Eurobasket Daily News Report: 3/1/2013 4:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 3/1/2013 4:04:01 AM

Copyright � 1997-2013 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com

Men News

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

ARGENTINA

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Standings

1. Regatas C.		29-11
2. Penarol		27-11
3. Lanus		25-13
4. Boca Jrs		22-16
5. Quimsa		22-17
6. Argentino		22-18
7. Libertad S.		21-18
8. Olimpico LB		21-19
9. GECR Indalo		20-19
10. Wuber-Est.Bahia		19-19
11. Sionista		19-21
12. Atenas		19-21
13. Obras		14-24
14. 9 de Julio		12-27
15. Union Progr.		10-28
16. La Union		10-30

Stage One Standings

Second Stage: Round 29

Round 15

Feb. 28: Boca Jrs - Wuber-Est.Bahia
Feb. 28: Obras - Penarol
Mar. 1: Regatas C. - Quimsa
Mar. 1: Atenas - Union Progr.
Mar. 1: Sionista - Libertad S.
Mar. 1: 9 de Julio - GECR Indalo
Mar. 1: Olimpico LB - La Union
Mar. 1: Argentino - Lanus

Round 16

Feb. 27: Regatas C. - Libertad S. 76-72

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

Darren PHILLIP
  Union Progr.
  (201-F-78)
  Avg: 19.1

1. Phillip, Union Pro.	19.1
2. Nelson, 9 de Julio	18.0
3. Gutierrez, Obras	17.5
4. Jackson, GECR I.	17.3
5. Lewis, La Union	16.8
6. Quinteros, Regat.	15.7
7. DeGroat, Boca Jrs	15.7
8. Gutierrez, Penarol	15.0
9. Lytch, Argentino	14.9
10. Shannon, La Union	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

Sam CLANCY
  Olimpico.
  (202-C-80)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Clancy, Olimpico.	10.8
2. Phillip, Union Pro.	10.8
3. Gutierrez, Obras	9.4
4. Kammerichs, Regat.	8.2
5. Seawright, GECR I.	7.8
6. Williams, Quimsa	7.4
7. Battle, Lanus	7.3
8. Shannon, La Union	7.2
9. Fierro, Atenas	7.0
10. Lewis, La Union	6.9

Assists Per Game

Facundo CAMPAZZO
  Penarol
  (179-PG-91)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Campazzo, Penarol	6.8
2. Martinez, Regat.	4.9
3. Osimani, Obras	4.1
4. De los Santo., Arg.	4.1
5. Labaque, Atenas	4.0
6. Cajal, Union Progr.	4.0
7. Laprovittola, Lanus	3.9
8. Ciorciari, GECR I.	3.8
9. Treise, Libertad S.	3.7
10. Cequeira, Sionista	3.6

Steals Per Game

Facundo CAMPAZZO
  Penarol
  (179-PG-91)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Campazzo, Penarol	2.4
2. Pau, Olimpico LB	1.8
3. Lescano, Atenas	1.8
4. Ciorciari, GECR I.	1.7
5. Lewis, La Union	1.7
6. Washam, Regatas C.	1.6
7. Labaque, Atenas	1.5
8. Faggiano, Wuber-.	1.5
9. Quinteros, Regat.	1.5
10. Elsener, Atenas	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Sam CLANCY
  Olimpico.
  (202-C-80)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Clancy, Olimpico.	1.9
2. Battle, Lanus	1.4
3. Meyinsse, Regat.	1.2
4. Gutierrez, Obras	1.2
5. Santiago, Boca Jrs	1.1
6. Humphrey, Obras	1.0
7. Torres, Wuber-Es.	1.0
8. Mata, Penarol	0.9
9. Meyinsse, Sionista	0.8
10. Sanchez, Libertad.	0.8

AUSTRALIA

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Breakers		21-3
2. Wildcats		19-5
3. Tigers		10-12
4. Kings		10-14
5. Hawks		10-14
6. Taipans		8-14
7. Crocodiles		8-15
8. 36ers		8-17

Regular Season: Round 21

Feb. 28: Breakers - 36ers 104-79
Mar. 1: Taipans - Wildcats
Mar. 2: Tigers - Hawks
Mar. 3: Kings - Crocodiles

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Ben MADGEN
  Kings
  (193-G/F-85)
  Avg: 18.1

1. Madgen, Kings	18.1
2. Flynn, Tigers	17.6
3. Ervin, Crocodiles	17.6
4. Johnson, 36ers	16.4
5. Wilson, Taipans	16.2
6. Jackson, Breakers	16.0
7. Deleon, Hawks	15.9
8. Lisch, Wildcats	15.0
9. Knight, Wildcats	14.3
10. Redhage, Wildcats	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Holmes, Crocodiles	8.3
2. Johnson, 36ers	7.9
3. Crosswhite, Kings	7.5
4. Lazare, Kings	7.2
5. Pledger, Breakers	6.8
6. Knight, Wildcats	6.7
7. Scott, Tigers	6.5
8. Forman, Hawks	6.3
9. Vukona, Breakers	6.2
10. Tragardh, Taipans	6.2

Assists Per Game

Cedric JACKSON
  Breakers
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 7.1

1. Jackson, Breakers	7.1
2. Flynn, Tigers	5.9
3. Gibson, 36ers	5.0
4. Ervin, Crocodiles	4.3
5. Wilson, Taipans	3.6
6. Martin, Hawks	3.3
7. Martin, Wildcats	3.1
8. Lisch, Wildcats	3.0
9. Bruce, Kings	3.0
10. Deleon, Hawks	3.0

Steals Per Game

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

1. Jackson, Breakers	2.7
2. Martin, Wildcats	2.0
3. Deleon, Hawks	1.5
4. Henry, Kings	1.1
5. Martin, Hawks	1.1
6. Ervin, Crocodiles	1.1
7. Boucher, Breakers	1.1
8. Tovey, Wildcats	1.1
9. Gliddon, Taipans	1.1
10. Lisch, Wildcats	1.0

Blocks Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Breakers
  (213-C-87)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Pledger, Breakers	1.5
2. Nevill, Crocodiles	1.4
3. Schenscher, 36ers	0.9
4. Forman, Hawks	0.8
5. Scott, Tigers	0.8
6. Blanchfield, Croco.	0.7
7. Johnson, 36ers	0.7
8. Hinder, Crocodiles	0.7
9. Edwards, Taipans	0.7
10. Redhage, Wildcats	0.7

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

AUSTRIA

Standings - A Bundesliga

A Bundesliga Standings

1. BC Vienna		17-5
2. Kapfenberg		17-6
3. Gmunden		16-7
4. Klosterneub.		15-7
5. Wels		12-9
6. Oberwart		12-10
7. Gussing		12-10
8. UBSC Graz		9-13
9. Furstenfeld		7-14
10. St.Polten		3-19
11. Arkadia		1-21

Regular Season: Round 25

Feb. 28: Kapfenberg - Gmunden 89-75
Mar. 1: St.Polten - Wels
Mar. 1: Klosterneub. - BC Vienna
Mar. 1: Oberwart - Gussing
Mar. 1: Furstenfeld - UBSC Graz

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Darnell HINSON
  Oberwart
  (186-PG-80)
  Avg: 21.2

1. Hinson, Oberwart	21.2
2. Grum, Furstenfeld	20.4
3. Pearson, Furstenf.	19.8
4. Tiedeman, Wels	19.6
5. Spasojevic, Arkadia	19.5
6. Ray, BC Vienna	17.5
7. Dale, UBSC G.	17.1
8. Shaw, Kapfenberg	17.0
9. Gilchrese, UBSC G.	17.0
10. Kovacevic, St.Po.	16.7

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Pearson, Furstenf.	12.5
2. Heard, Gussing	8.0
3. Sanchez, Kapfenbe.	8.0
4. Washington, Wels	7.4
5. Johnson, Oberwart	7.0
6. Lamesic, Wels	6.9
7. Speiser, St.Polten	6.7
8. Kohlmaier, St.Polt.	6.6
9. Spasojevic, Arkadia	6.5
10. Suljanovic, Klost.	6.5

Assists Per Game

Ian BOYLAN
  BC Vienna
  (197-G/F-83)
  Avg: 6

1. Boylan, BC Vienna	6.0
2. Woods, Kapfenberg	5.9
3. Klepeisz, Gussing	5.1
4. Tiedeman, Wels	4.5
5. Lanegger, Klostern.	4.1
6. Danek, BC Vienna	4.0
7. Farokhmanesh, Wels	3.8
8. O''Neal, Furstenfeld	3.6
9. Zeleznik, Klostern.	3.5
10. Schaal, UBSC G.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Eric GILCHRESE
  UBSC G.
  (183-PG-87)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Gilchrese, UBSC G.	2.5
2. Hinson, Oberwart	1.9
3. Boylan, BC Vienna	1.8
4. Ray, BC Vienna	1.7
5. Arnold, Gmunden	1.6
6. Farokhmanesh, Wels	1.4
7. Pryor, Kapfenberg	1.4
8. Woods, Kapfenberg	1.4
9. O''Neal, Furstenfeld	1.3
10. Dale, UBSC G.	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. Washington, Wels	0.9
5. Arnold, Gmunden	0.9
6. Shaw, Kapfenberg	0.8
7. Pearson, Furstenf.	0.6
8. Gant, Oberwart	0.6
9. Mayer, Gmunden	0.6
10. Heard, Gussing	0.5

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

BALKAN LEAGUE

Standings

Balkan League Standings

Group C
1. Levski Sofia			4-2
2. Kumanovo			4-3
3. Galil Gilboa			3-3
4. Rilski Sportist			3-3
5. Kavala			3-4
6. Teodo Tivat			2-4
Group D
1. Kozuv			4-0
2. Djuro Djakovic			3-1
3. Mornar Bar			0-3
4. OKK Beograd			0-3

Stage One Standings

Second Stage: Round 3

First Six

Feb. 27: Kumanovo - Kavala 94-92
Mar. 6: Levski Sofia - Teodo Tivat
Mar. 7: Rilski Sportist - Galil Gilboa
Mar. 5: Kavala - Galil Gilboa

Last Four

Mar. 5: Mornar Bar - OKK Beograd

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

BELARUS

Standings - Premier League

Premier Standings

1. Grodno-93		21-1
2. Sozh Gomel		17-6
3. Rubon		10-11
4. Tsmoki-Minsk II		9-12
5. Svisloch		8-14
6. Impuls BGUIR		8-14
7. Borisfen		4-19
Play in international cups:
1. Tsmoki-Minsk		-

Regular Season: Round 26

Feb. 26: Sozh Gomel - Borisfen 99-79
Feb. 26: Rubon - Impuls BGUIR 78-62
Feb. 26: Svisloch - Grodno-93 66-58

Regular Season: Round 27

Mar. 5: Impuls BGUIR - Svisloch
Mar. 5: Grodno-93 - Rubon
Mar. 5: Borisfen - Tsmoki-Minsk II

Stats Leaders - Premier League

Points Per Game

Kiril SITNIK
  Sozh Gomel
  (190-G-89)
  Avg: 22

1. Sitnik, Sozh Gomel	22.0
2. Rutkauskas, Tsmok.	21.5
3. Miakinin, Sozh Gom.	16.3
4. Shustau, Svisloch	15.0
5. Semianiuk, Tsmoki.	14.9
6. Zakhar, Impuls B.	14.6
7. Indrikov, Rubon	13.4
8. Sivalko, Rubon	13.3
9. Sugonyako, Tsmoki.	13.0
10. Akulich, Rubon	12.2

Rebounds Per Game

Sergei DADUKIN
  Sozh G.
  (198-F-83)
  Avg: 10.5

1. Dadukin, Sozh G.	10.5
2. Rutkauskas, Tsmok.	10.2
3. Zakhar, Impuls B.	8.9
4. Semianiuk, Tsmoki.	8.8
5. Sharamet, Borisfen	6.4
6. Krisevich, Tsmoki.	6.3
7. Kuzmin, Grodno-93	6.1
8. Sugonyako, Tsmoki.	6.0
9. Kurapau, Tsmoki.	5.9
10. Ignatiev, Impuls	5.8

Assists Per Game

Siarhei CHARYKAU
  Sozh G.
  (185-PG-82)
  Avg: 7

1. Charykau, Sozh G.	7.0
2. Shustau, Svisloch	5.3
3. Kuzmin, Grodno-93	5.0
4. Akulich, Rubon	4.8
5. Ignatchik, Tsmoki.	4.6
6. Kamarunas, Svisl.	4.2
7. Sitnik, Sozh Gomel	3.5
8. Kryukov, Borisfen	3.3
9. Dadukin, Sozh G.	2.7
10. Sapegin, Rubon	2.7

Steals Per Game

Dmitri AKULICH
  Rubon
  (190-G-86)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Akulich, Rubon	3.2
2. Charykau, Sozh G.	2.5
3. Zakhar, Impuls B.	2.4
4. Malkov, Grodno-93	2.3
5. Sitnik, Sozh Gomel	2.2
6. Shustau, Svisloch	2.2
7. Indrikov, Rubon	2.0
8. Ignatchik, Tsmoki.	2.0
9. Volodkin, Impuls B.	2.0
10. Kamarunas, Svisl.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Aliaksandr KUZMITSKI
  Impuls B.
  (198-F-92)
  Avg: 0

1. Kuzmitski, Impuls	0.0
2. Kuzmin, Grodno-93	0.0
3. Zakhar, Impuls B.	0.0
4. Kurapau, Tsmoki.	0.0
5. Volodkin, Impuls B.	0.0
6. Kryukov, Borisfen	0.0
7. Vasilevich, Grodno.	0.0
8. Krisevich, Tsmoki.	0.0
9. Usovich, Borisfen	0.0
10. Korzh, Grodno-93	0.0

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

BELGIUM

Tezenis Verona tabs Dimitri Lauwers, ex Oostende - by Eurobasket News

Tezenis Verona (Lega2) inked 34-year old former Belgian international guard Dimitri Lauwers (187-83kg-79). He has a double citizenship as he also holds Italian passport. Lauwers played most recently at Telenet Oostende in Belgian Ethias League. In 14 games he averaged 4.4ppg, 1.8rpg and 1.0apg last season. He helped them to win the league title. Lauwers also spent the start of the season at Air Avellino (SerieA) that year. In 20 games he had just 2.7ppg and 1.3rpg.
Among other achievements he received Eurobasket.com Italian SerieA All-Newcomers Team award back in 2005. Lauwers also represented Belgium at the European Championships in Lithuania two years ago. His stats at that event were 5 games: 7.0ppg, 1.2rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 25.0%, 3PT: 52.6%, FT: 75.0%.
Lauwers has played previously professionally in France (Cholet and JDA Dijon) and Italy (Cimberio Varese, Trenkwalder RE, BancaTercas, Givova Scafati and SAIE3 Bologna).
His game is described as: A natural shooting guard, with explosive athletic skills, 3-pts range and a quick release of the ball; his passing skills allow him to play the point too, and he could also adapt in this position by maturing.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Smith leads Seward to Jayhawk West Conference Championship - by David Edole

For the third time in as many years, the Seward County Saints close the regular season with a crown after defeating rival Hutchinson Wednesday night on the Greenhouse floor 62-60 to capture their third straight Jayhawk West Conference Championship. In what was a great atmosphere for junior college basketball, Seward and Hutch duked it out on Wednesday. The teams didnt disappoint anxious onlookers, going blow for blow all night, with neither team leading by more than 8 at any point in the game. Hutch led 29-24 at the half and led much of the second half before Seward took the lead with 1:54 to go. The Saints led 60-56 before four straight Dragon points tied the game at 60 with 11 seconds remaining to set up the drama. Malcolm Hill-Bey drove the length of the court and dished to Leslee Smith who finished at the rim to give Seward the lead with 4.5 seconds left and a last ditch effort by Hutchinson fell short as the Greenhouse crowd erupted in elation as the Saints captured the Jayhawk West title with a 62-60 win.

With everything on the line the Saints and Dragons tipped things off after sophomore recognition festivities in the Greenhouse Wednesday night. It was a back and forth affair early on with the two heavyweights exchanging jabs until they were tied at 8 after finishes inside from big men Leslee Smith of Seward and Alex Davis of Hutch. They traded buckets to 12-12 with 11:17 to go when Hutchinson grabbed the first control of the game. The Dragons went up by five with 7:43 left in the half and after Seward cut the Hutch lead to two with under 20 seconds remaining in the half, a huge three from Jayhawk West Player of the Year favorite Kadeem Allen put the visitors up 29-24 as the teams went to the break. Both defenses were good in the first half as Seward shot just 32% and Hutchinson 36%. The Saints did a stellar job of taking care of the basketball in the first half, turning it over just 4 times after having troubles to hold on to the leather at other points during the season.

Hutchinsons five point lead was quickly erased as the second half got going as a 6-0 run led by Smith and Edson Avila gave Seward a 30-29 lead 1:16 into the period. After Hutch regained the lead, a six footer from Brian Bridgeforth tied the game at 36 and forced a timeout from the Blue Dragon bench. Out of the timeout the Dragons got a dunk from Davis and seemed to wake up the Hutch bench. The Dragons went on an 8-0 run with the flush and with 12:20 remaining, Hutchinson had the momentum and their largest lead of the game 44-36. Hutch remained in front by six 6:00 later as Seward couldnt seem to find a way to get within striking distance before the Dragons pushed their lead back to two posessions at 52-46 with 6:33 left in the game. A Kaheem Ransom to Avila find for the Saints made it a four point game and a lightning quick Malcolm Hill-Bey drive to the basket and score made it a two point game 52-50 with 5:03 left. Hutch went back up four, but a step back three from Ransom found the net to make it a one point game and another Hill-Bey circus shot gave the Saints the lead 55-54 with 3:55 remaining. Hutch took the lead back on a jumper from DVon Campbell on their next trip down the floor to make it 56-55 and that is where the score stayed as the clock went under 2:00. After two missed free throws from Allen, one of the top free throw shooters in the league, the Saints capitalized as Hill-Bey found Avila on the block and the big man did the rest with a spin move and shot off the glass to give the Saints a 57-56 lead. Three big defensive stops for Seward gave the guys in green a chance to extend their lead and that they did as Jabari Peters made a backwards scoop shot as he was being fouled to put Seward up three and a free throw later it looked like the Saints were in the clear, up 60:56 with 28 seconds left. Just when Seward thought they had it sealed, a long jumper from Davis made it a two point game and an inexplicable Saints turnover gave Hutch the ball back with a chance to tie with under 20 seconds to go. Good ball movement gave the Dragons the look they wanted and Dre Hensley finished at the rim to take the air out of the Greenhouse as the Dragons tied the game with 11 seconds remaining. After a Seward timeout, the ball was in Hill-Beys hands with the Greenhouse again rocking, and as he did in the Odessa game earlier in the year, the freshman lefthander drove the length of the court, found a hole in the Dragon defense and dished it to Smith who took it up with authority and scored with 4.5 seconds left to give Seward a 62-60 lead. Still with plenty of time on the clock, the Dragons raced the ball up the court and a last second game winning attempt from Campbell was wide left and the horn sounded to alert the home crowd of victory as the Saints pulled off the upset win 62-60 for their third straight Jayhawk West Conference title.

The Saints were extremely efficient on the offensive end in the second half of the game, shooting 60% from the field to finish at 45% for the game, while holding the leagues top offense in Hutchinson to just 38% from the floor in the win. Avila played his second straight huge game against the Dragons, scoring 19 points and hauling down 8 rebounds in the win while fellow big man Leslee Smith notched his second double-double in a week, scoring 16 points and ripping down 10 big rebounds. Peters added 12 for the Saints and Hill-Bey pitched in 8 off the Seward bench. Allen scored a game high 22 for Hutch.

Seward finishes the regular season having won 8 straight and 14 of 15 dating back to January 5th to end the first season 23-7 overall. The Saints win their third consecutive title with a 14-2 mark in conference play, the most wins by any Jayhawk West school since Barton won 14 in 2002. The 5th ranked Dragons suffer their third loss in five games, falling to 27-3 overall and finish in 2nd place in the Jayhawk West for the 4th straight year at 13-3. The Saints draw the top seed for the upcoming Region VI Tournament beginning on Saturday and will host Colby in the 1st round in the Greenhouse at 6:00. Hutchinson will be at home as well as the #2 seed and they will take on Northwest Kansas Tech in the Sports Arena Saturday night at 7:30.

The buyout sponsor for Saturdays 1st round game is Collins Diamonds and has free tickets still available at their downtown Liberal location, as well as at Pizza Hut, Billys, Spencer Browns, and Community Bank. Each ticket will have a $100 off coupon on it and Collins Diamonds will be giving away $2000 worth of jewelry at the game.

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

CANADA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Stephon LAMAR
  Saskatch.
  (185-G-)
  Avg: 23.5

1. Lamar, Saskatch.	23.5
2. Allin, Laurier	23.2
3. Freeman, UFV	21.2
4. Ogungbemi-J., Calg.	20.7
5. Fee, New Brunsw.	20.4
6. Dorsey, Cape Bret.	20.3
7. Faulkner, Queen''s	20.3
8. Ratte, Laurentian	20.2
9. Dunn, St.Francis X.	20.2
10. Coulthard, Laurier	19.4

Rebounds Per Game

Derek WALDNER
  Lethb.
  (201-C-)
  Avg: 11.5

1. Waldner, Lethb.	11.5
2. Ezenibe, St.Mary''s	11.3
3. Klassen, Acadia	10.8
4. Phillip, Windsor	10.7
5. Kamen, UBC	10.6
6. Salhia, Lakehead	10.0
7. Burns, Regina	9.7
8. Allin, Laurier	9.3
9. Moses, Calgary	9.2
10. Burns, Saskatch.	9.1

Assists Per Game

Andrew CUNNINGHAM
  Winnipeg
  (186-G-)
  Avg: 8.4

1. Cunningham, Winnip.	8.4
2. Hebert, Regina	6.2
3. Dorsey, Cape Bret.	5.6
4. Smith, TWU	4.8
5. Lamar, Saskatch.	4.8
6. Pasquale, Laure.	4.8
7. Walton, Manitoba	4.8
8. Allin, Laurier	4.6
9. Smith, UPEI	4.5
10. Bonhomme, Brandon	4.4

Steals Per Game

Jimmy DORSEY
  Cape Breton
  (188-G-)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Dorsey, Cape Bret.	3.5
2. Evans, Victoria	3.0
3. Perrin, TWU	2.8
4. Walton, Manitoba	2.7
5. Daley, New Brunsw.	2.7
6. Parchment, UFV	2.6
7. Carter, Lakehead	2.5
8. Smith, TWU	2.4
9. Collins, Windsor	2.4
10. Clarke, St.Franc.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Thijin MOSES
  Calgary
  (201--)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Moses, Calgary	2.1
2. Andrews, Bishop''s	2.0
3. Duke, UPEI	1.9
4. Eyitayo, Concordia	1.6
5. Salhia, Lakehead	1.5
6. Klassen, Acadia	1.4
7. Luby, Brock	1.4
8. Osuntola, Windsor	1.3
9. Halpin, St.Mary''s	1.3
10. Aubertin, UNBC	1.3

CIS Round 3 of Play-Offs - by Eurobasket News

Group RSEQ

Concordia - Bishop's 63-70

Gaiters forced 26 Stingers turnovers. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Gaiters made 7 blocks. It was a good game for center Mike Andrews (208) who led his team to a victory with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks. Jonathan Bermillo contributed with 14 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Four Gaiters players scored in double figures. The former international point guard Kyle Desmarais (188-87, college: Cent.Conn.St.) answered with 21 points and 5 rebounds and guard Morgan Tajfel (185) added 11 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Stingers.
Top scorers:
Concordia: K.Desmarais 21+5reb+2ast, J.Blake 11+1reb+1ast, M.Tajfel 11+7reb+1ast, E.Laroche 8+10reb, K.Eyitayo 6+8reb+1ast, Z.Brisebois 4+4reb+1ast
Bishop's: M.Andrews 14+5reb+3ast, J.Bermillo 14+5reb+3ast, T.Hunter 13+3reb+2ast, O.Blackwood 12+6reb+3ast, J.Leonard-Smith 9+4reb, M.McLean 3+4reb

Group RSEQ

UQAM - McGill 43-72

Redmen outrebounded Citadines 41-30 including 29 on the defensive glass. It was a great evening for American guard Adrian Hynes-Guery (190, college: Amer.Internat.) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points and 5 assists. Forward Vincent Dufort (195) helped adding 16 points and 10 rebounds. The best for the losing side was forward Alexandre Bernard (196) with 14 points and 8 rebounds and power forward Vincent Lanctot-Fortier (203) scored 9 points and 6 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.
Top scorers:
UQAM: A.Bernard 14+8reb, R.Kwaku Addai 9+4reb, V.Lanctot-Fortier 9+6reb, G.Saint-Amand 6+2reb+2ast, P.Tamba 2+3reb, N.Audet 2+3reb
McGill: A.Hynes-Guery 24+4reb+5ast, V.Dufort 16+10reb+2ast, D.Clark 10+5reb+2ast, R.Imperador 4+2reb+1ast, A.Mitrovic 4+5reb+1ast, T.Riley 4+6reb

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

CHINA

D.J. White agreed on terms of contract with The Celtics - by Eurobasket News

Boston Celtics strengthened their roster with addition of 27-year old forward D.J. White (206-114kg-86, college: Indiana). He started the season at Shanghai Dongfang Sharks in Chinese CBA league. In 32 games he recorded very impressive stats: 21.6ppg, 9.7rpg, 1.3apg and 1.3bpg this season. The last season White played at the Bobcats. In 58 games he averaged 6.8ppg and 3.6rpg.
The previous (10-11) season he played at the Thunder. In 23 games he averaged just 2.8ppg and 2.3rpg that season.
In 2008 White was drafted by Detroit Pistons in first round (29th overall). He attended Indiana University and it will be his fifth season in pro basketball.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as White played in the final of D-League in 2010. He was also voted Orlando Pro Summer League 2nd Team back in 2009.
White has played also professionally in D-League (Tulsa 66ers).

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

COLOMBIA

Standings

DPB Standings

1. Academia		3-1
2. Aguilas		3-1
3. Bucaros		3-1
4. Piratas		3-1
5. Bambuqueros		2-2
6. Once Caldas		2-2
7. Caribbean Heat		0-4
8. Halcones		0-4

Regular Season: Round 4

Feb. 26: Piratas - Halcones 95-71
Feb. 26: Bucaros - Caribbean Heat 94-85
Feb. 26: Aguilas - Once Caldas 88-92
Feb. 26: Academia - Bambuqueros 78-61

Regular Season: Round 5

Mar. 1: Caribbean Heat - Academia
Mar. 1: Halcones - Aguilas
Mar. 1: Bambuqueros - Bucaros
Mar. 1: Once Caldas - Piratas

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Stalin ORTIZ
  Bambuqueros
  (190-G-81)
  Avg: 28

1. Ortiz, Bambuqueros	28.0
2. Johnson, Piratas	20.3
3. Dorsey, Bambuque.	15.0
4. Renteria, Halcones	14.5
5. Mendez, Piratas	14.3
6. Fahnbulleh, Piratas	14.0
7. Guevara, Bambuque.	13.0
8. Moreno, Piratas	12.0
9. Rodriguez, Halcones	9.5
10. Arteaga, Piratas	9.3

Rebounds Per Game

Jose BAQUERO
  Halcones
  (199-F-)
  Avg: 11.5

1. Baquero, Halcones	11.5
2. Guevara, Bambuque.	10.5
3. Sanders, Halcones	9.5
4. Fahnbulleh, Piratas	8.7
5. Ortiz, Bambuqueros	7.0
6. Arteaga, Piratas	6.0
7. Fuentes, Piratas	6.0
8. Johnson, Piratas	5.7
9. Burnett, Halcones	5.5
10. Perez, Bambuquer.	5.5

Assists Per Game

Darrin DORSEY
  Bambuque.
  (188-PG-)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Dorsey, Bambuque.	6.5
2. Moreno, Piratas	3.7
3. Manuel, Bambuque.	2.5
4. Johnson, Piratas	2.3
5. Contreras, Halcones	2.0
6. Mendez, Piratas	1.7
7. Ortiz, Bambuqueros	1.5
8. Caicedo, Bambuque.	1.5
9. Fahnbulleh, Piratas	1.3
10. Perez, Piratas	1.0

Steals Per Game

Stalin ORTIZ
  Bambuqueros
  (190-G-81)
  Avg: 4

1. Ortiz, Bambuqueros	4.0
2. Rodriguez, Halcones	2.5
3. Ceter, Halcones	2.0
4. Restrepo, Piratas	2.0
5. Johnson, Piratas	1.7
6. Moreno, Piratas	1.7
7. Baquero, Halcones	1.5
8. Sanders, Halcones	1.5
9. Contreras, Halcones	1.5
10. Fahnbulleh, Pirat.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Gabriel FUENTES
  Piratas
  (203-C-)
  Avg: 0.7

1. Fuentes, Piratas	0.7
2. Guevara, Bambuque.	0.5
3. Sanders, Halcones	0.5
4. Moreno, Piratas	0.3
5. Gomez, Piratas	0.3
6. Fahnbulleh, Piratas	0.3
7. Arteaga, Piratas	0.3
8. Dunn, Bambuqueros	0.0
9. Caicedo, Bambuque.	0.0
10. Burnett, Halcones	0.0

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

CROATIA

Meznaric in Slovakia! - by Dani Erceg

Dejan Meznaric (193-G-87) agreed terms with Slovakian champion Prievidza till the end of season. Meznaric played so far in Croatian A1 League for Vrijednosnice Darda , averaging 12.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.4apg and 1.4 spg. This was his 6h season in Darda, before that was member of Osijek. In his new team will work under Croatian coach Krunoslav Krajnovic , well known name in Slovakian basketball.

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

CUBA

LSB Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Eddy HECHEVARRIA
  Santi.
  (193-F/G-86)
  Avg: 23

1. Hechevarria, Santi.	23.0
2. Soria, Guantanamo	20.4
3. Ochoa, Santiago	19.5
4. Jaca, Camaguey	18.7
5. Boffil, Villa Clara	17.6
6. Granda, Ciego d.	17.1
7. Castillo, Matanzas	16.6
8. Ramos, Camaguey	14.9
9. Alfonso, Matanzas	14.5
10. Haiti, Ciego de A.	13.7

Rebounds Per Game

Jasiel MORALES
  Matanzas
  (196-F-84)
  Avg: 8.9

1. Morales, Matanzas	8.9
2. Sanchez, Santiago	7.1
3. Ochoa, Santiago	7.0
4. Jaca, Camaguey	6.7
5. Fundora, Villa Cla.	6.6
6. Reyes, Ciego de Av.	6.4
7. Haiti, Ciego de Av.	5.7
8. Alorda, Capitalinos	5.3
9. Cairo, Capitalinos	4.9
10. Baldo, Camaguey	4.8

Assists Per Game

Fernando HERNANDEZ
  Santiago
  (190-G/F-90)
  Avg: 4.4

1. Hernandez, Santia.	4.4
2. Arcia, Villa Clara	3.9
3. Villegas, Camaguey	3.6
4. Rodriguez, Ciego d.	3.2
5. Oliva, Artemisa	3.1
6. Deschapelles, Mata.	2.9
7. Monterrey, Artem.	2.3
8. Haiti, Ciego de Av.	2.2
9. Areas, Santiago	2.0
10. Ramos, Camaguey	2.0

Steals Per Game

Yasmanis DESCHAPELLES
  Matan.
  (179-PG-85)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Deschapelles, Mata.	5.5
2. Hernandez, Santia.	4.3
3. Monterrey, Artem.	4.2
4. Villegas, Camaguey	3.9
5. Arcia, Villa Clara	3.7
6. Ramos, Camaguey	3.7
7. Castillo, Matanzas	3.7
8. Jaca, Camaguey	3.7
9. Soria, Guantanamo	3.3
10. Ochoa, Santiago	3.3

Blocks Per Game

Juan Carlos SANCHEZ
  Santiago
  (196-F-89)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Sanchez, Santiago	2.4
2. Morales, Matanzas	1.1
3. Ochoa, Santiago	1.1
4. Lima, Capitalinos	1.0
5. Rivera, Matanzas	1.0
6. Jaca, Camaguey	0.9
7. Valdez, Capitalinos	0.7
8. Baldo, Camaguey	0.6
9. Torres, Capitalinos	0.6
10. Granda, Ciego d.	0.5

Ciego de Avila defend LSB title - by Eurobasket News

Ciego de Avila - Capitalinos 66:60

Ciego de Avila repeated as the LSB champions. They handed Capitalinos the fourth straight defeat in the series and got away with the trophy. William Granda (189-SG-85) led the winners with 23 points in a 66:60 victory in the decisive fifth game of the series.
Ciego de Avila and Capitalinos stayed close throughout the first quarter. The defending champions eked out a 14:13 lead after the starting quarter. They boosted the gap in the second quarter. Ciego de Avila recorded a 38:27 halftime lead. However Capitalinos turned things around in the third quarter. They went on a 20:11 rally to erase the deficit. But William Granda helped Ciego de Avila make a decisive 19:13 push in the fourth quarter as they sealed the win. Yasser Rodriguez (187-PG-88) accounted for 11 points, while Joan Luis Haiti (200-C-82) added 10 points for the champions. Lisvan Valdez (195-G/F-88) answered with game-high 26 points for Capitalinos. Eliezer Lima (202-C/F-75) and Arlen Alorda (198-F/C-86) had 8 points each in the loss.

Ciego de Avila: William Granda 23, Yasser Rodriguez 11, Joan Luis Haiti 10
Capitalinos: Lisvan Valdez 26, Eliezer Lima 8, Arlen Alorda 8

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

Pope's 26 points and 6 assists give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

31-year old guard Patrick Pope (183-G-81) put on an amazing game in the last round for BK Decin and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 2 (Second Stage).
He had the game-high 26 points adding four rebounds and six assists for BK Decin in his team's victory, helping them to beat BC Kolin (#6, 14-11) 96-91. BK Decin is placed at 4th position in Czech Republic league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier in Second Stage. BK Decin will need more victories to improve their 15-11 record. In the team's last game Pope had a remarkable four three-pointers out of 8 attempts. He turned to be BK Decin's top player in his first season with the team. Saint Augustine's College graduate has very impressive stats this year. Pope is in league's top in assists (6th best: 4.0apg).

Second best performed player last round was Corey Muirhead (197-F-83) of BK Pardubice. He is Canadian-Jamaican forward in his second season at BK Pardubice. In the last game Muirhead recorded impressive double-double of 26 points and 10 rebounds. Bad luck as BK Pardubice lost that game 86-99 to BK Prostejov (16-10). The Second Stage is still at the very beginning and this lost game may not be such crucial, of course if they start win the games. Let's wait for the next round. Muirhead is well-known at BK Pardubice and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders.

Third place about best performers goes to forward John Fields (205-F-88) of Chomutov (#-4). Fields scored 16 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Chomutov, leading his team to a 91-84 win against #-2 ranked B&W Opava in a game of the week. The chances of Chomutov not to end season at such low position in A2, however are less than slim as they have already lost 17 games, recording just ten victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Fields could try to bring Chomutov's a little bit higher in the standings. Fields has individually a great season in Czech Republic. After 19 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 17.3ppg (6th best) and rebounds with 10.2rpg (#1 in league).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Ondrej Kohout (204-F-91) of BK Prostejov - 14 points, 15 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Jan Tomanec (205-C-85) of J.Hradec - 27 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Brad Reese (199-F-88) of Usti n/Labem - 21 points and 12 rebounds
7. Miroslav Soukup (200-F-82) of BK Decin - 17 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Demarius Bolds (190-G-84) of BC Kolin - 29 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-79) of CEZ Nymburk - 17 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Curtis Allen (193-G-86) of Chomutov - 15 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists

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

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

DENMARK

Standings - Basketligaen

Ligaen Standings

1. Svendborg		22-5
2. Bakken		21-6
3. Horsens IC		19-8
4. SISU		17-10
5. Randers		13-14
6. Naestved		13-14
7. Horsholm		11-16
8. Vaerlose		10-17
9. Aarhus BC		7-20
10. Aalborg		2-25

Regular Season: Round 30

Feb. 28: Randers - Horsens IC 97-79
Feb. 28: SISU - Svendborg 84-70
Feb. 28: Aarhus BC - Naestved 78-75
Feb. 28: Vaerlose - Horsholm 63-84
Feb. 28: Bakken - Aalborg 104-88

Quarter-Finals: Round 1

Mar. 7: Svendborg - Vaerlose
Mar. 7: Bakken - Horsholm
Mar. 7: Horsens IC - Naestved
Mar. 7: SISU - Randers

Stats Leaders - Basketligaen

Points Per Game

Bonell COLAS
  Randers
  (205-F-82)
  Avg: 26

1. Colas, Randers	26.0
2. Rutherford, Svend.	23.1
3. Jukic, Horsens IC	21.7
4. Bowlin, Horsens IC	20.0
5. Walker, Naestved	19.2
6. Delk, Vaerlose	18.9
7. Darboe, Svendborg	18.7
8. Funches, Aarhus BC	18.6
9. Tomko, Bakken	18.5
10. Ocana, Randers	18.0

Rebounds Per Game

Bonell COLAS
  Randers
  (205-F-82)
  Avg: 15.2

1. Colas, Randers	15.2
2. Rutherford, Svend.	9.5
3. Dezouvre, Aarhus	9.4
4. Jukic, Horsens IC	8.9
5. Doggett, Naestved	8.3
6. Baker, Vaerlose	7.9
7. Walker, Naestved	7.9
8. Moritz, SISU	7.8
9. Washington, Svend.	7.7
10. Thomann, Horse.	7.5

Assists Per Game

Miguel ORTEGA
  Randers
  (188-PG-91)
  Avg: 7.4

1. Ortega, Randers	7.4
2. Bowlin, Horsens IC	6.7
3. Darboe, Svendborg	5.9
4. Nielsen, SISU	5.2
5. Murphy, Naestved	4.7
6. Tomko, Bakken	4.5
7. Plannthin, Svend.	4.2
8. Nielsen, Randers	4.2
9. Dennis, SISU	4.1
10. Jonsson, Aarhus	4.0

Steals Per Game

Skyler BOWLIN
  Horsens IC
  (190-G-89)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Bowlin, Horsens IC	2.9
2. Tomko, Bakken	2.4
3. Nielsen, SISU	2.2
4. Ortega, Randers	2.0
5. Jukic, Horsens IC	2.0
6. Delk, Vaerlose	2.0
7. Walker, Naestved	2.0
8. Darboe, Svendborg	1.9
9. Rungby, Horsens IC	1.8
10. Dennis, SISU	1.8

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Washington, Svend.	2.6
2. Colas, Randers	2.2
3. Marinkovic, Horsho.	1.6
4. Jukic, Horsholm	1.3
5. Jukic, Horsens IC	1.2
6. Christoffers., Bak.	1.1
7. Funches, Aarhus BC	1.1
8. Delk, Vaerlose	1.0
9. Smith, SISU	0.9
10. Doggett, Naestved	0.9

Ligaen Round 30: Leader Svendborg loses to SISU - by Eurobasket News

The Regular Season in Ligaen just ended.

Top ranked Svendborg (22-5) recorded its fifth loss in Copenhagen on Thursday night. Visitors were defeated by fourth ranked SISU (17-10) 84-70. The game was mostly controlled by SISU. Svendborg managed to win fourth quarter 16-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. SISU dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Svendborg's 34. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Damon Smith (200-88, college: Mary) who scored 27 points and 7 rebounds. The other American import swingman Mickey Dennis (190-78, college: JMU) chipped in 14 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. At the other side the best for losing team was U.S. Virgin Islands power forward Gregory Washington (208-84, college: Hofstra) who recorded a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!). Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. SISU have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 17-10 record. Svendborg at the other side still keeps top place with five games lost.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Horsens IC (19-8) against sixth ranked Randers (13-14) on Thursday night. Visiting Horsens IC was defeated by Randers in Randers 97-79. It was a good game for American forward Bonell Colas (205-82, college: Florida) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!), 20 rebounds and 4 assists. Damian Ocana contributed with 24 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. American guard Skyler Bowlin (190-89, college: Missouri So.) replied with 28 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for Horsens IC. Randers moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Naestved. Horsens IC at the other side keeps the third position with eight games lost.
A very close game took place in Aarhus between Aarhus BC and Naestved. Ninth ranked Aarhus BC (7-20) got a very close home victory over higher ranked Naestved (13-14). Aarhus BC managed to escape with a 3-point win 78-75 on Thursday evening. The game was dominated by American players. Randy Dezouvre scored 25 points and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners. The best for the losing side was Caleb Walker with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Aarhus BC maintains ninth position with 7-20 record. Loser Naestved keeps the fifth place with 14 games lost. They share the position with Randers.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Vaerlose. Local Vaerlose (10-17) was outscored by eighth ranked Horsholm (10-16) 84-63. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Vaerlose. Robert Fields notched 24 points and 4 assists to lead the effort. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Horsholm moved-up to seventh place. Vaerlose at the other side dropped to the eighth position with 17 games lost.

In the last game of round 30 bottom-ranked Aalborg was defeated by Bakken in Aarhus 104-88.

Aarhus BC - Naestved 78-75

A very close game took place in Aarhus between Aarhus BC and Naestved. Ninth ranked Aarhus BC (7-20) got a very close home victory over higher ranked Naestved (13-14). Aarhus BC managed to escape with a 3-point win 78-75 on Thursday evening. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Naestved won third quarter 21-13. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Aarhus BC made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. The game was dominated by American players. Swingman Randy Dezouvre (195-87, college: Iona) scored 25 points and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and forward Charles Funches (203-88, college: Hampton) chipped in 20 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Four Aarhus BC players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was guard Caleb Walker (193-89, college: Nebraska) with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds and forward Quinton Doggett (203, college: Southern) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Aarhus BC maintains ninth position with 7-20 record. Loser Naestved keeps the fifth place with 14 games lost. They share the position with Randers.
Top scorers:
Aarhus BC: R.Dezouvre 25+9reb, C.Funches 20+8reb, R.Laier 12+5reb+3ast, R.Soby Dalboge 11+1reb+1ast, G.Valentinusson 5, J.Wang 3+1reb
Naestved: C.Walker 25+10reb+3ast, Q.Doggett 18+10reb+2ast, J.Benjamin 13+2reb+1ast, A.Murphy 9+6reb+6ast, M.Frandsen 4+4reb+2ast, M.Christensen 3+1reb+2ast

Vaerlose - Horsholm 63-84

The game with biggest result difference took place in Vaerlose. Local Vaerlose (10-17) was outscored by eighth ranked Horsholm (10-16) 84-63. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Vaerlose. The game without a history. Horsholm led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. American guard Robert Fields (185-88, college: Catawba) notched 24 points and 4 assists to lead the effort and Anders Hansen (190-94) supported him with 8 points, 7 rebounds and 11 assists. Fields is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Horsholm players scored in double figures. Even 18 points and 6 rebounds by American forward Justin Baker (203-89, college: Utah Valley) did not help to save the game for Vaerlose. Guard Peter Moller (190-94) added 12 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. Horsholm moved-up to seventh place. Vaerlose at the other side dropped to the eighth position with 17 games lost.
Top scorers:
Horsholm: R.Fields 24+2reb+4ast, C.Hesseldal 16+5reb+1ast, B.Marinkovic 15+3reb+2ast, Z.Jukic 14+11reb+1ast, A.Hansen 8+7reb+11ast, R.Hansen 4+4reb+1ast
Vaerlose: J.Baker 18+6reb+2ast, P.Moller 12+3reb+2ast, M.Fabricius 6+2reb+1ast, A.Holm-Weber 6+4reb+3ast, E.Henningsen 4+1reb, J.Jensen 4+6reb+1ast

SISU - Svendborg 84-70

Top ranked Svendborg (22-5) recorded its fifth loss in Copenhagen on Thursday night. Visitors were defeated by fourth ranked SISU (17-10) 84-70. The game was mostly controlled by SISU. Svendborg managed to win fourth quarter 16-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. SISU dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Svendborg's 34. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Damon Smith (200-88, college: Mary) who scored 27 points and 7 rebounds. The other American import swingman Mickey Dennis (190-78, college: JMU) chipped in 14 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. Four SISU players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was U.S. Virgin Islands power forward Gregory Washington (208-84, college: Hofstra) who recorded a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!) and the former international guard Adama Darboe (190-86) added 9 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists respectively. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. SISU have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 17-10 record. Svendborg at the other side still keeps top place with five games lost.
Top scorers:
SISU: D.Smith 27+7reb+3ast, M.Dennis 14+8reb+6ast, M.Nielsen 14+7reb+7ast, Z.Moritz 13+8reb+1ast, D.Harder 7+3reb+4ast, M.Flowers 5+2reb+1ast
Svendborg: G.Washington 18+10reb+1ast, D.Rutherford 12+6reb, A.Darboe 9+5reb+5ast, M.Plannthin 7+2reb+2ast, C.Magaard 6+1reb, A.Haddad 5+1reb

Randers - Horsens IC 97-79

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Horsens IC (19-8) against sixth ranked Randers (13-14) on Thursday night. Visiting Horsens IC was defeated by Randers in Randers 97-79. The game was mostly controlled by Randers. Horsens IC was better in second period 25-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Randers players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Horsens IC was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for American forward Bonell Colas (205-82, college: Florida) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!), 20 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Damian Ocana (198-86) contributed with 24 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Four Randers players scored in double figures. American guard Skyler Bowlin (190-89, college: Missouri So.) replied with 28 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international guard Darko Jukic (198-90) added 20 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Horsens IC. Randers moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Naestved. Horsens IC at the other side keeps the third position with eight games lost.
Top scorers:
Randers: B.Colas 34+20reb+4ast, D.Ocana 24+8reb, C.Nielsen 19+5reb+4ast, C.Jorgensen 13+2reb+2ast, M.Ortega 6+5reb+7ast, P.Nielsen 1+2reb+3ast
Horsens IC: S.Bowlin 28+6reb+5ast, D.Jukic 20+6reb+2ast, K.Thomann 19+9reb, D.Friedrich 4+3reb+2ast, E.Kvedaravicius 4+3reb, N.Thomsen 4+3reb+2ast

Bakken - Aalborg 104-88

There was no surprise in Aarhus where 10th ranked Aalborg (2-24) was defeated by second ranked Bakken (21-6) 104-88. Aalborg was ahead by 2 points at the halftime before a 61-43 second half run of Bakken. Canadian forward Marvell Waithe (205-87, college: Arkansas) notched 32 points and 8 rebounds to lead the effort and the former international power forward Nicolai Iversen (205-80, college: San Jose City JC) supported him with 20 points. Bakken's coach Mathias Bach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 18 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) by Serbian center Milan Bjegovic (211-81) did not help to save the game for Aalborg. American forward Anthony Jones (208-89, college: Baylor) added 18 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Defending champion maintains second position with 21-6 record behind leader Svendborg. Aalborg at the other side stay dead last with 24 lost games.
Top scorers:
Bakken: M.Waithe 32+8reb, N.Iversen 20+2reb+3ast, C.Lindberg 12+6reb+1ast, J.Jensen 12+5reb+2ast, H.Falsvig 10+3reb+3ast, M.Sahlertz 8+8reb+2ast
Aalborg: M.Rasmussen 19+4reb+1ast, M.Bjegovic 18+9reb+1ast, A.Jones 18+5reb+2ast, L.Guzman 13+4reb+3ast, N.Andreasen 9+4reb+3ast, R.Lauridsen 7+2reb+3ast

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

D-LEAGUE

Standings

D-League Standings

East Conference
1. Santa Cruz W.		22-12
2. Canton C.		21-14
3. Sioux Falls S.		21-14
4. Erie Bay H.		20-15
5. Maine RC		19-18
6. Ft.Wayne MA		16-19
7. Springfield A.		13-21
8. Iowa E.		7-29
West Conference
1. Bakersfield J.		23-10
2. Austin T.		21-14
3. Rio Grande VV		20-13
4. Tulsa 66ers		19-15
5. Texas L.		16-19
6. Los Angeles D.		14-19
7. Reno B.		13-20
8. Idaho S.		10-23

Regular Season: Round 48

Feb. 26: Springfield A. - Bakersfield J. 98-89
Feb. 26: Santa Cruz W. - Reno B. 94-90
Feb. 24: Austin T. - Iowa E. 113-102
Feb. 25: Los Angeles D. - Idaho S. 107-94
Feb. 26: Ft.Wayne MA - Erie Bay H. 104-112
Feb. 26: Tulsa 66ers - Iowa E. 102-89
Feb. 24: Reno B. - Idaho S. 102-100 OT

Regular Season: Round 50

Mar. 1: Maine RC - Erie Bay H.
Mar. 1: Ft.Wayne MA - Springfield A.
Mar. 1: Tulsa 66ers - Reno B.
Mar. 1: Texas L. - Iowa E.
Mar. 1: Santa Cruz W. - Rio Grande VV

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Justin DENTMON
  Texas L.
  (182-G-85)
  Avg: 25.8

1. Dentmon, Texas L.	25.8
2. Lamb, Tulsa 66ers	21.1
3. Mack, Maine RC	20.4
4. Harangody, Ft.Wayn.	20.1
5. Almond, Iowa E.	19.5
6. Joseph, Austin T.	19.4
7. Samuels, Reno B.	19.1
8. Howard, Ft.Wayne.	19.0
9. Kennedy, Erie B.	18.9
10. Goudelock, Rio G.	18.9

Rebounds Per Game

Luke HARANGODY
  Ft.Wayne.
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 12.3

1. Harangody, Ft.Wayn.	12.3
2. Butch, Bakersfi.	11.0
3. Samuels, Reno B.	10.6
4. Mays, Springfield	10.6
5. Plumlee, Ft.Wayne.	10.2
6. Jackson, Austin T.	10.0
7. Jones, Rio G.	9.3
8. Onuaku, Canton C.	9.3
9. Wright, Maine RC	9.2
10. Evans, Idaho S.	9.1

Assists Per Game

Andre BARRETT
  Maine RC
  (175-PG-82)
  Avg: 7.7

1. Barrett, Maine RC	7.7
2. Russell, Reno B.	7.7
3. Mack, Maine RC	7.4
4. Wright, Iowa E.	7.0
5. Quinn, Tulsa 66ers	6.4
6. Singletary, Texas	6.2
7. Fortson, Los A.	6.2
8. Machado, Rio G.	6.1
9. Karl, Idaho S.	6.0
10. Uzoh, Springfield	5.6

Steals Per Game

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

1. Moon, Los A.	2.3
2. Holiday, Idaho S.	2.1
3. Hannah, Santa C.	2.0
4. Fortson, Los A.	1.9
5. Joseph, Austin T.	1.9
6. Tyndale, Sioux F.	1.8
7. Wright, Maine RC	1.8
8. Leslie, Santa C.	1.8
9. Downs, Maine RC	1.8
10. Gutierrez, Canton	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Fabricio MELO
  Maine RC
  (212-C-90)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Melo, Maine RC	3.5
2. Jordan, Reno B.	2.5
3. Johnson, Ft.Wayne.	2.2
4. Gladness, Santa C.	2.2
5. Johnson, Santa C.	2.1
6. Orton, Tulsa 66ers	2.1
7. Eyenga, Texas L.	2.1
8. Moon, Los A.	2.1
9. Foster, Sioux F.	2.0
10. Williams, Texas L.	1.9

Four games recap from mid-week action - by Eurobasket News

Austin T. - Sioux Falls S. 93-94
The Austin Toros squandered a 12-point fourth quarter lead Wednesday, losing 94-93 to Sioux Falls on a buzzer-beating shot. Sioux Falls' Seth Tarver (6'5''-G/F-88, college: Oregon St.) grabbed the rebound with seconds left in the game on Andre Barrett's miss, and his shot appeared to be going in when the Toros' Chris Roberts (6'4''-G-88, college: Bradley) poked it out and was called for goaltending with 0.3 seconds left. This gave the Skyforce their first and only lead of the second half. Austin dropped from first to third place in the Central Division with the loss. 'This was really tough,' coach Taylor Jenkins said. 'I called it a typical Toros loss where we play three good quarters then one that's just glaringly bad.' Jenkins said turnovers are the biggest problem plaguing his team. They have had more than 20 in each of their last three games. Cory Joseph (6'3''-PG-91, college: Texas) led the team with 20 points. His layup with 40 seconds left gave the Toros a 93-90 lead, but they then gave up two free throws defensively and could not score on their next offensive possession to set up the Sioux Falls game winner. 'In the last five minutes, we let them get a couple fast breaks off of turnovers, and we had bad rotations and bad defensive play,' Joseph said. 'They came back then on the last play they got a rebound and put it back in.' Despite the loss, Roberts had the highlight of the year for the Toros. With less than a minute left in the first quarter, Roberts took off from the paint, soared above 7-foot-5 Will Foster and threw down a one-handed dunk. Roberts finished with 11 points. 'It was a lucky play. I'm athletic and I just finished the play,' Roberts said. 'I had the lane, so I was just thinking be aggressive and jump.'' With 5 seconds left if the third quarter, Patrick Sullivan picked off a pass, streaked to the other end and dunked it to give the Toros their biggest lead at the time, 77-67. They would stretch it to 83-71 with 8:50 left in the fourth on a Roberts three-pointer before getting outscored 23-10 the rest of the way. Courtesy of: statesman.com

Santa Cruz W. - Reno B. 101-96
Stefhon Hannah (6'1''-PG-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Missouri) scored 21 points to lead the Santa Cruz Warriors past the Reno Bighorns, 101-96, Wednesday in NBA D League action at Santa Cruz, Calif. Ronald DuPree (6'7''-F/G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: LSU), in his second game with Reno, had a team-high 22 points and 13 rebounds. Samardo Samuels (6'9''-F/C-89, college: Louisville) notched another double-double, with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Marcus Landry and Desmon Farmer each had 14 points for the Bighorns (13-20). Santa Cruz (21-12) shot 43.7 percent from the field, compared to Reno's 32.9 percent. The Bighorns were able to stay in the game with free throw shooting. Reno took 45 free throws, sinking 30. The Warriors went 17-30 from the charity stripe. There were 16 lead changes and five ties in the game. Reno was out-scored in the paint 52-34. Santa Cruz leads the season series 5-1. The two teams will face each other twice more this season, once in Santa Cruz and once in Reno. The Bighorns continue their road trip on Friday, taking on the Tulsa 66ers in Oklahoma. Reno returns home on March 7 to face the Idaho Stampede. Courtesy of: rgj.com

Canton C. - Idaho S. 115-109
Thursday was School Day at Memorial Civic Center. An estimated 2,500 youngsters screeched and shrieked for a D-League game that started at 11 a.m. The Charge deserved a tardy slip. It was past noon before they started playing. But after trailing by as many as 20 in the first half, the Charge roared back, built a lead in the third quarter and held on for a 115-109 win against the Idaho Stampede and old friend JaJuan Johnson. 'I think it was our mindset to come out and guard, to not let them get anything easy,' said Cavaliers forward Kevin Jones (6'8''-F-89, college: W.Virginia), who was assigned to Canton before the game. 'They were getting any shot they wanted and they shot a real high percentage in the first half. We just wanted to come back and get it little by little.' Jones totaled team highs of 24 points and nine rebounds in front of a crowd of 3,697. Point guard Jorge Gutierrez (6'3''-G-88, college: California) added 16 points, seven assists, six rebounds and just one turnover in 34 minutes. He and Jones were in the middle of a rally that was fueled by smart offense, tenacious defense and an ability to seemingly snatch every loose ball. Canton outscored Idaho 31-12 in the third quarter. 'The defense will always lead to good offense,' Charge head coach Alex Jensen said. 'That's what happened in the third quarter. If we get the rebound, we'll be able to run. If we get those loose balls and long rebounds that we weren't getting (in the first half), those lead to lay-ups and the momentum builds.' Johnson found himself an enemy player Thursday after the Charge traded him to Idaho on Monday. After scoring in double figures six times in 17 games with the Charge, he got there in less than six minutes Thursday. The former Big Ten Player of the Year hit his first five shots from the field and scored 18 of his 24 points in the first half as Canton fans wondered, 'Where was this when he was one of us?' Considering such a talent has been traded twice in basically two months, Johnson is a tough guy to figure out. 'I've been through this before,' he said from the visiting locker room. 'It's just another chapter in my life. I appreciated the opportunity in Canton. Now I'm looking forward to helping Idaho.' The Stampede (10-23) need help. They have the second-worst record in the D-League. Thursday was their fifth straight loss and their third game of an eight-game, 14-day road trip. They looked like road warriors when they shot a blazing 65.2 percent in the first quarter and led 34-15. The 34 points are the most the Charge have allowed in a first quarter this season, while the 15 points are the lowest they've scored. The lead was 65-50 at the break, with the 65 points the most they have allowed in a first half this season. But a different-looking Charge team took the floor in the third quarter. 'I wasn't surprised that a good team at home was going to come out with a little fire in their belly after that first half,' Idaho head coach Michael Peck said. 'Let's face it. They're a good team.' Up four points after three quarters, the Charge scored on 11 of their first 14 possessions in the fourth. But they could not shake Idaho. After a wild sequence where both teams blew scoring opportunities, Josh Selby (6'2''-PG-91, college: Kansas) drove the lane, spun and hit a tough step-back jumper with 12.8 seconds left. The bucket put Canton up 111-106. Selby, also on assignment from the Cavaliers, scored 14 points. Kyle Gibson scored 19 points for Canton (21-14), which moves a full game up on Erie for first place in the East Division. Idaho's Justin Holiday, who played on the Cavaliers' summer league team, had a monster performance of 32 points, nine rebounds, six assists and six steals. Courtesy of: cantonrep.com

Austin T. - Iowa E. 97-95
The Austin Toros (21-14) used a big fourth quarter to oust the Iowa Energy 97-95 in a game that was televised on Fox Sports Southwest Thursday evening at Cedar Park Center. Austin stuck with it taking the lead for the first time of the game with three minutes remaining. Toros coach Taylor Jenkins adjusted the defense in the fourth quarter and the Toros were able to outscore Iowa 29-19 on the period. Spurs assignee Aron Baynes (6'10''-C-86, college: Washington St.), who was limited by early foul trouble, anchored the comeback for the Toros with 12 points in the fourth. Baynes finished with a team high 16 points and nine rebounds in his third appearance as a Toro. JaMychal Green was able to provide the team with his eighth double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Chris Roberts added 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocked shots. Tre Kelley received the start at point guard contributing 15 points and six assists. The Energy (7-29) lost to the Toros for the fifth time this season. Iowa guard Chris Wright (6'1''-PG-89, college: Georgetown) led the way for his team with a game-high 33 points and seven assists. Jarrid Famous finished with a double-double at 14 points and 13 rebounds. Paul Harris contributed 15 points, eight assists and two blocked shots for the Energy. Courtesy of: oursportscentral.com

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

EUROLEAGUE

Standings

Euroleague Standings

Group E
1. Real Madrid			8-1
2. Anadolu Efes			7-1
3. CSKA			5-3
4. Panathinaikos			5-3
5. Unicaja			4-4
6. Zalgiris			3-5
7. ALBA			1-7
8. Brose Bask.			0-9
Group F
1. FCB Regal			8-1
2. Montepaschi			7-2
3. Olympiacos			6-3
4. Khimky			5-4
5. Maccabi T-A			4-5
6. Caja Laboral			4-5
7. Fener.Ulker			2-7
8. Besiktas			0-9

Stage One Standings

Top 16: Round 9

Feb. 28: Real Madrid - Brose Bask. 76-73
Mar. 1: CSKA - ALBA
Mar. 1: Panathinaikos - Anadolu Efes
Mar. 1: Unicaja - Zalgiris

Feb. 28: Montepaschi - Fener.Ulker 87-69
Feb. 28: FCB Regal - Khimky 71-69
Feb. 28: Caja Laboral - Maccabi T-A 62-66
Feb. 28: Besiktas - Olympiacos 60-79

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Bobby BROWN
  Montepaschi
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 19.4

1. Brown, Montepaschi	19.4
2. Langford, EA7 A.	17.0
3. Nachbar, Brose B.	16.8
4. Bogdanovic, Fener..	15.8
5. Schilb, Chalon	15.5
6. Spanoulis, Olympia.	15.5
7. Weems, CSKA	14.4
8. Jerrells, Besiktas	14.2
9. Popovic, Zalgiris	14.1
10. Teodosic, CSKA	13.8

Rebounds Per Game

Aron BAYNES
  Un.Olimpija
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 9.8

1. Baynes, Un.Olimpija	9.8
2. Williams, Chalon	7.6
3. Gordon, Partizan	7.5
4. Khryapa, CSKA	7.1
5. Mahalbasic, Asseco	6.8
6. James, Maccabi T-A	6.4
7. Lasme, Panathin.	6.2
8. Lampe, Caja L.	6.2
9. Thompson, ALBA	6.1
10. Tomic, FCB Regal	5.7

Assists Per Game

Dimitris DIAMANTIDIS
  Panath.
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Diamantidis, Panat.	6.4
2. Planinic, Khimky	6.1
3. Spanoulis, Olympia.	5.5
4. Brown, Montepaschi	5.2
5. Teodosic, CSKA	5.1
6. Blassingame, Assec.	5.1
7. Cook, EA7 Armani	5.0
8. Heurtel, Caja L.	4.7
9. Tabu-Eboma, Cantu	4.2
10. Koszarek, Asseco	4.0

Steals Per Game

Ibrahim JAABER
  Zalgiris
  (187-PG-84)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Jaaber, Zalgiris	1.9
2. Gordon, Anadolu	1.9
3. Khryapa, CSKA	1.7
4. McCalebb, Fener.Ul.	1.7
5. Hickman, Maccabi	1.7
6. Lucic, Partizan	1.6
7. Green, Cedevita	1.6
8. Cook, EA7 Armani	1.4
9. Djedovic, ALBA	1.3
10. Fernandez, Real M.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Stephane LASME
  Panathin.
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Lasme, Panathin.	1.9
2. James, Maccabi T-A	1.8
3. Tomic, FCB Regal	1.4
4. Cusin, Cantu	1.4
5. Vidmar, Besiktas	1.2
6. Monya, Khimky	1.2
7. Kaun, CSKA	1.2
8. Ress, Montepaschi	1.1
9. Falker, Besiktas	1.1
10. Gordon, Partizan	1.1

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

FIBA AMERICAS

Standings

Group A
1. Brazil		0-0
2. Canada		0-0
3. Jamaica		0-0
4. P.Rico		0-0
5. Uruguay		0-0
Group B
1. Argentina		0-0
2. Dominican R.		0-0
3. Mexico		0-0
4. Paraguay		0-0
5. Venezuela		0-0

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

FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: Sefton Barrett The Player of February - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Canadian F Sefton Barrett (196-SF-83, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Cent.Michigan) has been named The Player of February. KTP (Kotka) won 12 games in a row and was 5-1 in February, when Team's leading scorer Barrett averaged 19.7 ppg (1 - 78,8%, 2 - 54,0%, 3 - 42,1%) and 6,3 rpg. Unfortunately Barrett got injured (ankle) at Kauhajoki, where local Karhu upset KTP by one (81-80). So, Barrett, who is playing his second season in Finland and on KTP roster, will be about four weeks aside on injured list.
The Players of the Month by now this season: October - Damon Williams (Pyrinto), November - Matthew Gibson (YMCA Lappeenranta), December - Martin Zeno (Bisons) and January - Jonte Flowers (Kataja).

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

FRANCE

Joakim Noah leads charge as Bulls tip 76ers 93-82 to snap short losing skid - by Eurobasket News

CHICAGO Joakim Noah (211-F/C-85, college: Florida) had 23 points, 21 rebounds and a career-high 11 blocks for his third career triple-double and the Chicago Bulls ended a two-game National Basketball Association losing streak with a 93-82 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday.

Carlos Boozer added 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng had 15 and 12 points, respectively, as the Bulls completed a three-game regular-season series sweep.

Noah tied the Bulls record for blocks in a regulation game, previously set by Artis Gilmore in 1977.

Jrue Holiday paced the Sixers with 22 points, Spencer Hawes added 20 points and 15 rebounds while Evan Turner had 12 points.

The loss was Philadelphias season-high seventh in a row.

Clippers 99, Pacers 91

In Indianapolis, Chris Paul scored 29 points, and Blake Griffin finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds to help Los Angeles hold off Indianas late charge.

The Clippers have won three straight and seven of their past eight.

David West led the Pacers with 22 points, while All-Star Paul George had 20 points and five assists. Danny Granger finished with a season-high 12 points.

But without the suspended Roy Hibbert, the Pacers barely resembled the team that had won five straight by an average margin of 23.8 points.
Courtesy of: http://www.vancouversun.com

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

FYR MACEDONIA

Balkan League: Kumanovo hold off Kavala - by Eurobasket News

Kumanovo - Kavala 94:92

Kumanovo snatched a tough home win over Kavala on Wednesday. Ivica Dimcevski (194-G/F-89, agency: Interperformances) provided 23 points to lead the Macedonian team.
Both teams started the game quick enough. Kumanovo fired 26 points in the first ten minutes to gain a 2-point lead. They stretched the advantage in the second frame. Kumanovo posted a 46:40 halftime advantage. Kumanovo unloaded 27 points in the third term. The Macedonian team piled up a 9-point buffer heading into the fourth frame. Kavala erupted for 28 points in the final period and nearly saved the game. But Kumanovo hung on to escape with a tough home win at the end. Uros Lukovic (212-C-89) netted 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Kumanovo. Aleksandar Kostoski (186-G-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) chipped in 14 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and issued 8 assists for the winners. William Coleman (206-F-88, college: Memphis) answered with 25 points and 11 rebounds for Kavala. Nemanja Mitrovic (197-G-90, college: Portland) posted 17 points in the loss.

Kumanovo: Ivica Dimcevski 23, Uros Lukovic 17+10 boards, Aleksandar Kostoski 14
Kavala: William Coleman 25+11 boards, Nemanja Mitrovic 17

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

GERMANY

Standings - Pro B

ProB Standings

Group North
1. Schwelm		17-3
2. Rist Wedel		14-6
3. Herten Lions		12-8
4. Oldenburg		10-10
5. Recklinghausen		10-10
6. SU Medien		9-11
7. MTV Wolfenbuettel		9-11
8. BSW Sixers		9-11
9. Hannover		8-12
10. Dorsten		8-12
11. Wulfen		8-12
12. Stahnsdorf		6-14
Group South
1. Dragons		18-3
2. Weissenhorn		13-7
3. Bayer Giants		13-8
4. Noerdlingen		12-8
5. Licher Baeren		12-8
6. Langen		12-8
7. Fraport SKY II		11-9
8. Leitershofen		9-11
9. Hanau		8-12
10. Dresden		6-14
11. Konstanz		4-16
12. TSV Troester		3-17

Regular Season: Round 21

North

Mar. 2: Rist Wedel - Herten Lions
Mar. 2: MTV Wolfenbuettel - Dorsten
Mar. 2: Wulfen - Stahnsdorf
Mar. 2: SU Medien - BSW Sixers
Mar. 2: Schwelm - Oldenburg
Mar. 2: Recklinghausen - Hannover

South

Feb. 28: Bayer Giants - Dragons 81-74
Mar. 2: Hanau - Noerdlingen
Mar. 2: TSV Troester - Langen
Mar. 2: Leitershofen - Konstanz
Mar. 3: Dresden - Licher Baeren
Mar. 3: Weissenhorn - Fraport SKY II

Travis Clark and Herzoege Wolfenbuettel determined to make final push for Pro B playoffs - by Moritz Korff

In March 2012 it was do or die for the Herzoege Wolfenbuettel. On the last game day of the 2011-12 regular season they had to travel to SC Rist Wedel and both teams knew that only one of them would make the 2. Bundesliga Pro B playoffs - the team that would get away with the victory. In the waning moments of a close encounter the Dukes eventually fell short and had to skip the knockout stages. They don't want to let it happen again this year. "To get through the final stretch towards playoffs we just have to make sure we stick together", Herzoege forward/center Travis Clark (195-F/C, college: Lake Forest) said. On Saturday they will play BG Dorsten at home, a team that shares the same goal and situation.
"No game from here on out is going to be easy and we have to come in with an edge right away like we are ten points down", Clark told Eurobasket.com. "Every team is going to be playing like there is nothing to lose, so we have to make sure we do the same, maybe more."

Clark is currently in his first season playing in Germany after graduating from Lake Forest College, a NCAA Division 3 institution in Illinois. He was a four-year starter on the Foresters' team, known for his consistency, tireless effort and for keeping the stats crew busy, being a major contributor in several statistical categories. He started all but two of his 94 games during his college career, finished as the Foresters' career leader in field goals made, field goal percentage, and blocked shots and ranks third in program history in career points. The Evanston, Illinois, native completed his senior season with averages of 18.0 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.3 blocked shots and 1.7 steals per contest.

While he earned the reputation of a perennial double-double threat at the D3 level and received NABC Division 3 All-America 2nd Team honors, he had to switch back to freshman mode heading into his first year overseas. A new team, new teammates, a new coach, a new league, new gyms, new opponents, a new country, a new culture - a huge amount of facets to adapt to. But one thing remained almost untouched: "I didn't adjust my game a whole lot", Clark said. "Coming here, I did go from playing strictly center in college to playing more forward which has worked for me. It has given me more freedom to move around away from the ball to find the right space for shots, or to position myself for rebounds. Overall I think the transition was smooth."

Though considered small by Pro B standards for the forward/center spot, Clark is Wolfenbuettel's leading rebounder (7.9rpg) and shot blocker (1.0bpg). He is also scoring 13.1 points per outing and on account of his position needs to play bigger than his size. Not to mention that the Herzoege roster is short of size anyway.
"I've played the forward/center position my whole career and being an undersized big man I had to realize I have advantages that some taller guys don't have", Clark said. "I am strong wide body which helps on the defensive end as well as a long wingspan that helps contesting shots. Offensively I would say I'm quicker than the taller, bigger big men in the league, so I use that advantage to go around them in the post or attack off the dribble some. Each opponent is different though, so I usually let the game come to me and go from there."

Both him and his teammate Lamonte Thomas spent their college careers at small schools, with Thomas being the leading scorer in all of Division 3 basketball last season. "It's nice to see another D3 guy play well over here", Clark said, "Coming from D3 we are the underdogs, not many people expect us to perform as well and doubt us. I personally use that as motivation. I know that I had to work twice as hard in some cases to get to where I am and it has benefited me so far. I would say it's difficult to land a spot, but it depends on your position as well. Being a D3 guy, you really have nothing to lose once you get over here, so you give it everything you have and play with a chip on your shoulder. "

After winning only four games before the christmas break, Wolfenbuettel turned things around in January and went from struggling to shining: "Winning the past 5 of 7 is huge for us", Clark said. "We got off to a slow start this season but are making a strong push for the playoffs. I think we finally realized our defense is what wins us games. We have a pretty quick team defensively and with the right intensity we get stops and then out in transition for easy baskets." That's where Lamonte Thomas excels. The former Johnson & Wales University scoring machine joined the Herzoege team during the season. Clark: "Lamonte Thomas was a real good pick up for us. He brought in the extra scoring we needed that we lacked early on in the season and he is probably one of the fastest guys end to end with the ball in our league."

Wolfenbuettel coach Benjamin Travnizek will need both Clark and Thomas to deliver their A games on Saturday against Dorsten. Clark wouldn't mind to get into some playoff action in his first year as a professional basketball player in Germany. That would add to the enriching overseas experience that he has had so far: "Off the court everyone is really nice around town and the fans show a lot of support. Also, its been nice to see things and places I haven't seen before. On the court, things are good too. After bouncing back from an early season injury I got into a good rhythm and just have been focused on winning and making the playoffs, so we have to keep it going for the next few weeks."

Rickey Gibson signs at MBC - by Eurobasket News

Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (BBL) landed 29-year old American guard Rickey Gibson (191-G-84, college: Stillman). He started the season at SAV Vacallo in Swiss LNA league. In 16 games he averaged 10.2ppg, 3.9rpg, 7.3apg and 2.9spg this season.
The previous (11/12) season Gibson played at SAV Vacallo (LNA) in Switzerland. In 29 games he had 16.1ppg, 6.6rpg, 6.4apg and 2.7spg (2nd best) that season. It was a very successful season in his career as he was named LNA Guard of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
Among other achievements Gibson won Swiss LNA championship title in 2009.
Gibson has played also professionally in WBA West Division (Druid City D.).
He attended Stillman College until 2006 and it is his seventh season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Andrew Drevo Returns To The Eisaberen Bremerhaven - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The Eisaberen Bremerhaven seems to be a very special team to some players as some keep returning as American Terrell Everett did last week and today mr buzzer beater Andrew Drevo (202-F/C-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Nebraska) returned. With two months to go in the season, Drevo will try to help the team reach the Beko BBL playoffs. Drevo is a 31 year old 202cm forward from Licoln, Nebraska that has good size and can run the floor while adding a solid presence in the paint. An all-around player, Drevo can pass well inside and has the ability to step outside the arc, which will create matchup problems for opposing defenses. This season he played in France for le Mans playing fives games averaging 5,4ppg, 1,4rpg and 1,4apg as well as playing for the Artland Dragons playing eight games averaging 8,4ppg and 3,6rpg. he started his basketball career in 1999 for Morningside (NCAA2) before finishing his college career at Nebraska in 2004. In 2004-2005, he turned professional playing for the Sodertalje Kings Sweden-Basketligan): 30 games: Score-4 (20.6ppg), 8.9rpg, 1.1apg, 1.3bpg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3Pts-1 (44.9%). In 2005-2006, he played for Etendard de Brest (France-ProA): 14 games: 12.9ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 26.4%FALSE, waived in Dec.'05: 13.5ppg , 6.4rpg, then joined JSF Nanterre (France-ProB): 19 games: 14.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 88.6%. In 2006-2007, he played for SF Nanterre (France-ProB): 34 games: 14.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.1apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 41.6%, FT: 75.7%. He then played for the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig from 2007-2009. in 2009-2010 he played for Sant Josep Girona (Spain-LEB Gold): 20 games: 10.0ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.6%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 65.2%, in Jan.'10 moved to Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 24 games: 12.3ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT-3 (46.8%), FT: 72.3%. In 2010-2011, he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 37 games: 9.7ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 27.7%, FT: 83.6%. Last season he played for the Iowa Energy (D-League, starting five): 52 games: 11.3ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 87.3%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Big 12 Conf. All-Newcomer Team -03, Swedish Basketligan All-Stars Game -05, Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan 2nd Team -05, Eurobasket.com Swedish Basketligan All-Imports Team -05, Swedish Basketligan Champion -05, French Cup Finalist -07French ProB Regular Season Runner-Up -07, German Bundesliga All-Star Game -08, 09, German Bundesliga Semifinals -10, and Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Honorable Mention -10

Myles Hesson Joins ratiopharm Ulm - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Just a few months ago, Brit Myles Hesson (195-F-90, agency: Two Points) was carefully dreaming of one day playing in the Beko BBL as he stated in a Eurobasket interview and today his dream came true. Not many guys make the jump from the PRO B to the Beko BBL, but in the last years guys like Walter Tiger Tuebingen guard Josh Young or MBC forward Devin Uskowski have made it and now its Myles Hesson time as he will play for 2012 Beko BBL finalist ratiopharm Ulm. Hesson is a 22 year old 198cm 102 kilo forward that was playing for ratiopharm Ulm cooperation partner Weissenhorn. Ulm made the move in order to give the team more deepness should more injuries come as he will be the seventh international player. Hesson has put up impressive stats in the PRO B playing 20 games and averaging 19,7ppg, 10,3rpg, 1,5apg,1,5spg and 1,7bpg. He has scored in double figures in 19 of 20 games and 10 times 20 points or more. He put up 31 points against Lich and a 34 point, 19 rebound explosion against Dresden. He also has registered eight double doubles. Hesson started his basketball career in 2009 for the Birmingham Aces in the EBL. In 2010-2011, he played for the Essex Pirates Basketball Club (BBL): 11 games: 9.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 68.4%. Last season he played for the Liverpool Mersey Tigers (BBL, starting five): 27 games: 15.1ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 61.5%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been British U20 National Team -09-10, European Championships U20 Division B in Skopje (FYR Macedonia) -09: 7 games: 3.7ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.0spg, European Championships U20 Division B in Austria -10: 8 games: 4.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.1spg, British National Team -12, British 3x3 Mixed Team for World Championships in Greece -12, and British 3x3 Men Team for World Championships in Greece -12

Source: ratiopharm Ulm

Myles Hesson (ratiopharm Ulm) Vince Carter Brought Flair To Dunking - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Myles Hesson (195-F-90, agency: Two Points) is a 22 year old 195 cm forward from Birmingham, England that is playing his first season in Germany in the PRO B for the Weissenhorn youngsters and today was rewarded by signing until the end of the season with ratiopharm Ulm. He started his professional career in 2009-2010 for Birmingham Aces (EBL2) averaging 13.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 2FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 33.3%. In 2010-2011, he played for the Essex Pirates Basketball Club (BBL): 11 games: 9.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 68.4%. Last season he played for Liverpool Mersey Tigers (BBL, starting five): 27 games: 15.1ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 61.5%. This past summer, he was a member of the British national team taking part in preparations for the 2012 Summer Olympics. He also took part at the British 3x3 Mixed and menTeam for World Championships in Greece in 2012. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball

You had a monster game with 25 points, monster dunks and blocks. How happy were you with your own game in Frankfurt?

I was happy with my game against Frankfurt, but you can always play better. I want to thank my teammates for getting me the ball on the fast break.

You had so many dunks in that game. I counted three. Have you ever dunked more?

The most dunks that I had in a game was seven. This season I had five dunks.

Who is your dunk hero?

I always liked Vince Carter. He brought flair to dunking. I remember him winning the NBA dunk contest with that 360 windmill.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Til Joscha Joehnke?

We actually had one the other day and the game was 1-1. He is a very good one on one player.

Can he become a second like Per Guenther in Ulm?

I think that he can. He plays with so much heart. He plays every possession as if it is his last and never gives up. That resonates for the whole team.

Why is he such an incredible rebounder averaging seven per game?

He has an incredible eye for the ball and always goes to the basket for the rebound.

You practiced with the British national team. What impressed you most about NBA player Luo Deng?

I really liked his professionalism and always takes each practice seriously. He is always early to practice and the last to leave. He goes hard each possession.

You practice with ratiopharm Ulm each day. Which player do you respect most?

I like Allan Ray. He has no fear on the court

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Man on fire with Denzel Washington.

Thanks Myles for the chat.

Michael Thompson (Asvell) It Was Really An Easy Transition Coming To France From Germany - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Michael Thompson (177-PG-89, college: Northwestern) is a 23 year old 177cm point guard from Chicago, Illinois that is playing his first season in France for ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket (France-ProA, and hiss econd season as a professional. He played at Northwestern from 2007-2011. In his senior year, he played : 34 games: 16.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 82.5%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been HS: Chicago Public League All-Academic Team -07, All-Big Ten Honorable Mention -10, All-Big Ten 3rd Team -11, Big Ten All-Tournament Team -11, and NIT Elite Eight -11. Last season he played for the Fraport Skyliners playing EuroCup: 6 games: 7.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 34.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 83.3%; German League: 27 games: 8.5ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 76.1%. This past summer he played NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas (New Orleans Hornets): 4 games: 4.0ppg, 1.3apgHe took some time to talk to Eurobasket about his current season in France.

Your playing your first season in France for Asvel Villurbane. How do you like it there?

I really am enjoying my time here in France. It was really an easy transition coming to France from Germany. I have to give a lot of credit to my teammates in Frankfurt and coaching staff that got me prepared to play here.

You play in Lyon now. It is an old city. Is the biggest difference to Frankfurt not having skyscrapers?

Yes that is the biggest difference, but there also is no mall here where I live. But I still live close enough that I can walk to practice just like I did in France. Lyon is a nice city and second biggest in France.

Was there a chance last summer that you would of remained with the Fraport Skyliners?

There was some talk in early summer with my agent and Fraport Skyliners, but they didnt know how their budget was going to be so I waited a bit, but as the summer progressed I decided to sign with the team in France.

How were you able to improve as a rookie with the Fraport Skyliners?

I got a lot better as a rookie with Frankfurt. I played with very good players and had a good coaching staff where I could learn a lot from. Justin Gray also helped me a lot who is playing in France now as well. I was always asking him questions and I really learned a lot from him.

What was the most spectacular thing that you saw Quantez Robertson do last season?

I just recently watched the highlight film against ratiopharm Ulm from last season. I remember that Tez was under the basket and the opponent had the ball at center court and he chased him down and stripped the ball from him. You could see just how fast and athletic he was on that play.

Who was your best opponent last season in the Beko BBL?

Bobby Brown was the toughest guy that I played against. He is a great player. He was always tough to guard and you always had to be watching him.

How would you make Jermareo Davidson laugh?

If you go up to him and do his rhymes and raps then he would smile.

What do you miss most from Frankfurt?

I miss living in the mall. It really was a luxury to be able to shop and eat whenever I wanted to and just having it in walking distance.

You played for the New Orleans Hornets Summer league team in 2012. What is your fondest memory of this time?

Just being able to experience it all. It was great playing with and against great NBA players. It was also great to see how NBA player act on and off the court.

What was your impression of Anthony Davis? Do you think that he can become an impact big man like Blake Griffin of Kevin Love in the future?

Yes I think that he can. I didnt have the opportunity to play with him, because he was already preparing for the Olympics with the Dream team 2012.

You havent needed any time to adjust in the French Pro A. How have you been able to make the transition so smooth?

The Fraport Skyliners prepared me well, but also the style of play is very athletic and reminds me of playing during the summer in pick up games. It is very much up and down the style in France.

What is the biggest strength within the team?

We are very versatile as the players can do many different things. We also make the opponent work hard for their shots.

There are only two Americans on the team with you and Tim Abromatis. How are you adjusting to the French way of life?

The transition really has been easy as everyone speaks English. Me and Tim Abromatis are very close and we played against each other in college. I am also learning French now.

What has been the most spectacular thing that you have seen Amara Sy do?

He can do so much, shoot the three, pass or penetrate. He also makes many crazy fade away jumpers that I sometimes have to say wow how did he make that shot with a guy in his face.

Asvel Villurbane had a spectacular victory in the first game of the season beating 2012 France champion Chalon. What will you remember most from his game?

Schilb is a great player. I remember him playing at Loyola here in Chicago. He can do it all, scoring, rebounding and finding the open man. He really knows how to stuff the stat sheet.

Have you found a favorite French food yet?

I havent found a favorite French food yet. It is still the same like in Germany. I go eat at Vaipiano which has great pasta.

How will the Chicago Bulls do this season?

They had a good start and have many good veterans back and I am awaiting the return of Derrick Rose.

Were you surprised how well the New York Knicks started?

I am not surprised with their start. Everyone knew that they can play offense, but they are showing that they play defense this season.

Can we see you in Frankfurt sometime this season?

I want to return and will. We usually have games on Fridays and have the weekend off. I want to come back and watch Tez and support the guys.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

In Time with Justin Timberlake.

Thanks Juice for the chat.

EuroLeague: Real Madrid escape with the narrow win over Brose Baskets Bamberg - by Eurobasket News

Real Madrid - Brose Baskets Bamberg 76:73

Real Madrid escape with the narrow win over Brose Baskets Bamberg. The Spanish team trailed for the majority of the game but needed 19-13 rally in the last stanza to win 76:73.
Real Madrid actually won the first period 21-20, but allowed the guests to take control at the end of the half. Brose Baskets Bamberg posted 21-18 in the second frame and grabbed 41:39 halftime advantage. Moreover the German team won the third period 19-18 and led 7 points midway through the last stanza. Jaycee Carroll (188-G-83, agency: Priority Sports) tied the game first at 64:64 and then Felipe Reyes (206-PF-80) closed the run at 70:64. Although Maik Zirbes (208-C-90, agency: LUMANI 10.7) tied the game later for the guests at 73:73, Dontaye Draper (180-PG-84, college: Charleston) nailed three for the home side to celebrate a tough 76:73 win.
Jaycee Carroll top-scored for the winners with 11 points, while Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91) and Rudy Fernandez (198-SF-85) added 9 each. Rafael Hettsheimer and Mirza Begic (217-C-85) followed them with 8 points each. Anton Gavel (188-PG-84, agency: Pro One Sports) answered with 15 points in the losing case and Maik Zirbes had 14. Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) brought 11, while Matt Walsh (197-F/G-82, college: Florida) had 10.

Real Madrid: Jaycee Carroll 11, Nikola Mirotic 9, Rudy Fernandez 9, Rafael Hettsheimer (206-C-86) 8, Mirza Begic 8
Brose Baskets Bamberg: Anton Gavel 15, Maik Zirbes 14, Jeremiah Massey 11, Matt Walsh 10

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

GREECE

EuroLeague: Olympiacos Piraeus successfully starts Round 9 in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News

Besiktas JK - Olympiacos Piraeus 60:79

Olympiacos Piraeus successfully starts Round 9 in Istanbul as they rout Besiktas JK for 6-3 record. The Greek side won 79:60 in the opener of Thursday. Besiktas JK fell at 0-9 record in Group F.
Besiktas JK had nothing to lose in the game and started better. The Turkish team posted a 15-13 rally in the first period, but could not match the opponents in the rest of the game. Olympiacos Piraeus replied with 25-15 in the second period and never looked behind after. Moreover the guests produced 22-21 in the third quarter and added 19-9 in the last stanza.
Josh Powell (206-F-83, college: N.Carolina St.) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Kostas Papanikolaou (206-F-90) added 11. Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) and Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) delivered 9 points each in a win. Gasper Vidmar (211-C/F-87) and Patrick Christopher (196-G-88, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: California) replied with 13 points in the losing effort. Randal Falker (201-F-85, college: S.Illinois) and Ricky Minard (196-F/G-82, college: Morehead St.) followed them with 11 points each.

Besiktas JK: Gasper Vidmar 13, Patrick Christopher 13, Randal Falker 11, Ricky Minard 11
Olympiacos Piraeus: Josh Powell 16, Kostas Papanikolaou 11, Vassilis Spanoulis 9, Georgios Printezis 9

Balkan League: Kumanovo hold off Kavala - by Eurobasket News

Kumanovo - Kavala 94:92

Kumanovo snatched a tough home win over Kavala on Wednesday. Ivica Dimcevski (194-G/F-89, agency: Interperformances) provided 23 points to lead the Macedonian team.
Both teams started the game quick enough. Kumanovo fired 26 points in the first ten minutes to gain a 2-point lead. They stretched the advantage in the second frame. Kumanovo posted a 46:40 halftime advantage. Kumanovo unloaded 27 points in the third term. The Macedonian team piled up a 9-point buffer heading into the fourth frame. Kavala erupted for 28 points in the final period and nearly saved the game. But Kumanovo hung on to escape with a tough home win at the end. Uros Lukovic (212-C-89) netted 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Kumanovo. Aleksandar Kostoski (186-G-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) chipped in 14 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and issued 8 assists for the winners. William Coleman (206-F-88, college: Memphis) answered with 25 points and 11 rebounds for Kavala. Nemanja Mitrovic (197-G-90, college: Portland) posted 17 points in the loss.

Kumanovo: Ivica Dimcevski 23, Uros Lukovic 17+10 boards, Aleksandar Kostoski 14
Kavala: William Coleman 25+11 boards, Nemanja Mitrovic 17

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

HOLLAND

Standings - Eredivisie

Eredivisie Standings

1. Den Bosch		23-4
2. Leiden		22-6
3. Groningen		19-9
4. Zwolle		15-12
5. Leeuwarden		15-13
6. Den Helder K.		13-15
7. M.Magixx		13-15
8. Weert		12-15
9. Amsterdam		4-24
10. Rotterdam		2-25

Regular Season: Round 26

Feb. 26: Groningen - Leeuwarden 90-87
Feb. 28: Den Bosch - Weert 87-65
Feb. 27: M.Magixx - Amsterdam 86-79
Feb. 27: Den Helder K. - Leiden 70-75
Feb. 28: Zwolle - Rotterdam 105-91

Regular Season: Round 27

Mar. 2: Rotterdam - Den Helder K.
Mar. 2: Weert - Groningen
Mar. 2: Leeuwarden - Zwolle
Mar. 3: M.Magixx - Leiden
Mar. 3: Den Bosch - Amsterdam

Eredivisie Round 26: Groningen defeats Leeuwarden in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News

Fourth-ranked Leeuwarden (15-13) gave a tough game to third ranked Groningen (19-9) on Tuesday. Groningen managed to secure only three-point victory 90-87. However their fans expected easier game. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Leeuwarden. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 20-13. But Leeuwarden won second period 26-25. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Groningen won last quarter 25-23. Groningen outrebounded Leeuwarden 45-33 including 18 on the offensive glass. 24 personal fouls committed by Leeuwarden helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Americans were the main players on the court. Guard Nate Rohnert (197-87, college: Denver) scored 18 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the charge for the winners and forward Jamal Boykin (203-87, college: California) chipped in 19 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Groningen's coach Ivica Skelin used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Forward Samme Givens (195, college: Drexel) responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. Groningen have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 19-9 record having three points less than leader Den Bosch. Leeuwarden at the other side dropped to the fifth place with 13 games lost. Groningen are looking forward to face Weert (#8) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Leeuwarden will play against Zwolle and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Eredivisie top team - Den Bosch (23-4) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed eighth ranked Weert (12-15) 87-65. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Weert. Americans were the main players on the court also this time. Forward Wil Carter (203-88, college: San Jose St.) notched a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds to lead the effort and Matt Bauscher supported him with 7 points, 7 rebounds and 12 assists. Den Bosch's coach Raoul Korner felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds by center Antwan Carter (198, college: Longwood, agency: Court Side) did not help to save the game for Weert. Den Bosch have an impressive five-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 23-4 record. Weert at the other side keeps the eighth place with 15 games lost. Den Bosch will play against Amsterdam (#9) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Weert will play against Groningen in Groningen and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game in Den Helder was also quite interesting. Second ranked Leiden (22-6) played at the court of 6th ranked Den Helder K. (13-15). Leiden managed to secure a 5-point victory 75-70 on Wednesday. The best player for the winners was Michael Schachtner who scored 21 points. Mark Hill produced 26 points for the hosts. Leiden maintains second position with 22-6 record behind leader Den Bosch. Loser Den Helder K. keeps the sixth place with 15 games lost. They share the position with M.Magixx. Leiden will meet M.Magixx (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Den Helder K. will play against Rotterdam and hope to secure a win.

In the last two games of round 26 bottom-ranked Rotterdam lost to Zwolle on the opponent's court 91-105. M.Magixx managed to outperform Amsterdam in a home game 86-79.

Den Bosch - Weert 87-65

Eredivisie top team - Den Bosch (23-4) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed eighth ranked Weert (12-15) 87-65. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Weert. The game without a history. Den Bosch led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 17-of-21 charity shots (81.0 percent) during the game. Den Bosch players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Americans were the main players on the court also this time. Forward Wil Carter (203-88, college: San Jose St.) notched a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds to lead the effort and guard Matt Bauscher (188-85, college: Boise St.) supported him with 7 points, 7 rebounds and 12 assists. Den Bosch's coach Raoul Korner felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds by center Antwan Carter (198, college: Longwood, agency: Court Side) did not help to save the game for Weert. Guard Bryquis Perine (190-88, college: Green Bay, agency: Court Side) added 17 points for the guests. Den Bosch have an impressive five-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 23-4 record. Weert at the other side keeps the eighth place with 15 games lost. Den Bosch will play against Amsterdam (#9) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Weert will play against Groningen in Groningen and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Den Bosch: W.Carter 25+12reb+1ast, K.Akerboom 19+1reb+1ast, S.Wessels 9+3reb, R.de Pagter 8+2reb, D.Wright 7+4reb, M.Bauscher 7+7reb+12ast
Weert: B.Perine 17+1reb+2ast, A.Carter 13+10reb+1ast, R.Fletcher 10+2reb+3ast, S.Besseling 9+6reb+4ast, S.De Haas 6+2reb, K.van Kempen 6+8reb+4ast

Zwolle - Rotterdam 105-91

Very expected game when 10th ranked Rotterdam (2-25) was defeated on the road by fifth ranked Zwolle (15-12) 105-91 on Thursday. The hosts trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 31-11 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Zwolle made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was guard Josh Magette (185-90, college: Al.-Huntsville, agency: Pro One Sports) who scored 20 points and 7 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Guard Tanner Smith (195-90, college: Clemson) chipped in 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Zwolle players scored in double figures. Zwolle's coach Herman van den Belt allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Guard Anthony Miles (182-89, college: Lamar, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) produced 28 points and 4 assists and power forward Cameron Echols (203-81, college: Ball St., agency: R.H.Consultancy) added 16 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Zwolle moved-up to fourth place. Rotterdam lost sixth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 25 lost games. Zwolle will meet Leeuwarden (#5) on the road in the next round. Rotterdam will play against Den Helder K. (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Zwolle: J.Magette 20+4reb+7ast, Z.Novak 20+4reb+2ast, T.Smith 19+5reb+4ast, K.Zondervan 19+5reb+1ast, D.Webb 15+4reb+1ast, N.Hulzebos 8+8reb+1ast
Rotterdam: A.Miles 28+3reb+4ast, C.Echols 16+5reb, M.Otten 12+6reb+1ast, I.Filipan 10+1reb, D.Rigters 8+6reb+1ast, H.Addow 8+2reb+1ast

Den Helder K. - Leiden 70-75

The game in Den Helder was also quite interesting. Second ranked Leiden (22-6) played at the court of 6th ranked Den Helder K. (13-15). Leiden managed to secure a 5-point victory 75-70 on Wednesday. The guests trailed by 3 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 8-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 75-70. The best player for the winners was American forward Michael Schachtner (206-86, college: Green Bay) who scored 21 points. International guard Arvin Slagter (191-85, agency: Court Side) chipped in 17 points and 4 assists. American guard Mark Hill (180-87, college: CS Northridge, agency: Three Eye Sports) produced 26 points and American-Gambian forward Ousman Krubally (198-88, college: Georgia St., agency: Court Side) added 15 points respectively for the hosts. Leiden maintains second position with 22-6 record behind leader Den Bosch. Loser Den Helder K. keeps the sixth place with 15 games lost. They share the position with M.Magixx. Leiden will meet M.Magixx (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Den Helder K. will play against Rotterdam and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Leiden: M.Schachtner 21+3reb, A.Slagter 17+2reb+4ast, R.Bekkering 13+6reb, S.Cunningham 8+5reb+1ast, M.Kherrazi 7+1reb, W.de Jong 4+2reb
Den Helder K.: M.Hill 26+3reb+1ast, O.Krubally 15+2reb+1ast, S.Mladenovic 7+2reb+4ast, Q.Treffers 5+9reb+1ast, M.Van Schaik 5+1reb+1ast, E.Kloos 5+4reb+2ast

M.Magixx - Amsterdam 86-79

The game between closely ranked teams ended with eighth ranked M.Magixx's (13-15) home victory over 9th ranked Amsterdam (4-24) 86-79 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 2-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 86-79. The best player for the winners was American forward Kelvin Martin (195-89, college: Charleston So.) who had a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds. American-Italian guard Roman Nardi (186-85, college: Villanova) chipped in 21 points and 5 assists. The former international guard Aaron Roye (185-88) produced 17 points and 6 assists and center Berend Weijs (208, college: Maryland) added 12 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Amsterdam's coach Tyronne Marioneaux rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. M.Magixx moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Den Helder K. Amsterdam lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with 24 games lost. M.Magixx will meet at home league's second-placed Leiden in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Amsterdam will play against the league's leader Den Bosch (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
M.Magixx: K.Martin 21+10reb+3ast, R.Nardi 21+3reb+5ast, T.Vermeulen 15+2reb+4ast, N.Oudendag 13+12reb+1ast, S.Walker 11+5reb, A.Dawson 5+3reb+3ast
Amsterdam: A.Roye 17+4reb+6ast, J.Ormskerk 14+2reb+2ast, P.Balm 13+4reb+1ast, B.Weijs 12+10reb+1ast, M.Pieper 10+6reb+2ast, J.Brandt 6+3reb

Groningen - Leeuwarden 90-87

Fourth-ranked Leeuwarden (15-13) gave a tough game to third ranked Groningen (19-9) on Tuesday. Groningen managed to secure only three-point victory 90-87. However their fans expected easier game. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Leeuwarden. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 20-13. But Leeuwarden won second period 26-25. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Groningen won last quarter 25-23. Groningen outrebounded Leeuwarden 45-33 including 18 on the offensive glass. 24 personal fouls committed by Leeuwarden helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Americans were the main players on the court. Guard Nate Rohnert (197-87, college: Denver) scored 18 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the charge for the winners and forward Jamal Boykin (203-87, college: California) chipped in 19 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Groningen's coach Ivica Skelin used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Forward Samme Givens (195, college: Drexel) responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and David Michaels (201-90, college: Whitman, agency: Pro One Sports) scored 18 points and 5 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). Four Leeuwarden players scored in double figures. Groningen have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 19-9 record having three points less than leader Den Bosch. Leeuwarden at the other side dropped to the fifth place with 13 games lost. Groningen are looking forward to face Weert (#8) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Leeuwarden will play against Zwolle and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Groningen: J.Dourisseau 20+6reb+1ast, J.Boykin 19+7reb+2ast, N.Rohnert 18+8reb+6ast, M.Kingma 9+7reb, J.Voorn 7+3reb+1ast, T.Koenis 7+9reb+1ast
Leeuwarden: D.Michaels 18+5reb+2ast, S.Givens 18+10reb+3ast, R.Holcomb Faye 14+3reb+7ast, H.Kherrazi 10+2ast, J.Williams 8+3reb+2ast, V.Lietmeijer 6+2reb

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

HUNGARY

Standings - A Division

A Division Standings

1. Albacomp		16-5
2. Atomeromu		16-5
3. Kaposvari		15-6
4. Jaszberenyi		13-8
5. Falco-Szova		11-10
6. Soproni		11-10
7. Kormend		10-11
8. PVSK Pannon		9-12
9. Szedeak		8-13
10. ZTE KK		8-13
11. Marso NYKK		7-14
12. FS Debrecen		2-19
13. Szolnok		0-0

Regular Season: Round 21

Feb. 23: Jaszberenyi - ZTE KK 90-62
Feb. 23: Szedeak - Kormend 85-87
Feb. 23: Kaposvari - Soproni 80-65
Feb. 23: PVSK Pannon - Atomeromu 64-80
Feb. 23: Marso NYKK - Albacomp 63-94
Feb. 27: Falco-Szova - FS Debrecen 130-42

Regular Season: Round 22

Mar. 2: Soproni - ZTE KK
Mar. 2: Kaposvari - Jaszberenyi
Mar. 2: Szedeak - PVSK Pannon
Mar. 2: Falco-Szova - Albacomp
Mar. 2: Kormend - Atomeromu
Mar. 2: FS Debrecen - Marso NYKK

A Division Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Marko SPICA
  Kaposvari
  (205-C/F-86)
  Avg: 20.6

1. Spica, Kaposvari	20.6
2. Dunn, Kaposvari	20.5
3. Smith, FS Debrecen	20.4
4. Swanston, Kapos.	20.4
5. Nelson, Marso N.	20.2
6. Buljan, Kormend	20.1
7. Legion, PVSK P.	19.7
8. Wood, Albacomp	19.5
9. Dramicanin, Jaszbe.	19.4
10. Shaw, Kormend	18.9

Rebounds Per Game

Rastko DRAMICANIN
  Jaszbere.
  (207-C-86)
  Avg: 9.2

1. Dramicanin, Jaszbe.	9.2
2. Davis, Marso N.	9.0
3. Simovic, ZTE K.	8.8
4. Barovic, Soproni	8.2
5. Csorvasi, Szedeak	8.0
6. Hendlein, Kaposvari	7.9
7. Buljan, Kormend	7.8
8. Keller, Albacomp	7.8
9. Markovic, Jaszbere.	7.6
10. Smith, FS Debrec.	7.5

Assists Per Game

Lorenzo WILLIAMS
  Atomeromu
  (189-PG-84)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Williams, Atomeromu	6.6
2. Moore, Albacomp	6.5
3. Thomas, Soproni	6.0
4. Dunn, Kaposvari	5.8
5. Rakic, Jaszberenyi	5.5
6. Nelson, Marso N.	5.3
7. Copeland, ZTE K.	5.3
8. Kalman, Falco-Sz.	5.2
9. Loesing, PVSK P.	4.6
10. Gaspar, ZTE K.	3.9

Steals Per Game

Anthony NELSON
  Marso N.
  (185-G-89)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Nelson, Marso N.	3.4
2. Dunn, Kaposvari	3.0
3. Smith, FS Debrecen	2.5
4. Moore, Albacomp	2.4
5. Buljan, Kormend	2.3
6. Davis, Marso N.	2.3
7. Kovacs, PVSK P.	2.1
8. Jones, Szedeak	2.0
9. Ivosev, Falco-Szo.	1.9
10. Williams, Atomero.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Akos KELLER
  Albacomp
  (208-F/C-89)
  Avg: 1.1

1. Keller, Albacomp	1.1
2. Davis, Marso N.	1.0
3. Barovic, Soproni	1.0
4. Hendlein, Kaposvari	0.8
5. Smith, FS Debrecen	0.8
6. Idlet, Atomeromu	0.7
7. Shaw, Kormend	0.7
8. Csorvasi, Szedeak	0.6
9. Fey, Falco-Szova	0.6
10. Ivosev, Falco-Sz.	0.6

Best players of Hungarian A Division round 21 - by Eurobasket News

American Kyle Austin (203-F-88) had an amazing evening in the last round for Kormend and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 21.
The 24-year old forward had a double-double of 21 points and twelve rebounds, while his team edged out Szedeak (#9, 8-13) 87-85. Kormend is placed at 7th position in Hungarian A Division. Kormend is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 10-11 record. Austin turned to be Kormend's top player in his first season with the team. Kyle Austin averages this season 23.0ppg and 8.6rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 22-year old Serbian forward Tomislav Ivosev (204-F-90) of Falco-Szova. Ivosev impressed basketball fans with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists. Of course he lead Falco-Szova to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked FS Debrecen (#12, 2-19) 130-42. This victory allowed Falco-Szova to move up to 5th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 11-10 record is not bad and everything may still change. Ivosev is a newcomer at Falco-Szova 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 Anthony Jones (191-G-84) of Szedeak (#9). Jones scored 28 points and passed four assists. Despite Jones' great performance Szedeak lost 85-87 to slightly higher-ranked Kormend (#7, 10-11). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Szedeak not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 13 games, recording just eight victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Jones could try to bring Szedeak's a little bit higher in the standings. Jones has a very solid season. In 11 games in Hungary he scored 14.9ppg. He also has 4.9rpg, 3.3apg and FGP: 59.4%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Gabor Drahos (185-PG-79) of Kaposvari - 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists
5. David Vojvoda (196-G/F-90) of Atomeromu - 29 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Milos Markovic (201-G/F-84) of Jaszberenyi - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Zeljko Zagorac (204-F-81) of Falco-Szova - 24 points and 7 rebounds
8. Akos Keller (208-F/C-89) of Albacomp - 15 points and 11 rebounds
9. Anthony Nelson (185-G-89) of Marso NYKK - 22 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists
10. Lorenzo Williams (189-PG-84) of Atomeromu - 16 points, 4 rebounds and 5 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)

Albacomp inks Jarrod Jones - by Levente Szabo

With the regular season ending this weekend, the Hungarian powerhouse Szolnoki Olajbanyasz will return to play in the Hungarian Leagues next stage. Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar, currently the top team of the Hungarian League's regular season is preparing for the next stage - where they will face Szolnoki Olajbanyasz - by strengthen its roster lately. As we reported they added Kevin Smith (195-F-89, college: Richmond) last week, and they officially signed American big man Jarrod Jones (205-F-90, college: Ball St.) now.

Jarrod Jones arrived today to Hungary from Ukraine. He spent his current rookie season with BC Kyiv, before agreeing terms with Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar. The 6'9" big man ran a solid season this year, averaging 13.9ppg and 8.5rpg in 27.9mpg on the court.

With the 3 import regulation in Hungary it will be interesting to see which player will be hurt by this latest addition as now beside the American-Hungarian dual citizen, Damian Hollis (203-F-88, agency: Two Points, college: G.Washington) (forward) the team has 4 imports: Ronald Moore (183-PG-88, college: Siena) (point-guard), Brandon Wood (187-G-89, agency: N.E.T., college: Michigan St.) (combo), Kevin Smith (forward) and Jarrod Jones (forward/center).

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

ICELAND

Standings - Iceland Express League

Express L. Standings

1. Grindavik		15-4
2. Snaefell		14-5
3. Thor Thorl		13-5
4. Stjarnan		12-7
5. Keflavik		12-7
6. KR		10-9
7. Njardvik		9-9
8. Skallagrimur		7-12
9. Tindastoll		6-12
10. IR		5-14
11. KFI		5-14
12. Fjolnir		4-14

Regular Season: Round 19

Feb. 28: IR - KFI 95-86 OT
Feb. 28: Snaefell - Keflavik 79-77
Feb. 28: Stjarnan - Skallagrimur 101-92
Feb. 28: Grindavik - KR 100-87
Mar. 1: Njardvik - Fjolnir
Mar. 1: Thor Thorl - Tindastoll

Stats Leaders (Men)

Points Per Game

Damier PITTS
  KFI
  (177-PG-89)
  Avg: 34.5

1. Pitts, KFI	34.5
2. Palm, IR	27.5
3. Smith, Thor Thorl	26.5
4. Medlock, Skallagri.	25.3
5. Jackson, Thor Thorl	22.7
6. Broussard, Grind.	22.5
7. Craion, Keflavik	22.1
8. Zeglinski, Grindav.	22.1
9. Shouse, Stjarnan	21.8
10. Quaintance, Skall.	20.0

Rebounds Per Game

Marcus VAN
  Njardvik
  (201-F/C-85)
  Avg: 14.6

1. Van, Njardvik	14.6
2. Craion, Keflavik	13.7
3. Quaintance, Skalla.	12.9
4. Valentine, Tindast.	10.0
5. Virijevic, KFI	10.0
6. McQueen, Snaefell	9.7
7. Mills, Stjarnan	9.6
8. Jackson, Thor Thorl	9.3
9. Broussard, Grind.	9.1
10. Flake, Thor Thorl	8.3

Assists Per Game

Jay THREATT
  Snaefell
  (180-G-89)
  Avg: 9.4

1. Threatt, Snaefell	9.4
2. Shouse, Stjarnan	8.4
3. Pitts, KFI	7.2
4. Zeglinski, Grindav.	6.5
5. Gibson, Tindastoll	6.2
6. Williams, IR	6.1
7. Smith, Thor Thorl	5.5
8. Fridriksson, Njard.	4.8
9. Valsson, Keflavik	4.6
10. Quaintance, Skall.	4.3

Steals Per Game

Haminn QUAINTANCE
  Skalla.
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Quaintance, Skalla.	2.8
2. Moore, Njardvik	2.5
3. Medlock, Skallagri.	2.5
4. Broussard, Grind.	2.4
5. Williams, IR	2.2
6. Viggosson, Tindast.	2.1
7. Pitts, KFI	2.0
8. Threatt, Snaefell	2.0
9. Jonsson, Thor Thorl	1.9
10. Valentine, Tindas.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Michael CRAION
  Keflavik
  (195-F-89)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Craion, Keflavik	2.2
2. Mills, Stjarnan	2.2
3. Bradshaw, KFI	1.7
4. Quaintance, Skalla.	1.7
5. Thorsteinsso., Gri.	1.3
6. Van, Njardvik	1.3
7. Acox, KR	1.2
8. Magnusson, KR	1.2
9. Valentine, Tindast.	1.2
10. Eiriksson, Skalla.	0.8

Standings - 1 Division

D1 Standings

1. Valur		11-1
2. Hamar		10-3
3. Haukar		10-3
4. Hottur		10-4
5. Breidablik		7-8
6. Thor AK		6-6
7. FSU		6-7
8. Reynir S.		2-11
9. IA		2-11
10. Augnablik		2-12

Regular Season: Round 15

Feb. 28: Hottur - Breidablik 85-83
Mar. 1: IA - Hamar
Mar. 1: Haukar - Augnablik
Mar. 1: FSU - Reynir S.
Mar. 1: Thor AK - Valur

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

IRELAND

Donnie McGrath selected the top Irish playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Donnie McGrath

#1. This week's number one is former international guard Donnie McGrath (193-84, college: Providence, currently plays in Lithuania). He contributed to Zalgiris' victory against the seventh-ranked Siauliai (7-7) 78-68 in the Lithuanian LKL in Monday night's game. McGrath scored 6 points and added 6 assists in 17 minutes on the court. It was his first game for Zalgiris this season. His team is placed third in the LKL. So far his team won all eight games in the Regular Season. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. McGrath is a naturalized American. He played for the Irish senior national team five years ago. Strangely McGrath has never played in Ireland.

Bryan Mullins

#2. Second place goes to former international point guard Bryan Mullins (185-87, college: S.Illinois, currently plays in France). Mullins led Chalons-Reims to a victory against the seventh-ranked SO Maritime Boulogne (14-10) 96-88 in the French ProB (second division) in Saturday night's game. He scored 13 points, made 4 passes and 3 steals. Chalons-Reims (16-8) is placed third in the ProB. Mullins is ranked third on the list of the most steals in the league. This season he averages: 8.0ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.9apg, 2.1spg, 2FGP: 49.0%, 3FGP: 35.1% and FT: 64.0%. Mullins is a naturalized American. He played for the Irish national team in 2009. Apparently Mullins has never played in Ireland.

Conor Grace

#3. The Irish player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Conor Grace (210-82, college: Davidson, currently plays in Sweden). He contributed to an easy victory against the third-ranked Sodertalje Kings (21-8) 78-63 in the Swedish Basketligan last Tuesday. Grace scored 6 points, had 6 rebounds and dished 4 assists in 24 minutes. LF Basket (14-16) is placed eighth in the Basketligan. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. This year Grace's overall stats are: 6.7ppg, 7.0rpg, 3.3apg, 2FGP: 44.4%, 3FGP: 44.4% in the three games he played so far. Former DCU St.Vincents Dublin starter played for the Irish national team four years ago.

Mark Reynolds

   #4. Forward Mark Reynolds (197-84, currently plays in United Kingdom), who plays in the British BBL could not help one of league's weakest teams Durham Wildcats to beat Plymouth Raiders (16-8). He recorded 7 points. Durham Wildcats was defeated 104-100 on the road by the higher-ranked Plymouth Raiders (#3). This season Reynolds averages only 1.3ppg. He used to play for the Irish national team back in 2007.

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

   #1. Will Hanley (200-G/F-90, agency: Duran International, college: Bowdoin, currently plays in Spain) led Oviedo CB to an overtime victory against the closely-ranked CB Guadalajara (10-6) 98-91 in the Spanish LEB Silver (third division) last Saturday. He recorded a double-double by scoring 23 points and getting 14 rebounds; quite an impressive performance considering it's only Hanley's third season in pro basketball. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Oviedo Club Baloncesto (12-4) is placed first in the LEB Silver. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. It's Hanley's first year with the team. Hanley is ranked first on the list of the top scorers in the league and also on the list of best rebounders (first place). He has individually a very good season with high stats. Hanley averages: 18.6ppg, 11.9rpg and 1.5spg. He is a naturalized American. Apparently Hanley has never played in Ireland.

   #2. Levon Kendall (209-F-84, college: Pittsburgh, currently plays in Spain), who plays in the Spanish ACB could not help Blusens Monbus (10-12) in their last game. Despite his good performance Blusens Monbus lost 77-84 on the road to the lower-ranked (#13) CB Canarias. Kendall recorded 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 38 minutes. Kendall has relatively good stats this year: 13.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.6apg and 1.1spg in the 22 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Canadian and Irish.

Other top Irish players, who play abroad:

Andrew James Ogilvy (211-C-88) plays for Brose Baskets Bamberg in German BBL
Colin O'Reilly (200-F-84) plays for Plymouth Raiders in British BBL
Mihajlo Pesic (206-F/C-81) plays for AEL in Cypriot Division A
Maurice Carter (191-G-74) plays for Chicago Fury in the ABA
Tony McCrory (199-G/F-77) plays for Starwings in Swiss LNA
Brian McCotter (186-G-84) plays for Northumbria in British EBL D1
James Kelly (183-PG-87) plays for Derbyshire Arrows in British EBL D2
Franklin Saunders (206-C-86) plays for Mansfield Giants Basketball Club in British EBL D2
Connor Ross (180-F-93) plays for Stuttgart ESV in German 2.Regionalliga

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

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

ISRAEL

Former Israeli national team captain trying to make a comeback - by Shai Levi

Former Israeli national team captain Yoav Saffar (207-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman) is trying to come out of retirement.

The 37 years old veteran small forward, who officially retired 9 years ago, is planning a comeback and since yesterday is practicing with Hapoel Holon, which is fighting against relegation to the minor league and seeking for help after that team captain, Sean Daniel, was banned by Fiba for six month for use of unauthorized substances.

With 9 games left on their schedule, Holon ranked 11th at the top Israeli league and has only 6 players on its roster that can play at this level after Daniel's ban.

Saffar is considered one of the greatest players in Israel basketball history. He grew up in Hapoel Holon Youth team and also started his proffesional career at Holon. At his prime he led Galil Elion to the playoffs finals and was playing for Israeli powerhouse, Maccabi Tel aviv, between the years 2001 and 2004.

Saffar was part of the team that won Eurolegue title at 2003-2004 but he had to retire from the game at the end of that season because He had several back injuries that hurt his game and finish his career at the age of 29.

As mentioned earlier, Saffar was a big part of Israeli National team and participated in three European champinships (1999,2001,2003).

In edittion, Holon agreed on terms with the naturalized American shooting guard, Omar Wattad. Wattad was born in Israel but moved with his family to United states when he was at a very young age.

He played with Georgetown Hoyas for 2 years and than moved to University of Tennessee Chatanooga for his last 2 years at the NCAA. Wattad started his professional career at Rustavi from the Georgian basketball league.

EuroLeague: Maccabi Electra stole a show from Fernando Buesa Arena - by Eurobasket News

Caja Laboral Vitoria - Maccabi Electra 62:66

Maccabi Electra stole a show from Fernando Buesa Arena. The Israeli team revenged for 1-point loss at home on January 3rd when the Spanish team won 71:70. Tonight Maccabi Electra celebrated a 66:62 win for 4-5 record. Caja Laboral Vitoria also dropped at the same record on the fifth place.
It was a slow start when the guests grabbed 11-10 lead. Caja Laboral Vitoria replied with 21-17 rally in the second frame and took 3-point advantage at the halftime. Caja Laboral Vitoria also won the third frame 16-15 but could not win the game. Maccabi Electra erupted with 23-15 surge in the last stanza for the final result.
Devin Smith (196-G/F-83, college: Virginia) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and David Logan (185-G-82, college: Indianapolis) added 16. Shawn James (207-C-83, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Northeastern) brought 11, while Ricky Hickman (189-PG-85, college: NC-Greensboro) delivered 10. Maciej Lampe (211-F/C-85) finished the game with 19 points for the home side and Fernando San Emeterio (198-F/G-84) scored 11. Thomas Heurtel (188-G-89) posted 9, whilst Fabien Causeur (193-SG-87) netted 6.

Caja Laboral Vitoria: Maciej Lampe 19, Fernando San Emeterio 11, Thomas Heurtel 9, Fabien Causeur 6
Maccabi Electra: Devin Smith 20, David Logan 16, Shawn James 11, Ricky Hickman 10

Israeli National League round 19 best performance: Tal Michael Dunne - by Eurobasket News

Naturalized Welsh forward Tal Michael Dunne (197-F-87) had a great game in the last round for top-ranked Ironi Nes-Ziona, receiving a Eurobasket.com National League Player of the Week award for round 19.
The 25-year old player had a double-double of 32 points and 10 rebounds, while his team beat Elitzur Yavne (#5, 13-6) 113-104. It allowed Ironi Nes-Ziona to consolidate first place in the Welsh National League. Ironi Nes-Ziona have a solid 16-3 record. It's Dunne's second year at Ironi Nes-Ziona and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Tal Michael Dunne averages this season 18.1ppg, 7.8rpg and 4.2apg.

The second best player in last round's games was 25-year old American Vernon Teel (193-G-87, agency: FCM) of Elitzur Ramla. Teel had a very good evening with a triple-double of 29 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. Of course he lead Elitzur Ramla to another comfortable win outscoring slightly lower-ranked Hapoel K/S (#10, 6-13) 93-65. The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. Elitzur Ramla keeps 9th position. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 8-11 record. Teel is a newcomer at Elitzur Ramla, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 23.6ppg (#1). His other stats are also decent: 9.8rpg and 6.2apg.

Third on the list of top players last round was another Elitzur Ramla's star - American Johndre Jefferson (207-C/F-88). Jefferson showcased his all-around game by recording 18 points, twenty three rebounds (!!!) and four assists in the last round. He was another key player of Elitzur Ramla, helping his team with a 93-65 easy win against slightly lower-ranked Hapoel K/S (#10, 6-13). The chances of Elitzur Ramla ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 11 games, recording just eight victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Jefferson could help Elitzur Ramla to bring them higher in the standings. Jefferson has a great season in Israel. After 14 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 14.1rpg (#1 in league). He also has 3.7bpg and FGP: 65.5%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Chukwudinma Odiakosa (203-F/C-85) of Hod Hasharon - 21 points and 18 rebounds
5. Bilal Benn (196-G/F-86) of Ironi Nes-Ziona - 26 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Keith Ramsey (205-C/F-87) of Ironi Ramat Gan - 14 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Jermaine Hall (196-F-80) of Macc.B.Yaakov - 27 points and 13 rebounds
8. Nate Miller (193-G-87) of Ironi Nahariya - 24 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Dallis Joyner (203-F-90) of Maccabi K/B - 21 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Anton Kazarnovski (205-F/C-85) of Hapoel Kazrin - 20 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists

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

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

ITALY

Marco Belinelli selected the top Italian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Marco Belinelli

#1. This week's number one is former international guard Marco Belinelli (196-86, currently plays in NBA). Belinelli led Chicago Bulls to an easy victory against the Charlotte Bobcats (13-44) crushing them 105-75 in the NBA last Friday. He scored 12 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished 5 assists. The Chicago Bulls have 32-25 record this season. It's Belinelli's first year with the team. Belinelli has relatively good stats this year: 9.5ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.7apg, 2FGP: 43.3%, 3FGP: 35.6% and FT: 83.2%. He played for the Italian senior national team two years ago.

Danilo Gallinari

#2. Second place goes to an international small forward Danilo Gallinari (205-88, agency: Players Group, currently plays in NBA). He contributed to a Denver Nuggets' victory against the Charlotte Bobcats (13-44) 113-99 in the NBA in Saturday night's game. Gallinari scored 6 points and blocked 2 blocks in 15 minutes. The Denver Nuggets have a solid 37-22 record this season. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Gallinari has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 16.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.4apg, 2FGP: 45.8%, 3FGP: 37.7% and FT: 80.9% in the 54 games he played so far. Gallinari is in the roster of the Italian senior national team.

Andrea Bargnani

#3. The Italian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international power forward Andrea Bargnani (209-85, currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA. Bargnani could not help the Toronto Raptors (23-35) to beat the Washington Wizards (18-38). He scored 8 points. The Toronto Raptors were defeated 90-84 on the road by the Wizards. Bargnani is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his seventh year in Raptors' roster. This season Bargnani has very high stats. He averages: 12.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 44.7%, 3FGP: 28.4% and FT: 83.6%. Bargnani played for the Italian national team two years ago.

Amedeo Della Valle

   #4. Guard Amedeo Della Valle (196-93, currently plays college basketball in the States) helped Ohio St. win their game against the University of Minnesota (6-8) crushing them 71-45 in the NCAA last Wednesday. Della Valle scored 6 points in only 7 minutes. The Ohio State University has a solid 10-5 conference record this season. There are only three games left until the end of the NCAA Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. It's Della Valle's first year with the team. He has very impressive stats this season: 19.3ppg, 15.5rpg, 1.8apg and 1.3spg in the four games. Della Valle used to play for the Italian U18 national team back in 2010.

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

   #1. Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83, agency: Edge Sports, currently plays in Euroleague) led his Spanish team Regal FC Barcelona to an easy victory against the seventh-ranked Fenerbahce Ulker (2-6) crushing them 99-60 in the Euroleague in Thursday night's game. He scored 14 points, grabbed 5 boards, dished 4 assists and stole 3 balls in only a mere 14 minutes. Regal FC Barcelona (7-1) is placed first in group F. It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row. This year Huertas averages: 8.8ppg, 2.2rpg and 3.2apg in the 18 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Brazilian and Italian.

   #2. Experienced Leandro Garcia Morales (186-PG-80, college: Texas A&M, currently plays in Uruguay) led Aguada to a victory over the second-ranked Olimpia (6-4) 87-80 in the Uruguayan LUB on Monday night. Garcia Morales was MVP of the game. He recorded 42 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 4 assists (made all of his eighteen free throws !!!) in 40 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Serie 1. Atletico Aguadais placed first. It's Garcia Morales' first season with the team. Garcia Morales has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 26.3ppg, 6.5rpg, 5.0apg and 1.6spg in the 33 games. Garcia Morales is another player who holds two passports: Italian and Uruguayan.

   #3. Guilherme Giovannoni (203-F-80, agency: Interperformances, currently plays in Brazil) was the major contributor in Brasilia's victory against the league leader Flamengo (23-2) 82-70 in the Brazilian NBB in Thursday night's game. He recorded 17 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Uniceub/BRB/Brasilia (20-4) is placed second in the NBB. It was his team's 11th consecutive victory in a row. Giovannoni is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fourth year in Brasilia's roster. Giovannoni is currently fifth on the list of best rebounders and also on the list of most steals (third place). This season he has very high stats. Giovannoni averages: 17.5ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.0apg and 1.1bpg. He has both Italian and Brazilian nationalities.

   #4. Mauricio Aguiar (197-F-83, agency: Players Group, currently plays in Uruguay) was the main contributor in Hebraica's victory against the third-ranked Sayago (5-5) 92-78 in the Uruguayan LUB last Friday. Aguiar was MVP of the game. He scored 23 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 40 minutes. Hebraica Macabi (2-5) is placed eighth in Serie 1. Aguiar has very impressive stats this year: 18.8ppg, 3.3rpg and 3.4apg in the 33 games. He also holds two passports: Italian and Uruguayan.

   #5. Angelo Caloiaro (203-F-89, college: USF, currently plays in Bulgaria) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Beroe (7-11) 100-85 in the Bulgarian NBL on Friday night. Caloiaro scored 18 points, had 7 rebounds and dished 3 assists; quite an impressive performance considering it's only his third season in pro basketball. Rilski Sportist Samokov (13-5) is placed third in the NBL. This season Caloiaro averages: 7.5ppg, 4.0rpg and 1.3apg. He is a naturalized American. Strangely Caloiaro has never played in Italy.

   #6. Jayson Granger (186-G-89, currently plays in Spain), who plays in the Spanish ACB could not help Asefa Estudiantes (12-10) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Granger's good performance Asefa Estudiantes was defeated 86-78 on the road by the lower-ranked Cajasol (#14). He recorded 12 points and added 4 passes. This season Granger has relatively solid stats: 10.2ppg, 3.0rpg and 3.3apg. He holds both Uruguayan and Italian passports. Worth to mention he played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

   #7. Luis Felipe Gruber (205-F-85, currently plays in Brazil), who plays in the Brazilian NBB was not able to help Uberlandia (17-8) in their last game. Despite Gruber's very good performance Uberlandia lost 86-96 at home to the much lower-ranked (#12) Winner/Limeira. He was the second best scorer with 19 points. Gruber also added 6 rebounds in 34 minutes. Gruber has very impressive stats this year: 15.4ppg, 4.3rpg and 1.5apg in the 25 games. He has Italian and Brazilian nationalities.

   #8. Fulvio de Assis (186-PG-81, currently plays in Liga Americas) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Mavort crushing them 102-68 in the Liga Americas last Friday. He recorded 9 points and added 11 assists in 23 minutes. de Assis is currently second on the league's list of best passers with 7.3apg. This year he also averages: 4.7ppg and 3.0rpg in the three games. de Assis holds both Italian and Brazilian passports.

   #9. Ryan Amoroso (205-F-85, college: San Diego St., currently plays in Iceland) contributed to an easy victory against one of league's weakest teams Fjolnir crushing them 108-77 in the Icelandic Dominos League on Thursday night. He was MVP of the game. Amoroso recorded a double-double by scoring 25 points and getting 17 rebounds. He also added and 3 steals. This season Amoroso has very high stats. He averages: 19.3ppg, 15.5rpg, 1.8apg and 1.3spg. Amoroso is a naturalized American. He used to play for Aget Imola in Italian league.

   #10. Anthony Raffa (185-PG, currently plays college basketball in the States) contributed to an easy victory against the Winthrop University 73-54 in the NCAA in Wednesday night's game. Raffa recorded 18 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 37 minutes. He has very impressive stats this year: 19.3ppg, 15.5rpg, 1.8apg and 1.3spg in the four games. Raffa is a naturalized American. Strangely he has never played in Italy.

Tezenis Verona cut Ghersetti - by Eurobasket News

Tezenis Verona (Lega2) cut 32-year old naturalized Argentinian forward Mario Jose Ghersetti (201-110kg-81). In 17 Lega2 games he averaged 9.2ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.2apg and 1.6spg this season.
The last season Ghersetti played at Centrale del Latte Brescia. In 30 games he had 14.3ppg, 5.9rpg and 2.0spg. It was a very successful season in his career as he was selected to Eurobasket.com Italian Lega2 All-Domestic Players Team.
Ghersetti's team was regular season runner-up in Italian A dilettanti Group A in 2011.
He has played previously professionally in Argentina (Penarol and C.Entrerriano) and Italy (MiroRadici Finance Vigevano, Porto Torres and Prima Veroli).
Ghersetti's game is described as: A very strong inside player, who plays with great heart and hustle. Sometimes he tends to play out of control, however, and he will become very better the day he will improve his game-reading.

By Eurobasket Data Center

San Severo waives Andrea Iannilli - by Eurobasket News

Mazzeo San Severo (Nazionale A) released 29-year old domestic center Andrea Iannilli (207-109kg-84). In 21 Nazionale A games he had 14.3ppg, 10.7rpg (#2 in the league), 2.3apg and 1.5spg this season.
The last season Iannilli played at BPMed Basket Napoli. In 33 Nazionale A games he recorded 10.1ppg, 9.7rpg, 2.7apg and 1.2spg. He helped them to win the regular season. Quite impressive year as he was named to Eurobasket.com All-Italian Nazionale A Honorable Mention.
The most of previous (10-11) season Iannilli spent at Prima Veroli (Lega2). But in 16 games he recorded just 0.9ppg and 1.6rpg that season. He contributed to his team making it to the semifinals. Iannilli also played at Lottomatica Roma (SerieA) that season. In three games he recorded only 0.7ppg. He also played 2 games in Euroleague but he recorded only 0.5ppg and 2.5rpg.
Iannilli was a member of Italian U20 National Team back in 2003.
He has played previously for five other Italy teams: Banco di Sardegna Sassari, Aget Service Imola, Angelico Biella, Givova Scafati and Roma S.Azzurra.
On Iannilli: A young inside player who is working on his perimetral skills to play even in the 4 position.

By Eurobasket Data Center

San Severo waives Andrea Iannilli - by Eurobasket News

Mazzeo San Severo (Nazionale A) released 29-year old domestic center Andrea Iannilli (207-109kg-84). In 21 Nazionale A games he had 14.3ppg, 10.7rpg (#2 in the league), 2.3apg and 1.5spg this season.
The last season Iannilli played at BPMed Basket Napoli. In 33 Nazionale A games he recorded 10.1ppg, 9.7rpg, 2.7apg and 1.2spg. He helped them to win the regular season. Quite impressive year as he was named to Eurobasket.com All-Italian Nazionale A Honorable Mention.
The most of previous (10-11) season Iannilli spent at Prima Veroli (Lega2). But in 16 games he recorded just 0.9ppg and 1.6rpg that season. He contributed to his team making it to the semifinals. Iannilli also played at Lottomatica Roma (SerieA) that season. In three games he recorded only 0.7ppg. He also played 2 games in Euroleague but he recorded only 0.5ppg and 2.5rpg.
Iannilli was a member of Italian U20 National Team back in 2003.
He has played previously for five other Italy teams: Banco di Sardegna Sassari, Aget Service Imola, Angelico Biella, Givova Scafati and Roma S.Azzurra.
On Iannilli: A young inside player who is working on his perimetral skills to play even in the 4 position.

By Eurobasket Data Center

EuroLeague: Montepaschi Siena cruise past Fenerbahce - by Eurobasket News

Montepaschi Siena - Fenerbahce 87:69

Montepaschi eased past Fenerbahce in Siena tonight. The victory propelled the Italian champions at 7-2 record in Group F. Aleksandar Rasic (195-PG-84, agency: Beo Basket) led well-balanced effort with 16 points for the hosts.
Montepaschi led by just three points after ten minutes of action 21:18. However the hosts erupted for 28 points in the second frame to clear off. The Siena outfit established a comfortable 49:35 halftime advantage. Fenerbahce stopped the rot in the third term. The Turkish team adjusted their defence and limited Siena to 16 points in the period. Fenerbahce were able to get within 12 points at the final intermission. Montepaschi regained composure in the final quarter and raced to a confident win at the end. Daniel Hackett (200-PG-87, agency: Two Points, college: USC) netted 13 points, while David Moss (196-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana St.) and Bobby Brown (188-PG-84, college: CS Fullerton) contributed 12 points each for the winners. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SG-89) answered with 22 points for Fenerbahce. Bo McCalebb (178-PG-85, college: New Orleans) netted 10 points in the loss.

Montepaschi Siena: Aleksandar Rasic 16, Daniel Hackett 13, David Moss 12, Bobby Brown 12
Fenerbahce: Bojan Bogdanovic 22, Bo McCalebb 10

Riccardo Castelli joins Recanati - by Eurobasket News

La Fortezza Recanati (Nazionale A) agreed terms with 25-year old forward Riccardo Castelli (200-88). He supposed to play at Moncada Solar Agrigento, the newcomer in Nazionale A. In 12 games he had 10.8ppg, 5.3rpg and 1.3spg this season. The last season Castelli played at Assigeco Casalpusterlengo. In 32 Nazionale A games he recorded 6.5ppg, 3.6rpg and 1.6spg.
The previous (10-11) season he played at Blu Basket CoMark Treviglio. In 21 Nazionale A games he recorded 8.0ppg, 5.2rpg and 1.3spg that season. Castelli represented Italy at the European Championships U18 in Amaliada (Greece) seven years ago. His stats at that event were 8 games: 2.0ppg, 2.0rpg.
Castelli has played previously for another Italian team Asti.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Tezenis Verona tabs Dimitri Lauwers, ex Oostende - by Eurobasket News

Tezenis Verona (Lega2) inked 34-year old former Belgian international guard Dimitri Lauwers (187-83kg-79). He has a double citizenship as he also holds Italian passport. Lauwers played most recently at Telenet Oostende in Belgian Ethias League. In 14 games he averaged 4.4ppg, 1.8rpg and 1.0apg last season. He helped them to win the league title. Lauwers also spent the start of the season at Air Avellino (SerieA) that year. In 20 games he had just 2.7ppg and 1.3rpg.
Among other achievements he received Eurobasket.com Italian SerieA All-Newcomers Team award back in 2005. Lauwers also represented Belgium at the European Championships in Lithuania two years ago. His stats at that event were 5 games: 7.0ppg, 1.2rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 25.0%, 3PT: 52.6%, FT: 75.0%.
Lauwers has played previously professionally in France (Cholet and JDA Dijon) and Italy (Cimberio Varese, Trenkwalder RE, BancaTercas, Givova Scafati and SAIE3 Bologna).
His game is described as: A natural shooting guard, with explosive athletic skills, 3-pts range and a quick release of the ball; his passing skills allow him to play the point too, and he could also adapt in this position by maturing.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Riccardo Castelli joins Recanati - by Eurobasket News

La Fortezza Recanati (Nazionale A) agreed terms with 25-year old forward Riccardo Castelli (200-88). He supposed to play at Moncada Solar Agrigento, the newcomer in Nazionale A. In 12 games he had 10.8ppg, 5.3rpg and 1.3spg this season. The last season Castelli played at Assigeco Casalpusterlengo. In 32 Nazionale A games he recorded 6.5ppg, 3.6rpg and 1.6spg.
The previous (10-11) season he played at Blu Basket CoMark Treviglio. In 21 Nazionale A games he recorded 8.0ppg, 5.2rpg and 1.3spg that season. Castelli represented Italy at the European Championships U18 in Amaliada (Greece) seven years ago. His stats at that event were 8 games: 2.0ppg, 2.0rpg.
Castelli has played previously for another Italian team Asti.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

IVORY COAST

Pape-Philippe Amagou selected the top Ivorian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Pape-Philippe Amagou

#1. This week's number one is an international guard Pape-Philippe Amagou (185-85, agency: Beo Basket, currently plays in France). He led Chorale de Roanne to a victory over the 11th-ranked Limoges CSP Elite (3-13) 90-77 in the French ProA in Saturday night's game. Amagou was MVP of the game. He scored 23 points and added 7 passes in 31 minutes on the court. Chorale de Roanne Basket (10-10) is placed seventh in the ProA. It's Amagou's first season with the team. Amagou has relatively good stats this year: 12.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.6apg, 2FGP: 37.8% and FT: 73.3% in the 20 games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Ivorian and French. Despite Amagou played previously for the French U20 national team, he is currently a member of the Ivorian senior national team.

Souleyman Diabate

#2. Second place goes to an international point guard Souleyman Diabate (183-87, also represented by Beo Basket, currently plays in France), who plays in the French ProA. Diabate could not help Sluc Nancy (7-13) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his very good performance Sluc Nancy was defeated 85-78 on the road by the much higher-ranked STB Le Havre (#6). Diabate was the top scorer with 20 points. He also added 6 rebounds and dished 7 assists. Diabate is currently second on the league's list of best passers and also on the list of most steals (first place). He has very reliable stats this season: 14.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 6.6apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 47.4%, 3FGP: 32.2% and FT: 82.2%. Diabate is another player who holds two passports: Ivorian and French. He is in the roster of the Ivorian senior national team.

Adjehi Baru

#3. The Ivorian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international power forward Adjehi Baru (206-91, currently plays college basketball in the States). Baru contributed to a 2-point Charleston's victory against the Western Carolina University (8-8) 67-65 in the NCAA on Wednesday night. He scored 13 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 30 minutes. The College of Charleston has a solid 12-4 conference record this season. There are only two games left until the end of the NCAA Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. This year Baru has relatively solid stats: 14.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 6.6apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 47.4%, 3FGP: 32.2% and FT: 82.2% in the 20 games. He is also a member of the Ivorian senior national team.

Mohamed Kone

#4. Center Mohamed Kone (211-81, college: Valparaiso, currently plays in Iran), who plays in the Iranian Superleague was not able to help Foolad Mahan (15-3) in their last game on Monday. Despite his good performance Foolad Mahan was defeated 96-89 at home by the lower-ranked Mahram (#3). Kone recorded 10 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Kone belongs to league's best rebounders (ranked #3) and also on the list of best passers (sixth place). This season he averages: 7.7ppg, 6.8rpg and 1.3apg. Kone has both Ivorian and French nationalities. He is also Ivorian national team player.

Mamadou Lamizana

#5. Former international power forward Mamadou Lamizana (207-81, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: Rutgers, currently plays in Taiwan) was the main contributor in a Yulon Luxgen's victory against the closely-ranked Bank of Taiwan (9-17) 94-83 in the Taiwanese SBL last Sunday. He was the best player in that game. Lamizana recorded a double-double by scoring 38 points and getting 10 rebounds. He also added 3 assists. Yulon Luxgen (14-13) is placed fourth in the SBL. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. Lamizana has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 22.9ppg, 12.3rpg, 3.3apg, 2.8bpg and 1.4spg. Lamizana also holds two passports: Ivorian and French. He used to play for the Ivorian national team two years ago.

Jonathan Kale

#6. Forward Jonathan Kale (203-85, college: Providence, currently plays in Spain) was not able to secure a victory for Leyma Basquet (7-12) in their game against River Andorra (17-2) in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division), despite his good performance on Sunday night. Kale recorded 10 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks in 29 minutes. But Leyma Basquet lost 57-71 on the opponent's court to the leading River_Andorra. Kale has reliable stats this year: 12.1ppg and 5.9rpg in the 19 games. He holds both American and Ivorian passports. Kale is a former international player as he played for the Ivorian senior team two years ago.

Errick Craven

#7. Former international guard Errick Craven (188-83, college: USC, currently plays in France) couldn't help one of league's weakest teams Saint Vallier (8-16) in their game against Hyeres-Toulon (9-15) in the French ProB (second division). Despite his good performance in Saturday night's game He was the second best scorer with 12 points. Craven also added 6 rebounds and dished 4 assists. Craven is currently first on the league's list of best passers and also on the list of most steals (second place). This season he has very good stats: 14.5ppg, 5.3rpg, 6.8apg and 2.4spg. Craven holds both American and Ivorian passports. He used to play for the Ivorian national team two years ago.

Guy Landry Edi

#8. Forward Guy Landry Edi (198-86, currently studies in the States) managed to help Gonzaga University in a victory against the Santa Clara University (8-6) crushing them 85-42 in the NCAA in Wednesday night's game. Edi scored only 1 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 8 minutes on the court. The Gonzaga University has quite an impressive 14-0 conference record this season. So far his team won all fourteen games in the conference. There are only two games left until the end of the NCAA Regular Season. So now every game will be important. This year Edi's overall stats are: 7.7ppg, 1.9rpg and 1.5apg in the 22 games. He plays currently for the Ivorian national team.

Issife Soumahoro

#9. Former international forward Issife Soumahoro (197-88, currently plays in France) contributed to a 2-point Fos Ouest's victory against the second-ranked ALM Evreux (17-7) 77-75 in the French ProB (second division) last Friday. Soumahoro scored 6 points. Fos Ouest Provence Basket (15-9) is placed sixth in the ProB. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. This season Soumahoro averages only 2.3ppg. He used to play for the Ivorian national team three years ago.

Charles Abouo

   #10. Swingman Charles Abouo (195-89, college: BYU, currently plays in Spain) contributed to a 3-point Lobe Huesca's victory against the league outsider Melilla Baloncesto (4-15) 79-76 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) on Friday night. Abouo recorded only 2 points in 22 minutes. CB Lobe Huesca (8-11) is placed tenth in the LEB Gold. This year Abouo's total stats are: 8.6ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.4spg in the 19 games. He is a former international player as three years ago he still played for the Ivorian senior national team.

   #11. An experienced international swingman Wilfrid Aka (192-79, currently plays in France) contributed to Blois' victory against the closely-ranked Union Rennes 65-51 in the French NM1 (third division) in Saturday night's game. Aka scored only 2 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Aka has averaged so far 5.3ppg, 2.8rpg and 1.2apg. He plays currently for the Ivorian national team.

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

   #1. Alain Koffi (207-C-83, agency: Beo Basket, currently plays in France), who plays in the French ProA could not help Le Mans (12-8) to beat Gravelines-Dunkerque (15-5). Koffi scored only 4 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Le Mans was edged 71-68 on the road by the leading Gravelines-Dunkerque. This season Koffi averages: 6.7ppg and 3.9rpg. He has a dual citizenship: Ivorian and French.

   #2. Patrick Konan (198-F-90, currently plays college basketball in the States) led New Hampshire to a victory against the Binghamton University 68-56 in the NCAA last Saturday. Konan scored 18 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 38 minutes. The University of New Hampshire has not so impressive 4-10 conference record this season. There are only two games left until the end of the NCAA Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. This year Konan's overall stats are: 6.7ppg and 3.9rpg in the 20 games he played so far.

   #3. Kafil Eyitayo (201-F, currently plays in Canada), who plays in the Canadian university league CIS was not able to help the Concordia University (11-5) in their last game. Despite Eyitayo's good performance the Concordia University (#2) was crushed 84-62 in Quebec City, QC by the Rouge et Or. He was the second best scorer with 13 points. Eyitayo also added 8 rebounds in 30 minutes. It was Concordia University's first loss after three consecutive victories. The Regular Season already ended. Eyitayo is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fifth year in Concordia University's roster. He is ranked fourth on the list of the best blockers in the league with 1.6bpg. Eyitayo also averaged so far 8.2ppg, 8.8rpg and 1.1spg in the 17 games.

   #4. Armand Anebo (195-SF-87, currently plays in United Kingdom) was the major contributor in a Leeds Carnegie's victory against the closely-ranked Northumbria (12-6) 71-66 in the British EBL D1 (second division) last Wednesday. Anebo scored 17 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 32 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Leeds Carnegie (13-5) is placed second in the EBL D1. It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row. Anebo's stats this year are: 12.9ppg, 8.1rpg and 1.6apg in the nine games.

   #5. Mohamed Toure (190-G-92, agency: Players Group, currently plays in Italy) contributed to an easy victory against the 17th-ranked Mazzeo San Severo (8-16) crushing them 84-57 in the Italian Nazionale A (third division) on Saturday night. He scored 7 points and added 3 passes. Paffoni Omegna (13-9) is placed fourth in the Nazionale A. Toure's overall stats this season are: 7.7ppg, 1.9rpg and 1.5apg. He is another player who holds two passports: Ivorian and Italian. Despite Toure's Ivorian nationality, he currently plays for the Italian U20 national team and is not eligible to play for the Ivorian team.

   #6. Rolic Medenouvo (194-F-90, currently plays in France) was not able to secure a victory for Vendee Challans in their game against Cognac in the French NM1 (third division). Medenouvo cannot count Saturday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 2 points in 3 minutes on the court. His team was edged 69-66. Medenouvo has averaged so far 3.3ppg and 1.7rpg in the 19 games. He has both Ivorian and French nationalities.

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

JAMAICA

Roy Hibbert selected the top Jamaican playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Roy Hibbert

#1. This week's number one is former international center Roy Hibbert (218-86, college: Georgetown, currently plays in NBA). He led Indiana Pacers to a victory against the Golden State Warriors (33-25) 108-97 in the NBA in Tuesday night's game. Hibbert scored 13 points, had 9 rebounds and made 5 blocks in 28 minutes on the court. The Indiana Pacers have a solid 36-21 record this season. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. It's Hibbert's fifth year with the team. He belongs to league's best blockers and is ranked #3 with 2.7bpg. Hibbert also averaged so far 10.0ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 42.2% and FT: 70.3% in the 57 games he played so far. He is a naturalized American. Hibbert played for the Jamaican senior national team three years ago.

Akeem Scott

#2. Second place goes to an international point guard Akeem Scott (186-83, college: High Point, currently plays in Liga Americas). He was the major contributor in Pioneros' victory against the closely-ranked Mavort (0-3) 81-66 in the LNBP on Saturday night. Scott scored 14 points. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Pioneros de Quintana Roo-Cancun (2-1) is placed second in the LNBP. The Regular Season already ended in the LNBP. It's Scott's first season with the team. He has individually a very good year with high stats. Scott averages: 22.4ppg, 7.5rpg, 5.5apg, 2.6spg, 2FGP: 46.7%, 3FGP: 14.3% and FT: 63.5%. He is a naturalized American. Worth to mention Scott played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball. Scott is in the roster of the Jamaican senior national team.

Patrick Ewing Jr.

#3. The Jamaican player who performed third best last week abroad was an international forward Patrick Ewing Jr. (203-84, college: Georgetown, currently plays in Spain), who plays in the Spanish ACB. Ewing Jr. could not help Blancos de Rueda (8-14) to beat Unicaja Malaga (10-12). He recorded 9 points in 15 minutes. But Blancos de Rueda lost 84-89 on the road to the higher-ranked (#10) Unicaja Malaga. This year Ewing Jr.'s overall stats are: 6.5ppg, 1.7rpg, 2FGP: 45.0% and FT: 75.0% in the six games. He is a naturalized American. Ewing Jr. is also a member of the Jamaican senior national team.

Kevin Young

#4. Center Kevin Young (206-84, college: Missouri, currently plays in Japan), who plays in the Japanese JBL was not able to help Aishin Sea Horses (27-7) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Young's good performance the league leader Aishin Sea Horses were badly defeated 84-67 in Kanagawa by the lower-ranked Toshiba Thunders (#3). He was the second best scorer with 10 points. Young also added 2 blocks. Young's total stats this season are: 9.6ppg, 6.7rpg and 1.2apg. He used to play for the Jamaican national team back in 2006.

Ryan Reid

#5. Former international power forward Ryan Reid (203-86, college: Florida St., currently plays in France) contributed to a Chorale de Roanne's victory against the 11th-ranked Limoges CSP Elite (3-13) 90-77 in the French ProA in Saturday night's game. Reid scored 6 points and blocked 2 shots in only 11 minutes. Chorale de Roanne Basket (10-10) is placed seventh in the ProA. This year Reid's total stats are: 5.4ppg and 3.9rpg in the 17 games. He is a naturalized American. Reid used to play for the Jamaican national team two years ago.

Vashil Fernandez

   #6. Forward Vashil Fernandez (208-92, currently plays college basketball in the States) managed to help Valparaiso University to win against the Eastern Kentucky University (11-3) crushing them 82-60 in the NCAA in Saturday night's game. Fernandez scored only 2 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. The Valparaiso University has quite an impressive 11-3 conference record this season. His team will play only one more game in the NCAA Regular Season. And that game will be critical. Fernandez has averaged so far 8.2ppg and 2.5rpg. He is a naturalized American. Fernandez is an international player who is currently on the senior Jamaican National Team roster.

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

   #1. Corey Muirhead (197-F-83, college: W.Carolina, currently plays in Czech Republic), who plays in the Czech Republic NBL could not help BK Pardubice (17-8) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite his very good performance the fifth-placed BK Pardubice was defeated 99-86 on the road by the higher-ranked BK Prostejov (#3) in the Group A1. Muirhead recorded a double-double by scoring 26 points and getting 10 rebounds. He also added 4 assists. Muirhead is ranked fourth on the list of the best rebounders in the league. He has very reliable stats this season: 14.5ppg, 8.3rpg, 3.3apg and 1.2spg. Muirhead has a dual citizenship: Canadian and Jamaican.

   #2. Jevohn Shepherd (196-F-86, college: Michigan, currently plays in Romania), who plays in the Romanian Liga Nationala was not able to help CSM Bucuresti (15-9) in their last game. Despite his very good performance CSM Bucuresti was edged 93-91 at home by the lower-ranked (#11) Targu Mures. Shepherd was the top scorer with 24 points in 31 minutes. Shepherd is currently third on the league's list of top scorers with 19.2ppg. This year his other stats are: 4.3rpg, 2.1apg and 1.8spg in the 23 games he played so far. Shepherd is another player who holds two passports: Canadian and Jamaican.

   #3. Adrian Uter (200-F/C-84, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Hofstra, currently plays in Israel) contributed to a Maccabi Rishon's victory against the closely-ranked Bnei Hasharon (8-10) 88-82 in the Israeli Winner League in Sunday night's game. He scored 8 points, had 12 rebounds and made 4 blocks. Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion (9-9) is placed sixth in the Winner League. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Uter is currently sixth on the league's list of best rebounders and also on the list of best blockers (third place). He has very reliable stats this season: 13.4ppg, 9.6rpg, 1.9apg, 1.7bpg and 1.1spg. Uter is a naturalized American.

   #4. Experienced Corey Williams (191-G-77, college: Alabama St., currently plays in Lebanon), who plays in the Lebanese Division A was not able to secure a victory for Bejjeh (5-12) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Bejjeh lost 71-77 on their home court in Bejjeh to the higher-ranked (#4) Amchit. Williams was the second best scorer with 24 points. He also added 7 rebounds and dished 7 assists in 32 minutes. The Regular Season already ended. Williams is currently eighth on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of best passers (sixth place). He has individually a very good year with high stats. Williams averages: 22.4ppg, 7.5rpg, 5.5apg and 2.6spg in the 17 games. He is a naturalized American.

   #5. Sherman Gay (201-PF-82, college: Loyola Mary, currently plays in France) led Le Portel to a victory over the tenth-ranked Charleville-Mezieres (8-12) 76-64 in the French ProB (second division) in Friday night's game. He was MVP of the game. Gay had a double-double by scoring 16 points and getting 13 rebounds. He also added 3 blocks in 31 minutes. ESSM Le Portel Cote d'Opale (16-8) is placed fourth in the ProB. Gay belongs to league's best blockers and is ranked #2 with 1.8bpg. He also averaged so far 16.3ppg and 6.4rpg in the 24 games. Gay is a naturalized American.

   #6. Bryan Bailey (185-SG-80, college: Bucknell, currently plays in Germany), who plays in the German BBL couldn't help BBC Bayreuth (10-14) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his very good performance BBC Bayreuth was badly defeated 88-72 in Ulm by the much higher-ranked ratiopharm (#5). Bailey was the top scorer with 15 points. He also added 5 rebounds and dished 3 assists. Bailey has relatively good stats this season: 12.0ppg, 2.8rpg and 2.6apg. He is a naturalized American.

   #7. Garry Gallimore (192-G-84, currently plays in Romania) helped Timisoara win their game against one of league's weakest teams Miercurea Ciuc 89-71 in the Romanian Liga Nationala in Wednesday night's game. He scored 9 points. Gallimore's total stats this season are: 9.5ppg, 2.6rpg and 2.1apg. He has both Jamaican and Canadian nationalities. Despite Gallimore's Jamaican passport, he previously played for the Canadian university national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Jamaican team.

   #8. Jermaine Anderson (188-G-83, college: Fordham, currently plays in Germany) helped New Yorker Phantoms win their game against the sixth-ranked Artland Dragons 81-68 in the German BBL last Saturday. Anderson scored 11 points in 23 minutes. This year Anderson's total stats are: 8.1ppg, 2.0rpg and 2.8apg in the 12 games. He also holds two passports: Canadian and Jamaican.

   #9. Sebastian Douglas (193-G-91, currently plays college basketball in the States) couldn't help the Cleveland St. in their game against the Wright State University in the NCAA. He scored 6 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. His team was defeated 50-41. Douglas has averaged so far 5.4ppg and 3.9rpg. He is a naturalized American.

   #10. Jermaine Bucknor (199-F-83, college: Richmond, currently plays in Germany) helped TBB Trier win their game against the league outsider LTi 46ers 77-72 in the German BBL on Saturday night. Bucknor scored 6 points in 17 minutes. Bucknor has averaged so far 8.2ppg and 2.5rpg in the 23 games. He has Jamaican and Canadian nationalities.

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

JAPAN

Japanese BJ League round 38 best performance: Paul Williams - by Eurobasket News

American power forward Paul Williams (208-F/C-83, agency: I.D.S. Law) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Takamatsu FA, receiving a Asia-basket.com BJ League Player of the Week award for round 38.
The 29-year old player had a double-double of 27 points and 19 rebounds, while his team beat Shiga L-Stars (#5, 22-14) 93-80. Takamatsu FA maintains the 7th position in Japanese BJ League. Takamatsu FA is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 13-22 record. It was one of impressive evenings for Williams as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Paul Williams averages this season 11.3ppg and 8.7rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 30-year old American Marquin Chandler (202-F-82) of Chiba Jets. Chandler had a very good evening with a double-double of 35 points and 13 rebounds. Bad luck as Chiba Jets was edged by slightly higher-ranked Akita NH (#5, 19-15) 79-77. Chiba Jets managed to keep the same 6th spot in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 18-16 record is not bad and everything may still change. Chandler is a newcomer at Chiba Jets, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 22.0ppg (#4). He also registered 7.9 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was American swingman Ricky Woods (194-F/G-84) of Tokyo Cinq R. (#9). Woods got into 30-points club by scoring 33 points in the last round. He went also for fourteen rebounds and four assists. He was a key player of Tokyo Cinq R., leading his team to a 78-69 win against slightly higher-ranked Shinshu BW (#7, 16-20). The chances of Tokyo Cinq R. not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 22 games, recording just thirteen victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Woods could try to bring Tokyo Cinq R.'s a little bit higher in the standings. Woods has a very solid season. In 4 games in Japan he scored 16.5ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Sam Willard (205-F-88) of Sendai 89ers - 14 points, 21 rebounds and 3 assists
5. T.J. Cummings (205-F-81) of Sendai 89ers - 35 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Michael Bell (206-F-82) of Osaka Evessa - 19 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Pape Faye (200-C-87) of Yokohama BC - 19 points and 13 rebounds
8. Takeshi Mito (184-G-85) of Toyama Grouses - 19 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Jermaine Dixon (191-G-87) of Gunma - 28 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Ira Brown (193-F-82) of Toyama Grouses - 18 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists

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

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

LATVIA

LBL Standing

LBL Standings

1. Jekabpils		16-9
2. Barons kvartals		16-9
3. Valmiera		15-10
4. Ventspils		13-1
5. VEF Riga		11-1
6. Jelgava		10-13
7. Jurmala		10-14
8. Liepaja		10-15
9. LU		10-16
10. Turiba		7-18
11. U18		1-13

Regular Season: Round 29

Feb. 28: Jekabpils - Valmiera 83-71
Feb. 27: Jurmala - Barons kvartals 77-84
Feb. 27: Jelgava - Liepaja 70-84

Regular Season: Round 30

Mar. 2: Turiba - Jelgava
Mar. 2: Barons kvartals - Jelgava
Mar. 2: Jurmala - LU
Mar. 2: Valmiera - Liepaja
Mar. 3: Ventspils - VEF Riga

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Zanis PEINERS
  LU
  (204-G-90)
  Avg: 20.2

1. Peiners, LU	20.2
2. Gulbis, Barons k.	19.7
3. Sirsnins, Jekabpils	16.5
4. O''Brien, Jekabpils	16.2
5. Berzins, Valmiera	15.9
6. Cain, Barons k.	15.8
7. Hill jr., Jekabpils	15.5
8. Brown, Jurmala	14.1
9. Apsitis, Turiba	13.9
10. Ozols, Jurmala	13.9

Rebounds Per Game

Tyler CAIN
  Barons k.
  (203-F-88)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Cain, Barons k.	10.9
2. O''Brien, Jekabpils	8.9
3. Aleksejevs, Jekabp.	8.3
4. Dargais, LU	8.2
5. Butjankovs, Valmi.	7.6
6. Berzins, Valmiera	7.4
7. Mizis, Jelgava	7.3
8. Mednis, Jurmala	7.1
9. Hlebowicki, Jekabp.	6.7
10. Ziedins, Valmiera	6.1

Assists Per Game

Rinalds SIRSNINS
  Jekabpils
  (186-PG-85)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Sirsnins, Jekabpils	6.1
2. Gabrans, Valmiera	4.2
3. Hill jr., Jekabpils	3.8
4. Sims, Ventspils	3.4
5. Metra, Barons k.	3.3
6. Bergmanis, Barons	3.1
7. Peiners, LU	3.1
8. Brown, Jurmala	3.1
9. Plater, Liepaja	3.0
10. Kanbergs, Jelgava	3.0

Steals Per Game

Zanis PEINERS
  LU
  (204-G-90)
  Avg: 2

1. Peiners, LU	2.0
2. Brown, Jurmala	1.8
3. Rudmiezis, Turiba	1.8
4. Miezis, Barons k.	1.7
5. Mizis, Jelgava	1.6
6. Jakovics, Liepaja	1.6
7. Cain, Barons k.	1.5
8. Sirsnins, Jekabpils	1.5
9. Kanbergs, Jelgava	1.4
10. Virsis, Jekabpils	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Tyler CAIN
  Barons k.
  (203-F-88)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Cain, Barons k.	1.9
2. Rozitis, Barons k.	1.3
3. Meiers, Ventspils	1.1
4. Iljins, Valmiera	0.9
5. Aleksejevs, Jekabp.	0.8
6. Ziedins, Valmiera	0.8
7. Mednis, Jurmala	0.7
8. Pasecniks, U18	0.7
9. Hlebowicki, Jekabp.	0.7
10. O''Brien, Jekabpils	0.7

LBL Round 29: Valmiera loses #1 position - by Eurobasket News

Round 29 in LBL means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Jekabpils where host Jekabpils (16-9) beat league's leader Valmiera (15-10) 83-71 on Thursday evening. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 44-30 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Jekabpils dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Valmiera's 26 and made 22-of-26 free shots (84.6 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Valmiera 46-29 including a 18-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by Valmiera helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was the former international point guard Rinalds Sirsnins (186-85) who scored 22 points and 5 assists. American center Todd O'Brien (213-89, college: UAB) chipped in 18 points and 8 rebounds. Forward Janis Berzins (202-93, agency: Players Group) produced 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the guests. Jekabpils have a solid series of three victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Barons kvartals. Valmiera at the other side dropped to the third place with ten games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Jekabpils. Valmiera will play next round against Liepaja trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Jekabpils will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
The game in Jurmala was also worth to mention about. Third ranked Barons kvartals (16-9) played at the court of 7th ranked Jurmala (10-14). Barons kvartals managed to secure a 7-point victory 84-77. American forward Tyler Cain (203-88, college: S.Dakota) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 15 rebounds. Jamar Diggs contributed with 21 points and 4 assists for the winners. Barons kvartals' coach Martins Gulbis allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. point guard Davis Coders (188-92) answered with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for Jurmala. Barons kvartals keep a position of league leader, which they share with Jekabpils. Jurmala at the other side keeps the seventh place with 14 games lost. Barons kvartals will play against Jelgava (#6) at home in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Jurmala will play against Latvijas Universitate in Riga and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
We should mention about the upset which took place in Jelgava, where 6th ranked Jelgava (10-13) lost at home to ninth ranked Liepaja (10-15) 70-84 on Wednesday. Pierce Caldwell stepped up with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Keith Chamberlain responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds. Liepaja have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eighth place. Jelgava lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with 13 games lost. Liepaja will meet higher ranked Valmiera (#3) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Jelgava will play against the league's second-placed Barons kvartals and will have a slim chance for a victory.

Jekabpils - Valmiera 83-71

Round 29 in LBL means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Jekabpils where host Jekabpils (16-9) beat league's leader Valmiera (15-10) 83-71 on Thursday evening. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 44-30 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Jekabpils dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Valmiera's 26 and made 22-of-26 free shots (84.6 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Valmiera 46-29 including a 18-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by Valmiera helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was the former international point guard Rinalds Sirsnins (186-85) who scored 22 points and 5 assists. American center Todd O'Brien (213-89, college: UAB) chipped in 18 points and 8 rebounds. Forward Janis Berzins (202-93, agency: Players Group) produced 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international guard Raimonds Gabrans (185-84) added 15 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for the guests. Five Jekabpils and four Valmiera players scored in double figures. Jekabpils have a solid series of three victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Barons kvartals. Valmiera at the other side dropped to the third place with ten games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Jekabpils. Valmiera will play next round against Liepaja trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Jekabpils will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
Top scorers:
Valmiera: J.Kaufmanis 20+2reb+1ast, J.Berzins 16+8reb+4ast, R.Gabrans 15+5reb+6ast, M.Ziedins 14+3reb+1ast, K.Krumins 2, V.Iljins 2+10reb
Jekabpils: R.Sirsnins 22+4reb+5ast, T.O'Brien 18+8reb+2ast, J.Aleksejevs 11+13reb+1ast, M.Hlebowicki 10+9reb, P.Hill jr. 10+8reb+1ast, A.Vitols 8+1ast

Jelgava - Liepaja 70-84

We should mention about the upset which took place in Jelgava, where 6th ranked Jelgava (10-13) lost at home to ninth ranked Liepaja (10-15) 70-84 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Liepaja. Jelgava managed to win third quarter 22-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Jelgava 42-26 including 30 on the defensive glass. American guard Pierce Caldwell (191-88, college: Incarnate Word, agency: Alti Sport) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and Nigerian-Russian center Aleksey Adediran (204-82, college: Binghamton) chipped in 15 points and 8 rebounds. Caldwell is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Liepaja players scored in double figures. American power forward Keith Chamberlain (204-87, college: Grinnell) responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds and forward Lauris Mizis (198-89) scored 13 points. Liepaja have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eighth place. Jelgava lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with 13 games lost. Liepaja will meet higher ranked Valmiera (#3) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Jelgava will play against the league's second-placed Barons kvartals and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Jelgava: K.Chamberlain 17+10reb, L.Mizis 13+4reb+2ast, K.Kanbergs 12+1reb+2ast, A.Duselis 8+2reb+2ast, G.Justovics 7+1reb+4ast, S.Haynes 6+4reb+1ast
Liepaja: A.Ate 20+3reb+1ast, A.Adediran 15+8reb+1ast, I.Jakovics 14+3reb+2ast, P.Caldwell 12+10reb+3ast, K.Miglinieks 11+1reb, A.Helmanis 6+11reb

Jurmala - Barons kvartals 77-84

The game in Jurmala was also worth to mention about. Third ranked Barons kvartals (16-9) played at the court of 7th ranked Jurmala (10-14). Barons kvartals managed to secure a 7-point victory 84-77. The guests were ahead by 6 points but lost the second period ending it with a 1-point deficit before their 29-21 run, which allowed them to win the game. Jurmala was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. American forward Tyler Cain (203-88, college: S.Dakota) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 15 rebounds. His fellow American import guard Jamar Diggs (187-88, college: Wofford, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) contributed with 21 points and 4 assists for the winners. Four Barons kvartals players scored in double figures. Barons kvartals' coach Martins Gulbis allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. point guard Davis Coders (188-92) answered with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and forward Atis Ozols (199-81) added 15 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Jurmala. Barons kvartals keep a position of league leader, which they share with Jekabpils. Jurmala at the other side keeps the seventh place with 14 games lost. Barons kvartals will play against Jelgava (#6) at home in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Jurmala will play against Latvijas Universitate in Riga and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Jurmala: D.Coders 16+8reb+4ast, A.Ozols 15+7reb+3ast, J.Dilevka 14+7reb, R.Mednis 8+2reb, R.Liepa 7+3reb+1ast, E.Jonats 7+8reb
Barons kvartals: T.Cain 21+15reb+2ast, J.Diggs 21+3reb+4ast, A.Brunins 14+6reb+2ast, M.Gulbis 10+8reb+3ast, D.Dulkys 6+1reb, S.Metra 5+1reb+3ast

Janis Blums selected the top Latvian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Janis Blums

#1. This week's number one is an international shooting guard Janis Blums (191-82, currently plays in Lithuania). He led Lietuvos rytas to a victory over the closely-ranked Juventus (8-7) crushing them 102-68 in the Lithuanian LKL in Tuesday night's game. Blums was MVP of the game. He scored 16 points in a mere 16 minutes on the court. Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (6-2) is placed eighth in the LKL. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. This year Blums averages: 9.4ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 30.8% in the eight games he played so far. He is currently a member of the Latvian senior national team.

Maris Laksa

#2. Second place goes to former international forward Maris Laksa (205-81, college: Providence, currently plays in Baltic League). Laksa was the main contributor in a BC Rakvere's victory against the closely-ranked Juventus (4-2) 100-85 in the Baltic League last Friday. He was the best player in that game. Laksa scored 23 points. BC Rakvere Tarvas (4-2) is placed second in group G. There are only two games left until the end of the Baltic League Top 16. So now every game is very crucial. It's Laksa's first season with the team. He has relatively good stats this year: 13.5ppg, 3.9rpg, 2FGP: 34.7%, 3FGP: 39.4% and FT: 75.0%. Laksa played for the Latvian national team in 2003.

Davis Bertans

#3. The Latvian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international small forward Davis Bertans (203-92, currently plays in Adriatic League), who plays in Serbia. He could not help Partizan (13-9) to beat Un.Olimpija (12-10). Bertans recorded 9 points in 25 minutes. But Partizan was edged 73-71 at home by the lower-ranked (#7) Un.Olimpija. There are only four games left until the end of the Adriatic League Regular Season. So now every game will be important. This year Bertans' overall stats are: 9.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 2FGP: 46.3%, 3FGP: 44.6% and FT: 75.8% in the 22 games. He is also a member of the Latvian senior national team.

Rihards Kuksiks

#4. Small forward Rihards Kuksiks (197-88, college: Arizona St., currently plays in Ukraine) contributed to an easy victory against the eighth-ranked Cherkasy (17-17) 90-75 in the Ukrainian Superleague in Sunday night's game. Kuksiks recorded 12 points and added 4 passes. Budivelnyk Kyiv (25-7) is placed first in the Superleague. It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row. Kuksiks' total stats this season are: 9.3ppg, 3.8rpg and 2.7apg. He is also Latvian national team player.

Janis Strelnieks

#5. International point guard Janis Strelnieks (191-89, currently plays in Eurocup) was not able to help Spartak St.Petersburg (3-3) in their game against Cajasol (1-5) in the Eurocup. Strelnieks scored 7 points and added 6 passes in 23 minutes. The second-placed Spartak St.Petersburg was edged 68-66 on the road by the lower-ranked (#4) Cajasol in the group K of Eurocup. There are only two games left until the end of the Eurocup Top 16. So now every game will be extremely important. This year Strelnieks' total stats are: 5.8ppg, 1.3rpg and 2.9apg in the 12 games. He plays currently for the Latvian national team.

Juris Umbrasko

#6. An experienced swingman Juris Umbrasko (197-79, currently plays in Baltic League) is a teammate of previously mentioned Maris Laksa and both played together in the last Baltic League game. Umbrasko contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Juventus (4-2) 100-85. He scored 16 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. This season Umbrasko has relatively solid stats: 12.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.1apg and 1.3spg. He is a former international player as he played for the Latvian senior team five years ago.

Ernests Kalve

#7. Former international forward Ernests Kalve (200-87, currently plays in Adriatic League) was the major contributor in Szolnok's surprising victory against the sixth-ranked Cedevita (12-10) 64-59 in the Adriatic League in Saturday night's game. Kalve recorded 14 points in 24 minutes. Szolnoki Olajbanyasz (7-15) is placed second from the bottom (#13) in the Adriatic League. There are only four games left until the end of the Adriatic League Regular Season. Kalve has averaged so far 9.1ppg, 3.4rpg and 1.1spg in the 22 games. He used to play for the Latvian national team three years ago.

Kaspars Kambala

#8. Center Kaspars Kambala (206-78, agency: Alti Sport, college: UNLV, currently plays in Turkey) contributed to an easy victory against one of league's weakest teams Istanbulspor (3-20) crushing them 87-55 in the Turkish TB2L (second division) last Friday. Kambala was the top player that evening. He recorded a double-double by scoring 25 points and getting 14 rebounds. Pi Koleji Ankara (8-15) is placed 16th in the TB2L. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Kambala has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 22.3ppg and 12.2rpg. Kambala used to play for the Latvian national team back in 2009.

Mareks Jurevicus

#9. Former international swingman Mareks Jurevicus (197-85, currently plays in Italy), who plays in the Italian Lega2 (second division) was not able to secure a victory for Prima Veroli (7-12) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Prima Veroli lost 75-87 in Brescia to the much higher-ranked (#4) C.de Latte BRE. Jurevicus was the second best scorer with 21 points in 34 minutes. Jurevicus has reliable stats this year: 13.9ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.6apg and 1.4spg in the 19 games. He used to play for the Latvian national team two years ago.

Mareks Mejeris

   #10. Forward Mareks Mejeris (208-91, agency: Players Group, currently plays in Spain), who plays in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) couldn't help CB Clavijo (8-11) in their last game on Friday. Despite Mejeris' good performance CB Clavijo was edged 84-81 on the opponent's court by the higher-ranked Palencia_Baloncesto (#4). He recorded a double-double by scoring 14 points and getting 13 rebounds. Mejeris has averaged so far 8.7ppg and 5.4rpg. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Latvian National Team roster.

   #11. Former international swingman Ingus Bankevics (195-85, also represented by Players Group, currently plays in France), who plays in the French NM1 (third division) couldn't help Saint Chamond (7-13) in their last game. Despite Bankevics' very good performance Saint Chamond lost 79-90 on the opponent's court to the higher-ranked (#9) Rueil. He was the top scorer with 30 points. Bankevics also added 3 assists in 34 minutes. Bankevics' stats this year are: 13.4ppg, 2.1rpg and 1.5apg in the 19 games. He used to play for the Latvian national team three years ago.

   #12. Former international forward Ivars Timermanis (203-82, currently plays in Romania) contributed to an easy victory against the league outsider CS Dinamo Bucuresti crushing them 119-85 in the Romanian Liga Nationala on Saturday night. Timermanis scored 10 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished 3 assists. Timermanis has averaged so far 9.7ppg, 3.4rpg and 1.1apg. He used to play for the Latvian national team back in 2007.

   #13. International forward Oto Osenieks (203-90, currently plays college basketball in the States), who plays in the NCAA couldn't help the Minnesota (6-8) in their last game. Despite Osenieks' good performance the Minnesota was crushed 71-45 in Columbus, OH by the Ohio State University. He scored 10 points and grabbed 5 rebounds (went 6 for 6 at the free throw line) in 27 minutes. Osenieks has averaged so far 9.7ppg, 3.4rpg and 1.1apg in the 22 games. He is also Latvian national team player.

   #14. International point guard Edgars Jeromanovs (186-86, currently plays in Sweden), who plays in the Swedish Basketligan couldn't help Norrkoping Dolphins (1-2) in their last game on Friday. Despite Jeromanovs' good performance Norrkoping Dolphins was defeated 80-67 in Lulea by the lower-ranked LF Basket (#8). He scored 10 points and added 3 passes. Jeromanovs is ranked seventh on the list of the best passers in the league. He has very reliable stats this season: 12.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.4apg and 1.4spg. Jeromanovs plays currently for the Latvian national team.

   #15. Former international guard Kristaps Valters (190-81, currently plays in Spain) couldn't help Baloncesto Fuenlabrada in their game against Real Madrid in the Spanish ACB. He recorded 8 points in 26 minutes. His team was crushed by 23 points 88-65. Valters has averaged so far 8.8ppg, 2.1rpg and 2.8apg in the 13 games. He used to play for the Latvian national team four years ago.

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

   #1. Martins Berkis (198-F-85, currently plays in Hungary), who plays in the Hungarian A Division could not help Marso NYKK (7-14) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Berkis' good performance Marso NYKK was crushed 94-63 at home by the leading Albacomp. He scored 13 points, had 6 boards, passed 3 assists and added 4 steals. Berkis' team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. Berkis averaged so far 15.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.3apg and 1.6spg.

   #2. Edmunds Tukiss (200-SF-89, currently plays in Germany) led Dragons Rhoendorf to an easy victory against the 11th-ranked ifm Baskets Konstanz (4-16) 96-78 in the German ProB (third division) in Saturday night's game. He scored 11 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 23 minutes. Dragons Rhoendorf (18-3) is placed first in Group South. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. Tukiss has averaged so far 8.7ppg and 2.6rpg in the 18 games he played so far.

   #3. Experienced Gary Gandel (203-G/F-80, currently plays in Israel) managed to help Maccabi Hod Hasharon in a victory against the 12th-ranked Kiryat Tivon (4-15) 88-69 in the Israeli National League (second division) in Tuesday night's game. He recorded 5 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists in 15 minutes. Maccabi Hod Hasharon (15-4) is placed third in the National League. It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row. Gandel averaged so far 10.3ppg, 4.8rpg and 3.5apg in the six games. He has a dual citizenship: Latvian and Israeli.

   #4. Matiss Sakne (191-G-91, currently plays in Denmark) was not able to help Horsens IC (19-8) in their game against SISU (17-10) in the Danish Ligaen. Sakne cannot count Sunday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 2 points in 14 minutes. Horsens IC lost 78-89 on the road to the lower-ranked (#4) SISU. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. Sakne has averaged so far 4.2ppg, 1.4rpg and 1.1apg in the 24 games.

   #5. Martins Provizors (202-C-87, currently plays in Ireland) contributed to an easy victory against one of league's weakest teams Moycullen (7-12) 72-56 in the Irish Superleague last Sunday. He scored 9 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in 29 minutes. DCU St.Vincents Dublin (8-10) is placed fourth in the Superleague. It was his team's first victory after four consecutive loses. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. Provizors is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his sixth year in DCU Saints' roster. Provizors is currently fourth on the list of best rebounders with 11.7rpg. This year he also averages: 13.5ppg, 2.2apg, 1.8bpg and 1.1spg in the 10 games.

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

LEBANON

Standings - Division A

Division A Standings

1. Sagesse		14-2
2. Al Riyadi		14-2
3. Champville		11-5
4. Amchit		10-6
5. Moutahed		10-7
6. Byblos		9-7
7. Hoops		5-12
8. Bejjeh		5-12
9. Anibal		2-14
10. Antranik		2-15

Regular Season: Round 18

Feb. 27: Hoops - Bejjeh 87-70
Feb. 26: Byblos - Al Riyadi 65-72
Feb. 28: Moutahed - Antranik 119-70
Mar. 1: Amchit - Byblos
Mar. 1: Anibal - Sagesse
Mar. 2: Al Riyadi - Champville

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Andre EMMETT
  Amchit
  (196-G/F-82)
  Avg: 37.4

1. Emmett, Amchit	37.4
2. Harper, Sagesse	28.6
3. Gray, Anibal	26.3
4. Blair, Hoops	25.5
5. Khatib, Champville	25.1
6. Ampim, Antranik	23.2
7. Youngblood, Byblos	22.6
8. Williams, Bejjeh	22.4
9. Sims, Sagesse	21.3
10. Terry, Champville	20.9

Rebounds Per Game

Michael FRASER
  Byblos
  (203-C/F-84)
  Avg: 17.5

1. Fraser, Byblos	17.5
2. Ampim, Antranik	12.0
3. Johnson, Anibal	11.7
4. Woods, Al Riyadi	11.5
5. Bagaric, Amchit	11.2
6. Tskitishvili, Cham.	11.2
7. Sims, Sagesse	10.5
8. Ismail, Al Riyadi	9.4
9. Jamison, Bejjeh	9.2
10. Salyers, Moutahed	9.2

Assists Per Game

Eric CHATFIELD
  Mouta.
  (191-G-79)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Chatfield, Mouta.	6.5
2. Blair, Hoops	6.1
3. Akl, Sagesse	5.8
4. Youngblood, Byblos	5.7
5. Fahed, Moutahed	5.6
6. Williams, Bejjeh	5.5
7. Ismail, Al Riyadi	5.4
8. Mahmoud, Al Riyadi	5.4
9. Zaloum, Antranik	5.4
10. Khatib, Champville	4.9

Steals Per Game

Larry BLAIR
  Hoops
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Blair, Hoops	3.2
2. Youngblood, Byblos	2.8
3. Williams, Bejjeh	2.6
4. Harper, Sagesse	2.1
5. Emmett, Amchit	2.1
6. Zaloum, Antranik	1.8
7. Gray, Anibal	1.7
8. Mahmoud, Al Riyadi	1.6
9. Fahed, Moutahed	1.4
10. Mneimneh, Byblos	1.4

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Johnson, Anibal	3.1
2. Tskitishvili, Cham.	2.7
3. Bagaric, Amchit	2.4
4. Woods, Al Riyadi	2.4
5. Fraser, Byblos	2.1
6. Khazzouh, Sagesse	1.7
7. Fakhreddine, Hoops	1.4
8. Ampim, Antranik	1.1
9. Ismail, Al Riyadi	0.9
10. Bawji, Moutahed	0.8

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

LIGA AMERICAS

Standings

Liga Americas Standings

Group A
1. Lanus			2-1
2. Osos			2-1
3. Pinheiros/Sky			2-1
4. Estrellas Or.			0-3
Group B
1. Brasilia			3-0
2. Flamengo			2-1
3. Fuerza Regia			1-2
4. Estrellas			0-3
Group C
1. Arecibo			2-1
2. Pioneros			2-1
3. S.Jose/Unimed			2-1
4. Mavort			0-3

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Murilo BECKER
  S.Jose/U.
  (210-C/F-83)
  Avg: 24.3

1. Becker, S.Jose/U.	24.3
2. Stallworth, Pinhei.	23.0
3. Smith, Pinheiro.	22.7
4. Vieira, Flamengo	22.0
5. Benite, Flamengo	21.0
6. Jeter, Mavort	17.7
7. Pedroza, Osos	17.7
8. Graham, Arecibo	17.7
9. Allen, Osos	17.3
10. Gainous, Osos	16.7

Rebounds Per Game

Mineiro FERREIRA
  Pinheiro.
  (208-C/F-88)
  Avg: 9

1. Ferreira, Pinheiro.	9.0
2. Giovannoni, Brasil.	7.7
3. Battle, Lanus	7.7
4. Colmenares, Estrel.	7.5
5. Rogers, Estrella.	7.5
6. Turley, Osos	7.3
7. Silveira, Flamengo	7.3
8. Graterol, Arecibo	7.3
9. Izaguirre, Fuerza	7.0
10. Araujo, Pinheiro.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Myron ALLEN
  Osos
  (182-PG-79)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Allen, Osos	8.7
2. de Assis, S.Jose/U.	7.3
3. Dos Santos, Brasil.	7.0
4. Smith, Pinheiro.	6.3
5. Benite, Flamengo	6.0
6. Laprovittola, Lanus	5.7
7. Cardenas, Mavort	5.3
8. Guillent, Estrella.	5.0
9. Diaz, Arecibo	4.3
10. Monreal, Fuerza R.	4.3

Steals Per Game

Welington DOS SANTOS
  Brasilia
  (185-PG-81)
  Avg: 3

1. Dos Santos, Brasil.	3.0
2. Cardenas, Mavort	2.7
3. Allen, Osos	2.3
4. Stallworth, Pinhei.	2.0
5. Smith, Pinheiro.	2.0
6. Mensah, Flamengo	2.0
7. Thomas, Estrella.	2.0
8. Centeno, Estrella.	2.0
9. Truscott, Estrella.	1.7
10. Graham, Arecibo	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Mineiro FERREIRA
  Pinheiro.
  (208-C/F-88)
  Avg: 2

1. Ferreira, Pinheiro.	2.0
2. Rogers, Estrella.	1.5
3. Thomas, Estrella.	1.0
4. Becker, S.Jose/U.	1.0
5. Dias, Pinheiros/Sky	1.0
6. McFarlan, Lanus	1.0
7. Johnson, Mavort	1.0
8. Antonio, S.Jose/U.	1.0
9. Bambu, Pinheiro.	0.7
10. Umbria, Estrellas	0.7

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

LITHUANIA

Martynas Gecevicius selected the top Lithuanian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

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

Martynas Gecevicius

#1. This week's number one is former international guard Martynas Gecevicius (193-88, currently plays in Greece). He was the major contributor in Olympiacos' victory against the 12th-ranked Peristeri GS (5-13) crushing them 105-57 in a derby game in the Greek A1 in Sunday night's game. Gecevicius scored 19 points in a mere 18 minutes on the court. Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (17-1) is placed first in the A1. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. This year Gecevicius averages: 8.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 72.7%(16-22), 3FGP: 48.0%(24-50) and FT: 92.3%(24-26) in the 15 games he played so far. He played for the Lithuanian senior national team two years ago.

Donatas Motiejunas

#2. Second place goes to former international power forward Donatas Motiejunas (213-90, agency: Interperformances, currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA. Motiejunas could not help the Houston Rockets (31-28) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite his good performance the Houston Rockets were edged 110-107 on the road by the Milwaukee Bucks. Motiejunas recorded 13 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Motiejunas' overall stats this season are: 3.7ppg, 1.2rpg, 2FGP: 61.5%(24-39), 3FGP: 35.0% and FT: 63.2%. He played for the Lithuanian national team in 2011.

Jonas Maciulis

#3. The Lithuanian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international swingman Jonas Maciulis (199-85, currently plays in Greece). Maciulis led Panathinaikos to an easy victory against the tenth-ranked Ilysiakos (5-13) crushing them 87-62 in a derby game in the Greek A1 on Sunday night. He scored 12 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 22 minutes. Panathinaikos Athens (17-1) is placed first in the A1. It was his team's 12th consecutive victory in a row. It's Maciulis' first season with the team. This year Maciulis' overall stats are: 8.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 64.6%(31-48), 3FGP: 38.9% and FT: 64.5% in the 17 games. He is also a member of the Lithuanian senior national team.

Darius Songaila

#4. An experienced power forward Darius Songaila (204-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest, currently plays in Ukraine) led BC Donetsk to a victory against the 11th-ranked Dnipro (12-20) 73-63 in the Ukrainian Superleague in Wednesday night's game. Songaila scored 15 points, grabbed 8 boards, passed 3 assists and added 3 steals. BC Donetsk (17-15) is placed seventh in the Superleague. Songaila has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 16.5ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.2apg and 1.3spg. Songaila is also Lithuanian national team player.

Michailis Anisimovas

#5. Former University international center Michailis Anisimovas (214-84, currently plays in Ukraine) contributed to an easy victory against the eighth-ranked Cherkasy (17-17) 90-75 in the Ukrainian Superleague last Sunday. He recorded 12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and made 3 blocks in 21 minutes. Budivelnyk Kyiv (25-7) is placed first in the Superleague. It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row. Anisimovas is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fourth year in Budivelnyk's roster. This season Anisimovas' total stats are: 10.0ppg, 4.6rpg and 1.2apg in the 32 games. He has a dual citizenship: Lithuanian and Ukrainian. Anisimovas used to play for the Lithuanian university national team six years ago.

Donatas Zavackas

#6. Forward Donatas Zavackas (203-80, college: Pittsburgh, currently plays in Latvia) contributed to an easy victory against the ninth-ranked Latvijas Universitate (4-14) crushing them 103-73 in a derby game in the Latvian LBL on Sunday night. He recorded 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. VEF Riga (11-1) is placed fifth in the LBL. It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row. Zavackas has averaged so far 9.3ppg, 4.7rpg and 1.3apg. He is a former U20 international player as he played for the Lithuanian team thirteen years ago.

Dainius Salenga

#7. Former international forward Dainius Salenga (197-77, currently plays in Ukraine) is a teammate of previously mentioned Michailis Anisimovas. But that was another game of his team in Ukrainian Superleague which we would like to mention. Salenga contributed to Budivelnyk's victory against the tenth-ranked Kryvbasbasket (13-19) 81-71. He scored 13 points and added 4 assists in a mere 19 minutes. Budivelnyk Kyiv (25-7) is placed first in the Superleague. It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row. Salenga has averaged so far 7.9ppg, 2.7rpg and 2.0apg in the 31 games. He used to play for the Lithuanian national team eight years ago.

Jonas Valanciunas

#8. Center Jonas Valanciunas (211-92, currently plays in NBA) was not able to help the Toronto Raptors (23-35) in their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers (20-38) in the NBA. Valanciunas recorded 5 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks in 24 minutes. The Toronto Raptors lost 92-103 in Cleveland to the Cavaliers. Valanciunas has averaged so far 7.0ppg, 5.6rpg and 1.1bpg in the 40 games. He plays currently for the Lithuanian national team.

Sarunas Jasikevicius

#9. International point guard Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-76, college: Maryland, currently plays in Euroleague) contributed to an easy victory against the seventh-ranked Fenerbahce Ulker (2-7) crushing them 99-60 in the Euroleague in Thursday night's game. Jasikevicius scored 6 points and added 3 passes. Regal FC Barcelona (8-1) is placed first in group F. It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row. Jasikevicius has averaged so far 4.9ppg and 1.6apg. He is also in the roster of the Lithuanian national team.

Egidijus Dimsa

   #10. Center Egidijus Dimsa (205-85, currently plays in Estonia) contributed to an easy victory against the league outsider Hito/Johvi (1-20) crushing them 90-51 in the Estonian KML last Friday. Dimsa scored 10 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 20 minutes. Tartu Ulikool/Rock (17-0) is placed first in the KML. So far his team won all seventeen games in the Regular Season. There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Dimsa has averaged so far 8.1ppg and 5.6rpg in the 12 games. He is a former university international player as four years ago he still played for the Lithuanian national team.

   #11. International guard Tomas Delininkaitis (190-82, currently plays in Ukraine) was not able to secure a victory for Cherkasy in their game against BC Kyiv in the Ukrainian Superleague. Despite his very good performance on Friday night Delininkaitis was the second best scorer with 18 points. He also added 5 rebounds and dished 4 assists. Delininkaitis has relatively good stats this season: 14.0ppg, 3.5rpg and 3.4apg. He plays currently for the Lithuanian national team.

   #12. International center Antanas Kavaliauskas (207-84, also represented by Interperformances, college: Texas A&M, currently plays in Latvia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Donatas Zavackas and both played together in the last Latvian LBL game. Kavaliauskas contributed to an easy victory against the ninth-ranked Latvijas Universitate crushing them 103-73 in a derby game. He recorded 8 points in 15 minutes. This year Kavaliauskas has relatively solid stats: 10.7ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.1apg in the 10 games. He is also in the roster of the Lithuanian national team.

   #13. Former international forward Martynas Andriukaitis (204-81, currently plays in Georgia) led Olimpi to a victory over the seventh-ranked TSU 91-72 in a derby game in the Georgian Superleague on Saturday night. Andriukaitis was MVP of the game. He scored 19 points in a mere 18 minutes. It was his first game for Olimpi this season. Andriukaitis used to play for the Lithuanian national team eight years ago.

   #14. Former University international guard Augustas Peciukevicius (192-91, currently plays in Baltic League) was the main contributor in a KK Parnu's victory against the closely-ranked Lietkabelis crushing them 101-75 in the Baltic League on Tuesday night. He was the best player in that game. Peciukevicius scored 19 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished 4 assists. This season Peciukevicius has very high stats. He averages: 15.1ppg, 5.6rpg, 5.7apg and 1.1spg. Peciukevicius used to play for the Lithuanian university national team back in 2011.

   #15. International shooting guard Martynas Pocius (196-86, another player represented by Interperformances, college: Duke, currently plays in Euroleague) managed to help Real Madrid in a victory against the seventh-ranked ALBA Berlin 77-72 in the Euroleague in Friday night's game. He scored only 2 points in 7 minutes on the court. This year Pocius averages just 3.2ppg in the 12 games. He is also in the roster of the Lithuanian national team.

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

   #1. Experienced Christopher Young (206-F/C-79, college: Michigan, currently plays in Belgium), who plays in the Belgian Ethias League could not help Okapi Aalstar (11-7) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Young's very good performance Okapi Aalstar was defeated 86-78 on the road by the second-ranked Belfius Mons-Hainaut. He scored 15 points, had 8 rebounds and made 2 blocks. Young is currently fifth on the league's list of best rebounders. He has averaged so far 7.8ppg and 6.7rpg. Young is a naturalized American. Strangely he has never played in Lithuania.

   #2. Nik Stauskas (198-G-93, currently plays college basketball in the States), who plays in the NCAA was not able to help the Michigan (10-5) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite Stauskas' good performance the Michigan was defeated 84-78 in University Park, PA by the The Pennsylvania State University. He recorded 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. There are only three games left until the end of the NCAA Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Stauskas has reliable stats this season: 10.7ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.1apg. He has a dual citizenship: Canadian and Lithuanian. Despite Stauskas' Lithuanian passport, he previously played for the Canadian U19 national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Lithuanian team.

   #3. Arturas Masiulis (210-C-80, currently plays in United Kingdom) led Worcester Wolves to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Surrey Heat (14-9) 99-81 in the British BBL in Friday night's game. He recorded a double-double by scoring 11 points and getting 12 rebounds. Masiulis also added 7 blocks. Worcester Wolves (15-9) is placed fifth in the BBL. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. Masiulis is currently fourth on the list of best blockers. He has very reliable stats this season: 12.0ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.3apg and 1.3bpg.

   #4. Benas Veikalas (192-G-83, college: Metro St., currently plays in EuroChallenge) contributed to a Telekom Baskets' victory against the fourth-ranked Tsmoki-Minsk (1-5) 86-72 in the EuroChallenge last Tuesday. Veikalas scored 10 points and added 3 passes in 16 minutes. Telekom Baskets Bonn (4-2) is placed second in group L. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. They will play only one more game in the EuroChallenge Top 16. And now that game is very crucial. Veikalas has averaged so far 9.7ppg, 2.3rpg and 1.8apg in the 12 games he played so far.

   #5. Zygimantas Jonusas (200-F-82, currently plays in Italy), who plays in the Italian SerieA was not able to secure a victory for Juvecaserta (8-12) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Jonusas' good performance Juvecaserta was edged 66-64 in Roma by the higher-ranked Lottomatica (#5). He was the second best scorer with 11 points. Jonusas has averaged so far 9.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.2apg and 1.3spg.

   #6. Gintaras Leonavicius (194-G-83, agency: Players Group, currently plays in Spain), who plays in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) couldn't help Leche Rio Breogan (10-9) in their last game on Friday. Despite his good performance Leche Rio Breogan was defeated 70-60 in Alicante by the higher-ranked Meridiano (#3). Leonavicius was the second best scorer with 12 points. He also added 4 rebounds. Leonavicius has averaged so far 9.7ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.9apg and 1.1spg.

   #7. Vytautas Kamarunas (179-PG-89, currently plays in Belarus) couldn't help Tsmoki-Minsk II in their game against Grodno-93 in the Belarusian Premier League, despite his very good performance last Friday. He was the top scorer with 14 points. Kamarunas also added 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals in 34 minutes. But his team was crushed by 28 points 82-54. Kamarunas has reliable stats this year: 13.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 5.4apg and 2.9spg in the eight games.

   #8. Gabas Maldunas (203-F-93, currently studies in the States) couldn't help the one of league's weakest teams Dartmouth in their game against the Brown University in the NCAA. He scored 8 points, had 9 rebounds and made 3 blocks. His team was defeated 59-50. Maldunas has reliable stats this season: 13.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 5.4apg and 2.9spg.

   #9. Evaldas Juozapaitis (189-G-84, currently plays in Sweden) led Hoganas to a victory over the 11th-ranked Helsingborg 68-60 in the Swedish Basketettan (second division) last Wednesday. He was the top player that evening. Juozapaitis recorded 24 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 34 minutes. Juozapaitis has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 15.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.9apg and 1.5spg in the 17 games.

   #10. Petras Balocka (205-C/F-86, college: Hawaii, currently plays in France) couldn't help Vendee Challans in their game against Cognac in the French NM1 (third division), despite his good performance on Saturday night. Balocka scored 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 26 minutes. But his team was edged 69-66. Balocka has averaged so far 9.0ppg, 5.5rpg and 1.3spg in the four games.

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

MONTENEGRO

Ivan Jelenic chose Buducnost over Rabotnicki - by Darko Pekic

Buducnost announced last night the signing of Montenegrin sharp shooter Ivan Jelenic (192-SG-85, agency: BeoExcell) and surprised its fans with a new signing who should replace until the end of season injured guard Pavlin Ivanov (194-SG-93, agency: Beo Basket) (knee problems). Although Jelenic was very close to sign with Rabotnicki two days ago, the situation changed over night when the call from Podgorica arrived. The guard arrived yesterday to Podgorica and practiced with his new team.

Jelenic started the season at BC Timisoara in Romanian Liga Nationala. In 16 games he averaged 9.9ppg, 1.4rpg and 1.3apg this season. Jelenic also played 6 games in EuroChallenge where he had 7.5ppg, 1.2rpg and 2.2apg. He has played previously in Montenegro (Primorka, Mornar), Greece (Xanthi) and Serbia (Vojvodina Srbijagas and Radnicki Kragujevac).

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

NBA

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. New York K.		34-20
2. Brooklyn N.		34-24
3. Boston C.		30-27
4. Toronto R.		23-35
5. Philadelph.76		22-34
Central Div.
1. Indiana P.		36-22
2. Chicago B.		33-25
3. Milwaukee B.		28-28
4. Detroit P.		23-37
5. Cleveland C.		20-38
Southeast Div.
1. Miami Heat		41-14
2. Atlanta H.		33-23
3. Washington W.		18-38
4. Orlando M.		16-42
5. Charlotte B.		13-44
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Oklah.City T.		42-15
2. Denver N.		37-22
3. Utah Jazz		31-27
4. Portland TB		26-31
5. Minnesota T.		20-35
Pacific Div.
1. LA Clippers		42-18
2. Golden St.W.		33-25
3. LA Lakers		29-30
4. Phoenix Suns		20-39
5. Sacramento K.		20-39
Southwest Div.
1. San Antonio S.		45-14
2. Memphis G.		38-18
3. Houston R.		31-28
4. Dallas M.		25-32
5. N.Orleans H.		20-39

Regular Season: Round 116

Feb. 28: Chicago B. - Philadelph.76 93-82
Feb. 28: Indiana P. - LA Clippers 91-99
Feb. 28: LA Lakers - Minnesota T. 116-94

Regular Season: Round 117

Mar. 1: Toronto R. - Indiana P.
Mar. 1: Washington W. - New York K.
Mar. 1: Orlando M. - Houston R.
Mar. 1: Boston C. - Golden St.W.
Mar. 1: Miami Heat - Memphis G.
Mar. 1: Cleveland C. - LA Clippers
Mar. 1: Brooklyn N. - Dallas M.
Mar. 1: N.Orleans H. - Detroit P.
Mar. 1: San Antonio S. - Sacramento K.
Mar. 1: Utah Jazz - Charlotte B.
Mar. 1: Phoenix Suns - Atlanta H.
Mar. 1: Denver N. - Oklah.City T.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.Ci.
  (206-SF-88)
  Avg: 28.6

1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	28.6
2. Anthony, New Y.	28.5
3. James, Miami Heat	27.3
4. Bryant, LA Lakers	27.2
5. Harden, Houston R.	26.4
6. Irving, Cleveland	23.3
7. Westbrook, Oklah..	23.1
8. Curry, Golden S.	21.9
9. Wade, Miami Heat	21.5
10. Parker, San A.	21.1

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.	11.6
5. Noah, Chicago B.	11.4
6. Vucevic, Orlan.	11.4
7. Chandler, New Y.	11.4
8. Lee, Golden St.W.	11.0
9. Hickson, Portland.	10.4
10. Horford, Atlanta	10.1

Assists Per Game

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

1. Rondo, Boston C.	11.0
2. Paul, LA Clippers	9.4
3. Vasquez, N.Orlean.	9.4
4. Holiday, Philadel.	8.6
5. Westbrook, Oklah..	7.9
6. Williams, Brooklyn	7.7
7. Parker, San A.	7.6
8. Calderon, Toron.	7.4
9. Wall, Washington W.	7.4
10. Nelson, Orlando M.	7.4

Steals Per Game

Chris PAUL
  LA Clippers
  (183-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Paul, LA Clippers	2.5
2. Conley, Memphis G.	2.2
3. Rubio, Minnesot.	2.1
4. Ellis, Milwaukee B.	2.0
5. Westbrook, Oklah..	1.9
6. Lin, Houston R.	1.9
7. Harden, Houston R.	1.9
8. Walker, Charlott.	1.9
9. George, Indiana P.	1.8
10. Jennings, Milwauk.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Sanders, Milwauke.	3.1
2. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.	3.0
3. Hibbert, Indiana P.	2.7
4. Duncan, San A.	2.6
5. Howard, LA Lakers	2.3
6. Noah, Chicago B.	2.2
7. Lopez, Brooklyn N.	2.2
8. Smith, Atlanta H.	2.0
9. McGee, Denver N.	2.0
10. Biyombo, Charlott.	1.8

Latest victories for LA Lakers, LA Clippers and Chicago - by Eurobasket News

LA Lakers - Minnesota T. 116-94
1. The Lakers didn't let down throughout the game. Kudos to the Lakers for not making this game closer than it should've been. The Lakers led by double digit leads for most of the game and never let Minnesota really have a fighting chance despite Rick Rubio's 13 points and 12 assists. That's hardly been the case in past games, including one a month ago where the Lakers nearly cost a 29-point lead at Minnesota. The Lakers have a large hill still to climb into playoff contention. So no need in wasting energy against teams that shouldn't field much of a problem. 2. Kobe Bryant (6'6''-SG-78) became a scorer again. The Lakers are better suited long term when Bryant strikes a balance between scoring and passing. But it's hard to fault Bryant from completely taking over when he's constantly getting great looks. Bryant's 33 points on 13 of 22 shooting remained a product of Bryant's aggressiveness all around. He made five of his attempts close to the basket. Bryant's effecitve floor spacing also contributed to going 4 of 8 from three-point range. It's easy to get numb to Bryant's greatness. But it's mind boggling that Bryant at age 34 is moving with the fluidity most NBA players show in their prime. As much as of a high volume shooter he was against Minnesota, none of Bryant's shots seemed forced. Instead, Bryant became opted for the scoring role because it gave him the best chance to make a positive imprint on the game. 3. Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) made an impact even with the lack of offensive attempts. Earlier this season, Howard may have griped about only scoring 11 points on 5 of 6 of shooting. But he hardly hard that mindset against Minnesota. Howard remained effective by taking ownership on defense. Howard finished with 12 rebounds, made several defensive stops with blocks and deflections and kept the unit pretty organized. Of course, the Lakers should feature him on offense more. But with the Lakers' strong outside shooting (16 of 31) there wasn't much need. Kudos to Howard for still staying engaged. 4. The Lakers' bench remained solid. If they were putting together a highlight reel showing their best qualities, Jodie Meeks, Steve Blake and Antawn Jamison should pull clips from this game. After missing his first three shots, Meeks scored 16 points on going 5 of 8 from three-point range in the second half. That showcased Meeks' never-ending confidence and willingness to take open shots. Jamison thrived moving off the ball and attacking the rim en route to 17 points on 7 of 11 shooting. Such an effort epitomized what the Lakers envisioned he'd bring when signing him this offseason. Blake's 13 points on 4 of 6 shooting and seven assists featured qualities that show he's been a perfect fit under Mike D'Antoni's system. Blake remained aggressive (including making a nifty reverse layup). He showed strong court vision, including throwing an alley oop lob to Howard. Blake also fulfilled D'Antoni's adage that the 'ball finds energy' by hustling all over the place. 5. The Lakers receive plenty of rest. Howard (34) Bryant (32), Steve Nash (25) and Metta World Peace (28) iced the bags early. So much that even seldom-used forward Devin Ebanks made an appearance in the final two minutes. Courtesy of: http://www.insidesocal.com

Indiana P. - LA Clippers 91-99
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Los Angeles Clippers took advantage of Roy Hibbert's suspension Thursday night. Between Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma)'s dunks and Chris Paul's drives, the Clippers' stars dominated the middle, forced Indiana into an uncharacteristically sloppy game and beat the Pacers at their own physical game inside, too. It was the perfect recipe for getting past one of the NBA's hottest teams. Paul scored 29 points, one short of his season high, and Blake Griffin finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds as the Clippers held off Indiana's frenetic late charge for a 99-91 victory. "I watch the Pacers a lot. (David) West is like my brother, and they have been beating teams real bad lately, especially here at home," Paul said. "So I think this is a good win for us. I think every night we are going into different arenas and the other team knows they are in for a dogfight. I think we're becoming like a San Antonio or a Miami or any of the other top teams." On paper, it looked like any other night for the Clippers (42-18). They dominated in the paint, outscoring Indiana 50-32. Blake Griffin finished with at least 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists in his eighth straight game and, of course, added a couple of more dunks to his highlight reel. Paul, second in the league in assists per game, had eight more on a night he went 11 of 18 from the field, 6 of 6 from the free-throw line and grabbed six rebounds. And Jamal Crawford scored 23 points in 27 minutes off the bench. Los Angeles (42-18) won its third straight and this time beat one of the NBA's best home teams on its own court. But from the looks of it, it was a tough night, too. Trey Thompkins sat out with a bruised left knee. Grant Hill kept an ice pack on his sore lower back all night and never made it into the game. Eric Bledsoe played just 13 minutes, icing his sore left calf most of the night, and Matt Barnes had ice packs on both his knees when he wasn't playing, too. And that list didn't even count two starters who got dinged during the game - center DeAndre Jordan, who left early in the third quarter with a bloody nose, and Blake Griffin, who briefly pulled his shooting sleeve down so trainers could check his right elbow after he was fouled in the third quarter and crashed hard to the floor. "It's not great," said Blake Griffin, who has been dealing with a bursa sac problem in the elbow. "I got it drained a couple weeks ago, right after the All-Star break, so I'm sure it will puff right back up." Whether it was because the Pacers were without Hibbert or it was just an off night, Indiana didn't look anything like the team that had won five straight by an average margin of 23.8 points. Instead, the Pacers (36-22) held the lead just four times all night - never by more than two points - and couldn't keep the lead for more than one defensive possession. David West finished with 22 points and six rebounds, All-Star Paul George (6'9''-G/F-90, college: Fresno St.) had 20 points and five assists and Danny Granger played his best game since returning from a left knee injury last weekend. Granger finished with a season-high 12 points in 19 minutes on 5-of-10 shooting. What went wrong? The Pacers' defense allowed Los Angeles to shoot 48.8 percent from the field and their imprecise passing led to 20 turnovers. The biggest reason may have been the absence of Hibbert, who drew a one-game suspension for starting a shoving match in Tuesday night's victory over Golden State. "Roy Hibbert makes a big difference in our team," Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. "Everybody says he's having a bad year, but he's having a good year. We have the No. 1 defense in the league and he's a big part of it." That much was evident on Thursday at every key turn in the game. The Clippers used three 13-3 spurts - one in the second quarter, one late in the third and again to start the fourth - to seize control. When the final flurry ended, the Clippers had a commanding 89-72 lead with 7:06 to play. Indiana charged back with two 3-pointers from George and another from George Hill. And when George made two free throws with 2:45 to go, the Pacers were within 91-87. But Paul refused to let the Pacers get any closer. He scored the final eight points for the Clippers, making a 16-foot fadeaway, driving in for two layups and making two free throws to earn the praise of the Pacers coach. "Best point guard in the universe right now," Vogel said. Courtesy of: MICHAEL MAROT,AP Sports Writer

Chicago B. - Philadelph.76 93-82
CHICAGO - Joakim Noah had 23 points, 21 rebounds and a career-high 11 blocks for his third career triple-double and the Chicago Bulls ended a two-game National Basketball Association losing streak with a 93-82 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. Carlos Boozer added 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng had 15 and 12 points, respectively, as the Bulls completed a three-game regular-season series sweep. Noah tied the Bulls record for blocks in a regulation game, previously set by Artis Gilmore in 1977. Jrue Holiday paced the Sixers with 22 points, Spencer Hawes (7'0''-C-88, college: Washington) added 20 points and 15 rebounds while Evan Turner had 12 points. The loss was Philadelphia's season-high seventh in a row. Clippers 99, Pacers 91 In Indianapolis, Chris Paul scored 29 points, and Blake Blake Griffin finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds to help Los Angeles hold off Indiana's late charge. The Clippers have won three straight and seven of their past eight. David West led the Pacers with 22 points, while All-Star Paul George had 20 points and five assists. Danny Granger finished with a season-high 12 points. But without the suspended Roy Hibbert, the Pacers barely resembled the team that had won five straight by an average margin of 23.8 points. Courtesy of: The Associated Press

L.A. Clippers 99, Indiana 91 - by Milord Nikolic

Chris Paul scored 29 points and Jamal Crawford added 23 as visiting Los Angeles snapped Indiana's five-game winning streak. Blake Griffin chipped in 18 points and 14 rebounds as the Clippers won their third straight despite losing center DeAndre Jordan five minutes in to a bloody nose. X-rays were negative and Jordan returned for the stretch run. Playing without suspended center Roy Hibbert, the Pacers committed 20 turnovers, including 15 in the first half. David West led five players in double figures with 22 points. Griffin scored 10 points in the third quarter when Los Angeles turned a 49-47 halftime lead into a 76-69 advantage entering the fourth. Crawford started and finished a 15-5 run to open the final frame, scoring with 5:37 left to make it 91-74. Paul George, who had 20 points, scored eight points during a quick 13-0 outburst that got Indiana within 91-87 with 2:45 left, but Paul scored eight straight Clippers points down the stretch to help fend off the charge.

Bulls to sign Lou Amundson to 10-day contract - by Eurobasket News

All signs point to the Chicago Bulls signing Louis Amundson (6'9''-F/C-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: UNLV) to a 10-day contract on Saturday. The signing would bring the Bulls' roster to the maximum 15 players, bringing big-man insurance while Taj Gibson recovers from a sprained MCL in his left knee. The Bulls have enough money under the hard cap to sign Amundson for the rest of the season. The Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are also in the mix for Amundson.
Courtesy of: basketball.realgm.com

D.J. White agreed on terms of contract with The Celtics - by Eurobasket News

Boston Celtics strengthened their roster with addition of 27-year old forward D.J. White (206-114kg-86, college: Indiana). He started the season at Shanghai Dongfang Sharks in Chinese CBA league. In 32 games he recorded very impressive stats: 21.6ppg, 9.7rpg, 1.3apg and 1.3bpg this season. The last season White played at the Bobcats. In 58 games he averaged 6.8ppg and 3.6rpg.
The previous (10-11) season he played at the Thunder. In 23 games he averaged just 2.8ppg and 2.3rpg that season.
In 2008 White was drafted by Detroit Pistons in first round (29th overall). He attended Indiana University and it will be his fifth season in pro basketball.
The list of the past achievements is quite long as White played in the final of D-League in 2010. He was also voted Orlando Pro Summer League 2nd Team back in 2009.
White has played also professionally in D-League (Tulsa 66ers).

By Eurobasket Data Center

Rasheed Wallace has broken foot, out another 8 weeks - by Eurobasket News

The New York Knicks say new X-rays of Rasheed Wallace (6'10''-F/C-75, college: N.Carolina)'s left foot show a broken bone, and he is expected to miss another eight weeks. The forward will have surgery this week, a damaging blow for a team that has missed his play off the bench. The 38-year-old Wallace came out of a two-year retirement to join the Knicks this season and averaged 7.2 points while appearing in 20 of the first 22 games, helping the Knicks get off to a 17-5 start.
Courtesy of: insidehoops.com

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

NBLCANADA

NBLC Standings

NBL Canada Standings

1. London L.		30-4
2. Summerside S.		20-14
3. Moncton M.		19-20
4. Oshawa P.		18-16
5. Halifax R.		17-17
6. St.John M.R.		17-17
7. Windsor Exp.		16-18
8. Montreal J.		2-33

Regular Season: Round 30

Feb. 25: Moncton M. - Halifax R. 99-84
Feb. 27: Oshawa P. - London L. 97-99
Feb. 27: Windsor Exp. - Montreal J. 115-73
Feb. 28: Oshawa P. - Summerside S. 109-118
Feb. 28: London L. - St.John M.R. 100-95

Regular Season: Round 31

Mar. 1: Montreal J. - Halifax R.
Mar. 1: Windsor Exp. - St.John M.R.
Mar. 2: London L. - Summerside S.
Mar. 2: Windsor Exp. - Oshawa P.
Mar. 3: Montreal J. - Moncton M.
Mar. 3: St.John M.R. - Halifax R.

League-leading Lightning add two victories to their record - by Eurobasket News

Oshawa P. - London L. 97-99
The London Lightning celebrated the 29th win of the season as they snatched a tough road victory over the Oshawa Power. Marvin Phillips (6'7''-F-83, college: Claflin) stepped up with 24 points and 11 rebounds to lead the visitors. Rodney Buford (6'5''-G-77, college: Creighton) contributed 19 points for the league leaders. The Lightning started quickly off the blocks building a 33:23 lead at the end of the opening quarter. They protected the lead throughout the reminder of the contest to secure the road win at the end. Tim Ellis delivered 15 points for the winning side. Papa Oppong (6'4''-G-87, college: E.Kentucky) answered with 21 points for the Power. Kirk Williams netted 18 points in the loss.

Moncton M. - Halifax R. 99-84
the Halifax Rainmen travelled to Moncton to take on the Miracles, in a matchup of Atlantic Conference rivals that was rescheduled from February 10th due to a snow storm. The Miracles beat the Rainmen 99-84, in what was a must-win game for Moncton to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Rainmen were led in the loss by shooting guard Cedric Moodie (6'2''-G-78, college: Indianapolis) who had 18 points off the bench. Forward Akeem Wright added 13, Tyrone Levett had 12 and Joey Haywood had 11. The Miracles were led by 27 points from the NBL Canada's leading scorer, guard Devin Sweetney (6'6''-G/F-87, college: St.Francis, PA) who scored 27, along with a monster double-double from centre Isaac Butts, who had 23 points and 20 rebounds for his 15th double-double in 27 games with the Miracles this season. Forward Darrell Wonge (6'7''-F-86, agency: Veracity Sports, LLC, college: Winston Salem) also added 22 for the Miracles. The Rainmen struggled shooting the basketball, as they shot only 35% from the floor and 60% from the free-throw line. They also committed 22 turnovers to the Miracles 15. The Miracles improved to 19-20 on the season, while the Rainmen fell to 17-17. The Rainmen only have 6 games left in the regular season, and likely need to win at least three of their last 6 games to make the NBLC playoffs. Courtesy of: oursportscentral.com

Windsor Exp. - Montreal J. 115-73
The Windsor Express snapped a two-game losing streak with a 115-73 victory against the Montreal Jazz Wednesday at the WFCU Centre in the National Basketball League of Canada. Windsor forward Kevin Loiselle (6'6''-F) had 16 points and 16 rebounds while guard Victor Morris (6'1''-PG-85, college: Cleveland St.) added 20 points and 11 assists. "We came out hard," Morris said. "We wanted to establish how we play. Coach (Bill Jones) said play hard and defend and we defended well." Chris Commons (6'9''-F-84, college: USC Aiken) and Greg Surmacz had 13 points each, Stefan Bonneau had 11 points and Mike Helms added 10 points. "We had a five-win run then two tough losses," Jones said. "We came out of it. They played well today." Five of Windsor's six final regular season games will be played at the WFCU Centre. The Express (16-18) host the Saint John Mill Rats (17-16) Friday and Oshawa Power (1815) Saturday. Both games are at 7 p.m. "The ball is in our court," Jones said. "You want to be able to control your own destiny." Courtesy of: canada.com

Oshawa P. - Summerside S. 109-118
The Summerside STORM pretty much led from start to finish on their way to their 20th win of the season as they beat the Oshawa Power 118-109 in Oshawa Thursday night. The win gives the STORM a record of 20-14, good for first place in the Atlantic Division of the NBL of Canada and second overall in the league. With a Saint John loss against London tonight the STORM are now 3 games up in the win column against both the Mill Rats and the Halifax Rainmen. Brandon Robinson (6'6''-F-89, college: Clayton St.) and Omari Johnson (6'9''-F-89, college: Oregon St.) each had 24 points to lead the STORM while Robinson added 10 rebounds. Newcomer Antoine Tisby (6'8''-F/C-83, college: S.Carolina) scored 17 points to go with 8 rebounds in his first game in a STORM uniform. William "BO" Harris was top gun for Oshawa with 23 points and 7 boards. On Saturday night the STORM visit the London Lightning with the two teams having split two games so far this season. The STORM beat the NBL's top team by 19 points in January while losing a close one in overtime last week in what many observers feel was the best game in the league so far this season. This game can be seen live online by visiting the STORM website and following the webcasting links. After this week the STORM return home for Prince Edward Island's version of March Madness, five straight home games to end the regular season. The STORM face the Saint John Mill Rats this coming Tuesday night at Credit Union Place in a game rescheduled from Islander Day due to poor weather conditions. The STORM then host Oshawa on March 8th, Halifax on March 10th, London on March 14th, and end the regular season again on March 16th. All games are shaping up to be very important for the STORM as Saint John and Halifax both and are still in the hunt for the division title. The Moncton Miracles are still in the mix with 19 wins against 20 losses but have just one more game to play in the regular season. Courtesy of: oursportscentral.com

London L. - St.John M.R. 100-95
In their second-last home game of the season, the London Lightning defeated the Saint John Mill Rats 100-95 in front of 3,076 fans at the Budweiser Gardens. The Lightning's top scorer of the night was Tim Ellis with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Said Ellis, "The game went well but on the second half we really had to focus on playing offensively and making more baskets. This game is over with, we just have to regroup as a team and get ready for Saturday night." DeAnthony Bowden (6'1''-PG-80, college: Creighton) was the second leading scorer with 21 points and Marvin Phillips had 13 rebounds as well. The Lightning play their last regular season game Saturday, March 2 at 7:00PM at Budweiser Gardens against the Summerside Storm. Saturday night's game is also Emergency Services Appreciation Night. The police force will take on the fire department in a pre-game which is open to the public, beginning at 5:00PM at Budweiser Gardens. Courtesy of: oursportscentral.com

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

NCAA1

Top 25 - Men

TOP25 Standings

1. Indiana		11-2 (23-3)
2. Louisville		10-4 (22-5)
3. Kentucky		10-4 (19-8)
4. Ohio St.		11-5 (21-6)
5. Michigan		10-5 (22-5)
6. N.Carolina St.		8-6 (18-8)
7. Kansas		12-3 (24-4)
8. Duke		11-4 (23-4)
9. Syracuse		10-5 (22-6)
10. Florida		12-3 (22-5)
11. Arizona		11-5 (22-5)
12. N.Carolina		10-5 (20-8)
13. UCLA		10-4 (20-7)
14. Michigan St.		11-4 (22-5)
15. Creighton		10-5 (21-7)
16. Memphis		13-0 (24-4)
17. Missouri		9-6 (20-8)
18. Baylor		8-7 (17-11)
19. UNLV		8-5 (21-7)
20. San Diego St.		8-6 (19-7)
21. Wisconsin		9-4 (18-7)
22. Gonzaga		15-0 (28-2)
23. Notre Dame		10-4 (22-5)
24. Florida St.		7-8 (15-13)
25. Texas		4-10 (12-15)

Regular Season: Round 110

Feb. 28: Lamar - Cent.Arkansas 99-106 OT
Feb. 28: Stetson - Kennesaw St. 91-77
Feb. 28: Oregon - Oregon St. 85-75
Feb. 28: Cent.Conn.St. - St.Francis, PA 84-81 OT
Feb. 28: Louisiana Tech - Utah St. 84-61
Feb. 28: Temple - Detroit Mercy 83-78
Feb. 28: Nebraska-Omaha - S.Dakota St. 82-100
Feb. 28: Texas Arlington - San Jose St. 81-74
Feb. 28: Austin Peay St. - SE Missouri St. 81-108
Feb. 28: E.Washington - N.Colorado 80-88 OT
Feb. 28: W.Kentucky - S.Alabama 79-73
Feb. 28: Texas Southern - Southern 79-66
Feb. 28: Santa Clara - Loyola Mary 79-56
Feb. 28: Texas A&M-CC - SE Louisiana 78-64
Feb. 28: ODU - Drexel 77-81
Feb. 28: Lipscomb - Jacksonville 77-73
Feb. 28: UALR - La-Lafayette 77-68
Feb. 28: Canisius - St.Peter''s 77-65 OT
Feb. 28: Prairie View A&M - Alcorn St. 75-81
Feb. 28: Bryant - Robert Morris 75-77
Feb. 28: UTSA - Idaho 74-56
Feb. 28: N.Texas - Arkansas St. 74-50
Feb. 28: Virginia - Duke 73-68
Feb. 28: N.Kentucky - N.Florida 72-45
Feb. 28: San Diego - USF 70-83
Feb. 28: Miss.Valley St. - Ark.-Pine Bluff 70-78 OT
Feb. 28: LIU Brooklyn - Sacred Heart 70-68
Feb. 28: Hawaii - UCSB 70-66
Feb. 28: Jackson St. - Alabama St. 70-65 OT
Feb. 28: IUPUI - S.Dakota 69-87
Feb. 28: S.Carolina - Missouri 68-90
Feb. 28: Murray St. - Tenn-Martin 68-69
Feb. 28: Hartford - UMBC 68-56
Feb. 28: St.Francis, NY - Quinnipiac 67-78
Feb. 28: Texas St. - Seattle 67-65
Feb. 28: N.Arizona - Idaho St. 67-58
Feb. 28: Fair Dickinson - Wagner 66-84
Feb. 28: Portland St. - N.Dakota 66-74
Feb. 28: BYU - Gonzaga 65-70
Feb. 28: California - Utah 64-46
Feb. 28: Monmouth - Mt.St.Mary''s 63-77
Feb. 28: CS Northridge - Cal Poly - SLO 61-81
Feb. 28: Binghamton - Vermont 61-78
Feb. 28: S.Utah - Montana St. 61-62
Feb. 28: Florida Gulf Coast - Mercer 60-57
Feb. 28: Niagara - Rider 59-68
Feb. 28: Clemson - N.Carolina 59-68
Feb. 28: La-Monroe - FIU 58-67
Feb. 28: Troy - Middle Tenn.St. 56-66
Feb. 28: McNeese St. - ORU 56-54
Feb. 28: Albany - New Hampshire 56-49
Feb. 28: Boston U. - Stony Brook 55-71
Feb. 28: Sacramento St. - Weber St. 55-70
Feb. 28: CS Fullerton - Pacific 55-64
Feb. 28: Tenn Tech - E.Kentucky 54-69
Feb. 28: Northwestern - Ohio St. 53-63
Feb. 28: Sam Houston St. - Nicholls St. 53-56
Feb. 28: W.Illinois - UMKC 53-50
Feb. 28: Cal-Riverside - Cal-Davis 52-59
Feb. 28: Grambling St. - Alabama A&M 47-74
Feb. 28: Tennessee St. - Morehead St. 100-101
Feb. 28: W.Carolina - Chattanooga 72-81
Feb. 28: Appalachian St. - Samford 70-67 OT
Feb. 28: Citadel - Furman 68-57
Feb. 28: Charleston - Wofford 55-50

Regular Season: Round 111

Mar. 1: Siena - Marist
Mar. 1: Pennsylvania - Dartmouth
Mar. 1: Cornell - Brown
Mar. 1: Manhattan - Fairfield
Mar. 1: Columbia - Yale
Mar. 1: Iona - Loyola, MD
Mar. 1: E.Tenn.St. - USC Upstate
Mar. 1: Princeton - Harvard

Stats Leaders - NCAA1

Points Per Game

James KINNEY
  San J.
  (188-PG-90)
  Avg: 20.6

1. Kinney, San J.	20.6
2. Wright, Texas St.	17.5
3. Burrage, UTSA	17.5
4. Hale, UTSA	16.4
5. Barone, Idaho	16.4
6. Medlin, Utah St.	16.3
7. Madison, Idaho	14.7
8. Shaw, Utah St.	14.2
9. Appleby, Louisian.	14.1
10. Mullings, N.Mexic.	13.9

Rebounds Per Game

Kyle BARONE
  Idaho
  (208-C-89)
  Avg: 9.6

1. Barone, Idaho	9.6
2. Cunningham, San J.	9.2
3. Reves, Texas A.	8.5
4. Shaw, Utah St.	8.3
5. Edwards, Texas A.	8.1
6. Sy, N.Mexico St.	7.2
7. Wright, Texas St.	6.7
8. Reed, Utah St.	6.5
9. Butterfield, Utah	6.3
10. Hill, UTSA	6.3

Assists Per Game

Kenneth SMITH
  Louisiana Tech
  (190-G-93)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Smith, Louisiana T.	5.3
2. Obasi, Seattle	4.7
3. Hale, UTSA	4.1
4. Brown, San J.	3.9
5. White-Miller, Texa.	3.4
6. Pickett, Seattle	3.4
7. Davis, Utah St.	3.3
8. Udofia, Denver	3.3
9. O''Neale, Denver	3.3
10. Medlin, Utah St.	3.2

Steals Per Game

James KINNEY
  San J.
  (188-PG-90)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Kinney, San J.	2.4
2. Hallam, Denver	2.2
3. Mullings, N.Mexico.	2.1
4. Davis, Texas St.	1.8
5. Smith, Louisiana T.	1.8
6. Udofia, Denver	1.6
7. Reed, Utah St.	1.6
8. Hale, UTSA	1.6
9. Griffin, Denver	1.5
10. Jones, Texas St.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Michale KYSER
  Louisian.
  (206-F-91)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Kyser, Louisian.	2.8
2. Reves, Texas A.	2.4
3. Udofia, Denver	2.2
4. Bhullar, N.Mexico.	2.1
5. Brown, San J.	1.9
6. Reed, Utah St.	1.8
7. Staff, Texas St.	1.4
8. Dixon, N.Mexico.	1.4
9. Barone, Idaho	1.2
10. Shaw, Utah St.	1.1

Ohio St. 63, Northwestern 53 - by Milord Nikolic

Lenzelle Smith Jr. scored a season-high 24 points and made a career-best six 3-pointers as the No. 15 Buckeyes staved off the host Wildcats in Big Ten play. Deshaun Thomas added 21 points for Ohio State (21-7, 11-5 Big Ten), which closed the game with a 15-4 surge to beat Northwestern for the eighth consecutive time. Tre Demps scored 14 points and Drew Sobolewski added 13 for Northwestern (13-16, 4-12), which has lost six straight games and eight of its last nine. The Wildcats trailed by 11 early in the second half before using a 19-7 surge to take a 41-40 lead on a 3-pointer by Kale Abrahamson with 10:14 to play. Northwestern was up 49-48 with four minutes left before Smith drained the go-ahead 3-pointer and Thomas scored back-to-back baskets during the decisive spurt that allowed the Buckeyes to prevail. Ohio State had a 22-10 advantage after a basket by Evan Ravenel midway through the first half. Smith had 14 points and was 4-of-5 from 3-point range in a half that ended with the Buckeyes holding a 29-22 lead.

No. 7 Georgetown Grabs Tenth Straight Win Against UConn - by Eurobasket News

No. 7 Georgetown Uses Late Comeback in Second Overtime to Beat UConn, 79-78

Storrs, Conn. - No. 7 Georgetown saw a 12-point second half lead disappear but came back from a 78-71 deficit in the final 1:49 of the second overtime period and sophomore forward Otto Porter (6'8''-F-93) Jr. (Morley, Mo./Scott County Central) hit a driving layup with eight seconds left to lift the Hoyas to a stunning 79-78 win over Connecticut at Gampel Pavilion Wednesday night.

It was the 10th-straight win for the Hoyas, who improve to 22-4 overall and 12-3 in the BIG EAST, alone in first place with three league games remaining. Georgetown has won 12 of its last 13 games. UConn falls to 19-8 overall and 9-6 in the BIG EAST.

Porter Jr. scored 22 points and had five rebounds and four assists, including 21 of 22 in the second half and overtime periods and five of Georgetown's final eight points.

Junior guard Markel Starks (6'2''-PG) (Accokeek, Md./Georgetown Prep) scored 19 points, had two rebounds and two steals, while freshman guard D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera (Indianapolis, Ind./Oak Hill) had 14 points, three rebounds and three steals. Sophomore center Mikael Hopkins (6'9''-F) (Hyattsville, Md./DeMatha) added eight points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks, and junior forward Nate Lubick (Southborough, Mass./St. Marks) added nine points, seven rebounds and six assists.

UConn's DeAndre Daniels hit a three-pointer to open the period, but a basket from Lubick pulled GU to within one. After a three-pointer from Shabazz Napier gave the Huskies a 75-71 lead, Georgetown turned the ball over and Niels Giffey hit two free throws to push the lead to six points, 77-71. After a missed three from Starks, Giffey hit one more free throw to make it 78-71, but that's when the Georgetown defense took over.

Porter Jr. hit a three from the right wing with 1:49 left and Georgetown forced a turnover with 1:09 left. Smith-Rivera followed with a three-pointer from the right corner with 49 seconds left, cutting the lead to one point. The Smith-Rivera stole the ball from Shabazz Napier with 15 seconds left and Porter Jr. raced down the court, and after a pick from Hopkins, drove to the basket for a layup with eight seconds left, giving the Hoyas a 79-78 lead. A three-pointer from UConn's Ryan Boatright was off the mark at the buzzer as Georgetown escaped with its first-ever win at Gampel Pavilion.

The teams went back and forth in the first overtime period, with a Starks three-point play giving GU a 65-62 lead. A three-pointer from Napier gave UConn a 69-67 lead, but Porter Jr. tied the game on a layup with 2:52 to play. Neither team scored in the final minutes, as a shot from Porter Jr. was blocked in the waning seconds.

The Hoyas had taken a 12-point lead midway through the second half on a barrage of three-pointers, and led by 12 points, 60-48, on free throws from Porter Jr. with 4:36 to play, but UConn used a 9-0 run and pulled to within 60-57 on free throws from Daniels with 2:30 to play. Smith-Rivera forced a steal with 1:16 left and scored on a layup to give GU a 62-57 lead with 1:11 left. Omar Calhoun responded with a layup and, after Starks missed the front end of a one-and-one, followed with a three-pointer with three seconds left, sending the game to overtime.

The Hoyas trailed by three points (22-19) at the break and fell behind by five after a layup from Shabazz Napier, but a jumper from Hopkins and a three-pointer from Starks tied the game at 24-all. That was the start of a 22-6 run over a span of 5:37 as Georgetown took a 41-30 lead on a three-pointer from Smith-Rivera at the 13:14 mark.

GU hit only one three-pointer in the first half, but connected on eight during the first 11:06 of the second half, including three-straight from Porter Jr., Starks and Smith-Rivera as the lead ballooned to 12 points, 53-41, with 8:54 left in the game.

Georgetown trailed by only three points, 22-19, at the break after shooting only 28.6 percent from the floor (6-of-21) and going more than 10 minutes without a field goal. After taking an early 5-0 lead on a three-pointer from Starks and free throws from Hopkins, UConn quickly tied the game on a layup from Boatright. A Lubick layup gave the Hoyas a 9-5 lead and a jumper from the junior forward at 12:02 made it 13-11 Hoyas.

A free throw from Porter Jr. kept GU in the lead, 14-13, but the Huskies went on a 9-2 run and took a 22-16 lead on a layup from Phillip Nolan with 2:37 to play. A layup from sophomore guard Jabril Trawick (Philadelphia, Pa./Abington Friends) with 56 seconds left - ending a string when the Hoyas went 12:06 without a field goal - cut the lead to three points, 22-19, and GU made two defensive stops in the final 34 seconds.

Georgetown is back home on Saturday, March 2, hosting Rutgers in a BIG EAST Conference matchup at Verizon Center. Tipoff is slated for 9 p.m. The game will be shown live on ESPNU and can be heard locally on ESPN 980 AM.
Courtesy of: http://www.guhoyas.com

No. 10 Louisville Downs DePaul, 79-58 - by Eurobasket News

ROSEMONT, Ill. (AP) - Rick Pitino thinks Russ Smith (6'0''-G-91) is the key to the season for No. 10 Louisville, and the shifty guard believes he can help the Cardinals make another long run in March.
He sure looked ready on Wednesday night.

Smith scored 17 points, Peyton Siva had 16 and Louisville pulled away for a 79-58 victory over DePaul that ran its winning streak to four ahead of a big matchup with No. 12 Syracuse this weekend.

"When Russ Smith passes the basketball, we have a big-time chance of being a great team," Pitino said. "When he doesn't and he gambles on defense, we're just a mediocre team. But if we can get him to totally buy in offensively and defensively, we have the makings of a great team, and he did that in the second half."

Smith seemed emboldened by Pitino's challenge.

"If Coach has faith in me, then I have to have faith in myself to get the job done," said Smith, a junior who also had five assists and four rebounds while passing 1,000 career points.

Chane Behanan added 10 points and nine rebounds for the Cardinals (23-5, 11-4 Big East), who held the Blue Demons to 36 percent shooting and forced 19 turnovers.

Louisville is unbeaten since it lost 104-101 in five overtimes at Notre Dame on Feb. 9 in the longest regular-season game in Big East history. With the victory over sliding DePaul, the Cardinals moved into a tie with Marquette for second place in the conference behind Georgetown.

Pitino's team meets the Orange in the Carrier Dome, and Notre Dame faces Marquette in a big slate of games for the Big East on Saturday.

Brandon Young scored 22 points and Cleveland Melvin had 20 for the Blue Demons (11-17, 2-13), who have dropped three in a row and 12 of 13 overall.

"I think we just let up," Young said. "We can go as hard as we want to. We just kept letting them do what they like to do. I don't think we stopped it real well."

Melvin converted a layup to get DePaul within eight with 7:22 remaining, but the Cardinals responded with a 10-0 run to put it away. Siva started the key spurt with two free throws and closed it out with a layup that made it 71-53 with 3:33 remaining.

"Every good team is going to make a run," Smith said. "They jumped out on us early and then we responded pretty well. I guess it was the simple fact we obviously didn't want to be embarrassed, so guys stepped up and we made some big plays."

Young made a 3-pointer with 3 minutes remaining to extend DePaul's streak with at least one to 607 games. But the Blue Demons were just 1 for 9 from long range.

Montrezl Harrell scored 11 points for the Cardinals, and Gorgui Dieng finished with 10.

Louisville and DePaul combined for 23 turnovers, 19 personal fouls and a slew of missed layups during a frenetic first half that included several conferences between the referees and upset coaches trying to angle for calls during the physical play.

"The game shouldn't be that physical," Blue Demons coach Oliver Purnell said. "It shouldn't be that much more physical than an NBA game, particularly as we get close to tournament time. We want games to be entertaining and teams to score and that kind of thing. It shouldn't be that physical."

Louisville was leading 21-16 when the 6-foot-6 Behanan stole a pass near midcourt, dribbled in and threw down a massive dunk over DePaul guard Worrel Clahar. Behanan was originally whistled for an offensive foul but it was changed to a block on Clahar after a short discussion by the officials, leading to a spirited argument from Purnell.

"When I stole the ball it was kind of weird how he didn't try to come up and guard me. He just stayed there," Behanan said. "I don't know. I drew a check that I cashed."

Behanan then made the free throw to give the Cardinals an eight-point lead with 4:21 remaining. The sophomore forward tacked on another jumper and Luke Hancock hit two foul shots with 43 seconds left in the first half as Louisville carried a 34-25 lead into the break.

The Cardinals shot just 38 percent in the first half, but held the Blue Demons to 27 percent shooting. Neither team had a 3-pointer at the break, combining to miss 10 shots from long range.
Courtesy of: http://www.gocards.com

No. 5/7 MBB Roll Past Virginia Tech 75-58 - by Eurobasket News

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) - No. 5 Miami went 11 minutes without a basket Wednesday night, then finally shook a 10-day scoring slump and pulled away from Virginia Tech for a 76-58 victory.

Shane Larkin (5'11''-PG-92) had 22 points and six assists to lead the Hurricanes, who were coming off a loss at Wake Forest that ended their 14-game winning streak and their bid to go unbeaten in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Despite a slow start, Miami (23-4, 14-1) never trailed and improved to 13-0 at home. The Hurricanes hold a 2 1/2-game edge over second-place Duke in the ACC and can clinch their first conference basketball championship by beating the Blue Devils on Saturday.

Virginia Tech (12-16, 3-12) fell deeper into last place in the league. Erick Green, the nation's leading scorer at 25.2 points per game, took a painful spill in the first half and scored only 16 - just the third time this season he has been held below 20.

The Hurricanes had averaged only 54.7 points over their past three games and again sputtered at the outset, but led 15-14 despite committing five consecutive turnovers and missing seven straight shots.

Then the onslaught began against the Hokies, who were 18-point underdogs.

Larkin led the way, and not only because of his smothering defense against Green. On consecutive possessions early in the second half, the point guard hit a one-handed runner, sank a 3-pointer and fed Durand Scott for a fast-break layup and a 49-28 lead.

Kenny Kadji (6'11''-F/C-88) had 20 points, six rebounds and two blocks, while Trey McKinney Jones added 11 points and three steals. Scott, a senior, was held out of the starting lineup for disciplinary reasons. He missed the first 4 minutes and scored nine points.

Larkin shot 8 for 12, including 3 of 5 from 3-point range. The Hurricanes made 50 percent and went 8 for 21 beyond the arc.

Five home wins in the league by Miami have been by at least 18 points.

Green gave the Hokies a scare when he hurt his left side losing the ball and falling in the first half. He went to the bench grimacing but popped a pill and was back in the game a minute later.

Green shot 6 for 13, including just one 3-pointer, and had three turnovers. The Hokies shot 3 for 16 from 3-point range.

The Hurricanes scored on their first five possessions to grab a 9-2 lead. After their offense stalled, they launched a 23-5 run that included 10 points on the final four possessions of the first half for a 38-19 lead.

Miami Hurricanes tickets can be purchased at CanesTix.com or by calling the BankUnited Center Ticket Office at 305.284.2263. The ticket office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Game Notes

Tonight's stating lineup: Shane Larkin, Rion Brown (6'6''-G-91), Trey McKinney Jones, Kenny Kadji & Julian Gamble.
Tonight's lineup was the first lineup change for the Hurricanes since Dec. 23, 2012 vs. Arizona in Hawaii. That lineup was Shane Larkin, Durand Scott, Rion Brown, Kenny Kadji and Julian Gamble.

Miami is on a 10-game home ACC winning streak, dating back to last season. Miami's last home ACC loss was Feb. 15, 2012, when North Carolina defeated the Canes 73-64. Coach L is 21-8 overall in ACC play at Miami, including 13-2 at home. Miami was 6-2 at the BUC in league play last year.

The Hurricanes are 13-0 at the Bank United Center in 2012-13 and are 120-47 overall in the BUC. The Hurricanes have notched double-digit home wins at the BankUnited in six-straight seasons and nine times in 10 full seasons calling the arena home.

Miami, who shot 50 percent from the field against VT, has had three ACC home games in which the Hurricanes have made half of their attempts.

Miami has shot better than 42 percent from the field in 12 of 13 home games.

Miami led Virginia Tech by 19 at the half, the first time leading by at least 15 points at the break since +17 against UNC and +23 against Duke.

Shane Larkin scored Miami's first bucket, and the Canes are now 4-0 when he scores first.

Five players have scored 20+ points in a game this season: Larkin four times, Durand Scott twice, Kenny Kadji twice times, Rion Brown twice and Reggie Johnson once.

Shane Larkin (22) and Kenny Kadji (20) both finished the game with 20 plus points. Last time two players scored 20+ points in same game: Durand Scott and Kenny Kadji vs. Duke on Jan. 23, 2013.

Shane Larkin, who had six assists for the game, has had eight games this season with six or more assists.

Kenny Kadji, who made three 3-point field goals, has had four games this season with three or more trey in a game.
Courtesy of: http://www.hurricanesports.com

U-M Relinquishes Second-Half Lead to Fall at Penn State - by Eurobasket News

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Junior guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (6'6''-G-92) Jr. (Miami, Fla./Palmetto Senior) led the team with 19 points, while sophomore guard Trey Burke (Columbus, Ohio/Northland HS) finished with 18, but the University of Michigan men's basketball team (No. 4 AP, No. 4 ESPN/USA Today) fell, 84-78, at Penn State on Wednesday night (Feb. 27) inside Bryce Jordan Center. U-M led by as many as 15 points in the game but went without a field goal for the final 6:30, allowing Penn State to gain control.

Senior/junior forward Jordan Morgan (Detroit, Mich./University of Detroit Jesuit) scored 11 points, and freshman guard Nik Stauskas (6'6''-G-93) (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada/St. Mark's School [Mass.]) tallied 12 points and a team-high eight rebounds.

The Wolverines shot 30-of-58 (52 percent) from the floor in the game but just 5-of-20 (25 percent) from behind the arc, while the Nittany Lions made 27-of-57 (47 percent) from the field, including 10-of-20 (50 percent) from behind the three-point line. U-M also committed 15 turnovers in the game, off which Penn State converted 20 points.

Back-to-back slams by Morgan and junior/sophomore forward Jon Horford (6'10''-F-91) (Grand Ledge, Mich./Grand Ledge), respectively, helped the Maize and Blue lead by as many as 15 points halfway through the second stanza, but Penn State then outscored Michigan 26-8 to take 77-74 lead with just three minutes to play. At the 1:21 mark, Burke made two from behind the charity stripe to make it a one-point game (79-78), but the Nittany Lions scored on their next possession to seal it.

Michigan went on a 7-0 run to take a 17-10 lead seven minutes into the game, but Penn State halted the run with a triple and cut its deficit to just one (24-23) over the next six minutes of play. Another triple by the Nittany Lions at the 3:34 mark once again tied the game at 30-all, and Penn State retook the lead off a pair of free throws a minute and a half later.

The Wolverines responded, however, with a three-point field goal by Stauskas followed by a pair from behind the charity stripe by freshman guard Glenn Robinson III (St. John, Ind./Lake Central) to go up three. With 10 seconds on the clock, freshman forward Mitch McGary (Chesteron, Ind./Brewster Academy [N.H.]) picked up a steal and finished with a fastbreak layup to enter the halftime break with the 39-36 edge.

A layup by Robinson out of the locker room started an 8-0 run to give U-M its first double-digit lead (47-36) of the game. Penn State then went on a 7-2 run of its own to cut Michigan's advantage to four, before Stauskas and Hardaway knocked down back-to-back three-point field goals to go back up 10 (55-45).

The Wolverines will return to Ann Arbor on Sunday (Mar. 3) looking to avenge an earlier loss to in-state rival Michigan State. Tipoff is slated for 4 p.m., and the game will be televised on the CBS.
Courtesy of: http://www.mgoblue.com

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

NCAA2

Pacers Run Past ASU, 56-50 - by Eurobasket News

Aiken, S.C. USC Aiken held Augusta State to its lowest scoring effort of the year in the Pacers' 56-50 Peach Belt Conference win Wednesday night in the Convocation Center.

USC Aiken (19-6, 15-3 in PBC) outrebounded ASU (13-12, 8-10) 34-to-21 and never let go of the lead in the second half.

Aiken went on a 10-point run in the opening half after ASU sophomore D'Angelo Boyce netted the first points of the game. Senior Travis Keels killed the Pacers' stretch as the Jags climbed back in it for a 13-all game after two free throws from freshman Michael Graham.

The Jags' season-leading scorer Ryan Weems got into foul trouble early and the Pacers took over. A 3-pointer from Ronald Zimmerman and four points from DeVontae Wright made it 25-19, but ASU head coach Dip Metress felt Weems was ready. Metress entered Weems who hit three layups in a row to tie the game for a 27-all halftime score. Weems and Boyce led all scorers in the half with eight points each, with the Jags shooting 47 percent from the floor.

Aiken's Santoine Butler scored six points for USCA as they reached their biggest lead of the game (40-30) with 8:15 on the clock. ASU sophomore Devon Wright-Nelson hit a 3-pointer at the right arc for the Jags' only points of the second half until the 7:26 mark. Graham hit a pair from the charity stripe to bring the Jags within 10, but Aiken never let up.

Zimmerman netted a four-point play, but Boyce hit a jumper in traffic for ASU at 4:00 minutes for a 48-43 disadvantage. Jags sophomore Devonte Thomas drained a jumper and hit one from the free throw line to keep ASU close. With a chance to cut the game to one, the Jags turned it over in transition resulting in two USCA free throws. ASU missed two 3-pointers with under 2 minutes to play, dismissing any chance of a comeback as the Pacers took the second meeting 66-60.

ASU shot only 38 percent to USCA's 46 and were outscored in the paint 34-to-14. Boyce paced the Jags with 13 points, while Thomas and Weems notched 11 and 10. The Pacers' Butler and Paul Larsen each added 13 points, with Butler adding 11 rebounds.

The Jags play their last PBC game on Saturday, Mar. 2 at Flagler for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff in the Flagler Gymnasium.
Courtesy of: http://www.jaguarsroar.com

Bitter Night for Cardinals - by Eurobasket News

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS Senior Night for the University of the Incarnate Word mens basketball team did not turn out as planned with the team dropping an 82-68 decision to visiting Lone Star Conference rival Abilene Christian University on Wednesday night at the McDermott Center. (Box Score)

The Cardinals (13-12, 9-8) led for a total of 32 seconds in the game as the Wildcats (12-13, 6-11) started the game hitting on all cylinders. ACU opened the game on a 24-5 run through the first 10:36 of the game. They maintained a double digit lead for the rest of the first half and took a comfortable 41-23 lead into halftime.

Coming out of the break, the Cardinals briefly put a scare into the Wildcats. UIW poured in 16 points in the first 3:09 of the second half thanks to a trio of three-pointers by Denzel Livingston (Houston/Waltrip HS). After his third three-pointer of the half, the Cardinals trailed by just six points, 45-39 with 16:51 remaining. Unfortunately, that was as close as the Cardinals could get.
ACU responded with a few jumpers by Eric Lawton (6'0''-G-91), but they took advantage of their great size advantage on the inside and scored repeatedly on baskets in the paint. They outscored the Cardinals, 38-20 on points in the paint for the game.

The Cardinals shot 39.3 percent from the field, made 7-of-27 from three-point range and were 17-of-21 from the foul line. Livingston and senior Dionelle Rucker (San Antonio/New Life Christian Academy) each had 22 points for the club. Livingston knocked down four three-pointers while Rucker went 8-of-14 from the field. Senior LynDale Brown (San Antonio/Judson HS) added 11 points, five rebounds and four steals. UIWs third senior, Isai Pina (McAllen/Memorial HS) added four points and made a three-pointer in four minutes of action. The team had 26 rebounds and committed 13 turnovers.

The Wildcats shot 57.7 percent from the field, made 5-of-13 from three-point range and made 17-of-22 at the foul line. Lawton led the team with 18 points and four assists while Dosh Simms had a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Steven Werner added 14 points and six boards while Parker Wentz finished with 13 points off the bench.

The Cardinals play their final regular season game of the year at LSC rival Angelo State on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Courtesy of: http://www.cardinalathletics.com

Barry Spoils Rollins Senior Day in Overtime - by Eurobasket News

WINTER PARK, Fla. (February 27, 2013) - Rollins had chances to close the game in regulation but came up short, falling to Barry 70-68 in overtime Wednesday night.

The Tars drop to 17-8 overall and 9-6 in Sunshine State Conference play with one game left in the regular season. Rollins is fourth in the SSC standings and will look to hold its seeding for the upcoming SSC Tournament.

Barry improves to 13-12 overall and 6-9 in the SSC.

Adam Allen (6'8''-F) hit a trio of 3-pointers en route to a team-high 15 points for Rollins. Kyle McClanahan (6'1''-G) filled the stat sheet with 14 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and five steals. Mitch Woods added 14 points and seven rebounds with Chris Uhle (6'11''-C) netting 12.

Chad Renfro paced Barry, pouring in 20 points and pulling down seven boards. Vladimir Raymonvil chipped in 13 with Justin McCoy adding 12 points.

A 3-pointer and layup by McClanahan put the Tars on top early as they would go on to lead by seven on three different occasions over the first 11 minutes. Rollins went 5-of-6 from beyond the arc in the span. Each time, however, Barry came back and eventually tied the score at 23 with 5:50 left in the half.

The Bucs led 29-28 with six seconds left in the first before a McClanahan buzzer-beater gave the Tars a 30-29 advantage at intermission.

A Chris Uhle jumper and Allen triple gave the Tars a 45-39 lead with 8:26 to play only to have the Bucs again come back and tie the score, this time at 47 off a Renfro 3-pointer with five to play.

Another Renfro triple put Barry on top before Brett Chance answered with a 3-pointer of his own. The teams then traded baskets over the next two minutes until an Allen twisting layup with 1:15 left put the Tars up 54-52.

Rollins got a stop on the other end and drew a foul with 23 ticks on the clock. McClanahan missed the front end of the one-and-one and Filip Toric connected to tie the score at 54.

The Tars final shot went begging and the game headed to overtime.

In the extra frame, Rollins scored first but Barry came back to lead 64-60 with two minutes to play. A Uhle 3-pointer and two McClanahan free throws on the next two possessions then put the Tars on top 65-64.

Renfro then came up big again for the Bucs with a 3-pointer, followed by two McCoy free throws to make it a four-point game. The Tars then took too much time on the next possession before a Woods 3-pointer made it a 69-68 Barry lead with three ticks left.

Barry then added a late free throw as Rollins final comeback would run out of time.

The Tars shot 41 percent from the field while Barry hit 44 percent and earned a 36-34 advantage on the glass. Combined the teams took 65 three-pointers. Rollins was 12-of-35 while the Bucs hit 14-of-30.

Rollins closes its regular season on Saturday, March 2 at Florida Southern. Tip off is slated for 7:30 p.m. Fans can catch all the action live on the Tars Sports Network at RollinsSports.com and locally on 91.5 FM WPRK.
Courtesy of: http://www.rollinssports.com

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

NCAA3

DiBartolomeo Named UAA Player of the Year - Three Honored - by Eurobasket News

University of Rochester senior guard John DiBartolomeo (6'0''-PG) was a dominating player during the 2012-13 regular season and he was justly rewarded for it when he was named the University Athletic Association Men's Basketball Player of the Year.

It's the second time in three years that John DiBartolomeo (Westport, CT/Staples) was named the UAA's top player. He was honored in 2010-11 with the same award. He is the third Rochester player to earn UAA Player of the Year honors for two seasons. Chris Fite did it in 1990-91 and 1991-92. Seth Hauben was recognized in 2003-04 and 2004-05.

John DiBartolomeo was named First Team All-UAA for the third straight season. Two teammates were honored with him. Junior Nate Vernon (Chapel Hill, NC/Carolina Friends/Suffield Academy) was named Second Team All-UAA. Senior Rob Reid (Mount Airy, NC/Phillips Exeter [NH]) was accorded Honorable Mention status. Awards were determined in balloting conducted among the UAA's head coaches.

Rochester finished the regular season at 10-4 in the UAA, 21-4 overall. The Yellowjackets shared the UAA title with Emory University and Washington (MO) University. It is Rochester's fifth UAA men's basketball title in 26 years. All three teams were selected for the NCAA Division III playoffs this weekend. Rochester will host Fitchburg State University of Masschusetts on Saturday at 8 pm.

John DiBartolomeo led Rochester in scoring (22.6 ppg.), rebounding (5.7 rpg.), assists (134, 5.4 apg.) and steals (50 2.0 spg.). He hit 47.5% from the floor (170-358), 47.1% outside the arc (57-121), and 92.3% from the foul line (169 of 183). He was named the UAA Men's Player of he Week five times and named to the D3hoops.com Team of the Week four times. He ranked second in free throw percentage in Division III. Currently, he is third in career scoring (1,735 pts.) and second in assists (523). His point total of 566 points is the sixth highest in school history (112 years). His free throws made are the fourth highest in school history, nine shy of third place.

Vernon finished second in scoring at 11.4 ppg., grabbed 118 rebounds (4.7 rpg.), had 33 assists, and 14 steals. He hit 45.3% from the floor (87-192), 40.2% outside the arc (41-102), and 90.8% from the line (69-76). He is ranked eighth in free throw accuracy in Division III.

Reid scored 7.5 ppg. and grabbed 5.2 rpg. shooting a UAA-best 63.8% from the floor (81-127). He hit 66.7% from the foul line (26-39), had 32 assists, nine blocks, and 18 steals. He finished second to John DiBartolomeo in assists.

This is the fourth straight All-UAA honor for John DiBartolomeo (Second Team as a freshman and UAA Rookie of the Year), the third honor for Vernon (Honorable Mention as a freshman and sophomore), and the first All-UAA honor for Reid.
Courtesy of: http://d3hoops.com

Manchester University's House noted on all-HCAC honors - by Eurobasket News

Manchester University was represented on the 2013- all-Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference men's basketball teams, released Tuesday, Feb. 26.

Senior forward David House (F) (Elkhart, Ind.) was placed on the Sportsmanship team. He ranked among the Spartans' top five in scoring, averaging 9.4 points per game; was among the league leaders in field goal percentage (50 percent); and topped MU in rebounding at 5.5 boards per contest.
Courtesy of: http://d3hoops.com

Emory Men's Basketball Place Five On All-UAA Team - by Eurobasket News

Five members of the 2012-13 Emory University men's basketball squad have been selected to the All-University Athletic Association Team. The all-league picks were chosen by the conference coaches. The Eagles placed two players on the first team, one on the second team and had a pair earn honorable mention status.

Junior Jake Davis (6'5''-F-91) (Cincinnati, OH) headlines the group with his second straight first-team while senior Alex Greven (Winston Salem, NC) also garnered a first-team bid. Senior Michael Friedberg (Woodcliff Lake, NJ) was tabbed to the second team while junior McPherson Moore (St. Louis, MO) and sophomore Michael Florin (Port Washington, NY) were honorable-mention picks.

The 6-foot-5 Davis holds down the No. 2 spot in scoring among UAA players in overall (17.8 ppg) action and finished third in conference (16.7 ppg) outings. A double-figure scorer in 21 of the 23 games he has seen action in, he has produced 10 contests of 20 or more points and has either led or shared for team scoring honors on 12 occasions. Heading into the weekend's NCAA Tournament game vs. Randolph, Davis has notched double digits in the scoring column in 46 of his past 48 outings. In addition to his scoring average, Davis figures prominently in the league with an 11th-place ranking in rebounding (5.4 rpg), a fifth-place showing in free throw percentage (.869, 53-of-61) and a 10th-place standing in three-point percentage (.416, 32-of-77). He has connected on 50 percent or better of his field goal opportunities on 13 occasions this year and has either led or tied for the team high in caroms in five games.

After receiving second-team honors as a sophomore and junior, the 6-foot-3 Greven was afforded his initial first-team nod after ranking second on the team and No. 3 in the UAA in scoring with a 16.8 per-game average. He tossed in a team-leading 17.4 points per game in league action with that mark good for the No. 2 slot. A double-figure scorer in 23 contests this season, Greven has produced eight outings of 20 or more points including back-to-back 26 point efforts against Case (Feb. 17) and Carnegie Mellon (Feb. 19) that enabled him to capture UAA Player of the Week honors as well as a berth on the D3oops.com Team of the Week. He holds down the No. 8 position on the UAA ladder for three-point percentage (.425) while his .500 effort (42-of-84) in conference tilts was good for second place.

The 6-foot-6 Friedberg is one of Division III's premier shot blockers with his 2.2 per-game average in rejections topping the league and ranking 24th nationally. Freidberg has two or more rejections in 18 games this year and has swatted away three or more on eight occasions. He has either led or shared for Eagle rebounding honors on 12 occasions this year and has produced five games of double-digit caroms. Entering the Randolph affair on Saturday, he is first on the team while holding down the No. 5 slot on the UAA chart for rebounding in overall contests with a 7.1 per-game effort. Offensively, Friedberg's 11.7 per-game scoring average places him fourth on the club and 15th among UAA players. He has come through with double-figure scoring efforts on 16 occasions this year.

Florin's play at the point-guard spot has helped the Eagles average a league-high 82.2 points per game with that mark ranking 15th nationally. Entering the Randolph tilt, Florin stands as the league leader in assists in overall contests with a 5.7 per-game average with that effort ranking 16th among D-III players. He closed out the conference portion of the schedule in the top spot (5.9 apg). He has dished out six or more assists on 15 occasions this year and his 143 assists is fourth on the school's seasonal chart.

After his transfer from Georgia Tech, Moore has given the Emory lineup a boost with his
12.2 per-game scoring average in overall play good for third place on the team and 14th among UAA players. In addition, he enters the upcoming weekend in the No. 7 position among UAA players in field goal percentage (.519) and has connected on 50 percent or better from the field on 17 occasions. Moore has demonstrated a deft touch when it comes to three-point shooting with his 45.2 percent conversion rate (34-of-75) from beyond the arc pacing the squad and good for fifth place on the league ladder. In addition, he sets the pace in the UAA in free throw percentage (.926), knocking down 50-of-54 from the stripe. Earlier during the campaign, Moore established a school record with 44 straight makes from the stripe.

Emory stands 19-6 overall and shared for the UAA title with a record of 10-4, the program's first conference title since 1990. The Eagles will be making their first NCAA appearance since 1990 when it plays host to Randolph College on Saturday at 4:00 pm.
Courtesy of: http://d3hoops.com

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

PHILIPPINES

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Standings

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

Regular Season: Round 10

Feb. 27: Air21 Express - Rain or Shine 97-99
Feb. 27: Barako Bull - Barangay Ginebra 72-93

Regular Season: Round 11

Mar. 1: Petron Blaze - Air21 Express
Mar. 1: Alaska Aces - Talk N Text
Mar. 2: Global Port - San Mig Coffee

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Renaldo BALKMAN
  Petron B.
  (201-F-84)
  Avg: 27.8

1. Balkman, Petron B.	27.8
2. Dunigan, Air21 E.	24.3
3. Dawson, Meralco	23.6
4. David, Novi Z.	23.0
5. Benson, Talk N Te.	22.8
6. Caguioa, Barang.	22.6
7. Dozier, Alaska Aces	22.0
8. David, Global Port	21.8
9. Sundov, Rain o.	20.3
10. Brock, Barako Bull	18.8

Rebounds Per Game

Justin WILLIAMS
  Global Port
  (206-F/C-84)
  Avg: 19.5

1. Williams, Global P.	19.5
2. Williams, Novi Z.	18.6
3. Benson, Talk N Te.	16.3
4. Hill, Barangay.	16.0
5. Dozier, Alaska Aces	15.3
6. Dawson, Meralco	15.2
7. Brock, Barako Bull	14.8
8. Dunigan, Air21 E.	13.8
9. Balkman, Petron B.	12.5
10. Sundov, Rain o.	12.5

Assists Per Game

Solomon MERCADO
  Novi Z.
  (181-PG-84)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Mercado, Novi Z.	10.6
2. Mercado, Global P.	10.5
3. Ross, Meralco	8.6
4. Cabagnot, Petron	6.7
5. Alapag, Talk N Te.	4.8
6. Cortez, Air21 E.	4.8
7. Casio, Alaska Aces	4.8
8. Urbiztondo, Barako	4.4
9. Devance, San M.	4.3
10. Villanueva, Barak.	4.2

Steals Per Game

Eric DAWSON
  Meralco .
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Dawson, Meralco	2.8
2. Tenorio, Barang.	2.8
3. Thoss, Alaska Aces	1.8
4. Ross, Meralco	1.8
5. Urbiztondo, Barako	1.8
6. Baguio, Alaska Ac.	1.8
7. Benson, Talk N Te.	1.8
8. Balkman, Petron B.	1.8
9. Dozier, Alaska Aces	1.5
10. Cortez, Air21 E.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Justin WILLIAMS
  Global Port
  (206-F/C-84)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Williams, Global P.	5.5
2. Williams, Novi Z.	5.0
3. Balkman, Petron B.	3.8
4. Dozier, Alaska Aces	3.5
5. Dawson, Meralco	3.2
6. Benson, Talk N Te.	2.8
7. Dunigan, Air21 E.	2.8
8. Hill, Barangay.	2.7
9. Aguilar, Novi Z.	2.6
10. Aguilar, Global P.	2.3

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

PUERTO RICO

Puerto Rico in group A after Tournament of Las Americas Draw - by Juan Hernandez

Puerto Rico will be part of Group A along with Brazil, Canada, Jamaica and Uruguay, after the draw made today for the FIBA Tournament of Las Americas to be played from August 30 to September 11 in Venezuela

The other group was composed of Mexico, which classified after FIBA suspend all Panama National Teams from FIBA sponsored tournaments, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Paraguay and always favorites Argentina.

The top four teams from each group will advance to the second stage of the contest.

The draw was made by Anbal Garca, FIBA official with the attendance of Julio Cesar Lamas (agency: Interperformances ), current coach of Argentina, Flor Melendez , current mentor of the Puerto Rico National team and past players, Oscar Torres (198-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances) of Venezuela and Jerome Mincy (203-F-64, college: UAB) of Puerto Rico.
Four teams will qualify for the FIBA World Championships 2014 to be played in Spain in 2014.

Current Puerto rico stars Carlos Arroyo (188-PG-79, agency: Interperformances, college: FIU), Jose Juan Barea (181-PG-84, college: Northeastern) and Ramos Peter John (222-C-85) are the core part of the National Team in a tournament which all other National teams could have their best players leading up for the classification on the World Championships. Players like Greibys Vazquez, Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances), Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida), Jack Michael Martinez (201-F-81) among others.

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

ROMANIA

Aleksandar Mladenovic gets MVP of the Week award for Romanian Division A - by Eurobasket News

Serbian Aleksandar Mladenovic (207-F/C-84, agency: BeoExcell) had a great game in the last round for Gaz Metan and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 24.
The 28-year old power forward had a double-double of 24 points and ten rebounds, while his team outclassed Dinamo B. (#16, 1-23) with 36-point margin 84-48. Thanks to this victory Gaz Metan moved-up to the 7th position in the Romanian Division A. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Gaz Metan will need more victories to improve their 16-8 record. It was one of impressive evenings for Mladenovic as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Aleksandar Mladenovic averages this season 10.3ppg and 5.5rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 28-year old American guard Louis Darby (196-G-84) of Rovinari. Darby impressed basketball fans with 27 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Bad luck as Rovinari lost that game 84-92 to the higher-ranked Targu Mures (#3, 17-7). This loss caused Rovinari to drop to 11th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 11-13 record. Darby is well-known by Rovinari fans and he already established his position as one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 20.6ppg (#1). His other stats are also decent: 6.7rpg and 3.3apg.

The third best performed player last round was Bosnia and Herzegovina Zlatko Jovanovic (181-PG-84, agency: Beo Basket) of Timisoara (#6). Jovanovic scored 26 points and passed ten assists (!!!). He was a key player of Timisoara, leading his team to a 89-71 easy win against the lower-ranked Miercurea Ciuc (#15, 3-21). Timisoara needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 16 victories and 8 lost games. Jovanovic has a great season in Romania. After 24 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 16.9ppg (6th best) and assists with 6.5apg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Milos Pesic (205-F-84) of Oradea - 31 points and 9 rebounds
5. Catalin Burlacu (210-C-77) of Ploiesti - 16 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Andrija Ciric (199-G-80) of Targu Mures - 19 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Branko Cuic (197-G-78) of Targu Mures - 18 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Perry Petty (185-G-88) of Giurgiu - 21 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists
9. Marijo Hajdic (206-F/C-89) of Miercurea Ciuc - 15 points and 11 rebounds
10. Dalibor Djapa (205-F/C-84) of U.Mobitel.CN - 18 points and 11 rebounds

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

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

RUSSIA

EuroLeague: Barcelona snatch home win over Khimky - by Eurobasket News

FC Barcelona Regal - Khimky 71:69

FC Barcelona Regal celebrated the eighth victory in the EuroLeague Top 16. They held off ambitious Khimky in the Catalan capital for 8-1 record on top of Group F. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) stepped up with 19 points to lead the hosts. Khimky fell at 5-4 record in the fourth position in the ladder.
Barcelona enjoyed a 21:16 lead ten minutes into the game. They stayed aggressive offensively throughout the second period. The hosts piled up a 44:34 halftime advantage. Barcelona kept their opponents at safe distance throughout the third term. They established a 12-point lead heading into the fourth stanza. But Khimky refused to give up. Loncar trigged an 8:0 run from Khimky as they narrowed the deficit at 4-point mark midway through the final frame. Monya cut the deficit to 3 points but Barcelona did not allow the visitors any closer. Juan Carlos Navarro scored six points and the home team coasted to the win at the end. Ante Tomic (217-C-87) delivered 16 points, while Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) added 11 points for the winning side. Paul Davis (211-C-84, college: Michigan St.) answered with 18 points and 9 rebounds for Khimky. Zoran Planinic (198-G-82) and Vitaliy Fridzon (195-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) chipped in 12 points each in the loss.

FC Barcelona Regal: Juan Carlos Navarro 19, Ante Tomic 16, Erazem Lorbek 11
Khimky: Paul Davis 18, Zoran Planinic 12, Vitaliy Fridzon 12

Coach Mikhail Mikhailov takes over Avtodor - by Eurobasket

Avtodor Saratov (Superleague) has a new head coach. He is a 42-year old Mikhail Mikhailov (agency: Stanislav Ryzhov). He coached most recently at Krasnie Krilya (PBL) back in 2010. Mikhailov helped them to make it to EuroChallenge Final.
He was coaching Russian U18 National Team last year. His team made all way to the European Championships semifinals in Lithuania.
Mikhailov is a former well-known player. He played professionally in Greece, Italy, Spain. He was also a member of Russian National Team for 10 years (1994-2004). Together with Russian team he won silver at World Championships in 1994.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

SERBIA

Slavko Vranes will play for Metalac in Superliga - by Ivan Milenkovic

Metalac is lying in third position after 22 out of 26 rounds in Serbian League and their president is already working on strengthening their roster for Superliga, where three Adriatic League teams and top five teams from first part of Serbian League will play.
Former Partizan player Slavko Vranes (230-C-83, agency: Beo Basket) is training with Metalac and will play for them in Superliga. Team from Valjevo will try to finish among top 4 and qualify for Adriatic League next season. However, they will certainly need to strengthen their roster more -especially with new point guard- in order to achieve top 4 finish. Currently, their main playmaker is president's son Djukan Djukanovic (181-G-92).
Slavko Vranes didn't play this season yet. 30-year-old center from Montenegro spent previous season in Iran after playing Euroleague basketball for four years (three with Partizan and one with Unics Kazan).

Stevan Karadzic returns to Enisey - by Zoran Popovic

Serbian coach Stevan Karadzic (agency: Alti Sport ) returns to Enisey. First time Karadzic was on the bench of Russian team in period 2010/2012. During coach career Karadzic was head coach of Crvena Zvezda Beograd, Hemofarm Stada Vrsac and Enisey Krasnoyarsk. Karadzic led Yugoslavian Junior National team 2001 and Serbia and Montenegro U21 National team. As assistant coach of Stetislav Pesic, Karadzic win Gold medal with Yugoslavian National team in Turkey 2001.

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

SLOVAKIA

Standings - D1

Extraliga Standings

1. Levice		21-6
2. Komarno		20-7
3. Nitra		17-11
4. Nova Ves		15-13
5. Inter Bratislava		15-14
6. Prievidza		11-16
7. B.Bystrica		11-16
8. Svit		8-20
9. Handlova		6-21

Regular Season: Round 31

Feb. 28: Levice - Prievidza 99-54
Feb. 27: Komarno - B.Bystrica 98-76
Feb. 27: Nova Ves - Nitra 94-84
Feb. 27: Handlova - Inter Bratislava 79-97

Regular Season: Round 32

Mar. 2: Prievidza - Handlova
Mar. 2: Svit - Komarno
Mar. 2: B.Bystrica - Nova Ves
Mar. 2: Nitra - Levice

Extraliga Round 31: Nitra loses to Nova Ves - by Eurobasket News

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

The game between third ranked Nitra (17-11) and fourth ranked Nova Ves (15-13) was the most important one in the last round on Wednesday night. Nitra was defeated by Nova Ves in Nova Ves 84-94. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Nitra. The game was mostly controlled by Nova Ves. Nitra managed to win second period 19-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great shooting night for Nova Ves especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of American point guard Maurice Acker (178-87, college: Marquette) who helped to win the game recording 34 points (!!!) and 7 assists. His fellow American import point guard N'Gai Evans (188-88, college: Wright St.) contributed with 19 points and 4 assists for the winners. Nova Ves' coach Milan Cernicky used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American point guard Deremy Geiger (180-90, college: Idaho) answered with 21 points for Nitra. Nova Ves maintains fourth place with 15-13 record. Nitra at the other side keeps the third position with 11 games lost. Nova Ves are looking forward to face SKP Banska Bystrica (#7) on the road in the next round. Nitra will play against the league's leader Levice (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Extraliga top team - Levice (21-6) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed sixth ranked Prievidza (11-16) 99-54. It was a great evening for American point guard Willie Kemp (188-87, college: Memphis) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points and 5 assists. Jeremy Simmons helped adding 15 points and 5 rebounds. Levice's coach felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. At the losing side point guard Robert Sturcel (184-93) responded with 13 points. Levice have an impressive series of eleven victories in a row. They maintain first place with 21-6 record. Prievidza lost fifth consecutive game. Defending champion keeps the sixth position with 16 games lost. They share it with B.Bystrica. Levice will play against Nitra (#3) in Nitra in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Prievidza will play at home against Handlova and hopes to get back on the winning track.

In the last two games of round 31 Inter Bratislava beat Handlova on the road 97-79. Komarno destroyed B.Bystrica on its own court 98-76.

Levice - Prievidza 99-54

Extraliga top team - Levice (21-6) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed sixth ranked Prievidza (11-16) 99-54. The game was mostly controlled by Levice. Prievidza was better in third quarter 22-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Levice dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Prievidza's 34. They outrebounded Prievidza 41-26 including 29 on the defensive glass. It was a great evening for American point guard Willie Kemp (188-87, college: Memphis) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points and 5 assists. His fellow American import forward Jeremy Simmons (204-89, college: Charleston, agency: Interperformances) helped adding 15 points and 5 rebounds. Five Levice players scored in double figures. Levice's coach felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. At the losing side point guard Robert Sturcel (184-93) responded with 13 points and Serbian center Sasa Mijajlovic (211-80, college: Hutchinson CC) scored 8 points and 6 rebounds. Levice have an impressive series of eleven victories in a row. They maintain first place with 21-6 record. Prievidza lost fifth consecutive game. Defending champion keeps the sixth position with 16 games lost. They share it with B.Bystrica. Levice will play against Nitra (#3) in Nitra in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Prievidza will play at home against Handlova and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Levice: W.Kemp 20+3reb+5ast, B.Fields 15+2reb+3ast, J.Simmons 15+5reb+1ast, B.Addison 14+5reb+1ast, R.Grznar 11+1reb+4ast, R.Nuber 11+5reb+1ast
Prievidza: R.Sturcel 13+1reb+1ast, M.Ziak 9+1reb+1ast, S.Mijajlovic 8+6reb, B.Falkner 8+5reb+1ast, W.Powers 5+5reb, M.Batka 4+2reb+1ast

Handlova - Inter Bratislava 79-97

No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked Inter Bratislava (15-14) beat on the road bottom-ranked Handlova (6-21) 97-79. The game was mostly controlled by Inter Bratislava. Handlova was better in fourth quarter 30-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Inter Bratislava dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Handlova's 34 and made 22-of-28 charity shots (78.6 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Handlova 40-21 including a 29-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. Handlova was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for American forward Alando Tucker (198-84, college: Wisconsin, agency: Priority Sports) who led his team to a victory scoring 29 points and 8 rebounds. The former international center Peter Sedmak (207-85) helped adding 21 points and 6 rebounds. At the losing side American point guard Kevin Bridgewaters (179-84, college: Chattanooga) responded with 25 points and 6 rebounds and forward Ondrej Haviar (194-85) scored 18 points and 4 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Handlova's coach Karol Kucera rotated eleven players seeing no chance for a win. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Inter Bratislava. They maintain fifth place with 15-14 record. Handlova lost their ninth game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with 21 games lost. Inter Bratislava will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Handlova will play on the road against Prievidza (#6) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Inter Bratislava: A.Tucker 29+8reb+1ast, M.Rancik 22+7reb, P.Sedmak 21+6reb+2ast, M.Garnett 13+3reb+2ast, J.Graham 7+5reb+2ast, N.Milosevic 3+2reb+3ast
Handlova: K.Bridgewaters 25+6reb+3ast, O.Haviar 18+1reb+4ast, R.Vido 15+5reb, M.Golian 12+2reb+1ast, Z.Crimmins 6+1reb, P.Vojtek 3+2reb

Nova Ves - Nitra 94-84

The game between third ranked Nitra (17-11) and fourth ranked Nova Ves (15-13) was the most important one in the last round on Wednesday night. Nitra was defeated by Nova Ves in Nova Ves 84-94. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Nitra. The game was mostly controlled by Nova Ves. Nitra managed to win second period 19-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great shooting night for Nova Ves especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of American point guard Maurice Acker (178-87, college: Marquette) who helped to win the game recording 34 points (!!!) and 7 assists. His fellow American import point guard N'Gai Evans (188-88, college: Wright St.) contributed with 19 points and 4 assists for the winners. Nova Ves' coach Milan Cernicky used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American point guard Deremy Geiger (180-90, college: Idaho) answered with 21 points and the former international center Branislav Tomek (205-83) added 14 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Nitra. Five Nitra players scored in double figures. Nova Ves maintains fourth place with 15-13 record. Nitra at the other side keeps the third position with 11 games lost. Nova Ves are looking forward to face SKP Banska Bystrica (#7) on the road in the next round. Nitra will play against the league's leader Levice (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Nova Ves: M.Acker 34+3reb+7ast, N.Evans 19+3reb+4ast, V.Hovanak 13+6reb+3ast, A.Mandic 7+6reb+1ast, D.Burke 6+8reb+2ast, S.Baldovsky 5+1reb+1ast
Nitra: D.Geiger 21+2reb+2ast, B.Tomek 14+8reb, P.Sparks 14+2reb+6ast, A.McClain 12+9reb+1ast, V.Kosa 10+4reb+1ast, M.Kovacevic 6+3reb+2ast

Komarno - B.Bystrica 98-76

Very expected game when 7th ranked SKP Banska Bystrica (11-16) was smashed on the road by second ranked Komarno (20-7) 98-76. Komarno maintains second place with 20-7 record behind leader Levice. SKP Banska Bystrica at the other side dropped to the sixth position with 16 games lost. They share it with Prievidza. Komarno will play against Svit (#8) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. SKP Banska Bystrica will play against Nova Ves and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

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

SOUTH KOREA

Standings

KBL Standings

1. SK Knights		38-8
2. Mobis Phoebus		32-13
3. ET Land		27-19
4. Anyang KGC		25-22
5. Goyang Orions		22-24
6. Dongbu Promy		19-28
7. Sonic Boom KT		19-28
8. Samsung Th.		18-28
9. LG Sakers		17-29
10. KCC Egis		12-34

Regular Season: Round 36

Feb. 27: Samsung Th. - ET Land 75-83
Feb. 28: Sonic Boom KT - Anyang KGC 67-75
Feb. 27: KCC Egis - Goyang Orions 65-84
Feb. 26: SK Knights - Anyang KGC 58-66
Feb. 28: Dongbu Promy - LG Sakers 104-76

Regular Season: Round 37

Mar. 1: Mobis Phoebus - Goyang Orions
Mar. 1: Samsung Th. - SK Knights
Mar. 1: ET Land - KCC Egis
Mar. 2: Goyang Orions - Anyang KGC
Mar. 2: LG Sakers - Sonic Boom KT
Mar. 3: Mobis Phoebus - KCC Egis
Mar. 3: Goyang Orions - Samsung Th.
Mar. 3: SK Knights - ET Land

KBL Round 36: Anyang KGC defeats leader SK Knights - by Eurobasket News

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

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked SK Knights (38-8) in Seoul on Tuesday night. Hosts were defeated by fourth ranked Anyang KGC (25-22) 66-58. It ended at the same time the 11-game winning streak of SK Knights. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But SK Knights won fourth quarter 17-15. However 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 Anyang KGC made 7 blocks. It was a good game for American forward Juan Pattillo (201-88, college: W.Kentucky) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Jung-Hyun Lee (191-87) contributed with 12 points and 4 assists for the winners. International guard Sun-Hyung Kim (187-88) replied with 24 points for SK Knights. SK Knights' coach Mun Kyung Eun rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Anyang KGC maintains fourth position with 25-22 record. SK Knights at the other side still keep top place with eight games lost. Anyang KGC are looking forward to face Goyang Orions (#5) in Daegu in the next round. SK Knights will play at home against ET Land Elephants (#3) in Inchon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Busan was also worth to mention about. Fourth ranked Anyang KGC (25-22) played at the court of 6th ranked Sonic Boom KT (19-28). Anyang KGC managed to secure a 8-point victory 75-67. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Juan Pattillo (201-88, college: W.Kentucky) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 32 points and 15 rebounds and Tae-Sool Kim who added 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was American forward Jasper Johnson (203-83, college: Delta St.) with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Sonic Boom KT's coach tested twelve players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Anyang KGC maintains fourth position with 25-22 record. Sonic Boom KT at the other side keeps the sixth place with 28 games lost. They share the position with Dongbu Promy. Anyang KGC will play against Goyang Orions (#5) in Daegu in the next round. Sonic Boom KT will play on the road against LG Sakers in Changwon and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game in Seoul was also quite interesting. Third ranked ET Land Elephants (27-19) played at the court of 7th ranked Samsung Thunders (18-28). ET Land Elephants managed to secure a 8-point victory 83-75 on Wednesday. The winners were led by Carlos Powell who scored that evening 21 points and 5 rebounds. Even a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds by Darian Townes did not help to save the game for Samsung Thunders. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. ET Land Elephants maintains third position with 27-19 record having eleven points less than leader SK Knights. Loser Samsung Thunders dropped to the eighth place with 28 games lost. ET Land Elephants will meet league's leader SK Knights in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Samsung Thunders will play against Goyang Orions (#5) in Daegu and hope to secure a win.
The game between seventh ranked Dongbu Promy (19-28) and 9th ranked LG Sakers (17-29) in Wonju ended with biggest points difference. Dongbu Promy outscored guests from Changwon 104-76. The best player for the winners was Eric Sandrin who scored 16 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Dongbu Promy moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Sonic Boom KT. LG Sakers lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with 29 games lost. Dongbu Promy will have a break next round. LG Sakers will play at home against Sonic Boom KT (#7) in Busan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 36 Goyang Orions smashed KCC Egis on the road 84-65.

Dongbu Promy - LG Sakers 104-76

The game between seventh ranked Dongbu Promy (19-28) and 9th ranked LG Sakers (17-29) in Wonju ended with biggest points difference. Dongbu Promy outscored guests from Changwon 104-76. The game was mostly controlled by Dongbu Promy. LG Sakers was better in fourth quarter 23-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Dongbu Promy dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to LG Sakers' 44. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. The best player for the winners was international power forward Eric Sandrin (206-78, college: Seattle Pacific) who scored 16 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Guard Bakjihun (193-89) chipped in 11 points and 8 rebounds. Five Dongbu Promy players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American power forward Ira Clark (203-75, college: Texas) who recorded 16 points and 9 rebounds and forward Seung-Ho Ki (194-85) added 17 points respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Dongbu Promy moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Sonic Boom KT. LG Sakers lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with 29 games lost. Dongbu Promy will have a break next round. LG Sakers will play at home against Sonic Boom KT (#7) in Busan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
LG Sakers: S.Ki 17+2reb+1ast, I.Clark 16+9reb, W.Yaung 13+3reb+4ast, I.Baek 9+6reb+2ast, C.Young Jung 7+6reb+5ast, J.Un Lee 5+3reb
Dongbu Promy: E.Sandrin 16+5reb+7ast, R.Roby 13+5reb+2ast, K.Lee 13+1reb+1ast, Bakjihun 11+8reb+1ast, J.Park 11+2reb+3ast, J.Sensley 9+2reb+3ast

Sonic Boom KT - Anyang KGC 67-75

The game in Busan was also worth to mention about. Fourth ranked Anyang KGC (25-22) played at the court of 6th ranked Sonic Boom KT (19-28). Anyang KGC managed to secure a 8-point victory 75-67. Anyang KGC outrebounded Sonic Boom KT 36-23 including 29 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Juan Pattillo (201-88, college: W.Kentucky) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 32 points and 15 rebounds and international point guard Tae-Sool Kim (180-84) who added 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was American forward Jasper Johnson (203-83, college: Delta St.) with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Dong-Hyun Cho (188-76) scored 11 points and 6 rebounds. Four Sonic Boom KT players scored in double figures. Sonic Boom KT's coach tested twelve players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Anyang KGC maintains fourth position with 25-22 record. Sonic Boom KT at the other side keeps the sixth place with 28 games lost. They share the position with Dongbu Promy. Anyang KGC will play against Goyang Orions (#5) in Daegu in the next round. Sonic Boom KT will play on the road against LG Sakers in Changwon and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Sonic Boom KT: J.Johnson 22+7reb+4ast, D.Cho 11+6reb+2ast, D.Kim 10+3reb, H.Kim 10+1reb+2ast, Y.Song 6+2reb+2ast, S.Min 6+1reb+1ast
Anyang KGC: J.Pattillo 32+15reb+1ast, T.Kim 16+5reb+4ast, H.Choi 11+4reb+4ast, S.Kim 6+3reb+1ast, H.Yang 5+2reb+4ast, J.Lee 3+5reb+2ast

KCC Egis - Goyang Orions 65-84

No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked Goyang Orions (22-24) crushed bottom-ranked KCC Egis (12-34) in Jeonju 84-65. KCC Egis were ahead by 5 points at the halftime before a 43-19 second half run of Goyang Orions. They dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to KCC Egis' 32 and made 20-of-25 charity shots (80.0 percent) during the game, while KCC Egis only scored three points from the stripe. They outrebounded KCC Egis 43-19 including a 26-7 advantage in defensive rebounds. 26 personal fouls committed by KCC Egis helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Belizean-American power forward Leon Williams (203-86, college: Ohio) who had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 20 rebounds. The former international forward Dong-Uk Kim (194-81) chipped in 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Goyang Orions players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American power forward Andre Brown (206-81, college: De Paul, agency: Interperformances) who recorded 12 points and 6 rebounds and his fellow American import power forward John Thomas (206-75, college: Minnesota) added 18 points respectively. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Goyang Orions maintains fifth position with 22-24 record. KCC Egis at the other side stay dead last with 34 lost games. Goyang Orions' next round opponent will be Samsung Thunders (#8) in Seoul. KCC Egis will play on the road against the league's second-placed Mobis Phoebus in Ulsan.
Top scorers:
KCC Egis: J.Thomas 18+1reb, A.Brown 12+6reb+1ast, J.Lim 8+2reb+1ast, Y.Bakg 7+2reb+5ast, B.Kang 7+1reb+2ast, U.Jung 4
Goyang Orions: D.Kim 17+6reb+4ast, L.Williams 17+20reb+2ast, J.Choi 12+1reb+3ast, T.Akins 10+3reb+4ast, J.Chun 8+5reb+1ast, S.Cho 6+2reb+2ast

Samsung Th. - ET Land 75-83

The game in Seoul was also quite interesting. Third ranked ET Land Elephants (27-19) played at the court of 7th ranked Samsung Thunders (18-28). ET Land Elephants managed to secure a 8-point victory 83-75 on Wednesday. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Samsung Thunders won third quarter 21-18. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The winners were led by American forward Carlos Powell (199-83, college: S.Carolina) who scored that evening 21 points and 5 rebounds and swingman Young-Sam Jung (188-84) supported him with 18 points. Even a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds by American power forward Darian Townes (208-84) did not help to save the game for Samsung Thunders. Guard Won-Soo Lee (181-83) added 16 points. Four Samsung Thunders players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. ET Land Elephants maintains third position with 27-19 record having eleven points less than leader SK Knights. Loser Samsung Thunders dropped to the eighth place with 28 games lost. ET Land Elephants will meet league's leader SK Knights in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Samsung Thunders will play against Goyang Orions (#5) in Daegu and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Samsung Th.: W.Lee 16+4reb+3ast, D.Townes 14+11reb, D.Sandrin 13+8reb+1ast, J.Lee 13+4reb+1ast, O.Blankson 9+6reb, K.Ngi 4+1ast
ET Land: C.Powell 21+5reb+1ast, Y.Jung 18+2reb+1ast, D.Casto 13+5reb, J.Kim 9+2reb+4ast, J.Han 8+2reb+1ast, B.Chung 7+1reb+2ast

SK Knights - Anyang KGC 58-66

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked SK Knights (38-8) in Seoul on Tuesday night. Hosts were defeated by fourth ranked Anyang KGC (25-22) 66-58. It ended at the same time the 11-game winning streak of SK Knights. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But SK Knights won fourth quarter 17-15. However 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 Anyang KGC made 7 blocks. It was a good game for American forward Juan Pattillo (201-88, college: W.Kentucky) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Jung-Hyun Lee (191-87) contributed with 12 points and 4 assists for the winners. International guard Sun-Hyung Kim (187-88) replied with 24 points and American forward Aaron Haynes (201-81, college: Boise St.) added 16 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for SK Knights. SK Knights' coach Mun Kyung Eun rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Anyang KGC maintains fourth position with 25-22 record. SK Knights at the other side still keep top place with eight games lost. Anyang KGC are looking forward to face Goyang Orions (#5) in Daegu in the next round. SK Knights will play at home against ET Land Elephants (#3) in Inchon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
SK Knights: S.Kim 24+4reb+3ast, A.Haynes 16+10reb+1ast, S.Park 5+6reb, C.Sims 4+4reb, K.Hoon Byun 3+2reb+1ast, B.Kyung Choi 2+7reb+2ast
Anyang KGC: J.Pattillo 30+10reb+1ast, J.Lee 12+3reb+4ast, T.Kim 7+3reb+2ast, H.Choi 5+3reb, H.Yang 4+10reb+2ast, Tae 4+1reb+2ast

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

SPAIN

Antonio Porta (ex Givova Scafati) may be added to Blancos de Rueda roster - by Eurobasket News

Blancos de Rueda Valladolid (ACB) is close to ink 30-year old Argentinian ex-international point guard Antonio Porta (187-88kg-83, agency: Players Group) who currently played Givova Scafati Basket in Italy. He has a double citizenship as he also holds Italian passport. In 8 Lega2 games he averaged 7.3ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.3apg and 1.5spg this season. He also spent pre-season at Montepaschi Siena (SerieA) in Italian league earlier that year. The last season Porta played at Tezenis (Lega2) in Italian league. In 28 games he had very impressive stats: 15.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.4apg (top 3) and 2.3spg. He helped them to make it to the Italian Lega Due Cup Semifinals. A very good season in his career as he was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 3rd Team and All-Domestic Players Team. Porta also represented Argentina at the Olympic Games in Beijing (China) five years ago. His team won Bronze but his stats at that event were not that remarkable as he did not score anything.
Porta has played previously professionally in Russia (Spartak St.Petersburg) and Italy (Livorno, Angelico Biella and Air Avellino).
His game is described as: A PG who is doing better year after year. Has winning mentality and great passing abilities, needs to improve his decision making and his outside shooting, yet under the par.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Assignia Manresa adds Creus to their roster - by Eurobasket News

Assignia Manresa (ACB) added to their roster 21-year old point guard Joan Creus (185-92). He was tested at FCB Regal (ACB), but was not approved after all. Creus also played at FCB Regal (LEB Gold) earlier that season. In 19 games he had 9.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.3apg and 1.6spg this season. The last season he played also at FCB Regal (LEB Silver). In 30 games he recorded 12.1ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.7apg and 1.5spg. He helped them to make it to the semifinals. A very spectacular season in his career as he was named to Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Silver Honorable Mention and All-Domestic Players Team. Creus represented Spain at the European Championships U18 in Vilnius (Lithuania) three years ago. His stats at that event were 8 games: 6.1ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 23.5%, FT: 71.4%.
Creus has played previously for another Spanish team Cornella.

By Eurobasket Data Center

EuroLeague: Barcelona snatch home win over Khimky - by Eurobasket News

FC Barcelona Regal - Khimky 71:69

FC Barcelona Regal celebrated the eighth victory in the EuroLeague Top 16. They held off ambitious Khimky in the Catalan capital for 8-1 record on top of Group F. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) stepped up with 19 points to lead the hosts. Khimky fell at 5-4 record in the fourth position in the ladder.
Barcelona enjoyed a 21:16 lead ten minutes into the game. They stayed aggressive offensively throughout the second period. The hosts piled up a 44:34 halftime advantage. Barcelona kept their opponents at safe distance throughout the third term. They established a 12-point lead heading into the fourth stanza. But Khimky refused to give up. Loncar trigged an 8:0 run from Khimky as they narrowed the deficit at 4-point mark midway through the final frame. Monya cut the deficit to 3 points but Barcelona did not allow the visitors any closer. Juan Carlos Navarro scored six points and the home team coasted to the win at the end. Ante Tomic (217-C-87) delivered 16 points, while Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) added 11 points for the winning side. Paul Davis (211-C-84, college: Michigan St.) answered with 18 points and 9 rebounds for Khimky. Zoran Planinic (198-G-82) and Vitaliy Fridzon (195-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) chipped in 12 points each in the loss.

FC Barcelona Regal: Juan Carlos Navarro 19, Ante Tomic 16, Erazem Lorbek 11
Khimky: Paul Davis 18, Zoran Planinic 12, Vitaliy Fridzon 12

EuroLeague: Maccabi Electra stole a show from Fernando Buesa Arena - by Eurobasket News

Caja Laboral Vitoria - Maccabi Electra 62:66

Maccabi Electra stole a show from Fernando Buesa Arena. The Israeli team revenged for 1-point loss at home on January 3rd when the Spanish team won 71:70. Tonight Maccabi Electra celebrated a 66:62 win for 4-5 record. Caja Laboral Vitoria also dropped at the same record on the fifth place.
It was a slow start when the guests grabbed 11-10 lead. Caja Laboral Vitoria replied with 21-17 rally in the second frame and took 3-point advantage at the halftime. Caja Laboral Vitoria also won the third frame 16-15 but could not win the game. Maccabi Electra erupted with 23-15 surge in the last stanza for the final result.
Devin Smith (196-G/F-83, college: Virginia) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and David Logan (185-G-82, college: Indianapolis) added 16. Shawn James (207-C-83, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Northeastern) brought 11, while Ricky Hickman (189-PG-85, college: NC-Greensboro) delivered 10. Maciej Lampe (211-F/C-85) finished the game with 19 points for the home side and Fernando San Emeterio (198-F/G-84) scored 11. Thomas Heurtel (188-G-89) posted 9, whilst Fabien Causeur (193-SG-87) netted 6.

Caja Laboral Vitoria: Maciej Lampe 19, Fernando San Emeterio 11, Thomas Heurtel 9, Fabien Causeur 6
Maccabi Electra: Devin Smith 20, David Logan 16, Shawn James 11, Ricky Hickman 10

EuroLeague: Real Madrid escape with the narrow win over Brose Baskets Bamberg - by Eurobasket News

Real Madrid - Brose Baskets Bamberg 76:73

Real Madrid escape with the narrow win over Brose Baskets Bamberg. The Spanish team trailed for the majority of the game but needed 19-13 rally in the last stanza to win 76:73.
Real Madrid actually won the first period 21-20, but allowed the guests to take control at the end of the half. Brose Baskets Bamberg posted 21-18 in the second frame and grabbed 41:39 halftime advantage. Moreover the German team won the third period 19-18 and led 7 points midway through the last stanza. Jaycee Carroll (188-G-83, agency: Priority Sports) tied the game first at 64:64 and then Felipe Reyes (206-PF-80) closed the run at 70:64. Although Maik Zirbes (208-C-90, agency: LUMANI 10.7) tied the game later for the guests at 73:73, Dontaye Draper (180-PG-84, college: Charleston) nailed three for the home side to celebrate a tough 76:73 win.
Jaycee Carroll top-scored for the winners with 11 points, while Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91) and Rudy Fernandez (198-SF-85) added 9 each. Rafael Hettsheimer and Mirza Begic (217-C-85) followed them with 8 points each. Anton Gavel (188-PG-84, agency: Pro One Sports) answered with 15 points in the losing case and Maik Zirbes had 14. Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) brought 11, while Matt Walsh (197-F/G-82, college: Florida) had 10.

Real Madrid: Jaycee Carroll 11, Nikola Mirotic 9, Rudy Fernandez 9, Rafael Hettsheimer (206-C-86) 8, Mirza Begic 8
Brose Baskets Bamberg: Anton Gavel 15, Maik Zirbes 14, Jeremiah Massey 11, Matt Walsh 10

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

SWEDEN

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

23-year old forward Per Bergmark (195-F-89) had a great game in the last round for Umea and receives a Eurobasket.com Basketettan Player of the Week award for round 19.
He had a double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds, while his team beat Taby (#1, 14-4) 86-77. Umea maintains the 4th position in Swedish Basketettan. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Umea will need more victories to improve their 13-7 record. Bergmark has many years of experience at Umea, through which he has constantly improved. Per Bergmark averages this season 15.8ppg and 8.4rpg.

Second best performed player last round was Jesper Eliasson (204-F-94) of Solna Branten. He is a forward in his first season at Solna Branten. In the last game Eliasson recorded impressive double-double of 20 points and 19 rebounds. Of course Solna Branten cruised to a 89-79 relatively comfortable win over the lower-ranked BG Lulea (#11, 2-15). Solna Branten's 6th position in North has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 9-9 record is not bad and everything may still change. Eliasson is a newcomer at Solna Branten and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to swingman Timothy Kearney (200-F/G-86) of LF Future (#3). Kearney showcased his all-around game by recording 18 points, eleven rebounds (!!!) and four assists in the last round. He was a key player of LF Future, leading his team to a 93-83 win against the lower-ranked Solna Branten (#6, 9-9). LF Future needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams in North. Their record at this point is 13 victories and 4 lost games. Kearney has a very solid season. In 17 games in Sweden he scored 13.6ppg. He also has 8.0rpg, 2.2spg, FGP: 52.1% and 3PT: 40.7%. Timothy Kearney has also Swedish passport and can play in the league with a status of domestic player.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Marten Melinder (194-G-92) of Alvik Basket - 29 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Mohamed Nefatti (196-F-84) of Boras II - 16 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists
6. Albin Frank (184-F-90) of Umea - 19 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists
7. Robert Isaksson (202-C-87) of Hogsbo - 23 points, 15 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Markus Lenngren (196-F-83) of Hogsbo - 30 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Alexander Larsson (203-C-95) of Talje - 21 points and 15 rebounds

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

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

SWITZERLAND

Standings - LNA

LNA Standings

1. Fribourg		17-3
2. Geneve Lions		15-4
3. Lugano Tigers		12-8
4. Monthey		11-9
5. Neuchatel		10-10
6. Boncourt		6-13
7. Starwings		6-14
8. BBC Nyon		4-16
9. SAM Massagno		4-16
Folded
1. SAV Vacallo		13-5

Regular Season: Round 20

Feb. 27: Lugano Tigers - SAM Massagno 89-85
Feb. 27: BBC Nyon - Geneve Lions 83-108
Feb. 27: Monthey - Starwings 81-65
Feb. 27: Fribourg - Neuchatel 73-58

Stats Leaders LNA

Points Per Game

Justin RUTTY
  BBC Nyon
  (200-F-89)
  Avg: 21.2

1. Rutty, BBC Nyon	21.2
2. Owens, BBC Nyon	20.4
3. Mladjan, Lugano T.	20.1
4. Chapman, SAM M.	19.3
5. O''Bannon, SAV V.	17.8
6. Dobbins, Starwings	17.7
7. Kuburovic, SAV V.	17.5
8. Hodzic, Monthey	17.5
9. Burrows, Starwings	17.3
10. Ely, Boncourt	16.2

Rebounds Per Game

Justin RUTTY
  BBC Nyon
  (200-F-89)
  Avg: 12

1. Rutty, BBC Nyon	12.0
2. Burrows, Starwings	9.4
3. Barber, Lugano T.	9.0
4. Chapman, SAM M.	8.8
5. Kakiouzis, SAV V.	7.7
6. Reid, Fribourg	7.6
7. Garrett, Fribourg	7.5
8. Dobbins, Starwings	7.4
9. Dubas, Monthey	7.2
10. Kuburovic, SAV V.	7.1

Assists Per Game

Jamelle BARRETT
  SAM M.
  (180-PG-88)
  Avg: 7.8

1. Barrett, SAM M.	7.8
2. Gibson, SAV Vacallo	7.3
3. Parker, Geneve L.	5.9
4. Jenkins, Starwings	5.7
5. Kojadinovic, Month.	4.7
6. Draughan, Fribourg	4.2
7. Stimac, Geneve L.	3.8
8. Brown, Geneve L.	3.4
9. Fergerson, Lugano	3.3
10. Zivkovic, BBC Ny.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Jamelle BARRETT
  SAM M.
  (180-PG-88)
  Avg: 3

1. Barrett, SAM M.	3.0
2. Gibson, SAV Vacallo	2.9
3. Jenkins, Starwings	2.4
4. Petkovic, SAV V.	2.1
5. Owens, BBC Nyon	2.0
6. Kakiouzis, SAV V.	2.0
7. James, Geneve L.	1.9
8. Ely, Boncourt	1.8
9. Zivkovic, BBC Nyon	1.8
10. Fergerson, Lugano	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Clint CHAPMAN
  SAM M.
  (208-F/C-89)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Chapman, SAM M.	2.8
2. Garrett, Fribourg	2.7
3. Matter, Starwings	1.6
4. Toure, Geneve Lio.	1.4
5. Burrows, Starwings	1.3
6. Dobbins, Starwings	1.3
7. Badji, Neuchatel	1.2
8. Barber, Lugano T.	0.9
9. Gordon, Lugano T.	0.7
10. Owens, BBC Nyon	0.7

Rickey Gibson signs at MBC - by Eurobasket News

Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (BBL) landed 29-year old American guard Rickey Gibson (191-G-84, college: Stillman). He started the season at SAV Vacallo in Swiss LNA league. In 16 games he averaged 10.2ppg, 3.9rpg, 7.3apg and 2.9spg this season.
The previous (11/12) season Gibson played at SAV Vacallo (LNA) in Switzerland. In 29 games he had 16.1ppg, 6.6rpg, 6.4apg and 2.7spg (2nd best) that season. It was a very successful season in his career as he was named LNA Guard of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
Among other achievements Gibson won Swiss LNA championship title in 2009.
Gibson has played also professionally in WBA West Division (Druid City D.).
He attended Stillman College until 2006 and it is his seventh season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

TURKEY

Istanbul BSB adds Rasheim Wright - by Baha Kurtulus

Istanbul Buyuksehir Belediyesi agreed the terms with Rasheim Wright (192-G-81, agency: EM-PA, college: District of Col.).
Rasheim Wright is an American-Jordanian basketball player. He is coming to Istanbul Buyuksehir Belediyesi from Al Gharafa Doha (Qatar)
He is 6'4" and plays guard. In 2007 he received Jordanian citizenship. He was played for TTNET Beykoz in 2008-2009 season in TB2L.
Rasheim Wright played 8 games for Al Gharafa Doha registering 18.0 ppg, 4.4rpg and 5.5 apg. He was named Africabasket.com All-Pan Arab Games Best Guard 2011.

(Photo: www.fiba.com )

EuroLeague: Olympiacos Piraeus successfully starts Round 9 in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News

Besiktas JK - Olympiacos Piraeus 60:79

Olympiacos Piraeus successfully starts Round 9 in Istanbul as they rout Besiktas JK for 6-3 record. The Greek side won 79:60 in the opener of Thursday. Besiktas JK fell at 0-9 record in Group F.
Besiktas JK had nothing to lose in the game and started better. The Turkish team posted a 15-13 rally in the first period, but could not match the opponents in the rest of the game. Olympiacos Piraeus replied with 25-15 in the second period and never looked behind after. Moreover the guests produced 22-21 in the third quarter and added 19-9 in the last stanza.
Josh Powell (206-F-83, college: N.Carolina St.) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Kostas Papanikolaou (206-F-90) added 11. Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) and Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) delivered 9 points each in a win. Gasper Vidmar (211-C/F-87) and Patrick Christopher (196-G-88, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: California) replied with 13 points in the losing effort. Randal Falker (201-F-85, college: S.Illinois) and Ricky Minard (196-F/G-82, college: Morehead St.) followed them with 11 points each.

Besiktas JK: Gasper Vidmar 13, Patrick Christopher 13, Randal Falker 11, Ricky Minard 11
Olympiacos Piraeus: Josh Powell 16, Kostas Papanikolaou 11, Vassilis Spanoulis 9, Georgios Printezis 9

EuroLeague: Montepaschi Siena cruise past Fenerbahce - by Eurobasket News

Montepaschi Siena - Fenerbahce 87:69

Montepaschi eased past Fenerbahce in Siena tonight. The victory propelled the Italian champions at 7-2 record in Group F. Aleksandar Rasic (195-PG-84, agency: Beo Basket) led well-balanced effort with 16 points for the hosts.
Montepaschi led by just three points after ten minutes of action 21:18. However the hosts erupted for 28 points in the second frame to clear off. The Siena outfit established a comfortable 49:35 halftime advantage. Fenerbahce stopped the rot in the third term. The Turkish team adjusted their defence and limited Siena to 16 points in the period. Fenerbahce were able to get within 12 points at the final intermission. Montepaschi regained composure in the final quarter and raced to a confident win at the end. Daniel Hackett (200-PG-87, agency: Two Points, college: USC) netted 13 points, while David Moss (196-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana St.) and Bobby Brown (188-PG-84, college: CS Fullerton) contributed 12 points each for the winners. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SG-89) answered with 22 points for Fenerbahce. Bo McCalebb (178-PG-85, college: New Orleans) netted 10 points in the loss.

Montepaschi Siena: Aleksandar Rasic 16, Daniel Hackett 13, David Moss 12, Bobby Brown 12
Fenerbahce: Bojan Bogdanovic 22, Bo McCalebb 10

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

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Walter Hodge's double-double lands him Player of the Week award among Virgin Islanders playing currently abroad - by Eurobasket Center

Here is the weekly review of the top performing U.S. Virgin Islands players, who play currently abroad.

Walter Hodge

#1. This week's number one is an international point guard Walter Hodge (183-86, college: Florida, currently plays in Eurocup). He led his Polish team Stelmet ZG to a victory over the leader Lokomotiv (5-1) 94-88 in the Eurocup last Wednesday. Hodge was MVP of the game. He recorded a double-double by scoring 29 points and making 10 passes. Hodge also added and 3 steals. Stelmet Zielona Gora (3-3) is placed third in group K. The Top 16 already ended in the Eurocup. Hodge is ranked first on the list of the top scorers in the league and also on the list of best passers (fourth place). He has individually a very good season with high stats. Hodge averages: 21.1ppg, 1.8rpg, 5.6apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 52.8% and FT: 83.6%. He has a dual citizenship: U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rican. Hodge is currently a member of the U.S. Virgin Islands senior national team.

Cuthbert Victor

#2. Second place goes to former international forward Cuthbert Victor (197-83, college: Murray St., currently plays in France), who plays in the French ProA. He could not help Le Mans (12-8) in their last game. Despite Victor's very good performance Le Mans was edged 71-68 on the road by the leading Gravelines-Dunkerque. He was the top scorer with 15 points. Victor also added 2 shots in 33 minutes. It's Victor's first season with the team. He has relatively good stats this year: 10.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 64.2%(77-120), 3FGP: 27.3% and FT: 63.0% in the 20 games he played so far. Victor played for the U.S. Virgin Islands national team in 2011.

Frank Elegar

#3. The U.S. Virgin Islands player who performed third best last week abroad was former international center Frank Elegar (208-86, college: Drexel, currently plays in Baltic League). He was the main contributor in Kalev/Cramo's victory against the fourth-ranked Naglis Palangos (0-6) crushing them 77-51 in the Baltic League in Thursday night's game. Elegar was the best player in that game. He recorded a double-double by scoring 20 points and getting 11 rebounds. BC Kalev/Cramo Tallinn (5-1) is placed second in group F. It was his team's eighth consecutive victory in a row. There are only two games left until the end of the Baltic League Top 16. So now every game will be critical. Elegar is ranked third on the list of the best rebounders in the league. He has very reliable stats this season: 13.8ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.2bpg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 59.6%(53-89) and FT: 58.2%. Elegar played for the U.S. Virgin Islands national team three years ago.

Gregory Washington

#4. Power forward Gregory Washington (208-84, college: Hofstra, currently plays in Denmark) contributed to Svendborg's victory against the closely-ranked Bakken (20-6) 95-90 in the Danish Ligaen last Thursday. He was the top player that evening. Washington scored 28 points (!!!), grabbed 5 rebounds and made 4 blocks in 35 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only his second season in pro basketball. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Svendborg Rabbits (22-4) is placed first in the Ligaen. Washington's team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial. Washington is currently first on the league's list of best blockers with 2.6bpg. This year he also averages: 14.6ppg, 7.6rpg and 1.5apg in the 26 games. Washington is also U.S. Virgin Islands national team player.

Ivan Aska

   #5. International forward Ivan Aska (200-90, college: Murray St., currently plays in Belgium), who plays in the Belgian Ethias League was not able to help Leuven Bears (5-12) in their last game on Friday. Despite his very good performance Leuven Bears was defeated 80-72 in Oostende by the leading Base. Aska was the second best scorer with 15 points. He also added 8 rebounds (went 5 for 5 at the free throw line). This season Aska has relatively solid stats: 14.2ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.8apg and 1.4spg. He is another player who holds two passports: U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rican. Aska plays currently for the U.S. Virgin Islands national team.

The list of other players, who all have U.S. Virgin Islands passport but never been selected to any of U.S. Virgin Islands national teams:

   #1. Experienced Tim Duncan (211-F/C-76, college: Wake Forest, currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA could not help the San Antonio Spurs (45-14) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the San Antonio Spurs lost in an overtime 101-107 on the road to the Golden State Warriors. Duncan had a double-double by scoring 19 points and getting 13 rebounds. He also added 3 assists and 4 blocks in 38 minutes. It's Duncan's 16th season with the team. Duncan has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 16.8ppg, 9.7rpg, 2.6apg and 2.6bpg in the 49 games he played so far. Duncan has a dual citizenship: U.S. Virgin Islands and American.

   #2. Julius Hodge (201-G-83, college: N.Carolina St., currently plays in NBLCanada) led Saint John Mill Rats to a victory against the Summerside Storm (19-14) 100-89 in the NBL Canada in Thursday night's game. He had a double-double by scoring 12 points and getting 10 rebounds. Hodge also added 8 assists in 23 minutes. The Saint John Mill Rats have 17-16 record this season. Hodge has reliable stats this year: 14.2ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.8apg and 1.4spg in the 17 games. He is another player who holds two passports: U.S. Virgin Islands and Antiguan.

   #3. Antonin Galaya (196-G, currently plays college basketball in the States) managed to help N.Carolina Central to win against the North Carolina A&T State University (6-7) 51-47 in the NCAA last Saturday. Galaya scored 5 points. The N.Carolina Central has quite an impressive 12-1 conference record this season. There are only three games left until the end of the NCAA Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Galaya has reliable stats this season: 14.2ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.8apg and 1.4spg. He has both U.S. Virgin Islands and French nationalities.

   #4. Rakeem Christmas (206-F/C-91, currently studies in the States) was not able to help the Syracuse (10-5) in their game against the Marquette University (10-3) in the NCAA. Christmas cannot count Monday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 2 points in 18 minutes. The Syracuse was edged 74-71 in Milwaukee, WI by the Marquette University. There are only three games left until the end of the NCAA Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. Christmas has reliable stats this year: 14.2ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.8apg and 1.4spg in the 17 games.

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

UKRAINE

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Randy CULPEPPER
  Fe.
  (182-PG-89)
  Avg: 20

1. Culpepper, Fe.	20.0
2. Kickert, Dnipro	17.6
3. Dykes, Hoverla	17.4
4. Goods, BC Kyiv	17.2
5. Mitchell, Halychyna	17.2
6. Thomas, Cherkasy	16.9
7. Love, BC Odessa	16.8
8. Mayo, Mykolaiv	16.6
9. Songaila, BC Do.	16.5
10. Vukosavljevi., Ha.	16.3

Rebounds Per Game

Vladan VUKOSAVLJEVIC
  Halych.
  (206-F/C-84)
  Avg: 10

1. Vukosavljevi., Hal.	10.0
2. Moore, Fe.	9.3
3. Jones, BC Kyiv	8.5
4. Wiggins, DniproAzot	8.0
5. Eziukwu, Kryvbasb.	7.9
6. Muldrow, Dnipr.	7.6
7. Korniyenko, Dnipro	7.0
8. Pearson, Hoverla	7