Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 4/24/2010

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Ante TOMIC
  MMC Real M.
  (217-C-87)
  Avg: 17.9

1. Tomic, KK.	17.9
2. Zizic, Cedevita	17.1
3. Mulaomerovic, KK Za.	16.8
4. Bazdaric, Cedevita	16.5
5. Tomas, Cibona	14.7
6. Macvan, Hemofarm	14.6
7. Zoric, KK.	14.3
8. Videnov, Crvena Z.	13.9
9. Gordon, Cibona	13.8
10. Simon, KK.	13.8

Rebounds Per Game

Ante TOMIC
  MMC Real M.
  (217-C-87)
  Avg: 8.9

1. Tomic, KK.	8.9
2. Mason, Siroki E.	8.1
3. Maric, Partizan	7.3
4. Zoric, KK.	6.7
5. Ruzic, Zadar	6.7
6. Roberts, Partizan	6.7
7. Raduljica, FMP	6.4
8. Brkic, Radnicki K.	5.9
9. Zizic, Cedevita	5.8
10. Macvan, Hemofarm	5.8

Assists Per Game

Feliks KOJADINOVIC
  Bosna S.
  (197-G-79)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Kojadinovic, Bosna S.	5.8
2. Mocnik, Helios	5.5
3. Markovic, Hemofarm	4.7
4. Gordon, Cibona	4.7
5. Mason, Siroki E.	4.6
6. Anderson, Cedevita	4.4
7. Aleksic, Radnicki K.	4.2
8. Mulaomerovic, KK Za.	4.1
9. Pavkovic, Hemofarm	4.0
10. Stipcevic, Zadar	3.9

Steals Per Game

Lester MCCALEBB
  Partizan
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 2.3

1. McCalebb, Partizan	2.3
2. Gordon, Cibona	1.9
3. Walsh, U.Olimpija	1.8
4. Roberts, Partizan	1.8
5. Krstic, KK.	1.6
6. Otasevic, Buducnost	1.6
7. Rozic, Cibona	1.5
8. Mocnik, Helios	1.5
9. Kojadinovic, Bosna S.	1.5
10. Stipcevic, Zadar	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Luka ZORIC
  KK Zagreb CO
  (211-C/F-84)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Zoric, KK.	1.5
2. Vranes, Partizan	1.4
3. Dragicevic, Buduc.	1.2
4. Marjanovic, Hemof.	0.8
5. Rakocevic, Bosna S.	0.8
6. Plaisted, Zadar	0.8
7. Golubovic, U.Olimpija	0.7
8. Tomic, KK.	0.7
9. Maras, Buducnost	0.6
10. Vitkovac, Buducnost	0.6

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ALGERIA

Standings

D1 Standings

Group A
1. WA Boufarik		10-3
2. ASPTT		7-6
3. Staoueli		6-7
4. Aml Skikda		5-6
5. COBB		4-7
6. Ain Benyane		3-8
7. NAH Dey		2-11
Group B
1. GS Petroliers		11-2
2. OM Batna		10-1
3. CRB Dar El-B.		8-5
4. CR Bir Khadem		7-5
5. IRB Hadjout		6-5
6. Blida		5-8
7. CRB Temouch.		4-7
8. CSMC		3-10

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ARGENTINA

Manu Ginobili will not play the world championship - by Facundo Iatzky
Manu Ginobili (198-G-77, agency: Interperformances) announced earlier today that he will not be part of the team that will be in Turkey since August to play the world championship. This decision was taken due to some personal reasons. He will be father for first time and also he want to keep healthy. However, manu, who is playing a fantastic season in San Antonio, confirmed that he will play the olympic games in London in 2012. Despite this, Argentina is still one of the best teams of the tournament.

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AUSTRALIA

Blaze add Garlepp to roster - by Eurobasket News
The Gold Coast Blaze NBL team have announced their second new player signing for season 2010/11.

Tom Garlepp (203-F-86, college: UCSB), who played for the Adelaide 36ers last season and is a former Perth Wildcat, heads east with a reputation to become one of the leagues best rebounders.

The 68 (203cm) power forward joins the returning Chris Goulding, Adam Gibson, Anthony Petrie, James Harvey and former Townsville Crocodile Stephen Hoare as confirmed Blaze players this season.

And the born and bred West Australian says hes excited at the prospect.

The Blaze was hanging out at the top of the competition most of last year and they are a great side, so its exciting to join them, Garlepp said.

Joey Wright is one of the top coaches in the country and his team is full of quality players, so to have the chance to play with them is something Im really looking forward to, he said.

Wright believes hes signed one of the NBLs brightest prospects.

Tom has a great shooting range on his shot and hes an outstanding rebounder, Wright said.

He has plenty of possession because of his long arms and his two years playing for Perth will have given him plenty of experience at the top level, he said.

Garlepp attended the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in 2004 and the University of California, Santa Barbara, from 2005-2007 where as a freshman he posted 16 points and seven rebounds in the season-opener against San Francisco.

He played for the Perth Wildcats from 2007 until 2009 and averaged 27.1 points and 11.2 rebounds for the Perry Lakes Hawks in last years W.A SBL (State Basketball League).

His other career highlights include:

The Perth Wildcats' Young Australian Player for 2007-2008;
Playing for the Perry Lakes Hawks in the Western Australian Basketball League in 2005 averaged 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocked shots per game;
Set an AIS record with 10 blocked shots in one game;
Member of the Australian Junior National Team at the Albert Schweitzer Games in Germany.
Courtesy of The Gold Coast Blaze

Gold Coast Blaze land Rick Rickert - by Eurobasket News
The Gold Coast Blaze have announced that they have secured the services of elite big man Rick Rickert (211-F-83, agency: Court Side, college: Minnesota) for the 2010/11 NBL season.

Rickert led the NBL is rebounding last season with seven per contest, while also contributing 12 points per game for the New Zealand Breakers. A true centre at 211 cm (611) , Rickert was a hot commodity on the free agent market before signing with the Blaze.

Rickert has an exceptional basketball history. After a standout career at the University of Minnesota, he was drafted in the second round of the 2003 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He played briefly with the Detroit Pistons and played in top level European leagues before joining the Breakers.

Blaze head coach Joey Wright was ecstatic with Rickerts recruitment.

Rick gives us that major interior presence we have been searching for. His ability to draw double teams will create space for our guards and he will make everyone around him better.

He is probably the best centre in the league right now and the leading rebounder. He is tough, plays hard and will fit in well with our style of play. He is the piece of the puzzle we have been missing, so for us to be able to sign him is a major coup.

Rickert was born in the United States but will become a New Zealand citizen before the season starts, allowing the Blaze to still sign two Imports for the coming year.
Courtesy of The Gold Coast Blaze

Quebradillas Pirates ink CJ Bruton, replace HC Omar Gonzalez with Raymond Dalmau - by Eurobasket News
Quebradillas Pirates announced important changes. They signed contract for rest of the season with CJ Bruton (188-G-75, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Indian Hills CC). The Australian arrives from the New Zealand Breakers, where he averaged 16.8 points, 3.3 assists and 3.3 rebounds. The Puerto Rican team tried to ink Marcus Williams from Grizzlies, but the player did not get the free agency.
At the same time, Quebradillas Pirates fired Omar Gonzalez and replaced him with Raymond Dalmau . The team currently has 6-10 record in BSN.

Skytrans Cairns Taipans ink Alex Loughton for the next season - by Eurobasket News
The Skytrans Cairns Taipans believe the addition of Alexander Loughton (205-F/C-83, college: ODU) to the team for the 2010/11 National Basketball League season will help give the club one of the most formidable frontcourts in the league.

Loughton, 27, has signed a three-year deal to join the Taipans having spent 2009/10 in Spain with Ourense Baloncesto. The 69 power forward played for the Perth Wildcats in the NBL in 2007/08 (averaging 15 points and seven rebounds a game) and again in 2008/09, where he averaged 13 points and four rebounds an outing as the teams captain, replacing the injured Paul Rogers.

The Australian Boomer squad member will help give the Taipans a formidable frontcourt line-up alongside Dusty Rychart and Ian Crosswhite. He is a versatile scorer with range out to the three-point line, making him a hard match-up for opposition teams.

Taipans coach Aaron Fearne said Loughton would be one of the elite forwards in the NBL next season and was a huge addition to the Taipans.

Adding Alex to our group definitely helps address some the challenges we have on the offensive end of the floor, Fearne said.

Hell bring that extra scoring punch we need along with some high-level international experience.

Well definitely have one of the deepest and most talented frontcourts in the league this season, Fearne added.

Loughton is the fourth player to be signed by the Skytrans Cairns Taipans for the 2010-11 NBL season, joining Ian Crosswhite, Aaron Grabau and Dusty Rychart.

Courtesy of The Skytrans Cairns Taipans

Sixers pin big hopes on Dowdell - by Eurobasket News
Adelaide has completed its search for new big men, signing 205cm Townsville free agent Jeff Dowdell (205-F-87) for the 2010-11 NBL season.

Dowdell, 23, has chalked-up 140 NBL games as a back-up big at Perth and Townsville but previously played under new 36ers coach Marty Clarke at the Australian Institute of Sport.

Clarke and assistant Mark Radford watched Dowdell lead his South East Australian Basketball League team North West Tasmania against Nathan Herbert's Supercats on the weekend. Dowdell had a 20-point, 10-rebound double.

Born in Cooma, Dowdell was NSW junior player of the year in 2005 and averaged 24.8 points and 8.6 rebounds with Albury/Wodonga in the 2006 SEABL competition, earning All Star Five selection.

He has yet to translate that into anything meaningful at NBL level, although in 2006 he was named Perth Wildcats' most improved player.

'We believe in the right environment Jeff can be a very good NBL player,' Sixers chief executive Ben Fitzsimons said.

Dowdell would slot in behind new centre Daniel Johnson and power forward Adam Ballinger, alongside Jacob Holmes.

'He gives us a good back-up centre with a jumpshot,' Fitzsimons said.

It also means the 36ers can now focus their attention on two new imports, most likely a point guard and a scoring small forward.

With Darren Ng, Herbert and Brad Hill all signed, the Sixers have some depth at off-guard and small forward.

'We're probably looking for a back-up (Australian) point guard to complete our 10-man roster for next season,' Fitzsimons said.

Adelaide has left no stone unturned, revisiting 2009 point guard Aaron Bruce and talking with star Tasmanian junior Hugh Greenwood and St Mary's University-based Matthew Dellavedova.

All three have played under Clarke at the AIS.

The 36ers also have been active in other areas and put an offer to 2009 centre Luke Schenscher. 'We were definitely interested in having Luke back in 36ers colours,' Fitzsimons said.

Radford last week flagged Dowdell was in the Sixers' mix.

'We're hoping Jeff is a diamond in the rough and will thrive with the right opportunities,' Fitzsimons said.

'He's also a good team man, quite prepared to play back-up minutes and put the club's needs first.'

With two imports and a playmaker to come, Adelaide's team - which finished last for the first time in 2010 - will have had a major make-over, only half of last season's players returning.

Gone are imports John Gilchrist and Cortez Groves, centre Matt Burston, back-up David Cooper and rookie Chris Molitor.

Courtesy of www.adelaidenow.com.au

Crocs agree with big guy Ben Allen - by Eurobasket News
The Townsville McDonalds Crocodiles have announced the signing of 611 centre, Ben Allen (211-C-86, college: Indiana) for the 2010/11 season.

The Crocodiles were able to win the signature of the 23-year-old Victorian after several NBL clubs expressed interest in the long term potential of the big man.

Allen has just successfully finished a collegiate career with St Marys College in California where his team reached the illustrious NCAA Sweet 16 Basketball Tournament for the first time in school history. Allen played in all 34 games for the St Marys Gaels in 2009/2010, averaging 10.7 points per game, 7.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists.

Speaking from the US Allen said he was excited about joining the Crocodiles.

I am looking forward to developing as a player and continuing on from my good year in college. The aim is to get better as quick as possible, Allen said.

Allen also said he was looking forward to establishing some rivalry with some of his former AIS team mates now playing in the NBL.

Head Coach Trevor Gleeson is excited about the prospect of Allen joining the Crocodiles for the upcoming NBL season.

Ben has been someone we have always kept on our recruiting radar. We followed his journey in the NCAA tournament this year with interest and were encouraged by his ability to play inside and out.

For a big guy to average just over two assists indicates he plays unselfishness basketball. Very rarely does a big guy average that over the course of a season. He works hard and wants to improve. Those are some key elements we look for in our club culture when recruiting young players to Townsville.

Allen also shoots the ball at a favourable percentage from the field.

Ben is well known for his soft touch. He will be able to stretch the court with his shooting ability and most importantly last season he shot 82% from the free throw line which is one area we have been working towards improving , Gleeson said.

In recent times St Marys College has become home to many Australian junior players honing their skills in the US collegiate system. This includes Mackay product Clint Steindl and last years NBA Draft pick Patrick Mills. Interestingly it was also the home of former Crocodiles import E.J Rowland.

Allen is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Sport and was also a member of the Australian Under-21 National Team which finished fourth-place at the FIBA World Championship in 2005.

Townsville CEO Ian Smythe fully endorsed the signing of Allen.

Bens signing highlights the clubs commitment to supporting young aspiring Australian talent and represents the direction we are heading in. It was an important piece of the puzzle in the recruiting process and we are excited about securing such a talent.

Allen will arrive in Townsville prior to official team pre season training expected to commence in July.

Courtesy of The Townsville McDonalds Crocodiles

Townsville Crocodiles keep Peter Crawford - by Eurobasket News
The Townsville McDonalds Crocodiles have confirmed 193 centimeter Peter Crawford (193-G-79) to join the Crocs at The Swamp for the 2010/11 NBL season. The crafty shooting guard grew up in Mount Isa, returning last season to the Crocodiles, where his professional basketball career began.

Crawford averaged 10.4 points per game for the Crocs last season, 42% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. He has played a total of 344 NBL games, with a career average of 11 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.

Despite an interrupted pre-season in 2009 due to his Australian team commitments, Crawford hit his straps mid-season to help secure the Crocs their fourth consecutive playoff appearance under Head Coach Trevor Gleeson.

Gleeson said Crawford was a pivotal signing from the clubs perspective.

Peters ability to defend and shoot the long range shot is an important part of our team make up for the season ahead. Peter has a good feel for the game and once he felt more comfortable within our system this past season, his confidence grew.

He is a proud about playing basketball for Townsville and passionate about improving his own game. These are things we look for in our team leaders and hope with Peters experience will continue to help the team move forward.

Speaking from Perth yesterday Crawford was excited about the opportunity to play for the Crocodiles for another season.

I am really looking forward to playing for Trev again. I have a couple of things I want to work on and improve on so I can take on a bigger role and help the team. Having had a season back at the Crocs I now feel I can step up and be more of a leader within the group and I believe the Crocs can help with this.'

For me it is all about being better than last year and helping the team take the next step.

This will be Crawfords 11th season in the NBL and seventh with the Crocodiles. Interestingly Crawford has equaled personal friend Pat Reidy in games played for the Crocodiles, having played 178 games, an accolade that sees him sit fifth on the all-time list.

Courtesy of The Townsville McDonalds Crocodiles

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AUSTRIA

Oberwart Battles Back to Extend Series - by Lindsey McIntyre
The Oberwart Gunners overcame a 15-point deficit to save the game and their season Thursday night in Oberwart. They defeated the BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers 100-96 in overtime to bring the series to 2-1 Furstenfeld and live to play another game on their home court Sunday night. Gunner Kelvin Parker (183-G-82, college: NW Missouri St.) was the standout player of the game with 26 points and nine assists. Desmond Penigar (201-F-81, college: Utah St.) led the way for the Panthers with 21 points and eight rebounds.

The Gunners came out srong in the first quarter and built an ealry eight-point lead, 21-13, and held onto the lead throughout the remainder of the quarter. In the second quarter, the Panthers were able to creep back in, tied it up around mid-way through the period and were eventually able to grab the lead, heading to the lockerroom up 42-38.

Furstenfeld had the hot hand early in the third quarter and used a 10-3 run to open up an 11 point lead, that they would eventually stretch to 15, 71-56, late in the period, and it began to look as if Oberwart's season was coming to an end. However, Parker hit a three-pointer right at the end of the quarter to close the gap back to 12, 71-59, before heading to the fourth.

Parker hit another three to start the fourth quarter and pull the Gunners within eight. Oberwart began to chip away at the Panthers' lead and take advantage of Furstenfeld misses, the Panthers shot just 5-19 from the floor in the period. Oberwart outscored them 15-6 to tie the game at 77-all with just under four minutes remaining. They were able to briefly snatch the lead on a Charles Gosa (202-F-77, college: N.Mexico St.) three before the Panthers quickly tied it back up. Regulation time expired with both teams tied 84-84.

Furstenfeld opened Overtime on an 8-2 run to go up 92-86, and it again looked like they would go on to take the game and the series, but Oberwart would not be denied and outscored the Panthers 14-4 in the final three and a half minutes to take the game and extend the series.

Aside from Parker, Oberwart also got 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists from Jonathan Levy (193-G-82, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.), 19 points from Anthony Paez (198-F-84, agency: JEMsports, college: Stephen F. Austin) and 17 points and eight rebounds from Gosa.

For the Panthers, Jay Youngblood

(195-G-84, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Kent St.) added 16 points, as did Anthony Shavies (191-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: Missouri St.), who also led the team with seven assists. Shelton Colwell (202-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Missouri St.) added 15 points, six reounds, four assists and two blocks and Shawn Ray (194-F-80, agency: Court Side, college: N.C.Central) scored 14.

The two teams will meet up again Sunday night in Oberwart, where the Gunners will look to duplicate their success and force a deciding Game 5, and Furstenfeld will look to move on with a win.

A Bundesliga Quarterfinals (third games): Gmunden goes to Semis - by Eurobasket News
Arkadia - Wels 91-83
Arkadia managed to beat Wels last night and to take 2-1 lead in the Playoff Quarterfinals. Vilmantas Dilys (208-F-87, agency: Interperformances) was a key player for the hosts with 28 points (6 triples of 9 attempts). Kevin Houston

(193-G/F-76, agency: Interperformances, college: St.Bonaventure) and Terrence Roderick (198-G-88, agency: Interperformances, college: UAB) added 18 and 17 points respectively and each of them grabbed 10 rebounds in this game. In the loosing squad, Davor Lamesic (205-F-83, agency: Interperformances) collected 20 points, 8 boards and 5 assists.

Kapfenberg - Klosterneub. 72-61
2-1 for the Bulls, who got 17 points and 5 rebounds from Armin Woschank

(184-G-82, agency: R.H.Consultancy). Kevin Nelson (192-G-84, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Park) scored 16, Michael Schachtner (206-F-86, agency: Court Side, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) 15, while Heinz Kugerl (211-C-86) added 12 points and 7 boards. In Klosterneuburg, Christoph Nagler (194-G-84) delivered 17 pts.

St.Polten - Gmunden 68-77
Gmunden eliminated St. Polten after just three games and of course advanced to Playoff Semifinals. Ian Boylan (197-G/F-83, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Cal.St. Northridge) shined for Gmunden in this victory with 28 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. Deteri Mayes (189-G-74, agency: Court Side, college: Murray St.) also had very important role as he added 19 points. For the home side, Martin Kohlmaier

(218-C-84) collected 26 points and 5 rebs.

Oberwart - Furstenfeld 100-96 OT
Oberwart survived last night with 100-96 overtime win. It means that the Gunners came to 1-2 and they will have one more game at their home court. Kelvin Parker (183-G-82, college: NW Missouri St.) came up with 26 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists in this victory, while Jonathan Levy (193-G-82, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) (7 rebs) and Anthony Paez (198-F-84, agency: JEMsports, college: Stephen F. Austin) followed with 21 and 19 points respectively. For the Panthers, Desmond Penigar (201-F-81, college: Utah St.) shined with 21 pts and 8 boards. They still need just one win for the Semifinals.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin HOUSTON
  Arkadia
  (193-G/F-76)
  Avg: 20.5

1. Houston, Arkadia	20.5
2. Mayes, Gmunden	20.5
3. Parker, Oberwart	19.8
4. Penigar, Furstenf.	19.5
5. Francois, Gussing	19.4
6. Roderick, Arkadia	18.6
7. Mahalbasic, Worth.	18.4
8. Paez, Oberwart	17.9
9. Nelson, Kapfenberg	17.8
10. Nagler, Klostern.	16.3

Rebounds Per Game

Kevin HOUSTON
  Arkadia
  (193-G/F-76)
  Avg: 9.1

1. Houston, Arkadia	9.1
2. Johnson, Oberwart	8.8
3. Mahalbasic, Worth.	8.6
4. Conley, Wels	7.8
5. McCandies, Worth.	7.8
6. Penigar, Furstenf.	7.7
7. Forrestal, UBSC G.	7.6
8. Heard, Gussing	7.5
9. Moric, Klostern.	6.8
10. Oppland, Gmunden	6.6

Assists Per Game

Kelvin PARKER
  Oberwart
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Parker, Oberwart	6.8
2. Shavies, Furstenf.	6.1
3. Boylan, Gmunden	5.4
4. Danek, Arkadia	5.0
5. Schreiner, St.Po.	5.0
6. Lanegger, UBSC G.	4.8
7. Woschank, Kapfe.	4.4
8. Zeleznik, UBSC G.	4.1
9. O'Neal, Vienna	3.7
10. Richards, Gussing	3.6

Steals Per Game

Ian BOYLAN
  Gmunden
  (197-G/F-83)
  Avg: 2

1. Boylan, Gmunden	2.0
2. Payton, Vienna	2.0
3. O'Neal, Vienna	1.9
4. Roderick, Arkadia	1.9
5. Schreiner, St.Po.	1.9
6. Zeleznik, UBSC G.	1.8
7. Richards, Gussing	1.7
8. Shavies, Furstenf.	1.7
9. Jandl, St.Polten	1.6
10. Meacham, Wels	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Shelton COLWELL
  Furstenfeld
  (202-F-80)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Colwell, Furstenfeld	1.5
2. Heard, Gussing	1.1
3. Anderson, Vienna	1.0
4. Mahalbasic, Worth.	0.7
5. Kohlmaier, St.Polten	0.7
6. Levy, Oberwart	0.7
7. Bralovic, Arkadia	0.7
8. Roderick, Arkadia	0.7
9. Francois, Gussing	0.6
10. Youngblood, Furstenf.	0.6

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BAHRAIN

Standings

Premier League Standings

1. Al Manama		19-4
2. Muharraq		18-5
3. Al Ahli		17-6
4. Al Hala		14-8
5. Nuwaidrat		12-10
6. Sitra		11-12
7. Al Ittihad		10-13
8. Issa Town		9-14
9. Al Najma		3-19
10. Bahrain Club		0-22

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Travis REED
  Tallinna Kalev
  (203-C-79)
  Avg: 21.6

1. Reed, Tallinna Kalev	21.6
2. Davis, Valmiera	19.5
3. Akognon, Kalev/Cr.	19.5
4. McCullough, VEF R.	18.9
5. Tatarunas, Alytus A.	18.8
6. Sirvydis, Sakalai	18.3
7. Fisher, Kalev/Cr.	18.0
8. Kelys, Perlas	17.6
9. Gulbis, Zemgale	17.5
10. Covington, Tallin.	16.9

Rebounds Per Game

Travis REED
  Tallinna Kalev
  (203-C-79)
  Avg: 10.1

1. Reed, Tallinna Kalev	10.1
2. Tatarunas, Alytus A.	9.0
3. Fisher, Kalev/Cr.	8.8
4. Valanciunas, Perlas	8.3
5. Watson, Zalgiris	8.3
6. Morrison, TU/Rock	8.0
7. Cresnar, Valmiera	7.7
8. Kojenets, Liepaja	7.4
9. Vilkius, Neptunas	7.1
10. Renfroe, VEF Riga	7.1

Assists Per Game

Tomas GAIDAMAVICIUS
  Juventus
  (191-G-82)
  Avg: 7.4

1. Gaidamaviciu., Juven.	7.4
2. Renfroe, VEF Riga	7.2
3. Grant, Norrkoping	5.6
4. Popovic, Lietuvos.	5.0
5. Maceina, Rudupis	4.9
6. Jeromanovs, Liepa.	4.5
7. Jomantas, Lietuv.	4.5
8. Kelys, Perlas	4.4
9. Gervin, Norrkoping	4.4
10. Ezerskis, Techasas	4.3

Steals Per Game

Heiko RANNULA
  Valga Welg
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Rannula, Valga Welg	2.4
2. Covington, Tallin.	2.4
3. Jomantas, Lietuv.	2.2
4. Bitinas, Neptunas	2.2
5. Vileita, Rudupis	2.2
6. Gaidamaviciu., Juven.	2.2
7. Renfroe, VEF Riga	2.1
8. Gervin, Norrkoping	2.1
9. Tatarunas, Alytus A.	2.0
10. McCullough, VEF R.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Kennyetta JOHNSON
  Kalev/Cramo
  (210-C-78)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Johnson, Kalev/Cr.	3.1
2. Valanciunas, Perlas	2.3
3. Tatarunas, Alytus A.	2.1
4. Silinskis, Nevezis	1.6
5. Valanciunas, Lietuv.	1.6
6. Ezerskis, Techasas	1.5
7. Toome, TTU K.	1.4
8. Rozitis, Zemgale	1.4
9. Davis, Valmiera	1.4
10. Begic, Zalgiris	1.3

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

BELIZE

National Basketball Team wins appeal and keeps silver!!! - by David Magana
A major and favorable decision was received today by the Belize Basketball Federation which puts to rest the challenge to the nationality of members of the national team that brought home the silver in last years regional games. News Five Jose Sanchez found out today that the Court of Arbitration for Sports has set aside an earlier ruling by FIBA.

Jose Sanchez, Reporting

It has been a long journey for the National Basketball Team since the COCABA games were held in Cancun in August of 2009. After winning silver, the team and the Belize Basketball Federation through its lawyers, had to fight to keep the victory. First four players were disqualified, and the FIBA appeals tribunal rejected the B.B.F.s appeal. But instead of giving up, the B.B.F. took its appeal to the highest body, the Court of Arbitration. The decision in the teams favor was delivered today.

Godfrey Smith, Attorney for B.B.F.

We were faxed the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport this morning and basically they agreed with the Belize Basketball Federation that the decision of the FIBA tribunal was wrong. They reversed that decision, they had said that the basketball players in question are entitled to play and properly played, that they were not sporting mercenaries or basketball mercenaries, that the B.B.F. did not abuse the law or any of its entitlements, that the FIBA, the International Basketball Federation should pay the cost of arbitration as well as the legal cost and legal fees. So it was obviously for the Belize Basketball Federation, a very good judgment. They feel obviously vindication because they held the position from the very beginning that the Belizean players, our players, were entitled to play in that competition.

Because they were entitled to play in the COCABA games, it means the team can truly enjoy the moment in August when they brought home the silver cup and medals.

Kevin Siroki (178-G-70, college: Westminster), Head Coach, Belizean Heritage (Aug 17, 2009)

Every one of those players showed true Belizean blood and true Belizean pride and I appreciate every one of them. Were fourteen strong and were gonna get better and next year were gonna show everybody what Belize is made of and were gonna be a power in the whole region here. And you guys out there, the fans, and the players and everybody out there I just want to thank you all. Keep supporting us and keep doing our best. Thank you very much.
Courtesy Channel 5

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

CHINA

Xinjiang Remains Alive With Win Over Guangdong - by Arthur Volbert
Xinjiang kept itself alive in the CBA finals with a 97-94 victory over Guangdong. Guangdong now leads the best of seven series 3-1.

Xinjiang took a 27-21 lead after one quarter but fell behind 53-41 at the half. It rallied in the third quarter to lead 70-69, then outscored Guangdong 27-25 in the fourth.

Gaines Charles (201-F-81, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: S.Mississippi) led Xinjiang with 31 points and 5 rebounds. Myron Allen had 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals. Xirelijiang (Co Tal) had 11 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Xu Guozhong had 12 points and 3 rebounds. Mengke Bateer had 10 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Makan, listed as born in 1992, had 7 points and 4 rebounds in 20 minutes, showing in this vital game why he will likely be an important addition to China's Under-18 team this summer.

Zhu Fangyu led Guangdong with 22 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 6 steals. Smush Parker had 15 points and 3 assists. Du Feng had 14 points and 8 rebounds. Zhou Peng scored 8. David Harrison had an awful game, with only 7 points and 2 rebounds before fouling out in 18 minutes. But Guangdong's young centers Wang Zheng and Su Wei did nothing. Su was scoreless with 4 rebounds in 11 minutes and Wang had 2 points and 1 rebound in 18 minutes.

Stats Leaders - CBA

Points Per Game

Andre EMMETT
  Guaynabo
  (196-G/F-82)
  Avg: 32

1. Emmett, Shandong	32.0
2. Gaines, Xinjiang	30.5
3. Pickett, Shaanxi	29.8
4. Edwards, Shaanxi	29.3
5. Rodgers, Jilin	28.5
6. Lucas, Shanghai	27.9
7. White, Zhejiang.	27.5
8. Brown, Zhejiang C.	26.1
9. Mays, Beijing	26.0
10. Wang, Bayi	25.8

Rebounds Per Game

DeAngelo COLLINS
  Trotamundos
  (206-F-82)
  Avg: 15.4

1. Collins, Jilin	15.4
2. Mays, Beijing	13.2
3. Ramos, Zhejiang.	13.0
4. Oyedeji, Liaoning	12.2
5. Harvey, Jiangsu	12.0
6. Swift, Shandong	11.8
7. Brown, Beijing	11.6
8. Okosa, Qingdao DS	11.4
9. Williams, Zhejiang C.	11.2
10. Williams, Fujian	11.1

Assists Per Game

Stephon MARBURY
  Shanxi Zh.
  (187-G-77)
  Avg: 9.5

1. Marbury, Shanxi Z.	9.5
2. Lu, Fujian	7.2
3. Parker, Guandong	5.8
4. Hu, Jiangsu	5.1
5. Fahed, TianJin R.	4.9
6. Liu, Shanghai	4.8
7. Lucas, Shanghai	4.7
8. Kelley, DongGuan	4.4
9. Allen, Xinjiang	4.3
10. Carr, Jilin	4.2

Steals Per Game

Chris WILLIAMS
  Qingdao DS
  (199-F/G-80)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Williams, Qingd.	3.8
2. Hu, Jiangsu	3.7
3. Parker, Guandong	3.1
4. Allen, Xinjiang	2.7
5. Marbury, Shanxi Z.	2.6
6. Pickett, Shaanxi	2.6
7. Emmett, Shandong	2.4
8. Gaines, Xinjiang	2.3
9. Lu, Fujian	2.3
10. Okosa, Qingdao DS	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Sean WILLIAMS
  Guaynabo
  (208-F-86)
  Avg: 4.2

1. Williams, Fujian	4.2
2. Lamizana, TianJ.	3.8
3. Swift, Shandong	3.1
4. Collins, Jilin	2.8
5. Steyn, Qingdao DS	2.2
6. Xu, Bayi	2.2
7. Wang, Bayi	2.1
8. Simmons, DongGuan	1.8
9. Watkins, Jiangsu	1.8
10. McCoy, Fujian	1.8

CBA Round: 4 (Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Xinjiang - Guandong 97-94
Xinjiang produced a 97:94 victory over Guangdong for 1-3 in the Finals. Gaines Charles (201-F-81, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: S.Mississippi) led Xinjiang with 31 points, while Allen Myron (180-G-79, college: Lee JC) had 15 points. Zhu Fangyu responded with 22 points in the losing effort.

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

CROATIA

A1 Standings

A1 Stage Two Standings

Group A
1. Zadar		8-0
2. Cedevita		7-1
3. Cibona		6-2
4. KK Zagreb CO		4-4
5. Zabok		3-5
6. Svjetlost		2-6
7. Darda		1-7
8. Trogir		1-7
Group B
1. Borik		7-3
2. Dubrava		6-4
3. KK Split		6-4
4. Dubrovnik		5-5
5. Kastela		3-7
6. Sibenik		3-7

Stage One Standings

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

Toni BIZACA
  Trogir
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 22.7

1. Bizaca, Trogir	22.7
2. Vragovic, Dubrava	20.7
3. Spahija, Svjetlost	18.0
4. Filipovic, Sibenik	16.8
5. Bilan, Sibenik	16.0
6. Mrva, Borik	15.2
7. Drezga, Trogir	15.0
8. Kruslin, Dubrovnik	14.9
9. Krolo, Darda	14.8
10. Karlovic, Svjetlost	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Miro BILAN
  Sibenik
  (212-F-89)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Bilan, Sibenik	10.4
2. Spahija, Svjetlost	10.0
3. Sakic, Dubrava	7.2
4. Vukicevic, Svjetlost	7.0
5. Macura, KK Split	7.0
6. Krolo, Darda	6.9
7. Krapic, Zabok	6.9
8. Bizaca, Trogir	6.7
9. Maric, Dubrava	6.5
10. Ridl, Darda	6.4

Assists Per Game

Luka PETKOVIC
  Siroki Eronet
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Petkovic, Sibenik	6.1
2. Tomeljak, Zabok	4.0
3. Camagajevac, Darda	3.8
4. Blajic, Trogir	3.6
5. Cosic, Svjetlost	3.6
6. Norac, Svjetlost	3.6
7. Sumic, KK Split	3.4
8. Bubalo, Sibenik	3.3
9. Radic, Dubrovnik	3.3
10. Vragovic, Dubrava	3.1

Steals Per Game

Vinko BOSNJAK
  Dubrava
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Bosnjak, Dubrava	2.4
2. Norac, Svjetlost	2.4
3. Petkovic, Sibenik	2.3
4. Sumic, KK Split	2.0
5. Katic, KK Split	1.9
6. Kruslin, Dubrovnik	1.8
7. Tomeljak, Zabok	1.7
8. Blajic, Trogir	1.7
9. Bizaca, Trogir	1.7
10. Cosic, Svjetlost	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Jere MACURA
  KK Split
  (205-F-80)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Macura, KK Split	1.6
2. Vladovic, Sibenik	1.2
3. Bilan, Sibenik	1.1
4. Sobin, KK Split	1.1
5. Bizaca, Trogir	0.7
6. Krolo, Darda	0.7
7. Culjak, Dubrava	0.6
8. Karac, Dubrovnik	0.6
9. Ridl, Darda	0.6
10. Kamaldin, Darda	0.6

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

CYPRUS

APOEL CRUSHES AEL AND WINS A BACK TO BACK! - by Dr. Nasios Orinos
THE GAME

Apoel's charter flight to Kition landed successfully.

Anastasiades, Heath, Sims, Van Dorpe, Dozet, Sullivan, Randojevic, Hughes, Atkins, Mokongo, and the rest of the team have all unlocked the door, and guess what they have found?

A BACK TO BACK.

Despite being deprived its home court, Apoel swiped Ael and won the Cyprus Championship for the second year. Lewis Sims scored 18-points, Heath and Dozet added another 15 and Apoel crushed Ael on Friday night. Final score 83-73.

Slowed by an injury Dozet was doubted to play. After hard work it was only made possible to play at the last moment. With him being on fire Apoel got an early lead (25-10) and finished the 1st quarter with 25-13.

During the 2nd quarter, Ael got as close as 6 (34-28), but with the usual suspect, Heath, being in a good day Apoel regained the lead (42-28). The half stopped at 48-39.

At the second half, Ael tried to balance the game and seemed more determined, but that was not enough. Apoel kept finding the solutions and with the great push of the fans (2500 people followed their team at Larnaka) it even took the lead to 17 (70-53). Few 3-point jumbers by Bracey and Evtimov allowed Ael to approach not more than 7.

In general, Apoel had more players in a good day. Lewis the 'Dragon' Sims was back to his explosive self and proved once more what a great leader he is. He started the game with passion and led the way to his teammates. He helped Apoel to gain an early lead and kept finding his way to the basket mainly at the 2nd half. Sims finished the game with 18-points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 assist.

Using his brain, Brandon 'the Dancer' Heath kept serving the ball to his teammates. He hit a few jumpers during the 1st half and took some crucial drives, mainly at the last quarter. He finished the game with 15 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists and 1 steal.

Dozet was on fire and buried a few jumpers from outside, finishing with 15-points, 3 rebounds and 1 steal. Lets not forget Phillips 'the Lion' Sullivan whose defense was great.

In general, Ael did not play very well and it was only led by Bracey's 17-points. Fells added another 15.

Quarters: 25-13, 48-39, 68-53, 83-73

APOEL: Van Dorpe 7 (1), Sims 18, Dozet 15 (4), Heath 15 (1), Mokonko 2, Anastasiades 2, Sullivan 4, Randojevic, Hughes 14, Atkins 6

AEL: Liatsos 9, Bracey 17 (3), Davis 6 (1), Kounounis 5, Evdimov 13 (3), Fels 15, Gianoullis 8

THIS YEAR'S APOEL - FAIR WINNER!

Apoel is definitely a fair champion. A team that was set up only a few weeks before the league started, Apoel has played the whole regular season and most playoff games away (to Kition Indoor Arena) due to court's penalty and not only it has swiped most games, but also won the championship. So what has succeeded does not come easily or with luck and a team needs stability and a character to go through.

Apoel had clearly shown strength and stability this year. Even though it had completed its roster late, we need to mention that the selection of players had been done methodically. Apoel had landed very good players like Heath, Sims, Kelly (left early), Dozet, Atkins, Sullivan, Cisse (left early), Van Dorpe, Randojevic, Mokongo and Hughes, all of whom were experienced and brought to the team the necessary strength to win another one.

Lets not forget Captain Giorgos Anastasiadis whose experience and leadership qualities have injected the team with passion and determination. After all George has more titles than any other player on the island.

For the record, this is George's 3rd championship in a row.

Congradulations to Christos Stylianides and Nicos Lambrias who have started this, but also to Giannis Christopoulos who has finished it successfully.

We need to mention that had Giannis Christopoulos taken over Apoel earlier, he would have easily been the Coach of the Year.

Lastly, congratulations to all the players, board members, the supervisory committee, physiotherapists and doctors of the team, who have all greatly contributed to this success.

Assistant coach, Nicos Lambrias, stated the following to us: 'we are all very happy. It was a long year. Right now all we want is to enjoy our victory. Congradulations to everybody who has contributed'.

NOTE

Not many reporters in Cyprus act like this, but we strongly believe that our job is to objectively report the facts. At the same time it is our duty to criticize what we believe is wrong and stop hiding behind closed doors. Hiding facts is not called objectivity. Objectivity is defined as placing down the facts as they are.
So, one more time...

we hope that next year we will not see, 'commandos' of any team hiding behind bushes and throwing rocks at any bus, hurting players or doctors. Players and doctors are just doing their job. Don't expect us to sit down and watch while lives are in danger.

We hope not to see, players of any team, running behind the referees showing off their team's logo (unacceptable), nor we want to see fans or players spitting to each other. This is not basketball. If you want to act like this then accept our criticism.

Its now or never for APOEL and AEL! - by Chris Mammides
In a do or die game, this afternoon the gladiators of the Cyprus league will either finish their in between fight or they will postpone it for another three days.
Both teams are ready to give their best shot in the neutral stadium of B.M.C. AEK Larnacas, in Kition after the yesterdays decision of the Cyprus Basketball Federation. As far as we know there are not real problems in the two teams and the Coaches, Giannis Christopoulos and Kuriakou Yiangoulis will try to calm their players these last hours before their crucial battle. Their key players (From AEK is the Greek ex international power forward/center Giannis Giannoulis (207-C-76) and from Madisons Apoel Nicosia the American ex NBAer, Brandon Heath

(193-G-84, college: San Diego St.)) are boosted and ready for this game. Eurobasket.com, believes that in this fourth game among the two teams, new stars will arise as the secret aces in the sleeves of the two coaches could be the players such as Brian Bracey

(201-F-78, college: Oregon), Mickael Mokongo (180-G-86), Milan Dozet

(203-G/F-79), and Quincy Taylor

(196-G-82, college: UAB) are some of them that can do the difference in their teams.

Eurobasket.com wishes all the best for botht he temas and may the best team wins the game.

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

DENMARK

Finals: Svendborg Rabbits grab 2-1 lead against Bakken Bears thanks to wonderful last quarter - by Eurobasket News
Playoff Finals, Game 3: Svendborg - Bakken 76-71

Svendborg Rabbits are 2-1 up in the Playoff Finals after they outplayed Bakken Bears 76-71 in Game Three. Johnell Smith (186-G-80, college: New Orleans) top-scored for the winners last night with 26 points. Niccolai Iversen (205-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: San Jose City JC) also had very important adding 22 points and 8 rebounds. Smith and Iversen were the only two players with double-digits in scoring for the Rabbits. Ivan Hoger (225-C-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) was close to reach this margin as he had 9 pts. On the other side, Bakken Bears got double-double of 19 points and 17 rebounds from Torre Johnson (198-F-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee). Andreas Jakobsen (187-G-83, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Columbia (MO)) also scored 19 pts in this loss.
Everything started good for the Bears, who made 18-21 lead after ten minutes of play. The hosts slightly improved after that, especially in defense, and they managed to cut the margin to 32-33. Visitors had impressive third quarter and they were unstoppable in offense. On the other side, Svendborg struggled with organizing the plays, what resulted with only 13 pts in this period and huge 16-point deficit before the last quarter. However, they didnt give up. During the last ten minutes Johnell Smith and his teammates totally destroyed Bakken Bears (31-10) and celebrated valuable 76-71 victory.
Game 4 is scheduled for April 26.

Svendborg Rabbits: Johnell Smith 26, Niccolai Iversen 22+8 boards, Ivan Hoger 9
Bakken Bears: Torre Johnson 19+17 boards, Andreas Jakobsen 19

Vaerlose makes the move to the CDL - by Thomas Soltau

Vaerlose BBK finished the 2009-2010-season with a great run, and the club recently announced its intention to join the CDL. The team will be a welcomed addition to the best Danish league after the loss of Randers Cimbria Basketball due to bankruptcy just a few months ago.

It will be interesting to see if Vaerlose BBK can put together a team that will be able to compete in the CDL, or merely fight to avoid relegation.

As of now the team has not announced any player signings.

Stats Leaders - Basketligaen

Points Per Game

Mychal KEARSE
  Kahraba
  (194-G/F-83)
  Avg: 23.4

1. Kearse, SISU	23.4
2. Smith, Svendborg	23.0
3. Johnson, Bakken	21.3
4. Morris, Aabyhoj	21.3
5. Nielsen, Randers	20.4
6. Cavanuagh, Aalborg	20.0
7. Dennis, Naestved	19.0
8. Claitt, Horsens IC	18.7
9. Vance, Aalborg	18.6
10. Seilund, Amager BK	18.3

Rebounds Per Game

Chris CHRISTOFFERSEN
  Bakken
  (218-C-79)
  Avg: 10

1. Christoffers., Bak.	10.0
2. Morris, Aabyhoj	9.3
3. Willis, Randers	9.3
4. Vance, Aalborg	9.0
5. Johansen, Naestved	8.4
6. Iversen, Svendborg	8.4
7. Johnson, Bakken	8.0
8. Cavanuagh, Aalborg	7.7
9. Kearse, SISU	7.4
10. Johnson, Horsens IC	7.4

Assists Per Game

D.J. SMEDLEY
  Randers
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Smedley, Randers	6.5
2. Bradley, Amager BK	5.3
3. Rinkevicius, SISU	5.1
4. Claitt, Horsens IC	4.5
5. Nielsen, Horsholm	4.5
6. Darboe, Horsholm	4.3
7. Jakobsen, Bakken	4.2
8. Christensen, Amager B.	3.8
9. Dennis, Naestved	3.7
10. Iversen, Svendborg	3.6

Steals Per Game

Johnell SMITH
  Svendborg
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Smith, Svendborg	2.7
2. Kearse, SISU	2.1
3. Proctor, Bakken	1.9
4. Fall, Horsens IC	1.8
5. Dennis, Naestved	1.7
6. Nielsen, Randers	1.6
7. Houguet, Aalborg	1.6
8. Morris, Aabyhoj	1.5
9. Nielsen, Horsholm	1.5
10. Smedley, Randers	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Chris CHRISTOFFERSEN
  Bakken
  (218-C-79)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Christoffers., Bak.	2.5
2. Morris, Aabyhoj	2.2
3. Johnson, Bakken	1.8
4. Willis, Randers	1.6
5. Cavanuagh, Aalborg	1.3
6. Vance, Aalborg	1.1
7. Seilund, Amager BK	1.1
8. Guyton, Aabyhoj	1.0
9. Kalvelis, SISU	0.9
10. Hakanowitz, Horsh.	0.9

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

EBA

The EBAs Best End Season with a Bang - by Eurobasket
G Darrien Lee and NOVA Hawks G Ed Jones (6'7'-F, college: N.Carolina A&T) G Faheed Cheatham threw in a game-high 32 points in a losing effort.
The closely contested game was full of lead changes as the EBAs top players competed valiantly in front of a raucous crowd. Destroyers Head Coach Dallas Comegys took the Mid-Atlantic/Dominion teams into halftime with a 66-62 edge.
The Empire/Capital squad had nine players score in double figures but Head Coach attributed his teams familiarity and chemistry to the win. We had four sets of teammates on our team and that definitely gave us an advantage, Bowden said. NOVAs Jones and G Angelo Hernandez (18 points) worked well together on the floor as well as Hudson Valley Hypes guards (6'4'-G-85, college: ) (20 points) and Louis McCroskie. The G Antwan Hawkins (14 points) provided great man-to-man defense down the stretch while his teammate C Burgess Williams brought his A game to the low post. Madness C Ernie Graham, Jr. was a major inside presence, especially when teamed with Lee. The lone Delaware Destroyer, Mel Eason, provided much needed rebounds throughout the game.
The G (6'3'-G, college: ) threw in 25 points and G (6'4'-G-85, college: ) and Harrisburg Horizon G Charles Parker both added another 20 points each. Destroyers Kojak McCoy, Harrisburgs Mikal Stibbins and Reggie Bates also had strong showings, posting 21, 17 and 16 points respectively.
By Scoop Newsworthy

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

EUROLEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Linas KLEIZA
  Olympiakos
  (203-F-85)
  Avg: 17.3

1. Kleiza, Olympiakos	17.3
2. Woods, Assec.Pr.	16.9
3. Tomas, Cibona	16.4
4. Batiste, Panathin.	16.3
5. Langford, Khimky	15.5
6. Logan, Assec.Pr.	15.3
7. Childress, Olympiakos	15.1
8. Teletovic, Caja L.	14.8
9. Traore, AS.	14.5
10. Maric, Partizan	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

Travis WATSON
  Zalgiris
  (203-F/C-81)
  Avg: 9.5

1. Watson, Zalgiris	9.5
2. Maric, Partizan	8.6
3. Roberts, Partizan	7.4
4. Javtokas, Khimky	6.4
5. Kleiza, Olympiakos	6.4
6. Khryapa, CSKA	6.4
7. Woods, Assec.Pr.	6.2
8. Kasun, Efes Pilsen	5.8
9. Batiste, Panathin.	5.7
10. Fotsis, Panathinaikos	5.5

Assists Per Game

Omar COOK
  Unicaja
  (186-G-82)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Cook, Unicaja	5.9
2. Popovic, Lietuvos.	5.4
3. Papaloukas, Olymp.	5.2
4. Teodosic, Olympiakos	5.2
5. McIntyre, Montepas.	5.1
6. Prigioni, MMC R.	4.5
7. Sciarra, Orleans	4.2
8. Khryapa, CSKA	4.2
9. Rubio, Regal Barca	4.2
10. Huertas, Caja L.	3.9

Steals Per Game

Bojan POPOVIC
  Efes Pilsen
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Popovic, Lietuvos.	2.4
2. Lukauskis, AS.	2.3
3. Jaaber, Lottomat.	2.2
4. Khryapa, CSKA	2.0
5. Dobbins, Orleans	1.9
6. Smith, Efes Pilsen	1.9
7. McCalebb, Partizan	1.9
8. McIntyre, Montepas.	1.9
9. Perperoglou, Panath.	1.8
10. Gordon, Cibona	1.8

Blocks Per Game

D'or FISCHER
  Maccabi T-A
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Fischer, Maccabi .	1.8
2. Vranes, Partizan	1.5
3. Asik, Fener.Ulker	1.4
4. Sow, Assec.Prokom	1.4
5. Lasme, Maccabi T-A	1.4
6. Begic, Zalgiris	1.3
7. Javtokas, Khimky	1.2
8. Vazquez, Regal B.	1.1
9. Tomic, MMC R.	1.1
10. Ndong, Regal Barca	1.0

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

FRANCE

Standings - ProA

ProA Standings

1. Cholet		20-7
2. Le Mans		20-7
3. Roanne		18-9
4. Nancy		18-10
5. Gravelines		17-10
6. Orleans		17-11
7. Paris-Levall.		14-13
8. Poitiers		14-13
9. ASVEL		12-15
10. Hyeres-Toulon		12-15
11. Vichy		12-15
12. Chalon		11-16
13. Le Havre		9-18
14. Strasbourg		9-18
15. Dijon		7-20
16. Rouen		7-20

Standings - ProB

ProB Standings

1. Pau-Lacq-Ort.		26-5
2. Limoges		21-10
3. Lille		20-11
4. Maurienne		19-11
5. Bourg		19-12
6. Nanterre		18-11
7. Evreux		18-12
8. Le Portel		18-13
9. St.Vallier		14-16
10. Boulazac		13-17
11. Fos Ouest		13-18
12. Antibes		12-18
13. Charleville		12-18
14. Nantes		12-19
15. Clermont		11-20
16. Quimper		11-20
17. Bordeaux		9-22
18. Brest		9-22

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game

Derrick OBASOHAN
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (199-F-81)
  Avg: 19.5

1. Obasohan, Hyeres-T.	19.5
2. Spencer, Le Mans	18.4
3. Roberson, Stras.	17.8
4. Vassallo, Paris-.	17.3
5. Gray, Chalon	17.1
6. Banks, Orleans	16.5
7. Chatfield, Rouen	16.4
8. Greer, Nancy	15.9
9. Schilb, Chalon	15.7
10. Traore, AS.	15.4

Rebounds Per Game

Mouhamed SENE
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (213-C-86)
  Avg: 12

1. Sene, Hyeres-Toulon	12.0
2. Issa, Vichy	11.3
3. Greer, Nancy	8.9
4. Nsonwu, Roanne	8.9
5. Edwards, Grave.	8.0
6. Falker, Cholet	7.9
7. Gray, Chalon	7.5
8. Terrell, Hyeres-T.	7.4
9. Slaughter, Nancy	7.0
10. Akpomedah, Grave.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Kareem REID
  Vichy
  (178-G-75)
  Avg: 7.7

1. Reid, Vichy	7.7
2. Everett, Chalon	6.8
3. Rogers, Rouen	6.6
4. Greer, Nancy	6.1
5. Neitzel, Chalon	5.3
6. Pierce, Hyeres-T.	5.1
7. Sciarra, Orleans	5.0
8. Heurtel, Strasbourg	5.0
9. Woodside, Gravelines	4.7
10. Tchicamboud, Nancy	4.7

Steals Per Game

John LINEHAN
  Cholet
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Linehan, Cholet	2.7
2. Everett, Chalon	2.1
3. Flowers, Vichy	2.0
4. Issa, Vichy	1.9
5. Greer, Nancy	1.9
6. Mims, Roanne	1.8
7. Rogers, Rouen	1.7
8. Wright, Le Mans	1.7
9. Melody, Vichy	1.7
10. Ball, Paris-Levallois	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Mouhamed SENE
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (213-C-86)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Sene, Hyeres-Toulon	2.5
2. Issa, Vichy	2.3
3. Badiane, Poitiers	1.6
4. Akpomedah, Grave.	1.6
5. Slaughter, Nancy	1.5
6. Falker, Cholet	1.3
7. Fazekas, Dijon	1.3
8. Akingbala, Nancy	1.3
9. Darden, Strasbourg	1.2
10. Simon, Strasbourg	1.2

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game

Jason SIGGERS
  Lille
  (187-G-85)
  Avg: 18.5

1. Siggers, Lille	18.5
2. Davis, Charleville	17.7
3. Mohammed, Limoges	16.8
4. Dunn, Maurienne	16.7
5. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	16.4
6. McKenzie, St Va.	16.2
7. Huertas, Fos Ouest	16.1
8. Downey, Nantes	15.9
9. Gay, Fos Ouest	15.5
10. Ingram, Clermont	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Luc-Arthur VEBOBE
  Antibes
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Vebobe, Antibes	10.4
2. Giles, Nantes	9.2
3. Bing, Clermont	8.5
4. McClark, Bourg	8.3
5. Lovedale, Quimper	8.3
6. McKenzie, St Va.	8.0
7. McHugh, Quimper	7.7
8. Calasan, Charleville	7.7
9. Mathis, Evreux	7.4
10. Badiane, Maurienne	7.3

Assists Per Game

Philippe DA SILVA
  Evreux
  (192-G-79)
  Avg: 8.2

1. Da Silva, Evreux	8.2
2. Downey, Nantes	7.7
3. Taylor, Le Portel	6.6
4. Kerckhof, Antibes	5.9
5. Mullins, Bourg	5.9
6. McIntosh, St Va.	5.8
7. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	5.7
8. Cisse, Fos Ouest	5.3
9. Dunn, Maurienne	4.9
10. Swift, Brest	4.8

Steals Per Game

Sami DRISS
  Bordeaux
  (196-G-82)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Driss, Bordeaux	2.8
2. Riley, Nanterre	2.7
3. Craven, Boulazac	2.6
4. Mullins, Bourg	2.2
5. Periac, Bordeaux	2.2
6. Denave, St Vallier	2.2
7. Siggers, Lille	2.1
8. Da Silva, Evreux	2.1
9. Dunn, Maurienne	2.1
10. McKenzie, St Va.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

John FORD
  Limoges
  (207-C-78)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Ford, Limoges	1.8
2. Gay, Fos Ouest	1.8
3. Badiane, Maurienne	1.8
4. Williams, Bordeaux	1.8
5. Owona, Bordeaux	1.5
6. Gouez, Lille	1.1
7. Taccoen, Lille	1.1
8. N'Diaye, Le Portel	1.0
9. Badiane, Nanterre	0.9
10. Jennings, Boulazac	0.9

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

GEORGIA

Highest League Standing

Superleague Standings

1. Energy Rustavi		18-0
2. GSAU Tbilisi		15-3
3. TSU Tbilisi		13-4
4. Batumi		12-6
5. MIA Tbilisi		10-8
6. Sokhumi		6-12
7. Dinamo Tbilisi		6-12
8. Samedicino		3-15
9. Merani S.		2-16
10. Avia Tbilisi		0-0

Play-offs Stage - by Eurobasket News
Right after the end of the Regular Season eight teams continued in the Play-offs stage. The Winner of the Regular Season Energy Rustavi swept the Quarterfinal series over Samedicino 2-0. In the first game the favorites reached 103:56 as Mikheil Chochua (193-G-87) stepped up with 25 points. Merab Bokolishvili responded with 20 points in the losing effort. In Game 2 the favorites produced 86:54 to advance to the Semifinals.
TSU Tbilisi swept the series over Sokhumi 2-0. Sokhumi lost to TSU 79:100 in the opener as the latter got 16 points from Shalva Khetsuriani (195-G-83) 16. Buba Berishvili (189-G-83) replied with 18 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds in defeat. TSU Tbilisi won the second game over Sokhumi 85:74.
SHSS Tbilisi needed overtime over Batumi in a 75:70 first win. Irakle Berishvili led the way with 13 points, while David Imnadze shined with 26 points and 17 boards. Batumi won Game 2 95:84, while SHSS Tbilisi jumped to the semis after 88:87 win in Game 3.
GSAU advanced to the semis after 88:78 first win over Dynamo Tbilisi as Tornike Niniashvili (202-C-82) collected 18 points and 12 rebounds. Duda Sanadze responded with 25 points. Dynamo Tbilisi won the second game 88:85 but lost Game 3 91:98.
The First Semifinals are set for April 25th.

Quarterfinals - by Akaki Bakradze
Energy vs Samedicino 103:56 86:54
Outcome of the games is not in doubt. Energy won very easy.

TSU vs Sokhumi 100:79 85:74
Sokhumi is much inferior in skill than the university and was defeated in both games

GSAU vs Dinamo 88:78 85:88 98:91
GSAU must to win in both matches but in the second game irresponsibly react to the opponent and lost the match. In the third game GSAU won without problem.

Batumi vs.MIA 70:75 95:84 87:88
Everything was settled in the decisive match in the last seconds. MIA won with the help Davit Berishvilis brilliant play.
Davit Berishvili (181-G-78)

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

GERMANY

1.Bundesliga Round: 32 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
NY Phantoms - ALBA 76-70
NY Phantoms surprised the league leading ALBA at home court. Brandon Thomas

(198-G/F-84, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Massachusetts) knocked down 15 points to pace the charge. Heiko Schaffartzik

(182-G-84) delivered 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for Braunschweig. Blagota Sekulic

(209-F/C-82, agency: FCM) delivered 19 points for ALBA.

EnBW L'burg - Duesseldorf 74-68
Ludwigsburg toppled Duesseldorf as TJ Thompson

(177-G-82, college: George Washington) fired 21 points. Richard Chaney

(196-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Troy) delivered 17 points and 6 boards in the victory. Bobby Walker (188-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Va Commonwealth) replied with 13 points for the Giants in the loss.

Goettingen - Bremerhaven 100-72
Goettingen overcame Bremerhaven at home court. Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.) fired 35 points and issued 6 assists for Goettingen. Chris Oliver

(198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford) accounted for 20 points and 6 rebounds in the win. Andrew Drevo (202-F/C-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Nebraska) replied with 14 points for Bremerhaven.

LTi 46ers - Brose Baskets 89-70
Osvaldo Jeanty

(183-G-84, agency: Interperformances), Maurice Jeffers

(194-G/F-79, college: St.Louis) and Elvir Ovcina

(212-F/C-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Syracuse) scored 18 points each to lead Giessen past Bamberg. Kevin Johnson added 13 points, 10 caroms and 4 assists for the winners. Mark Worthingon replied with 14 points for Bamberg.

TBB Trier - Phoenix Hagen 78-77
TBB Trier scored a narrow home win over Hagen. Christopher Copeland

(203-F-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: Colorado) came up with 30 points and 8 rebounds for Trier. Jamal Shuler

(191-G-86) notched 16 points in the victory. John Turek

(205-F/C-83, college: Nebraska) answered with 20 points and 9 caroms for Hagen.

Pad.Baskets - Dt.Bank SKY 72-83
Skyliners posted the 20th victory in the season as they held off Paderborn on the road. Aubrey Reese (183-G-78, agency: Interperformances, college: Murray St.) nailed 17 points to lead the visitors. Seth Doliboa (203-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Wright St.) produced 15 points for Frankfurt. DeAndre Haynes

(187-G-84, college: Kent St.) chipped in 21 points for Paderborn.

Art.Dragons - ratiopharm 82-70
Artland Dragons prevailed against Ulm to earn the 18th win in the championship. Darren Fenn

(208-C-80, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Canisius) delivered 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Nathan Peavy

(203-F-85, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Miami (OH)) contributed 15 points in the victory. Robin Benzing

(208-F-89) answered with 15 points for Ulm.

Walter Tigers - Telekom B. 93-76
Tuebingen cruised past Bonn as Aleksandar Nadjfeji

(203-F-76) tallied 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Michael Jenkins (191-G-86, college: Winthrop) finished with 17 points in the winning case. Jared Jordan

(188-G-84, college: Marist) responded with 16 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds for Bonn.

EWE Baskets - MBC 71-46
Oldenburg toppled MBC to improve at 22-8 record. Milan Majstrovic netted 19 points and pulled down 9 boards for the hosts. Anatoly Kashirov (215-C-87, agency: Court Side) accounted for game-high 25 points for MBC.

Standings - 1. Bundesliga

1.Bundesliga Standings

1. ALBA		23-8
2. EWE Baskets		22-8
3. Telekom B.		22-10
4. Goettingen		21-9
5. Brose Baskets		20-12
6. Dt.Bank SKY		20-12
7. Bremerhaven		19-12
8. Art.Dragons		18-14
9. NY Phantoms		18-14
10. EnBW L'burg		16-15
11. MBC		16-16
12. Walter Tigers		16-16
13. ratiopharm		12-20
14. LTi 46ers		10-22
15. TBB Trier		10-22
16. Phoenix Hagen		8-23
17. Duesseldorf		8-24
18. Pad.Baskets		5-27

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

David TEAGUE
  LTi 46ers
  (196-G-83)
  Avg: 20.4

1. Teague, LTi 46ers	20.4
2. Copeland, TBB Trier	16.9
3. Jenkins, ALBA	15.5
4. Rochestie, Goett.	15.2
5. Allen, Dt.	14.8
6. Jeffers, LTi 46ers	14.8
7. Suput, Brose B.	14.7
8. Oliver, Goettingen	14.6
9. Burns, ratiopharm	14.6
10. Travis, Walter Tigers	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

Jeff GIBBS
  Bremerhaven
  (188-F-80)
  Avg: 9.1

1. Gibbs, Bremerhaven	9.1
2. Ensminger, Telek.	8.7
3. Ovcina, LTi 46ers	8.5
4. Johnson, LTi 46ers	7.4
5. Kale, Phoenix Hagen	7.3
6. Boone, Goettingen	6.7
7. Doliboa, Dt.	6.6
8. Travis, Walter Tigers	6.5
9. Turek, Phoenix .	6.4
10. Oliver, Goettingen	6.3

Assists Per Game

Louis CAMPBELL
  Bremerhaven
  (190-G-79)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Campbell, Bremerha.	6.1
2. Ratkovica, Walter T.	5.7
3. Hamilton, NY Phant.	5.5
4. Jordan, Phoenix .	5.3
5. Jordan, Telekom B.	5.3
6. Reese, Dt.	4.6
7. Gamqrelidze, MBC	3.9
8. Schaffartzik, NY Pha.	3.8
9. Williams, LTi 46ers	3.6
10. McElroy, AL.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Roderick TRICE
  ratiopharm
  (191-F-84)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Trice, ratiopharm	2.3
2. Hamilton, NY Phant.	1.9
3. Jenkins, Walter T.	1.8
4. Teague, LTi 46ers	1.5
5. Bernard, MBC	1.5
6. Anderson, Goett.	1.5
7. Foster, EWE B.	1.4
8. Ratkovica, Walter T.	1.4
9. Robertson, Dt.Ba.	1.3
10. Martin, Bremerha.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

John TUREK
  Phoenix Hagen
  (205-F/C-83)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Turek, Phoenix .	1.4
2. Pleiss, Brose B.	1.4
3. Lyde, Bremerhaven	1.3
4. Boumtje, EWE B.	1.3
5. Ohlbrecht, Telek.	1.3
6. Ovcina, LTi 46ers	1.0
7. Boone, Goettingen	0.9
8. Flomo, Telekom B.	0.9
9. Majstorovic, EWE B.	0.9
10. Goree, NY Phantoms	0.9

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Put The Webmoebel Baskets Back Into Storage 83-72 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The sudden change from The Paderborn Baskets to the Webmoebel Baskets was as difficult to get used to as if Jimmy Mckinney suddenly lost his slick and suave touch, Paris Hilton giving a seminar on public speaking at Harvard University or baseball slugger Alex Rodriguez starring in Titanic 2 with Kate Winslet didnt irritate The Detusche Bank Skyliners in any way as they dismantled the new name team 83-72 and clinched a playoff spot.. The sudden and new name change was also weird to players and coaches. 'That change is as strange as if George Bush was rapping to Sweet home Alabama', stressed Skyliner assistant coach Tom Johnson (agency: LBM Management ) 'Our sudden new name is as strange as if Kobe Bryant walked on the court in a dress', added Webmoebel baskets guard DeAndre Haynes

(187-G-84, college: Kent St.) 'The new name is as strange and sudden as if I found out my teammate Robert Hueleswede and I were related', joked American Kevin Langford (203-F-85, college: TCU) With the win, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners stay at position six and would play BG Goettingen if the playoffs started tomorrow and the Webmoebel Baskets remain at position 18. Frankfurt controlled the game for the most part of the 40 minutes and seemed to have more energy in the fourth quarter. 'We got tired down the stretch and ran out of gas. However the whole team competed and played hard', added Kevin Langford. Even though Paderborn was in 18th place, it was no real cake walk for Frankfurt. 'We knew coming in that this would be a tough game. They gave us a real fight. They hit shots, got to the whole and really gave us heat, but we were able to hit shots again in the fourth to get the win', stated Skyliner forward Seth Doliboa (203-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Wright St.)

With the season almost over and the Webmoebel baskets not returning to the BEKO BBL next season, it was obvious to see that the majority of the fans were outside at the Paderborn carnival getting ready for the fire works as the Maspern Halle remained very empty. The game marked the return for ex players Marius Nolte and Greg Jenkins

(206-F/C-82, college: Iona) The lack of interest of the home fans didnt bother the players as both teams came out hot scoring as if they had been practicing day and night shooting. Defense was left on the back burner. Paderborn actually was a tick better in the first few minutes as they had the lead and kept it despite Frankfurt tying the score four times before finally taking the lead. Paderborn got production from Malik Moore (192-G-77, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Amer.Internat.) Robert Ohle and Matt Terwilliger

(206-F/C-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Ohio St.) as they were able to score. Frankfurt was getting the ball inside as four of their first five baskets were inside. Jimmy McKinney nailed a three pointer, Derrick Allen

(203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) scored inside and Dragan Labovic

(207-C/F-87) scored inside three times with little resistance from the Paderborn defense. Frankfurt had their first lead on a Labovic free throw 12-11. However the Webmoebel Baskets retook the lead 14-12 on a Deandre Haynes three pointer before relinquishing the lead back to Frankfurt to Aubrey Reese (183-G-78, agency: Interperformances, college: Murray St.) on a three pointer 15-14. Sefton Barrett (198-F-83, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Cent.Michigan) gave the Webmoebel Baskets the lead back 16-15 one last time, before Resse hit another three pointer from the top of the key 18-16 and Frankfurt would never trail again in the game.

All of the sudden the Webmoebel offense stalled and the Frankfurt offense shifted a gear up closing out the first quarter on a 12-2 run to lead 30-20. Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn) made a pretty fake at the baseline and flew to the basket for a two handed dunk, Reese scored on a fast break lay up, Labovic hit a mid distance shot and Seth Doliboa hit two three three pointers at the end. 'Frankfurt was hitting many shots and were scoring inside', added Webmoebel Baskets center Kevin Langford The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 63% from the field and 63% from outside while The Webmoebel Baskets were shooting 53% from the field and 50% from outside. Frankfurt had the rebounding edge 8-5. The Webmoebel Baskets had four turnovers and Frankfurt only two.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners started out the second quarter on a 8-2 run to lead 38-22 as Mckinney nailed another three pointer, Greg Jenkins scored over Matt Terwilliger and Doliboa hit another three pointer. However the Frankfurt offense then suddenly went into a tail spin as The Webmoebel Baskets outscored Frankfurt 14-4 to trail only 42-36 at halftime. Seffton Barrett started the scoring attack with a left handed layup and Malik Moore made the shot of the night with a shot falling to his right almost landing in the first row. Moore then scored a line drive jumper as The Webmoebel Baskets only trailed 38-31. Frankfurt was getting careless on offense after having the big lead. Frankfurt was missing many shots and couldnt retain their rhythm. 'We had not been pressuring the ball well, so we started to do that better getting steals and fast break baskets. We slowed Frankfurt down', stressed DeAndre Haynes Reese and Allen scored inside and Deandre Haynes scored a three pointer and Malik Moore an off balance shot.

At halftime Frankfurt had the slim 42-36 lead. 'We got a lot of support from the bench, found our rhythm on offense and hit more shots', commented Kevin Langford . 'We had problems down low in the first half. We lost Nate Gerwig early in the season and Langford recently. Frankfurt wore us down, were moving the ball well and were hitting shots', expressed DeAndre Haynes The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 47% from the field and 37% from the three point line as The Webmoebel Baskets were shooting 50% from the field and 33% from the three point line. Frankfurt was dominating the rebounding 19-12 and both teams had six turnovers.

The third quarter started extremely cold for both teams as the first six shots were missed until Greg Jenkins finally broke the ice with a beautiful spin move hard shot off the glass. Skyliner guard Quantez Robertson answered with a three pointer from the wing and Frankfurt led 47-38. It seemed like The Webmoebel Baskets were being lulled into a sleep again, but instead they countered with a 6-0 run to trail Frankfurt only 47-44. Malik Moore hit a tough three pointer from the wing as Aubrey Reese was in his face, and Robert Ohle scored inside. The 21 year old German who finished the night with 8 points and five rebounds in 32 minutes and was picking up the slack for injured Kevin Langford Ohle did a great job for me. He filled my void and I am happy for him. In the limited playing time that he has had, he has done excellent, stressed Kevin Langford Since the start of the second quarter The Webmoebel Baskets had been on a 24-17 run. 'Paderborn did a good job forcing the ball out more. They got more put backs, scored on the penetration and were more aggressive', added Skyliner assistant coach Tom Johnson (agency: LBM Management )

Doliboa and Barrett traded baskets as Frankfurt led 51-46. Barrett then threw the ball in the back court which was retrieved by Reese for an easy bucket. Barrett and Sheffield then scored four free throws and Frankfurt led only 53-50. Frankfurt retained their cool and closed out the quarter with a 6-1 run to lead 59-51 after 30 minutes. Jenkins then fished a De Mello missed free throw for the lay in and captain Pascal Roller finally hit his first shot of the game a three pointer. 'We defended better in the third quarter and picked up the tempo and took away what Frankfurt did well in first half', added Kevin Langford. ' We were static on offense in the third quarter. After one entry pass guys were standing around. Our ball movement wasnt there. Perhaps certain combinations of players had problems executing the plays', added Skyliner assistant coach Tom Johnson (agency: LBM Management ) The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 46% from the field and 35% from the parking lot while The Webmoebel Baskets were shooting 43% from the field and 25% form the parking lot. Frankfurt had the rebounding edge 30-22 and only 9 turnovers while The Webmoebel Baskets 11 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners found back to their scoring machine outscoring The Webmoebel Baskets 24-13. Frankfurt started the fourth quarter on a 8-2 run to lead 66-53. Frankfurt was playing alert as De Mello hit a three pointer from the wing and Greg Jenkins grabbed an offensive rebound and setting up Doliboa for an easy lay up. Mckinney answered with a three pointer. Ex Ohio State center Matt Terwilliger hit a three pointer and Jenkins scored over Terwilliger as Frankfurt led 68-56. Pascal Roller and Dominik Bahiense de Mello then hit consecutive three pointers as Frankfurt led 74-56. Frankfurt were in command, but The Webmoebel Baskets kept fighingt and clawing back even if the point margin was just a bit too much. Moore was hitting shots as a three pointer and off balance shot over Roller showed that he has a knack for making difficult contested shots. The Webmoebel Baskets were only trailing 74-61.

De Mello then unleashed a pretty fake shot feeding Doliboa inside for two quick points and Ohle scored inside off a nice pass from Haynes. Frankfurt still had the comfortable 76-63 lead as The Webmoebel Baskets were unable to get some consecutive stops to bite at the Frankfurt lead. Moore and Terwilliger hit some free throws and Haynes hit a mid distance jumper cutting the Frankfurt lead to 76-67. With time running out, Frankfurt made some free throws and Reese scored inside. 'We didnt play great basketball, but we limited their easy baskets inside. We made our shots and Roller and De Mello hit big shots. At this point of the season, we need guys stepping up down the stretch making big shots even when we have a good lead', stressed Skyliner assistant coach Tom Johnson (agency: LBM Management ) 'The Frankfurt offense started to roll again. With Reese running the point and the team playing well together, it was difficult to come back', stressed DeAndre Haynes . 'Frankfurt was deeper, executed better down the stretch and hit their shots', said Kevin Langford. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were led by Aubrey Reese with 17 points. Seth Doliboa added 15 points.The Webmoebel Baskets were led by Deandre Haynes with 21 points. Malik Moore added 19 points and four assists. Sefton Barrett chipped in with 12 points and nine rebounds.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners finished the game shooting 47% from the field and 35% from outside while The Webmoebel Baskets shot 46% from the field and 30% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebounding battle 38-29. Five minutes after the siren ended the game, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were back on the court for some stretching something very untypical for the team as this had not been done in the longest time. 'We have two games in three days and this extra stretching helps cover holes and get recovery quicker', stressed Skyliner assistant coach Tom Johnson (agency: LBM Management ) Frankfurt is clinched for the playoffs and seems set for the playoff start in May. 'Frankfurt is always a great team. I could see them having a good run in playoffs. Reese and Roller are the key for their success. They never loose their composure, never force shots, but make things happen', warned DeAndre Haynes The Deutsche Bank Skyliners play in less than 48 hours in Ludwigsburg so preparing will not be your typical route. 'We tried preparing a little before this game for Ludwigsburg and we will watch video Saturday', warned Tom Johnson (agency: LBM Management ) Frankfurt gained one valuable asset in the win in Paderborn. 'We have a new coaching staff and we are working on getting better and tonight we got better', warned Seth Doliboa EnBW Ludwigsburg host The Deutsche Bank Skyliners on April 25th at 17:00.

Sefton Barrett

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

GREECE

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

David YOUNG
  Trikalla
  (196-G/F-81)
  Avg: 19

1. Young, Trikalla	19.0
2. Childress, Olympiakos	16.5
3. Erceg, Panionios	16.1
4. Green, AEK	15.3
5. Harris, VAP K.	15.0
6. Monroe, PAOK	14.9
7. Gregory, PAOK	14.8
8. Arnold, Perister.	14.8
9. Kleiza, Olympiakos	14.7
10. Kaimakoglou, Marou.	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Christophe MASSIE
  Olimpia L.
  (206-F-77)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Massie, Olimpia L.	10.7
2. Francis, AEK	7.7
3. Papadopoulos, PAOK	7.3
4. Bryant, Panionios	7.2
5. Carter, Ilysiakos	7.0
6. Arnold, Perister.	6.4
7. Homan, Marousi BC	6.3
8. Dozier, VAP K.	6.3
9. Vougioukas, Panellin.	6.0
10. Erceg, Panionios	6.0

Assists Per Game

Dimitris DIAMANTIDIS
  Panathinaikos
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Diamantidis, Panath.	5.1
2. Karidas, Ilysiakos	4.4
3. Teodosic, Olympiakos	4.4
4. Lukas, Marousi BC	4.4
5. Dickel, Trikalla	4.2
6. Green, AEK	3.8
7. Vasiljevic, VAP K.	3.8
8. Papaloukas, Olymp.	3.7
9. Spanoulis, Panath.	3.5
10. Hammonds, Perister.	3.4

Steals Per Game

Vonteego CUMMINGS
  Ilysiakos
  (192-G-76)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Cummings, Ilysiakos	2.1
2. Lukas, Marousi BC	1.9
3. Collins, Kavala/P.	1.8
4. Katsares, Trikalla	1.6
5. Green, Olimpia L.	1.6
6. Green, AEK	1.5
7. Nikolaidis, AEK	1.5
8. Karidas, Ilysiakos	1.5
9. Hammonds, Perister.	1.5
10. Diamantidis, Panath.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Ian VOUGIOUKAS
  Panellinios
  (212-C/F-85)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Vougioukas, Panellin.	1.6
2. Harissis, VAP K.	1.1
3. Mavroidis, Marou.	1.0
4. Benton, Ilysiakos	1.0
5. Homan, Marousi BC	1.0
6. Bourousis, Olympiakos	0.9
7. Fotsis, Panathinaikos	0.8
8. Carter, Ilysiakos	0.8
9. Green, Olimpia L.	0.7
10. Monds, VAP K.	0.7

Aris beats Panellinios in Athens to close Round 24 - by Eurobasket News
Regular season, Round 24: Panellinios - Aris 65-73

Aris closed Round 24 with 65-73 road win against Panellinios. With this victory, the team from Thessaloniki jumped to 12-12, while Panellinios dropped to 15-9 score. Matt Walsh

(197-F/G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Florida) led Aris with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Aaron Miles

(186-G-83, college: Kansas) and Mihalis Kakiouzis (206-C-76) added 14 and 13 pts respectively. In the loosing squad, Roderick Blakney (181-G-76, college: S.Carolina St.) delivered 18 pts.

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

HOLLAND

Stats Leaders - Eredivisie

Points Per Game

Danny GIBSON
  ZZ Leiden
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 18.7

1. Gibson, ZZ Leiden	18.7
2. Palmer, Upstairs.	17.5
3. Boxley, ZZ Leiden	16.9
4. Thomas, M.Magix	16.8
5. Monroe, DeFriesl.	16.7
6. Haryasz, GasTerra.	16.3
7. Hendley, Landstede	16.2
8. Calhoun, EclipseJet	16.0
9. Sanders, EclipseJet	14.8
10. LeMelle, ZZ Leiden	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Patrick HILLIMAN
  Rotterdam
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 10.2

1. Hilliman, Rotterdam	10.2
2. Palmer, Upstairs.	9.2
3. Haryasz, GasTerra.	9.0
4. McGhee, ZZ Leiden	8.6
5. Ellis, GasTerra F.	8.5
6. Gordon, Landstede	8.1
7. Monroe, DeFriesl.	7.9
8. Beasley, Eiff.Tow.	7.5
9. Griffin, Giants	7.4
10. de Randamie, Eclip.	7.1

Assists Per Game

Torey THOMAS
  M.Magix
  (180-G-85)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Thomas, M.Magix	6.9
2. Oliver, Eiff.Towers	5.4
3. Jones, DeFriesland	5.3
4. Porter, Upstairs.	5.1
5. Bauscher, GasTerra.	4.4
6. Bostain, GasTerra.	4.4
7. Gibson, ZZ Leiden	4.2
8. Defares, Giants	4.2
9. Moore, DeFriesland	4.1
10. Blackwood, DeFriesl.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Torey THOMAS
  M.Magix
  (180-G-85)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Thomas, M.Magix	2.9
2. Jones, DeFriesland	2.8
3. Bauscher, GasTerra.	2.6
4. Rodgers, EclipseJet	2.6
5. Dourisseau, GasTerra.	2.5
6. de Randamie, Eclip.	2.3
7. Mason, EclipseJet	2.3
8. Bostain, GasTerra.	2.3
9. Ellis, GasTerra F.	2.3
10. Flowers, M.Magix	2.2

Blocks Per Game

James HUGHES
  M.Magix
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Hughes, M.Magix	1.8
2. Hilliman, Rotterdam	1.5
3. Haryasz, GasTerra.	1.4
4. Boxley, ZZ Leiden	1.2
5. Slor, ZZ Leiden	1.0
6. Sanders, EclipseJet	1.0
7. Porter, Upstairs.	0.9
8. Richardson, Eiff.Tow.	0.9
9. Kuijper, ZZ Leiden	0.7
10. Williams, Landstede	0.7

GasTerra Flames continues its run through the playoffs with easy win over Upstairs Weert - by Fred Roggen
With GasTerra Flames trailing Upstairs Weert midway through the second quarter on Thursday, Flames small forward Jason Dourisseau

(196-G-83, college: Nebraska) started a long-range shooting display.
Dourisseau, launched his first high-arching 3-pointer of the game with 0:02 to play in the second period. That shot gave the Flames an 56-42 lead. The Flames never looked back.
Jason Ellis (201-F-82, college: Boise St.) netted 11 points, including 8 rebounds and 8 steals, to lead the Flames to a 106-68 victory over the overmatched Upstairs Weert in the first playoff round game at Martiniplaza-Groningen. More than hour later, Jason Ellis was removed from the game with 4 minutes left, receiving a loud ovation from the appreciative GasTerra Flames audience.
By halftime, Matt Bauscher (188-G-85, agency: 540 Sports) had dropped in 14 points, leading the Flames to a 56-42 lead. From there, GasTerra Flames pulled steadily away as Bauscher and Tim Blue (205-F-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.) combined for 42 points and 7-0 center Bas Rozendaal added 13 more. Along the way, the Flames wowed all onlookers with a few spectacular dunks both Dourisseau and Blue had a pair of monster, breakaway slam-dunks before exiting late in the final quarter. For Upstairs Weert, Demetrius Nelson (203-F/C-86, agency: Court Side, college: Citadel) netted 18 points and 10 rebounds, Mark Porter (183-G-86, college: Wagner) added 14, while Elijah Palmer (201-F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Duquesne) had 10 points..

Eredivisie Quarterfinals: First games - by Eurobasket News
Eiff.Towers - DeFriesland 82-85
DeFriesland shocked Eiffel Towers in Den Bosch taking 1-0 lead in the series. Darryl Monroe (201-F-86, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: George Mason) was a key player for DeFriesland last night with 29 points and 6 rebounds. Craig Moore (191-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Northwestern) secured a great help with 22 points and 6 boards. The hosts got 17 pts and 6 boards from Stefan Wessels

(203-F-84, agency: R.H.Consultancy) and Jerome Beasley

(209-F-80, college: N.Dakota) (each).

Giants - EclipseJet 71-54
1-0 for the Giants, who got 15 points and 8 rebounds from Daniel Faris. Jesse Kimbrough (183-G-82, college: Jacksonville) had 13 points and 5 rebs, while Tyrone Sally (201-F-82, agency: 540 Sports, college: W.Virginia) helped with 11 pts last night. For the team from Amsterdam, Patrick Sanders (198-F-85, college: Cal-Irvine) shined with 18 points and 7 boards.

M.Magix - ZZ Leiden 62-67
ZZ Leiden did a great job last night in Nijmegen celebrating 62-67 victory for 1-0 in lead in Eredivisie Quarterfinals. Seamus Boxley (201-F-82, college: Portland St.) and Danny Gibson

(180-G-84, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: S.Indiana) scored 15 points each for the winners and they had 12 rebounds together in this game. Ronny LeMelle helped with 13 points and 11 boards. In Matrixx Magix, Henry Bekkering replied with 13 pts and 9 rebs.

GasTerra F. - Upstairs Weert 106-68
Easy win for the regular season champion and of course 1-0 lead in the Playoff Quarterfinals. Tim Blue (205-F-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.) led the hosts with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Matt Bauscher (188-G-85, agency: 540 Sports) also scored 21 points, while Jason Dourisseau

(196-G-83, college: Nebraska) added 18 pts and 5 boards. Wert got double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds from Demetrius Nelson (203-F/C-86, agency: Court Side, college: Citadel).

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

ICELAND

41 point turnaround - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
What a turnaround. Snaefell that lost by 19 points in first game against Keflavik in play-offs final made a big turnaround in second game and won by 22 points.
41 point turnaround.
Snaefell lost american point guard Sean Burton to ankle injury, will be out for at least 3 weeks. Instead of Burton team sign Jeb Ivey

(190-G-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Portland St.) who just finish up the season in Finland few days before. Not easy to get Ivey over in time because ofr the Volcano in Iceland. Many Airport closed. A ferie from Helsinki to Stockholm then a flight to Iceland that was delayed.
Arrived 16.40. Drive to Reykjavik where a small Aircraft was waiting for him, came to the Gym 40 minutes before game started. did not start the game but stll played 26 minute and was a good help in the win.
Final score 91-69
All Snaefell team did well, Sigurdur Thorvaldsson keeps on scoring well with 29 points. Martins Berkis 16. Hlynur Baeringsson 13 points 16 rebs 6 assist. Jeb Ivey

(190-G-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Portland St.) 13 pts.
For Keflavik. Uruele Igbavboa 15. Hordur Vilhjalmsson 14 Gunnar Einarsson 14.
Draelon Burns is struggling with injury and could be replaced by Nick Bradford

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

ISRAEL

Brian Asbury selected National League Player of the Year - by Eurobasket

Asbury

Berkovich

Uter

Nanikashvili

Brown

Traditionally Israeli National League (Division II) teams sign only forwards and centers as import players, relying mostly on domestic players to fill guards positions.
The best reflection of such situation are individual league awards. Similarly 1st and 2nd team are fully filled by imports on center and forward positions, while local players are best as guards.

Eurobasket.com All-Israeli National League Awards 2009-10

Player of the Year: Brian Asbury (201-F, college: Miami (FL)) of Hapoel Kiryat Tivon
Guard of the Year: Ilan Berkovich (187-G-75) of Hapoel Haifa
Forward of the Year: Brian Asbury (201-F) of Hapoel Kiryat Tivon
Center of the Year: Adrian Uter (201-F/C-84) of Maccabi Habikaa
Defensive Player of the Year: Ofir Farhi (187-G-86) of Maccabi Ashdod
Domestic Player of the Year: Ilan Berkovich (187-G-75) of Hapoel Haifa
Import of the Year: Brian Asbury (201-F) of Hapoel Kiryat Tivon

1st Team
G: Ilan Berkovich (187-G-75) of Hapoel Haifa
G: Ilan Nanikashvili (187-G-79) of Hapoel Yokneam/Megido
F: Brian Asbury (201-F) of Hapoel Kiryat Tivon
F: Robert Brown (195-F-80) of Hapoel Haifa
C: Adrian Uter (201-F/C-84) of Maccabi Habikaa

2nd Team
G: Marios Matalon (187-G-89) of Hapoel Yokneam/Megido
G: Gerry Gendel (203-G/F-80) of Maccabi Habikaa
F: Ramon Clemente (198-F-85) of Maccabi Ashdod
F: Bryant Markson (198-F-83) of Elitzur Yavne
F: Stanley Brandy (200-F-67) of Maccabi Hod Hasharon

Honorable Mention
Tamir Arieli (189-G-90) of Hapoel Kiryat Tivon
Kobi Izik (204-F-83) of Hapoel Kiryat Tivon
Itay Greenboym (193-G-85) of Maccabi Habikaa
Elad Eliyaho (193-G/F-85) of Hapoel Haifa
Brad Byerson (201-F-85) of Hapoel Natzrath Elite
Dennis Carr (201-F-81) of Hapoel Yokneam/Megido
Raymond Hicks (201-F/C) of Elitzur Kohav Yair/Yuval
E.J. Drayton (204-F-82) of Maccabi Beer Yaakov

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Ilan Berkovich (187-G-75) of Hapoel Haifa
G: Ilan Nanikashvili (187-G-79) of Hapoel Yokneam/Megido
G: Marios Matalon (187-G-89) of Hapoel Yokneam/Megido
G/F: Elad Eliyaho (193-G/F-85) of Hapoel Haifa
F: Kobi Izik (204-F-83) of Hapoel Kiryat Tivon

All-Imports Team
F: Brian Asbury (201-F) of Hapoel Kiryat Tivon
F: Robert Brown (195-F-80) of Hapoel Haifa
F: Ramon Clemente (198-F-85) of Maccabi Ashdod
F: Bryant Markson (198-F-83) of Elitzur Yavne
C: Adrian Uter (201-F/C-84) of Maccabi Habikaa

Stats Leaders - National League

Points Per Game

Robert BROWN
  Hap.Haifa
  (195-F-80)
  Avg: 28.7

1. Brown, Hap.Haifa	28.7
2. Asbury, Hap.Tivon	28.0
3. Markson, Elitzur .	22.9
4. Byerson, Natzrath.	21.5
5. Jackson, Kiryat Ata	21.4
6. Drayton, Beer Y.	21.4
7. Paris, Hapoel Beeri	20.8
8. Clemente, Macc.Ash.	20.5
9. Brandy, Hod H.	20.4
10. Simhon, Hod H.	19.9

Rebounds Per Game

Stanley BRANDY
  Hod Hasharon
  (200-F-67)
  Avg: 12.3

1. Brandy, Hod H.	12.3
2. Paris, Hapoel Beeri	12.2
3. Clemente, Macc.Ash.	11.8
4. Byerson, Natzrath.	11.8
5. Peterson, Elitzur .	11.2
6. Uter, Macc.Habikaa	9.6
7. Drayton, Beer Y.	9.2
8. Lee, Kiryat Ata	9.2
9. Tzubrevitch, Elitzu.	9.1
10. Jackson, Kiryat Ata	8.5

Assists Per Game

Ilan NANIKASHVILI
  Megido/Yok.
  (187-G-79)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Nenikashvili, Megido.	6.8
2. Berkovich, Hap.H.	6.7
3. Huli, Lev Hasharon	6.0
4. Arieli, Hap.Tivon	5.5
5. Golan, Lev Hasharon	5.4
6. Shifman, Hapoel Beeri	5.2
7. OFIR FARHI Macc..	5.1
8. Brandwein, Elitzu.	5.1
9. Cohen, Natzrath.	4.8
10. Pereg, Macc.Ashdod	4.4

Steals Per Game

Ofir FARHI
  Macc.Ashdod
  (187-G-86)
  Avg: 2.7

1. OFIR FARHI Macc..	2.7
2. Markson, Elitzur .	2.7
3. Asbury, Hap.Tivon	2.3
4. Berkovich, Hap.H.	2.2
5. Harush, Kohav Yair	2.0
6. Matalon, Megido/Y.	1.9
7. Young, Elitzur Ramla	1.9
8. Brandy, Hod H.	1.8
9. Karpels, Elitzur .	1.7
10. Bank, Elitzur Ramla	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Adrian UTER
  Macc.Habikaa
  (201-F/C-84)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Uter, Macc.Habikaa	1.9
2. Byerson, Natzrath.	1.7
3. Paris, Hapoel Beeri	1.4
4. Tzubrevitch, Elitzu.	1.3
5. Aiden, Hapoel Beeri	1.2
6. Peterson, Elitzur .	1.1
7. Markson, Elitzur .	1.0
8. Carr, Megido/Yok.	0.9
9. Brandy, Hod H.	0.9
10. Martin, Elitzur Yavne	0.8

National League Round: 1 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Hap.Haifa - Macc.Ashdod 96-102
Maccabi Ashdod surged ahead in the series after they stole a road win over Hapoel Haifa. Adi Pereg

(186-G-79) was responsible for 25 points to lead the visitors. Tal Michael Dunne (197-G/F-87, agency: Ronsport) netted 24 points and pulled down 7 rebounds for Ashdod. Robert Brown

(195-F-80, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Buffalo) nailed 30 points for Hapoel Haifa in the loss.

Macc.Habikaa - Elitzur Ramla 78-88
Elitzur Ramla shocked the regular season winners Maccabi Habikaa on the road in the quarterfinal opener. Or Zinderman

(188-G-89) delivered 21 points to lead the visitors. Zetin Young added 19 points for Ramla. Adrian Uter

(201-F/C-84, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Hofstra) responded with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 6 blocks for Habikaa.

Megido/Yok. - Elitzur Yavne 87-83
Guy Cohen

(195-F) notched 24 points to lead Yokneam/Megido to a narrow win over Elitzur Yavne. Dennis Carr

(201-F-81, agency: Ronsport, college: Embry Riddle) nailed 18 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in the winning effort. Yan Martin (203-F-84) responded with 26 points for Elitzur Yavne.

Hap.Tivon - Kohav Yair 105-75
Hapoel Tivon cruised past Kohav Yair at home court to take the lead in the series. Brian Asbury (201-F, college: Miami (FL)) unloaded 35 points and collected 13 rebounds to lead the effort. Tamir Arieli, Kobi Izik and Shlomo Yasu added 15 points each in the victory. Raymond Hicks (201-F/C, college: Miami (FL)) responded with 18 points for Kohav Yair.

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

JORDAN

Wright starts trainings with the National Team - by Mohammed Malas
Jo-Basket.com, Amman - The American-Jordanian guard Rasheim Wright (194-G-81, college: District of Col.) arrived to Amman last week and started trainings with the national team under the coaching of the Portuguese Mario Palma and his staff.

Everybody is looking to see the problems with Zain club and the national team star to bring back things as before esspecially that Rasheim is an important part in the roster.

Meanwhile, Shanghai Sharks of China's forward Abbaas Zaid (203-F-83) will be joining the national team on Saturday after taking a rest for a couple of days following his great performance in the CBA this season ending with average of 11.6 point, 9.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 blockshots and 2.1 steals per game leading his team to the semi-finals after a long abcense.

The team's doctor Johnny Ibrahim of Lebanon was present in the last tainings to announce his comeback to the team, While the Central Arkansas University's point guard Imad Qahwash (188-G-87) will join on the first week of May after ending his semester.

Concerning Jamal Abu-Shamala (196-G/F-87)'s situation, Mr. Saeed Shuqom confirmed to Al Rai newspaper that his problems cannot be solved currently after the decision of the Olympic Committee to not follow up this case for now.

Shuqom: The national team program is approved - by Mohammed Malas
Jo-Basket.com, Amman - Mr. Saeed Shuqom, The president of the temporary comittee of Jordan Basketball Federation (JBF) spoke frankly to the sports section staff of Al Rai newspaper last Thursday (22nd of April 2010) about all cases relating to our basketball these days.

1- One month and a half passed out of three from you taking over the federation's responsibilities passed by, What is the main step to see the formal federation?
A big conviction was generated in the committee's sixth meeting last sunday that the arrangements of the plans for the men national team for the upcoming 2010 FIBA World Championship next August is the key determinant for the survival of the committee for a longer time (Maximum 6 months) if the Olympic Committee (JOC) is convinced with what we are doing.

The meeting of the federation's general assembly will probably be held at the begining of October, We will study opening the door for new members in the assembly and we already sent our recommendations to the JOC due to our beleif that many of people who helped in raising basketball in the country are out from the circle of the fedeation and they must be part of it to help us in building up things to the right way.

2- The committee took over in a critical situation, What are your main priorities?
Making the best preperation for the national team to view the best image for our basketball in Turkey comes in our first priorities, Then re-scedule of the debts of the previous federation is a big importance for us adding to the case of the last federation which was dissolved.

3- The participation in the last JPL was really weak and was containing from 4 teams only, What do you think about that?
Actually, These four clubs (ASU, Al Riyadi, Orthodox and Al Wihdat) accepted to participate due to their prevuous deal with Midrar Marketing Company and we came after that to approve it to a formal league for this season 2009/2010, I guess it was the best solution in the current situation and we wished to see more teams.

4- Zain Club the team who got big trophies for Jordan abroad are passing by some tough time and that lead them to withdraw from the league, How you can deal with this matter?
Zain is a big club, They were one of the best embassadors in the Jordanian basketball history.

The management of the club decided to withdraw from the league and we tried to convince the club's president Dr. Nasouh Al Kaderi to change his mind, But he insisted that the team will have a new strategy in future, I asked him frankly about their plan to release the first team players, Dr. Al Kaderi confirmed that some new steps will be taken concerning the professionalism but anyway, We hope that we see Zain staying on the map.

5- Zain was forced to withdraw from the last WABA clubs Championship in Iran due to abnormal conditions, What was the role of the JBF in all that?
We did our best and we succeeded to keep Rasheim Wright's name on the roster of Zain, We were feeling the importance of bringing back the right of Jordanian basketball and let us appear in the next Asian clubs championship and we succeeded in that through the allowance of ASU to be in.

The executive manager of the JBF Mr. Mudar Al Majthoob and the member in WABA did his best to convince Zain to not withdraw from the West Asian event to keep their chances bigger to have their right back but he failed at the end.

6- What about Rasheim Wright, Is there anything against seeing him in the roster of the national team in Turkey?
Not at all! Rasheim arrived to Amman and he's currently training with his teammates, There are some financial problems between him and Zain club and we're waiting the acceptance of the player to cut part of his salary to Zain in order to close this case.

7- What are the lastest news in Jamal Abu-Shamala's case?
His problems cannot be solved currently after the decision of the Olympic Committee to not follow up this case for now.

8- Did you approve the whole plan of the national team? What are their important stations?
Yes we did, The plan includes in total more than 30 games from camps and friendly tournaments, The JBF decided to limit the number of national team staff to 22 people to rationalize expenditures.

The team started training since last month in a closed domestic camp and will resume until the end of May unless an agreement happened with ASU Sports Club to allow the national team to play under the club's name in the Arab and Asian Clubs championship during that month.

The plan includes:
- Camp in China (2-22 June); 8 to 11 games
- Camp in Philippines (23-30 June)
- Italy Invitational Tournament
- Croatia Invitational Tournament
- Turkey Invitational Tournament

Jordan may participate in the West Asian (WABA) Championship for national teams in Duhok, Iraq (2-11 June) with the second team in the addition of some players from the first national team and the head coach Mario Palma will select them then they will be back to continue the camp with their teammates in China.

9- What are your ambitions for the national team's participation in big world event?
I hope to see the best image for Jordan basketball its a great chance to play with big teams, Being on the list between best 24 teams in the wolrd is already a big honor for us and we must thank everyone who led us to see the dream come true.

10- We heard that You have been reluctant to participate in the Stankovic Cup in Lebanon, Is that true?
If the Jordan National Team II failed to qualify from WABA, Then we will replace Stankovic cup with a camp in France at the begining of August, But if we qualified then the national team will be present in Stankovic Cup, The fans have the right to see their national team during preperations to support them colsely wether through TV or traveling to Lebanon to watch the games.

11- Have been created post of ' Technichal Manager' in the federation which was filled by Coach Samir Nassar, What are the main responsibilities of this position?
Its about the 'Kithchen' of the federation and who fills it is the manager of development, Nassar is currently making some studies to develop the game from all sides and spread more between people, It contains the performance of the coaches, referees, directors and tournaments systems.

I would like to say also that coaches who have both tehcnichal and academical wise of the game are few and we need to add more in future to help in adding depth to what clubs and national teams are doing.

12- Is there any contradiction between the responsibitlies of Nassar and the national team head coach Mario Palma?
No there is not, The situation will stay the same until the end of the World Championship, Same thing to the players salaries which we kept them and I see that going back to the system of bonuses and allowances approved by the JOC must be back later on.

Shaqam revealed during the interview for a committee to advise on media discourse accompanying the process of preparation and participation of the national team in the World Cup and includes: Mohammad Qadri Hasan, Mamoun Baydoon, Hussam Barakat, Mohammad Huseein Sulaiman, Mohammed Malas and Aline Banayan.

* Interview translated by: Mohammed Malas

Jamal Abu Shamala : OUT of NT ! - by Omar Shafaamri

The JBF Temporary Committee President ,Mr Said Shukum Confirmed Yesterday that Jordan NT player Jamal Abu-Shamala (196-G/F-87) Will not represent Jordanian National Team anymore due to Problems with his Jordanian Passport , this Desicion was taken also by the Jordanian Olympic Committee Due to unknown Reasons till now !

Jamal Abu Shamala Who missed the FIBA Asia Championship in China Last Summer Due to same Passport Problems was waiting for the Solution of his problem but with No Response from all Sides .

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

KAZAKHSTAN

CSKA is the Winner of the Higher league - by Eurobasket News
CSKA is the Winner of the Higher league in the country as they won the Finals series over Kazikurt. In the Final and decisive third game CSKA overcame the opponents 103:73. Meanwhile Tobol-2 finished on the third place as they rolled over Artuak 105:68. Their series also needed the third, decisive game and brought the bronze medals for Tobol-2. Irtysh finished on the fifth place, while Bars is 6th. Kazahmis is seventh, Kaspiy-2 is on the 8th spot and BKSHS is 9t6h.

Standings - D2

Higher League Standings

1. CSKA Almaty		24-0
2. Tobol-2		18-6
3. Artuak		14-10
4. BK Bars		12-12
5. Irtysh		12-12
6. Kazakhmys		8-16
7. Kaspiy-2		3-21
8. BKSzS		0-24

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

LATVIA

Zalgiris held off Ventspils to reach BBL Elite Division Final - by Eurobasket News
Zalgiris - Ventspils 86:74
The Lithuanian powerhouse reached the BBL Elite Division Final. Zalgiris toppled Ventspils to enter the predictable championship game versus Lietuvos Rytas. The Latvian champions will play against Siauliai in the consolation final. Zalgiris opened the game confidently. The scoreboard read 22:17 for the Lithuanian team at the first break. Ventspils struck back in the second term. They outgunned their opponents by 12 points to secure a 45:38 lead at halftime. Zalgiris rebounded after the main intermission and stunned Ventspils in the third frame. Zalgiris limited Ventspils to just 8 points in the period and entered the fourth quarter up by as many as 14 points. Ventspils won the fourth term however could not erase the deficit and had to surrender at the end.
Marcus Brown (193-G-74, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Murray St.) stepped up with 17 points for the winners. Tadas Klimavicius (204-F-82, agency: Interperformances) had 16 points and 7 rebounds, while Travis Watson

(203-F/C-81, college: Virginia) netted 14 points for Zalgiris. Janis Strelnieks

LITHUANIA

(203-F/C-81, college: Virginia) netted 14 points for Zalgiris. Janis Strelnieks

(191-G-89) responded with 16 points for Ventspils. Mareks Jurevicus (198-G/F-85) netted 12 points in defeat.

Zalgiris: Marcus Brown 17, Tadas Klimavicius 16, Travis Watson 14
Ventspils: Janis Strelnieks 16, Mareks Jurevicus 12

Lietuvos Rytas defeat Siauliai in BBL semifinal - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas - Siauliai 81:78
Lietuvos Rytas joined Zalgiris in the Baltic League Elite Division Final. They prevailed against Siauliai in the Lithuanian semifinal at the tournament. Lietuvos Rytas came back from behind in the fourth quarter to eke out a tough win at the end. The Lithuanian champions earned a narrow 14:11 advantage at the first break. Siauliai stayed close throughout the second term. They trailed by just two points at the interval. Led by Mindaugas Kuzminskas

(204-F-89) Siauliai turned the tables in the third frame. Antanas Sireika team pulled ahead and headed into the final period having a 5-point cushion. Lietuvos Rytas changed the complexion of the game in the final term. Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) put Vilnius fans on their feet as he helped the hosts to retain the advantage. Vidas Ginevicius (193-G-78, agency: Interperformances) and Donatas Zavackas (203-F-80, college: Pittsburgh) came up with four points late in regulation as Lietuvos Rytas sneaked to a narrow win at the end. Kenan Bajramovic tallied 28 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists for Lietuvos Rytas. Vidas Ginevicius contributed 19 points for the winning team. Mindaugas Kuzminskas answered with 21 points for Siauliai. Derrick Low (188-G-86, college: Washington St.) notched 18 points in the loss.

Lietuvos Rytas: Kenan Bajramovic 28, Vidas Ginevicius 19, Steponas Babrauskas (196-G/F-84) 11, Donatas Zavackas 11
Siauliai: Mindaugas Kuzminskas 21, Derrick Low 18

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MEXICO

CIBACOPA Round: 23 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Obregon - Tijuana 86-93
The last ranked Tijuana outplayed Obregon mostly owing to Mitchell Jhonson (196-F-85, college: Jarvis Christian), who scored 23 points and pulled down 8 rebounds. Kareem Rodriguez (192-G/F) followed him with 2 points less. In the loosing squad, Jeremy Bell (183-G-83, college: Williams Baptist) shined with 32 points, 8 boards and 8 assists. Tijuana 5-18, Obregon 6-17.

Tepic - Guaymas 92-98
13-10 for Guaymas and 6-17 for Tepic after this game. Brandon Lee (188-G, college: Tarleton St.) paced the winners with 28 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Jerome Habel (208-F-85, college: San Diego St.) had 23 pts and 9 boards. In Tepic, Ira Brown (193-F, college: Gonzaga) and Mychal Henderson (198-G/F-85, agency: 22ft, college: Ks Wesleyan) netted 33 points apiece.

Los Mochis - Mexicali 81-93
Mexicali was too strong for Los Mochis getting 31 pints, 5 rebounds and 6 assists from Forrest Fisher (193-G-84). Mike Gavaldon (197-F-80, college: Cal.St.-Los Angeles) also was good last night as he added 18 pts. In loss, Erick Hare (196-G/F-79, college: Albertson) shined with 26 points and 7 rebs. Both teams have 12-11 score now.

Guasave - Nogales 87-80
11th victory of the season for Guasave, who got 24 points from Louis McCullough (198-G/F-82, college: Francis Marion). Alonso Izaguirre (200-G/F-76) secured a nice help adding 23 pts and 7 boards. On the other side, James Sullinger (196-G-82, college: Ohio St.) replied with 28 pts. Guasave 11-12, Nogales 13-10.

Mazatlan - Hermosillo 72-77
Hermosillo had couple of players in a game mood last night. Anthony Pedroza (191-G-79, agency: Edge Sports, college: Oregon) and Emmanuel Little (196-F-85, college: N.Dakota) (7 rebs) led the way with 18 points each. Callistus Eiukwu

(208-F/C-85, agency: Buck Andre, college: Grand Valley St.) helped with double-double of 14 points and 15 boards. In defeat, Jeremis Smith (203-F-86, college: Georgia Tech) had 31 points, 9 boards and 6 assists. Hermosillo 14-9, Mazatlan 13-10.

Culiacan - Cananea 92-81
The box-score will be available soon. Ciliacan 16-7, Cananea 17-6.

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Benny WEST
  Los Mochis
  (191-G-80)
  Avg: 26.2

1. West, Los Mochis	26.2
2. Smith, Mazatlan	24.9
3. Cowan, Obregon	24.5
4. Walker, Nogales	24.2
5. Cook, Cananea	24.2
6. Fisher, Mexicali	24.1
7. Brown, Mazatlan	24.0
8. Brown, Tepic	23.9
9. Habel, Guaymas	23.8
10. Bowie, Guasave	23.1

Rebounds Per Game

Jeremis SMITH
  Mazatlan
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 12.4

1. Smith, Mazatlan	12.4
2. Angounou, Guasave	12.0
3. Berhoefer, Hermosillo	10.4
4. Shipley, Mexicali	10.0
5. Habel, Guaymas	9.5
6. Strobbe, Nogales	9.3
7. Jordan, Mazatlan	8.9
8. Davis, Tijuana	8.6
9. Hooks, Obregon	8.2
10. Crouse, Nogales	8.2

Assists Per Game

Rommel MARENTES
  Guaymas
  (179-G-84)
  Avg: 5.4

1. Marentes, Guaymas	5.4
2. White, Cananea	5.4
3. Lawrence, Los M.	5.2
4. Gonzalez, Tepic	5.0
5. Brown, Mazatlan	4.4
6. Lee, Guaymas	4.2
7. Jordan, Mazatlan	4.1
8. Monreal, Hermosillo	3.8
9. Zuniga, Guasave	3.7
10. Meza Rogel, Culiacan	3.6

Steals Per Game

Davin WHITE
  Cananea
  (186-G-81)
  Avg: 2.3

1. White, Cananea	2.3
2. Lawrence, Los M.	2.2
3. Gonzalez, Tepic	2.0
4. Catala, Tijuana	1.9
5. Lee, Guaymas	1.9
6. Little, Hermosillo	1.8
7. Brown, Mazatlan	1.8
8. West, Los Mochis	1.8
9. Harris, Cananea	1.7
10. Brown, Tepic	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Jeral DAVIS
  Tijuana
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Davis, Tijuana	3.5
2. Gutierrez, Cananea	2.1
3. Habel, Guaymas	2.0
4. Brown, Tepic	1.3
5. Blair, Tijuana	1.2
6. Crouse, Nogales	1.2
7. Smith, Mazatlan	1.1
8. Sullinger, Nogales	1.1
9. Ibarra, Los Mochis	1.1
10. Hornsby, Culiacan	0.8

Standings - CIBACOPA

CIBACOPA Standings

1. Cananea		17-6
2. Culiacan		16-7
3. Hermosillo		14-9
4. Guaymas		13-10
5. Mazatlan		13-10
6. Nogales		13-10
7. Los Mochis		12-11
8. Mexicali		12-11
9. Guasave		11-12
10. Obregon		6-17
11. Tepic		6-17
12. Tijuana		5-18

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

MONTENEGRO

MNT1A Play Out 8 Round : Danilovgrad win in derby game - by Dragan Scepanovic
Danilovgrad-Primorje 71:64 (14:12, 14:13, 12:17, 31:22)
Danilovgrad. City SC. Spect 600. Reff : Vojinovic, Kaludjerovic (Niksic), Filipovic (Podgorica).
DANILOVGRAD: Jovovic 2, Grabovica 7, Djurovic, Radulovic 21, Vranjes 19, Stanisic, Goran Gajovic (199-G/F-88) 10, Milatovic 3, Djerkovic, Igor Bijelic (208-F/C-88) 9, Perovic.
PRIMORJE: Arapovic 11, Petar Jovanovic (192-G-80) 15, Jakov Samardzic (188-G-90), Milos Kuveljic (196-G/F-91), Papovic 5, Marko Calic (197-F-86) 19, B. Jovanovic 2, Lenhard, Igor Lutersek (203-C-89) 8, Kovacevic 4.

ABS Primorje - Sutjeska 73:71 (18:23, 23:16, 14:16, 18:16)
H.Novi .SC Igalo. Spect 100. Reff : Dragojevic, Savovic (Podgorica), Krivokapic (Cetinje).
ABS PRIMORJE: Bulatovic, Djokovic 20 (2-2), Vujadinovic, Djuricic, Milan Stojanovic (191-F/G-83) 16 (4-3), Drincic, Misnjic, Medic 2, Vujovic 12 (7-4), Ivan Zejak) 5, Mandic 11 (2-2), Zoran Kascelan (190-G-86) 7 (2-2).
SUTJESKA: Miranovic 3 (2-1), Gogic , Kovac, Lazar Calasan (188-G/F-90), Erakovic, Ademovic 13, Zarko Krivokapic (184-G-91) 11 (3-2), Samardzic 1 (2-1), Andrija Pejovic (205-C-83) 12, Miljan Vukotic (203-F/C-77) 20 (4-2), Vlahovic, Pavlovic 11 (2-2).

Mogren - Jedinstvo 76:49 (28:11, 26:11, 11:14, 11:13)
Budva.Mediteran sport center. Spect 50. Reff : Sutulovic, Koljensic, Popovic (Podgorica).
MOGREN: Fatic 2, Uros Ivanovic, Vukovic, Ratko Petric (214-C-86) 22, Igor Kunjic (202-F-87) 7, Paladin 11, Nikic 5, Boskovic 15, Zeljko Maricic), Milosev 2, Radulovic 6, Stevovic 6.
JEDINSTVO: Babaca, Musovic, Lekovic, Milic 7, Omerovic 5, Zarko Dragicevic (188-G-81) 21, Nedovic 4, Draskovic 10, Grdinic 2. Sekularac, Kovacevic.

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

NBA

Bulls stay alive, beat Cavaliers 108-106 in Game 3 - by Eurobasket News
LeBron James (6'8'-F-84) and the Cleveland Cavaliers can forget about sweeping the Bulls out of the playoffs.

Derrick Rose (6'4'-G-88, college: Memphis) scored 31 points, Kirk Hinrich (6'3'-G-81, college: Kansas) added 27 and Chicago hung to beat the top-seeded Cavaliers 108-106 Thursday night in Game 3 of a first-round series after its 21-point lead dwindled to one.

James scored 13 of his 39 points in the fourth quarter but also committed some turnovers down the stretch. Even so, the Cavaliers were within 107-106 after Mo Williams nailed a 3-pointer with 3.8 seconds left. They immediately fouled Luol Deng, who hit the first free throw but missed the second.

Cleveland's Anthony Parker (6'5'-G/F-75, college: Bradley) got the rebound and raced up the right side but missed a 3 at the buzzer, and the Bulls escaped with the win despite some shaky foul shooting late in the game.

They will try to tie the best-of-seven series on Sunday.

Hinrich, a career 80.9 percent foul shooter, missed two with 26 seconds left and the Bulls up 104-99.

James then buried a 3-pointer with 11 seconds remaining to make it a two-point game. The Cavaliers immediately fouled Rose, who missed the first free throw before converting the second to make it 105-102 with 10.1 seconds left.

Chicago fouled Anderson Varejao (6'9'-C-82) to prevent a 3-point attempt, and he made the first but missed the second. Brad Miller got the rebound and converted both foul shots to make it a four-point game, and the Bulls hung on after a few more twists.

The Bulls appeared to be in good shape up 21 in the third, only to see the Cavaliers cut it all the way to 94-92 on a pair of free throws and a layup by Antawn Jamison with 4:10 remaining in the game.

Deng, who scored 20, then made a jumper and Joakim Noah stole a pass from James. That led to a jumper by Rose, who then buried a fadeaway as the crowd chanted 'Let's go Bulls!' to make it 100-92 with 2:42 remaining.

James also charged into Deng with 1:18 remaining and the Bulls up by six, then got stripped by Noah. Deng picked up the loose ball and Hinrich hit two free throws to make it 104-96 with 38 seconds remaining.

Several times the Bulls looked as if they might run away with this one.

They were leading 39-23 early in the second after a three-point play by Deng capped an 18-5 run that started in the first, whipping the crowd into a frenzy, and they finished the half with a flourish after Cleveland pulled within seven.

Miller hit a 19-footer with a minute left and Hinrich nailed 20-footer from the wing to make it 56-45 before Noah blocked a driving layup by James in the closing seconds. The Bulls continued to pour it on in the third.

Taj Gibson started it with a jumper and capped the run with another one, making it 68-47 with 7:37 left in the third. The Cavaliers responded with a 13-0 run, but the Bulls held their ground.

Hinrich nailed a 3-pointer with about 4:10 left in the quarter after two free throws by Varejao cut the lead to eight. Gibson then dunked and Deng brought the crowd to its feet, crashing to the floor on a wild reverse layup before a free throw by Hinrich made it a 14-point game.

NOTES: Cavaliers G Delonte West's trial on weapons charges has been postponed until July 21, meaning he won't miss any playoff time. Authorities say West was carrying two loaded handguns, a loaded shotgun and an 8 1/2-inch Bowie knife while riding a three-wheel motorcycle on the Capital Beltway in Maryland in September. Police say he was pulled over after cutting off an officer. ... Ron Howard got a loud ovation when he was shown midway through the second quarter.

Courtesy of www.suntimes.com

Durant's late surge powers Thunder past Lakers 101-96 in Oklahoma City playoff debut - by Eurobasket News
Scuffling through a rough shooting night, Kevin Durant (6'9'-G/F-88, college: Texas) wanted to do anything he could to keep the Oklahoma City Thunder from falling hopelessly behind the Los Angeles Lakers.

So, why not take on the task of defending Kobe Bryant (6'6'-G-78)?

Durant had 29 points and 19 rebounds, and snapped out of a shooting funk while guarding Bryant to lead the decisive run, lifting the Thunder to a 101-96 victory in Game 3 on Thursday night in the first playoff game in Oklahoma City.

'Scoring's a big part of my game. It kind of overshadows the other parts of my game,' said Durant, who at 21 became the youngest player to lead the NBA in scoring. 'But if I continue to play hard on both ends, it's going to come around for me. I was able to get free and make a couple shots, and that's what got us going.'

Durant and Russell Westbrook (6'3'-G-88, college: UCLA) scored 22 of the final 23 for the Thunder, including every point during a 10-2 surge that put Oklahoma City ahead to stay.

The top-seeded Lakers got back within 98-96 on Bryant's driving layup with 13.5 seconds left, but the Thunder closed it out from the foul line to pull within 2-1 in the seven-game series.

Game 4 is Saturday night in Oklahoma City.

Durant celebrated by thumping his chest and popping his jersey to show off the 'Thunder' printed on the front while Westbrook, who scored 27 points, flapped his arms to egg on the screaming crowd.

'It feels good. Playing against the reigning champs makes it even better. But we have a long ways to go,' said Durant, who missed his first seven shots and 15 of his first 19. 'It does feel good to get our first win. It feels even better to bring the first win in the playoffs here to Oklahoma City. That's what I'm most excited about.'

Bryant scored 24 points to surpass Jerry West's franchise record for playoff scoring, and Pau Gasol (7'0'-F/C-80) had 17 points and 15 rebounds for Los Angeles.

But when it came down to crunch time, Bryant couldn't deliver as he did in scoring 15 fourth-quarter points to seal the Lakers' 95-92 victory in Game 2. He went 2 for 10 in the final 12 minutes, with Durant stopping between free throws at one point to motion to the bench that he wanted to guard the former MVP.

'It was a matchup that caught me by surprise,' said Bryant, who's nearly half a foot shorter than Durant. 'I think he did a great job.'

Undaunted by a raucous sellout crowd, the Lakers scored the first 10 points of the game and were in control until the Thunder roared back with an electrifying run of eight straight points late in the third quarter.

The fans reached a deafening pitch as the Thunder completed their charge back from an 11-point deficit set off by Westbrook's right-handed tomahawk dunk. James Harden and Durant followed with back-to-back 3-pointers to tie it at 74, and Oklahoma City finally took its first lead of the game on its opening possession of the fourth quarter.

'That was the loudest I've ever heard a crowd get,' said Harden, a rookie reserve who scored 18 points after going scoreless in Games 1 and 2. 'That Russell dunk was just amazing and the back-to-back 3s, it just rattled the place.'

Nick Collison, the only player left from the franchise's last playoff appearance five years ago in Seattle, said, 'It was so loud, it was almost quiet. It's a weird feeling.'

Andrew Bynum pulled Los Angeles even for the final time by powering through Collison's hard foul for a right-handed dunk, then hitting the ensuing free throw to tie it at 80.

Durant answered at the other end with a jumper from the right side with 8:41 left to give Oklahoma City the lead for good, then converted Bryant's turnover into a two-handed jam on a fast break.

His 19-foot jumper from the right wing put Oklahoma City up 90-82 with 4:28 remaining, and that lead was just big enough for the Thunder to hang on down the stretch.

'We just fell asleep. We probably thought we had it in the bag,' said Ron Artest, charged with defending Durant most of the game. 'In this game, especially, you've got to respect the possessions. ... You really can't take it for granted.'

Fans wearing free blue 'Rise Together' T-shirts were standing even 15 minutes before the game to chant 'Beat L.A.!' and rose to their feet again when the Thunder brought out a new pregame video that showed key moments from Oklahoma City's time in the NBA.

It was billed as the biggest sports day in the city's history, with three Oklahoma players taken among the top four picks in the NFL draft on the same night as the first home playoff game for the Thunder or the New Orleans Hornets who were displaced to the Ford Center for two seasons following Hurricane Katrina.

And it came on the 121st anniversary of the date the state, which was formerly American Indian territory, was first settled in a land run.

All that didn't seem to bother the defending NBA champions.

They kept the fans standing and waiting for the Thunder's first basket until coach Scott Brooks burned a timeout 2:34 into the game with his team already down 10-0. Los Angeles made its first seven shots, taking advantage of three early Thunder turnovers and the 7-foot Bynum's size advantage inside with a series of lobs.

'I was actually disappointed in the crowd because all year long I thought they were the best crowd. They just gave us so much energy and were so loud throughout the year,' Brooks said. 'But now, I realize they were sandbagging.'

NOTES: Durant tied for second in voting for the NBA's most improved player, behind Houston's Aaron Brooks, after finishing third in the voting last season. 'I think I made a bigger leap last year, being more comfortable. As far as me going out on the floor and producing and being more consistent, I did that last year. This year, I just gained more and more confidence, got a little bigger and a little stronger and was able to help my team out.' ... Harden, the Thunder's top-scoring reserve with 9.9 points per game, hit his first three shots and scored a team-high 15 points in the first half after going 0-for-5 shooting in the first two games of the series. ... A reporter mentioned to Brooks, who was presented his coach of the year award before the game, that he used to give free basketball clinics. 'I guess now I can charge, huh?' he quipped.

Courtesy of www.fox8.com

Suns go up 2-1 against Blazers with 108-89 victory - by Eurobasket News
Jason Richardson (6'6'-G-81, college: Michigan St.) scored a playoff career-high 42 points and the Phoenix Suns dominated from the start in a 108-89 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night that gave them a 2-1 lead in their first-round series.

The Suns led by as many as 31 points before Portland mounted a rally in the fourth quarter, closing within 91-80 after Rudy Fernandez (6'6'-G-85) hit three consecutive 3-pointers.

The burst came too late for the Blazers, who suffered a setback when starting forward Nicolas Batum

(6'7'-F-88) aggravated a shoulder injury in the first half and did not return.

Phoenix dropped the opening game of the series 105-100 at home but rebounded with a 119-90 victory on Tuesday night. Game 4 is Saturday at Portland.
Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.City T.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 30.1

1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	30.1
2. James, Clevelan.	29.9
3. Anthony, Denver N.	28.4
4. Bryant, LA Lakers	27.0
5. Wade, Miami Heat	26.7
6. Ellis, Golde S.	25.5
7. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	25.3
8. Granger, Indiana P.	24.1
9. Bosh, Toronto R.	24.0
10. Stoudemire, Phoeni.	23.0

Rebounds Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 13.1

1. Howard, Orlando M.	13.1
2. Camby, LA Clippers	12.2
3. Lee, New York K.	11.7
4. Randolph, Memph.	11.7
5. Gasol, LA Lakers	11.3
6. Boozer, Utah Jazz	11.2
7. Noah, Chicago B.	11.1
8. Love, Minnesota T.	11.0
9. Bosh, Toronto R.	10.8
10. Haywood, Washingt.	10.3

Assists Per Game

Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 11

1. Nash, Phoenix Suns	11.0
2. Paul, N.Orleans H.	10.7
3. Williams, Utah Jazz	10.6
4. Rondo, Boston C.	9.8
5. Kidd, Dallas M.	9.0
6. James, Clevelan.	8.5
7. Davis, LA Clippers	8.0
8. Westbrook, Oklah..	7.8
9. Arenas, Washingt.	7.2
10. Harris, New J.	6.6

Steals Per Game

Monta ELLIS
  Golde State W.
  (192-G-85)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Ellis, Golde S.	2.3
2. Rondo, Boston C.	2.3
3. Paul, N.Orleans H.	2.1
4. Curry, Golde S.	1.9
5. Curry, Golde S.	1.9
6. Ariza, Houston R.	1.8
7. Kidd, Dallas M.	1.8
8. Wade, Miami Heat	1.8
9. Iguodala, Philadel.	1.7
10. Davis, LA Clippers	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Howard, Orlando M.	2.8
2. Bogut, Milwauke.	2.5
3. Haywood, Washingt.	2.1
4. Smith, Atlanta H.	2.1
5. Camby, LA Clippers	2.0
6. Haywood, Dallas M.	1.9
7. Andersen, Denver N.	1.9
8. McGee, Washingt.	1.8
9. Dalembert, Philad.	1.8
10. Gasol, LA Lakers	1.7

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NEW ZEALAND

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Corey WEBSTER
  Harbour Heat
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 25.4

1. Webster, Harbour .	25.4
2. Devendorf, Waikato	24.3
3. Tisby, Otago	23.5
4. Jeter, Manawatu	23.3
5. Rose, Southland S.	22.6
6. Leasure, Taranaki	22.3
7. Amaya, Otago	21.3
8. Hudson, Wellington	20.3
9. Jones, Nelson	20.0
10. Winitana, Cougars	19.9

Rebounds Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Waikato
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 13.6

1. Pledger, Waikato	13.6
2. Rickert, Harbour .	10.8
3. Boucher, Harbour .	10.3
4. Tisby, Otago	10.3
5. Terrell, Bay Hawks	9.9
6. Johnson, Taranaki	8.4
7. Vukona, Nelson	8.2
8. Abercrombie, Waika.	8.0
9. Rougeau, Southlan.	7.7
10. Maxey, Wellington	7.6

Assists Per Game

Dillon BOUCHER
  Harbour Heat
  (196-F-75)
  Avg: 5.7

1. Boucher, Harbour .	5.7
2. Kench, Cougars	4.5
3. Tait, Wellington	4.4
4. Pace, Bay Hawks	4.3
5. Devendorf, Waikato	4.1
6. Jones, Nelson	4.1
7. Amaya, Otago	3.5
8. Davey, Taranaki	3.1
9. Daly, Cougars	3.1
10. Fitchett, Nelson	3.0

Steals Per Game

Corey WEBSTER
  Harbour Heat
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Webster, Harbour .	3.6
2. Te Huna, Manawatu	3.3
3. Rougeau, Southlan.	3.2
4. Boucher, Harbour .	2.8
5. Devendorf, Waikato	2.7
6. Tait, Wellington	2.6
7. Rose, Southland S.	2.6
8. Kench, Cougars	2.4
9. Leasure, Taranaki	2.3
10. Jones, Nelson	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Waikato
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Pledger, Waikato	2.3
2. Abercrombie, Waika.	2.1
3. Harrison, Nelson	1.9
4. Terrell, Bay Hawks	1.6
5. Rougeau, Southlan.	1.4
6. Trueman, Taranaki	1.2
7. Vukona, Nelson	1.2
8. Rickert, Harbour .	1.0
9. Iti, Southland S.	1.0
10. Johnson, Taranaki	1.0

Standings Men

NBL Standings

1. Harbour Heat		7-1
2. Waikato		7-1
3. Nelson		6-2
4. Wellington		5-3
5. Bay Hawks		5-4
6. Taranaki		4-3
7. Southland Sharks		4-5
8. Cougars		3-8
9. Manawatu		0-6
10. Otago		0-8

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

PALESTINE

Standings - Men

PBBA Standings

1. De La Salle		10-0
2. Ibdaa D.		9-1
3. Orthodox R.		8-2
4. Catholic A.		7-3
5. Sarriyet		7-3
6. Qalandia		6-4
7. Al Ahli		4-6
8. Bethlehem		4-6
9. Ebal		4-6
10. Hiteen		4-6
11. Orth. Thaq. BS		4-6
12. Islami		3-7
13. Orthodox BJ		3-7
14. Terrasanta		3-7
15. AlAroob YC		2-8
16. RaI AlSaleh		2-8

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PBL

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Larry AYUSO
  Capitanes
  (190-G-77)
  Avg: 22.3

1. Ayuso, Capitanes	22.3
2. Sherrill, Maryland.	20.9
3. Anderson, Manchest.	19.8
4. Bennett, Halifax R.	19.2
5. Wise, Quebec K.	19.1
6. Audet-Sow, Quebec K.	19.1
7. Robinson, Buffa.	18.9
8. Bronson, Manchest.	18.4
9. Jackson, Vermo.	18.3
10. Mouton, Maryland.	18.3

Rebounds Per Game

Angelo REYES
  Capitanes
  (205-F/C-81)
  Avg: 13.8

1. Reyes, Capitanes	13.8
2. Crookshank, Halif.	13.4
3. Aubry, Capitanes	13.2
4. Cunningham, Maryland.	10.2
5. Wise, Quebec K.	9.4
6. Demasi, Vermont FH	9.4
7. Ocitti, Manchest.	8.6
8. Bronson, Manchest.	8.3
9. Ross, Buffalo S.	8.2
10. Johnson, Rocheste.	8.2

Assists Per Game

Anthony ANDERSON
  Manchester M.
  (180-G-81)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Anderson, Manchest.	6.8
2. Rodriguez, Capit.	6.6
3. Ervin, Halifax R.	6.1
4. Crouch, Rocheste.	6.0
5. Bowden, Lawton F.	5.8
6. Rice, Vermont FH	5.6
7. Flegler, Maryland.	5.2
8. Daniels, Lawton F.	4.8
9. Mouton, Maryland.	4.6
10. Sherrill, Maryland.	4.6

Steals Per Game

Marlin JOHNSON
  Rochester R.
  (193-F-75)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Johnson, Rocheste.	2.6
2. Robinson, Buffa.	2.2
3. Bowden, Lawton F.	2.1
4. Fortier, Quebec K.	2.0
5. Holmes, Quebec K.	1.9
6. Gilchrese, Manche.	1.8
7. Rice, Vermont FH	1.8
8. Mims, Lawton Ft.SC	1.8
9. Thomas, Maryland.	1.8
10. Council, Rocheste.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Michael ANDERSON
  Maryland GH
  (213-C-84)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Anderson, Maryland.	3.2
2. Davis, Vermont FH	2.3
3. Aubry, Capitanes	2.0
4. Thomas, Maryland.	1.9
5. Ocitti, Manchest.	1.6
6. Crookshank, Halif.	1.5
7. Turner, Halifax R.	1.4
8. McKeon, Maryland.	1.4
9. Mims, Lawton Ft.SC	1.3
10. Marshall, Lawton F.	1.2

Finals: RazorSharks roll Cavalry 110-106 in OT, take series lead 1-0 - by Eurobasket News
Lawton Ft.SC - Rochester R. 106-110 OT
In what was a hard fought contest, the Rochester RazorSharks beat the Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry 110-106 in overtime. Glen Dandridge (6'6'-F-85, college: Lambuth) and Lincoln Smith (6'10'-F/C-81, college: Mississippi St.) each scored 20 points to lead the `Sharks to a Game 1 victory. DeAnthony Bowden (6'1'-G-80, college: Creighton) scored eight first quarter points as the Cavalry took a 31-25 lead. Glen Dandridge started hot hitting two 3-pointers to lead the `Sharks. Rochester took the lead with 5:16 remaining in the half. The Cavs fought back with Elvin Mims (6'5'-G/F-79, college: S.Mississippi)s scoring nine of his 15 points in the second quarter. Lincoln Smith led the Razorsharks with 12 points in the first half as they trailed 59-50 after two quarters. During the third quarter the teams battled back and forth as Rochester grabbed a 77-76 lead. Keith Friel (6'4'-G-77, college: Virginia) scored seven points including two 3-pointers. Brandon Dean (6'2'-G-79, agency: Union Sports, college: Arkansas) led the Cavalry with six points in the third. Derik Hollyfield hit the free throw that sent the game into overtime after being fouled with 9.5 seconds left in the fourth. Rochester had a chance to win the game in regulation, but they missed three prior free throws. In overtime, Glen Dandridge buried the three that proved to be the difference in the game as well as scoring seven points in the period. It was only the second overtime game the `Sharks have played at the Blue Cross Arena. Rochester is now 3-2 in overtimes. The win also snaps the Cav's 17 game winning streak. The RazorSharks had four players score in double figures. Keith Friel put up 17 points and Melvin Council finished with 13. Lawton-Fort Sill was led by Elvin Mims 's double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds. Other top scorers were Jamaal Davis (6'10'-F-79, college: Cincinnati) (17), Eddie Smith (6'2'-G-83, college: Ill.-Springfield) (16), Rashad Woods (6'6'-G/F-86, agency: Union Sports, college: Kent St.) (14), DeAnthony Bowden (13) and Brandon Dean (11). Rochester will travel to Oklahoma for Game 2 which will be played Sunday April 25th. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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PORTUGAL

Francisco Jordao in Benfica - by Bruno Baltazar
And another comeback to the portuguese league for this upcoming playoffs!
Francisco Jordao (203-C-79) portuguese international goes to Benfica, since 04/05 where he played for Oliveirense he was playing in Angola winning some titles there including the african championship for clubs in 2008 ,the angolan league between others ,last season he played for 1 de Agosto, a good center that will sure help already a team that seems really solid in the top of portuguese league ,Benfica realy wants to win it again this season...

Rodrigo Mascarenhas goes to Porto - by Bruno Baltazar
Rodrigo Mascarenhas (197-F-80) will play for Porto,a return to Portugal and Porto where he last played there in the 2006-07 with averages in 31 games of : 8.8ppg, Reb-4 (8.4rpg), 2.3apg, 2FGP: 56%, 3PT: 20%, FT: 50% , he has been playing in the Angola league for the last seasons with 1 de Agosto team,lately he has also played for Cape Verde national team,in 2009 in the African Championships that was played in Lybia with averages of 8.8ppg, 8.2rpg, 2.6apg, 1.4bpg in 5 games played.

He will bring a solid presence in the iterior game for Porto in this playoffs that alot of the top teams here are trying to get their roster stronger to compete for the league...
He is 30 years old ,6'6 and he is a forward.

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PUERTO RICO

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

1. Capitanes		13-3
2. Bayamon		12-5
3. Ponce		9-6
4. Guaynabo		8-7
5. San German		8-7
6. Santurce		8-8
7. Humacao		7-9
8. Quebradillas		6-10
9. Isabela		5-11
10. Mayaguez		3-13

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game

Alejandro CARMONA
  Mayaguez
  (194-G/F-83)
  Avg: 23.4

1. Carmona, Mayaguez	23.4
2. Dalmau, Bayamon	21.4
3. Nailon, Quebradillas	21.0
4. Maye, Mayaguez	19.9
5. Hickerson, San G.	19.3
6. Nailon, Ponce	19.2
7. Ayuso, Capitanes	18.3
8. McGowan, Guaynabo	18.2
9. Priutt, Isabela	18.1
10. Jones, Quebradillas	17.9

Rebounds Per Game

Shawn PRIUTT
  Isabela
  (208-C-85)
  Avg: 14.3

1. Priutt, Isabela	14.3
2. Sweetney, Santurce	11.0
3. Traylor, Bayamon	10.2
4. Dyer, San German	9.9
5. Aubry, Capitanes	9.5
6. Reyes, Capitanes	9.3
7. Narvaez, Ponce	9.3
8. Collins, Ponce	9.0
9. Walker, Guaynabo	8.6
10. Mays, Humacao	8.6

Assists Per Game

Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Dalmau, Bayamon	5.9
2. Russell, Quebradillas	5.4
3. Cruz, Ponce	5.3
4. Graham, Mayaguez	5.1
5. Copeland, San G.	4.9
6. Hatton, Ponce	4.8
7. Guzman, Guaynabo	4.7
8. Rodriguez, Capit.	4.3
9. Rivera, Isabela	4.2
10. Nailon, Ponce	4.0

Steals Per Game

Alejandro CARMONA
  Mayaguez
  (194-G/F-83)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Carmona, Mayaguez	2.5
2. Berdiel, Humacao	2.3
3. Pickett, Capitanes	2.2
4. Dalmau, Bayamon	1.7
5. Mays, Humacao	1.7
6. Perez, Isabela	1.7
7. Rivera, Isabela	1.6
8. Copeland, San G.	1.6
9. Mojica, Bayamon	1.5
10. Sanchez, Santurce	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Glen MCGOWAN
  Guaynabo
  (206-F-81)
  Avg: 1.5

1. McGowan, Guaynabo	1.5
2. Reyes, Capitanes	1.4
3. Russell, Quebradillas	1.3
4. Gainous, Santurce	1.3
5. Perez, Isabela	1.3
6. Priutt, Isabela	1.3
7. Nieves, Santurce	1.2
8. Nailon, Quebradillas	1.0
9. Mays, Humacao	1.0
10. Shannon, Bayamon	1.0

Quebradillas Pirates ink CJ Bruton, replace HC Omar Gonzalez with Raymond Dalmau - by Eurobasket News
Quebradillas Pirates announced important changes. They signed contract for rest of the season with CJ Bruton (188-G-75, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Indian Hills CC). The Australian arrives from the New Zealand Breakers, where he averaged 16.8 points, 3.3 assists and 3.3 rebounds. The Puerto Rican team tried to ink Marcus Williams from Grizzlies, but the player did not get the free agency.
At the same time, Quebradillas Pirates fired Omar Gonzalez and replaced him with Raymond Dalmau . The team currently has 6-10 record in BSN.

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QATAR

Boney Watson Collects Emir Cup MVP Award Helping Gharaffah Pick Up First Trophy - by Amir Abou-El-Kheir
Boney Watson (183-G, college: Sam Houston St.) helped Al Gharrafah Club win their first title in club history, leading them to victory over his former club, Al Rayyan. Al Rayyan looked as if they had the game in the bag midway through the 3rd quarter up 15 points, however Watson's aggressive play in the 4th quarter helped give Al Gharrafah an 80 to 75 victory over the club that he led to 3 titles and 1 final last year. Watson finished the game with 22 points to lead all scorers, and was awarded MVP for the Emir Cup.

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SAUDI ARABIA

D1 Standings

D1 Standings

1. Al Ahli		21-0
2. Al Hilal		17-4
3. Al Naser		16-5
4. Al Ittihad		15-6
5. Ohod		14-6
6. Al Ansar		9-13
7. Al Wahda		8-12
8. Al Khaleej		7-14
9. Al Nahda		7-14
10. Al Fateh		6-15
11. Al Maseerah		4-17
12. Al Jabil		1-19

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SLOVAKIA

Nitra is one step from Final Game - by Martin Bosko
Nitra leads 2-0 games in semifinal after Wednesday win over Handlova 82-76. The best players of Nitra were American trio (Dametri Hill (202-C-74, college: Florida), Clifford Crawford

(194-G-81, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) and Edward Scott (186-G-81, college: Clemson)) who scored 45 points together. Handlova plays semifinal without center Nikola Manojlovic (206-C-79) who has problem with lungs and is out for the rest of season. The best player in home team was Croatian guard Josip Glavinic (192-G-82) who contributed 27 points and 6 assists in the loss. If Handlova defends American players in third game, it is chance to dramatize this semifinal. Otherwise we can know the first finalist on Saturday game.

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SLOVENIA

Jacimovic steps down as coach of Parklji - by Zeljko Zule
Serbian coach Predrag Jacimovic stepped down from his position as head coach of Parklji due a personal reasons. He compiled a 12-6 record, 5-3 in first stage of League Telemach and 7-3 in League Play-Off. Jacimovic was named as coach in the end of December 2009. Djordje Djokic was appointed as Jacimovic's replacement. Djokic already started the season as head coach of Parklji.

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SPAIN

Stats Leaders-LEB Silver

Points Per Game

Courtney PIGRAM
  Andorra
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 16.4

1. Pigram, Andorra	16.4
2. Johnson, Huesca	16.0
3. Ferrer, Cajasur .	15.9
4. Vereen, Rosalia	15.8
5. Uriz, Santurtzi	15.5
6. Thompson, ADT T.	15.4
7. Barcelo, Plasencia	15.4
8. Wolfram, Andorra	14.9
9. Miller, Coruna	14.8
10. Zengotitaben., Hue.	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Ronald THOMPSON
  ADT Tarragona
  (208-F/C-81)
  Avg: 8.8

1. Thompson, ADT T.	8.8
2. Miller, Huelva	8.7
3. Howard, Guadalaj.	8.3
4. Williams, Matchmind	7.8
5. Santana, Caja Rioja	7.8
6. Johnson, Huesca	7.7
7. Ausina, Matchmind	7.7
8. Matali, Andorra	7.3
9. Andrews, Huesca	7.2
10. Wachsmann, Alcazar	6.9

Assists Per Game

Ricardo BUSCIGLIO
  Caja Rioja
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 5

1. Busciglio, Caja Rioja	5.0
2. Castello, ADT T.	4.8
3. Rufian, Huelva	4.6
4. Gonzalez, Navarra	3.9
5. Cardenas, Qalat C.	3.8
6. Santamaria, ADT T.	3.7
7. Rodriguez, Rosalia	3.7
8. Alonso, Matchmind	3.6
9. Canals, Alaior	3.6
10. Comas, Prat J.	3.6

Steals Per Game

Antonio GOMEZ
  Huelva
  (193-G-79)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Gomez, Huelva	2.4
2. Miller, Coruna	2.4
3. Barcelo, Plasencia	2.3
4. Johnson, Huesca	2.2
5. Ott, Caja Rioja	2.1
6. Suka-Umu, Cajasur .	2.0
7. Martinez, Huelva	1.9
8. Alonso, Matchmind	1.7
9. Pigram, Andorra	1.7
10. Sastre Morro, Qalat C.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Kim ADAMS
  Navarra
  (203-F/C-82)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Adams, Navarra	1.5
2. Byombo, Illescas	1.5
3. Thompson, ADT T.	1.2
4. Bain, ADT Tarragona	1.1
5. Andrews, Huesca	1.0
6. Sekulic, Plasencia	0.9
7. Matali, Andorra	0.9
8. Joseph, Rosalia	0.9
9. Miller, Huelva	0.8
10. Williams, Matchmind	0.8

Standings - LEB Gold

LEB Gold Standings

1. CAI Zaragoza		27-7
2. Melilla		25-9
3. Burgos		21-13
4. La Laguna		21-13
5. Vive Menorca		21-13
6. Caceres		20-14
7. Breogan		19-15
8. Leon		19-15
9. Girona		17-17
10. La Palma		16-18
11. Mallorca		16-18
12. Tenerife		16-18
13. Palencia		14-20
14. Clin.Rincon		13-21
15. Ourense		13-21
16. CB Tarragona		12-22
17. Cornella		10-24
18. Vigo		6-28

Standings - LEB Silver

LEB Standings

Group A
1. Huesca		15-7
2. Navarra		12-10
3. Andorra		11-11
4. Caja Rioja		11-11
5. Alaior		10-6
6. Rosalia		10-6
7. Santurtzi		10-6
8. L'Hospitalet		8-8
9. Coruna		8-14
10. Prat Juventud		8-14
11. ADT Tarragona		7-9
Group B
1. Alcazar		17-5
2. Promobys		17-5
3. Plasencia		11-11
4. Huelva		10-12
5. Matchmind		8-8
6. Real M. II		8-8
7. Qalat CajaSol		7-9
8. Guadalajara		7-15
9. Illescas		5-17
10. CajasurCord.		4-12

Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game

Darren PHILLIP
  CAI Zaragoza
  (201-F-78)
  Avg: 18.1

1. Phillip, CAI Z.	18.1
2. Donaldson, La La.	17.4
3. Riera, Mallorca	17.3
4. Morley, Burgos	17.2
5. Guillen, La Laguna	15.9
6. Roe, Tenerife	15.5
7. Humphrey, Leon	15.1
8. Quinteros, CAI Z.	14.8
9. Hess, CB Tarragona	14.8
10. Rabaseda, Cornella	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

Jakim DONALDSON
  La Laguna
  (203-C/F-83)
  Avg: 11.1

1. Donaldson, La La.	11.1
2. Starosta, Melilla	9.2
3. Sinanovic, Clin.Rin.	9.1
4. Lima, Clin.Rincon	8.3
5. Arteaga, Palencia	8.2
6. Adrien, Breogan	7.9
7. Coleman, Breogan	7.8
8. Phillip, CAI Z.	7.5
9. Padgett, La Palma	7.4
10. Roe, Tenerife	7.3

Assists Per Game

Diego CIORCIARI
  Vive Menorca
  (185-G-80)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Ciorciari, Vive M.	4.9
2. Mendiburu, CB Tarra.	4.4
3. Cherry, Caceres	4.3
4. Mena, La Palma	4.1
5. Jimenez, Melilla	3.5
6. Bernabe, Leon	3.4
7. Perez, Cornella	3.4
8. Hernandez, Burgos	3.1
9. Urtasun, Leon	3.0
10. Riera, Mallorca	2.9

Steals Per Game

Xavier RABASEDA
  Regal Barca
  (199-G/F-89)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Rabaseda, Cornella	2.4
2. Lescano, CAI Z.	2.3
3. Blanch, Mallorca	2.2
4. Fuentes, Clin.Rincon	2.1
5. Quinteros, CAI Z.	1.9
6. Boccia, Tenerife	1.9
7. Howell, Ourense	1.8
8. Ayon, Tenerife	1.8
9. Perez, Cornella	1.7
10. Xavier, Breogan	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Andrew NAYMICK
  Caceres
  (208-C-85)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Naymick, Caceres	1.9
2. Sinanovic, Clin.Rin.	1.6
3. Ayon, Tenerife	1.5
4. Elonu, CAI Zaragoza	1.5
5. Donaldson, La La.	1.5
6. Diouf, CB Tarragona	1.5
7. Joseph, Cornella	1.2
8. Samb, Cornella	1.2
9. Roe, Tenerife	1.0
10. Coleman, Breogan	0.9

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SYRIA

Al Jalaa clinch their 50th straight win as the final 8 begins - by Emile Aaji
The league champions Al Jalaa Aleppo began title maintaining mission with an easy victory over Qasioun after a 97-70 victory in Aleppo and took half the way to the semi-finals .
The first half was contested but the overwhelming peformance of the 2nd half gave Al Jalaa Aleppo a very comfortable lead .
Michel Maadanli (196-G-81) impressed the crowd with an outstanding performance and a sensational triple double ( 12 points , 10 rebounds , 16 assists ) , the American big man Garnett Thompson (207-F/C-80, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Providence) was the top scorer with 33 points .
Thompson kept on shining untill the last second of the game as he made a half court three point shot at the buzzer .
The new addition Andre Brown attended the game but he did not participate due to his recent arrival .
Al Wehda Damascus beated Al Hurriya 84-81 in Damascus .
Two more games will be played tomorrow between Al Karamah and Al Ittihad in Homs , Al Jeish Army Damascus and Taleea in Damascus .

Ex-NBA Andre Brown Lands in Syria - by Emile Aaji
The American Center Andre Brown

(205-F/C-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: DePaul) arrived to Aleppo , Syria today to Join the champions crew Al Jalaa Aleppo untill the remainder of the season .
The 29 years old Andre will be a huge addage to the team's interior presence .
Brown who played in 3 NBA clubs , Seattle SuperSonics , Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Bobcats , He also played in Italy , Turkey , South Korea , Phillipines , D-League and recently finished his season in china with 26.1 points , 8.2 rebounds and 4 assists on average with an amazing 47.3% from three point land .
The Ex-NBA will join the practice tomorrow and will be the 2nd import with Garnett Thompson .
Brown will play in both League finals and Asia Championship with Al Jalaa Aleppo .

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TURKEY

Don't chase the money, chase a career. - by Zelly Wesson
You read the title huh? So I'm sure your asking: What is he talking about? I play this game to get mines -- to get paid. To get all the money I can get. I'm going to milk this game. . .

So let me ask you. How many of your favorite athletes fell off once they signed a max contract? How many of your favorite players were not the same or became better -- when they got that big contract? Was it the injuries? Maybe. But more likely it was the hunger, the desire and the drive. It somehow disappeared. It got lost somewhere. My guess: It was buried beneath all that money.

It was all a dream, you see. When you play this game growing up, you play for the love of the sport. The competitive nature to be the best in the neighborhood, the best in the city and then the state. You play to get a scholarship to college and a chance to do your thing on the big stage. You play for the dream of one day playing professionally and getting paid. But humility hits you in the face. It says you're good, but not that good. Your first contract is not what you think it should be, so the hunger continues, because you want to prove to everyone what you already know yourself. . .that you deserve more money. You start to hear the stories, 'such and such' makes this amount of money. And so and so, that plays for the big club makes that amount. You push yourself harder when you play against those teams and those players because, hey if I do well against them, then this confirms what I already believe. I deserve that big contract.

You already start thinking of all the stuff you going to buy with the big contract. The big house, the cars, the vacations, the jewelry, the life. I got to live that life. I deserve to live that life . . . Do you know where I come from? I've got to live that life..

Well the alarm clock is buzzing....It's time to Wake up! You have to crawl before you can walk. You have to walk before you can run. And you have to run before you can fly....Translation: It's a step by step process and there are dues to pay.

Professional Basketball is a cut-throat business. It is -- I'll confirm that! But it's because like any other sport, it is a success business. You get rewarded for winning games, cups, titles and championships. Nobody remembers two years ago. Heck, they don't even remember two games ago. It's what have you done for us lately? You scored 30 points two games back and hit the game winner, Huh? Go two-for-10 in the next game and lose, and see how management looks at you. You would have thought you killed the team's dog and was now public enemy number one! It's crazy! They don't even look at you, let alone speak to you! Hello? Bottom line is you have to show and prove year-in-and-year-out. You have to be a consistent team player every year. Unlike the NBA, there are no 5-year or 6-year deals in Europe. (Unless you are a 16 year old phenom!) There is no lottery or no draft process. There are no max deals, mid-level exceptions or veteran players minimum. There's just a free agent market every summer and you'll be lucky to get a 2-year gig. And believe me, if you don't show and prove in year one; and the team has some success, year two will be a settlement. Here are some parting gifts -- it was nice knowing you, and we wish you the best.

Unfortunately, many players come to Europe with a false sense of reality. They say what they will and won't play for. Or they need to double their salary after one season. It is ignorance at its finest. Sure it happens for some players, but do you think all McDonalds employees become managers after 1 year on the job? Don't chase the money, chase a career! If you have a long career in Europe -- that means you did something right -- and the money will take care of itself. If your first contract is humbling, show the team and the league your value and play your way into a raise the next year. And then do the same the year after, until you reach a ceiling (or your body begins to breakdown, whichever comes first.) Feeling under-paid, under-valued or under-appreciated allows you to tap into that hunger you had when you were dreaming. It keeps you working on your game as you prove people wrong. They said you are too short, prove them wrong. They said you are inexperience, then prove them wrong. They said you can't play Eurocup or Euroleague, then prove them wrong. Use all those comments and professionally play with a chip on your shoulder. Those are the players that constantly get better every year. Those are the players who deserve to get paid. Those are the players who will have a career. They find something -- anything -- to motivate them to get better!

Nobody is given anything. You have to pay your dues and earn each contract. Sometimes you have to take a step backwards to get an opportunity to step forward. But with each success, comes a reward. I wish every athlete the best during this coming summer. The market is much more different than it's ever been, but the rules still apply.

Stay Focused!

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Anthony Brooks shines in DII hoops - by David Edole
Anthony Brooks, Franklin & Marshall's do-it-all senior guard, acknowledges on his Facebook page that he is a jerk, among other things, that he is 'arrogant, cocky, rude, etc.'

Really?

In a face-to-face discussion the other day, he admitted to being 'a hot head' in high school, where (not coincidentally) he saw limited action in a single varsity season.

Come again?

He also says he spent way too much time partying in the year he spent at the University of Miami, even though his transcript might not have reflected it.

Uh, OK.

None of that jives with current reality. That supposedly rude kid shakes the hands of so many fans after F&M games that his coach, Glenn Robinson, jokes that Brooks is running for mayor. The on-court hot head has learned to channel his aggression, notably at the defensive end of the floor. And the one-time party animal now says he wants to become a lawyer.

Wasn't it the Amish who said we become too soon old and too late smart? Apparently Brooks, who is about a month away from his 22nd birthday, has managed to see the light, just in the nick of time like, before his eligibility runs out.

He freely affixes another label to himself that of late bloomer an assessment with which his mom, Bernice Stephens, agrees wholeheartedly.

'He was good before,' she said over the phone Thursday, from her home in Orlando, Fla. 'Now he's reached that peak.'

Not to quibble, but in actuality his game is still evolving as might be expected of someone who played so little at his high school in Orlando (and who spent his first year of college away from the game, while he prowled South Beach).

He is averaging 12 points a game this season, third-best among the Dips. But Robinson believes Brooks can do better, that there are times when he takes plays off at the offensive end. That's the opposite of the way it usually works, of course; most players relax on defense.

But Brooks loves to guard. He is free to act like a jerk at that end of the court. Indeed, it is encouraged.

'Defense,' Brooks said, 'is more of an aggressive mindset. There's really no respect for the other player at all. You just go out there (and) you assert your will on him, and make him fear you.'

Brooks, an All-Centennial Conference second-teamer, averages 2.16 steals this year, fourth-most in the conference. Offensively, he melds his scoring with playmaking (3.48 assists, fifth-most in the CC). And there's no doubt he leads the team in high-fives, not to mention encouraging words for younger teammates.

That he leads, period. It is a role, Robinson said, that Brooks 'really relishes.'

'He normally can look ahead and see what's coming,' Robinson said, 'and what the players should be thinking about.'

And what they're all thinking about now is Saturday's CC semis, in which the Dips (21-4) face Muhlenberg (13-13) in Mayser Gym at 3 p.m. Gettysburg (14-10) and Washington (13-9) tangle in the other semi at 1, with the winners meeting for the title Sunday at 3.

F&M, a Final Four team a year ago, is seeking another long postseason run. Brooks can only hope for the same, because while he has another year of eligibility and is trying to work out the financial aid for 2010-11, nothing is assured.

As it is, he was among those honored on Senior Day last Saturday, before the Dips' season finale against Dickinson. It was the first time his dad, Shawn, had seen him play an organized game in person, and one of the few times Bernice has been in attendance.

It was, Anthony said, 'a very special occasion.'

Anthony is close to both his parents, even though they separated when he was 6 and divorced five years later; Bernice is now a research analyst in Orlando, while Shawn works as a correctional officer at a federal penitentiary in Sheridan, Oregon.

He credits both with his upbeat outlook, with his zest for life something Robinson said is easy to see.

'There's a lot of life in his eyes,' he said. 'When I talk to someone, I like to see a sparkle, where there's something going on in there.'

Brooks, whose name is actually Shawn Brian Anthony III, is named after his father. He was born in Germany, where the elder Brooks was stationed in the Army he would rise to the rank of staff sergeant in his 13 years of service and live in the state of Washington as well.

Young Anthony learned the game from his dad, who had played it on an organized level while growing up in St. Croix, VI, as well as in the military. Shawn was the one, for instance, who told him that games are won and lost at the defensive end of the court. And when Anthony was cut from the varsity as a junior at Lake Mary High School in Orlando, Shawn thought it was a good thing, that it might teach his son to control his emotions on the court and play selflessly.

There were other lessons, too. Plenty of them.

'Something I always tell him,' Shawn said, 'is I want him to be a positive force in the world. I want him to become a better man than I am. He says it's impossible, but I say there's always room for improvement.'

Shawn and Anthony saw each other periodically as Anthony was growing up, and they are in almost constant contact now, discussing the younger Brooks' play via phone, text, e-mail, etc.

Still, Shawn said, 'It's not the same as being there physically. It's hard, but I always made sure I did what I had to, to stay in his life.'

Anthony agrees that his dad has been a huge influence on him.

'But not physically having my father around,' he said, 'I could say it's a different perspective on life that I wouldn't want a lot of kids to undergo. I love my father. He's always been there. I hold nothing against him. But it's just waking up one morning and saying, 'Why is my father not here?' It's pretty hard.'

It has made him want to reach out to kids, whom he often invites to games. It has made him that much more of a people person.

He arrived at F&M after that year at Miami, a year in which he admittedly did 'a lot of partying' but one that was also 'legitimately easy' from an academic standpoint; he pulled down a 3.2 GPA.

And he arrived via a circuitous route: A coach at Lower Merion High School named Doug Young saw Brooks playing at a rec center in Miami and thought he might make a good Division III player. So he invited Brooks to come to Pennsylvania, where Young staged a workout. Former F&M assistant Chris Rodgers saw Brooks and liked him.

'It's history after that,' Brooks said.

He has worked to balance books, ball and everything else. A psychology major, he plans to take on sociology as a minor, if he returns next year. And his aim is to go to law school after that.

'I like the challenge of debating one side against the other, see who comes out with the win,' he said. 'A lot of people say I'm a great debater, because I never give up.'

A lot of people would attach other labels to him, too. But they would only be partially correct.

Duncan wrests focus from Dirk - by David Edole
DALLAS -- After every game, Dallas Mavericks head video coordinator Mike Shedd hand-delivers game film on DVD to each player. Before Shedd could stretch his hand out to give a copy of Game 2 to Brendan Haywood sitting at his locker, the center swiftly countered, 'I don't need one, Shedd.'

Just as quickly, Shedd recoiled his hand and the video guru was gone without a word. Haywood had seen enough of Tim Duncan (208-F-76, college: Wake Forest) for one night.

'No, there's nothing really to take to the memory bank,' the 7-footer said after Duncan victimized him for 10 fourth-quarter points, eight on four consecutive possessions that put the San Antonio Spurs back in control of a series-evening, 102-88 victory. 'It's not like he kept beating me for dunks or he kept getting low-post position. He took the shots that I wanted him to take, but he hit them.'

Duncan is on fire, canning a variety of shots from all angles, whether he's beating single coverage with a strong move, or defying a swarm in the paint by getting off an impossible-looking shot. Or he'll riddle a trapping defense with outlet passes to a perimeter filled with 3-point shooters.

'That's kind of what he wants,' Mavs forward Dirk Nowitzki said. 'That's what they play all season long with him just having 16, 17, 18 points, but getting all the shooters involved.'

It's a big problem for the Mavericks, who surrendered the home-court edge Wednesday and now head to San Antonio for Game 3 on Friday night and Game 4 on Sunday.

If the Mavs' two big men, Haywood and Erick Dampier, who found plenty of pine time in Game 2 after registering a minus-20 in 22 minutes, can't figure out a way to slow the ageless Duncan, they might rename River City, Party City -- not only is it fiesta time in San Antonio, but Duncan turns 34 on Sunday.

After he hobbled around on aching knees during last season's first-round series dominated by the Mavs, logged a career-low minutes this season and was continually reminded of his deteriorating scoring average for a second season after the All-Star break, Duncan has reintroduced the Mavs and their eager newcomer from the Eastern Conference to Playoff Timmy.

Nowitzki was hailed for his Game 1 flirtation with perfection, but it's now Duncan through two games who is dictating this series. The 6-11 power forward has averaged 38 minutes, 26.0 points on 59.0 percent shooting, and 12.5 rebounds.

And they have. Duncan's just been better.

'Hey, he has a bunch of moves,' Haywood said. 'You take away his first move and his second move, he scores on his third counter and you just have to tip your hat to the guy and that's what we had to do [in Game 2].'

Dampier, who reclaimed his starting job from Haywood in early April, played 30 minutes in Game 1 and got the call in crunch time. He finished with five points and 12 rebounds. Roles were reversed in Game 2 with Haywood playing 26 minutes and all 12 minutes of the fourth quarter. Despite Duncan's brilliance late, Haywood still finished a plus-6, with two points and eight rebounds.

However, the fourth quarter was a demolition. Duncan had 10 points and five rebounds, including three offensive boards, while Haywood tallied a single defensive rebound.

Come Game 3, coach Rick Carlisle will probably continue to divvy up the minutes by feel.

'A lot of times it'll be a flip of the coin, really,' Carlisle said.

When Game 2 grew uncomfortably close for the Spurs at 89-84 after leading 80-60, San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich called for No. 21 on four consecutive possessions. Three minutes later, the only player on the roster who's hoisted all four NBA titles made it 97-84.

'We went to Tim just about every other time down the stretch, and he came through by scoring and rebounding at the other end,' Popovich said. 'He's always that guy that gets taken for granted because he's been doing that for so many years, just being an anchor for us.'

Haywood was left humbled and with no excuses, while Carlisle was left to study film and come up with an answer -- if there is one.

'We have to make adjustments on the fly,' said Caron Butler, Haywood's longtime teammate in Washington. 'We have to look at his touches and where he's getting the ball, and you know he's a tough cover. He's a guy that can get it done night in and night out. I don't think nobody ever figured it out.'

Perhaps the reason Haywood declined Shedd's DVD.

By Jeff Caplan
ESPNDallas.com

'I'm feeling pretty energized,' Duncan said after his monster 25-point, 17-rebound effort in Game 2.

Coming into the series, the Mavs felt they had as good a defensive tag team as any to push on Duncan. Not that the plodding, 265-pound Dampier and the livelier Haywood were going to shut Duncan down, but they would definitely make him work.

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UKRAINE

Uvalin left Politekhnika-Halychyna - by Eurobasket News
Mihailo Uvalin (agency: Beo Basket ) left Politekhnika-Halychyna as the latter did not advance to the Play-offs. Politekhnika-Halychyna finished the season with 10-16 record.
Vladimir Polyakh will take now over the team and will do his best in the lower play-offs.He was the Head Coach since 2007-2008 of MBK Mykolaiv and stayed there until October 2009. He coached European Championships U20 team in Riga (Latvia) in 2008, was the head Coach of Ukrainian U20 National Team in 2009 and 2010 and coached European Championships U20 in Rhodos (Greece) in 2009.

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Khalid EL-AMIN
  Budivelnyk
  (178-G-79)
  Avg: 21.7

1. El-Amin, Budivelnyk	21.7
2. Karim, DniproAzot	21.2
3. Thomas, Fe.	20.8
4. Burtt, Fe.	20.0
5. McClintock, Mykolaiv	18.6
6. Curry, Azovmash	18.5
7. Mitchell, Khimik	18.3
8. Williams, Halychyna	18.0
9. Atanackovic, Gryfo.	17.5
10. Sparks, Hoverla	17.1

Rebounds Per Game

Michael FRASER
  Hoverla
  (203-C/F-84)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Fraser, Hoverla	11.6
2. Thomas, Fe.	10.6
3. Pettway, Dnipro	8.1
4. Finn, Halychyna	7.9
5. McClintock, Mykolaiv	7.8
6. Morton, DniproAzot	7.3
7. Shkurupiy, Gryfony	7.1
8. Rizvic, Azovmash	7.0
9. Hunter, Fe.	7.0
10. Dubnyuk, Pulsar	6.9

Assists Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Dnipro
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Crowe, Dnipro	7.5
2. Blassingame, BC Od.	6.6
3. Sparks, Hoverla	5.9
4. Burtt, Fe.	5.5
5. Mitchell, Khimik	5.4
6. Karim, DniproAzot	5.4
7. El-Amin, Budivelnyk	5.1
8. Lukashov, BC Kyiv	5.0
9. Love, Mykolaiv	4.5
10. Jeromanovs, Mykol.	4.1

Steals Per Game

Fred HOUSE
  Azovmash
  (195-F-78)
  Avg: 2.9

1. House, Azovmash	2.9
2. El-Amin, Budivelnyk	2.2
3. Crowe, Dnipro	2.2
4. Jeromanovs, Mykol.	2.0
5. Sparks, Hoverla	1.9
6. Perry, BC Donetsk	1.9
7. Tiggs, Fe.	1.9
8. Shemosyuk, Pulsar	1.7
9. Karim, DniproAzot	1.7
10. Kolchenko, Khimik	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Viacheslav KRAVTSOV
  BC Kyiv
  (212-C-87)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Kravtsov, BC Kyiv	2.8
2. Rizvic, Azovmash	2.0
3. McClintock, Mykolaiv	1.9
4. Balashov, BC Odessa	1.9
5. Agafonov, Khimik	1.7
6. Pettway, Dnipro	1.7
7. Morton, DniproAzot	1.6
8. Garrison, Khimik	1.3
9. Ulyanko, Hoverla	1.2
10. Ulyanko, Pulsar	1.0

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

UNITED KINGDOM

Tigers and Jets Resume 'Fantastic' Derby - by Andy Webb
Ahead of the BBL Playoff Quarter Final between Everton Tigers and Cheshire Jets, members of both sets of coaching staff are excited at the prospect of resuming a local rivalry in the Playoffs. Whilst Jets boss, Paul Smith , explained that the two clubs are friends off the court, Tigers assistant coach, Henry Mooney, paid tribute to the Jets success this season: To resume the local derby with Cheshire on Sunday is fantastic, and its just unfortunate that we have met at this stage and not in the final, but thats just not meant to be I guess. He continued: They have had a great season, finished fourth and reached two finals, and the Northgate Arena is a great place to play in terms of the atmosphere. Im sure that we will be taking a lot of supporters with us, which should mean a full house, and that is what basketball is all about.

Smith, meanwhile, said the following: There is certainly a fierce rivalry between our two clubs. We are friends off the court, but on the court it gets pretty ferocious and all three games against them have gone down to the wire. (Olu) Babalola is playing very well for them at the moment, we have to be wary of Trey (Moore) and we know what he can do, but Ive watched them a lot recently, and they are playing well as a team now, so we can't afford to go to sleep on anybody.

Whilst the Tigers travel just a short distance to face the Jets, Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders have a tough task on their hands when they embark on the lengthy journey up to Glasgow, and take on the Glasgow Rocks in their BBL Playoff Quarter Final. Riders supremo, Rob Paternostro, had no doubt about who his side would need to contain in order to get the result that would prolong their season: Controlling (Rob) Yanders and (Jessie) Sapp and not allowing them to give the other players good looks is key for us he said: We need to control their penetration, understand what our strengths are against this club and take advantage of them.'

Although Paternostro identified arguably the most effective guard pairing in the league, Rocks player-coach, Sterling Davis, said that the versatility of forwards, Lataryl Williams and Duane James, could prove dangerous: They have good players on the inside with Jason Johnson and Shaun Durant, but Lataryl Williams and Duane James give them great versatility as they are able to play inside and out, which causes match up problems he commented.

Jason Johnson BBL MVP for 2009-10 season - by Eurobasket

Johnson

Cook

Sapp

Moore

Stewart

Eurobasket.com All-British BBL Awards 2009-10:

Player of the Year: Jason Johnson (201-F-86) of Leicester City Riders
Guard of the Year: Mike Cook (193-G/F-84) of Sheffield Sharks
Forward of the Year: Jason Johnson (201-F-86) of Leicester City Riders
Center of the Year: Tafari Toney (203-F/C-86) of Sheffield Sharks
Newcomer of the Year: Frank Holmes (206-F-84) of Marshall Milton Keynes Lions
Most Improved Player of the Year: Colin O'Reilly (200-F-84) of Cheshire Jets
Bosman Player of the Year: Kastytis Normantas (191-G-85) of Worcester Wolves
Import Player of the Year: Jason Johnson (201-F-86) of Leicester City Riders
Domestic Player of the Year: Charles Smith (198-F-75) of Newcastle Eagles
Defensive Player of the Year: Tafari Toney (203-F/C-86) of Sheffield Sharks
Coach of the Year: Fabulous Flournoy of Newcastle Eagles

1st Team
G: Jessie Sapp (191-G) of SAMG Verve Scottish Rocks
G: Trey Moore (192-G-75) of Everton Tigers
G/F: Mike Cook (193-G/F-84) of Sheffield Sharks
F: Lynard Stewart (202-F-74) of Newcastle Eagles
F: Jason Johnson (201-F-86) of Leicester City Riders

2nd Team
G: Ryan Patton (181-G-78) of Sheffield Sharks
G: Robert Yanders (180-G-79) of SAMG Verve Scottish Rocks
G/F: Reggie Bratton (193-G/F) of Worthing Thunder
F: Kadiri Richard (203-F-80) of Worthing Thunder
F/C: Tafari Toney (203-F/C-86) of Sheffield Sharks

Honorable Mention
Roderick Middleton (186-G/F-82) of Worcester Wolves
Florentino Valencia (196-F-85) of Airwaves Plymouth Raiders
Fabulous Flournoy (192-G/F-73) of Newcastle Eagles
Atiba Lyons (198-F-82) of Sheffield Sharks
Tomas Janusauskas (213-C-85) of Paws London Capitals
Paul Peterson (175-G-86) of Cheshire Jets
Charles Smith (198-F-75) of Newcastle Eagles
Colin O'Reilly (200-F-84) of Cheshire Jets
Joe Chapman (193-G-84) of Newcastle Eagles

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Anthony Martin (186-G-80) of Airwaves Plymouth Raiders
F: Frank Holmes (206-F-84) of Marshall Milton Keynes Lions
F: Colin O'Reilly (200-F-84) of Cheshire Jets
F: Charles Smith (198-F-75) of Newcastle Eagles
F/C: Tafari Toney (203-F/C-86) of Sheffield Sharks

All-Imports Team
G: Jessie Sapp (191-G) of SAMG Verve Scottish Rocks
G: Trey Moore (192-G-75) of Everton Tigers
G/F: Mike Cook (193-G/F-84) of Sheffield Sharks
F: Lynard Stewart (202-F-74) of Newcastle Eagles
F: Jason Johnson (201-F-86) of Leicester City Riders

All-Bosmans Team
G: Kastytis Normantas (191-G-85) of Worcester Wolves
F: Harry Disy (201-F-84) of Worcester Wolves
F: Ville Makalainen (194-F-85) of Worthing Thunder
C: Tomas Janusauskas (213-C-85) of Paws London Capitals
C: Pablo Rodrigo (204-C-86) of Essex Pirates Basketball Club

Stats Leaders - BBL

Points Per Game

Mike COOK
  Sheffield S.
  (193-G/F-84)
  Avg: 26.9

1. Cook, Sheffield S.	26.9
2. Bratton, Worthing.	24.7
3. Patton, Sheffiel.	20.4
4. Yanders, Scottish.	20.2
5. Valencia, Plymouth R.	20.1
6. Wierzbicki, Leices.	20.1
7. Moore, Everton T.	20.0
8. Middleton, Worceste.	19.6
9. Harrison, MK Lions	19.3
10. Chapman, Newcastl.	19.0

Rebounds Per Game

Jason JOHNSON
  Leicester R.
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 11

1. Johnson, Leiceste.	11.0
2. Janusauskas, London C.	9.8
3. Toney, Sheffield S.	9.8
4. Rodrigo, Essex P.	9.2
5. Rowe, Plymouth R.	8.6
6. Richard, Worthing.	8.5
7. Gariba, London C.	8.0
8. Young, Cheshire J.	7.8
9. Disy, Worcester W.	7.7
10. Valencia, Plymouth R.	7.4

Assists Per Game

Anthony MARTIN
  Plymouth R.
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 7.3

1. Martin, Plymouth.	7.3
2. Sapp, Scottish R.	7.1
3. Moore, Everton T.	5.8
4. Patton, Sheffiel.	5.1
5. Drakeford, Guildfor.	5.1
6. Yanders, Scottish.	4.9
7. Westbrooks, Leices.	4.7
8. Jackson, Newcastl.	4.6
9. Peterson, Cheshire.	4.6
10. Jivens, London C.	4.6

Steals Per Game

Roderick MIDDLETON
  Worcester W.
  (186-G/F-82)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Middleton, Worceste.	2.7
2. Moore, Everton T.	2.6
3. Peterson, Cheshire.	2.3
4. Normantas, Worceste.	2.3
5. Sapp, Scottish R.	2.2
6. Gariba, London C.	2.2
7. Babalola, Evert.	2.2
8. Young, Cheshire J.	2.1
9. Lasker, Plymouth.	2.0
10. O'Reilly, Cheshire.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Kadiri RICHARD
  Worthing T.
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Richard, Worthing.	2.3
2. Johnson, Leiceste.	1.8
3. Toney, Sheffield S.	1.2
4. Gorman, Sheffiel.	1.0
5. Copeland, Scottish.	0.9
6. Janusauskas, London C.	0.8
7. Konarg, London C.	0.8
8. Flournoy, Newcastl.	0.8
9. Rodrigo, Essex P.	0.8
10. Young, Cheshire J.	0.8

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

VENEZUELA

LPB 2010 - Week 10 (Apr. 22nd): Gaiteros firm at third place, Guaiqueries sweeps Gigantes - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Gaiteros del Zulia got a key victory in their purpose of staying at third place of the LPB 2010 regular season standings by holding off Panteras de Miranda at home, while Guaiqueries de Margarita got more comfortable at fourth place by sweeping Gigantes de Guayana on the road prior to a home series against the same team.

Gaiteros del Zulia 97 - Panteras de Miranda 87
Belisario Aponte Arena - Maracaibo, Zulia

Quarter by quarter
GAI: 21-22-29-25= 97
PAN: 17-26-18-26= 87

Scorers
GAI: Ruben Nembhard (191-G-72) 31 points, Francisco Centeno (201-G/F-85) 16 points, Jason Edwin (197-G/F-81) 14 points, Norman Nolan (202-F/C-76) 13 points, Enielsen Guevara (204-F/C-82) 11 points
PAN: Marcus Elliott (191-G-84) 23 points, Michael Flores (192-G-85) 14 points, Elvis Burguillos (194-G/F-82) 12 points, Kojo Mensah (185-G-85) 11 points

Guaiqueries de Margarita 88 - Gigantes de Guayana 83
Hermanas Gonzalez Arena - Puerto Ordaz, Bolivar

Quarter by quarter
GIG: 14-21-25-23= 83
GUAI: 16-25-24-23= 88

Scorers
GIG: Clarence Matthews (201-F-83) 29 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks, Terquin Mott (203-F-74) 15 points and 6 rebounds, Jorge Diaz (195-F-77) 11 points, Omar Quintero (183-G-81) 7 points, Marlon Patino (204-F/C-80) 6 points, Victor David Diaz (195-F-68) 5 points, Jose Ramos (198-F-71) 5 points, Elvis Baez (189-G-89) 3 points, Daniel Macuare (190-F-84) 2 points, Antonio Sucre (193-F-83) 0 points, Ruben Contreras (196-F-87) 0 points, Jorge Leon (186-G-79) 0 points
GUAI: Evan Brock (204-F-84) 19 points, Kelvin Pena (193-G-81) 17 points, Francisco Sanabria (190-G-77) 14 points, Christopher Jackson (208-C-81) 12 points and 8 rebounds, Carlos Cedeno (193-G/F-85) 9 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals, Tulio Cobos (196-F-86) 8 points, Cesar Silva (187-G/F-81) 5 points, Edgar Arteaga (198-F-76) 2 points, Derwin Ramirez (191-F-82) 2 points, Rene Farias (188-G-86) 0 points, Jackson Zapata (198-F-85) 0 points, Douglas Chiquito (193-G-86) 0 points

LPB 2010 - Week 10 (Apr. 20th): Trotamundos wins in extra time, Toros continues way up - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Trotamundos de Carabobo had to play over time as hosts of Guaros de Lara to defeat them in a direct clash for playoff spots, while Toros de Aragua showed Bucaneros de La Guaira that they're still alive and running.

Trotamundos de Carabobo 90 - Guaros de Lara 88 (OT)
Forum of Valencia - Valencia, Carabobo

Quarter by quarter
TRO: 16-23-21-20-10= 90
GUA: 18-13-39-19-8= 88

Scorers
TRO: Donell Taylor (198-G-82) 25 points, Richard Lugo (209-C-73) 16 points and 10 rebounds, Miguel Marriaga (208-C-84) 13 points, Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) 13 points, Martin Osimani (194-G-81) 10 points, Alex Galindo (198-F-85) 8 points, Pedro Brito (204-F/C-82) 3 points, Manuel Berroteran (185-G-80) 2 points, Leinert Zerpa (182-G-82) 0 points, Javinger Vargas (206-C-90) 0 points, Jorge Parra (206-C-84) 0 points, Yorvis Umbria (203-F-85) 0 points
GUA: Torraye Braggs (203-F/C-76) 25 points and 9 rebounds, Heissler Guillent (186-G-86) 19 points, Cheyne Gadson (192-G-80) 12 points, Jose Martinez (196-F-82) 11 points, Kervis Ramirez (190-G-78) 7 points, Leonardo Berroteran (192-F/G-81) 6 points, Pablo Machado (207-C-77) 3 points and 6 rebounds, Heberth Bayona (210-C-78) 3 points, Carlos Morris (194-G-76) 2 points, Sonys Reyes (181-G-86) 0 points, Erick Herrera (184-F-81) 0 points, Askia Jones (196-G-71) 0 points

Toros de Aragua 115 - Bucaneros de La Guaira 98
Rafael Romero Bolivar Arena - Maracay, Aragua

Quarter by quarter
TOR: 24-20-41-30= 115
BUC: 27-27-18-26= 98

Scorers
TOR: Ryan Forehan-Kelly (197-F/G-80) 35 points and 7 assists, Jamahr Warren (194-G/F-79) 18 points and 6 steals, Jesus Urbina (201-F-84) 17 points and 9 rebounds, Ernesto Mijares (190-G-76) 14 points, Ernest Brown (213-C-79) 10 points and 6 rebounds, Jhon Romero (199-F-85) 6 points, Amber Marin (208-C-81) 5 points, David Cedeno (190-G-83) 5 points, Jose Silvera (183-G-92) 5 points, Peter Kvietek (203-C-77) 0 points, Elvis Montero (193-G-78) 0 points, Rodrigo Rodriguez (198-F-80) 0 points
BUC: Rafael Guevara (194-F-79) 25 points and 6 assists, Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80) 24 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, Kevin Young (206-C-84) 12 points, Dennis D'Adezzio (191-G-81) 12 points, William Funn (188-G-82) 9 points, Russell Carter (196-G-85) 7 points, Yonaiker Ecker (179-G-90) 5 points, Oswaldo Gonzalez (203-F/C-79) 4 points, Elder Jimenez (186-G-91) 0 points, Alejandro Barrios (205-C-79) 0 points, Jose Yovera (194-G/F-75) 0 points, Antonio Torcatt (182-G-76) 0 points

LPB 2010 - Week 10 (Apr. 21st): Toros sweeps, Guaiqueries stays hot, Guaros gets back - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Toros de Aragua swept Bucaneros de La Guaira at home and extended their advantage over the two bottom teams in the LPB regular season standings. Guaiqueries de Margarita defeated Gigantes de Guayana in the first of four consecutive matches against them and Guaros de Lara got back at Trotamundos de Carabobo in a spectacular showcase of good defense.

Guaros de Lara 71 - Trotamundos de Carabobo 53
Forum of Valencia - Valencia, Carabobo

Quarter by quarter
TRO: 18-6-18-11= 53
GUA: 22-16-18-15= 71

Scorers
TRO: Miguel Marriaga (208-C-84) 12 points and 10 rebounds, Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) 10 points, Donell Taylor (198-G-82) 8 points, Richard Lugo (209-C-73) 8 points and 8 rebounds, Pedro Brito (204-F/C-82) 7 points, Alex Galindo (198-F-85) 4 points, Martin Osimani (194-G-81) 2 points, Manuel Berroteran (185-G-80) 2 points, Leinert Zerpa (182-G-82) 0 points, Javinger Vargas (206-C-90) 0 points, Jorge Parra (206-C-84) 0 points, Yorvis Umbria (203-F-85) 0 points
GUA: Cheyne Gadson (192-G-80) 21 points, Pablo Machado (207-C-77) 12 points and 8 rebounds, Heissler Guillent (186-G-86) 11 points, Kervis Ramirez (190-G-78) 6 points, Leonardo Berroteran (192-F/G-81) 6 points, Arthur Long (206-F/C-73) 5 points, Carlos Morris (194-G-76) 5 points, Heberth Bayona (210-C-78) 3 points and 14 rebounds, Jose Martinez (196-F-82) 2 points, Sonys Reyes (181-G-86) 0 points, Erick Herrera (184-F-81) 0 points, Askia Jones (196-G-71) 0 points

Toros de Aragua 91 - Bucaneros de La Guaira 84
Rafael Romero Bolivar Arena - Maracay, Aragua

Quarter by quarter
TOR: 24-20-17-30= 91
BUC: 26-23-27-8= 84

Scorers
TOR: Ryan Forehan-Kelly (197-F/G-80) 18 points and 6 rebounds, Jamahr Warren (194-G/F-79) 15 points, Jesus Urbina (201-F-84) 12 points, Ernesto Mijares (190-G-76) 11 points and 5 steals, Ernest Brown (213-C-79) 11 points and 6 rebounds, David Cedeno (190-G-83) 9 points, Amber Marin (208-C-81) 7 points and 3 blocks, Rodrigo Rodriguez (198-F-80) 4 points, Jose Silvera (183-G-92) 2 points, Elvis Montero (193-G-78) 2 points, Jhon Romero (199-F-85) 0 points, Peter Kvietek (203-C-77) 0 points
BUC: Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80) 25 points and 6 rebounds, Kevin Young (206-C-84) 11 points and 6 rebounds, William Funn (188-G-82) 11 points, Russell Carter (196-G-85) 10 points and 8 rebounds, Dennis D'Adezzio (191-G-81) 9 points, Elder Jimenez (186-G-91) 7 points, Jose Yovera (194-G/F-75) 6 points, Oswaldo Gonzalez (203-F/C-79) 2 points, Alejandro Barrios (205-C-79) 2 points, Rafael Guevara (194-F-79) 1 point, Yonaiker Ecker (179-G-90) 0 points, Antonio Torcatt (182-G-76) 0 points

Guaiqueries de Margarita 103 - Gigantes de Guayana 89
Hermanas Gonzalez Arena - Puerto Ordaz, Bolivar

Quarter by quarter
GIG: 18-18-28-25= 89
GUAI: 27-24-23-29= 103

Scorers
GIG: Terquin Mott (203-F-74) 19 points, Clarence Matthews (201-F-83) 17 points, Marlon Patino (204-F/C-80) 8 points and 7 rebounds, Daniel Macuare (190-F-84) 8 points, Omar Quintero (183-G-81) 8 points, Victor David Diaz (195-F-68) 6 points, Jose Ramos (198-F-71) 6 points, Elvis Baez (189-G-89) 5 points, Antonio Sucre (193-F-83) 5 points, Douglas Rodriguez (185-G-79) 4 points, Jorge Leon (186-G-79) 3 points, Omar Mejias (175-G-80) 0 points
GUAI: Kelvin Pena (193-G-81) 18 points, Evan Brock (204-F-84) 17 points and 9 rebounds, Christopher Jackson (208-C-81) 16 points and 14 rebounds, Tulio Cobos (196-F-86) 16 points, Carlos Cedeno (193-G/F-85) 11 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, Cesar Silva (187-G/F-81) 10 points, Francisco Sanabria (190-G-77) 5 points, Edgar Arteaga (198-F-76) 4 points, Rene Farias (188-G-86) 2 points, Jackson Zapata (198-F-85) 2 points, Derwin Ramirez (191-F-82) 2 points, Douglas Chiquito (193-G-86) 0 points

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings

1. Cocodrilos		23-5
2. Marinos		22-6
3. Gaiteros		16-11
4. Guaiqueries		15-13
5. Guaros		14-14
6. Panteras		14-15
7. Trotamundos		14-16
8. Toros		9-19
9. Gigantes		7-21
10. Bucaneros		7-21

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WBA

Standings

WBA Standings

1. Buford M.		0-0
2. Cartersville W.		0-0
3. Decatur CK		0-0
4. Florida Flight		0-0
5. Franklin Knigts		0-0
6. Jacksonville B.		0-0
7. Marietta S.		0-0
8. Tupelo		0-0

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Women News

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

AUSTRALIA - Women

Jayco Opals tip off World title defence - by Eurobasket News
The Jayco Australian Opals' defence of their world title begins on Saturday when the 2010 squad gathers for the first time at a training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport.

Sixteen members of the Jayco Opals World Championship squad will be in attendance at the camp that concludes on Friday April 30, including WNBA star Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) and 2009/10 WNBL All-Star Five member Liz Cambage.

The camp will be the first time Head Coach Carrie Graf will have Beijing Olympians Lauren Jackson, Suzy Batkovic-Brown (193-C-80), Tully Bevilaqua (164-G-72) and Kristi Harrower (166-G-75) training with the national squad since taking over as coach in December 2008.

I think the fact that we have three of the starters from Beijing, in Harrower, Batkovic-Brown and Jackson, is a big statement and a positive part of our preparation for the Worlds in September, Graf said.

This camp is about re-establishing the things that are critical to the Opals; some of our team themes that have formed the foundation of previous Opals successes and really to put in place some of our systems that will be working with this core group in the lead up to the World Championship.

Beijing Olympians Laura Summerton and Jenni Screen are also intending to join the squad in Canberra however the players, based in Italy, may be unable to attend the camp due to flight delays in Europe following the eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull glacier volcano.

The training camp provides an opportunity for the squad members to make their claim for selection in the Jayco Opals team for the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Women to be held in the Czech Republic from September 23 October 3.

JAYCO OPALS ATTENDING TRAINING CAMP:
Name/Club /Age/Junior Association

Suzy BATKOVIC-BROWN / Canberra Capitals / 29 / Newcastle, NSW
Tully BEVILAQUA / Indiana Fever (WNBA) / 37 / Merredin, WA
Abby BISHOP / Dandenong Rangers / 21 / Forestville & North Adelaide, SA
Elizabeth CAMBAGE / Bulleen Boomers / 18 / Dandenong, VIC
Rachael FLANAGAN / Townsville Fire / 27 / Forestville, SA
Kristi HARROWER / Bendigo Spirit / 35 / Bendigo, VIC
Natalie HURST / Aix-en-Provence (France) / 26 / Canberra, ACT
Lauren JACKSON / Canberra Capitals & Seattle Storm (WNBA) / 28 / Albury, NSW
Jenna OHEA / Bulleen Boomers / 22 / Nunawading, VIC
Elyse PENALUNA / Bulleen Boomers / 21 / Broadmeadows, VIC
Jennifer SCREEN / Basket Parma (Italy) / 28 / Toowoomba, QLD
Deanna SMITH / Sydney Uni Flames / 29 / Bendigo, Warrnambool & Melbourne, VIC
Laura SUMMERTON / Basket Parma (Italy) / 26 / Sturt, SA
Marianna TOLO / Canberra Capitals / 20 / Mackay, QLD
Carly WILSON / Canberra Capitals / 27 / Nunawading, VIC
Hanna ZAVECZ / Bulleen Boomers / 24 / Wangaratta, VIC

Staff:
Head Coach: Carrie Graf
Assistant Coaches: Peter Buckle, Michele Timms, Phil Brown
Physiotherapists: Rachel McAlister, Graeme Backen
Doctor: Dr David Hughes
Manager: Renae Maycock

Courtesy of WNBL (www.wnbl.com.au)

Foley signs for two years with Dandenong Rangers - by Eurobasket News
Former WNBL all-star and championship player Jessica Foley (182-G-83, college: Duke) this week signed a two-year deal with the rebuilding Dandenong Rangers.

The 27-year-old guard, who averaged over 15 points and six rebounds with Adelaide last season, will join the Rangers when she returns from a playing stint with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbache next week.

The signing continues an aggressive off-season recruiting campaign that has also landed emerging Opals star Abby Bishop and former Sydney Uni forward Elli Manou in recent weeks.

Foley was a key contributor in Australias 2009 FIBA Oceania campaign as the Opals successfully qualified for this years World Championships.

She was named in the WNBL all-star five in the 2008/09 season, when the Lightning won the championship.

Dandenong Basketball Association operations manager Leigh Gooding said Foley would bring a winning attitude to Stud Road.

We believe Jess will add to our group through her experience, leadership and competitiveness, he said.

Courtesy of www.starnewsgroup.com.au

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BELARUS - Women

The Semifinals are set - by Eurobasket News
Olimpia and Sozh Gomel swept their Quarterfinal series over their opponents to advance to the Semifinals. Minsk and Berezina were waiting for them since the end of the Regular Season.
Olimpia won over Victoria 103:57 in the opener. The hosts smashed the opponents in the opening quarter 29-11 and added 23-19 in the second quarter. Moreover they won the third and the fourth frames to win the game. Natallia Kozun (189-F-88) top-scored for the winners with 25 points, while Solovyeva added 20. Tatsiana Dashkevich (175-G-89) posted 16 and Maryia Filonchyk (189-C-92) netted 11. Valevskaya nailed 13 points in the losing effort.
In Game 2 Olimpia outscored Victoria 90:78 and clinched the Semifinal spot. The latter won the opening quarter 21-18, but lost the second 18-24. Olimpia won the third and the last period to advance to the next stage. Natallia Kozun stepped up with 24 points for the winners, while Tatsiana Dashkevich and Maryia Filonchyk posted 11 apiece. Bohdan ended up with 21 points and 11 boards in defeat.
Sozh swept the series over BrGU after two straight wins. Sozh won the opener 70:60 and added 84:54 victory in Game 2.
The first Semifinal games are set for May 1st.

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FINLAND - Women

Lisa Lee is the best player in Finnish League in 09-10 - by Eurobasket

Lee

Piipari

Reshetko

Laaksonen

Bue

Eurobasket.com All-Finnish League Awards 2009-10:

Player of the Year: Lisa Lee (183-F-84, college: Charleston) of Kotka Peli-Karhut
Guard of the Year: Reetta Piipari (170-G-80) of Catz Lappeenranta
Forward of the Year: Lisa Lee (183-F-84) of Kotka Peli-Karhut
Center of the Year: Niina Laaksonen (185-F/C-85) of Espoo Team
Newcomer of the Year: Niina Laaksonen (185-F/C-85) of Espoo Team
Most Improved Player of the Year: Roosa Lukkarinen (172-G-92) of Catz Lappeenranta
Import Player of the Year: Lisa Lee (183-F-84) of Kotka Peli-Karhut
Domestic Player of the Year: Reetta Piipari (170-G-80) of Catz Lappeenranta
Bosman Player of the Year: Elena Reshetko (184-C/F-86) of Catz Lappeenranta
Defensive Player of the Year: Linda-Lotta Lehtoranta (175-G-91) of Kotka Peli-Karhut
Coach of the Year: Seppo Kurki of Kotka Peli-Karhut

1st Team
Lisa Lee (183-F-84) of Kotka Peli-Karhut
Niina Laaksonen (185-F/C-85) of Espoo Team
Elisa Bue (180-G-86) of Catz Lappeenranta
Reetta Piipari (170-G-80) of Catz Lappeenranta
Elena Reshetko (184-C/F-86) of Catz Lappeenranta

2nd Team
Porchia Green (175-G-87) of Kotka Peli-Karhut
Kenya Robinson (182-C-70) of Aanekosken Huima
Whitney Allen (180-F-85) of Espoo Team
Susanna Rinta (176-G-79) of Espoo Team
Keiva Small (174-G-86) of Aanekosken Huima

Honorable Mention
Juta Jahilo (186-C-84) of Catz Lappeenranta
Venlakaisa Holtta (178-G-84) of Espoo Team
Anette Juvonen (169-G-93) of Kerava Energia Team
Henna Launiainen (167-G-88) of Kotka Peli-Karhut
Yolanda Jones (185-F-84) of Kotka Peli-Karhut
Stephanie Jones (188-F/C-80) of Kotka Peli-Karhut
Maiju Pekkarinen (178-F-84) of Aanekosken Huima
Vilma Kesanen (173-G-88) of Catz Lappeenranta

All-Domestic Players Team
Niina Laaksonen (185-F/C-85) of Espoo Team
Reetta Piipari (170-G-80) of Catz Lappeenranta
Linda-Lotta Lehtoranta (175-G-91) of Kotka Peli-Karhut
Vilma Kesanen (173-G-88) of Catz Lappeenranta
Juta Jahilo (186-C-84) of Catz Lappeenranta

All-Imports Team
Lisa Lee (183-F-84) of Kotka Peli-Karhut
Kenya Robinson (182-C-70) of Aanekosken Huima
Elena Reshetko (184-C/F-86) of Catz Lappeenranta
Elisa Bue (180-G-86) of Catz Lappeenranta
Porchia Green (175-G-87) of Kotka Peli-Karhut

All-Defensive Team
Roosa Lukkarinen (172-G-92) of Catz Lappeenranta
Linda-Lotta Lehtoranta (175-G-91) of Kotka Peli-Karhut
Anette Juvonen (169-G-93) of Kerava Energia Team
Juta Jahilo (186-C-84) of Catz Lappeenranta
Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77) of Kotka Peli-Karhut

All-Newcomers Team
Niina Laaksonen (185-F/C-85) of Espoo Team
Linda-Lotta Lehtoranta (175-G-91) of Kotka Peli-Karhut
Anette Juvonen (169-G-93) of Kerava Energia Team
Roosa Lukkarinen (172-G-92) of Catz Lappeenranta
Janniina Koivunen (184-C-93) of Espoo Team

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FRANCE - Women

Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui voted Player of the Year in LFB - by Eurobasket

Yacoubou-Dehoui

Mitchell

Eldebrink

Bonnan

Eurobasket.com All-French LFB Awards 2009-10

Player of the Year - Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86) of Tarbes Gespe Bigorre
Guard of the Year - Leilani Mitchell (165-G-85) of Arras Pays d'Artois Basket Feminin
Forward of the Year - Mame-Marie Sy (185-F-85) of Reze Nantes Basket 44
Center of the Year - Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui of Tarbes Gespe Bigorre
Newcomer of the Year - Virginie Bremont (178-G-89) of Armentieres SO
Most Improved Player of the Year - Joyce Cousseins (165-G-88) of Cote d'Opale Basket Calais
Bosman Player of the Year - Valeriya Berezhynska (193-C-86) of USO Mondeville
Import Player of the Year - Leilani Mitchell (165-G-85) of Arras Pays d'Artois Basket Feminin
Domestic Player of the Year - Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui of Tarbes Gespe Bigorre
Defensive Player of the Year - Agathe Nnindjem (192-C-80) of Toulouse Metropole Basket
Coach of the Year - Bruno Blier of Arras Pays d'Artois Basket Feminin

1st Team
G: Leilani Mitchell (165-G-85) of Arras Pays d'Artois Basket Feminin
G: Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88) of Tarbes Gespe Bigorre
F: Mame-Marie Sy (185-F-85) of Reze Nantes Basket 44
F: Aurelie Bonnan (187-F-83) of USO Mondeville
C: Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui of Tarbes Gespe Bigorre

2nd Team
G: Jolene Anderson (173-G-86) of Villeneuve D'Asco ESB Lille Metropole
G: Johanne Gomis (177-G-85) of Arras Pays d'Artois Basket Feminin
F: Lenae Williams (186-F-79) of USO Mondeville
F: Charde Houston (185-F-86) of Tarbes Gespe Bigorre
C: Lindsay Taylor (203-C-81) of Reze Nantes Basket 44

Honorable Mention
Agathe Nnindjem (192-C-80) of Toulouse Metropole Basket
Pauline Akonga Nsimbo (187-F/C-82) of Arras Pays d'Artois Basket Feminin
Kathleen Macleod (167-G-86) of Reze Nantes Basket 44
Emilie Gomis (180-G-83) of Villeneuve D'Asco ESB Lille Metropole
Emmeline Ndongue (190-C-83) of Cercle Jean Mace Bourges
Pauline Krawczyk (180-F-85) of Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration Basket
Styliani Kaltsidou (188-C/F-83) of Cercle Jean Mace Bourges
Temeka Johnson (160-G-82) of USO Mondeville

All-Domestic Players Team
G: Joyce Cousseins (165-G-88) of Cote d'Opale Basket Calais
G: Johanne Gomis (177-G-85) of Arras Pays d'Artois Basket Feminin
F: Aurelie Bonnan (187-F-83) of USO Mondeville
F: Mame-Marie Sy (185-F-85) of Reze Nantes Basket 44
C: Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui of Tarbes Gespe Bigorre

All-Imports Team
G: Leilani Mitchell (165-G-85) of Arras Pays d'Artois Basket Feminin
G: Jolene Anderson (173-G-86) of Villeneuve D'Asco ESB Lille Metropole
F: Lenae Williams (186-F-79) of USO Mondeville
F: Charde Houston (185-F-86) of Tarbes Gespe Bigorre
C: Lindsay Taylor (203-C-81) of Reze Nantes Basket 44

All-Bosmans Team
G: Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88) of Tarbes Gespe Bigorre
G/F: Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84) of Tarbes Gespe Bigorre
F/C: Julie Anne Page (188-F/C-83) of Pays d'Aix Basket 13 Provence
C/F: Styliani Kaltsidou (188-C/F-83) of Cercle Jean Mace Bourges
C: Valeriya Berezhynska (193-C-86) of USO Mondeville

All-Newcomers Team
Sarah Michel (178-F/G-89) of Arras Pays d'Artois Basket Feminin
Melanie Plust (173-G-89) of Reze Nantes Basket 44
Virginie Bremont (178-G-89) of Armentieres SO
Doriane Tahane (192-C-89) of Reze Nantes Basket 44

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GERMANY - Women

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Carmen GUZMAN
  Halle
  (175-G-85)
  Avg: 21.8

1. Guzman, Leipzig	21.8
2. Pierce, Rhein MB	19.5
3. Guzman, Halle	17.8
4. Bender, Halle	17.0
5. Paunovic, Freiburg	17.0
6. Hayes, Wasserburg	16.9
7. Terzic, Herner	16.2
8. Danckert, Donau.	15.7
9. Greunke, Rhein MB	15.2
10. Sanders, Leipzig	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

Sabrina SCOTT
  Wolfenbuettel
  (190-C-81)
  Avg: 12.2

1. Scott, Wolfenbu.	12.2
2. Mircheva, Donau.	10.5
3. Tracey, Freiburg	9.6
4. Triggs, Marburg	8.9
5. Almind, Oberhausen	8.5
6. Greunke, Rhein MB	8.1
7. Sanders, Leipzig	7.9
8. Thompson, Rhein MB	7.8
9. Danckert, Donau.	7.7
10. Wilson, Donau-Ries	7.6

Assists Per Game

Romy BAR
  Saarlouis
  (189-F-87)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Bar, Saarlouis	3.5
2. Dluzyk, Donau-Ries	3.4
3. Guzman, Halle	3.0
4. Mersch, Oberhausen	2.8
5. Davidson, Marburg	2.7
6. Pop, Wasserburg	2.7
7. O'Rourke, Herner	2.7
8. Hightower, Herner	2.6
9. Greunke, Rhein MB	2.6
10. Sanders, Leipzig	2.5

Steals Per Game

Carmen GUZMAN
  Halle
  (175-G-85)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Guzman, Leipzig	3.6
2. Sanders, Leipzig	3.5
3. Bar, Saarlouis	3.0
4. Tracey, Freiburg	2.9
5. Austmann, Oberh.	2.4
6. Richter, Wasse.	2.4
7. Guzman, Halle	2.3
8. Hayes, Freiburg	2.3
9. O'Rourke, Herner	2.2
10. Bingham, Saarlouis	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Annika DANCKERT
  Donau-Ries
  (182-F-81)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Danckert, Donau.	1.2
2. Bar, Saarlouis	1.2
3. Bingham, Saarlouis	1.0
4. Triggs, Marburg	1.0
5. Tracey, Freiburg	1.0
6. Diaz, Leipzig	0.9
7. Damm, Halle	0.9
8. Mohr, Opladen	0.8
9. Koop, Marburg	0.8
10. Almind, Oberhausen	0.8

DBBL Round: 1 (Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Saarlouis - Wasserburg 84-88
Wasserburg got to the flying start of their DBBL Finals campaign. They shocked the regular season champions Saarlouis on the road. Ashley Hayes (178-G/F-87, college: Murray St.) knocked down 22 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead the charge. Tamara Tatham (187-F-85, college: Massachusetts) added 15 points in the victory. Kelly Brugman (185-F/C-89) responded with 16 points for the Royals.

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HOLLAND - Women

Eredivisie Quarterfinals start - by Eurobasket News
The quarterfinal stage of the Eredivisie championship got under way. ProBuild Lions and HLB Accountants posted well-expected victories in the opening encounters.
ProBuild Lions outgunned visiting Woonbron/DAS 87:55 to earn a 1-0 lead. The Lions started the game with a 9:0 run and later built a 24:12 advantage. However Reggie Maddox unleashed 11 points in the second frame to help the visitors cut the deficit to just 5 points at the interval. The Lions went on a big rally late in the third frame and opened a comfortable 20-point advantage. The hosts did not look back en route to the win in the fourth quarter. Molly McDowell (178-G-81, college: S.Illinois) scored 24 points to lead the charge. Kati Harty (168-G-87, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) added 22 points for the winners. Tahnee Vogeslang answered with 19 points for Woonbron/DAS.
HLB Accountants prevailed against shot down Celeritas/Donar 81:60. HLB Accountants led by 10 points at halftime 37:27. However the third period doomed Celeritas/Donar as the favorites cleared off to a 21-point distance and coasted to the victory in the reminder of the clash. Marianne Van der Hoek (180-F-90) provided 22 points to lead the winners. Marloes Roetgerink (187-C-77) netted 18 points for HLB Accountants. Rianne De Roos (193-C-89) responded with game-high 23 points for Celeritas.
AutoCAD Amazone knocked down Wereldtickets.nl 65:57 in the first game of the best-of-three series. It was a close battle from start to finish with Amazone eking out the win at the end. Heather Zurich (185-F-87, college: Rutgers) had 22 points and 9 rebounds in the victory. Maaike van de Bovenkamp (177-F-85) finished with 11 points and 8 assists for Amazone.

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HUNGARY - Women

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Irina CRASNOSCIOC
  ZTE
  (192-F-81)
  Avg: 15.9

1. Crasnoscioc, ZTE	15.9
2. Vajda, MiZo Pecs	15.6
3. Radunovic, SEAT L.	15.5
4. Budimir, Bajai NKK	15.2
5. Balint, Atomeromu	14.9
6. Ohlde, MiZo Pecs	14.8
7. Sipaviciute, Szeged	14.8
8. Horti, MKB Eurol.	14.7
9. Szlimak, BSE	14.7
10. Holt, MKB Eurol.	14.0

Rebounds Per Game

Jelena BUDIMIR
  Bajai NKK
  (192-C/F-85)
  Avg: 8.5

1. Budimir, Bajai NKK	8.5
2. Zherzherunov., Sze.	7.4
3. Vajda, MiZo Pecs	7.3
4. Licina, Cegledi EKK	7.2
5. Cazac, Atomeromu	7.0
6. Holt, MKB Eurol.	6.6
7. Farkasinszki, Szolnok	6.6
8. Horti, MKB Eurol.	6.1
9. Radunovic, SEAT L.	6.0
10. Krnjic, MiZo Pecs	6.0

Assists Per Game

Csilla DARIDA
  Szolnok
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 5.6

1. Darida, Szolnok	5.6
2. Ivanyi, MiZo Pecs	5.1
3. Kocsis, BSE	4.5
4. Englert, SEAT L.	3.7
5. Nemeth, Szeged	3.7
6. Pungor, Atomeromu	3.6
7. Iva, Szeged	3.5
8. Eordogh, MKB E.	3.5
9. Furesz, Szeged	3.2
10. Djelmis, SEAT L.	2.9

Steals Per Game

Monika BUKOVSZKI
  ZTE
  (171-G-79)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Bukovszki, ZTE	3.5
2. Ivanyi, MiZo Pecs	3.4
3. Pungor, Atomeromu	3.0
4. Darida, Szolnok	3.0
5. Kocsis, BSE	2.9
6. Vajda, MiZo Pecs	2.9
7. Iva, Szeged	2.9
8. Czank, Vasas-Csata	2.4
9. Szelesy, ZTE	2.4
10. Holt, MKB Eurol.	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Olena ZHERZHERUNOVA
  Szeged
  (191-F-78)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Zherzherunov., Sze.	1.5
2. Ievtushenko, Atome.	1.2
3. Bagi, Vasas-Csata	0.8
4. Varda, BSE	0.8
5. Budimir, Bajai NKK	0.8
6. Vajda, MiZo Pecs	0.7
7. Czukor, ZTE	0.7
8. Ohlde, MiZo Pecs	0.6
9. Crasnoscioc, ZTE	0.6
10. Szelesy, ZTE	0.6

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KAZAKHSTAN - Women

Astana advance to the Finals - by Eurobasket News
Astana Tigers became the first Finalist of the Play-offs as they rolled over Taraz also in Game 2. Astana Tigers did not have any difficulties in the second straight game and reached 96:41 victory. They controlled the game from the beginning until the end and will now wait for their opponent in the Final. The series between Irtysh and Okzhetpes is tied at 1-1. Irtysh responded with 67:57 in Game 2 and will play in the decisive game with Okzhetpes. Game 3 is scheduled for tonight.

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ROMANIA - Women

The favorites go for 12-1 records - by Eurobasket News
Municipal MCM Targoviste and LMK BC Sepsi Sf. Gheorghe improved to 12-1 records on top. Municipal MCM Targoviste smashed SCM CSS Craiova 108:56 as they started with 33-14 in the opening quarter. It was not a big deal to keep the score for good in the rest of the game. The favorites produced 24-16 in the second period and added 33-12 in the third quarter. Moreover SCM CSS Craiova finished the game with 18-14 to prove the ambitions for the top place. Olena Ogorodnikova (186-F-81) top-scored for the winners with 18 points, while Samburska and Uiuiu posted 17 each. Latoya Drake (188-F/C, college: Miami (FL)) responded with 16 points in the losjng effort.
LMK BC Sepsi Sf. Gheorghe meanwhile improved to 12-1 record beating CSM U Oradea 72:43 at home. The home side led from the beginning until the end and reached the victory after the loss in Round 12.
Municipal Satu Mare rolled over ICIM Univ Goldis Arad 74:67 in the top game of the round. The latter grabbed 26-20 after the opening quarter but could not keep the score for good. The hosts won the second and the third periods to triumph in the game. Salimata Diatta (178-F/G-81) paced all the winners with 18 points, while Paula Cristina Ciocan (183-G-82, college: S.Carolina) netted 16. Cherrisse Graham (171-G-82) responded with 16 points and 16 boards in defeat.

2010 All-Star rosters - by Szilveszter Nagy
In this year the Women All-Star Game will be in Drobeta-Turnu Severin at 25th April 2010. The game can be followed LIVE on TVR2 at 16.00 CET. Here are the rosters for the two team:

Romanian players:
AnneMarie Parau (175-G-84, agency: LBM Management) of Municipal MCM Targoviste
Diacona Florina of CSS LMK BC Sepsi Sfantu Gheorghe
Alexandra Uiuiu (180-F-89) of Municipal MCM Targoviste
Monika Boriga (176-G/F-74) of Municipal MCM Targoviste
Paula Cristina Ciocan (183-G-82, college: S.Carolina) of CSM Satu Mare
Ildiko Vass (178-G-78) of CSS LMK BC Sepsi Sfantu Gheorghe
Bianca Vescan (186-C-78) of CSS LMK BC Sepsi Sfantu Gheorghe
Anita Meszaros (190-C-88) of BC ICIM Arad
Bianca Blanaru (192-C-95) of CSS Bega BC Danzio Timisoara
Cristina Bigica (180-F-92) of CS Olimpia Bucuresti
Gabriela Toma (192-C-74) of Municipal MCM Targoviste
Claudia Pop (186-F-89, agency: LBM Management) of CSM Satu Mare

Coach: Fleseriu Dan of CSM Satu Mare and Piperea Madalin of CS Teleorman Alexandria

Rest of the World players:
Chrissy Givens (180-F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Middle Tenn.St.) of Municipal MCM Targoviste
Olena Ogorodnikova (186-F-81) of Municipal MCM Targoviste
Tena Matthews (173-G-85, agency: GameFace Entertainment LLC, college: Northwestern St.) of SCM CSS U Craiova
Irena Matovic (186-F-88) of CSS LMK BC Sepsi Sfantu Gheorghe
Shay Doron (175-F-85, college: Maryland) of Municipal MCM Targoviste
Kristen Rasmussen (188-C-78, college: Michigan St.) of CSS LMK BC Sepsi Sfantu Gheorghe
Biljana Savic (191-C-83) of BC ICIM Arad
Linda Frohlich (188-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management, college: UNLV) of Municipal MCM Targoviste
Alessandra Santos (200-C-73) of CSS LMK BC Sepsi Sfantu Gheorghe
Cherrisse Graham (171-G-82) of BC ICIM Arad
Tiffany Brown (165-G-86, college: Georgia Southern) of CSM U Oradea
Allyson Hardy (170-G-83, college: Bowie St.) of CSM Satu Mare

Coach: Nolan Stacey of BC ICIM Arad and Veres Attila of CSS LMK BC Sepsi Sfantu Gheorghe

Standings - Women

D1 Standings

A1
1. Targoviste		12-1
2. Sf. Gheorghe		12-1
3. ICIM Arad		8-5
4. Alexandria		7-6
5. Satu Mare		7-6
6. Craiova		4-9
7. Oradea		1-12
8. Rapid Bucuresti		1-12
A2
1. Alba Iulia		9-2
2. Olimpia		8-3
3. Cluj Napoca		7-4
4. Iasi		6-5
5. Sp.Studentesc		4-6
6. Timisoara		3-8
7. Brasov		1-10

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TURKEY - Women

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Michelle CAMPBELL
  Ceyhan Bld
  (188-F-84)
  Avg: 21.4

1. Campbell, Ceyhan Bld	21.4
2. Frazee, Cankaya	19.2
3. Prince, Botas	19.1
4. Pringle, TED K.	18.7
5. Sales, Besiktas	17.9
6. Taylor, Fenerbahce	16.9
7. Ervin, Ceyhan Bld	16.9
8. Hodges, Istanbul.	16.8
9. Paris, Botas	16.8
10. Johnson, TED K.	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Lauren ERVIN
  Ceyhan Bld
  (191-F-85)
  Avg: 12.5

1. Ervin, Ceyhan Bld	12.5
2. Paris, Botas	12.2
3. Pringle, TED K.	11.8
4. Frazee, Cankaya	11.7
5. Sevinc, Kocaeli	10.1
6. Black, Tarsus Bld	10.1
7. Dacic, Besiktas	9.7
8. Campbell, Ceyhan Bld	9.0
9. Larkins, Mersin	8.9
10. Santos, Besiktas	8.3

Assists Per Game

Sharnee ZOLL
  Botas
  (170-G-86)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Zoll, Botas	6.1
2. January, Tarsus Bld	4.2
3. Vardarli, Fener.	4.0
4. Unuvar, Cankaya	3.9
5. Johnson, TED K.	3.9
6. Hodges, Istanbul.	3.9
7. Brooks, Cankaya	3.9
8. Catchings, Galatasa.	3.7
9. McBride, TED K.	3.7
10. Yillar, Kocaeli	3.7

Steals Per Game

Tamika CATCHINGS
  Galatasaray
  (186-F-79)
  Avg: 3

1. Catchings, Galatasa.	3.0
2. Prince, Botas	2.8
3. Chaney, Samsun	2.6
4. January, Tarsus Bld	2.4
5. Gant, Istanbul.	2.3
6. Penn, Istanbul.	2.3
7. Pringle, TED K.	2.2
8. Smith, Ceyhan Bld	2.2
9. Ajavon, Fenerbahce	2.1
10. Sales, Besiktas	2.0

Blocks Per Game

LaToya PRINGLE
  TED Kayseri
  (191-F/C-86)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Pringle, TED K.	2.4
2. Dacic, Besiktas	1.4
3. Black, Tarsus Bld	1.2
4. Alyoshkina, Samsun	1.0
5. Ervin, Ceyhan Bld	1.0
6. Sutton-Brown, Fenerb.	0.9
7. Paris, Botas	0.9
8. Engin, Mersin	0.8
9. Gaither, Samsun	0.7
10. Larkins, Mersin	0.7

TBBL Round: 1 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Mersin - Besiktas 86-81
Mersin managed to beat Besiktas and to take 2-0 lead in the Playoff Quarterfinals. As a reminder, four best ranked teams from the regular season were automatically awarded with 1-0 at this stage. Ivory Latta (168-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: N.Carolina) top-scored for the hosts with 21 points, while Barbara Turner (183-G/F-84, college: Connecticut) followed her with 3 points less. In the loosing squad, Shavonte Zellous (178-G-86, college: Pittsburgh) collected 26 points and 5 boards.

Galatasaray - Tarsus Bld 82-61
Easy one for Galatasaray, who is 2-0 up now. Katie Douglas stepped up for the hosts with 23 points, Tamika Catchings (186-F-79, college: Tennessee) had 17 points and 12 boards, while Sophia Young (186-F-83, college: Baylor) added 15 pts and 10 rebs in this victory. In Tarsus, Chante Black (196-C-85, college: Duke) delivered 13 pts.

Botas - TED Kayseri 85-84
Botas escaped in thriller against TED Kayseri getting 27 points and 12 rebounds from Courtney Paris (193-C-87, college: Oklahoma). Seda Tabakci (185-F-85, agency: Ates Ceren) secured a nice help adding 23 pts and 6 boards. For the guests, Vickie Johnson (177-G/F-72, college: Louisiana Tech) shined with 23 points and 7 rebs.

Fenerbahce - Ceyhan Bld 96-79
Expected win by powerful Fenerbahce, who has 2-0 lead now. Nevriye Yilmaz (195-C-80, agency: Ates Ceren) came up with 23 points in this victory, while Penelope Taylor (185-F-81) added 21 points and 6 assists. Nicole Powell (188-G/F-82, college: Stanford) helped with 18 points and 5 boards. For the visiting side, Lauren Ervin (191-F-85, college: Arkansas) collected 30 points and 8 boards.

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UNITED KINGDOM - Women

UWIC v Northumbria semi final preview - by Eurobasket News
By Dave Ryan

UWIC Archers (2) v Team Northumbria (6)
Saturday April 24 tip-off 2.00pm
Follow the Live Stats

League record: Archers 17-3; Northumbria 11-9
Full record: Archers 20-4; Northumbria 12-10
Head-to-head: Archers 2 Northumbria 0
Team Northumbria will aim to end a run of five straight losses against UWIC Archers when the teams meet at the Amaechi Centre in the playoff semi-final on Saturday.

When the teams met in late October, the game was surprisingly one-sided, with Archers winning 89-38. Kate Butters had a 16 point, ten rebound double-double, with Sarah Wagstaff scoring 15 and Mia Spasowska 14 points for Archers, while Ruth Davidson was the only Northumbria player in double figures with 13.

It was a lot closer when the two sides met in January, with Archers winning 86-70 in the north east.

Mia Spasowska gave the visitors a lead with 2:44 on the clock and it was Archers who went into the first break leading 20-17. Archers kept ahead throughout the second period and although Northumbria's Ruth Davison (173-G-90) scored the final basket of the half, it was UWIC who led 42-35 going into the locker-room. An Abi Scott basket levelled the score after two second half minutes as Northumbria made a good start, but UWIC answered with an 11-1 run to take control of the game and they went into the final break 63-53 ahead.

A pair of Clark free-throws made it a four point game with two and half minutes remaining, but the home never scored again leaving UWIC to wrap up the victory with a 12-0 run.

Clark finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds for Northumbria, with Davison and Laura Calder each adding 12. Spasowska led Archers with 18, with Stef Collins hitting 15 and both Kate Butters and Nicki Avery (178-F) chipping in with 12.

UWIC also won two high scoring match-ups last year. Twenty-four Meagan Hoffman points helped the Archers to a thrilling 108-101 overtime victory when the teams met on the same court in December 2008, with.Northumbria coming back from eight points down at the end of the third period to force OT. Northumbria again overcame a deficit (six points) at the end of the third to force an extra period in the return, before going down 110-108.

The 2007/8 season saw Northumbria win 68-53 at home on the opening day of the league season, but Archers gained revenge 105-78 victory later in the campaign.
Courtesy of: https://www.englandbasketball.co.uk

Hatters-Barking Abbey semi preview - by Eurobasket News
By Dave Ryan

City of Sheffield Hatters (1) v Barking Abbey (5)
Saturday April 24 tip-off 12.00pm
Follow the Live Stats

League record: Hatters 17-1; Abbey 12-8
Full record: Hatters 22-1; Abbey 13-9
Head-to-head: Hatters 2 Abbey 0

The Sheffield Hatters will look to maintain their perfect record against Barking Abbey when the two sides meet in the playoff semi-final on Saturday.

The teams clashed in east London in early November and the Hatters continued their defence of the Division One title with an 83-50 victory.

Abbey started strongly, leading 16-12 at the first break, but a strong second period - in which Hatters outscored the hosts 30-5 - quickly ended any hopes of an upset. Sheffield won the third period 19-14 to lead 61-35 at the final break before closing out the win with a 22-15 fourth period.

Australian guard, and Division 1 Player of the Year, Natalie Stafford led Abbey with 31 points, with only Jamila Thompson joining her in double figures with ten. Emma Camp (23), Shanna Oaddams (18) and Helen Naylor (180-F-87) (18) led Sheffield to victory.

When the teams met again in mid-March, Hatters clinched their 16th Women's Division One regular season title with a comfortable 71-38 victory.

The visitors travelled to the Steel City without Division One's leading scorer Stafford due to illness and they made the worst possible start as they were outscored 19-4 in the first period.

Hatters shaded the second quarter 16-15 to lead by 16 at half-time, but they stepped up to seal the game with a 22-5 third period and a 24-14 final stanza.

Katie Crowley led all scorers with 16 as Hatters won their third title in succession, with Helen Naylor and Lisa Hutchinson (173-G-83) each adding 12. Thompson led Abbey with eight points, with Harriett Yea and Ella Clark each hitting seven.

The teams didn't meet until the final fortnight of last season, with Hatters winning 77-40 in East London and 93-38 at home the following week.
Courtesy of:https://www.englandbasketball.co.uk