, 19 rebounds and 5 assists and forward Bjorn Michaelsen (201) added 13 points and 12 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Blues maintains seventh position with 3-16 record. Rams lost third consecutive game. They keep the third place with five games lost. Blues' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Toronto, ON to the arena Rams.
Top scorers:
Toronto Univ.: A.Kumar 28+8reb+3ast, A.Hill 15+1reb+3ast, B.Garvin 11+3reb+2ast, D.Laurin 5+9reb+3ast, A.Chambers 4+6reb, A.Plummer 2+4reb
Ryerson: J.Gauthier 15+6reb+2ast, B.Michaelsen 13+12reb, A.Best 12+19reb+5ast, Y.Walcott 7+2reb+3ast, J.Jones 6+2reb, J.Wheatle 3+1ast
gschID: 190724


UNBC - Mount Royal 91-99

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams in Prince George, BC where 6th ranked Timberwolves (5-16) were defeated by seventh ranked Mount Royal (5-16) 99-91 on Friday. The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 99-91. Forward Nick Loewen (196) fired 26 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. point guard Aloysius Callaghan (180) chipped in 26 points and 5 rebounds. point guard Joel Rybachuk (173) produced 20 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists and guard Charles Barton (193) added 20 points and 11 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Mount Royal moved-up to sixth place, which they share with UNBC. Timberwolves lost eleventh consecutive game. Mount Royal will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Mount Royal: N.Loewen 26+6reb+1ast, A.Callaghan 26+5reb, A.Abraha 15+2reb+4ast, J.Gardener 7+2reb+2ast, M.Akwl 6+5reb+2ast, J.Lefebvre 6+4reb
UNBC: J.Rybachuk 20+5reb+9ast, S.Raphael 20+6reb+1ast, C.Barton 20+11reb+1ast, N.Bains 9+7reb, G.Aubertin 6+7reb+1ast, B.Cheng 6
gschID: 190731


UFV - TWU 69-58

Everything could happen in Abbotsford, BC at the game between two tied teams. Both fourth ranked Cascades and one of their biggest challengers Spartans had identical 11-9 record. This time Cascades used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Langley, BC 69-58 on Friday night. The hosts trailed by 6 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 8-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 69-58. Cascades forced 19 Spartans turnovers. Guard Samuel Freeman (191) fired a double-double by scoring 32 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. James York chipped in 11 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Guard Tonner Jackson (201) produced 10 points and 9 rebounds and American point guard Tristan Smith (183-86) added 9 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side. Spartans' coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Cascades (12-9) moved-up to third place. Loser Spartans dropped to the fourth position with ten games lost. Cascades will face again Spartans (#4) in Langley, BC in the next round.
Top scorers:
UFV: S.Freeman 32+10reb+2ast, K.Parchment 14+6reb+2ast, J.York 11+9reb+5ast, K.Grewal 7+7reb+3ast, N.Kendall 5+2reb+1ast, A.McGowan 0+1ast
TWU: T.Jackson 10+9reb+1ast, M.Perrin 10+5reb+3ast, T.Smith 9+8reb+3ast, D.McDonald 8+4reb+1ast, K.Osborne 6+3reb, J.Bakuteka 6+2ast
gschID: 190730


UBC - Victoria 86-91

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Thunderbirds (18-3) in Vancouver, BC. Hosts were defeated by Vikies (15-6) 91-86. It ended at the same time the 13-game winning streak of Thunderbirds. It was a key game for the top position in the league as both teams had the same 14-6 record before this meeting. The guests were already 14 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 32-23 Thunderbirds' run in the last quarter cut the lead to 91-86 at the end of the game. Thunderbirds were plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of Michael Acheampong who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 5 rebounds. Center Chris McLaughlin (208) contributed with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Vikies' coach Craig Beaucamp allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American guard Doug Plumb (193, college: Minnesota St.) replied with 21 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists and forward Tommy Nixon (198) added 23 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Thunderbirds. Four Thunderbirds players scored in double figures. Vikies keep a position of league leader, which they share with Saskatchewan. Thunderbirds at the other side still keep top place with three games lost. Vikies will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Thunderbirds will play again on the road against the league's second-placed Vikies in Victoria, BC and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Victoria: M.Acheampong 23+5reb+3ast, C.McLaughlin 13+11reb+1ast, B.Dunlop 11+2reb+6ast, R.Theil 9+6reb+1ast, B.Taylor 8+2ast, K.Peterson 8+1reb+2ast
UBC: T.Nixon 23+6reb+1ast, D.Plumb 21+9reb+6ast, O.Wallace 12+2reb+3ast, B.Kamen 12+12reb, I.Solomon 7+1ast, J.Jensen-Whyte 4+2reb+1ast
gschID: 190729


Saskatchewan - Alberta 82-66

Round 34 in CIS means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Saskatoon, SK where host Huskies (15-6) beat league's leader Golden Bears (14-7) 82-66 on Friday evening. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The game without a history. Huskies led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. American guard Stephon Lamar (185, college: Pacific) fired 19 points and 6 assists for the winners. Guard Ben Baker (191) chipped in 14 points and 8 rebounds. Five Huskies players scored in double figures. Naturalized Kenyan guard Kenneth Otieno (188) produced 8 points and 5 rebounds and Noble Crowfoot added 9 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Huskies keep a position of league leader, which they share with Victoria. Golden Bears lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the second place with seven games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by UBC. Golden Bears will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest and make it back to the top of the standings. Huskies will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Golden Bears in Edmonton, AB.
Top scorers:
Saskatchewan: S.Lamar 19+4reb+6ast, M.Forbes 15+6reb, B.Baker 14+8reb+3ast, P.Burns 10+4reb+1ast, E.Ostertag 10+1reb+1ast, T.Severinski 7+3reb+1ast
Alberta: Y.Ouahrig 11+2ast, S.Saffa 10+4reb, N.Crowfoot 9+2reb+4ast, R.Dhaliwal 8+1ast, K.Otieno 8+5reb+3ast, R.Dewar 6+1reb+1ast
gschID: 190728


McMaster - Lakehead 75-78

A very close game took place in Hamilton, ON between Thunderwolves and Marauders. Second ranked Thunderwolves (14-6) got a very close victory on the road over one of their biggest challengers Marauders (12-8). Thunderwolves managed to escape with a 3-point win 78-75 in the fight for the second place. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Marauders. The guests trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 24-15 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Thunderwolves forced 19 Marauders turnovers. Center Ryan Thomson (201-90) scored 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and guard Ben Johnson (-88) chipped in 19 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side center Nathan Mccarthy (203) responded with 21 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks and guard Adam Presutti (188) scored 10 points and 8 assists. Four Marauders players scored in double figures. Thunderwolves maintains second position with 14-6 record behind leader UBC. Loser Marauders keep the third place with eight games lost. Thunderwolves will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Marauders will play again against the league's second-placed Thunderwolves in Thunder Bay, ON and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Lakehead: R.Thomson 22+5reb+4ast, B.Johnson 19+5reb+1ast, D.Harvey 18+4reb+2ast, G.Carter 6+4reb+6ast, Y.Salhia 5+5reb+3ast, M.Schmidt 4+3reb
McMaster: N.Mccarthy 21+9reb, J.Rocca 11+2reb+1ast, A.Redpath 10+4reb, A.Presutti 10+3reb+8ast, T.Black 7+8reb+1ast, S.Laws 7+5reb+1ast
gschID: 190723


St.Mary's - Dalhousie 71-72

A very interesting game took place in Halifax, NS. It ended with only one-point home defeat of 6th ranked Huskies (6-12) to fourth ranked Tigers (10-8) 72-71 on Friday evening. Huskies were ahead by 7 points after three quarters before a 26-18 charge of Tigers, which allowed them to win the game. They dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Huskies' 30. Forward Simon Marr (203) notched a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds to lead the effort and guard Jumol Mullings (185) supported him with 13 points and 6 assists. Four Tigers players scored in double figures. Tigers' coach John Campbell used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Even 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 blocks by forward Riley Halpin (203) did not help to save the game for Huskies. Guard Miguel Pink (185) added 11 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Tigers have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 10-8 record. Huskies lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Dalhousie: D.Stedman 14+7reb, J.Mullings 13+2reb+6ast, S.Marr 12+10reb+3ast, W.Yengue 11+9reb, H.Abdullahi 9+4reb+2ast, K.Lawrence 5+4reb
St.Mary's: R.Halpin 17+6reb+3ast, M.Pink 11+5reb+1ast, K.Thomas 9+6reb+1ast, J.McAvoy 9+4reb+2ast, K.Scott 8+3reb, K.Thompson 8+1reb+4ast
gschID: 190722


UPEI - St.Francis X. 98-91

Not a big story in a game in Charlottetown, PEI where 5th ranked X-Men (7-10) was defeated by third ranked Panthers (10-7) 98-91 on Friday. The hosts trailed by 11 points after three quarters before their 31-13 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Panthers looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Forward Geoff Doane (196) fired a double-double by scoring 27 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. Deontay Smith chipped in 25 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Panthers' coach Tim Kendrick used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Guard Tyrell Vernon (185-88) produced 26 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and guard Will Donkoh (185) added 18 points and 6 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws) respectively for lost side. Five X-Men players scored in double figures. Panthers maintains third position with 10-7 record having eight points less than leader UBC. X-Men lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with ten games lost. Panthers will face again X-Men (#5) in Antigonish, NS in the next round.
Top scorers:
UPEI: G.Doane 27+14reb+1ast, D.Smith 25+6reb+7ast, L.Parker 21+6reb+2ast, J.Kendrick 9+3reb+8ast, B.Ofori 8+5reb+1ast, J.Duke 6+7reb+1ast
St.Francis X.: T.Vernon 26+5reb+6ast, J.Dunn 18+4reb, W.Donkoh 18+6reb+2ast, J.Clarke 12+8reb+3ast, R.Madera 10+9reb+1ast, M.Macdonald 7+1ast
gschID: 190721


Brandon - Regina 68-54

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams in Brandon, MB where eighth ranked Bobcats (6-15) won against 7th ranked Cougars (6-15) 68-54 on Friday. Bobcats moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Regina. Cougars lost fifth consecutive game. Bobcats will face again Cougars (#8) in Regina, SK in the next round.
gschID: 190726


Calgary - Lethbridge 81-73

Everything could happen in Calgary, AB at the game between two tied teams. Both fifth ranked Dinos and 6th ranked Pronghorn had identical 12-9 record. This time Dinos used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Lethbridge, AB 81-73 on Thursday night. Pronghorn trailed by 12 points at halftime and as many as 16 after three quarters before a 24-16 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 73-81 at the end of the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Dinos made 7 blocks. Guard Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson (175-91) fired a double-double by scoring 28 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Thijin Moses (201) chipped in 7 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 blocks. Center Derek Waldner (201) produced a double-double by scoring 27 points and 11 rebounds and guard Julian Chief-Morris (193-89) added 18 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Pronghorn's coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Dinos maintains fifth position with 13-9 record. Loser Pronghorn keeps the sixth place with ten games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Calgary: J.Ogungbemi-Jackson 28+10reb+1ast, J.Gill 15+5reb+1ast, M.Letkeman 12+4reb, Y.Anissovets 10+4reb+1ast, T.Moses 7+11reb+6ast, J.Owen-Thomas 6+3reb+7ast
Lethbridge: D.Waldner 27+11reb+2ast, J.Chief-Morris 18+7reb+2ast, C.Johnson 10+1reb+2ast, A.Fletcher 6+5reb+2ast, A.Fridon 5+3reb, L.Reiter 5+4reb+2ast
gschID: 190719


Concordia - UQAM 82-76

The game between closely ranked teams ended with third ranked Stingers' (8-6) home victory over one of their biggest challengers Citadines (4-10) 82-76 on Thursday. The hosts trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 23-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Stingers outrebounded Citadines 33-20 including 25 on the defensive glass. Forward Evens Laroche (193) fired 23 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Guard Jerome Blake (180) chipped in 22 points. Guard Richard Kwaku Addai (183-88) produced 19 points and forward Alexandre Bernard (196) added 17 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Stingers maintains third position with 8-6 record having thirteen points less than leader UBC. Citadines lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with ten games lost. Stingers will have a break next round. Citadines will play at home against Rouge et Or (#5) in Quebec City, QC and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Concordia: E.Laroche 23+8reb, J.Blake 22+4reb+3ast, Z.Brisebois 12+4reb, A.Chmielewski 10+1reb+4ast, K.Desmarais 6+4reb+4ast, M.Tajfel 5+3reb+2ast
UQAM: R.Kwaku Addai 19+4reb+3ast, A.Bernard 17+6reb+1ast, P.Tamba 16+2reb, M.Bazile 10+4reb+1ast, N.Audet 6+4ast, A.Pivovar 3
gschID: 190718



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

Standings - CBA

CBA Standings
 1. Guangdong ST 27-4 
 2. Shandong FB 23-8 
 3. Beijing Ducks 21-10 
 4. Xinjiang FT 20-11 
 5. Liaoning H. 18-13 
 6. DongGuan L. 17-14 
 7. Guangsha L. 16-15 
 8. Zhejiang CB 16-15 
 9. Shanxi Zh. 15-16 
 10. Bayi R. 15-16 
 11. Foshan LL 14-17 
 12. Jiangsu D. 13-18 
 13. Fujian QB 11-20 
 14. Shanghai S. 10-21 
 15. TianJin S. 10-21 
 16. Jilin NE T. 10-22 
 17. Qingdao E. 8-23 

Regular Season: Round 33

Feb. 15: Zhejiang CB - Xinjiang FT 99-121
Feb. 15: DongGuan L. - Qingdao E. 127-109
Feb. 15: Fujian QB - TianJin S. 117-94
Feb. 15: Shanghai S. - Jilin NE T. 115-96
Feb. 15: Foshan LL - Beijing Ducks 112-106
Feb. 15: Bayi R. - Liaoning H. 108-103
Feb. 15: Jiangsu D. - Shanxi Zh. 108-102
Feb. 15: Guangdong ST - Shandong FB 105-103

Regular Season: Round 34

Feb. 17: Guangsha L. - Jiangsu D.
Feb. 17: Shanghai S. - Liaoning H.
Feb. 17: Beijing Ducks - Bayi R.
Feb. 17: Shanxi Zh. - Zhejiang CB
Feb. 17: Xinjiang FT - DongGuan L.
Feb. 17: Guangdong ST - Qingdao E.
Feb. 17: Foshan LL - TianJin S.
Feb. 17: Shandong FB - Fujian QB


Stats Leaders - CBA

Points Per Game
 Shavlik RANDOLPH
  Foshan LL
  (208-F-83)
  Avg: 33
 1. Randolph, Foshan33.0 
 2. Douby, Zhejiang CB32.2 
 3. Gaines, Shanxi Zh.31.5 
 4. Williams, Shanxi Z.30.9 
 5. Akognon, Liaoning.30.6 
 6. Forbes, Guangsha29.6 
 7. Marbury, Beijing29.5 
 8. Daniels, Qingdao E.28.7 
 9. Spencer, Jilin N.28.6 
 10. Haislip, DongGuan.27.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Donnell HARVEY
  TianJin S.
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 16.6
 1. Harvey, TianJin S.16.6 
 2. Gaines, Shanxi Zh.15.3 
 3. Randolph, Foshan14.4 
 4. Li, Liaoning H.13.4 
 5. Wang, Fujian QB12.9 
 6. Harris, Jiangsu D.12.4 
 7. Abbas, Shandong FB11.7 
 8. Daniels, Qingdao E.11.5 
 9. Ramos, Guangsha L.11.1 
 10. Siler, Jiangsu D.11.1 
Assists Per Game
 Osama DAGHLES
  TianJin S.
  (198-G-79)
  Avg: 9.2
 1. Daghles, TianJin S.9.2 
 2. Perkins, Foshan LL6.8 
 3. Lu, Shanxi Zh.5.8 
 4. Jeter, Shandong FB5.5 
 5. Marbury, Beijing5.3 
 6. Williams, Shanxi Z.5.2 
 7. McGrady, Qingd.5.1 
 8. Gaines, Fujian QB4.8 
 9. Forbes, Guangsha4.7 
 10. Qahwash, Jiang.4.7 
Steals Per Game
 Doron PERKINS
  Foshan LL
  (188-PG-83)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Perkins, Foshan LL2.7 
 2. Spencer, Jilin N.2.5 
 3. Douby, Zhejiang CB2.5 
 4. Hu, Jiangsu D.2.4 
 5. Jeter, Shandong FB2.4 
 6. Abbas, Shandong FB2.2 
 7. Marbury, Beijing2.2 
 8. Zhong, Jilin NE T.2.2 
 9. Han, Bayi R.2.1 
 10. Co, Xinjiang FT2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Hamady N''DIAYE
  Ti.
  (213-C-87)
  Avg: 3.9
 1. N''Diaye, Ti.3.9 
 2. Zhang, Shanghai S.2.9 
 3. Siler, Jiangsu D.2.1 
 4. Jones, Liaoning H.1.9 
 5. Yi, Guangdong ST1.8 
 6. Daniels, Qingdao E.1.8 
 7. Morris, Beijing Du.1.7 
 8. Han, Liaoning H.1.5 
 9. Yan, Shanxi Zh.1.5 
 10. Vroman, Shandong.1.5 


CBA Round 33: Guandong Tigers defeat Shandong Bulls in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News

There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in CBA.

Second-ranked Shandong Bulls (23-8) gave a tough game to first ranked Guandong Tigers (27-4) in Dongguan on Friday. Guandong Tigers managed to secure only two-point victory 105-103. However their fans expected easier game. It ended at the same time the 15-game winning streak of Shandong Bulls. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Guandong Tigers dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Shandong Bulls' 42. They outrebounded Shandong Bulls 51-39 including 18 on the offensive glass. 35 personal fouls committed by Shandong Bulls helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Nigerian-American power forward Ike Diogu (204-83, college: Arizona St.) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!) and 20 rebounds for the winners and international Jianlian Yi (212-87) chipped in 29 points and 12 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American point guard Pooh Jeter (180-83, college: Portland) with 27 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals. Guandong Tigers maintains first place with 27-4 record. Shandong Bulls at the other side keep the second position with eight games lost. Guandong Tigers are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Qingdao Eagles (#17) at home in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Shandong Bulls will play against Fujian (#13) in Jinjiang and are hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Beijing Ducks (21-10) against eleventh ranked Foshan (14-17) on Friday night. Visiting Beijing Ducks were defeated by Foshan in a tough game in Foshan 106-112. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Beijing Ducks. American forward Shavlik Randolph (208-83, college: Duke) nailed 36 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds for the winning side and Michel Maadanly accounted for 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. American power forward Randolph Morris (211-86, college: Kentucky) came up with 34 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 4 blocks for Beijing Ducks in the defeat. Beijing Ducks' coach LuLei Min rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Foshan maintains eleventh place with 14-17 record. Beijing Ducks at the other side keep the third position with ten games lost. Foshan will play against TianJin Steel (#15) in Tianjin in the next round. Beijing Ducks will play at home against Bayi Rockets (#10) in Ningbo and hope to get back on the winning track.
The game in Hangzhou supposed to be also quite interesting. Fourth ranked Xinjiang Flying Tige (20-11) played at the court of 6th ranked Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank (16-15). Xinjiang Flying Tige smashed Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank 121-99 on Friday. The best player for the winners was Von Wafer who had a double-double by scoring 23 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Quincy Douby who recorded 28 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Xinjiang Flying Tige have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain fourth place with 20-11 record. Loser Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank dropped to the seventh position with 15 games lost. They share it with Guangsha L.. Xinjiang Flying Tige will meet at home DongGuan Leopards (#6) in the next round. Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank will play against Shanxi Zhongyu in Taiyuan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game took place in Ningbo where higher ranked Liaoning Hunters (18-13) were upseton the court of tenth ranked Bayi Rockets (15-16) 108-103. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Liaoning Hunters. It was a good game for Shuo Han who led his team to a victory with 23 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Bayi Rockets' coach Chang Bin Adijan allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Bayi Rockets moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Shanxi Zh. Liaoning Hunters at the other side keep the fifth position with 13 games lost. Bayi Rockets' next round opponent will be higher ranked Beijing Ducks (#3) on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Liaoning Hunters will play against Shanghai Sharks.
An interesting game took place in Nanjing where 9th ranked Shanxi Zhongyu (15-16) was upset on the court of twelfth ranked Jiangsu Dragons (13-18) 108-102 on Friday. XueFeng Hu stepped up with a double-double by scoring 36 points (!!!), 8 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) for the winners. Shanxi Zhongyu's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Jiangsu Dragons maintains twelfth place with 13-18 record. Shanxi Zhongyu lost their fifth game in a row. They keep the ninth position with 16 games lost. Jiangsu Dragons will face higher ranked Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (#7) in Hangzhou in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 33: TianJin S. was destroyed by Fujian QB on the opponent's court 117-94. DongGuan L. managed to outperform Qingdao E. in a home game 127-109. Jilin NE T. was rolled over Shanghai S. on the road 115-96.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 33 points (!!!) and 20 rebounds by Charles Gaines of Shanxi Zh..

Fujian QB - TianJin S. 117-94

Everything could happen in Jinjiang at the game between two tied teams. Both thirteenth ranked Fujian and 14th ranked TianJin Steel had identical 10-20 record. This time Fujian used a home court advantage and crushed the opponent from Tianjin 117-94 on Friday night. Fujian outrebounded TianJin Steel 50-31 including a 40-26 advantage in defensive rebounds. American guard Sundiata Gaines (185-86, college: Georgia) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 24 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners and international Zhelin Wang (215-94) chipped in 26 points and 12 rebounds. Fujian's coach Thomas Baldwin felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was swingman Zhihan Zhang (198-91) with 32 points and forward XiangLong Meng (197-89) scored 18 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Fujian maintains thirteenth place with 11-20 record. TianJin Steel lost their tenth game in a row. They keep the fourteenth position with 21 games lost. Fujian will face league's second-placed Shandong Bulls in Jinan in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. TianJin Steel will play on the road against Foshan (#11).
Top scorers:
Fujian QB: W.Zhelin 26+12reb+1ast, G.Sundiata 24+11reb+7ast, M.Will 21+10reb+2ast, L.Chen 18+4reb, Z.TaiLong 11+3reb+3ast, Z.QiXin 9+5reb+1ast
TianJin S.: Z.Zhihan 32+2reb+2ast, M.XiangLong 18+6reb+1ast, D.Osama 15+3reb+5ast, X.Lei 12+3reb, N.Hamady 11+13reb+1ast, Q.Peng 4+2reb+2ast
gschID: 228782


Foshan LL - Beijing Ducks 112-106

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Beijing Ducks (21-10) against eleventh ranked Foshan (14-17) on Friday night. Visiting Beijing Ducks were defeated by Foshan in a tough game in Foshan 106-112. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Beijing Ducks. It looked good early as Beijing Ducks took an 13-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Foshan took control and eventually winning the game that evening by 6 points. They also forced 20 Beijing Ducks turnovers. American forward Shavlik Randolph (208-83, college: Duke) nailed 36 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds for the winning side and Syrian guard Michel Maadanly (194-81) accounted for 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. American power forward Randolph Morris (211-86, college: Kentucky) came up with 34 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 4 blocks and forward Li Gun (196-88) added 33 points (!!!) respectively for Beijing Ducks in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Beijing Ducks' coach LuLei Min rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Foshan maintains eleventh place with 14-17 record. Beijing Ducks at the other side keep the third position with ten games lost. Foshan will play against TianJin Steel (#15) in Tianjin in the next round. Beijing Ducks will play at home against Bayi Rockets (#10) in Ningbo and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Foshan LL: R.Shavlik 36+8reb, M.Michel 21+5reb+4ast, S.KangMing 13+5reb+1ast, R.Junwei 11+7reb+1ast, P.Doron 10+6reb+10ast, Z.LingXu 9+10reb+3ast
Beijing Ducks: M.Randolph 34+8reb+2ast, G.Li 33+3reb+3ast, Z.YanXi 17+9reb+2ast, W.Xiaohui 13+1reb+1ast, L.Hsueh-Lin 4+7reb+14ast, C.Lei 3+1reb
gschID: 228781


Guangdong ST - Shandong FB 105-103

Second-ranked Shandong Bulls (23-8) gave a tough game to first ranked Guandong Tigers (27-4) in Dongguan on Friday. Guandong Tigers managed to secure only two-point victory 105-103. However their fans expected easier game. It ended at the same time the 15-game winning streak of Shandong Bulls. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Guandong Tigers dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Shandong Bulls' 42. They outrebounded Shandong Bulls 51-39 including 18 on the offensive glass. 35 personal fouls committed by Shandong Bulls helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Nigerian-American power forward Ike Diogu (204-83, college: Arizona St.) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!) and 20 rebounds for the winners and international Jianlian Yi (212-87) chipped in 29 points and 12 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American point guard Pooh Jeter (180-83, college: Portland) with 27 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals and forward Ding Yanyuhang (200-93) scored 18 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Guandong Tigers maintains first place with 27-4 record. Shandong Bulls at the other side keep the second position with eight games lost. Guandong Tigers are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Qingdao Eagles (#17) at home in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Shandong Bulls will play against Fujian (#13) in Jinjiang and are hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Guangdong ST: D.Ike 35+20reb+1ast, Y.Jianlian 29+12reb, W.ShiPeng 13+3reb+4ast, Z.FangYu 11+2reb+3ast, Z.Peng 6+5reb+1ast, C.Jianghua 5+4reb
Shandong FB: J.Pooh 27+5reb+4ast, Y.Ding 18+4reb+1ast, L.JingYu 15+1reb+1ast, T.HanLin 15+6reb+1ast, W.Ruheng 8+1reb+1ast, W.Ke 8+8reb
gschID: 228780


Bayi R. - Liaoning H. 108-103

An interesting game took place in Ningbo where higher ranked Liaoning Hunters (18-13) were upseton the court of tenth ranked Bayi Rockets (15-16) 108-103. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Liaoning Hunters. The hosts were tied after three quarters but managed to speed up in last quarter eventually winning the game. Bayi Rockets made 23-of-29 charity shots (79.3 percent) during the game. Bayi Rockets had a 29-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. 25 personal fouls committed by Liaoning Hunters helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for the former international guard Shuo Han (196-86) who led his team to a victory with 23 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. The former international forward Lei Wang (203-86) contributed with 25 points and 5 steals for the winners. Bayi Rockets' coach Chang Bin Adijan allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Nigerian-American point guard Josh-Emmanuel Akognon (180-86, college: CS Fullerton) answered with 35 points (!!!) and 4 steals and the former international center XiaoXu Li (206-90) added 19 points and 19 rebounds in the effort for Liaoning Hunters. Five Bayi Rockets and four Liaoning Hunters players scored in double figures. Bayi Rockets moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Shanxi Zh. Liaoning Hunters at the other side keep the fifth position with 13 games lost. Bayi Rockets' next round opponent will be higher ranked Beijing Ducks (#3) on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Liaoning Hunters will play against Shanghai Sharks.
Top scorers:
Bayi R.: W.Lei 25+4reb+3ast, H.Shuo 23+6reb+5ast, D.Lehei 16+4reb, W.ZhiZhi 14+10reb+2ast, M.Ke 11+5reb+1ast, X.ZhongHao 9+6reb
Liaoning H.: A.Josh-Emmanuel 35+4reb+2ast, G.Ailun 27+1reb+1ast, L.XiaoXu 19+19reb+1ast, J.Solomon 12+13reb+1ast, Y.Ming 6+3reb+2ast, M.Lim 2+3reb
gschID: 228779


DongGuan L. - Qingdao E. 127-109

Very predictable result when seventh ranked DongGuan Leopards (17-14) defeated at home bottom-ranked Qingdao Eagles (8-23) 127-109 on Friday. The game without a history. DongGuan Leopards led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 22-of-29 free shots (75.9 percent) during the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when DongGuan Leopards made 7 blocks. Qingdao Eagles were plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. American point guard Blake Ahearn (188-84, college: Missouri St.) stepped up and scored 34 points (!!!) and 5 assists for the winners and the former international center Kai Zhang (212-82) chipped in 14 points and 15 rebounds. The best for the losing side was forward Tao Li (200-82) with 22 points and 8 rebounds and American swingman Tracy McGrady (203-79) scored 23 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. DongGuan Leopards moved-up to sixth place. Loser Qingdao Eagles stay at the bottom position with 23 games lost. DongGuan Leopards will face higher ranked Xinjiang Flying Tige (#4) in Urumqi in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Qingdao Eagles will play on the road against the league's leader Guandong Tigers (#1) in Dongguan.
Top scorers:
DongGuan L.: A.Blake 34+1reb+5ast, H.Marcus 24+6reb+1ast, G.QuAn 14+3reb, Z.Kai 14+15reb+3ast, L.Muhao 12+6reb+1ast, H.Chih-Shan 11+2reb+4ast
Qingdao E.: M.Tracy 23+6reb+3ast, L.Tao 22+8reb+2ast, Z.YongGang 14+3reb, D.Chris 14+9reb+5ast, X.Ruixin 12+4reb, Y.GengLin 8+3reb+2ast
gschID: 228778


Shanghai S. - Jilin NE T. 115-96

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 15th ranked Jilin Tigers (10-22) were rolled over on the road by sixteenth ranked Shanghai Sharks (10-21) 115-96 on Friday. The game without a history. Shanghai Sharks led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 21-of-26 free shots (80.8 percent) during the game. Shanghai Sharks had a 39-26 advantage in offensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Shanghai Sharks made 7 blocks. Jilin Tigers were plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. International point guard Wei Liu (190-80) stepped up and scored 32 points for the winners and the former international center ZhaoXu Zhang (221-87, college: California) chipped in 20 points, 19 rebounds and 6 blocks. Shanghai Sharks' coach Dan Panaggio used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was American guard Dewarick Spencer (193-82, college: Arkansas St., agency: Higher Vision Sports) with a double-double by scoring 26 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and forward Biao Zhang (201-90) scored 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Shanghai Sharks moved-up to fourteenth place, which they share with TianJin S. Jilin Tigers lost their sixth game in a row. They dropped to the sixteenth position with 22 games lost. Shanghai Sharks will face higher ranked Liaoning Hunters (#5) in Yingkou in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Shanghai S.: L.Wei 32+4reb+3ast, A.Gilbert 25+3reb+2ast, Z.ZhaoXu 20+19reb, L.Ziqui 15+5reb+3ast, W.D.J. 14+11reb+2ast, M.Lingyuan 4+1reb
Jilin NE T.: S.Dewarick 26+10reb+4ast, Z.Biao 19+6reb+4ast, L.Ang 12+5reb, L.Xudong 12+4reb+2ast, L.Wei 11+3reb+1ast, Z.Cheng 11+9reb+4ast
gschID: 228777


Zhejiang CB - Xinjiang FT 99-121

The game in Hangzhou supposed to be also quite interesting. Fourth ranked Xinjiang Flying Tige (20-11) played at the court of 6th ranked Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank (16-15). Xinjiang Flying Tige smashed Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank 121-99 on Friday. The guests 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 121-99. Xinjiang Flying Tige outrebounded Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank 54-35 including 18 on the offensive glass. They shot the lights out from three sinking 20 long-distance shots on high 52.6 percentage. Xinjiang Flying Tige looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard Von Wafer (196-85, college: Florida St.) who had a double-double by scoring 23 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international point guard QinPeng Zhang (187-81) chipped in 28 points. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Quincy Douby (191-84, college: Rutgers) who recorded 28 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and center ChunJun Zhang (197-87) added 14 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Xinjiang Flying Tige have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain fourth place with 20-11 record. Loser Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank dropped to the seventh position with 15 games lost. They share it with Guangsha L.. Xinjiang Flying Tige will meet at home DongGuan Leopards (#6) in the next round. Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank will play against Shanxi Zhongyu in Taiyuan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Xinjiang FT: Z.QinPeng 28+2reb+2ast, W.Von 23+13reb+4ast, J.Darnell 17+10reb+1ast, C.Tal 12+8reb+4ast, Y.Changdong 12+10reb+1ast, M.Kan 11+1reb+3ast
Zhejiang CB: D.Quincy 28+5reb+6ast, G.SongLin 14+2reb+5ast, Z.ChunJun 14+8reb+2ast, Z.Dayu 12+6reb+1ast, D.JinHui 10+5reb+3ast, C.Eddy 9+7reb
gschID: 228776


Jiangsu D. - Shanxi Zh. 108-102

An interesting game took place in Nanjing where 9th ranked Shanxi Zhongyu (15-16) was upset on the court of twelfth ranked Jiangsu Dragons (13-18) 108-102 on Friday. Shanxi Zhongyu trailed by 11 points after 3 quarters before a 29-24 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 102-108 at the end of the game. Jiangsu Dragons made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. They also forced 22 Shanxi Zhongyu turnovers. The former international point guard XueFeng Hu (185-80) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 36 points (!!!), 8 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) for the winners and American center Garret Siler (213-86, college: Augusta St.) chipped in 24 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks. The best for the losing side was American forward Charles Gaines (201-81, college: S.Mississippi) with a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 20 rebounds and international forward JiangPeng Duan (197-90) scored 17 points and 7 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Shanxi Zhongyu's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Jiangsu Dragons maintains twelfth place with 13-18 record. Shanxi Zhongyu lost their fifth game in a row. They keep the ninth position with 16 games lost. Jiangsu Dragons will face higher ranked Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (#7) in Hangzhou in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Jiangsu D.: H.XueFeng 36+8reb+10ast, S.Garret 24+9reb, H.Mike 16+10reb, Y.Li 14+5reb+2ast, M.Da 9+3reb+2ast, W.Junjie 5+4reb+2ast
Shanxi Zh.: G.Charles 33+20reb+2ast, B.ZhaoBao 20+4reb+1ast, D.JiangPeng 17+7reb+1ast, L.XiaoMing 11+3reb+3ast, Z.XueWen 7+6reb+1ast, Y.PengFei 6
gschID: 228775



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

Standings - Division A

Division A Standings
 1. Keravnos 18-3 
 2. Etha 16-5 
 3. AEK 14-7 
 4. Apoel 12-9 
 5. Apollon 9-12 
 6. AEL 6-15 
 7. ENAD 5-15 
 8. Omonia 3-17 

Regular Season: Round 21

Feb. 15: Omonia - Keravnos 84-89
Feb. 15: Apollon - ENAD 82-86
Feb. 15: Etha - AEL 73-66
Feb. 15: AEK - Apoel 62-75


Div.A stats leaders

Points Per Game
 Jeremy ALLEN
  Omonia
  (193-G-88)
  Avg: 19.3
 1. Allen, Omonia19.3 
 2. Brown, Apollon18.6 
 3. Aleksic, AEL17.6 
 4. Pesic, AEL16.9 
 5. Outerbridge, AEL16.2 
 6. Fisher, AEK15.4 
 7. Crocker, Keravnos14.9 
 8. Diggs, Omonia14.8 
 9. Williams, Etha14.7 
 10. Morrison, Apoel13.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Orion OUTERBRIDGE
  AEL
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 9
 1. Outerbridge, AEL9.0 
 2. Pesic, AEL8.6 
 3. Aleksic, AEL7.6 
 4. Brown, Apollon7.2 
 5. Diggs, Omonia7.1 
 6. Vaughn, Keravnos6.7 
 7. Fisher, AEK6.4 
 8. Jefferson, Apollon6.2 
 9. Bolden, ENAD6.2 
 10. Kaskiris, ENAD5.6 
Assists Per Game
 Bobby MAZE
  Keravnos
  (191-PG-86)
  Avg: 5.1
 1. Maze, Keravnos5.1 
 2. Aleksic, AEL4.9 
 3. Diggs, Omonia4.9 
 4. Palalas, AEL3.8 
 5. Stiggers, Apoel3.5 
 6. Demertzis, Kerav.3.5 
 7. Adegboye, Etha3.2 
 8. Panteli, AEK2.9 
 9. Guillandeaux, AEL2.8 
 10. Kounas, ENAD2.6 
Steals Per Game
 Georgios PALALAS
  AEL
  (185-PG-81)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Palalas, AEL2.6 
 2. Hamilton, ENAD2.2 
 3. Stiggers, Apoel2.1 
 4. Diggs, Omonia1.9 
 5. Poole, Etha1.8 
 6. Brown, Apollon1.7 
 7. Kremen, Apoel1.7 
 8. Panteli, AEK1.6 
 9. Crocker, Keravnos1.6 
 10. Williams, Etha1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Orion OUTERBRIDGE
  AEL
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Outerbridge, AEL1.8 
 2. Harrison, AEK1.8 
 3. Jefferson, Apollon1.7 
 4. Baker, Omonia1.3 
 5. Vaughn, Keravnos1.2 
 6. Brown, Apollon1.1 
 7. Chan, Apoel0.9 
 8. Morrison, Apoel0.9 
 9. Sims, ENAD0.5 
 10. Pesic, AEL0.5 


ENAD and Sims Do the Unthinkable - by Nima Siar

Limassol, CY - Led by Lewis Sims and his third straight 20 plus point performance ENAD was able to sneak into the 6th and final playoff spot for 2013 League Cup. After getting past AEL in Limassol on Tuesday 66-62 ENAD win back to back away games in Limassol to keep their season alive where they will face off against an AEK team that swept them this year. Apolon will start the tourny playing the tough matchup of APOEL.

Game Notes:
ENAD:
Lewis Sims 28ots, 7 reb, 2/4 3pts
52% FG, 6/16 3pt, 26/31 FT, 11 stl

Apollon:
Andrew Warren 27 pts, 8/20 FG, 5 reb, 4 ast
Diego Kapelan 18 pts, 3/5 3pt, 2 ast
Marvin Jefferson 11 pts, 7 reb
47% FG, 12/26 3pt, 15 TO

* Stats provided by the Cyprus Basketball Federation *


Jamar Diggs signs at Barons kvartals, ex Omonia - by Eurobasket News

BK Barons Kvartals Riga (LBL) landed 25-year old American guard Jamar Diggs (187-88, college: Wofford, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management). He started the season at Omonia in Cypriot Division A. In 15 games this season he averaged 14.8ppg, 7.1rpg, 4.9apg and 1.9spg. The last season Diggs played at Finke Baskets Paderborn (ProA) in German league. In 32 games last year he had 12.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.8apg and 1.3spg.
Among other achievements his college team won Southern Conference Tournament for two years in a row (2010 and 2011). Diggs received also Southern Conference All-Tournament 1st Team award in 2010 and 2011.
He attended Wofford College until 2011 and it will be his second season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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

Standings - D2

1Liga Standings
 1. Sparta Praha 19-2 
 2. Sokol H.K. 17-4 
 3. Loko Plzen 12-9 
 4. JBC Brno 11-9 
 5. Liberec 10-10 
 6. Sokol P. 9-10 
 7. Ostrava 9-11 
 8. Litomerice 9-11 
 9. Kara Trutnov 9-12 
 10. Proton Zlin 9-12 
 11. Nymburk B 8-13 
 12. Sokol V. 3-17 
 13. U19 2-7 

Regular Season: Round 20

Feb. 15: Sokol V. - Proton Zlin 91-83
Feb. 15: Sparta Praha - Liberec 89-64
Feb. 15: Sokol P. - Litomerice 82-59
Feb. 14: Kara Trutnov - Nymburk B 78-63
Feb. 15: Loko Plzen - Sokol H.K. 75-73
Feb. 17: JBC Brno - Ostrava



*****************************************************
  ESTONIA   

Standings - KML

KML Standings
 1. Tarvas 17-5 
 2. TU/Rock 16-0 
 3. Kalev/Cramo 13-5 
 4. TTU 11-9 
 5. Valga 9-12 
 6. Rapla 8-11 
 7. Parnu 7-11 
 8. Tln Kalev 5-18 
 9. Hito/Johvi 1-18 

Regular Season: Round 19

Feb. 14: Kalev/Cramo - Parnu 88-69
Feb. 15: Tarvas - Tln Kalev 82-66
Feb. 13: Tln Kalev - TU/Rock 46-88
Feb. 16: Rapla - Parnu


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Maris LAKSA
  Tarvas
  (205-F-81)
  Avg: 16.8
 1. Laksa, Tarvas16.8 
 2. Matulionis, Parnu16.2 
 3. Akenparg, TTU16.2 
 4. Raley-Ross, Tarvas15.8 
 5. Peciukeviciu., Par.15.7 
 6. Tamm, Tarvas15.3 
 7. Campbell, Tln Kalev14.4 
 8. Okoye, Tln Kalev14.3 
 9. Pilk, Rapla14.1 
 10. Lindmets, Tarvas14.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Rain RAADIK
  Parnu
  (208-C-89)
  Avg: 11
 1. Raadik, Parnu11.0 
 2. Okoye, Tln Kalev10.2 
 3. Lindmets, Tarvas8.8 
 4. Trumm, Hito/Johvi8.0 
 5. Arnold, TTU7.1 
 6. Keedus, TTU6.8 
 7. Ringmets, Rapla6.7 
 8. Grafs, Valga6.7 
 9. Cunda, Valga6.3 
 10. Raley-Ross, Tarv.6.0 
Assists Per Game
 Augustas PECIUKEVICIUS
  Parnu
  (192-G-91)
  Avg: 5.7
 1. Peciukeviciu., Par.5.7 
 2. Keedus, TTU5.1 
 3. Tamm, Tarvas4.9 
 4. Cunda, Valga3.8 
 5. Laane, Rapla3.7 
 6. Saare, Hito/Johvi3.7 
 7. Campbell, Tln Kalev3.5 
 8. Raley-Ross, Tarvas3.4 
 9. Rannula, Valga2.8 
 10. Pilk, Rapla2.5 
Steals Per Game
 Rait-Riivo LAANE
  Rapla
  (179-PG-93)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Laane, Rapla2.7 
 2. Tamm, Tarvas2.3 
 3. Akenparg, TTU1.9 
 4. Keedus, TTU1.9 
 5. Peciukeviciu., Par.1.7 
 6. Campbell, Tln Kalev1.6 
 7. Pilk, Rapla1.5 
 8. Saare, Hito/Johvi1.5 
 9. Raley-Ross, Tarvas1.5 
 10. Saage, TU/Rock1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrew ARNOLD
  TTU
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 1.1
 1. Arnold, TTU1.1 
 2. Saarmets, TTU0.8 
 3. Matulionis, Parnu0.7 
 4. Okoye, Tln Kalev0.7 
 5. Saks, Tarvas0.6 
 6. Grim, Valga0.6 
 7. Tambre, Hito/Johvi0.5 
 8. Raadik, Parnu0.5 
 9. Dimsa, TU/Rock0.4 
 10. Nurger, Rapla0.4 



*****************************************************
  EUROLEAGUE   

Standings

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

Top 16: Round 7

E

Feb. 14: Brose Bask. - Zalgiris 87-88 OT
Feb. 14: CSKA - Panathinaikos 86-69
Feb. 14: Anadolu Efes - Real Madrid 74-72
Feb. 14: ALBA - Unicaja 65-67

F

Feb. 15: Montepaschi - Caja Laboral 85-74
Feb. 15: Khimky - Olympiacos 82-87
Feb. 15: Fener.Ulker - Besiktas 78-72
Feb. 14: Maccabi T-A - FCB Regal 77-82

Top 16: Round 8

E

Feb. 21: Real Madrid - ALBA
Feb. 21: Anadolu Efes - CSKA
Feb. 21: Zalgiris - Panathinaikos
Feb. 21: Brose Bask. - Unicaja

F

Feb. 21: Fener.Ulker - Real Madrid
Feb. 21: Olympiacos - Caja Laboral
Feb. 21: Khimky - Besiktas
Feb. 21: Maccabi T-A - Montepaschi


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Bobby BROWN
  Montepaschi
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 20.2
 1. Brown, Montepaschi20.2 
 2. Langford, EA7 A.17.0 
 3. Nachbar, Brose B.16.8 
 4. Spanoulis, Olympia.16.2 
 5. Schilb, Chalon15.5 
 6. Bogdanovic, Fener..15.3 
 7. Weems, CSKA15.1 
 8. Popovic, Zalgiris14.4 
 9. Jerrells, Besiktas14.2 
 10. Wright, Cedevita13.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Aron BAYNES
  Un.Olimpija
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 9.8
 1. Baynes, Un.Olimpija9.8 
 2. Bourousis, EA7 A.8.3 
 3. Williams, Chalon7.6 
 4. Gordon, Partizan7.5 
 5. Khryapa, CSKA7.1 
 6. Mahalbasic, Asseco6.8 
 7. Lasme, Panathin.6.5 
 8. James, Maccabi T-A6.2 
 9. Thompson, ALBA6.1 
 10. Hines, Olympiacos6.1 
Assists Per Game
 Zoran PLANINIC
  Khimky
  (198-G-82)
  Avg: 6.3
 1. Planinic, Khimky6.3 
 2. Diamantidis, Panat.6.1 
 3. Brown, Montepaschi5.4 
 4. Spanoulis, Olympia.5.4 
 5. Teodosic, CSKA5.1 
 6. Blassingame, Assec.5.1 
 7. Cook, EA7 Armani5.0 
 8. Heurtel, Caja L.4.3 
 9. Ohayon, Maccabi4.2 
 10. Farmar, Anadolu4.2 
Steals Per Game
 Jamon Lukas GORDON
  Anadolu .
  (191-SG-84)
  Avg: 2
 1. Gordon, Anadolu2.0 
 2. Jaaber, Zalgiris1.9 
 3. Hickman, Maccabi1.8 
 4. Khryapa, CSKA1.7 
 5. McCalebb, Fener.Ul.1.6 
 6. Green, Cedevita1.6 
 7. Lucic, Partizan1.6 
 8. Teodosic, CSKA1.4 
 9. Djedovic, ALBA1.4 
 10. Cook, EA7 Armani1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Stephane LASME
  Panathin.
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Lasme, Panathin.1.9 
 2. James, Maccabi T-A1.6 
 3. Cusin, Cantu1.4 
 4. Tomic, FCB Regal1.4 
 5. Vidmar, Besiktas1.3 
 6. Ress, Montepaschi1.2 
 7. Kaun, CSKA1.2 
 8. Monya, Khimky1.2 
 9. Gordon, Partizan1.1 
 10. Slaughter, Real M.1.1 


Top 16 Round 7 Results and Stats - by Eurobasket News

Group E
Brose Bask. - Zalgiris 87-88 OT
Zalgiris clinched a last-second overtime victory in Bamberg tonight. They edged Brose Baskets when Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC) sank three free throws at the buzzer. Brose Baskets seemed just whisker away from the victory after two free throws from Anton Gavel (188-PG-84, agency: Pro One Sports) with 15 seconds to go in the extra period. But Anton Gavel committed a crucial mistake on the other end of the floor. He fouled Marko Popovic in the process of a three-point shot at the buzzer putting the Croat on the penalty line with no time remaining on the clock. Marko Popovic calmly sank three free throws and sealed the victory for Zalgiris. The win helped Zalgiris gain 3-4 record in Group E. Brose Baskets suffered the seventh loss in a row. Zalgiris enjoyed a 38:36 lead at halftime. They remained up by two points heading into the fourth frame. But Bamberg managed to level things up at the end of regulation. Anton Gavel converted four free throws following a technical foul by Darjus Lavrinovic to send the game into overtime. The visitors led by as many as 5 points midway through the extra frame but Sharrod Ford and Anton Gavel denied the deficit and put Brose Baskets in front. But the drama of the last seconds allowed Zalgiris came out as winners from this one. Marko Popovic produced 21 points for the visitors. Rimantas Kaukenas added 14 points for Zalgiris. Anton Gavel answered with 25 points for Brose Baskets. Sharrod Ford had 20 points in the loss.

Anadolu Efes - Real Madrid 74-72
Anadolu Efes down Real Madrid in Istanbul to hand them their first loss in EuroLeague Top 16. The Turkish side tied both records at 6-1 and grabbed the first place in Group E after a 74:72 win. Real looked miserable from the start of the game and had so many mistakes in defense. The Spanish team trailed 4 points after the first quarter and then lost the first half 36:46. Anadolu Efes slowed down a bit in the third period and allowed the guests to reduce to 5 points after 30 minutes. Real even took the lead early in the fourth, but could not win the game. Dusko Savanovic (204-PF-83, agency: Beo Basket) scored 3 out of 4 last free throws and gave them 74:72 lead. Jaycee Carroll had a chance to bring the win, but missed a three-pointer. Jamon Lukas Gordon (191-SG-84, college: Virginia Tech) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Dusko Savanovic added 13. Jordan Farmar delivered 10, while Sasha Vujacic posted 9. Rudy Fernandez (198-SF-85) replied with 14 points in the losing effort and Felipe Reyes as well as Jaycee Carroll posted 11 points apiece. Mirza Begic followed them with 10 points in a loss.

ALBA - Unicaja 65-67
Unicaja Malaga thump Alba Berlin in O2 World for 3-4 record in Group E. The Spanish outfit grabbed 67:65 win mostly due to the third period. The German side fell at 1-6 record. Unicaja Malaga won the first period 22:20, but could not win the half. The hosts erupted with 22-12 and grabbed 42:34 at the halftime. The third period however was decisive in the game as Unicaja Malaga needed a 21-9 rally to take the lead. Je'Kel Foster later tied the game at 57:57, while Deon Thompson gave the hosts 65:63 lead with less than 2 minutes to go. Marcus Williams meanwhile nailed a three-pointer for the guests for the final victory. Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the winners with 12 points and Fran Vazquez (209-C-83) added 11. Earl Calloway nailed 10, while Kosta Perovic delivered 9. Deon Thompson and Nihad Djedovic finished the game with 16 points each. Je'Kel Foster notched 8 and Zach Morley delivered 6.

CSKA - Panathinaikos 86-69
CSKA Moscow snapped two-game losing skid in EuroLeague and handled visiting Panathinaikos. Milos Teodosic (195-PG-87) scored 20 points and issued 7 assists to lead the winners. The Greens fell at 4-3 record after the defeat. CSKA started the game aggressively. They looked brisk in the first quarter to take a 25:15 lead after ten minutes. But Panathinaikos managed to slow the game down in the second quarter. The Hellenes opened the period with eight points in a row to narrow the gap. Panathinaikos stayed close throughout the period and trailed by just 4 points at the interval 35:31. But CSKA were back in the drivers seat in the third term. The hosts unloaded 31 points in the quarter to open a 16-point lead before the final frame. CSKA kept Panathinaikos at safe distance throughout the final frame and raced to the victory at the end. Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) provided 19 points, while Sasha Kaun added 13 points in the win. Jonas Maciulis (199-F/G-85) answered with 15 points for Panathinaikos. Stephane Lasme and James Gist provided 12 points apiece in the loss.

Group F
Montepaschi - Caja Laboral 85-74
Montepaschi Siena closed Round 7 with the win over Caja Laboral. The Italian team needed an 85:74 win for 6-1 record. The Spanish outfit fell at 4-3 record and suffered their third loss in a row. Caja Laboral Vitoria opened the game with 23-22 lead, while the teams were tied at the halftime. The third period was decisive in the game and brought the host a 26-13 surge as they never looked behind after. Both teams posted 24 points each in the last stanza for the final result. Bobby Brown (188-PG-84, college: CS Fullerton) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Matt Janning as well as Daniel Hackett (200-PG-87, agency: Two Points, college: USC) had 16 each. Benjamin Eze delivered 10 points in a win. Maciej Lampe (211-F/C-85) finished the game with 17 points in the losing effort, while Nemanja Bjelica brought 15. Andres Nocioni ended up with 10 points in a loss and Fernando San Emeterio scored 9.

Maccabi T-A - FCB Regal 77-82
FC Barcelona Regal confirmed their impressive current form with a road win in Tel-Aviv tonight. The Spanish team fired past Maccabi to gain 6-1 record on top of Group F. Ante Tomic (217-C-87) scored 18 points and pulled down 6 boards to pace the winners. Maccabi stayed confident supported by the cheerful home crowd. The Israeli team eked out a 22:20 lead after ten minutes. But the Spanish powerhouse gradually took over in the second frame. The visitors accumulated a 41:39 halftime lead. Barcelona opened the second half with 9 points in a row to boost the gap. The visitors maintained the lead and piled up a 67:53 lead with one quarter remaining. The Spaniards led by as many as 13 points with just over two minutes remaining 80:67. However the hosts went on a 9:0 run to narrow the gap at 3-point mark with 15 seconds remaining. Ante Tomic went perfect from the stripe and Ohayon missed a three-pointer as Barcelona got away with victory. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) and Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-PG-76, college: Maryland) provided 14 points each for the visitors. Ricky Hickman (189-PG-85, college: NC-Greensboro) answered with 19 points for Maccabi. Shawn James had 16 points in the loss.

Khimky - Olympiacos 82-87
Olympiacos celebrated a tough road win in EuroLeague Top 16 tonight. The Reds upset Khimky on the road to climb at 4-3 record in Group F. Kyle Hines (198-F-86) and Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) produced 19 points each to pace the winners. Khimky gave a warm welcome to the visitors in the opening quarter. The hosts quickly grabbed the lead and posted a 23:19 lead after ten minutes. Paul Davis (211-C-84, college: Michigan St.) made it 43:33 for the home team late in the second frame. Pero Antic capped the regulation with a layup to drag Olympiacos within 8 35:43. Khimky tipped off the second half with four points in a row to gain 12-point lead. The hosts stayed in front however Olympiacos managed to narrow the deficit at 6-point mark at the final intermission 54:60. Pero Antic and Sloukas drained back-to-back three-pointers midway through the fourth frame to level things up at 68. Acie Law followed with another one to put the Reds in front 71:68. Vassilis Spanoulis and Sloukas kept the visitors in front as they entered the final 20 seconds of regulation with a 5-point lead. Perperoglou added a point from the stripe and the Hellenes never looked back en route to the victory. Kostas Papanikolaou (206-F-90) delivered 14 points in the winning effort. Paul Davis answered with 20 points and 9 rebounds for Khimky. Kresimir Loncar had 19 points as the hosts fell at 4-3 record.

Fener.Ulker - Besiktas 78-72
Fenerbahce Ulker needs a strong second half to beat Besiktas JK in Turkish derby. Fenerbahce Ulker improved to 2-5 record after a 78:72 win and kept the opponents winless in Group F. Fenerbahce Ulker started the game with 19-15, but allowed the guests to control the game at the end of the half. Besiktas JK erupted with 27-13 in the second frame and took 42:32 halftime advantage. Fenerbahce Ulker however managed to seal the victory in the game posting two wins in the last quarters. The host won the third period 16-13 and erupted with 30-17 surge at the end of the game. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SG-89) top-scored for the winners with 25 points and David Andersen (212-C-80) added 13. Oguz Savas delivered 12, whilst Bo McCalebb scored 10. Damir Markota (209-F-85) finished the game with 15 points in the losing effort and Curtis Jerrells nailed 14. Daniel Ewing brought 11, whilst Gasper Vidmar netted 10.


Euroleague round 7 (Top 16) best performance: Sasha Kaun - by Eurobasket News

Center Sasha Kaun (211-C-85) put on an amazing game in the last round for CSKA, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 7 (Top 16).
The 27-year old player was the main contributor (13 points, eight rebounds and two assists) to his team's victory, helping them to crush Panathinaikos (#4, 4-3) with 17-point margin 86-69. CSKA maintains the 3rd position in Euroleague group E. They would have been even better if they did not have these two lost games earlier in Top 16. CSKA will need more victories to improve their 5-2 record. Kaun has many years of experience at CSKA, through which he has constantly improved. Sasha Kaun averages this season 7.1ppg.

The second best player in last round's games was 30-year old Croatian Zoran Planinic (198-G-82) of Khimky. Planinic had a very good evening with a double-double of 17 points and 13 assists. Bad luck as Khimky lost that game 82-87 to slightly higher-ranked Olympiacos (4-3). It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the top position in group F. Khimky still maintains its place in the top 4 of the standings, even despite this loss. His team's 4-3 record is not bad at all. Planinic is one of the most experienced players at Khimky and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third on the list of top players last round was Slovakian guard Anton Gavel (188-PG-84, agency: Pro One Sports) of Brose Bask. (#8). Gavel scored 25 points and grabbed five rebounds. Despite Gavel's great performance Brose Bask. lost 87-88in overtime to the higher-ranked Zalgiris (#5, 3-4). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Brose Bask. can only dream about fighting for top spots in group E. They have awful Top 16 losing so far all 7 games. Too bad for Gavel he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Gavel has a very solid season. In 16 games in Euroleague he scored 13.1ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SG-89) of Fener.Ulker - 25 points and 3 assists
5. Kyle Hines (198-F-86) of Olympiacos - 19 points and 6 rebounds
6. Paul Davis (211-C-84) of Khimky - 20 points and 9 rebounds
7. Rudy Fernandez (198-SF-85) of Real Madrid - 14 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists
8. Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82) of Olympiacos - 19 points and 7 assists
9. Milos Teodosic (195-PG-87) of CSKA - 20 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists
10. Jamon Lukas Gordon (191-SG-84) of Anadolu Efes - 16 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists

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


*****************************************************
  FINLAND   

Standings - Korisliiga

Korisliiga Standings
 1. KTP 24-6 
 2. Nilan Bisons 23-6 
 3. Kataja 22-5 
 4. Pyrinto 21-8 
 5. Kauhajoki 19-11 
 6. Kouvot 15-16 
 7. LrNMKY 13-16 
 8. Korihait 10-20 
 9. Lapua 9-21 
 10. Salon Vilpas 8-22 
 11. Namika Lahti 7-23 
 12. FoKoPo 7-24 

Regular Season: Round 32

Feb. 15: Kouvot - FoKoPo 93-74
Feb. 17: Pyrinto - Salon Vilpas
Feb. 16: Nilan Bisons - KTP
Feb. 16: Kataja - Lapua
Feb. 16: Kauhajoki - LrNMKY
Feb. 17: Korihait - Namika Lahti


Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

Points Per Game
 Jason CONLEY
  LrNM.
  (196-G-81)
  Avg: 22.4
 1. Conley, LrNM.22.4 
 2. Zeno, Nilan Bisons21.9 
 3. Gibson, LrNM.21.6 
 4. Clavell, Kouvot20.4 
 5. Haanpaa, Lapua18.2 
 6. Logins, LrNM.18.1 
 7. Bullock, Kauhajoki17.6 
 8. Ulmer, Pyrinto17.6 
 9. Burgess, FoKoPo16.8 
 10. Holloway, Namika16.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jason CONLEY
  LrNM.
  (196-G-81)
  Avg: 9.9
 1. Conley, LrNM.9.9 
 2. McDade, Nilan B.9.8 
 3. Ford, Kauhajoki9.0 
 4. Giles, KTP8.5 
 5. Thornton, FoKoPo8.4 
 6. Williams, Pyrinto8.4 
 7. Johnson, Namika L.8.2 
 8. Logins, LrNM.8.1 
 9. Ulmer, Pyrinto7.8 
 10. Dyer, Korihait7.8 
Assists Per Game
 Damon WILLIAMS
  Pyrinto
  (201-F-73)
  Avg: 7.7
 1. Williams, Pyrinto7.7 
 2. Smith, Kataja5.0 
 3. Coleman, Lapua5.0 
 4. Ivey, Nilan Bisons4.9 
 5. Nikkarinen, Kouvot4.7 
 6. Gibson, LrNM.4.5 
 7. Zeno, Nilan Bisons4.4 
 8. Watson, Kauhajoki4.3 
 9. Burgess, FoKoPo4.1 
 10. Sarcevic, KTP3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Jonte FLOWERS
  Kataja
  (196-F/G-85)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Flowers, Kataja2.6 
 2. Coleman, Lapua2.6 
 3. Smith, Kataja2.6 
 4. Gibson, LrNM.2.0 
 5. Williams, Pyrinto1.8 
 6. Conley, LrNM.1.8 
 7. Holloway, Namika L.1.8 
 8. Ulmer, Pyrinto1.7 
 9. Barrett, KTP1.6 
 10. Tolbert, Lapua1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Sefton BARRETT
  KTP
  (196-SF-83)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Barrett, KTP1.5 
 2. Ford, Kauhajoki1.1 
 3. Jones, LrNM.1.0 
 4. Ahvenniemi, Pyrinto1.0 
 5. Zeno, Nilan Bisons1.0 
 6. Ulmer, Pyrinto0.9 
 7. McDade, Nilan B.0.9 
 8. Dyer, Korihait0.9 
 9. Giles, KTP0.9 
 10. Taft, Korihait0.8 


Standings - Division I

1st Standings
Division A
 1. Porvoon Tarmo 16-4 
 2. ToPo 14-5 
 3. BC Nokia 11-6 
 4. Oulun NMKY 10-8 
 5. Tapiolan Honka 10-8 
 6. Huima 7-11 
 7. Ura Basket 6-13 
 8. Pyrinto II 6-14 
 9. SayRi 4-15 
Division B
 1. Kerava ET 17-5 
 2. TuNMKY 15-7 
 3. KaU Koris 15-8 
 4. Jarvenpaa 13-9 
 5. BC Jyvaskyla 9-14 
 6. HBA-Marsky 8-14 
 7. Espoo Basket 6-16 
 8. JyWe 6-16 

Regular Season: Round 22

A

Feb. 15: ToPo - SayRi 99-72
Feb. 15: Porvoon Tarmo - Pyrinto II 97-78
Feb. 16: Tapiolan Honka - Oulun NMKY
Feb. 17: Huima - Ura Basket

B

Feb. 17: JyWe - Kerava ET
Feb. 17: TuNMKY - HBA-Marsky
Feb. 17: Jarvenpaa - Espoo Basket


Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game
 Nolan RICHARDSON
  Ura B.
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 26.3
 1. Richardson, Ura B.26.3 
 2. Moultrie, BC Nokia25.2 
 3. Ricks, BC Jyvasky.23.9 
 4. Taylor, Porvoon23.7 
 5. Jallow, Jarvenpaa23.6 
 6. Mays, Huima22.1 
 7. Mua, Kerava ET21.3 
 8. Clark, Tapiolan Ho.20.7 
 9. Tate, Porvoon19.6 
 10. Harjula, Pyrinto19.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Pierre JALLOW
  Jarvenpaa
  (203-F/C-79)
  Avg: 15.1
 1. Jallow, Jarvenpaa15.1 
 2. Corpening, BC Jyva.14.8 
 3. Moultrie, BC Nokia14.4 
 4. Towa, Kerava ET12.5 
 5. Stephens, Huima11.9 
 6. Syrjala, KaU Koris11.8 
 7. Keskitalo, JyWe11.7 
 8. Young, Porvoon10.9 
 9. Capers, ToPo10.7 
 10. Coleman, ToPo10.6 
Assists Per Game
 Lauri JARVINEN
  KaU Koris
  (185-C-85)
  Avg: 5.4
 1. Jarvinen, KaU Koris5.4 
 2. Herrala, HBA-M.5.0 
 3. Ricks, BC Jyvasky.4.6 
 4. Ginty, ToPo4.6 
 5. Hanninen, Jarvenp.4.2 
 6. Kyllonen, Porvoon4.0 
 7. Russell, Oulun N.3.8 
 8. Harjula, Pyrinto II3.8 
 9. Mays, Huima3.6 
 10. Viita, Jarvenpaa3.6 
Steals Per Game
 La Trice LITTLE
  Kerava ET
  (187-G-79)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Little, Kerava ET3.1 
 2. Ricks, BC Jyvasky.2.9 
 3. Taylor, Porvoon2.2 
 4. Corpening, BC Jyva.2.2 
 5. Herrala, HBA-M.2.2 
 6. Thomas, SayRi2.1 
 7. Richardson, Ura B.2.0 
 8. Michelsen, HBA-M.1.9 
 9. Russell, Oulun N.1.8 
 10. Mua, Kerava ET1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Harri KESKITALO
  JyWe
  (210-C-90)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Keskitalo, JyWe2.7 
 2. Mua, Kerava ET2.1 
 3. Pulkkinen, Pyrin.2.0 
 4. Woods, BC Nokia1.8 
 5. Corpening, BC Jyva.1.7 
 6. Jallow, Jarvenpaa1.5 
 7. Capers, ToPo1.4 
 8. Moultrie, BC Nokia1.3 
 9. Young, Porvoon1.3 
 10. Kauhanen, HBA-M.1.2 


KORISLIIGA: Kouvot taking victory # 15 - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, round 31: Only one contest tonight. Kouvot (Kouvola) taking the victory # 15 this season, when defeating FoKoPo (Forssa) 93-74 (48-28). Quarters: 23-14, 25-14, 19-25, 26-21. Gilberto Clavell (201-F-89, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Sam Houston St.) again scoring Kouvot (15-16) and game high 28 points. Clavell grabbed also nine rebounds. Chris Hester (192-G/F-79, college: E.Washington) added 20 pts and gave six assists. Charles Burgess (186-PG-84, college: Texas Tech) had a double-double 27pts/12rbs as well as Andrais Thornton (203-F-85, college: NW Missouri St.) (18pts/13rbs). FoKoPo's third American Jahmar Thorpe (198-F-84, college: Houston) played only 11:34 minutes (0pts/2rbs) and was probably injured.
Kouvot - FoKoPo 93-74 (48-28). (Gilberto Clavell 28/9, Chris Hester 20/6a, Aleksi Akpaso 12 - Charles Burgess 27/12, Andrais Thornton 18/13, Sami Ikavalko 14).

In Division 1 A two contests tonight. The Top Teams Tarmo (Porvoo) and Torpan Pojat (Helsinki) winning both again. Tarmo (16-4) beat Pyrinto II (Tampere) 97-78 after being down by six (39-45) during the half time. Tarmo won the third quarter then 32-9 and the possible upset was only theory. Tarmo's Vernon Taylor (190-G-87, college: Troy) was having his 26th birthday, but 26 made points was not enough for Taylor. He scored 36 pts (1 - 8/8, 2 - 11/14, 3 - 2/3) and became game MVP. Isaiah Tate (192-G-89, college: George Mason) added 20 pts. Severi Liljeberg (174-G-94) led Pyrinto II with 15 pts. In Helsinki ToPo (14-5) crushed Riento from Saynatsalo 99-72 (51-27). This game was "over" by the half time as ToPo won the second quarter 27-9 and the rebounds 56-41. Elias Kajander (196-F-80) led ToPo with 19 pts. Devin Ginty (188-G-89, agency: SDJ Sports, college: San Diego) netted 15 pts and grabbed 10 rebounds. The most famous Finnish player Hanno Mottola (209-PF-76, college: Utah) made the come back on basketball courts by playing 17:18 minutes (9pts/6rbs).
Tarmo - Pyrinto II 97-78 (39-45). (Vernon Taylor 36/9/5a, Isaiah Tate 20, Jerrah Young 14/9 - Severi Liljeberg 15, Osku Heinonen 14, Jukka-Pekka Vaananen 11. A: 543).
ToPo - Riento 99-72 (51-27). (Elias Kajander 19, Devin Ginty 15/10, Marcus Capers 14/10 - Eryk Thomas 18/12, Shaquille Johnson 15, Kosti Naukkarinen 12. A: 760).


*****************************************************
  FRANCE   


Lavar Simmons will stay with Saint Quentin - by Eurobasket News

Lavar Simmons (201-F/C-83, college: Master's) has reportedly agreed on terms of contract extension with Saint Quentin. The Bahamian centre will spend the reminder of the season with the French team. Lavar Simmons played 13 games for St. Quentin this season. His stats read 7.8 points, 5.5 boards and 1.1 assists per game in ProB. Previously the centre had stints with Al Roche, Le Portel, Boulazac, Brest.


Sanders leaves Charleville - by Eurobasket News

28-year old American forward Patrick Sanders (198-85, college: Cal-Irvine) left Etoile Charleville-Mezieres (ProB). In 21 games he played this season he was eighth best scorer with impressive 17.2ppg and recorded 4.4rpg and 1.1apg.
The last summer Sanders played at Rayos de Hermosillo (CIBACOPA) in Mexican league. In 53 games he averaged impressive 19.0ppg, 4.1rpg and 1.4apg. He helped them to win the league title. He can count that season as a very successful as was selected to Latinbasket.com All-Mexican CIBACOPA Honorable Mention. Sanders also played at Kings (NBL) in Australian league in 2010/11 season. The other team he played shortly was VEF Riga (LBL) in Latvian league.
In 2008 Sanders was drafted by Albany Patroons (CBA) in second round (6th overall).
He attended University of California-Irvine and it is his fifth season in pro basketball.
Sanders received All-Big West 1st Team award back in 2008 at his college time.
Sanders has played previously professionally in Holland (ABC Amsterdam) and D-League (Santa Cruz Warriors and Iowa Energy).

By Eurobasket Data Center


*****************************************************
  FYR MACEDONIA   


Jeremiah Massey selected the top FYR Macedonian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Jeremiah Massey
Jeremiah Massey
   #1. This week's number one is former international forward Jeremiah Massey (202-82, college: Kansas St., currently plays in Germany). He led Brose Baskets Bamberg to a victory over the closely-ranked EWE Baskets (13-7) 94-88 in the German BBL in Sunday night's game. Massey was MVP of the game. He recorded 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 26 minutes on the court. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Brose Baskets Bamberg (19-2) is placed first in the BBL. It was his team's ninth consecutive victory in a row. It's Massey's first season with the team. Massey has relatively good stats this year: 12.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.4apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 54.2%, 3FGP: 37.5% and FT: 76.2% in the five games he played so far. He is a naturalized American. Massey played for the FYR Macedonian senior national team four years ago. Strangely he has never played in FYR Macedonia.

Vojdan Stojanovski
Vojdan Stojanovski
   #2. Second place goes to an international guard Vojdan Stojanovski (194-87, currently plays in Ukraine). He contributed to an easy victory against the fourth-ranked Ferro-ZNTU (18-11) crushing them 97-76 in the Ukrainian Superleague on Sunday night. Stojanovski scored 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 21 minutes. BC Donetsk (15-15) is placed eighth in the Superleague. This year Stojanovski has relatively solid stats: 10.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.7apg, 2FGP: 52.7%, 3FGP: 39.5% and FT: 82.0% in the 24 games. He is in the roster of the FYR Macedonian senior national team.

Predrag Samardziski
Predrag Samardziski
   #3. The FYR Macedonian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international center Predrag Samardziski (215-86, agency: Beo Basket, currently plays in Eurocup), who plays in Serbia. He could not help Zvezda (2-3) to beat ratiopharm Ulm (3-2). Samardziski did not beat the league record on Wednesday evening. He scored only 2 points. The fourth-placed Zvezda was defeated 92-78 on the road by the leading ratiopharm Ulm in the group L of Eurocup. Samardziski's team will play only one more game in the Eurocup Top 16. And that game will be critical. This season Samardziski averages: 2.0ppg, 2.5rpg. He is also a member of the FYR Macedonian senior national team.

Bojan Krstevski
Bojan Krstevski
   #4. Power forward Bojan Krstevski (205-89, currently plays in Balkan League) was not able to help Kavala (3-3) in their game against Levski Sofia (4-2) in the Balkan League. Krstevski cannot count Wednesday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 2 points. Kavala (#4) was defeated 77-73 at home by the leading Levski Sofia in the group C of Balkan League. There are only four games left until the end of the Balkan League Second Stage. So now every game is very crucial. Krstevski's overall stats this season are: 4.0ppg, 2.9rpg and 1.2apg. He used to play for the FYR Macedonian U20 national team back in 2009.

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

   #1. Kennedy Winston (198-F/G-84, college: Alabama, currently plays in France) contributed to a 2-point Gravelines-Dunkerque's victory against the 12th-ranked Cholet (8-11) 85-83 in the French ProA last Saturday. Winston recorded 9 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral (14-5) is placed first in the ProA. It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row. This season Winston averages: 9.8ppg, 4.0rpg and 1.4apg. He is a naturalized American. Apparently Winston has never played in FYR Macedonia.

   #2. Darius Washington (188-PG-85, college: Memphis, currently plays in Israel), who plays in the Israeli Winner League could not help Hapoel Eilat (10-6) to beat Hapoel Holon (6-10). Washington recorded 8 points. Hapoel Eilat was defeated 74-63 on the road by the much lower-ranked Hapoel Holon (#10). This season Washington averages: 9.6ppg, 2.6rpg and 1.6apg. He is a naturalized American. Apparently Washington has never played in FYR Macedonia.

   #3. Michael Wilkinson (204-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Wisconsin, currently plays in Eurocup) managed to help Unics Kazan in a victory against the closely-ranked Galatasaray (2-3) 64-57 in the Eurocup last Wednesday. He scored 5 points in 21 minutes. Unics Kazan (3-2) is placed second in group L. Wilkinson's team will play only one more game in the Eurocup Top 16. And that game will be critical. This year Wilkinson's overall stats are: 8.8ppg and 2.6rpg in the five games he played so far. He is a naturalized American. Apparently Wilkinson has never played in FYR Macedonia.

   #4. Experienced Jovan Zdravevski (197-F-80, currently plays in Iceland), who plays in the Icelandic Dominos League was not able to help Stjarnan (5-1) in their last game. Despite Zdravevski's good performance Stjarnan lost 77-87 at home to the lower-ranked (#7) Njardvik. He recorded 11 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in 27 minutes. Zdravevski is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fifth year in Stjarnan's roster. Zdravevski has reliable stats this season: 10.7ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.1apg and 1.1spg in the 15 games. He has a dual citizenship: FYR Macedonian and Icelandic.

Other top FYR Macedonian players, who play abroad:

Pero Antic (210-F-82) plays for Olympiacos in Greek A1
Bo McCalebb (178-PG-85) plays for Fenerbahce Ulker in Turkish TBL
Vlado Ilievski (190-PG-80) plays for Cedevita in Croatian A1
Marques Green (167-PG-82) plays for Armani Milano in Italian SerieA
Oliver Dvojakovski (204-C-97) plays for Cajasol in Spanish ACB
Nemanja Temelkovski plays for Sloboda in Serbian A League
Onur Mehmed (192-SF-97) plays for LTi 46ers in German BBL
Uros Vasiljevic (201-F-88) plays for KK Dubrovnik in Croatian A1

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


*****************************************************
  GAMBIA   


Wallidan conquer S/K West - by Eurobasket News

Wallidan defeated Serrekunda West 32-20 points at their weekend clash at the Manneh Sillah Basketball Court in Banjul on Saturday.
The game played after GAF beat Saints 25-14 points at the Manneh Sillah lawn.
Earlier on Friday, Serrekunda East won Sports House by 41-34 points in a game played at the Serrekunda West Mini Stadium which was followed by YMCA defeating Lamin 35-16 points.
Wallidan are so far at the top of the league table with 9 points after winning all their three games consecutively.
This is followed by YMCA in the second position with 6 points in two consecutive wins.
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.com


Late Pa Modou Basketball Tourney to Commence Sunday - by Eurobasket News

Late Pa Modou Sarr Memorial Basketball Tournament will start on Sunday17th February 2013, at the Serrekunda West Mini-Stadium Basketball Court.
Brikama, Sports House, YMCA, Lamin, Gambia Armed Forces Serrekunda East and West have so far registered for the annual basketball tournament in the memory of late Modou Sarr, who died in a car accident in the United States of America in 2004.
The recitation of the Holly Quran was done at his family residence last Saturday.
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.com


*****************************************************
  GEORGIA   

Highest League Standing

Superleague Standings
 1. Rustavi 11-2 
 2. Olimpi 10-2 
 3. MIA Academy 10-2 
 4. Armia 9-2 
 5. Dinamo Tbilisi 8-5 
 6. Kutaisi 7-5 
 7. TSU Tbilisi 5-7 
 8. Sokhumi 3-9 
 9. Batumi 3-10 
 10. Samedicino 1-11 
 11. STU Tbilisi 0-12 

Regular Season: Round 14

Feb. 15: Rustavi - Dinamo Tbilisi 94-75
Feb. 15: Batumi - Olimpi 66-105
Feb. 16: STU Tbilisi - Kutaisi
Feb. 16: TSU Tbilisi - MIA Academy
Feb. 16: Samedicino - Armia


Geogian Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Irakli CHLAIDZE
  Sokhumi
  (199-F-89)
  Avg: 22.1
 1. Chlaidze, Sokhumi22.1 
 2. Bowie, Rustavi20.2 
 3. Matiashvili, Kutai.20.1 
 4. Archibeque, MIA A.19.6 
 5. Karim, Dinamo Tbil.16.5 
 6. Nelson, Rustavi16.3 
 7. Fatsatsia, Olimpi15.8 
 8. Keshelava, Batumi15.7 
 9. Chikviladze, Dinam.15.5 
 10. Clayman, Dinamo T.15.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kirk ARCHIBEQUE
  MIA A.
  (205-C-84)
  Avg: 12.5
 1. Archibeque, MIA A.12.5 
 2. Kadaria, Sokhumi12.3 
 3. Milosevic, Olimpi11.9 
 4. Matiashvili, Kutai.11.7 
 5. Aselaini, TSU T.10.5 
 6. Oluic, Dinamo Tbil.9.1 
 7. Keshelava, Batumi9.0 
 8. Nelson, Rustavi8.2 
 9. Prewitt, MIA A.7.9 
 10. Revazashvili, Sam.7.8 
Assists Per Game
 Deonta VAUGHN
  MIA A.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 6.6
 1. Vaughn, MIA A.6.6 
 2. Gamqrelidze, Armia6.3 
 3. Sokk, Olimpi5.9 
 4. Pashayev, Kutaisi5.9 
 5. Gaprindashvi., Sam.5.4 
 6. Karim, Dinamo Tbil.5.2 
 7. Bakradze, TSU T.5.0 
 8. Bowie, Rustavi4.8 
 9. Ramishvili, Batumi4.0 
 10. Millage, Armia4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Nate BOWIE
  Rustavi
  (183-G-86)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Bowie, Rustavi3.5 
 2. Vaughn, MIA A.2.5 
 3. Millage, Armia2.3 
 4. Ramishvili, Batumi2.2 
 5. Chochua, Rustavi2.0 
 6. Beruashvili, TSU T.1.8 
 7. Gabisonia, Samedic.1.7 
 8. Machaladze, STU T.1.6 
 9. Chikviladze, Dinam.1.5 
 10. Pashayev, Kutaisi1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Milan OLUIC
  Dinamo Tbilisi
  (210-C-84)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Oluic, Dinamo Tbil.2.6 
 2. Matiashvili, Kutai.1.5 
 3. Kadaria, Sokhumi1.5 
 4. Kjellbom, Armia1.3 
 5. Milosevic, Olimpi1.2 
 6. Aselaini, TSU T.1.0 
 7. Wilson, Armia0.9 
 8. Periashvili, Samed.0.9 
 9. Kvelashvili, Batumi0.8 
 10. Eliashvili, Batumi0.8 



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


The Dresden Titans Keep Bjoern Blossey Until The End Of Season - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


PRO B team Dersden Titans announced that Bjoern Blossey (180-G-87) will remain until the end of the season with them. Blossey is a 25 year old 180cm guard that had missed the last season due to an injury and was battling his way back. He got the green light from the doctors in January and has played three games for the clib averaging 3,0ppg and 1,0apg. "We cant await too much form him yet. We had a long break and will need some games to find his rhythm. I am sure he will help us with his experience", stressed Titans head coach Thomas Krzywinski. Before coming to Dresden the German played for Jena and Gotha.

Source: Dresden Titans


Will The Playoffs Always Be A Dream For The Walter Tigers Tuebingen? - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Chicago Cub fans wish for a World Series win since 105 years, just about every little basketball crazied kid pretends to be Michael Jordan on the court, ex Dawson Creek star James Van Der Beek finally came out of the closet reveling that he dreams of being on the cover of People Magazine cover for the Sexiest man alive issue and 2013 Jungle camp winner Joey Heindle striving to be one of the few DSDS candidates to have a successful singing career. It is no secret that Walter Tiger Tuebingen have die hard fans and also have dreams of making the Beko BBL playoffs for the first time since arriving in the Beko BBL in 2004. It is no secret that the club has a limited budget and is more of a stepping stone for players showing their skill and then going to better teams with higher budgets. A tiger is regarded as a guardian that drives away evil spirit and a sacred creature that brings good luck the symbol of courage and absolute power. There is no doubt that Tiger mascot Walter has the right attitude at games as do the players and this attitude determines your altitude and more than anything else, I believe, is a vitally important ingredient in seeing your dreams come to fruition. Of course many things have to come together concerning the other teams and how they play, but all teams are in the same boat. Currently there are seven teams that are as close to the playoffs as Quantez Robertson is to winning the Fraport Skyliner team rebound title as a small forward as the Cincinnati native is like a middle big Jeff Gibbs on the boards. In the last years the Walter Tigers Tuebingen have had some late season runs, but then faltered in the last weeks not reaching the playoffs. The club has a pretty nice schedule until the end and so far no serious injury problems and could just sneak into the playoffs this season if many factors work in their favor including having six of their last 10 games in their own pink living room the Paul Horn arena. The Walter Tigers Tuebingen are always capable of making surprises or even being able to beat teams totally silencing their strength as they did with Phoenix Hagen last weekend taking their part of a high scoring tiger machine and scoring over 90 points while keeping them to under 70 points. Despite all this potential, the dream of the Beko BBL playoffs will seem to continue to be a dream that could be realized in a few years if certain components are met by the front office. Tuebingen is a very young team and had some personal changes this season as they got Cameron Wells. They are a typical young team with potential. Igor Perovic and Robert Wintermantel have done a super job getting the right players the last years. They could defend a bit more. If they have good offense then they pick up their defense, but if their offense isnt working then they have problems picking up their defense. They probably will not reach the playoffs this season, but if they can continue to find a way to keep the team together than they could be a playoff team in 1-2 years, stressed basketball expert Steven Clauss. Currently the Walter Tigers Tuebingen are in ninth place and are as close to the playoffs as never before. They have been known for late season runs and running out of gas, but possibly this season the Tigers will be fortified with an extra helping of pigs to help keep their energy until the end.

Last season, The Walter Tigers Tuebingen might use a motto that German basketball player Christian Standhardinger might be using after a few miscues in the NCAA and always coming back to try his luck in the NCAA with If you dont succeed at first then try try again in hopes of reaching the Beko BBL playoffs. However if a strong starting five in 2010-2011 with Bane Ratkovica, Johannes Herber, Chris Oliver, Dane Watts and Anatoly Kashirov wasnt potent enough for May basketball, how does the team see making an impact last season in the even stronger Beko BBL and a new starting five? Guys like Dane Watts had a very strong season whereas other starters solid seasons, but were still able to double their market value and get better financial contracts with other teams. Some teams play for titles, while other teams play for the playoffs and in the last years , The Walter Tigers Tuebingen seem to be a team that brings in younger talented players guaranteeing them playing time so they can develop further and then go to more attractive and more lucrative teams. You can expect a group of guys that play with a lot of passion and play extremely hard. We will defend well and can score with anybody in the Bundesliga, warned Vaughn Duggins last season. In 2010-2011, Tuebingen already had established Beko BBL players like Dane Watts and Chris Oliver, but last season the team has their youngest team ever having six guys that were only 23 years old. With Beko BBL babies Vaughn Duggins, Tyrone Nash and Adnan Hodzic coming from the NCAA and Americans Reggie Redding (196-SF-88, college: Villanova) and Josh Young coming off their rookie years in 2010-2011 and born in 1988, Igor Perovic speculated that these guys would have to perform right away getting their feet wet quickly. Perovic had much experience with thirty something players Lou Campbell and Velomir Radiovic and Nicolai Simon who has title experience with Alba Berlin, but still many young bucks that were inserted into a nasty shark infested basketball pool each weekend. . I think if you have a good chemistry of players then it is a good thing. Experience is key in close games early in the season but once your out on the court all that age goes out the window in most cases. It is risky but if you got good chemistry it will help in a lot of ways. I think the team will play hard and will surprise a lot of teams. Young teams are usually hungry and they may struggle at times but just like most young teams we may not know which team may show up. But they will be a team that competes just like the rest of the BBL, warned BV Chemnitz guard John Bynum last season. Still having so much youth can also be a positive thing. I think their strength will be them playing hard, I didnt really get a chance to see them in preseason but on paper they have some solid individual players. I really dont know about weaknesses but I'm sure that will show up as the season goes along, added John Bynum. We just need to continue to get better as a whole. Our ceiling with how good we can be is so high because we are so young. If we get better every day we will be fine during the season, added Walter Tigers Tuebingen guard Vaughn Duggins. The glue for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen was Lou Campbell and teams will learn quickly that keeping the American in check will make basketball life on the court very difficult for the Tigers. I think that Campbell was the key but we had to see what the newcomers would bring to the table as well. To put so much pressure on one guy meaning Campbell isnt fair but I think they got some young guys who can make a difference as well, stressed John Bynum last season. One Skyliner that was motivated to play against so many NCAA rookies was fellow rookie Michael Thompson. I was great to be on the court with those three great players with Duggins, Nash and Hodzic. All three had great careers in the NCAA. I played against Nash. You always have to keep an eye on him. He can do it all, shoot the three, play with his back to the basket and play aggressive defense, warned Michael Thompson.

The speculating really played dividends for head coach Igor Perovic despite starting with a six game losing streak, the team finished at the end of the 2011-2012 season with a record of 15-19 and in 12th place. Much like the Fraport Skyliners, the Walter Tigers Tuebingen didnt have any luck with their draw at the start getting opponents like Bamberg, FC Bayern Munich, Artland, Alba Berlin and ratiopharm Ulm. However they finally got their first win in Bremerhaven and from then on slowly got going getting out of the Beko BBL cellar. After an unneeded loss at home against BBC Bayreuth followed a three game winning streak as they beat Phoenix Hagen and potential playoff teams Braunschweig and Bonn displaying that they are a talented team that can play with anyone. In February followed the highlight of the season where they went on a four game winning streak beating FC Bayern Munich and the EWE Baskets Oldenburg at home. It wasnt quite enough for the Beko BBL playoffs, but the team showed a lot of grit and fighting power and already had many people speculating over the summer what would be possible in 2012-2013 with so many players staying on board and team chemistry staying intact.

Usually the job of a team is to try to keep key players over the summer, but the Walter Tigers Tuebingen did something very untraditional, but something that earns a lot of respect, but giving their four Americans contract extensions during last summer. Guys like Vaughn Duggins who had a solid rookie season often shining with his scoring, power forward Tyrone Nash that at times seems invisible, but at the same time so present under the basket, top 5 Beko BBL player Reggie Redding that could make the break to a top European team if his stats improve even more this season and solid Josh Young that made the jump from PRO B to the Beko BBL with flying colors and more often than not had guys searching for their jock straps on the baseline. The team also kept likeable German Ruben Spoden. Of course the high quality of living in Tuebingen may be a reason for players staying, but another reason is simply that everyone understands each other and like to be around each other including big brother type head coach Igor Perovic. Perovic still had the duty of getting some good pieces to fit the missing parts. A valuable acquisition was German Johannes Lischka who has developed into a fine Beko BBL player that can shoot, penetrate and play nasty under the court, but still hasnt reached his full potential yet. The club also got two big men with American Kenny Frease who had a strong career at Xavier and can be the vocal leader on the court and bang on the boards and German Robert Ohle who is supposed to bring stability from the bench. Perovic has been very fortunate last season to get rookies that made an impact, but this season pulled a blank with Douglas Davis who was unable to fill the expectations. Perovic recently brought in a second year professional with Cameron Wells who has shown more progress than a Davis after playing a strong season in Holland. The biggest strength of the Tigers is that they kept a core of players and there is a healthy team chemistry already intact. The team also is more of a presence inside this season with Frease and Ohle which will make the team more flexible on both ends of the court. Weaknesses could be their youth and thin bench. If the team sustains one or two injuries then they will be reeling for some kind of help that just wont be there. The Walter Tigers Tuebingen have been playing very good basketball in the last weeks winning two of the last three games. They trounced the LTi Giessen 46ers 107-71, beat Phoenix Hagen at their own game 99-69 and showing when they do defend that they can easily beat an offensive machine. They lost a bitter 71-69 game in Berlin. The Fraport Skyliners continue to sink farther and farther into the basketball cellar having lost five games in a row. The offense continues to be lukewarm and just not ready to be hot. The biggest strength of the Fraport Skyliners is their defense and possibly that could finally spark the offense? We have to as always start on defense and then execute on offense. We need to get some easy buckets from our bigs and just compete, warned Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners know that its more than do or die Sunday against Tuebingen. We cant talk anymore now, but we just have to win. It is a duty to win. We have to defend and play fast break basketball like in the last quarter in BRaunschweig and just all play with heart, warned Johannes Voigtmann.

Since the 2005-2005 season, the Frankfurt Skyliners have a record of 10-4. After losing the season series in 2005-2006, the Frankfurt Skyliners had some glorious years winning seven games in a row. In the 2007-2008 season, Frankfurt won both games as Derrick Allen totally dominated both games scoring 27 and 21 points. Even in the third game in a row the next season, Allen was top scorer with 22 points. Who could forget the 25 point effort of Keith Simmons in 2009 in a 72-59 victory. Two seasons ago, the Frankfurt Skyliners swept the season series as 2011 Beko BBL MVP Dashaun Wood had 34 and 22 points to lead all scorers. In the first meeting of the season last year, the Tigers lost to the Fraport Skyliners 73-66 in a game that was on the line in crunch time and a game they could of won. Duggins brought the Tigers to 66-69 with 1.13 to play, but a Jon Leuer bucket and Justin Gray free throws sealed the win for Frankfurt. In the return game in Frankfurt, Tuebingen got revenge winning 96-89 as Reggie Redding led all scorers with 25 points. In the first meeting this season, The Walter Tigers Tuebingen played an alla round solid game defeating Frankfurt 87-75 and had six players in double figures as Kenny Frease had 18 points, Vaughn Duggins chipped in with 17 points and Reggie Redding and Tyrone Nash contributed 12 points each. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Zach Peacock with 18 points and Ted Scott with 13 points. Tiger Josh Young knows what Frankfurt is capable of and how to stop Devin Gibson. Frankfurt is a solid team every year. I don't think their record really tells how good of a team they are. Devin is a solid PG. He does a great job of getting to the rim and finishing. We will have to limit that as much as possible, warned Josh Young.

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen are led by The team also brought in Reggie Redding who is playing his third professional season despite being only 24 years old. Redding is a 196cm guard from Philadelphia and possesses a great feel for the game, moves well without the ball, offers size and the ability to score from the guard position. He played at Villanova (NCAA) with ex BG Goettingen forward Dwayne Anderson and in his senior year played 23 games: 7.3ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 63.8%. he reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2008. As a rookie he played for InterCollege Etha Engomis (Cyprus-Division A) winning the league and cup title and played 16 games: 9.5ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 73.9%; EuroChallenge: 8 games: 7.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 62.5%. Last season for Tuebingen he played 34 games: 13.2ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.3apg, Steals-3 (1.4spg), FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 69.0%. For his strong season in the Beko BBL, he received Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga 2nd Team -12, Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Imports Team -12, and Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Newcomers Team -12. Vaughn Duggins is playing his second season in the Beko BBL rookie and is a 25 year old 187cm guard from Pendelton, Indiana. He played at Wright State from 2006-2011 including his freshman season with 2011 Beko BBL MVP Dashaun Wood as has fond memories of the Alba Berlin guard on the court and their one on one battles. Every once in a while at practice I'd be walking by Dashaun and he would stop me and tell me exactly how he was going to score on his opponent that next possession and sure enough he would go out there and do that exact thing and look at me and laugh while running down the court. Thats easy! Dashaun beat me 9 out of 10 times on one on one. I was a young puppy out of high school and he was the horizon league player of the year. I don't remember him having any weaknesses other than he was smaller than me so I could post him up, stressed Vaughn Duggins. In his senior year, the American played 33 games: 18.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 82.2%. Beko BBL teams will have to be aware of the dangerous game of the American. He is a scorer, but also has hidden attributes. My jumping ability isnt always noticed. I've surprised a lot people when I get up to block a shot or dunk, warned Vaughn Duggins. Last season as a rookie, he played 34 games: 13.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 77.8%Another. Tyrone Nash is a 23 year old 203cm forward from Queens, New York. He played together with FC Bayern Munich guard Ben Hansbrough at Notre Dame and in his senior year played Notre Dame 34 games: 9.5ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 68.9%. Last season with the Tigers he played 34 games: 9.1ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 56.6%. Josh Young is playing his second season with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen made the jump from the PRO B to the Beko BBL. Young is a 24 year old 185cm guard from Shawnee, Oklahoma. He played at Drake from 2006-2010 including two years with ex Skyliner Adam Emmenecker. In his senior year, he played 32 games: 14.4ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 73.0%. In 2010-2011 he came to Germany and played for Bayer Giants Leverkusen (Germany-ProB) tearing up the league playing 11 games averaging 26.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.0apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 45.3%, FT: 79.0%. Last season for the Tigers he played 34 games: 10.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 76.0%.

25 year old 203cm power forward Johannes Lischka is playing his first season with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. He can hurt you with his three pointer and has a very dangerous penetration into the lane where he can finish in many different ways He started his professional basketball career with TV Lich in 2004 and played for the Giessen 46ers from 2007-2010 while also playing for TV Lich. In 2008-2009 for TV Lich he led the PRO A in scoring with 23,7ppg, 8,8rpg, 2,2apg and 1,8spg. He was bitterly disappointed in 2009 not being invited to the Euro Championships in Poland. The next calamity happened in the second game of the season, as he injured his hand in Frankfurt missing seven games. In 2009-2010, he played games: 5.4ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 56.1%. In three seasons for Giessen, he played 86 games. He was a member of the German A-2 national team in 2009 and then played at the University Games in Belgrade (Serbia) -09: 7 games: 10.6ppg, Reb-5 (10.4rpg), 2.0spg, FGP: 41.0%, FT: 77.4%. He played for EnBW Ludwigsburg from 2010-2012. Last season he played 34 games: 8.5ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 66.2%. Kenny Frease is playing his first season for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen and is a Beko BBL rookie. He is 23 years ole and 213cm and hails from Massillion, Ohio. He played at Xavier from 2008-2012 playing atotal of 137 NCAA games and reaching the NCAA Sweet 16 three times. In his senior year, he played 36 games: 10.2ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 51.4%, FT: 56.9%.Frease knows exactly what he has to do as a rookie. I want to come in and be as much of a force as I can be down low. Rebound and score when its needed. Defensively, I could see myself becoming a vocal leader because I am in the back of the play and can see most of the court, so that is something I will have to focus on as we go through our preseason. Something that comes naturally to me and is one of the most fun parts of the game is being able to pass the ball out of the post. Finding open shooters and cutters from the post is something that is difficult to stop for a defense, stressed Kenny Frease.

Cameron Wells is a 24 year old 185cm guard from Houston, Texas that is playing his second professional season. He played at Citadel (NCAA) from 2007-2011 playing a total of 137 NCAA games. In his senior year he played 32 games: 17.2ppg, 5.1rpg, 4.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 24.7%, FT: 82.7%. Last season as a rookie he played for Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 36 games: 14.0ppg, 3.9rpg, Assists-4 (3.6apg), Steals-1 (2.4spg), FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 78.1%. Last summer he played NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas (Milwaukee Bucks): 4 games: 4.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.3apg. The team also signed 24 year old 209cm center Robert Ohle who started his basketball career in Paderborn playing together with Fraport Skyliners captain Marius Nolte. He already got Beko BBL experience from 2007-2010 playing a total of 35 beko BBL games and already played a Beko BBL game as a 19 year old. In 2010-2011, he played a year in the PRO A to sharpen his skills and get more playing time for the Saar-Pfalz Braves playing 26 games: 8.4ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 48.3%, FT: 64.6%. He played at the European Championships U20 Division B in Targu Mures (Romania) -08: (Champion): 6 games: 5.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.0bpg, 2FGP: 73.7%, FT: 77.8%. Last season with Giessen he played 34 games: 4.1ppg, 2.3rpg. Rueben Spoeden is a 23 year old 202cm forward from Frankfurt that is playing his third season in Tuebingen. He started his basketball career with Eintracht Frankfurt an dthen played for TV Langen where his teammate was Robin Benzing. He also has a license for Ergas Ehingen. Last season he with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen he played 8 games: 1.3ppg; also played at ErdgaEhingen/Urspringschule (ProB): 28 games: 7.4ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 21.7%, FT: 60.7%. German American Akeem Vargas rounds out the roster. He is a 21 year old 190 cm guard that started his basketball career with the SG Urspringschule junior team in 2005. In 2009-2010, he got experience in the States playing for Iowa Lakes CC (JUCO): 31 games: 5.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.0%, FT: 94.0%. In 2010-2011with Tuebingen, he got into 12 games: 0.4ppg; and also had also a license to play for Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (2. Bundesliga Pro B)playing 27 games: 8.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 77.6%. Last season he played 29 games: 2.4ppg, 1.5rpg.


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  GREECE   


EuroLeague: Olympiacos steal win in Russia - by Eurobasket News

Khimky - Olympiacos 82:87

Olympiacos celebrated a tough road win in EuroLeague Top 16 tonight. The Reds upset Khimky on the road to climb at 4-3 record in Group F. Kyle Hines (198-F-86) and Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) produced 19 points each to pace the winners.
Khimky gave a warm welcome to the visitors in the opening quarter. The hosts quickly grabbed the lead and posted a 23:19 lead after ten minutes. Paul Davis (211-C-84, college: Michigan St.) made it 43:33 for the home team late in the second frame. Pero Antic capped the regulation with a layup to drag Olympiacos within 8 35:43. Khimky tipped off the second half with four points in a row to gain 12-point lead. The hosts stayed in front however Olympiacos managed to narrow the deficit at 6-point mark at the final intermission 54:60. Pero Antic and Sloukas drained back-to-back three-pointers midway through the fourth frame to level things up at 68. Acie Law followed with another one to put the Reds in front 71:68. Vassilis Spanoulis and Sloukas kept the visitors in front as they entered the final 20 seconds of regulation with a 5-point lead. Perperoglou added a point from the stripe and the Hellenes never looked back en route to the victory. Kostas Papanikolaou (206-F-90) delivered 14 points in the winning effort. Paul Davis answered with 20 points and 9 rebounds for Khimky. Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83, agency: Alti Sport) had 19 points as the hosts fell at 4-3 record.

Khimky: Paul Davis 20, Kresimir Loncar 19
Olympiacos: Kyle Hines 19, Vassilis Spanoulis 19, Kostas Papanikolaou 14


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  HOLLAND   

Standings - Eredivisie

Eredivisie Standings
 1. Leiden 21-5 
 2. Den Bosch 20-4 
 3. Groningen 16-9 
 4. Zwolle 14-12 
 5. Leeuwarden 13-12 
 6. Den Helder K. 12-13 
 7. M.Magixx 12-13 
 8. Weert 11-14 
 9. Amsterdam 4-21 
 10. Rotterdam 2-22 

Regular Season: Round 23

Feb. 9: M.Magixx - Weert 84-87
Feb. 13: Leiden - Rotterdam 81-59
Feb. 10: Amsterdam - Leeuwarden 80-85
Feb. 14: Groningen - Den Bosch 75-83
Feb. 10: Zwolle - Leiden 72-78

Regular Season: Round 24

Feb. 16: Groningen - Rotterdam
Feb. 16: Weert - Amsterdam
Feb. 16: Leeuwarden - Den Helder K.
Feb. 17: Zwolle - Leiden
Feb. 17: Den Bosch - M.Magixx


Kevin van Wijk selected the top Dutch playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Kevin van Wijk
Kevin van Wijk
   #1. This week's number one is former U16 international forward Kevin van Wijk (203-89, currently plays college basketball in the States). He led Valparaiso to a victory against the Wright State University (7-5) 68-61 in the NCAA in Tuesday night's game. van Wijk recorded 20 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 24 minutes on the court. The Valparaiso University has a very solid 9-2 conference record this season. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the NCAA Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. van Wijk played for the Dutch U16 national team eight years ago.

Francisco Elson
Francisco Elson
   #2. Second place goes to an experienced international center Francisco Elson (211-76, college: California, currently plays in Iran). He contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Azad (7-10) 76-61 in a derby game in the Iranian Superleague last Thursday. Elson recorded 14 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Mahram Tehran (14-3) is placed third in the Superleague. Elson has relatively good stats this season: 11.0ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 38.1%, 3FGP: 55.6%. He is in the roster of the Dutch senior national team.

Robin Smeulders
Robin Smeulders
   #3. The Dutch player who performed third best last week abroad was an international forward Robin Smeulders (207-87, agency: Court Side, college: Portland, currently plays in EuroChallenge). Smeulders contributed to a EWE Baskets' victory against the third-ranked Tsmoki-Minsk (1-3) 72-66 in the EuroChallenge on Wednesday night. He recorded 9 points in 20 minutes. EWE Baskets Oldenburg (4-0) is placed first in group L. So far his team won all four games in the Top 16. There are only two games left until the end of the EuroChallenge Top 16. So now every game is very crucial. This year Smeulders averages: 9.7ppg, 4.2rpg, 2FGP: 57.4%(31-54) and FT: 69.6% in the nine games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Dutch and German. Smeulders is also a member of the Dutch senior national team.

Thomas van der Mars
Thomas van der Mars
   #4. Center Thomas van der Mars (208-90, currently studies in the States) helped Portland edge the University of San Francisco (4-8) 78-76 in the NCAA on Thursday night. van der Mars scored 14 points, had 9 rebounds and made 2 blocks. The University of Portland has rather weak 3-9 conference record this season. There are only four games left until the end of the NCAA Regular Season. So now every game will be important. van der Mars' overall stats this season are: 9.5ppg, 2.2rpg and 2.2apg. He used to play for the Dutch U20 national team back in 2010.

Jito Kok
Jito Kok
   #5. U18 international center Jito Kok (206-94, is currently at the American university), who plays in the NCAA could not help the San Diego (6-6) to beat the Saint Mary's College of California (4-8). Kok recorded 8 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks in 22 minutes. The San Diego lost 64-74 at home to the Saint Mary's College of California. There are only four games left until the end of the NCAA Regular Season. So now every game will be extremely important. This year Kok's overall stats are: 9.5ppg, 2.2rpg and 2.2apg in the 18 games. He plays currently for the Dutch U18 national team.

Roeland Schaftenaar
Roeland Schaftenaar
   #6. Power forward Roeland Schaftenaar (211-88, college: Oregon St., currently plays in Spain) helped Leche Rio Breogan win their game against the 12th-ranked Lobe Huesca (7-11) 63-49 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) last Saturday. Schaftenaar scored 6 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Leche Rio Breogan Lugo (9-8) is placed fifth in the LEB Gold. Schaftenaar's total stats this season are: 6.8ppg, 4.7rpg and 1.9apg. He is a former international player as he played for the Dutch senior team three years ago.

Robert Krabbendam
Robert Krabbendam
   #7. Former international center Robert Krabbendam (213-86, also represented by Court Side, college: Virginia Tech, currently plays in Cyprus) was not able to help one of league's weakest teams Apollon (9-12) in their game against ENAD (4-6) in the Cypriot Division A. Krabbendam scored 8 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 25 minutes. Apollon lost 82-86 on their home court in Limassol to the higher-ranked (#4) ENAD. The Regular Season already ended. This year Krabbendam's total stats are: 5.4ppg and 3.4rpg in the 10 games. He used to play for the Dutch national team three years ago.

Charlon Kloof
Charlon Kloof
   #8. Point guard Charlon Kloof (190-90, currently plays college basketball in the States) was not able to secure a victory for the St.Bonaventure (4-6) in their game against the La Salle University (7-3) in the NCAA. Kloof scored 7 points in 19 minutes. The St.Bonaventure was edged in an overtime 69-66 on their home court in St.Bonaventure, NY by the La Salle University. Kloof has averaged so far 7.1ppg and 4.9rpg in the 18 games. He used to play for the Dutch U20 national team back in 2010.

Olaf Schaftenaar
Olaf Schaftenaar
   #9. Former U18 international center Olaf Schaftenaar (206-93, currently plays college basketball in the States) helped Oregon St. edge the Washington State University (2-9) 67-66 in the NCAA on Wednesday night. Schaftenaar scored 6 points. The Oregon State University has not so impressive 3-8 conference record this season. Schaftenaar has averaged so far 7.1ppg and 4.9rpg. He used to play for the Dutch U18 national team two years ago.

Kadeem Pantophlet
Kadeem Pantophlet
   #10. Forward Kadeem Pantophlet (201-90, currently plays college basketball in the States) helped Duquesne edge the Temple University (5-5) 84-83 in the NCAA last Thursday. He scored 6 points. The University of Duquesne has rather weak 1-9 conference record this season. They ended the series of nine consecutive loses. Pantophlet has averaged so far 7.1ppg and 4.9rpg. He is a former U20 international player as four years ago he still played for the Dutch national team.

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

   #1. Experienced Stanley Ocitti (203-F/C-80, college: Binghamton, currently plays in United Kingdom) led Worcester Wolves to an easy victory against the league outsider Liverpool Mersey Tigers (0-23) crushing them 119-64 in the British BBL in Friday night's game. He scored 14 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 3 assists. Worcester Wolves (12-9) is placed sixth in the BBL. It's Ocitti's first season with the team. Ocitti is ranked fourth on the list of the best rebounders in the league. He has very reliable stats this season: 13.7ppg, 9.1rpg and 1.6apg. Ocitti is a naturalized American.

   #2. Devon Van Oostrum (190-G-93, currently plays in Spain) was the major contributor in a Caceres Basket's victory against the fourth-ranked Palencia Baloncesto (11-7) 83-72 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) last Friday. He scored 15 points and added 4 passes in 24 minutes. Caceres Basket (8-10) is placed eighth in the LEB Gold. It's Van Oostrum's first season with the team. This year Van Oostrum's overall stats are: 9.5ppg, 2.2rpg and 2.2apg in the 18 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Dutch and British.

   #3. Josh Duinker (210-F/C-89, college: Richmond, currently plays in Spain) is a teammate of previously mentioned Devon Van Oostrum and both played together in the last Spanish LEB Gold game. Duinker contributed to a Caceres Basket's victory against the fourth-ranked Palencia Baloncesto (11-7) 83-72. He scored 6 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. It's Duinker's first season with the team. Duinker has averaged so far 7.1ppg and 4.9rpg. He is another player who holds two passports: Australian and Dutch.

   #4. Joey van Zegeren McAdam (208-F-90, currently plays college basketball in the States), who plays in the NCAA could not help the Virginia Tech (2-9) to beat the University of Maryland (5-6). van Zegeren McAdam cannot count Thursday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 2 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 17 minutes. The Virginia Tech lost 55-60 at home to the University of Maryland. It was Virginia Tech's seventh consecutive loss in a row. van Zegeren McAdam has averaged so far 7.1ppg and 4.9rpg in the 18 games.

   #5. Jonah Callenbach (194-F/G-93, currently plays in Spain) was not able to help Fontedoso Carrefour (6-9) in their game against La Palma (5-13) in the Spanish LEB Silver (third division). Callenbach cannot count Friday's game as one of the best ones. He recorded only 3 points in 11 minutes. Fontedoso Carrefour was badly defeated 62-45 on the road by the lower-ranked (#13) La Palma. Callenbach has averaged so far 3.5ppg and 1.1rpg in the 12 games. He has both Portuguese and Dutch nationalities.

   #6. Daniel Kickert (208-C/F-83, college: St.Mary's, CA, currently plays in Ukraine), who plays in the Ukrainian Superleague was not able to secure a victory for Dnipro (10-19) in their last game on Friday. Despite Kickert's very good performance Dnipro was defeated 75-71 in Krivoy Rog by the higher-ranked Kryvbasbasket (#10). He was the top scorer with 19 points. Kickert also added 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Kickert has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 17.5ppg, 5.5rpg and 1.5apg. Kickert also holds two passports: Australian and Dutch.


*****************************************************
  HUNGARY   


Peter Grebenar moved back to Kormend - by Tamas Deri

The 211 cm tall, 31 years old big man decided to leave Szolnok and finish the season with his former club. He started his professional carreer in Kormend, but left the club after a solid season in 2004-05 averaging 6.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. He spent 4 seasons in a row with Pecs, in his best one he put up 9.7 points and 5.1 rebounds. During the summer 2009 he signed with Szolnok and spent 3,5 seasons with the club. The management and Peter Grebenar (211-C-81, agency: TSS Management) agreed to part ways yesterday and only some hours later he just signed with Kormend.


*****************************************************
  INDONESIA   


ASEAN League: Warriors continue to pile up wins - by Eurobasket News

Thailand Slammers - Indonesia Warriors 74:90

Indonesia Warriors continued to post victories in the ASEAN League season. They recorded the sixth straight one silencing the Slammers on the road tonight. Chris Daniels (200-PF-82, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Georgia) stepped up with 22 points and 14 rebounds to pace league leaders.
The Warriors set the tone early in the game. They went on a 24:16 run in the opening stanza. The visitors maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They established a 44:35 halftime advantage. The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter. The Indonesian side entered the fourth period up by 9 points. They dropped 25 points in the final term and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Mario Wuysang (176-PG-79) netted 16 points, while Steve Thomas (204-C/F-81, college: Middle Tenn.St.) added 15 points and 11 boards for the visitors. Christien Charles (216-F/C-81, college: Villanova) answered with 27 points and 12 boards for the Slammers. Wutipong Dawsom provided 23 points in the loss.

Thailand Slammers: Christien Charles 27+12 boards, Wutipong Dawsom 23
Indonesia Warriors: Chris Daniels 22+14 boards, Mario Wuysang 16, Steve Thomas 15+11 boards


*****************************************************
  IRAN   


IBRAHIM JAABER moves to Iran - by Mohammad Amin Maghsoodlou

Petrochimi Bandar Imam Harbour signed American Ex-international PG Ibrahim Jaaber (187-PG-84, college: Pennsylvania) . Ibrahim Jaaber started this season with B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas where he averaged 5.9 PPG in 14 Euroleague matches. Ibby also played in Greece and Italia in his career. In 2008 he recieved Bulgarian passport and joined Bulgarian NT for European Championships.
Ibrahim Jaaber Awards/Achievements:
Ivy League Runner-Up -04
All-Ivy League 2nd Team -05
All-Ivy League 1st Team -06, 07
Ivy League Champion -05, 06, 07
All-Ivy League Player of the Year -06, 07
NABC All-NCAA District 3 1st Team -07
Eurobasket.com All-Greek League Import Player of the Year -08
Eurobasket.com All-Greek League 1st Team -08
Eurobasket.com Greek League All-Imports Team -08
Italian SerieA Finalist -08
Italian SerieA Regular Season Runner-Up -08, 09
Bulgarian National Team -08-09
Qualifications to European Championships 2009 -08: 8 games: Score-5 (16.0ppg), 5.1rpg, 3.5apg, Steals-2 (2.3spg), FGP: 59.7%, 3PT: 26.5%, FT: 63.6%
Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA 2nd Team -09
Eurobasket.com Italian SerieA All-Bosmans Team -09, 10
Eurobasket.com Italian SerieA All-Defensive Team -09, 11
European Championships in Poland -09: 7 games: Score-4 (16.9ppg), 5.0rpg, 3.6apg, Steals-1 (2.3spg), FGP: 58.7%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 63.0%
Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA Honorable Mention -10
Italian SerieA All-Star Game -11
Italian SerieA Semifinals -11


Quarterfinals. First games - by Eurobasket News

The top three teams of the Regular Season won their first Quarterfinals.
Mahram beat Azad 76:61. Azad was tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. Worth to mention a great performance of international forward Mohammad Samad Nikkhah Bahrami who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 6 assists. Marko Milic (201-F-77) contributed with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Hamed Hosseinzadeh (187-PG-87) answered with 14 points and 7 rebounds and international Mohammad Hassanzadeh (201-PF-90) added 13 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Azad.
Petrochimi won over Al Badr 86:61. Sani Becirovic led their charge with 24 points and 11 assists and Hamed Afagh had 20 points. Rouzbeh Arghavan (214-C/F-88) and Behnam Yakhchali each had 14 points in the win. Foolad Mahan overcame Petrochimi M. 87:61.
Gorgan overcame Zanjan 74:73. Mojtaba Bani-Aghils 21 points was the highest for Gorgan with Sasoon Abramian (208-F/C-87) adding 19 points. Aren Davoudis 18 points was the highest for Zanjan.


*****************************************************
  IRAQ   


Kenneth Henderson in Al-Kahraba and Kaba to Al-Tadamoun - by Ahmad Madwar

The american forward Kenneth Henderson (201-F-82, college: Texas Arlington) agreed terms with Al-Kahraba to play with them for the rest of season .. Kenneth will replace Chris Kaba (203-F-88, college: N.Colorado) ..
Kenneth already finished his experience in Slovakia couple weeks ago .. currently his name is the 4th in score 6th in Rebound 10th in assist 7th in steel and 4th in block shoot in the slovakian league .. He had experience in Holland, France, Hungary, Finland and Poland .. in the top leagues there .. this is his Awards/Achievements:
Most Valuable Player at Westfield
McDonald's High School All-America Nominee -02
Honorable mention all-state by the Texas Sportswriters Association (HS)
Greater Houston All-Star Team by the Houston Chronicle
Southland Conf. Semifinals -04
Hungarian League Semifinals -08
Hungarian League Finalist -08
Finnish League Semifinals -09
Usbasket.com All-UBA Classic 2nd Team -11
Slovakian League Semifinals -12
Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian League Honorable Mention -12

on the other hand Chris Kaba (203-F-88, college: N.Colorado) joined Al-Tadamoun practices to play behind his former college mate Jefferson Mason (198-G-88, college: Minnesota St.) .. Chris will replace the injured player Grant Maxey (200-F-88, college: Jackson St.) who was going to have great season .. but the injured which had it in friendly game last week cut his career with Al-Tadamoun

We wish all the best for Grant Maxey (200-F-88, college: Jackson St.) and get well soon ..


*****************************************************
  IRELAND   


BASKETABLL IRELAND WEEKLY PREVIEW - by Patrick Maher


BASKETABLL IRELAND WEEKLY PREVIEW

As the race to the top continues, this weekends fixtures could potentially decide which teams are crowned the 2012-2013 SuperLeague regular season winners for both mens and womens leagues.

In the Nivea for mens SuperLeague red-hot favourites and reigning league champions, UL Eagles will take on Dublin Inter as they look to secure the top spot with a win over the new boys.

Meanwhile, Cork rivals UCC Demons and Bord Gais Neptune will meet for the final time this season as the National Cup Champions hope to oversee a wounded Demons.

UCC Demons will also have the task of taking on a fearless Dublin-Inter side as both teams have a double weekend ahead.

Elsewhere in Dublin, northside opponents DCU Saints and Killester will battle it out as UCD Marian prepares to take on a feisty Moyculle

Coming off the back of a tough cup defeat, UL Eagles have been focused and motivated to retain their regular season title. Their performances over Demons and Neptune respectively have allowed them to play with confidence once more as they secure more vital wins.

Friday night will see them face off with Dublin Inter as they look to distance themselves from the rest on the league table.

Head coach of UL Eagles, Mark Keenan, said, We are fired up and ready to go. This is a huge game for us as we need two more wins from our next four games to win the league title and we want those wins as soon as possible.

This battle will be a real dog-fight. Depending on how other results go we have a chance of closing the league out this weekend. However, Inter have been playing very well and we are carrying a few injuries so we need to go out strong in order to get a good result this weekend.

Dublin Inters head coach, Irmantas Griksas, is excited for the challenge, It is an honour to play UL Eagles. They are the defending champions so we are hungry and motivated to put it up to them.

The beauty of this league is that everyone can beat everyone. We are hungry for more wins and that is what we will look for this weekend.

Friday night will also see the historic Cork rivalry between UCC Demons and Bord Gais Neptune http://static.quickmeme.com/media/social/qm.gifundertake take its final clash this season when both teams meet in the Mardyke.

As National Cup winners, Neptune will enter the game with confidence having knocked Demons out of the running for the title back in January. However, after a tough defeat to Eagles on the road the Mark Scannells side will need to regroup to get a result against an eager Demons side in their home gym.

Scannell said, This is a big game for us, we had a disappointing result last week and suffering with injuries didnt help us. We have an advantage coming into the game as cup champions but we need to remember the cup is over.

There is nothing more dangerous than a fired-up Demons on their home court. So we need to prepared for that and produce a performance worthy of a win.

We need Eagles to drop a game in order for us to challenge the league title, if they dont then it is between both ourselves and Demons to take that second spot.

Paul Kelleher, head coach of UCC Demons added, We have certain targets that we want to achieve this season, finishing the regular season strong and getting ready for the play-offs are the most important ones for us.

We need to focus on ourselves in order to get back on track. Injuries have slowed us down the last few weeks and halted our momentum, this is the first time in a while that our core seven players are in so we can get our rotations right.

This will be a physical game we need to stay sharp and focus if we want to get back on our feet.

Meanwhile, Saturday night will see DCU Saints take on their local rivals, Killester. Both teams have endured patches of good and bad results this season but as the race for play-off positions heats up it is obvious that both sides will be ready to go all guns blazing in order to get a win on the night.

Speaking about the game, David Donnelly, DCU Saints head coach said, We are doing well this week in practice. We know this is going to be a tough game but our approach is to apply good defence and capitalised on scoring more easy points from breaking the ball.

Unfortunately, we will be without the help of Conor Grace but Mike Trimmer has been back training with us and will suit up for the game.

On the other side of the city, UCD Marian will face off with Moycullen. The game will make for an interesting one as although the Galway lads that got the better of the southsiders twice before this season a new and rejuvenated Marian will look to sneak a win.

Marians head coach, Fran Ryan said, This is a hard one to call, we have home advantage and have been playing well but they did get the better of us before.

We have been playing much better basketball since Christmas and this is definitely reflected in the mood on the team. We are looking to build from our last performance and come away with a win this weekend.

Moycullens head coach, Salva camps added, We have had three great games with UCD Marian already this season, they have great scorers in Dan James, Conor Meany and Kevin Foley in particular and we cant afford to just trade baskets with them.

A win this weekend would be huge for us and keep us tied for fourth place with DCU Saints. Most people probably wouldnt have thought of us a team that could challenge for the postseason back in October but we knew we had a talented bunch here and with Pat (Sullivan) playing brilliant, leading the whole country in scoring, we deserve to be here and have no fears anymore about travelling to Dublin or Cork and getting wins.

Sunday will see UCC Demons and Dublin Inter meet once more as both teams are up for a double weekend of games.

Speaking about their clash against UCC Demons, Griksas added, We struggled against Demons the last two times we meet. They are a smart team but we know how they play now so we are prepared.

We will be a few players short for a game against Demons but everyone is excited about the chance to play two of the top teams in the league.

N.B. The game between U.L. Eagles and Inter has been postponed because of a request from Eagles and agreement by Inter.

Courtesy : Elaine Caffrey ...www.basketballireland.ie Gerard Noonan (180-G-82)


*****************************************************
  ITALY   


EuroLeague: Montepaschi Siena closed Round 7 with the win over Caja Laboral - by Eurobasket News

Montepaschi Siena - Caja Laboral Vitoria 85:74

Montepaschi Siena closed Round 7 with the win over Caja Laboral. The Italian team needed an 85:74 win for 6-1 record. The Spanish outfit fell at 4-3 record and suffered their third loss in a row.
Caja Laboral Vitoria opened the game with 23-22 lead, while the teams were tied at the halftime. The third period was decisive in the game and brought the host a 26-13 surge as they never looked behind after. Both teams posted 24 points each in the last stanza for the final result.
Bobby Brown (188-PG-84, college: CS Fullerton) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Matt Janning (193-G-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Northeastern) as well as Daniel Hackett (200-PG-87, agency: Two Points, college: USC) had 16 each. Benjamin Eze (207-C/F-81, college: S.Idaho JC) delivered 10 points in a win. Maciej Lampe (211-F/C-85) finished the game with 17 points in the losing effort, while Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) brought 15. Andres Nocioni (199-SF-79) ended up with 10 points in a loss and Fernando San Emeterio (198-F/G-84) scored 9.

Montepaschi Siena: Bobby Brown 18, Matt Janning 16, Daniel Hackett 16, Benjamin Eze 10
Caja Laboral Vitoria: Maciej Lampe 17, Nemanja Bjelica 15, Andres Nocioni 10, Fernando San Emeterio 9


*****************************************************
  JAPAN   

Standings - JBL

JBL Standings
 1. Aishin SH 26-5 
 2. Toyota Alvark 23-7 
 3. Panasonic T. 18-12 
 4. Toshiba BT 18-12 
 5. Hitachi SR 16-15 
 6. Tochigi Brex 9-21 
 7. Mitsubishi DD 8-22 
 8. Hokkaido L. 3-27 

Regular Season: Round 16

Feb. 15: Hitachi SR - Aishin SH 54-64
Feb. 16: Hokkaido L. - Panasonic T.
Feb. 16: Hitachi SR - Aishin SH
Feb. 16: Toshiba BT - Tochigi Brex
Feb. 16: Mitsubishi DD - Toyota Alvark
Feb. 17: Hokkaido L. - Panasonic T.
Feb. 17: Toshiba BT - Tochigi Brex
Feb. 17: Mitsubishi DD - Toyota Alvark


Stats Leaders - JBL Superleague

Points Per Game
 Nick FAZEKAS
  Toshiba BT
  (211-F-85)
  Avg: 22.3
 1. Fazekas, Toshiba22.3 
 2. Kawamura, Tochigi18.2 
 3. Watkins, Panasoni.17.4 
 4. Kanamaru, Panasoni.16.7 
 5. Smith, Hitachi SR16.2 
 6. Sakuragi, Aishin SH16.0 
 7. Orimo, Hokkaido L.14.0 
 8. Rolle, Mitsubis.13.8 
 9. Hale, Mitsubis.13.8 
 10. Ricci, Toyota Alv.13.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Nick FAZEKAS
  Toshiba BT
  (211-F-85)
  Avg: 12.6
 1. Fazekas, Toshiba12.6 
 2. Sakuragi, Aishin SH12.4 
 3. Watkins, Panasoni.12.1 
 4. Takeuchi, Hitac.9.5 
 5. Gibbs, Toyota A.8.4 
 6. Smith, Hitachi SR8.2 
 7. Takeuchi, Toyota7.5 
 8. Hale, Mitsubis.6.9 
 9. Young, Aishin SH6.9 
 10. Ricci, Toyota Alv.6.5 
Assists Per Game
 J.R. SAKURAGI
  Aishin SH
  (206-F/C-76)
  Avg: 4.3
 1. Sakuragi, Aishin SH4.3 
 2. Kawamura, Tochigi3.7 
 3. Tsuji, Toshiba BT3.4 
 4. Shinoyama, Toshi.3.4 
 5. Abe, Hokkaido L.3.2 
 6. Kashiwagi, Aishin3.2 
 7. Sakurai, Hokkaido.3.0 
 8. Shonaka, Toyota A.2.8 
 9. Igarashi, Mitsubis.2.8 
 10. Takeuchi, Hitac.2.8 
Steals Per Game
 Tomokazu ABE
  Hokkaido L.
  (180-G-85)
  Avg: 2
 1. Abe, Hokkaido L.2.0 
 2. Kashiwagi, Aishin1.8 
 3. Gibbs, Toyota A.1.5 
 4. Hirose, Panasoni.1.5 
 5. Sakurai, Hokkaido.1.2 
 6. Kawamura, Tochigi1.2 
 7. Tashiro, Mitsubis.1.2 
 8. Shinoyama, Toshi.1.1 
 9. Takeuchi, Hitac.1.1 
 10. Tanaka, Toyota A.1.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Jameel WATKINS
  Panasoni.
  (211-C/F-77)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Watkins, Panasoni.2.1 
 2. Covile, Aishin SH1.2 
 3. Takeuchi, Hitac.1.1 
 4. Rolle, Mitsubis.1.1 
 5. Takeuchi, Toyota1.0 
 6. Fazekas, Toshiba1.0 
 7. Young, Aishin SH0.9 
 8. Hale, Mitsubis.0.7 
 9. Ricci, Toyota Alva.0.6 
 10. Smith, Hitachi SR0.6 



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  KAZAKHSTAN   

Standings -D1

D1 Standings
 1. BC Astana 16-0 
 2. Barsy Atyrau 8-4 
 3. Kaspiy Aktau 8-6 
 4. Tobol 5-11 
 5. BK Almaty 4-14 
 6. BK Kapshagay 2-6 

Regular Season: Round 15

Feb. 13: Kaspiy Aktau - BK Almaty 78-69
Feb. 14: Kaspiy Aktau - BK Almaty 73-66
Feb. 16: Barsy Atyrau - BK Kapshagay
Feb. 17: Barsy Atyrau - BK Kapshagay


Latest victories for Kaspiy against BK Almaty - by Eurobasket News

Kaspiy added two victories to their record. They handled BK Almaty twice.
The Aktau team earned a 78:69 victory in the first encounter. David Nesbitt (200-F-91) provided 24 points to lead the winners. BK Almaty led by three points at the interval 41:38. But Kaspiy went on a 22:15 run in the third term to spur ahead. They held BK Almaty to 13 points in the fourth frame and sealed the victory at the end. Reinis Strupovics (192-G-87) added 19 points for the hosts. Vadym Norenko (204-F-88) answered with 21 points for BK Almaty. Ivan Gilyevych (205-F/C-82) had 15 points in defeat.
Kaspiy also clinched the victory in the second game 73:66. Reinis Strupovics came up with 25 points and 6 assists to lead the hosts. Kaspiy built a 36:28 halftime lead. BK Almaty cut it to 6 points at the final break but Kaspiy fired 24 points in the fourth stanza to seal the victory. Vadym Norenko topscored with 22 points for BK Almaty.


*****************************************************
  KENYA   


Basketball League Starts On March 16 - by Eurobasket News

THE 2013 national basketball league will throw off on March 16.Joseph Amoko, the Kenya Basketball Federation fixtures secretary said the federation have decided the league start early to ensure it ends in good time.
He said he was busy drawing the fixtures for the first leg which should be out this week."We as a federation have decided to start the national league. For the last few years the league has dragged on until mid December giving our fans little time to enjoy their holidays. This time we want to avoid this." said Amoko.
The league will start without one of its founder teams KCB Lions whose sponsors Kenya Commercial Bank announced they would no longer sponsor their activities in the local scene. Lions were third in last year's premier league. In the absence of Lions, reigning league champions Co-operative Bank of Kenya, runner up United States International University (USIU) Tigers and former champions Ulinzi Warriors will be expected to be the teams to watch.
Amoko also revealed that Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) who were third in the lower division will replace Lions in the premier league. The other promoted sides are Nairobi Aviation Club (NAC) and Nakuru Club. At the same time, Zetech College will join Equity Bank, Strathmore University and Little Prince in Division One following their promotion from the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) provincial league.
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.com


*****************************************************
  KUWAIT   

Standings

D1 Standings
 1. Al Kuwait 21-2 
 2. Al Qadsia 19-3 
 3. Al Sahel 19-4 
 4. Kazma 17-5 
 5. Al Jahraa 13-9 
 6. Al Arabi 13-10 
 7. Al Yarmook 10-12 
 8. Al Sulaibikhat 10-14 
 9. Al Nasar 5-18 
 10. Al Tadhamon 3-18 
 11. Al Salmiyah 3-20 
 12. Al Shabab 2-20 

Regular Season: Round 35

Feb. 13: Al Kuwait - Al Sulaibikhat 85-73
Feb. 13: Al Sahel - Al Arabi 81-82
Feb. 13: Kazma - Al Salmiyah 73-40
Feb. 13: Al Qadsia - Al Nasar 20-0


D1 Round 34: Al Kuwait beats Kazma in a derby game - by Eurobasket News

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Kuwait City: Al Kuwait (#1) and Kazma (#4). Al Kuwait (20-2) won against visiting Kazma (16-5) 79-72. Al Kuwait have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 20-2 record. Kazma at the other side keeps the fourth place with five games lost.
The game with biggest result difference took place in An Nasr. Local Al Nasar (5-17) lost to sixth ranked Al Arabi (12-10) 80-71. Al Arabi maintains sixth position with 12-10 record. Al Nasar lost ninth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 17 games lost.

Al Kuwait - Kazma 79-72

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Kuwait City: Al Kuwait (#1) and Kazma (#4). Al Kuwait (20-2) won against visiting Kazma (16-5) 79-72. Al Kuwait have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 20-2 record. Kazma at the other side keeps the fourth place with five games lost.
gschID: 233452


Al Nasar - Al Arabi 71-80

The game with biggest result difference took place in An Nasr. Local Al Nasar (5-17) lost to sixth ranked Al Arabi (12-10) 80-71. Al Arabi maintains sixth position with 12-10 record. Al Nasar lost ninth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 17 games lost.
gschID: 233451



D1 Round 35: Al Arabi beats Al Sahel by one after a very close game - by Eurobasket News

The most exciting game of round 35 in the D1 took place in Abu Halifa. This derby game ended with only one-point home defeat of second-ranked Al Sahel (19-4) to sixth ranked Al Arabi (13-10) 82-81 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Al Sahel. Al Arabi maintains sixth place with 13-10 record. Al Sahel at the other side dropped to the third position with four games lost.
D1 top team - Al Kuwait (21-2) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat eighth ranked Al Sulaibikhat (10-14) in Kuwait City 85-73. Al Kuwait have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain first place with 21-2 record. Al Sulaibikhat at the other side keeps the eighth position with 14 games lost.
The game between fourth ranked Kazma (17-5) and 11th ranked Al Salmiyah (3-20) in Kuwait City on Wednesday ended with biggest points difference. Kazma outscored guests from Al Salmiyah 73-40. Kazma maintains fourth place with 17-5 record. Al Salmiyah lost their sixth game in a row. They keep the eleventh position with 20 games lost.
gschID: 233455


Al Kuwait - Al Sulaibikhat 85-73

D1 top team - Al Kuwait (21-2) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat eighth ranked Al Sulaibikhat (10-14) in Kuwait City 85-73. Al Kuwait have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain first place with 21-2 record. Al Sulaibikhat at the other side keeps the eighth position with 14 games lost.
gschID: 233456


Kazma - Al Salmiyah 73-40

The game between fourth ranked Kazma (17-5) and 11th ranked Al Salmiyah (3-20) in Kuwait City on Wednesday ended with biggest points difference. Kazma outscored guests from Al Salmiyah 73-40. Kazma maintains fourth place with 17-5 record. Al Salmiyah lost their sixth game in a row. They keep the eleventh position with 20 games lost.
gschID: 233454


Al Sahel - Al Arabi 81-82

The most exciting game of round 35 in the D1 took place in Abu Halifa. This derby game ended with only one-point home defeat of second-ranked Al Sahel (19-4) to sixth ranked Al Arabi (13-10) 82-81 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Al Sahel. Al Arabi maintains sixth place with 13-10 record. Al Sahel at the other side dropped to the third position with four games lost.
gschID: 233453



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


Best players of Latvian LBL round 26 - by Eurobasket News

Zanis Peiners (204-G-90, agency: Interperformances) had an amazing evening in the last round for LU and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 26.
The 22-year old guard had the game-high 32 points adding seven rebounds and six assists for LU in his team's victory, helping them to beat Turiba (#10, 7-16) 90-75. LU is placed at 7th position in Latvian LBL. LU 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 10-14 record. In the team's last game Peiners had a remarkable 77.8% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at LU, through which he has constantly improved. Peiners has impressive league stats. He is league's best scorer averaging so far 20.1ppg. Peiners is in league's top in assists (9th best: 3.0apg) and averages solid 51.7% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 27-year old Ukrainian point guard Rinalds Sirsnins (186-PG-85) of Jekabpils. Sirsnins impressed basketball fans with 27 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Bad luck as Jekabpils lost that game 88-95 to the lower-ranked Liepaja (#9, 8-15). Jekabpils managed to keep the same 3rd spot in the standings. His team's 13-9 record is not bad at all. Sirsnins is a newcomer at Jekabpils 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 American Tyler Cain (203-F-88) of second-ranked Barons kvartals. Cain scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Despite Cain's great performance Barons kvartals lost 74-87 to #1 ranked Valmiera. But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. The last thing Barons kvartals needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 14 victories and 8 lost games. Cain has a very solid season. In 11 games in Latvia he scored 15.5ppg. He also has 11.1rpg, 1.5bpg and FGP: 62.0%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Matiss Rudmiezis (190-F-91) of Turiba - 15 points and 4 rebounds
5. Janis Berzins (202-F-93) of Valmiera - 20 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Zanis Peiners (204-G-90) of LU - 22 points and 7 rebounds
7. Atis Ozols (199-F-81) of Jurmala - 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Raimonds Gabrans (185-G-84) of Valmiera - 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
9. P.J. Hill jr. (182-PG-87) of Jekabpils - 16 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Janis Kaufmanis (186-G-89) of Valmiera - 10 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists

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


Jamar Diggs signs at Barons kvartals, ex Omonia - by Eurobasket News

BK Barons Kvartals Riga (LBL) landed 25-year old American guard Jamar Diggs (187-88, college: Wofford, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management). He started the season at Omonia in Cypriot Division A. In 15 games this season he averaged 14.8ppg, 7.1rpg, 4.9apg and 1.9spg. The last season Diggs played at Finke Baskets Paderborn (ProA) in German league. In 32 games last year he had 12.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.8apg and 1.3spg.
Among other achievements his college team won Southern Conference Tournament for two years in a row (2010 and 2011). Diggs received also Southern Conference All-Tournament 1st Team award in 2010 and 2011.
He attended Wofford College until 2011 and it will be his second season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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

Standings - Division A

Division A Standings
 1. Sagesse 12-2 
 2. Al Riyadi 11-2 
 3. Champville 10-4 
 4. Moutahed 9-5 
 5. Byblos 8-5 
 6. Amchit 8-6 
 7. Bejjeh 4-10 
 8. Hoops 3-11 
 9. Anibal 2-12 
 10. Antranik 2-12 

Regular Season: Round 15

Feb. 10: Antranik - Anibal 99-89
Feb. 13: Anibal - Hoops 97-94
Feb. 15: Al Riyadi - Amchit 94-73
Feb. 13: Champville - Byblos 93-86
Jan. 30: Moutahed - Hoops 88-76
Feb. 13: Bejjeh - Sagesse 70-118

Regular Season: Round 16

Feb. 18: Hoops - Al Riyadi
Feb. 18: Amchit - Antranik
Feb. 17: Champville - Moutahed
Feb. 17: Anibal - Bejjeh
Feb. 16: Sagesse - Byblos


Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game
 Andre EMMETT
  Amchit
  (196-G/F-82)
  Avg: 38
 1. Emmett, Amchit38.0 
 2. Harper, Sagesse28.9 
 3. Gray, Anibal27.8 
 4. Khatib, Champville25.8 
 5. Gadson, Antranik25.5 
 6. Blair, Hoops25.4 
 7. Ampim, Antranik23.6 
 8. Youngblood, Byblos23.4 
 9. Williams, Bejjeh22.7 
 10. Sims, Sagesse21.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Michael FRASER
  Byblos
  (203-C/F-84)
  Avg: 17.2
 1. Fraser, Byblos17.2 
 2. Ampim, Antranik12.9 
 3. Bagaric, Amchit12.1 
 4. Johnson, Anibal11.7 
 5. Woods, Al Riyadi11.4 
 6. Tskitishvili, Cham.11.0 
 7. Sims, Sagesse10.4 
 8. Bawji, Moutahed9.4 
 9. Salyers, Moutahed9.3 
 10. Emmett, Amchit9.1 
Assists Per Game
 Rodrigue AKL
  Sagesse
  (187-PG-88)
  Avg: 6.1
 1. Akl, Sagesse6.1 
 2. Chatfield, Mouta.6.0 
 3. Ismail, Al Riyadi5.8 
 4. Fahed, Moutahed5.8 
 5. Blair, Hoops5.8 
 6. Mahmoud, Al Riyadi5.5 
 7. Zaloum, Antranik5.4 
 8. Youngblood, Byblos5.2 
 9. Khatib, Champville5.2 
 10. Williams, Bejjeh5.0 
Steals Per Game
 Jasmon YOUNGBLOOD
  Byblos
  (195-G-84)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Youngblood, Byblos2.8 
 2. Williams, Bejjeh2.8 
 3. Blair, Hoops2.7 
 4. Harper, Sagesse2.1 
 5. Emmett, Amchit1.9 
 6. Gray, Anibal1.8 
 7. Zaloum, Antranik1.7 
 8. Fahed, Moutahed1.5 
 9. Terry, Champville1.4 
 10. Mneimneh, Byblos1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Dane JOHNSON
  Anibal
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Johnson, Anibal3.1 
 2. Tskitishvili, Cham.2.9 
 3. Woods, Al Riyadi2.5 
 4. Fraser, Byblos2.4 
 5. Bagaric, Amchit2.3 
 6. Fakhreddine, Hoops1.5 
 7. Ampim, Antranik1.2 
 8. Ismail, Al Riyadi1.0 
 9. Gadson, Antranik0.9 
 10. Bawji, Moutahed0.9 


Another win for Riyadi, this time against Amchit - by Asia-Basket Lebanon

Riyadi welcomed Amchit in Manara in a game was supposed to be very exciting but with 3 major injuries from Amchit side Riyadi had no problem to secure an easy win on the score of 94-73.
The game saw Omar Turk starting for Riyadi , he had a big first quarter in which he scored 11 points , with the absence of Dalibor Bagaric,Ghaleb Reda and Anthony Yammine Riyadis task was easier to impose its rhythm , they never looked back , the first quarter saw the home team scoring 6 3pointers , the score at the end of the first was 28-15. The second quarter saw Riyadi continuing its dominance, Amchit couldnt keep up the tempo only Andre Emmett was the only option for his team , he finished the game with 32 points. The score at the break was 54-33.
The 2nd half saw both teams easing the tempo and Riyadi kept its big lead and finished game on the score 94-73.
Andre Emmett led all scorers with 32pts,Matt Freije 14pts , Sabah Khouri 13, as for Riyadi Omar Turk led his team with 22pts,Jean Abdel Sarkis 19pts and Ahmad Ibrahim with 17.
By this win Riyadi is continuing its pursuit to Sagesse for the battle of the first place. Riyadi now is in the 2nd place behind Sagesse with 2 losses .

Q1: 28-15 Q2: 26-18 Q3: 17-19 Q4: 23-21


*****************************************************
  LESOTHO   


NBL 09-02-2013 Results - by Eurobasket News

Ranger v Buffalos (D) Double Forfeit
Rovers 77-26 Lialuma (A)
Rovers 35-26 LUCT (L)
... KTA 59-31 Buffalos (A)
Mafokotsane 18-84 Rovers (A)
BBH 41-36 Rovers (D)
KTA 55-34 Lialuma (A)
Courtesy of: http://basket-in-africa.blogspot.com


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

Standings - LKL

LKL Standings
 1. Rudupis 12-2 
 2. Neptunas 11-3 
 3. Juventus 8-6 
 4. Zalgiris 7-0 
 5. Siauliai 7-5 
 6. Pieno Zvaigzdes 7-6 
 7. Nevezis 7-7 
 8. Lietuvos rytas 5-2 
 9. Lietkabelis 5-10 
 10. LSU-Baltai 4-10 
 11. Sakalai 4-11 
 12. Naglis Palangos 0-15 

Regular Season: Round 20

Feb. 6: LSU-Baltai - Lietkabelis 90-64
Feb. 14: Neptunas - Rudupis 85-81
Feb. 6: Siauliai - Neptunas 81-82
Feb. 15: Naglis Palangos - Juventus 76-91
Feb. 14: Sakalai - LSU-Baltai 69-67
Feb. 15: Lietkabelis - Nevezis 67-72
Feb. 16: Pieno Zvaigzdes - Siauliai


Stats Leaders - LKL

Points Per Game
 Gediminas ORELIKAS
  Rudupis
  (200-G/F-90)
  Avg: 19
 1. Orelikas, Rudupis19.0 
 2. Hughes, Pieno Z.16.1 
 3. Gailius, Neptunas15.4 
 4. Samenas, Siauliai15.1 
 5. Milaknis, Rudupis13.5 
 6. Kieza, Siauliai13.4 
 7. Kadziulis, Rudupis13.4 
 8. Mazeika, Neptunas12.9 
 9. Sinica, Sakalai12.9 
 10. Brown, Naglis P.12.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Aurimas KIEZA
  Siauliai
  (202-PF-82)
  Avg: 10
 1. Kieza, Siauliai10.0 
 2. Bishop, Nevezis8.6 
 3. Urbonas, LSU-Baltai7.7 
 4. Sarakauskas, Nept.7.6 
 5. Varnelis, Juventus6.9 
 6. Sinica, Sakalai6.5 
 7. Konate, Naglis P.6.3 
 8. Gates, Pieno Z.6.2 
 9. Vene, Rudupis6.2 
 10. Dia, Siauliai6.0 
Assists Per Game
 Lewis JACKSON
  Siauliai
  (178-PG-89)
  Avg: 5.1
 1. Jackson, Siauliai5.1 
 2. Stasys, LSU-Baltai4.4 
 3. Janavicius, Rudupis4.0 
 4. Gintvainis, Sakalai4.0 
 5. Dainys, Neptunas3.9 
 6. Viskontas, Juvent.3.6 
 7. Kadziulis, Rudupis3.2 
 8. Ginevicius, Lietka.3.1 
 9. Broadus, Neptunas3.1 
 10. Mockevicius, Nagl.3.1 
Steals Per Game
 TreVon HUGHES
  Pieno Z.
  (183-PG-87)
  Avg: 2
 1. Hughes, Pieno Z.2.0 
 2. Brown, Naglis P.1.9 
 3. Butkevicius, Lietk.1.8 
 4. Ginevicius, Lietka.1.7 
 5. Stasys, LSU-Baltai1.7 
 6. Vingelis, LSU-B.1.6 
 7. Vene, Rudupis1.6 
 8. Kieza, Siauliai1.5 
 9. Lengvinas, Naglis1.5 
 10. Sinica, Sakalai1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Tomas URBONAS
  LSU-Baltai
  (215-C-92)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Urbonas, LSU-Baltai2.8 
 2. Silinskis, Nevezis1.7 
 3. Petrukonis, Juven.1.4 
 4. Kieza, Siauliai1.0 
 5. McClure, Neptunas0.9 
 6. Kupsas, Lietkabelis0.9 
 7. Vene, Rudupis0.8 
 8. Gates, Pieno Z.0.8 
 9. Dia, Siauliai0.8 
 10. Valeika, Rudupis0.8 


Standings - NKL

NKL Standings
 1. Mazeikiai 25-6 
 2. Dzukija 23-8 
 3. Olimpas 22-9 
 4. Suduva-Mantinga 21-10 
 5. Triobet 20-11 
 6. Zanavykas 19-12 
 7. Statyba 19-12 
 8. Zalgiris-Sabonio 19-12 
 9. S.Marciulionio 17-15 
 10. Meresta 15-16 
 11. Perlas-MRU 13-18 
 12. Radviliskis 12-18 
 13. Delikatesas 12-19 
 14. Birstono 12-19 
 15. Ezerunas-Karys 10-21 
 16. Silute 10-21 
 17. Gargzdai 6-26 
 18. Nafta Universitetas 5-26 

Regular Season: Round 31

Feb. 15: Dzukija - Zanavykas 99-85
Feb. 15: Mazeikiai - Birstono 95-71
Feb. 15: Silute - Nafta Universitetas 89-88
Feb. 15: Olimpas - Statyba 88-72
Feb. 13: Olimpas - Dzukija 80-93
Feb. 15: Triobet - Delikatesas 78-74
Feb. 15: Perlas-MRU - S.Marciulionio 77-91
Feb. 15: Gargzdai - Zalgiris-Sabonio 71-85
Feb. 15: Meresta - Radviliskis 67-74
Feb. 15: Ezerunas-Karys - Suduva-Mantinga 64-85

Round 30

Feb. 12: Dzukija - Gargzdai 82-69


Stats Leaders - NKL

Points Per Game
 Edgaras STANIONIS
  Zanav.
  (193-G-88)
  Avg: 24.1
 1. Stanionis, Zanav.24.1 
 2. Valukonis, Suduva.20.8 
 3. Maneikis, Olimpas19.8 
 4. Kleiza, Birstono19.4 
 5. Linkevicius, Triob.16.9 
 6. Giedraitis, Mazeik.16.8 
 7. Tarvydas, Statyba16.4 
 8. Gudaitis, Zalgir.16.4 
 9. Gaidamaviciu., Mer.16.4 
 10. Macernis, Mazeiki.16.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Cezary TRYBANSKI
  Dzukija
  (218-C-79)
  Avg: 10.5
 1. Trybanski, Dzukija10.5 
 2. Linkevicius, Triob.10.2 
 3. Virbalas, Perla.9.0 
 4. Gudaitis, Zalgir.8.6 
 5. Udras, Perlas-MRU8.5 
 6. Montrimavici., Rad.7.5 
 7. Jurgo, Radviliskis7.5 
 8. Tarolis, Gargzdai7.4 
 9. Kazakauskas, Olimp.7.1 
 10. Norkus, Nafta U.6.9 
Assists Per Game
 Bryan HARRISON
  Dzukija
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 7.6
 1. Harrison, Dzukija7.6 
 2. Gaidamaviciu., Mer.7.5 
 3. Varanauskas, Stat.4.7 
 4. Kuklierius, Suduva.4.7 
 5. Razutis, Olimpas4.7 
 6. Kelys, Perlas-MRU4.6 
 7. Mazutis, Mazeikiai4.4 
 8. Kutra, Radviliskis4.3 
 9. Anuzis, Nafta U.4.1 
 10. Pelss, Zanavykas4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Zydrunas KELYS
  Perlas-MRU
  (188-PG-87)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Kelys, Perlas-MRU2.8 
 2. Macernis, Mazeikiai2.7 
 3. Razutis, Olimpas2.6 
 4. Stanionis, Zanav.2.6 
 5. Sabeckis, Birstono2.3 
 6. Harrison, Dzukija2.3 
 7. Paliukenas, Staty.2.2 
 8. Mazutis, Mazeikiai2.1 
 9. Pelss, Zanavykas2.0 
 10. Kleiza, Birstono1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Cezary TRYBANSKI
  Dzukija
  (218-C-79)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Trybanski, Dzukija3.3 
 2. Krestinin, S.Marc.1.9 
 3. Gudaitis, Zalgir.1.6 
 4. Jucikas, Meresta1.5 
 5. Virbalas, Perla.1.4 
 6. Macernis, Mazeikiai1.2 
 7. Tarolis, Gargzdai1.2 
 8. Kaubrys, Silute1.1 
 9. Zvinklys, Nafta U.1.1 
 10. Milinskas, Triobet0.9 


NKL Round 31 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News

The teams have now bigger motivation at this stage of Regular Season. Every game can be crucial and decide about teams' position at the end of Regular Season. There was no lack of interesting games this round. The round ended with derby games and favorites losing the games.

The most interesting game of round 31 was a home defeat of 3rd placed Olimpas (22-9) to second ranked Dzukija (23-8) 93-80 in the game for the second place. 26 personal fouls committed by Olimpas helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for guard Mindaugas Reminas (190-86) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Polish center Cezary Trybanski (218-79) helped adding 14 points and 10 rebounds. At the losing side forward Audrius Maneikis (203-84, college: Motlow St. CC) responded with 24 points and 7 rebounds. Olimpas' coach Alidas Zukauskas rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Dzukija have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Newly promoted Dzukija maintains second place with 23-8 record having just two points less than leader Mazeikiai. Olimpas at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the third position with nine games lost. Dzukija are looking forward to face Birstono (#14) in Kaunas in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Olimpas will play on the road against Zanavykas (#6) in Sakiai and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
NKL top team - Mazeikiai (25-6) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed thirteenth ranked Birstono (12-19) 95-71. It was a quality performance for forward Osvaldas Macernis (196-82) who led the winners and scored 21 points and 8 rebounds. Rokas Giedraitis accounted for 22 points. Forward Paulius Petrilevicius (201-91) came up with 19 points for Birstono in the defeat. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Mazeikiai. They maintain first place with 25-6 record. Birstono at the other side keeps the thirteenth position with 19 games lost. They share it with Delikatesas. Mazeikiai will play against Delikatesas (#13) in Joniskis in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Birstono will play at home against the league's second-placed Dzukija in Alytus and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Eighteenth-ranked Nafta Universitetas (5-26) gave a tough game to sixteenth ranked Silute (10-21) on Friday. Silute managed to secure only one-point victory 89-88. However their fans expected easier game. Gytis Pakalniskis fired a double-double by scoring 27 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Tadas Mazelis produced 22 points (made all of his eight free throws) for lost side. Silute moved-up to fifteenth place, which they share with Ezerunas-Karys. Nafta Universitetas lost their twelfth game in a row. They stay dead last with 26 lost games. Silute will meet higher ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio (#8) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Nafta Universitetas will play against Perlas-MRU (#11) in Vilnius and hope to secure a win.
An interesting game took place in Pakruojis where higher ranked Meresta (15-16) was upset on its own court by fourteenth ranked Radviliskis (12-18) 74-67. Worth to mention a great performance of Antanas Montrimavicius who helped to win the game recording 11 points and 8 rebounds. Meresta's coach Dainius Bertulis tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Radviliskis moved-up to twelfth place. Meresta at the other side keeps the tenth position with 16 games lost. Radviliskis' next round opponent will be Ezerunas-Karys (#15) in Moletai.
Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Vilnius: S.Marciulionio (#9) and Perlas-MRU (#11). Perlas-MRU was defeated at home 77-91 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. It was a great evening for Tautvydas Slezas who led his team to a victory scoring 16 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Perlas-MRU's coach Erikas Kuciauskas let to play ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. S.Marciulionio maintains ninth place with 17-15 record. Loser Perlas-MRU keeps the eleventh position with 18 games lost. S.Marciulionio will face Meresta (#10) in Pakruojis in the next round. Perlas-MRU will play on the road against Nafta Universitetas in Klaipeda.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 31: Delikatesas lost to Triobet on the opponent's court 74-78. Ezerunas-Karys was outscored by Suduva-Mantinga in a home game 64-85. Zalgiris-Sabonio managed to beat Gargzdai on the road 85-71. Olimpas defeated Statyba on its own court 88-72. Zanavykas was beaten by Dzukija in Alytus 99-85. Dzukija won against Gargzdai at home 82-69.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 25 points and 8 rebounds by Martynas Linkevicius of Triobet.

Mazeikiai - Birstono 95-71

NKL top team - Mazeikiai (25-6) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed thirteenth ranked Birstono (12-19) 95-71. The game was mostly controlled by Mazeikiai. Birstono was better in fourth quarter 28-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Mazeikiai dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Birstono's 26. They outrebounded Birstono 43-29 including a 35-23 advantage in defensive rebounds. Mazeikiai players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. It was a quality performance for forward Osvaldas Macernis (196-82) who led the winners and scored 21 points and 8 rebounds. Rokas Giedraitis (198-92) accounted for 22 points for the winning side. Forward Paulius Petrilevicius (201-91) came up with 19 points and Donatas Sabeckis added 15 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Birstono in the defeat. Five Mazeikiai and four Birstono players scored in double figures. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Mazeikiai. They maintain first place with 25-6 record. Birstono at the other side keeps the thirteenth position with 19 games lost. They share it with Delikatesas. Mazeikiai will play against Delikatesas (#13) in Joniskis in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Birstono will play at home against the league's second-placed Dzukija in Alytus and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Mazeikiai: R.Giedraitis 22+3reb+1ast, O.Macernis 21+8reb+3ast, A.Kojenets 16+4reb+1ast, A.Mikutis 12+6reb+3ast, V.Pikalavicius 10+10reb+1ast, E.Zukauskas 6+3reb
Birstono: P.Petrilevicius 19+4reb+3ast, D.Sabeckis 15+6reb+2ast, M.Lukminas 15+5reb, V.Valiulis 11+3reb, Z.Krupskis 4+3reb+2ast, K.Kokoska 3+2reb
gschID: 201422


Triobet - Delikatesas 78-74

Very expected game in Jonava where 12th ranked Delikatesas (12-19) was defeated by fifth ranked Triobet (20-11) 78-74 on Friday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Delikatesas trailed by 11 points after 3 quarters before a 22-15 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 74-78 at the end of the game. Delikatesas was plagued by 31 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for forward Martynas Linkevicius (197-85) who led his team to a victory scoring 25 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Tadas Sebeziovas (183-85) helped adding 13 points. Triobet's coach Kestutis Narusevicius used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side guard Aivaras Kvedaravicius (184-88) responded with 11 points and 8 rebounds and swingman Mantas Pukinskas (198-89) scored 13 points and 6 rebounds. The victory was the third consecutive win for Triobet. They maintain fifth place with 20-11 record. Loser Delikatesas dropped to the thirteenth position with 19 games lost. Triobet will face higher ranked Suduva-Mantinga (#4) in Marijampole in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Delikatesas will play at home against the league's leader Mazeikiai (#1).
Top scorers:
Triobet: M.Linkevicius 25+8reb+2ast, T.Sebeziovas 13+4reb+2ast, I.Dauksys 9+4reb+1ast, H.Vorotnikovas 9+5reb+3ast, T.Milinskas 7+5reb+2ast, V.Kruzikas 4+2reb+1ast
Delikatesas: Z.Petraitis 15+6reb, M.Pukinskas 13+6reb+2ast, A.Kvedaravicius 11+8reb+3ast, E.Vaupsas 8+1reb+1ast, D.Girdvila 7, P.Klemas 7+2reb+2ast
gschID: 201421


Ezerunas-Karys - Suduva-Mantinga 64-85

Very predictable result in Moletai where fourth ranked Suduva-Mantinga (21-10) smashed 15th ranked Ezerunas-Karys (10-21) 85-64 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by Suduva-Mantinga. Ezerunas-Karys was better in third quarter 21-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Suduva-Mantinga forced 23 Ezerunas-Karys turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a great evening for forward Marius Valukonis (198-88) who led his team to a victory scoring 14 points and 5 assists. Guard Zilvinas Kuklierius (180-85) helped adding 11 points and 5 assists. Four Suduva-Mantinga players scored in double figures. Suduva-Mantinga's coach Gintautas Zibuda felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side swingman Dainius Navickas (195-78) responded with 23 points and 7 rebounds and forward Raimundas Ambrulaitis (199-82) scored 14 points and 6 rebounds. The victory was the third consecutive win for Suduva-Mantinga. They maintain fourth place with 21-10 record. Loser Ezerunas-Karys keeps the fifteenth position with 21 games lost. Suduva-Mantinga will face Triobet (#5) in Jonava in the next round. Ezerunas-Karys will play on the road against Radviliskis (#12).
Top scorers:
Suduva-Mantinga: M.Valukonis 14+4reb+5ast, A.Zibuda 14+1ast, Z.Kuklierius 11+2reb+5ast, A.Mineikis 10+7reb, A.Cizikas 9+2reb+3ast, A.Krivonis 7+4reb+2ast
Ezerunas-Karys: D.Navickas 23+7reb, R.Ambrulaitis 14+6reb+2ast, T.Grybauskas 9+1reb, K.Alekna 6+3reb+3ast, L.Bankieta 4+1reb+2ast, J.Narusis 2+2reb
gschID: 201420


Meresta - Radviliskis 67-74

An interesting game took place in Pakruojis where higher ranked Meresta (15-16) was upset on its own court by fourteenth ranked Radviliskis (12-18) 74-67. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 22-13. But Meresta won second period 20-13. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Antanas Montrimavicius (199-87) who helped to win the game recording 11 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Vitalis Pancerevas (185-87, college: Weatherford JC) contributed with 17 points (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) for the winners. Guard Tomas Gaidamavicius (191-82) answered with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists and center Julius Jucikas (205-89) added 16 points in the effort for Meresta. Four Meresta players scored in double figures. Meresta's coach Dainius Bertulis tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Radviliskis moved-up to twelfth place. Meresta at the other side keeps the tenth position with 16 games lost. Radviliskis' next round opponent will be Ezerunas-Karys (#15) in Moletai.
Top scorers:
Radviliskis: V.Pancerevas 17+2reb+1ast, L.Pipiras 13+5reb, A.Montrimavicius 11+8reb+2ast, E.Kaupaitis 8+6reb, V.Trepocka 8+2reb+3ast, D.Gricius 8+3reb
Meresta: J.Jucikas 16+4reb+1ast, M.Kadzevicius 13+4reb+1ast, I.Vaitkus 10+2reb, T.Gaidamavicius 10+12reb+7ast, L.Radavicius 6+3reb+1ast, A.Povilaitis 6+4reb+2ast
gschID: 201419


Perlas-MRU - S.Marciulionio 77-91

Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Vilnius: S.Marciulionio (#9) and Perlas-MRU (#11). Perlas-MRU was defeated at home 77-91 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. The game was mostly controlled by S.Marciulionio. Perlas-MRU was better in fourth quarter 19-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great evening for center Tautvydas Slezas (207-90, agency: Interperformances) who led his team to a victory scoring 16 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Power forward Giedrius Staniulis (205-91) helped adding 15 points and 9 rebounds. At the losing side power forward Mantas Virbalas (203-88) responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 15 rebounds and American guard Keyron Sheard (188-86, college: Chattanooga) scored 22 points and 4 assists. Five S.Marciulionio and four Perlas-MRU players scored in double figures. Perlas-MRU's coach Erikas Kuciauskas let to play ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. S.Marciulionio maintains ninth place with 17-15 record. Loser Perlas-MRU keeps the eleventh position with 18 games lost. S.Marciulionio will face Meresta (#10) in Pakruojis in the next round. Perlas-MRU will play on the road against Nafta Universitetas in Klaipeda.
Top scorers:
S.Marciulionio: E.Baniulis 16+5reb+3ast, R.Bitinas 16+2ast, T.Slezas 16+8reb+6ast, G.Staniulis 15+9reb+2ast, M.Pociukonis 12+3reb+6ast, R.Sugintas 7+4reb
Perlas-MRU: K.Sheard 22+3reb+4ast, M.Virbalas 17+15reb+3ast, A.Udras 11+6reb+1ast, V.Buzas 11+1reb, D.Bickauskis 5+1reb+1ast, J.Elvikis 3+1reb
gschID: 201418


Silute - Nafta Universitetas 89-88

Eighteenth-ranked Nafta Universitetas (5-26) gave a tough game to sixteenth ranked Silute (10-21) on Friday. Silute managed to secure only one-point victory 89-88. However their fans expected easier game. Nafta Universitetas was trailing by 8 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 24-22 charge of Silute, which allowed them to win the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Power forward Gytis Pakalniskis (205-89) fired a double-double by scoring 27 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Swingman Marius Kasiulevicius (198-82, college: Trinity Valley JC) chipped in 18 points and 5 rebounds. Four Silute players scored in double figures. Swingman Tadas Mazelis (194-92) produced 22 points (made all of his eight free throws) and forward Donatas Norkus (196-90) added 8 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Silute moved-up to fifteenth place, which they share with Ezerunas-Karys. Nafta Universitetas lost their twelfth game in a row. They stay dead last with 26 lost games. Silute will meet higher ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio (#8) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Nafta Universitetas will play against Perlas-MRU (#11) in Vilnius and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Silute: G.Pakalniskis 27+10reb+5ast, M.Kasiulevicius 18+5reb+2ast, D.Heiman 13+3reb+2ast, E.Molosciakas 11+2reb+2ast, N.Anglickis 8+3reb+1ast, E.Saulys 8+9reb+5ast
Nafta Universitetas: T.Mazelis 22+4reb+2ast, V.Chodosovskis 17+4reb, D.Zvinklys 12+3reb+1ast, D.Norkus 8+11reb+5ast, K.Timofejevas 8+1reb, V.Tarolis 8+3reb+1ast
gschID: 201417


Gargzdai - Zalgiris-Sabonio 71-85

Not a big story in a game when 17th ranked Gargzdai-Bremena (6-26) was defeated at home by eighth ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio (19-12) 85-71 on Friday. The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 9-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 85-71. Zalgiris-Sabonio had a 28-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great evening for center Arturas Gudaitis (208-93) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds. Forward Marius Grigonis (198-94) helped adding 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Zalgiris-Sabonio's coach Tomas Masiulis used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. At the losing side forward Donatas Tarolis (201-94) responded with 21 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and forward Marius Grigaitis (196-91) scored 16 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Zalgiris-Sabonio moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Zanavykas and Statyba. Loser Gargzdai-Bremena keeps the seventeenth position with 26 games lost. Zalgiris-Sabonio will face Silute (#16) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Gargzdai-Bremena will play against Statyba in Vilnius.
Top scorers:
Zalgiris-Sabonio: A.Gudaitis 17+11reb+2ast, M.Grigonis 16+6reb+5ast, J.Tamulis 13+1reb+1ast, L.Lekavicius 11+5reb+1ast, E.Serkevicius 9+2reb+1ast, V.Kariniauskas 5+1reb+1ast
Gargzdai: D.Tarolis 21+6reb, M.Grigaitis 16+4reb+2ast, G.Sakalas 13+2reb+2ast, D.Matutis 10+3reb+5ast, L.Jonuska 8+3reb, R.Zabita 2+4reb
gschID: 201416


Olimpas - Statyba 88-72

Everything went according to plan in Plunge where third ranked Olimpas (22-9) beat 7th ranked Statyba (19-12) 88-72 on Friday. The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 47-27 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Olimpas outrebounded Statyba 34-22 including 23 on the defensive glass. Statyba was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for American guard Toney McCray (198-89, college: Nebraska, agency: Interperformances) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward Julius Kazakauskas (197-90) helped adding 18 points and 6 rebounds. At the losing side point guard Ovidijus Varanauskas (187-91) responded with 14 points and 6 assists and forward Karolis Brusokas (200-91) scored 16 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Newly promoted Olimpas maintains third place with 22-9 record having just three points less than leader Mazeikiai. Loser Statyba dropped to the sixth position with 12 games lost. Olimpas will face Zanavykas (#6) in Sakiai in the next round. Statyba will play at home against Gargzdai-Bremena.
Top scorers:
Olimpas: T.McCray 18+13reb+5ast, J.Kazakauskas 18+6reb+1ast, M.Kazonas 13+6reb+1ast, I.Razutis 11+4reb+2ast, T.Domarkas 9+2reb, E.Gintvainis 8+1reb+1ast
Statyba: K.Brusokas 16+3reb+1ast, D.Tarvydas 15+3reb, T.Rinkunas 14+2reb+3ast, O.Varanauskas 14+3reb+6ast, V.Luksa 7+2reb+1ast, M.Paliukenas 5+3reb+5ast
gschID: 201415


Dzukija - Zanavykas 99-85

There was no surprise in Alytus where 6th ranked Zanavykas (19-12) was defeated by second ranked Dzukija (23-8) 99-85 on Friday. The hosts trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 99-85. Dzukija forced 20 Zanavykas turnovers. Zanavykas was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for swingman Tomas Lekunas (200-93) who led his team to a victory scoring 16 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. American guard Bryan Harrison (188-84, college: Georgia Coll., agency: Global Sports Plaza) helped adding 26 points and 4 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). At the losing side guard Edgaras Stanionis (193-88) responded with 26 points and 8 rebounds and center Vilius Sumskis (213-84, agency: Interperformances) scored 14 points and 8 rebounds. Four Zanavykas players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Dzukija. Newly promoted Dzukija maintains second place with 23-8 record having just two points less than leader Mazeikiai. Zanavykas at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the sixth position with 12 games lost. Dzukija will face Birstono (#14) in Kaunas in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Zanavykas will play at home against Olimpas (#3) in Plunge.
Top scorers:
Dzukija: B.Harrison 26+2reb+4ast, G.Kurtinaitis 17+2reb+1ast, T.Lekunas 16+9reb+7ast, C.Trybanski 9+7reb, T.Skripkauskas 8+1reb+2ast, Z.Kelys 8+2reb+2ast
Zanavykas: E.Stanionis 26+8reb+3ast, V.Sumskis 14+8reb+1ast, P.Parachomikas 13+3reb+1ast, M.Uzupis 10+2reb+1ast, R.Ostreika 6+1reb+1ast, V.Vaiksnis 5+6reb+2ast
gschID: 201414


Olimpas - Dzukija 80-93

The most interesting game of round 31 was a home defeat of 3rd placed Olimpas (22-9) to second ranked Dzukija (23-8) 93-80 in the game for the second place. 26 personal fouls committed by Olimpas helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for guard Mindaugas Reminas (190-86) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Polish center Cezary Trybanski (218-79) helped adding 14 points and 10 rebounds. At the losing side forward Audrius Maneikis (203-84, college: Motlow St. CC) responded with 24 points and 7 rebounds and forward Julius Kazakauskas (197-90) scored 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Dzukija and five Olimpas players scored in double figures. Olimpas' coach Alidas Zukauskas rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Dzukija have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Newly promoted Dzukija maintains second place with 23-8 record having just two points less than leader Mazeikiai. Olimpas at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the third position with nine games lost. Dzukija are looking forward to face Birstono (#14) in Kaunas in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Olimpas will play on the road against Zanavykas (#6) in Sakiai and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Dzukija: M.Reminas 20+5reb+4ast, T.Skripkauskas 16+1reb+1ast, C.Trybanski 14+10reb+1ast, Z.Kelys 12+3reb+1ast, G.Kurtinaitis 9+3reb, B.Harrison 8+3reb+9ast
Olimpas: A.Maneikis 24+7reb+3ast, J.Kazakauskas 16+7reb+5ast, I.Razutis 16+1reb+6ast, M.Kazonas 13+12reb, T.McCray 11+4reb, E.Jocys 0+1reb
gschID: 233177


Round 30
Dzukija - Gargzdai 82-69

No shocking result in a game in Alytus where second ranked Dzukija (23-8) won against 17th ranked Gargzdai-Bremena (6-26) 82-69 on Tuesday. The game was mostly controlled by Dzukija. Gargzdai-Bremena was better in third quarter 22-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Dzukija won last quarter 22-10. They shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 53.8 percentage. Dzukija looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a great evening for American guard Bryan Harrison (188-84, college: Georgia Coll., agency: Global Sports Plaza) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. Polish center Cezary Trybanski (218-79) helped adding 12 points and 6 rebounds. Four Dzukija players scored in double figures. At the losing side forward Donatas Tarolis (201-94) responded with 22 points and 8 rebounds and point guard Dominikas Matutis (180-91) scored 12 points and 5 rebounds. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Dzukija. Newly promoted Dzukija maintains second place with 23-8 record having just two points less than leader Mazeikiai. Loser Gargzdai-Bremena keeps the seventeenth position with 26 games lost. Dzukija will face Birstono (#14) in Kaunas in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Gargzdai-Bremena will play on the road against Statyba in Vilnius.
Top scorers:
Dzukija: B.Harrison 24+2reb+6ast, C.Trybanski 12+6reb+1ast, P.Sakinis 11+2reb+1ast, T.Skripkauskas 10+3reb+1ast, Z.Kelys 9+1reb+5ast, M.Reminas 8+2reb+3ast
Gargzdai: D.Tarolis 22+8reb, D.Matutis 12+5reb+3ast, M.Grigaitis 11+5reb+1ast, L.Lucinskas 9+2reb+1ast, L.Jonuska 8+6reb+2ast, G.Sakalas 5+1reb+3ast
gschID: 233293



Lithuanian NKL round 31 best performance: Osvaldas Macernis - by Eurobasket News

Forward Osvaldas Macernis (196-F-82) had an amazing evening in the last round for top-ranked Mazeikiai, receiving a Eurobasket.com NKL Player of the Week award for round 31.
The 30-year old player was the main contributor (21 points, eight rebounds and three assists) to his team's victory, helping them to crush Birstono (#14, 12-19) with 24-point margin 95-71. It allowed Mazeikiai to consolidate first place in the Lithuanian NKL. Mazeikiai have a solid 25-6 record. In the team's last game Macernis had a remarkable 70.0% from 2-point range. He turned to be Mazeikiai's top player in his first season with the team. Osvaldas Macernis averages this season 16.2ppg and 6.6rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 27-year old Martynas Linkevicius (197-F-85) of Triobet. Linkevicius had a very good evening with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists. It was enough for Triobet to edge the lower-ranked Delikatesas (#13, 12-19) 78-74. Triobet's 5th position in has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 20-11 record is not bad and everything may still change. Linkevicius is well-known at Triobet and is a proven leader in his second season with the team. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 16.9ppg (#5). He also registered 10.2 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Toney McCray (198-G-89, agency: Interperformances) of Olimpas (#3). McCray showcased his all-around game by recording 18 points, thirteen rebounds (!!!) and five assists in the last round. He was a key player of Olimpas, leading his team to a 88-72 easy win against the lower-ranked Statyba (#7, 19-12). Olimpas needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams in . Their record at this point is 22 victories and 9 lost games. McCray has a very solid season. In 2 games in Lithuania he scored 14.5ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Tadas Mazelis (194-G/F-92) of Nafta Universitetas - 22 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Arturas Gudaitis (208-C-93) of Zalgiris-Sabonio - 17 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Gytis Pakalniskis (205-C/F-89) of Silute - 27 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Mindaugas Reminas (190-G-86) of Dzukija - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Mantas Virbalas (203-C/F-88) of Perlas-MRU - 17 points, 15 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Tomas Gaidamavicius (191-G-82) of Meresta - 10 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists
10. Audrius Maneikis (203-F-84) of Olimpas - 24 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists

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


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  LUXEMBOURG   


Telstar Hesperange fire coach Goran Lukic - by Eurobasket News

Telstar Hesperange (N2) released 50-year old Serbian coach Goran Lukic.
Lukics team made it to the Luxembourg League Semifinals in 2006.
He has coached previously two other Luxembourg teams: Heffingen and Lallange.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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  MALI   


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

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

Amara Sy
Amara Sy
   #1. This week's number one is former international forward Amara Sy (202-81, currently plays in France). He was the major contributor in an ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket's victory against the closely-ranked STB Le Havre (12-3) 70-66 in the French ProA in Saturday night's game. Sy recorded 15 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 35 minutes on the court. ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket (11-8) is placed fifth in the ProA. Sy has relatively good stats this year: 12.2ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.8apg, 1.3bpg, 2FGP: 49.7%, 3FGP: 40.9% and FT: 69.7% in the 19 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Mali and French. Sy played for the Mali senior national team two years ago.

Oumar Sylla
Oumar Sylla
   #2. Second place goes to former international forward Oumar Sylla (201-84, college: Richmond, currently plays in Germany), who plays in the German ProB (third division). Sylla could not help ifm Baskets Konstanz (4-14) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the 11th-placed ifm Baskets Konstanz was badly defeated 96-76 on the road by the much higher-ranked (#4) Fraport Skyliners II in the Group South. Sylla was the top scorer with 19 points. He also added 4 rebounds in 29 minutes. It was ifm Baskets Konstanz's fourth consecutive loss in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. This year Sylla has relatively solid stats: 12.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 46.1%, 3FGP: 25.0% and FT: 73.5% in the 18 games. He played for the Mali national team in 2009.

Sambou Traore
Sambou Traore
   #3. The Mali player who performed third best last week abroad was an experienced former international power forward Sambou Traore (199-79, currently plays in France). Traore contributed to a Limoges CSP Elite's victory against the seventh-ranked Entente Orleans 45 (9-10) 72-67 in the French ProA on Saturday night. He recorded 6 points. Limoges CSP Elite (3-13) is placed 11th in the ProA. This season Traore averages: 3.1ppg, 2.3rpg, 2FGP: 42.5% and FT: 47.6%. He is another player who holds two passports: Mali and French. Traore played for the Mali national team two years ago.

Mahmoud Diakite
Mahmoud Diakite
   #4. Swingman Mahmoud Diakite (197-86, college: Wyoming, currently plays in United Kingdom) helped London Lions win their game against the closely-ranked Cheshire Phoenix (8-15) 94-83 in the British BBL in Friday night's game. He scored 10 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 19 minutes. London Lions (9-15) is placed seventh in the BBL. This year Diakite's overall stats are: 6.5ppg and 2.3rpg in the four games. He has both Mali and French nationalities. Diakite used to play for the Mali national team back in 2011.

Ibrahim Saounera
Ibrahim Saounera
   #5. Former international point guard Ibrahim Saounera (178-87, currently plays in France) managed to help Rueil Athletic Club to win against the 14th-ranked Vendee Challans (6-13) 80-66 in the French NM1 (third division) last Saturday. He scored only 2 points, had 5 rebounds and dished 7 assists. Rueil Athletic Club (10-9) is placed eighth in the NM1. Saounera is currently seventh on the list of best passers and also on the list of most steals (fourth place). He has very reliable stats this season: 10.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.2apg and 1.8spg. Similarly like Diakite and Traore above Saounera also holds two passports: Mali and French. He used to play for the Mali national team two years ago.

Dramane Diarra
Dramane Diarra
   #6. Power forward Dramane Diarra (203-80, college: Kansas St., currently plays in France) helped Saint Vallier win their game against the league outsider Bordeaux (4-19) 85-80 in the French ProB (second division) on Tuesday night. Diarra scored only 2 points in 16 minutes. Saint Vallier Basket Drome (8-15) is placed 14th in the ProB. They ended the series of six consecutive loses. This year Diarra's total stats are: 4.3ppg and 2.4rpg in the 16 games. He is a former international player as he played for the Mali senior team two years ago.

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

   #1. Bandja Sy (203-F, currently plays college basketball in the States) led N.Mexico St. to a victory against the San Jose State University (3-8) 67-57 in the NCAA last Thursday. He scored 13 points, had 9 boards, handed out 5 passes and blocked 2 shots (went 6 for 6 at the free throw line). The New Mexico State University has quite an impressive 12-2 conference record this season. It was N.Mexico St.'s 12th consecutive victory in a row. It's Sy's fourth year with the team. This season Sy has relatively solid stats: 12.2ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.8apg and 1.3bpg. He has a dual citizenship: Mali and French.

   #2. Experienced Mamoutou Diarra (200-F-80, currently plays in France) contributed to a JSF Nanterre's surprising victory against the fourth-ranked Le Mans (12-7) 91-81 in the French ProA on Saturday night. Diarra recorded 12 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals in 30 minutes. JSF Nanterre (9-10) is placed tenth in the ProA. This year Diarra averages: 2.5ppg and 1.5rpg in the 11 games he played so far. He is another player who holds two passports: Mali and French.

   #3. Yohann Sangare (193-G-83, currently plays in France) managed to help Chorale de Roanne Basket to win against the closely-ranked JDA Dijon (9-10) 63-56 in the French ProA in Saturday night's game. Sangare recorded 5 points and added 8 assists. Chorale de Roanne Basket (9-10) is placed eighth in the ProA. This season Sangare averages: 6.2ppg, 2.7rpg and 3.9apg. Similarly like Diarra and Sy above he has both Mali and French nationalities.

   #4. Mamoudou Sy (196-F-83, college: Cowley County CC, currently plays in France), who plays in the French NM1 (third division) could not help Blois (9-9) to beat Sorgues (10-8). Sy cannot count Saturday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 3 points. Blois was crushed 89-63 on the road by the higher-ranked Sorgues (#7). Sy has averaged so far 3.4ppg and 1.9rpg. Similarly like three previous players above, he also holds two passports: Mali and French.

   #5. Bakary Konate (208-C/F-93, currently plays in Spain) helped La Palma win their game against the seventh-ranked Fontedoso Carrefour (6-9) 62-45 in the Spanish LEB Silver (third division) last Friday. Konate recorded only 1 points in 9 minutes on the court. U.B. La Palma (4-11) is located at the very bottom in the LEB Silver. But the situation may improve as they ended a series of three consecutive loses. Konate has averaged so far 5.0ppg and 5.4rpg in the 15 games.


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


Gustavo Ayon's double-double lands him Player of the Week award among Mexicans playing currently abroad - by Eurobasket Center

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

Gustavo Ayon
Gustavo Ayon
   #1. This week's number one is an international power forward Gustavo Ayon (209-85, college: San Jose St., currently plays in NBA). He led Orlando Magic to a victory against the Portland Trail Blazers (25-28) 110-104 in the NBA in Sunday night's game. Ayon had a double-double by scoring 16 points and getting 11 rebounds. He also added 6 assists in 32 minutes on the court. The Orlando Magic has rather weak 15-37 record this season. It's Ayon's first year with the team. This year Ayon averages: 3.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 52.5% and FT: 51.4% in the 40 games he played so far. He is currently a member of the Mexican senior national team.

Earl Watson
Earl Watson
   #2. Second place goes to an experienced former international point guard Earl Watson (185-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: UCLA, currently plays in NBA). Watson contributed to an Utah Jazz's victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves (19-31) 97-93 in the NBA last Wednesday. He scored 6 points, had 5 rebounds and dished 5 assists. The Utah Jazz has 30-24 record this season. Watson's overall stats this year are: 2.3ppg, 1.9rpg, 4.3apg, 2FGP: 37.7%, 3FGP: 20.8% and FT: 70.6%. He is a naturalized American. Watson played for the Mexican national team in 2007. Strangely he has never played in Mexico.

Paul Stoll
Paul Stoll
   #3. The Mexican player who performed third best last week abroad was an international point guard Paul Stoll (180-85, currently plays in Israel), who plays in the Israeli Winner League. Stoll could not help Maccabi Haifa (9-7) to beat Hapoel Tel-Aviv (7-9). He recorded 5 points, 5 assists and 6 steals in 29 minutes. Maccabi Haifa was edged 78-77 at home by the lower-ranked (#9) Hapoel Tel-Aviv. It's Stoll's first season with the team. Stoll belongs to league's best passers and is ranked #4 with 4.6apg. This year his other stats are: 14.7ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.2spg, 2FGP: 44.8%, 3FGP: 38.2% and FT: 86.8% in the 16 games. Stoll is a naturalized American. He is also a member of the Mexican senior national team. Stoll used to play for Algodoneros de La Comarca - Torreon in Mexican league.

Romel Beck
Romel Beck
   #4. Swingman Romel Beck (201-82, agency: Interperformances, college: UNLV, currently plays in Israel) was not able to help Bnei Hasharon (7-9) in their game against Hapoel Jerusalem (9-7) in the Israeli Winner League. Beck recorded only 4 points and added 5 passes. Bnei Hasharon was edged 70-67 on the road by the higher-ranked Hapoel Jerusalem (#3). Beck is currently first on the league's list of top scorers. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Beck averages: 19.4ppg, 3.0rpg and 1.8apg. He is a naturalized American. Beck is also Mexican national team player. He used to play for Correcaminos Victoria in Mexican league.

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

   #1. Mark Sanchez (201-F-87, agency: Court Side, college: Boise St., currently plays in Austria), who plays in the Austrian A Bundesliga could not help Kapfenberg Bulls (15-5) in their last game on Sunday. Despite his very good performance Kapfenberg Bulls was defeated 81-74 on the road by the lower-ranked Gussing Knights (#7). Sanchez was the second best scorer with 16 points. He also added 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Sanchez is currently second on the league's list of best rebounders. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Sanchez averages: 15.1ppg, 8.0rpg and 2.2apg. He is a naturalized American. Sanchez used to play for Lobos Grises de la UAD Durango in Mexican league.

   #2. Diego Gonzalez (175-PG-84, currently plays in Uruguay), who plays in the Uruguayan LUB was not able to help Aguada in their last game. Despite his very good performance the first-placed Aguada lost 89-96 in Montevideo to the lower-ranked (#5) Bohemios in the Serie 1. Gonzalez scored 15 points and added 8 passes in 34 minutes. This year Gonzalez's overall stats are: 6.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 5.1apg and 1.2spg in the 33 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Mexican and Uruguayan.

   #3. Juan Anderson (198-F-93, currently plays college basketball in the States) was not able to secure a victory for the Marquette (7-2) in their game against the Georgetown University (8-3) in the NCAA. Anderson cannot count it as his best performance. He scored only 3 points in 15 minutes. The Marquette lost 55-63 in Washington, DC to the Georgetown University. It was Marquette's first loss after four consecutive victories. Anderson has very impressive stats this year: 19.4ppg, 3.0rpg and 1.8apg in the 16 games. He is a naturalized American. Apparently Anderson has never played in Mexico.

Other top Mexican players, who play abroad:

Jaime Serna (205-F-89) plays for CB Clavijo in Spanish LEB Gold
Gabriel Sandoval (198-G/F-81) plays for Arizona Scorpions in the ABA
Daniel Villanueva (F-89) plays for Zamora in Spanish EBA
Manuel Gutierrez (182-G-84) plays for Quilmes MP in Argentinian TNA
Isiah Martinez (185-G-90) plays for Colorado Cougars in the ABA
Kevin Gonzalez plays for Deportivo Valdivia in Chilean Liga Nacional
Ricardo Soto (92) plays for Puente Alto in Chilean Liga Nacional


LNBP Round 7 of Semi-Finals. Halcones Xalapa and Toros reach Final - by Eurobasket News

Halc.Rojos - Toros 70-74 OT

Toros advanced into LNBP Final. They upset Halcones Rojos in the seventh decisive game of the semifinal series. The guests trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 6-point lead at the halftime then Halcones Rojos managed to tie the game at the end of regular time. However that was Toros who were better in overtime eventually winning that period 9-5. American swingman Rene Rougeau (198-86, college: UNLV, agency: ProSportsCareers) fired 19 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. International point guard Brody Angley (180-86, college: Santa Clara) chipped in 14 points and 4 assists. American guard Curtis Stinson (191-83, college: Iowa St.) produced 22 points and 4 assists and Venezuelan power forward Luis Bethelmy (200-86) added 11 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Five Toros and four Halcones Rojos players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Toros: R.Rougeau 19+9reb+3ast, B.Angley 14+4reb+4ast, Q.Gonzalez 12+5reb, W.Pagan 11+5reb+4ast, I.Ofoegbu 10+9reb+2ast, A.Henning 6+2reb+1ast
Halc.Rojos: C.Stinson 22+4reb+4ast, F.Cruz 15+4reb+3ast, L.Bethelmy 11+13reb+4ast, L.Davis 10+5reb+1ast, D.Pinnock 8+4reb, M.Ramos 3+1reb
gschID: 233429


Halc.Xalapa - Soles 90-82

Halcones Xalapa clinched the key fourth win in the semifinal series against Soles. Halcones UV Xalapa led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Halcones UV Xalapa shot 24 for 32 from the free-throw line, while Soles only scored eight points from the stripe. Soles were plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. International guard Orlando Mendez-Valdez (185-86, college: W.Kentucky) fired 23 points for the winners. American guard LeRoy Hickerson (196-82, college: Cumberlands) chipped in 13 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. Five Halcones UV Xalapa players scored in double figures. Panamanian forward Jamelle Horne (200-88, college: Arizona) produced 20 points and 7 rebounds and American guard Carl Elliott (193-83, college: G.Washington, agency: SportsTalent) added 15 points and 10 assists respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Halc.Xalapa: O.Mendez-Valdez 23+4reb+3ast, K.Sowell 19+1reb+2ast, L.Mata 15+9reb+2ast, L.Hickerson 13+7reb+6ast, D.Pearson 12+8reb+2ast, V.Mariscal 6+1reb+1ast
Soles: J.Horne 20+7reb+2ast, K.Gransberry 20+6reb+2ast, C.Elliott 15+4reb+10ast, J.Luis Bucio 8+4reb+2ast, J.Griffin 6, R.Martinez 5+6reb+11ast
gschID: 233428



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  MONTENEGRO   


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

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

Nikola Vucevic
Nikola Vucevic
   #1. This week's number one is an international center Nikola Vucevic (210-90, college: USC, currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA. He could not help the Orlando Magic (15-37) in their last game. Despite Vucevic's very good performance the Orlando Magic lost 108-119 on the road to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He had a double-double by scoring 25 points and getting 13 rebounds. Vucevic also added 3 assists in 43 minutes on the court; quite an impressive performance considering it's only his second season in pro basketball. It's Vucevic's first year with the team. Vucevic is currently fourth on the list of best rebounders with 11.5rpg. He also averaged so far 12.4ppg, 1.7apg, 1.1bpg, 2FGP: 52.4% and FT: 67.9% in the 52 games he played so far. Vucevic is currently a member of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Nikola Pekovic
Nikola Pekovic
   #2. Second place goes to an international center Nikola Pekovic (209-86, agency: Beo Basket, currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA. He was not able to help the Minnesota Timberwolves (19-31) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite Pekovic's very good performance the Minnesota Timberwolves were defeated 97-93 in Salt Lake City by the Utah Jazz. He recorded a double-double by scoring 19 points and getting 13 rebounds. Pekovic has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 15.9ppg, 8.9rpg, 2FGP: 50.6% and FT: 74.1%. Pekovic is in the roster of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Bojan Dubljevic
Bojan Dubljevic
   #3. The Montenegrin player who performed third best last week abroad was an international power forward Bojan Dubljevic (205-91, also represented by Beo Basket, currently plays in Eurocup). He was the major contributor in an overtime Valencia Basket's victory against the leader VEF Riga (3-2) 103-96 in the Eurocup on Tuesday night. Dubljevic had a double-double by scoring 18 points and getting 10 rebounds in 33 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 2 ranked teams in group J. Valencia Basket (3-2) is placed second. His team will play only one more game in the Eurocup Top 16. And that game will be critical. Dubljevic has relatively good stats this year: 13.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 2FGP: 53.3%, 3FGP: 39.1% and FT: 79.2% in the 11 games. He is also a member of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Vladimir Dragicevic
Vladimir Dragicevic
   #4. Power forward Vladimir Dragicevic (206-86, currently plays in VTB United League) contributed to an easy victory against the tenth-ranked Azovmash (2-12) 74-58 in the VTB United League last Sunday. Dragicevic scored 10 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 21 minutes. Spartak St.Petersburg (10-3) is placed second in group A. This year Dragicevic's overall stats are: 8.6ppg and 5.4rpg in the 11 games. He is also Montenegrin national team player.

Suad Sehovic
Suad Sehovic
   #5. International swingman Suad Sehovic (196-87, currently plays in Ukraine) led Khimik to an overtime victory against the closely-ranked Cherkasy (16-15) 93-87 in the Ukrainian Superleague on Friday night. Sehovic scored 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Khimik-OPZ Yuzny (16-12) is placed fifth in the Superleague. This season Sehovic has relatively solid stats: 11.3ppg, 5.1rpg and 1.2apg. He has a dual citizenship: Montenegrin and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sehovic plays currently for the Montenegrin national team.

Nemanja Milosevic
Nemanja Milosevic
   #6. Power forward Nemanja Milosevic (204-87, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky, currently plays in Bulgaria) led Tundja Yambol to a victory against the closely-ranked Rilski Sportist (11-5) 85-81 in the Bulgarian NBL in Saturday night's game. He recorded 18 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 27 minutes; not bad, considering it's only Milosevic's third season in pro basketball. Tundja Yambol (9-7) is placed fifth in the NBL. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. It's Milosevic's first year with the team. Milosevic belongs to league's top scorers (ranked #9) and also on the list of best rebounders (third place). He has very impressive stats this year: 16.1ppg and 9.4rpg in the 11 games. Milosevic is a former U20 international player as he played for the Montenegrin team five years ago.

Sead Sehovic
Sead Sehovic
   #7. International swingman Sead Sehovic (196-89, currently plays in EuroChallenge), who plays in Hungary was not able to secure a victory for Szolnok (2-2) in their last game. Despite his good performance the third-placed Szolnok lost 78-82 on the opponent's court to the leading Gravelines-Dunkerque in the group J of EuroChallenge. Sehovic recorded 11 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 28 minutes. There are only two games left until the end of the EuroChallenge Top 16. So now every game will be important. It's Sehovic's first season with the team. This year his total stats are: 8.7ppg, 5.7rpg and 2.2apg in the 10 games. Sehovic is also Montenegrin national team player.

Ivan Ivanovic
Ivan Ivanovic
   #8. An experienced forward Ivan Ivanovic (205-80, currently plays in Romania) contributed to an easy victory against the fourth-ranked U-Mobitelco (14-7) crushing them 84-59 in the Romanian Liga Nationala in Saturday night's game. He scored 15 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. CS Gaz Metan Medias (13-8) is placed eighth in the Liga Nationala. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. Ivanovic has reliable stats this season: 13.4ppg, 6.0rpg and 1.9apg. He used to play for the Montenegrin national team back in 2008.

Goran Martinic
Goran Martinic
   #9. Former U21 international point guard Goran Martinic (183-87, agency: BeoExcell, currently plays in Romania) contributed to an easy victory against the 12th-ranked Giurgiu (7-14) crushing them 94-74 in the Romanian Liga Nationala on Saturday night. Martinic scored 14 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 7 assists. CS Municipal Bucuresti (14-7) is placed fifth in the Liga Nationala. Martinic is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his sixth year in CSM Bucuresti's roster. He is currently first on the list of top scorers and also on the list of best passers (sixth place). This season Martinic has very high stats. He averages: 21.3ppg, 2.4rpg, 5.0apg and 1.8spg. Martinic used to play for the Montenegrin U21 national team six years ago.

Ivan Koljevic
Ivan Koljevic
   #10. Point guard Ivan Koljevic (187-84, currently plays in Ukraine) contributed to a BC Odessa's surprising victory against the third-ranked Mykolaiv (2-3) 77-76 in the Ukrainian Superleague in Friday night's game. He scored 17 points, made 6 passes and 3 steals in 34 minutes. BC Odessa (10-18) is placed 12th in the Superleague. Koljevic has averaged so far 6.7ppg and 2.3apg in the 11 games. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Montenegrin National Team roster.

   #11. Former U20 international forward Halil Kanacevic (203-91, currently plays college basketball in the States) couldn't help the St.Joseph's in their game against the University of Massachusetts in the NCAA. Despite his good performance last Saturday Kanacevic recorded 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Kanacevic has averaged so far 6.7ppg and 2.3apg. He is a naturalized American. Kanacevic used to play for the Montenegrin U20 national team two years ago. Strangely he has never played in Montenegro.

   #12. Former U20 international forward Nemanja Djurisic (203-92, currently studies in the States) couldn't help the Georgia in their game against the The University of Alabama in the NCAA. Despite his good performance in Tuesday night's game Djurisic recorded 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. This season he has very high stats. Djurisic averages: 15.3ppg, 7.5rpg, 2.6apg and 1.3spg. He used to play for the Montenegrin U20 national team back in 2011.

   #13. Former U20 international point guard Milutin Djukanovic (190-91, currently plays in Bosnia) couldn't help Zrinjski HT in their game against Bosna ASA BHT in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I, despite his very good performance last Thursday. Djukanovic recorded 17 points and added 5 passes in 25 minutes. It was his first game for Zrinjski HT this season. But his team was edged 84-82. He used to play for the Montenegrin U20 national team two years ago.

   #14. U21 international power forward Radosav Spasojevic (204-92, another player represented by Interperformances, currently plays in Austria) couldn't help Arkadia Lions in their game against Gmunden Swans in the Austrian A Bundesliga, despite his very good performance in Friday night's game. He was the second best scorer with 22 points. Spasojevic also added made 8 passes and 4 steals in 36 minutes. But his team lost 86-90. Spasojevic is ranked second on the list of the top scorers in the league with 19.6ppg. He also averaged so far 6.1rpg and 2.7apg in the 20 games. Spasojevic plays currently for the Montenegrin U21 national team.

   #15. Former U20 international guard Nemanja Vranjes (188-88, currently plays in Greece) couldn't help Pagrati in their game against Filathlitikos in the Greek A2 (second division). Despite his very good performance last Saturday He was the second best scorer with 13 points. Vranjes also added 6 passes. Vranjes is ranked fifth on the list of the top scorers in the league and also on the list of most steals (third place). This season he has very high stats. Vranjes averages: 17.4ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.4apg and 2.2spg. He used to play for the Montenegrin U20 national team five years ago.

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

   #1. Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91, currently plays in Euroleague), who plays in Spain could not help Real Madrid (6-1) to beat Anadolu Efes (6-1). Mirotic recorded 5 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. The second-placed Real Madrid was edged 74-72 on the road by the leading Anadolu Efes in the group E of Euroleague. It was Real Madrid's first loss after six consecutive victories. This season Mirotic has relatively solid stats: 11.1ppg and 4.9rpg. He has a dual citizenship: Montenegrin and Spanish.

   #2. Boris Lalovic (209-C-81, currently plays in Bosnia), who plays in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I was not able to help Zrinjski HT (6-10) in their last game on Thursday. Despite his very good performance Zrinjski HT was edged 84-82 in Sarajevo by the leading Bosna ASA BHT. Lalovic recorded a double-double by scoring 34 points and getting 12 rebounds. It's Lalovic's first season with the team. Lalovic is ranked fourth on the list of the top scorers in the league and also on the list of best rebounders (fourth place). He has individually a very good season with high stats. Lalovic averages: 19.5ppg, 7.9rpg and 1.3apg.

   #3. Experienced Branko Cuic (197-G-78, currently plays in Romania) led Targu Mures to an easy victory against one of league's weakest teams CS Farul Constanta (3-18) crushing them 83-55 in the Romanian Liga Nationala last Saturday. Cuic scored 11 points, had 8 rebounds and dished 9 assists in 33 minutes. BC Mures Targu-Mures (15-6) is placed third in the Liga Nationala. Cuic is ranked fourth on the list of the best passers in the league with 5.7apg. This year he also averages: 13.0ppg and 6.5rpg in the 20 games he played so far.

   #4. Balsa Radunovic (207-F/C-80, agency: Interperformances, currently plays in FYR Macedonia) led Lirija to a 1-point victory over the closely-ranked Kumanovo 2009 (6-4) 79-78 in the FYR Macedonian Prva Liga on Saturday night. Radunovic was MVP of the game. He recorded 19 points in 31 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. KK Lirija Skopje (7-3) is placed second in the Prva Liga. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Radunovic is currently sixth on the list of top scorers and also on the list of best rebounders (third place). He has very impressive stats this year: 15.3ppg, 7.5rpg, 2.6apg and 1.3spg in the 10 games.

   #5. Goran Bulatovic (184-G-88, currently plays in Slovakia) was the major contributor in a Inter Bratislava's victory against the closely-ranked SKP Banska Bystrica (10-15) 101-95 in the Slovakian Extraliga on Wednesday night. Bulatovic recorded 15 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. BK Inter Bratislava (12-14) is placed fifth in the Extraliga. Bulatovic's stats this season are: 10.1ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.1apg and 1.1spg.

   #6. Luka Sjekloca (212-C-84, currently plays in Bulgaria) managed to help Tundja Yambol in a victory against the closely-ranked Rilski Sportist 85-81 in the Bulgarian NBL on Saturday night. Sjekloca recorded only 4 points in 9 minutes on the court. He has averaged so far 5.7ppg and 4.0rpg in the 11 games.

   #7. Zoran Kascelan (188-PG-86, currently plays in Bulgaria) is a teammate of previously mentioned Luka Sjekloca and both played together in the last Bulgarian NBL game. Kascelan contributed to a Tundja Yambol's victory against the closely-ranked Rilski Sportist 85-81. He recorded only 3 points and added 3 passes. Kascelan has averaged so far 6.8ppg, 2.0rpg and 1.6apg.

   #8. Nikola Vukovic (202-F/C-94, currently plays in Serbia) was not able to secure a victory for Mladost Zemun in their game against Plana in the Serbian B League (second division). He recorded 9 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 20 minutes. His team lost 86-93. Vukovic belongs to league's best rebounders and is ranked #4 with 8.3rpg. This year he also averages: 10.9ppg in the 16 games.

   #9. Nikola Vucurovic (200-G/F-80, agency: Global Sports Plaza, currently plays in FYR Macedonia) helped Feni Indistrija win their game against the closely-ranked Fersped-Rabotnicki 78-74 in the FYR Macedonian Prva Liga on Saturday night. Vucurovic recorded only 4 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. It was his first game for Feni Indistrija this season.

   #10. Bojan Grubisic (212-C-80, currently plays in Romania) faced previously mentioned Branko Cuic in the Romanian Liga Nationala last game. Grubisic couldn't help CS Farul Constanta in their game against Targu Mures. He scored 6 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 23 minutes. His team was crushed by 28 points 83-55. Grubisic has averaged so far 7.0ppg and 6.0rpg in the four games.


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  MOROCCO   

Standings - Men

D1 Standings
Group A
 1. CRA Hoceima 1-0 
 2. RSB Berkane 1-0 
 3. RST Tanger 0-0 
 4. MCO 0-1 
 5. MAF Fes 0-1 
Group B
 1. ASS Sale 1-0 
 2. WAC 1-0 
 3. FUS Rabat 0-0 
 4. CMC 0-1 
 5. PCS Plazza C. 0-1 

Regular Season: Round 2

Feb. 13: ASS Sale - CMC 85-74
Feb. 12: WAC - PCS Plazza C. 69-66


Welcome to a new season - by Eurobasket News

There were only 2 rounds played so far and it's still very beginning of the Regular Season in D1. Coincidentally all hosts won their games.
First defeat of league's leader CMC against ASS Sale 85-74 was the most important game of the last round. PCS Plazza C. were edged by WAC 69-66.


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  NBA   


Milwaukee Bucks mid-season grades! - by Chris Mathieu

Milwaukee Bucks mid-season grades!
The Bucks have had an up and down season so far. The team has been streaky but the improved team depth has helped them to even out the streaks and be able to matchup better with teams. The smallish backcourt however continues to be an issue for the team. They received the coach firing bounce after letting Skiles go but that didnt last long as the team deficiencies soon resurfaced under new coach Jim Boylan. Worse, the team defense and cohesion has suffered before the all-star break. The team is going to be in for a fight for the 7th or 8th seed to make the playoffs. Especially with the 76ers getting Andrew Bynum back soon (allegedly).
Samuel Dalembert : Dalembert found himself buried in Skiles doghouse after missing a practice early in the season and then responding by pouting to his benching. He has responded better under Boylan, at least in the short term. He is a player known for his lack of commitment and focus, to expect him to play well consistently down the stretch seems like well, a stretch. GRADE: C-
Luc Mbah a Moute: His vaunted defense has slipped after injuries and signing a big contract before last season. Luc was happy to see Skiles go, but his production has slipped drastically since then. He appears to be an overpaid over played role player. GRADE: D
Brandon Jennings: Jennings has failed to improve measurably in any of his seasons with the Bucks. It would be a mistake to sign him to a big, long term deal for a team struggling to be a consistent playoff contender. Jennings isnt a bad point guard but he isnt a difference maker either. GRADE: C+
Monta Ellis: Ellis is a street baller with a funky style; he is, unlike Jennings though fearless and tough. He isnt a three point maker and a ball distributor. He is a good finisher and a decent defender, the problem more lies in the fact that he and Jennings have glaring deficiencies that will keep them both from ever being dominate players. GRADE: C+
Mike Jr. Dunleavy: Mike has fit in as the best shooter on the team and one of the best 6th men in the NBA. He is an excellent shooter who can see the entire court and has played very well since coming to the Bucks. GRADE: B
Ersan Ilyasova : Ersan has struggled this season, no surprise since he was coming off a career year and signed a giant free agent contract. For a player who makes 10million a year to average 11ppg and 6rbpg and not be a dominate interior player who plays good defense, is a bad situation. GRADE: C

Ekpe Udoh : Epke is an unskilled player who is an athletic defender. GRADE: C-
Larry Sanders : Larry has had a breakout season, making less mistakes and impacting the game on defense. He has struggled on defense lately but is a player who is just starting to figure it out. GRADE: B
Beno Udrih: Beno is a solid veteran but who is slowing down and having a harder time finding matchups in his favor. He can still run a team and knock down an open jumper but his best days appear behind him. GRADE: C-
John Henson : Henson is a skilled big but is slow and awkward. He has had some good games but is struggling a lot as a rookie with matchups. GRADE: C-
Joel Przybilla: Not much left in the tank of this tough veteran. GRADE: D
Tobias Harris: Harris is still young and could figure it out but has a low basketball IQ and struggles to play without the ball. Given time and proper coaching he may still figure it out. GRADE: D+
Drew Gooden: One of my least favorite players in the NBA, his contract is a huge albatross hanging around the neck of a team that likes to hand out bad paper. GRADE: F-
Marquis Daniels : Got a chance to play early under Skiles, he is a tough competitor but lacks the skill to be a big minute player. GRADE: D+
Doron Lamb: Has flashed some potential, needs time to develop. GRADE: D+
Coaching: Skiles was decent but off the court issues relating to contract consumed him. His rotation and refusing to play big money players doomed him in the end. GRADE: C
Boylan got the post coach firing bounce but hasnt been more than an interim coach in his career for a reason. GRADE: C


NBA All-Star Celebrity Game 2013 results: Kevin Hart wins second straight MVP - by Eurobasket News

Comedian Kevin Hart lives for NBA All-Star Weekend and for the second straight year, he was named the MVP of the All-Star Celebrity Game Friday. Hart, who played for the West, led his team to a 58-38 victory, not so much for his on-court contributions but for the ... uh ... intangibles? I guess? that he brought to the court. Among his accomplishments in the game, Hart had to borrow shoes from Chris Paul because he forgot his basketball shoes, incited a vintage finger wag from Dikembe Mutombo, got into a fight with a mascot and beat track star Usain Bolt in a (somewhat rigged) foot race.
The game featured former NBA stars Clyde Drexler, Tim Hardaway (6'0''-G-66, college: UTEP), Sean Elliott (6'8''-F-68, college: Arizona) and Bruce Bowen (6'7''-F-71, college: CS Fullerton), actors Nick Cannon and Josh Hutcherson, musicians Ne-Yo, Trey Songz and Common, and WNBA stars Moore Maya (6'0''-SG-89, college: Connecticut) and Tamika Catchings (6'1''-SF-79, college: Tennessee), among others. The teams were coached by All-Stars James Harden (6'5''-SG-89, college: Arizona St.) and Russell Westbrook (6'3''-PG-88, college: UCLA).

Courtesy of: sbnation.com


Carmelo Anthony expects to play in NBA All-Star game - by Eurobasket News

Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-SF-84, college: Syracuse) arrived in Houston yesterday, and a league source said the NBA has been told the Knicks injured superstar is expecting to play in Sundays All-Star Game. Anthony injured his right biceps during Wednesdays 92-88 loss to Toronto during which he shot just 5-of-24. Anthony said he was bothered by the injury, though he finished the game and took 10 shots in the fourth quarter. An NBA bylaw stipulates if a player shows up for the All-Star Game and does not play, the league has the power to forbid the player from competing in the next game after the break. That is designed as a deterrent to players who exaggerate injuries to get out of the game. Anthony, who was voted to start in the Eastern Conference frontcourt with LeBron James and adversary Kevin Garnett, called the injury a contusion.
Courtesy of: insidehoops.com


Kenneth Faried named BBVA Rising Stars Challenge MVP - by Eurobasket News

Team Shaq - Team Chuck 135:163

Team Chuck exploded with a big victory over Team Shaq in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge in Houston on Friday night. Kenneth Faried (6'8''-F-89, college: Morehead St.) was impressive with 40 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. He was named the MVP after the game.
It was a usual no-defence high-voltage piece action on the court in Houston. Plenty of impressive moves and exclamatory dunks performed. Team Chuck cleared off to a 90:66 lead at the half. Kenneth Faried totalled 19 points in the first half. He had a chance to practice some of the slam dunks to perform during the Slam Dunk Contest he is about to participate in. Team Chuck did not surrender the lead in the second half and marched to an uncontested victory at the end. Kawhi Leonard (6'7''-F-91, college: San Diego St.) and Tristan Thompson (6'8''-F-91, college: Texas) fired 20 points each for the winners. Thomas contributed 18 points for Team Chuck. Kyrie Irving (6'3''-G-92, college: Duke) answered with 32 points for Team Shaq. Dion Waiters (6'4''-G-91, college: Syracuse) netted 23 points in the defeat.

Team Shaq: Kyrie Irving 32, Dion Waiters 23, Damian Lillard (6'2''-PG-90, college: Weber St.) 18
Team Chuck: Kenneth Faried 40+10 boards, Kawhi Leonard 20, Tristan Thompson 20


Spoelstra: Chris Bosh to Start in All-Star Game - by Eurobasket News

Nothing corrects an All-Star snub like your own coach. Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra announced Friday that Heat center Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) will replace the injured Rajon Rondo (6'1''-PG-86, college: Kentucky) on the Eastern Conference starting line-up in Sunday's NBA All-Star game. Spoelstra gets to coach in the All-Star game because the Heat have the best record in the conference. Rondo, the Celtics point guard voted into the starting line-up by fans, is out with a torn knee ligament. Spoelstra will take the unusual move of shifting Heat power forward LeBron James to the point guard slot, with Bosh moving to power forward. Boston's Kevin Garnett was voted into the third frontcourt spot by fans, edging out Bosh by just over 25,000 votes. Also starting for the Eastern Conference squad are Heat guard Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) and New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-SF-84, college: Syracuse). Bosh is making his eighth straight All-Star appearance, but only his second start. He is averaging 17.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, shooting 55.5% from the field. According to NBA.com, Bosh leads the league in field goal percentage between the paint and 3-point line at 52.5%. When Spoelstra was named the Eastern Conference coach, he was asked whether Bosh would replace Rondo as a starter. "I will tell you this unequivocally," he responded: "my loyalties are first and foremost always with the Miami Heat."
Courtesy of: nbcmiami.com


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

NBLC Standings

NBL Canada Standings
 1. London L. 25-4 
 2. Summerside S. 18-12 
 3. Oshawa P. 17-12 
 4. Halifax R. 16-15 
 5. Moncton M. 16-20 
 6. St.John M.R. 15-16 
 7. Windsor Exp. 14-16 
 8. Montreal J. 2-28 

Regular Season: Round 28

Feb. 15: Montreal J. - Windsor Exp. 81-95
Feb. 14: Summerside S. - Moncton M. 106-110
Feb. 13: Windsor Exp. - Montreal J. 105-91
Feb. 17: Montreal J. - Oshawa P.
Feb. 17: Halifax R. - St.John M.R.
Feb. 18: Summerside S. - St.John M.R.



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

Top 25 - Men

TOP25 Standings
 1. Indiana 9-1 (21-2) 
 2. Louisville 7-4 (19-5) 
 3. Kentucky 7-3 (16-7) 
 4. Ohio St. 8-4 (18-5) 
 5. Michigan 8-4 (20-4) 
 6. N.Carolina St. 5-5 (15-7) 
 7. Kansas 8-3 (20-4) 
 8. Duke 9-2 (21-2) 
 9. Syracuse 8-3 (20-4) 
 10. Florida 10-1 (20-3) 
 11. Arizona 8-4 (19-4) 
 12. N.Carolina 6-5 (16-8) 
 13. UCLA 8-4 (18-7) 
 14. Michigan St. 10-2 (21-3) 
 15. Creighton 7-5 (18-6) 
 16. Memphis 10-0 (21-3) 
 17. Missouri 7-4 (18-6) 
 18. Baylor 7-4 (16-8) 
 19. UNLV 5-5 (18-7) 
 20. San Diego St. 6-4 (17-5) 
 21. Wisconsin 6-4 (15-7) 
 22. Gonzaga 11-0 (24-2) 
 23. Notre Dame 8-3 (20-4) 
 24. Florida St. 5-6 (13-11) 
 25. Texas 3-8 (11-13) 

Regular Season: Round 96

Feb. 14: Portland St. - S.Utah 90-69
Feb. 14: Cal-Davis - Hawaii 89-65
Feb. 14: S.Alabama - La-Lafayette 88-64
Feb. 14: Weber St. - Montana 87-63
Feb. 14: Idaho St. - Montana St. 87-51
Feb. 14: VCU - Massachusetts 86-68
Feb. 14: Arkansas St. - UALR 86-62
Feb. 14: Morehead St. - Jacksonville St. 85-81
Feb. 14: La-Monroe - N.Texas 85-73
Feb. 14: Florida Atlantic - W.Kentucky 84-78
Feb. 14: Mt.St.Mary''s - Bryant 84-70
Feb. 14: Temple - Duquesne 83-84
Feb. 14: Chattanooga - Furman 83-49
Feb. 14: S.Dakota St. - IUPUI 82-45
Feb. 14: Tennessee St. - Belmont 80-69
Feb. 14: E.Kentucky - Tenn Tech 80-69
Feb. 14: UTPA - CSU Bakersfield 79-73 OT
Feb. 14: E.Tenn.St. - Kennesaw St. 79-70
Feb. 14: SE Louisiana - Northwestern St. 76-79
Feb. 14: N.Colorado - N.Arizona 76-68
Feb. 14: S.Dakota - Oakland 75-76
Feb. 14: ORU - Sam Houston St. 74-64
Feb. 14: Fairfield - Siena 74-52
Feb. 14: Penn St. - Iowa 72-74
Feb. 14: Louisville - St.John''s 72-58
Feb. 14: Rider - St.Peter''s 72-57
Feb. 14: Troy - FIU 69-61
Feb. 14: Ohio St. - Northwestern 69-59
Feb. 14: Cent.Arkansas - Texas A&M-CC 68-75
Feb. 14: Idaho - Texas Arlington 68-71
Feb. 14: NC-Greensboro - W.Carolina 68-70
Feb. 14: Loyola, MD - Canisius 68-64
Feb. 14: Monmouth - LIU Brooklyn 66-80
Feb. 14: Lipscomb - Stetson 66-76
Feb. 14: Pacific - CS Northridge 66-59
Feb. 14: Florida A&M - Savannah St. 65-67
Feb. 14: SIU Edwardsville - Murray St. 65-60
Feb. 14: E.Illinois - Austin Peay St. 64-71
Feb. 14: Quinnipiac - Robert Morris 63-61
Feb. 14: Drexel - George Mason 62-68
Feb. 14: Fair Dickinson - St.Francis, NY 61-85
Feb. 14: Elon - Appalachian St. 61-58
Feb. 14: UMKC - IPFW 60-65
Feb. 14: Sacred Heart - St.Francis, PA 60-64
Feb. 14: Utah St. - Denver 60-63 OT
Feb. 14: Charleston - Davidson 59-75
Feb. 14: USC Upstate - Mercer 59-70
Feb. 14: Seattle - Louisiana Tech 58-64
Feb. 14: Minnesota - Wisconsin 58-53 OT
Feb. 14: Citadel - Georgia South 57-78
Feb. 14: San Jose St. - N.Mexico St. 57-67
Feb. 14: N.Kentucky - Florida Gulf Coast 53-60
Feb. 14: Georgia Tech - Clemson 53-56
Feb. 14: Nicholls St. - SF Austin 51-63
Feb. 14: N.Dakota - Sacramento St. 49-48
Feb. 14: S.Carolina - LSU 46-64
Feb. 14: Samford - Wofford 40-33
Feb. 14: N.Dakota St. - W.Illinois 36-49
Feb. 14: Wagner - Cent.Conn.St. 101-82
Feb. 14: USF - Portland 76-78
Feb. 14: California - UCLA 76-63
Feb. 14: Colorado - Arizona 71-58
Feb. 14: Stanford - USC 64-65
Feb. 14: Santa Clara - San Diego 61-52
Feb. 14: St.Mary's, CA - Gonzaga 60-77
Feb. 14: Pepperdine - Loyola Mary 52-50

Regular Season: Round 98

Feb. 16: Akron - Bowling Green
Feb. 16: Providence - Notre Dame
Feb. 16: Florida St. - Boston Coll.
Feb. 16: N.Carolina - Virginia
Feb. 16: ODU - William & Mary
Feb. 16: George Mason - Georgia St.
Feb. 16: Connecticut - Villanova
Feb. 16: LIU Brooklyn - Fair Dickinson
Feb. 16: Dayton - Xavier
Feb. 16: Tennessee - Kentucky
Feb. 16: De Paul - Rutgers
Feb. 16: La Salle - St.Joseph's
Feb. 16: Texas St. - UTSA
Feb. 16: Marquette - Pittsburgh
Feb. 16: St.Louis - Charlotte
Feb. 16: Auburn - Florida
Feb. 16: Oklahoma St. - Oklahoma
Feb. 16: Iowa St. - TCU
Feb. 16: Ball St. - E.Michigan
Feb. 16: Wake Forest - Georgia Tech
Feb. 16: Colgate - Lehigh
Feb. 16: Indiana - Purdue
Feb. 16: N.Mexico - Boise St.
Feb. 16: Longwood - Radford
Feb. 16: Loyola, IL - Ill.-Chicago
Feb. 16: Binghamton - Maine
Feb. 16: BYU - Portland
Feb. 16: St.Peter's - Canisius
Feb. 16: USC Upstate - Kennesaw St.
Feb. 16: NC-Asheville - Charleston So.
Feb. 16: Lafayette - Bucknell
Feb. 16: N.Carolina St. - Virginia Tech
Feb. 16: Bradley - Indiana St.
Feb. 16: Navy - Army
Feb. 16: Loyola Mary - St.Mary's, CA
Feb. 16: Evansville - Creighton
Feb. 16: Miami, OH - Buffalo
Feb. 16: Santa Clara - Pepperdine
Feb. 16: Quinnipiac - St.Francis, PA
Feb. 16: N.Dakota - N.Arizona
Feb. 16: USF - Gonzaga
Feb. 16: Chicago St. - Urbana
Feb. 16: Campbell - VMI
Feb. 16: Sacred Heart - Robert Morris
Feb. 16: Fordham - Butler
Feb. 16: W.Virginia - Texas Tech
Feb. 16: S.Carolina St. - N.Carolina A&T
Feb. 16: Stanford - UCLA
Feb. 16: Arkansas - Missouri
Feb. 16: Wagner - Bryant
Feb. 16: Wyoming - Fresno St.
Feb. 16: Air Force - Colorado St.
Feb. 16: E.Tenn.St. - Mercer
Feb. 16: Md-E Shore - Morgan St.
Feb. 16: Delaware St. - Coppin St.
Feb. 16: Alabama - S.Carolina
Feb. 16: NJIT - Utah Valley
Feb. 16: Furman - Samford
Feb. 16: Charleston - Georgia South
Feb. 16: Hofstra - Towson
Feb. 16: Tulsa - Houston
Feb. 16: Nicholls St. - Northwestern St.
Feb. 16: Cent.Arkansas - Sam Houston St.
Feb. 16: SE Louisiana - SF Austin
Feb. 16: La-Monroe - Arkansas St.
Feb. 16: E.Carolina - S.Mississippi
Feb. 16: Southern - Alabama St.
Feb. 16: LSU - Mississippi St.
Feb. 16: E.Washington - S.Utah
Feb. 16: S.Dakota St. - W.Illinois
Feb. 16: Maryland - Duke
Feb. 16: Richmond - St.Bonaventure
Feb. 16: Brown - Cornell
Feb. 16: Jackson St. - Grambling St.
Feb. 16: E.Kentucky - Jacksonville St.
Feb. 16: Prairie View A&M - Miss.Valley St.
Feb. 16: Florida A&M - Howard
Feb. 16: Valparaiso - Detroit Mercy
Feb. 16: Massachusetts - Temple
Feb. 16: W.Michigan - N.Illinois
Feb. 16: Savannah St. - N.C.Central
Feb. 16: Vanderbilt - Texas A&M
Feb. 16: Albany - Hartford
Feb. 16: Liberty - High Point
Feb. 16: Ohio - Kent St.
Feb. 16: E.Illinois - Murray St.
Feb. 16: Elon - W.Carolina
Feb. 16: Cent.Michigan - Toledo
Feb. 16: Harvard - Princeton
Feb. 16: Mt.St.Mary's - Cent.Conn.St.
Feb. 16: Yale - Columbia
Feb. 16: Dartmouth - Pennsylvania
Feb. 16: Kansas St. - Baylor
Feb. 16: Tenn-Martin - SE Missouri St.
Feb. 16: N.Kentucky - Stetson
Feb. 16: Co.Carolina - Gardner-Webb
Feb. 16: Siena - Loyola, MD
Feb. 16: NC-Wilmington - Northeastern
Feb. 16: Lamar - McNeese St.
Feb. 16: Presbyterian - Winthrop
Feb. 16: Washington St. - Oregon
Feb. 16: Monmouth - St.Francis, NY
Feb. 16: Wofford - Chattanooga
Feb. 16: Duquesne - Rhode Island
Feb. 16: Citadel - Davidson
Feb. 16: Long Beach St. - Cal-Riverside
Feb. 16: UMKC - Oakland
Feb. 16: VCU - G.Washington
Feb. 16: Morehead St. - Tenn Tech
Feb. 16: FIU - W.Kentucky
Feb. 16: UALR - Middle Tenn.St.
Feb. 16: Tulane - SMU
Feb. 16: N.Dakota St. - IUPUI
Feb. 16: Mississippi - Georgia
Feb. 16: UAB - Rice
Feb. 16: Marshall - Memphis
Feb. 16: Austin Peay St. - SIU Edwardsville
Feb. 16: UTPA - Houston Baptist
Feb. 16: Seton Hall - Syracuse
Feb. 16: S.Dakota - IPFW
Feb. 16: Nebraska - Michigan St.
Feb. 16: Drake - N.Iowa
Feb. 16: S.Illinois - Missouri St.
Feb. 16: La-Lafayette - Florida Atlantic
Feb. 16: Troy - N.Texas
Feb. 16: ORU - Texas A&M-CC
Feb. 16: Alcorn St. - Alabama A&M
Feb. 16: Lipscomb - Florida Gulf Coast
Feb. 16: Weber St. - Montana St.
Feb. 16: Kansas - Texas
Feb. 16: Texas Southern - Ark.-Pine Bluff
Feb. 16: UNLV - San Diego St.
Feb. 16: UTEP - Cent.Florida
Feb. 16: Colorado - Arizona St.
Feb. 16: N.Colorado - Sacramento St.
Feb. 16: Idaho St. - Montana
Feb. 16: Pacific - Hawaii
Feb. 16: Cal-Davis - CS Northridge
Feb. 16: Cal Poly - SLO - UCSB
Feb. 16: San Jose St. - Denver
Feb. 16: Seattle - Texas Arlington
Feb. 16: Idaho - Louisiana Tech
Feb. 16: Cal-Irvine - CS Fullerton
Feb. 16: Utah St. - N.Mexico St.
Feb. 16: Washington - Oregon St.


Stats Leaders - NCAA1

Points Per Game
 Torrey CRAIG
  USC Upstate
  (198-F-90)
  Avg: 16.9
 1. Craig, USC Upstate16.9 
 2. Smith, N.Florida16.9 
 3. Cummings, Kennesa.16.8 
 4. Jones, E.Tenn.St.16.6 
 5. Jones, N.Kentucky16.0 
 6. Pegg, Stetson15.8 
 7. Brown, Florid.15.6 
 8. Perez, Stetson15.4 
 9. Wallace, N.Florida14.7 
 10. Wilson, E.Tenn.St.14.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Aaron ANDERSON
  Kennesaw.
  (201-F-91)
  Avg: 8.8
 1. Anderson, Kennesa.8.8 
 2. Glenn, USC Upstate8.2 
 3. Hurt, Lipscomb8.0 
 4. Sankey, Lipscomb7.1 
 5. Powell, Jacksonvil.7.0 
 6. Green, Stetson6.6 
 7. Craig, USC Upstate6.6 
 8. Brown, Florid.6.2 
 9. Pegg, Stetson6.1 
 10. Maxey, USC Upsta.6.1 
Assists Per Game
 William WILSON
  N.Florida
  (180-PG-91)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Wilson, N.Florida6.5 
 2. Comer, Florid.6.3 
 3. Powell, Jacksonvil.4.4 
 4. Hall, Mercer4.2 
 5. Naburgs, Stetson3.9 
 6. McClain, E.Ten.3.5 
 7. Faulkner, N.Ken.3.5 
 8. Sankey, Lipscomb3.1 
 9. Jones, E.Tenn.St.2.9 
 10. Love, Kennesaw S.2.8 
Steals Per Game
 Bernard THOMPSON
  Florid.
  (190-G-93)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Thompson, Florid.2.7 
 2. Jones, E.Tenn.St.2.1 
 3. Comer, Florid.1.6 
 4. Jackson, N.Kentuc.1.6 
 5. Wilson, N.Florida1.5 
 6. Greene, USC Upsta.1.5 
 7. Brown, Florid.1.5 
 8. McDougald, Jackso.1.5 
 9. Hamilton, Kennesaw.1.4 
 10. Gollon, Mercer1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Jodd MAXEY
  USC Upstate
  (203-F-90)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Maxey, USC Upstate1.7 
 2. Coursey, Mercer1.3 
 3. Fieler, Florid.1.3 
 4. McKnight, Florid.1.3 
 5. Green, Stetson1.1 
 6. Daniels, N.Florida1.0 
 7. Fleming, Jacksonvi.0.9 
 8. Watson, N.Kentucky0.9 
 9. Harris, E.Tenn.St.0.9 
 10. Wallace, N.Florida0.9 


No 15. Hoyas Win Seventh in a Row, Down Cincinnati, 62-55 - by Eurobasket News

CINCINNATI - Georgetown opened up a 12-point lead early in the second half only to see it evaporate, but junior guard Markel Starks (6'2''-PG) (Accokeek, Md./Georgetown Prep) hit a three-pointer from the corner to break a 51-all tie and the 15th-ranked Hoyas hit eight of 10 free throws in the final 3:35 to score an important BIG EAST Conference road win, beating Cincinnati, 62-55, at Fifth Third Arena Friday night.

It was the seventh-straight win for the Hoyas, who improve to 19-4 overall and 9-3 in the BIG EAST. The seven-game win streak is the longest for Georgetown against BIG EAST opponents since the 2006-07 team won 11 in a row. Cincinnati falls to 19-7 overall and 7-6 in the league.

Starks finished with a game-high 17 points and three assists, while sophomore forward Otto Porter (6'8''-F-93) Jr. (Morley, Mo./Scott County Central) scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds and freshman guard D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera (6'3''-G) (Indianapolis, Ind./Oak Hill) scored 14 points, had four rebounds and two assists. Junior forward Nate Lubick (Southborough, Mass./St. Marks) scored six points, grabbed seven rebounds and had four assists and sophomore center Mikael Hopkins (Hyattsville, Md./DeMatha) chipped in four points and four rebounds before fouling out.

Georgetown had opened up a 12-point lead early in the second half (43-31) and saw the Bearcats race back to take a 51-50 lead, but it was short-lived as Starks hit 1-of-2 free throws with 6:24 left to tie the game and then nailed a three-pointer from the corner to give the Hoyas a 54-51 lead with 5:36 to play.

A free throw from D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera gave GU a 55-53 lead and two more shots from the charity stripe from Porter Jr., who was 7-of-7 from the line, pushed the lead to 57-53 with 1:16 left. Starks hit 1-of-2 with 47 seconds left to make it 58-53 and then added two more to push the lead to 60-53 with 31 seconds left. After a layup from Cashmere Wright made it 60-55, Starks hit two more with 21 seconds left to close out the win.

The Hoyas had opened the second half with a six point and pushed it to eight, 33-25, on free throws from Hopkins in the opening 30 seconds, but Cincinnati used a 6-2 spurt and cut the lead to 35-31 on free throws from Chekh Mbodj at the 18:06 mark. Georgetown responded with eight-straight points, using an 8-0 run over 2:06 to open its biggest lead, 43-31, on a jumper from Lubick at the 15:17 mark.

Leading by 12 points, 43-31, Cincinnati would go on a 14-4 run over 5:34 and pulled to within two points, 47-45, on a three-pointer from JaQuon Parker with 9:25 left to play. Porter Jr. quieted the crowd with a three-pointer to push the Hoya lead back to five points, 50-45, but a 6-0 response gave the Bearcats their first lead since the opening minutes of the game on a jumper from Parker.

The Hoyas jumped out to a six-point lead at halftime (31-25), connecting on 46.2 percent of their field goals (12-of-26) while limiting the Bearcats to 30.8 percent shooting (8-of-26) and holding a slight edge on the glass (18-17). The teams struggled from the field out of the gate, hitting only one of seven field goal attempts apiece over the first four-plus minutes, with UC holding a 3-2 lead and the only GU basket a layup from Hopkins at the 15:52 mark. Trailing 4-2, the Hoyas went on a 9-3 run over 3:01 and opened a four-point lead, 11-7, capped by a three-point play from Porter Jr.

The Hoya lead was still four points (17-13) after a driving layup from Starks at the 8 minute mark and the Blue & Gray would use an 8-3 spurt over 2:31 to extend the lead to eight points, 25-17, on a layup from Lubick at the 4:35 mark. GU took its biggest lead, 29-20, on free throws from D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera, who scored nine points in the half, with 2:18 to play. A layup from the freshman gave GU a 31-23 lead with 32 seconds but JaQuon Parker's layup with one second left made it a six-point game.

Georgetown returns home to play BIG EAST Conference rival DePaul on Thursday, Feb. 20 at Verizon Center. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. The game will be shown live on MASN, with Mike Corey and Bob Wenzel calling all of the action, and it can be heard locally on ESPN 980 AM.
Courtesy of: http://www.guhoyas.com


Princeton Defeats Dartmouth 73-55 - by Eurobasket News

As the current Princeton men's basketball seniors had done in each of their three visits to Dartmouth, the Tigers put up a double-digit win in New Hampshire Friday night.
Princeton's 73-55 victory lifts the Tigers to 12-8 overall on the season and 5-1 in Ivy League play heading into a first-place showdown with Harvard tomorrow night. The Crimson were winners against Penn in Cambridge tonight, improving to 6-1 on the league slate. Dartmouth fell to 6-15 overall and 2-5 in the Ivy.

Denton Koon (6'8''-F-92) led Princeton with 18 points as one of four Tigers in double figures along with 14 from Ian Hummer, 12 from Hans Brase and 11 from Will Barrett.

Princeton had won by 16, 22, and 24 points in its three previous meetings at Dartmouth. Though the Big Green had the Tigers at a 19-19 tie midway through the first half, but Princeton responded with an 8-0 run and led by 14 at the half, 42-28.

The Tigers increased their lead to as much as 25 after halftime, reaching that zenith on a Chris Clement 3-pointer with less than six minutes to play. Dartmouth closed the contest on an 8-1 run, holding the Tigers without a field goal after that Clement 3-pointer.

Princeton was on target from the floor the whole game, outshooting Dartmouth 56.3 percent to 43.1 percent and outrebounding the Big Green 35-21.

Saturday's game at Harvard is set for 7 p.m. and will be televised on NBC Sports Network with Randy Moss (6'4''-G-77, college: Marshall) and Dalen Cuff on the call. As always, it will be broadcast on WPRB 103.3 FM in the Princeton area and online at GoPrincetonTigers.com with Derek Jones handling play-by-play duties.
Courtesy of: http://www.goprincetontigers.com


Spirited Jaspers Down Iona in Double Overtime - by Eurobasket News

RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Junior forward Rhamel Brown (6'7''-F/C-92) delivered a heroic effort posting 21 points, 17 rebounds and seven blocks to send Manhattan (10-15, 8-7) off with a thrilling 74-73 victory over Iona (15-11, 9-6) before a national audience as part of Rivalry Week on ESPNU. Brown's offensive rebound in double overtime off a missed free-throw setup sophomore forward Emmy Andujar's game winning layup in the 81st meeting of the local Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference rivalry.

Andujar matched freshman teammate Shane Richards (6'5''-F-94) as they each posted 15 points off the bench in Manhattan's four straight victory. Richards converted clutch buckets of his own hitting his fifth three-pointer with 2:33 left in the extra session to help force the Jaspers' first double-overtime game since 2004.

The Jaspers and Gaels gave fans their money's worth on Friday in Riverdale with the Manhattan faithful participating in 'White Out Draddy' Night. The contest featured 11 ties and nine lead changes before Manhattan delivered the knockout punch with Andujar's second game-winning bucket against the Gaels in the last two years. Andujar buried a three-pointer at the buzzer on Jan. 12, 2012 to hand Iona its only home loss of the 2011-12 season.

Manhattan's premier defense contained the high octane Iona offense to only 58 points by the end of regulation as they held the Gaels' scoreless for the final three minutes. Trailing by four points, Andujar sank two clutch layups to force the Jaspers' first overtime contest of the year. The Gaels entered the game leading the league with an 82.6 scoring average.

With less than one minute to play in the second half, the Jaspers made a key defensive stop. Brown swatted Iona sophomore forward David Laury and secured the rebound to set up Andujar's layup with a foul with 39 seconds remaining that evened score at 58. Andujar could not finish the three-point play as he missed the go-ahead free-throw.

Each team had an opportunity to break the 58-58 tie at the end of regulation. The Gaels' went to senior guard Lamont Jones who missed a jumper with four seconds left. There were 1.2 seconds for Manhattan to work with as Brown had to throw up a shot that fell off the mark.

In the first overtime, Iona used a jumper by senior forward Taaj Ridley and a layup by Laury to take a 62-58 lead with 3:36 on the clock. The resilient Jaspers refused to go away as Richards hit his fifth three-pointer and Brown scored the final four points of the overtime session to force another five minutes. It was Brown's clutch free-throws with one minute on the clock that tied the game at 65-65.

Jaspers' junior guard Michael Alvarado was short on a contested layup with 11 seconds remaining in the first overtime. Then Jones took his shot to win it out of a timeout, but that was off the mark on a rushed three-point heave from 25-feet.

Ridley scored the first basket of the second overtime. Alvarado quickly answered burying a three-pointer in front of the Manhattan bench to give the Jaspers their first lead since the four minute mark in the second half. Alvarado scored five of his seven points in overtime.

Brown threw down a two-handed dunk to open a 70-68 lead with 2:32 on the clock. DaShawn Gomez knocked down a three on Iona's next possession to reclaim the lead. Laury hit a pair of free-throws at 1:21 to put Iona ahead 73-71. He finished with 16 points.

Iona's top two scorers Sean Armand (18.0) and Jones (22.9) fouled out in the last minute. Jones picked up his fifth foul with 11 seconds remaining on a flop that put Alvarado on the free-throw line with the Jaspers trailing by two. Alvarado hit the first shot, but missed the second allowing Brown to soar for his 10th offensive rebound. He kicked the ball out to Alvarado who found Andujar at the right elbow. Andujar used a spin move to get to the rim for the winning layup.

Andujar dished out five assists of his own and grabbed five rebounds in 41 minutes of work. Brown converted 9-of-18 field goal attempts in 42 minutes of action on a career night where he set personal highs in rebounding and blocks.

Iona was led by Jones' 17 points on a 6-for-20 shooting night. Ridley recorded a double-double (12 points, 16 rebounds) in the Gaels' fourth overtime loss of the season.

Manhattan dominated the glass outrebounding Iona 50-34. The Jaspers' bench also outscored the Gaels' reserves 36-12.

The Jaspers have won five of the last six games. Manhattan heads into Sunday's matchup with Niagara still tied for sixth in the MAAC standings. Tip-off with the Purple Eagles is slated for 2 p.m. at Draddy Gymnasium.
Courtesy of: http://www.gojaspers.com


Smith, Saunders Lead Harvard Mens Basketball to 73-54 Win Over Penn - by Eurobasket News

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. Kenyatta Smith (6'8''-C) made a Harvard record 10 blocks and scored a career-best 20 points to go along with nine rebounds, while Wesley Saunders poured in 23 points, as the Harvard men's basketball team topped Penn, 73-54, before a sold out crowd of 2,195 Lavietes Pavilion Friday evening.

With the win, Harvard improves to 6-1 in conference play, 14-7 overall and 10-1 at home this season, while the Quakers fall to 5-8 and 2-4 in Ivy League action. Harvard finished the game with 15 blocks, also a program record, and shot 52.3 percent as a team. The Crimson held Penn to34.9 percent shooting, while Darien Nelson-Henry paced the Quakers with 14 points. Steve Moundou-Missi (6'7''-F) added 11 points for Harvard, while Smith's double-double was the first of his career.

The Crimson remains at home to host Princeton tomorrow evening at 7 p.m. in a game that will be shown live on NBC Sports Network.

After a slow start for both teams, Smith made a block on one end of the floor and then hit a layup, making it 5-2 Crimson with just over 16 minutes left in the first. After Saunders made it 7-2 with a bucket off the glass, Saunders added another basket, 9-4. Penn tied the contest, 9-9, but Saunders responded with a triple from the corner to put Harvard back on top, 12-9.

With just under 11 minutes to go, Webster nailed another triple, as the Crimson led, 17-11, and then Steve Moundou-Missi hit a jumper as Harvard went up by eight, 19-11. Moundou-Missi found Saunders for a layup, making it 25-15, and then Smith hit two from the foul line, 27-18. At the 5:47 mark, Saunders drew contact before hitting a jump shot, 29-20, followed by a two-handed dunk by Smith, 31-20.

With time winding down in the first, Saunders nailed a jumper to send the Crimson to the half with a 37-27 advantage. Saunders had 17 points in the first half on 6-of-9 shooting. Harvard shot 48.1 percent from the field in the first stanza and had seven blocks, while holding the Quakers to 38.7 percent shooting as a team.

In the second, Smith was fouled before hitting a basket and the ensuing foul shot, 40-29. With 18:05 remaining, Saunders sent a pass to Laurent Rivard who hit a 3-pointer, as Harvard went up by 13, 44-31. At the 15:43 mark, Webster went up to shoot a 3-pointer, but was fouled. Webster made all three free throws, as the Crimson continued to pull away, 49-33.

Saunders put Harvard up by 15 when he converted a conventional 3-point play, 52-37, and then Siyani Chambers nailed a triple, 55-37. After the Crimson stretched its lead to 20, the Quakers went on a 5-0 run, 57-42, but the Crimson responded with a 7-0 run of its own to go up by 22, 64-42.

Down the stretch, Moundou-Missi made two foul shots with just over three minutes left, 70-47, and then Smith made his 10th block of the game with 2:01 left.
Courtesy of: http://www.gocrimson.com


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  NCAA2   


Shorthanded Bucs Stun No. 7 Chargers 55 - by Eurobasket News

MEMPHIS-Despite playing without their two original starting guards, the Christian Brothers University Bucs stunned No. 7 Alabama-Huntsville 55-48 Thursday night at Canale Arena as they moved within a game and a half of second place in the Gulf South Conference standings.

The Bucs (14-7, 9-4 GSC) struggled out of the gate, remaining scoreless for more than five minutes and only scoring two points in the first six minutes. Michael Drake (Little Rock, Ark./Catholic HS) sparked the Bucs' offense with back-to-back jumpers, beginning with one with 13:45 remaining in the first half. By the time back-to-back Drew Hildreth (6'4''-G) (Memphis, Tenn./Bolton HS) three-pointers capped what became a 17-2 CBU run, the Bucs led 19-8 with 7:06 remaining in the half.

The Chargers (18-4, 11-3) used a 9-0 run early in the second half to tie the game at 27 on a pair of Greg Gardner free throws with 14:08 remaining. This time, it was Ryan Fleming (Cincinnati, Ohio/La Salle HS) who provided the answer for the Bucs, scoring two straight baskets in the paint to put the Bucs back on top for good. The Bucs extended their lead back to double figures on back-to-back threes by Hildreth and Dominic Fragale (5'10''-PG) (Memphis, Tenn./Christian Brothers HS), giving the Bucs a 48-38 cushion with 4:19 remaining. The Chargers cut the lead back to 48-46 after a Jaime Smith triple with 1:21 remaining, but Drake scored in the post with 46 seconds remaining to snap an 8-0 run. With 37.1 seconds remaining, Hildreth took a charge from UAH forward Zane Campbell, giving the Bucs a chance to seal the game at the free throw line. The Bucs were 5-of-6 at the stripe in the final minute to protect the victory.

Hildreth scored a career-high 23 points with five rebounds, knocking down five three-pointers in 37 minutes. Drake scored 15 with seven rebounds and three steals, and Fleming added 11 with four rebounds and two steals. Trey Casey (6'3''-G) (Cincinnati, Ohio/La Salle HS) collected four assists and three steals to go with two free throws and exceptional defense on Smith, holding him 10 points below his average.

The Bucs won on a night where both teams were cold from the field, with CBU shooting 35.8 percent (19-of-53) to UAH's 36.2 percent (17-of-47). UAH out-rebounded the Bucs 35-29, but CBU held a 6-5 edge in offensive rebounds and forced 14 turnovers while committing a season-low six.

The Bucs return to action Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. as they host Shorter for Homecoming.
Courtesy of: http://www.gobucsgo.com


Claflin Drops SIAC Game to Tuskegee 58-50 - by Eurobasket News

The atmosphere in the home men's locker room of the Jonas T. Kennedy Center was one of smothering frustration and disappointment.

Claflin held a second-half lead against Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference West Division leader Tuskegee and appeared in control of the game. Over the final eight minutes, the Panthers found themselves taken out of their comfort zone as they were outscored 23-8 by the Golden Tigers in a 58-50 loss.

We made some crucial turnovers towards the end, Claflin head coach Ron Woodard said. I thought we had a good game plan for (Tuskegee), but they outhustled us over the last seven minutes. They outhustled us.

It was the second straight loss for the Panthers (5-8, 3-2) who got a game-high 16 points from Quentin Nance and 10 from Terrance Bowman. Claflin struggled from the field in hitting just 20-53 (37.7 percent) and converted just one 3-pointer out of 12 attempts.

The two teams each committed 17 turnovers, but Claflin had 11 in the second half but when the Golden Tigers' increased defensive pressure they held Claflin to just two field goals over the final eight minutes.

Javier McKinney led Tuskegee (6-9, 5-1) with 15 points, followed by Calvin Thomas with 13 and Shaquille Cook with 11, eight coming during the game-turning run.

We had two people in double figures, but we never had a half person, Woodard said. They had three people in double figures. Our biggest concern was outside shooting and we were eight percent from the 3-point line. You can't beat teams like that.

After Tuskegee's Julius Taylor opened up the scoring with a tip-in, the Panthers responded with nine unanswered points. The Golden Tigers closed the gap to within a point before Claflin's second unit increased the advantage back to nine points.

Leading the charge was Nance who scored seven of his team-high 10 first-half points in crowd-pleasing fashion. It started with a one-handed driving layup, followed by a fastbreak slam dunk and his team's only 3-pointer of the first half to put the Panthers up 24-15.

Tuskegee rallied with eight straight points before the Panthers closed out the first half with a Nance lay-up and a buzzer-beating putback by Harrison Gibson. Claflin finished the first half 11-29 (37.9 percent) from the field, were outrebounded 20-16, but forced 11 turnovers.

The second half started out promising for Claflin with baskets by Michael Henry and Brandon Curry to go up 32-23. A 10-2 run by the Golden Tigers closed the gap to 34-33 before Nance provided a lift off the bench with four straight points.

After a basket by Patrick Bendegue made it 42-35 in favor of Claflin, Tuskegee called a timeout. It provided an opportunity for the Golden Tigers to regroup as their increased intensity started to stymie Claflin.

A layup by Gibson made it 44-40. Over the next six minutes, Claflin would not score another field goal while Tuskegee's Cook began to dominate in the paint with consecutive baskets to tie the game.

A McKinney layup with seven minutes left reclaimed the lead for Tuskegee at 46-44. As the turnovers and missed shots began to mount for Claflin, Tuskegee continued to add to its margin and further silenced and frustrated the home crowd.

By the time Nance hit a free throw to end the Panthers' scoring drought, they were down 56-45 with 2:27 left. The Panthers would manage only one field goal the rest of the way as McKinney's dunk with 12 seconds left provided further salt in the wound for Claflin.

We have not put a complete game together and that's been my concern and that's what we've been working on, Woodard said. We done all kinds of coaching tactics to make sure we can complete that, but it's been tough. All we can do is keep teaching and get better. It gets no easier because we've got Stillman coming in (Thursday).

TUSKEGEE (58)

Calvin Thomas 13, Julius Taylor 2, Elliott Dean 8, Josh Jones 5, Javier McKinney 15, Jacob Pettway 4, Shaquille Cook 11

CLAFLIN (50)

Michael Henry 4, Brandon Curry 6, Marcellus Dunn 5, Terrance Bowman 10, Harrison Gibson 5, Quinton Nance 16, Patrick Bendegue 2
Courtesy of: http://athletics.claflin.edu


Lopes Score 105 in Win Over ARTU - by Eurobasket News

The Grand Canyon University mens basketball team defeated Academy of Art, 105-78, tonight in San Mateo, Calif. With the win, the Antelopes improved to 20-5 overall and 11-3 in the Pacific West Conference, while the Urban Knights fell to 7-13 overall and 5-8 in conference play.

The 20 wins are the most since GCU won 21 games during the 2006-07 campaign. The Lopes also recorded a new season-high for points and surpassed the highest point total in head coach Russ Pennells era, which had previously been 100 points on March 4, 2010 against Hawaii Pacific.

Killian Larson (6'9''-C) and Justin Foreman both recorded a new season-high in points, with 25 and 17, respectively. Three others also scored in double figures for the Lopes, as Braylon Pickrel had 16 points, Joshua Lowery (6'3''-G) had 11 points and Blake Davis added 10 points.

The Lopes shot 56.1 percent from the field (32-for-57), including a 50.0 percent mark from beyond the arc (13-for-26). The 13 made three-pointers were also a new season-high for GCU as they had previously made 11 three-pointers on Nov. 10, 2012 against Northern State in the Disney Classic.

GCU took a 5-3 advantage with 18:56 on the clock and did not surrender that lead for the remainder of the game. The Lopes led by as many as 11 points in the games first seven minutes as they were an impressive 8-for-10 from the field. In that time, GCU also drained five of their six three-point attempts.

The Lopes doubled the Urban Knights point total, 32-16, with 11:03 on the clock and claimed their largest lead of the half at 20 points (48-28) nine minutes later. Academy of Art used a 6-0 run to close the gap to 14 points (48-34) with just under two minutes remaining. However, the Lopes closed out the half with a 6-3 run to carry a 54-37 advantage into the locker room.

The Lopes posted one of their best first-half shooting percentages, going 14-for-24 (58.3 percent) from the field and made half of their three-point attempts (7-for-14). GCU narrowly outrebounded the Urban Knights, 12-11, but were able to score 14 points off of seven Academy of Art turnovers. The Lopes had three players in double-figures after just 20 minutes, with Pickrel leading the way with 11 points. Larson and Davis both added 10 points.

GCUs first half point total marked their most for the season, surpassing the 47 points scored against Arizona Christian on Nov. 26, 2012. It also marked the most in a half against a PacWest foe this season, as their previous high was 44 points (second half) in their last contest at Notre Dame de Namur.

The Lopes came out firing in the second half, extending their lead to 24 points (74-50) at the 13:07 mark after Brad Carroll drained the 12th three-pointer for GCU, marking the new season-high. GCU didnt slow down at that point as they outscored the Urban Knights 18-10 over the next six minutes to claim a 92-60 lead, their largest of the game.

Micah Fetters was responsible for the 13th three-point basket for GCU with just over one minute to play.

The closest Academy of Art would come for the remainder of the contest was 25 points as the 'Lopes shot 54.5 percent (18-for-33) from the field and once again made half of their three-pointers (6-for-12).

The Lopes will wrap-up their four-game road trip when they take on Dominican (CA) on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. (Arizona time). Fans can follow the action live by visiting www.gculopes.com.
Courtesy of: http://www.gculopes.com


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  NIGERIA   


Benjamin Eze selected the top Nigerian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Benjamin Eze
Benjamin Eze
   #1. This week's number one is former international power forward Benjamin Eze (207-81, college: S.Idaho JC, currently plays in Euroleague). He contributed to a Montepaschi Siena's victory against the fifth-ranked Caja Laboral (4-3) 85-74 in the Euroleague on Friday night. Eze recorded 10 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks in 28 minutes on the court. Montepaschi Siena (6-1) is placed second in group F. This year Eze averages: 5.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 2FGP: 46.9% and FT: 61.5% in the 10 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Nigerian and Italian. Eze played for the Nigerian senior national team four years ago.

Michael Umeh
Michael Umeh
   #2. Second place goes to former international point guard Michael Umeh (188-84, agency: Two Points, college: UNLV, currently plays in Italy). He led Pall.Trento to a victory over the 13th-ranked Prima Veroli (6-11) 68-57 in the Italian Lega2 (second division) in Sunday night's game. Umeh was MVP of the game. He scored 25 points and grabbed 4 rebounds (went 11 for 11 at the free throw line !!!) in 35 minutes. Pallacanestro Trento 2009 (8-9) is placed eighth in the Lega2. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. It's Umeh's first season with the team. Umeh has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 16.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 49.5%, 3FGP: 35.6% and FT: 91.4%(64-70) in the 17 games. Umeh is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and American. He played for the Nigerian national team in 2011.

Ike Ofoegbu
Ike Ofoegbu
   #3. The Nigerian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Ike Ofoegbu (205-85, college: SMU, currently plays in Mexico), who plays in the Mexican LNBP (second division). Ofoegbu could not help Toros (31-9) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Toros lost in an overtime 73-77 at home to the second-ranked Halcones Rojos. Ofoegbu was the top scorer with 18 points. He also added 7 rebounds and 5 blocks in 43 minutes. Ofoegbu has very impressive stats this year: 16.5ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.6apg, 2FGP: 59.6%(204-342), 3FGP: 36.8% and FT: 68.6% in the 47 games. He has both American and Nigerian nationalities. Ofoegbu played for the Nigerian national team two years ago.

Alade Aminu
Alade Aminu
   #4. Center Alade Aminu (210-87, college: Georgia Tech, currently plays in EuroChallenge) was not able to help Karsiyaka (3-1) in their game against Gaz Metan (2-2) in the EuroChallenge. Aminu recorded only 4 points. The first-placed Karsiyaka was defeated 77-69 on the road by the lower-ranked Gaz Metan (#3) in the group I of EuroChallenge. They ended the series of four consecutive victories. There are only two games left until the end of the EuroChallenge Top 16. So now every game will be critical. Aminu's overall stats this season are: 9.9ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.3bpg and 1.5spg. He is also Nigerian national team player.

Ejike Ugboaja
Ejike Ugboaja
   #5. International forward Ejike Ugboaja (206-85, currently plays in Lithuania) helped Juventus win their game against the league outsider Naglis Palangos (0-15) 91-76 in the Lithuanian LKL in Friday night's game. Ugboaja scored 6 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 15 minutes. It was his first game for Juventus this season. His team is placed third in the LKL. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Ugboaja plays currently for the Nigerian national team.

Andy Ogide
Andy Ogide
   #6. Forward Andy Ogide (204-87, college: Colorado St., currently plays in Spain) helped Ourense edge the 11th-ranked FCB Regal II (7-10) 66-65 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) last Friday. He had a double-double by scoring 14 points and getting 11 rebounds. Ogide also added 2 blocks in 34 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only his second season in pro basketball. Club Ourense Baloncesto SAD (15-13) is placed in the LEB Gold. Ogide is ranked sixth on the list of the best rebounders in the league with 6.9rpg. This year he also averages: 11.6ppg and 1.2spg in the 18 games. Ogide is an international player who is currently on the senior Nigerian National Team roster.

Abdullahi Kuso
Abdullahi Kuso
   #7. Former international forward Abdullahi Kuso (206-84, college: Tallahassee CC, currently plays in Japan), who plays in the Japanese BJ League was not able to secure a victory for Miyazaki Shining Suns (4-28) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Miyazaki Shining Suns (#10) were badly defeated 75-59 in Okinawa by the leading Okinawa GK in the Western group. Kuso had a double-double by scoring 18 points and getting 15 rebounds in 31 minutes. It was Miyazaki Shining Suns' fifth consecutive loss in a row. Kuso has very impressive stats this year: 15.4ppg, 11.8rpg, 1.1apg and 1.5bpg in the 11 games. He used to play for the Nigerian national team six years ago.

Derrick Obasohan
Derrick Obasohan
   #8. Forward Derrick Obasohan (198-81, agency: Beo Basket, college: Texas Arlington, currently plays in France) couldn't help Cholet (8-11) in their game against Gravelines-Dunkerque (14-5) in the French ProA. Obasohan recorded 9 points in only 11 minutes. But Cholet was edged 85-83 on their home court in Cholet by the leading Gravelines-Dunkerque. This year Obasohan's overall stats are: 7.7ppg, 1.8rpg and 1.3apg in the 12 games. He also holds two passports: Nigerian and American. Obasohan plays currently for the Nigerian national team.

Chukwudinma Odiakosa
Chukwudinma Odiakosa
   #9. Former U22 international power forward Chukwudinma Odiakosa (203-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois St., currently plays in Israel) helped Hod Hasharon edge the closely-ranked Hapoel Afula (11-6) 81-80 in the Israeli National League (second division) on Tuesday night. He scored 15 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 4 assists; not bad, considering it's only Odiakosa's third season in pro basketball. Maccabi Hod Hasharon (13-4) is placed third in the National League. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. Odiakosa belongs to league's top scorers (ranked #7) and also on the list of best rebounders (first place). This season he has very high stats. Odiakosa averages: 20.0ppg, 13.5rpg, 1.4apg and 1.1bpg. He used to play for the Nigerian U22 national team nine years ago.

Olumide Oyedeji
Olumide Oyedeji
   #10. Center Olumide Oyedeji (210-81, currently plays in Japan), who plays in the Japanese JBL couldn't help Tochigi Brex (9-21) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Oyedeji's good performance Tochigi Brex was crushed 89-60 in Tokyo by the second-ranked Toyota Alvark. He recorded a double-double by scoring 10 points and getting 15 rebounds. Oyedeji's total stats this season are: 9.5ppg and 9.8rpg. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Nigerian National Team roster.

   #11. Former international forward Aloysius Anagonye (203-81, college: Michigan St., currently plays in Greece) couldn't help Ilysiakos in their game against Aris in the Greek A1. Anagonye recorded 8 points. His team was edged 64-62. Anagonye has relatively good stats this season: 11.2ppg and 7.2rpg. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Anagonye used to play for the Nigerian national team four years ago.

   #12. Former U19 international guard Ayodeji Egbeyemi (193-90, currently plays college basketball in the States), who plays in the NCAA couldn't help the one of league's weakest teams Loyola Mary (1-11) in their last game. Despite his good performance the Loyola Mary lost 60-69 in Portland, OR to the University of Portland. Egbeyemi scored 10 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 38 minutes. This year Egbeyemi has relatively solid stats: 11.2ppg and 7.2rpg in the six games. He used to play for the Nigerian U19 national team back in 2007.

   #13. Former international guard Michael Efevberha (197-84, college: CS Northridge, currently plays in Eurocup) couldn't help CEZ Nymburk in their game against Gescrap BB in the Eurocup. Efevberha cannot count Tuesday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 2 points. His team was defeated 83-69. This season Efevberha averages just 1.3ppg. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Efevberha used to play for the Nigerian national team four years ago.

   #14. Former U16 international center Christopher Obekpa (206-93, currently studies in the States) couldn't help the St.John's in their game against the Syracuse University in the NCAA. He scored 7 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. His team was badly defeated by 19 points 77-58. This season Obekpa averages only 1.3ppg. He used to play for the Nigerian U16 national team back in 2008.

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

   #1. Emeka Okafor (206-F/C-82, college: Connecticut, currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA could not help the Washington Wizards (15-36) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the Washington Wizards lost 85-96 on the road to the Detroit Pistons. Okafor was the top scorer with 20 points. He also added 9 rebounds in 25 minutes. It was Wizards' first loss after four consecutive victories. Okafor has relatively good stats this year: 9.1ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.2apg and 1.1bpg in the 51 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Nigerian and American.

   #2. Stan Okoye (198-F-91, currently plays college basketball in the States), who plays in the NCAA was not able to help the VMI (6-4) in their last game on Friday. Despite Okoye's very good performance the VMI was defeated 90-79 at home by the University of North Carolina - Asheville. He recorded a double-double by scoring 34 points and getting 16 rebounds. It's Okoye's fourth season with the team. This year Okoye averages: 9.1ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.2apg and 1.1bpg.

   #3. Chinemelu Elonu (206-F/C-87, college: Texas A&M, currently plays in EuroChallenge), who plays in Turkey was not able to secure a victory for Tofas (1-3) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite his good performance the fourth-placed Tofas was defeated 69-62 in Yuzhny by the second-ranked Khimik in the group K of EuroChallenge. Elonu recorded a double-double by scoring 13 points and getting 12 rebounds. He also added 3 blocks. There are only two games left until the end of the EuroChallenge Top 16. So now every game will be critical. It's Elonu's first season with the team. Elonu is ranked fifth on the list of the best rebounders in the league. He has very reliable stats this season: 10.4ppg, 8.9rpg and 1.2bpg.

   #4. Ekpe Udoh (208-F/C-87, college: Baylor, currently plays in NBA) couldn't help the Milwaukee Bucks (26-25) in their game against the Detroit Pistons (21-33) in the NBA. Udoh scored 7 points in 15 minutes. The Milwaukee Bucks lost 100-105 in Detroit to the Pistons. It was Bucks' fourth consecutive loss in a row. This year Udoh's overall stats are: 4.0ppg, 3.4rpg and 1.2bpg in the 49 games.

   #5. Experienced Uche Nsonwu-Amadi (208-F/C-78, agency: Beo Basket, college: Wyoming, currently plays in France) led ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket to a victory against the closely-ranked STB Le Havre (12-3) 70-66 in the French ProA on Saturday night. He recorded 14 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket (11-8) is placed fifth in the ProA. Nsonwu-Amadi has relatively good stats this season: 11.1ppg, 6.9rpg and 1.8apg.

   #6. Olu Ashaolu (200-F-88, college: Oregon, currently plays in Spain) led Caceres Basket to a victory over the fourth-ranked Palencia Baloncesto 83-72 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) last Friday. Ashaolu was the best player in that game. He scored 25 points, had 8 rebounds and made 2 blocks. Ashaolu has relatively good stats this season: 11.3ppg, 5.4rpg and 1.2spg. He is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and Canadian. Despite Ashaolu's Nigerian nationality, he previously played for the Canadian U18 national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Nigerian team.

   #7. Kieron Achara (208-F/C-83, agency: Two Points, college: Duquesne, currently plays in Balkan League) couldn't help Kavala in their game against Levski Sofia in the Balkan League. Despite his very good performance in Wednesday night's game He was the second best scorer with 15 points. Achara also added 5 rebounds and made 2 blocks. Achara's overall stats this season are: 9.0ppg, 4.3rpg and 1.3apg. He has both Scottish and Nigerian nationalities.

   #8. Oluoma Nnamaka (201-F/C-78, college: Marquette, currently plays in Sweden) couldn't help Uppsala Basket in their game against Boras Basket in the Swedish Basketligan, despite his very good performance last Thursday. Nnamaka was the top scorer with 18 points. He also added 5 rebounds in 28 minutes. But his team was edged 91-88. This year Nnamaka's overall stats are: 6.5ppg, 3.8rpg and 1.4apg in the 24 games. He also holds two passports: Nigerian and Swedish.

   #9. Festus Ezeli (210-C-89, college: Vanderbilt, currently plays in NBA) couldn't help the Golden State Warriors in their game against the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. Ezeli scored only 4 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. His team were crushed by 25 points 116-91 in the NBA. Ezeli's overall stats this season are: 2.6ppg and 3.8rpg.

   #10. P.J. Alawoya (203-F-88, college: McNeese St., currently plays in Japan) couldn't help Oita Heat Devils in their game against Osaka Evessa in the Japanese BJ League, despite his very good performance in Sunday night's game. Alawoya had a double-double by scoring 23 points and getting 10 rebounds in 36 minutes. But his team lost 80-92. Alawoya has relatively good stats this year: 14.1ppg, 7.6rpg and 1.8spg in the nine games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Worth to mention he played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.


*****************************************************
  PANAMA   


Danilo Pinnock selected the top Panamanian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Danilo Pinnock
Danilo Pinnock
   #1. This week's number one is an international guard Danilo Pinnock (196-83, college: G.Washington, currently plays in Mexico). Pinnock was the major contributor in an overtime Halcones Rojos' victory against the closely-ranked Toros (31-9) 77-73 in the Mexican LNBP (second division) last Sunday. He recorded 18 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Halcones Rojos de Veracruz (32-8) is placed second in the LNBP. It was his team's ninth consecutive victory in a row. It's Pinnock's first season with the team. Pinnock has relatively good stats this year: 13.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.0apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 50.5%, 3FGP: 38.5% and FT: 75.0%. He is a naturalized American. Pinnock is currently a member of the Panamanian senior national team. He used to play for Toros de Chorrillo in Panamanian league.

Jose Lloreda
Jose Lloreda
   #2. Second place goes to an experienced former international power forward Jose Lloreda (203-80, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: LSU, currently plays in Argentina). Lloreda led Sionista to a victory against the 14th-ranked 9 de Julio (11-24) 99-90 in the Argentinian LigaA on Friday night. He scored 15 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 25 minutes. Centro Juventud Sionista de Parana (18-18) is placed ninth in the LigaA. This year Lloreda has relatively solid stats: 10.6ppg, 5.8rpg, 2FGP: 59.4%(98-165) and FT: 56.9% in the 22 games he played so far. Former Magnates de Calidonia starter played for the Panamanian national team in 2011.

Dionisio Gomez Camargo
Dionisio Gomez Camargo
   #3. The Panamanian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Dionisio Gomez Camargo (203-80, college: Arkansas, currently plays in Japan). He contributed to a Shiga L-Stars' victory against the fourth-ranked Fukuoka Rizing (20-12) 82-74 in the Japanese BJ League in Saturday night's game. Gomez Camargo recorded a double-double by scoring 14 points and getting 13 rebounds. Shiga Lakestars (19-13) are placed fifth in Western group. Gomez Camargo has reliable stats this season: 14.3ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.6apg, 2FGP: 52.0%, 3FGP: 25.0% and FT: 65.8%. He played for the Panamanian national team two years ago.

Josimar Ayarza
Josimar Ayarza
   #4. Forward Josimar Ayarza (205-87, college: S.Mississippi, currently plays in Argentina) faced previously mentioned Jose Lloreda in the Argentinian LigaA last game. Ayarza, who plays in the Argentinian LigaA could not help 9 de Julio (11-24) in their last game on Friday. Despite his good performance 9 de Julio was defeated 99-90 on the road by the higher-ranked Sionista (#9). Ayarza scored 13 points. Ayarza's stats this season are: 13.6ppg and 3.4rpg. He is also Panamanian national team player.

Leonardo Pomare
Leonardo Pomare
   #5. Former international forward Leonardo Pomare (203-86, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: San Diego, currently plays in Japan) helped Kyoto Hannaryz win their game against the third-ranked Hamamatsu Phoenix (21-13) 83-72 in the Japanese BJ League in Saturday night's game. Pomare had a double-double by scoring 13 points and getting 10 rebounds (went 5 for 5 at the free throw line) in 29 minutes. Kyoto Hannaryz (18-14) is placed sixth in Western group. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Pomare's stats this year are: 12.3ppg, 9.8rpg and 1.6apg in the 32 games. He is a naturalized American. Pomare used to play for the Panamanian national team two years ago. He played also for Fieras de Cocle in Panamanian league.

Joel Munoz
Joel Munoz
   #6. Point guard Joel Munoz (179-80, currently plays in Brazil) was not able to help Paulistano (13-5) in their game against Pinheiros (13-6) in the Brazilian NBB. He cannot count Thursday's game as one of the best ones. Munoz scored only 2 points and added 4 assists in 19 minutes. Paulistano was edged 88-86 in a derby game by the lower-ranked (#6) Pinheiros. This year Munoz's overall stats are: 7.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.3apg and 2.3bpg in the seven games. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Panamanian National Team roster.

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

   #1. Jamelle Horne (200-F-88, college: Arizona, currently plays in Mexico), who plays in the Mexican LNBP (second division) could not help Soles (31-9) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Soles lost 82-90 on the road to the leading Halcones UV Xalapa. Horne was the top scorer with 20 points. He also added 7 rebounds in 34 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only Horne's second season in pro basketball. Horne has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 20.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.3apg and 1.3spg in the 24 games he played so far.

   #2. Gabriel Giron (190-G-88, currently plays in Liga Americas), who plays in Mexico was not able to help one of league's weakest teams Fuerza Regia (1-2) in their last game. Despite Giron's good performance Fuerza Regia was crushed 109-59 at home by the second-ranked Flamengo. He was the second best scorer with 10 points. Giron also added 4 rebounds in 18 minutes. The Regular Season already ended in the LNBP. Giron's stats this year are: 14.3ppg, 8.7rpg and 1.6apg in the 32 games. He has a dual citizenship: Panamanian and Mexican.

   #3. Jordan Henriquez (211-F-89, currently plays college basketball in the States) was not able to secure a victory for the Kansas St. (8-3) in their game against the University of Kansas (8-3) in the NCAA. Henriquez cannot count Monday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 2 points, had 5 rebounds and made 2 blocks. The Kansas St. was crushed 83-62 in Lawrence, KS by the University of Kansas. It was Kansas St.'s first loss after four consecutive victories. Henriquez is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fourth year in Kansas St.'s roster. Henriquez averaged so far 12.3ppg, 9.8rpg and 1.6apg. He is a naturalized American. Strangely Henriquez has never played in Panama.


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  PHILIPPINES   

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Standings
 1. Alaska Aces 2-0 
 2. Barako Bull 2-0 
 3. Global Port 2-1 
 4. Meralco Bolts 1-1 
 5. Petron Blaze 1-1 
 6. Air21 Express 1-1 
 7. Talk N Text 1-1 
 8. Rain or Shine 0-1 
 9. Barangay Ginebra 0-2 
 10. San Mig Coffee 0-2 

Regular Season: Round 5

Feb. 15: Global Port - Barangay Ginebra 89-80
Feb. 15: Air21 Express - Talk N Text 83-86
Feb. 16: Rain or Shine - Meralco Bolts


PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Eric DAWSON
  Meralco .
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 26
 1. Dawson, Meralco26.0 
 2. Balkman, Petron B.25.5 
 3. Dozier, Alaska Aces24.0 
 4. David, Novi Z.23.5 
 5. Caguioa, Barang.23.0 
 6. Yap, San M.22.0 
 7. Brock, Barako Bull21.5 
 8. Urbiztondo, Barako20.5 
 9. David, Global Port20.5 
 10. Hill, Barangay.19.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Justin WILLIAMS
  Global Port
  (206-F/C-84)
  Avg: 25
 1. Williams, Global P.25.0 
 2. Williams, Novi Z.21.0 
 3. Hill, Barangay.18.5 
 4. Brock, Barako Bull15.0 
 5. Dozier, Alaska Aces15.0 
 6. Balkman, Petron B.14.5 
 7. Dawson, Meralco13.5 
 8. Abueva, Alaska Ac.11.0 
 9. Aguilar, Global Po.9.5 
 10. Aguilar, Novi Z.9.5 
Assists Per Game
 Solomon MERCADO
  Global P.
  (181-PG-84)
  Avg: 14.5
 1. Mercado, Global P.14.5 
 2. Mercado, Novi Z.13.5 
 3. Cabagnot, Petron7.0 
 4. Villanueva, Barako5.5 
 5. Ross, Meralco5.5 
 6. Devance, San M.5.5 
 7. Casio, Alaska Aces4.5 
 8. Urbiztondo, Barako4.0 
 9. Helterbrand, Baran.3.5 
 10. Tenorio, Barang.3.5 
Steals Per Game
 LA TENORIO
  Barang.
  (177-PG-84)
  Avg: 3
 1. Tenorio, Barang.3.0 
 2. Villanueva, Barako1.5 
 3. Najorda, San M.1.5 
 4. Pingris, San M.1.5 
 5. Dawson, Meralco1.5 
 6. Ross, Meralco1.5 
 7. Lanete, Petron B.1.5 
 8. Urbiztondo, Barako1.5 
 9. Maliksi, Barako Bu.1.5 
 10. Barroca, San M.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Justin WILLIAMS
  Global Port
  (206-F/C-84)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Williams, Global P.5.5 
 2. Dozier, Alaska Aces4.5 
 3. Balkman, Petron B.4.0 
 4. Hill, Barangay.3.0 
 5. Williams, Novi Z.3.0 
 6. Dawson, Meralco2.0 
 7. Aguilar, Novi Z.2.0 
 8. Pennisi, Barako Bu.1.5 
 9. Reyes, Meralco1.5 
 10. Baguio, Alaska A.1.5 


2013 PBA Commissioners Cup Roundup: February 13-15, 2013 - by Enzo Flojo

If one looks at the current PBA Commishs Cup standings, he/she will be forgiven for feeling a little surprised. The Alaska Aces and the Barako Bull Energy Cola are the only unbeaten teams so far, with Global Port at solo third place. A bunch of teams are locked at the 4th-7th spots with 1-1 slates, while the Painters, Gin Kings, and Mixers bring up the rear with winless cards.

Needless to say, it seems that, given these standings, the world is off-kilter. One big part of this, of course, is the presence of the imports. Robert Dozier, Evan Brock, and Justin Williams have been surprisingly good so far, while guys like Herbert Hill and Matt Rogers have been a little underwhelming. By and large, however, it is the shocking improvement of some locals and the unexpected chemistry of new acquisitions that have really boosted the top three teams in the league.

In particular, guys like Jonas Villanueva, Sol Mercado, and Japeth Aguilar seem to have revitalized themselves after moving out from their previous clubs. Villanueva has been stellar for Barako, while Mercado is leading the league in assists (THIRTEEN per game), and Aguilar is really proving himself worthy of the added playing time.

Its still a long way to go, but its clear that, based on the early goings, one should expect the unexpected in this years Commissioners Cup!

Game Recaps:
ALASKA ACES over MERALCO BOLTS, 85-81

Alaska import Robert Dozier outclassed his Meralco counterpart Eric Dawson as the Aces carved out an 85-81 victory Wednesday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Dozier posted 27 points, 14 rebounds, and six blocks for the Aces, which grabbed a share of the early Commissioners Cup lead with a perfect 2-0 record, tying idle Barako Bull.

Dawson, who scored 37 points in his debut against Talk N Text last Saturday, was held to just 15 points on woeful 5-of-16 shooting (31 percent) by the stifling Alaska defense.

That left the Meralco locals led by Vic Manuel, who topped the Bolts with 18 points, to carry the fight for his team. Meralco stayed within striking distance in the second half, coming within four points on a three-pointer by Ronjay Buenafe with less than two minutes remaining.

The Bolts lucked out after Alaska deadshot JVee Casio missed two free throws in the ensuing play, but neither Buenafe nor Mac Cardona could bring Meralco closer in the next possession.

Cyrus Baguio gave Alaska more breathing room by splitting his free throws with 20 seconds left, before Buenafe hit another three-pointer to move the Bolts closer, 83-81, with 12.8 seconds left.

But Tony Dela Cruz hit two free throws to put more distance between the Aces and the Bolts, and Alaska foiled Manuels final attempt to seal the win.

Calvin Abueva added 20 points and eight rebounds for Alaska, while Cyrus Baguio chipped in 16.

ALA 85- Dozier 27, Abueva 20, Baguio 16, Casio 8, Espinas 6, Thoss 6, Dela Cruz 2, Ramos 0, Jazul 0, Eman 0, Hontiveros 0, Belasco 0.
MER 81- Manuel 18, Dawson 15, Buenafe 14, Cardona 11, Ross 6, Hugnatan 5, Hodge 4, Artadi 4, Guevarra 2, Borboran 2, Timberlake 0, Reyes 0.
QS: 26-21, 47-39, 63-62, 85-81

PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS over SAN MIG COFFEE MIXERS, 98-73

This time, there would be no collapse for Petron.

The Blaze Boosters used a furious second quarter run and remained in cruise control the rest of the way for an easy 98-73 victory over the San Mig Coffee Mixers Friday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The win gave Petron its first Commissioners Cup victory after dropping its opening assignment against GlobalPort, which it lost after leading by as much as 18 points in the first half.

Seven players scored at least seven points for Petron, which outscored San Mig Coffee, 28-8, in the second quarter.

That allowed the Boosters to take a 26-point lead at the half, 48-22. Petron never trailed by less than 16 points the rest of the way.

Playing against San Mig Coffee, we know we have to put up a good defensive effort against a good executing team. We had this mindset of depensa muna bago opensa, said Petron coach Olsen Racela.

Renaldo Balkman led the charge for Petron with 28 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks, apart from a highlight reel dunk in the third quarter over San Mig Coffee import Matt Rogers, who was making his PBA debut after missing the Mixers first game due to food poisoning. Jay Washington and Alex Cabagnot added 17 and 15 points, respectively.

More than the good numbers provided by Balkman, it was the intangibles, the energy and hustle he provided, added Racela.

Rogers scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds, but struggled from the field shooting just 7-of-19 (37 percent). James Yap carried the fight for San Mig Coffee with 25 points, but was hampered by an injury late in the game.

The loss dropped the Mixers, the tournaments defending champion, to a 0-2 win-loss record to start the conference.

PET 98- Balkman 28, Washington 17, Cabagnot 15, Lassiter 9, Fajardo 8, Miranda 8, Santos 7, Tubid 4, Faundo 2, Lanete 0, Pena 0.
SMC 73- Yap 25, Rogers 20, Simon 8, Devance 7, Pingris 7, Najorda 3, Barroca 2, Mallari 1, Alvarez 0, Reavis 0, De Ocampo 0
QS: 20-14, 48-22, 70-49, 98-73

TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS over AIR21 EXPRESS, 86-83

Keith Benson scored 30 points, including five in the final two minutes, to help Talk N Text survive a furious Air 21 fourth quarter onslaught, 86-83, and book its first win in the Commissioners Cup Friday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Benson added 18 rebounds for the Tropang Texters, who had to weather an Express uprising anchored on KG Canaletas 20-point fourth quarter explosion.

It was scary for us in the fourth quarter as KG hit some big treys, but luckily we were able to make stops, said Talk N Text coach Norman Black.

Canaleta hit six of his seven three-pointers in the final period as the Express battled back from a 22-point deficit.

A slam dunk by import Michael Dunigan pushed the Express to within one point, 82-81, before Benson responded with a three-point play off a timeout to give the Tropang Texters more breathing room.

He played much better than the first game, but how can he stay away from foul trouble is a concern for us, said Black about his import. Thats something he needs to work on.

Mike Cortez hit a layup for Air 21, which sent Jared Dillinger to the free throw line in the next play. Dillinger split his free throws, giving the Express one final chance at an equalizer.

But the final three-point attempt by Bonbon Custodio hit the back rim, giving Talk N Text its first tournament victory after losing its opening assignment to Meralco last Saturday.

Ranidel De Ocampo scored all 19 of his points in the second and third quarters, when Talk N Text built its formidable lead.

Dunigan and Cortez added 19 and 11 points, respectively, for the Express, whose win-loss record dropped to 1-1.

TNT 86- Benson 30, De Ocampo 19, Dillinger 14, Reyes 8, Al-Hussaini 5, Castro 5, Fonacier 5, Wiliams 0, Carey 0, Alapag 0.
AIR 83- Canaleta 23, Dunigan 19, Cortez 11, Custodio 8, Baclao 5, Ritualo 5, Wilson 4, Menor 2, Reyes 2, Isip 2, Arboleda 2, Omolon 0.
QS: 23-18, 52-33, 72-51, 86-83

GLOBAL PORT BATANG PIER over BGY. GINEBRA GIN KINGS, 89-80

Workhorse import Justin Williams posted monster numbers while Sol Mercado registered his third straight double-double performance in a GlobalPort uniform to help the Batang Pier cruise past Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 89-80, in Friday Commissioners Cup action at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Williams had 23 points, 23 rebounds, and eight blocks while Mercado finished with 12 points and 13 assists for GlobalPort, which won for the second time in three games.

The Batang Pier bounced back from a tough loss against Barako Bull in its last outing.

Lessons learned, we bounced back tonight after losing to Barako Bull last time. We didnt play smart enough in our last game, said GlobalPort coach Junel Baculi, who also got 22 points from Gary David as well as big contributions from the Batang Pier supporting cast.

I told my role players that they are as important as the starters. AJ Mandani did a great job playing as backup. He provided quality minutes while Sol was resting, added Baculi.

The fiery coach was all praises for his hardworking import Williams, who got 27 rebounds against Barako Bull but made some crucial errors down the stretch.

I told him he has to play smart. Hes learning. The more games he play, the more he will get accustomed to the PBA game, added Baculi.

Import Herbert Hill paced Ginebra with 22 points and 19 rebounds while Mark Caguioa added 20 points for the Gin Kings, which lost its second straight game to open the tournament.

GLO 89- Williams 23, David 22, Mercado 12, Aguilar 8, Salvador 8, Mandani 6, Miller 5, Deutchman 3, Yee 2, Crisano 0.
GIN 80- Hill 22, Caguioa 20, Baracael 8, Tenorio 8, Hatfield 6, Helterbrand 5, Raymundo 5, Ellis 4, Mamaril 2, Jensen 0, Espiritu 0.
QS: 29-15, 46-38, 67-56, 89-80

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



2013 ASEAN Basketball League Roundup: February 13-15, 2013 - by Enzo Flojo

Indonesia remained the hottest team in the 2013 ABL after beating the Slingers and the Slammers in succession this past week to stay atop the standings with 6 wins against only 2 losses.

Four Warriors broke through double-digit scoring as Indonesia defeated Singapore this past Wednesday before the Warriors slammed the Slammers just yesterday. Jerick Caada and John Smith scored 11 each while Chris Daniels and Mario Wuysang registered 10 apiece as the Indons won their fifth straight game at the expense of the Slingers, who were paced by Rashad Jones-Jenningss 19 markers.

In yesterdays lone game, Indonesia was led by Danielss 22 points and 14 rebounds as the Warriors upended the Chang Thailand Slammers, 90-74. Steven Thomas added 15 points and 11 boards, while Wuysang, Smith, and Caada combined for 43 markers.

In the second game this past week, the Beermen caught up with Saigon at second place after winning their third game in five tries. Fil-American Chris Banchero topped the scoring with 26 points, while Gabe Freeman added 20 points and 13 rebounds. Michael Earl, Jonathan Fernandez, and Christian Charles paced the Slammers with 16, 13, and 12 points respectively. The Thais remained at the bottom of the standings with only 2 wins in seven games.

Game Recaps:
INDONESIA WARRIORS over JOBSTREET.COM SINGAPORE SLINGERS, 61-48
Indonesia Warriors did not give up their lead during the entire game against the JobStreet.com Singapore Slingers as they extended their winning streak to five-games after a 61-48 win at Senayan Indoor Stadium, Indonesia.

John Smith continued his solid performance with 11 points before he was forced to leave the game with a cramp. Jerick Canada also contributed 11 points. Chris Daniels recorded his seventh double-double of the season as he scored 10 points and 12 rebounds while Mario Wuysang added 10 points for the Warriors who are still on top of the standings table with a record of 5 wins and 2 losses.

The Warriors did something different for this game as they played the game not at their regular home court, Mahaka Square and wore throwback Satria Muda jerseys. "I was very happy to get the win. It was great coming to a different venue and to share this experience with some new fans," says Warriors' head coach Todd Purves.

Purves was very happy about the Warriors' perimeter defense. "I was very happy with our perimeter pressure defensively. We were able to ge them out of their offense a little bit with that pressure and turn some of the stops into offense."

Back to back threes from Mario Wuysang gave the