EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 12/6/2008

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Men News

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  ABA   


CBA and ABA working on interleague play - by Gianni Pascucci
History could soon be in the making. It's been done in baseball - National League/ American League interleague play, AFL/NFL, ABA/NBA, college basketball non-conference and conference play, now it may happen in the CBA. In our goal to attract fan friendly and affordable professional basketball to our fans, there have been serious discussions with the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) for interleague play. Jim Coyne , General Manager of the Albany Patroons and Commissioner Joe Newman of the ABA have had ongoing talks as to how this could happen for this season. In this current economy, Newman and Coyne both feel the fans and the leagues are the winners. The fans will see exciting interleague play among the best basketball athletes outside of the NBA with a variety of regional teams visiting both leagues' arenas. The leagues will enjoy competitive games between both leagues and more affordable travel arrangements. Should interleague play come to fruition, the games would take place from December 12th to January 15th. The scheduled games with CBA teams during that period would be erased. After January 15th, the CBA games would begin. The overall record for CBA and ABA teams would include the interleague games. For example, the Patroons would probably play Montreal, New York City and New Jersey at home and away. This agreement could be consummated within the next 48 hours pending CBA and ABA approvals.

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  BELGIUM   


Wevelgem Folds - by Peter Buyse


D2 Team BT Power Wevelgem has folded after a court ruled the team can no longer exist and must stop all its activities.

According to a press release earlier this week the bankruptcy of sponsor Liefmans, the departure of co-sponsor Power and the overall bad economic climate all were contributing factores to the teams demise.
Today the team's management got the official word from the Flemish league that all their teams are pulled from all competitions effective this weekend.
The Wevelgem basketball team has been around since 1954 and spent several years in D1. At present they are 7th in D2 with a 7-4 record.
They made the playoffs of D2 the past 3 years.



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  BULGARIA   


No upset for Lukoil Academic, Stoykov makes the difference again - by Valentin Anguelov
Despite all problems with their roster of the last month or so, Lukoil Academic showed champion character and didn't allow Rilski Sportist Samokov to spring a surprise. Tonight they won 89-74 to stay on top while Rilski Sportist will hold on to 5th place with a 4-5 record. Lukoil Academic played without Kevin Kruger, who had just left the team to return to the USA, and Chavdar Kostov, who had sustained an injury. Of course, Todor Stoykov played a major role in the win once again. Despite committing a few turnovers he was the leader of the team and finished with 20 points, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. Yet again he showed he is a class above everyone and he is the difference between his team and the others in the country, when there are no American players in the roster.

The game started well for the hosts as Lukoil Academic scored the first 14 points of the game. With 4'26' to go in the first quarter Ivan Lilov scored twice from the free throw line to make it 14-2. Boev scored with 2 minutes to play to cut his team's deficit to 15-9 and the quarter finished at 18-11.

In the first two minutes of the second quarter the visitors cut the score to 20-14 but then a 15-0 run for the hosts gave them a 35-14 lead. But from that moment until the end of the first half the players of Rilski Sportist doubled their points while Lukoil scored only 4 for a 39-28 score at the halftime.

Ivan Nikolov netted the opening basket in the third quarter to cut the result to less than 10 points for the first time in a while. The visitors scored the next 4 points as well and cut their deficit to only 5. A triple by Ivan Lilov made it 47-43 with 3'28' to go to end of the period, but then Lukoil opened a 10-point lead again. Then the visitors replied with 4 points and the quarter finished at 58-52.

In the last 10 minutes the hosts started to play much better, especially in offense and deserved their win. The difference went up to 22 with 2'18' to go, but then the Lukoil players relaxed a bit and during the last few minutes conceded 10 straight points before Hristo Nikolov scored a three-pointer to settle the final score at 89-74.

Besides the excellent Stoykov, Riste Stefanov played well too and made 5 three-pointers for a total of 17 pts. Hristo Nikolov added 16 off the bench and the only American left in the roster Kenny Adeleke recorded his 9th double double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

For the visitors from Samokov 20 year old Ivan Lilov topscored with 18 points while point guard Branko Mirkovic added 14, to go with 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Asen Saraliyski played very well off the bench to finish with 11 points and 5 rebounds.

In the next round of the NBL Rilski Sportist hosts Levski in Samokov but before that the team will play against Fersped Rabotnicki on Wednesday, in a home tie from Group B of the Eurohold Balkan League.

Lukoil Academic have an away game from the NBL versus CSKA in Sofia, but only after they have attempted a first win in the Eurocup, where they host Latvians Barons LMT in a Group B game. It is not yet clear if new point guard Toni Akins will be able to take part in that one. He is yet to arrive in Bulgaria and join his new teammates and remains to be seen whether the management of Lukoil will successfully register him in time for the Tuesday night game and thus solve their 'riddle' at the point.

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  CAMEROON   


Nengsu shows 100% from the field in Europe - by Eurobasket News
Brice Nengsu (190-G-83, agency: ACMT, college: Angelo St.) scored 4 points showing 100% from the field for French Roanne in EuroCup. Greek Maroussi Costa Coffee secured the initial win in the EuroCup regular season. Earlier they toppled Roanne at home court and climbed at 1-1 record in Group A standings. Maroussi opened the game aggressively and piled up a 9:2 lead at the early stages. Jarod Stevenson and William Amar Keys soon stretched the margin to 9 points 20:11 before the visitors cut the distance to 8 points after the starting period. The Greek side extended the margin to 10 points early in the second term but Roanne would not go away. Nsengu and Chris Monroe came up with some spirit-boosting buckets and the visitors narrowed the deficit to just a single point at halftime 42:43. Chris Monroe did not slow down early in the third quarter as he lifted Roanne to a 51:48 advantage. But three treys from Konstantinos Charalampidis calmed the hosts down a bit. Maroussi entered the final term ahead by 3 points. Loukas Mavrokefalides stepped up at the moment for the home team as he widened the margin to as many as 10 points. Maroussi extended the gap to 14 points midway through the fourth term and though Roanne got as close as 8 points in the dying minutes it did not influence the final outcome in this one.
In the national league Brice Nengsu's team has 6-3 record in the standings.

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  CANADA   


Rinmen Roster Changes - by Richard
The Halifax Rainmen are disappointed to announce that Charlottetown native Nathan Clark decided not to finish training camp, but the UPEI alumnus was grateful for the opportunity.

Its unfortunate that Nathan came to this decision because he was improving daily, commented team owner Andre Levingston . This opportunity was new to him and he struggled. Coach Lewis and I were going to offer him a contract; we thought he held his own. Nathan told us he wanted to go back to school to have a chance to improve his skills more before playing at this level. We wish him luck.

Team management are now in talks with several other players to fill 2 more spots on the roster.

Training camp goes through until Saturday, December 6th although Coach Lewis is committing to 2 practices a day until December 12th.

Courtesy of Rainmen

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  CBA   


CBA and ABA working on interleague play - by Gianni Pascucci
History could soon be in the making. It's been done in baseball - National League/ American League interleague play, AFL/NFL, ABA/NBA, college basketball non-conference and conference play, now it may happen in the CBA. In our goal to attract fan friendly and affordable professional basketball to our fans, there have been serious discussions with the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) for interleague play. Jim Coyne , General Manager of the Albany Patroons and Commissioner Joe Newman of the ABA have had ongoing talks as to how this could happen for this season. In this current economy, Newman and Coyne both feel the fans and the leagues are the winners. The fans will see exciting interleague play among the best basketball athletes outside of the NBA with a variety of regional teams visiting both leagues' arenas. The leagues will enjoy competitive games between both leagues and more affordable travel arrangements. Should interleague play come to fruition, the games would take place from December 12th to January 15th. The scheduled games with CBA teams during that period would be erased. After January 15th, the CBA games would begin. The overall record for CBA and ABA teams would include the interleague games. For example, the Patroons would probably play Montreal, New York City and New Jersey at home and away. This agreement could be consummated within the next 48 hours pending CBA and ABA approvals.

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  CHINA   


Liu Wei, Cai Liang Suspended, Fined for Fight With Muoneke - by Arthur Volbert
Liu Wei (190-G-80) and Cai Liang of the Shanghai Sharks were each handed a 10-game suspension and a 50,000 RMB fine by the CBA for their role in a November 28 fight with Gabe Muoneke of Yunnan Honghe. 50000 RMB equals about 7000 dollars. Liu is a member of the national team and Cai is one of the CBA's most promising young players.

This is another blow for winless Shanghai, still reeling from losing its best young player, Xu Yong, to career-ending cancer.

Dongguan and Xingjiang Continue to Lead - by Arthur Volbert
League-leading Dongguan kept winless Shanghai winless with a 113-99 triumph. Young Meng Duo (192-G/F-90), an upcoming star as a combo guard, had 24 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Zhang Kai had 16 points and 12 rebounds while Qiu Biao also scored 16 points. Song Kangming, a 208 cm widebody born in 1987, had 13 points and 12 rebounds. Dongguan's imports only played 25 minutes combined. Luo Xudong led Shanghai with 24 points and 5 assists. DaJuan Tate scored 19 and Peng Fei scored 18. Liu Wei did not play and may be suspended because of an altercation in a previous game.

Xinjiang maintained its share of the CBA lead with Dongguan with a 110-100 triumph over Tianjin. Juan Mendez scored 25 and Myron Allen had 24 points and 7 assists. Xue Yuyang scored 15 points and Mengke Bateer had 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Theron Smith had 37 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals for Tianjin. Young big man Xu Lei added 17 points and 6 rebounds. Wang Hao scored 13 and Zhang Ji scored 12.

Zhejiang defeated Zhejiang Guangsha 102-94 as Samuel Hoskin scored 32 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Kirk Snyder had 23 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Ding Jinhui had 15 points and 8 rebounds. Luo Zhi had 12 points and Zhang Dayu added 10. Kasib Powell led Guangsha with 26 points while Nigel Dixon and Jin Lipeng each scored 23. Dixon added 11 rebounds.

Li Nan scored 30 points and Wang Lei scored 28 as Bayi stopped Fujian 96-86. Wang Zhizhi had 19 points and 6 rebounds and Mo Ke had 10 points and 11 rebounds. Matt Frieje had 25 points and 10 rebounds for Fujian while Liu Yudong had 15 points and 9 rebounds. Lu Xiaoming had 10 points, 12 assists and 9 steals.

Shanxi defeated Beijing 99-89. Lee Benson had 25 points, 20 rebounds and 6 assists. Brandon Robinson had 27 points, 12 rebounds and 4 steals. Chen Zhaosheng scored 18 and Zhang Wei added 17. Dontae Jones had 31 points and 15 rebounds for Beijing. Men Wei scored 21 points. David Harrison added 16 points and 6 rebounds.

Shanxi Zhongyu slaughtered Jilin 124-86. Zhang Jinshuai led Zhongyu with 22 points. Yu Tao scored 15 and Olumide Oyedeji had 13 points and 15 rebounds. Seven Zhongyu players scored in double figures. Leon Rogers led Jilin with 25 points, but committed 10 turnovers. Soumaila Samake had 14 points and Liu Wei added 10. But the 205 cm, 125 kg Liu had no rebounds.

Shandong blasted Qingdao 108-78. Mack Tuck had 30 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals. Wu Ke had 16 points and 6 rebounds. Priest Lauderdale had 14 points and 14 rebounds. Li Jingyu had 12 points and Sui Ran scored 10. Wu, Li and Sui excelled as junior players and are prospects to be watched. Amal McCaskill had 27 points and 11 rebounds for Qingdao. Li Guang added 14 points, 4 assists and 6 steals. Yu Gaofeng scored 16.

Yang Ming had 30 points and 6 assists to lead Liaoning to a 114-87 drubbing of Yunnan. Liaoning did not use any imports. Liu Xiangtao had 24 points and 7 rebounds and Li Xiaoxu, who is producing consistently, had 12 points and 11 rebounds. Lu Wei scored 10 and huge Han Dejun had 10 points and 8 rebounds before fouling out in 18 minutes. Gabe Muoneke led Yunnan with 39 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Li Tao added 18 points and Li Lin scored 13. Keith Closs had 11 points, 14 rebounds and 6 blocks.

Wang Shipeng had 33 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists as Guangdong defeated Jiangsu 103-91. Jason Dixon added 19 points and 14 rebounds. Liu Xiaoyu scored 12, Sun Tiangang scored 11 and Zhao Peng had 10. Jameel Watkins had 37 points and 14 rebounds for Jiangsul. Donnell Harvey added 18 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 3 blocks. Hu Xuefeng had 10 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals and Yi Li also scored 10.

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  D-LEAGUE   


Iowa Remains among Ranks of Unbeaten with 120-109 Victory over Albuquerque - by Surujh Roopnarine
The Iowa Energy thumped the visiting Albuquerque Thunderbirds 120-109 last night in Des Moines to improve to 3-0 on the season. The T-Birds scored the first two points of the game but the Energy quickly took control, building a double-digit lead midway through the first quarter. Iowa extended its advantage to as many as 26 in the third quarter before easing up in the fourth as Albuquerque cut the final margin to 11.
Puerto Rican National Team star Larry Ayuso (6'3'-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC) led six Energy players who scored in double-figures with 23 points. MaJic Dorsey (6'1'-G-81, college: S.Indiana) came off the bench to score a game high 26 points on only 14 minutes of action. The T-Birds fall to 0-3 on the season.
T-BIRDS: MaJic Dorsey (26pt), Will Conroy (23pt+8as), Cheyne Gadson (21pt+6to), Cory Underwood (12pt+8rb)
ENERGY: Larry Ayuso (23pt), Cartier Martin (19pt), Othyus Jeffers (18pt+6rb), Curtis Stinson (13pt+7rb+8as)

Dakota Wizards (100) at Rio Grande Valley Vipers (98)
WIZARDS: Denham Brown (6'6'-F-83, college: Connecticut) (22pt+5rb), Maurice Baker (16pt+6rb+5as+5st+5to), Renaldo Major (16pt), Quemont Greer (13pt+7rb)
VIPERS: Alton Ford (6'10'-C-81, college: Houston) (22pt+10rb), Craig Winder (19pt), Trent Strickland (17pt+5rb), Kendall Dartez (15pt+7rb)

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  EBA   


Avengers Training Camp off and running - by Justin Moore
The Alexandria Avengers Hold there first day of training camp lastnight and the Avengers look to be a major fixture in the minor league circuit with new head coach Chaz Dudley in the fold with years of experince in coaching in the New York area to playing 6 years in Italy and some stops in the NBA. This is a deep group of players with speed, outsideshooters. The Alexandria Avengers look to take the EBA title this year and also serve as an ABA travel squad to keep up with the Avangers and the EBA check www.easternbasketballalliance.com.


Justin Moore (5'9'-G-80, college: St.Augustine)
Tyree Harris (6'1'-G-79, college: Pfeiffer)
Daryl Owens (6'2'-G-76, college: Nova CC)
Steven Miles (6'2'-G-81, college: American)
Andrew Harding (5'10'-G-82, college: Glenville St.)
Angelo Hernandez (6'3'-G)
NyJuan Hall
Ryan Hughes (6'1'-G)
Mookie Felder
Eric Herring (6'5'-F-79, college: George Mason)
Devon Neckles (6'7'-F/C, college: St.Francis,NY)
Dallas Crawley (6'6'-F/C-80, college: Marymount)
Gil Bishop
Wade Dunston (6'4'-G, college: St.Bonaventure)
Donald Eason
Nick Hall
Jeff Sullivan
Jeff Daisley (7'2'-C-83, college: Mercyhurst)
Gus Durr (6'6'-F-85, agency: Promotex)
Brian Carter (6'6'-F-81, college: Catawba)
Corin Turner (5'10'-G-81, college: Virginia Union)

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  EL SALVADOR   


LSB: end of regular season - by Jaime Arevalo
ExSal ended the regular season simply destroying UTEC, 96-56, with Julio Mancia (202-C-80) and Miguel Banos (186-F/C-84) leading the way at 19 and 18 pts, respectively, while Miguel Romero (182-G/F-80) led UTEC at 16. In the other game of the last round, Denver claimed the scond place defeating Cosmos 79-72, with Mauricio Lahud (176-G-84) topping all the scorers at 22. The playoffs start this weekend, the semifinal pairings are the replay of this last round, ExSal -UTEC and Denver - Cosmos

Standings - Liga Superior
Liga Superior Standings
1. Denver 7-1
2. ExSAL 7-1
3. Cosmos 4-4
4. UTEC 1-7
5. San Marcos 1-7


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  EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE   


Eurobasket Summer League (Las Vegas) All Tournament Team & Awards - by Darryl Reshaw

Eurobasket Summer League (Las Vegas) All Tournament Team & Awards -
The Eurobasket Summer League (Las Vegas) announces the following names on the All Tournament Team.

Co-MVP Derrick Stevens (180-G-80, college: Colorado St.): He had an outstanding tournament controlling the tempo of the games, making great decisions, scoring, utilizing his amazing quickness and using his strength and athleticism to finish baskets in the paint among the big guys. Derrick can play at the highest level in Europe now.

Co-MVP Pele Paelay (193-G-84, agency: Chris Pearson SM, college: Co.Carolina): Pele showed why he averaged 16ppg in the CBA this year and was Big South Player of the year a couple of seasons ago in Las Vegas. Pele simply showcased his athletic ability with a lot of dunks, great scoring, shooting touch, great creativity and ball handling skills in the three days. He is an amazing player who is ready for top level European action now.
Unfortunately for the rest of the teams in the Las Vegas event both of these guys played on the same team and won the ESL event in Las Vegas.


First Team ALL ESL Las Vegas:

Bennet Davis (206-F-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Northeastern): Bennet who played in Israel in 2007-08 in the top league was so smooth throughout the week and showed nice athleticism. His midrange and turnaround jump shot was really sweet. He also took the ball to the basket well and showed why he should be playing in the top leagues in Europe.

Aristide Sawadogo (213-C-81, agency: college: Clayton St.): The seven foot center made his presence felt over the three day period defensively blocking a lot of shots and altering others making players have to think twice before entering the paint. Aristide rebounded and outlet passes were great all tournament. His 12 foot bank shot worked well but will need to improve his post up game for the next level. Has the potential defensively to play in the NBA.

Tim Morris (193-G-84, college: Washington) (193-G-84, college: Washington): The 2007-08 University of Washington player look like a high-level big guard that can play at the highest level in Europe over the three day event. Tim has a great jump shot and created off of the dribble very well. He has a pro body and can play both guard positions, rebounds and passes the ball very well. He is an outstanding prospect for the pro game.

Leonard Houston (191-G-85, college: Drake): The Co-MVP from the ESL Chicago continued to impress scouts in Las Vegas with his scoring, athleticism and ultra smooth jump shot. He is an excellent combo guard that impressed some of the big name teams in attendance. He will need more experience but will play at the highest level in Europe real soon.

Kyle Lamonte (191-G-84, agency: Beggs and Lane, college: William Carey): The other Co-MVP from the ESL in Chicago came to the Las Vegas event and performed extremely well against bigger and better competition. Kyle has great ball handling ability and can get to the paint against anyone, he scores extremely well and he is a big time athlete who will play in a major European league soon.

Nathan Green (203-F-75, college: Idaho St.): This season veteran who average big numbers in the CBA looked extremely well over the three day period at the ESL in Las Vegas. Nate can score and create his own shot anywhere from 15 feet to the post. He is a great rebounder who knows the game well and has the best set of hands we have seen in a long time. His 17 point and 17 rebound game performance in the last game showed why he is a great prospect for top European teams.

Bennett Davison (203-F-75, agency: Megasport, college: Arizona): This former Euroleague player who played in Greece last season played extremely well and illustrated to the young guys why he has had a great career in Europe. He made great decisions, scored and rebounded well. He was in excellent shape and ran the floor well in the three day period. Bennett is still a high-level player in Europe and looked the part at the ESL in Las Vegas.

J.J. Tauai (190-G-85, college: Bradley): This former Bradley University standout looked awesome in the ESL in Las Vegas as he shot the ball extremely well but impressed us with his passing ability and rebounding from the big guard position. J.J. is a sleeper for European teams looking for that 6'5' big guard or swing player who can flat out play.

Derrick Franklin (208-C-81, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Columbus St.): Derrick at 6'10' was the most athletic player in the ESL (Las Vegas). Some of his rebounds and dunks were definitely of NBA caliber. At his size he shot the 3pt ball extremely well and his showed great ball handling skills. One scout from Italy said he was the best prospect at the ESL in Las Vegas. Last year he won a championship in Saudi Arabia and was the best player in the country but is a far better European league prospect.

Josh Stanhiser: This former volleyball player was a late entry to the ESL who was introduce to us by the great Spencer Haywood. Josh at 6'11' runs the floor like a deer and is a great rebounder and shot blocker. He would be a still for a team in Europe looking for an athletic big man who has tremendous upside potential once he improves his offensive game to the next level.

Coach of the ESL in Las Vegas: Glen Hayes
Glen showcased quality drills all week at his stations and his offensive schemes were quality and professional.
He motivated his players extremely very well and had a great substitution system during the ESL.
As a result his team won the championship while playing the pressure defense that Glen enforced.

ESL Las Vegas All Big Man Team:
Aristide Sawadogo (7'1' & 265lbs)
Josh Stanhiser (6'11' & 230lbs)
Derrick Franklin (6'10' & 225lbs)
Nathan Green (6'8' & 250lbs)
Glenn Elliott (206-C-83, college: Florida A&M) Glen was a beast all week using his strong low post game and nice jump hook to dominate guys. Some of his blocks were outstanding on the first couple of day before he got injured. He looks like he can play at a high level in Europe making six figures.
Travis Knight (211-F/C-74, college: Connecticut): (7'0' & 250lbs) This former NBA player looked good in the drills and hit some nice perimeter shots in the first game including some nice rebounding and block shot plays. Did not play the last game due to minor issues.
Chad Bell (213-C-82, college: Nevada): (7'1' & 265lbs) Chad had a quality first game and was a major presence in the middle all three days. He has a NBA body and a nice touch. Needs some experience in Europe but has tremendous upside potential to play at a high-level in Europe.






Statistics from the ESL Day 3 are below:

ESL Las Vegas Championship Game (Monaco 97, Brussels 75)

Monaco: 97

Glenn Elliottt: DNP (Injured)
Lance Ortiz: 9pts;
William Maupins: 8pts; 5rbs; 6ast
Mario Brown: 13pts; 6rbs
Tyler Franklin: 8pts; 3rbs; 4ast
Jeffrey Mayi: 9pts;
Larry Morinia: 2pts; 2ast
Pele Paelay: 21pts; 7rbs; 5ast
Derrick Stevens: 19pts; 5rbs; 10ast
Josh Stanhiser: 8pts; 10rbs; 2blk

Brussels: 75

Bennet Davis: 15pts; 3rbs; 2ast; 2blk
Aristide Sawadogo: 9pts; 9rbs; 4ast; 4blk
DShon Cannon: 2pts; 3rbs; 5ast
Whit Holcomb-Faye: 7pts; 3ast
Reggie Huffman: 6pts; 5rbs; 5blk
Tim Morris: 16pts; 4rbs; 4ast
Temi Soyebo: 5pts; 2rbs; 4ast
Dan Fitzgerald: 11pts; 3rbs
Phillip Scott: 1pts; 2rbs; 2ast
Joseph Powell: 3pts; 4rbs; 2ast

ESL Las Vegas 3rd Place Game: (Venice 91, Geneva 74)

Venice: 91

Travis Knight: DNP
Zack Alvidrez 3pts; 4rbs
Nathan Green: 17pts; 17rbs; 5ast
Ryan Read: 11pts; 3rbs; 1ast
Jermaine Dailey: 10pts; 11rbs; 2ast
Leonard Houston: 18pts; 6rbs; 4ast; 1blk
Kyle Lamonte: 18pts; 5rbs; 10ast
Alex Davenport: 10pts; 2rbs; 1ast; 1blk
L.Patterson: 4pts; 2rbs


Geneva: 74

Dedrick Bates: 10pts;1rbs;1ast
Tremaine Dalton: 11pts; 1rbs; 5ast
Bennett Davison: 12pts; 5rbs; 5ast
Derrick Franklin: 6pts; 8rbs; 2ast; 4blk
Chris Brooks: 9pts; 2rbs; 3ast
Joseph Frazier: 11pts; 1rbs; 2ast
JJ.J. Tauai: 14pts; 10rbs; 5ast; 1blk
Chad Bell: 1pts; 5rbs; 4ast



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  FINLAND   


KORISLIIGA: Damon Williams The Player of November - by Rauno Hurmalainen
American F Damon Williams (199-F-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) (KTP, Kotka) has been named The Player of November. KTP was winning in November six games in a row (record 6-1) and Williams was averaging 18,7 ppg, 10,3 rpg and 5,4 apg. Williams is playing his first season in Kotka. Earlier Williams belonged to Pyrinto (Tampere) roster and played also a few years professionally in Italy. The Player of October was American C Jeremiah Wood (200-F-85, agency: Court Side) (Kataja, Joensuu).

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  FYR MACEDONIA   


Samardziski and Gecevski shine in EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
Todor Gecevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) had 11 points and 5 rebounds for Zadar that lost to ASK Riga in the second round of EuroCup regular season. ASK Riga recovered well after the starting loss to Roanne in Group A. They looked alive and kicking leaving no chance for Zadar today. The loss in the meantime was the first upset for the Croatian team in the tournament and they slipped at 1-1 record. The teams traded baskets earnestly throughout the opening minutes. ASK Riga surged ahead when Milutin Aleksic and Bruno Sundov connected from beyond the arc for a 30:22 lead. Milutin Aleksic capped the first frame with a bucket and ASK Riga were up by 9 points at the moment 35:26. Zadar stayed close as they narrowed the gap to 5 points at the start of the second period. ASK Riga maintained the advantage before Zadar went on a 15:3 run to close the half and earned a 49:46 lead at the interval.
Corey Brewer quickly drew things level as he drained a three-pointer at the beginning of the second half. Zadar refused to bow as Hrvoje Peric scored 9 points to give the visitors a 63:55 cushion. However Andrius Mazutis nailed 5 points in a 13:0 rally from ASK Riga that saw them recharge at 68:63 lead. The hosts entered the fourth quarter up by 4 points 76:72 and consecutive triples from Bruno Sundov and Milutin Aleksic made it 84:76 for the Riga outfit later on. Bruno Sundov was unstoppable in the final stanza as his baskets kept Zadar at bay throughout the reminder of the contest.
Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86) made Artland Dragons suffered the first defeat in the EuroCup season as they were bruised by FMP in Serbia. On the other hand it was the first win for the Serbian team in this edition of the EuroCup regular season. Nemanja Protic fired 20 points to propel FMP to the victory. Predrag Samardziski added 16 points and 11 boards for the winners. Chad Prewitt responded with 15 points for the Dragons. Dirk Madrich knocked down 11 points in the losing case. FMP dominated every aspect of the game in this one. FMP tipped off the clash with a stunning 18:0 run. Dirk Madrich and Chad Prewitt got the Dragons back to life late in the period as the German team trailed by 10 points 11:21 at the first break. Nikola Markovic, Nemanja Protic and Predrag Samardziski ballooned the hosts lead to 16 points late in the second frame. Chad Prewitt closed the first half with a three-pointer and Artland trailed 30:43 at halftime. FMP thumped their opponents in the third period widening damage to as many as 27 points. Artland had little to answer with. Moreover Nikola Ilic opened the final quarter with 5 straight points and FMP eased to the victory at the end. FMP will host Fortitudo next. The Dragons will look for the initial win as they take on Pamesa away from home.

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  GERMANY   


Market News - by Moritz Korff
Vladimir Bogojevic, who was appointed the new Sporting Director of the LTi Giessen 46ers (1. Bundesliga) earlier this week, has made his first official act. After discussing the topic with head coach Simon Cote, Bogojevic signed Ricky Hickman (190-G-83, college: NC-Greensboro) for the remainder of this current season, while Brandon Worthy (188-G-84, college: Loyola Marymount) - who had been on trial in Giessen as well - received a 'no' and had to leave the club.

The Giants Noerdlingen have made a deal with Derrick Lang (194-G-80, college: Incarnate World) who is set to service as a back-up for Osvaldo Jeanty (183-G-84, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Carleton University). Lang already played for coach Andreas Wagner in 2005-06, when he helped FC Bayern Muenchen to win the championship title in the Regionalliga South-East. The graduate of The University of Incarnate World (NCAA2) then spent the following years playing in Mexico and Brazil, before moving back to Europe in February 2008. Lang appeared in seven games of the Swiss LNA-league, averaging 5.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists for Sion Herens Basket.

Eric Osmundson (196-G-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Pennsylvania) has joined Eisbaeren Bremerhaven on a tryout-basis. The 25-year-old combo-guard will work out with the Polar Bears in the upcoming 14 days. Osmundson finished his collegiate career at the University of Pennsylvania (NCAA1) in 2006. He had tallied 9.9 points, 2.5 assists and 2.1 boards in 29 games for the Quakers as a senior. Since leaving school, Osmundson was a member of NBA D-League's Colorado 14ers. He played 50 games for this team during the 2007-08 season and produced the following statistics per couting: 8.7ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 37%, FT: 70.5%.

Player spotlight: Thomas Soltau - by Moritz Korff

If you win MVP Honors at an exposure camps that provides great talent, then normally you'd expect to shoot a good contract for the following season.

Especially when you come off a campaign which saw you dominating the boards for your team and in the entire league. But sometimes things just do not work out as planned. And suddenly the year has reached December and you are still on the market. Thomas Soltau (210-F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Northwestern), the big Dane with lots of experience in German basketball, is currently going through all this.

The 26-year-old power forward previously played for the Giants Leverkusen, the Grevenbroich Elephants and ETB Essen. After averaging 20.5 points and 7.1 rebounds for Team FOG Naestved in the Danish Canal Digital Liga during 2007-08, he returned to the German playgrounds in July 2008 for the Court Side Pro Camp. And he continued to excel.

His versatile game - Soltau can play in the post but step out to hit the three as well - helped him to score more points than anybody else in the tournament and to finish the camp as the third best rebounder overall and the number one in terms of efficiency rating. He outpaced players like Goettingen's Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford) or Steve Castleberry (214-C-81, agency: Court Side, college: Rider), currently making noise in the Czech Republic.


Several 1. Bundesliga-teams expressed their interest in Soltau's services following his performances at the camp.

However, the Gundso native who has quite some international expericence under his belt from shooting hoops with the Danish National Team (tallied 16.4ppg for Denmark at the 2008 Vivatel Cup in Bulgaria, being second best scorer of the tourney right after Atlanta Hawks' Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84)) as well as in Italy, Sweden, Iceland (posting 22.7 points and 8 boards per contest for Keflavik in the 06/07 EuroCup Challenge) and Germany of course, is still available.



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  HOLLAND   


Chris Woods back to Upstairs Weert - by Fred Roggen
Chris Woods (196-F/G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Weber St.) returns to Upstairs Weert, where he signed a contract until the end of this season. Woods arrives Saturday in the Netherlands. The American forward played in the 2005/2006 season also for Upstairs and played then for Hanzevast Capitals and the German SOBA Dragons Rhoendorf (ProB). This season he appeared to play in the Austrian Klosterneuburg but through an ankle-injury, Klosterneuburg renounced his services.

FEB Results: BlueStream Seals, Rotterdam Challengers Both Cruise To Home Wins - by Sanders Jackson


Thursday night in FEB action, both BlueStream Seals and Rotterdam Challengers took care of business at home, with BlueStream Seals getting back on track with a convincing blowout win over Landstede Basketball, and Rotterdam Challengers spoiled the ZZ Leiden coaching debut of its former coach Toon van Helfteren with a strong crunch time performance in its win.

In Den Helder, BlueStream Seals had control of the game from the outset, never letting Landstede off the hook, cruising to a 90-63 blowout win. BlueStream led 44-30 at halftime and led at one point during the game by as much as 31 points (78-47) in the beginning of the 4th quarter. Bradley Strickland (206-F/C-85, agency: Court Side, college: Evansville) led BlueStream Seals with 18 pts. Landstede's Gerad Punch (193-G/F-84, college: Furman) led all scorers with 20 pts. BlueStream Seals improve to 4-9, while Landstede falls to 6-8.


In the Topsportcentrum, Rotterdam Challengers overcame a strong challenge vs. last-place ZZ Leiden in the first three quarters with a strong 4th quarter run in crunch time that enabled them to distant themselves from the opposition, cruising to a 72-59 win. In crunch time, the Rotterdammers went on a 12-2 run that closed the book on ZZ's upset hopes in ZZ new head coach Toon van Helfteren's first game on the ZZ bench. Chaz Twan Briggs (201-F-80, college: W.Virginia) was the man for Rotterdam, with a double-double of 22 pts. and 16 rebounds. ZZ's David Chiotti (206-F/C-84, agency: Court Side, college: N.Mexico) led all scorers with 24 pts. The team of Terrence Stansbury improve to 7-5 with its 3rd straight win.



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  ICELAND   


Top teams still winning - by Einar Johannsson
KR and Grindavik are still winning and Snaefell had a big win last night. KR now 10-0 and Grindavik are 9-1 and it looks like it will be a fight between those two till the end for the league title.

KR beat Skallagrimur 117-50 last night in a game that was never interesting. KR playing guys from the bench most part of the game with Palmi Sigurgeirsson (190-G-78) and Darri Hilmarsson (191-F/G-87) as leading scorers with 23 pts each. Igor Beljanski (201-C-78, college: Chaminade) 17 pts & 10 reb and young Sigurdur Thorarinsson had 15 pts & 8 reb.
Skallagrimur now 0-10 in 12th spot.

Grindavik went up to Selfoss to play against FSu. Grindavik leading all game but FSu had good run in 4th quarter before big 3pt shot from Thorleifur Olafsson (192-G/F-84) killed the game with less then 2 min left. Final score 88-97. Vesteinn Sveinsson (196-G-88) had 23 pts, Savar Sigurmundsson (198-F-80, college: Al.-Huntsville) had 22 pts & Thomas Viglianco (206-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Birmingham Souther) had 19 pts & 13 reb for hometeam, but for Grindavik Pall Axel Vilbergsson (197-F/G-78) had 29, Thorleifur Olafsson had 18 and Helgi Jonas Gudfinnsson (185-G-76) had 15.
FSu now 3-7 in 10th spot.

Snaefell are now 5-5 in 4th to 6th place after a good 87-83 win against Stjarnan at home. Snaefell always strong at home but Stjarnan came aggressive to the game and started well but very good 2nd quarter for hometeam gave them a good lead that they managed to keep through the game. Slobodan Subasic (191-G-79) with a big game, scoring 26 pts, grabbing 6 reb and 8 assists. Sigurdur Thorvaldsson (201-F-80) had 20 pts and Hlynur Baeringsson (200-F-82) had 13 pts, 9 reb and 7 assist. For Stjarnan former Snaefell playmaker Justin Shouse (180-G-81, college: Mercyhurst) was feeling good 'at home' where he scored 29 pts, grabbed 9 reb and had 7 assist. Fannar Helgason (199-F-84) had 16 pts & 8 reb, and Jovan Zdravevski (197-F-80) & Kjartan Kjartansson had 14 pts each.
Stjarnan are now 2-8 in 11th spot.

Last 3 games in round 10 tonight; Keflavik (5-4) will play Tindastoll (6-3), Breidablik (4-5) will play Njardvik (5-4) and IR (4-5) will play Thor Ak (4-5).

All-Star game will be played on 13th of december but before that there will be second round in cup and then last round in leugue before christmas break is 18th & 19th of december.

Division 1 results - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Fjolnir 92 Thor 67 Good win for Fjolnir.
Scorers for Fjolnir. rni Jnsson 18. Sindri Krason 14. For Thor Mark Woodhouse (205-F-82, college: N.Carolina A&T) 25 Richard Fields 11.

Laugdaelir 88. Hottur 84 First win for Laugdaelir. Petur Sigurdson top scorer for Laugdaelir 26. Vidar Hafsteinsson 19 Bjarni Bjarnason 18. For Hottur. Ben Hill 22 Jerry Ckeves 20. Sveinbjorn Skulason 17.

Haukar 91. KFI 78. Haukasr keeps the second place in the league. Top scorers. Oskar Magnusson 26. Sveinn Sveinsson 17. Craig Schoen 35. Pance Ilivski 25

Hamar 102. Valur 88. Hamar still not lost a game. Top scorers. Marvin Valdimarsson 33. Jason Pryor 32 for Hamar. For Valur Steingrimur Ingolfsson 25. Hordur Hreidarsson 23

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  IRAN   


Standings - Superleague
Superleague Standings
 1. Petrochimi 6-0 
 2. Mahram 6-1 
 3. Saba 5-1 
 4. Ararat 4-2 
 5. Zob Ahan 4-2 
 6. BEEM 3-3 
 7. Gorgan 3-4 
 8. Shahrekord 3-4 
 9. Kordestan 2-3 
 10. a.s Pipe 2-4 
 11. Langeroud 1-4 
 12. Azad 0-5 
 13. Khorasan 0-6 


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  IRELAND   


Stats Leaders - Men
Superleague Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 O'Reilly Demons 26.1
2 Bentley Ulster 24.8
3 Reed Hoops 23.7
4 Millard Neptune 21.3
5 Smallwood Tigers 21.3
Rebounds Per Game
1 Nagel Ulster 14.6
2 Deas Hoops 13.0
3 Trimmer Saints 12.2
4 Smallwood Tigers 11.6
5 Green, Lions 11.0
Assists Per Game
1 Kinevane Lions 8.4
2 Reed Hoops 6.6
3 Bentley Ulster 5.0
4 Hamblet, UCC 4.7
5 Parker, UCD 4.6
Steals Per Game
1 Kelly Killester 3.5
2 Hadley Tigers 2.8
3 Bonaparte, Killester 2.8
Blocks Per Game
1 Trimmer Saints 3.8
2 Millard Neptune 2.5
3 Deas Hoops 2.4


Standings - EBS Superleague
SuperLeague Standings
Conference A
 1. Killester 10-0 
 2. UCD Marian 6-3 
 3. DCU Saints 4-5 
 4. Belfast Star 2-6 
 5. Ulster Elks 1-8 
Conference B
 1. UCC Demons 7-1 
 2. Hoops 5-4 
 3. Neptune 4-4 
 4. Limerick 3-5 
 5. Tigers 1-7 


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  ITALY   


Stats Leaders - SerieA
SerieA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Tucker, Siviglia 21.0
2 Finley, Solsonica 20.3
3 Holland, Cimberio 19.5
4 Jones, Eldo 17.9
5 Wood, Tisettanta 17.9
Rebounds Per Game
1 Wallace, Pierrel 10.7
2 Ford,Prem.9.8
3 Lloreda, Cimberio9.8
4 Watson, Armani9.5
5 Ja.Thomas, Upim 9.5
Assists Per Game
1 Pozzecco, Pierrel 7.8
2 M.Green, AirAV 6.5
3 McIntyre, Mont. 5.3
4 Poeta, Siviglia4.6
5 Allen, Snaidero 3.6
4 Wood,Tisettanta3.4
5 Finley, Solsonica3.3
Steals Per Game
1 Pozzecco, Pierrel 6.1
2 Fitch, Tisettanta 4.5
3 M.Green, AirAV 3.3
Blocks Per Game
1 Ford, Prem. 1.5
2 Pasco, Scavolini 1.2
3 Toure, Armani 1.2
2FGP
1 Howell, Pierrel 70.4
2 Ford, Prem.68.2
3 Eze Benjamin 66.3
3FGP
1 J.Thomas, Prem.45.5
2 Wood, Tisettanta45.3
3 Hicks, Scavolini44.8
Free Throws
1 M.Green, AirAV 89.0
2 Diener, Mont. 88.9
3 Clark, Scavolini 88.2


Carife Ferrara sign Rick Apodaca - by Eurobasket
Carife Ferrara signed 28-year old Puerto Rican guard Rick Apodaca (192-G-80, college: Hofstra). Apodaca played most recently at Yunnan Honghe Running Bulls (China).

Legadue: market news. Mladjan moves to Roseto, Evtimov joins Reggio Emilia - by Antonello Varallo
Pallacanestro Roseto 1946 announced the agreement with Dusan Mladjan (199-G-86), who has been signed to replace injured Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, college:George Washington),out for 15 days. Mladjan began this season with Montegranaro, while last season he played with Varese for only 1 game, and from January '08 with BC Lugano Tigers (SUI-LNA) where he was the second top scorer of the league with an average of 21.6 ppg.
Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia signed till the end of the season Vasil Evtimov (207-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina), a very experienced big man who played in Italy with Capo d'Orlando, Fortitudo Bologna and Roma. Evtimov began the current eason with BC Levski Ekopetroulium Sophia (Bulgaria-NBL) where he played 4 games with and average of 15 ppg

Market news, Biella: Greg Brunner replaces Trent Plaisted - by Antonello Varallo
Another former player of Capo d'Orlando agreed a contract with an Italian team: Greg Brunner (201-F-83, college: Iowa) joined Angelico Biella to replace injured Trent Plaisted (211-C-86,college:BYU). He played his college career with Iowa, then in 2006\7 he moved to Verviers-Pepinster (Belgium-D1), and next year to Telindus BC Oostende (Belgium-D1).At the beginning of this season, Brunner was signed by Capo d'Orlando, and after the team folded he moved to Ironi Nahariya (Israel-Premier League), where he avereged 8.6 ppg in 5 games.

Day to Day Recovery - by Philip Martin
Diaz, is day to day with the injury to his left ankle.
Undergoing ultrasound in the early morning today.
Dr. Emilio ha placed restriction until Saturday to determine playing condition.
Saturdays arrangements, Larranaga Slay Jenkins Foster Diaz/ day to day.
His replacement might require a shift in the line-up.
Head coach Frates has a big decision to make if he is to continue the rally of winning.
Losing his the NBA player to an injury is a sign.
Adding more scoring personnel, however, makes room on the rather long line DNP list.

IM
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  JAMAICA   


Cumberland stops Blue Mountain - by Leonard Whyte
Lebanon, TN (12-5-2008): A 21-0 run to start the second half helped Cumberland University blowout Blue Mountain College 101-60 last night in the TranSouth Conference opener for both teams. Rodney James, formerly of Bridgeport High, joined six players in double figures for Cumberland, adding 12 points, matching his season high. The 24th-ranked Bulldogs are now 7-1 on the season and will next play Freed-Hardeman University tomorrow night at home.

Valpo rallies for impressive road win - by Leonard Whyte
Youngstown, OH (12-5-2008): Valparaiso University trailed Youngstown State University by 14 points with four minutes to halftime, but the Crusaders ended the half on a 15-4 run to cut the deficit to three points, before taking the lead for good seven minutes into the second half. The run was sparked by sophomore guard Michael Rogers, who off a fast break, soared high above a Youngstown defender and slammed the ball home to the delight of his teammates. Rogers finished with eight points on 3-of-4 shooting as Valparaiso (3-4) returns home for the first time in nearly a month to face Indiana University-Purdue University on Wednesday, December 10, at 8 p.m.

Cedarville back on the winning trail - by Leonard Whyte
Cedarville, OH (12-5-2008): NAIA Division II No. 4 Cedarville University bounced back from their first loss of the season to defeat Wilberforce University 79-58 last night to improve their record to 9-1. After dropping a close 70-65 decision to the University of Rio Grande on Tuesday night, the Yellow Jackets shot 56.5 percent from beyond the arc, connecting on 13-of-23 three-pointers which proved too much for Wilberforce to overcome. The Jamaican trio combined for 32 points, 27 rebounds, and seven blocked shots, led by yet another double-double from Ricardo Alliman, who finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Christopher Walker also grabbed a season-high 12 boards while Daniel Rose blocked four shots. Another Jamaican, Orville Perkins, formerly of Tivoli All Stars, had five points and four rebounds for Wilberforce.

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  JORDAN   


Zain signs Malloy - by Mohammed Malas
LaShawn Malloy (209-C/F-84, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: New Orleans) will be the 2nd import of Zain after Mike Christensen (203-G/F-85, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: New Hampshire) , The player have arrived earlier today to join the team for Dubai International Tournament which will begin on the 20th of December in dubai, UAE, The 3rd american import will be arriving soon.

Malloy was chosen as 2nd best rebounder with 12.3 rpg in Lebanon when he was playing with Antranik last season adding to 17.6 ppg, He has a previous experience in Uruguay, Mexico and Bahrain.

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  LATVIA   


LBL D2 Round: 16 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Ventsp.Aug. - LU/Ridzene 60-81
Ventspils Augstskola lost to LU/Ridzene 60:81 in the Regular Season Round 16. Duselis Arturs and Strelis Ivars combined 45 points to lead the winners. Pinete Ugis ended up with 17 points in the losing effort.

Kandava - Zemgale/Juniors 77-90
Zemgale/Juniors improved to 8-3 in the standings after a road 77:90 win over Kandava. Justovics Andris top-scored for the winners with 24 points, while Rozitis Jekabs and Krumins Kalvis added 18 each. Vilcins Antons collected 19 points and 12 rebounds in defeat.

BA Riga - Cesis 75-94
Puce Ivo led Cesis with 23 points over BA Riga in a 94:75 road win. Rozitis Davis produced 21 and Licitis Peteris scored 19. Dukulis Edmunds collected 24 points and 17 boards for the home side.

Valmiera U21 - Saldus 72-73
Valmiera U21 was beaten by Saldus 72:73 at home. Celmins Toms and Licitis Janis led the winners with 17 points apiece. Virsis Oskars posted the same number of points in the losing effort and Tukiss Einars added 16.



Standings - LBAL
LBL Standings
 1. Saldus 9-1 
 2. Zemgale/Juniors 8-3 
 3. ASK/Juniors 7-2 
 4. RNS-D/Livani 7-3 
 5. Jurmala 6-3 
 6. Valmiera-2 6-4 
 7. Ridzene/Barons 5-4 
 8. Keizarmezs-2 4-7 
 9. Kandava 3-7 
 10. Ventspils au. 3-7 
 11. SK Cesis 2-6 
 12. Liepajas Papirs 2-7 
 13. BA Riga 1-9 


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  LITHUANIA   


Baltic Players and their achievement - by Eurobasket News
Panathinaikos downed Zalgiris 69:80 in Kaunas, Lithuania on Thursday night. Panathinaikos improved to 5-1 to tie for first place atop the standings, while Zalgiris dropped to 0-6. Lithuanian Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) paced the winners with 15 points in his home country.
Dynamo Moscow made it two wins in as many games in the EuroCup regular season. Today the Russian powerhouse proved ambitions once again cruising past Lukoil Akademik in Moscow. The win saw Dynamo share the lead in Group B together with Unics. Travis Hansen took over the leading role for Dynamo tonight scoring 23 points and pulling down 8 rebounds. Sergey Monya and Bostjan Nachbar added 14 points apiece in the winning case. Jannero Pargo was rather quiet today tallying 6 points, 7 assists and 5 boards for the hosts. Riste Stefanov responded with 18 points for Lukoil as they fell at 0-2 record. Kenny Adeleke had 16 points and 10 boards in the loss. It was all over for Lukoil in the opening term. Travis Hansen scored 11 points in a 15:0 run from Dynamo in the starting minutes. The hosts dominated in every episode and built a 24:4 advantage after ten minutes of action. The home side went on an 8:0 run in the second period to clinch an unassailable 32:7 lead. Lukoil however continued to fight and trailed by 19 points at halftime. Kenny Adeleke and Nenad Canak scored 6 points for the visitors early in the third term as Lukoil narrowed the deficit to 16 points. The persistent Bulgarian team revived the intrigue when Riste Stefanov dragged them within 11 points with one quarter to go. However Jannero Pargo scored 4 points and Travis Hansen added 5 more to silence the visitors. Dynamo never looked back afterwards finalizing the second straight win. Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) posted 6 points and made 5 rebounds for the winners, while another Lithuanian Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) had 10 points and 2 assists.
AJ Milano managed to crush the defending champion handing it the first 80:79 loss this season. David Hawkins drained 20 points for the winners, including 4 assists. Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) delivered 11 for the Russian team.

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  LUXEMBOURG   


Standings - DBBL
DBBL Standings
 1. Sparta 7-2 
 2. Amicale 7-3 
 3. Musel Pikes 6-3 
 4. Black Star 6-3 
 5. Contern 6-4 
 6. Etzella 5-4 
 7. T71 5-4 
 8. Residence 2-7 
 9. Racing 2-7 
 10. Heffingen 0-9 


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  MEXICO   


Rosters announced for the LNBP All Star Game - by Kristian Santiago

(By FIBA Americas)
The LNBP announced the rosters for the LNBP All Star Game to be played on December 16 at Juan de la Barrera Olympic Gym.

North Zone

Blake Walker (196-G/F-82, college: Portland St.) - Algodoneros de La Comarca - Torreon
Omar Lopez (203-C-80, college: Cal.Baptist) - Tijuana Galgos
Rommel Marentez (178-G-84, college: Cal-Davis) - Tijuana Galgos
Gerald Williams (198-F-79, college: Cumberlands) - Lobos de la UAC Saltillo
Anthony Pedroza (191-G-79, agency: Edge Sports, college: Oregon) - Soles de Mexicali
Greg Lewis (198-F-78, college: Winthrop) - Soles de Mexicali
Horacio Llamas (212-C-73, agency: Interperformances) - Soles de Mexicali
Antonio Garcia (203-F/C-76, college: Ky Wesleyan) - Tecos de la UAGuadalajara

Noe Alonzo (200-F-83, college: Grand Canyon) - Tecos de la UAGuadalajara
Ricardo Melendez (180-G-83) - Tecos de la UAGuadalajara

Tony Stockman (186-G-81, college: Ohio St.) - Venados de Nuevo Laredo
Keith Gayden (202-F-83, college: Duquesne) - Venados de Nuevo Laredo

Alberto Espasandin - Tecos de la UAGuadalajara Coach
Ivan Deniz - Soles de Mexicali Coach

South Zone

Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80) - Angeles de Puebla
Justin Griffin (193-G/F-83, college: Hawaii-Hilo) - Barreteros de Zacatecazs
Kenya Capers (194-F-73, college: Houston) - Barreteros de Zacatecazs
Alfonso Flores (194-F-74) - Estrellas Indebasquet ed Distrito Federa
Sergio Sanchez (180-G-83, college: UTPA) - Halcones UV Cordoba
Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) - Halcones Rojos de Veracruz
Gustavo Ayon (209-F/C-85, college: San Jose St.) - Halcones UV Xalapa

LeRoy Hickerson (196-G-82, college: Cumberlands) - Halcones UV Xalapa

Victor Avila (209-C-77, college: Oklahoma) - Halcones UV Xalapa

Adrian Sanchez (196-F-85) - Lechugueros de Leon
Devon Ford (193-G-77, agency: Huss Sport Agency, college: Idaho) - Panteras de Aguascalientes

Juan Herrera (197-F-81) - Santos Reales de San Luis Potosi


Andy Stoglin - Halcones UV Xalapa Coach
Manuel Cintron - Halcones Rojos de Veracruz Coach



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  MOROCCO   


Day 6 Results - by Nour Amri
As it was expected, ASS was too strong for winless WAC (67-57). Visitors created impressive start at the very beginning of the game. Until the end of the second period ASS struggled at the offensive end and made lot of defense mistake what the hosts exploited to maintain the score and stay on the game. But in the 3rd period ASS players finally woke up and made the difference leaving coach Ghissassi team with their worst season start of their history (1 win in 6 appearances).

Another big performance for FUS players who outsmarted KAC in Sal (64-67). Despite the over aggressiveness (with some provocations) of KAC players, Coach Uariachis squad responded positively and secured an important win to stay at the top of D1 ranking.

Coach Said Bouzidi paced ASE Essaouira to fourth victory this season (61-54). MAS players realized why no team has won ASE at home. MAS controlled the game tempo during the first three periods, but their stars players lack to shine during the last period mainly due to ASE good zone defense. With their excellent fighting spirit and strong self-confidence, Bouzidis players won 10 points out of 12 possible, making ASE doing so far their best season in the history.

IRAN Nador outplayed CMC in Casablanca with 9 points (76-85) proving that they are a serious candidate for this season's playoff. CMC are slowly drowning since they lost all the games and are not showing any sign of improvement.

Heartbreak game in Casablanca, where the reigning champion suffered and grabbed it (not easily) versus RCA (79-84). IRT players showed poor defense skills and inconsistency in offense. RCA players took advantage of IRT stars bad night to stay in the game and kept exchanging points with Coach Fayed players until last minute of regular time. Visitors couldn't even dream what will happen to them during the last seconds of the game. Another defense mistake resulted in a foul at the buzzer on RCA's Canadian player Dominique when the score was even 70-70. IRT contested the foul and argued with the referee with no success as Dominique had his two free throws to win the game But he missed them!
IRT reacted and won the extra time thanks to Papis Diouf who collected 10 points and 6 rebounds in the last 5 minutes of the game.

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  NCAA3   


Bears Remain No. 1 in D3hoops.com Top-25 Poll - by Moritz Korff
The NCAA Division III defending champion Washington University in St. Louis mens basketball team remained No. 1 in the first D3hoops.com regular-season poll, as announced Tuesday by the Web site.

Washington U. picked up 623 votes and recorded 23 of the 25 first-place votes. The Bears are one of two University Athletic Association (UAA) members ranked in the top-25, as Carnegie Mellon University checked in at No. 19.

This marks the 17th time in the 10-year history of the poll that the Bears have landed the top spot. Washington U. is also making its 57th appearance in the top-10 and 75th appearance in the top-25.

Junior Aaron Thompson leads the team and the UAA averaging 21.2 points and 3.8 three-pointers made per game. Senior Tyler Nading (13.2 ppg, 7.0 rpg), junior Zach Kelly (12.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg) and senior Sean Wallis (10.2 ppg, 7.2 apg) also average in double figures for the Bears, which have won 18-straight non-conference games.

Washington U. is averaging an association-best 85.0 points and 8.2 three-pointers made per game. The Bears also lead the conference in scoring margin (+11.4), field goal percentage (.507), three-point field goal percentage (.427), rebounding margin (+11.2), assists (20.2) and assist/turnover ratio (1.3).

Rebounding has been a major part of the Bears success in 2008-09, as Washington U. has outrebounded all five of its opponents this season by an average of 11.2 rebounds per game. Dating back to the start of the 2007-08 season, Washington U. is 22-2 when they outrebound an opponent, including winning the last nine games. Junior Cameron Smith leads the Bears averaging 7.4 boards per game, fifth-best in the conference.

Washington University (5-0) hosts the 25th Annual Lopata Classic on Friday-Sunday, Dec. 5-7, at the WU Field House. The Bears take on Hamilton College (3-0) on Friday at 8 p.m. in the tournament opener, and then host No. 13 Illinois Wesleyan University on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Courtesy of https://bearsports.wustl.edu

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


Nuggets Withdraw - by Eurobasket News
The Otago Nuggets have decided to drop out of the 2009 National Basketball League despite a desperate last-ditch effort to save the competitions southern-most franchise.
Following various meetings and discussions with the Save the Nuggets group and after considerable discussion and deliberation, the [Basketball Otago] board has unanimously concluded that our initial concerns about the viability of funding a team, and the potential risk to the organisation as a whole, means the original decision to not enter a team under our management in the 2009 NBL competition will stand, said BO chief executive Mark Rogers. There has been a genuine concern and commitment by the group and we are very appreciative of their efforts. Whilst we are unable to participate in the league this year, Basketball Otago is fully committed to working with the basketball community to look at retaining and developing a sustainable franchise structure. With 2009 being a year of transition for the NBL as a whole, the board will be implementing a full review during 2009 with a strategic planning group in place that will look at the options for 2010 and beyond as they become clearer.
The Nuggets, who have finished bottom of the table the past four years, were one of three teams that failed to meet Mondays entry deadline and were given until Friday evening to rekindle their league aspirations. This year out of the NBL will allow Basketball Otago to further develop our local talent and continue to build the base for a sustainable franchise structure in 2010. More detail on the structure of the 2009 playing season will be available once details are available from Basketball New Zealand on the CBL structure for 2009. This information is expected in February 2009. The board and management of Basketball Otago would like to pass on their thanks to all those individuals and businesses that have shown their support for the Nuggets in recent days and particularly those who have been supporting the franchise over many years.
The NBL Board were still negotiating the fate of the other two franchises - the Bay Hawks and Canterbury Rams - on Friday night.
Courtesy of: www.basketball.org.nz


*****************************************************
  NORWAY   


BLNO Stats Leaders
BLNO Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Timus, Tromso 28.6
2 Paunovic, Fjellhamar 24.0
3 Sharma, Fjellhamar 23.8
4. Bullock, Ulriken 23.4
5. Rogers, Harstad 22.5
Rebounds Per Game
1 Christensen, Tromso 11.4
2 Finger, Tromso 10.5
3 Bullock, Ulriken 9.9
4. Thomas, Ulriken 9.6
5. Rogers, Harstad 8.8
Assists Per Game
1 Rogers, Harstad 8.5
2 Defares, Ammerud 5.3
3 Issalhi, Tromso 4.9
4. Sharma, Fjellhamar 4.9
5. Mahnin, Asker 4.4


*****************************************************
  PBL   


Millrats Head North to Quebec for Preseason Double Header - by Richard

December 4, 2008 Manchester, NH: The Manchester Millrats are headed north to Quebec City to face the Kebs in a PBL preseason double header.

The Millrats will pay the Kebs at 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights at the Juvenat Notre Dame at Saint Romuald.

The '08-09 Millrats feature former NBA player and CBA All Star, Desmond Ferguson (6'7'-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: Detroit Mercy). Joining him in the backcourt will be Millrat-returnee Al Stewart, who spent the summer earning Co-MVP of the World Basketball Association championship game. Other notables on the roster include former McDonald's All-American Scott Hazelton, and two other Millrats from last season's roster - PJ Young and Charles Mason.

High flier 6'6 Roosevelt Lee (6'6'-F-86), shooting guard Alex Owumi (6'5'-G-84, agency: Passing Lane, college: Alcorn St.), SNHU grad Sam Carey (6'8'-F-85, agency: Passing Lane), and former Boston College Eagle John Oates (6'10'-F-85, agency: Passing Lane, college: Boston Coll.), are all in their rookie season of playing professional basketball, and will be put to the test.

'This is a great opportunity for all of our players to get a chance to prove themselves in a real game scenario,' stated Millrats General Manager Ian McCarthy, 'we are still evaluating talent so I'm sure the cream will rise to the top.'

Health is a major concern to Head Coach Rob Spon , as several Millrats are working through nagging injuries including Carey, Hazelton, and Ferguson. 'All three are a gametime decision - we're not going to push them if they need more time to heal, but I know they really want to play. They've been working so hard in practice to get back,' explained Spon.

The Quebec Kebs have bolstered their roster from last season by adding 6'4 guard Larry House (Creighton), 6'8 forward Michael Anderson (Virginia Commonwealth), and 6'10 center Simplice Njoya (Memphis). And they return the heart and soul of the Kebs in 6'4 Charles Fortier, a rugged rebounder and deadly shooter.

While the Millrats will use the opportunity to evaluate players and develop their team, Saturday's game counts as the first game of the Champlain Cup Series. The Series is a seasonlong competition between Manchester, Vermont, Montreal, and Quebec. Each team will play six games which will be scored in a unique way per quarter. The team with the most points at the end of all of the Series games is the Series Champion.

The Kebs return the favor to the Millrats when they visit New Hampshire on December 16th at 7:00 pm at NH Tech in Concord.

For more information please contact Millrats GM Ian McCarthy at millrats@gmail.com or visit www.manchestermillrats.com or www.pblproball.com.

Courtesy of PBL Webmaster



*****************************************************
  POLAND   


Ignerski and Szewczyk struggle abroad - by Eurobasket News
Michal Ignerski (205-F-80, agency: Stanley International, college: Mississippi St.) nailed 11 points and made 5 rebounds in defeat, while Belgacom Liege got 2-0 record in Group A after a road 78:79 victory over Cajasol. Belgian team trailed by 17 points in the first half but clawed its way back in the third quarter. Christopher Hill led the winners with 23 points, while Jamar Wilson and Larry Owens added 16 each. Warren Carter top-scored for the hosts with 18 points. Cajasol started well and had 26:15 after the opening quarter when Isola Pedro Estruch made a dunk. Warren Carter gave his team the biggest 34:17 lead later in the second, however Thomas reduced to 44:34. The third period became the decisive in the game as Belgacom Liege produced 31-22 in it for 66:65 after the third frame. The score was knotted at 74 as Larry Owens and Jamar Wilson brought the guests 78:79 victory.
Cholet overcame Lokomotiv Rostov 76:72 in France. It was their second straight win in EuroChallenge Group C. Szymon Szewczyk (209-C-82) ended up with 17 points for the losing effort. Fred House pulled the guests to 6-0 from the start as the Russian team won the opening tip of the game. Lokomotiv Rostov controlled the first frame and had 25:19 at the end of it. Szymon Szewczyk made it plus 10 for the visitors in the second period. It was him again with a three for 46:37 at the halftime. Nando De Colo tied the game at 50:50. His Cholet had 63:57 entering the last frame. The hosts remained in front until the end of the game. Trailing 74:67 Fred House was the one to resist. He posted a three and then finished the game from a free throw line.

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  PORTUGAL   


Standings - Proliga
Proliga Standings
 1. Sampaense 7-4 
 2. Illiabum 7-5 
 3. Esgueira 6-4 
 4. Queluz 6-4 
 5. Sangalhos 6-6 
 6. Electrico FC 4-7 
 7. Angra 4-9 
 8. Maia 3-8 
 9. Galitos FC 3-8 
 10. Seixal 3-9 
 11. Barcelos 3-10 
 12. Atletico 2-10 


FC Porto Ferpinta sign Marcus Watts - by Eurobasket
FC Porto Ferpinta signed 25-year old American power forward Marcus Watts (204-F/C-83, college: Florida Gulf Coast). Watts played most recently at Deportivo San Jose Asuncion (Paraguay).

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  SENEGAL   


Savane and Diagne contribute abroad - by Eurobasket News
Moussa Diagne (203-F/C-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Furman) netted 10 points for German team in EuroChallenge regular season. Trailing 0-6 in the beginning of the first home game in the EuroChallenge regular season against Telekom Baskets, Ural Great triumphed however with 82:54 win. A win in all the quarters allowed Russian team to celebrate the initial victory in the group and to tie the German squad at 1-1 record. Vanja Plisnic led the winners with 20 points. Fedor Likholitov collected 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Aleksei Surovtsev posted 13. Brandon Bowman ended up with 11 points in defeat and Moussa Diagne added 10. Frazier gave the guests 6:0 lead in the beginning of the game, however Aleksei Surovtsev closed the hosts' 7-0 run for 7:6. Johnson made a jump-shot at the end of the first period for 22:19. The game was knotted at 30:30 late in the first half when Ural Great made their move. Vanja Plisnic sent the teams to the lockers for 35:30 as home team found its game. The Russian team capped the 17-0 burst that Bonn never recovered from. Vanja Plisnic ended up the enormous lead in the third period for 47:30. It was him again to score for 57:43 after 30 minutes of the game. Moussa Diagne brought his team back to 57:45 early in the last stanza, but Telekom Baskets could not stay for more. Fedor Likholitov made a dunk for plus 21 in the middle of the final frame. Rindin closed the game at 82:54 as Ural Great triumphed with 82:54 win.
Sitapha Savane (202-F-78, college: Navy) had 2 points and 3 rebounds as Gran Canaria outscored Lietuvos Rytas in EuroCup. It was the first victory for Gran Canaria in the tournament after they dropped the opening game to Azovmash in Ukraine. Lietuvos Rytas in the meantime suffered the initial loss and four teams appeared tied at 1-1 record in Group E. Gran Canaria needed this one badly and they started the game aggressively. A pair of three-pointers from Melvin Sanders gave the hosts a 23:17 lead late in the first period. But Chuck Eidson responded with four points to cap the frame and Lietuvos Rytas trailed by just two points 23:25 at the intermission. Melvin Sanders scored 6 points to ignite an 8:0 run from the hosts as they continued to stay in charge in the second quarter. Carl English drained two treys to lift Gran Canaria to a 42:30 advantage. The Spaniards maintained the distance and ensured a 56:41 cushion at halftime. Lietuvos Rytas tried to close the gap after the main break as Chuck Eidson and Milko Bjelica (207-C-84) cut the deficit to 7 points. However Melvin Sanders kept delivering steadily and the hosts quickly restored a 16-point buffer. Lietuvos Rytas got an inch closer as they trailed by 15 points heading into the final stanza. Chuck Eidson poured in two three-pointers to lead Lietuvos Rytas back in the contest. The Lithuanian team was down by 6 points midway through the fourth term. However Marcus Norris came up with some crucial baskets to ensure the winning outcome for the hosts.

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  SERBIA   


Nikola Vasic is free agent - by Zoran Popovic
Nikola Vasic (194-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) terminates contract with Alta Gestion Fuenlabrada Madrid and from Thursday he is free agent. Vasic came in Alta Gestion Fuenlabrada Madrid in January this year and on four games in ACB league last season he scored average 4.3 points per game. Before Alta Gestion Fuenlabrada Madrid Vasic played in season 2007-2008 for Etosa Alicante with average 8.7 points on 33 games in ACB League and for Triumph Lyubertsy with average scored 4.8 points and 1.0 assistants on four games in ULEB Cup and average scored 2.5 points, 1.0 rebounds and 1.0 assistants on 6 games in Russian League. Nikola Vasic played with success for FMP Zeleznik and in season 2005-2005 won Adriatic league with them.

Serbian A league, 12. round: Masinac too strong for Tamis - by Zoran Popovic
In the first match of 12. round Swisslion league KK Masinac Krajlevo won against Tamis Petrohemija Pancevo 87-69 (28-13, 18-28, 20-16, 21-12). KK Masinac Krajlevo players started the match much better then guests from Pancevo. After the first quarter KK Masinac Krajlevo had advantage of +15, but in the second quarter Tamis Petrohemija Pancevo made break and decrease previous KK Masinac Krajlevo advantage on only +5 in the half time. In the third period of the match both teams were equal, but domestic players in the finish of that period again made little break and started last quarter with +9 points. The fourth quarter of the match KK Masinac Krajlevo players finished routinely and guests from Pancevo haven't got strength to make another break and surprise. The most efficiend player in KK Masinac Krajlevo was Uros Mirkovic (205-F/C-82, agency: Beo Basket) who scored 23 points and Arsic who add 20 points. For the guests Mihajlovic and Ivanic scored per 18 points and Perak scored 16 points.

KK Masinac Krajlevo: Tutus, Tomasevic 6, Radulovic 13, Barlov, Milasinovic 7, Popovic 2, Stojakovic 7, Uros Mirkovic 23, Arsic 20, Jackovic, Vuletic 2, Cupkovic 7.
Tamis Petrohemija Pancevo: Pasuj 2, Djokic 10, Vujacic 7, Stajic 2, Perak 16, Djordjic 2, Jovicic 11, Mihajlovic 18, Stanojevic 1, Barosevic, Ivanic 18, Babic.

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  SLOVENIA   


Union Olimpija parts ways with coach Dzikic - by Matej Bergant
Union Olimpija Ljubljana parted ways with coach Aleksandar Dzikic who came to the club in January '08. The reason were catastrophical results in this season. Dzikic won Slovenian Cup, SuperCup and Slovenian Championship during his time in Union Olimpija Ljubljana. Before that he was an assistant coach in Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA). He also worked in Partizan Belgrade as assistant coach to Dusko Vujosevic. New coach of Union Olimpija Ljubljana should be announced in few days.

TCG Mercator target Jelesijevic, Radenska inks Marcic - by Zeljko Zule

TCG Mercator is negotiating with Serbian Nemanja Jelesijevic (208-C/F-79, agency: Interperformances) ex Margo Vagep NYKK. He averaged 31,7 minutes, 12,5 points (2P 22-35, 3P 5-14, FT 16-18), 5,2 rebounds, 2,0 assists, 1,3 steals and 0,5 blocks in 6 games of Hungarian League.

Epic Misel parted ways with Djordje Nikolic (207-F-87) and Uros Ninic (187-G-86). Nikolic averaged 13 minutes, 2,3 points (2P 4-17, 3P 1-10, FT 5-7), 1,3 rebounds, 0,3 assists and 0,4 steals in 7 games and Ninic averaged 11,5 minutes, 2,4 points (2P 7-13, 3P 0-7, FT 3-10), 1,1 rebounds, 1,3 assists, 0,3 steals and 0,1 blocks in 7 games of UPC League.
Radenska Creativ (B1) inked Peter Marcic (186-G-88) ex Rogla. He averaged 7,7 points (2P 16-29, 3P 1-6. FT 11-14), 1,3 rebounds, 1,3 assists, 0,5 steals, and 0,2 blocks in 19 minutes per game in 6 games of B-1 League.



Helios vs Nova Gorica - by Uros Vujic
Helios Domzale crushed CPG CPG Nova Gorica 88-51 in the opening game of round 10. Norica took the lead after the first quarter 22-28, but Helios Domzale came out strong in the second (21-6) and third quarter (22-0) and made their 8th win of the season. Jure Mocnik (183-G-85) scored 16 points and Matej Krusic (211-F/C-87) had 14 points and 8 boards for Helios Domzale. Young Tine Horvat (184-G-91) led the Gorica team with 13 points.

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  TURKEY   


Standings - TBL
TBL Standings
 1. Efes Pilsen 7-1 
 2. Galatasaray 7-1 
 3. T.Telekom 7-2 
 4. Fener.Ulker 6-2 
 5. Banvit 6-2 
 6. Antalya 5-3 
 7. Aliaga 5-4 
 8. Selcuk Uni. 4-4 
 9. Mersin 4-4 
 10. Karsiyaka 4-4 
 11. Darussafaka 4-4 
 12. Oyak Renault 3-5 
 13. Besiktas 2-6 
 14. Erdemir 1-7 
 15. TED Koleji 0-8 
 16. Kepez Bld 0-8 


*****************************************************
  UKRAINE   


UBL Round: 19 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Hoverla - BC Odessa 94-96
Wayne Wallace drained a bucket with one second left in overtime as Odessa sneaked past Hoverla in Ivano-Frankivsk today. Justin Love finished the game with 30 points and 12 boards to lead the charge. Oleg Yushkin added 17 points as Odessa recorded the 12th win in the season. Patrick Sparks responded with 28 points and 8 assists for Hoverla in the loss.

Polit.Lviv - Gryfony 97-59
Politekhnika-Halychyna thrashed Gryfony in Lviv for the eleventh victory in the season. Aliaksandr Pustahvar secured 21 points for the hosts. Volodymyr Gurtovoy added 15 points for the winners. Predrag Miletic responded with 15 points for Gryfony. Anthony Slack had 10 points in the 14th loss for the Symferopil team.

Ferro-ZNTU - Cherkasy 70-91
Cherkasy consolidated their position on top of the UBL ladder as they cruised past Ferro-ZNTU in Zaporozhye. Ivan Koljevic knocked down 24 points and dished out 4 assists to lead the charge. Vladislav Dragoljovic added 24 points in the win. Jason Fontenet responded with 18 points for Ferro-ZNTU as they suffered the 9th loss in the season.

Dnipro - Budivelnyk 81-75
Dnipro held off Budivelnyk in the key matchup of the round. The loss did not allow Budivelnyk to catch up with the Dnipropetrovsk team in the ladder. Darnell Lazare came up with 21 points for Dnipro. Oleksandr Panchenko added 15 points, while Grigori Khizhnyak had 11 points and 11 boards for the winners. John DeGroat secured 19 points and 8 rebounds for Budivelnyk in the loss.



*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


Joel Freeland pulls his squad to the initial victory - by Eurobasket News
Joel Freeland (208-F-87) scored 20 points for Gran Canaria and they outscored Lietuvos Rytas. It was the first victory for Gran Canaria in the tournament after they dropped the opening game to Azovmash in Ukraine. Lietuvos Rytas in the meantime suffered the initial loss and four teams appeared tied at 1-1 record in Group E.
Gran Canaria needed this one badly and they started the game aggressively. A pair of three-pointers from Melvin Sanders gave the hosts a 23:17 lead late in the first period. But Chuck Eidson responded with four points to cap the frame and Lietuvos Rytas trailed by just two points 23:25 at the intermission. Melvin Sanders scored 6 points to ignite an 8:0 run from the hosts as they continued to stay in charge in the second quarter. Carl English drained two treys to lift Gran Canaria to a 42:30 advantage. The Spaniards maintained the distance and ensured a 56:41 cushion at halftime. Lietuvos Rytas tried to close the gap after the main break as Chuck Eidson and Milko Bjelica cut the deficit to 7 points. However Melvin Sanders kept delivering steadily and the hosts quickly restored a 16-point buffer. Lietuvos Rytas got an inch closer as they trailed by 15 points heading into the final stanza. Chuck Eidson poured in two three-pointers to lead Lietuvos Rytas back in the contest. The Lithuanian team was down by 6 points midway through the fourth term. However Marcus Norris came up with some crucial baskets to ensure the winning outcome for the hosts. Carl English nailed 19 points, while Melvin Sanders added 17 points for the winners. Chuck Eidson knocked down 27 points for Lietuvos Rytas. Marijonas Petravicius had 20 points in defeat.
Base Oostende outscored CSK-VVS Samara with Andrew Sullivan (203-F-80, college: Villanova) in the EuroChallenge on Tuesday. Belgian side had 98:75 victory to even their record 1-1 in Group G while dropping Samara to 0-2. Green Devin paced the winners with 23 points and Atkins Rashid had 21. Stanescu Virgil poured in 21 points and made 10 rebounds for the visitors. Andrew Sullivan ended up with 10 points and 6 rebounds in defeat.

*****************************************************
  VENEZUELA   


Heberto Guanipa, among New Jersey's top level basketball players - by Wolfgang Lucena
Heberto Guanipa (202-C-90) became a basketball player in Maracaibo-Venezuela. He has been part of the U17 Venezuela National Team. This 6'10' Venezuelan was in the 2007 ADIDAS Basketball camp in Brazil. For Heberto Guanipa, his academic situation is a top priority; he is chasing an accountant or a similar career while try to get in the top level of this sport worldwide. So far his tremendous three point shot and good ball handing, gets him in the top level junior class of New Jersey High Schools.
After Thanksgiving Day, we went to New Jersey to meet with Heberto Guanipa, whos always smiling, answered us a few questions.

W.L: Heberto, have you ever think about playing ball with the Venezuela Senior National Team?

H.G: Sure, Im getting ready for it even now; I hope one day the Venezuelan Basketball Federation invites me to be part of it.

W.L: Do you think Venezuela could be in a basketball world cup?

H.G: Yes, I think we can! We just need to work harder. This is the keyword, Work harder. If we get focus, we sure can!

W.L: What would you take off or add to the Venezuela Senior National Team?

H.G: I'm not sure about what I' ll take it off, but a few things I would like to add to it. Like me, there are plenty Venezuelan in USA playing at my level. I think we can be a good add to the National Team, we can fit any open spot. We are playing basketball versus High Level USA basketball players, maybe NBA prospects. I think we been doing really good, this fact can help the National Team.

W.L: Venezuela has two high level basketball leagues. Would you like to play in one of them?

H.G: Honestly my mayor dream, as many basketball players in the planet, is to play ball in the NBA. But it will be a honor to play ball in my country, in the LPB or LN.

W.L: What basketball team would you like to play ball with?

H.G: I haven't decided yet.

W.L: There are many foreign basketball coaches working in the LPB. What do you think about it?

H.G: I don't see anything wrong with it, but we do have great Venezuelan professional basketball coaches. I'm wondering, why foreign and not them?

W.L: What you miss from Venezuela?

H.G: My family!

W.L: Would you like to send a message to Venezuelans?

H.G: To all youths, please do not give up! Keep working hard for your goals, and to all adults, please stop arguing with each other and let's work together! Let's be united for Venezuela.

Enrique Cova in great level! - by Wolfgang Lucena
Although his college Marshalltown Community College fell 105-93 versus Ellsworth Community College, Enrique Cova (190-G-88) showed a great effort to avoid it.
Terrific point guard, Enrique Cova, from Barquisimeto-Venezuela puts 15 points in the scoreboard, grabbed 8 rebounds and steals 3 balls.
Enrique Cova (190-G-88) is a great representative of the new generation of Venezuelan basketball players that are attending college level in the United States of America. Enrique Cova has played with the U17 Venezuela National Team, participated in many AAU basketball tournaments including an invitation to the famous McDonald's tournament, and also went to Argentina for a NBA without borders basketball camp.



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Women News

*****************************************************
  BRAZIL - Women  


Ourinhos and Unimed/Americana are close to the Final - by Eurobasket News
The regular season champions Ourinhos stay one step away from the championship Final as they celebrated two straight wins in the semifinal series. Ourinhos held off Santo Andre at home twice and took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.
The first game proved the Ourinhos dominance. The defending champions struggled throughout the opening term but still led 18:17 after ten minutes of action. The hosts raised the tempo in the second frame as Ourinhos built a 9-point lead at the interval. Santo Andre had little to answer with in the second half and had to surrender at the end. Soeli Zakrzeski (187-C/F-77) notched 20 points to lead the home team. Micaela Jacintho (180-F-79) added 16 points for the winners. Vanuzia Almeida (185-C-84) and Katia Cavallaro (168-G-83) responded with 10 points each in the losing effort.
The second game turned out to be another easy rally for Ourinhos. Jucimara Dantas (192-C-78) knocked down 20 points and the hosts won 87:67. Soeli Zakrzeski added 15 points for Ourinhos. Patricia da Silva (188-C-82) had 15 points for Santo Andre as they appeared on the brink of elimination.
The third game of the series is scheduled for today in Santo Andre.
In the meantime Unimed/Americana surprised Catanduva twice at home court. Unimed showed character when they managed to overcome a 12-point first quarter deficit in Game 1 to finalize an impressive 86:71 success. Karla da Costa secured game-high 33 points for the winners. Renata de Oliveira (183-F/C-78) added 18 points in the victory. Silvia Rocha (182-F-82) answered with 26 points for Catanduva.
The second game was much tougher affair. The teams were all square at 55 after three quarters of action. However the home team eked out a narrow 72:70 at the end. Karina Jacob (187-F/C-85) produced 25 points to pace Unimed. Karla da Costa (173-G-78) was responsible for 16 points as Unimed got closer to the Final. Palmira Marcal (178-G-84) topscored with 24 points for Catanduva.

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  FINLAND - Women  


Jelena Solovjeva, player of month - by Esko Saarinen
Finnish Basketball Association has named Jelena Solovjeva, Catz Lappeenranta the player of November. Last season's silver medalist club leads championship serie playing very strong. It has won all the matches besides the opening match against PeKa, Kotka. Catz has played very steady season and so has done also Solovjeva. She has played almost 35 minutes, scorin ave 16,6 ponits, taking 10,2 rebs, 3,0 steals and 1,6 blocks. The pre cent were in two points 63,5. Solovjeva is born in Kazakstan and starting club was Baltiski Star (RUS). She is 33 years old and 188 cm playing in center.

*****************************************************
  FRANCE - Women  


Lotos Gdynia edges French outfit on Thursday - by Eurobasket News

Lotos Gdynia-Union Hainaut Basket 86:62

Lotos Gdynia grabbed the latest victory in Qualifying Round Round 8 in the EuroLeague Women on Thursday at home against Union Hainaut Basket 86:62. Alana Beard (180-G/F-82, college: Duke) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and eight rebounds and also came up with four steals. Monique Currie (183-G/F-83, college: Duke) followed her with 19, while Ivana Matovic (197-C-83) netted 15. Sabrina Reghaissia (188-F-83) had 11 points and Vedrana Grgin Fonseca 10 for Union Hainaut.
Lotos Gdynia posted the first seven points in the game to take an easy start. Wambe replied for the guests to reduce at 9:6. Vedrana Grgin Fonseca closed the first period at 15:12. With 25-22 in the second period the hosts improved to 40:34 at the halftime when Stansbury made a jump-shot.
The third period was the most productive for the Polish team as they nailed 30 points in it. Sabrina Reghaissia first however cut it to 46:41 but then Snytsina made it 70:49. Stansbury was the last to score before the final period for 70:51. There was no chance the French team could catch up with the opponents and Lotos Gdynia led the game to another victory.

In another games that were played on Wednesday Ros Casares narrowed the distance to UMMC in Group C ladder as they beat their archrivals in Valencia. Delisha Milton-Jones nailed 19 points and pulled down 7 rebounds for Ros Casares to celebrate a tough win. Amaya Valdemoro finished with 18 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds for the winners. Sandrine Gruda had 18 points and 8 rebounds for UMMC as they suffered the first defeat in the Euroleague season.
USK Praha trounced Sibenik in Czech Republic to clear off from their opponents in Group C. Evanthia Maltsi stepped up for USK Praha with impressive 29 points, 10 boards and 9 assists. Michaela Ferancikova netted 24 points and 11 boards for the winners. Luca Ivankovic responded with 18 points for the Croatian team.

Lotos Gdynia: Alana Beard 22 points and 8 rebounds, Monique Currie 19, Ivana Matovic 15
Union Hainaut Basket: Sabrina Reghaissia 11 points, Vedrana Grgin Fonseca 10



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  GERMANY - Women  


Halle and Goettingen hire new players - by Moritz Korff
Polina Hadjiyankova (175-G-86, college: Iona) has left BG Rentrop Bonn (2. DBBL North) and will take her game to the first league instead. The Bulgarian guard agreed to terms with SV Halle. She spent the past three years in the USA and played basketball at NCAA Division One's Iona College. During the 2007-08 season she saw action in ten games, but remained scoreless in every contest.

Trinos Goettingen added a new post player to the roster to replace Dasa Rajecka (189-C-87) who had suffered a shoulder-injury in the game against Donau-Ries recently and underwent surgery in the meantime. The new member on the Violets' squad is Anna Sykorova (190-C-85). The former Czech junior-international started this current season with Sparta Praha.

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  IRELAND - Women  


Stats Leaders Superleague
Superleague Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Vanderwal Iona 26.4
2 Thomas Wildcats 24.0
3 Aspell Wildcats 22.5
4 Dwyer Cork 21.3
5 Cunningham Tolka 20.1
Rebounds Per Game
1 Williams Iona 13.5
2 Niland Tolka 12.0
3 Kavanagh Wildca 9.7
4 Truncale Killester 9.3
5 Fox Mercy 8.7
Assists Per Game
1 Vanderwal Iona 3.8
2 Walsh Cork 3.8
3 Thomas Wildcats 3.6
4 Aspell Wildcats 3.4
5 Dwyer Cork 2.8
Steals Per Game
1 Vanderwal Iona 3.5
2 Truncale Killester 3.5
3 Cunningham Tolka 3.2
Blocks Per Game
1 Truncale Killester 2.6
2 Palmer, Meteors 1.2
3 Williams Iona 1.2


Standings - Women
Superleague Standings
 1. Hotel Cork 6-1 
 2. Mercy 6-1 
 3. UL Aughinish 5-2 
 4. Wildcats 4-3 
 5. Tolka Rovers 3-4 
 6. Iona BC 3-4 
 7. Meteors 1-6 
 8. Killester 0-7 


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  ISRAEL - Women  


Round 8th first team - by Gil Goshen


Ebony Hoffman is our MVP for round 8, since the loss didnt allow us to pick Tamara Moore. ( THE 5TH TIME ) Moore joins Hoffman on the first team along with Erin Phillips who helped Hoffman earn MVP, Ogorodnikova who saved Ramla and LaToya Pringle who had a massive double-double. .

Round 8 MVP Ebony Hoffman
Ramat Hasharon's center was excellent in their tough win at Ashdod with 21 points on good shooting and 11 rebounds. The experienced Hoffman created something positive every time she got the ball, including in her team's most important three possessions right after they lost the lead. Despite playing with a painful back, Hoffman put Ramat Hasharon back in control with a free throw, a layup and a mid range jumper, 72 70 with 1:12 to play.

Round 8 First Team
Erin Phillips - Excellent game for Ramat Hasharon's aussie who tied her season high with 20 point on great shooting and also dished out 6 assists in the win at Ashdod.

Tamara Moore - agenvy GG basketball - Awesome game for the league's best all around player. Scored 25 points on 100% from everywhere including 9 for 9 at the line, added five rebounds and four steals. Her 18 second half points almost willed Ashdod to a win over Ramat Hasharon.

Lena Ogorodnikova - Rescued Ramla from a very embarrassing loss at Natanya. Scored 18 of her season high 27 after halftime, with 4 for 4 from downtown, and didn't rest at all in the defending champs' narrow win.

LaToya Pringle - We heard she had 35 points and 20 boards, so we can't leave her out. It's a real shame there was no official boxscore at Bnei Yehuda. If anyone in Ramat Hen has a manual one send it to us please.

Ebony Hoffman - It's beyond us how she doesnt get a touch every time down. Finished with a double double of 21 & 11 in the win at Ashdod.

D1 Round: 8 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
M.Ashdod - Electra Ramat 70-76
Electra Ramat handed Maccabi Ashdod the second defeat in the season beating them 76:70 on the road. Australian international Erin Phillips fired 20 points and dished out 6 assists for the winners. Ebony Hoffman added 19 points and 11 boards as Electra Ramat improved at 6-2 record. Ashdod responded with 25 points from Tamara Moore.

Hapoel T-A - Bnot Hash. 83-91
Bnot Hasharon climbed at 6-2 record as they pulled away with a 91:83 victory over Hapoel Tel Aviv. Charde Houston was unstoppable with 38 points and 12 rebounds. Kelly Schumacher contributed 15 points for the winners. Alex Anderson responded with 26 points and 15 rebounds for Hapoel Tel Aviv. Tierre Wilson secured 21 points and 8 assists in the loss.

Elit.Netanya - Ramla 62-69
Elizur Ramla posted the sixth win in the championship as they fired down Elizur Natanya on the road. Olena Ogorodnikova came up with 27 points for Ramla draining 4/4 from beyond the arc. LaTanya White was helpful with 14 points and 9 rebounds. Natasha Brackett ensured 20 points and 7 rebounds for Natanya in defeat.



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  LATVIA - Women  


TTT Juniors win the latest two games in a row - by Eurobasket News
The latest games of the national league brought two losses in a row for RTU-Merks. At first the team lost to TTT Juniors 63:67 and then was defeated by Cesis 47:68. TTT Juniors added another victory last night over DU 71:58 as Anete Steinberga (186-C-90) shined with 23 points and 16 rebounds.
Zane Tamane (196-C-83, college: W.Illinois) had 7 points and 9 rebounds as her Nadezhda showed they are ready to fight in the Euroleague. The Orenburg team secured the second win in a row and revived the hope after a dreadful 0-6 start in Group A. This time Nadezhda held off Bourges Basket at home. Anastasiya Veremeenko scored 9 points in the first period as Nadezhda jumped to an 11:5 lead. But Bourges answered with an 8:0 run to lead 13:11 at the first intermission. The teams traded baskets at the start of the second period before Catherine Melain tipped off a 16:0 run from the visitors as they cleared off to a 34:17 distance. Bourges were up by 15 points at the interval 38:23. Betty Lennox began the second half with a three-pointer to tune up the hosts. They soon went on a 20:2 rally to leave Bourges behind. But Bourges managed to bounce back. Catherine Melain and Endene Miyem came up with 7 points late in the quarter and Bourges entered the fourth term ahead 49:47. Endene Miyem kept Bourges in charge early in the fourth period before Shameka Christon and Olga Ovcharenko pulled Nadezhda ahead 56:55. Olga Ovcharenko fired from downtown to make it 63:59 for the hosts with just over two minutes remaining. Betty Lennox then added a jumper, while Bourges responded with just a basket from Endene Miyem to lose the battle.

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  LEBANON - Women  


Standings - Women League
Premier League Standings
 1. Antranik 0-0 
 2. Homentmen A. 0-0 
 3. Al Riyadi 0-0 
 4. Homentmen B. 0-0 
 5. Anibal 0-0 
 6. Antoura 0-0 
 7. Al muttahed 0-0 


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  POLAND - Women  


Lotos Gdynia edges French outfit on Thursday - by Eurobasket News

Lotos Gdynia-Union Hainaut Basket 86:62

Lotos Gdynia grabbed the latest victory in Qualifying Round Round 8 in the EuroLeague Women on Thursday at home against Union Hainaut Basket 86:62. Alana Beard (180-G/F-82, college: Duke) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and eight rebounds and also came up with four steals. Monique Currie (183-G/F-83, college: Duke) followed her with 19, while Ivana Matovic (197-C-83) netted 15. Sabrina Reghaissia (188-F-83) had 11 points and Vedrana Grgin Fonseca 10 for Union Hainaut.
Lotos Gdynia posted the first seven points in the game to take an easy start. Wambe replied for the guests to reduce at 9:6. Vedrana Grgin Fonseca closed the first period at 15:12. With 25-22 in the second period the hosts improved to 40:34 at the halftime when Stansbury made a jump-shot.
The third period was the most productive for the Polish team as they nailed 30 points in it. Sabrina Reghaissia first however cut it to 46:41 but then Snytsina made it 70:49. Stansbury was the last to score before the final period for 70:51. There was no chance the French team could catch up with the opponents and Lotos Gdynia led the game to another victory.

In another games that were played on Wednesday Ros Casares narrowed the distance to UMMC in Group C ladder as they beat their archrivals in Valencia. Delisha Milton-Jones nailed 19 points and pulled down 7 rebounds for Ros Casares to celebrate a tough win. Amaya Valdemoro finished with 18 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds for the winners. Sandrine Gruda had 18 points and 8 rebounds for UMMC as they suffered the first defeat in the Euroleague season.
USK Praha trounced Sibenik in Czech Republic to clear off from their opponents in Group C. Evanthia Maltsi stepped up for USK Praha with impressive 29 points, 10 boards and 9 assists. Michaela Ferancikova netted 24 points and 11 boards for the winners. Luca Ivankovic responded with 18 points for the Croatian team.

Lotos Gdynia: Alana Beard 22 points and 8 rebounds, Monique Currie 19, Ivana Matovic 15
Union Hainaut Basket: Sabrina Reghaissia 11 points, Vedrana Grgin Fonseca 10



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  RUSSIA - Women  


A Superleague Round: 7 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Chevakata - Dynamo M. 73-78
Dynamo Moscow claimed a tough road win over Chevakata today. Janell Burse scored 16 points and collected 8 boards to lead the way for Dynamo. Marina Kuzina added 15 points for the winners. Tatiana Bokareva scored 23 points for Chevakata as they suffered the third loss in the season.

Slavyanka - Dynamo K. 60-83
Dynamo Kursk closed Round 7 schedule with a victory over Slavyanka in Cheliabinsk. Anastasia Bocharova fired 21 points to lead the way for Dynamo. Ksenia Lapteva added 15 points for the winners. Irina Romanova and Tatjana Larionova had 13 points each in the loss.

Nadezhda O. - Dynamo K. 61-63
Dynamo Kursk eked out a narrow 63:61 road win over Nadezhda in Orenburg. Maria Garifulina notched 14 points for the winners. Anastasia Fomina added 11 points for Dynamo Kursk in the second win. Shameka Christon responded with 20 points and 7 rebounds for Nadezhda. Anastasiya Veremeenko added 17 points and 14 boards for the hosts.

Dynamo N. - Slavyanka 70-61
Dynamo Novosibirsk topped Slavyanka at home court. Kristina Alikina tallied 19 points and 11 boards for Dynamo. Natalya Myasoedova and Ksenia Bolsunovskaya added 14 points each for the winning team. Yuliya Kiseleva answered with 17 points and 11 boards for Slavyanka.



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  SLOVENIA - Women  


Standings - Women
SKL Standings
 1. Merkur Celje 7-0 
 2. AJM Maribor 7-1 
 3. Hit Kr.Gora 5-2 
 4. Triglav 4-3 
 5. Jezica 4-3 
 6. Odeja KED 2-5 
 7. Domzale 2-5 
 8. Konjice 1-6 
 9. Rogaska 0-7 


Stats Leaders - Women
1A Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1.Sanders, HIT Kr. 22.7
2.Vargas, HIT Kr. 19.8
3.T. Oblak, Odeja 18.8
4. Tisler, Maribor 17.1
5.Baric, Celje 15.6
Rebounds Per Game
1.Vargas, HIT Kr. 12.0
2.Sanders, HIT Kr. 11.4
3. Brown, Celje 10.5
4. Gortnar, Triglav 9.0
5. Tisler, Maribor 8.1
Assists Per Game
1. Ciglar, Celje 3.8
2. Tisler, Maribor 3.5
3. Oliveira, HIT Kr. 3.5
4. Abramovic, Celje 3.4
5. Panic, Jezica 3.2
Ranking
1.Sanders, HIT Kr. 28.8
2.Vargas, HIT Kr. 27.0
3.Tisler, Maribor 23.0
4.T. Oblak, Odeja 20.0
5.Erzen, Triglav 17.8