Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 12/7/2008

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Men News

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ABA

Official announcement on CBA and ABA Inter-league games - by Gianni Pascucci

The American Basketball Association (ABA) and the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) announced that the two professional basketball leagues will initiate inter-league play beginning Thursday, December 11th with a game between the ABA Kentucky Bisons and the CBA East Kentucky Miners. According to Joe Newman , ABA CEO, 'This game between two strong Kentucky teams will be the first of 42 games to be played in the ABA/CBA Inter-League series. Major league baseball has done it with the NL vs the AL as has the NCAA having inter-conference play. This is an historic event and we believe the series will be something very special.' Speaking on behalf of the CBA, Jim Coyne , GM of the CBA Albany Patroons, added: 'In this economy, both leagues feel that the fans and the leagues are the winners. The fans will see exciting inter-league play among the best basketball athletes outside of the NBA with a variety of regional teams visiting both leagues' arenas. The games should be very competitive and it will also provide more affordable travel arrangements. CBA teams participating are the Albany Patroons, East Kentucky Miners, and Minot Skyrockets. ABA teams will include the Montreal Matrix, Jersey Express, Cleveland Rockers, New York Internationalz, West Virginia Blazers, West Virginia Wild, Georgia Gwizzlies, Knoxville Thunderbolts, Kentucky Bisons, Maywood Buzz, Salt Lake City Saints, Kansas City Spartans and Chicago Steam.
ABA Rules will be used for the ABA home games; CBA rules will be used for the CBA home games. The series will run from December 11th through January 15th. Please check www.cbahoopsonline.com or www.abalive.com for additional details.

SETX Mustangs announce roster - by Gianni Pascucci

The Southeast Texas Mustangs ended their first Veterans Training Camp on Friday and have announced their 12 man Active Roster. This by far the most talented team that Ive ever coached! stated Mustangs Head Coach Steve Tucker . We have the potential to truly be a special team and challenge for the ABA Championship! The Mustangs have six former ABA All-Stars on their roster led by Power Forward DeRon Rutledge (6'6''-F-75, college: Tex.A&M-Kingsv.), who is a 20 point, double figure rebounder for his career. Rutledge welcomes former All-Stars Donald Harris, Jerry Williams (6'7''-F-79), Jamaal Davis (6'9''-F-79, college: Cincinnati), Alvin Jefferson (6'9''-C/F-74, college: Auburn) and Anthony Lumpkin (6'1''-G-78, college: SW Oklahoma St.).
Here is the Mustangs Roster that will open the season:

Tim Pledger (6'1-170-Guard-Delta State U)
Anthony Lumpkin (6'1-170-Guard-Southeast Missouri State U)
Donald Harris (6'4-190-Guard/Forward-U Texas-Arlington)
Steven Alexander (6'4-190-Guard/Forward-Lambuth U)
Keith Richardson (5'10-180-Guard-Illinois State U) - R
Jerry Williams (6'6-235-Forward-Cumberland U)
Currye Todd (6'5-190-Forward/Guard-Lamar U) - R
DeRon Rutledge (6'6-240-Forward-Texas A & M-Kingsville U)
Lamar Sanders (6'7-240-Forward-Lamar U) - R
Donnie Jackson (6'9-220-Forward/Center-Southern Utah U)
Alvin Jefferson (6'10-260-Center/Forward-Auburn U)
Johnny Tyson (6'11-250-Center/Forward-Central Oklahoma U)
Jamaal Davis - (6'10-180-Forward/Center-U Cincinnati)
Julius Lamptey (7'1-280-Center-HS-Oklahoma City)

The Mustangs will host the Houston Takers in their ABA regular season opener at home next Saturday night, December 6th. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 PM.

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Union Olimpija fired coach Dzikic and co-president Vilfan - by Zeljko Zule
Losing to DKV Joventut by 21 points Thursday night in Euroleague game, apparently was the last straw for Union Olimpija to make a coaching change. Aleksandar Dzikic , who had guided Slovenian coach to a disappointment 1-5 start in Euroleague and 4-6 in NLB Adriatic League, has been fired.
When Union Olimpija host tonight Hemofarm, Gasper Potocnik will direct the team as interim coach. Dzikic was fired several hours after Spanish teamd routed Union Olimpija 85-65.
Union Olimpija parted ways with co-president Peter Vilfan, too.

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Baltic-League Round: 13 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News

Group ChallengeCup

Sakalai - Techasas 80-78
Sakalai stayed on top of Group A of the Challenge Cup as they eked out an 80:78 win over Techasas at home court. Vilmantas Dilys knocked down a pair of freebies late in regulation to secure the winning outcome for Sakalai in this one. Arvydas Siksnius led the way with 16 points. Vytautas Sarakauskas added 14 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Marius Janisius answered with 19 points and 12 boards for Techasas.

Norrkoping - VEF Riga 94-92
Norrkoping narrowed the gap on one of the league leaders VFK Riga sneaking past them in Sweden. The Dolphins needed an overtime to settle the affair. Kenny Grant nailed a three-pointer with 8 seconds left in regulation to send the game into extra period. There Joe McNaull nailed 6 points and Joakim Kjellbom stepped up with go-ahead free throws with 7 seconds left to ensure the win for the hosts. Joe McNaull finished with 22 points for Norrkoping. Kenny Grant secured 17 points in the win. Evgeniy Kolesnikov answered with 27 points for VEF Riga as they suffered just the second defeat in the season.

Tallinna Kalev - Techasas 87-86
Tallinna Kalev overcame a 5-point fourth frame deficit to knock down Techasas at home court. Erki Kivinukk stepped up with 20 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Johnny Gray added 19 points for the Estonian team. Darius Griskenas answered with 16 points for Panevezys in the losing case.

Group Elite Group

TU/Rock - Kalev/Cramo 83-87
Kalev/Cramo pulled away with a tough overtime victory over TU/Rock in the Estonian derby in the Elite Division championship. Kalev led by two points with 39 seconds left in regulation however Giorgi Tsintsandze sent the game into extra time. Rait Keerles nailed four free throws in the final 25 seconds of overtime to seal this one for Kalev. Nate Fox finished with 24 points for the Nenad Vucinic team. Kristjan Kangur dropped 18 points as Kalev improved at 5-4 record. Giorgi Tsintsadze answered with 27 points for TU/Rock as they fell at 4-5 mark.

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BELGIUM

D1 Round: 11 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Liege - Charleroi 73-79
Spirou Basket Charleroi was better than Belgacom Liege Basket on the road staying on top of D1 with almost perfect 8-1 record. Wes Wilkinson top-scored for the winning squad with 20 points. At the same time he grabbed 5 more rebounds. Justin Cage answered with 15 points for the hosts (just one missed shot). His Liege now has 4-6.

Oostende - Verviers-Pep. 100-85
Devin Green and Matt Haryasz combined 49 points, 18 rebounds and 8 assists for Base BC Oostende leading it to third victory this season (3-7). On the other side, VOO Verviers-Pepinster dropped on 2-8 despite 30 points by Adrian Banks.

Leuven - M.Hainaut 74-75
Nice road victory for Dexia Mons-Hainaut, who jumped on 8-2 score. Ben Ebong nailed 15, while Caleb Green had one point less for the visitors. Green also pulled down 6 rebounds beside that. Spotter Leuven got 16 points from Parfait Bitee (4-6).

Gent - Antwerp 56-62
6-4 for Antwerp Diamond Giants and 2-8 for Optima Gent after this round. Timothy Black collected 12 points and 8 rebounds for the Giants, while Brandon Freeman netted 17 for the loosing side.

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BOSNIA

Standings - BIH League

D1 Standings

1. Igokea	9-1
2. Zrinjski MC	9-1
3. Sloboda Dita	8-2
4. BoracNektar	7-3
5. Siroki Eronet	6-4
6. SL IAT Leotar	6-4
7. Slavija	5-5
8. Mladost MG	4-6
9. Grude	4-7
10. Hercegovac	3-7
11. Posusje	3-8
12. Vitez	2-8
13. Novi Grad	0-10
Will join on later stage:
1. Bosna S.	-

KK Slavija hires Adel Prasovic - by Nedzad Kladusak
Boban Stanojevic decided to hire young coach Adel Prasovic for his coaching staff.
Stanojevic worked already four years with him when he has been assistant coach in KK Bosna.
After Prasovic supported the coaching staff since august 2008 KK Slavija to appoint him to assistant coach.
Prasovic is known to be a specialist for individual work. He worked three years individually with NT members Mujo Tuljkovic and Anesa Hamsic.
Through his work as head coach of KK Ilidza he discovered several well-known names like NT players Edin Bavcic (210-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket), Aldin Klinac (211-C-90), Emir Besovic (208-C-90) and Emir Kobaslic one of the most promising young prospects in BIH.
In KK Slavija he will meet Elnis Prasovic (204-F-84) and Sabahudin Hodzic (217-C-84, college: Casper CC) who have been aquired by Slavija on his
recommendation and are now some of the major pillars of KK Slavija.

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BULGARIA

Levski beat Spartak in derby game of NBL - by Valentin Anguelov

Levski took revenge for the loss in Pleven in the first game with Spartak and won today in an intriguing contest by 103-86 in Sofia. The hosts dictated the play during the match and at times their lead went up to 17 or 18 points. The players of Spartak showed character and every time Levski pulled away they got back immediately in the game.

With 2.45 to play the ex-Levski player Rob Preston cut the deficit to 88-82 but this was the closest Spartak got. Until the end Levski outscored the visitors 15 to 4 points and deserved the win. This was 7th win for the players of Konstantin Papazov and by this they are now alone in second place ahead of Spartak and Cherno More with 6 wins and 3 losses.

The big enigma for Spartak Pleven today was Marcus Hall (185-G-85, college: Colorado). The American played his best game so far and scored the amazing 41 points, including 7 three-pointers. He added also 3 assists and 3 steals to make him MVP of round 9 in NBL.

The captain Stefan Georgiev added 23 points and 6 rebounds before fouling out while the other American in the team Dwayne Morton finished with 10 points and 8 rebounds.
Very good coming from the bench played Tsvetelin Ivanov who ended this game with 7 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 block for his team's success.

From the visitors starting line up only Vladimir Marinov couldn't score in double digits but the bench of Darin Velikov managed to score only 6 points.

Preston recorded a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds, Sasha Topchov scored 19 while Iliya Stankov 17 for the visitors.

Papazov's players outrebounded their opponents 39-28 and compensated their big number of turnovers - 19.

So after the good first win in the Eurohold Balkan League against Mega Hypo Leasing now Levski finished the week with very important win to secure the second place in the standings for now. Now Levski will host Dinamo Bucharest on thursday and then will have two visits first to Rilski Sportist than to Euroins Cherno More until the end of the year.

Spartak Pleven will host Euroins Cherno More next friday and then visit Sliven in Yambol for last game of the year for them.

FULL STATS OF LEVSKI - SPARTAK PLEVEN GAME

Euroins Cherno More survived versus Yambol - by Valentin Anguelov
The team of Yambol had a chance to win in Varna against the local team Euroins Cherno More but they came short at the end. With 55 seconds to play American center Byron Sanders could have tied the game from the free throw line but scored only once to make it 72-71. The ball was still for Yambol because of a flagrant foul by Michael Earl but Pavel Marinov lost the ball and then the youngster Aleksandar Yanev was fouled and scored both free throws to make it 74-71. With one second to go Govedarov scored the first and missed the second free throw but none of his teammates grabbed the ball and the game finished 74-72.

Yambol started very well the game and took 9-4 lead. The hosts were making a lot of turnovers and their shooting was bad and after the first ten minutes the visitors were ahead 17-13.

The second quarter was very close. The hosts tied the game for less than a minute of play. Then both teams started to exchange leads and after three ties Cherno More was in front 41-40 at the halftime.

After the break the hosts's lead went up to 61-51 but near the end of the third quarter the visitors cut it down to 5. Michael Earl scored 14 points only in this quarter. The hosts starter very well the last quarter but in the final minutes the visitors were down only by a point and unfortunately for them couldn't turn the things around.

Top scorer for the hosts was Corey McIntosh (183-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Iowa St.) with 23 adding also 6 assists.

For Yambol two players finished with double-double. Byron Sanders with 16 points and 10 rebounds and Kirilo Skumatov with 15 and 11.

FULL STATS OF THE EUROINS CHERNO MORE YAMBOL GAME

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CBA

Official announcement on CBA and ABA Inter-league games - by Gianni Pascucci

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CHINA

CBA Round: 9 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Xinjiang - TianJin R. 110-100
Xinjiang remained on top with 8-1 record after Regular Season Round 9. The favorite overcame Tianjin 110:100 behind 25 points from Juan Mendez. Myron Allen had 24 points and 7 assists, while Xue Yuyang scored 15 points. Theron Smith collected 37 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals for Tianjin.

Shaanxi - Beijing 99-89
Shanxi had six players in the roster but defeated Beijing 99:89. Lee Benson shined for the winners with 25 points, 20 rebounds and 6 assists, while Brandon Robinson top-scored with 27 points and 12 rebounds. Dontae Jones posted 31 points and 15 rebounds for Beijing.

Shanxi Zh. - Jilin 124-86
Shanxi Zhongyu smashed Jilin 124:86 for 6-3 record. Zhang Jinshuai led Zhongyu with 22 points, whilst Yu Tao scored 15. Leon Rogers paced Jilin with 25 points.

Shandong - Qingdao DS 108-78
Shandong overwhelmed Qingdao 108:78 at home. Mack Tuck collected 30 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals. Amal McCaskill produced 27 points and 11 rebounds for Qingdao.

Liaoning - Yunnan 101-91
Liaoning overcame Yunnan 101:91 behind 30 points from Yang Ming. Liu Xiangtao followed him with 24 points and Li Xiaoxu had 12 points and 11 rebounds. Muoneke Gabe shined with 39 points in the losing effort.

Guandong - Jiangsu 103-91
Guandong improved to 7-2 after the win over Jiangsu 103:91. Wang Shipeng had 33 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, whilst Jason Dixon added 19 points and 14 rebounds. Jameel Watkins collected 37 points and 14 rebounds for Jiangsu.

DongGuan - Shanghai 113-99
Dongguan is also on top with 8-1 record after 113:99 triumph over Shanghai. Meng Duo had 24 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Luo Xudong paced Shanghai with 24 points and 5 assists.

Fujian - Bayi 86-96
Fujian lost at home to Bayi 86:96 as Li Nan scored 30 points and Wang Lei added 28 for the winners. Matt Frieje produced 25 points and 10 rebounds for Fujian while Liu Yudong had 15 points and 9 rebounds.

Zhejiang G. - Zhejiang C. 94-102
Zhejiang Cyclones outscored Zhejiang Guangsha 102:94. Samuel Hoskin poured in 32 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, while Kirk Snyder had 23 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Kasib Powell had 26 points in the losing effort.

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CYPRUS

A1 Stats Leaders

A1 - Regular Season Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Greer, Keravnos 125
2 Anderson, AEK 112
3 Bradford, Achilleas 106
4 Zujovic, Achilleas 98
5 Grgat, Achilleas 93
6 Smith, Omonia 89

Rebounds Per Game

1 Trisokas, Kerav. 50
2 Van De Hare, AEK 46
3 Grgat, Achilleas 42
4 Garcia, Apoel 39
5 Collins, Etha 37

Assists Per Game

1 Foreman, ENAD 33
2 Smith, Omonia 30
3 Andreson, AEK 23
4 Cooper, Apoel 21
5 Bradford, Achilleas 19

Steals Per Game

1 Taylor, AEL 16
2 Formenan, ENAD 11
3 McClendon, Achilea 10
4 Rosnowski, Apollon 9
5 Trisokkas, Keravnos

Blocks Per Game

1 Van De Harre, AEK 8
2 Davis, AEK 7
3 Trepalovac, Etha 5
4 Radojevic, AEL 5
4 Van Dorpe, Apoel 5
4 Buckman,Keravnos 5

2FGP

1 Brown, Apolon 81.5%
2 Taylor, AEL 69%
3 Andreson, AEK 64.5%
4 Damjavic, Kerav 64.5%
5 Grgat, Achilleas 62%

3FGP

1 Rosnowsk, Apol 47.5%
2 Matic, ENAD 47%
3 Greer, Keravnos 44.5%
2 Zujovic, Achilleas 39%
5 Bradford, Achileas 38%

Free Throws

1 Greer, Keravnos 80.0
2 Sims, Apollon 80
2 Radunovic, Apoel 80
3 Smith, Omonia 80
4 Neofitou, Omonia 75
5 Damjanovic, Kerav 75

Ranking

1 Greer, Keravnos
2 Mijovic, Omonia
2 Radunovic, Apoel
3 Anderson, AEK
3 Zujovic, Achilleas
4 Smith, Omonia
5 Sims, Apollon

Standings - Division B

Division B Standings

1. Digenis	6-0
2. Doxa	4-1
3. A.Yermasogias	4-1
4. APOP Paphou	4-2
5. Olympos A.	3-2
6. Asteras	3-2
7. Achilleas Agrou	3-3
8. Philips Coll.	3-3
9. Athanasiou	3-3
10. Paralimni	2-3
11. Argonaftes	1-5
12. Enosis K.	0-5
13. Onisilos	0-6

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CZECH REPUBLIC

NBL Round: 16 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Kolin - Geofin 68-83
Geofin continued to chase Nymburk as they cruised past Kolin for the 12th win in the season. Kenny Walker secured 16 points and 11 boards for Geofin. Emanuel Ubilla topscored with 21 points for the winners. Jonas Brown answered with 22 points for Kolin in the loss.

Pardubice - Liberec 96-78
Pardubice eased past Liberec to the sixth win in the tournament. Lavell Sanders notched 25 points and 12 boards to pace the winners. David Steffel came up with 21 points for Pardubice. Maurice Hampton responded with 22 points for Liberec in the loss. Martin Marek finished with 15 points as the visitors fell at 6-9 record.

Nymburk - Ostrava 98-50
Nymburk posted the 15th straight win in the season as they still have no team to stop them in the NBL. Seven players scored in double figures and Nymburk raced past Ostrava. Goran Jagodnik led the way with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Michal Kremen, Blake Schilb and Ladislav Sokolovsky had 12 points each for the winning side. Marcus Arnold stepped up with 20 points for Ostrava.

Decin - Prostejov 80-82
Prostejov denied a 7-point deficit in the fourth term to snatch an 82:80 victory over Decin on the road today. Rashaan Ames nailed a goe-ahead jumper and Jaroslav Prasil sealed the winning outcome for Prostejov from the stripe in the crunch time. Shaun Pruitt chipped in 23 points, while Ian Hanavan added 22 points to lead the visitors. William Hatcher responded with 23 points and 6 assists for Decin.

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D-LEAGUE

Standings

D-League Standings

Central Division
1. Iowa E.	4-0
2. Sioux Falls S.	3-1
3. Erie BH	2-2
4. Dakota W.	1-2
5. Ft.Wayne MA	1-3
Southwest Division
1. Colorado 14ers	2-0
2. Rio Grande VV	2-2
3. Austin T.	2-3
4. Albuquerque T.	1-3
5. Tulsa 66ers	0-3
West Division
1. Bakersfield J.	4-1
2. Idaho S.	3-0
3. Utah F.	2-2
4. LA D-Fenders	1-2
5. Anaheim A.	1-3
6. Reno B.	1-3

Luke Jackson Re-Joins Idaho Stampede - by Surujh Roopnarine
Idaho Stampede: Re-signed former Oregon Duck star Luke Jackson (6'7''-F/G-81, college: Oregon). Jackson appeared in 19 games for the Stampede last season, including the championship game, averaging 13.3 points per game, 3.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season. Most recently, Jackson was a member of the Portland Trail Blazers this summer but was released to cut down to the 15 man roster.
This will be Jacksons third season with the Idaho Stampede. During his tenure, he has been called up to the NBA three times. During the 2006-07 season he was signed by the Los Angeles Clippers and the Toronto Raptors. Last season he started the season with the Raptors, was sent to the Stampede and was then called up to the Miami Heat.
To make room for Jackson on the Stampedes ten man roster the Stampede announce the release of Anthony Coleman (6'11''-C/F-82, college: Long Beach St.) from Long Beach State.

Tulsa 66ers: Announced that Ryan Humphrey (6'8''-F-79, college: Notre Dame) has been cleared to play and has joined the 66ers active roster. Humphrey, a 68 forward from Booker T. Washington high school in Tulsa and Notre Dame, was allocated to the 66ers prior to the 2008 D-League Draft. Humphrey, originally drafted with the 19th pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, has played in 85 NBA games with Memphis and Orlando, averaging 2.3 points and 2.2 rebounds. To make room for Humphrey, the 66ers released forward Antoine Jordan (6'5''-G-83, college: Siena).

Last Night in the D-League - by Surujh Roopnarine
Iowa Energy (126) at Ft. Wayne Mad Ants (120) OT
ENERGY: Courtney Sims (6'11''-C-83, agency: Passing Lane, college: Michigan) (34pt+14rb+5to), Cartier Martin (26pt+5rb), Curtis Stinson (18pt+10rb+5as), Othyus Jeffers (13pt+7rb)
MAD ANTS: Chris Hunter (6'11''-F/C-84, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Michigan) (31pt+13rb), Walker Russell (16pt+6rb+20as+7to), Shawn Hawkins (19pt+10rb), Coleman Collins (17pt+7rb)

Erie BayHawks (67) at Sioux Falls Skyforce (93)
BAYHAWKS: Erik Daniels (6'9''-G/F-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Kentucky) (20pt+14rb), Jackie Manuel (10pt+9rb), Ivan Harris (10pt), Oliver Lafayette (8pt+5as)
SKYFORCE: Bobby Jones (6'7''-F-84, college: Washington) (26pt+15rb+5to), Gary Forbes (19pt), Frank Williams (17pt+6to), Chris Alexander (11pt+7rb)

Albuquerque Thunderbirds (102) at Tulsa 66ers (93) OT
T-BIRDS: Will Conroy (6'2''-G-82, college: Washington) (31pt+6rb+9as+6to), Cory Underwood (21pt+9rb), Kris Clack (14pt+5rb+5st), David Noel (11pt+7rb)
66ERS: Moses Ehambe (6'6''-G/F, agency: Interperformances, college: ORU) (26pt), Ronald Dupree (21pt+5as), Chris Richard (13pt+8rb), Jeremy Kelly (8pt+8as)

Idaho Stampede (105) at Austin Toros (94)
STAMPEDE: Jermareo Davidson (6'10''-F-84, college: Alabama) (23pt+10rb), Coby Karl (18pt), Jamaal Tatum (19pt), Brent Petway (14pt)
TOROS: Marcus Williams (6'7''-F-86, college: Arizona) (32pt+6rb), Malik Hairston (14pt), Charles Gaines (8pt+12rb), Andre Brown (13pt)

Reno BigHorns (81) at Utah Flash (101)
BIGHORNS: Antonio Meeking (6'8''-F-81, college: Louisiana Tech) (20pt), Damone Brown (17pt+6rb), Jesse Smith (10pt), Dave Noel (9pt)
FLASH: J.R. Giddens (6'5''-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) (24pt+9rb+5to), Bill Walker (19pt), Carlos Wheeler (13pt), Bennet Davis (11pt+7rb)

Bakersfield Jam (116) at Anaheim Arsenal (105)
JAM: Nick Lewis (6'10''-F/C-83, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: San Diego) (21pt+10rb), Jeff Trepagnier (21pt), Trey Johnson (20pt+7rb), Richard Hendrix (13pt+9rb)
ARSENAL: Noel Felix (6'9''-C/F-81, college: Fresno St.) (23pt+7rb), Tierre Brown (21pt+6rb+7as), Mike Efevberha (18pt+9rb), Cedric Bozeman (18pt+8rb)

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ESTONIA

EMKL PROBLEMS LOOMING! - by Ozell Wells
Before this week's game with Tallinna Kalev (03.12.08) most players of SK Kuremaa team decided not to go to the game, with the reason being non payment of salaries for months and no hope.
'We understand that money is hard to find nowadays, but we wish to get at least part of salaries.', said one of players, wishing to stay anonymus.
'Many of us have families to take care of, we cant play all season without salary', he said, hoping that this not going to game action makes leaders of club to take some kind of steps.
Leaders of the team plan to replace missing players with boys from first league team.
'Those young guys are not on mastersleague level yet...' said Ass.coach of SK Kuremaa Tonu Lust .
As a direct result of the non payment issue, SK Kuremaa player Martin Viiask (206-C-83, agency: Interperformances) entered into negotiations with Tallinn Technical Univ. KK club, and Valga Welg/Kolmvedu is interested in hiring former player Heiko Rannula (186-G-83) and lastly, Estonian veteran center Ardo Armpalu (207-F/C-80, agency: Court Side, college: Marshall) wants to leave the club, and is currently testing in Ukraine with ,Ferro-ZNTU Zaporozhye.
'Seemes like 3 players are gone,the rest of team lives day by day..' are comments from Erik Dorbek (196-F/G-82). 'We made some kind of deal with club last days, but nothing is sure in longer perspective. Situation is still complicated, i cant predict what cast of players will be represented in next game' said Dorbek.

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EUROLEAGUE

Panathinaikos broke another record! - by Chris Mammides
Zeljko Obradovic 's 150th European victory and the 300th victory of Panathinaikos for in the Euroleague are as of Thursday, 4th of December, 2008 fact. The victory took place in Kaunas against the (once upon a time) queen of the Lithuanian basketball, Zalgiris was historic for Panathinaikos, and as mentioned before both the Greens and Coach Zeljko Obradovic reached some unbelievable levels in Euroleague.
In regards to the game now there are not really many details as the game was a continuous monologue for the Greens and they showed their mood to get a fast road win from the very first quarter. Batiste and Fotsis were magnificent in the fist quarter with Jasikevicius being in a very familiar court added some points and some more assists. The difference was steady from the beginning to the end with Panathinaikos changing gear whenever Jankunas (who was the only player who was excusing the special weight that Zalgiris Kaunas jersey has) had scoring crescent, in order to increase the deficit with either Batiste or Pekovic. The quarters were: 13-22, 26-40, 47-61, and 69-80. Top scorer for Panathinaikos was Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) with 15 points followed by Pekovic who added 13 while Jankunas was the top scorer for Zalgiris with 21 points.

Union Olimpija fired coach Dzikic and co-president Vilfan - by Zeljko Zule
Losing to DKV Joventut by 21 points Thursday night in Euroleague game, apparently was the last straw for Union Olimpija to make a coaching change. Aleksandar Dzikic , who had guided Slovenian coach to a disappointment 1-5 start in Euroleague and 4-6 in NLB Adriatic League, has been fired.
When Union Olimpija host tonight Hemofarm, Gasper Potocnik will direct the team as interim coach. Dzikic was fired several hours after Spanish teamd routed Union Olimpija 85-65.
Union Olimpija parted ways with co-president Peter Vilfan, too.

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FINLAND

1st Division Round: 10 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
LoKoKo - HNMKY 87-78
LoKoKo celebrated the second victory in the season as they shot down HNMKY at home court. Jonathan Heard helped the hosts to the win with 25 points. Anthony Davis added 16 points and 7 assists, while Eryk Thomas maintained the tempo with 14 points and 6 boards for the winners. LaTrice Little replied with 20 points and 12 boards for NMKY. Teemu Siitonen registered 19 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Huima - Salon Vilpas 94-87
Six players delivered in double digits to lead Huima past Salon Vilpas today. Reijo Ojanen produced 18 points for the winning team. Allen Morill had 17 points and 10 boards, while Ted Morris added 16 points and 13 boards in the fifth victory for Huima. Aubrey Conerly fired game-high 29 points and issued 7 assists for the Vikings in the loss.

Jyvaskyla - Honka 65-96
Honka earned the fifth win in the tournaments as they fired down Jyvaskyla on the road. Matt Williams knocked down 22 points to lead the way for Honka. Antto Nikkarinen tallied triple-double with 20 points, 10 assists and 10 boards in the win. Johann Collins responded with 18 points and 12 rebounds for Jyvaskyla. Joe Jackson posted 13 points in defeat.

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GERMANY

ProB Round: 11 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Herten - Osnabrueck 106-85
Herten beat Osnabrueck 106:85 in Regular Season Round 11. Johnson Gary and Chones Kendall paced all the winners with 27 points each. Coleman Derek ended up with 25 points in the losing effort.

proveo Merl. - B'guessbach 109-81
Griffin John led proveo Merlins over Breitenguessbach in a 109:81 win with 26 points. Williams Ed posted 19, while Akinocho Yunss nailed 17. Stafford Isaak chipped in 26 points for the guests.

Hannover - Speyer 84-68
Hannover overcame Speyer 84:68 as Holt Casey shined with 20 points for the hosts. Prasuhn Jan-Peter and Douloudis Babis netted 16 each, while Harris Elias collected 26 points and 12 boards in defeat.

Franken Hexer - Rhoendorf 69-72
Rhoendorf survived to be named undefeated and improved to 11-0 record. The favorites overcame Franken Hexer 69:72 away from home as Rojik Christopher had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Hauer Sajmen posted 24 points for the home side.

Telemotive - Stahnsdorf 76-82
Telemotive lost to Stahnsdorf 76:82 as Schaffartzik Kevin top-scored for the winners with 26 points and Clark Jonathan added 22. Bryant Johnnie ended up with 25 points for the hosts.

Landshut - Wolfenbuettel 92-99
Wolfenbuettel improved to 7-4 after a road victory over Landshut 92:99. Whitman Connor was unstoppable not only for his team but top-scored in the round as well. He poured in 43 points and made 5 rebounds. Forchion Tamal nailed 24 points in defeat and Wormely Horace scored 22.

FC Bayern agree Williams deal - by Moritz Korff
FC Bayern Muenchen (2. Bundesliga Pro A) have agreed a deal to sign Tarvis Williams (205-F/C-78, college: Hampton). The 30-year-old will showcase his skills until the christmas break. It remains to be seen if he will ink a contract for the remainder of the season afterwards.
Williams is known as an outstanding shot blocker and rebounder. He is still the all-time leader in career blocks (448) and blocks in a season (147) at Hampton University (NCAA1). Plus he has huge experience in international basketball action. The Maysville, NC native was considered a NBA candidate when coming out of school in 2001, but was not drafted in the end.
Following his NCAA career, Williams moved East and spent his first season as a pro in China. In the next years he played in France, shortly in Germany at MBC in 2003, Israel, Kosovo and the Czech Republic, where he received Eurobasket.com All-Czech Rep. League 2nd Team and Defensive Team honors in 2005. During 2007-08 he appeared in 52 games for BK Synthesia Pardubice, averaging 12.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.6 block and 1.0 steal per contest.

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GREECE

Kavala turned the game around and took a big victory over Paok - by Simon Varvakis
Kavala/Panorama makes a deciseve victory over Paok in order to stay in the league. The team of Kalava managed to turn the game around when they are 10 points behind and in the final seconds of the game took the lead and left the players of Paok stunned.

Kavala/Panorama wasn't afraid againt a much more experienced opponent. They lacked concentration in defense but they were very lucky to have Yannis Gagaloudis (191-G-78) in a great day and he lead his team in scoring and also made a very important 3-pointer near the end of the game. Paok had 4 of his players scoring more than 10 points but that wasn't enough. Their excessive shooting from the 3-point line(especially Costas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84) with 4/14 shots!!) cost them the game as they lost too many shots giving Kavala/Panorama the opportunity to run the fast breaks and score baskets they would otherwise wouldn't be able to. Antanas Kavaliauskas (208-C-84, college: Texas A&M) also blocked a total of 4 shots helping his team defensively.

Both teams stayed close in the game and Paok was maintaining a lead but wasn't able to increase it all the way until the 4th quarter where they were 10 points ahead 51-61. Antanas Kavaliauskas did a 7-0 run and put Kavala/Panorama back in the game. Yannis Gagaloudis countered Damir Mulaomerovic (195-G-74, agency: FCM)'s 3-pointer with one of his own and Damir Mulaomerovic made the turnover that lost the game allowing Will Daniels (203-F-86, college: Rhode Island) to score the last basket and give the victory to Kavala/Panorama.

Kavala/Panorama : Will Daniels 14, Yannis Gagaloudis 23(5/7), Antanas Kavaliauskas 13
Paok : Costas Vasiliadis 13(4/14), Kyritsis 10, Damir Mulaomerovic 17(2/4), Kenny Gregory (197-G/F-78, college: Kansas) 16

Panathinaikos broke another record! - by Chris Mammides
Obradovic's 150th European victory and the 300th victory of Panathinaikos for in the Euroleague are as of Thursday, 4th of December, 2008 fact. The victory took place in Kaunas against the (once upon a time) queen of the Lithuanian basketball, Zalgiris was historic for Panathinaikos, and as mentioned before both the Greens and Coach Obradovic reached some unbelievable levels in Euroleague.
In regards to the game now there are not really many details as the game was a continuous monologue for the Greens and they showed their mood to get a fast road win from the very first quarter. Batiste and Fotsis were magnificent in the fist quarter with Jasikevicius being in a very familiar court added some points and some more assists. The difference was steady from the beginning to the end with Panathinaikos changing gear whenever Jankunas (who was the only player who was excusing the special weight that Zalgiris Kaunas jersey has) had scoring crescent, in order to increase the deficit with either Batiste or Pekovic. The quarters were: 13-22, 26-40, 47-61, and 69-80. Top scorer for Panathinaikos was Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) with 15 points followed by Pekovic who added 13 while Jankunas was the top scorer for Zalgiris with 21 points.

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HUNGARY

Round 8, best five - by Tamas Deri
Point Guard: Darris Nichols (188-G-86, college: W.Virginia), 23 points (9/11 2pts, 1/1 3pt, 2/2 FTs), 3 assists, 3 steals, 3 rebounds, 1 foul against, 33 minutes
Shooting Guard/Small Forward: Andrija Ciric (199-G-80, agency: Beo Basket), 28 points (2/5 2pts, 4/7 3pts, 12/12 FTs), 3 steals, 2 assists, 2 fouls against, 1 rebound, 36 minutes
Small Forward/Power Forward: Rashad Bell (201-F-82, college: Boston U.), 37 points (9/13 2pts, 5/5 3pts, 4/7 FTs), 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists, 32 minutes
Power Forward/Center: George Banks (202-C/F-72, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: UTEP), 29 points (12/16 2pts, 0/1 3pt, 5/8 FTs), 12 rebounds, 1 foul against, 1 steal, 36 minutes
Center: Robert Gulyas (213-C-74), 33 points (12/16 3pts, 1/1 3pt, 6/8 FTs), 6 rebounds, 2 fouls against, 1 steal, 35 minutes

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ICELAND

Division 1 results. - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
UMFH beat Laugdaelir 91-83 in division 1 last night. Very good performance from Arnar Petursson 25 pts ans Caleb Holmes (198-G/F-85) ( Agency Icebasket) 33 pts & 15 rebs was the key for UMFH win.
Petur Sigurdsson (186-G-78) 30 pts Vidar Hafsteinsson 21 & Bjarni Bjarnason 17 for Laugdaelir.

Hottur lost at home against Armann 68-77 who won their second game of the season. Bad first & third quarter was the problem for Hottur.
Leading scorers for Hottur. Jerry Cheves (191-G-84, college: Brockport St.). (Agency Icebasket) 21. Kristinn Hardarson 14. For Armann Gunnlaugur Elsuson 23. Niels Pall Dungal 20

Friday games - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
IR after starting the season 0-5 have won five games in a row after they beat Thor 92-77 Thor needs more scoring from other players than Cedric Isom (188-G-84, college: E.Texas Baptist) & Gudmundur Jonsson.
Leading scorers for IR. Hreggvidur Magnusson 23. Eirikur Onundarson 22. Sveinbjorn Claessen 18. For Thor. Cedric Isom 31( Agency Icebasket). Gudmundur Jonsson 17.

Keflavik 93 Tindastoll 75. After good start in the league Tindastoll have now lost 2 last games with big different in scoring. Both teams missing key players. Gunnar Einarsson Keflavik injured and Svavar Birgisson in won game ban.
Top scorers for Keflavik Sigurdur Thorsteinsson 28. For Tindastoll Allan Fall 17. Darrell Flake 16.

Njardvik needed double overtime to beat Breidablik107-103. Breidablik had the chance in both regular time & first overtime to win the game but missed the last shot both times.
Leading scorers for Breidablik Nemanja Sovic 32 + 133 rebs. Runar Erlingsson 24 + 9 assist. Kristjan Sigurdsson 21
For Njardvik. Magnus Gunnarsson (184-G-81) 32. Logi Gunnarsson (190-G-81, agency: CAA Sports) 29. Hjortur Einarsson 25. Fridrik Stefansson (204-F/C-76, college: Jacksonville) with double-double 15 pts & 24 rebounds

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KOSOVO

BEFORE FIBA'S MEETING - by Qendrim Ahmetaj

From: EROLLD BELEGU, PRESIDENT OF BFK

Honored colleagues and basketball lovers,

On Sunday, December 7, 2008 , the Central Board of FIBA, once again will have in it's agenda the application for membership of Basketball Federation of Kosova.

Being convinced that all this activity is a result of a dedicated work from all of us, on behalf of the Board of BFK and I personally, congratulate you for all our achievements.

'Basketball Federation of Kosova did everything to gain the membership in FIBA. As per sports organization BFK, can surely be a dignified member of FIBA'

This is a mutual declaration of the technical director of FIBA, Mr. Lubomir Kotleba and technical director of FIBA Europe. Mr.Kosta Iliev, given on the press conference held at the end of their visit in Kosova on 20 and 21 November.

This conclusion is also part of their Report given to FIBA and FIBA Europe.

The organization of sports in Kosova, impressed the most responsible people in the sportive aspect of basketball.

'Federation organized as required. The government supports basketball. The game in a good level. Arbitration in the appropriate level '(Kotleba&Iliev).

The outstanding evaluations for basketball are not only merit of the head of basketball. The merits belong to all of the basketball family, clubs, basketball players, coaches, referees, fans, and all other component structures. Not one of these activities would have been easy without sponsors and donators who supported and are doing it continuously. Without law for sponsorship, financial facilities and this is the love for basketball game! Respect to all of you..

In this occasion I will also thank all of them who engaged on the mission of gathering facts so FIBA could see the truth of kosovar basketball:

Minister and Sports Department, the city of Mitovica, Trepca and Peja, Sigal Prishtina, Kolegji Eurosport, Torcida and Shqiponjat, Faculty of Physical Education, Professional Council and the Board Of BFK.

A special thanks goes to BC'Bashkimi' and Arpaxhikeve(fans) for the infusion given to basketball. The atmosphere created in Prizren is expanding as metastasis in all Kosova. I am sure this week Plisat will join us as well.

Thank you also to all of them who continuously contributed for kosovar basketball to stand where it is now, Clubs, Basketball Schools, Women's Clubs, and Community Clubs. Progres for all the courage shown during these years.

Without media we wouldn't be standing here.

Thank you!

As a force basketball deserved the evaluation:

'Basketball Federation of Kosova in the sports aspect deserves a place in the world's family of basketball'.

So maybe on Sunday we will finally get a YES.

In the statute of FIBA there is a clausole: For one Federation to get the membership, the state must be accepted by the International Community.

If we are recognized or not by the international community will be the Central Board of FIBA to decide. Kosova has been accepted by 52 world's stated, USA, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, Japan, 22 from the 27 EU states 73% of world's GDP, 70% of the states from the European Council. The states of 38 members of FIBA Europe (from total 52) accepted the new state of Kosova.
Kosova's population above 70% belongs to the age of 35!.

Wouldn't that be enough?

This is a clear POLITICS!

And in politics you never know. You can or cannot.

In the sports aspect we have achieved the required level for membership in FIBA

From: basketbolli.com

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LATVIA

LBL Round: 16 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Valmiera - Keizarmezs 71-61
Valmiera overcame Keizarmezs 71:61 on December 3rd in LBL. Amolins Sandis top-scored for the winners with 17 points, while Elliott Ivan collected 16 points and 11 rebounds. Blaus Lauris produced 18 points and 11 rebounds in defeat.

Barons/LMT - ASK Riga 91-87
Barons/LMT won a thriller over ASK Riga 91:87 in a Friday action. Alexander Demetrius poured in 21 points and made 13 rebounds for the winners, while Gustas Giedrius had 21 points. Grafs Raitis and Sundov Bruno finished the night with 17 points each in defeat.

Standings - LBAL

LBL Standings

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

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LEBANON

Second Round Reults - by Asia-Basket Lebanon
In the second round of the Lebanese League ,the excitement continued .Riyadi , Moutahed , Sagesse , Champville scored their second consecutive wins , as for Anibal scored its first win in this round.

1 - Riyadi - Kahraba : 95-82
Riyadi continued its winning streak in the championship, Kahraba was a fierce rival in this game till the end of the 3rd Quarter, Fadi Khatib had a season record in this game with 44 points scored , the 4th quarter was a decisive one the big experience of Riyadi players prevailed in the end on the score of 95-82

Best Scorers :
Riyadi: Fadi Khatib (44pts)
Kahraba: Larry Cox (25pts)

2 - Tebnine - Moutahed : 62-68
Tebnine the team that came from Division 2 with high hopes had to react from its first round loss in its second game against Moutahed last years finalist .
Moutahed imposed its game from its first minutes and made the difference reach 26 points during the 3rd quarter 58-32 , facing such a situation Tebnine players regrouped and made one of the biggest runs ever made 26-2 , to reach within 2 points from Moutahed 60-58 3 minutes from the end .Chudney Gray fouling out in the last 3 minutes decreased the tempo of the home team and gave the Team from the North their second consecutive win on the score of 68-62.

Best Scorers :
Tebnine: Ghaled Reda (21pts)
Moutahed: Darren Kelly (26pts)

3 - Anibal Antranik : 79-75
For the past years the game that joined Anibal to Antranik were full of intensity and excitement throughout its all minutes , this game was a continuity to the series .
The two teams who suffered losses in their first games had in their minds to score their first wins .
The home team Anibal had the small advantage and was leading the game throughout all its minutes , Antranik was answering back through their key player Micheal Fraser who for the second consecutive game dominated the paint.
Anibal had a very organized defense on Fraser , a triple team defense , this led to easy points in the offense , on the other side Antranik who missed their starting guard Lucious Wagner for the second consecutive game had a very bad outside game. The 4th quarter saw the dominance of Anibal but a comeback from Antranik redueced the score to 4 points in the end to give the first win for coach Zaloum guys of rhtis season on the score of 79-75

Best Scorers :
Anibal: Ronald Alexander (20pts)
Antranik: Micheal Fraser (26pts)

4 - Sagesse - Feytroun : 99-85
Sagesse welcomed Feytroun in Fouad Chehab Stadium, Sagesse who is playing with one foreign player Samaki Walker from the beginning of the championship had its second consecutive win by dominating the game form the beginning till the end .The game finished at the score of 99-85.

Best Scorers :
Sagesse: Sabah Khouri (27pts)
Feytroun: Atif Joseph (31pts)

5 - Champville - Blue Stars : 86-77
In the last game of the round Champville and Blue Stars the two teams who had a wining start met in Dik El Mehdi in Champvills court. This game became a kind of derby between this two teams for the past years .Their match up is always full of intensity and excitement .This two teams met last year in the first round of the play offs and Blue Stars had the last word .
This game was a very trilling one from the start , Champville had a great start with a very organized basketball , on the other side Blue Stars who had a early foul problem with the early 3 fouls of Joel Box managed to keep the game a very close one through their organized basketball , the score remained close till the end of the 3rd quarter which finished 63-61.In the fourth Champville had a bigger will to win the game, they imposed a bug pressure on Blue Stars player Nicholas Zachery who didnt had the space to carry his team to another win , he was limited to 17 points in the end which didnt help his team. The score finished in the end on the score of 86-77.
By this win Champville score their second consecutive win of the seson.

Best Scorers :
Champville: Chritien Cahrels (27pts)
Blue Stars : Joel Box (21pts)

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MONTENEGRO

Standings - 1A

1A Standings

1. Mornar Bar	6-0
2. Danilovgrad	5-2
3. Ulcijn	4-2
4. Primorje-M.	4-2
5. ABS Primorje	4-3
6. Mogren	3-3
7. Jedinstvo	2-4
8. Lovcen	2-4
9. Niksic	2-5
10. Rudar	0-7

MNT1A 7 Round : ABS vs Rudar 105-35 , Danilovgrad vs Niksic 20-0 - by Dragan Scepanovic
In first two game of 7 round of Montenegrin Basketball 1A Opportunity league Basketball Club ABS PRIMORJE from Herceg Novi win against Basketball Club RUDAR from Pljevlja 105-35 in city of Herceg Novi ! This is 7 lose game for Basketball Club Rudar in 7 games.
In second game Basketball Club DANILOVGRAD win in city of Danilovgrad against Basketball Club NIKSIC 20-0 .Basketball Club Niksic lose game without playing because they do not pay charges to Basketball Federation of Montenegro for technical penalty for basketball players , coach and for Director Miljko Brkuljan ho attack referee on last game in city of Niksic after end of game against Basketball Club Jedinstvo. Basketball Club Niksic have big financial problems in this basketball season. Two of best basketball player in club Filip Barovic and Goran Gajovic send letter for arbitration to Basketball Federation of Montenegro because club do not pay salaries more that 60 day. Rumors said that is big possibility that management of Basketball Club Niksic decide to stop to play game in MNT1A Opportunity league.In season 2008/2009 Basketball Club Niksic have score 2 win and 5 lose game.

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NEW ZEALAND

The Crocodiles snap the Breakers six-game winning streak - by Eurobasket News
The Townsville Crocs put an end to the Breakers winning story beating the New Zealand team 104:88 at the North Shore Events Centre. The hosts looked sloppy in this one and could not match a determined visitors squad. Brad Williamson (197-F/G-81) and John Rillie (195-G-71, college: Gonzaga) nailed 18 points apiece to pace the winners. Williamson notched 4/4 from beyond the arc in the third quarter as the Crocs won it 29:18 and headed into the final stanza ahead by 21 points.
John Rillie knocked down 8 points in the opening frame and the Crocs grabbed an 33:22 lead after twelve minutes of action. Kelvin Robertson (180-G-83) drained two trebles early in the second quarter and the visitors accumulated a 39:25 advantage. CJ Bruton (188-G-75, college: Indian Hills CC) and Kirk Penney (194-G-80, college: Wisconsin) reminded of themselves in this one as they trimmed the distance to 8 points. However John Rillie and Russell Hinder ensured a 10-point lead for Townsville at halftime.
The teams traded baskets before Brad Williamson started to impact. His wide-open treys ballooned the margin to 19 points. John Rillie then made it a 21-point game with one quarter left in the clash. Oscar Forman (205-G/F-82) gave the hosts hope when he narrowed the deficit to 15 points. However Corey Williams (191-G-77, college: Alabama St.) stepped up for the Crocs as he netted four points and silenced the New Zealand Breakers. The Crocs never looked back and eased to the 8th win in the season. Kirk Penney topscored for the home team with 24 points. Oscar Forman provided 16 points, while Rick Rickert (211-F-83, college: Minnesota) added 13 points and 11 caroms as the Breakers slipped at 13-4 record.

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PBL

Manchester top Quebec in Preseason game - by Carl Berman
December 6, 2008 Quebec: The Manchester Millrats unleashed a punishing defense on the Quebec Kebs, downing them 82-62 in the first game of a preseason doubleheader. The Millrats defense forced 28 turnovers and held the Kebs to just 34% shooting from the field. Manchester's defense led to transition offense and easy baskets repeatedly. Point guard Al Stewart (5'10''-G-83, agency: Rice and Rice, college: Drake) initiated the pressure defense, coming up with 7 steals while PJ Young added 5. Quebec star Charles Fortier was held to just 1-7 shooting from the floor. PJ Young scored 20 points for Manchester, while Alex Owumi chipped in 16. Larry House and Jean-Philippe Morin scored 14 apiece for the Kebs.

The two teams play again on Saturday evening at 7:30 at the Juvenat Notre Dame at Saint Romuald. Saturday's game is Game 1 of the Champlain Cup Series. The Kebs return the favor to the Millrats when they visit New Hampshire on December 16th at 7:00 pm at NH Tech in Concord.

Millrats Stats
Al Stewart 4/12 0/0 2/4 10pts 9rebs 7asts 7steals 2to's
Charles Mason 1/6 0/4 2/2 4pts 1reb
Chris Burns 1/2 1/2 0/0 3pts 1reb 1ast 1steal 1to
Alex Owumi 6/10 1/3 3/3 16pts 7rebs 1steal 4to's
Marlowe Currie 4/10 0/1 3/3/ 11pts 5rebs 2asts 2steals 2to's
John Oates 1/5 0/3 2/2 4pts 8rebs
Sam Carey 1/10 0/1 4/8 6pts 7rebs 1steal 1 block
Roosevelt Lee 4/7 0/1 8pts 1reb 1 steal 1 to
PJ Young 8/15 2/4 2/3 20pts 6rebs 3asts 5 steals 3to's

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

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ROMANIA

Div. A Round: 11 (Regular Season) - by Vasile Racovitan
Rapid Bucuresti-Energia Rovinari 47-81
Kibwe Trim (208-F/C-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Sacred Heart) was the topscorer for the winning side, with 15 points. He was followed by Miko Golubovic (208-C-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza), with 9 points and 10 rebounds, and Edjuan Green (203-F-82, college: Texas A&M), with 6 points and 18 boards. For Rapid, Catalin Vlaicu (204-C-86) had 15 points and Marius Bulancea (-G-86) had 11 points.

Gaz Metan Mediad-CSU Atlassib Sibiu 86-84
In a hard fought local derby, Medias managed to overcome Sibiu, who just came off a win against champions CSU Ploiesti.

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RUSSIA

Khimky faces CSKA in a Superleague derby tonight - by Eurobasket News
December 6th will have a derby between two top teams in the Russian Superleague. Khimky faces CSKA in a Superleague derby tonight at 18.00 local time.
CSKA remains perfect with 6-0 record in the Superleague, while Khimky is 6-1. Dynamo Moscow handed Khimky their first 82:67 loss as Nachbar Bostjan led the winners with 26 points, while Pargo Jannero added 22. Jorge Garbajosa (205-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances) produced 13 points in defeat.
Over the hard week in the European arena both teams suffered the road losses. Benetton scored a comprehensive victory over visiting Khimky to improve at 2-0 record in Group C of the EuroCup regular season. Both teams were considered among the top favorites before the EuroCup season and so far Benetton lived up to the status. Gary Neal finished the game with 24 points to lead the way for the hosts. Sandro Nicevic was helpful with 18 points as Benetton topped Group C. Radoslav Rancik and Bobby Dixon nailed 9 points apiece for the winners. Mike Wilkinson (204-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Wisconsin) had 12 points and 7 rebounds for Khimky. Jorge Garbajosa and Maciej Lampe secured 11 points each in the loss.
In EuroLeague AJ Milano managed to crush the defending champion, CSKA handing it the first 80:79 loss this season. It was an extremely exciting game, decided at the very end. David Hawkins led the winners with 20 points. Zoran Planinic (198-G-82) top-scored for CSKA with 15 points and 6 assists. Ramunas Siskauskas delivered 11, while Trajan Langdon contributed with 10 points and 5 boards.

A Superleague Round: 8 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Triumph - Spartak-P. 111-77
Triumph climbs up the ladder confidently after defeating Spartak-Primorye 111:77. Toporov Sergei led the winners with 28 points, while Panin Vadim netted 19. Bailey Maurice resisted with 25 points in defeat and Nesterov Konstantin nailed 20.

Dynamo M. - Spartak SP 90-80
Pargo Jannero paced again Dynamo Moscow against Spartak SP in a 90:80 victory. Price Hollis ended up with 15 points and Nachbar Bostjan nailed 13. Belarus International Meshcharakou Yegor collected 25 points and 13 rebounds in defeat.

Univ.Surgut - CSK VVS 90-81
University Surgut outscored CSK VVS 90:81 also tonight. Chalmers Lionel poured in 25 points, while Stefanovic Slavko netted 22. Demeshkin Sergei produced 22 points in the losing effort.

Khimky - CSKA 57-76
The game that was expected from the start of the Superleague opened the doors for Khimky and CSKA on December 6th. The defending champions won the battle 57:76 away from home and remained with a perfect record. Langdon Trajan top-scored for the winners with 16 points, whilst Smodis Matjaz nailed 15. Lampe Maciej finished the night with 12 points for the hosts. Ponkrashov Anton and McCarty Kelly followed them with 11 points each.

Ural Great - Lok.Rostov 68-67
Ural Great won the thriller over Lokomotiv Rostov 68:67 at home. Surovtsev Aleksei top-scored for the winners with 21 points, while Morgunov Nikita had 13 points in the losing effort.

Krasnoyarsk - Unics 63-76
Unics was the only team on December 5th to win away from home. Zamanskiy Igor led the winners with 19 points, while Kirksay Tariq and Loncar Kresimir added 12 each. Warrick Fred finished the game with 16 points for the home side.

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SOUTH KOREA

KBL Round: 11 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
KTF M.Wings - Dongbu Promy 80-83
KTF M.Wings lost to Dongbu Promy 80:83 on December 4 in Regular Season Round 11. Kim Joo-Sung poured in 25 points to lead the winners and White Wendell netted 20. Kim Sung-Hyun finished the night with 22 points in defeat.

Samsung Th. - Orions 86-100
Orions defeated Samsung on the same day 100:86 behind 19 points from Thompson Garnett. Chun Jung-Kyu nailed 17 and Daniels Chris had 16. Park You-Jin produced 28 points in the losing effort.

KCC Egis - ET Land B.Sl. 82-74
Last night KCC Egis outscored ET Land 82:74. Brand Micah exploded with 33 points and 11 rebounds, whilst Choo Seung-Kyun posted 13. Powell Carlos ended up with 28 points in the losing effort.

Mobis Phoebus - LG Sakers 88-87
Mobis Phoebus improved to 11-4 on top after a battle over LG Sakers 88:87. Kim Hyo-Bum and Blankson Odartey combined for the winners 45 points. Crump Brandon produced 23 points in the losing effort.

LG Sakers - KCC Egis 90-88
LG Sakers beat KCC Egis 90:88 in the first game of the round scheduled on December 2. Johnson Ivan poured in 25 points and made 11 boards for the winners. Mitchell Carl shined with 30 points in the losing effort.

SK Knights - ET Land B.Sl. 83-67
SK Knights outscored ET Land 83:67 on December 3rd for 4-10 record. Shannon Terrence led the winners with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Lee Han-Kwon finished the night with 16 points in the losing effort.

KT&G Kites - Mobis Phoebus 91-98
The game between KT&G Kites and Mobis Phoebus became the top one in the round and brought 91:98 for the visitors. Blankson Odartey poured in 25 points and Ham Ji-Hoon followed him with 20. Chandler Marquin had 33 points for the home side.

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SWEDEN

Wins for Jamtland, Stockhom 08 and Gothia in Round 15 - by Eurobasket News
Jamtland outscored Boras 81:76 at home court at the start of Round 15 schedule. It was the 5th success for the hosts in the season. Boras led by 3 points after the starting period. The visitors managed to keep in front throughout three periods before Jamtland took over. The home team shot down the visitors 29:16 in the fourth term and secured a tough victory at the end. Andrew Mitchell (180-G-79, college: Kent St.) knocked down 24 points and grabbed 8 rebounds for Jamtland. Luka Marolt (202-F-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) added 19 points in the win. Boras answered with 19 points from Jonas Larsson (192-G-71). Dennis Springs (171-G-82, college: Ferris St.) had 18 points in the loss.
Gothia sneaked past Plannja 92:90 on the road. The visitors piled up a 9-point lead entering the fourth quarter but had to withstand a fierce comeback effort from Plannja in the dying minutes to secure the winning outcome at the end. Aaron Cook (186-G-83, agency: Passing Lane, college: Hartford) had 17 points for Gothia. Ian Johnson (206-F-84, college: Davidson) provided 16 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side. Gerald Riley (198-F-81, college: Georgetown) responded with game-high 35 points and 7 rebounds for Plannja.
08 Stockholm grabbed the seventh win in the season as they upset Sudsvall 93:88 away from home. Joakim Blom (211-C-76, agency: Court Side) dropped 24 points and collected 8 rebounds to lead the way for the Stockholm outfit. Yasin Merzoug (183-G-79) had 22 points for the winners. Alex Wesby (196-G-80, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Temple) responded with 24 points for the Dragons. The teams were all tied at 80 after forty minutes of action and headed into overtime. There the visitors proved the strength with timely buckets from Blom.

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SWITZERLAND

LNA Preview: Vacallo - Lausanne - by Jay Gadsden

The big matchup this weekend in the Swiss LNA pits SAB Vacallo against Lausanne. Vacallo is the lone unbeaten team in the LNA and is aiming toward winning their first LNA title in franchise history. Meanwhile, Lausanne is sitting in fourth place in the table, currently jockeying for top playoff positioning.

Heading into the game, Vacallo plans to start their usual starting five, however Matt Schneidermann remains the only question mark because of an injury in practice this week. Lausanne is at full strength on the other hand, and will need a big hand from their backcourt in order to compete with Vacallo's speed and athleticism at the guard position. Tony Brown, Lausanne's shooting guard, will carry a lot of the scoring pressure if the team hopes to be the first to knock off Vacallo. Brown has consistently led the team in scoring, and has set a steady tempo on defense, while simultaneously commanding respect from teammates as Lausanne's leader.

A win for Lausanne would move them into third position in the standings, coupled with a Monthey loss, who plays at Nyon this weekend. Meanwhile, a win for Vacallo would put them at 10-0, and could potentially increase their lead in the LNA standings to as much as three games should Fribourg fall to Herens on the road tomorrow.

Interview with "The Warrior" Marcus Sloan - by Alexander Davis
Marcus Sloan (205-F-82, agency: Octagon, college: TCU) is arguably one of the top players if not the top players in Switzerland. He helped Benetton Fribourg Olympic win 2 titles last year, as the 2nd leading scorer, while leading the team in rebounds, steals, and evaluation. Hes back now for a second season, and we have the 1st interview since his arrival.

1. Marcus, 1st of all how does it feel to be back in Fribourg?
It feels great, the fans have been so receptive to me coming back, and I feel right at home here. And its great to be back with my old and new teammates.

2. Speaking of teammates, this years team is very different than last year, with Esterkamp being out, Mrazek retired, and PPD not being 100%. How are things different?
Yeah the team is not the same as last year, and you cant replace guys like Kamp, and H(Mrazek), and its tough with Pascal being hurt, but I think the team this year will be just fine. We have several new guys who are getting used to the system and playing well, and everybody has to play their role, we have a really talented player in DJ Harrison who kind of sets the tone offensively, and Oli has really improved his game, hes a beast down low, TQ is getting in his grove, and everybody is still learning each other games but well be fine!

3. Will you guys repeat and win the LNA again this year?
I think we have a great chance, everybody is always gunning for Fribourg we have the bulls-eye on our back, and teams play their best against us. We just have to be ready for the challenge of repeating.

4. You were drafted in the 3rd round of the NBA D League draft with the Reno Bighorns, how was that experience?
I had a really good experience in the D League. I was there for the 1st week of training camp, and it was really intense, and there were some great players in camp. I would definitely say Im glad I got to experience it.

5. Speaking of intensity, you now have several nicknames, Mr. Intensity, Mr. Energy, and The Warrior, where did these names come from?
I think you just gave me all thos nicknames, (Laughs). Seriously, I dont know I think the writer here in Fribourg came up with them, I dont know. I just try and play hard every game, and be intense to help my team.

6. In these 1st 2 games eventhough youve played 30 minutes in both, youve come off the bench, when youve been a starter your whole career, is this fustrating for you?
No, its not fustrating, I just got back to the team, and the team already had its rotation, so I just have to play my role and do everything my coaches tell me, Im here to help my team win in any way I can.

7. In recent days the GM of Fribourg, Laurent Muewly resigned, are you worried at all about the club and the leadership?
No at all, Fribourg will remain a 1st class organization, and I;m sure the committee will find a suitable replacement for him. I really enjoyed working with Laurent, he was a good guy, and I thanked him for all of his help.

8. What are your goals for the rest of this season?
Just to help Fribourg Olympic win every game we play, and make sure we get back to that level of dominance.

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TURKEY

The match between Erdemir and Darussafaka has been postponed in TBL - by Baha Kurtulus
Turkish Basketball League Round 2 : The match between Erdemir and Darussafaka C.Tires Istanbul, the new team rose this year to TBL, has been waiting with a great curiosity. 'While the match was 43-40 leaded by Erdemir at 6 min 56 sec of the third period, it has been interrupted due to technical problems in timing equipments.
Referees, technical officers and both of the directors of the teams were agreed upon the cancellation of the match. Board of Turkish Basketball Federation will decide later about this.

CASA TED Ankara Kolejliler gives hope to its supporters against Galatasaray : 66-75 - by Baha Kurtulus
CASA TED Ankara Kolejliler leaded the game until 33. minutes with the awesome support of the fans.
Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul got through for the first time at 33 min (62-63).
The score was 65-65 at last 4 min. After that minute, first Adnan Kulcebas (205-F-81, agency: 1x1 Sports) has injured and then Polat Kaya (197-G/F-86) had shoulder injury and Casa TED Kolejliler Ankara had difficult times with the limited roster. I watched the game alive and noticed the main points of the match.The home team impressed with the effective sets of offense and the fans support.
Milan Gurovic scored 18 points, 3 rebounds 4 assists and Dejan Milojevic who came up with double-double, 16 points and 15 rebounds in Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul. Kevin Bell scored 13 points 3 rebounds 4 assist and Prowell also scored 14 points and 6 rebounds in Casa TED Kolejliler Ankara

Standings - TB2L

TB2L Standings

Group A
1. Trabzonspor	6-2
2. Edirne Genclik	6-2
3. Bornova	6-2
4. Genc Telekom	5-3
5. Vestel	5-3
6. Pamukkale	4-3
7. FMV Isik	4-4
8. Akcakoca P.	3-4
9. Orman	3-5
10. Bursa B-bol	2-5
11. Eyup	2-6
12. TED Istanbul	1-7
Group B
1. Tofas	8-0
2. Gelisim	6-2
3. ITU	5-2
4. Duzce Genclik	5-3
5. Genc Banvit.	5-3
6. Beykoz	5-3
7. Canakkale	4-4
8. Yesilyurt	3-5
9. Usak	2-5
10. Pertevniyal	2-6
11. Ankara Basket	2-6
12. Mulkiye	0-8

Standings - TBL

TBL Standings

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

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UKRAINE

Superleague Round: 10 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Azovmash - Pulsar 107-73
Azovmash cruised past Pulsar for the eighth win in the Superleague season. Marc Salyers found the right rhythm as he came up with 21 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Simonas Serapinas dropped 20 points for the reigning champions. Dmitri Briantsev had 18 points for Pulsar. Pavel Ulyanko added 17 points as the Rivne outfit slipped at 3-7 record.

Mykolaiv - BC Donetsk 63-67
BC Donetsk handled Mykoliav on the road to stay in the third spot. Donetsk lost Anthony Tucker for the reminder of the season and presented Milutin Aleksic to the fans just before the game. Aleksic tallied 7 points and 7 rebounds in the debut. Haywood Owens led the charge with 17 points. Andres Rodriguez had 15 points as the visitors came away with a last-second win. Sergiy Gladyr responded with 16 points for Mykoliav.

Poltava - Sumykhimpr. 70-77
Brian Greene came up with 28 points, 7 boards and 3 steals to lead Sumykhimprom to the victory over Poltava on the road. Abdullahi Kuso added 13 points and 11 boards for the winners. Jurica Zuza topscored for Poltava with 14 points. Maxim Ivshin had 13 points in the losing effort.

Khimik - BC Kyiv 77-82
BC Kyiv stayed on top of the table as they brought a tough win from Yuzhny. Kenan Bajramovic secured 20 points and 8 rebounds to pace the Kyiv outfit. James Penn added 18 points for Alex Scales and Brent Wright-less visitors. Oleksandr Kolchenko and Jarrius Jackson dropped 14 points apiece for Khimik as they played the first game without Dmitrij Bazelevskij at the bridge. The coach was axed just days before the game. Vladan Zivkovic was at the helm today.

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

10 teams in Dubai International Tournament - by Mohammed Malas
The best 10 teams in middle east will take part in the most popular tournament in the area Dubai International Tournament which will be held in Al Ahli court in Dubai from the period between the 20th of December until the 27th of the same month.

- The teams are:
Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut 'Lebanon - Titleholders'
Zain 'Jordan-Runner Ups'
Al Jalaa Aleppo 'Syria'
Al Jeish Army Damascus 'Syria'
Al Moutahed Tripoli 'Lebanon'
Champville 'Lebanon'
Al Ittihad Alexandria 'Egypt'
Petrochimi Imam Harbour 'Iran'
An Nasr 'UAE'
UAE National Team

Those teams will be devided into two groups in a draw before a week from the tournament's opening day.

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Women News

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BRAZIL - Women

Ourinhos make it to the Final - by Eurobasket News
The defending champions Ourinhos decided the task of reaching the Final in the third game of the semifinal series. The team of head coach Urabatan Paccini knocked down Santo Andre 87:52 on the road in the third game of the series to finalize the sweep. Ourinhos will now have a week of rest before taking on the winner of Catanduva vs. Unimed clash.
Santo Andre hoped to ignite the intrigue in the series at home court but Ourinhos gave them not a single chance. The visitors outgunned Santo Andre 32:11 in the starting frame and secured a comfortable cushion. The reigning champions slowed down in the reminder of the contest but still kept the game under control. They cruised to the victory and finalized an 87:52 triumph at the end. Patricia Ferreira (180-F/G-79) paced balanced offensive effort with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Soeli Zakrzeski (187-C/F-77) and Micaela Jacintho (180-F-79) had 14 points each for the winners. Simone Lima (182-C-79) responded with 10 points for Santo Andre. Luciane Moscaleski (194-C-81) and Angela Braghin (173-G-88) had 9 points each in the loss.
Catanduva stayed in the title race after they avoided elimination in Game 3 of the series against Unimed/Americana. The last season finalist eked out a 73:64 to force at least Game 4. The win was the courtesy of a 25:8 first frame from Catanduva. Unimed/Americana failed to overcome a massive deficit though they stunned the hosts 25:10 in the fourth quarter. Silvia Rocha (182-F-82) led the charge with 17 points and 7 rebounds for Catanduva. Isis Nascimento added 16 points and 11 boards, while Izabela Morais had 15 points for the winning team. Renata de Oliveira (183-F/C-78) answered with game-high 20 points for Unimed/Americana. Karla da Costa (173-G-78) had 15 points in defeat. Game 4 is scheduled for December 7.

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FINLAND - Women

Standings - Women

D1 Standings

1. Catz	10-1
2. Espoo Team	9-2
3. Huima	8-4
4. PeKa	8-4
5. S-Hameen.	6-6
6. PuHu	5-5
7. FoA	4-8
8. HoNsU	2-10
9. BC Nokia	0-12

D1 Round: 13 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Huima - S-Hameen. 81-80
Sanna Jamsen knocked down a three-pointer with 55 seconds left in the game and brought Huima to an 81:80 victory over S-Hameenmaa. Erneisha Bailey came up with 22 points for Huima. Kenya Robinson, Sanna Jamsen and Carrie Bacon had 16 points each for the winners. Kieraah Marlow responded with 26 points and 13 boards for Team S-Hameenmaa.

BC Nokia - Catz 59-89
Catz ensured the eleventh win in the season as they crushed Nokia on the road. Yelena Solovyeva had 30 points and 11 rebounds for the league leaders. Minna Sten added 12 points and 6 rebounds in the winning case. Kristin Higy dropped 23 points for Nokia in defeat.

PeKa - FoA 110-65
PeKa trounced Forssan Alku at home court today. Rebekah Parker scored 19 points to lead the way for PeKa. Shanika Freeman, Sherida Triggs and Dionne Pounds added 18 points each in the 9th win for the hosts. Toniqua Frasier replied with 19 points and 10 boards for Alku in defeat.

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MONTENEGRO - Women

Standings - Women League

1A Standings

1. BC H.Novi	5-0
2. BC Kastel	2-2
3. Roling Niksic	2-2
4. Rudar	0-5
Will join on later stage:
1. Buducnost	-
2. Jedinstvo	-

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TURKEY - Women

Standings - TBBL

TBBL Standings

1. Fenerbahce	7-0
2. Mersin	5-2
3. Galatasaray	5-2
4. Samsun	5-2
5. TED Kayseri	4-2
6. Besiktas	4-2
7. Tarsus Bld	3-3
8. Ceyhan	2-5
9. Botas	2-6
10. Cankaya	1-6
11. Burhaniye bld.	0-7