Eurobasket Daily News Report: 2/7/2013 4:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 2/7/2013 4:04:01 AM

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Men News

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ABA

North Texas Fresh defeats Dallas Impact - by Gianni Pascucci

Over the past weekend, in an intersting inter-leagues game, the UBA North Texas Fresh came back from a double-digit deficit to beat the ABA Dallas Impact in Fort Worth, Texas. The game ended 88-84 for the Fresh. Team owner Jay Bowdy (6'6''-F/G-83, college: W.Georgia) was the man of the game for North Texas, with 31 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, and 11 rebounds. A'Daeron Duncan (6'7''-F-87, college: N.Kentucky) added 23 points at the winning side, and Travoy Edwards (6'7''-F-88, college: Great Falls), playing in his 2nd game this season, finished with 15 points, 9 of them coming in the fourth to help the Fresh in their amazing comeback.
Keandre Derrick (6'1''-G-88, college: Texas-PB) scored 28 points and Kenny Hewitt (6'7''-F-89, college: Lubbock Christian) had 15 for the Impact.
And a question cames out: why don' t organize this kind of inter-league games sooner, to give an idea to professional operators of which can be the true level of competition of each minor league ?

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Aleksandar CAPIN
  Radnicki KG
  (186-PG-82)
  Avg: 16.3

1. Capin, Radnicki KG	16.3
2. Planinic, Siroki W.	15.7
3. Rakocevic, Crvena	15.7
4. Travis, Zadar	15.2
5. Sutalo, Siroki W.	15.0
6. Blazic, Un.Olimpija	14.7
7. White, Radnicki KG	13.9
8. Strawberry, Cibona	13.9
9. Gecevski, MZT S.	13.6
10. Jorovic, Igokea	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Boris SAVOVIC
  Crvena Z.
  (210-F-87)
  Avg: 8.4

1. Savovic, Crvena Z.	8.4
2. Gordon, Partizan	8.0
3. Bader, Szolnok	7.9
4. Travis, Zadar	7.7
5. Baynes, Un.Olimpija	6.8
6. Sakic, Siroki WWin	6.7
7. Planinic, Siroki W.	6.1
8. Kastropil, Zadar	5.6
9. Hamilton, Cibona	5.6
10. Vitkovac, Buducn.	5.5

Assists Per Game

Aleksandar CAPIN
  Radnicki KG
  (186-PG-82)
  Avg: 5.4

1. Capin, Radnicki KG	5.4
2. Subotic, KK Split	4.9
3. Vladovic, Krka	4.4
4. Hammonds, Igokea	3.9
5. Otasevic, MZT S.	3.7
6. Simon, Szolnok	3.6
7. Rannikko, Un.Olimp.	3.3
8. Markovic, Radnicki.	3.2
9. Nelson, Crvena Z.	3.2
10. Sutalo, Siroki W.	3.0

Steals Per Game

D.J. STRAWBERRY
  Cibona
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Strawberry, Cibona	2.2
2. Otasevic, MZT S.	1.9
3. Green, Cedevita	1.9
4. Salin, Un.Olimpija	1.8
5. Hammonds, Igokea	1.7
6. White, Radnicki KG	1.6
7. Stojanovski, MZT S.	1.5
8. Lucic, Partizan	1.4
9. Worthington, Radni.	1.4
10. Travis, Zadar	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Filip KRALJEVIC
  KK Split
  (212-F-89)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Kraljevic, KK Split	1.4
2. Gecevski, MZT S.	1.3
3. Musli, Partizan	1.2
4. Planinic, Siroki W.	1.1
5. Baynes, Un.Olimpija	0.9
6. Gordon, Partizan	0.8
7. Lalic, Krka	0.8
8. Omic, Un.Olimpija	0.6
9. Bryan-A., Radnicki.	0.6
10. Ramljak, Siroki W.	0.5

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ARGENTINA

Sakarya U16 Tournament: Argentina beat Slovenia, the latter advances anyway - by Eurobasket News

Argentina U16-Slovenia U16 62:56

Argentina U16 beat Slovenia U16 at the Sakarya Tournament, but it was not enough for them to advance to the Quarterfinals. The European team lost 56:62 but clinched the last fourth place with the ticket to the next stage.
Slovenia started the game with 16-8 and led 8 points at the halftime. Argentina meanwhile dominated the second half and posted 18 points in the third and the last stanzas. It was enough to win both quarters as well as the game, but it was not enough to advance to the Quarterfinals.
Jeffrey Merchant (197-C-97) paced all the winners with 18 points and Crhistian Boudet notched 14. Martin Fernandez delivered 11, whilst Guillermo Aliende had 10. Blaz Mesicek (187-PG-97) replied with 12 points in the losing effort and Marko Matijevic (183-G-97) posted 9. Nejc Martincic (182-G-97) and Urban Durnik (201-PF-97) ended up with 8 points each in a loss.

Argentina U16: Jeffrey Merchant 18, Crhistian Boudet 14, Martin Fernandez (193-F-97) 11, Guillermo Aliende (178-PG-97) 10
Slovenia U16: Blaz Mesicek 12, Marko Matijevic 9, Nejc Martincic 8, Urban Durnik 8

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ASEAN LEAGUE

Standings

O Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 4

Feb. 5: Singapore S. - KL Dragons 68-67
Feb. 2: KL Dragons - Thailand S. 65-77
Feb. 1: Petron Blaze - Saigon H. 100-74
Feb. 8: Petron Blaze - Satria Muda

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AUSTRIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Maurice PEARSON
  Furstenf.
  (206-F/C-89)
  Avg: 19.8

1. Pearson, Furstenf.	19.8
2. Spasojevic, Arkadia	19.6
3. Tiedeman, Wels	19.5
4. Grum, Furstenfeld	19.4
5. Gilchrese, UBSC G.	18.8
6. Shaw, Kapfenberg	18.1
7. Dale, UBSC G.	18.0
8. Ray, BC Vienna	17.9
9. Suljanovic, Kloste.	17.5
10. Lamesic, Wels	16.9

Rebounds Per Game

Maurice PEARSON
  Furstenf.
  (206-F/C-89)
  Avg: 12.5

1. Pearson, Furstenf.	12.5
2. Heard, Gussing	8.1
3. Sanchez, Kapfenbe.	7.8
4. Ray, BC Vienna	7.0
5. Washington, Wels	6.9
6. Johnson, Oberwart	6.9
7. Speiser, St.Polten	6.7
8. Lamesic, Wels	6.7
9. Suljanovic, Kloste.	6.6
10. Bortolin, Arkadia	6.4

Assists Per Game

Giovonne WOODS
  Kapfenberg
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Woods, Kapfenberg	6.1
2. Boylan, BC Vienna	6.1
3. Klepeisz, Gussing	5.1
4. Tiedeman, Wels	4.4
5. Lanegger, Klostern.	4.4
6. Danek, BC Vienna	4.2
7. Farokhmanesh, Wels	3.8
8. O''Neal, Furstenfeld	3.8
9. Schaal, UBSC G.	3.7
10. Pryor, Kapfenberg	3.6

Steals Per Game

Eric GILCHRESE
  UBSC G.
  (183-PG-87)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Gilchrese, UBSC G.	2.6
2. Boylan, BC Vienna	1.8
3. Ray, BC Vienna	1.6
4. Arnold, Gmunden	1.6
5. Markovic, UBSC G.	1.5
6. Farokhmanesh, Wels	1.4
7. Pryor, Kapfenberg	1.4
8. O''Neal, Furstenfeld	1.3
9. Payton, Klostern.	1.3
10. Oppland, Gmunden	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Blaz CRESNAR
  Furstenf.
  (214-C-86)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Cresnar, Furstenf.	1.2
2. Bortolin, Arkadia	1.2
3. Rakocevic, BC Vi.	1.1
4. Arnold, Gmunden	0.9
5. Washington, Wels	0.8
6. Shaw, Kapfenberg	0.8
7. Mayer, Gmunden	0.7
8. Pearson, Furstenf.	0.6
9. Chappell, Klostern.	0.6
10. Greimeister, Klos.	0.6

BC Zepter Vienna and Zarko Rakocevic finally part ways - by Stefan Prager

The BC Zepter Vienna and big man Zarko Rakocevic (204-F-84, agency: Interperformances) have finally decided to part ways. Rumours have been around the league for weeks but now the split is official. With just three games left in the first stage of the Austrian Championship Rakocevic left the capital city ball club for good. The center from Montenegro appeared in 15 games for Vienna this season averaging 16.6 ppg along with 6.6 rpg while shooting 56.2% from the field. Rakocevic had trouble with his back troughout the season and fought severe problems from the charity stripe, shooting just 48.8%. Rakocevic also "led" the league in turnovers with 3.3 per game. Rakocevic was far away from dominating the ABL like he did the season before.

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Janis Berzins - Only hard work can bring success - by Eurobasket Center

First of all, congratulations on winning the award. What do you think has been the main key to the improvement for you personally and the team as the whole in the month of January?
Thanks for congratulations, its real honour for me. These congratulations I didnt deserve alone, it must be directed to entire team. It would be impossible without my teammates and coach put effort in order to succeed. We look to every game as it will be our last one we dont sort out opponents and prepare ourselves to fight at the highest level. January in BBL was successful. I would like to point out victory against one of the top Lithuanian team Siauliai on the home court. This win was big and emotional.

You finished the regular season on a quite bad stretch, but managed to take the first two games in the Top 16. Is this going to be a boost of extra confidence for the team?
I must agree - the first round was really tough. Every team in BBL is competitive and must be respected. Weekend when we succeeded in both games over Sakalai and Siauliai was terrific. We are young team and such victories increase level of confidence to keep winning streak alive.

What were the goals for the team coming into the season (BBL/LBL)? Now, that you started the second round very well, how far do you think you can go in BBL?
The goals before the season were to be one of the top 8 teams in BBL, but primarily qualify for the next round and fight for medals in LBL. Currently, we are on the right track and either personally, either team wise will do all it takes to reach the goals.

How would you describe yourself as a player? What would you name as your strengths and weaknesses?
I have always supposed, the most objective evaluation can be given from people aside its difficult and sophisticated to assess myself. From my point of view, I feel comfortable in offensive basketball even though during the season I have worked hard to improve defensive skills. I am looking forward to find the right balance in order to be equally productive either in offense, either in defence. I still have to work a lot to become a great basketball player.

You did not have a big role with VEF last season, during the summer you played behind Janis Timma and Ojars Silins in the U20 national team. Are you enjoying being one of the key players on the team?
First of all, regarding to my previous season on VEF Riga roster, I gained a lot of experience. Even though my play time was limited, during my minutes on court and in training process against such a great sparing partners as Janicenoks, Valters, Jahovics I learnt a lot. It is immeasurable. Furthermore, I truly appreciate help and advise from coaches Butautas and Mazurs.
Regarding to U20 performance, we ended up in high 6th place in European Championship. In such championship I was 1 year younger than majority and my role was to be back up player for Janis Timma. I am thankful to coach Roberts Stelmahers for trusting me in clutch episodes. My personal opinion is I didnt show my best and it motivates to work even harder. Furthermore, I enjoyed coach Stelmahers work and professionalism I see him as one of the best new coaches in our region.

Would it be safe to say that the loan move to Valmiera was the right decision? How are you finding working with coach Krumins?
Personally, I think it was right move VEF Riga is one of the leading teams in Euro cup and regarding to current roster my play time could have been limited. Mutually with board of VEF Riga and BK Valmiera, we agreed that playing significant role in BBL and LBL would be the best for my development. Furthermore, Varis Krumins is professional coach for young players it was important aspect of making my decision.

What are your plans for the nearest future will you be looking to come back to VEF and crack the rotation or are there other thoughts on your mind?
Currently I dont want to focus on such thoughts. The most important right now is to concentrate to every game and work hard at practises in order to reach goals. I will be happy to discuss right after the season.

Do you set yourself any specific goals in a long-term perspective (Euroleague/NBA/Latvian NT)?
As every player, I have set the highest goals for myself, but I will keep it as secret. In order to succeed, I must work really hard. I am ready to do all it takes and it is the most important. Only hard work and right attitude can bring you to the success.

Interview original retrieved: bbl.net, Author: Simonas Baranauskas

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BELGIUM

EuroChallenge: Kyle Weems scores 34 as Bonn hold off Okapi Aalstar - by Eurobasket News

Telekom Baskets - Okapi Aalstar 85:72

Telekom Baskets claimed a crucial win in EuroChallenge Group L tonight. They held off Okapi Aalstar in Bonn behind pivotal performance from Kyle Weems (198-F-89, college: Missouri St.). He exploded with 34 points as Bonn climbed at 2-2 record in the second position in the standings.
Bonn overcame a 0-6 start to the game to take a 25:20 lead after ten minutes. The Belgian team used an 8:3 run midway through the second frame to get within one. The visitors surged ahead late in the first half and ensured a 40:39 halftime lead. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the third term before the hosts went on a 10:2 rally to enter the fourth frame up by 9 points 70:61. Kyle Weems opened the final period with five points in a row and Bonn never looked back en route to the win. Robert Vaden (196-G/F-85, college: UAB) chipped in 15 points, while Chris Ensminger (209-C-73, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Valparaiso) added 7 points for the winners. John Tofi (203-F/C-84, college: UTEP) answered with 18 points and 8 rebounds for Okapi Aalstar. Thomas Dreesen (199-F-88, agency: Court Side) and Ryan Thompson (198-G-89, college: Rider) had 16 points each in the loss.

Telekom Baskets: Kyle Weems 34, Robert Vaden 15, Chris Ensminger 7
Okapi Aalstar: John Tofi 18, Thomas Dreesen 16, Ryan Thompson 16

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BOSNIA

Samir Sehic continues to dominate high school basketball! - by Chris Mathieu

Samir Sehic (201-F-96) is one of the top young Bosnian basketball prospects in the world. Samir had 34pts 19rbs recently in a game after setting a team record for rebounds in a game with 23 earlier this season! Samir is consider a four star recruit, the 4th best center in his class currently and is only a sophomore in high school! He plays on one of the best AAU clubs in America and is on a lot of teams radar for college basketball!
He has affirmed his commitment to the Bosnian National Team at some point in the future but his busy summer schedule with the powerhouse Texas Titans have kept him off the Bosnian junior teams so far. It is just a matter of time before he joins some level of BiH basketball and contributes to the teams bright future!

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BRAZIL

Standings - BNL

NBB Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 21

Feb. 5: Uberlandia - Bauru 94-83
Feb. 5: Franca - Liga Sorocaba 85-64
Feb. 5: Paulistano - Palmeiras 83-69
Feb. 5: S.Jose/Unimed - Flamengo 82-84
Feb. 5: Minas - Joinville 78-69
Feb. 5: Vila Velha - Limeira 72-64
Feb. 5: Mogi das Cruzes - Tijuca TC 68-83

Regular Season: Round 22

Feb. 7: Vila Velha - Joinville
Feb. 7: Pinheiros/Sky - Palmeiras
Feb. 7: Franca - Bauru
Feb. 7: Uberlandia - Liga Sorocaba
Feb. 7: Mogi das Cruzes - Flamengo
Feb. 7: S.Jose/Unimed - Tijuca TC
Feb. 7: Minas - Limeira
Feb. 7: Suzano - Paulistano

Stats Leaders - BNL

Points Per Game

Marquinhos VIEIRA
  Flamengo
  (207-SF-84)
  Avg: 22.5

1. Vieira, Flamengo	22.5
2. Boracini, Pinheiro.	20.2
3. Simmons, Vila Velha	19.7
4. Holloway, Liga S.	19.6
5. Antonio, S.Jose/U.	19.3
6. Day, Uberlandia	18.4
7. Giovannoni, Brasil.	18.1
8. Dos Santos, Brasil.	17.3
9. Nardi Duarte, Min.	17.3
10. Brown, Palmeiras	16.9

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.	8.9
4. Giovannoni, Brasil.	8.0
5. Castellar, Limeira	7.7
6. Agba, Bauru	7.6
7. Antonio, S.Jose/U.	7.5
8. Silveira, Flamengo	7.2
9. Costa, S.Jose/U.	7.0
10. Teichmann, Franca	6.8

Assists Per Game

Fulvio DE ASSIS
  S.Jose/U.
  (186-PG-81)
  Avg: 7.9

1. de Assis, S.Jose/U.	7.9
2. Dos Santos, Brasil.	6.6
3. Smith, Pinheiro.	5.7
4. Boracini, Pinheiro.	5.3
5. Garcia, Uberlandia	5.0
6. Dawkins, Liga S.	4.9
7. Pinheiro, Vila Vel.	4.9
8. Taylor, Bauru	4.8
9. Collum, Uberlandia	4.7
10. Lima, Limeira	4.6

Steals Per Game

Shamell STALLWORTH
  Pinhei.
  (195-SG-80)
  Avg: 0.2

1. Stallworth, Pinhei.	0.2
2. Benite, Flamengo	0.2
3. Froehlich, Franca	0.2
4. Boracini, Pinheiro.	0.2
5. Luz dos Sant., Fra.	0.2
6. Collum, Uberlandia	0.1
7. Garcia, Uberlandia	0.1
8. Lima, Limeira	0.1
9. Castellar, Limeira	0.1
10. Machado, Flamengo	0.1

Blocks Per Game

Arlindo NETO
  Liga Sorocaba
  (187-G-86)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Neto, Liga Soroca.	2.2
2. Campos, Suzano	2.2
3. Dawkins, Liga S.	2.0
4. Simmons, Vila Velha	1.9
5. Nardi Duarte, Min.	1.9
6. Figueroa, Franca	1.9
7. de Assis, S.Jose/U.	1.8
8. Boracini, Pinheiro.	1.8
9. Soro, Liga Sorocaba	1.7
10. Day, Uberlandia	1.7

NBB Round 21: Flamengo beats Sao Jose/Vinac by two after a very close game - by Eurobasket News

Ninth-ranked Sao Jose/Vinac (10-11) used its home court advantage to challenge leader Flamengo (21-0) on Tuesday. The visitors from Rio de Janeiro managed to secure only two-point victory 84-82. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 23-18 charge, which allowed them to win the game. It was a good game for the former international Marquinhos Vieira (207-84) who led his team to a victory with 20 points and 7 rebounds. The former international center Caio Silveira (211-87, agency: Interperformances) contributed with 15 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. The former international power forward Jefferson Antonio (207-83) answered with 19 points and 8 rebounds for Sao Jose/Vinac. Sao Jose/Vinac's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Undefeated Flamengo have an impressive series of twenty one victories in a row. They maintain first place with 21-0 record. Sao Jose/Vinac lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth position with 11 games lost. Flamengo are looking forward to face Mogi (#15) in Mogi das Cruzes in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Sao Jose/Vinac will play at home against Tijuca TC (#16) in Rio de Janeiro and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
An interesting game for Uberlandia (14-6) which hosted in Uberlandia 4th placed Paschoalotto/Bauru (13-7). Third ranked Uberlandia managed to get a 11-point victory 94-83. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Paschoalotto/Bauru. American forward Robert Day (197-82, college: W.Oregon) stepped up and scored 16 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and Lucas Cipolini chipped in 18 points (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!). The best for the losing side was Nigerian-American power forward Jefferson Agba (209-80, college: Embry Riddle) with 22 points and 6 rebounds. Uberlandia maintains third place with 14-6 record having eight points less than leader Flamengo. Paschoalotto/Bauru at the other side keeps the fourth position with seven games lost. They share it with Franca. Uberlandia will play against Liga Sorocaba (#9) in Sorocabana in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Paschoalotto/Bauru will play on the road against Vivo/Franca (#4) in Sao Paulo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Bottom-ranked Tijuca TC managed to get the second consecutive victory on Tuesday night. This time they won against fourteenth-ranked Mogi in Mogi das Cruzes 83-68. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 15-point difference suggests that Tijuca TC is in a good shape to leave the bottom place. Rashaun McLemore nailed 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side. Babby Araujo came up with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 14 rebounds for Mogi in the defeat. Mogi's coach tested ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tijuca TC (4-16) moved-up to sixteenth place. Mogi lost their third game in a row. They keep the fourteenth position with 14 games lost. They share it with Vila Velha. Tijuca TC will meet higher ranked Sao Jose/Vinac (#10) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Mogi will play against the league's leader Flamengo (#1) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Winner/Limeira (9-10) and Vila Velha (6-14), which took place in Vila Velha. Higher ranked Winner/Limeira lost to fifteenth ranked Vila Velha in a road game 64-72. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Winner/Limeira. The best player for the winners was Daniel Costa who had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds. Winner/Limeira's coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Vila Velha moved-up to fourteenth place, which they share with Mogi das Cruzes. Winner/Limeira at the other side dropped to the eleventh position with ten games lost. Vila Velha's next round opponent will be higher ranked Joinville (#13) at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
The game between fifth ranked Vivo/Franca (13-7) and 7th ranked Liga Sorocaba (10-10) in Sao Paulo on Tuesday ended with biggest points difference. Vivo/Franca outscored guests from Sorocabana 85-64. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Liga Sorocaba. It was a good game for Jhonatan Luz dos Santos who led his team to a victory with 19 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Vivo/Franca moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Bauru. Loser Liga Sorocaba dropped to the eighth position with ten games lost. Vivo/Franca will face Paschoalotto/Bauru (#5) at home in the next round. Liga Sorocaba will play against Uberlandia.

In the last two games of round 21 Palmeiras was beaten by Paulistano on the road 83-69. Minas won against Joinville on its own court 78-69.

Mogi das Cruzes - Tijuca TC 68-83

Bottom-ranked Tijuca TC managed to get the second consecutive victory on Tuesday night. This time they won against fourteenth-ranked Mogi in Mogi das Cruzes 83-68. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 15-point difference suggests that Tijuca TC is in a good shape to leave the bottom place. They made 32-of-39 free shots (82.1 percent) during the game, while Mogi only scored ten points from the stripe. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Tijuca TC made 11 blocks. American swingman Rashaun McLemore (195-86, college: CS Northridge) nailed 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side and the former international guard Arnaldinho Filho (187-78) accounted for 17 points. The former international center Babby Araujo (211-80, college: BYU) came up with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 14 rebounds and forward Caio Ranches (192-87) added 16 points respectively for Mogi in the defeat. Mogi's coach tested ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tijuca TC (4-16) moved-up to sixteenth place. Mogi lost their third game in a row. They keep the fourteenth position with 14 games lost. They share it with Vila Velha. Tijuca TC will meet higher ranked Sao Jose/Vinac (#10) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Mogi will play against the league's leader Flamengo (#1) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Tijuca TC: A.Filho 17+2reb+2ast, R.McLemore 16+7reb+3ast, R.Bahia Bispo 11+3reb, C.Araujo 9+2reb+1ast, F.Lima 9+2reb+3ast, R.Bishop 7+3reb
Mogi das Cruzes: C.Ranches 16+4reb+1ast, B.Araujo 16+14reb+2ast, G.Filipin 9+4reb+3ast, T.Gehrke 8+2reb+1ast, G.Lima 7+4ast, M.Riddick 6+3ast

Paulistano - Palmeiras 83-69

No shocking result in a game when eighth ranked Paulistano (11-9) beat bottom-ranked Palmeiras (3-16) in Sao Paolo 83-69 on Tuesday. The game was mostly controlled by Paulistano. Palmeiras was better in second period 24-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Paulistano made 7 blocks. It was a good game for swingman Eddy Carvalho (194-87) who led his team to a victory with 15 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Pedro Lima (190-87) contributed with 18 points for the winners. American guard Caleb Brown (182-87, college: Austin Peay St.) answered with 24 points and the former international power forward Tiago Lima (201-81) added 7 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Palmeiras. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Paulistano moved-up to seventh place. Loser Palmeiras dropped to the bottom position with 16 games lost. Paulistano will face Suzano (#17) in Sao Paulo in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Palmeiras will play on the road against Pinheiros in Sao Paolo.
Top scorers:
Paulistano: P.Lima 18+1reb+1ast, E.Carvalho 15+6reb, R.Carbonari 14+4reb+2ast, S.Toyloy 10+5reb+1ast, A.Oliveira 9+7reb+4ast, W.Mattos 8+8reb+1ast
Palmeiras: C.Brown 24+2reb, A.Pecos 12+1reb, A.Wiggins 8+3reb+1ast, T.Lima 7+7reb, F.Coloneze 7+5reb+1ast, G.Pereira 5+1reb

Minas - Joinville 78-69

Rather expected game when 13th ranked Joinville (8-11) lost to eleventh ranked Minas (10-10) in Belo Horizonte 69-78 on Tuesday. Joinville trailed by 14 points after 3 quarters before a 24-19 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 69-78 at the end of the game. It was a great shooting night for Minas especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 53.3 percentage. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Minas made 11 blocks. It was a good game for American guard Jermaine Beal (191-87, college: Vanderbilt) who led his team to a victory with 24 points. The former international swingman Betinho Nardi Duarte (195-88) contributed with 13 points and 4 assists for the winners. Four Minas players scored in double figures. Forward Diego Conceicao (200-87) answered with 16 points and 4 blocks and forward Vinicius Telo (203-85, college: Cameron) added 15 points in the effort for Joinville. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Minas moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Liga Sorocaba. Loser Joinville keeps the thirteenth position with 11 games lost. Minas will face Winner/Limeira (#11) at home in the next round. Joinville will play against Vila Velha and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Minas: J.Beal 24+1reb, B.Nardi Duarte 13+4reb+4ast, P.Crosby 12+6reb+1ast, D.Nunes 11+2reb+1ast, R.Mineiro Rodrigues 9+6reb, H.Coelho 4+2ast
Joinville: D.Conceicao 16+3reb+2ast, V.Telo 15+4reb+2ast, V.De Souza 12+4reb+4ast, T.Aleo 9+2reb+3ast, T.Mathias 6+5reb, R.Probst 6+4reb

Vila Velha - Limeira 72-64

Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Winner/Limeira (9-10) and Vila Velha (6-14), which took place in Vila Velha. Higher ranked Winner/Limeira lost to fifteenth ranked Vila Velha in a road game 64-72. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Winner/Limeira. Winner/Limeira was ahead by 4 points after three quarters before a 31-19 charge of Vila Velha, which allowed them to win the game. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Winner/Limeira to just 7 points in third quarter. Vila Velha brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. 25 personal fouls committed by Winner/Limeira helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was power forward Daniel Costa (204-81) who had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Alexandre Pinheiro (185-85) chipped in 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Dominican-American guard Ronald Ramon (182-86, college: Pittsburgh) who recorded 16 points and the former international point guard Helio Vitor Lima (184-81) added 11 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists respectively. Winner/Limeira's coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Vila Velha moved-up to fourteenth place, which they share with Mogi das Cruzes. Winner/Limeira at the other side dropped to the eleventh position with ten games lost. Vila Velha's next round opponent will be higher ranked Joinville (#13) at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Vila Velha: D.Costa 19+11reb, A.Pinheiro 17+5reb+6ast, B.Simmons 13+4reb, J.Parker 8+5reb, A.Jemmott 7+3reb+1ast, E.Araujo Gorges 4+5reb+1ast
Limeira: R.Ramon 16+3reb+1ast, H.Vitor Lima 11+5reb+4ast, O.Carter 10+3reb, D.Barba 9+2reb, F.Alvim 7+6reb, D.Castellar 6+8reb+2ast

S.Jose/Unimed - Flamengo 82-84

Ninth-ranked Sao Jose/Vinac (10-11) used its home court advantage to challenge leader Flamengo (21-0) on Tuesday. The visitors from Rio de Janeiro managed to secure only two-point victory 84-82. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 23-18 charge, which allowed them to win the game. It was a good game for the former international Marquinhos Vieira (207-84) who led his team to a victory with 20 points and 7 rebounds. The former international center Caio Silveira (211-87, agency: Interperformances) contributed with 15 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Five Flamengo players scored in double figures. The former international power forward Jefferson Antonio (207-83) answered with 19 points and 8 rebounds and international swingman Dede Stefanelli (196-84) added 21 points in the effort for Sao Jose/Vinac. Sao Jose/Vinac's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Flamengo have an impressive series of twenty one victories in a row. They maintain first place with 21-0 record. Sao Jose/Vinac lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth position with 11 games lost. Flamengo are looking forward to face Mogi (#15) in Mogi das Cruzes in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Sao Jose/Vinac will play at home against Tijuca TC (#16) in Rio de Janeiro and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Flamengo: M.Vieira 20+7reb+3ast, K.Mensah 17+2reb+4ast, O.Rodriguez 16+5reb+1ast, C.Silveira 15+9reb+2ast, E.Machado 11+2reb, G.Yeye Torres 3
S.Jose/Unimed: D.Stefanelli 21+2reb+1ast, J.Antonio 19+8reb+3ast, D.Costa 10+4reb, L.Felipe Lemes 9+4reb+1ast, F.de Assis 9+1reb+4ast, A.Laws 8+2reb+2ast

Franca - Liga Sorocaba 85-64

The game between fifth ranked Vivo/Franca (13-7) and 7th ranked Liga Sorocaba (10-10) in Sao Paulo on Tuesday ended with biggest points difference. Vivo/Franca outscored guests from Sorocabana 85-64. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Liga Sorocaba. The game was mostly controlled by Vivo/Franca. Liga Sorocaba was better in fourth quarter 19-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Vivo/Franca made 20-of-24 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Vivo/Franca made 12 blocks. It was a good game for the former international swingman Jhonatan Luz dos Santos (196-87) who led his team to a victory with 19 points. The former international power forward Guilherme Teichmann (204-83, college: Tulsa) contributed with 3 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. Four Vivo/Franca players scored in double figures. American guard Kenny Dawkins (175-87, college: Lamar) answered with 16 points and 4 assists and guard Evandro Soro (190-80) added 13 points in the effort for Liga Sorocaba. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Vivo/Franca moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Bauru. Loser Liga Sorocaba dropped to the eighth position with ten games lost. Vivo/Franca will face Paschoalotto/Bauru (#5) at home in the next round. Liga Sorocaba will play against Uberlandia.
Top scorers:
Franca: J.Luz dos Santos 19+4reb+1ast, L.Meindl 12+1reb+2ast, C.Borges dos Santos 11+3reb+1ast, J.Pablo Figueroa 10+2reb+3ast, D.Kurtz 8+4reb, R.Zanini 7+1reb+1ast
Liga Sorocaba: K.Dawkins 16+3reb+4ast, E.Soro 13+4reb+1ast, R.de Bem 9+5reb+1ast, A.Neto 6+1reb+3ast, E.Rodrigues 5+1ast, D.Holloway 5+1reb+1ast

Uberlandia - Bauru 94-83

An interesting game for Uberlandia (14-6) which hosted in Uberlandia 4th placed Paschoalotto/Bauru (13-7). Third ranked Uberlandia managed to get a 11-point victory 94-83. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Paschoalotto/Bauru. It looked good early as Paschoalotto/Bauru took an 7-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Uberlandia had a 20-10 second period charge getting the lead and Paschoalotto/Bauru was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 83-94. They outrebounded Paschoalotto/Bauru 33-20 including a 26-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Uberlandia players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. American forward Robert Day (197-82, college: W.Oregon) stepped up and scored 16 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and international power forward Lucas Cipolini (206-86, college: BYU-Hawaii) chipped in 18 points (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!). The best for the losing side was Nigerian-American power forward Jefferson Agba (209-80, college: Embry Riddle) with 22 points and 6 rebounds and forward Pilar Alves (200-84) scored 17 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Uberlandia maintains third place with 14-6 record having eight points less than leader Flamengo. Paschoalotto/Bauru at the other side keeps the fourth position with seven games lost. They share it with Franca. Uberlandia will play against Liga Sorocaba (#9) in Sorocabana in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Paschoalotto/Bauru will play on the road against Vivo/Franca (#4) in Sao Paulo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Uberlandia: L.Cipolini 18+3reb+3ast, R.Day 16+5reb+5ast, A.Parisotto 15+2reb, H.Garcia 13+2reb+7ast, V.Silva 10+5reb+9ast, J.Estevam Ferreira 8+6reb
Bauru: J.Agba 22+6reb+1ast, P.Alves 17+5reb+1ast, R.Fischer 15+3reb+4ast, L.Taylor 15+1reb+6ast, D.Coleman 12+3reb+3ast, J.Detrick 2+1reb

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

EE/LL basketball League was about promoting togetherness - by David Edole

EAST END, Tortola, VI- The final of the Lorenzo Black Boy Jennings Christmas Basketball League played on Friday February 1, 2013 at the Greenland court may have been won by Nuttin Nyce but for the organisors the real winners were the fans, who came out in numbers throughout the League but especially for the final game.

For the organisors, that was an objective achieved as the main aim of the League was to promote a return of togetherness that was known to exist between the Long Look and East End Communities.

We are very pleased with the outcome. Our golden objective was to bring the community back together. We have always been a strong united community and we were very happy when the court came back on. We intend to show that we stay close to community and will be the link in keeping things together, Chairman of the 7th/8th District Committee Dawn Crabbe-Herbert told Virgin Islands News Online.

The sentiments of the objective being achieved were also echoed by Territorial At-Large Representative Hon. Archibald C. Christian and Eighth District Representative Hon. Marlon A. Penn, who both witnessed the final and later assisted in the presentation of prizes.

It is obvious that this league has served its purpose in bringing all the youngsters back to the Greenland field to play sports and to ensure that they are engaged in meaningful activities. So we hope that this is the beginning of bringing our community back together and I do look forward to the next championship games, commented Hon. Christian.

Hon. Penn congratulated the organizing committee and recalled that when the court was opened some months ago he had put out a challenge to Ms Crabbe-Herbert to have a Christmas basketball league. I dont know how you are going to do it but make it happen. She went ahead, pulled a committee together and the rest is history, Hon. Penn reflected.

He also said the aim of the League was to bring back the togetherness between the East End and Long Look communities. It seems as though it has transcended throughout the Territory because I see people from all over the BVI tonight and that is a good thing. I think the objective was met and I look forward for more tournaments.

Hon. Penn also extended congratulations to Nuttin Nyce for winning the Championship despite a tough series and noted that the team had a tough time with Long Look Bulldogs and then 49th Street but showed their true colours to emerge victorious. I know 49th Street will be coming back strong as ever next year to try to win championship.

Noting the good turnout of supporters, Hon. Penn remarked the big winner tonight was the fans.

Meanwhile, among those receiving individual prizes at the presentation ceremony were David Bolo Lettsome who was named Best Guard and also had the Most Points and tied for Most Blocks with Kennedy Bass and another player; Ephraim Gordon for Most Assists; Jamal Trigger Rabsatt for Most Steals; and Kennedy Bass for Best Forward. Bass was also named MVP of the League.

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CANADA

Maine Red Claws welcome back Joseph - by Eurobasket News

Maine Red Claws tabbed 25-year old Canadian ex-international forward Kris Joseph (200-100kg-88, college: Syracuse). Its actually his comeback to Maine Red Claws as he played here before. Joseph has a double citizenship as he also holds Trinidad and Tobago passport. Joseph started the season at Boston Celtics in the NBA. But in 6 games this season he averaged just 1.2ppg. The last season he played at Syracuse University. In 37 Big East Conference games last year he had 13.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.5apg and 1.4spg. He helped them to win the regular season and make it to the semifinals. He can count that season as a very successful as was selected to All-Big East 1st Team and NABC Division I All-District 5 1st Team.
Last year Joseph was drafted by Boston Celtics (NBA) in second round (51st overall). The former Syracuse University staris in his first season in pro basketball. Joseph was a member of Canadian Senior National Team in 2009.
Lets have closer look into His outlook: a great athlete, with tremendous leaping abilities ... He is always active, always trying to make something happen around the basket whether its getting tips or put backs ... Hes an above average rebounder mainly due to his explosiveness, high energy and constant motor- always following shots and trying to make something happen around the basket.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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COSTA RICA

Ferreteria Brenes Barva and Coopenae USJ advance to Final Series, USJ takes Game 1 - by Gianni Pascucci

Barva and San Ramon advanced to Apertura Final defeating Perez Zeledon and Sanatura Escazu, respectively 2-1 and 2-0 in Semis
Game 1 of the Final Seres was played in San Ramon on Tuesday, Feb. 05 night, and Coopenae USJ claimed the first win, 72-69 at the end of a very close match.
After that first quarter had ended with San Ramon ahead, 16-14, the first half buzzer found the two teams on 37-33, with San Ramon again ahead in the score.
Barva tried to come back during the third partial, but it wasn' t enough.
New import Chris Giles (193-G) led Coopenae USJ with 26 points, being also the game top scorer. Veteran Henry Martinez (188-G/F-75) led Barva with 18 pts in losing effort.
Game 2 of Finals will be played tomorrow, Friday 8, and Game 3, if necessary, is scheduled for Sunday 10. Both next Finals games will be played on Barva home court.

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CROATIA

A1 Standings

A1 Standings

1. KK Zagreb		10-3
2. Kvarner 2010		10-3
3. Alkar Sinj		9-4
4. Jolly		8-5
5. Djuro Djakovic		7-6
6. Zabok		6-7
7. Darda		6-7
8. Krizevci		5-8
9. Osjecki Sokol		3-10
10. Dubrovnik		1-12
Play in international cups:
1. Cedevita		-
2. Cibona		-
3. KK Split		-
4. Zadar		-

Regular Season: Round 14

Feb. 16: Dubrovnik - Darda
Feb. 16: Kvarner 2010 - Djuro Djakovic
Feb. 16: KK Zagreb - Alkar Sinj
Feb. 16: Jolly - Krizevci
Feb. 16: Osjecki Sokol - Zabok

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

Ronald ROSS
  Jolly
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 23.1

1. Ross, Jolly	23.1
2. Mrva, Jolly	19.9
3. James, KK Zagreb	19.1
4. Batina, Djuro D.	18.7
5. Lez, Zabok	17.2
6. Rembert, Krizevci	16.1
7. Skific, Kvarner	15.0
8. Peric, Dubrovnik	14.8
9. Krapic, KK Zagreb	14.7
10. Peraica, Darda	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Mate MRVA
  Jolly
  (195-F-83)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Mrva, Jolly	8.7
2. Radic, Kvarner 2010	8.2
3. Sarlija, Djuro D.	7.2
4. Jakolis, Dubrovnik	6.9
5. Massamba, Djuro D.	6.5
6. Krapic, KK Zagreb	5.9
7. Poscic, KK Zagreb	5.8
8. Skific, Kvarner	5.5
9. Ross, Jolly	5.3
10. Peraica, Darda	5.3

Assists Per Game

Bojan KRIVEC
  Kvarner .
  (188-G-87)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Krivec, Kvarner	5.2
2. Tomeljak, Osjecki	4.6
3. Ross, Jolly	3.8
4. Glavinic, Darda	3.8
5. Rembert, Krizevci	3.2
6. Jugo, Alkar Sinj	3.2
7. Blajic, Djuro D.	3.1
8. Pesut, Zabok	3.0
9. Panduric, Darda	3.0
10. Segaric, KK Zagreb	2.9

Steals Per Game

Mike JAMES
  KK Zagreb
  (185-G-90)
  Avg: 2.3

1. James, KK Zagreb	2.3
2. Ross, Jolly	2.2
3. Peric, Dubrovnik	1.7
4. Mrva, Jolly	1.7
5. Krstanovic, Krizev.	1.6
6. Batina, Djuro D.	1.5
7. Krivec, Kvarner	1.5
8. Krapic, KK Zagreb	1.5
9. Pesut, Zabok	1.4
10. Surina, Kvarner	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Marino SARLIJA
  Djuro D.
  (207-C/F-89)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Sarlija, Djuro D.	1.8
2. Bubalo, Jolly	1.0
3. Cakarun, Jolly	0.9
4. Najev, Dubrovnik	0.8
5. Bakovic, Djuro D.	0.8
6. Hrncic, Darda	0.8
7. Vlaic, Zabok	0.7
8. Zupic, Alkar Sinj	0.7
9. Cvjetkovic, Krizev.	0.6
10. Bundovic, Zabok	0.6

Standings - A2 League

A2 Standings

Group Center
1. Hermes Anal.		9-0
2. Gorica		6-3
3. Dubrava		6-4
4. Zrinjevac		6-4
5. Samobor		5-4
6. Sanac Karl.		5-6
7. Maksimir		4-5
8. Bosco		3-6
9. Rudes		2-6
10. Kaptol		2-6
11. Mladost Z.(C)		2-6
12. Sus.-Moslavina		0-0
Group East
1. Belisce		11-0
2. Vinkovci		10-1
3. Meteor D.		6-4
4. Vukovar		5-5
5. Zupanja		5-5
6. Vrijednosnice		4-5
7. Pozega		3-7
8. Olimp Inspekt		2-10
9. Virovitica		0-9
Group North
1. Cakovec		12-4
2. Mladost D.(N)		12-4
3. Graficar		12-4
4. Podravac Virje		11-5
5. Bjelovar		10-5
6. Medjimurje C.		10-6
7. Vindija V.		9-6
8. Petar Zrinski		7-8
9. Ivancica		3-12
10. Radnik		3-13
11. Rudar-Cimper		3-13
12. Koprivnica		0-16
Group South
1. GKK Sibenik		14-1
2. Puntamika		12-0
3. Kastela		12-3
4. Policnik		9-6
5. Omis Galeb		7-8
6. Metkovic		6-8
7. Solin		6-9
8. Sukosan		6-9
9. Cetina		5-9
10. Jazine		5-10
11. DOSK		3-12
12. Trogir		2-12
Group West
1. Skrljevo		9-2
2. Crikvenica		8-4
3. Stoja Pula		7-3
4. Kastav		7-4
5. Pula 1981		7-4
6. Zamet		4-7
7. Otocac		3-6
8. Ghia Staff		2-9
9. Rovinj		1-9
10. Ucka		0-1

Regular Season: Round 17

Center

Feb. 9: Sus.-Moslavina - Samobor
Feb. 9: Mladost Z.(C) - Gorica
Feb. 9: Sanac Karl. - Zrinjevac
Feb. 9: Maksimir - Kaptol
Feb. 9: Rudes - Hermes Anal.
Feb. 9: Bosco - Dubrava

East

Feb. 9: Meteor D. - Belisce
Feb. 9: Olimp Inspekt - Vrijednosnice
Feb. 9: Virovitica - Pozega
Feb. 9: Zupanja - Vukovar

North

Feb. 9: Medjimurje C. - Koprivnica
Feb. 9: Vindija V. - Podravac Virje
Feb. 9: Graficar - Mladost D.(N)
Feb. 9: Rudar-Cimper - Cakovec
Feb. 9: Bjelovar - Petar Zrinski
Feb. 9: Radnik - Ivancica

South

Feb. 9: Metkovic - GKK Sibenik
Feb. 9: Sukosan - Policnik
Feb. 9: Jazine - Puntamika
Feb. 9: Omis Galeb - Trogir
Feb. 9: DOSK - Kastela
Feb. 9: Cetina - Solin

West

Feb. 9: Ghia Staff - Crikvenica
Feb. 9: Skrljevo - Pula 1981
Feb. 9: Zamet - Otocac
Feb. 9: Rovinj - Ucka
Feb. 9: Stoja Pula - Kastav

Cibona and Cedevita reach Kresimir Cosic Cup Final - by Eurobasket News

Cibona and Cedevita will play in Kresimir Cosic Cup Final tomorrow. They overcame Zadar and Split in the respective semifinal battles tonight.
Cibona stunned Zadar 100:67. Zadar led by three points after ten minutes 20:17. But Cibona took over shortly after. They surged ahead in the second term and ensured a 47:40 halftime lead. Cibona stretched the margin in the third quarter. They accounted for a massive 23-point lead before the fourth frame. Cibona controlled the tempo in the final period and sealed the winning outcome. Andrija Zizic (207-C-80, agency: Beo Basket) delivered 22 points to pace the winners. Jerel Blassingame (175-PG-81, college: UNLV) added 20 points for Cibona. Ante Delas (200-G/F-88) answered with 9 points for Zadar.
Cedevita took care of Split 89:80. Cedevita jumped to an early lead. They ensured a 24:17 advantage ten minutes into the game. Split reacted with a strong offensive effort to narrow the gap at 6-point mark at halftime. Cedevita made necessary arrangements in the big break and held their opponents to 16 points in the third term. The gap grew at 14-point mark with ten minutes remaining. Split were able to trim the deficit but came up way too short of victory at the end. Bracey Wright (191-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Indiana) delivered 17 points to lead the winners. Predrag Suput (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) added 15 points for Cedevita. Split answered with 16 points from Filip Kraljevic (212-F-89, agency: Beo Basket). Filip Kruslin (198-SG-89, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 13 points in the loss.

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CYPRUS

Standings - Division A

Division A Standings

1. Keravnos		15-3
2. AEK		13-5
3. Etha		13-5
4. Apoel		10-8
5. Apollon		8-10
6. AEL		6-12
7. ENAD		3-14
8. Omonia		3-14

Regular Season: Round 18

Feb. 5: Apoel - AEL 99-66
Feb. 6: Etha - Apollon 96-83
Feb. 5: Keravnos - AEK 69-54
Feb. 6: ENAD - Omonia

Div.A stats leaders

Points Per Game

Jeremy ALLEN
  Omonia
  (193-G-88)
  Avg: 19.6

1. Allen, Omonia	19.6
2. Brown, Apollon	18.6
3. Aleksic, AEL	17.3
4. Pesic, AEL	16.9
5. Fisher, AEK	16.2
6. Outerbridge, AEL	16.2
7. Crocker, Keravnos	15.0
8. Diggs, Omonia	14.8
9. Williams, Etha	14.6
10. Maze, Keravnos	13.3

Rebounds Per Game

Orion OUTERBRIDGE
  AEL
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 9

1. Outerbridge, AEL	9.0
2. Pesic, AEL	8.7
3. Aleksic, AEL	7.7
4. Brown, Apollon	7.2
5. Diggs, Omonia	7.1
6. Vaughn, Keravnos	6.7
7. Bolden, ENAD	6.5
8. Fisher, AEK	6.4
9. Jefferson, Apollon	6.1
10. Kaskiris, ENAD	5.9

Assists Per Game

Bobby MAZE
  Keravnos
  (191-PG-86)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Maze, Keravnos	5.2
2. Diggs, Omonia	4.9
3. Aleksic, AEL	4.7
4. Dorsey, Apollon	4.0
5. Palalas, AEL	3.8
6. Demertzis, Kerav.	3.8
7. Stiggers, Apoel	3.5
8. Panteli, AEK	3.1
9. Adegboye, Etha	3.0
10. Guillandeaux, AEL	2.8

Steals Per Game

Georgios PALALAS
  AEL
  (185-PG-81)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Palalas, AEL	2.6
2. Hamilton, ENAD	2.3
3. Stiggers, Apoel	2.2
4. Diggs, Omonia	1.9
5. Dorsey, Apollon	1.8
6. Kremen, Apoel	1.8
7. Panteli, AEK	1.7
8. Brown, Apollon	1.7
9. Poole, Etha	1.7
10. Allen, AEL	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Orion OUTERBRIDGE
  AEL
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Outerbridge, AEL	1.8
2. Jefferson, Apollon	1.7
3. Harrison, AEK	1.5
4. Vaughn, Keravnos	1.4
5. Baker, Omonia	1.3
6. Brown, Apollon	1.1
7. Morrison, Apoel	0.9
8. Chan, Apoel	0.8
9. Sims, ENAD	0.5
10. Pesic, AEL	0.5

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

BK Opava Strengthen Roster Ahead of A2 Group Stage - by Surujh Roopnarine

After finishing a disappointing 12th place (6-18) in the basic stage of Mattoni NBL play, BK Breda & Weinstein Opava has moved to strengthen its team (rather than dismantle it) with the addition of two potentially key components. The first addition is American guard Phil Martin (193-G, college: Cal-Riverside), a rookie out of UC-Riverside (NCAA). The 6-4 Martin, a Staten Island, New York native, joined the Iowa Energy in the off-season but did not appear in any games thus far this season. Last season as a Highlander he led the team in scoring (17.5 points) and rebounds (5.6) while handing out 1.0 assists and shooting 45.0% from the field, 35.1% from three and 80.5% from the free-throw line on his way to being named to the All-Big West 1st Team. Possessing a strong dribble and ability to drive to the basket, Martin is more suited to playing shooting guard but can run the offense on occasion if needed.
The second addition is a familiar name to Opava fans, as the club has returned 7-1 center Radim Kramny (215-C-85) who is recently departed from BK Lions Jindrichuv Hradec. Kramny, 27, was unhappy with his role with the Lions, where he saw action in 20 games, while averaging just 14.0 minutes, 6.6 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 54.3% from the field. Kramny came up the junior ranks with Opava and returns to the club after six years away.
Opava will open up A2 group play on February 13 versus Astrum Levice.

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

DENMARK

Standings - Basketligaen

Ligaen Standings

1. Svendborg		21-2
2. Bakken		17-5
3. Horsens IC		17-6
4. SISU		13-9
5. Naestved		12-11
6. Randers		10-13
7. Horsholm		8-13
8. Vaerlose		7-15
9. Aarhus BC		5-18
10. Aalborg		1-19

Regular Season: Round 26

Feb. 6: Svendborg - Aarhus BC 86-67
Feb. 6: Naestved - Randers 80-77
Feb. 7: SISU - Bakken
Feb. 7: Aalborg - Vaerlose

Stats Leaders - Basketligaen

Points Per Game

Bonell COLAS
  Randers
  (205-F-82)
  Avg: 24.6

1. Colas, Randers	24.6
2. Rutherford, Svend.	24.0
3. Jukic, Horsens IC	21.1
4. Willen, Aalborg	20.2
5. Bowlin, Horsens IC	20.2
6. Darboe, Svendborg	19.2
7. Ocana, Randers	19.2
8. Walker, Naestved	19.0
9. Delk, Vaerlose	18.7
10. Nielsen, Randers	18.6

Rebounds Per Game

Bonell COLAS
  Randers
  (205-F-82)
  Avg: 14.7

1. Colas, Randers	14.7
2. Rutherford, Svend.	10.0
3. Jukic, Horsens IC	9.4
4. Dezouvre, Aarhus	9.2
5. Washington, Svend.	8.0
6. Baker, Vaerlose	7.9
7. Walker, Naestved	7.8
8. Moritz, SISU	7.7
9. Willen, Aalborg	7.7
10. Karason, Vaerlose	7.4

Assists Per Game

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

1. Ortega, Randers	7.1
2. Bowlin, Horsens IC	6.9
3. Darboe, Svendborg	6.0
4. Nielsen, SISU	5.3
5. Murphy, Naestved	4.7
6. Nielsen, Randers	4.6
7. Tomko, Bakken	4.5
8. Plannthin, Svend.	4.4
9. Jonsson, Aarhus BC	4.0
10. Dennis, SISU	3.9

Steals Per Game

Skyler BOWLIN
  Horsens IC
  (190-G-89)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Bowlin, Horsens IC	3.2
2. Tomko, Bakken	2.4
3. Nielsen, SISU	2.3
4. Delk, Vaerlose	2.2
5. Darboe, Svendborg	2.2
6. Ortega, Randers	2.0
7. Jukic, Horsens IC	1.9
8. Walker, Naestved	1.9
9. Rungby, Horsens IC	1.8
10. Dennis, SISU	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Gregory WASHINGTON
  Svend.
  (208-C/F-84)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Washington, Svend.	2.6
2. Colas, Randers	2.3
3. Marinkovic, Horsho.	1.7
4. Jukic, Horsens IC	1.3
5. Christoffers., Bak.	1.3
6. Jukic, Horsholm	1.1
7. Delk, Vaerlose	1.0
8. Jensen, Vaerlose	0.9
9. Smith, SISU	0.9
10. Frandsen, Naestv.	0.8

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

D-LEAGUE

Standings

D-League Standings

East Conference
1. Canton C.		18-12
2. Santa Cruz W.		17-9
3. Sioux Falls S.		17-11
4. Maine RC		17-12
5. Erie Bay H.		16-12
6. Ft.Wayne MA		14-16
7. Springfield A.		9-19
8. Iowa E.		7-19
West Conference
1. Bakersfield J.		19-9
2. Rio Grande VV		17-10
3. Austin T.		15-12
4. Tulsa 66ers		15-13
5. Texas L.		11-17
6. Los Angeles D.		10-16
7. Reno B.		9-14
8. Idaho S.		8-18

Regular Season: Round 39

Feb. 6: Ft.Wayne MA - Sioux Falls S. 99-106
Feb. 4: Springfield A. - Rio Grande VV 97-112
Feb. 4: Ft.Wayne MA - Canton C. 94-81
Feb. 5: Texas L. - Austin T. 91-102
Feb. 6: Erie Bay H. - Rio Grande VV 102-99 OT

Regular Season: Round 40

Feb. 7: Iowa E. - Texas L.
Feb. 7: Springfield A. - Maine RC
Feb. 7: Reno B. - Santa Cruz W.
Feb. 8: Erie Bay H. - Sioux Falls S.
Feb. 8: Maine RC - Bakersfield J.
Feb. 8: Ft.Wayne MA - Rio Grande VV
Feb. 8: Austin T. - Canton C.
Feb. 8: Reno B. - Los Angeles D.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Luke HARANGODY
  Ft.Wayne.
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 21.2

1. Harangody, Ft.Wayn.	21.2
2. Lamb, Tulsa 66ers	21.1
3. Johnson-Odom, Los	21.0
4. Mack, Maine RC	20.5
5. Goudelock, Sioux F.	20.3
6. Joseph, Austin T.	19.8
7. Summers, Maine RC	19.5
8. Almond, Iowa E.	19.5
9. Kennedy, Erie B.	18.9
10. Jones, Rio G.	18.8

Rebounds Per Game

Luke HARANGODY
  Ft.Wayne.
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 12.7

1. Harangody, Ft.Wayn.	12.7
2. Mays, Springfield	10.8
3. Butch, Bakersfi.	10.5
4. Plumlee, Ft.Wayne.	10.5
5. Jackson, Austin T.	10.5
6. Onuaku, Canton C.	10.0
7. Evans, Idaho S.	9.5
8. Jones, Rio G.	9.4
9. Harris, Iowa E.	9.4
10. Wilkerson, Austin	9.1

Assists Per Game

Walker RUSSELL
  Reno B.
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 8.3

1. Russell, Reno B.	8.3
2. Mack, Maine RC	8.0
3. Wright, Iowa E.	7.3
4. Singletary, Texas	6.6
5. Machado, Rio G.	6.4
6. Fortson, Los A.	6.3
7. Karl, Idaho S.	5.8
8. Uzoh, Springfield	5.8
9. Kennedy, Erie B.	5.6
10. Goudelock, Rio G.	5.2

Steals Per Game

Jamario MOON
  Los A.
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Moon, Los A.	2.3
2. Downs, Maine RC	2.1
3. McNeal, Bakersfi.	2.0
4. Wright, Maine RC	1.9
5. Gutierrez, Canton	1.9
6. Greene, Los A.	1.9
7. Johnson, Rio G.	1.8
8. Holiday, Idaho S.	1.8
9. Fortson, Los A.	1.8
10. Sutton, Tulsa 66.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Fabricio MELO
  Maine RC
  (212-C-90)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Melo, Maine RC	3.6
2. Jordan, Reno B.	2.9
3. Eyenga, Texas L.	2.5
4. Gladness, Santa C.	2.3
5. Johnson, Ft.Wayne.	2.2
6. Moon, Los A.	2.1
7. Johnson, Santa C.	2.1
8. Foster, Sioux F.	2.1
9. Orton, Tulsa 66ers	2.1
10. Plumlee, Ft.Wayne.	1.8

Review of latest action around the League - by Eurobasket News

Springfield A. - Rio Grande VV 97-112
Carleton Scott (6'8''-F-88, college: Notre Dame) was good, but he was no match for Vernon Macklin (6'10''-F/C-86, college: Florida) and Glen Rice (6'5''-G-91, college: Georgia Tech) Jr. Macklin (26 points) was a force in the paint and Rice was terrific inside and out as he scored a career-high 35 to lead the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to a 112-97 win over the Springfield Armor Monday night at the MassMutual Center. Rice, the son of former NBA star Glen Rice, rallied the Vipers (17-9) from a six-point halftime deficit with 19 points after the break. The fourth-round pick in the Development League draft also had a career-high 15 rebounds. It all overshadowed a fine night by Scott, who had 23 points on 7-for-11 shooting, including 6 of 9 from behind the 3-point arc. "We just got to play a whole game together," Scott said. "We could have a beautiful first half and the second half we just fall apart. We got to put a good 48 minutes together." Armor coach Bob MacKinnon has gone with a new lineup the last two games in an effort to get the Armor moving in the right direction. Scott, who had been playing small forward, has been moved to shooting guard over Christian Polk, while Kenny Adeleke (6'9''-C-83, college: Hartford) starts at center in place of Willie Reed. Scott gives the Armor the same perimeter offense, but increases their size on the floor. Adeleke adds a little width and toughness. The new lineup worked Saturday in Iowa and for at least the first half Monday. Scott had 16 points at halftime on 5-for-8 shooting, 4 for 6 from behind the arc. He came in averaging 12 points per game. Adeleke only scored two points, but he had six rebounds at the break, slightly over his average. The two things the Armor did well in the first half were shoot the 3-ball and force turnovers. Springfield was 8 of 13 from distance and forced the Vipers into 14 turnovers. More importantly, the Armor had a 57-51 lead and were looking to move to 5-0 at home when up at the break. Make that 4-1. The Vipers, who already had the upper hand on the glass, expanded it in the third quarter. They outrebounded the Armor 15-8 and held them to 16 points on 6-of-19 shooting. Scott hit his first two shots of the third, both 3-pointers, but only managed one more hoop, scoring all of his points in the first three quarters. With the ejection of the Vipers' Andrew Goudelock in the first half, Scott Machado saw more playing time at the point. Machado was put on Scott in the third quarter and played a role in keeping him away from the ball. "He played great defense, but we just kind of got stagnant as a team," Scott said. "I had to move and we just kind of settled. We've got to play a full 48 minutes together and that falls on everybody, myself included." Tim Ohlbrecht - whom the Armor drafted first in the 2012 draft before trading him to Rio Grande Valley for Ben Uzoh - didn't do much, but played a role in helping the Vipers take the lead in the third. He scored all seven of his points in the quarter. His free throw broke a 66-66 tie. The Armor tied it at 71-71, but a Macklin dunk followed by another basket from Macklin put the Vipers ahead for good. Courtesy of: masslive.com

Ft.Wayne MA - Canton C. 94-81
Even after Tony Mitchell (6'6''-F-92, college: Alabama) missed the first shot he took, a three-pointer on the Mad Ants' second possession, coach Duane Ticknor applauded the effort and shouted from the sideline, 'There you go.' And would he ever go. Mitchell, the 6-foot-8 forward who played at Alabama, scored a season-high 32 points Monday to propel the Mad Ants to a 94-81 victory over the same Canton team that beat the Ants two nights ago in Ohio. The win over the NBA D-League East Division-leading Charge (18-12) not only keeps the Ants (14-15) within sight of first place, but it also keeps them on the heels of division rival Erie for the eighth playoff spot. 'I just wanted to be active,' said Mitchell, who was 11 of 24 from the field and 8 of 14 from the free throw line. 'Before we get a break here, I want us to win all our home games and beat a couple teams so we can get in this playoff race.' But before the NBA All-Star break gives the Ants 12 days without a game, there will be no immediate break. The Ants will be home Wednesday and Friday, then hit the road for a Saturday game in Iowa. 'It doesn't get any easier,' Ticknor said. 'We can only enjoy this one (Monday) and come back to work (today) at practice. Every game is important. This is important - a division game.' The Ants, playing with veteran guard Ron Howard (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Valparaiso) for the first time since the middle of last month when he suffered a knee injury in Bakersfield, Calif., broke out to a 51-35 halftime lead. The lead was still a cozy 76-63 with 8:51 remaining in the game. But Canton got back-to-back three-point plays 24 seconds apart and even drew within 82-78 on former Ant JaJuan Johnson's three-point play with 4:20 remaining. Here came Mitchell, though. His floater from the lane that gave the Ants their 82nd point was followed by a tip-in, a twisting put-back, a free throw and a strong drive to the basket with 1:47 left that sent the Ants ahead 89-79. In less than three minutes, Mitchell scored all nine of his fourth-quarter points in succession. 'It was regular plays,' Mitchell said of his overall night. 'I was just trying to see what their defense would give me, and they gave me a lot. I was just trying to be aggressive and get to the line.' Luke Harangody (6'7''-F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Notre Dame) added 20 points and Howard had 11. Courtesy of: journalgazette.net

Texas L. - Austin T. 91-102
After losing only three times in January, the Austin Toros avoided losing their third game in a row in February as they cruised to a 102-91 victory over the Texas Legends on Tuesday night in Frisco. Cory Joseph (6'3''-PG-91, college: Texas), a D-League All-Star, led the Toros (15-12) with 20 points. He also had seven assists and six steals. The Legends (11-17) opened the game with an 11-2 run, but the Toros fought back and only trailed by two after the first quarter. The Toros took their first lead on a Chris Roberts (6'4''-G-88, college: Bradley) layup in which he was also fouled. He converted the free throw to make it 28-26 with 11:01 to go in the first half. The Toros didn't trail again. Roberts scored 18 and grabbed 17 rebounds to go along with four blocks. Justin Dentmon (6'0''-G-85, college: Washington), who was traded for Roberts in January, led the Legends with 29 points. The Toros return home to the Cedar Park Center on Friday to face the Canton Charge at 7:30. Courtesy of: statesman.com

Ft.Wayne MA - Sioux Falls S. 99-106
Down went the home winning streak, propelled by tired legs and one glaring absence. Playing their third game in five days, and with leading scorer and rebounder Luke Harangody on the bench in street clothes with a knee injury, the Mad Ants led very early and then never again, falling to Sioux Falls 106-99 at Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday. A 7-0 Sioux Falls run took the Skyforce from a 5-2 deficit to a 9-5 lead, and the Ants never caught up thereafter. The loss snapped a six-game home winning streak stretching back to December. Tony Mitchell led the Ants (13-15) with 27 points and Ron Howard added 20, but no one else scored more than 13. Nine threes by Sioux Falls and 25 turnovers to just 18 assists for the Mad Ants did the rest. Demetris Nichols (6'9''-F-84, college: Syracuse) led the Skyforce (17-11), which put seven players in double figures, with 22 points. Courtesy of: journalgazette.net

Erie Bay H. - Rio Grande VV 102-99 OT
Vernon Macklin scored 19 points for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, but it wasn't enough in a 102-99 overtime loss to the Erie BayHawks on Wednesday. Tim Ohlbrecht added 17 points, 12 rebounds and five blocked shots for the Vipers, who dropped to 17-10. Erie (16-12) was led by Henry Sims (6'10''-C-90, college: Georgetown)' 24 points. D.J. Kennedy (6'6''-G/F-89, agency: Interperformances, college: St.John's) added 22 points and 12 assists. The BayHawks led 79-63 heading into the fourth quarter. The Vipers erased Erie's advantage and took the lead on two Andrew Goudelock free throws with two minutes remaining. Kyle Goldcamp (6'10''-F-86, college: Gannon) converted a layup with 47 seconds left to tie the game at 94. Erie attempted three shots in the final 20 seconds but could not convert and the game went to overtime. The BayHawks only missed one shot in overtime and eventually defeated the Vipers, 102-99. The Vipers will next play at Fort Wayne on Friday and close out a five-game road swing at Iowa on Sunday. Courtesy of: themonitor.com

Canton Charge released Ruoff - by Eurobasket News

Canton Charge released 27-year old guard Alex Ruoff (198-86, college: W.Virginia). In 24 D-League games he played this season he had 7.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.6apg and 1.1spg.
The last season Ruoff played at Okapi Aalstar (Ethias League) in Belgian league. In 9 games last year he recorded 9.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.8apg and 1.8spg.
Last year (three years after he left the college) Ruoff was drafted by Erie Bay Hawks (D-League) in second round (28th overall).
He attended West Virginia University until 2009 and it is his fourth season in pro basketball.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as Ruoff played in the final of Belgian League for two years in a row (2010 and 2011). He was also voted Big East Scholar-Athlete of the Year back in 2009 at his college time.
Ruoff has played previously for Liege Basket.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Maine Red Claws welcome back Joseph - by Eurobasket News

Maine Red Claws tabbed 25-year old Canadian ex-international forward Kris Joseph (200-100kg-88, college: Syracuse). Its actually his comeback to Maine Red Claws as he played here before. Joseph has a double citizenship as he also holds Trinidad and Tobago passport. Joseph started the season at Boston Celtics in the NBA. But in 6 games this season he averaged just 1.2ppg. The last season he played at Syracuse University. In 37 Big East Conference games last year he had 13.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.5apg and 1.4spg. He helped them to win the regular season and make it to the semifinals. He can count that season as a very successful as was selected to All-Big East 1st Team and NABC Division I All-District 5 1st Team.
Last year Joseph was drafted by Boston Celtics (NBA) in second round (51st overall). The former Syracuse University staris in his first season in pro basketball. Joseph was a member of Canadian Senior National Team in 2009.
Lets have closer look into His outlook: a great athlete, with tremendous leaping abilities ... He is always active, always trying to make something happen around the basket whether its getting tips or put backs ... Hes an above average rebounder mainly due to his explosiveness, high energy and constant motor- always following shots and trying to make something happen around the basket.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

ESTONIA

Siim-Sander Vene selected the top Estonian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Siim-Sander Vene

#1. This week's number one is an international small forward Siim-Sander Vene (203-90, agency: Alti Sport, currently plays in Lithuania). He led Rudupis to an easy victory against the seventh-ranked Nevezis (6-7) crushing them 108-87 in the Lithuanian LKL in Saturday night's game. Vene recorded 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals in 30 minutes on the court. Rudupis Prienu (12-1) is placed first in the LKL. Vene is ranked third on the list of the most steals in the league with 1.8spg. He also averaged so far 12.0ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.7apg, 2FGP: 57.6%(53-92), 3FGP: 24.2% and FT: 73.7% in the 12 games he played so far. Vene is currently a member of the Estonian senior national team.

Kristjan Kangur

#2. Second place goes to an international small forward Kristjan Kangur (201-82, currently plays in Italy). He led Montepaschi Siena to a victory against the league leader Cimberio Varese (15-3) 89-75 in the Italian SerieA last Sunday. Kangur scored 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Montepaschi Siena (13-5) is placed third in the SerieA. It's Kangur's first season with the team. This year he averages: 8.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 2FGP: 55.9%(19-34), 3FGP: 49.3%(33-67) and FT: 77.8%. Kangur is in the roster of the Estonian senior national team.

Janar Talts

#3. The Estonian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international power forward Janar Talts (207-83, currently plays in Italy) faced previously mentioned Kristjan Kangur in the Italian SerieA last game. Talts, who plays in the Italian SerieA. He could not help Cimberio Varese (15-3) to beat Montepaschi Siena (13-5). Talts scored only 4 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 14 minutes. The league leader Cimberio Varese lost 75-89 on the road to the lower-ranked (#3) Montepaschi Siena. This year Talts' overall stats are: 3.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 2FGP: 66.7%(22-33), 3FGP: 38.5% in the 18 games. He is also a member of the Estonian senior national team.

Gregor Arbet

#4. Swingman Gregor Arbet (195-83, currently plays in Greece) contributed to a 2-point Kavala's victory against the league outsider Panelefsiniakos (3-12) 68-66 in the Greek A1 in Saturday night's game. Arbet scored 10 points. Enosi Kalathosfairisis Kavalas (4-11) is placed second from the bottom (#13) in the A1. They ended the series of three consecutive loses. Arbet has relatively good stats this season: 12.0ppg and 4.3rpg. He is also Estonian national team player.

Joonas Vaino

#5. U20 international power forward Joonas Vaino (204-92, currently plays in Finland) managed to help Namika Lahti in a victory against Forssan Koripojat 102-95 in the Finnish Korisliiga last Wednesday. Vaino recorded only 2 points in 4 minutes on the court. Namika Lahti (6-21) is located at the very bottom in the Korisliiga. But the situation may improve as they ended a series of four consecutive loses. This year Vaino's total stats are: 1.8ppg and 1.7rpg in the 27 games. He plays currently for the Estonian U20 national team.

Other top Estonian players, who play abroad:

Sten-Timmu Sokk (181-PG-89) plays for Olimpi in Georgian Superleague
Reinar Hallik (208-C-84) plays for Craiova in Romanian Liga Nationala
Marko Meimer (200-F-96) plays for Caceres Basket in Spanish LEB Gold
Viljar Veski (215-C-86) plays for Palma in Spanish LEB Silver
Kent-Kaarel Vene (192-SG-94) plays for Zalgiris-Sabonio in Lithuanian NKL
Reimo Pahn (202-F-87) plays for Kerava Energia Team in Finnish 1st Division
Karl-Robin Jurjens (199-F-96) plays for Cajasol Castilleja in Spanish EBA
Madis Shumanov (207-C-88) plays for Bodfeld Baskets in German Regionalliga
Maert Tralla (177-PG-87) plays for Bodfeld Baskets in German Regionalliga
Sven Kaldre (197-G/F-91) plays for Bodfeld Baskets in German Regionalliga

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

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

EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE

Top former ESL players currently in pro basketball based on last week's performance - by Eurobasket Center

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Eurobasket Summer League players who are currently playing pro basketball.

Akeem Scott

#1. Akeem Scott (186-PG-83, college: High Point, currently plays in Mexico), who plays in the Mexican LNBP (second division) could not help one of league's weakest teams Pioneros (11-11) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Pioneros was edged 74-72 at home by the higher-ranked (#4) Toros. Scott had a double-double by scoring 15 points and getting 10 rebounds. He also added 5 assists in 29 minutes. Scott has relatively good stats this year: 12.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.2apg and 1.4spg in the 42 games he played so far. He is a naturalized American. He attended previously one of camps at Eurobasket Summer League on his way to pro basketball. In 2011 Scott went to the ESL camp in Las Vegas playing for Team Geneva.

Lindsey Hughey

#2. Lindsey Hughey (190-G-89, college: Weber St., currently plays in Germany) was the major contributor in Leitershofen's victory against the fourth-ranked Noerdlingen (10-7) 96-92 in the German ProB (third division) last Saturday. Hughey recorded a triple-double by scoring 24 points, grabbing 13 rebounds and passing 11 assists; quite an impressive performance considering it's only his second season in pro basketball. BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (8-9) is placed eighth in Group South. Hughey belongs to league's most steals and is ranked #5. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Hughey averages: 18.2ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.0apg and 2.4spg. Worth to mention Hughey played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball. Two years ago he took part in the ESL camp in Las Vegas playing for Team Lugano.

Kyle Lamonte

#3. Kyle Lamonte (191-G-84, college: William Carey, currently plays in Argentina) led Obras to an easy victory against one of league's weakest teams Union Progresista (10-22) crushing them 102-82 in the Argentinian LigaA on Friday night. Lamonte scored 14 points in 28 minutes. Obras Sanitarias Buenos Aires (12-20) is placed 13th in the LigaA. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. This year Lamonte has relatively solid stats: 10.6ppg, 2.2rpg and 1.6apg in the five games he played so far. He attended previously one of camps at Eurobasket Summer League on his way to pro basketball.

Demarius Bolds

#4. Demarius Bolds (190-G-84, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: Missouri Western, currently plays in Czech Republic) led BC Kolin to a victory against the fifth-ranked Basketbal Svitavy 85-80 in the Czech Republic NBL in Saturday night's game. He recorded 15 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. BC Kolinis placed first in Group A1. Bolds is currently fourth on the list of top scorers and also on the list of most steals (third place). He has individually a very good season with high stats. Bolds averages: 17.4ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.5apg and 2.2spg. He is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. In 2008 Bolds attended the ESL camp in Chicago playing for Warsaw.

Jon Rogers

#5. Jon Rogers (204-C-84, college: Valdosta St., currently plays in Uruguay) was the major contributor in an Union Atletica's victory against the eighth-ranked Aguada (1-4) 87-78 in the Uruguayan LUB last Monday. Rogers had a double-double by scoring 18 points and getting 15 rebounds in 32 minutes. Union Atletica (4-1) is placed first in Serie 1. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. There are only two games left until the end of the Second Stage. So now every game will be critical. Rogers is currently third on the league's list of best blockers with 2.0bpg. This year he also averages: 11.4ppg and 8.4rpg in the 33 games he played so far. He played in 2010at the Eurobasket Summer League in Atlanta for Team Russia.

Emmanuel Little

#6. Emmanuel Little (196-F-85, college: N.Dakota, currently plays in Mexico) led Fuerza Regia to an overtime victory over the second-ranked Halcones Rojos (32-8) 81-80 in the Mexican LNBP (second division) on Tuesday night. He was MVP of the game. Little scored 20 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished 4 assists. Fuerza Regia Monterrey (25-15) is placed seventh in the LNBP. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Little has reliable stats this season: 13.5ppg, 6.0rpg and 3.0apg. Little attended five years ago the Eurobasket Summer League camp in Chicago.

Nate Linhart

#7. Nate Linhart (201-F-86, college: Akron, currently plays in Germany), who plays in the German BBL could not help TBB Trier (10-10) in their last game. Despite Linhart's good performance TBB Trier lost 82-86 at home to the second-ranked ratiopharm Ulm. He had a double-double by scoring 13 points and getting 11 rebounds. Linhart also added 4 assists in 28 minutes. Linhart is ranked fifth on the list of the most steals in the league with 1.6spg. He also averaged so far 10.6ppg, 5.8rpg and 1.7apg in the 20 games he played so far. Worth to mention he played also for Team Dublin at the ESL in Las Vegas in 2009.

Gabe Freeman

#8. Gabe Freeman (198-F-85, college: Costa Mesa JC, currently plays in ASEAN League) led his Filipino team Petron Blaze to a victory over the league leader Saigon Heat (3-2) crushing them 100-74 in the ASEAN League last Friday. He was the best player in that game. Freeman recorded 21 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Petron Blaze Boosters (2-1) are placed third in the ASEAN League. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. Freeman's stats this year are: 15.0ppg, 8.3rpg and 2.0apg. Freeman played two years ago at the ESL in Las Vegas for Team Monaco.

Perry Petty

#9. Perry Petty (185-G-88, college: UTPA, currently plays in Romania) led Giurgiu to a victory over the closely-ranked Targu Mures (5-14) 89-79 in the Romanian Liga Nationala on Saturday night. Petty was the top player that evening. He scored 29 points (!!!), grabbed 5 rebounds and dished 7 assists in 40 minutes; not bad, considering it's only Petty's second season in pro basketball. CSS Giurgiu (7-13) is placed 12th in the Liga Nationala. It's Petty's first year with the team. Petty is currently second on the list of most steals with 2.1spg. This year his other stats are: 14.7ppg, 5.0rpg and 3.6apg in the 20 games he played so far. He attended in 2011 the ESL camp in Las Vegas.

Jayson Granger

#10. Jayson Granger (186-G-89, currently plays in Spain) contributed to an Asefa Estudiantes' victory against the closely-ranked CAI Zaragoza (11-9) 82-77 in the Spanish ACB in Sunday night's game. He scored 7 points. Asefa Estudiantes Madrid (11-9) is placed eighth in the ACB. Granger is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his seventh year in Asefa Estudiantes' roster. Granger's stats this season are: 10.2ppg, 3.3rpg and 3.3apg. He has a dual citizenship: Uruguayan and Italian. Worth to mention Granger played also for Team Budapest at the ESL in New York three years ago.

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EUROCHALLENGE

Standings

EuroChallenge Standings

Group I
1. Karsiyaka			3-0
2. Ventspils			1-2
3. Kataja			1-2
4. Gaz Metan			1-2
Group J
1. Paris-Levallois			2-1
2. Gravelines			2-1
3. Szolnok			2-1
4. Hapoel Holon			0-3
Group K
1. Krasnie Krilya			3-0
2. Khimik			1-2
3. Tofas			1-2
4. Norrkoping			1-2
Group L
1. EWE Baskets			3-0
2. Telekom Baskets			2-2
3. Tsmoki-Minsk			1-2
4. Aalstar			1-3

Top 16: Round 4

Feb. 12: Gaz Metan - Karsiyaka
Feb. 12: Ventspils - Kataja

Feb. 12: Hapoel Holon - Paris-Levallois
Feb. 12: Gravelines - Szolnok

Feb. 12: Khimik - Tofas
Feb. 12: Norrkoping - Krasnie Krilya

Feb. 6: Telekom Baskets - Aalstar 85-72
Feb. 13: Tsmoki-Minsk - EWE Baskets

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Bryan HOPKINS
  Antwerp
  (183-PG-83)
  Avg: 22.2

1. Hopkins, Antwerp	22.2
2. Buljan, Kormend	21.7
3. Shaw, Kormend	21.3
4. Dyson, Hapoel Hol.	21.3
5. May, Paris-Levallo.	20.8
6. Dixon, Karsiyaka	19.9
7. Hassell, Hapoel Ho.	18.3
8. Flowers, Kataja	18.2
9. Burtt, Tofas	17.3
10. Bizaca, Sodertalje	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Frank HASSELL
  Hapoel Holon
  (203-F-88)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Hassell, Hapoel Ho.	11.8
2. Bader, Szolnok	11.0
3. Qvale, M.Hainaut	9.7
4. Williams, Pyrinto	9.5
5. Thondique, Antwerp	8.8
6. May, Paris-Levallo.	8.6
7. Elonu, Tofas	8.6
8. Wilson, Armia	8.5
9. Simms, Sodertalje	8.3
10. Hill, Hapoel Holon	8.2

Assists Per Game

Aaron MILES
  Krasnie Krilya
  (186-PG-83)
  Avg: 7.3

1. Miles, Krasnie Kri.	7.3
2. Albicy, Paris-Le.	6.3
3. Deane, Khimik	6.0
4. Jordan, Telekom	5.8
5. Williams, Pyrinto	5.7
6. Dixon, Karsiyaka	5.6
7. Kudrautsau, Tsmoki.	5.3
8. Rujak, Kormend	5.2
9. Jovanovic, Timisoa.	5.2
10. Kramer, EWE B.	5.2

Steals Per Game

Jonte FLOWERS
  Kataja
  (196-F/G-85)
  Avg: 4

1. Flowers, Kataja	4.0
2. Harris, Dijon	2.8
3. Clark, Aalstar	2.7
4. Albicy, Paris-Le.	2.7
5. Barac, Pitesti	2.2
6. Crocker, Keravnos	2.2
7. Diabate, Nancy	2.0
8. Johnson, Timisoara	2.0
9. Millage, Armia	2.0
10. Diot, Paris-Leval.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Kenneth SIMMS
  Sodertalje
  (203-C-86)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Simms, Sodertalje	2.2
2. Vaughn, Keravnos	1.8
3. Goodridge, Khimik	1.8
4. Qvale, M.Hainaut	1.7
5. Vasiliev, Krasni.	1.5
6. Aminu, Karsiyaka	1.4
7. Love, Antwerp	1.3
8. Hill, Hapoel Holon	1.3
9. Archie, Timisoara	1.2
10. Wohlfarth-B., Tel.	1.2

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

EUROCUP

Le Mans lose Charles Kahudi to injury - by Eurobasket News

Le Mans suffered an injury setback. Charles Kahudi (197-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) will have to undergo a surgery on his knee. The estimated recovery time is around five months. Charles Kahudi is expected the reminder of the season and possibly European Championship in Slovenia this summer. The forward joined Le Mans back in 2009. He tallied 8.0 points, 4.3 boards and 1.0 assist per game in Euroleague qualifying round this season. In EuroCup Charles Kahudi notched 8.3 points, 5.0 boards per appearance. His stats read also 9.6 points, 4.4 boards and 1.3 assists in ProA. Charles Kahudi was named into French ProA All-Defensive Team in 2012. He has been the member of the French National Team since 2010.

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

EUROLEAGUE

Montepaschi interested in acquiring Nikos Pappas? - by Dimitris Katsionis

According to rumors, Montepaschi Siena had contacts, twice last week, with Panionios BC president, Ilias Lianos, about Nikos Pappas (195-G-90, agency: FCM). Mr. Lianos denied to agree for a possible transcription. Montepaschi is on the market for an off-guard and Pappas seems a very good case. The 22-year old Greek combo guard (leads A1 in scoring averaging 18.7 ppg.) is a great penetrator and finisher, has a strong body (goes to the charity line very often), a very effective midrange game and he can thrive in a transition offense. Seems like the ideal piece in Banchi's up tempo system this year in Tuscan.
He needs to improve his defensive attitude and playmaking abilities in order to be the complete package. Pappas was positive about a possible transcription but he has a contract with Panionios and it's obvious that the team is not in a rush as the administration expects to have many offers (from top-clubs) this summer for the player.

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

FINLAND

Standings - Korisliiga

Korisliiga Standings

1. KTP		22-6
2. Kataja		21-5
3. Nilan Bisons		21-6
4. Pyrinto		20-7
5. Kauhajoki		17-11
6. LrNMKY		13-15
7. Kouvot		12-16
8. Korihait		10-18
9. Salon Vilpas		8-20
10. Lapua		8-20
11. FoKoPo		7-21
12. Namika Lahti		7-21

Regular Season: Round 29

Feb. 6: FoKoPo - Nilan Bisons 99-91
Feb. 6: Pyrinto - Kauhajoki 89-84
Feb. 6: Salon Vilpas - Kataja 87-96
Feb. 6: LrNMKY - Namika Lahti 76-83
Feb. 6: Kouvot - Korihait 64-92
Feb. 6: Lapua - KTP 64-77

Regular Season: Round 30

Feb. 8: Namika Lahti - Lapua
Feb. 9: Kouvot - Pyrinto
Feb. 9: Kauhajoki - Salon Vilpas
Feb. 9: Nilan Bisons - LrNMKY
Feb. 9: Korihait - KTP
Feb. 10: Kataja - FoKoPo

Teemu Rannikko selected the top Finn playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Teemu Rannikko

#1. This week's number one is an experienced international point guard Teemu Rannikko (189-80, currently plays in Adriatic League). He contributed to Un.Olimpija's victory against the closely-ranked MZT Skopje (10-10) 87-76 in the Adriatic League in Saturday night's game. Rannikko scored 9 points and added 3 passes in 21 minutes on the court. Union Olimpija Ljubljana (11-9) is placed seventh in the Adriatic League. It's Rannikko's first season with the team. Rannikko is currently seventh on the list of best passers with 3.3apg. He also averaged so far 7.0ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 61.1%(11-18), 3FGP: 36.7% and FT: 86.5% in the 19 games he played so far. Rannikko is currently a member of the Finnish senior national team.

Petteri Koponen

#2. Second place goes to an international point guard Petteri Koponen (194-88, currently plays in Euroleague). He managed to help BC Khimky Moscow Region to win against the closely-ranked Caja Laboral (4-2) 83-71 in the Euroleague last Friday. Koponen scored 5 points and added 3 passes. BC Khimky Moscow Region (4-2) is placed third in group F. This season Koponen averages: 6.0ppg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 57.6%(19-33), 3FGP: 32.1%. He is in the roster of the Finnish senior national team.

Gerald Lee

#3. The Finnish player who performed third best last week abroad was an international center Gerald Lee (208-87, college: ODU, currently plays in Adriatic League). Lee contributed to Buducnost's victory against the 11th-ranked Cibona (7-13) 73-60 in the Adriatic League on Saturday night. He scored 9 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 21 minutes. KK Buducnost Voli Podgorica (12-8) is placed fifth in the Adriatic League. Lee has relatively good stats this year: 11.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 2FGP: 62.0%(93-150) and FT: 62.0% in the 20 games. He is a naturalized American. Lee is also a member of the Finnish senior national team. Strangely he has never played in Finland.

Sasu Salin

#4. Guard Sasu Salin (192-91, currently plays in Adriatic League) is a teammate of previously mentioned Teemu Rannikko and both played together in the last Adriatic League game. Salin contributed to Un.Olimpija's victory against the closely-ranked MZT Skopje (10-10) 87-76. He scored 5 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Salin is ranked fourth on the list of the most steals in the league. His overall stats this season are: 6.9ppg, 3.6rpg and 1.8spg. Salin is also Finnish national team player.

Roope Ahonen

#5. International guard Roope Ahonen (186-90, agency: FCM, currently plays in Sweden) led Solna Vikings to a 3-point victory over the ninth-ranked KFUM Jamtland (7-17) 82-79 in the Swedish Basketligan last Thursday. He was MVP of the game. Ahonen recorded 18 points and added 5 assists in a mere 19 minutes. Solna Vikings (17-9) is placed fourth in the Basketligan. Ahonen is currently seventh on the league's list of best passers with 4.2apg. This year he also averages: 11.7ppg and 1.7rpg in the 26 games. Ahonen plays currently for the Finnish national team.

Tuukka Kotti

#6. Power forward Tuukka Kotti (205-81, college: Providence, currently plays in Italy) contributed to an easy victory against the eighth-ranked Enel Brindisi (9-9) 97-81 in the Italian SerieA on Sunday night. He scored 5 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Vanoli Cremona (7-11) is placed 12th in the SerieA. Kotti's overall stats this season are: 5.9ppg and 6.1rpg. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Finnish National Team roster.

Lauri Toivonen

#7. Former University international forward Lauri Toivonen (201-91, currently plays college basketball in the States) contributed to UTPA's victory against the Oklahoma Panhandle State University (9-9) 76-68 in the NCAA in Tuesday night's game. Toivonen scored only 4 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and dished 4 assists in 24 minutes. The University of Texas-Pan American has 3-1 conference record this season. This year Toivonen's overall stats are: 5.9ppg and 6.1rpg in the 16 games. He used to play for the Finnish university national team two years ago.

Other top Finnish players, who play abroad:

Emir Sulejmanovic (204-C/F-95) plays for Un.Olimpija in Slovenian Telemach League
Shawn Huff (198-SF-84) plays for Vanoli Cremona in Italian SerieA
Kristjan Rinaldo (192-G/F-91) plays for TTU in Estonian KML
Joonas Caven (211-C/F-93) plays for Prat Juventud in Spanish LEB Silver
Joonatan Torbica (180-G-98) plays for TV 1862 Langen in German ProB
Roberto Alexander Mantovani (200-F-94) plays for AEL in Cypriot Division A
Iikka Maki (191-SF-94) plays for Sant Nicolau in Spanish EBA
Ville Kaunisto (205-F-82) plays for Blois in French NM1

KORISLIIGA: FoKoPo upset Bisons - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, round 28: Close, tight contests tonight - and interesting results. FoKoPo (7-21) from Forssa defeated Bisons (21-6) from Loimaa 99-91 (45-44) thanks to the last quarter (30-20). There were 14 lead changes and nine ties during the 40 minutes. Jahmar Thorpe (198-F-84, college: Houston) (27pts/10rbs) and Olli Kaunomaki (195-G/F-86) (24 pts) were the heros of the hosts. Kaunomaki played only 27 minutes and hit 6/8 from behind the arc. Martin Zeno (196-G-85, college: Texas Tech) led Bisons with 29 pts. Matti Nuutinen (200-PF-90) added 21 pts.
Kataja (21-5) from Joensuu beat Vilpas (8-20) from Salo 96-87 (42-37). Daniel Coleman (206-F-85, college: Minnesota) led Kataja with a double-double 18pts/10rbs. Marcus Relphorde (198-F-88, college: Colorado) netted 30 points (1 - 10/13, 2 - 4/12, 3 - 4/5) for Vilpas. Korikobrat (8-20) scored only 64 points vs visitor KTP (22-6) from Kotka and that was not enough for a victory. KTP won 64-77 (36-44). Bojan Sarcevic (190-G-88) (KTP) was game MVP with 25 pts. Kouvot (12-16) from Kouvola made also 64 points vs Korihait (10-18) from Uusikaupunki and would have needed many more points as Korihait won 64-92 (34-50). YMCA Lappeenranta (13-15) missed Jason Conley (196-G-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Missouri) and visitor YMCA Lahti (7-21) took an important victory 76-83 (32-37). Jordan Hasquet (206-F-85, agency: Dynamics Global Management, college: Montana) led YMCA Lahti with 23 pts. The victory was # 600 for YMCA Lahti on top level in Finland.
Finnish Cup winner Pyrinto (Tampere) and Karhu (17-11) from Kauhajoki had a real "fight" with 19 lead changes and 17 ties. Pyrinto (20-7) won finally by five 89-84 (47-49). Damon Williams (201-F-73, agency: Two Points, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) led Pyrinto with 20pts/12rbs. Eldar Skamo's 22 pts made Karhu's Head Coach Ari Tammivaara, 47, happy, but team's American players were not on their own level this time. Tammivaara and Karhu have re-signed the new contract for 2013-14 season already. Another Finnish Coach Mika Turunen, 48, was hired in January to Coach KB Trepca Mitrovice in Kosovo SuperLeague. Turunen has coaching experience earlier in Finland, Luxembourg and in Hungary.
FoKoPo - Bisons 99-91 (45-4). (Jahmar Thorpe 27/10, Olli Kaunomaki 24, Charlie Burgess 18/10/6a - Martin Zeno 29, Matti Nuutinen 21, Mikko Koivisto 16. A: 520).
Kataja - Vilpas 96-87 (42-37). (Dan Coleman 18/10, Antti Kanervo 18, Johnell Smith 17/10a - Marcus Relphorde 30, Eero Lehtinen 16, Shawn Atupem 16. A: 845).
Lapua - KTP 64-77 (36-44). (Trey Hampton 20, Samuel Haanpaa 16/11, Dwight Tolbert 10 - Bojan Sarcevic 25, Antwine Williams 16, Jukka Matinen 13. A: 347).
Kouvot - Korihait 64-92 (34-50). (Gilberto Clavell 16, Lamarr Greer 15, Samuli Vanttaja 9 - TJ Robinson 17, Demond Watt 16/9, Villematti Kopio 15. A: 909).
YMCA LPR - YMCA Lahti 76-83 (32-37). (Matt Gibson 25, Greg Logins 21, Clifton Jones 10 - Jordan Hasquet 23, Emmanuel Holloway 15/5a, Louis Johnson 14/9. A: 515).
Pyrinto - Karhu 89-84 (47-49). (Damon Williams 20/12/5a, Antero Lehto 16, Lamonte Ulmer 12 - Eldar Skamo 22, Ilkka Vuori 14, Matias Ojala 10. A: 897).

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

FRANCE

Marko Keselj joins Le Mans - by Eurobasket News

Marko Keselj (206-SF-88, agency: Beo Basket) is on his way to Le Mans. The Serbian forward confirmed his signing with the French outfit. Marko Keselj left Valencia several days ago and decided to continue his career in France. He notched 4.1 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game in EuroCup this season. Keselj also posted 2.8 points and 1.5 rebounds per appearance in ACB. Previously Marko Keselj had stints with Avala Abda Beograd, Girona, Koeln 99ers, Crvena Zvezda, Olympiacos. He has been the member of the Serbian National Team since 2010. The forward tallied 4.6 points and 3.0 rebounds per game in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. Earlier Marko Keselj played for Serbian U16, U19 and U20 National Teams. He also participated at the World University Games in Belgrade in 2009.

French NM1 round 20 best performance: Carlos Cherry - by Eurobasket News

Spanish point guard Carlos Cherry (184-PG-79, agency: Global Sports Plaza) had a very impressive game in the last round for Quimper, receiving a Eurobasket.com NM1 Player of the Week award for round 20.
The 33-year old player was the main contributor (22 points, eight rebounds and nine assists) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Rennes (#15, 4-14) 70-63. Quimper is placed at 3rd position in French NM1. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Quimper will need more victories to improve their 13-5 record. Cherry turned to be Quimper's top player in his first season with the team. Carlos Cherry has solid league stats. He is in league's top in assists (2nd best: 6.3apg).

The second best player in last round's games was 24-year old American Jarryd Cole (204-F-88) of La Rochelle. Cole had a very good evening with a double-double of 31 points and 11 rebounds. It was enough for La Rochelle to edge slightly higher-ranked Cognac (#5, 12-5) 74-68. La Rochelle's 6th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 11-7 record is not bad and everything may still change. Cole is a newcomer at La Rochelle, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 17.0ppg (#6). He also registered 7.1 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Tyray Pearson (201-F-80) of St Chamond (#12). Pearson scored 22 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of St Chamond, leading his team to a 96-69 easy win against CFBB (#16, 0-18). The chances of St Chamond not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 11 games, recording just six victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Pearson could try to bring St Chamond's a little bit higher in the standings. Pearson has a very solid season. In 2 games in France he scored 19.0ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Michel Ipouck (199-F-86) of Chartres - 21 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Damien Inglis (203-PF-95) of CFBB - 18 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Omar Sall (195-F-80) of Rennes - 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Petras Balocka (205-C/F-86) of Challans - 16 points and 7 rebounds
8. Corey Raji (198-F-88) of Quimper - 18 points and 9 rebounds
9. Samir Mekdad (188-PG-86) of Challans - 12 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Slobodan Ocokoljic (204-F-80) of Rueil - 17 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists

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

John Flowers claims French ProB weekly honour - by Eurobasket News

American John Flowers (200-F-89, agency: KMG Sports Management) had an amazing evening in the last round for Denain and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com ProB Player of the Week award for round 21.
The 23-year old forward had the game-high 31 points adding seven rebounds and four assists for Denain in his team's victory, helping them to edge out Maurienne (#9, 11-10) in overtime 87-86. The game was not the highest importance and did not have significant influence on the top of the standings. Denain maintains the 16th position in French ProB. The season is in a full swing, so it's only a dream for the team to make it into top half of the standings. For contrary they may face relegation if the situation turns from bad to worse. Denain have already lost 15 games and recorded just six victories. In the team's last game Flowers had a remarkable 71.4% from 2-point range. He turned to be Denain's top player in his first season with the team. West Virginia University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Flowers is in league's top in points (2nd best: 20.4ppg) and averages solid 2.2spg and 50.5% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 31-year old American point guard Austen Rowland (186-PG-81, agency: Court Side) of Boulogne. Rowland impressed basketball fans with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. Of course he lead Boulogne to another comfortable win 101-83 over the lower-ranked St Quentin (#11, 10-11) being unquestionably team leader. Boulogne's 6th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 13-8 record is not bad and everything may still change. Rowland is a newcomer at Boulogne 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 Wilbert Brown (200-PF-84, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) of Maurienne (#9). Brown got into 30-points club by scoring 31 points in the last round. He went also for eleven rebounds . Despite Brown's great performance Maurienne lost 86-87in overtime to the lower-ranked Denain (#16, 6-15). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Maurienne needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 11 victories and 10 lost games. Brown has a great season in France. After 20 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 24.1ppg (best scorer).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Vaidotas Pridotkas (200-F-84) of Charleville - 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Sherman Gay (201-PF-82) of Le Portel - 22 points and 8 rebounds
6. Jeremiah Wood (200-C/F-85) of Evreux - 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Jason Fontenet (178-PG-82) of Antibes - 24 points and 8 assists
8. Wendell McKines (198-F-88) of Rouen - 17 points and 11 rebounds
9. Justin Burrell (206-F-88) of Chalons-Reims - 24 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Moses Sonko (197-F-83) of Bourg - 20 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists

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

Le Mans lose Charles Kahudi to injury - by Eurobasket News

Le Mans suffered an injury setback. Charles Kahudi (197-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) will have to undergo a surgery on his knee. The estimated recovery time is around five months. Charles Kahudi is expected the reminder of the season and possibly European Championship in Slovenia this summer. The forward joined Le Mans back in 2009. He tallied 8.0 points, 4.3 boards and 1.0 assist per game in Euroleague qualifying round this season. In EuroCup Charles Kahudi notched 8.3 points, 5.0 boards per appearance. His stats read also 9.6 points, 4.4 boards and 1.3 assists in ProA. Charles Kahudi was named into French ProA All-Defensive Team in 2012. He has been the member of the French National Team since 2010.

Tony Parker selected the top French playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Tony Parker

#1. This week's number one is an international point guard Tony Parker (188-82, currently plays in NBA). He led San Antonio Spurs to a victory over the Charlotte Bobcats (11-36) crushing them 102-78 in the NBA in Wednesday night's game. Parker was MVP of the game. He recorded 22 points, 7 assists and 3 steals in 33 minutes on the court. The San Antonio Spurs have a very solid 38-11 record this season. It was his team's tenth consecutive victory in a row. It's Parker's 12th year with the team. Parker has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 20.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 7.6apg, 2FGP: 54.6%, 3FGP: 38.9% and FT: 80.8% in the 47 games he played so far. Parker is currently a member of the French senior national team.

Fabien Causeur

#2. Second place goes to an international shooting guard Fabien Causeur (193-87, currently plays in Spain). He was the major contributor in a Caja Laboral's victory against the closely-ranked Valencia Basket (12-8) 79-75 in the Spanish ACB last Sunday. Causeur scored 16 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Caja Laboral Vitoria (17-3) is placed second in the ACB. It was his team's tenth consecutive victory in a row. It's Causeur's first season with the team. His overall stats this year are: 8.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 2FGP: 57.3%(47-82), 3FGP: 22.5% and FT: 80.5%. Causeur is in the roster of the French senior national team.

Nicolas Batum

#3. The French player who performed third best last week abroad was an international small forward Nicolas Batum (203-88, currently plays in NBA). He contributed to a Portland Trail Blazers' victory against the Utah Jazz (27-22) 105-99 in the NBA on Saturday night. Batum had a double-double by scoring 12 points and getting 10 rebounds. He also added 9 assists in 39 minutes. The Portland Trail Blazers have 25-23 record this season. Batum has very impressive stats this year: 15.7ppg, 6.1rpg, 4.9apg, 1.1bpg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 49.1%, 3FGP: 36.5% and FT: 84.9% in the 47 games. He is also a member of the French senior national team.

Joakim Noah

#4. Power forward Joakim Noah (211-85, college: Florida, currently plays in NBA) helped Chicago Bulls win their game against the Milwaukee Bucks (25-22) 104-88 in the NBA in Wednesday night's game. Noah recorded a double-double by scoring 12 points and getting the same number of rebounds. He also added 4 assists. The Chicago Bulls have a solid 29-19 record this season. Noah is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his sixth year in Bulls' roster. Noah belongs to league's best rebounders and is ranked #6. This season he has very high stats. Noah averages: 12.1ppg, 11.3rpg, 4.2apg, 2.1bpg and 1.3spg. He is a naturalized American. Noah used to play for the French national team back in 2011. Strangely he has never played in France.

Yakhouba Diawara

#5. International forward Yakhouba Diawara (201-82, college: Pepperdine, currently plays in Italy) helped Umana Venezia win their game against one of league's weakest teams VL Pesaro (4-14) 71-68 in the Italian SerieA last Sunday. Diawara scored 19 points, had 9 rebounds and dished 4 assists in 35 minutes. Umana Reyer Venezia (10-8) is placed seventh in the SerieA. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. Diawara has relatively good stats this year: 14.7ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.1apg and 1.2spg in the 17 games. He plays currently for the French national team.

Boris Diaw

#6. Power forward Boris Diaw (203-82, currently plays in NBA) is a teammate of previously mentioned Tony Parker. But that was another game of his team in NBA which we would like to mention. Diaw helped San Antonio Spurs win their game against the Washington Wizards (12-35) 96-86. He recorded 9 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. The San Antonio Spurs have a very solid 38-11 record this season. It was his team's tenth consecutive victory in a row. Diaw's overall stats this season are: 6.0ppg, 3.8rpg and 2.6apg. He is an international player who is currently on the senior French National Team roster.

Ian Mahinmi

#7. Former international power forward Ian Mahinmi (206-86, currently plays in NBA) helped Indiana Pacers win their game against the Atlanta Hawks (26-21) 114-103 in the NBA in Tuesday night's game. Mahinmi recorded 12 points in a mere 16 minutes. The Indiana Pacers have a solid 30-19 record this season. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. This year Mahinmi's overall stats are: 5.4ppg and 3.9rpg in the 49 games. He used to play for the French national team two years ago.

Mickael Gelabale

#8. Small forward Mickael Gelabale (201-83, agency: Three Eye Sports, currently plays in NBA) helped Minnesota Timberwolves win their game against the New Orleans Hornets (15-33) crushing them 115-86 in the NBA last Saturday. Gelabale recorded 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. The Minnesota Timberwolves have 18-27 record this season. Gelabale's total stats this year are: 6.1ppg and 3.0rpg. He plays currently for the French national team.

Johan Petro

#9. Former international center Johan Petro (214-86, currently plays in NBA) faced previously mentioned Ian Mahinmi in the NBA last game. Petro, who plays in the NBA could not help the Atlanta Hawks (26-21) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite his good performance the Atlanta Hawks were defeated 114-103 on the road by the Indiana Pacers. Petro recorded 10 points. Petro's total stats this season are: 2.6ppg and 1.3rpg. He used to play for the French national team three years ago.

Leo Westermann

   #10. Guard Leo Westermann (198-92, agency: Beo Basket, currently plays in Adriatic League) helped his Serbian team Partizan win their game against one of league's weakest teams KK Split (7-13) 68-59 in the Adriatic League last Saturday. Westermann scored 9 points and added 4 passes in 24 minutes. BC Partizan MT:S Beograd (13-7) is placed third in the Adriatic League. This year Westermann's total stats are: 6.9ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.2apg and 1.2spg in the 20 games. He is U20 international player who is currently on the French National Team roster.

   #11. Former U20 international forward Amath M'Baye (206-89, currently plays college basketball in the States) helped Oklahoma win their game against the Baylor University 74-71 in the NCAA on Wednesday night. M'Baye scored 20 points, had 7 rebounds and made 4 blocks. M'Baye has averaged so far 6.9ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.2apg and 1.2spg. He used to play for the French U20 national team four years ago.

   #12. Former international power forward Adrien Moerman (203-88, currently plays in Eurocup) helped his Spanish team Gescrap BB edge the closely-ranked Valencia Basket 61-60 in the Eurocup in Tuesday night's game. Moerman recorded 9 points in 17 minutes. Moerman has averaged so far 4.1ppg and 3.0rpg in the eight games. He used to play for the French national team back in 2010.

   #13. Former U20 international forward Joffrey Lauvergne (210-91, also represented by Beo Basket, currently plays in Adriatic League) is a teammate of previously mentioned Leo Westermann and both played together in the last Adriatic League game. Lauvergne helped his Serbian team Partizan win their game against one of league's weakest teams KK Split 68-59. He scored 7 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Lauvergne has averaged so far 2.8ppg and 1.4rpg. He used to play for the French U20 national team two years ago.

   #14. International center Kevin Seraphin (206-89, currently plays in NBA) was not able to help the Washington Wizards in their game against the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. Seraphin recorded 8 points in 17 minutes. His team lost 84-92 in the NBA. This year Seraphin has relatively solid stats: 10.4ppg and 4.8rpg in the 46 games. He plays currently for the French national team.

   #15. Former international point guard Rodrigue Beaubois (186-88, agency: Court Side, currently plays in NBA) was not able to secure a victory for the Dallas Mavericks in their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. Beaubois scored 7 points in only 10 minutes. His team were crushed by 21 points 112-91 in the NBA. He has averaged so far 3.7ppg, 1.2rpg and 1.8apg in the 35 games. Beaubois used to play for the French national team two years ago.

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

   #1. Bandja Sy (203-F, currently plays college basketball in the States) led N.Mexico St. to a victory against the Texas State University at San Marcos (3-8) 86-72 in the NCAA on Thursday night. Sy had a double-double by scoring 24 points and getting 13 rebounds in 39 minutes. The New Mexico State University has a very solid 9-2 conference record this season. It was N.Mexico St.'s ninth consecutive victory in a row. Sy has been at the team for four years. This season his total stats are: 6.1ppg and 3.0rpg in the nine games he played so far. Sy has a dual citizenship: Mali and French.

   #2. Boris Meno (203-F-83, agency: Two Points, college: Davidson, currently plays in Czech Republic), who plays in the Czech Republic NBL could not help USK Praha (20-1) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Meno's very good performance the first-placed USK Praha was badly defeated 94-76 on the road by the lower-ranked BK Prostejov (#4) in the Group A2. He was the top scorer with 29 points. Meno also added 9 rebounds. Meno is currently sixth on the list of top scorers and also on the list of best rebounders (second place). He has individually a very good season with high stats. Meno averages: 17.2ppg, 9.5rpg and 1.3apg. He is another player who holds two passports: Congolese and French.

   #3. Kim Tillie (210-PF-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Utah, currently plays in Spain) contributed to an UCAM Murcia's victory against the 11th-ranked Blusens Monbus (9-11) 83-77 in the Spanish ACB on Sunday night. He scored 9 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 17 minutes. UCAM Murcia (24-6) is placed in the ACB. Tillie has averaged so far 7.4ppg and 3.8rpg in the 20 games. He has both Dutch and French nationalities.

   #4. John Wilkins (206-G-89, currently studies in the States), who plays in the NCAA was not able to help the Illinois St. (3-7) in their last game. Despite Wilkins' very good performance the Illinois St. lost 77-83 in Peoria, IL to the Bradley University. He scored 16 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 32 minutes. Wilkins has averaged so far 7.4ppg and 3.8rpg in the 20 games. He is a naturalized American. Apparently Wilkins has never played in France.

   #5. Mari Konate (203-F-88, college: McNeese St., currently plays in Lithuania), who plays in the Lithuanian LKL was not able to secure a victory for the league outsider Naglis Palangos (0-14) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his good performance the bottom-ranked Naglis Palangos was defeated 85-70 at home by the much higher-ranked Pieno Zvaigzdes (#5). Konate was the second best scorer with 14 points. He also added 9 rebounds. Konate has averaged so far 7.6ppg, 5.9rpg and 1.3spg.

   #6. Remi Barry (201-F, is currently at the American university) is a teammate of previously mentioned Bandja Sy and both played together in the last NCAA game. Barry contributed to a N.Mexico St.'s victory against the Texas State University at San Marcos 86-72. He recorded 10 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Barry has averaged so far 7.6ppg, 5.9rpg and 1.3spg.

   #7. Mamadou Lamizana (207-F/C-81, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: Rutgers, currently plays in Taiwan) led Yulon Luxgen to a victory over the closely-ranked Taiwan Mobile 70-64 in the Taiwanese SBL in Friday night's game. He was the best player in that game. Lamizana recorded a double-double by scoring 31 points and getting 12 rebounds. He also added 4 blocks. This season Lamizana has very high stats. He averages: 22.3ppg, 11.8rpg, 3.2apg, 3.2bpg and 1.1spg. Lamizana also holds two passports: Ivorian and French.

   #8. Roy Samaha (205-F/C-84, currently plays in Lebanon) managed to help Al Moutahed Tripoli to win against the eighth-ranked Hoops Club 88-76 in the Lebanese Division A on Wednesday night. He scored only 4 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 3 assists. Samaha has averaged so far 7.8ppg and 4.9rpg. He has French and Lebanese nationalities.

   #9. Antonin Galaya (196-G, currently plays college basketball in the States) helped N.C.Central win their game against the Univ. of Maryland Eastern Shore crushing them 82-54 in the NCAA in Monday night's game. Galaya scored 5 points in 8 minutes. Galaya has averaged so far 7.8ppg and 4.9rpg in the 13 games. He has dual citizenship: U.S. Virgin Islands and French.

   #10. Mahmoud Diakite (197-G/F-86, college: Wyoming, currently plays in United Kingdom) helped London Lions win their game against the league outsider Liverpool Mersey Tigers 88-79 in the British BBL last Friday. Diakite recorded 8 points. This season Diakite averages only 6.0ppg. He holds both Mali and French passports.

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

GEORGIA

Highest League Standing

Superleague Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 12

Feb. 6: Samedicino - Kutaisi 70-91
Feb. 6: Sokhumi - Olimpi 69-82
Feb. 6: TSU Tbilisi - Dinamo Tbilisi 60-68
Feb. 4: Batumi - MIA Academy 56-89
Feb. 4: Rustavi - STU Tbilisi 112-70

Regular Season: Round 13

Feb. 9: Dinamo Tbilisi - Batumi
Feb. 9: Sokhumi - MIA Academy
Feb. 9: Samedicino - Rustavi
Feb. 9: STU Tbilisi - TSU Tbilisi
Feb. 10: Kutaisi - Armia

Geogian Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Irakli CHLAIDZE
  Sokhumi
  (199-F-89)
  Avg: 22.9

1. Chlaidze, Sokhumi	22.9
2. Bowie, Rustavi	20.7
3. Archibeque, MIA A.	20.3
4. Matiashvili, Kutai.	19.5
5. Karim, Dinamo Tbil.	16.9
6. Fatsatsia, Olimpi	15.1
7. Clayman, Dinamo T.	15.1
8. Nelson, Rustavi	15.0
9. Keshelava, Batumi	15.0
10. Kadaria, Sokhumi	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Kirk ARCHIBEQUE
  MIA A.
  (205-C-84)
  Avg: 12.7

1. Archibeque, MIA A.	12.7
2. Kadaria, Sokhumi	12.5
3. Milosevic, Olimpi	11.9
4. Matiashvili, Kutai.	11.8
5. Aselaini, TSU T.	9.4
6. Keshelava, Batumi	9.2
7. Nelson, Rustavi	8.3
8. Prewitt, MIA A.	7.9
9. Revazashvili, Same.	7.8
10. Wilson, Armia	7.8

Assists Per Game

Deonta VAUGHN
  MIA A.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Vaughn, MIA A.	6.8
2. Gamqrelidze, Armia	6.4
3. Pashayev, Kutaisi	6.2
4. Sokk, Olimpi	6.2
5. Gaprindashvi., Sam.	5.4
6. Karim, Dinamo Tbil.	5.2
7. Bakradze, TSU T.	4.5
8. Bowie, Rustavi	4.2
9. Lezhava, Dinamo T.	4.1
10. Ramishvili, Batumi	4.1

Steals Per Game

Nate BOWIE
  Rustavi
  (183-G-86)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Bowie, Rustavi	3.6
2. Vaughn, MIA A.	2.8
3. Millage, Armia	2.3
4. Ramishvili, Batumi	2.2
5. Beruashvili, TSU T.	1.9
6. Chochua, Rustavi	1.9
7. Machaladze, STU T.	1.7
8. Chikviladze, Dinam.	1.6
9. Gabisonia, Samedic.	1.5
10. Barbakadze, Kutai.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Vakhtang KADARIA
  Sokhumi
  (205-C-89)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Kadaria, Sokhumi	1.5
2. Kjellbom, Armia	1.3
3. Matiashvili, Kutai.	1.3
4. Milosevic, Olimpi	1.2
5. Toudjani, Rustavi	0.9
6. Aselaini, TSU T.	0.9
7. Wilson, Armia	0.9
8. Periashvili, Samed.	0.9
9. Kvelashvili, Batumi	0.9
10. Eliashvili, Batumi	0.9

Viktor Sanikidze selected the top Georgian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Viktor Sanikidze

#1. This week's number one is an international small forward Viktor Sanikidze (203-86, currently plays in Italy). He contributed to a Montepaschi Siena's victory against the league leader Cimberio Varese (15-3) 89-75 in the Italian SerieA last Sunday. Sanikidze scored 10 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Montepaschi Siena (13-5) is placed third in the SerieA. It's Sanikidze's first season with the team. This year he averages: 7.1ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 60.7%(37-61), 3FGP: 40.9% and FT: 78.8%. Sanikidze is currently a member of the Georgian senior national team.

Giorgi Shermadini

#2. Second place goes to an international center Giorgi Shermadini (216-89, currently plays in Euroleague). He helped his Greek team Olympiacos win their game against the seventh-ranked Fenerbahce Ulker (1-5) 82-71 in the Euroleague on Thursday night. Shermadini scored 8 points in 17 minutes. Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (3-3) is placed fifth in group F. This year Shermadini's overall stats are: 8.0ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.5bpg, 2FGP: 61.9%(13-21) and FT: 75.0% in the four games he played so far. He is in the roster of the Georgian senior national team.

Georgi Tsintsadze

#3. The Georgian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international point guard Georgi Tsintsadze (192-86, currently plays in Eurocup). Tsintsadze led his Ukrainian team Budivelnyk to a 2-point victory against the third-ranked Buducnost (2-2) 77-75 in the Eurocup in Wednesday night's game. He recorded 12 points and added 7 passes. Budivelnyk Kyiv (3-1) is placed first in group I. There are only two games left until the end of the Eurocup Top 16. So now every game will be critical. Tsintsadze has relatively good stats this season: 10.2ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.7apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 56.5%(26-46), 3FGP: 25.0% and FT: 89.7%. He is also a member of the Georgian senior national team.

Manuchar Markoishvili

#4. Small forward Manuchar Markoishvili (196-86, currently plays in Eurocup), who plays in Turkey could not help Galatasaray (2-2) to beat ratiopharm Ulm (2-2). Markoishvili recorded 8 points in 21 minutes. It was his first game for Galatasaray this season. The third-placed Galatasaray was crushed 91-70 on the road by the second-ranked ratiopharm Ulm in the group L of Eurocup. There are only two games left until the end of the Eurocup Top 16. So now every game is very crucial. Markoishvili is also Georgian national team player.

Corey Fisher

#5. International point guard Corey Fisher (186-88, college: Villanova, currently plays in Spain) was not able to help FIATC Joventut (10-10) in their game against Blancos de Rueda (8-12) in the Spanish ACB. He scored 9 points. But FIATC Joventut was edged 69-67 in Valladolid by the lower-ranked Blancos de Rueda (#14). They ended the series of three consecutive victories. This season Fisher has relatively solid stats: 13.3ppg, 2.4rpg and 2.8apg. He is a naturalized American. Despite Fisher played previously for the USA university national team, he is currently in the Georgian national team roster. Strangely Fisher has never played in Georgia.

Nika Metreveli

#6. Power forward Nika Metreveli (211-91, agency: Interperformances, currently plays in Italy) was the major contributor in Omegna's victory against the closely-ranked Firenze (10-3) 81-72 in the Italian Nazionale A (third division) in Sunday night's game. He scored 17 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and made 2 blocks in 24 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Paffoni Omegna (12-8) is placed third in the Nazionale A. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. Metreveli has reliable stats this year: 12.8ppg, 9.8rpg and 1.2spg in the five games. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Georgian National Team roster.

Beka Burjanadze

#7. U20 international power forward Beka Burjanadze (203-94, currently plays in Spain) was not able to secure a victory for Cajasol (7-13) in their game against CB Canarias (8-12) in the Spanish ACB. Burjanadze scored 5 points. Cajasol was defeated 77-68 in Tenerife by the higher-ranked CB Canarias (#13). This season Burjanadze averages only 1.8ppg. He is also Georgian U20 national team player.

Georges Mdivani

#8. Center Georges Mdivani (204-85, agency: Promotex, currently plays in France), who plays in the French NM1 (third division) couldn't help Rueil (9-9) in their last game. Despite Mdivani's good performance Rueil lost 69-79 at home to the leading JA Vichy. He was the second best scorer with 13 points. Mdivani also added 4 rebounds in a mere 15 minutes. This year Mdivani's total stats are: 8.4ppg and 5.1rpg in the eight games. He used to play for the Georgian national team back in 2005.

Davit Maisuradze

#9. Former U16 international power forward Davit Maisuradze (205-90, currently plays in Ukraine), who plays in the Ukrainian Higher League (second division) couldn't help Kirovograd (6-14) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Maisuradze's very good performance Kirovograd was defeated 72-66 on their home court in Kirovograd by the higher-ranked Tornado (#4). He was the top scorer with 18 points. Maisuradze also added 7 rebounds (went 6 for 6 at the free throw line). Maisuradze has averaged so far 8.9ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.3apg. He used to play for the Georgian U16 national team seven years ago.

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

#1. Will Thomas (203-PF-86, currently plays in Turkey) led Karsiyaka to a victory over the 13th-ranked Besiktas (3-13) 70-59 in the Turkish TBL in Sunday night's game. He was MVP of the game. Thomas scored 16 points and added 3 assists in 27 minutes. Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir (14-3) is placed fourth in the TBL. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. Thomas has relatively good stats this year: 10.5ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.1apg in the 17 games he played so far. He is a naturalized American. Thomas used to play for Army Sport Klub Tbilisi in Georgian league.

Superleague Round 12: Sokhumi is defeated by Olimpi in a derby game - by Eurobasket News

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Tbilisi: Olimpi (#4) and Sokhumi (#8). Sokhumi was defeated at home 69-82 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Sokhumi. Olimpi looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international forward Mikheil Berishvili (205-87) who helped to win the game recording 13 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists and Levan Fatsatsia who added 13 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals during the contest. Olimpi's coach George Kazanjian used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was forward Irakli Chlaidze (199-89) with 20 points. Olimpi (9-2) keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Rustavi and MIA Academy. Sokhumi at the other side keeps the eighth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Batumi. Olimpi will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Sokhumi's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tbilisi MIA.
Another interesting game was again a derby between two teams from Tbilisi: Dinamo Tbilisi (#6) and TSU (#7). TSU was defeated at home 60-68 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. The winners were led by American forward Flynn Clayman (206-88, college: Cumberlands) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 16 points and 15 rebounds and Beqa Chikviladze supported him with 18 points. Dinamo Tbilisi's coach Irakli Khoshtaria allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even a double-double of 14 points and 17 rebounds by Serzhi Aselaini did not help to save the game for TSU. Dinamo Tbilisi have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Kutaisi. TSU at the other side keeps the seventh position with seven games lost. Dinamo Tbilisi will play against Batumi (#8) at home in the next round. TSU's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tbilisi to the arena STU.
Superleague top team - MIA (9-2) had no problems winning another game on Monday. This time they crushed eighth ranked Batumi (3-8) 89-56. The best player for the winners was Kirk Archibeque who had a double-double by scoring 24 points and 16 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Giorgi Nanitashvili who recorded 20 points. Batumi's coach Mikhail Kobeshavidze gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. MIA maintains first position with 9-2 record, which they share with Rustavi and Olimpi. Batumi lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Sokhumi. MIA's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tbilisi to the arena Sokhumi.
Fourth ranked Energy Invest blasted bottom-ranked STU (0-11) in Rustavi 112-70. STU is still unable to win any game. It was a good game for Kyle Nelson who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Energy Invest (9-2) keeps a position of league leader, which they share with MIA Academy and Olimpi. STU at the other side still closes the standings with 11 games lost. Energy Invest's next round opponent will be Samedicino-Academia (#10) in Tbilisi and are hoping to win another game. STU's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tbilisi TSU.

In the last game of round 12 Kutaisi destroyed Samedicino on the opponent's court 91-70.

Sokhumi - Olimpi 69-82

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Tbilisi: Olimpi (#4) and Sokhumi (#8). Sokhumi was defeated at home 69-82 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Sokhumi. Olimpi looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international forward Mikheil Berishvili (205-87) who helped to win the game recording 13 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists and Levan Fatsatsia who added 13 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals during the contest. Five Olimpi players scored in double figures. Olimpi's coach George Kazanjian used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was forward Irakli Chlaidze (199-89) with 20 points and forward Grigol Shvangiradze (196-91) scored 12 points. Olimpi (9-2) keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Rustavi and MIA Academy. Sokhumi at the other side keeps the eighth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Batumi. Olimpi will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Sokhumi's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tbilisi MIA.
Top scorers:
Olimpi: A.Dvalishvili 16+5reb+1ast, S.Sokk 14+2ast, M.Berishvili 13+9reb+6ast, L.Fatsatsia 13+6reb+4ast, G.Gulisabedashvili 10+4reb+2ast, S.Milosevic 6+6reb+2ast
Sokhumi: I.Chlaidze 20+3reb+3ast, %PlayerNameByLink% 16+13reb+1ast, G.Shvangiradze 12+4reb+3ast, V.Kadaria 8+9reb+2ast, R.Baakashvili 7+4reb+4ast, G.Kopaliani 2+1ast

Samedicino - Kutaisi 70-91

Very expected game in Tbilisi where 10th ranked Samedicino-Academia (1-10) was crushed by fifth ranked Kutaisi (7-4) 91-70. The game was mostly controlled by Kutaisi. Samedicino-Academia was better in third quarter 22-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Kutaisi made 21-of-26 charity shots (80.8 percent) during the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. It was a good game for Azerbaijani guard Zaur Pashayev (188-83) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 9 rebounds and 12 assists. International center Richard Matiashvili (207-89) contributed with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Five Kutaisi players scored in double figures. Center Giorgi Periashvili (210-91) replied with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks and guard Irakli Gabisonia (195-89) added 6 points and 12 rebounds in the effort for Samedicino-Academia. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Kutaisi maintains fifth position with 7-4 record, which they share with Dinamo Tbilisi. Samedicino-Academia lost third consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with ten games lost. Kutaisi's next round opponent will be higher ranked Armia (#4) in Tbilisi and it may be quite challenging game. Samedicino-Academia will play at home against Energy Invest (#3) in Rustavi.
Top scorers:
Kutaisi: G.Barbakadze 19+2reb, R.Matiashvili 18+10reb, Z.Pashayev 15+9reb+12ast, V.Koguashvili 12+8reb, L.Grdzelidze 11+2reb+2ast, A.Lominashvili 6+7reb
Samedicino: G.Periashvili 19+7reb, L.Revazashvili 17+2reb, D.Artsividze 9+2reb+4ast, I.Gabisonia 6+12reb+3ast, Z.Maisuradze 6+3reb+1ast, L.Eliadze 3+3reb+1ast

TSU Tbilisi - Dinamo Tbilisi 60-68

Another interesting game was again a derby between two teams from Tbilisi: Dinamo Tbilisi (#6) and TSU (#7). TSU was defeated at home 60-68 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 20-10. But TSU won second period 17-13. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Dinamo Tbilisi had a 33-22 advantage in offensive rebounds. The winners were led by American forward Flynn Clayman (206-88, college: Cumberlands) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 16 points and 15 rebounds and guard Beqa Chikviladze (195-91) supported him with 18 points. Dinamo Tbilisi's coach Irakli Khoshtaria allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even a double-double of 14 points and 17 rebounds by Serzhi Aselaini did not help to save the game for TSU. Guard George Khaniashvili (194-89) added 13 points and 5 assists. Dinamo Tbilisi have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Kutaisi. TSU at the other side keeps the seventh position with seven games lost. Dinamo Tbilisi will play against Batumi (#8) at home in the next round. TSU's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tbilisi to the arena STU.
Top scorers:
Dinamo Tbilisi: B.Chikviladze 18+4reb, F.Clayman 16+15reb+3ast, I.Keidia 11+5reb+1ast, L.Karim 9+2reb+5ast, G.Ormotsadze 7, M.Oluic 5+7reb+2ast
TSU Tbilisi: S.Aselaini 14+17reb+1ast, G.Khaniashvili 13+2reb+5ast, V.Beruashvili 11+2reb+1ast, G.Bakradze 7+2reb+6ast, I.Kobidze 6+2reb, T.Tavamaishvili 4+3reb+1ast

Rustavi - STU Tbilisi 112-70

Fourth ranked Energy Invest blasted bottom-ranked STU (0-11) in Rustavi 112-70. STU is still unable to win any game. The game without a history. Energy Invest led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 74 of its points in the paint compared to STU's 38. Energy Invest forced 23 STU turnovers and outrebounded them 55-36 including a 35-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 38 assists comparing to just 21 passes made by STU's players. It was a good game for American forward Kyle Nelson (203-89, college: Augustana, IL, agency: N.E.T.) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds. Center Levan Khmelidze (208-90) contributed with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Four Energy Invest players scored in double figures. Forward Zurab Machaladze (198-92) replied with 6 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks and guard Giorgi Kuchava (193-86) added 9 points in the effort for STU. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Energy Invest (9-2) keeps a position of league leader, which they share with MIA Academy and Olimpi. STU at the other side still closes the standings with 11 games lost. Energy Invest's next round opponent will be Samedicino-Academia (#10) in Tbilisi and are hoping to win another game. STU's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tbilisi TSU.
Top scorers:
Rustavi: N.Bowie 21+2reb+5ast, K.Nelson 19+11reb+3ast, L.Khmelidze 18+10reb+4ast, R.Chachanidze 11+2reb+1ast, T.Toudjani 10+9reb+1ast, O.Wattad 9+3reb+1ast
STU Tbilisi: I.Dzidziguri 9+1reb+2ast, G.Kuchava 9+4reb+2ast, B.Koridze 8+4reb+2ast, V.Janashia 8+3reb+2ast, D.Dvalishvili 7+1reb, L.Sulaberidze 7+5reb

Batumi - MIA Academy 56-89

Superleague top team - MIA (9-2) had no problems winning another game on Monday. This time they crushed eighth ranked Batumi (3-8) 89-56. The game without a history. MIA led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Batumi's 18. They outrebounded Batumi 46-33 including a 35-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. MIA looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when MIA made 8 blocks. The best player for the winners was American center Kirk Archibeque (205-84, college: Fort Lewis) who had a double-double by scoring 24 points and 16 rebounds. Center Ilia Londaridze (205-89) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Giorgi Nanitashvili (187-90) who recorded 20 points and Nika Ramishvili (179-94) added 9 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists respectively. Batumi's coach Mikhail Kobeshavidze gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. MIA maintains first position with 9-2 record, which they share with Rustavi and Olimpi. Batumi lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Sokhumi. MIA's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tbilisi to the arena Sokhumi.
Top scorers:
MIA Academy: K.Archibeque 24+16reb+3ast, I.Londaridze 12+8reb+2ast, D.Vaughn 10+6reb+4ast, M.Bokolishvili 10+1reb+2ast, B.Raymond 9+1reb+4ast, Z.Antadze 8+2reb
Batumi: G.Nanitashvili 20+4reb, N.Ramishvili 9+5reb+6ast, G.Kvelashvili 7+13reb, I.Maisuradze 6+2reb+1ast, A.Eliashvili 5+4reb+1ast, L.Keshelava 4+2reb+2ast

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GERMANY

Dirk Nowitzki selected the top German playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Dirk Nowitzki

#1. This week's number one is an experienced former international forward Dirk Nowitzki (213-78, currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA. He could not help the Dallas Mavericks (20-28) in their last game. Despite Nowitzki's very good performance the Dallas Mavericks were edged 106-104 on the road by the Portland Trail Blazers. He was the top scorer with 26 points. Nowitzki also added 4 rebounds and dished 4 assists in 34 minutes on the court. It's Nowitzki's 15th season with the team. He has individually a very good year with high stats. Nowitzki averages: 14.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.5apg, 2FGP: 43.9%, 3FGP: 35.1% and FT: 80.3% in the 19 games he played so far. He played for the German senior national team two years ago.

Tibor Pleiss

#2. Second place goes to an international center Tibor Pleiss (215-89, currently plays in Spain). Pleiss contributed to a Caja Laboral's victory against the closely-ranked Valencia Basket (12-8) 79-75 in the Spanish ACB last Sunday. He scored 10 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Caja Laboral Vitoria (17-3) is placed second in the ACB. It was his team's tenth consecutive victory in a row. It's Pleiss' first season with the team. Pleiss' overall stats this year are: 5.8ppg, 4.9rpg, 2FGP: 53.3%, 3FGP: 33.3% and FT: 83.3%. He is in the roster of the German senior national team.

Elias Harris

#3. The German player who performed third best last week abroad was an international forward Elias Harris (203-89, currently plays college basketball in the States). He led Gonzaga to a 2-point victory against the University of San Diego (5-4) 65-63 in the NCAA in Saturday night's game. Harris scored 18 points, had 8 rebounds and made 2 blocks. The Gonzaga University has quite an impressive 8-0 conference record this season. So far his team won all eight games in the conference. Harris is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fourth year in Gonzaga's roster. He has relatively good stats this season: 10.3ppg, 1.6apg, 2FGP: 57.0%(134-235), 3FGP: 31.6% and FT: 65.9%. Harris is also a member of the German senior national team.

Christian Standhardinger

#4. Forward Christian Standhardinger (203-89, currently studies in the States) led Hawaii to a victory against the University of California, Riverside (2-8) 72-68 in the NCAA on Thursday night. He recorded a double-double by scoring 23 points and getting 10 rebounds. The University of Hawaii has 6-4 conference record this season. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. This season Standhardinger has relatively solid stats: 13.5ppg, 5.5rpg and 2.7apg. He has a dual citizenship: Filipino and German. Standhardinger used to play for the German U20 national team back in 2009.

Dennis Ogbe

#5. Former U20 international forward Dennis Ogbe (201-91, is currently at the American university), who plays in the NCAA was not able to help the Tenn Tech (3-7) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the Tenn Tech (#6) was badly defeated 84-65 in Nashville, TN by the Tennessee State University. Ogbe had a double-double by scoring 17 points and getting 12 rebounds. He also added 5 blocks in 32 minutes. Ogbe has reliable stats this year: 13.5ppg, 5.5rpg and 2.7apg in the 26 games. He used to play for the German U20 national team two years ago.

Maodo Lo

#6. Guard Maodo Lo (190-92, currently plays college basketball in the States), who plays in the NCAA was not able to secure a victory for the Columbia (1-2) in their last game. Despite Lo's very good performance the Columbia lost 66-72 in Princeton, NJ to the Princeton University. He scored 16 points in 23 minutes. Lo averaged so far 12.7ppg, 3.2rpg and 1.7apg in the 14 games. He is a former U20 international player as he played for the German team two years ago.

Sebastian Koch

#7. Former U18 international guard Sebastian Koch (203-91, currently plays college basketball in the States) helped Elon win their game against the Samford University (5-4) 77-66 in the NCAA in Saturday night's game. Koch scored 8 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 25 minutes. The Elon University has quite an impressive 8-2 conference record this season. It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row. This year Koch's overall stats are: 4.5ppg and 1.9rpg in the 16 games. He used to play for the German U18 national team four years ago.

Dennis Kramer

#8. Forward Dennis Kramer (211-92, currently plays college basketball in the States) faced previously mentioned Elias Harris in the NCAA last game. Kramer, who plays in the NCAA couldn't help the San Diego (5-4) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his good performance the San Diego was edged 65-63 at home by the Gonzaga University. Kramer scored 10 points. Kramer's total stats this season are: 4.5ppg and 1.9rpg. He is a naturalized American. Kramer used to play for the German U20 national team back in 2011. Strangely he has never played in Germany.

Patrick Heckmann

#9. International shooting guard Patrick Heckmann (196-92, currently plays college basketball in the States) couldn't help the Boston Coll. (2-7) in their game against the University of North Carolina (6-3) in the NCAA, despite his good performance on Tuesday night. Heckmann scored 12 points in a mere 19 minutes. But the Boston Coll. lost 70-82 on their home court in Chestnut Hill, MA to the University of North Carolina. This year Heckmann's total stats are: 4.5ppg and 1.9rpg in the 16 games. He is also in the roster of the German national team.

Chad Toppert

   #10. Guard Chad Toppert (201-85, college: N.Mexico, currently plays in Spain) couldn't help CAI Zaragoza (11-9) in their game against Asefa Estudiantes (11-9) in the Spanish ACB. Toppert cannot count Sunday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 3 points. CAI Zaragoza was defeated 82-77 on their home court in Zaragoza by the lower-ranked Asefa Estudiantes (#8). Toppert has averaged so far 4.2ppg and 2.1rpg. He is a naturalized American. Toppert is a former international player as three years ago he still played for the German senior national team. Apparently he has never played in Germany.

   #11. Former U18 international guard Thomas Reuter (198-92, currently plays college basketball in the States) couldn't help the E.Washington in their game against the University of Montana in the NCAA. Despite his good performance on Saturday night Reuter scored 11 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Reuter has averaged so far 4.2ppg and 2.1rpg. He used to play for the German U18 national team three years ago.

   #12. U20 international swingman Kevin Bright (196-92, currently plays college basketball in the States) couldn't help the Vanderbilt in their game against the The University of Alabama in the NCAA. Bright scored 5 points and added 3 passes in 32 minutes. His team lost 54-58. Bright has averaged so far 5.0ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.7apg and 1.2spg in the 23 games. He is also in the roster of the German U20 national team.

   #13. Former U22 international power forward Tilo Klette (206-77, currently plays in Japan) couldn't help Levanga Hokkaido Sapporo in their game against Toyota Alvark in the Japanese JBL. Klette scored 8 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in only 12 minutes. His team was badly defeated by 16 points 66-50. Klette averaged so far 12.5ppg and 6.4rpg in the 26 games. He used to play for the German U22 national team fourteen years ago.

   #14. U20 international point guard Mario Blessing (188-92, currently plays college basketball in the States) managed to help South Carolina Upstate to win against the David Lipscomb University 83-71 in the NCAA last Thursday. Blessing recorded only 3 points and added 3 passes. Blessing averaged so far 12.5ppg and 6.4rpg. He plays currently for the German U20 national team.

   #15. Former U16 international guard Max Dileo (185-93, currently plays college basketball in the States) couldn't help the Monmouth in their game against the Bryant University in the NCAA. Dileo cannot count Saturday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 2 points. His team was defeated 77-62. Dileo averaged so far 12.5ppg and 6.4rpg. He is a naturalized American. Dileo used to play for the German U16 national team four years ago. Interesting that he has never played in Germany.

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

   #1. Experienced Federico Kammerichs (202-F-80, currently plays in Argentina), who plays in the Argentinian LigaA could not help Regatas Corrientes (23-10) in their last game. Despite Kammerichs' very good performance the league leader Regatas Corrientes lost 77-90 on the road to the lower-ranked (#3) Penarol. He was the top scorer with 15 points. Kammerichs also added 6 rebounds in a mere 18 minutes. Kammerichs is ranked fourth on the list of the best rebounders in the league with 8.0rpg. This year his other stats are: 10.3ppg and 1.6apg in the 33 games he played so far. Kammerichs has a dual citizenship: German and Argentinian.

   #2. Julian Sensley (206-F-82, college: Hawaii, currently plays in South Korea), who plays in the South Korean KBL was not able to help Dongbu Promy (16-22) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Dongbu Promy lost 60-75 at home to the leading SK Knights. Sensley was the top scorer with 24 points. He also added 8 rebounds and 3 assists in 32 minutes. It was Dongbu Promy's third consecutive loss in a row. This year Sensley has relatively solid stats: 13.5ppg, 5.5rpg and 2.7apg in the 26 games. He is a naturalized American. Strangely Sensley has never played in Germany.

   #3. Mario Stojic (198-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances, currently plays in Belgium) contributed to an easy victory against the league outsider VOO Verviers-Pepinster (3-11) crushing them 99-71 in the Belgian Ethias League last Saturday. Stojic scored 7 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Telenet Oostende (11-4) is placed first in the Ethias League. It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row. Stojic's stats this season are: 12.7ppg, 3.2rpg and 1.7apg. He is another player who holds two passports: Croatian and German.

   #4. Josh Lockett (203-F/C-89, college: Georgetown, KY, currently plays in United Kingdom), who plays in the British BBL was not able to secure a victory for the league outsider Liverpool Mersey Tigers (0-21) in their last game on Friday. Despite Lockett's very good performance the bottom-ranked Liverpool Mersey Tigers was defeated 88-79 in London by the higher-ranked Lions (#8). He was the top scorer with 23 points. Lockett also added 6 rebounds. Lockett's stats this season are: 11.7ppg and 5.5rpg. He is a naturalized American.

   #5. Robert Tomaszek (204-F-81, college: Texas Tech, currently plays in Poland) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Trefl Sopot (12-7) crushing them 83-63 in the Polish TBL last Sunday. Tomaszek recorded 6 points in only 13 minutes. Energa Czarni Slupsk (10-9) is placed sixth in the TBL. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. This year Tomaszek's overall stats are: 7.6ppg, 5.4rpg and 1.2apg in the 17 games. He has both German and Polish nationalities.

   #6. Ismar Seferagic (201-F, currently plays in Canada) contributed to an easy victory against the Mustangs crushing them 89-61 in the Canadian university league CIS on Wednesday night. Seferagic scored 10 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Seferagic's overall stats this season are: 4.5ppg and 1.9rpg. He also holds two passports: German and Canadian.

   #7. Jonathan Mesghna (198-F-89, currently plays college basketball in the States), who plays in the NCAA couldn't help the Maine (3-7) in their last game. Despite Mesghna's good performance the Maine was edged 68-67 in Baltimore, MD by the University of Maryland -Baltimore County. He scored 11 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 35 minutes. Mesghna has averaged so far 4.2ppg and 2.1rpg in the 20 games. He holds both German and Eritrean passports.

   #8. Martin Seiferth (208-F-90, currently studies in the States) couldn't help the E.Washington in their game against the University of Montana in the NCAA. Seiferth scored 9 points, had 5 rebounds and made 3 blocks in 29 minutes. His team was badly defeated by 19 points 65-46. Seiferth has averaged so far 4.2ppg and 2.1rpg in the 20 games.

   #9. Urule Igbavboa (203-C-87, college: Valparaiso, currently plays in Sweden) couldn't help LF Basket in their game against Uppsala Basket in the Swedish Basketligan. He recorded 9 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. His team was edged 75-74. Igbavboa has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 15.1ppg and 7.3rpg. Igbavboa is a naturalized American. He used to play for MEG Goettingen in German league.

   #10. Lukas Varga (183-G-85, college: Coker, currently plays in Denmark) couldn't help one of league's weakest teams Horsens IC in their game against Bakken in the Danish Ligaen. Varga recorded 7 points and added 3 assists in 18 minutes. His team was badly defeated by 19 points 98-79. Varga has averaged so far 5.0ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.7apg and 1.2spg in the 23 games. He has German and Slovakian nationalities.

Tony Gaffney (FIATC Joventut) It Is Impossible To Replace Jared Jordan - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Tony Gaffney (204-F-84, college: Massachusetts) is a 28 year old 204cm forward from Berkely, Massachusetts that is playing for FIATC Joventut Badalona this season. He is a forward who brings a high level of energy and athleticism to any teams he joins. He is a tenacious rebounder and great defender. He was the Atlantic 10 Conference defensive player of the year in 2008-09, and one of the nation's leading shot-blockers. He played at Boston University from 2004-2006 and then went to Massachusetts (NCAA) where he played from 2006-2009. In his senior year, he played 30 games: 11.5ppg, RebA10-2 (10.2rpg), 1.7apg, StealsA10-2 (2.0spg), BlocksNCAA-3 (3.8bpg), FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 64.6%: Finished career at UMass ranked seventh all-time in blocks (174). In 2009-2010, he played for Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa (Israel-Premier League): 1 game: 2pts, 2reb, 1steal, 1block, but left next month, in Apr.'10 moved to Boston Celtics (NBA). In 2010-2011, he played for the Boston Celtics (NBA), in Oct.'10 moved to Turk Telekom Ankara (Turkey-TBL): Turkish League: 8 games: 6.0ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 63.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.0%; EuroChallenge: 3 games: 8.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.0spg; left in Jan.'11, same month acquired by Utah Flash (D-League): 38 games: 10.3ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.3apg, 1.4spg, Blocks-4 (2.3bpg), FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 66.7%. Last season he played for the Telekom Baskets Bonn (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): German League: 37 games: 12.9ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-1 (1.8bpg), FGP: 63.1%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 68.8%; EuroChallenge: 12 games: 11.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.1apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-1 (2.1bpg), FGP: 63.0%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 58.8%He spoke to eurobasket about basketball.

You are playing your first season in the ACB and are averaging 10,9ppg, 5,6rpg, 1,8apg, 1,5spg and 1,2bpg. The transition seems to have run smoothly for you.

I had a good season last year with Bonn and I worked very hard last summer getting ready for this season. The ACB is a great league where you always have to be ready and there is 0 cake walk in the ACB.

You still have close ties to Bonn. How tough was it leaving Bonn.

It was tough leaving. I was in Bonn for new years and new year day. It feels like a second home. It was a business decision leaving and coming to the ACB was best for my career. Maybe the Bonn fans will see me in magenta colors again in the future.

What do you miss more hanging out with Andrej Mangold or catching ally-op passes von Jared Jordan?

I miss hanging out with Andrej Mangold while catching ally-op passes from Jared Jordan.

What is your role with FIATC Joventut?

My role is to do all similar to what it was with Bonn. I am one of the older players on the team and should be a leader. I have embraced my role well. I am here to score, play defense and push the ball forward on transition.

Do you have to change your style a bit to what you saw in the lower league Beko BBL?

I have to use more of my athletic ability and speed.

Is Corey Fischer a good replacement for Jared Jordan with ally-op passes?

It is impossible to replace Jared Jordan, but Corey Fischer is a fun kind of point guard. He can do so much with scoring, pass and get the team out on the break.

Even if you are currently not in the NBA, isnt the ACB like the European NBA for you?

Yes it is. There are always NBA general managers courtside. There are thousands of fans at every game and wherever you go in the city, people know you. The NBA is a league of their own, but the ACB is a very special league and I will enjoy it even more if we continue to win.

What is the toughest for you game in and game out in the ACB?

The toughest thing is the challenge in every game. The skill level of the position four in the ACB is up with the NBA. Every night I play against ex NBA players or guys that play in national teams. All can shoot, post up and put the ball on the floor. I am thankful for having this chance to showcase my skills against the best players.

You lost too Real Madrid recently. How was it playing against Marcus Slaughter who you know well?

He is a good friend of mine. We talked before and after the game. WE have smilar games, but I am more outside and he is inside, but our game is defined from the defensive end, blocking shots, dunking and getting the crowd into the game. I strive to be like him an dplay for a Euroleague team someday. We will have dinner soon. It is always nice seeing him.

What is wrong with FC Barcelona? They have a record of 11-8.

They are playing very well in Euroleague, but the ACB is a tough league. There are more than four teams that could play well in Euroleague. Barcelona has a tough schedule, play 3-4 games a week plus all the travel.

You recently played against big man Nathan Jawai. Was he the biggest guy that you ever played against?

Well I played against Shaq with the Boston Celtics, but with Jawai it is as close as it gets. He is a good guy and a big boy. He really knows how to use his body and how to rebound. I didnt have to cover him except for a few switches.

Who was the best player that you have played against in the ACB this season?

It has to be Erazem Lorbek who has played everywhere with top teams in Europe. He might be the bets post player in Europe. He moves so well with his 6.10 body. Spencer Nelson also is a tough player who has been around for years.

What is your favorite place in Barcelona?

I like Port Olympic at the water. There are nice lounges there and places to eat where you can go with your family.

Have you been to a FC Barcelona soccer game?

I have been to one game where they won 5-1 in the Spanisch league. The atmosphere is incredible and the fans are crazy. They are the best team in the world.

Do you have a favorite Spanisch food?

I like the Spanisch rice.

Rajon Rondo is out for the season. How will they react to this?

Rondo tearing his ACL is heartbreaking. He is a good friend of mine. The Boston Celtics are a good organization and they will find a way to win games. Paul Pierce can help out at the point. There have been rumors about Kyle Lowry being brought in. I think that they will be fine and will be right there in the playoffs.

I witnessed young NBA players like Kemba Walker and Austin Rivers refusing to sign autographes a few weeks ago in Boston. What is your take on autographes?

I disagree with players that dont sign. I sign for anyone anywhere. Even I f I was Michael Jordan I would sign. The reasons for the high pay role are the fans. If it takes putting a smile on a kids face is what matters. I would always sign.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I have been watching the DVD series Sons of Anarchy

Thanks Tony for the chat.

Ratiopharm Ulm and Artland Dragons reach Cup Final Four - by Eurobasket News

Ratiopharm Ulm and Artland Dragons will play in Cup Final Four.
Artland Dragons snatched a dramatic 78:77 victory over EWE Baskets. Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) and Marquez Haynes (191-G-86, college: Texas Arlington) delivered 15 points each to pace the winners. EWE Baskets led by five points after the opening ten minutes but the Dragons used a 25:15 run in the second quarter to pull ahead. They hung on to the lead in the second half. Artland entered the final minute of regulation ahead by 5 points 76:71. However Rickey Paulding dragged EWE Baskets within two 74:76. Anthony King answered with two free throws to make it 78:74. Chris Kramer (191-G-88, college: Purdue) capped the regulation with a three-pointer but it was not enough to save the game. Rickey Paulding (196-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) stepped up with game-high 22 points for Oldenburg.
Ratiopharm Ulm had much less problems on their way to the Final Four. They stormed past TBB Trier 99:70. Allan Ray (188-G-84, college: Villanova) came up with 24 points for Ulm. Philipp Schwethelm (201-SF-89, agency: Pro One Sports) contributed 20 points in the victory. Barry Stewart (191-SG-88, college: Mississippi St.) notched 15 points in the losing effort.

EuroChallenge: Kyle Weems scores 34 as Bonn hold off Okapi Aalstar - by Eurobasket News

Telekom Baskets - Okapi Aalstar 85:72

Telekom Baskets claimed a crucial win in EuroChallenge Group L tonight. They held off Okapi Aalstar in Bonn behind pivotal performance from Kyle Weems (198-F-89, college: Missouri St.). He exploded with 34 points as Bonn climbed at 2-2 record in the second position in the standings.
Bonn overcame a 0-6 start to the game to take a 25:20 lead after ten minutes. The Belgian team used an 8:3 run midway through the second frame to get within one. The visitors surged ahead late in the first half and ensured a 40:39 halftime lead. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the third term before the hosts went on a 10:2 rally to enter the fourth frame up by 9 points 70:61. Kyle Weems opened the final period with five points in a row and Bonn never looked back en route to the win. Robert Vaden (196-G/F-85, college: UAB) chipped in 15 points, while Chris Ensminger (209-C-73, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Valparaiso) added 7 points for the winners. John Tofi (203-F/C-84, college: UTEP) answered with 18 points and 8 rebounds for Okapi Aalstar. Thomas Dreesen (199-F-88, agency: Court Side) and Ryan Thompson (198-G-89, college: Rider) had 16 points each in the loss.

Telekom Baskets: Kyle Weems 34, Robert Vaden 15, Chris Ensminger 7
Okapi Aalstar: John Tofi 18, Thomas Dreesen 16, Ryan Thompson 16

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GREECE

Nick Calathes selected the top Greek playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Nick Calathes

#1. This week's number one is an international point guard Nick Calathes (198-89, college: Florida, currently plays in Russia). He led Lokomotiv to a 1-point victory over the closely-ranked BC Nizhny Novgorod (4-7) 75-74 in the Russian PBL in Sunday night's game. Calathes was MVP of the game. He scored 22 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 29 minutes on the court. Lokomotiv Kuban (5-5) is placed fourth in the PBL. It's Calathes' first season with the team. Calathes belongs to league's top scorers (ranked #9) and also on the list of best passers (fourth place). He has very reliable stats this year: 13.8ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.8apg, 2FGP: 55.6%(35-63), 3FGP: 35.3% and FT: 51.2% in the eight games he played so far. Calathes is a naturalized American. He is currently a member of the Greek senior national team. Calathes used to play for 3-year contract with Panathinaikos Athens in Greek league.

Kostas Vasiliadis

#2. Second place goes to an international swingman Kostas Vasiliadis (200-84, agency: FCM, currently plays in Eurocup). He led his Spanish team Gescrap BB to a 1-point victory over the closely-ranked Valencia Basket (2-2) 61-60 in the Eurocup last Tuesday. Vasiliadis was the best player in that game. He recorded 14 points. Gescrap Bizkaia Bilbao Basket (2-2) is placed second in group J. There are only two games left until the end of the Eurocup Top 16. So now every game will be critical. Vasiliadis has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 15.4ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 52.2%, 3FGP: 37.3% and FT: 84.6%. Vasiliadis is in the roster of the Greek senior national team.

Loukas Mavrokefalidis

#3. The Greek player who performed third best last week abroad was former international center Loukas Mavrokefalidis (207-84, currently plays in Eurocup). He led his Russian team Spartak St.Petersburg to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Stelmet ZG (1-3) crushing them 81-54 in the Eurocup on Wednesday night. Mavrokefalidis recorded 11 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 28 minutes. Spartak St.Petersburg (3-1) is placed second in group K. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. There are only two games left until the end of the Eurocup Top 16. So now every game is very crucial. Mavrokefalidis has relatively good stats this year: 13.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 52.0% and FT: 73.3% in the 10 games. He played for the Greek national team two years ago.

Kostas Kaimakoglou

#4. Power forward Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-83, currently plays in VTB United League) led his Russian team Unics Kazan to a victory over the eighth-ranked Kalev/Cramo (3-10) 70-52 in the VTB United League in Sunday night's game. Kaimakoglou was the top player that evening. He recorded 16 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Unics Kazan (9-4) is placed fourth in group A. This season Kaimakoglou has relatively solid stats: 14.2ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.9apg and 1.6spg. He is also Greek national team player.

Kostas Koufos

#5. Former international center Kostas Koufos (213-89, college: Ohio St., currently plays in NBA) contributed to a Denver Nuggets' victory against the Milwaukee Bucks (25-23) 112-104 in the NBA last Tuesday. Koufos recorded 6 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 17 minutes. The Denver Nuggets have a solid 31-18 record this season. It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row. Koufos has reliable stats this year: 8.0ppg, 6.5rpg and 1.5bpg in the 48 games. He is a naturalized American. Koufos used to play for the Greek national team two years ago. Strangely he has never played in Greece.

Ian Vougioukas

#6. Power forward Ian Vougioukas (212-85, college: St.Louis, currently plays in VTB United League) is a teammate of previously mentioned Kostas Kaimakoglou and both played together in the last VTB United League game. Vougioukas was the major contributor in an Unics Kazan's victory against the eighth-ranked Kalev/Cramo (3-10) 70-52. He recorded 14 points. Vougioukas' stats this season are: 10.5ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.5apg, 1.2bpg and 1.1spg. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Greek National Team roster.

Antonis Fotsis

#7. International forward Antonis Fotsis (209-81, currently plays in Italy) helped Armani Milano win their game against the league outsider Air Avellino (4-14) crushing them 108-57 in the Italian SerieA in Sunday night's game. Fotsis scored 9 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 25 minutes. EA7 Emporio Armani Milano (11-7) is placed sixth in the SerieA. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. This year Fotsis' overall stats are: 7.3ppg and 4.1rpg in the 18 games. He is also Greek national team player.

Dusan Sakota

#8. Small forward Dusan Sakota (209-86, agency: Beo Basket, currently plays in Italy), who plays in the Italian SerieA could not help Cimberio Varese (15-3) to beat Montepaschi Siena (13-5). Sakota scored 8 points and added 4 passes. The league leader Cimberio Varese was defeated 89-75 on the road by the lower-ranked Montepaschi Siena (#3). Sakota's total stats this season are: 6.4ppg and 2.5rpg. He used to play for the Greek U20 national team back in 2006.

Nikolaos Zisis

#9. International guard Nikolaos Zisis (197-83, currently plays in Spain) is a teammate of previously mentioned Kostas Vasiliadis. But that was another game of his team in Spanish ACB which we would like to mention. Zisis was not able to help Gescrap BB (12-8) in their game against Real Madrid (19-1). He scored 8 points. Gescrap BB was badly defeated 94-74 at home by the leading Real Madrid. Zisis' total stats this season are: 7.4ppg, 1.9rpg and 3.4apg. He is also in the roster of the Greek national team.

Stavros Toutziarakis

   #10. Center Stavros Toutziarakis (210-87, also represented by FCM, currently plays in Sweden) helped Solna Vikings win their game against the ninth-ranked KFUM Jamtland (7-17) 82-79 in the Swedish Basketligan last Thursday. Toutziarakis recorded 16 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 24 minutes. Solna Vikings (17-9) is placed fourth in the Basketligan. Toutziarakis' stats this year are: 12.3ppg, 7.5rpg and 1.1apg in the 25 games. He is a former U20 international player as six years ago he still played for the Greek national team.

   #11. Former international forward Christos Tapoutos (203-82, currently plays in Turkey), who plays in the Turkish TBL was not able to secure a victory for Olin Edirne (3-14) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the bottom-ranked Olin Edirne was edged 69-67 on their home court in Edirne by the second-ranked Banvit BK. Tapoutos was the second best scorer with 16 points in 30 minutes. Tapoutos averaged so far 10.2ppg and 4.1rpg in the 14 games. He used to play for the Greek national team eight years ago.

   #12. U18 international swingman Ioannis Papapetrou (203-94, currently plays college basketball in the States) helped Texas win their game against the Texas Christian University 60-43 in the NCAA last Saturday. Papapetrou scored 13 points, had 9 boards, handed out 3 passes and blocked 2 shots. Papapetrou averaged so far 10.2ppg and 4.1rpg. He is also in the roster of the Greek U18 national team.

   #13. Former U18 international forward Fotios Lampropoulos (206-83, currently plays in Spain) helped CB Canarias win their game against the closely-ranked Cajasol 77-68 in the Spanish ACB in Sunday night's game. Lampropoulos scored 10 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Lampropoulos' total stats this season are: 6.3ppg and 3.4rpg. He used to play for the Greek U18 national team ten years ago.

   #14. An experienced former international swingman Dimitrios Tsaldaris (194-80, currently plays in Italy) helped Angelico Biella edge in an overtime the tenth-ranked Juvecaserta 81-80 in the Italian SerieA on Sunday night. Tsaldaris scored 9 points in 22 minutes. He averaged so far 10.3ppg, 2.7rpg and 1.3apg in the three games. Tsaldaris used to play for the Greek national team back in 2009.

   #15. Former University international center Giorgos Galiotos (213-86, agency: Interperformances, currently plays in Bulgaria) couldn't help Euroins Cherno More in their game against Rilski Sportist in the Bulgarian NBL. He scored 8 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 23 minutes. His team was badly defeated by 17 points 100-83. Galiotos is ranked fourth on the list of the best rebounders in the league with 8.8rpg. He also averaged so far 9.0ppg in the 12 games. Galiotos used to play for the Greek university national team four years ago.

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

   #1. Corey Petros (208-F/C-93, currently plays college basketball in the States) led Oakland to an easy victory against the University of Nebraska at Omaha (5-7) 96-81 in the NCAA on Saturday night. Petros scored 28 points (!!!) in 36 minutes. The Oakland University has 6-4 conference record this season. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. This year Petros' total stats are: 6.4ppg and 2.5rpg in the 17 games he played so far. He is a naturalized American. Apparently Petros has never played in Greece.

   #2. Nicholas Livas (198-G-87, college: Ill.-Springfield, currently plays in Germany) was the major contributor in a BG Goettingen's victory against the league outsider USC Leipzig (3-17) 92-80 in the German ProA (second division) on Saturday night. Livas recorded a double-double by scoring 16 points and getting 11 rebounds. He also added 3 assists. BG Goettingen (15-5) is placed second in the ProA. Livas' total stats this season are: 9.3ppg, 7.2rpg and 2.6apg. He is a naturalized American. Apparently Livas has never played in Greece.

   #3. Triantafillos Tzakopoulos (187-G-85, currently plays in Germany) led Duesseldorf Baskets to a 2-point victory over the 14th-ranked Oettinger Rockets Gotha (7-13) 77-75 in the German ProA (second division) on Sunday night. Tzakopoulos was the top player that evening. He scored 17 points, made 6 passes and 3 steals in 31 minutes. Duesseldorf Baskets (14-6) is placed third in the ProA. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. This year Tzakopoulos' total stats are: 7.8ppg, 1.9rpg and 3.6apg in the 20 games. He has a dual citizenship: Greek and Australian.

   #4. Experienced Alexey Savrasenko (215-C-79, currently plays in Eurocup) managed to help Lokomotiv Kuban in a victory against the fourth-ranked Cajasol (0-4) 83-72 in the Eurocup last Wednesday. Savrasenko recorded only 4 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 6 minutes on the court. Lokomotiv Kuban (4-0) is placed first in group K. So far his team won all four games in the Top 16. There are only two games left until the end of the Eurocup Top 16. So now every game will be critical. This year Savrasenko's total stats are: 1.6ppg and 2.1rpg in the 10 games. He is another player who holds two passports: Greek and Russian.

   #5. Sten-Timmu Sokk (181-PG-89, currently plays in Georgia) led Olimpi to a victory against the ninth-ranked Sokhumi (3-8) 82-69 in a derby game in the Georgian Superleague on Wednesday night. Sokk scored 14 points. Olimpi Tbilisi (9-2) is placed second in the Superleague. Sokk is currently second on the league's list of best passers. His total stats this season are: 9.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 6.6apg and 1.1spg. Sokk has both Greek and Estonian nationalities.

   #6. Christian Koutras (189-G-88, college: Cuesta JC, currently plays in Sweden) contributed to Akropol's victory against the ninth-ranked Orongo Dragons 73-65 in the Swedish Basketettan (second division) in Saturday night's game. He had a triple-double by scoring 15 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and passing 18 assists in 37 minutes. Koutras is ranked first on the list of the best passers in the league with 10.5apg. He also averaged so far 17.4ppg, 6.7rpg and 2.4spg in the 11 games. Koutras also holds two passports: Greek and Swedish. Despite his Greek nationality, Koutras previously played for the Swedish U20 national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Greek team.

   #7. Alex Hill (196-G-90, college: Cornell, currently plays in Canada), who plays in the Canadian university league CIS could not help the University of Toronto (9-6) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his very good performance the University of Toronto (#3) was defeated 84-77 in a derby game by the Lions. Hill was the second best scorer with 20 points. He also added 4 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). Hill is currently seventh on the list of top scorers. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Hill averages: 20.1ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.8apg and 1.3spg. He holds both Greek and Canadian passports.

   #8. Angelo Tsagarakis (190-G-84, currently plays in France), who plays in the French ProB (second division) was not able to help Chalons-Reims (14-7) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite his good performance Chalons-Reims was defeated 83-75 on the road by the lower-ranked SPO Rouen (#10). Tsagarakis scored 10 points and added 4 assists. He averaged so far 13.8ppg, 2.0rpg and 1.2apg. Tsagarakis has dual citizenship: Greek and French. Despite his Greek passport, Tsagarakis previously played for the French U20 national team and probably cannot be called to the Greek team.

   #9. Athanasios Kalpakas (198-F-84, currently plays in Sweden) is a teammate of previously mentioned Christian Koutras and both played together in the last Swedish Basketettan game. Kalpakas contributed to Akropol's victory against the ninth-ranked Orongo Dragons 73-65. He scored 22 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 32 minutes. Kalpakas averaged so far 11.4ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.8apg and 1.2spg in the 17 games. He holds both Greek and Swedish passports.

   #10. Mannos Nakos (179-PG-88, currently plays in Sweden) contributed to a 1-point Uppsala Basket's victory against the eighth-ranked LF Basket 75-74 in the Swedish Basketligan on Thursday night. Nakos recorded 8 points. His total stats this season are: 6.3ppg and 1.6apg. Nakos has Greek and Swedish nationalities.

Sakarya U16 Tournament: Greece demolish the German side for the top spot - by Eurobasket News

Germany U16-Greece U16 45:75

Greece demolish the German side for the top spot in Group B of the Sakarya U16 Tournament. The Greek team needed a 75:45 win to finish with 5-0 record. The German team ended up with 4-1 record on the second place as both teams head to the Quarterfinals from the group.
Germanys early turnovers gave the complete control to Greece with 16-0 scoring run in the opening frame of the game. Greece won the first period 31-9 and never looked behind. Tibor Taras (188-SG-97) resisted individually with pouring baskets from the painted area which wasnt enough for Germany to down 21-47 at the half. Greece kept taking advantage from Germans' turnovers with fast break points while their rival was tired enough to run back and third period was ended with the easy win.
Dionysis Skoulidas and Vasileios Charalampopoulos (203-F-97) stepped up with 15 points each to pace the winners. Vasilis Mouratos scored 14, while Dimitris Flionis (186-PG-97) added 8. Tibor Taras finished the game with 14 points in defeat, while Moritz Sanders (204-PF-98) delivered 10.

Germany U16: Tibor Taras 14, Moritz Sanders 10
Greece U16: Dionysis Skoulidas (200-PF-97) 15, Vasileios Charalampopoulos 15, Vasilis Mouratos 14, Dimitris Flionis 8

Montepaschi interested in acquiring Nikos Pappas? - by Dimitris Katsionis

According to rumors, Montepaschi Siena had contacts, twice last week, with Panionios BC president, Ilias Lianos, about Nikos Pappas (195-G-90, agency: FCM). Mr. Lianos denied to agree for a possible transcription. Montepaschi is on the market for an off-guard and Pappas seems a very good case. The 22-year old Greek combo guard (leads A1 in scoring averaging 18.7 ppg.) is a great penetrator and finisher, has a strong body (goes to the charity line very often), a very effective midrange game and he can thrive in a transition offense. Seems like the ideal piece in Banchi's up tempo system this year in Tuscan.
He needs to improve his defensive attitude and playmaking abilities in order to be the complete package. Pappas was positive about a possible transcription but he has a contract with Panionios and it's obvious that the team is not in a rush as the administration expects to have many offers (from top-clubs) this summer for the player.

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HOLLAND

Standings - Eredivisie

Eredivisie Standings

1. Den Bosch		19-4
2. Leiden		19-5
3. Groningen		16-8
4. Zwolle		13-11
5. Leeuwarden		12-12
6. M.Magixx		12-12
7. Den Helder K.		12-12
8. Weert		10-14
9. Amsterdam		3-20
10. Rotterdam		2-20

Regular Season: Round 22

Feb. 5: Weert - Leeuwarden 82-79
Feb. 6: Leiden - M.Magixx 70-54
Feb. 7: Rotterdam - Amsterdam
Feb. 7: Zwolle - Den Helder K.

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INDIA

ONGC advances into Federation Cup final - by Anil Kumar

ONGC outclassed defending champions Punjab Police to storm into the men's final of the 27th Federation Cup basketball tournament in Bangalore on Saturday. The Uttarakhand-based side will now take on Indian Overseas Bank (Tamil Nadu), who defeated IAF in the day's other semifinal at the Sree Kanteerava indoor stadium.

ONGC rode on another workmanlike performance from Indian national captain Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (26 points) to win 75-65 and take one step closer to the Rs 1 lakh on offer for the winner of Sunday's final. Meanwhile, Rikin impressed with 23 points to steer his side to the title clash as IOB prevailed 86-60.

Maharashtra women again relied on Manisha Dange, Shireen and Renu Mourya as they set up a meeting with Tamil Nadu. The trio scored a total of 47 points as Maharashtra pipped South Eastern Railway (Bilaspur) 71-70. Tamil Nadu had an easier outing, getting past Kerala 75-55.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Basketball Association felicitated as many as 42 former and current state cagers and coaches in a small ceremony at the stadium. Among those feted and presented a memento were K Rajagopal, who represented India between 1969 and 1970 and G Dilip, the only Karnataka player to have represented India in the Olympics (Moscow 1980).

Later, Indian national head coach Scott Flemming said he would hold a coaching clinic for kids on Sunday. KSBBA then announced it would hold an open three-point shooting competition with winners set to claim Rs 10,000.

Results: Semifinals: Men: ONGC: 75 (Vishesh Bhriguvanshi 26, Yadwinder singh 17, Mohit Bhandari 11) bt Punjab Police: 65 (Amritpal Singh 19, Palpreet Singh 17, Harminder Singh 11); IOB (Tamil Nadu): 86 (Rikin 23, Raghuram 13, Vinith 11) bt IAF: 60 (Narender 18, Shivraj Singh 13).

Pool A: IAF: 73 (Ashutosh Rai 15, Eby Jose 12, Shijoy Thomas 11, Siddarth Bharadwaj 11, Surinder Singh 10) bt Captain's Club, Delhi: 41 (Sachin Sharma 16, Praveen Dovan 9).

Women: Maharashtra: 71 (Manisha Dange 21, Shireen 16, Renu Mourya 10) bt South Eastern Railways (Bilaspur): 70 (Seema Singh 32, Pushpa 18, Bharthi 13); Tamil Nadu: 75 (Anita 35, Alagi 12, Adhiray 12) bt Kerala: 55 (Jeena 22, Surya 11).

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IRELAND

Standings - EBS Superleague

Superleague Standings

1. UL Eagles		13-3
2. UCC Demons		11-4
3. B.Gais Neptune		11-5
4. DCU Saints		7-8
5. Ballon Inter		6-9
6. Killester		6-11
7. Moycullen		5-10
8. UCD Marian		3-12

Regular Season: Round 16

Feb. 7: DCU Saints - UCD Marian
Feb. 9: Killester - Moycullen
Feb. 9: UL Eagles - B.Gais Neptune
Feb. 9: UCD Marian - UCC Demons
Feb. 9: DCU Saints - Ballon Inter

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Patrick SULLIVAN
  Moycullen
  (201-F-)
  Avg: 23.5

1. Sullivan, Moycullen	23.5
2. Townes, B.Gais N.	22.1
3. Galvin, UCD Marian	21.8
4. Taylor, UL Eagles	20.7
5. Walker, UCC Demons	20.1
6. Killeen, UL Eagles	16.2
7. Glover, DCU Saints	15.0
8. Coughlan, UCC D.	13.8
9. O''Sullivan, UCC D.	13.5
10. Summers, Killester	13.3

Rebounds Per Game

John GALVIN
  UCD Marian
  (203-F-88)
  Avg: 17.4

1. Galvin, UCD Marian	17.4
2. Walker, UCC Demons	12.8
3. Townes, B.Gais N.	12.1
4. Killeen, UL Eagles	11.6
5. Sullivan, Moycullen	11.4
6. Noonan, B.Gais N.	8.6
7. Foley, UCD Marian	7.8
8. Quill, DCU Saints	7.8
9. Tummon, Moycullen	7.2
10. Rudak, B.Gais N.	6.7

Assists Per Game

Gerard NOONAN
  B.Gais N.
  (180-G-82)
  Avg: 8

1. Noonan, B.Gais N.	8.0
2. Camps, Moycullen	7.6
3. Coughlan, UCC D.	4.8
4. Kinevane, UL Eagl.	4.5
5. Taylor, UL Eagles	4.4
6. Walsh, B.Gais N.	3.9
7. Donnelly, DCU S.	3.3
8. O''Sullivan, UCC D.	3.3
9. O''Reilly, UCC D.	3.0
10. Anderson, DCU S.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Salvador CAMPS
  Moycullen
  (178-PG-79)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Camps, Moycullen	2.7
2. Taylor, UL Eagles	2.6
3. McGinn, B.Gais N.	2.4
4. Summers, Killester	2.1
5. Anderson, DCU S.	2.1
6. Townes, B.Gais N.	2.1
7. Donnelly, DCU S.	2.0
8. Kinevane, UL Eagl.	1.9
9. Drumm, UCD Marian	1.8
10. Noonan, B.Gais N.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

John GALVIN
  UCD Marian
  (203-F-88)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Galvin, UCD Marian	2.9
2. Walker, UCC Demons	2.5
3. Stapleton, B.Gais	2.1
4. Rudak, B.Gais N.	1.8
5. Townes, B.Gais N.	1.7
6. Trimmer, DCU S.	1.7
7. Killeen, UL Eagles	1.4
8. O''Brien, Killester	0.9
9. Quigley, UL Eagles	0.9
10. Sullivan, Moycull.	0.6

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ISRAEL

Elizur Ashkelon inks Jarvis Hayes - by Eurobasket News

Elizur Ashkelon (Winner League) signed 32-year old American swingman Jarvis Hayes (201-101kg-81, college: Georgia, agency: David Lee services). Hayes managed to play in three leagues last year (!!!). He played last season at Krasnie Krilya in Russian PBL league. In 15 games he had 8.5ppg and 3.0rpg. He also played 2 games in EuroChallenge where he recorded very impressive stats: 16.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.5apg and 1.0spg. Hayes also played 10 games in VTB United League where he recorded 9.1ppg, 3.3rpg and 1.6apg.
The previous (10-11) season he played at Aliaga Petkim (TBL) in Turkish league. In 15 games that season he recorded also great stats: 16.3ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.2apg and 1.1spg.
In 2003 Hayes was drafted by Washington Wizadrs (NBA) in first round (10th overall). The former University of Georgia standoutis in his tenth season in pro basketball.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as Hayes won NBA Central Division championship title in 2008. He was also voted NBA All-Rookie 2nd Team back in 2004.
Hayes has played also professionally for other NBA teams like Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets.
He could be described: Great scorer and athlete with a great body; weak ball handling skills. Has a nice shooting touch, hes also improving in putting the ball on the floor.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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ITALY

Sigma Barcellona lands Jobey Thomas - by Antonello Varallo

A new shooting guard for Sigma Barcellona: the sicilian team agreed terms with Jobey Thomas (194-G-80, college: Charlotte), a veteran player of italian leagues. Except for a short experience in Portugal, Thomas has spent his entire career in Italy, where he arrived in 2002/03. The product of NC-Charlotte played with Imola, Ferrara, Montegranaro, Milano (Euroleague: 15 games: 12.1ppg, 1.5rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 87.9%; Serie A: 32 games: 10.9ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 87.5%), Varese, Treviso. He began this season with Acegas Aps Trieste, averaging 17.1 ppg in 15 games, with a season high of 35 points scored against Capo d'Orlando. He scored 29 against Barcellona last december.

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LATVIA

LITHUANIA

Standings - LKL

LKL Standings

1. Rudupis		12-1
2. Neptunas		10-3
3. Zalgiris		7-0
4. Siauliai		7-5
5. Pieno Zvaigzdes		7-6
6. Juventus		7-6
7. Nevezis		6-7
8. Lietuvos rytas		5-2
9. Lietkabelis		5-9
10. LSU-Baltai		4-9
11. Sakalai		3-11
12. Naglis Palangos		0-14

Regular Season: Round 20

Feb. 6: LSU-Baltai - Lietkabelis 90-64
Feb. 6: Siauliai - Neptunas 81-82
Feb. 14: Neptunas - Rudupis
Feb. 15: Pieno Zvaigzdes - Siauliai
Feb. 15: Lietkabelis - Nevezis
Feb. 15: Naglis Palangos - Juventus
Feb. 15: Sakalai - LSU-Baltai

Stats Leaders - LKL

Points Per Game

Gediminas ORELIKAS
  Rudupis
  (200-G/F-90)
  Avg: 19.4

1. Orelikas, Rudupis	19.4
2. Hughes, Pieno Z.	16.1
3. Gailius, Neptunas	15.5
4. Samenas, Siauliai	15.1
5. Kieza, Siauliai	13.4
6. Kadziulis, Rudupis	13.3
7. Milaknis, Rudupis	13.1
8. Brown, Naglis P.	13.0
9. Sinica, Sakalai	12.9
10. Mazeika, Neptunas	12.9

Rebounds Per Game

Aurimas KIEZA
  Siauliai
  (202-PF-82)
  Avg: 10

1. Kieza, Siauliai	10.0
2. Bishop, Nevezis	8.4
3. Sarakauskas, Nept.	8.0
4. Urbonas, LSU-Baltai	7.5
5. Varnelis, Juventus	6.8
6. Sinica, Sakalai	6.5
7. Vene, Rudupis	6.2
8. Gates, Pieno Z.	6.2
9. Dia, Siauliai	6.0
10. Konate, Naglis P.	5.9

Assists Per Game

Lewis JACKSON
  Siauliai
  (178-PG-89)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Jackson, Siauliai	5.1
2. Stasys, LSU-Baltai	4.5
3. Janavicius, Rudupis	4.0
4. Gintvainis, Sakalai	4.0
5. Dainys, Neptunas	3.8
6. Viskontas, Juvent.	3.7
7. Kadziulis, Rudupis	3.3
8. Broadus, Neptunas	3.3
9. Ginevicius, Lietka.	3.1
10. Maceina, Pieno Z.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Parrish BROWN
  Naglis P.
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 2

1. Brown, Naglis P.	2.0
2. Hughes, Pieno Z.	2.0
3. Vene, Rudupis	1.8
4. Stasys, LSU-Baltai	1.8
5. Ginevicius, Lietka.	1.7
6. Butkevicius, Lietk.	1.6
7. Dambrauskas, Sakal.	1.5
8. Malasauskas, LSU-.	1.5
9. Sinica, Sakalai	1.5
10. Girdziunas, Nevez.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Tomas URBONAS
  LSU-Baltai
  (215-C-92)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Urbonas, LSU-Baltai	2.6
2. Silinskis, Nevezis	1.6
3. Petrukonis, Juven.	1.3
4. Kieza, Siauliai	1.0
5. McClure, Neptunas	0.9
6. Ramasauskas, Saka.	0.9
7. Kupsas, Lietkabelis	0.9
8. Cepukaitis, Pieno	0.8
9. Vene, Rudupis	0.8
10. Gates, Pieno Z.	0.8

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LUXEMBOURG

Standings

Diekirch Standings

Places 1-6
1. Sparta		15-3
2. Amicale		14-5
3. Etzella		12-7
4. Residence		10-8
5. T71		10-9
6. Musel Pikes		10-9
Places 7-10
1. Soleuvre		8-11
2. Contern		7-12
3. Basket Esch		7-12
4. Black Star		1-18

Stage One Standings

Second Stage: Round 2

Feb. 8: T71 - Etzella
Feb. 8: Sparta - Musel Pikes
Feb. 8: Residence - Amicale

Scoring Leaders - DBBL

Points Per Game

Mychal GREEN
  Soleuvre
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 26.2

1. Green, Soleuvre	26.2
2. McDaniel, Black S.	25.0
3. Kennedy, Residence	24.6
4. Schumacher, T71	24.3
5. Bryant, Black Star	23.8
6. Tapscott, Soleuvre	21.7
7. Frazier, Contern	21.3
8. Ulin, Sparta	21.3
9. Simpson, Etzella	21.1
10. Smith, Sparta	20.0

Rebounds Per Game

Anthony SIMPSON
  Etzella
  (203-C/F-87)
  Avg: 14.2

1. Simpson, Etzella	14.2
2. Powell, Contern	13.4
3. McDaniel, Black S.	11.3
4. Gary, Musel Pikes	11.2
5. Sharry, T71	10.8
6. Tapscott, Soleuvre	10.7
7. Frazier, Contern	10.1
8. Kennedy, Residence	9.9
9. Wurtz, Musel Pikes	9.9
10. Scott, Residence	9.7

Assists Per Game

Kasey ULIN
  Sparta
  (181-PG-82)
  Avg: 5.6

1. Ulin, Sparta	5.6
2. Bryant, Black Star	4.5
3. Schumacher, T71	4.4
4. Green, Soleuvre	4.2
5. Schwartz, Musel P.	3.8
6. Schartz, Amicale	3.7
7. Biever, Basket Es.	3.6
8. Golson, Amicale	3.4
9. Scott, Residence	3.3
10. Koster, Residence	3.3

Steals Per Game

Christopher JONES
  Contern
  (186-G-90)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Jones, Contern	2.6
2. Kennedy, Residence	2.4
3. McDaniel, Black S.	2.4
4. Schumacher, T71	1.8
5. Delgado, Etzella	1.8
6. Green, Soleuvre	1.8
7. Bryant, Black Star	1.7
8. Simpson, Etzella	1.6
9. Smith, Sparta	1.6
10. Koster, Residence	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Chehales TAPSCOTT
  Soleuvre
  (195-F-90)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Tapscott, Soleuvre	1.5
2. Gary, Musel Pikes	1.0
3. Powell, Contern	0.9
4. Simpson, Etzella	0.9
5. McDaniel, Black S.	0.9
6. Frazier, Contern	0.8
7. Hoffmann, Sparta	0.8
8. Sharry, T71	0.8
9. Fisher, Amicale	0.8
10. Golson, Amicale	0.6

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MEXICO

LNBP Round 2 of Semi-Finals. Xalapa and Rojos take 2-0 leads - by Eurobasket News

Halc.Rojos - Toros 97-70

Halcones Rojos claimed comprehensive win over Toros in the second game of the semifinal series. Rojos are now 2-0 up heading into the third game. The game without a history. Halcones Rojos led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Halcones Rojos had a 29-16 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American point guard Mike Mitchell (181-83, college: N.Mexico St., agency: Two Points) who scored 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international guard Francisco Cruz (190-89, college: Wyoming) chipped in 15 points and 4 assists. Five Halcones Rojos players scored in double figures. American swingman Rene Rougeau (198-86, college: UNLV, agency: ProSportsCareers) produced 12 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) and the former international forward Lonnie Ellis Vasquez (198-82, college: Mississippi Coll.) added 14 points respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Halc.Rojos: M.Mitchell 16+5reb+4ast, F.Cruz 15+3reb+4ast, L.Davis 13+2reb+1ast, D.Pinnock 11+3reb, C.Stinson 10+4reb+4ast, L.Bethelmy 8+5reb
Toros: L.Ellis Vasquez 14+2reb+1ast, R.Rougeau 12+4reb+1ast, W.Pagan 10+1reb, I.Ofoegbu 8+3reb+4ast, Q.Gonzalez 7+3reb+2ast, M.Hutchingson 7+5reb

Halc.Xalapa - Soles 102-78

Halcones Xalapa celebrated the second win in a row against Soles. The game was mostly controlled by Halcones UV Xalapa. Soles was better in fourth quarter 23-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Soles 47-35 including a 37-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. Halcones UV Xalapa players were unselfish on offense dishing 27 assists. Soles were plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. The former international center Lorenzo Mata (205-86) orchestrated the victory by scoring 8 points and 21 rebounds. American guard LeRoy Hickerson (196-82, college: Cumberlands) contributed with 17 points and 5 assists for the winners. Four Halcones UV Xalapa players scored in double figures. Panamanian forward Jamelle Horne (200-88, college: Arizona) replied with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds and American center Kentrell Gransberry (206-85, college: S.Florida) added 14 points in the effort for Soles. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Halc.Xalapa: K.Sowell 22+2reb+1ast, L.Hickerson 17+4reb+5ast, O.Mendez-Valdez 15+2reb+3ast, D.Pearson 12+9reb+5ast, F.Harris 8+1reb+3ast, V.Mariscal 8+1reb+3ast
Soles: J.Horne 17+10reb+1ast, K.Gransberry 14+2reb+1ast, P.Hernandez 12+2reb, J.Luis Bucio 7+3ast, I.Nolasco 6+2reb+1ast, R.Martinez 6+2reb+3ast

LNBP Round 1 of Semi-Finals. Halcones Rojos and Halcones Xalapa post wins - by Eurobasket News

Halc.Rojos - Toros 68-62

Halcones Rojos clinched the opening win in the semifinal series versus Toros. Toros were ahead by 3 points at the halftime before a 31-22 second half run of Halcones Rojos. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Curtis Stinson (191-83, college: Iowa St.) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 5 assists. The former international guard Francisco Cruz (190-89, college: Wyoming) contributed with 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Halcones Rojos' coach Eddie Casiano allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American-Nigerian forward Ike Ofoegbu (205-85, college: SMU) answered with 27 points and 8 rebounds and American swingman Rene Rougeau (198-86, college: UNLV, agency: ProSportsCareers) added 20 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Toros.
Top scorers:
Halc.Rojos: C.Stinson 17+2reb+5ast, F.Cruz 17+5reb, D.Pinnock 10+2reb+2ast, L.Davis 8+2reb, M.Mitchell 7+2reb+1ast, M.Ramos 6+3reb
Toros: I.Ofoegbu 27+8reb+1ast, R.Rougeau 20+5reb+1ast, A.Henning 6+4reb, W.Pagan 4+3reb+2ast, B.Angley 3+1reb+6ast, L.Ellis Vasquez 2+4reb

Halc.Xalapa - Soles 82-80

Halcones Xalapa escaped with a tough home win over Soles in the semifinal series opener. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Soles won third quarter 25-20. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Halcones UV Xalapa won last quarter 15-14. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Halcones UV Xalapa made 7 blocks. American guard LeRoy Hickerson (196-82, college: Cumberlands) fired 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. International guard Orlando Mendez-Valdez (185-86, college: W.Kentucky) chipped in 19 points. Halcones UV Xalapa's coach Angel Gonzalez used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American guard Carl Elliott (193-83, college: G.Washington, agency: SportsTalent) produced 30 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists and the other American import center Kentrell Gransberry (206-85, college: S.Florida) added 21 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Halc.Xalapa: L.Hickerson 24+8reb+4ast, O.Mendez-Valdez 19+2reb+3ast, K.Sowell 14+3reb+3ast, F.Harris 9, V.Mariscal 6+6reb+5ast, L.Mata 4+8reb+2ast
Soles: C.Elliott 30+7reb+9ast, K.Gransberry 21+11reb+7ast, R.Martinez 19+6reb+3ast, J.Griffin 4+3reb, S.Aguirre 3+4reb+2ast, M.Lizarraga 2+1reb+1ast

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MONTENEGRO

Sakarya U16 Tournament: Ukraine keep Montenegro winless - by Eurobasket News

Montenegro U16-Ukraine U16 46:56

Ukraine keep Montenegro winless at the Sakarya U16 Tournament. They needed a 56:46 to finish Group B with 2-3 record and advanced to the Quarterfinals. The Montenegrin side meanwhile ended up with 0-5 record on the 6th place in the group.
Ukraine opened the game with 15-7 and added 11-10 in the second frame. Montenegro bounced back with 15-13 in the third quarter and needed the final push to win the game. Ukraine however answered with 17-14 rally in the last stanza and managed to seal the victory.
Svyatoslav Mikhayliuk top-scored for the winners with 15 points and Rostislav Lunskiy (188-F-97) nailed 11. Vitalii Zotov and Dmytro Berezkin (207-C-97) delivered 9 points each. Ognjen Carapic (188-PG-98) ended up with 13 points in the losing effort, while Marko Grkovic (202-F-97) had 8. Aleksa Dubak (193-F-98) delivered 7 points in a loss.

Montenegro U16: Ognjen Carapic 13, Marko Grkovic 8, Aleksa Dubak 7
Ukraine U16: Svyatoslav Mikhayliuk 15, Rostislav Lunskiy 11, Vitalii Zotov 9, Dmytro Berezkin 9

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NBA

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. New York K.		31-16
2. Brooklyn N.		29-20
3. Boston C.		25-23
4. Philadelph.76		21-27
5. Toronto R.		17-32
Central Div.
1. Indiana P.		31-19
2. Chicago B.		29-19
3. Milwaukee B.		25-23
4. Detroit P.		18-32
5. Cleveland C.		15-34
Southeast Div.
1. Miami Heat		32-14
2. Atlanta H.		27-21
3. Orlando M.		14-35
4. Washington W.		13-35
5. Charlotte B.		11-37
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Oklah.City T.		37-12
2. Denver N.		31-18
3. Utah Jazz		28-22
4. Portland TB		25-24
5. Minnesota T.		18-28
Pacific Div.
1. LA Clippers		35-16
2. Golden St.W.		30-19
3. LA Lakers		23-26
4. Phoenix Suns		17-33
5. Sacramento K.		17-33
Southwest Div.
1. San Antonio S.		39-11
2. Memphis G.		30-18
3. Houston R.		27-24
4. Dallas M.		21-28
5. N.Orleans H.		16-33

Regular Season: Round 96

Feb. 4: Miami Heat - Charlotte B. 99-94
Feb. 4: New York K. - Detroit P. 99-85
Feb. 4: Utah Jazz - Sacramento K. 98-91 OT
Feb. 4: Washington W. - LA Clippers 98-90
Feb. 4: Minnesota T. - Portland TB 98-100
Feb. 4: Philadelph.76 - Orlando M. 78-61
Feb. 4: Oklah.City T. - Dallas M. 112-91
Feb. 4: Indiana P. - Chicago B. 111-101

Regular Season: Round 99

Feb. 7: Boston C. - LA Lakers
Feb. 7: Denver N. - Chicago B.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.Ci.
  (206-SF-88)
  Avg: 29.3

1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	29.3
2. Anthony, New Y.	28.5
3. Bryant, LA Lakers	27.6
4. James, Miami Heat	26.8
5. Harden, Houston R.	25.8
6. Irving, Cleveland	23.9
7. Westbrook, Oklah..	22.6
8. Wade, Miami Heat	20.9
9. Curry, Golden S.	20.7
10. Aldridge, Portlan.	20.7

Rebounds Per Game

Anderson VAREJAO
  Clevelan.
  (205-C-82)
  Avg: 14.4

1. Varejao, Clevelan.	14.4
2. Howard, LA Lakers	11.9
3. Randolph, Memph.	11.7
4. Asik, Houston R.	11.5
5. Vucevic, Orlan.	11.4
6. Noah, Chicago B.	11.3
7. Chandler, New Y.	11.3
8. Lee, Golden St.W.	11.0
9. Hickson, Portland.	10.7
10. Cousins, Sacramen.	10.0

Assists Per Game

Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 11

1. Rondo, Boston C.	11.0
2. Paul, LA Clippers	9.7
3. Vasquez, N.Orlean.	9.4
4. Holiday, Philadel.	8.9
5. Westbrook, Oklah..	8.2
6. Nash, LA Lakers	7.8
7. Williams, Brooklyn	7.7
8. Parker, San A.	7.6
9. Calderon, Toron.	7.4
10. Nelson, Orlando M.	7.2

Steals Per Game

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

1. Paul, LA Clippers	2.6
2. Conley, Memphis G.	2.3
3. Westbrook, Oklah..	2.0
4. Lin, Houston R.	2.0
5. Walker, Charlott.	1.9
6. Jennings, Milwauke.	1.9
7. Harden, Houston R.	1.9
8. George, Indiana P.	1.8
9. Leonard, San A.	1.8
10. Ellis, Milwaukee	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Larry SANDERS
  Milwauke.
  (211-F-88)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Sanders, Milwauke.	3.1
2. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.	2.9
3. Duncan, San A.	2.7
4. Hibbert, Indiana P.	2.6
5. Howard, LA Lakers	2.4
6. Smith, Atlanta H.	2.2
7. Lopez, Brooklyn N.	2.2
8. Noah, Chicago B.	2.1
9. McGee, Denver N.	1.9
10. Davis, N.Orleans	1.8

Thirteen games recap of Wednesday - by Eurobasket News

Atlanta H. - Memphis G. 103-92
ATLANTA Jeff Teague had 22 points and a season-high 13 assists, Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) added 19 points and 11 rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Memphis Grizzlies 103-92 on Wednesday night. Al Horford finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds to help the Hawks snap a two-game skid. Zach Randolph scored 20 points and Mike Conley added 17 as the Grizzlies lost their second straight. Atlanta played without No. 2 center Zaza Pachulia (6'11''-C-84), veteran guard DeShawn Stevenson and swingman Anthony Morrow (6'5''-G-85), but still held the Grizzlies to 26.3 percent shooting in the third quarter. Memphis missed its first 13 shots from the field in the third before Randolph hit a 22-footer at the 6:26 mark, but the Grizzlies trailed by 19 and never recovered. Beginning the game with the NBA's stingiest defense, Memphis allowed the Hawks to shoot a season-high 62.2 percent in the first half. Atlanta committed seven turnovers in the second quarter but still led 58-45 on Teague's layup in the closing seconds. Jerryd Bayless finished with 15 points and Marc Gasol had 14 points and 10 rebounds for Memphis. The Hawks took their first double-digit lead at the 6:25 mark of the second when Teague's 3-pointer from the right corner made it 43-33. Kyle Korver scored 12 points for Atlanta, which took its biggest lead at 23 on a free throw by Smith in the third. NOTES: Pachulia missed his fourth straight game with a sore right Achilles. ... The Grizzlies dropped to 1-6 when opponents score at least 100 points. ... Hawks coach Larry Drew usually doesn't play Stevenson, a 12th-year veteran, on back-to-back nights. Anthony Tolliver replaced Stevenson in the lineup, finishing with eight points and seven rebounds. ... Atlanta G Devin Harris scored eight points after missing Tuesday's loss at Indiana with a sore left foot. ... Memphis dropped to 5-2 on the road against Eastern Conference teams this season. ... Both teams were playing for the second consecutive night. Courtesy of:http://www.charlotteobserver.com

Cleveland C. - Charlotte B. 122-95
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Kyrie Irving (6'3''-G-92, college: Duke) spent the fourth quarter on the bench watching and relaxing with the other starters. No need for any heroics from the All-Star guard this time. The Cavaliers finally rolled to an easy win the way they used to on a regular basis when LeBron James (6'8''-SF-84) was Cleveland's hard-court king. Irving scored 22 points in just three quarters, rookie Dion Waiters added 19 and the Cavs didn't overlook a team with a worse record than their own by clobbering the Charlotte Bobcats 122-95. It was Cleveland's most lopsided win since May 7, 2010 - James' last victory with the Cavaliers. ''It was the first game that I can remember that I got a chance to sit down in the fourth quarter without it being the other way,'' Cavs coach Byron Scott said following the unusual blowout, the biggest during his three seasons in Cleveland. ''So that was a good feeling.'' The Cavs were coming off a stunning upset of Oklahoma City, one of the league's best teams. It would have been easy to take the lowly Bobcats (11-37) for granted, but Cleveland came out energized from the start, built a 33-point lead after three quarters and sent Charlotte to its 11th loss in 13 games. Sportshub ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 ''This was one of those games where I was really curious to see if we learned from some of our past mistakes and if we've grown as a basketball team, and I can say we definitely have,'' Scott said. ''It's just a matter of now just keeping it going.'' Tristan Thompson scored 17 for the young-and-improving Cavs, who are 8-9 since Jan. 1. ''It definitely shows that we're making steps in the right direction,'' said Irving, who scored 35 - 13 in the final 2:52 - against the Thunder. ''We're getting better every single game. To come out here and just play the second half the way we wanted to, and the way we finished the first half and continue to execute offensively and defensively, shows that we're making strides.'' Byron Mullens scored 15 to pace Charlotte. Bobcats leading scorer Kemba Walker, averaging 17.8 points per game, had just five on 2-of-11 shooting. Scott was eager to see how his team would respond after Cleveland's stunning win over the talent-thick Thunder. While trying not to disrespect the Bobcats, Scott said before tipoff that ''this is a game we should win ... this is the game you should be the most worried about as a basketball player.'' As it turned out, the Cavs had no concerns and coasted to their biggest win since James and the Cavs beat Boston 124-95 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in 2010. By halftime, Cleveland was ahead by 28 points, shooting 62 percent from the floor and coasting toward a rare laugher. Irving, Thompson and Waiters went a combined 17 of 23 from the field in the first half as the Bobcats appeared as if they couldn't wait to get on the plane back to North Carolina. The Cavs kept it up in the third quarter, pushing their lead to 33 entering the fourth. Cleveland came in averaging 96 points per game and had 100 by the end of the three, allowing Scott to rest Irving and the rest of his starters for the final 12 minutes. At the break, Scott recalled how the great Los Angeles Lakers teams he played on with Magic Johnson would put away weaker teams at will. ''We talked about it before games. 'This is a team we should beat by 30, and in the fourth quarter I don't want to be playing,''' Scott said ''That was one of Magic's statements: I don't want to play in the fourth quarter. That means we've got to come out and bury these guys. I told our guys: You've got to think that same way. Don't think about we're up 24 at halftime, think about being down 24. ''We've got to come out with that same aggressiveness to try to put this team away. I thought our guys did that pretty much.'' The Bobcats went 0-5 on a brutal five-game, 10-day trip in which they also lost rookie forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to a concussion. Charlotte coach Mike Dunlap wasn't pleased with his team's finish to the trip. ''There are three or four of those that happen to you,'' Dunlap said. ''They're not pretty. Obviously the physical effort is unacceptable. We don't like that.'' Thompson, a natural left-hander who has shown a deft touch with his right, scored on consecutive short right-handed jumpers in the lane and dropped three free throws - with his left - as the Cavs reeled off 14 straight points to open 21-point lead in the second. Notes: Irving made all five of his 3-pointers. ... Cleveland had a season-high 33 assists and a season-low six turnovers. ... Scott said he'll have no problem with the decision if Miami coach Erik Spoelstra chooses to start Chris Bosh in the All-Star game rather than Irving. ''He's the coach,'' Scott said. ''He's earned that right to pick who he wants.'' ... Kidd-Gilchrist sustained his concussion Saturday in Houston. Before he can play again, he must pass neurological tests under the league's concussion protocol. The earliest he can return is Friday at home against the Lakers. Dunlap said the rookie ''feels substantially better. His head is clearer.'' ... The Bobcats fell to 1-14 all-time in Cleveland. Courtesy of: http://www.philstar.com

Orlando M. - LA Clippers 76-86
ORLANDO, Fla. - On a night when Jamal Crawford (6'5''-G-80, college: Michigan) became yet another of the Clippers unable to play because of an injury, L.A. took what was left of its nine-man healthy crew and went to work. The Clippers defeated the Orlando Magic, 86-76, Wednesday night at the Amway Center and broke a three-game losing streak in the process. There was a big void for the Clippers to fill with Crawford (sore right shoulder) being the latest to go down, joining Blake Griffin (strained left hamstring), Chris Paul (bruised right kneecap) and Chauncey Billups (tendinitis in left foot) on the injury front. But there was point guard Eric Bledsoe scoring a career-high 27 points, tying his season high with six steals, collecting six rebounds and tying his career high with three blocked shots. There was DeAndre Jordan getting a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds, Ryan Hollins (7'0''-C-84, college: UCLA) getting a seasonhigh in points (13), rebounds (eight) and minutes played (24:07) and Lamar Odom producing eight points, five rebounds and a career-high six steals. "Everybody had to step up," Bledsoe said. "Ryan Hollins came in and played good for us. Lamar played huge. DeAndre is playing great basketball right now." Crawford, who also has a broken nose, hopes to play on Friday at Miami. Paul, Billups and Griffin also hope to play against the Heat. "Hopefully it's Friday, but we'll see," Griffin said. "I'll practice tomorrow and then we'll see." Bledsoe was as big as any of the Clippers. He had 10 points and two blocked shots in the fourth quarter, showing that he could become the closer. He was two for four from the field and five for six from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter. "I am the point guard on this team so I've got to lead by example," Bledsoe said. "And that's what I tried to do today." In many ways, Hollins filled in the role off the bench that Crawford normally provides. Hollins took an offensive foul in the fourth quarter. He tipped in a dunk off a Matt Barnes miss for a 78-69 Clippers lead late. Then Hollins blocked a shot by Jameer Nelson with 1:55 left, keeping the Clippers ahead by 10 points. "The encouragement from my teammates is big," Hollins said. "I can't really do much without them. It's my job to stay ready. So even though I'm not in the game or being seen, I have a job and obligation here not to sit on my butt but to get in there early and work. I try to work just as hard as the guys who play the game." All the Clippers were missing against the Magic were their top producers. Griffin leads the team in scoring (18.5) and rebounds (8.6). Paul is third on the team in scoring 16.6), first in assists (9.7) and steals (2.56) and Crawford is second in scoring (16.9). "With these guys out, we all had to come out and we all had to step it up," Jordan said. "And that's what we were doing tonight, at least until these guys get healthy." Courtesy of: http://www.latimes.com

Washington W. - New York K. 106-96
WASHINGTON - The Knicks' objective was the same with each Wizards possession in the fourth quarter: stop John Wall (6'4''-PG-90, college: Kentucky). They tried different tactics - double-teaming Wall on the pick-and-roll, or trapping him when he dribbled over midcourt. Raymond Felton (6'1''-PG-84, college: N.Carolina), J. R. Smith and Iman Shumpert all had their chance to guard Wall. All three failed. Wall was simply better Wednesday night. His team-high 21 points and 9 assists led the Wizards to an impressive 106-96 victory that snapped the Knicks' five-game winning streak. The Knicks (31-16) trail the Miami Heat by a game and a half for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-SF-84, college: Syracuse), who had a game-high 31 points, was disappointed in how many points the Knicks gave up late in the game. 'We can't win a game giving up 36 points in the fourth quarter,' said Anthony, who did not have much support in the final minutes. 'I don't care who it is. We can't give up 36 in the fourth.' Tyson Chandler (7'1''-C-82), on the other side of the locker room, stared at the box score for about a minute. The statistic that jumped out at him was the Wizards' shooting: 53.2 percent. 'I thought this was a poor outing defensively,' Chandler said. 'We were scoring, but you can't trade baskets when you're down. That's asking for trouble. We couldn't get a stop.' Chandler had a chance to set a franchise record for the most consecutive games with at least 20 rebounds after grabbing 20 in each of the previous three games. Willis Reed accomplished the feat twice in 1969. Walt Bellamy, a Hall of Fame center, and Johnny Green, a 6-foot-5 forward, also had three consecutive games with at least 20 rebounds. Given the Wizards' shooting percentage, Chandler did not have many opportunities for rebounds. He finished with a team-high 13 and scored 8 points. The Wizards (13-35) are a drastically different team from the one the Knicks faced on Nov. 30. In the Knicks' 108-87 victory at Madison Square Garden, the Wizards played without Wall, by far their best player, and they stumbled to a 3-23 record to open the season. 'This team here is playing a lot better than the last time we played them,' Coach Mike Woodson said before the game. 'We really have to protect the basketball and get shots, especially against this team. Now that Wall is back, they thrive on turning you over and pushing it back at you.' The Knicks contained Wall in the first half, when he committed four turnovers, but he was a superior player after halftime, when he blew past Knicks defenders for easy baskets, found open teammates for 3-pointers and made his own open midrange jumpers. Martell Webster made the game's biggest shot on a 3-pointer with 1 minute 31 seconds left to give the Wizards a 104-95 lead. Webster, one of six Wizards in double figures, finished with 19 points and had five 3-pointers. 'We are seasoned veterans, and they are a young team,' Smith said. 'We have to keep guys out of the paint. We can't give up wide-open shots. That's unacceptable.' Woodson was mostly upset with the Knicks' defensive effort, or lack of it. On one possession in the fourth, the Knicks were so confused on defense they gave Wall enough time to pump-fake twice before he finally knocked the shot down. 'It was awful across the board, starting at the top with me,' Woodson said. 'Even a couple of air balls that were shot, they picked up loose balls, and they finished the play off.' REBOUNDS Rasheed Wallace (6'10''-F/C-75, college: N.Carolina) (stress fracture in left foot) hopes to be able to participate in his first full practice Feb. 18 or Feb. 19 after the Knicks return from the All-Star break. Wallace last played in a win over the Lakers on Dec. 13. 'My foot is feeling better,' he said. 'I'm real anxious, to be honest. Sometimes sitting on the sideline or sitting in the back watching those guys, it's killing me because at certain points of the games I feel like that I could have gotten that rebound or I would have been able to trap here or do something there. It's a lot of what-ifs.' Courtesy of: http://www.nytimes.com

Philadelph.76 - Indiana P. 69-88
Roy Hibbert (7'2''-C-86, college: Georgetown) had 16 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Pacers to an 88-69 victory over Philadelphia on Wednesday night. The Central Division-leading Pacers won their third game in three nights. Paul George, George Hill and David West each scored 15 for the Pacers, the only team to play back-to-back-to-back games this season. "We got in here before the game and we just looked each other in the eyes, and I knew it," George said of a team meeting. "I knew we had to go out, fight for each other, rely on each other and do everything possible to get a win." Indiana has won five in a row overall to move a season-best 12 games above .500. The Pacers snapped a three-game road losing streak and won for just the third time in 10 games away from home. "We got ourselves up for this one in the locker room before the game," West said. "We had to. A lot of guys didn't have a lot out there physically, and we had to lean on each other. But we did that, we relied on defense, and slowing the game down, and we got it done." Sportshub ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Jrue Holiday had 17 points for the Sixers, who saw their season-best three-game winning streak end. Rookie Arnett Moultrie had a season-high 12 points and Lavoy Allen (6'9''-C/F-89, college: Temple) added 12. "We looked like a team that played 10 games in 10 nights," Sixers coach Doug Collins said. "That's the kind of energy we had tonight. We were not mentally into the game." Moultrie, a first-round pick, has been a deep reserve this season. He got extended action because forward Thad Young was injured on Monday night. The Pacers broke it open in third quarter with a 9-0 run. Hill hit a 3-pointer and George finished it off with a pair of free throws to make it 48-36. Minutes later, George threw down a dunk off an alley-oop pass from Hibbert for a 54-42 lead. The Sixers didn't get any closer than nine points the rest of the way. "Our tanks were on E, but our team is a very, very mentally tough team. And we proved it tonight," Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. "It never felt like it was easy during the game. Philly plays extremely hard and they are very, very well coached. Obviously they are undermanned. You have to call it like it is. But they still have to go out and win, and they still have an All-Star running the show for them, and I'm proud of our guys for getting the win." The teams combined for 33 points and shot 28.6 percent (16 for 56) in the first quarter. It didn't get much better in the second. Dorell Wright (6'9''-F-85) made the play of the night midway through the quarter after blocking Tyler Hansbrough's shot at the defensive end. He followed it up with a no-look alley-oop pass to Moultrie for a slam to electrify the sparse crowd at the Wells Fargo Center. West hit a jumper to send the Pacers into halftime up 37-34. Notes: The Pacers played three straight games because of a makeup against Chicago on Monday night. ... Young is expected to miss three weeks with his left hamstring injury. ... Sixers guard Jason Richardson went to New York to get a third opinion on his injured left knee. Collins said he couldn't comment on a report that Richardson will have season-ending knee surgery. ... The Sixers fell to 4-2 during an eight-game homestand. ... Indiana is 23-2 when allowing less than 80 points. Courtesy of: http://www.philstar.com

Toronto R. - Boston C. 95-99
TORONTO - You don't build up the kind of Hall of Fame credentials that Kevin Garnett (6'11''-F/C-76) has without dominating a game or two along the way. Even at 36, KG still has it in him to be the best player on the floor -- even if he's the oldest. The Toronto Raptors found that out on Wednesday night as Garnett carried the Celtics to a 99-95 win. It was his 12-foot fadeaway jumper with less than a minute to play that put the Celtics ahead 96-91 in what eventually turned out to be the game-winning basket. But the Raptors weren't done. After cutting Boston's lead to three points, Toronto forced Paul Pierce into a tough off-balance shot that rimmed out. In the scramble for the rebound, it eventually sailed out of bounds off of Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan with 18 seconds to play. From there, Toronto intentionally fouled Jeff Green who made the second free throw with 17.6 seconds to play that gave the C's a 97-93 lead. Rudy Gay had two shots around the basket -- both misses -- with the loose ball eventually being rebounded by Courtney Lee who was immediately fouled with 9.8 seconds to play. Lee made both free throws to finally put the game away. Boston (25-23) has now five straight, with Wednesday's victory being their first away from the TD Garden. Garnett was indeed the one that led the way, but not too far behind him was Leandro Barbosa who had 14 points, 12 of which came in the fourth quarter. After falling behind by 10 points going into the fourth, the Celtics opened the quarter with a 7-0 spurt capped off by a 12-foot pull-up jumper by Jason Terry off a Jeff Green steal. Toronto called a time-out, well aware that they were looking at yet another second-half collapse, which has been one of the constants with their team all season. "We have to get better at finishing games off," Toronto big man Amir Johnson said prior to the game. Toronto had a stretch earlier this year in which they led at the half in nine straight games, but came away losers six times. Wednesday had the makings of another late-game collapse for the Raptors, and an impressive comeback for the Celtics. An improbable over the shoulder shot by Garnett plus the free throw, tied the game at 79. But the Raptors were not willing to concede this one, as they continued to make the most of Boston's mistakes. After a lay-up by Kyle Lowry (6'0''-PG-86, college: Villanova) off a bad pass by Boston put the Raptors ahead 83-81, it was the Raptor's 26th point off of 13 Celtics turnovers. After seemingly righting their ways in the second quarter, they reverted back to committing the many miscues that had them in a back-and-fourth tussle with the Raptors earlier in the game. Specifically, their turnovers. It wasn't so much that the Celtics had that many. It's just that when they made a mistake, the Raptors quickly capitalized on it with points of their own. And making matters worst, Garnett picked up his fourth personal foul with 6:48 to play in the third quarter which immediately sent him to the bench. Garnett on the sideline is never a good look for the Celtics, especially on a night like Wednesday when he was scoring the ball with such ease. While his departure was relatively close to when he usually sits, his absence and the absence of anyone filling his void, was apparent. Within a couple of minutes, Boston saw itself looking up to a 69-65 deficit following a dunk by Andrea Bargnani. But the Celtics dealt with that adversity in the same manner they have done of late -- deal with it, and after that, get the win. Courtesy of: http://www.csnne.com

Utah Jazz - Milwaukee B. 100-86
SALT LAKE CITY-Paul Millsap (6'7''-F-85, college: Louisiana Tech) and Al Jefferson each scored 19 points, Enes Kanter had 17 and a career-high five blocks, and the Utah Jazz defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 100-86 on Wednesday night. Kanter went 5 of 5 with five rebounds and a block during the second quarter when the Jazz took control after trailing by 12 in the first. Utah dominated inside as the Bucks were without the NBA's leading shot blocker, Larry Sanders, because of a back injury. The Jazz held a 31-10 advantage on second-chance points and a 56-36 edge on points in the paint. Jefferson and Derrick Favors led Utah with 11 rebounds apiece, and the Jazz had a 50-37 advantage on the boards. Brandon Jennings and Ersan Ilyasova led Milwaukee with Milwaukee Bucks' Ersan Ilyasova (7) shoots as Utah Jazz's Alec Burks (10) looks on in the second quarter during an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, in Salt Lake City. ( (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer))17 points apiece. The Bucks pulled to 90-81 on Samuel Dalembert's free throws with 3:24 left, but he was called for goaltending on the next Jazz possession. Milwaukee shot 35.4 percent (29 of 82) and just 6 of 19 from 3-point range. Mike Dunleavy had a particularly tough night, going 3 of 13 for 10 points. Utah led by 15 after three quarters as Milwaukee shot just 26.3 percent in the third. The Jazz kept the pressure on with Marvin Williams (6'9''-F-86, college: N.Carolina) hitting a 3-pointer and DeMarre Carroll scoring on a fast-break layup after Favors stuffed Dunleavy at the other end. Early on, the Bucks looked as though they might be able to break through in Salt Lake City after losing 10 straight, their last win coming in October 2001.They led by 12 in the first quarter, with Ilyasova having the hot hand early. After a pair of layups by Monta Ellis (6'4''-G-85) and three-point play by Jennings, Milwaukee led 22-10 with 2:47 left in the first. Utah closed the quarter on a 9-3 run thanks to Alec Burks' 3-pointer and strong inside play by Favors and Kanter. Kanter then took over in the second. After going 1 for 1 in the first, he stayed perfect, hitting his next five shots, including a three-point play that gave Utah a 37-33 lead with 6:30 remaining in the half. Utah led by as many as 12 in the second, 49-37, with 2:01 remaining on a fast-break layup by Randy Foye. The 6-foot-11 Kanter was virtually unstoppable. Five of his six first-half field goals came after he grabbed an offensive rebound or loose ball and went up strong. In 9 minutes in the first half, the second-year pro led all scorers with 13 points. He also had seven rebounds, two blocks and an assist. He finished 7 of 9 with nine rebounds and two assists. The Bucks were clearly missing Sanders, out with a bruised back after taking a hard fall in Tuesday night's loss at Denver. Trailing by six after one, the Jazz led 51-43 at the break after limiting Milwaukee to 18 points in the second quarter. Utah also had a commanding 17-5 edge on rebounds in the second, 17-2 on second-chance points and outscored Milwaukee 24-8 in the paint. NOTES: Hall of Fame power forward Karl Malone reiterated during a radio show that he would like to help coach the Jazz players. Asked if that could happen, Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said, "Who knows?" but noted that he likes his current staff. . Jazz swingman Gordon Hayward (sprained right shoulder) missed his sixth straight game but has been taking shots during practice. . Bucks F Marquis Daniels got the start for Milwaukee over Luc Mbah a Moute, who did not dress because of a sore right knee. . Dunleavy converted a four-point play with 11:10 left in the second after being fouled on a 3-pointer. Courtesy of: http://www.lcsun-news.com

Minnesota T. - San Antonio S. 94-104
MINNEAPOLIS - Danny Green (6'6''-G/F-87, college: N.Carolina) hit eight 3-pointers and scored a career-high 28 points to help the San Antonio Spurs to their 11th straight win, 104-94 over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Tony Parker had 31 points and eight assists and Kawhi Leonard (6'7''-F-91, college: San Diego St.) added 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Spurs, who kept right on rolling without injured stars Tim Duncan (6'11''-F/C-76, college: Wake Forest) and Manu Ginobili. Nikola Pekovic had 21 points and 10 rebounds and Derrick Williams added 15 points and 12 boards for the Timberwolves, who added do-it-all forward Andrei Kirilenko (bruised right quadriceps) to a seemingly endless list of injured players. The game was tied at 77 with 8 minutes to go, but Green hit two 3s and scored on a putback to put the Spurs back in front for good. Commissioner David Stern was in the crowd for the nationally televised game, another one in which Spurs coach Gregg Popovich sat two of his big stars. Unlike the game at Miami in November, though, Popovich had an excuse this time around. Duncan has a sprained left knee and Ginobili has been bothered by a nagging left hamstring injury, so the Spurs don't have to worry about another fine coming from Stern. Whether his big stars have been injured or just needed the night off, the rest of the Spurs have never laid down. With Parker on the throttle and Green hitting every 3-pointer in sight, the Spurs were able to pull away from the Wolves. Green only missed four times in 12 attempts and scored 11 straight points for the Spurs in the fourth quarter. The Spurs started their annual rodeo road trip, a nine-gamer this time around, with some good news when there was no structural damage in Duncan's left knee. He was injured after taking a nasty fall in a game against the Wizards, an injury that first was feared to be season-ending. He is day to day. "It looked awful," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said before the game. "He just kind of grinded the bones there, bone on bone." The Spurs improved to 21-1 against losing teams and have not lost a game since Jan. 11 at Memphis in overtime. J.J. Barea scored 15 points and Mickael Gelabale made a last push to have his second 10-day contract extended into a deal for the rest of the season with 10 points. Ricky Rubio had 11 assists, but was just 3 for 13 from the field. The injury-plagued Timberwolves (18-28) have won only twice in their last 15 games, with a season that started with playoff aspirations in danger of swirling down the drain. NOTES: The Spurs and Timberwolves are at the forefront of the NBA's international movement. The teams combine to have 13 foreign players on their rosters. At one point in the second quarter, seven international players were on the floor with just three Americans. ... Timberwolves F Kevin Love returned to the team for the first time since having surgery on his right hand Jan. 15. Love is expected to be out until mid-March after breaking two bones in his hand for the second time this season. ... Rubio picked up a technical foul from official Joey Crawford for gesturing after not getting a foul call in the first quarter. Courtesy of: http://www.huffingtonpost.com

Dallas M. - Portland TB 105-99
The Dallas Mavericks took on the Portland Trailblazers tonight at the American Airlines Center and helped Rick Carlisle earn his 500th career coaching victory. It might not fully heal the wound left from last Tuesday's gut-punch game that ended in defeat after an admitted bad call on O.J. Mayo and last-second shot from LaMarcus Aldridge, but it is a victory. Kicking off the final homestand before the All-Star Break, Dallas welcomed in the visiting Portland team with some friendly defense (or lackthereof), and the first quarter had the feel of a shooting expedition, with the Blazers hitting six bombs from behind the line, and Dallas three. The score would be 33-27 after one, ending with the sixth and final three for Portland from Damian Lillard. 12 points in the quarter from O.J. Mayo would keep Dallas afloat. The second quarter would see the scoring barrage continue, as Mayo would add eight more to his ledger and Vince Carter (6'6''-G/F-77, college: N.Carolina) would electrify the crowd with a pair of dunks and signature "rev my motorcycle engine" (or is it him crying?) celebration. Mayo's 20 points would come on 8 out 9 shooting, as Portland had no answer for him defensively. Despite that efficiency, Dallas would still be down by four at the break, as 10 Blazer free throws maintained their cushion. In the third quarter, Portland began to go a little cold on offense, and Dallas would take their first lead of the game on a Dirk Nowitzki three a minute and a half into the period. A back and forth affair saw the lead seesaw back and forth, when Portland would go on a 10-0 run from the five minute mark to the one minute mark, leading 80-72 before a pair of threes from Jae Crowder and Vince Carter, along with a pair of Crowder freebies, made it 82-80 entering the fourth and final quarter. There, the cold shooting continued for Portland, and Dallas would gain the lead for good with under nine minutes left on a Dirk Nowitzki jumper, and gradually build on that lead until the final buzzer. A Roddy B sighting saw the tantalizing Frenchman hit a big three, grab an even bigger offensive rebound later, and knock down four of six free throws to ice the game when Portland entered desperation mode. Vince Carter would also hit a big jumper with the shot clock winding down and Portland within three to make it 99-94 with just 26 seconds left. Along with Roddy, O.J. Mayo would hit a pair of free throws to help seal the deal and give Dallas its 21st victory on the season and coach Carlisle's 500th for his career. On a team level there were some impressive numbers tonight. Dallas committed just 8 turnovers (though Portland had even fewer with 6), and outrebounded their opponent 46-42. They also shot a blistering 10-20 from beyond the arc, led of course by the terrific shooting of O.J. Mayo, who was lethal coming off curls as well as spotting up. Mayo had a few mistakes with his dribble (and got away with a play where J.J. Hickson snuck up from behind him for a near-steal; the kind of play that should never happen to a good team), but was largely responsible for keeping Dallas in it in the first half when Portland was on fire. Shawn Marion continued his very strong play of late with another double-double, and Marion really come on strong in the fourth when the team needed him, as did Vince Carter, who helped Dallas gain a large advantage in bench scoring with 17 big points. He returned after missing one game. Meanwhile, it was the second straight poor shooting night for Dirk after his return from injury, and Chris Kaman is still unreturned from injury, as he is being held back until he passes his concussion test. Bernard James got the start again in place of Kaman as the "tone-setter", and played 18 decent if unspectacular minutes. Brand would spell James and get the lions share of minutes, grabbing 10 boards and blocking a pair of shots. Neither Brand nor James had much of an answer for LaMarcus Aldridge, who poured in 27 in the latest homecoming torching, but luckily he would not have the chance to hit the second game-winner against Dallas in as many weeks. For Portland, Wes Matthews would go 5-12 from three for 21 points, and Rookie of the Year (we can go ahead and call this one, yeah?) Damian Lillard would be next in line with 19 a three treys. The Mavericks get two days off before taking on Golden State (again) Saturday night, with Atlanta and Sacramento following them before the All-Star Break. With the trade deadline soon after, it is fair to say that this homestand will have far-reaching implications for the near-future of this team. So stay tuned! Courtesy of:http://www.mavsmoneyball.com

Oklah.City T. - Golden St.W. 119-98
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Warriors had everything working against them heading into the toughest game on this trip. Because of travel issues, they didn't get to their hotel until 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. Then Golden State, already without starting center Andrew Bogut (7'0''-C-84, college: Utah), learned that backup point guard Jarrett Jack, one of the team's most pivotal players, was out with a right shoulder contusion and ailing hip. And the Warriors were facing one of the league's best teams in Oklahoma City, which certainly remembers losing in Oakland last month. With that in mind, the Warriors' 119-98 loss to the Thunder could be expected, even for a "no-excuse basketball team." "We lost," coach Mark Jackson said, dismissing a question about the obstacles they faced. "We were not who we are and who we've been. They thoroughly outplayed us." Golden State showed much more fight than it did in the first 47 minutes of a 31-point loss at Houston the previous night. But it didn't have the legs nor the weapons to contend with Oklahoma City (37-12). For the second consecutive trip, the Warriors have started 0-2 and need two wins to break even. But this time, instead of lowly Toronto up next, the Warriors have to face a Memphis squad that has beaten them eight consecutive times. "The best we can do now is go .500 for this road trip and finish strong before the All-Star break," guard Klay Thompson said after totaling 19 points on 8-of-16 shooting. "We still have pretty good teams ahead of us. That's all we can do now." Point guard Stephen Curry epitomized the kind of night the Warriors had. He gave it all he had trying to take down an NBA juggernaut. He thrived on sheer will, scurrying around on defense, probing and maneuvering on offense through the Thunder's long and athletic defense. He nearly came out with a triple-double: 14 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds. Digging deep for the energy to attack led to lapses in Curry's focus. And it did a number on his shot. He missed 15 of his 20 shots and committed six turnovers in 36 minutes. And since he was the catalyst of the Warriors offense -- with David Lee struggling to get any rhythm against the Thunder's Serge Ibaka -- Golden State was reduced to spurts of success. The Warriors shot 40.9 percent and committed 19 turnovers, falling behind by as much as 26. That only fueled the potent Oklahoma City offense. The Thunder, which shot 50.5 percent, totaled 64 points in the paint and 20 fast-break points. It scored 20 points off the Warriors' turnovers. "You don't take care of the basketball against this team, its two points on the other end," Jackson said. The Warriors were down big early after their second consecutive dismal first half, giving up 67 points on 56.5 percent shooting. Over the last two games, Golden State gave up 144 points on 55.9 percent shooting in the first half. Whereas Houston did it by knocking down 14 3-pointers, the Thunder torched the Warriors the first two quarters by going inside. Russell Westbrook scored 18 points in the first half and Kevin Durant 14 as the Thunder racked up 34 points in the paint. Golden State trailed 69-49 after Oklahoma City center Kendrick Perkins (6'10''-C-84) opened the third quarter with a jumper. But the Warriors didn't cave as they did in Houston. They gradually chipped away at the lead. A jumper by Curry and a 3-pointer by Thompson cut the lead to 69-54 two minutes into the third. After a Durant jumper, Harrison Barnes hit a 3-pointer to start a quick 7-2 spurt that trimmed the deficit to 73-61 with eight minutes left in the quarter. It wasn't pretty, but the Warriors scrambled around the court frantically for the rest of the quarter and trailed 90-79 entering the fourth. Considering they were short-handed, overmatched and no doubt drained from the back-to-back set and travel issues, down 11 entering the fourth quarter was a feat. The hope was short-lived, though. Golden State's undisciplined defense left Kevin Martin open for back-to-back jumpers. Then Ibaka found Martin for a dunk to put Oklahoma City back up by 16. During that span, the Warriors turned the ball over three times and missed a jumper. Just over a minute later, Martin found himself wide open again. He knocked down the corner 3-pointer to push the Thunder's lead to 104-83 with 8:09 remaining. "I don't know if our energy was a problem," Curry said. "I think it was just a lack of focus at the beginning. They got off to a huge lead. But we fought back and gave it everything we had the second half to try to make that a competitive game. Just couldn't get it done." Jack was scratched from the lineup because of a right shoulder contusion. His hip was also hurting, too, after a hard fall late in Tuesday's loss at Houston. Midway through the fourth quarter, he went up to contest a fast-break layup by Rockets guard Jeremy Lin and landed hard on his right side. He popped up but moments later asked Jackson to take him out. Jack could barely lift his right arm before Wednesday's game and said he was in so much pain he couldn't sleep. His status for Friday's game at Memphis is up in the air, too. Jack said he probably will be examined during the off day Thursday. Bogut, who will not play in back-to-back sets until after the All-Star break, said he will play Friday against Memphis. Center Andris Biedrins started in place of Bogut at Oklahoma City, totaling two points, seven rebounds and three blocks in 12 minutes. Courtesy of: http://www.insidebayarea.com

N.Orleans H. - Phoenix Suns 93-84
Greivis Vasquez scored 19 points, Al-Farouq Aminu (6'9''-F-90, college: Wake Forest) added 16, and the New Orleans Hornets snapped a four-game losing streak with a 93-84 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. Vasquez, who scored 15 points in the first half, was 8 of 9 from the field and had 12 assists in his 19th double-double of the season. Ryan Anderson added 14 points and Robin Lopez 11 for the Hornets, who were making a rare appearance in New Orleans Arena. Because of the Super Bowl this past week, the Hornets were playing only their second home game in the past eight and fourth in the past 13. Eric Gordon was 3 of 14 from the field and finished with nine points. Marcin Gortat (6'11''-C-84) and Jared Dudley each scored 14 points for the Suns, who came in off a win at Memphis on Tuesday night. Goran Dragic added 13 points, and Luis Scola and Michael Beasley had 11 apiece for Phoenix. Jermaine O'Neal returned to the Suns' lineup and scored seven points to go along with three rebounds. Lopez scored nine points in the third quarter, including six in a three-minute spurt when the Hornets went on a 13-2 run to take a 73-63 lead. Lopez had two baskets on offensive rebounds, both off misses by Gordon. Phoenix trailed 78-71 after three quarters but cut the Hornets' lead to two midway through the fourth. Anderson's 3-pointer and a layup by Lopez quickly built the lead back up to seven. Despite Gordon's early shooting struggles, the Hornets took a 54-53 halftime lead. Vasquez picked up Gordon's slack, making 6 of 7 attempts and leading New Orleans with 15 points. Gordon was 2 of 8 from the field and missed both of his free throw attempts, finishing the half with seven points. New Orleans coach Monty Williams kept his starters on the bench for nearly half of the second quarter, but Phoenix was unable to build any separation against the Hornets reserves. The Suns' 27-26 first-quarter lead turned into a 37-35 deficit at the 7:31 mark of the second quarter when Gordon, Vasquez and Davis returned to the lineup. New Orleans' bench outscored the Suns' bench 20-15 in the first half, but a 24-14 edge in rebounding kept Phoenix close. The Suns scored 11 second-chance points and held New Orleans to zero. Scola and Dragic each scored 11 points in the first half. Courtesy of: http://azstarnet.com

Detroit P. - Brooklyn N. 90-93
AUBURN HILLS, Mich.-Brook Lopez had 17 points, and the Brooklyn Nets won at Detroit for the first time since 2006, holding off the Pistons 93-90 on Wednesday night. Will Bynum's tying 3-point attempt from the right corner was short in the final seconds. Joe Johnson scored 16 points for Brooklyn, including two free throws with 8.8 seconds left that made it a three-point game. Detroit led by 13 in the second quarter, but the Pistons were only ahead 46-40 at halftime, and they were held to 17 points in the fourth quarter. Greg Monroe (6'11''-C-90, college: Georgetown) led Detroit with 23 points. The Nets had lost 10 in a row to the Pistons on the road. Brooklyn improved to 18-1 when facing a team under .500. Neither team could take control in the fourth quarter, but the Nets went 12 for 14 at the free-throw line in the period. Lopez put Brooklyn ahead 91-88 when he backed Monroe down and made a bank shot with 17.8 seconds remaining. Monroe's layup with 10.4 seconds left cut the lead to one, and it looked as if Detroit coach Lawrence Frank wanted his team to try for a quick trap off the inbound pass. But the Pistons were called for a foul, sending Johnson to the line. Jose Calderon had eight points and nine assists in his first home game since being traded to Detroit last week. Reggie Evans had 10 points and 14 rebounds for Brooklyn, which took advantage of a weakened Detroit interior. Pistons rookie Andre Drummond played less than five minutes because of a sore back. Deron Williams (6'3''-PG-84, college: Illinois) had 12 points and nine assists for the Nets, surpassing the 5,000-assist mark for his career. The Pistons have lost five of six. Detroit had not lost at home to the Nets since March 26, 2006. NOTES: The Pistons lost at Brooklyn in double overtime in December on a buzzer-beater by Johnson. ... P.J. Carlesimo entered the game 14-6 as Nets coach, the second-best start in franchise history through 20 games. The leader is Frank-the current Detroit coach-who went 16-4. ... Monroe shot an air ball on a second-quarter free throw, but he was outdone by Brooklyn's Mirza Teletovic, who failed to draw iron on three straight shots from the field in the second half. ... All five starters scored in double figures for the Nets. Courtesy of: http://www.mercurynews.com

Miami Heat - Houston R. 114-108
MIAMI - LeBron James scored 32 points, Dwyane Wade added 31 points and eight assists, and the Miami Heat held off the Houston Rockets 114-108 on Wednesday night. Shane Battier scored 12, Norris Cole added 10 and Udonis Haslem grabbed 13 rebounds for Miami, which moved to 20-3 at home. James Harden finished with 36 points and 12 rebounds for Houston, which got a 15-point, 14-rebound night from Omer Asik and 15 more points from Patrick Patterson. Jeremy Lin and Chandler Parsons each scored 13 for the Rockets. A night after tying an NBA record by connecting on 23 3-pointers, the Rockets finished 9 for 25 from beyond the arc. Miami played without Chris Bosh, who missed the game with the flu. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he hoped Bosh would be well enough to play Friday when Miami hosts the Los Angeles Clippers. The game had a distinct trend: Miami would try to take control, Houston would claw back. And it held true all the way to the end. Even with Miami up 12 with 6 minutes left, the Rockets had enough left for one more rally. Harden was fouled shooting a 3-pointer with 2:29 left, made all three shots, and the Rockets were within 104-101. Battier answered with a 3-pointer to restore Miami's six-point edge, and a 3 from Harden - who scored 16 in the fourth alone - got the Rockets within 109-106. That's when the Heat took charge. Two of them, to be precise. Mario Chalmers stepped in front of Harden to draw an offensive foul with 46 seconds left, and Haslem took one against James Anderson (6'6''-G-89, college: Oklahoma St.) with 18 ticks remaining and the Heat hanging onto a three-point lead. Wade blocked a 3-point try by Harden with about 11 seconds left, essentially sealing the outcome. Wade and James both reached double digits in scoring by the end of the first quarter, with Miami ending the period up 32-30 after the teams shot a combined 63 percent. Houston, which was down by 10 in the first, used a 30-15 run to build a seven-point lead around the midpoint the second quarter, before the Heat closed the half on a 20-6 run to bring a seven-point lead into the locker room. The third quarter was more of the same, with the Heat going on a big run, and Houston answering. James, whose 13-for-14 effort from the field on Monday night came with him never venturing far from the rim to shoot - his average make that night being just over 3 feet in length - connected on three 3-pointers in the third. Two of them were in a 25-second span as the Heat opened on a 14-4 run that gave the reigning NBA champions a 77-60 lead. And back came Houston. A 21-8 run by the Rockets got started when Lin made a 3-pointer - of course - and Patterson's bank shot with less than a minute in the period got Houston within 87-83. A 3-pointer by Patterson opened the fourth-quarter scoring and cut Miami's lead to three, but an 11-2 spurt by the Heat that was capped by a fadeaway by Cole with 6:30 left put Miami up 100-88. Predictably, that wasn't enough to put it away. The Rockets had enough for one more run, and the Heat had enough to hang on one more time. NOTES: James made his first three shots on Wednesday, meaning he made 17 of 18 shots from the field in a span that started with his last attempt at Toronto on Sunday. ... All five Rockets starters scored in double figures, the third time in the last four games that's happened. ... James scored his 5,000th point in a Heat uniform, the ninth player to do so. He did it in 187 games, 31 fewer than Wade needed to score 5,000 for the franchise. ... Nick Aquilino, the son of Heat neuromuscular therapist Vinny Aquilino, performed the national anthem. Courtesy of: http://www.huffingtonpost.com

Thaddeus Young to miss three weeks of action - by Eurobasket News

Thaddeus Young (6'8''-F-88, college: Georgia Tech) will have to sit out at least three weeks of action. The forward suffered a hamstring strain on Monday. Thaddeus Young is in his sixth season with the 76ers. He notches 14.9 points, 7.4 boards and 1.7 assists per game in the current season. The Georgia Tech graduate was named into NBA All-Rookie 2nd Team back in 2008. He played for the USA U18 National Team in 2004.

Lakers will not trade Dwight Howard - by Eurobasket News

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak has told Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) he will not be traded before the Feb. 21 trade deadline, according to league sources. Kupchak recently told Newsday the same thing, saying: We will not trade Dwight Howard. Sources say Kupchak has told Howard several times that he has no intention of trading him. There have been rumblings for the past month that the Lakers are considering moving Howard out of fear that he might leave as a free agent after the season. Despite their concerns, the Lakers have not directly asked Howard whether he plans to stay or go in free agency, according to sources. Sources have told ESPNLosAngeles.coms Ramona Shelburne that the Lakers are very confident Howard will remain with the team this summer. Howard has steadfastly refused to reveal his plans for this summer, and sources say he truly does not know what he will do. The sources add that he definitely will not ask to be traded.
Courtesy of: insidehoops.com

Source: Pau Gasol to miss at least six weeks with foot injury - by Eurobasket News

Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) was worried about a pop he felt in his right foot Tuesday night, and for good reason. The Lakers' forward is expected to miss at least six weeks with a partial tear of his plantar fascia and may need surgery, a league source told CBSSports.com. One option for Gasol is rehab, which would involve an absence of 6-8 weeks. Surgery would result in Gasol missing 10-12 weeks, but would provide a better chance of a full recovery, the source said. Gasol, who said he felt a "pop" in the foot Tuesday night when he attempted to contest a shot at the rim by the Nets' Brook Lopez, had an MRI Wednesday in Boston, where the Lakers play the Celtics on Thursday night. The Lakers confirmed in a statement that Gasol has a torn plantar fascia, the muscles on the bottom of the foot. Gasol will fly to Los Angeles on Thursday to be examined by team doctor Steve Lombardo and foot specialist Kenneth Jung, the team said. Gasol also intends to seek an additional medical opinion before deciding on a course of treatment. Unless there is a substantial difference in opinion regarding treatment options and Gasol's timetable, the injury is a major blow to the Lakers' playoff hopes and also will bring any trade discussion involving Gasol between now and the Feb. 21 deadline to a screeching halt. Though Gasol has been coming off the bench for coach Mike D'Antoni , his strong play lately has helped lift the Lakers to their strongest stretch of the season with six wins in seven games. "I'm hoping to recover asap so I can be back with the team and keep fighting until the end of the season," Gasol tweeted Wednesday night. With Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) missing the past three games after re-aggravating his injured right shoulder Jan. 30 at Phoenix, Gasol has been back in the starting lineup. If Howard returns Thursday night against Boston, Antawn Jamison (6'9''-F-76, college: N.Carolina) would be the first frontcourt player off Mike D'Antoni 's bench, with Earl Clark (6'10''-F-88, college: Louisville) continuing to start alongside Howard at power forward. If Howard remains out, the Lakers' lineup will go from small to invisible, with Clark likely shifting to center and Jamison starting at the four. Clark, whose strong play has been one of the bright spots for the Lakers in this disappointing season, defended the Nets' Lopez in the fourth quarter Tuesday night after Gasol was injured. Either way, D-League product Robert Sacre will be thrust into significant minutes. Jordan Hill, a key part of the Lakers' frontcourt rotation, already is out for the year following hip surgery. Gasol left Barclays Center on crutches after a 92-83 victory over the Nets and expressed his concern about the possibility of a strain or tear. Kobe Bryant said, "I'm very, very concerned about it, to say the least. ... We can't afford to lose Pau for a long stretch. We need to get him back. "I don't think his spirits are going to sag," Bryant said. "He and I talk quite a bit. He's determined. He's going to figure this thing out, what's going on with his foot, with his fascia, and he's going to see what he can do. He's not going to be deterred." Gasol, upset with being relegated to a bench role in D'Antoni's offensive system, already has made it clear that while he won't request a trade before the Feb. 21 deadline, he will not accept a reserve role beyond this season. Thus, if Gasol chooses the surgical option and the 10-12 week recovery, it's worth pondering whether Tuesday night winds up being his final game as a Laker. Gasol, 32, has been hampered by plantar fasciitis in his right foot since Christmas. He tweaked the injury Jan. 30 at Phoenix, where he was worked on by trainers for an extended period after a 92-86 loss. He tweaked the injury again in the first half Tuesday night, and the muscles finally let go and popped in the fourth quarter when Gasol jumped to attempt to block Lopez's shot. "It felt kind of OK a little bit putting my weight on it without walking or running," Gasol said. "But once I started running, I was limping, I was really sore and even if I tried, I just couldn't go."
Courtesy of: cbssports.com

Jason Richardson set for knee surgery, will miss remainder of season - by Eurobasket News

Jason Richardson (6'6''-G-81, college: Michigan St.) is set for knee surgery and will miss the remainder of the season. Richardson had a cartilage tear the size of a quarter on the right side of his left knee cap. Richardson is expected to need six to nine months to recover. Richardson had missed the previous seven games after being diagnosed with synovitis in his left knee.
Courtesy of: basketball.realgm.com

The 76ers released Shelvin Mack - by Eurobasket News

Philadelphia 76ers released 23-year old guard Shelvin Mack (190-94kg-90, college: Butler). But in three NBA games he played this season he had just 0.7ppg. Mack also played at Maine Red Claws earlier that season. In 14 D-League games this year he recorded very impressive stats: 20.5ppg, 4.9rpg, 8.0apg and 1.4spg. The other team he played shortly were the Wizards. In 7 NBA games he recorded 5.3ppg, 2.3rpg and 3.3apg.
Two years ago Mack was drafted by Washington Wizards in second round (34th overall). He attended Butler University until 2011 and it is his second season in pro basketball.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as Macks college team won Horizon League Tournament for two years in a row (2010 and 2011). He was also voted NABC Division I All-District 12 2nd Team in 2011. Mack represented USA at the World Championships U19 in New Zealand four years ago. His team won Gold and his stats at that event were 9 games: 5.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 35.2%, 3PT: 48.1%, FT: 22.2%.
Mack could be described: (by Aran Smith for NBADraft.net in 2011)
Instant offense type of shooter/scorer at the lead guard position. Very composed. Always on balance, never seems to rush things. Good pace to his game. Plays smart, values the basketball. Aggressive scorer with a crafty offensive game. Really knows how to create shots and has a strong one on one game. Good shot selection. Solid athlete though nothing extraordinary. Lacks tremendous leaping ability. Lacks great blow by speed off the dribble.

By Eurobasket Data Center (via @WojYahooNBA)

Alicia Keys headlines All-Star Game halftime show - by Diamadis Farmakis

Fourteen-time Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys will headline the 62nd NBA All-Star Game as the sole performer of the halftime show on Sunday, Feb. 17. Keys will perform a selection of her chart-topping hits as part of the All-Star Game "Entertainment Series presented by Sean John at Macy's." The game will air live at 8 p.m. ET on TNT, ESPN Radio, and in 215 countries and territories and in 47 languages

Prior to the start of the All-Star Game, global superstar NE-YO will welcome the players to the court with an exciting performance of some of his greatest hits as part of "Entertainment Series presented by Sean John at Macy's," followed by nine-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist John Legend, who will sing the U.S. National Anthem. Actress/singer Gloria Reuben, who currently stars in the multi-Academy Award-nominated film "Lincoln," will perform the Canadian National Anthem.

On Saturday, Feb.16, Nick Cannon will host State Farm All-Star Saturday Night, airing live at 7 p.m. on TNT, featuring performances by British pop sensation Ellie Goulding, American Idol Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips, and recently reunited pop punk band Fall Out Boy. Goulding will tip off the evening by singing her No. 1 hit single, "Lights," followed by Phillip Phillips, who will perform his hit "Home" between the Taco Bell Skills Challenge and Foot Locker Three-Point Contest.

Fall Out Boy will rock the house with their brand new No. 1 hit single "My Songs Know What You Did In The Day (Light Em Up)," prior to the start of the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest. In addition, RaVaughn will perform the U.S. National Anthem and Michelle Peavy will sing the Canadian National Anthem.

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NBLCANADA

NBLC Standings

NBL Canada Standings

1. London L.		23-4
2. Summerside S.		18-11
3. Oshawa P.		17-12
4. Halifax R.		15-15
5. St.John M.R.		15-15
6. Moncton M.		15-19
7. Windsor Exp.		12-16
8. Montreal J.		2-25

Regular Season: Round 27

Feb. 2: Montreal J. - Summerside S. 95-116
Feb. 6: Windsor Exp. - Oshawa P. 127-93
Feb. 7: Moncton M. - London L.
Feb. 8: Montreal J. - Halifax R.
Feb. 8: St.John M.R. - London L.

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

NCAA1

Top 25 - Men

AEC Standings

1. Stony Brook		7-0 (15-4)
2. Vermont		7-2 (14-7)
3. Albany		7-4 (18-7)
4. Boston U.		6-3 (10-10)
5. Hartford		6-4 (13-10)
6. UMBC		4-6 (6-17)
7. Maine		3-7 (7-14)
8. New Hampshire		2-8 (6-15)
9. Binghamton		1-9 (3-19)

Regular Season: Round 88

Feb. 6: Mississippi - Mississippi St. 93-75
Feb. 6: Tulane - Marshall 91-75
Feb. 6: Temple - Charlotte 89-88
Feb. 6: Drake - Illinois St. 86-94
Feb. 6: W.Michigan - Kent St. 82-76
Feb. 6: Oregon St. - Utah 82-64
Feb. 6: N.Mexico - Air Force 81-58
Feb. 6: Massachusetts - Rhode Island 81-53
Feb. 6: Butler - St.Bonaventure 77-58
Feb. 6: Indiana St. - Creighton 76-57
Feb. 6: New Orleans - UTPA 75-73 OT
Feb. 6: Wisconsin - Iowa 74-70 OT
Feb. 6: Wagner - Mt.St.Mary''s 74-65
Feb. 6: Fordham - St.Louis 73-90
Feb. 6: Arizona - Stanford 73-66
Feb. 6: Co.Carolina - Charleston So. 73-53
Feb. 6: St.John''s - Connecticut 71-65
Feb. 6: Nevada - Colorado St. 69-73
Feb. 6: Oklahoma St. - Baylor 69-67 OT
Feb. 6: NC-Asheville - Winthrop 69-56
Feb. 6: Houston Baptist - UMKC 66-45
Feb. 6: Toledo - Miami, OH 65-64
Feb. 6: UTEP - Rice 65-53
Feb. 6: E.Michigan - Buffalo 65-46
Feb. 6: Fresno St. - UNLV 64-55
Feb. 6: Tulsa - UAB 63-70
Feb. 6: San Diego St. - Boise St. 63-62
Feb. 6: Vermont - New Hampshire 63-48
Feb. 6: Binghamton - Hartford 62-76
Feb. 6: Tennessee - Georgia 62-68
Feb. 6: TCU - Kansas 62-55
Feb. 6: Michigan St. - Minnesota 61-50
Feb. 6: Longwood - VMI 60-93
Feb. 6: Cent.Florida - S.Mississippi 60-58
Feb. 6: Dayton - St.Joseph''s 60-54
Feb. 6: Robert Morris - St.Francis, PA 60-48
Feb. 6: Colgate - NJIT 58-77
Feb. 6: Duquesne - G.Washington 57-79
Feb. 6: LSU - Vanderbilt 57-56
Feb. 6: Presbyterian - Gardner-Webb 57-54
Feb. 6: UMBC - Albany 56-79
Feb. 6: Providence - Cincinnati 54-50
Feb. 6: CSU Bakersfield - Wyoming 53-61
Feb. 6: SMU - Memphis 52-60
Feb. 6: Campbell - High Point 52-58
Feb. 6: Auburn - Alabama 49-37
Feb. 6: Rutgers - Louisville 48-68
Feb. 6: S.Florida - Marquette 47-70
Feb. 6: Ball St. - Ohio 42-69
Feb. 6: N.Illinois - Bowling Green 41-57
Feb. 6: Towson - Delaware 85-65
Feb. 6: JMU - William & Mary 81-71
Feb. 6: NC-Wilmington - Georgia St. 76-72
Feb. 6: Hofstra - Northeastern 57-62

Regular Season: Round 89

Feb. 7: Portland - Loyola Mary
Feb. 7: San Diego - BYU
Feb. 7: Gonzaga - Pepperdine
Feb. 7: Virginia - Clemson
Feb. 7: Savannah St. - Hampton
Feb. 7: Kennesaw St. - N.Florida
Feb. 7: Furman - NC-Greensboro
Feb. 7: LIU Brooklyn - Cent.Conn.St.
Feb. 7: Chattanooga - Citadel
Feb. 7: IPFW - S.Dakota St.
Feb. 7: Drexel - ODU
Feb. 7: FIU - Florida Atlantic
Feb. 7: Iona - Marist
Feb. 7: Mercer - Jacksonville
Feb. 7: Sacred Heart - Fair Dickinson
Feb. 7: Fairfield - St.Peter's
Feb. 7: Bryant - St.Francis, NY
Feb. 7: Illinois - Indiana
Feb. 7: Stetson - USC Upstate
Feb. 7: Manhattan - Canisius
Feb. 7: Wofford - Elon
Feb. 7: Davidson - W.Carolina
Feb. 7: Oakland - N.Dakota St.
Feb. 7: Quinnipiac - Monmouth
Feb. 7: Georgia South - Appalachian St.
Feb. 7: Florida Gulf Coast - E.Tenn.St.
Feb. 7: Rider - Niagara
Feb. 7: Youngstown St. - Loyola, IL
Feb. 7: Louisiana Tech - UTSA
Feb. 7: Wisc.-Milwaukee - Detroit Mercy
Feb. 7: Middle Tenn.St. - Arkansas St.
Feb. 7: Green Bay - Wright St.
Feb. 7: Austin Peay St. - Tennessee St.
Feb. 7: SE Missouri St. - SIU Edwardsville
Feb. 7: Tenn-Martin - E.Illinois
Feb. 7: Murray St. - Belmont
Feb. 7: W.Illinois - Nebraska-Omaha
Feb. 7: Samford - Charleston
Feb. 7: Texas Arlington - Texas St.
Feb. 7: N.Texas - W.Kentucky
Feb. 7: S.Alabama - Troy
Feb. 7: Northwestern St. - ORU
Feb. 7: La-Monroe - UALR
Feb. 7: Texas A&M-CC - Lamar
Feb. 7: N.Arizona - Portland St.
Feb. 7: Sam Houston St. - McNeese St.
Feb. 7: SF Austin - Cent.Arkansas
Feb. 7: Texas A&M - Missouri
Feb. 7: Montana - N.Colorado
Feb. 7: N.Mexico St. - Idaho
Feb. 7: Duke - N.Carolina St.
Feb. 7: UCLA - Washington
Feb. 7: Denver - Seattle
Feb. 7: Montana St. - N.Dakota
Feb. 7: Virginia Tech - Maryland
Feb. 7: Idaho St. - S.Utah
Feb. 7: Arizona St. - California
Feb. 7: Cal Poly - SLO - Pacific
Feb. 7: UCSB - Cal-Davis
Feb. 7: CS Northridge - Cal-Irvine
Feb. 7: E.Washington - Sacramento St.
Feb. 7: Oregon - Colorado
Feb. 7: Santa Clara - St.Mary's, CA
Feb. 7: USC - Washington St.
Feb. 7: Hawaii - Long Beach St.

Stats Leaders - NCAA1

Points Per Game

Justin EDWARDS
  Maine
  (190-PG-92)
  Avg: 16.9

1. Edwards, Maine	16.9
2. Reed, Binghamton	16.0
3. Black, Albany	15.0
4. Nwakamma, Hartford	15.0
5. Cook, UMBC	14.9
6. Irving, Boston U.	14.2
7. Fraser, Maine	14.0
8. Myrick, New H.	13.8
9. Iati, Albany	12.7
10. Plummer, UMBC	12.2

Rebounds Per Game

Alasdair FRASER
  Maine
  (201-F-92)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Fraser, Maine	8.7
2. Reed, Binghamton	8.7
3. Voelkel, Vermont	8.3
4. Brenton, Stony B.	8.2
5. Warney, Stony B.	7.6
6. Allison, Maine	7.1
7. Pelcher, New H.	6.7
8. Cook, UMBC	6.5
9. Roseboro, UMBC	6.3
10. Myrick, New H.	6.3

Assists Per Game

Maurice WATSON
  Boston U.
  (178-PG-93)
  Avg: 5

1. Watson, Boston U.	5.0
2. Brenton, Stony B.	4.8
3. Voelkel, Vermont	4.5
4. Pollard, Maine	4.4
5. Gray, Binghamton	3.8
6. Edwards, Maine	3.7
7. Irving, Boston U.	3.6
8. Rhoads, New H.	3.4
9. Hooley, Albany	3.2
10. Morgan, UMBC	2.8

Steals Per Game

Justin EDWARDS
  Maine
  (190-PG-92)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Edwards, Maine	1.9
2. Plummer, UMBC	1.8
3. Watson, Boston U.	1.6
4. Voelkel, Vermont	1.6
5. Rhoads, New H.	1.6
6. Brenton, Stony B.	1.6
7. Nwakamma, Hartford	1.6
8. Irving, Boston U.	1.5
9. Gray, Binghamton	1.5
10. Robinson, Boston	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Alasdair FRASER
  Maine
  (201-F-92)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Fraser, Maine	1.6
2. Warney, Stony B.	1.6
3. Allison, Maine	1.5
4. Pelcher, New H.	1.3
5. Roseboro, UMBC	1.2
6. O''Day, Vermont	1.2
7. Mayo, Stony Brook	1.0
8. Freeman, Bingh.	0.9
9. Nwakamma, Hartford	0.9
10. Metcalf, Albany	0.7

Wildcats Notch Road Win at Texas Tech - by Eurobasket News

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) -- Rodney McGruder (6'4''-G-91) had 18 points and nine rebounds to lead No. 13 Kansas State over Texas Tech 68-59 on Tuesday night, extending the Wildcats' winning streak to three games.

Angel Rodriguez (5'11''-PG-92) added 13 points and Thomas Gibson had 12 for the Wildcats (18-4, 7-2 Big 12).

McGruder was 6 of 11 from the field, while Rodriguez was 3 of 6 from 3-point range and was flawless in four free throws attempts.

Jordan Tolbert (6'7''-F-92) scored 19 points and Dejan Kravic added 12 for Texas Tech (9-11, 2-7), which finished with four turnovers, its fewest of the season.

Kansas State finished with 38 rebounds, 23 defensive, while Texas Tech had a total of 20.

For Texas Tech it was its seventh loss in the past eight games after opening Big 12 play with a win at TCU.

Down by eight points to start the second half, Tech used a 5-0 run on a 3-pointer by Ty Nurse and a dunk by Jaye Crockett to pull within 37-34. Its defense got aggressive, forcing three turnovers in the first few minutes.

Wildcats coach Bruce Weber clearly saw the surge from the Red Raiders and hollered to his team, "You better wake up. They're playing."

His words seemed to sink in and the Wildcats used a 6-0 run, including a 3-pointer and a field goal by Martavious Irving, who finished with 10 points, to go up 48-38 with 12:25 remaining.

Josh Gray hit a jumper for the Red Raiders only to be answered by a 3 from Shane Southwell and a basket by McGruder to put Kansas State up 53-40 about a minute later.

But the Red Raiders didn't relent. Kravic hit a field goal and two free throws and Gray got another field goal before Tolbert hit a jumper and layup to pull them within 58-50 with 7:02 remaining.

A tip-in by Kravic off a miss by Gray cut the deficit to 58-52 before McGruder hit a layup and a free throw to put the Wildcats up 61-52 with less than 6 minutes to play.

A charging foul against Gray on the ensuing possession led to two free throws by Rodriguez to bump the lead to 63-52 with less than 4 1-2 minutes left. The Red Raiders couldn't cut into the deficit anymore.

Texas Tech pulled within three points with about 2:30 remaining in the first half before Will Spradling hit three straight field goals for Kansas State, which led 37-29 at halftime.

The Wildcats return home on Saturday for a round two with the Iowa State Cyclones at 5 p.m. from Bramlage Coliseum. K-State fell to Iowa State in the first matchup of the season 67-73. The game will be televised on ESPN2 and can be heard on the K-State Sports Network.
Courtesy of: http://www.kstatesports.com

Arcidiacono Leads Wildcats to 94-71 Victory Over DePaul - by Eurobasket News

ROSEMONT, ILL. - The Villanova Wildcats used a second half offensive explosion to down the DePaul Blue Demons tonight at AllState Arena. Villanova improved to 14-9 overall, 5-5 in the BIG EAST while DePaul drops to 10-12 overall, 1-8 in conference action.

Sophomore Ryan Arcidiacono led the 'Cats with 23 points while Darrun Hilliard (6'6''-G-93) added 17 points and James Bell 16 more. The Wildcats sank .596 of their attempts from the field on the night and opened the second half by draining 22-of-27 to open up a double-digit lead that grew to 27 points in the final minutes.

"That might have been our best game of the year," stated Villanova head coach Jay Wright . "We moved the basketball and handled their press." The game was tied at the half before VU used a 54-point run over the final 20 minutes to secure the victory. VU also notched a season-high 18 assists.

The Wildcats were able to craft an early 9-4 lead on the strength of five points from junior James Bell. Another triple from Bell helped the Wildcats grab a 16-9 lead before a pair of 3-pointers, the latter by forward Donnavan Kirk (6'9''-F) narrowed the Blue Demons' deficit to 16-15 with 10:55 to play in the first half.

The contest went back and forth over the next few minutes and was deadlocked at 23 with just over six minutes to play in the opening half. The Blue Demons' Cleveland Melvin began to heat up down low, scoring six points to help pull DePaul into a tie.

DePaul drained five of its first nine 3-point attempts, grabbing the lead at 29-26 with 5:21 to go in the first period.

The Wildcats used a 6-0 spurt that was capped by a nifty drive and finish from Darrun Hilliard to move out to a 34-30 lead but the Blue Demons used more long range shooting and scoring from Melvin on the interior to deadlock matters at 40 after 20 minutes.

Ryan Arcidiacano led the Wildcats in first half scoring with 10 points while Bell added eight more. VU connected on 12-of-25 from the field but was hurt by 10 turnovers, which led to 15 Blue Demon points.

Melvin carried the scoring load for DePaul with 13 points while Worrel Clahar added nine points. DePaul was 7-of-14 (.500) from beyond the 3-point arc in the first half, outdoing its previous BIG EAST high for 3-point goals in a game this season.

"We weren't really upset at halftime," stated Wright. "Our issue has been scoring points and we were able to do that in the first half. We just had to cut down on the turnovers, which we did (three in the second half)."

Villanova reeled off an 11-3 run to open the second half as Arcidiacono netted five points and Bell added a driving basket. With 17:45 to play in the second half, the Wildcats held a 51-43 lead.

The Wildcats converted 11-of-12 from the field over the first eight minutes of the second half and built a 65-53 advantage.

The offensive efficiency did not end there. The Wildcats scored 18 of the next 25 points and had itself an 83-60 lead with 5:56 left to play in the period. Arcidiacono set the scoring pace.

The Wildcats glided home to their largest margin of victory in a BIG EAST game this season. Next up is a home game Saturday against USF (3:00 p.m./ESPNU).
Courtesy of: http://www.villanova.com

Late Blocks Key Michigan to OT Victory over No. 10 Buckeyes - by Eurobasket News

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Buckeye guard Aaron Craft (6'2''-PG-91) drove to the rim with three seconds left in overtime for one last attempt to tie the game, but junior guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (Miami, Fla./Palmetto Senior) stuffed his shot and secured the avenging victory, 76-74, for the University of Michigan men's basketball team (No. 3 AP/No. 3 ESPN/USA Today) over Ohio State (No. 10 AP/No. 10 ESPN/USA Today) on Tuesday night (Feb. 5) inside Crisler Center.

Hardaway scored a game-high 23 points, including a career-high six three-point field goals, while freshman forward Mitch McGary (6'10''-F-92) (Chesteron, Ind./Brewster Academy [N.H.]) had a career-high 14 points, six rebounds and four steals. Sophomore guard Trey Burke (Columbus, Ohio/Northland HS) added 16 points and eight assists in the win, while freshman guards Nik Stauskas (6'6''-G-93) (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada/St. Mark's School [Mass.]) and Glenn Robinson III (St. John, Ind./Lake Central) also contributed double-digit scoring with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Tied at 70-all with just a minute and a half to play in regulation, Burke found McGary backdoor for a layup to take the lead. OSU made a jumper to tie the game once again on the next play, giving Michigan the last possession and 28 seconds to score. Burke attempted a last-second three-point field goal but missed, sending the game into overtime.

Burke made up for the missed three-point attempt by hitting one on the first possession of overtime to have U-M go up 75-72. Neither team scored again until OSU made a layup with 55 seconds left on the game clock. U-M committed a turnover on its next possession, but Burke blocked Craft's shot on the other end, and Craft fouled Robinson going for the loose ball, sending him to the free throw line for two. Robinson made one but missed his second attempt, allowing Ohio State its last-second shot.

The Wolverines first took the lead three minutes into the game when Stauskas hit a triple from the corner, starting a 10-0 run. Robinson then nailed a three-pointer of his own from the exact same spot, before Hardaway and McGary scored back-to-back baskets to give U-M the 13-4 edge at the 14:55 mark.

Ohio State cut its deficit to just two points over the next eight minutes, but Michigan did not immediately relinquish its lead, as a layup by McGary extended the lead to 23-19 and started an exchange of baskets between the teams. The Buckeyes took a one-point advantage two minutes before the break, and a continuation of even play into the half sent the Maize and Blue into the locker room trailing, 31-30.

The exchange of baskets continued for the first three minutes out of the break until Michigan went cold, allowing Ohio State to go up seven, before Burke found junior/sophomore forward Jon Horford (Grand Ledge, Mich./Grand Ledge) for a two-handed slam at the 13:21 mark. Then, Hardaway nailed three triples in a row to allow U-M to retake the lead at 52-50. Yet, the Buckeyes managed to take a 60-55 edge with seven minutes on the clock after scoring six straight points.

Three minutes later, Robinson stole the ball and passed it ahead to Burke, who converted a fastbreak dunk, before Stauskas nailed one from behind the arc on Michigan's next possession to have U-M go up one. Burke then made a triple of his own, but Ohio State responded by hitting a three as well. Two Hardaway free throws and a successful OSU jumper led to the tie game (70-70) with 1:36 left.

U-M finished shooting 28-of-60 (47 percent) from the floor in the game, with half of its made field goals coming from behind the arc (14-of-24, 58 percent). Ohio State converted 30-of-58 (52 percent) from the field, but only 7-of-16 (44 percent) came from behind the three-point line.

The Wolverines will hit the road again on Saturday (Feb. 9) when they play Wisconsin at the Kohl Center for their only matchup of the regular season. Tipoff is slated for 11:00 a.m. CST and the game will be televised on ESPN.
Courtesy of: http://www.mgoblue.com

Arkansas stuns No. 2 Florida at Bud Walton - by Eurobasket News

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. On a historic night in Bud Walton Arena the University of Arkansas basketball team toppled No. 2 Florida, 80-69, on Tuesday evening in front of a frantic Razorback crowd and a national television audience. Eight Arkansas players scored at least seven points as the Razorbacks defeated the No. 2 team in the nation for the sixth time in school history and the first time in 14 years.

The Arkansas (14-8, 5-4 SEC) win is the fourth time that the Razorbacks have defeated a ranked opponent at Bud Walton Arena over the last two years, handing Florida (18-3, 8-1 SEC) its first conference loss of the season and the first loss by the Gators since late December. Sophomore BJ Young led the Razorbacks in scoring with 13 points while junior Marshawn Powell (6'7''-F-90) and freshman Michael Qualls (6'5''-G) each scored 11.

This was a total team win against a great basketball team, head coach Mike Anderson said. Our bench played outstanding. Our defense took them out of what they wanted to do. We were excellent at rebounding. We made shots and did a good job attacking and moving the ball.

The Arkansas defense was relentless as they pestered the Gators throughout the contest, forcing 16 turnovers and capitalizing on them with 21 Razorback points. Offensively, the Razorback bench contributed 50 percent of Arkansas points (40).

The win was the first time since Feb. 24, 1999, that the Razorbacks topped the No. 2 team in the country. That evening they steamrolled Auburn, 104-88. Arkansas 80 points were also the most scored against Florida this season, the previous high was set by Kansas State, in a 67-61 loss.

Arkansas was clicking on all cylinders starting off nearly flawless with a 9-2 run over the opening 2:23. The Razorbacks increased their lead to double-digits over the Gators as Qualls stroked a three-pointer to put Arkansas up by 11, 19-8. On the ensuing play, Powell laid down a dunk heard throughout Fayetteville (22-8), sending the crowd to its feet. The 13-point lead was the largest any team held over the second-ranked Gators this season.

The first basket set the tone and everything else fell in line, Powell said. We ran, we attacked and we played physical. That was our goal and we executed it. It shows what we can do, the potential we have and how hard we work every day. It feels good.

Arkansas never let up the defensive pressure and it seemed the high flying Razorbacks couldnt miss a shot. The Razorbacks grew their lead to a whopping 23 points as freshman Jacorey Williams (6'8''-F) tipped in a two-pointer to put Arkansas up 36-13. Arkansas entered the locker room with a 17-point lead, 43-26. The 43 Razorback points were the most points the Gators have given up this season in the first half.

The Razorback defense held the Gators to their lowest first-half field-goal percentage (7-of-24, .292) of the season. Arkansas on the other hand went 16-of-30 from the field in the first half. The Razorbacks also finished the first half with a season-high seven three-point field goals, in which a total of five different Razorbacks contributed a three-pointer.

Arkansas out-rebounded Florida 19-13 and finished the first with 10 assists. Arkansas forced seven Gator turnovers that led to 12 Razorback points.

The second half began no different than the first as the Razorbacks hounded the Gators, going on a 6-0 run before Florida head coach Billy Donovan signaled for a timeout. The Gators returned to the court to put up their biggest run of the evening, 7-0. Arkansas wasnt ready to let the Gators come within single-digits of their lead and answered Florida by growing their lead to a comfortable 27 points after a crowd-erupting dunk by Clarke to put Arkansas up 67-40 with 9:40 remaining in the game.

The Gators were unable to come back from their biggest deficit this season as Arkansas downed a top-5 team for the first time since Dec. 30, 2008 when the Razorbacks rolled No. 4 Oklahoma, 96-88.

They were ready to play tonight, Anderson said. Playing against a team like Florida they really wanted to play well. Now we want to continue to build on this. This isnt the beginning. This is a continuation of what weve been doing. Tonight was our night.

The Razorbacks look to continue their momentum during a two-game road swing, as they travel to Nashville, Tenn., to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday, Feb. 9, at 12:47 p.m. on the SEC Network. Arkansas will then head to Auburn, Ala., to take on the Auburn Tigers on Wednesday, Feb. 13th.

For more information regarding Razorback mens basketball or University of Arkansas athletics, please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.
Courtesy of: http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com

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PHILIPPINES

PBA re-schedules two conferences - by Aris Ignacio

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) approved the re-scheduling of the Governor's Cup to August and extending the Commissioner's Cup until the last week of May in order to give the Gilas national team time to prepare for the upcoming FIBA-Asia Championship wars set in August 1-11.

The import-laden Commissioner's Cup was extended for a month, originally set will end early May, to the last week of the said month. The season ending Governor's Cup, also reinforced but with shorter imports, was transferred from it original schedule of May - July to August 14 - October 28.

The said changes will give national team coach Vincent Reyes, a two-month preparation for the upcoming tournament set to be held in Manila that will serve as a qualifier for the 2014 World Cup in Spain.

The PBA is also considering re-scheduling of the All-Star weekend and its composition with the possibility of having some pocket tournaments to maximize the game days vacated due to the re-scheduling of the games which will feature some foreign teams organized by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) under its president, Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan. Among the countries that indicated interest are Middle East teams from Lebanon, Jordan, and Qatar.

In other news, the Chinese Basketball Association's (CBA) former NBA star Ming Yao (226-C-80)-owned, Shanghai Dongfang Sharks, will meet the Gilas' national team during an exhibition series set on May 6-8.

Reyes' selects Gilas composition for FIBA-Asia meet - by Aris Ignacio

Gilas' head coach, Vincent Reyes, presented the composition of the national team that will comprise the line-up that will compete for the upcoming FIBA-Asia Championships this August. Most of the players tapped to bring back the supremacy of Philippine basketball in Asia came from the professional ranks of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

The players selected are as follows:

1. LA Tenorio (177-PG-84) - Guard, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
2. Gary David (188-G/F-78) - Guard, Global Port Batang Pier
3. Japeth Aguilar (208-C-85, college: W.Kentucky) - Forward, Global Port Batang Pier
4. Jeffrei Chan (192-F-83) - Guard, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
5. Gabe Norwood (196-G/F-85, college: George Mason) - Forward, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
6. Joachim Thoss (201-C-81) - Center, Alaska Aces
7. Ranidel deOcampo (195-F-81) - Forward, Talk N Text Tropang Texters
8. Larry Fonacier (190-F/G-82) - Guard, Talk N Text Tropang Texters
9. Jared Dillinger (191-G/F-84, college: Hawaii) - Forward, Talk N Text Tropang Texters
10. Jimmy Alapag (177-PG-77, college: CS San Bernar.) - Guard, Talk N Text Tropang Texters
11. Jayson Castro (173-PG-86) - Guard, Talk N Text Tropang Texters
12. Ryan Reyes (188-G-83, college: Cerritos JC) - Guard, Talk N Text Tropang Texters
13. Kelly Williams (199-F-82, college: Oakland) - Forward, Talk N Text Tropang Texters
14. Marc Pingris (195-C-81) - Forward, San Mig Coffee Mixers
15. June Mar Fajardo (196-C-89) - Center, Petron Blaze Boosters
16. Greg Slaughter (211-C-88) - Center, Gilas' pool
17. naturalized player Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence)

The team will undergo a once a week training and will gradually increase as the tournament nears. Recently, the PBA adjusted its schedule to conform with the Gilas request to allot time for training. The PBA board granted a two-month preparation for the team.

Aguilar inking 1-year deal with Global Port - by Aris Ignacio

All is well and ends well.

New acquisition, Japeth Aguilar (208-C-85, college: W.Kentucky), decided to sign a one year contract with Global Port Batang Pier as to the three years that the team has originally offered. Team manager BJ Manalo said that the versatile forward will receive the maximum amount of Php 420,000. Aguilar will be paraded by his new team when they clash with the Petron Blaze Boosters in the first game of opening night of the Commissioner's Cup on February 8.

Also, Aguilar was assured by team management that he will not be shipped to another team as there was recent news of him being sent to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel for Kerby Raymundo (199-C-81) in again a mutli-team, multi-player trade, but talks have bogged down since.

With his first pre-tournament game, Aguilar posted 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks but the team lost to the Philippine Cup runners-up, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Moro Lorenzo Gym. The management is optimistic with Global Port Batang Pier chances this conference with the acquisition of not only Aguilar, but also league top scorer, Solomon Mercado (181-PG-84, college: Biola, CA) teaming up with holdovers wily guard Willie Miller (180-PG-77) and gunner Gary David (188-G/F-78).

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POLAND

Trefl Sopot, Asseco Prokom and PGE Turow enter Cup semis - by Eurobasket News

Trefl Sopot, Asseco Prokom and PGE Turow joined AZS Koszalin in the semifinal stage of the Intermarche Basket Cup. The semifinal games are scheduled for Saturday.
Trefl Sopot advanced following a 79:72 victory over Anwil Wloclawek. Trefl Sopot built a 46:33 halftime lead. Anwil returned into the game with a 24:14 run in the third term. But Trefl reacted with an aggressive defence in the fourth quarter and limited Anwil to 15 points to seal the victory at the end. Sime Spralja (206-F/C-83, agency: Court Side) provided 24 points for the winners. Filip Dylewicz (202-F-80) added 16 points for Trefl Sopot. Tony Weeden (186-G-83, agency: Three Eye Sports, college: Chicago St.) responded with 14 points for Anwil.
Asseco Prokom defeated Stelmet Zielona Gora 83:74 behind 19 points from Rasid Mahalbasic (211-C-90). Robert Witka (205-F-81) and Lukasz Koszarek (187-PG-84) contributed 15 points each in the victory. Oliver Stevic (204-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) was responsible for 17 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.
PGE Turow took care of Jezioro Tarnobrzeg 88:79 in another quarterfinal battle. Six players scored in double figures for PGE Turow. Russell Robinson (185-PG-86) chipped in 14 points, 6 boards and 5 assists for the winning side. Aaron Cel (203-F-87) had 13 points for PGE TUrow. Jakub Dloniak (192-F-83, agency: Promotex) topscored with 26 points for Jezioro Tarnobrzeg.

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SERBIA

SLOVAKIA

Moravek and Bilic no longer in Levice - by Michal Duchovic

The official site of Astrum Levice has today announced, that they cut two players from their squad before the close of the transfer window. Jaroslav Moravek (200-F/C-92) played in Astrum Levice for two seasons, but he did not made a huge impact. This season he played in two leagues, but he scored only over 3 points and 2 rebounds per game. Moravek is going to Las Palmas basketball academy, where he will try to make a step to NCAA. The other name is Sinisa Bilic (201-F-89). Bilic has came to Astrum Levice from another slovak club - MBK Rieker Komarno, but his career in Astrum Levice has stopped a serious injury. After the return he did not underflow the expectations, so the management has decided to split their ways.

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SLOVENIA

1B Stats Leaders

2SKL Standings

1. Splosna plovba		15-1
2. Sencur CP		13-3
3. Triglav Strazisce		10-4
4. Terme Olimia		10-6
5. Radenska		9-6
6. Lastovka		9-7
7. Postojna		7-9
8. Parklji		6-8
9. Crnomelj		6-9
10. Hrastnik		6-10
11. Koper		6-10
12. Litija		4-12
13. Branik		0-16

Regular Season: Round 18

Feb. 16: Parklji - Sencur CP
Feb. 16: Postojna - Lastovka
Feb. 16: Hrastnik - Terme Olimia
Feb. 16: Splosna plovba - Koper
Feb. 16: Branik - Triglav Strazisce
Feb. 16: Radenska - Crnomelj

Round 15

Feb. 6: Koper - Radenska 80-91

Stats Leaders - 1B

Points Per Game

Miha MARKIC
  Koper
  (200-F-88)
  Avg: 21.2

1. Markic, Koper	21.2
2. Spesic, Terme Olim.	19.8
3. Podboj, Postojna	17.1
4. Erzen, Sencur CP	16.4
5. Milovic, Postojna	16.4
6. Prole, Koper	16.2
7. Kunc, Crnomelj	16.2
8. Skornik, Radenska	16.1
9. Hren, Parklji	16.0
10. Balazic, Lastovka	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Miha MARKIC
  Koper
  (200-F-88)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Markic, Koper	10.6
2. Spesic, Terme Olim.	9.5
3. Prole, Koper	9.0
4. Kunc, Crnomelj	7.8
5. Skornik, Radenska	7.5
6. Klepo, Lastovka	7.1
7. Sipura, Hrastnik	6.6
8. Memcic, Terme Olim.	6.5
9. Balazic, Lastovka	6.3
10. Hren, Litija	6.3

Assists Per Game

Robert SURAN
  Radenska
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 5.7

1. Suran, Radenska	5.7
2. Macek, Terme Olimia	5.3
3. Perko, Sencur CP	4.7
4. Ucman, Lastovka	4.3
5. Richter, Koper	4.1
6. Vukovic, Koper	4.1
7. Ristic, Trigla.	3.7
8. Cmer, Hrastnik	3.7
9. Ivanusa, Crnomelj	3.6
10. Milovic, Postojna	3.3

Steals Per Game

Saso OZBOLT
  Splosna .
  (188-PG-81)
  Avg: 3

1. Ozbolt, Splosna	3.0
2. Markic, Koper	2.9
3. Ristic, Trigla.	2.8
4. Vukovic, Koper	2.5
5. Urbas, Parklji	2.1
6. Macek, Terme Olimia	2.1
7. Markus, Postojna	1.9
8. Pusic, Sencur CP	1.9
9. Ucman, Lastovka	1.8
10. Babic, Hrastnik	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Milan KLEPO
  Lastovka
  (211-C-80)
  Avg: 1

1. Klepo, Lastovka	1.0
2. Vravnik, Trigla.	0.9
3. Spesic, Terme Olim.	0.9
4. Markic, Koper	0.9
5. Marsic, Splosna	0.7
6. Cerkovnik, Crnom.	0.7
7. Hren, Parklji	0.5
8. Ajhmajer, Branik	0.5
9. Katonar, Splosna	0.5
10. Ambroz, Lastovka	0.5

SOUTH KOREA

Standings

KBL Standings

1. SK Knights		30-7
2. Mobis Phoebus		27-11
3. ET Land		21-16
4. Anyang KGC		21-17
5. Goyang Orions		18-20
6. Sonic Boom KT		17-22
7. LG Sakers		16-22
8. Dongbu Promy		16-22
9. Samsung Th.		13-24
10. KCC Egis		8-30

Regular Season: Round 30

Feb. 5: Anyang KGC - Dongbu Promy 91-72
Feb. 6: Goyang Orions - LG Sakers 87-77
Feb. 6: KCC Egis - Sonic Boom KT 78-73
Feb. 7: Dongbu Promy - Samsung Th.
Feb. 7: ET Land - Anyang KGC
Feb. 8: LG Sakers - Anyang KGC
Feb. 8: Mobis Phoebus - SK Knights

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SPAIN

Serge Ibaka's double-double lands him Player of the Week award among Spaniards playing currently abroad - by Eurobasket Center

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

Serge Ibaka

#1. This week's number one is an international power forward Serge Ibaka (208-89, currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA. He could not help the Oklahoma City Thunder (36-12) in their last game. Despite Ibaka's very good performance the Oklahoma City Thunder lost 110-115 on the road to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He had a double-double by scoring 18 points and getting 12 rebounds. Ibaka also added 4 blocks in 30 minutes on the court. Ibaka has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 13.8ppg, 8.1rpg, 2.8bpg, 2FGP: 57.3%(256-447), 3FGP: 32.1% and FT: 76.4% in the 46 games he played so far. Ibaka has a dual citizenship: Congolese and Spanish. Ex-C.B. L'Hospitalet player is currently a member of the Spanish senior national team.

Pau Gasol

#2. Second place goes to an experienced international power forward Pau Gasol (213-80, currently plays in NBA). He led Los Angeles Lakers to a 1-point victory over the Detroit Pistons (18-31) 98-97 in the NBA last Sunday. Gasol was MVP of the game. He recorded a double-double by scoring 23 points and getting 10 rebounds. Gasol also added 3 assists. The Los Angeles Lakers have 23-26 record this season. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. It's Gasol's fifth year with the team. This season he has very high stats. Gasol averages: 13.4ppg, 8.0rpg, 3.6apg, 1.3bpg, 2FGP: 46.2%, 3FGP: 30.8% and FT: 70.6%. He is in the roster of the Spanish senior national team.

Marc Gasol

#3. The Spanish player who performed third best last week abroad was an international center Marc Gasol (216-85, agency: Interperformances, currently plays in NBA). Gasol led Memphis Grizzlies to a victory against the Washington Wizards (12-35) 85-76 in the NBA in Friday night's game. He recorded a double-double by scoring 13 points and getting 15 rebounds. Gasol also added 5 assists and 2 blocks. The Memphis Grizzlies have a solid 30-17 record this season. Gasol is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fifth year in Grizzlies' roster. This season he has very high stats. Gasol averages: 13.5ppg, 7.6rpg, 3.5apg, 1.8bpg, 2FGP: 48.7% and FT: 87.8%. He is also a member of the Spanish senior national team.

Ricky Rubio

#4. Guard Ricky Rubio (192-90, currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA was not able to help the Minnesota Timberwolves (18-27) in their last game. Despite Rubio's very good performance the Minnesota Timberwolves were edged 100-98 in Portland by the Trail Blazers. He had a double-double by scoring 15 points and making 14 passes in 33 minutes. This year Rubio's overall stats are: 6.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 5.8apg and 1.6spg in the 20 games. He used to play for the Spanish national team back in 2011.

Jose Manuel Calderon

#5. International point guard Jose Manuel Calderon (192-81, currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA was not able to secure a victory for the Detroit Pistons (18-31) in their last game on Monday. Despite his very good performance the Detroit Pistons were defeated 99-85 in New York by the Knicks. Calderon was the top scorer with 15 points. He also added 3 passes. It was his first game for Detroit Pistons this season. Calderon plays currently for the Spanish national team.

Victor Claver

#6. Power forward Victor Claver (207-88, currently plays in NBA) managed to help Portland Trail Blazers in a victory against the Utah Jazz (27-22) 105-99 in the NBA on Saturday night. He recorded only 3 points in 18 minutes. The Portland Trail Blazers have 25-23 record this season. It's Claver's first year with the team. This year Claver's total stats are: 2.2ppg and 2.0rpg in the 24 games. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Spanish National Team roster.

Daniel Munoz

#7. Former U17 international point guard Daniel Munoz (183-87, currently plays college basketball in the States), who plays in the NCAA couldn't help the American (3-4) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite Munoz's good performance the American was edged 56-55 at home by the Bucknell University. He scored 13 points and added 4 assists. Munoz has been at the team for four years. Munoz has relatively good stats this season: 14.3ppg, 3.4rpg, 6.3apg and 1.4spg. He used to play for the Spanish U17 national team ten years ago.

Albert Miralles

#8. Center Albert Miralles (208-82, also represented by Interperformances, currently plays in Euroleague) couldn't help ALBA Berlin (1-5) in their game against Zalgiris (2-4) in the Euroleague. Miralles cannot count Thursday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 2 points in 18 minutes. The seventh-placed ALBA Berlin was crushed 92-56 in Kaunas by the higher-ranked (#5) Zalgiris in the group E of Euroleague. It's Miralles' first season with the team. Miralles has averaged so far 5.9ppg and 3.9rpg in the 16 games. He used to play for the Spanish national team back in 2005.

Francisco Robles

#9. Former U20 international guard Francisco Robles (195-81, currently plays in United Kingdom) led Bristol Acadamy Flyers to a victory over the 12th-ranked Medway Park (4-11) 78-74 in the British EBL D1 (second division) on Saturday night. Robles was the best player in that game. He scored 17 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 9 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) in 33 minutes. Bristol Acadamy Flyers (9-5) is placed fifth in the EBL D1. Robles has averaged so far 9.8ppg, 2.3rpg and 3.4apg in the nine games. He used to play for the Spanish U20 national team thirteen years ago.

Salvador Camps

   #10. Point guard Salvador Camps (178-79, currently plays in Ireland) was the main contributor in Moycullen's victory against the league outsider UCD Marian (3-12) 90-78 in the Irish Superleague in Saturday night's game. Camps was the top player that evening. He scored 33 points (!!!) and added 9 assists. Moycullen Galway (5-10) is placed second from the bottom (#7) in the Superleague. They ended the series of three consecutive loses. Camps belongs to league's best passers (ranked #2) and also on the list of most steals (first place). He has very reliable stats this season: 12.6ppg, 3.1rpg, 7.6apg and 2.7spg. Camps is a former international player as twelve years ago he still played for the Spanish senior national team.

   #11. Former U18 international point guard Miguel Ortega (188-91, currently plays in Denmark) couldn't help one of league's weakest teams Randers in their game against Vaerlose in the Danish Ligaen. He recorded 7 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 31 minutes. His team was crushed by 21 points 97-76. Ortega is currently first on the league's list of best passers and also on the list of most steals (fifth place). This year he has very good stats: 13.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 7.1apg and 2.1spg in the 22 games. Ortega used to play for the Spanish U18 national team four years ago.

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

   #1. Caio Silveira (211-C-87, agency: Interperformances, currently plays in Brazil) led Flamengo to a victory over the 14th-ranked Vila Velha (6-14) 96-77 in the Brazilian NBB on Thursday night. Silveira was the best player in that game. He had a double-double by scoring 31 points and getting 17 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) in 37 minutes. Clube de Regatas do Flamengo (6-0) is placed first in the NBB. So far his team won all six games in the Regular Season. Silveira has relatively good stats this year: 12.9ppg and 7.2rpg in the 20 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Spanish and Brazilian.

   #2. Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, also represented by Interperformances, currently plays in NBA) contributed to an easy victory against the Charlotte Bobcats (11-36) crushing them 102-78 in the NBA on Wednesday night. Splitter recorded 15 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. The San Antonio Spurs have a very solid 38-11 record this season. It was his team's tenth consecutive victory in a row. Splitter has relatively good stats this season: 10.5ppg, 5.8rpg and 1.3apg. He is another player who holds two passports: Brazilian and Spanish.

   #3. Experienced Luis Scola (206-F/C-80, currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA could not help the Phoenix Suns (17-32) in their last game. Despite Scola's very good performance the Phoenix Suns lost 99-109 at home to the Dallas Mavericks. He scored 18 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 31 minutes. Scola has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 13.1ppg, 6.5rpg and 2.4apg in the 49 games. Scola has both Argentinian and Spanish nationalities.

   #4. Juan Ignacio Sanchez (192-G-77, college: Temple, currently plays in Argentina) was the main contributor in Wuber-Est.Bahia's surprising victory against the sixth-ranked Libertad Sunchales (18-14) 86-84 in the Argentinian LigaA on Wednesday night. He was the best player in that game. Sanchez scored 25 points and added 5 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) in 21 minutes. Wuber Estudiantes de Bahia Blanca (15-17) is placed 12th in the LigaA. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. This year Sanchez's total stats are: 7.8ppg, 2.8rpg and 2.7apg in the 11 games. He also holds two passports: Spanish and Argentinian.

   #5. Gustavo Barrera (194-G-85, currently plays in Uruguay) contributed to a 2-point Hebraica's victory against the fourth-ranked Bigua (2-3) 84-82 in a derby game in the Uruguayan LUB in Saturday night's game. Barrera recorded a double-double by scoring 11 points and making 10 passes. He also added 8 rebounds and 4 steals. Hebraica Macabi (2-3) is placed fifth in Serie 1. There are only two games left until the end of the Second Stage. So now every game will be critical. Barrera is currently first on the league's list of best passers and also on the list of most steals (third place). He has very reliable stats this season: 13.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 7.5apg and 2.1spg. Barrera has dual citizenship: Spanish and Uruguayan.

   #6. Devin Davis (202-F-74, college: Miami, OH, currently plays in Argentina) is a teammate of previously mentioned Juan Ignacio Sanchez. But that was another game of his team in Argentinian LigaA which we would like to mention. Davis contributed to Wuber-Est.Bahia's victory against the closely-ranked Sionista 80-71. He was the best player in that game. Davis had a double-double by scoring 13 points and getting 12 rebounds. He also added 4 assists in 25 minutes. This year Davis' total stats are: 8.0ppg, 6.9rpg and 1.9apg in the seven games. He is a naturalized American. Davis used to play for 13.6ppg, Reb-1(9.8), 2apg, in April '98 signed with Huelva in Spanish league.

   #7. Arnette Hallman (199-F-88, currently plays in Portugal) contributed to a 2-point Academica's victory against the closely-ranked CAB Madeira 62-60 in the Portuguese LPB on Saturday night. He was the best player in that game. Hallman recorded a double-double by scoring 17 points and getting 10 rebounds. He also added and 4 steals. Hallman is currently ninth on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of best rebounders (first place). This season he has very high stats. Hallman averages: 15.6ppg, 12.3rpg, 2.5apg and 1.9spg. He is a naturalized American. Hallman used to play for Estudiantes de Lugo in Spanish league.

   #8. Aigars Skele (192-F-92, currently plays in Latvia) contributed to an easy victory against the seventh-ranked Jurmala 79-63 in the Latvian LBL in Thursday night's game. He scored 12 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 21 minutes. This year Skele's total stats are: 6.2ppg, 3.1rpg and 1.6apg in the 19 games.

   #9. Alvaro Calvo (202-F-83, agency: Dynamics Global Management, currently plays in Brazil) was not able to help Sao Jose/Vinac in their game against Paschoalotto/Bauru in the Brazilian NBB. He recorded 9 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. His team was defeated 87-82. Calvo's total stats this season are: 9.1ppg, 4.9rpg and 1.1apg.

   #10. Carlos Cherry (184-PG-79, agency: Global Sports Plaza, currently plays in France) contributed to a Quimper UJAP's victory against the eighth-ranked Union Rennes 70-63 in the French NM1 (third division) in Tuesday night's game. Cherry was the best player in that game. He scored 22 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished 9 assists. Cherry is ranked second on the list of the best passers in the league. He has very reliable stats this season: 14.3ppg, 3.4rpg, 6.3apg and 1.4spg.

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SWEDEN

Standings - Basketligan

Basketligan Standings

1. Sundsvall		22-4
2. Uppsala		18-6
3. Boras		17-8
4. Solna		17-9
5. Sodertalje		16-7
6. Norrkoping		16-8
7. 08		12-14
8. LF Basket		10-14
9. Jamtland		7-17
10. Eagles		5-21
11. Eco Orebro		5-21
12. Nassjo		5-21

Regular Season: Round 26

Feb. 5: Sundsvall - 08 93-81
Feb. 5: Nassjo - Norrkoping 88-91
Feb. 5: Jamtland - Eco Orebro 86-81
Feb. 5: LF Basket - Eagles 82-63
Feb. 5: Sodertalje - Solna 70-78
Feb. 7: Boras - Uppsala

Stats Leaders - Basketligan

Points Per Game

James MILLER
  Boras
  (180-PG-79)
  Avg: 23.2

1. Miller, Boras	23.2
2. Wesby, Sundsvall	19.4
3. Dugat, LF Basket	19.2
4. Palm, Boras	18.6
5. Sigurdarson, Sunds.	17.7
6. Oglesby, Boras	17.6
7. Bizaca, Sodertalje	17.1
8. Augustus, 08	16.8
9. Cuffee, Sundsvall	16.7
10. Hudson, Jamtland	16.7

Rebounds Per Game

Hlynur BAERINGSSON
  Sunds.
  (200-F-82)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Baeringsson, Sunds.	10.4
2. Simms, Sodertalje	10.3
3. Palm, Boras	9.9
4. Walker, Nassjo	8.5
5. Johnson, Solna	8.3
6. Wright, Uppsala	8.1
7. McKnight, Boras	8.0
8. Toutziarakis, Solna	7.5
9. Lalugba, Jamtland	7.4
10. Santee, Eco Oreb.	7.3

Assists Per Game

James MILLER
  Boras
  (180-PG-79)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Miller, Boras	5.8
2. Castle, Eco Orebro	5.6
3. Ermolinskij, Norrk.	4.7
4. Dugat, LF Basket	4.4
5. Levin, Solna	4.4
6. Jeromanovs, Norrk.	4.3
7. Ahonen, Solna	4.2
8. Carter, Uppsala	4.1
9. Ilunga, 08	4.1
10. Hellgren, Jamtland	4.0

Steals Per Game

Nenad STEFANOVIC
  Eagles
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 2

1. Stefanovic, Eagles	2.0
2. Ruach, Nassjo	2.0
3. Castle, Eco Orebro	1.9
4. Dugat, LF Basket	1.9
5. Carter, Uppsala	1.8
6. Jackson, Uppsala	1.7
7. McKnight, Boras	1.7
8. Wesby, Sundsvall	1.5
9. Hellgren, Jamtland	1.5
10. Inan, Eagles	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Kodi AUGUSTUS
  08
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Augustus, 08	1.9
2. Simms, Sodertalje	1.8
3. Wright, Uppsala	1.6
4. Hughes, Norrkoping	1.6
5. Palm, Boras	1.4
6. Henderson, LF Ba.	1.3
7. Johnson, Solna	1.1
8. Toutziarakis, Solna	0.9
9. Brown, 08	0.9
10. Nilsson, Sundsvall	0.7

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TURKEY

David Hawkins B Sample Tests Positive - by Efe Gorkem

The results of the December 22 drug test of David Hawkins (194-G-82, college: Temple)' B sample have been confirmed and are positive. Koln testing center found that the results matched the A sample that showed a stimulant.

According to Turkish NTV SPOR, Hawkins was tested positive for cocaine.

The American player faces suspension of up to two years if he is found guilty after a Turkish Basketball Federation probe. However, The Turkish Basketball Federation has not yet made an official statement.

Hawkins previously failed a doping test in 2007 when he was playing for Virtus Roma and was given a three-month ban. Back in that time, he was tested positive for cannabis.

The 30-year-old was the league MVP and the captain of the treble-winning Besiktas Milangaz roster last season, and signed a three year contract with Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul this summer.

Besiktas and Fenerbahce are the first Cup semifinalists - by Eurobasket News

Besiktas and Fenerbahce advanced into the Turkish Cup semifinals. They overcame TED Ankara and Pinar Karsiyaka respectively in the first quarterfinal games tonight. Tomorrow Hacettepe Universitesi will take on Banvit and Galatasaray will play versus Anadolu Efes for the remaining two places in the semis.
Besiktas rallied past TED Ankara 86:77. Cevher Ozer (206-F/C-83, agency: 1x1 Sports) stepped up with 17 points and 7 rebounds to pace the winners. Besiktas ensured a 41:34 halftime lead. TED Ankara cut it to 5 points at the final break. But the Istanbul team scored 25 points in the final period and secured a comfortable win at the end. Curtis Jerrells (185-G-87, college: Baylor) netted 13 points for the winners. Jovo Stanojevic (208-C-77, agency: Beo Basket) answered with game-high 26 points and 9 rebounds for TED Ankara.
In the meantime Fenerbahce toppled Pinar Karsiyaka 77:69. Omer Onan (194-G-78) delivered 18 points for the winning side. Pinar Karsiyaka enjoyed a 15:13 lead ten minutes into the game. Fenerbahce managed to turn things around in the next two periods. They pulled ahead to take a 59:53 lead at the final break. Fenerbahce held their opponents to 16 points in the fourth period to escape with the victory. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SG-89) netted 16 points, while McCalebb added 15 points in the win. Will Thomas (203-PF-86, agency: Two Points) nailed 14 points for Pinar Karsiyaka.

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UBA

Pavos (Mexico) ink Desmond Blue - by David Walls

David Walls Reports

2/6/2013
Atlanta, GA

Pavos de Nuevo Casas Grandes (Mexico) strengthened their roster with addition of 25-year old American Center Desmond Blue (6'11''-C-88, college: Lee).

Blue last played in Switzerland for Union Neuchatel. Before playing in Europe Blue stared in the UBA for the GIE Maile Matrix. He was named Usbasket.com All-UBA 2nd Team and named to the UBA All-Star game. He would later join teammates Jermaine Barnes and Freddie Williams for Team USA in the 34th Annual William Jones Cup in Taiwan. Blue average just over 5.0ppg for Team USA in just 14.8 mpg.

After joining the UBA Blue has played in the Dominican Republic, NBA Dleague, Switzerland and now Mexico. Blue will rejoin the GIE Maile Matrix when he returns from Mexico.

Georgia PRIME lock up Power Ranking yet again - by David Walls

The Universal Basketball Association (UBA) has just released its Power Rankings through Tuesday, February 5th and the top 5 teams held their positions for the 3rd week in a row.

The Georgia PRIME continue their winning ways behind 2-time UBA Coach of the Year Michael Davis . They look to have the most balance in the league but have the showdown verses GIE in one week. The Matrix are struggling to find their identity. Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Point, GA) and Freddie Williams (6'2''-G-87, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Clayton St.) continue to struggle but also find ways to win in the 4th. The addition of Chris Vanlandingham (6'4''-G-89, college: Armstr.Atlantic) should balance out the GIE Maile Matrix this year. Terence Morris (6'10''-F-79, college: Maryland) has lock his self in as a MVP favorite this season averaging 26.0ppg and 16 rebounds; but in his absence the Express are lost. Brayon Brown (6'3''-G-86, college: Oklahoma) and Anthony Allison (6'6''-F-86, college: Texas Coll.) are going to have to find a way to get back to their all-star form in order to reach the UBA finals. The Cleveland Havok are still the defending Western Conference champs. At 6-1, they are looking to become the power in the West. In the East we have the Ohio Hidden Gems; and Hidden Gems they are. This team is going to shock someone in the playoffs. Star Forward Isaac Jefferson (6'5''-G/F-81, college: Hampton) is having a Jason Kidd like season averaging over 7 rebounds and 7 assist along with 16 plus points.

1. Georgia PRIME (7-0)
2. GIE Maile Matrix (4-1)
3. Houston Express (4-1)
4. Cleveland Havok (6-1)
5. Ohio Hidden Gems (4-0)

North Texas Fresh defeats Dallas Impact - by Gianni Pascucci

Over the past weekend, in an intersting inter-leagues game, the UBA North Texas Fresh came back from a double-digit deficit to beat the ABA Dallas Impact in Fort Worth, Texas. The game ended 88-84 for the Fresh. Team owner Jay Bowdy (6'6''-F/G-83, college: W.Georgia) was the man of the game for North Texas, with 31 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, and 11 rebounds. A'Daeron Duncan (6'7''-F-87, college: N.Kentucky) added 23 points at the winning side, and Travoy Edwards (6'7''-F-88, college: Great Falls), playing in his 2nd game this season, finished with 15 points, 9 of them coming in the fourth to help the Fresh in their amazing comeback.
Keandre Derrick (6'1''-G-88, college: Texas-PB) scored 28 points and Kenny Hewitt (6'7''-F-89, college: Lubbock Christian) had 15 for the Impact.
And a question cames out: why don' t organize this kind of inter-league games sooner, to give an idea to professional operators of which can be the true level of competition of each minor league ?

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UKRAINE

UNITED KINGDOM

Standings - EBL Conf.

EBL D1 Standings

1. Reading R.		15-0
2. Leeds Carnegie		10-4
3. Tees Valley M.		10-5
4. Northumbria		9-3
5. Bristol AF		9-5
6. Bradford D.		8-7
7. Leopards		6-6
8. Hemel Storm		6-6
9. Leicester W.		6-7
10. Westminster W.		5-9
11. Derby T.		4-10
12. Medway Park		4-11
13. Worthing T.		2-11
14. Brixton T.		2-12

Regular Season: Round 19

Feb. 9: Reading R. - Tees Valley M.
Feb. 9: Worthing T. - Bradford D.
Feb. 9: Westminster W. - Derby T.
Feb. 9: Bristol AF - Hemel Storm
Feb. 9: Northumbria - Medway Park
Feb. 10: Brixton T. - Leicester W.
Feb. 10: Leopards - Worthing T.

EBL Div.1 Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jorge EBANKS
  Tees V.
  (--86)
  Avg: 20.5

1. Ebanks, Tees V.	20.5
2. Rivers, Worthing.	20.2
3. Lufadeju, Medway	19.8
4. Kohn, Tees V.	19.6
5. Saladzius, Bradfor.	19.3
6. Rose, Derby T.	18.9
7. Hernandez, Leopar.	18.7
8. Johnston, Worthing.	17.4
9. Gayle, Derby T.	17.3
10. Hanson, Tees V.	17.1

Rebounds Per Game

Manock LUAL
  Medway Park
  (198-F-89)
  Avg: 12.9

1. Lual, Medway Park	12.9
2. Rivers, Worthing.	11.7
3. Silcott, Bradford.	11.4
4. Hernandez, Leopar.	10.7
5. Kohn, Tees V.	10.6
6. Marsden, Leeds C.	9.4
7. Josey, Leopards	8.6
8. Anebo, Leeds C.	8.4
9. Milambo, Derby T.	8.2
10. Williams, Brist.	8.2

Assists Per Game

Jorge EBANKS
  Tees V.
  (--86)
  Avg: 4.8

1. Ebanks, Tees V.	4.8
2. Johnston, Worthing.	4.6
3. Glavan, Tees V.	4.4
4. Owen, Bristol AF	4.1
5. Streete, Bristol AF	4.0
6. Robles, Bristol AF	4.0
7. Volskis, Medway P.	3.8
8. Robinson, Tees V.	3.6
9. Saladzius, Bradfor.	3.4
10. Silcott, Bradford.	3.4

Steals Per Game

Jorge EBANKS
  Tees V.
  (--86)
  Avg: 4.8

1. Ebanks, Tees V.	4.8
2. Hobin, Medway Park	2.5
3. Johnston, Worthing.	2.1
4. Robinson, Tees V.	2.0
5. Rose, Derby T.	1.9
6. Glavan, Tees V.	1.9
7. Lual, Medway Park	1.8
8. Cummings, Leopards	1.8
9. Carter, Worthing.	1.6
10. Lufadeju, Medway	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Enrique GARCIA
  Bristol AF
  (203-F-)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Garcia, Bristol AF	1.9
2. Youngblood, Leopa.	1.6
3. Hobin, Medway Park	1.4
4. Brown, Leopards	0.9
5. Anyigbo, Tees V.	0.9
6. Seduikis, Worthing	0.7
7. Milambo, Derby T.	0.7
8. Robinson, Tees V.	0.6
9. Marsden, Leeds C.	0.6
10. Fetske, Bradford	0.6

Luol Deng's double-double lands him Player of the Week award among British players playing currently abroad - by Eurobasket Center

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

Luol Deng

#1. This week's number one is an international forward Luol Deng (206-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke, currently plays in NBA). He led Chicago Bulls to a victory over the Atlanta Hawks (26-21) 93-76 in the NBA in Saturday night's game. Deng was MVP of the game. He had a double-double by scoring 25 points and getting 14 rebounds. Deng also added 5 assists, 2 blocks and 4 steals in 46 minutes on the court. The Chicago Bulls have a solid 29-19 record this season. It's Deng's ninth year with the team. He has individually a very good year with high stats. Deng averages: 17.2ppg, 6.7rpg, 3.0apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 45.5%, 3FGP: 32.8% and FT: 82.5% in the 43 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: British and Sudanese. Deng is currently a member of the British senior national team.

Dante Cunningham

#2. Second place goes to former international forward Dante Cunningham (203-87, college: Villanova, currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA. He could not help the Minnesota Timberwolves (18-27) in their last game on Monday. Despite Cunningham's very good performance the Minnesota Timberwolves were edged 100-98 on the road by the Portland Trail Blazers. He was the top scorer with 23 points. Cunningham also added 3 steals. It's Cunningham's first season with the team. He has relatively good stats this year: 8.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 2FGP: 47.3% and FT: 58.8%. Cunningham is a naturalized American. He played for the British national team in 2008. Strangely Cunningham has never played in United Kingdom.

Ben Gordon

#3. The British player who performed third best last week abroad was an international guard Ben Gordon (188-83, college: Connecticut, currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA. He was not able to help the Charlotte Bobcats (11-36) in their last game. Despite Gordon's very good performance the Charlotte Bobcats lost 94-99 in Miami to the Heat. He was the second best scorer with 16 points. Gordon also added 4 passes in 28 minutes. It was Bobcats' fourth consecutive loss in a row. Gordon has very impressive stats this year: 13.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 45.4%, 3FGP: 41.8% and FT: 83.8% in the 42 games. He is a naturalized American. Gordon is also a member of the British senior national team. Apparently he has never played in United Kingdom.

Matthew Bryan-Amaning

#4. Forward Matthew Bryan-Amaning (205-88, also represented by Interperformances, college: Washington, currently plays in Adriatic League) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Krka (8-12) crushing them 77-52 in the Adriatic League on Sunday night. Bryan-Amaning scored 13 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Radnicki Kragujevac (12-8) is placed sixth in the Adriatic League. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. Bryan-Amaning's overall stats this season are: 7.6ppg and 3.8rpg. He is another player who holds two passports: Ghanian and British. Bryan-Amaning is also British national team player.

Andrew Lawrence

#5. International point guard Andrew Lawrence (185-90, currently plays college basketball in the States) contributed to an easy victory against the University of North Carolina, Greensboro (4-5) crushing them 81-59 in the NCAA last Saturday. He scored 17 points and added 6 passes. The College of Charleston has a solid 8-3 conference record this season. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. Lawrence is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fourth year in Charleston's roster. This season Lawrence has relatively solid stats: 10.7ppg, 5.1rpg and 1.5apg. He plays currently for the British national team.

Kyle Johnson

#6. Guard Kyle Johnson (195-88, college: LIU Brooklyn, currently plays in Italy), who plays in the Italian SerieA was not able to secure a victory for Sutor Montegranaro (5-13) in their last game. Despite Johnson's very good performance Sutor Montegranaro was edged 83-80 in Bologna by the higher-ranked (#11) SAIE3 BO. He was the second best scorer with 16 points. Johnson also added 6 rebounds in 31 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only his second season in pro basketball. This year Johnson's overall stats are: 7.6ppg and 3.4rpg in the 18 games. He is an international player who is currently on the senior British National Team roster.

Dzaflo Larkai

#7. Former international power forward Dzaflo Larkai (203-81, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: Bellarmine, currently plays in Japan) was the major contributor in a 2-point Okinawa GK's victory against the ninth-ranked Osaka Evessa (7-21) 62-60 in the Japanese BJ League last Sunday. He had a double-double by scoring 15 points and getting 10 rebounds in 24 minutes. Ryukyu Golden Kings Okinawa (22-6) is placed first in Western group. This year Larkai's total stats are: 9.2ppg and 5.8rpg in the 28 games. He used to play for the British national team five years ago.

Mike Lenzly

#8. Guard Mike Lenzly (189-81, college: Wofford, currently plays in Germany) couldn't help s Oliver Baskets (9-11) in their game against Telekom Baskets (10-10) in the German BBL. He was the top scorer with 8 points. Lenzly also added 7 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 28 minutes. s Oliver Baskets was badly defeated 74-58 in Bonn by the higher-ranked (#7) Telekom Baskets. Lenzly has averaged so far 8.0ppg, 5.5rpg and 2.5apg in the two games. He is a naturalized American. Lenzly plays currently for the British national team. Interesting that he has never played in United Kingdom.

Myles Hesson

#9. International forward Myles Hesson (195-90, agency: Two Points, currently plays in Germany) contributed to a Weissenhorn Youngstars' victory against the ninth-ranked Hanau (7-10) 91-78 in the German ProB (third division) last Sunday. Hesson scored 17 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished 3 assists. Weissenhorn Youngstars (11-6) is placed second in Group South. Hesson belongs to league's best rebounders and is ranked #7. This season he has very high stats. Hesson averages: 19.1ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.2apg, 1.4bpg and 1.6spg. He is also in the roster of the British national team.

Tafari Toney

   #10. Power forward Tafari Toney (203-86, currently plays in France), who plays in the French ProB (second division) couldn't help Charleville-Mezieres (7-11) in their last game. Despite Toney's very good performance Charleville-Mezieres lost 71-75 in Bourg to the higher-ranked (#7) JL Bourg. He was the second best scorer with 20 points. Toney also added 8 rebounds in 32 minutes. It was Charleville-Mezieres' fourth consecutive loss in a row. Toney has reliable stats this year: 13.5ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.8apg and 1.6spg in the 20 games. He is a naturalized American. Toney is a former international player as four years ago he still played for the British senior national team. He used to play for Newcastle Eagles in British league.

   #11. U20 international point guard Josh Owen-Thomas (186-92, currently plays in Canada) helped University of Calgary win their game against the Cougars 85-75 in the Canadian university league CIS in Friday night's game. Owen-Thomas recorded 16 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in 32 minutes. Owen-Thomas has averaged so far 7.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.9apg and 1.1spg in the 18 games. He plays currently for the British U20 national team.

   #12. Former international point guard Justin Robinson (187-87, another player represented by Two Points, college: Rider, currently plays in Ukraine), who plays in the Ukrainian Superleague couldn't help BC Kyiv (6-21) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Robinson's good performance the bottom-ranked BC Kyiv was defeated 72-62 in a derby game by the leading Budivelnyk. He was the top scorer with 14 points. Robinson also added 6 rebounds. Robinson averaged so far 10.7ppg, 2.7rpg and 4.0apg. He used to play for the British national team back in 2011.

   #13. Former U20 international center Fahro Alihodzic (208-89, currently studies in the States) helped UAB win their n overtime game against the The Univ.of Texas at El Paso 78-72 in the NCAA on Wednesday night. Alihodzic scored 12 points, had 8 rebounds, passed 4 assists and added 3 blocks in 40 minutes. Alihodzic's stats this year are: 10.7ppg, 2.7rpg and 4.0apg in the 27 games. He used to play for the British U20 national team four years ago.

   #14. Former international forward Ashley Hamilton (201-88, is currently at the American university), who plays in the NCAA couldn't help the Loyola Mary (1-8) in their last game on Monday. Despite Hamilton's good performance the Loyola Mary was edged in an overtime 69-68 at home by the University of San Diego. He recorded a double-double by scoring 11 points and getting 12 rebounds. Hamilton also added 5 assists. Hamilton averaged so far 10.7ppg, 2.7rpg and 4.0apg. He used to play for the British national team back in 2011.

   #15. International point guard Ogooluwa Adegboye (182-87, college: St.Bonaventure, currently plays in Cyprus) helped Etha win their game against the league outsider Omonia 84-80 in a derby game in the Cypriot Division A last Wednesday. Adegboye recorded 10 points and added 3 passes in 30 minutes. Adegboye has averaged so far 8.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.9apg and 1.3spg in the 14 games. He is also in the roster of the British national team.

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

   #1. Byron Mullens (213-C-89, college: Ohio St., currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA could not help the Charlotte Bobcats (11-36) in their last game on Monday. Despite Mullens' good performance the Charlotte Bobcats were defeated 99-94 on the road by the Miami Heat. He scored 12 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Mullens has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 11.6ppg, 7.9rpg and 1.5apg. Mullens is a naturalized American. Interesting that he has never played in United Kingdom.

   #2. Experienced Darren Phillip (201-F-78, college: Fairfield, currently plays in Argentina), who plays in the Argentinian LigaA was not able to help Union Progresista (10-22) in their last game. Despite Phillip's very good performance Union Progresista lost 76-84 in Buenos Aires to the much higher-ranked (#5) Boca Juniors. He had a double-double by scoring 22 points and getting 11 rebounds in 35 minutes. It was Union Progresista's fourth consecutive loss in a row. Phillip is the league's top scorer and also on the list of best rebounders (first place). He has very impressive stats this year: 18.9ppg, 11.2rpg and 1.4apg in the 30 games he played so far. Phillip is a naturalized American. Interesting that he has never played in United Kingdom.

   #3. Oladapo Ayuba (198-F-86, college: UMKC, currently plays in Sweden) was the major contributor in a 3-point Norrkoping Dolphins' victory against the league outsider Nassjo (5-21) 91-88 in the Swedish Basketligan in Tuesday night's game. He scored 18 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 23 minutes. Norrkoping Dolphins (18-2) is placed second in the Basketligan. Ayuba is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fourth year in Norrkoping Dolphins' roster. This season Ayuba has relatively solid stats: 10.7ppg, 5.1rpg and 1.5apg in the 24 games. He is a naturalized American. Interesting that Ayuba has never played in United Kingdom.

   #4. Paul Guede (195-G/F-87, agency: Interperformances, college: Portland St., currently plays in Germany) led BG Goettingen to a victory over the league outsider USC Leipzig (3-17) 92-80 in the German ProA (second division) in Saturday night's game. Guede was the best player in that game. He scored 21 points; not bad, considering it's only Guede's second season in pro basketball. BG Goettingen (15-5) is placed second in the ProA. Guede's total stats this season are: 9.4ppg, 3.2rpg and 1.6apg.

   #5. Keith Rendleman (203-F-90, currently plays college basketball in the States), who plays in the NCAA was not able to secure a victory for the NC-Wilmington (2-3) in their last game on Monday. Despite Rendleman's very good performance the NC-Wilmington was defeated 81-68 in Towson, MD by the Towson University. He recorded a double-double by scoring 19 points and getting 12 rebounds. Rendleman has been at the team for four years. Rendleman has averaged so far 9.2ppg and 5.8rpg.

   #6. Lee Jeka (187-G-83, agency: Limelight Hoops, currently plays in Germany), who plays in the German ProA (second division) couldn't help Science City Jena (9-11) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Jeka's very good performance Science City Jena was defeated 83-73 in Paderborn by the lower-ranked Finke Baskets (#13). He was the top scorer with 20 points. Jeka averaged so far 12.0ppg, 2.9rpg and 4.2apg. He has a dual citizenship: British and Australian.

   #7. Sullivan Phillips (198-G/F-79, college: Wash.Adventist, currently plays in Germany) is a teammate of previously mentioned Paul Guede and both played together in the last German ProA game. Phillips contributed to a BG Goettingen's victory against the league outsider USC Leipzig 92-80. He scored 13 points and added 6 passes in 31 minutes. Phillips' stats this year are: 11.8ppg, 4.7rpg and 4.1apg in the 20 games. He is another player who holds two passports: Bermudas and British.

   #8. Olumide Oyedeji (210-C-81, currently plays in Japan), who plays in the Japanese JBL couldn't help Tochigi Brex (8-20) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Oyedeji's very good performance Tochigi Brex was defeated 81-74 in Osaka by the higher-ranked Panasonic Trians (#3). He recorded a double-double by scoring 16 points and getting 11 rebounds. Oyedeji has averaged so far 9.5ppg and 7.0rpg. He has both Nigerian and British nationalities.

   #9. Michael Ochereobia (203-C, currently studies in the States) helped W.Illinois win their game against the Indiana Univ-Purdue Univ-Indianapolis 68-59 in the NCAA in Saturday night's game. Ochereobia scored 9 points in only 9 minutes. Ochereobia has averaged so far 8.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.9apg and 1.3spg in the 14 games.

   #10. Andrew Thomson (205-F-84, college: Catawba, currently plays in France) helped La Rochelle win their game against the closely-ranked Cognac 74-68 in the French NM1 (third division) on Tuesday night. He scored 15 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 30 minutes. Thomson averaged so far 10.5ppg and 5.4rpg in the 15 games.

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URUGUAY

Standings - LUB

LUB Standings

Serie 1
1. Un.Atletica		4-1
2. Defensor		4-1
3. Trouville		3-2
4. Bigua		2-3
5. Hebraica		2-3
6. Malvin		2-3
7. Bohemios		2-3
8. Aguada		1-4
Serie 2
1. Montevideo		7-0
2. Sayago		3-4
3. Maldonado		3-4
4. Allavena		3-4
5. Olimpia		3-4
6. Lagomar		2-5

Stage One Standings

Second Stage: Round 5

SERIE 1

Feb. 5: Trouville - Hebraica 89-87
Feb. 4: Defensor - Bohemios 79-65
Feb. 4: Aguada - Un.Atletica 78-87
Feb. 5: Malvin - Bigua 66-88

SERIE 2

Feb. 5: Montevideo - Olimpia 99-83
Feb. 2: Sayago - Maldonado 75-81
Feb. 2: Lagomar - Olimpia 66-85
Feb. 5: Allavena - Sayago 107-104
Feb. 5: Maldonado - Lagomar 100-86
Feb. 2: Montevideo - Allavena 100-80

Second Stage: Round 6

SERIE 1

Feb. 8: Un.Atletica - Defensor
Feb. 8: Malvin - Hebraica
Feb. 8: Bigua - Trouville
Feb. 8: Bohemios - Aguada

SERIE 2

Feb. 9: Olimpia - Maldonado
Feb. 9: Lagomar - Allavena
Feb. 9: Sayago - Montevideo
Feb. 12: Maldonado - Allavena
Feb. 12: Lagomar - Montevideo
Feb. 12: Olimpia - Sayago

Stats Leaders - LUB

Points Per Game

Leandro GARCIA MORALES
  Agu.
  (186-PG-80)
  Avg: 26.9

1. Garcia Moral., Agu.	26.9
2. Keenan, Trouville	26.6
3. Clarkson, Larre B.	26.1
4. Woodward, Welcome	25.9
5. Danridge, Monte.	24.0
6. Baxley, Defensor	24.0
7. Taboada, Un.Atlet.	22.4
8. Elliott, Olimpia	22.3
9. Johnson, Bigua	21.1
10. Figueroa, Cordon	19.9

Rebounds Per Game

Kevin MARTIN
  Nacional
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 15.6

1. Martin, Nacional	15.6
2. Faber, Welcome	12.5
3. Passos, Hebraica	11.1
4. Hamilton, Defensor	10.9
5. Curtis, Bohemios	10.7
6. Shellman, Sayago	10.7
7. Clarkson, Larre B.	10.4
8. Blankson, Un.Atlet.	10.1
9. Johnson, Bigua	10.0
10. Wilkerson, Tabare	9.9

Assists Per Game

Gustavo BARRERA
  Hebraica
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Barrera, Hebraica	7.5
2. Fitipaldo, Malvin	6.4
3. Bavosi, Un.Atletica	6.3
4. Cortizas, Welcome	6.2
5. De Gouveia, Tabare	5.7
6. Vidal, Bigua	5.7
7. Garcia Moral., Agu.	5.2
8. Gonzalez, Aguada	5.0
9. Pereyra, Monte.	4.6
10. Jeffries, Bigua	4.5

Steals Per Game

Kristian CLARKSON
  Larre B.
  (202-F-84)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Clarkson, Larre B.	2.5
2. Shellman, Sayago	2.3
3. Barrera, Hebraica	2.1
4. Rovira, Tabare	1.9
5. Garcia, Cordon	1.9
6. Trelles, Bohemios	1.9
7. Vidal, Bigua	1.8
8. Johnson, Bigua	1.8
9. Figueroa, Cordon	1.8
10. Garcia Moral., Ag.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Gregory DILLIGARD
  Aguada
  (203-F-85)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Dilligard, Aguada	2.5
2. Hunt, Olimpia	2.1
3. Rogers, Un.Atletica	2.0
4. Cage, Tabare	1.7
5. Bravo, Defensor	1.4
6. Johnson, Bigua	1.4
7. Faber, Welcome	1.3
8. Kanis, Trouville	1.3
9. Calfani, Malvin	1.2
10. Clarkson, Larre B.	1.1

Results for the Uruguayan League - by Hector Lopez

Results for the Uruguayan League (Second stage)
Trouville 89 - Justin Keenan (202-F/C-88, college: Ferris St.) 22 pts. 4 reb. Alejandro Acosta (186-G-89) 19 pts. 6 reb. Brad Kanis (218-C-84, college: Grand Canyon) 8 pts. 1 reb. Carlton Fay (203-F-88, college: S.Illinois) 2 pts
Hebraica 87 - Darius Rice (208-F-82, college: Miami, FL) 25 pts. 11 reb. Hatila Passos (211-C-85, college: N.Mexico St.) 11 pts. 13 reb.
- - -
Bigua 88 - Anthony Johnson (203-F-88, college: Fairfield) 23 pts 9 reb. Chris Jeffries (199-F-80, college: Wash.-St.Louis) 15 pts 7 reb.
Malvin 66 - Anthony Myles (208-F/C-82, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Xavier) 12 pts. 5 reb, Fernando Martinez (170-PG-79) 20 pts 4 reb. William Graves (198-F/G-88, college: N.Carolina) 11 pts 7 reb. 3 assists
- - -
Results for the Uruguayan League (Reclassification)
Montevideo 99 - Federico Haller (198-F-88) 24 pts. 19 reb. Anthony Danridge (196-G/F-86, college: N.Mexico) 14 pts. 7 Reb. Terrell Taylor (203-C-81, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Virginia Tech) 19 pts. 8 reb.
Olimpia 83 - Juan Silveira (191-G-86, college: Weber St.) 17 pts. 4 reb.
- - -
Allavena 108 - Jerry Echenique (201-C-79, college: High Point) 25 pts. 9 reb.
Sayago 106 - Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, college: Lewis) 25 pts 9 reb. Terence Shellman (198-F-78) 12 pt s 4 reb. Stanley Jones (208-C-86, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Francis Marion) 10 pts 9 reb.
- - -
Maldonado 100 - Nakiea Miller (204-C-79, college: Iona) 34 pts. 12 reb., 3 blocks. Kevin Nelson (192-G-84, college: Park) 10 pts. 4 reb.
Lagomar 86 - Julian Sanders (193-G-89, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Indiana, PA) 27 pts. 12 reb. David Butler (203-F-82, college: Embry Riddle) 18 pts 11 reb.

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

VENEZUELA

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings

1. Marinos		7-0
2. Cocodrilos		5-1
3. Panteras		3-3
4. Trotamundos		3-3
5. Bucaneros		3-3
6. Gigantes		2-2
7. Gaiteros		2-4
8. Guaros		2-4
9. Guaiqueries		1-4
10. Toros		1-5

Regular Season: Round 5

Feb. 4: Trotamundos - Toros 78-76
Feb. 5: Cocodrilos - Panteras 76-79
Feb. 5: Gaiteros - Bucaneros 75-83
Feb. 5: Marinos - Guaiqueries 100-72
Feb. 6: Panteras - Cocodrilos
Feb. 6: Toros - Guaros

Guaiqueries add Sweetney to their roster - by Eurobasket News

Guaiqueries de Margarita (LPB) added to their roster 31-year old American forward Michael Sweetney (203-131kg-82, college: Georgetown). He was last seen playing for Bayamon in BSN. His stats read 13.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per appearance.
The previous (2011) summer he played at Cangrejeros (BSN) in Puerto Rico. In 36 games he recorded very impressive stats: 15.1ppg, 9.1rpg and 1.6apg. A very spectacular season in his career as he was voted to Latinbasket.com All-Puerto Rican BSN Honorable Mention. Sweetney also played at Bigua (LUB) in Uruguayan league that season. In 20 games that year he averaged impressive 17.8ppg, 10.0rpg (#5 in the league), 2.0apg and 1.1bpg. He helped them to win the regular season and make it to the final.
In 2003 Sweetney was drafted by New York Knicks (NBA) in first round (9th overall). The former Georgetown University staris in his tenth season in pro basketball.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as he was voted Latinbasket.com All-Puerto Rican BSN 1st Team back in 2010.
Sweetney was a member of USA U21 National Team in 2001.
He is quite experienced player. Sweetney has played also professionally in China (Foshan), Dominican Rep., NBA (Chicago Bulls), Dominican Republic (Metros) and D-League (Erie Bay Hawks).
On Sweetney: Can rebound and has great shooting touch. Mike catches the ball in traffic. He also has good scoring instincts in the post.
True size and athleticism are a bit of concern; great hands and knows how to score; an animal in the paint.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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Women News

Partizan take control in second half, beat Mladi Krajisnik - by Zeljko Zule

Partizan used a second-half surge to beat Mladi Krajisnik, 78-59, in the first game of Round 20. Nevena Jovanovic (178-G-90) came off the bench for team-high 14 points and Tamara Radocaj (170-PG-87), Kristina Baltic (190-F/C-90, agency: Regeneracom Sports), Milica Dabovic (175-PG-82) and Lidija Vuckovic (171-SG-88) all aded 12 points. Partizan outscored Bosnian team by 15 in the second half and had 11 players in scorers. Mladi Krajisnik was led by Irena Vrancic (167-G-90) with 14 points and Andjela Delic (181-G-96) added 10 points.

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

CHILE

Silver Stars re-sign Ziomara Morrison - by Eurobasket News

The San Antonio Silver Stars re-signed Ziomara Morrison (6'4''-C-89, agency: Regeneracom Sports). The Chilean centre will enter her second straight season with the Silver Stars. Last season Morrison notched 2.1 points and 1.3 rebounds per game in the WNBA. She is currently playing for Rivas Ecopolis in Spain. Ziomara Morrison posts 15.0 points, 9.5 boards and 1.0 assist per game in LFB. Previously the centre had spells for Banco di Sicilla Ribera and Arranz-Jopisa Burgos.
The Silver Stars also signed Julie Wojta (6'0''-G/F-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) and Yvonne Turner (5'9''-G-87, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Nebraska) to the training camp contracts.
Julie Wojta appeared in just one game in the WNBA last season. She played that game for the Lynx. She is currently playing for Belfius Namur in Belgium. Her stats read 15.7 points and 7.7 rebounds in D1. She also tallied 14.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per appearance in EuroCup.
Yvonne Turner spends the current season in Russia. She plays for Dynamo-GUVD Novosibirsk. Her stats read 13.5 points, 4.0 assists and 3.3 boards in EuroCup. Yvonne Turner also delivers 14.5 points, 3.4 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game in PBL.

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CROATIA

EuroLeague: Perfumerias make the play-offs with a convincing win - by Eurobasket News

Novi Zagreb - Perfumerias 68:86

Perfumerias make the play-offs with a convincing win over Lupa Promotion. The Spanish side celebrated an 86:68 victory for 5-7 record in Group C. The Croatian side finished the campaign with 1-11 record.
The game was mostly controlled by Perfumerias Avenida. Lupa Promotion was better in second period 22-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Perfumerias Avenida made 20-of-25 free shots during the game. Lupa Promotion was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was Le'Coe Willingham (183-C-81, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Auburn) who scored 14 points and 7 rebounds. Marta Fernandez (178-G/F-81) chipped in 14 points. Mirna Mirna Mazic (188-F-85, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: Richmond) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds and Latoya Williams (190-C-87, college: Chipola JC) added 17 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the hosts.

Perfumerias: Marta Fernandez 14, Le'Coe Willingham 14, Monique Currie (183-G/F-83, college: Duke) 12, Marija Rezan (198-C-89) 10, Egle Sulciute (190-PF-85) 10
Novi Zagreb: Mirna Mazic 18+11rebs, Latoya Williams 17+10rebs, Mitchell 8

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CZECH REPUBLIC

EuroLeague: Bourges won over IMOS Brno - by Eurobasket News

Bourges - IMOS Brno 85:60

Bourges won over IMOS Brno to finish with 9-3 record their EuroLeague Group campaign. The team sent IMOS Brno out of the Play-offs after an 85:60 win.
Bourges led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Bourges started with 26-12 lead and led 14 points at the halftime. They won the third period 23-18 and finished the game with 17-11 in the last stanza. They made 16-of-18 free shots during the game.
The best player for the winners was Styliani Kaltsidou (188-F-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas) who scored 17 points. Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) chipped in 12 points, 7 assists and 4 steals. Nicole Ohlde (193-F/C-82, college: Kansas St.) produced 16 points and Farhiya Abdi (188-F-92) added 12 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Tereza Peckova (189-F-87) also scored 12, while Alena Hanusova (19-C-91) notched 7.

Bourges: Styliani Kaltsidou 17, Emmeline Ndongue (192-C-83) 14, Johannah Leedham (180-SF-87, college: Franklin Pierce) 13, Nwal-Endene Miyem (188-PF-88) 13
IMOS Brno: Nicole Ohlde 16, Tereza Peckova 12, Farhiya Abdi 12, Alena Hanusova 7

EuroLeague: USK Praha sent Mondeville out of the Play-offs - by Eurobasket News

USK Praha - Mondeville 56:51

USK Praha sent Mondeville out of the Play-offs in the most important game of the last round. The team from Czech Republic needed a 56:51 win and grabbed the last ticket to the nex