Indiana and New York Will Play a Third Match

Indiana and New York finished the second match of the semi-finals with the win of Indiana, thus the teams will need a third match to determine the leader. Indiana set the tone right at the beginning of the game and just started to lose the rage in the finl quarter when New York stole the initiative. Still, it was too late for New York and they having stolen the initiative, they didn't manage to steal the win.

New York Liberty 67 - 75 Indiana Fever (8-21, 27-39, 46-64)
New York: C.Pondexter (24pts, 7reb), E.Carson (20pts), J.McCarville (8pts, 11reb), K.Vaughn (4pts), P.Pierson (4pts), L.Mitchell (3pts), T.McWilliams-Franklin (2pts, 5reb), N.Powell (2pts).
Indiana: T.Catchings (17pts, 13reb), T.Sutton-Brown (14pts, 6reb), K.Douglas (11pts, 5ass), J.Davenport (10pts, 8reb), E.Hoffman (7pts, 7reb), T.Bevilaqua (6pts), B.January (5pts, 3ass), S.Zellous (5pts).

The Teams Going to EuroBasket 2011

France, Russia, Spain, Belarus, Greece, Czech Republic and Poland are the teams which have automatically qualified for the EuroBasket Women 2011 Final Round. They will be joined by another eight who were determined during the Qualifying Round. They are:
Group A: Lithuania and Croatia
Group B: Israel and Latvia
Group C: Turkey and Montenegro
Group D: Great Britain and Slovak Republic

Slovakia defeat Germany

Slovak Republic gained a win over Germany 73 - 67 thanks to a very remarkable performance in the third quarter (23-12) and despite an absolutely non-prolific final period (5-11). Slovakia lost at 2pt-shooting sector but they managed to compensate it with their 3pt-shooting performance as they got 21pts from behind the arc.

Slovak Republic 73 - 67 Germany (23-21, 45-44, 68-56)
Slovakia: L.Kupcikova (15pts, 4reb), I.Jalkova (14pts, 3ass), L.Michulkova (14pts), R.Vynuchalova (10pts, 6reb), E.Lawless (8pts, 4reb), K.Hrickova (8pts, 4ass, 4st), S.Podesvova (4pts).
Germany: L.Frohlich (27pts, 8reb, 3ass, 3st), A.Breitreiner (11pts, 4reb, 3ass), S.Austmann (9pts), P.Glaser (9pts), K.Bavendam (6pts), S.Barnert (3pts), R.Bar (1pt), D.Richter (1pt, 5ass, 3st).

Ukraine won but didn't get their ticket

Ukraine defeated Great Britain 70 - 66 but unfortunately for them, it was not enough to be qualified. Still, this win of Ukraine was very remarkable as after showing a balance performance in the first half, they made an acceleration in the third quarter (21-11) which helped them to secure the win.

Ukraine 70 - 66 Great Britain (15-17, 38-41, 59-52)
Ukraine: O.Prystupa (17pts, 10reb, 7bs), M.Isachenko (14pts, 6reb, 3st, 2bs), O.Zherzherunova (13pts, 11reb, 4ass, 4bs), M.Sazonenko (13pts), I.Kochubei (8pts, 4reb, 3as), O.Ogorodnikova (5pts).
Great Britain: J.Leedham (19pts, 4reb, 6st), K.Butler (11pts, 7reb, 4st), J.Page (10pts, 9reb), S.Collins (9pts), N.Stafford (7pts), C.Handy (5pts), J.Wade-Fray (5pts).

Turkey Make a Good Performance

Turkey defeated Montenegro 72 - 65 in a very tough struggle where the initiative swang from one side to another. Only the result of the second quarter stood out as Turkey managed to gain 8pts more, which helped them to get an advantage and walk away with the win in the end.

Turkey 72 - 65 Montenegro (17-20, 35-30, 52-48)
Turkey: E.Tuncluer (17pts), K.Siyahdemir (14pts), N.Yilmaz (13pts), M.Bilge (6pts, 4reb), B.Vardarli (5pts, 6ass), B.Caglar (6pts, 7reb), M.Gezer (4pts), G.Dogan (3pts), G.Yavuz (2pts), C.Kozluca (2pts).
Montenegro: I.Perovanovic (19pts, 6reb), J.Dubljevic (13pts, 6reb), A.Baletic (14pts, 6reb), M.Milutinovic (10pts), A.Tircinovic (3pts, 5reb), J.Skerovic (3pts, 10reb, 8ass), M.Bjelica (2pts), S.Aleksic (2pts).

Bulgaria Stole the Win in the Overtime

Finland and Bulgaria finished their meeting with the win of the latter 77 - 83. After suffering a loss in the third quarter when Finland stole the initiative from them by inflicting 19-9, Bulgaria had to react quickly. They managed to gather all their strength and made an effort to impose an overtime which they finished with a great performance 7-13.

Finland 77 - 83 Bulgaria (19-20, 40-43, 59-52)
Finland: T.Sten (22pts, 7reb, 3ass), D.Pounds (14pts), V.Kesanen (12pts), T.Tuukkanen (10pts, 13pts), H.Korpivaara (9pts, 8reb), M.Sten (5pts, 4reb), L.Sario (5pts).
Bulgaria: J.Zlatanova (24pts, 9reb), D.Hodges (21pts, 3ass), R.Yordanova (10pts, 8reb), S.Miteva (7ts, 13reb), D.Georgieva (6pts), E.Dimitrova (6pts, 5reb, 3st), D.Peteva (4pts), H.Ivanova (4pts), R.Slavova-Naneva (1pt).

Latvia defeat Serbia

Latvia follow Israel to qualify for the EuroBasket by defeating Serbia 80 - 55. The first half of the match was quite balanced and the teams were just trying out each other but it was Latvia who found the key to Serbia's basket first. They made a terrific acceleration in the second half and just destroyed the opponent already in the third quarter.

Latvia 80 - 55 Serbia (16-14, 27-26, 54-37)
Latvia: G.Basko (22pts, 11reb, 3ass), E.Babkina (18pts, 7ass), Z.Tamane (12pts, 3bs), I.Kublina (8pts, 9reb), S.Niedola (7pts, 5reb), K.Karklina (7pts, 6ass), A.Putnina (2pts), D.Krumberga (2pts), A.Brumermane (2pts).
Serbia: I.Matic (13pts, 12reb), J.Maksimovic (10pts), J.Milovanovic (9pts), A.Knezevic (8pts), B.Pesovic (8pts, 7st), A.Dabovic (5pts, 4ass), M.Beljanski (2pts).

Israel go further

Israel defeated Romania 79 - 72 thanks to a very good start when they gained a 7pt-advantage which allowed them to well resist during the rest of the game. They were more efficient at shooting, both 2pt- and 3pt- shots, and also played quite an aggressive game by inflicting 21 turnvers on Romania and stealing 12 balls from them.

Israel 79 - 72 Romania (27-20, 44-38, 60-55)
Israel: L.Cohen (27pts, 3ass), S.Doron (21pts, 4ass, 3st), E.Abramzon (10pts, 4reb), L.Suez Karni (8pts), K.Levitsky (6pts, 6reb, 4ass), L.Selwyn (4pts, 4reb, 7ass, 5st), M.Dori (2pts, 5reb), S.Zairy (1pt).
Romania: G.Marginean (16pts, 5reb), C.Popo (15pts), S.Mandache (14pts, 4reb, 5ass, 3st, 2bs), M.Pascalau (10pts, 9reb), P.Ciocan (9pts, 6reb, 4ass), F.Diacona (4pts, 3ass), A.Meszaros (4pts).

Italy won over Netherlands

Italy got a hard win over Netherlands 68 - 59. All the first half they were unable to make a proper performance in order to resist to the Dutch pressure and went to the locker-room being 13pts behind. But after the break Italians managed to find the way not only to reduce the gap by allowing Netherlands to score only 6pts in the third quarter but also steal the win in the final period.

Italy 68 - 59 Netherlands (13-22, 29-42, 45-48)
Italy: R.Masciadri (16pts, 5reb), J.Nadalin (12pts, 11reb), G.Sottana (12pts), S.Cinili (7pts), K.Ress (5pts, 5reb, 3st), C.Consolini (4pts), A.Gianolla (4pts), F.Modica (3pts), V.Donvito (3pts), B.Sciacca (2pts).
Netherlands: L.Kooij (17pts), M.Nieuwveen (16pts, 11reb), A.Biesters (7pts, 4reb), T.Broring (6pts), M.Beld (4pts, 4ass), L.Kooij (4pts, 9reb, 4ass, 3st), M.Klein (3pts), M.Roetgering (2pts).

Croatia Qualified

Croatia defeated Belgium 70 - 85 to get their ticket to the EuroBasket in Poland. The start of the match was very ba,anced and Croatia managed to earn only 2pt-advantage in the first half (1pt per each quarter) but after the break thay made a deserving acceleration and definitely secured the victory. With a very close shooting efficiency at 2pt- and 3pt-shooting, the score outcome depended on the FT performance. Thus, Croatia were terrific with 22 pts got from the FT line (against only 9pts for Belgium).

Belgium 70 - 85 Croatia (20-21, 40-42, 58-67)
Belgium: A.Wauters (27pts, 16reb, 3ass), L.Van Malderen (9pts, 4reb), K.Mestdagh (9pts, 4reb), M.Carpreaux (8pts, 4reb, 5ass), S.Leemans (7pts), E.Callens (5pts, 4reb), A.Strubbe (3pts), J.Vanloo (2pts, 3ass).
Croatia: J.Ivezic (18pts, 7reb, 3ass), I.Sliskovic (18pts, 11reb, 2bs), M.Cakic (17pts, 7reb), A.Jelavic (10pts, 6reb, 4ass), A.Lelas (8pts, 5reb, 3ass, 4st), A.Misura (7pts), M.Vrsaljko (4pts), N.Lokas (3pts).

Seattle the Undefeatable

In their turn, Seattle for the second time defeated Los Angeles 81 - 66. But they started to fight for their victory only from the second quarter as at the beginning it was Los Angeles who got the leaership. Indeed, being 5pts behind after the first quarter, Seattle offered a strong reaction after, which let them steal the initiative and destroy the opponent. The most remarkable was the 2pt-shooting performance of Seattle as they contributed 36pts from behind the arc.

Seattle Storm 81 - 66 Los Angeles Sparks (15-20, 42-36, 64-54)
Seattle: L.Jackson (24pts, 9reb, 3st), S.Bird (15pts, 4ass), S.Cash (16pts, 5reb, 5ass, 3st), C.Little (7pts, 4reb, 3ass), S.Abrosimova (7pts, 3ass), L.Willingham (7pts, 7reb), J.Vesela (3pts), T.Wright (2pts).
Los Angeles: T.Thompson (18pts, 6reb, 5ass), N.Quinn (15pts, 4reb), D.Milton-Jones (13pts, 9reb), T.Penicheiro (8pts, 4ass), M.Ferdinand-Harris (7pts), L.Wisdom-Hylton (5pts).

Second Win of Phoenix

Phoenix gained a second win over San Antonio in the sei-finals series, this time 92 - 73. They established control immediately in the game and finished the first quarter with a twice bigger score 30-15. During the rest of the game their advantage in every quarter was much smaller but still, it was already a serious underrun for San Antonio. Mercury destroyed San Antonio mostlly in the 2pt-shooting sector by getting 37 out of 70 shots (against 27/72 by San Antonio). Overall, the game was really spectacular with many assists on both sides and also a tough rebounding battle.

Phoenix Mercury 92 - 73 San Antonio Silver Stars (30-15, 48-30, 68-51)
Phoenix: D.Taurasi (23pts, 5reb, 3ass), C.Dupree (19pts, 11reb), T.SMith (16pts, 9reb), P.Taylor (12pts, 6reb, 12ass), D.Bonner (9pts, 4reb), K.Braxton (6pts), T.Johnson (5pts, 4reb, 7ass), T.Lilley (2pts).
San Antonio: B.Hammon (21pts? 4reb, 7ass), S.Young (15pts, 9reb, 3ass), R.Riley (13pts), E.Lawson-Wade (8pts, 5ass), J.Apple (6pts, 5reb), R.Hodges (4pts), M.Snow (4pts), H.Darling (2pts).

Washington smashed in the second match with Atlanta

Washington lost to Atlanta with a smashing score 77 - 101. The latter started to build their win in the second quarter by inflicting on Washington 7-33. In the second half they just continued their performance and increased the gap by 10pts in the third quarter. Washington tried to react in the last period but it was too late. Anyway, Atlanta were really stronger at shooting from any point in the court and also outrebonded the opponent (27-45) and showed a very collective effort with 27ass.

Washington Mystics 77 - 101 Atlanta Dream (21-17, 28-50, 43-75)
Washington: M.Ajavon (20pts, 3ass), M.Currie (12pts, 7reb), C.Langhorne (11pts, 7reb), M.Coleman (9pts, 4reb), C.Melvin (9pts), L.Harding (7pts), N.Sanford (5pts), K.Smith (4pts).
Atlanta: I.Castro Marques (21pts, 4reb), A.McCoughtry (21pts, 7reb, 4ass, 4st), S.Lyttle (20pts, 10reb), C.Miller (9pts, 4reb, 3ass), Y.Leuchanka (8pts), S.Lehning (7pts, 5reb, 9ass), A.Price (6pts, 5reb, 6ass), A.Bales (4pts, 5reb), B.Raven (3pts), E.DeSouza (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group D

It seems that fortune started to favor Ukraine as they gained one more victory, this time over Slovac Republic (80 - 78). The game was very bouncing and very often a quarter finished with just a 1pt-gap. But Ukraine were performing at the beginning, which helped them to get a small but important margin of 4pts. These 4pts were above Slovakia's strength as they didn't manage to overcome this barrier.

Ukraine 80 - 78 Slovac Republic (15-14, 38-34, 55-52)
Ukraine: N.Isachenko (19pts, 5reb, 4ass), M.Sazonenko (18pts, 4reb, 5ass), A.Markotenko (12pts, 4reb, 3ass), O.Prystupa (12pts, 6reb, 4bs), O.Zherzherunova (9pts, 4reb), O.Ogorodnikova (8pts, 5reb), T.Shchypakina (2pts).
Slovakia: E.Lawless (20pts, 7reb), L.Michulkova (14pts), I.Jalkova (14pts, 4reb, 7ass), R.Vynuchalova (10pts, 5reb), L.Kupcikova (9pts, 4reb, 4ass), K.Hrickova (9pts), S.Podesvova (4pts, 6reb), L.Laskova (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group D

Great Britain repeated their performance in the second match with Germany and once again defeated them 77 - 59. Most of the advantage Great Britain managed to gain in the first half, so when Germany made an accelration in the third quarter, it could not save them. Moreover, in the final period Britain seized the initiative again and didn't allow the opponent to some closer.

Great Britain 77 - 59 Germany (20-11, 47-24, 59-45)
Great Britain: J.Page (18pts, 9reb, 3st), J.Leedham (15pts, 5reb), K.Butler (12pts), N.Stafford (10pts, 4ass), A.Stewart (9pts, 4reb), S.Collins (5pts, 5reb), R.Anderson (4pts), C.Handy (2pts), J.Wade-Fray (2pts).
Germany: R.Nikagbatse (14pts), A.Breitreiner (12pts), R.Bar (10pts), M.Skuballa (7pts), P.Glaser (4pts), L.Frohlich (3pts, 8reb, 3ass), D.Richter (3pts), S.Austmann (2pts), S.Barnert (2pts, 3ass, 4st), K.Bavendam (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group C

Montenegro without anu difficulty destroyed Finland 89 - 61. They were more prolific at shooting in all the sectors and moreover, showed a more collaborative game and demonstrated more aggression by stealing 10 balls from Finland.

Montenegro 89 - 61 Finland (22-19, 45-34, 65-47)
Montenegro: J.Dubljevic (22pts), M.Bjelica (17pts, 7reb), J.Skerovic (14pts, 4reb, 9ass), A.Baletic (12pts), I.Perovanovic (8pts, 9reb), M.Milutinovic (6pts, 5reb), S.Knezevic (5pts), S.Aleksic (3pts), A.Turcinovic (2pts).
Finland: T.Sten (15pts), T.Tuukkanen (14pts, 9reb), H.Korpivaara (12pts, 4reb), V.Kesanen (9pts, 3ass), M.Sten (5pts, 4reb), L.Sario (5pts), H.Salomaa (1pt).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group C

Hungary lost to Turkey 75 - 78 in an overtime, which can be qualified as a disaster for them as they were really stolen this win. During all the first three quarters Hungary were accumulating the score to arrive to the final quarter with a 15pt-leadership. But in the final quarter they were scandalously smothered as Turkey managed to tie the score and impose an overtime. But the most surprising fact was that Hungary didn't manage to score a point in this quarter. So, in the overtime Turkey, having got such an inspiration, just brought the match to its logical end.

Hungary 75 - 78 Turkey (27-17, 51-39, 69-54, 69-69)
Hungary: D.Horti (19pts, 11reb), T.Krivacevic (11pts, 8reb), A.Vida (10pts), N.Nagy-Bujdoso (9pts, 6reb, 3ass), T.Czank (8pts), H.Szlimak (8pts, 5ass, 2bs), D.Furesz (5pts), Z.Varga (2pts), Z.Horvath (2pts), B.Kocsis (1pt).
Turkey: N.Yilmaz (19pts, 6reb), B.Caglar (16pts, 7reb), E.Tuncluer (16pts, 5ass), B.Vardarli (12pts, 4reb, 4ass), K.Siyahdemir (5ptd), G.Yavuz (4pts), N.Yigit (4pts), M.Gezer (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group B

Hungaru lost to Turkey 75 - 78 in an overtime, which can be qualified as a disaster for them as they were really stolen this win. During all the first three quarters Hungary were accumulating the score to arrive to the final quarter with a 15pt-leadership. But in the final quarter they were scandalously smothered as Turkey managed to tie the score and impose an overtime. But the most surprising fact was that Hungary didn't manage to score a point in this quarter. So, in the overtime Turkey, having got such an inspiration, just brought the match to its logical end.

Hungary 75 - 78 Turkey (27-17, 51-39, 69-54, 69-69)
Hungary: D.Horti (19pts, 11reb), T.Krivacevic (11pts, 8reb), A.Vida (10pts), N.Nagy-Bujdoso (9pts, 6reb, 3ass), T.Czank (8pts), H.Szlimak (8pts, 5ass, 2bs), D.Furesz (5pts), Z.Varga (2pts), Z.Horvath (2pts), B.Kocsis (1pt).
Turkey: N.Yilmaz (19pts, 6reb), B.Caglar (16pts, 7reb), E.Tuncluer (16pts, 5ass), B.Vardarli (12pts, 4reb, 4ass), K.Siyahdemir (5ptd), G.Yavuz (4pts), N.Yigit (4pts), M.Gezer (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group B

Another short win in group B was taken by Serbia as they defeated Romania 83 - 85. Serbia made avery intensive start which provided them with a 13pt-leadership in the end of the first quarter but in the rest quarters they didn;t manage to score more points than Romania. And in fact, with the time flying Romania just were coming closer and closer to the victory but they ran out of time and Serbia took the win which they earned at the beginning of the meeting.

Romania 83 - 85 Serbia (13-26, 29-39, 57-61)
Romania: G.Marginean (25pts, 4reb), F.Diacona (20pts, 6ass), C.Bigica (10pts, 4reb), M.Pascalau (10pts), E.Pavel (8pts), P.Ciocan (5pts, 5ass, 4st), S.Mandache (5pts).
Serbia: J.Milovanovic (25pts), B.Pesovic (18pts, 5reb, 6st), I.Matic (15pts, 7reb), J.Vukoje (7pts), A.Knezevic (9pts), J.Maksimovic (4pts, 4reb), A.Dabovic (4pts, 6reb, 3ass), D.Gobeljic (3pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group B

Israel lost 1pt to Latvia in an amazingly bouncing and suspenseful game with two overtimes (82 - 83). During the basic time the difference in the score after each quarter was from 3 to 5pts but the leadership always changed. Both teams were so much overdetermined that when Latvia tied the score in the final quarter, it seemed that the match started from the beginning and the opponents decided to tun over a new leaf. Israel were immense at 3-pointers with 13 shots scored but they were defeated by Latvian FT performance (24/32 against only 11/17).

Israel 82 - 83 Latvia (13-18, 30-33, 49-45, 59-59, 67-67)
Israel: L.Cohen (24pts, 13ass, 3st), L.Suez Karni (17pts), E.Abramzon (11pts, 4reb), S.Doron (9pts, 4reb), L.Selwyn (7pts), K.Levitsky (7pts, 4reb), M.Dori (4pts), J.Fleischer (3pts, 10reb).
Latvia: I.Kublina (20pts, 7reb, 4ass, 3st), Z.Tamane (19pts, 15reb, 3bs), E.Babkina (13pts), K.Karklina (10pts, 5ass), S.Dreimane (8pts), G.Basko (8pts, 8reb, 3ass), S.Niedola (4pts, 4reb, 2bs), D.Krumberga (1pt).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group A

Netherlands defeated Belgium 91 - 88 thanks to a very good performance at the beginning of each half. Although they shot a little less 2-pointers, they made the difference thanks to showing remarkable aggressiveness as they got 29pts from the FT line. Also, the factor of a team work was very significant as the winner demonstrated a pattern of an assisting game (21ass).

Netherlands 91 - 88 Belgium (29-19, 41-40, 68-59)
Netherlands: L.Kooij (39pts, 10reb, 3ass, 3st), M.Nieuwveen (21pts, 9reb), M.Beld (11pts), T.Broring (9pts, 4reb, 8ass, 7st), M.Klein (6pts, 4ass), L.Kooij (2pts), A.Biesters (2pts, 3ass), J.Kraak (1pt).
Belgium: A.Wauters (23pts, 14reb), S.Leemans (17pts, 5reb, 4st), M.Carpreaux (13pts, 5ass), J.Vanloo (10pts), E.Callens (10pts), K.Mestdagh (6pts), M.Celus (4pts), E.Meesseman (2pts), A.Strubbe (3pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group A

Lithuania lost to Italy 2pts 81 - 83, which must be very disappointing for them as they were leading in the end of the third quarter but Italy managed to steal the win in the final minutes. In fact, the gae was really bouncing as many times the initiative swang from oneside to another. Still, Italy were better at 2pt-shooting, which provided them with this victory.

Lithuania 81 - 83 Italy (22-17, 38-41, 65-56)
Lithuania: S.Linkeviciene (17pts, 8reb, 4ass, 5st), A.Abromaite (16pts, 6reb), G.Petronyte (12pts), R.Valentiene (11pts), E.Stakneviciene (9pts), A.Bimbaite (8pts, 7reb, 6ass, 5st), D.Staugaitiene (6pts), V.Sipaviciute (2pts).
Italy: M.Alexander (21pts), R.Masciadri (12pts, 5reb, 3ass), K.Ress (12pts, 4reb), G.Sottana (10pts), A.Gianolla (9pts, 4ass), C.Consolini (7pts), E.Ramon (4pts, 5reb), F.Modica (3pts), M.Franchini (3pts), S.Cinili (2pts).

Phoenix Lead 1-0

Phoenix lead 1-0 in the semi-finals series after they defeated San Antonio 93 - 106. In fact, they established control early in the game and though San Antonio tried to sow resistance in the second and forth quarters, they were not able to catch up with the score. San Antonio should be given credit for performing amazingly at shooting from behind the arc, and also from the FT line but Phoenix performance at 2pt-shooting was so terrific that nothing could compensate it.

San Antonio Silver Stars 93 - 106 Phoenix Mercury (16-25, 39-46, 63-77)
San Antonio: B.Hammon (19pts, 4ass), R.Hodges (17pts), E.Lawson-Wade (17pts, 3ass), S.Young (16pts, 9reb), M.Snow (10pts, 6reb, 4ass), A.Battle (6pts), J.Apple (5pts), R.Riley (2pts), C.Kelly (1pt).
Phoenix: C.Dupree (32pts, 8reb), P.Taylor (20pts, 5reb, 7ass), D.Taurasi (14pts, 4reb, 10ass), K.Braxton (14pts, 5reb), D.Bonner (9pts, 4reb, 4bs), T.Smith (7pts, 6reb, 5ass), T.Johnson (6pts, 7ass), K.Swanier (2pts), B.Smith (2pts).

New York got closer

New York defeated Indiana in the semi-finals game 73 - 85 thanks to a very good reaction in the second quarter which helped them to catch up with the score (as they were a step behind in the middle of the meeting) and turn the events around. Acually, New York showed better results at all shooting, rebounding and assisting.

Indiana Fever 73 - 85 New York Liberty (22-21, 47-48, 59-66)
Indiana: T.Catchings (18pts, 7reb, 6ass, 4st, 2bs), E.Hoffman (13pts), T.Sutton-Brown (10pts, 4reb), B.January (9pts, 3ass), T.Bevilaqua (8pts), J.Davenport (8pts, 8reb), S.Zellous (7pts).
New York: C.Pondexter (28pts, 4ass), E.Carson (17pts, 4reb), T.McWilliams-Franklin (15pts, 10reb), N.Powell (13pts, 7reb), P.Pierson (9pts), J.McCarville (2pts, 7reb, 7ass, 2bs), K.Greene (1pt).

Seattle defeat Los Angeles

Another game of the semi-finals was played by Los Angeles and Seattle and it finished with a natural score 66 - 79. Seattle set the tone at the beginning of the game and having gained a 10pt-advantage in the first quarter, allowed themselves relax a little and let the game be balanced during the rest of the match. Still, they were amazing at playing very collaboratively and showing a real team spirit.

Los Angeles Sparks 66 - 79 Seattle Storm (15-25, 33-43, 48-59)
Los Angeles: M.Ferdinand-Harris (18pts), K.Toliver (16pts, 5ass), T.Thompson (16pts, 6reb, 3bs), D.Milton-Jones (8pts, 8reb), N.Quinn (4pts, 4reb), T.Penicheiro (4pts, 3st).
Seattle: S.Cash (20pts, 5reb), L.Jackson (17pts, 9reb, 3ass), C.Little (11pts, 4reb), J.Vesela (11pts), S.Bird (9pts, 5reb, 12ass), T.Wright (8pts, 3ass), S.Abrosimova (3pts).

Important Second Quarter

The conference semi-finals between Atlanta and Washington finished in favor of the first 95 - 90. Having finished the first quarter with a close score, the visitors made a terrific accelration in the second period which allowed them such a margin that helped to resist in the second half. Indeed, Washington reallt tried to catch up after the big break and definitely had all the chances to do it but unfortunately for them, they've run out time too quickly.

Atlanta Dream 95 - 90 Washington Mystics (17-19, 48-33, 68-58)
Atlanta: A.McCoughtry (28pts, 7reb, 3st), C.Miller (21pts), I.Castro Marques (19pts, 4reb), S.Lyttle (8pts, 9reb, 3bs), E.DeSouza (12pts, 9reb, 5bs), A.Price (5pts, 4reb, 8ass), Y.Leuchanka (2pts).
Washington: M.Coleman (18pts, 4reb), C.Langhorne (16pts, 9reb, 4bs), L.Harding (14pts, 5reb, 5ass), M.Ajavon (16pts), K.Smith (10pts, 5reb), M.Currie (8pts, 11reb), N.Sanford (6pts), C.Melvin (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group D

Ukraine finally managed to get their first victory by defeating Germany 69 - 74. The beginning of the match was in favor of Germany and at one moment it seemed that again it would be Germany who would take the trophy as the first quarter finished with an 11pt-advantage of the latter. But in the second quarter Ukraine started to gather their strength and by the end of the third quarter they already tied the score and got ready to struggle for success.

Germany 69 - 74 Ukraine (26-15, 42-36, 55-56)
Germany: L.Frohlich (19pts, 11reb, 4ass), S.Austmann (14pts), A.Breitreiner (12pts, 4reb), P.Glaser (8pts), D.Richter (5pts), R.Bar (4pts), K.Bavendam (2pts), S.Barnert (2pts), R.Nikagbatse (2pts), M.Skuballa (1pt).
Ukraine: M.Sazonenko (23pts), O.Ogorodnikova (17pts, 4reb, 3ass, 4st), N.Isachenko (17pts, 6reb, 5ass), O.Prystupa (10pts, 5reb), I.Kochubei (5pts, 7reb, 3ass), O.Zherzherunova (2pts, 5reb).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group D

Slovak Republic lost to Great Britain 63 - 70 despite a tremendouus start which could make them hope to finish this game successfully. Unfortunately for them, Slovakia didn't expect Great Britain to react so quickly and so enthusiastically in the second quarter when they managed to almost tie the score. The second half was more balanced but still, in favor of Great Britain as in every quarter they managed to gain 4pt more.

Slovak Republik 63 - 70 Great Britain (26-16, 38-37, 50-53)
Slovakia: I.Jalcova (15pts, 7reb, 3ass, 2bs), L.Kupcikova (13pts, 6reb, 3ass), R.Vynuchalova (11pts), E.Lawless (7pts), L.Laskova (7pts, 7reb), K.Hrickova (5pts, 8reb, 3ass, 5st), L.Michulkova (3pts), K.Lukacovicova (1pt), S.Podesvova (1pt).
Great Britain: J.Leedham (26pts, 4reb), N.Stafford (10pts, 4ass), K.Butler (9pts, 5reb, 3ass, 3st), J.Page (7pts, 7reb), R.Anderson (6pts), A.Stewart (3pts, 6reb), R.Vanderwal (3pts), S.Collins (2pts, 5reb), C.Handy (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group C

Bulgaria destroyed Montenegro 89 - 57 and didn't let them any chance to hope for a win in this game. Already at the second quarter when Bulgaria inflicted on the opponent a scandallous 23-6, there was no doubt who would be the winner. In fact, Montenegro didn't mnage to stand Bulgaria's aggression as the latter stole from them 10 balls and made them accumulate 20 turnovers.

Bulgaria 89 - 57 Montenegro (28-17, 51-23, 71-34)
Bulgaria: D.Hodges (20pts, 3ass, 3st), J.Zlatanova (18pts, 4reb), R.Slavova-Naneva (8pts, 4reb), E.Dimitrova (8pts), Z.Stanoeva (7pts), H.Ivanova (7pts), S.Miteva (6pts), R.Yordanova (4pts), S.Peeva (3pts, 3ass), E.Yankova (4pts), D.Peteva (2pts), D.Georgieva (2pts).
Montenegro: J.Dubljevic (17pts, 6reb, 3st), A.Baletic (16pts, 6reb), M.Bjelika (10pts, 5reb), M.Milutinovic (6pts), S.Knezevic (4pts), A.Turinovic (2pts, 5reb), S.Aleksic (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group C

Finland and Hungary had a tough struggle for victory in which Finland had to walk away with a short loss 56 - 61. Indeed, in the first half Finland were just 2pts behind but they seemed to have enough capacity to resist and catch up and in fact, they did it in the third quarter. But Hungary made a very deserving acceleration in the final 10 minutes and turned the match around.

Finland 56 - 61 Hungary (12-13, 26-28, 45-43)
Finland: T.Tuukkanen (16pts, 9reb), H.Korpivaara (16pts, 6reb, 3ass), T.Sten (13pts, 5reb), V.Kesanen (3pts), M.Sten (3pts, 5reb), M.Lahde (3pts, 6reb), H.Salomaa (2pts),
Hungary: T.Krivacevic (16pts, 6reb, 3st, 2bs), D.Horti (11pts, 8reb), H.Szlimak (10pts, 6reb, 3ass, 3st), N.Nagy-Bujdoso (6pts, 7reb), T.Czank (5pts), Z.Varga (5pts), Z.Horvath (4pts), A.Vida (2pts), D.Furesz (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group B

Serbia gained a 2pt-win over Israel (70-68) in a very suspensful game where it was difficult to predict who would take the trophy of the victory. Indeed, both first two quarters fnished with a tie score and only after the big break Serbia managed to get a small advantage in the third period and increase it in the final one. Though Israel showed a very efficient game at distant shots (8/27), it didn't help them to compensate their weaker performance at 2pt-shooting (16/31 against Latvian 28/41).

Serbia 70 - 68 Israel (17-17, 39-39, 51-53)
Serbia: A.Knezevic (15pts, 5reb), B.Pesovic (16pts), A.Dabovic (11pts, 4ass, 3st), J.Milovanovic (10pts), I.Matic (8pts, 6reb), J.Maksimovic (8pts, 8reb, 3st), M.Beljanski (2pts).
Israel: L.Cohen (19pts, 4ass), S.Doron (18pts, 4reb), E.Abramzon (13pts, 3st), L.Selwyn (8pts, 4reb, 3ass), M.Dori (5pts), L.Suez Karni (2pts), K.Levitsky (2pts, 4reb), J.Fleischer (1pt).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group B

Latvia destroyed Romania 83 - 70 thanks to establishing control early in the game and never letting the initiative to the opponent. Romania, in their turn, tried hard to find a better way to defend their basket but all their efforts were inefficient. They were completely outrebounded (49-21), pressed by a very collaborative game of Latvia, and aggressed by Latvian FT performance.

Latvia 83 - 70 Romania (25-21, 48-37, 61-52)
Latvia: Z.Tamane (15pts, 14reb), E.Babkina (11pts, 6ass), K.Karklina (11pts, 5ass, 4st), G.Basko (11pts), A.Brumermane (9pts, 4reb), S.Niedola (7pts, 9reb), A.Putnina (7pts, 4reb), I.Kublina (5pts, 4reb), L.Jansone (3pts, 4reb), S.Dreimane (2pts), Z.Eglite (2pts).
Romania: M.Pascalau (21pts), G.Marginean (13pts, 7reb, 3ass), E.Pavel (12pts, 6reb, 3st), S.Mandache (10pts), P.Ciocan (6pts), F.Diacona (5pts), A.Stoenescu (3pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group A

Croatia defeated Netherlands 75 - 66 by performing a more aggressive game with many points got from the FT line. They also stole 12 balls from Netherlands and made them accumulate 24 turnovers. Netherlands didn't manage to build a proper defense against Croatia's pressure and allowed them to increase the advantage from quarter to quarter.

Croatia 75 - 66 Netherlands (16-14, 40-32, 62-47)
Croatia: J.Ivezic (23pts, 4reb, 3ass), M.Vrsaljko (12pts), A.Lelas (11pts, 6reb), I.Sliskovic (9pts, 4reb), A.Jelavic (6pts, 8reb, 4ass, 3st), I.Ciglar (3pts), N.Lokas (3pts), M.Cakic (3pts), A.Misura (3pts, 4ass), S.Mandir (2pts).
Netherlands: L.Kooij (14pts), L.Kooij (11pts, 4reb), M.Nieuwveen (10pts, 8reb), T.Broring (7pts, 3ass), J.Kraak (7pts, 8reb), M.Klein (5pts, 3ass), M.Beld (4pts), F.Ligthart (2pts), R.De Roos (2pts), M.Roetgering (2pts), A.Biesters (2pts, 6reb).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group A

Belgium lost to Lithuania by 3pts despite a very energetic performance in the second half. In fact, if Belgium didn't take too much time to wake up in the first quarter, they could have won this game but it was very difficult for them at the beginning to find a key to Lithuania's basket.

Belgium 61 - 64 Lithuania (7-18, 23-35, 44-51)
Belgium: K.Wambe (23pts, 6reb), A.Wauters (16pts, 6reb, 5bs), E.Meesseman (6pts, 4reb), J.Vanloo (5pts), M.Carpreaux (4pts, 6reb), S.Leemans (4pts), K.Mestdagh (3pts, 6reb).
Lithuania: S.Linkeviciene (19pts, 12reb, 3ass, 3st), G.Petronyte (13pts, 7reb), E.Stakneviciene (10pts, 6reb), A.Bimbaite (10pts, 6reb), A.Abromaite (8pts, 6reb), R.Valentiene (2pts), M.Solopova (2pts).

Minnesota Stole the Win from Indiana

Another match with an overtime on Sunday was played by Minnesota and Indiana. Here it was Minnesota who was crowned victor (83 - 79). Indiana played a very deserving game and were leading most part of the match but Minnesota made a tremendous acceleration in the final quarter and made Indiana tremble by tying the scire in the finla period. Indeed, it seems that Minnesota got a second wind in the end of the game as they were really efficient at the crucial moment.

Minnesota Lynx 83 - 79 Indiana Fever (15-20, 33-46, 47-58)
Minnesota: S.Augustus (25pts), C.Houston (16pts, 6reb, 4ass, 3st), L.Whalen (16pts, 4reb), M.Wright (8pts, 7reb), J.Adair (5pts, 8reb), H.Maiga-Ba (5pts, 4reb), A.Hornbuckle (3pts), R.Brunson (3pts, 6reb), Q.Hollingswirth (2pts, 5reb).
Indiana: T.Catchings (17pts, 14reb), T.Sutton-Brown (16pts, 6reb), S.Zellous (12pts, 4reb, 3ass, 3bs), B.January (12pts, 7ass), J.Davenport (9pts, 4reb), E.Hoffman (8pts, 10reb, 3ass), T.Bevilaqua (3pts), K.Douglas (2pts).

New York Perform in an Overtime

Connecticut and New York needed an overtime to reveal the winner, and it turned out to be New York who snatched a 1pt-win in a very tough struggle. The match started favourably for Liberty as they gained a 11pt-advantage inthe first quarter but Connecticut gradually were growing in strength with the course of the game and finally managed to tie the score and impose the overtime. Still, New York were not ready to yield the court and were struggling to death sending away the opponent with 7-8.

Connecticut Sun 87 - 88 New York Liberty (15-26, 34-43, 59-62)
Connecticut: T.Charles (21pts, 13reb), S.Gruda (18pts, 3ass), R.Montgomery (17pts, 6reb, 4ass), K.Lawson (15pts, 3ass), T.White (9pts), A.Jones (4pts, 6reb, 4ass), A.Jekabsone-Zogota (3pts).
New York: C.Pondexter (31pts, 4reb, 6ass, 4st), N.Powell (14pts, 8reb, 3ass), L.Mitchell (13pts, 4reb, 4ass, 3st), J.McCarville (12pts, 5reb), P.Pierson (9pts), E.Carson (7pts), T.McWilliams-Franklin (2pts, 6reb).

Atlanta suffered at home

Being on a visit, Washington destroyed Atlanta by inflicting on them a smashing score 90 - 81. The visitors established control early in the match and continued their performance most part of the game. Only in the final quarter they allowed Atlanta to try to recover but it was too late and impossible, in general.

Washington Mystics 90 - 81 Atlanta Dream (25-16, 54-37, 74-51)
Washington: M.Currie (20pts, 4reb), C.Langhorne (18pts, 11reb), M.Ajavon (11pts, 3ass), N.Sanford (10pts, 5reb), C.Melvin (9pts, 9reb), L.Harding (7pts, 8ass), M.Coleman (7pts, 8reb, 5ass), K.Smith (6pts, 4reb, 3ass), J.Monroe (2pts).
Atlanta: A.McCoughtry (19pts, 5reb), S.Lyttle (17pts, 11reb, 6ass, 3st, 2bs), C.Miller (14pts, 4reb), I.Castro Marques (9pts, 4ass), A.Price (9pts), A.Bales (6pts), E.DeSouza (4pts, 5reb), S.Lehning (3pts, 5reb, 5ass).

Another short gap

Another game with a short score was played by Phoenix and San Antonio where the latter won by 1pt 82 - 83. Phoenix made a good start but San Antonio reacted immediately in the second quarterand turned the match around. their performance in the second and the third quarters helped San Antonio accumulate a margin sufficient for a victory. Indeed, Phoenix managed to recover in the final period but they were short of time already.

Phoenix Mercury 82 - 83 San Antonio Silver Stars (20-15, 35-37, 57-61)
Phoenix: D.Bonner (20pts, 12reb, 3ass), K.Swanier (16pts, 3ass), T.Lilley (12pts, 4reb, 3ass), K.Braxton (10pts), S.Holmes (8pts, 4reb), B.Smith (8pts, 7reb), T.Smith (6pts), C.Dupree (2pts, 4reb).
San Antonio: B.Hammon (30pts, 3ass), M.Snow (22pts, 7reb), S.Young (13pts, 10reb, 3ass, 3st), E.Lawson-Wade (10pts), A.Battle (4pts), R.Hodges (3pts, 6reb, 6ass), R.Riley (1pt, 4ass).

1pt of disappointment

Los Angeles and Seattle played a very bouncing game and Loa Angekes suffered a very short and disappointing loss 75 - 76. The start was quite balanced but Seattle managed to seize the leadership in the second quarter and kept on getting a small advantage in the third one. But Los Angeles reacted in the final period and were really close to snatching the victory but remained 1pt away from the win.

Los Angeles Sparks 75 - 76 Seattle Storm (20-20, 36-39, 60-66)
Los Angeles: T.thompson (20pts, 6reb, 3ass), N.Quinn (18pts), D.Milton-jones (15pts, 9reb, 4ass), M.Ferdinand-Harris (8pts, 4reb), K.Toliver (8pts), T.Penicheiro (4pts, 4reb, 8ass), L.Wisdom-Hylton (2pts).
Seattle: C.Little (22pts, 6reb, 3ass), L.Jackson (21pts, 6reb), S.Cash (11pts, 7reb), S.Bird (7pts, 9ass), T.Wright (7pts), S.Abrosimova (6pts, 4reb), J.Vesela (2pts).

Tulsa won at home

Chicago lost to Tulsa 71 - 84 because of being unable to perform a proper resistance in the  final quarter. In fact, Chicago could really count for a win as having lost in the first quarter, they managed to tie the score in the second one and kept on walking neck to neck. But Tulsa made a terrific acceleration in the final period to definitely secure the victory and left no chance for Chicago.

Chicago Sky 71 - 84 Tulsa Shock (12-18, 37-36, 56-57)
Chicago: S.Fowles (16pts, 7reb), J.Perkins (14pts), M.Bass (12pts, 6reb, 3ass), E.Prince (8pts, 6reb, 4ass, 3st), E.Thorn (7pts), T.Young (6pts), D.Canty (5pts, 5ass), C.Thomas (2pts), S.Murphy (1pt).
Tulsa: T.Jackson (17pts, 9reb), S.Crosseley (17pts, 4reb, 3ass), M.Jones (14pts, 6reb), I.Latta (14pts, 5ass), S.Robinson (8pts, 4ass), A.Holt (8pts, 3ass), C.Black (4pts, 5reb), N.Ohlde (2pts, 4reb, 3ass).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group D

Great Britain and Ukraine played another non-prolific game of the group where Ukraine were defeated 57 - 49. Great Britain managed to find the key to the opponent's basket only in the second quarter as before they were even behind in score. Overall, they managed to get this victory thanks to their FT performance as they gained 13pts from the FT line whereas Ukraine didn't get any.

Great Britain 57 - 49 Ukraine (9-15, 21-25, 38-35)
Great Britain: J.Leedham (18pts, 5reb, 3ass, 4st), N.Stafford (10pts, 3ass, 4st), A.tewart (9pts, 5reb), J.Wade-Fray (6pts), K.Butler (6pts, 8reb), J.Page (5pts, 8reb), R.Vanderwal (2pts), R.Anderson (1pt).
Ukraine: I.Kochubei (11pts, 6reb), M.Sazonenko (10pts), O.Ogorodnikova (9pts, 7reb), L.Alyoshkina (6pts, 9reb, 3bs), T.Shchypakina (5pts), T.Bovykina (2pts), N.Isachenko (2pts, 6reb), I.Lapshynova (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group D

Germany and Slovak Republic played quite a defensive game which resulted in a not very prolific score 63 - 58 in favor of Germany. Moreover, the winner neede an overtime to assert their leadership and in the end, the victory was taken by those who displayed more aggression in this match as Germany gained 20pts from the FT line whereas Slovakia - only 6pts. Germany also outrebounded the opponent (55-39) but accumulated much more turnovers (23-15).

Germany 63 - 58 Slovak Republic (15-13, 31-28, 41-42, 54-54)
Germany: L.Frohlich (19pts, 18reb), R.Bar (12pts, 6reb), A.Breitreiner (11pts, 3ass), D.Richter (10pts, 4reb), S.Austmann (5pts, 5reb), R.Nikagbatse (3pts), K.Bavendam (3pts).
Slovakia: I.Jalcova (13pts), L.Kupcikova (12pts, 4reb), K.Hrickova (11pts, 7reb, 3st), L.Michulkova (11pts, 3ass), E.Lawless (9pts), R.Vynuchalova (2pts, 5reb).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group C

Turkey destroyed Finland 89 - 64 in a game with no hope for the latter. Turkey built up their win in the first half and in the second half just put an effort not to lose their advantage earned before. There was no much aggression in the game and the teams gained one-digit scores from the FT line but Turkey were up to the mark at 2pt-shooting and assisting. They also outrebounded the opponent thanks to many defensive rebounds grabbed.

Turkey 89 - 64 Finland (31-14, 49-25, 67-42)
Turkey: M.Gezer (18pts, 4reb), M.Bilge (14pts, 8reb), B.Vardarli (9pts, 4ass), C.Kozluca (8pts, 3ass, 4st), T.Canitez (8pts, 6reb), G.Yavuz (8pts), B.Yapar (6pts), Y.Saylar (5pts, 7ass), G.Dogan (5pts), E.Tuncluer (4pts), N.Yilmaz (4pts, 5reb).
Finland: T.Sten (12pts), T.Tuukkanen (11pts, 6reb, 3ass), H.Salomaa (11pts), H.Korpivaara (10pts, 4reb, 3st), D.Pounds (10pts), L.Sario (5pts, 5reb), V.Keanen (3pts), M.Sten (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group C

Hungary lost to Bulgaria 71 - 78 being unable to continue their terrific performance in the second half and allowing Bulgaria seize the initiative after coming back from the locker-room. Before the final quarter started Hungary still could hope for a win as they were still leading in the score but Bulgaria seemed to be overdetermined and really wanted to grab the victory at any cost. So, they were more prolific at 3pt-shooting and this helped them a lot, even though they were behind in many other sectors (46-30 at rebounding, 24-17 at assisting).

Hungary 71 - 78 Bulgaria (27-13, 37-27, 59-55)
Hungary: D.Horti (20pts, 10reb), T.Krivacevic (14pts, 7reb), D.Furesz (10pts, 4reb, 5ass), T.Czank (9pts, 3ass), N.Nagy-Bujdoso (7pts, 6reb), A.Vida (6pts), H.Szlimak (3pts, 7reb, 8ass), Z.Varga (2pts).
Bulgaria: D.Hodges (24pts, 4ass), Z.Stanoeva (10pts, 3ass), D.Georgieva (8pts), D.Peteva (8pts), R.Slavova-Naneva (7pts, 4reb), S.Miteva (6pts, 8reb), J.Zlatanova (6pts, 4reb), R.Yordanova (4pts), E.Dimitrova (3pts, 5reb, 6ass), E.Yankova (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group B

Serbia defeated Latvia 75 - 63 thanks to a good start when they managed to set control over the game, and a prolific finish when they recovered the positions lost in the third quarter. Indeed, in the final quarter Serbia had to work as they were really close to a loss in this match after Latvia made a deserving acceleration in the third quarter which threatened a successful outcome for them.

Serbia 75 - 63 Latvia (21-13, 38-27, 50-47)
Serbia: B.Pesovic (18pts, 5st), A.Dabovic (18pts, 6reb), I.Matic (11pts, 8reb), J.Maksimovic (14pts, 8reb), A.Knezevic (8pts), J.Milovanovic (4pts, 7reb), M.Beljanski (2pts).
Latvia: G.Basko (16pts, 7reb, 3ass, 4st), Z.Tamane (12pts, 7reb), S.Niedola (8pts, 5reb), K.Karklina (7pts, 4ass), I.Kublina (7pts, 5reb), A.Brumermane (5pts), D.Krumberga (3pts), L.Jansone (3pts), E.Babkina (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group B

Romania lost to Israel with a very narrow score gap 79 - 83 despite a deserving performance int he first half. Indeed, Romania took the iniative at the very begining and kept control over the score up to the big break (they finished the second quarter being 11pts ahead). But in the third quarter Israel gathered all the strength and turned the match around.

Romania 79 - 83 Israel (29-20, 47-36, 61-62)
Romania: G.Marginean (30pts, 7reb), M.Pascalau (20pts, 4reb, 5ass), A.Stoenescu (9pts), E.Pavel (8pts), F.Diacona (8pts, 4ass), P.Ciocan (4pts, 6reb, 6ass).
Israel: S.Doron (27pts, 4reb), L.Cohen (18pts, 5reb, 8ass, 3st), K.Levitsky (13pts, 4reb), E.Abramzon (8pts), L.Selwyn (8pts, 4reb, 3ass), M.Dori (4pts), L.Suez Karni (3pts), J.Fleischer (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group A

Italy won over Belgium by 10pts (67 - 57) in a very bouncing game. They managed to get their win in the final quarter thanks to a great acceleration which allowed them to defeat the deserving opponent. Having made a good start, Italy gained a 7pt-advantage but Belgium managed to turn the events around in the second quarter and continued their performance after the big break. So Itly had to work a lot in the final period to recover their position and take the leadership back.

Italy 67 - 57 Belgium (18-11, 27-28, 39-44)
Italy: C.Consolini (16pts, 4reb), G.Sottana (12pts), R.Masciadri (11pts, 4reb), K.Ress (9pts, 9reb), M.Franchini (6pts), M.Alexander (4pts, 7reb, 3st), E.Ramon (2pts), F.Modica (2pts), V.Donvitto (2pts), C.Pastore (2pts, 6reb), S.Cinili (1pt, 4reb).
Belgium: A.Wauters (17pts, 8reb, 3st), K.Wambe (15pts, 6reb, 3st), S.Leemans (9pts, 4reb), J.Raman (5pts), A.Strubbe (4pts), E.Callens (4pts), E.Meesseman (3pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group A

Lithuania defeated Croatia 81 - 63 thanks to a very good performance in the second half when they finally managed to find a key to the opponent's basket. indeed, Croatia resisted very well in the first and second quarters but totally collapsed in the second half being unable to perform a corresponding performance at 2pt-shooting and also at rebounding. Moreover, Lithuania played a very collaborative game with 18ass.

Lithuania 81 - 63 Croatia (21-21, 39-38, 55-45)
Lithuania: G.Petronyte (22pts, 11reb), A.Abromaite (19pts, 7reb), R.Valentiene (13pts, 4reb, 5ass), S.Linkeviciene (10pts, 5reb, 7ass, 2st), E.Stakneviciene (10pts, 8reb), A.Bimbaite (4pts, 4reb), D.Staugaitiene (3pts, 4ass).
Croatia: S.Mandir (17pts, 5reb), A.Jelavic (13pts, 5reb), A.Lelas (8pts, 4reb), M.Vrsaljko (7pts), I.Sliskovic (7pts, 4reb), J.Ivezic (6pts, 4reb), I.Ciglar (2pts), M.Cakic (2pts), A.Misura (1pt).

Crucial Last Quarter

Los Angeles and Minnesota played a very prolific game which finished with the victory of Los Angeles 91 - 98 who plyed at home. Actually, the hosts managed to snatch the win only in the final quarter a having lost in the first quarter they wouldn't manage to catch up with the score during most part of the game. The second and the third quarters both finished with a tie score and Minnesota could already hope that they would be able to keep the advantage they got at the beginning. But Los Angeles made a terrific accelration in the last period and even gaine a 7pt-gap.

Minnesota Lynx 91 - 98 Los Angeles Sparks (21-16, 44-39, 69-64)
Minnesota: C.Houston (21pts, 7reb, 3ass), L.Whalen (16pts, 5reb, 7ass), M.Wright (15pts, 3ass), R.Brunson (11pts, 7reb), A.Hornbuckle (9pts, 3ass, 4st), S.Augustus (8pts, 4ass), Q.Hollingsworth (8pts), K.Mann (3pts).
Los Angeles: T.Thompson (26pts, 9reb, 3ass), D.Milton-Jones (24pts, 7reb), K.Toliver (14pts), N.Quinn (13pts, 6reb, 4ass), M.Ferdinand-Harris (11pts), A.Riley (6pts), T.Penicheiro (4pts, 12ass).

Phoenix Lost at Home

Seattle defeated on a visit Phoenix 78 - 73 despite a very good start made by the latter. Indeed, in the second quarter the visitors managed to almost catch up with the score and leave to the locker-room being just 1pt behind. The third quarter fished with a tie score at 54 but Seattle came back to the court being overdetermined for a win and gradually gained their 5pts of victory in the final period.

Seattle Storm 78 - 73 Phoenix Mercury (16-20, 34-35, 54-54)
Seattle: S.Cash (13pts), J.Vesela (12pts), T.Wright (10pts, 4ass), C.Little (9pts, 4st), S.Abrosimova (9pts, 4reb, 4ass, 4st), S.Bird (7pts, 7reb, 5ass), L.Jackson (6pts, 5reb), A.Bishop (5pts), A.Robinson (4pts, 6reb), A.Lacey (3pts).
Phoenix: K.Braxton (15pts, 5reb. 3ass), T.Lilley (14pts), B.Smith (10pts, 4reb),T.Smith (9pts), S.Holmes (6pts, 4reb), K.Swanier (5pts), T.Johnson (5pts), C.Dupree (4pts), D.Bonner (3pts, 7reb, 4ass, 3bs), P.Taylor (2pts).

Connecticut Defeated Chicago

The match between Connecticut and Chicago finished in favor of the first 78 - 71. The game was really bouncing as having played a very prolific but balanced first quarter, the teams started to snatch the initiative from each other in the second quarter. Chicago managed to get the leadership first and left for the big break with a 7pt-advantage. But haviing made a tremendous scoring effort, Connecticut cought up in the third quarter and didn't allow the opponent to recover in the final.

Connecticut Sun 78 - 71 Chicago Sky (20-20, 34-41, 64-55)
Connecticut: R.Montgomery (20pts), A.Jones (16pts, 7reb, 3bs), K.Lawson (14pts, 4reb, 6ass), T.Charles (13pts, 7reb, 3bs), S.Gruda (5pts, 8reb), D.Walker (3pts), A.Jekabsone-Zogota (3pts), T.White (2pts, 3ass), K.Griffin (2pts, 11reb).
Chicago: E.Prince (19pts, 5reb, 6ass), D.Canty (11pts, 7ass), S.Fowles (11pts, 6reb), M.Bass (10pts, 5reb), T.Young (6pts, 5reb), C.Kraayeveld (5pts), J.Perkins (5pts), C.Thomas (4pts, 5reb).

San Antonio Win at Home

San Antonio managed to keep the victory at home when hosting Indiana as they defeated the visitors 61 - 75. The hosts made a terrific start which provided them with the advantage of 10pts at the half time. Unfortunately for them they lost it in the third quarter as Indiana managed to tie the score and in the crucial 4th quarter the teams had to show their best to snatch the win. This time San Antonio didn't miss their opportunity and inflicted 14-28 on Indiana, which let them walk away with the victory.

Indiana Fever 61 - 75 San Antonio Silver Stars (13-21, 27-37, 47-47)
Indiana: T.Catchings (15pts, 7reb, 4ass), K.Douglas (11pts), S.Zellous (8pts, 6reb), E.Hoffman (7pts, 5reb), T.Sutton-Brown (6pts, 5reb, 4bs), J.Davenport (6pts), B.January (5pts), T.Bevilaqua (3pts).
San Antonio: S.Young (22pts, 6reb), E.Lawson-Wade (18pts, 4ass), B.Hammon (13pts, 6ass), M.Snow (9pts, 8reb, 6ass), R.RIley (5pts, 6reb), R.Hodges (4pts), H.Darling (2pts), A.Battle (2pts, 4reb).

1pt for Washington

New York lost to Washington just by 1pt in a very suspenseful game (74 - 75). Washington started to lead in the score from the first quarter and kept the leadership most of the time. Before the start of the final quarter they already had a 12pt-advantage. But New York suddenly made a very good effort in the end and really made Washington tremble as they were very close to tying the score and stealing the win.

New York Liberty 74 - 75 Washington Mystics (15-17, 31-35, 49-61)
New York:  C.Pondexter (28pts), J.McCarville (12pts, 6reb), T.McWilliams-Franklin (12pts, 6reb), N.Powell (10pts, reb, 5ass), L.Mitchell (5pts), P.Pierson (5pts), E.Carson (2pts).
Washington: L.Harding (14pts), M.Ajavon (16pts), C.Langhorne (13pts, 7reb), K.Smith (12pts), M.Coleman (9pts, 5reb), M.Currie (9pts), C.Melvin (2pts, 5reb).

Tulsa Defeated in One Quarter

Tulsa lost 10pts on a visit to New York because of being unable to resist to them in the third quarter. Indeed, the first half demonstrated a very deserving performance of the visitors but they collapsed immediately after coming back from the locker-room, and even though tried to rehabilitate in the last period, the time was lost.

Tulsa Shock 85 - 95 New York Liberty (28-28, 46-43, 61-73)
Tulsa: S.Crossley (21pts), S.Robinson (16pts, 4ass), I.Latta (11pts, 3ass), T.Jackson (11pts, 4reb, 4ass), A.Holt (8pts, 3ass), N.Ohlde (8pts), M.Jones (8pts, 6reb), C.Black (2pts).
New York: N.Powell (20pts), C.Pondexter (16pts, 5reb, 5ass), T.McWilliams-Franklin (15pts, 5reb), L.Mitchell (14pts, 8ass), P.Pierson (12pts, 8reb), S.Spenser (10pts), J.McCarville (3pts, 5reb, 3ass), E.Carson (3pts, 5ass), K.Vaughn (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group D

Germany lost to Great Britain 63 - 72 because of letting them to make a good start which provided a required rage for Great Britain to win. Indeed, having gained 10pts in the first quarter, Britain managed to keep the tone of the game and just didn't let Germany catch up with the score by being more prolific at field-goal shooting.

Germany 63 - 72 Great Britain (13-23, 31-38, 44-52)
Germany: L.Frohlich (25pts, 8reb), D.Richter (9pts, 5reb, 5ass), A.Breitreiner (9pts), R.Nikagbatse (6pts), S.Barnert (6pts), S.Austmann (5pts), R.Bar (2pts, 7reb), K.Bavendam (1pt).
Great Britain: J.Page (20pts, 5reb), N.Stafford (16pts, 3ass)< J.Leedham (13pts, 5reb, 4ass), J.Wade-Fray (8pts, 3ass), K.Butler (9pts, 4reb), C.Handy (3pts, 6reb), A.Stewart (2pts, 7reb), S.Collins (1pt).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group D

Slovak Republic destroyed Ukraine 82 - 53 in a game where the latter didn't have any chance to oppose any resistance. Only in the final quarter they managed to score more or less the same range of points but before it was a real disaster. Ukraine were outrebounded and sustained losses mostly at 2pt-shooting sector.

Slovak Republic 82 - 53 Ukraine (20-14, 34-22, 57-30)
Slovakia: L.Kupchikova (16pts, 10reb), L.Michulkova (12pts), L.Laskova (9pts, 4reb), E.Lawless (8pts), K.Hrickova (6pts, 6ass), S.Podesvova (6pts), R.Vynuchalova (6pts), K.Lukacovicova (5pts), A.Jurcenkova (5pts), I.Jalcova (5pts, 4ass), J.Carnoka (2pts), J.Vackova (2pts).
Ukraine: O.Ogorodnikova (9pts, 9reb), T.Bovykina (8pts), I.Kochubei (8pts), O.Zherzherunova (7pts), L.Alyoshkina (5pts), N.Isachenko (5pts, 4reb), I.Lapshynova (5pts), A.Markotenko (3pts), O.Prystupa (3pts, 4reb), T.Shchypakina (1pt, 4reb).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group C

Another match with a short score within group C was the match between Montenegro and Hungary. Montenegro defeated the Hungarian team 75 - 73 in a very suspenseful game where the initiative was recaptured many times. Hungary played a very prolific game at distant shooting but they couldn't resist to Montenegro's FT performance (26/36 against only 10/14).

Montenegro 75 - 73 Hungary (19-14, 38-43, 59-54)
Montenegro: J.Dubljevic (21pts, 5ass, 4st), I.Perovanovic (18pts, 9reb), M.Bjelika (13pts, 5reb), A.Baletic (13pts, 4reb), J.Skerovic (6pts, 5ass), M.Mulitinovic (4pts).
Hungary: Z.Fegyverneky (32pts, 3ass), D.Horti (11pts, 5reb), A.Vida (10pts), T.Krivacevic (8pts, 5reb), Z.Varga (5pts), D.Furesz (3pts), T.Szank (2pts), N.Nagy-Bujdoso (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group C

Bulgaria lost to Turkey with a very short score 60 - 63 despite a tremendous start which allowed them to leave to the locker-room with a 18pt-advantage. Something happened during the break and in the third quarter Bulgaria were able to score only 2pts during all the period. This must have discouraged them and at the same gave more self-confidence to the Turkish team as in the forth quarter the latter continued their performance and stole the win from Bulgaria.

Bulgaria 60 - 63 Turkey (23-11, 43-25, 45-39)
Bulgaria: J.Zlatanova (18pts, 7reb), D.Hodges (14pts), D.Peteva (6pts), E.Dimitrova (5pts), E.Yankova (4pts, 5reb), Z.Stanoeva (4pts), R.Yordanova (3pts), S.Miteva (3pts, 7reb), D.Georgieva (2pts), R.Slavova-Naneva (1pt).
Turkey: N.Yilmaz (18pts, 12reb, 4ass), C.Kozluca (16pts, 5reb), E.Tuncluer (11pts), G.Dogan (6pts), B.Vardarli (6pts, 9reb), T.Canitez (4pts), G.Yavuz (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group B

Serbia destroyed Romania 87 - 52 by paralising their defense and putting much pressure during the most part of the game. No need to say that the winner were leading almost in all sectors. Especially aggressively they behaved at stealing and stole 21 balls from Romania. Still, both teams accumulated many turnovers (24-28).

Serbia 87 - 52 Romania (23-16, 47-28, 68-33)
Serbia: J.Maksimovic (22pts, 9reb), A.Knezevic (16pts, 6reb, 3st), J.Milovanovic (14pts, 5reb, 4ass, 4st), I.Matic (12pts, 9reb), A.Dabovic (8pts, 3ass, 4st), B.Pesovic (6pts, 4reb, 4ass), M.Beljanski (3pts, 3ass), N.Duric (2pts), M.Scoric (2pts), J.Vukoje (2pts).
Romania: A.Stoenescu (10pts), E.Pavel (10pts, 5reb), C.Pop (5pts), A.Uiuiu (5pts), F.Diacona (5pts, 4reb, 3ass), M.Pascalau (5pts), P.Ciocan (4pts, 5reb, 4ass), G.Marginean (4pts), S.Mandache (2pts, 4reb).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group B

Latvia lost to Israel 66 - 71 being unable to find a key to their defense and allowing them to increase their score by few points in each quarter. Still, the loser could boast a very remarkable perofrmance at 3pt-shooting but unfortunately for them it was not enough to compensate the underrun in other shooting sectors. Overall, Latvia were smothered by Israel FT performance as the latter gained 24pts from the FT line.

Latvia 66 - 71 Israel (14-18, 31-37, 47-56)
Latvia: G.Basko (19pts, 4ass), A.Putnina (10pts, 6reb), E.Babkina (7pts), K.Karklina (7pts, 5reb), Z.Tamane (6pts, 8reb), S.Dreimane (5pts), S.Niedola (4pts, 4reb), D.Krumberga (4pts), I.Kublina (2pts), A.Brumermane (2pts, 4reb).
Israel: S.Doron (22pts, 4reb), L.Suez Karni (11pts), L.Cohen (11pts, 5ass), J.Fleischer (9pts, 5reb), K.Levitsky (7pts), E.Abramzon (5pts), L.Selwyn (4pts, 6reb, 6st), M.Dori (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group A

Croatia and Italy played a very interesting game which finished in favor of the first 74 - 63. The winner accumulated their score advantage from quarter to quarter, by fewpoints in each period and managed to assert their victory at last. The main battle was inside the key and Croatia managed to press the opponent with their 2pt-performance. Moreover, they were really outstanding at stealing as they managed to steal 13 balls from Italy.

Croatia 74 - 63 Italy (15-14, 37-33, 53-46)
Croatia: J.Ivezic (18pts, 7reb, 6ass), I.Sliskovic (18pts), M.Vrsaljko (10pts, 4reb), S.Mandir (8pts, 6reb), A.Jelavic (5pts, 4reb), M.Cakic (4pts), I.Caglar (4pts), A.Lelas (4pts, 6reb), N.Lokas (3pts).
Italy: K.Ress (16pts, 8reb), J.Nadalin (12pts, 5reb), C.Consolini (9pts), G.Sottana (7pts), R.Masciadri (7pts, 7reb, 3st), A.Gianolla (4pts, 4reb, 4ass), M.Franchini (4pts), V.Donvito (3pts), F.Modica (1pt).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group A

Netherlands were defeated by Lithuania 67 - 80 in a very bouncing game. In the first half they managed to oppose a deserving resistance and the teams left to the locker-room with the score 37-36. But Lithuania returned being overdetermined and inflicted 11-24 in the third quarter after which Netherlands didn't manage to recover.

Netherlands 67 - 80 Lithuania (14-15, 37-36, 48-60)
Netherlands: L.Kooij (21pts, 6reb, 3ass), A.Biesters (12pts), T.Broring (8pts), M.Roetgering (8pts), L.Kooij (6pts), F.Ligthart (4pts), M.Nieuwveen (4pts, 8reb), K.Hartman (3pts), M.Beld (1pt).
Lithuania: A.Bimbaite (18pts, 8reb, 4ass, 3st), S.Linkeviciene (17pts, 15reb, 6ass, 5st), A.Abromaite (13pts, 7reb, 7ass), R.Valentiene (11pts), V.Sipaviciute (11pts), G.Petronite (8pts, 6reb), M.Solopova (2pts).

Decisive performance at FT

Phoenix managed to defeat Los Angeles 90 - 84 thanks to a good start and despite a deserving resistance from the side of the opponent. But in fact, the teams gained absolutely the same number of points inside the field and it was only free throwing which decided the outcome. Mercury got 20pts and Los Angeles - 14pts from the FT line. this was the crucial difference. 

Phoenix Mercury 90 - 84 Los Angeles Sparks (25-15, 49-40, 66-63)
Phoenix: P.Taylor (15pts, 11reb, 7reb), C.Dupree (15pts, 11reb, 3bs), D.Taurasi (15pts, 6reb, 4ass), K.Braxton (16pts, 7reb), T.Smith (12pts, 3ass), D.Bonner (10pts, 4reb), T.Johnson (5pts, 4ass), K.Swanier (2pts).
Los Angeles: M.Ferdinand-Harris (21pts, 4reb), T.Thompson (33pts, 7reb), D.Milton-Jones (16pts, 4reb), N.Quinn (8pts), K.Toliver (3pts), T.Penicheiro (2pts, 9reb, 11ass, 3st), L.Wisdom-Hylton (1pt).

Seattle turned the match around

Minnesota and Seattle played quite a balanced game which finished with the victory of the latter 64 - 68. This win must be very encouraging for Seattle as their start in this match was very successful. Indeed, Minnesota set the tone at the beginning and finished the first quarter with a 12pt-advantage. They even managed to keep up to the big break but lost the iniative in the second half and really were stolen the win.

Minnesota Lynx 64 - 68 Seattle Storm (24-12, 39-28, 56-52)
Minnesota: L.Whalen (20pts, 5reb, 5ass), M.Wright (14pts, 7reb), C.Houston (11pts, 9reb), S.Augustus (6pts), R.Brunson (6pts, 8reb), A.Hornbuckle (4pts), Q.Hollingsworth (3pts, 4reb).
Seattle: L.Jackson (24pts, 7reb), S.Cash (13pts, 7reb), C.Little (12pts, 14reb), S.Abrosimova (9pts), T.Wright (6pts, 6reb), L.Willingham (2pts).

Washington defeat San Antonio

Washington gained 10pts more in their meeting with San Antonio as they defeated the latter 76 - 66. San Antonio tried hard to resist the most part of the game but they ran out of strength in the last quarter and allowed Washington to perform a very good acceleration which killed all the hopes of San Antonio.

Washington Mystics 76 - 66 San Antonio Silver Stars (18-12, 36-32, 54-49)
Washington: C.Langhorne (21pts, 12reb, 3ass), M.Currie (13pts, 4reb, 3ass), K.Smith (13pts, 6ass), N.Sanford (9pts), L.Harding (7pts, 4ass), C.Melvin (6pts, 4reb), M.Coleman (3pts), M.Ajavon (2pts), J.Monroe (2pts).
San Antonio: S.Young (19pts, 5st), M.Snow (14pts, 5reb), B.Hammon (10pts, 5ass), R.Hodges (8pts, 5reb), E.Lawson-Wade (5pts), H.Darling (4pts), R.Riley (2pts), J.Apple (2pts), A.Battle (2pts).

Tulsa lost to Connecticut

Connecticut asserted their supremacy over Tulsa by destroying them 62 - 90. They were building their win gradually, from quarter to quarter. When the third quarter finished, the outcome of the match was already clear and only the question of the score remained open. Connecticut were much better at 2pt-shooting and also very efficient at free throwing.

Tulsa Shock 62 - 90 Connecticut Sun (14-18, 34-41, 49-66)
Tulsa: S.Robinson (18pts), S.Crosseley (10pts, 5reb), M.Jones (10pts, 4reb), A.Holt (9pts, 7reb, 3ass), N.Ohlde (6pts, 4reb), I.Latta (4pts), J.Lacy (2pts), C.Black (2pts, 5reb), T.Jackson (1pt, 6reb).
Connecticut: R.Montgomery (22pts, 3ass, 3st), A.Jones (18pts, 4reb, 3ass), T.White (13pts, 3ass), S.Gruda (13pts, 5reb), T.Charles (10pts, 10reb, 4ass), K.Lawson (5pts, 6reb), A.Jekabsone-Zogota (5pts), K.Griffin (2pts, 5reb), D.Walker (2pts).

New York keep Indiana out of basket

Indiana were destroyed by New York 57 - 78 as their determination for the victory sufficed only for the first quarter. Starting from the second one they started to get trapped by New York's aggression. New York were very good at keeping the opponent far from their basket and performing a very collective game with 19ass.

Indiana Fever 57 - 78 New York Liberty (21-18, 27-30, 41-53)
Indiana: T.Catchings (25pts, 5reb, 3ass), J.Davenport (9pts), K.Douglas (7pts), T.Sutton-Brown (6pts, 5reb), B.January (4pts), J.Cheek (2pts), J.Moore (2pts), S.Zellous (1pt, 4reb), E.Hoffman (1pt).
New York: L.Mitchell (19pts, 5ass), T.McWilliams-Franklin (14pts, 10reb), C.Pondexter (13pts, 4reb, 6ass), N.Powell (10pts), E.Carson (8pts), J.McCarville (6pts, 4reb, 4ass), P.Pierson (6pts), K.Vaughn (2pts).

Crucial Fourth Quarter

Chicago and Atlanta finished their bouncing meeting with a close score 84 - 79 in favor of the visitors, Chicago. Actually, the outcome gained any perspective only in the last quarter as before the teams were stealing the initiative from each other keeoing the score very close. In the last ten minutes Chicago made a great acceleration which allowed them to walk away with the win.

Chicago Sky 84 - 79 Atlanta Dream (25-23, 43-45, 63-65)
Chicago: S.Fowles (18pts, 14reb), D.Canty (17pts), J.Perkins (15pts, 4reb, 3ass), E.Prince(14pts, 4ass, 4st), T.Young (8pts, 5ass), M.Bass (4pts), S.Murphy (3pts), E.THorn (3pts), C.Kraayeveld (2pts).
Atlanta: I.Castro Marques (19pts), A.McCoughtry (16pts, 4reb), C.Miller (10pts, 4ass), Y.Leuchanka (9pts, 11reb), B.Raven (7pts), E.DeSouza (7pts, 5reb), A.Price (6pts), S.Lyttle (5pts, 5reb, 4ass).

Minnesota keep victory at home

San Antonio lost on a visit to Minnesota 78 - 84 being unable to find a way to the hosts's defense. Still, the visitors were very performant at 3pt-shooting and also scored more FT but unfortunetely for them, they collapsed at 2pt-shooting. The game was interesting also for the collaborative effort of both sides (17ass for San Antonio, 22ass for Minnesota).

San Antonio Silver Stars 78 - Minnesota Lynx (15-12, 29-38, 55-60)
San Antonio: B.Hammon (30pts, 6reb, 3ass, 3st), S.Young (12pts, 3ass), R.Hodges  (10pts, 6reb, 3ass), M.Snow (9pts, 4reb), C.Holdsclaw (6pts), E.Lawson-Wade (5pts), H.Darling (3pts), C.Kelly (2pts), J.Apple (1pt).
Minnesota: M.Wright (20pts, 3st), L.Whalen (21pts, 12ass), S.Augustus (17pts, 5eb, 3ass), R.Brunson (15pts, 8reb), C.Houston (9pts, 8reb, 4st), H.Maiga-Ba (2pts).

Indiana didn't let the win

Indiana defeated Connecticut 79 - 66 thanks to a very good start and a deserving finish. They gained a 6pt-advantage in the first quarter which allowed them to get self-confidence and keep it through the first half but Connecticut made a remarkable accelerationafter coming back from the locker-room which made Indiana tremble a little. But they were strong enough to regain consciousness in the final period and got back their leadership.

Indiana Fever 79 - Connecticut Sun (24-18, 42-37, 50-54)
Indiana: T.Catchings (26pts, 7reb, 7ass), K.Douglas (10pts, 6reb, 4ass), J.Davenport (10pts), J.Moore (9pts), T.Sutton-Brown (7pts, 5reb), B.January (5pts), S.Zellous (5pts, 6reb, 6ass), E.Hoffman (4pts, 3ass), T.Bevilaqua (3pts, 5reb).
Connecticut: T.Charles (18pts, 13reb, 3bs), R.Montgomery (12pts, 8ass, 5st), A.Jones (11pts, 5reb, 3ass), T.White (9pts), K.Lawson (8pts, 3ass), S.Gruda (5pts), K.Griffin (3pts).

Washington shoot far

Seattle lost to Washington 71 - 80 being unable to continue their performance made in the second quarter. Having a very balanced game inside the key, at 2pt-shooting, the teams' score struggled within distant shots and free throwing. Washington were very prolific at 3pt shooting as they gained 27pts from behind the arc. They also were more efficient at FT (19/22 against 12/15).

Seattle Strom 71 - 80 Washington Mystics (17-20, 36-32, 53-59)
Seattle: S.Cash (15pts), L.Jackson (14pts, 3ass), S.Bird (12pts, 7ass), C.Little (9pts), L.Willingham (7pts, 6reb), A.Robinson (6pts), S.Abrosimova (6pts, 6reb), T.Wright (2pts, 4reb, 5ass).
Washington: M.Currie (25pts, 3ass, 4st), C.Langhorne (15pts, 7reb, 3ass), L.Harding (13pts, 3ass), K.Smith (9pts, 3ass), C.Melvin (8pts, 6reb), M.Coleman (6pts), N.Sanford (4pts).

Seattle destroyed on a visit

Connecticut kept the victory at home by destroying Seattle 68 - 88. The hosts set the tone right at the beginning of the game and just never let Seattle any hope to catch up. The only thing that Seattle managed to do is to reduce the gap from 27pts to 20pts in the last quarter. Connecticut were very imposing with their collective game with 27ass and a very good rebounding performance (37reb).

Seattle Storm 68 - 88 Connecticut Sun (14-28, 33-52, 44-71)
Seattle: S.Abrosimova (19pts, 6ass), A.Bishop (14pts, 5reb), L.Willingham (8pts, 4reb), J.Vesela (8pts), A.Robinson (8pts, 7reb), T.Wright (4pts), A.Lacey (3pts, 5ass), S.Bird (2pts, 3ass), C.Little (2pts).
Connecticut: A.Jones (19pts), T.Charles (14pts, 5reb, 5ass), T.White (15pts), R.Montgomery (13pts, 5ass), S.Gruda (7pts, 9reb), K.Griffin (6pts, 6reb, 4ass), D.Walker (5pts), K.Lawson (4pts, 5ass), A.Jekabsone-Zogota (3pts), K.Gardin (2pts).

Atlanta lost to New York

New York won over Atlanta 90 - 83 thanks to playing a more persistent game at 3pt-shooting and showing good initiative. THe game was remarkable not only for a very collaborative effort on both sides but also for many turnovers that the teams accumulated. Still, the other ditinguishing point of New York was their FT performance as they managed to get more points in this sector.

New York Liberty 90 - 83 Atlanta Dream (25-21, 44-37, 61-62)
New York: C.Pondexter (31pts, 5reb, 6ass), L.Mitchell (15pts), T.McWilliam-Franklin (13pts, 4reb, 7ass), P.Pierson (9pts, 4reb), E.Carson (6pts, 7reb), J.McCarville (6pts, 3ass), K.Greene (5pts), N.POwell (3pts, 4reb), K.Vaughn (2pts).
Atlanta: A.McCoughtry (22pts, 4ass), E.DeSouza (21pts, 11reb), I.Castro Marques (13pts, 3ass), S.Lyttle (8pts, 13reb, 5ass), S.Lehning (7pts, 4reb, 8ass), C.Miller (4pts), A.Price (4pts, 3ass), B.Raven (2pts), Y.Leuchanka (2pts).

Indiana performance

Phoenix and Indiana played a very prolific game which finished in favor of the latter 90 - 110. Fever set the tone at the beginning of the game and managing to restrain the opponent in the middle of the game, made another good acceleration in the final quarter. There was a real battle inside the key, which Indiana managed to win; they also were amazing at playing a very collective game with 24ass.

Phoenix Mercury 90 - 110 Indiana Fever (19-28, 46-54, 68-80)
Phoenix: T.Johnson (23pts, 3ass), D.Taurasi (22pts, 4reb, 4ass), C.Dupree (20pts), P.Taylor (10pts, 6reb), K.Braxton (13pts, 6reb), K.Swanier (2pts).
Indiana: T.Catchings (29pts, 7reb, 6ass), K.Douglas (19pts, 6reb, 5ass), T.Sutton-Brown (15pts, 5ass), B.January (13pts, 3ass), E.Hoffman (10pts, 5reb), J.Davenport (8pts, 6reb), J.Moore (4pts), S.Zellous (4pts), T.Bevilaqua (3pts, 4reb), J.Morris (3pts), J.Cheek (2pts).

Another loss of Minnesota

Minnesota had to face another loss, this time from Washington, and again with a very short score 58 - 61. Actually, they missed ther win in the last quarter as before after every three first quarter they were ahead. And only by the end the forces left them and Washington took advantage of it immediately. Overall, Washington were better at shooting from behind the arc and also at grabbing rebounds.

Minnesota Lynx 58 - 61 Washington Mystics (20-16, 40-29, 52-50)
Minnesota: M.Wright (13pts), L.Whalen (13pts, 5reb, 5ass), N.Anosike (11pts, 7reb), S.Augustus (8pts), H.Maiga-Ba (6pts), R.Brunson (3pts, 10reb), C.Houston (2pts, 7reb), A.Hornbuckle (2pts).
Washington: L.Harding (15pts, 4reb, 3ass), C.Langhorne (12pts, 14reb), K.Smith (11pts, 4ass), C.Melvin (9pts, 4reb), M.Coleman (8pts, 9reb), M.Currie (4pts, 7reb), M.Ajavon (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group D

Ukraine were defeated by Germany 56 - 60 in a very suspenseful game. Indeed, the initiative swang from one side to another and the score changed the leader many times. The third quarter was started with a small advantage of Ukraine but Germany managed to pull up all their effort to catch up and inflict a loss on the opponent.

Ukraine 56 - 60 Germany (16-22, 31-31, 44-42)
Ukraine: M.Sazonenko (16pts), O.Ogorodnikova (14pts, 10reb), O.Prystupa (11pts), I.Kochubei (4pts), N.Isachenko (4pts), A.Markotenko (3pts), L.Alyoshkina (2pts, 5reb), T.Bovykina (2pts, 6reb).
Germany: L.Frohlich (15pts, 6reb), R.Bar (14pts, 4reb, 4ass, 4st), M.Skuballa (9pts, 4reb), P.Glaser (5pts), S.Austmann (5pts, 6reb), A.Breitreiner (4pts), K.Bavendam (3pts), D.RIchter (3pts, 5reb, 3ass), R.Nikagbatse (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group D

Great Britain lost to Slovak Republic 67 - 76 in a quite a bouncing game. Indeed, the first half was controlled by the English team but Slovakia seized the initiative in the second half and thus stole the victory. Even though Great Britain tried to play aggressively, they wer destroyed inside the key. The remarkable thing is that both teams accumulated too many turnovers in this match (23-27 respectively).

Great Britain 67 - 76 Slovak Republic (16-17, 36-34, 48-56)
GB: J.Leedham (17pts, 4reb, 5ass, 3st), K.Butler (10pts, 7reb, 5st), J.Page (9pts, 4reb), S.Collins (8pts), A.Stewart (8pts), R.Anderson (7pts), N.Stafford (5pts, 4reb, 4st), J.Wade-Fray (3pts).
Slovakia: L.Michulkova (19pts, 3ass, 5st), I.Jalkova (12pts, 4reb, 5ass), L.Laskova (11pts, 7reb), K.Hrickova (9pts, 6reb, 4ass), R.Vynuchalova (9pts, 4reb), J.Carnoka (4pts), K.Lukacovicova (4pts), L.Kupcikova (3pts), E.Lawless (2pts), J.Vackova (2pts), A.Jurcenkova (1pt).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group C

Montenegro really perform as this time they defeated Turkey 70 - 52 thanks to a very persistant game, especially in the second and the fourth quarters. Overall, they shot more 3-pointers and also gained more points from the FT line, which in the end brought them to the successful outcome.

Montenegro 70 - 52 Turkey (17-16, 38-28, 50-40)
Montenegro: I.Perovanovic (19pts, 7reb, 4ass), J.Dubljevic (18pts, 6reb, 6ass, 3st), A.Baletic (15pts, 5reb), M.Bjelika (9pts, 6reb), J.Skerovic (5pts, 4ass, 3st), M.Milutinovic (2pts, 4reb), A.Turcinovic (2pts).
Turkey: N.Yilmaz (16pts, 6reb), E.Tuncluer (9pts), G.Dogan (4pts), B.Yapar (4pts), M.Yenal (4pts), G.Yavuz (4pts), T.Canitez (3pts, 5reb), Y.Saylar (2pts), M.Gezer (2pts), M.Bilge (2pts), N.Yigit (2pts, 3ass).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group C

Bulgaria gained a win over Finland 88 - 65 as they set the tone right at the beginning of the game and Finalnd never managed to catch up. Even though Finland showed a better result at shooting from behind the arc, it could not change the general situation as they were way behind at 2pt-shooting and also were not as aggressive with FT as Bulgaria.

Bulgaria 88 - 65 Finland (26-20, 47-33, 69-52)
Bulgaria: D.Hodgws (20pts), D.Peteva (12pts, 4ass), Z.Stanoeva (10pts), E.Dimitrova (9pts, 4reb, 3ass), J.Zlatanova (8pts, 7reb), D.Georgieva (8pts), R.Yordanova (7pts), R.Slavova-Naneva (6pts, 4reb), S.Miteva (4pts, 9reb), E.Yankova (4pts).
Finland: T.Tuukkanen (12pts, 8reb), T.Sten (11pts), M.Sten (8pts, 7reb), V.Kesanen (8pts), H.Korpivaara (7pts, 4reb, 3ass), D.POunds (6pts, 4reb, 5ass), L.Sario (5pts), A.Makitalo (3pts), M.Pekkarinen (3pts), H.Salomaa (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group B

Romania in their turn were absolutely defenseless in front of the pressure of Latvia who destroyed them 47 - 76. The crisis for Romania was in the middle of the match when they were able to score only 16pts in both second and third quarters. Latvia were unreachable at 2pt-shooting and also played a very aggresive game with 24/31 FT. Moreover, they grabbed 45reb which definitely helped them to take many additional opportunities to score.

Romania 47 - 76 Latvia (17-13, 24-33, 33-53)
Romania: M.Pascalau (12pts), G.Marginean (10pts), P.Ciocan (6pts, 6reb, 3ass, 3st), F.Diacona (6pts), C.Pop (4pts), S.Mandache (4pts, 4reb, 3ass), A.Uiuiu (3pts), A.Parau (2pts).
Latvia: G.Basko (11pts, 6reb), K.Karklina (10pts, 6reb, 3st), A.Brumermane (9pts, 6reb), I.Kublina (9pts), E.Babkina (9pts), S.Niedola (9pts, 5reb), D.Krumberga (6pts), Z.Tamane (6pts, 9reb), L.Jansone (5pts), A.Putnina (2ts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group B

Israel destroyed Serbia 93 - 65 as they set the tone at the beginning of the game and never let any hope to the opponent after. Step by step, from quarter to quarter their advantage increased and the hopes of Serbia melted. Having almost the same result inside the key, Serbia collapsed at FT and were also unable to defend their basket from Israel's distant shots.

Israel 93 - 65 Serbia (26-13, 41-25, 66-45)
Israel: L.Cohen (26pts, 4reb, 7ass), S.Doron (20pts, 4ass, 5st), M.Dori (14pts), K.Levitsky (13pts, 5reb), L.Suez Karni (8pts, 3ass, 3st), E.Abramzon (7pts, 8reb, 3ass, 3st), L.Selwyn (5pts, 9reb, 6ass).
Serbia: I.Matic (17pts, 9reb), A.Dabovic (10pts), J.Milovanovic (10pts, 5reb, 6ass), A.Knezevic (7pts), J.Maksimovic (6pts), B.Pesovic (6pts), M.Beljanski (4pts, 3ass), J.Vukoje (3pts), D.Gobeljic (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group A

Croatia were 15pts stronger than Belgium and finish the match 85 - 70. The winner accumulated their advantage from quarter to quarter and by the beginning of the last period were 11pts ahead. As for Belgium, they couldn't make a miracle and just surrendered to a very good Croatian 3pt-performance.

Croatia 85 - 70 Belgium (23-21, 40-32, 67-56)
Croatia: I.Sliskovic (18pts, 7reb), S.Mandir (17pts, 6reb), A.Lelas (14pts, 8reb, 5ass, 2st), J.Ivezic (9pts, 6reb), A.Jelavic (8pts, 7reb), A.Misura (8pts, 8reb, 3ass), N.Lokas (5pts), M.Vrsaljko (4pts), I.Ciglar (2pts, 4reb, 3ass).
Belgium: A.Wauters (21pts, 9reb), S.Leemans (18pts, 7reb), K.Wambe (14pts, 8reb, 5ass), A.Strubbe (9pts, 7reb), M.Carpreaux (3pts, 3ass), E.Callens (3pts, 4reb), L.Van Malderen (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group A

Netherlands lost to Italy 60 - 70 because of being unable to build up a proper defense in the second half of the match. The first part was really very bouncing and the teams left for the big break with a tie score at 33. But Italy made a very remarkable acceleration in the third quarter (19-26) and absolutely discouraged Netherlands in the final period (8-11) to walk away with the win.

Netherlands 60 - 70 Italy (16-18, 33-33, 52-59)
Netherlands: L.Kooij (20pts, 12reb), M.Beld (7pts, 7ass, 2st), F.Ligthart (6pts), M.Roetgering (6pts), L.Kooij (6pts), R.DeRoos (5pts), C.van Grinsven (4pts), A.Biesters (4pts, 5reb).
Italy: J.Nadalin (20pts, 6reb), G.Sottana (12pts), K.Ress (11pts, 7reb), F.Modica (7pts), C.Consolini (6pts), A.Gianolla (4pts, 6ass, 3st), R.Masciadri (3pts, 8reb), E.Ramon (3pts), S.Cinili (2pts).

Disappointing loss of Minnesota

Los Angeles managed to gain a very short win of 1pt over Minnesota 78 - 77. Minnesota had all the chances to hope for a win in this match as they set the tone at the beginning and were leading by 13pts after the first quarter. But Sparks set the objective to steal the victory and managed to shortly do it by the end of the meeting.

Los Angeles Sparks 78 - 77 Minnesota (10-23, 33-42, 53-59)
Sparks: D.Milton-Jones (21pts, 6reb, 3ass, 4st), T.Thompson (16pts, 8reb), A.Riley (11pts), K.TOliver (10pts, 4reb), T.Penicheiro (8pts, 10ass), N.Quinn (6pts), M.Ferdinand-Franklin (4pts), L.Wisdom-Hylton (2pts, 5reb).
Minnesota: C.Houston (24pts, 4reb, 3ass), R.Brunson (17pts, 14reb), N.Anosike (11pts, 11reb), M.Wright (9pts, 5reb, 3ass), L.Whalen (8pts), S.Augustus (6pts), H.Maiga-Ba (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group C

The match between Turkey and Hungary finished in favor of the first 62 - 54. Still, they managed to build up their victory only in the second half, and especially in the final quarter. The first half was like a training when the teams tried out each other and sounded out the weak points. Turkey was lucky to understand better the weakness of the opponent and to take advantage of the breach in their long-distant defense.

Turkey 62 - 54 Hungary (14-19, 30-30, 43-41)
Turkey: E.Tuncluer (18pts, 3st), B.Vardarli (9pts, 5ass), N.Yilmaz (8pts, 7reb), K.Siyahdemir (6pts, 5reb), M.Bilge (6pts), T.Canitez (6pts), N.Yigit (4pts, 4ass), Y.Saylar (2pts), M.Gezer (2pts), B.Yapar (1pt).
Hungary: D.Horti (20pts, 9reb), N.Nagy-Bujdoso (7pts), Z.Fegyverneky (6pts), D.Furesz (6pts, 6reb, 3ass), T.Czank (6pts, 4reb, 3st), T.Krivacevic (4pts), S.Torok (3pts), Z.Varga (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group C

Finland were destroyed by Montenegro 55 - 94 being unable to oppose any deserving resistance to their pressure. The latter were leading in every sector, starting with shooting performance and finishing with rebounding and aggressiveness.

Finland 55 - 94 Montenegro (12-24, 31-42, 47-60)
Finland: T.Tuukkanen (14pts, 8reb, 2st), M.Sten (12pts, 5reb), T.Sten (11pts), D.POunds (10pts), H.Korpivaara (4pts, 5reb), V.Kesanen (2pts), A.Makitalo (1pt), H.Salomaa (1pt).
Montenegro: J.Dubljevic (21pts, 11reb), A.Baletic (16pts), I.Perovanovic (15pts, 9reb, 6ass, 2st), J.Skerovic (13pts, 4reb, 4ass, 3st), M.Bjelika (11pts, 6reb), S.Aleksis (10pts, 6reb), M.Milutinovic (4pts, 5reb), S.Knezevic (2pts), M.Jovanovic (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group A

Italy defeated Lithuania 87 - 72 in an uneasy game where they had to steadily struggle for every point during the first three quarters and managed to make a remarkble acceleration in the last 10 minutes. Italians went ahead thanks to a very prolific game inside the field whereas Lithuania gained more points from the FT line.

Italy 87 - 72 Lithuania (24-21, 43-38, 61-58)
Italy: R.Masciadri (19pts, 4reb, 3st), K.Ress (15pts, 6reb), G.Sottana (13pts), M.Franchini (10pts), C.Pastore (8pts), C.Consolini (7pts), M.Alexander (6pts, 6reb), A.Gianolla (5pts, 3ass), E.Ramon (2ps).
Lithuania: A.Abromaite (21pts, 6reb), S.Linkeviciene (15pts ,5reb, 2st), R.Valentiene (10pts), E.Stakneviciene (7pts, 4reb, 3ass), A.Bimbaite (7pts, 4reb, 3ass, 2st), M.Solopova (4pts, 3ass), G.Petronyte (4pts, 4reb), V.Sipaviciute (4pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group A

Belgium without any difficulty defeated Netherlands 91 - 59. Indeed, once establishing control early in the game, thay never let the initiative to the Holland team and just worked at increasing the gap. Belgium smathered the opponent with their prolific game both at 2pt- and 3pt-shooting and moreover, were very helped by not a very collaborative game of Netherlands.

Belgium 91 - 59 Netherlands (20-18, 38-29, 69-40)
Belgium: S.Leemans (16pts, 7reb, 3ass, 2st), M.Carpreaux (14pts, 5reb, 3ass, 5st), J.Vanloo (12pts), A.Wauters (11pts, 5reb), E.Callens (10pts), L.VanMalderen (9pts), K.Wambe (6pts, 4ass), K.Mestdagh (6pts), E.Meesseman (6pts, 4reb), A.Srubbe (1pt).
Netherlands: L.Kooij (14pts, 6reb), M.Nieuwveen (12pts, 9reb, 2ass), A.Biesters (9pts, 4reb), T.Broring (5pts), M.Beld (4pts), M.Roetgering (4pts), R.DeRoos (4pts), S.Beld (3pts), M.Klein (2pts), R.Roubehie Fissa (2pts).

Indiana win on a visit

Indiana and Los Angeles played a very resistant game where the winner turned out to be the visitors, Indiana. But having made a very good start, Fever always felt a breath of the hosts at their back as many times Los Angeles were close to stealing the win. In general, Indiana went ahead by 6pts thanks to a very prolific game in the first and the third quarters.

Indiana Fever 82 - 76 Los Angeles Sparks (23-12, 40-38, 66-56)
Indiana: T.Sutton-Brown (18pts, 7reb), K.Douglas (17pts, 8reb, 3ass)< E.Hoffman (16pts), T.Catchings (11pts, 11reb, 4ass), T.Bevilaqua (6pts, 6ass, 4st), J.Davenport (6pts), B.January (6pts), S.Zellous (2pts).
Los Angeles: T.Thompson (21pts, 13reb), D.Milton-Jones (16pts, 4reb, 3ass), A.Riley (14pts, 4reb, 6ass, 2st), M.Ferdinand-Harris (11pts), N.Quinn (9pts, 5reb, 4ass), L.Wisdom-Hylton (3pts, 6reb), K.TOliver (2pts).

Chicago perform

Phoenix lost to Chicago 82 - 91 despite a very good beginning. Before the big break they were leading by 9pts but Chicago showed a different face at the coming back from the locker-room and first, tied the score immediately in the third quarter and then, without difficulty stole the win thanks to making a very deserving performance at 2pt-shooting (37/79 against 28/66 of Phoenix).

Phoenix Mercury 82 - 91 Chicago Sky (23-19, 44-35, 62-67)
Phoenix: D.Taurasi (28pts, 7reb, 5ass, 2bs), P.Taylor (14pts, 7reb, 7ass), C.Dupree (13pts), T.Smith (12pts, 10reb), T.Johnson (7pts, 6reb, 5ass), K.Braxton (6pts), K.Swanier (2pts).
Chicago: S.Fowles (24pts, 14reb, 3st), E.Prince (16pts, 6reb, 4ass), T.Young (10pts, 4reb, 4ass), D.Canty (10pts, 4reb, 4ass), E.Thorn (9pts, 4ass), M.Bass (8pts, 4reb, 3ass, 2bs), S.Murphy (9pts), C.Kraayeveld (2pts), C.Thomas (1pt).

San Antonio defeated at home

Minnesota managed to win on a visit to San Antonio 73 - 66 thanks to a very good first quarter, when they managed to earn a margin of 8pts which brought them to the wished victory. As for the field goals shot, the teams showed very close results, and San Antonio were even one step better at 2pt-shooting, but they collapsed at free throwing and were smothered by 19/26 of Minnesota.

Minnesota Lynx 73 - 66 San Antonio Silver Stars (22-16, 43-35, 56-50)
Minnesota: S.Augustus (20pts, 8reb), R.Brunson (12pts, 12reb), M.Wright (12pts), L.Whalen (11pts, 4reb, 4ass, 3st), N.Anosike (7pts, 11reb), C.Houston (7pts), H.Maiga-Ba (4pts).
San Antonio: S.Young (19pts, 5reb, 4ass), C.Holdsclaw (17pts), B.Hammon (12pts, 8ass, 3bs), R.Riley (6pts), M.Snow (5pts, 10reb), R.Hodges (4pts), E.Lawson-Wade (3pts).

Bouncing resistance Seattle vs Atlanta

Seattle and Atlanta played a very bouncing game which finished in favor of Seattle 80 - 70. In this match the winner managed to walk away in the win only thanks to a terrific game in the final quarter as by inflicting 28-15 on Atlanta, they really turned the events around. As for Atlanta, the most part of the game they were able to perform the due resistance and even stroke ahead many times but lost the victory being pressed by Seattle's prolific shooting, especially at 3-pointers.

Seattle Storm 80 - 70 Atlanta Dream (11-16, 32-31, 52-55)
Seattle: L.Jackson (14pts, 8reb), T.Wright (14pts, 7reb), S.Bird (13pts, 4ass), C.Little (10pts, 4reb), S.Abrosimova (7pts, 5reb, 6ass), A.Bishop (7pts), L.Willingham (7pts, 7reb), S.Cash (3pts), A.Lacey (3pts), J.Vesela (2pts).
Atlanta: A.McCoughtry (16pts, 4reb, 4ass, 4st), E.DeSouza (13pts, 11reb, 3ass), I.Castro Marques (13pts, 4reb), S.Lyttle (12pts, 17reb), C.Miller (6pts), S.Lehning (5pts, 6ass), K.Miller (3pts), A.Price (2pts).

Connecticut lost to Washington

Washington defeated Connecticut 71 - 82 thanks to a very good start which allowed them to gain self-confidence which, in its turn, helped to show a further tremendous performance in the third quarter. Most of the points of Washington came from 2pt-shooting and they were also a little more prolific at the FT line.

Connecticut Sun 71 - 82 Washington Mystics (17-21, 34-37, 50-70)
Connecticut: T.Charles (15pts, 15reb), R.Montgomery (14pts, 4ass), A.Jones (14pts), K.Lawson (11pts, 4ass), S.Gruda (10pts), T.White (5pts, 4ass), A.Hightower (2pts).
Washington: C.Langhorne (23pts, 10reb), M.Currie (17pts, 4reb, 3ass), C.Melvin (10pts, 4reb), K.Smith (10pts, 3ass), J.Monroe (8pts), L.Harding (6pts, 4reb, 6ass), M.Coleman (6pts), N.Sanford (2pts).

U18: Poland 11th, Serbia 12th

Poland and Serbia shared respectively the 11th and the 12th places of the standings in a very balanced match which finished just by 2pts in favor of Poland. The loss must be very disappointing for Serbia as they were leading in the score up to the third quarter and lost the control just in the last 10 minutes when were inflicted an unexpected score 28-19.

Poland 73 - 71 Serbia (12-17, 30-38, 45-52)
Poland: M.Zietara (21pts, 6ass), M.Idziorek (11pts, 5ass), A.Szczepanik (10pts, 4reb), A.Morawiec (7pts), M.Jasnowska (8pts), K.Bandyk (5pts, 3ass), P.Kuras (5pts, 4ass), K.Wilk (4pts), A.Tanasiejczuk (2pts).
Serbia: S.Colic (25pts, 8reb, 3ass), M.Toskovic (12pts, 8reb), J.Stankovic (9pts), K.Stankovic (9pts), I.Brajkovic (7pts, 16reb), J.Repic (4pts, 3ass), Z.Nikolic (2pts), T.Dijan (2pts, 3ass), J.Dordevic (1pt).

U18: Slovakia 9th, Turkey 10th

The match for the 9th place was very bouncing and finished with a very short score 65 - 63 where Slovak Republic defeated Turkey. Turkey managed to set the tone at the beginning of the game but Slovakia seized the iniative in the second quarter and step by step, by gaining 1pt and 2pts per quarter, stole the win.

Slovak Republic 65 - 63 Turkey (14-20, 33-34, 52-51)
Slovakia: S.Oroszova (19pts, 16reb, 3ass, 4st), M.Kissova (15pts, 5reb, 3ass, 3st), M.Palenikova (9pts), Z.Hruscakova (6pts, 5reb), N.Bradnanska (6pts), P.Bartanusova (6pts), D.Domiterova (4pts, 5ass).
Turkey: O.Kavurmacioglu (17pts, 15reb, 3st), E.Guler (13pts), N.Demirkol (10pts), A.Cora (8pts), A.Gunay (7pts, 3ass), O.Turmus (4pts, 4reb), R.Derin (2pts), E.Turkyilmaz (2pts).

U18: Ukraine 7th, Sweden 8th

Ukraine and Sweden struggled for the 7th place and Ukraine turned out to be stronger as they defeated the opponent 78 - 58 thanks to a very remarkable acceleration which they started to perform in the second quarter and continued up to the end. In fact, Ukraine smothered Sweden with their aggressiveness as they gained 22pts from the FT line whereas Sweden got only 1pt. Still, Ukranians accumulated a lot of turnovers (30!), though it didn't prevent them from winning.

Ukraine 78 - 58 Sweden (16-15, 39-34, 60-49)
Ukraine: A.Iagupova (29pts, 7reb, 6ass, 3bs), L.Naumenko (15pts, 19reb), A.Kiriyenko (14pts, 8reb), N.Pokrovenko (13pts, 10reb, 5ass, 5st), A.Yablonska (3pts), K.Demchenko (2pts), M.Tkach (2pts).
Sweden: A.Zahui (16pts, 10reb, 3bs), M.Persson (10pts), L.Brandholm (9pts), J.Vesterberg (8pts), F.Abdi (6pts), A.Nystrom (5pts, 7reb, 3ass, 4st), N.Fontaine (2pts, 4reb, 4ass), M.Hakim (2pts, 6reb, 5ass, 4st).

U18: Russia 5th, Lithuania 6th

Lithuania lost to Russia 64 - 78 in a game for the 5th place by allowing them to set control early in the game and being unable to perform proper resitance in the first half. But Russians were terrific at shooting from behind the arc as they gained 30pts in this sector. Nothing could be done with their cooperative game as they performed 24ass. Still, Lithuania should be given credit for their rebounding performance as they grabbed 62reb, which is twice more than Russia.

Lithuania 64 - 78 Russia (14-22, 31-45, 50-65)
Lithuania: S.Okockyte (18pts), L.Svaryte (11pts, 16reb), P.Zaveckaite (11pts, 14reb), D.Saurazaite (9pts), K.Druskyte (6pts, 4reb), M.Grigalauskyte (6pts), V.Kaminskyte (3pts).
Russia: S.Efimova (19pts, 4reb, 5ass), Y.Stepanova (19pts, 8reb), A.Stolyar (14pts, 3ass), A.Maksimova (11pts, 4reb, 5ass), N.Gumennaya (6pts), Y.Poluyanova (4pts), A.Pasynkova (3pts, 6ass), E.Fedorenkova (2pts).

U18: France 3rd, Slovenia 4th

The 3rd and the 4th places were distributed among France and Slovenia respectively as France defeated Slovenians 43 - 66. Actually, the French team was leading all the game long and just accumulated their scoring advantage from quarter to quarter. Both teams played a very balanced game behind the arc and t the FT line and the main battle was at 2pt-shooting where the loser was allowed to score only 8 shots whereas France got 40pts in this sector.

Slovenia 43 - 66 France (13-15, 24-35, 34-52)
Slovenia: T.Jakovina (14pts, 5reb), N.Baric (11pts), R.Abramovic (7pts), S.Jevtovic (6pts, 6reb), T.Kopusar (3pts), B.Adamovic (2pts).
France: H.Akmouche (13pts), L.Barba (10pts, 12reb, 3bs), C.Diallo (10pts), S.Bouzenna (7pts, 4reb), M.Galliou (7pts, 6reb), F.Basque (7pts, 5reb, 3ass), M.Radjati (5pts, 4reb), M.Devaux (3pts), J.Joseph (2pts), E.Grossemy (2pts, 12reb, 4ass).

U18 Final

The final match of the U18 competition revealed the winner after a very bouncing game. Italy defeated Spain 61 - 66 by gaining the winning 5pts thanks to being one step ahead at 2pt-shooting and by imposing too many turnovers (Spain lost 28 balls whereas Italy - only 14). Still, the Spanish team demonstrated a deserving battle at rebounding and managed to grab 43reb against Italy's 29.

Spain 61 - 66 Italy (15-17, 31-31, 43-50)
Spain: M.Delgado (14pts, 5reb), E.Diaz (12pts), M.Ortiz (9pts, 9reb), A.VIlaro (8pts, 6reb), Q.Casas (6pts, 4ass, 5st), L.Gil (5pts, 9reb), E.Vivas (5pts, 3ass), C.Calvelo (2pts).
Italy: B.Carta (17pts), G.Gorini (10pts, 8reb), F.Dotto (9pts, 3ass), N.Diene (8pts, 4reb, 4ass), I.Cigliani (7pts), L.Morsiani (6pts), M.Masoni (4pts), C.Zanin (2pts, 5reb, 4ass), C.Salvini (2pts), V.Dell'Olio (1pt).

U18 Semi-Finals

The second match of the semi-finals was played by France and Italy and it finished in favor of Italy won won by 5pts 50 - 55. The initiative of the start was taken by France and they were still leading by 3pts at the half time after a very non-prolific second quarter (5-8). But Italy seized the leadership in the third quarter, ehich helped them to tuen the match around, and even a good come back of France in the last period could not change the situation.

France 50 - 55 Italy (22-16, 27-24, 36-44)
France: M.Devaux (10pts), E.Grossemy (8pts, 3ass), F.Basque (7pts), L.Barba (7pts, 15reb), H.Akmouche (6pts), C.Diallo (5pts), M.Galliou (5pts, 8reb), S.Bouzenna (2pts, 7reb, 4ass).
Italy: F.Dotto (14pts), G.Gorini (11pts, 6reb, 3ass), L.Morsiani (10pts, 7reb), N.Diene (7pts, 6reb), B.Carta (4pts), I.Cigliani (4pts), M.Masoni (3pts), L.DiCostanzo (2pts).

U18 Semi-Finals

The first pair of the semi-finals was Spain and Slovenia and the Spanish team destroyed the opponents with a smashing score 77 - 46. They started to accumulate the advantage from the very beginning by winning just 2pts in each ferst and second quarters and heated up enough in the second half - by making a very deserving acceleration in the third and fourth quarters. In the last one they were so much in rage that inflicted on the opponent 17-5 which just made Slovenia completely collapse.

Spain 77 - 46 Slovenia (16-14, 35-31, 60-41)
Spain: E.Vivas (14pts, 5reb), M.Claret (14pts), Q.Casas (12pts, 7reb, 3ass), I.Zanoguera (10pts), M.Espana (7pts), E.Diaz (6pts, 4reb), L.Gil (5pts, 10reb), M.Delgado (3pts, 3ass), M.Ortiz (2pts, 7reb, 5ass), C.Calvelo (2pts), A.Vilaro (2pts, 3ass).
Slovenia: N.Baric (24pts), A.Samec (5pts), T.Jakovina (9pts, 6reb), Z.Macura (2pts, 5reb), S.Jevtovic (2pts), R.Abramovic (2pts), T.Unverdorben (2pts).

Amazing 2pt-performance of San Antonio

San Antonio defeated Los Angeles 92 - 83 thanks to being more prolific at shooting from behind the arc and getting more points from the FT line. They also won the rebounding battle by grabbing 38reb (against 21reb of Los Angeles), though accumulated more turnovers than Sparks (18 against 10).

San Antonio Silver Stars 92 - 83 Los Angeles Sparks (25-21, 44-34, 62-57)
SA: R.Hodges (19pts, 5reb, 3ass), B.Hammon (18pts, 8reb, 7ass), S.Young (16pts, 10reb, 4ass, 4st), C.Kelly (15pts), C.Holdsclaw (9pts, 6reb, 3ass), M.Snow (6pts), J.Apple (6pts, 5reb), E.Lawson-Wade (3pts).
LA: T.Thompson (23pts), D.Milton-Jones (21pts, 4reb, 3ass), T.Penicheiro (12pts, 9reb, 8ass), M.Ferdinand-Harris (10pts, 3ass), K.Toliver (7pts, 4ass), N.Quinn (6pts, 6ass), L.Wisdom0Hylton (4pts).

Short Win of Minnesota

The match between New York and Minnesota finished with a very short win of New York 74 - 72. The winner started well and even though Minnesota tried hard to reach them, they managed to be 11pts ahead by the beginning of the last quarter. And then Minnesota really made New York tremble as they made a very good acceleration and were very close to stealing the win. Fortunately for New York, the time played in their favor and they walked away with the win.

New York Liberty 74 - 72 Minnesota Lynx (19-15, 38-34, 62-51)
New York: N.Powell (21pts, 4reb, 4ass), C.Pondexter (17pts, 6reb, 4ass), l.Mitchell (11pts, 4ass), T.McWilliams-Franklin (8pts, 5reb), J.McCarville (6pts, 8reb, 3ass), P.Pierson (4pts), K.Vaughn (4pts), E.Carson (3pts).
Minnesota: L.Whalen (18pts, 3ass), M.Wright (16pts, 4reb, 3ass), N.Anosike (11pts, 12reb), S.Augustus (10pts), R.Brunson (7pts, 18reb), C.Houston (7pts), A.Hornbuckle (3pts).

Mercury Lost to Indiana

A prolific game between Indiana and Phoenix finished in favor of the first 104 - 82. The teams started the game with a careful game of testing each other but then Indiana made a good acceleation and finished it brightly in the last quarter by inflicting 30-12 on Phoenix. They were unbeatable at their brilliant 2pt-performance with 42/72 and 29/67 of Mercury could not change the situation.

Indiana Fever 104 - 82 Phoenix Mercury (20-22, 53-46, 74-70)
Indiana: K.Douglas (28pts, 7reb, 6ass, 3st), T.Catchings (24pts, 10reb, 4ass), T.Sutton-Brown (18pts), J.Davnport (15pts, 7reb), J.Morris (5pts), E.Hoffman (4pts), T.Bevilaqua (4pts), S.Zellous (2pts), J.Moore (2pts), B.January (2pts, 8ass, 3st).
Phoenix: D.Taurasi (21pts, 5reb, 7ass), C.Dupree (19pts, 6reb), P.Taylor (11pts, 5reb, 5ass)< K.Braxton (11pts, 4reb), T.Smith (9pts, 3ass), T.Johnson (6pts), D.Bonner (3pts), K.Swanier (2pts).

Slowly but Surely

Washington lost to Connecticut 67 - 76 despite a very good start when they gained a 9pt-lead in the first quarter. Connecticut, in their turn, reacted in the second quarter and were just accumulating their advantage from one period to another. In fact, they managed to defeat Washington thanks to their aggressiveness as they took 20pts from the FT line and also thanks to playing a very cooperative game with 18ass.

Washington Mystics 67 - 76 Connecticut Sun (19-10, 37-34, 50-54)
Washington: C.Langhorne (14pts, 7reb), L.Harding (12pts, 4reb, 3ass), M.Currie (10pts, 5reb), M.Ajavon (8pts), M.Coleman (8pts), C.Melvin (7pts, 4reb), N.Sanford (4pts, 6reb), J.Monroe (2pts), K.Smith (2pts, 5reb).
Connecticut: A.Jones (17pts, 5reb), T.Charles (17pts, 14reb), S.Gruda (12pts), T.White (9pts), K.Griffin (7pts, 7reb), R.Montgomery (7pts, 7ass), K.Lawson (7pts).

Tulsa destroyed by Seattle

Seattle just smashed Tulsa 65 - 111 by setting control immediately at the beginning of the match and never letting them any hope to catch up. Indeed, from the beginning it was clear that the question is not who wou;d be the leader but what would be the score. The winner gained just twice more 2-pointers (20/65 against 40/81) and were terrific at rebounding (21-57). Harly Tulsa could struggle with their collaborative game either as they performed 24ass.

Tulsa Shock 65 - 111 Seattle Storm (9-28, 27-60, 42-85)
Tulsa: I.Latta (14pts), S.Crosseley (12pts), S.Robinson (6pts), K.Brown (6pts), A.Holt (8pts), C.Black (5pts, 4reb), T.Jackson (4pts, 6reb), R.McCants (3pts), J.Lacy (3pts), N.Ohlde (2pts), M.Jones (2pts).
Seattle: S.Abrosimova (20pts, 8ass, 3st), S.Cash (18pts, 7reb), L.Jackson (12pts, 10reb), J.Vesela (11pts, 6reb), A.Robinson (10pts, 6reb), C.Little (10pts, 7reb), A.Bishop (8pts, 5reb), L.Willingham (7pts, 5reb), S.Bird (5pts, 5ass).

Minnesota gain an overtime

Minnesota and Chicago needed an overtime to reveal the winner and Minnesota turned out to be stronger in this battle 87 - 82. It must be a very disappointing loss for Chicago as they were controling the game during all the first half and left for the big break with a favorable score 33-49. But Minnesota made an outstanding effort in the second half, especially in the last quarter when they tied the score not only by scoring but also by allowing Chicago gain only 7pts.

Minnesota Lynx 87 - 82 Chicago Sky (13-22, 33-49, 56-66, 73-73)
Minnesota: S.Augustus (27pts, 4reb, 4ass), L.Whalen (19pts, 7reb, 7ass), C.Houston (17pts, 4reb), M.Wright (11pts, 4reb), N.Anosike (7pts, 7reb), R.Brunson (4pts, 6reb), H.Maiga-Ba (2pts).
Chicago: J.Perkins (16pts, 4reb, 5ass), S.Fowles (14pts, 11reb), D.Canty (13pts, 4reb, 6ass), T.Young (10pts), C.Kraayeveld (8pts), M.Bass (6pts, 6reb), E.Prince (6pts), S.Murphy (5pts, 6reb), E.Thorn (2pts), C.Thomas (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group C

Montenegro managed to steal the win from Bulgaria by defeating them just by 2pts. All the game was full of intense and the intrigue remained up to the end. Largely because of the fact that most people could think that the winner would be Bulgaria as from quarter to quarter they were accumulating their advantage and by the beginning of the final quarter were leading by 6pts. But Montenegro should be given credit for their effort in the last period as they managd to turn the match around and inflict a smashing and unexpected score 16-8.

Montenegro 68 - 66 Bulgaria (19-20, 39-41, 52-58)
Montenegro: J.Dubljevic (21pts, 8reb), I.Perovanovic (21pts, 12reb), A.Baletic (13pts, 4reb), J.Skerovic (7pts, 6reb, 3ass, 5st), M.Bjelica (4pts, 10reb, 6ass), S.Aleksic (1pt).
Bulgaria: D.Hodges (22pts, 4ass), J.Zlatanova (11pts), R.Slavova-Naneva (8pts, 4reb), D.Peteva (6pts), E.Dimitrova (5pts, 4reb), H.Ivanova (4pts), S.Miteva (4pts), E.Yankova (2pts), R.Yordanova (2pts), D.Georgieva (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group C

Hungary defeated Finland 72 - 55 by setting control immediately in the game and never letting it to the opponent after. In fact Finland had to feel all the severeness of the situation right at the beginning and their hopes were just melting with the time passing. Hungary deserved this win as they were steady at their shooting inside the field and also outrebounded Finland by grabbing 20reb more (55-35).

Hungary 72 - 55 Finland (25-17, 45-31, 59-48)
Hungary: N.Nagy-Bujdoso (18pts, 11reb), T.Krivacevic (18pts, 12reb), Z.Fegyverneky (12pts, 6reb, 7ass), D.Horti (10pts, 13reb), H.Szlimak (7pts, 4ass), A.Vida (3pts), Z.Horvath (2pts), Z.Varga (2pts).
Finland: D.Pounds (14pts, 4reb), T.Sten (9pts), H.Korpivaara (9pts, 5reb), M.Sten (8pts, 5reb), A.Makitalo (7pts), H.Salomaa (4pts), T.Tuukkanen (4pts, 7reb).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group A

Lithuania defeated Belgium 95 - 78 despite of a very good start made by the latter. Indeed, this loss must be very disappointing for Belgium as they were really controling the game in the first half and finished it with a favorable score 33-43. But to their disappointment, they didn't manage to cope with Lithuania in the second half as they showed a different face and made a tremendous effort in the third quarter to tie the score and to kill the opponent in the final one.

Lithuania 95 - 78 Belgium (16-21, 33-43, 61-61)
Lithuania: A.Bimbaite (17pts, 4ass, 3st), A.Abromaite (16pts, 9reb, 3ass), E.Stakneviciene (15pts, 5reb, 4ass), S.Linkeviciene (13pts, 5reb, 3ass, 2st), V.Sipaviciute (10pts), R.Valentiene (9pts), M.Solopova (7pts), M.Sauliute (3pts), D.Staugaitiene (3pts), G.Petronyte (2pts).
Belgium: S.Leemans (16pts, 6reb), K.Wambe (13pts, 7ass), A.Wauters (12pts, 5reb), L.Van Malderen (10pts, 12reb), A.Strubbe (10pts), M.Carpreaux (7pts), J.Raman (5pts), K.Mestdagh (3pts), E.Callens (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group A

Netherland and Croatia finished their meeting with a 6pt-win in favor of the first. Netherland won this game thanks to a very good performance in the first half when they gained a margin helping to secure the win and go through a very balanced second half. They were much better than Croatia inside the key and also got some more points from the FT line. In their turn, Croatia were really outstanding at shooting from behind the arc as they got 39pts in this sector.

Netherlands 78 - 72 Croatia (20-15, 40-33, 54-49)
Netherlands: L.Kooij (22pts, 13reb), T.Broring (12pts, 6reb, 4ass), A.Biesters (10pts, 7reb), L.Kooij (9pts), M.Nieuwveen (9pts, 7reb, 3ass), M.Beld (7pts), S.Beld (4pts), M.Klein (2pts), R.Roubehie Fissa (2pts), F.Ligthart (1pt).
Croatia: S.Mandir (21pts, 4reb, 3st), A.Lelas (15pts, 9reb, 3ass, 3st), A.Jelavic (9pts, 3ass, 4st), N.Lokas (9pts), J.Ivezic (5pts), M.Vrsaljko (4pts), I.Ciglar (3pts), A.Misura (3pts), E.Podrug (2pts), M.Cakic (1pt).

Tulsa Lost Victory

Tulsa and Los Angeles played a very bouncing game where Tulsa managed to seize the initiative at the beginning of the game but lost it in the second half and thus allowed Los Angeles to walk away with the win. Indeed, after the big break Los Angeles made a very good acceleration and almost tied the score to finish the third score with 48-47. Still, there was a chance for Tulsa to try to regain their leadership but in the crucial final period they were defeated by the overdetermined opponent.

Tulsa Shock 70 - 77 Los Angeles Sparks (16-13, 34-26, 48-47)
Tulsa: I.Latta (16pts, 3ass), A.Holt (9pts), T.Jackson (8pts, 9reb), S.Robinson (8pts, 3ass), C.Black (7pts, 9reb), R.McCants (6pts, 4ass), N.Ohlde (6pts), S.Crosseley (5pts), K.Brown (4pts, 4reb, 3ass), J.Lacy (1pt).
Los Angeles: D.Milton-Jones (23pts, 7reb, 3ass), M.Ferdinand-Harris (18pts), N.Quinn (12pts, 7reb, 3ass), T.Thompson (12pts), K.Toliver (8pts), T.Penicheiro (4pts, 7reb, 13ass, 4st).

San Antonio Defeated by Mercury

Phoenix destroyed San Antonio 103 - 87 in a very prolific game. They set the tone at the very beginning of the game and already at the half time it was clear that San Antonio will hardly manage to resist to such a pressure. Mercury were better thanks to playing better at 2pt-shooting and gaining more FT.

San Antonio Silver Stars 87 - 103 Phoenix Mercury (28-31, 40-55, 65-76)
San Antonio: C.Holdsclaw (21pts, 9reb), B.Hammon (21pts, 3ass), S.Young (17pts, 6reb, 3st), M.Snow (7pts, 4reb, 4ass), R.Hodges (5pts, 3ass), C.Kelly (5pts), E.Lawson-Wade (4pts), J.Apple (4pts), R.Riley (2pts), H.Darling (1pt).
Phoenix: P.Taylor (18pts, 5reb, 8ass), T.Smith (18pts), K.Braxton (17pts, 7reb), T.Johnson (17pts), D.Taurasi (13pts, 6ass), C.Dupree (12pts, 6reb), D.Bonner (8pts, 4reb).

Crucial Second Quarter

Washington lost on a visit to New York 77 - 85 despite a very good start and a very deserving finish of the game. In fact, they lost this game in the second quarter when New York made such a great acceleration that allowed Washington to score only 7pts in the whole quarter (7-24). Naturally, Washington didn't manage to recover from such a loss.

Washington Mystics 77 - 85 New York Liberty (19-16, 26-40, 40-57)
Washington: M.Currie (23pts, 6reb), M.Ajavon (20pts, 4reb), L.Harding (7pts), K.Smith (5pts), N.Sanford (5pts, 4reb), M.Coleman (5pts), J.Monroe (4pts), C.Langhorne (4pts, 5reb), C.Melvin (4pts, 6reb).
New York: C.Pondexter (23pts, 4reb, 5ass), L.Mitchell (15pts, 6ass), T.McWilliams-Franklin (12pts, 4reb, 4ass), P.Pierson (10pts), J.McCarville (8pts, 5reb), E.Carson (6pts), K.Greene (4pts), K.Vaughn (3pts), N.Powell (3pts, 4ass), N.Blue (1pt).

Short Score Atlanta vs Indiana

Atlanta and Indiana played a very prolific game and finished it with a very short score 93 - 95. The start of the game was at the advantage of Atlanta but Indiana seized the initiative in the second quarter and gained a favorable lead in score. Actually, this acceleration was crucial for them as it allowed them to keep the win despite a further effort of Atlanta in the final 10 minutes.

Atlanta Dream 93 - 95 Indiana Fever (28-21, 39-45, 66-72)
Atlanta: I.Castro Marques (28pts, 3ass, 3st), A.McCoughtry (31pts, 4reb, 3ass), S.Lyttle (12pts, 8reb, 3ass), E.DeSouza (10pts), A.Bales (6pts), S.Lehning (4pts, 6ass), Y.Leuchanka (2pts).
Indiana: T.Catchings (30pts, 8reb, 3ass), T.Sutton-Brown (17pts, 7reb), K.Douglas (14pts, 6reb, 5ass), S.Zellous (11pts), J.Daveport (10pts), E.Hoffman (7pts, 6reb), T.Bevilaqua (4pts, 4ass), B.January (2pts).

Eurobasket Classification round: group G

Latvia naturally lost to Belgium 43 - 63 because they were unable to counteroppose proper resistancein the first and the last quarters. The main battle was inside the key and Belgium were at the top to score twice more 2-pointers than their opponent. Latvia also accumulated too many turnovers (26) and were not very good at assisting (as well as Bilgium though).

Latvia 43 - 63 Belgium (10-19, 22-31, 35-41)
Latvia: A.Kirsteine (11pts, 11reb), L.Pagrode (9pts), K.Stauere (7pts), S.Dukate (6pts, 5reb), I.Eida (4pts), D.Rozenberga (2pts, 6reb), D.Kuzmane (2pts), G.Lagzdina (2pts, 4reb).
Belgium: L.De Meyer (19pts, 11reb), C.Bourlioux (14pts, 6reb), A.Schyvens (8pts, 3ass), H.Mestdagh (8pts, 7reb), E.Mayombo (8pts), J.Maes (3pts, 4reb), L.Delmulle (2pts), S.Storme (1pt).

Eurobasket Classification round: Group G

In the classification round Czech republic without any difficulty defeated Hungary 68 - 44. Only once Hungary managed to score 20pts in a quarter but in all the other cases they gained only one digit score. The Czech team won thanks to being more prolific at 3pt-shots and at shooting from behind the arc. The teams showed a real struggle inside the key and grabbed many rebounds (50-42).

Czech Republic 68 - 44 Hungary (15-8, 28-17, 45-37)
Czech Republic: K.Elhotova (12pts, 10reb), M.Horakova (8pts), M.Satoranska (7pts, 6reb), M.Cepelkova (6pts), T.Vyoralova (6pts, 9reb, 4ass, 4st), B.Kasparkova (6pts, 8reb), M.Kusova (5pts), J.Hausknechtova (5pts), B.Adamcova (5pts), T.Sedlackova (5pts), B.Vechtova (3pts).
Hungary: F.Szabo (7pts, 4reb), S.Katona (7pts, 6reb), B.Barta (6pts, 5reb), L.Adamecz (5pts, 4reb), B.Szabo (4pts), D.Zele (4pts), A.Nemeth (4pts, 6reb), J.Manyoky (3pts, 4ass), A.Mansare (2pts), B.Baksa (2pts, 4st).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group C

Bulgaria managed to defeat Hungary 68 - 57 thanks to a very good acceleration made in the second and the last quarters. Having finished the first half with a 4pt-advantage, Bulgaria returned from the big break to face a strong reaction of the opponent which made all the game look like a real struggle where the teams were coming neck to neck. But in the last quarter Bulgarians managed to pull up all their force and made an outstanding effort to gain 10pt-advantage which brought them to the win.

Bulgaria 68 - 57 Hungary (16-17, 32-28, 44-43)
Bulgaria: D,Hodges (27pts, 3ass), J.Zlatanova (17pts, 5reb), E.Dimitrova (6pts), D.Peteva (5pts, 4ass), E.Yankova (4pts), D.Georgieva (4pts, 4reb), Z.Stanoeva (3pts), R.Slavova-naneva (2pts).
Hungary: Z.Fegyverneky (14pts), T.Krivacevic (11pts, 6reb), D.Horti (10pts, 10reb), A.Vida (7pts), S.Torok (6pts), H.Szlimak (5pts, 4ass), D.Furesz (4pts, 4reb).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group C

Finland lost to Turkey 60 - 74 despite a very deserving resistance in the first half. But it seems that the team used out all their force by the end of the match and couldn't perform in the second half as well as in the first. In the final quarter they even were imposed by Turkey a disastrous score 7-15 which killed their hope for a win.

Finland 60 - 74 Turkey (19-21, 35-37, 53-59)
Finland: T.Tuukkanen (23pts, 11reb, 5ass), T.Sten (14pts, 6reb, 3ass), H.Korpivaara (11pts, 5reb), D.Pounds (7pts), M.Pekkarinen (3pts), M.Sten (2pts).
Turkey: B.Caglar (17pts, 10reb), B.Vardarli (15pts, 3ass), N.Yilmaz (14pts, 4reb), E.Tuncluer (13pts), M.Gezer (4pts, 4reb), C.Kozluca (3pts), N.Yigit (8pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group A

Croatia lost to Lithuania 72 - 80 because of bing unable to resist to their pressure in the middle of the match. Lithuania showed a very collaborative game with 21ass, but what really made their opponent collapse was the 3pt-performance as they got 30pts from behind the arc. Both teams played a very aggressive game with many steals (14 for Croatia and 13 for Lithuania).

Croatia 72 - 80 Lithuania (21-22, 34-39, 58-69)
Croatia: S.Mandir (12pts), I.Sliskovic (12pts), A.Jelavic (10pts, 5ass, 4st), N.Lokas (8pts), A.Lelas (8pts, 8reb, 2st), I.Ciglar (7pts), M.Vrsaljko (7pts), E.Podrug (6pts, 6reb, 2st).
Lithuania: E.Stakneviciene (20pts, 7reb), S.Linkeviciene (16pts, 6reb, 7ass, 4st), A.Abromaite (14pts, 7reb, 3ass), G.Petronyte (9pts), A.Bimbaite (8pts, 5ass), M.Solopova (6pts), V.Sipaviciute (4pts), R.Valentiene (3pts, 3ass).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group A

Belgium defeated Italy 78 - 73 thanks to a very good performance in the second half. Indeed, before the big break it was Italy who were leading as they managed to seize the initiative from Belgium in the second quarter (38-42). But Belgium showed their worth after come back from the locker room. Even though Italy were much better at 2pt-shooting, they completerly lost at shooting from behind the arc and also were pressed by Belgium's FT performance.

Belgium 78 - 73 Italy (22-19, 38-42, 58-57)
Belgium: A.Wauters (19pts, 14reb), S.Leemans (17pts), A.Strubbe (17pts), K.Wambe (13pts, 9ass), L.Van Malderen (5pts, 5reb), K.Mestdagh (3pts), M.Carpreaux (2pts, 4ass), E.Callens (2pts).
Italy: G.Sottana (21pts, 5reb), J.Nadalin (13pts), C.Pastore (11pts), R.Masciadri (10pts, 7reb), F.Modica (6pts), E.Ramon (4pts), S.Cinili (2pts), C.Consolini (2pts), K.Ress (2pts), A.Gianolla (2pts).

To catch up in the last quarter

Connecticut and Seattle had a very bouncing game where the latter defeated Connecticut just by 1pt. Seattle played a very good start allowing them to gain a 9pt-lead in the first quarter. But Connecticut managed to turn the match around and really broke the score in the third quarter by seizing the initiative. Noe it was again the turn of Seattle to catch up with the score. They managed to perform by taking a very short win.

Connecticut Sun 82 - 83 Seattle Storm (18-27, 37-45, 66-62)
Connecticut: T.Charles (23pts, 7reb), R.Montgomery (22pts, 10ass), A.Jones (13pts, 9reb), K.Lawson (10pts, 4ass), S.Gruda (9pts), T.White (5pts).
Seattle: L.Jackson (31pts, 8reb), S.Cash (21pts, 4reb), C.Little (10pts), S.Bird (8pts, 4reb, 6ass), T.Wright (7pts, 4reb, 4ass), L.Willingham (3pts, 5reb), S.Abrosimova (3pts, 5reb).

U18 European Championship: group G

Latvia in their turn were destroyed by Czech Republic 56 - 85. Czechia seized the leadership right at the beginning of the match and never let it to Latvia. The winner were outstaning in every sector, they outrebounded Latvia (35-55), pressed them with stealing performance (11st), and played a very collective game (27ass). Their 2pt-performance was also very remarkable, let alone shooting from behind the arc (10/23). Hard time for Latvia it was!

Latvia 56 - 85 Czech Republic (15-21, 31-44, 40-68)
Latvia: A.Kristeine (19pts, 6reb, 3ass), K.Stauere (10pts, 4reb), S.Dukate (9pts), L.Pagrode (6pts), A.Geka (5pts), D.Rozenberga (4pts), I.Eida (3pts).
Czech Republic: M.Satoranska (16pts, 4reb), M.Cepelkova (14pts, 4reb), T.Sedlackova (9pts), M.Horakova (9pts, 7reb), B.Zoubkova (7pts, 8reb), J.Hausknechtova (6pts, 5ass), T.Vyoralova (6pts), M.Kusova (5pts, 7ass), B.Kasparkova (5pts), K.Elhotova (5pts, 4reb), B.Vechtova (3pts).

U18 European Championship: group G

Belgium smashed Hungary 34 - 74 by not allowing them to score more than 10pts in each quarter. No need to say that with such a score Belgium were leading in all sectors of the game and never allowed the opponent any chance to hope for a catch up.

Hungary 34 - 74 Belgium (7-20, 15-37, 24-51)
Hungary: S.Katona (7pts, 4reb), D.Zele (6pts, 7reb), B.Barta (6pts, 8reb), L.Adamecz (5pts), B.Szabo (4pts), J.Manyoky (2pts), V.Fuisz (2pts), N.Czirjak (2pts, 3ass).
Belgium: H.Mestdagh (15pts, 6reb), L.Delmulle (10pts, 4reb), L.De Meyer (8pts, 4reb), S.Storme (8pts), A.Schyvens (7pts, 8ass, 3st), E.Mayombo (7pts, 3ass), L.Van Lembergen (6pts), J.Mayinga (4pts, 4reb), C.Bourlioux (4pts), J.Maes (3pts, 8reb), S.Devliegher (2pts).

U18 European Championship: group F

France and Italy performed a tough resistance to each other but Italy turned out to be stronger as they won by 4pts in an ovetime. Indeed, the teams went neck to neck all the game long and though in the end of the third quarter France were leading by 3pts, Italy managed to impose an overtime to finish it in their favor. The match was remarcable for very good rebounding performance of both teams (49-41).

France 58 - 62 Italy (14-14, 26-30, 42-39, 54-54)
France: M.Devaux (12pts, 4reb), E.Grossemy (10pts, 4ass), H.Akmouche (10pts, 7reb), F.Basque (7pts, 6reb), C.Diallo (6pts, 5reb), L.Barba (6pts, 12reb, 3ass), S.Bouzenna (4pts), M.Galliou (2pts, 3ass), M.Radjati (1pt, 3st, 2bs).
Italy: G.Gorini (13pts, 6reb), F.Dotto (11pts), L.Morsiani (8pts, 4reb), B.Carta (8pts, 5reb), I.Cigliani (7pts), C.Zanin (6pts, 4reb), N.Diene (2pts), M.Masoni (2pts), L.Di Costanzo (2pts, 5reb), C.Salvini (2pts, 5reb), V.Dell'Olio (1pt).

U18 European Championship: group F

Lithuania lost to Turkey by 15pts because of being unable to find a way to resist to their pressure in the first half. Indeed, Turkey made up their win before the big break and allowed the second half to be calm and without stress. Still, the loser should be given credit for an outstanding rebounding performance (47 rebounds with 26 offensive). But they collapsed at 2pt-shooting as even though they attempted more shots, they were not so efficient as Turkey.

Lithuania 65 - 80 Turkey (14-24, 28-45, 50-64)
Lithuania: S.Okockyte (18pts, 5reb), M.Grigalauskyte (12pts, 7reb), L.Svaryte (12pts, 8reb), G.Morkunaite (8pts), P.Zaveckaite (6pts, 8reb), K.Druskyte (2pts, 3ass), N.Skadaite (3pts, 6reb), D.Saurazaite (2pts, 3ass), V.Kaminskyte (2pts, 3ass).
Turkey: O.Kavurmacioglu (22pts, 9reb, 8ass), A.Cora (15pts, 4reb), N.Demirkol (14pts, 4reb, 3ass), A.Gunay (11pts), E.Guler (11pts, 3ass), R.Derin (3pts), O.Turmus (2pts, 4reb), M.Yalcinkaya (2pts).

U18 European Championship: group F

Only 1pt separated Ukraine and Poland, 1pt of happiness for the first and 1pt of disappointment for the latter. All the game was very balanced and only in the third quarter some kind of intrigue appeared as Poland seized the iniative and were leading by 5pts. But Ukraine reacted in the last 10 minutes to snatch the win.

Ukraine 71 - 70 Poland (18-16, 37-34, 54-59)
Ukraine: A.Iagupova (42pts, 11reb), L.Naumenko (10pts, 13reb), O.Chek (9pts, 7reb), O.Rysina (8pts), M.Tkach (2pts, 5reb).
Poland: M.Zietara (16pts, 8reb, 5ass), K.Bandyk (13pts, 8reb), A.Szczepanik (12pts, 5reb), P.Kuras (9pts, 4reb, 3ass, 5st), A.Morawiec (8pts, 5ass), K.Wilk (6pts, 4reb), M.Jasnowska (3pts), M.Idziorek (3pts, 4reb).

U18 European Championship: group E

Russia lost to Spain 47 - 54 in a difficult game where both teams tried not to give up and struggled up to the end. Spain managed to win this game thanks to a very deserving first quarter (10-23) and even though they showed an opposite performance in the last quarter (13-5), this margin helped them to secure the win. It was difficult for Russian team to hope for a win with a very low 2pt-shooting performance (only 10/32) and even their better free throwing could not save the situation. Also, Spain showed a very collaborative game with many assists, which definitely made a significant contribution to their performance.

Russia 47 - 54 Spain (10-23, 25-34, 34-49)
Russia: E.Fedorenkova (13pts), S.Efimova (11pts), Y.Stepanova (7pts, 4reb), A.Zamaraeva (5pts), A.Stolyar (2pts), N.Gumennaya (2pts, 6reb), Y.Poluyanova (2pts), E.Kubynina (2pts), M.Davydova (2pts, 5reb).
Spain: L.Gil (12pts, 7reb), Q.Casas (10pts, 4reb, 8ass), M.Claret (7pts), A.Vilaro (6pts), M.Ortiz (6pts, 6reb, 4ass), M.Delgado (6pts), E.Diaz (3pts, 4reb), C.Calvelo (2pts, 4reb), I.Zanoguera (2pts, 5reb).

U18 European Championship: group E

Slovak Republic and Sweden finished their game with a very short score 57 - 59 in favor of the latter. In fact , all the game was very balanced and the initiative swang from one side to another. Having finished the first quarter with a tie score, the team started to struggle for the leadership and the second quarter was already at the advantage of Sweden. But after the big break Slovakia made a big effort to catch up with the score. They really made the opponent tremble as were really close to snatching the win. Unfortunately for them, time played in favor of Sweden.

Slovak Republic 57 - 59 Sweden (16-16, 26-37, 44-50)
Slovakia: M.Kissova (18pts, 6reb), M.Palenikova (16pts), S.Oroszova (12pts, 7reb, 3ass), D.Domiterova (9pts, 5reb), N.Bradnanska (2pts, 6reb).
Sweden: F.Abdi (20pts, 5reb), A.Zahui (16pts, 13reb), S.Kabengano (9pts, 3ass), M.Hakim (8pts), A.Nystrom (4pts, 9reb), N.Fontaine (2pts, 4reb).

U18 European Championship: group E

Slovenia defeated Serbia 57 - 42 thanks to a very deserving performance in the first half when they allowed the latter to score only 13pts in two quarters together. Actually, the game was done then as the second half was absolutely balanced and didn't bring changes to the score gap. The winner got their win by pressing the opponent with FT performance (16/20 for Slovenia against 6/12 for Serbia).

Slovenia 57 - 42 Serbia (17-6, 28-13, 46-30)
Slovenia: N.Baric (18pts, 4reb, 9ass), T.Gortnar (11pts), R.Abramovic (11pts), T.Jakovina (6pts, 4reb), C.Jevtovic (5pts, 7reb), Z.Macura (4pts), E.Rupnik (2pts).
Serbia: I.Brajkovic (16pts, 15reb), D.Stancic (9pts, 5reb), S.Colic (7pts, 6reb, 4ass), M.Toskovic (3pts, 6reb), T.Dijan (3pts), J.Repic (2pts), Z.Nikolic (2pts).

Chicago lacked the last effort

Chicago lost to Los Angeles 77 - 82 in quite a balanced game. At the beginning it was Los Angeles who controlled the situation and they managed to gain a 7pt-lead in the first quarter. But after, Chicago tried to pull up their courage and made an acceleration to catch up with the score. They almost managed to do it by the end of the third quarter but didn't find a way to continue their performance in the last period.

Chicago Sky 77 - 82 Los Angeles Sparks (18-25, 36-40, 57-58)
Chicago: J.Perkins (16pts, 4ass), T.Young (14pts, 7reb), S.Fowles (12pts, 11reb), M.Bass (10pts, 9reb), D.Canty (9pts, 4ass), E.Thorn (3pts, 3ass), E.Prince (3pts), C.Kraayeveld (3pts), S.Murphy (5pts), C.homas (2pts).
Los Angeles: D.Milton-Jones (22pts, 5reb, 6ass), L.Wisdom-Hylton (16pts, 13reb), M.Ferdinand-Harris (15pts), K.Toliver (17pts), N.Quinn (8pts, 3ass), T.Penicheiro (4pts, 15ass).

Disappointment for Connecticut

Minnesota and Connecticut played a pattern of a prolific game which finished after an overtime in favor of Minnesota 103 - 111. The leadership was shared in time as the first half was led by Minnesota and the second - by Connecticut. And Connecticut were struggling so hard to catch up with their 22pts delay that they really deserved an overtime. Unfortunately for them, they ran out of force just at the most important moment and had to yield the victory.

Minnesota Lynx 111 - 103 Connecticut Sun (22-11, 58-36, 75-68, 95-95)
Lynx: L.Whalen (27pts, 12ass, 3reb, 3st), S.Augustus (21pts, 6ass), M.Wright (21pts, 3reb), N.Anosike (15pts, 12reb, 4bs), C.Houston (15pts), A.Hornbuckle (7pts), R.Brunson (3pts, 10reb), H.Maiga-Ba (2pts, 3reb).
Sun: R.Montgomery (33pts, 4reb, 4ass), T.Charles (19pts, 21reb, 4ass), S.Gruda (14pts, 6reb), T.White (13pts, 4reb, 3ass), A.Jones (8pts, 5reb), K.Griffin (5pts, 5reb), K.Lawson (5pts), D.Walker (4pts, 3reb), A.Hightower (2pts).

Tulsa show the teeth

Tulsa showed their worth in the match with Seattle as they defeated the latter 84 - 75. Actually, they managed to build their win in the second quarter as all the rest of the game was quite balanced. As for shooting performace, Seattle offered a very deserving resistance but they were killed by the opponent's aggressiveness as Tulsa shot 25/28 FT.

Tulsa Shock 84 - 75 Seattle Storm (18-19, 48-41, 68-59)
Shock: S.Robinson (21pts, 3reb, 4st), I.Latta (15pts, 7ass, 4reb, 3st), T.Jackson (11pts, 5reb), N.Ohlde (8pts), A.Holt (7pts), R.McCants (6pts, 4reb, 3ass), S.Crossley (5pts), J.Lacy (4pts), C.Black (4pts, 4reb), K.Brown (3pts).
Storm: S.Bird (19pts, 7reb), L.Jackson (18pts, 6reb, 3st), T.Wright (15pts, 7ass, 3st), S.Cash (13pts, 5reb), L.Willingham (5pts), S.Abrosimova (3pts, 5reb, 3ass), C.Little (2pts, 5reb).

Prolific game of San Antonio and Phoenix

San Antonio and Phoenix played a very prolific game which finished in favor of Mercury 92 - 103. The first half was very balanced as if the teams were just examining each other's potential. But after the big break Phoenix showed a real game which played a significant role and allowed them to walk away with the win. The match was remarkable for the team-work of both groups as they made a lot of assists (24-27 respectively).

San Antonio Silver Stars 92 - 103 Phoenix Mercury (30-19, 48-47, 61-76)
Silver Stars: S.Young (24pts, 3reb, 3ass), C.Holdsclaw (20pts, 7reb, 5ass), M.Snow (13pts, 7reb), B.Hammon (13pts, 11ass, 3st), R.Hodges (8pts, 5reb, 3ass), C.Kelly (6pts), J.Appel (3pts, 3reb), E.Lawson-Wade (3pts), R.Riley (2pts).
Mercury: C.Dupree (24pts, 12reb), D.Taurasi (21pts, 10ass, 3st), P.Taylor (15pts, 5ass, 3reb), D.Bonner (15pts, 3reb), T.Johnson (13pts, 6ass, 4reb, 4st), T.Smith (9pts, 3reb, 3st), K.Braxton (6pts).

Acceleratoin by Washington and Atlanta

Washington, in their turn, defeated Atlanta 86 - 78 in a very bouncing game where each of the teams had it's turn to make a spectacular acceleration: Atlanta - in the third quarter and Washington - in the last one.

Atlanta Dream 78 - 86 Washington Mystics (14-19, 31-39, 57-56)
Dream: A.McCoughtry (30pts, 5st), I.Castro Marques (14pts), S.Lyttle (10pts, 9reb), E.DeSouza (10pts, 5reb), A.Bales (5pts, 6reb, 3bs), A.Price (4pts, 4reb), Y.Leuchanka (3pts), C.Miller (2pts).
Mystics: K.Smith (18pts), L.Harding (16pts, 4reb, 6ass), C.Langhorne (15pts, 12reb, 3st), M.Ajavon (14pts, 4ass), M.Currie (8pts, 3reb), C.Melvin (8pts, 7reb, 3st), M.Coleman (6pts), N.Sanford (1pt, 4reb).

New York are amazing at 3-pointers

New York gained a 10pt-win over Indiana thanks to a gradual accumulation of advantage in the first half and despite a worse performance in the third quarter when Indiana managed to make them tremble. But NY have to be given credit as their 3pt-shooting perfromance was amazing and it really was crucial in this match (12/18 from behind the arc for them against only 3/12 for Indiana). The winner were also stronger thanks to their collective effort and a better game at rebounding.

Indiana Fever 72 - 82 New York Liberty (17-21, 29-40, 55-57)
Fever: T.Catchings (19pts, 6reb), B.January (10pts), T.Sutton-Brown (8pts, 4reb), J.Davenport (8pts, 3reb), J.Moore (8pts), E.Hoffman (7pts, 3reb), K.Douglas (5pts), T.Bevilaqua (5pt, 5reb), S.Zellous (2pts, 4reb).
Liberty: N.Powell (20pts, 4reb), C.Pondexter (19pts, 6reb, 5ass), J.McCarville (11pts, 10reb), L.Mitchell (9pts, 4ass), E.Carson (9pts, 4reb), T.McWilliams (7pts, 8reb), P.Pierson (3pts, 4reb), K.Greene (2pts), S.Spencer (2pts).

U18 European Championship: group F

Lithuania performed in the meeting with France as they managed to defeate them 69 - 64 despite a big threat of suffering a loss. The leadership was stolen by each team many times and when Lithuania won the first quarter 23-11, nobody could believe that they would be inflicted 8-17 in the second one. In the end, they score just one shot more both at 2pt-shooting and from behind the arc and this let them secure a victory.

Lithuania 69 - 64 France (23-11, 31-28, 50-44)
Lithuania: S.Okockyte (29pts, 4reb, 7st), L.Svaryte (9pts, 7reb, 3st), P.Zaveckaite (9pts), N.Skadaite (8pts, 8reb, 3ass, 4st), K.Druskyte (8pts, 3reb), V.Kaminskyte (4pts, 5reb, 4ass), M.Petrauskaite (2pts).
France: M.Devaux (12pts), S.Bouzenna (9pts, 3reb, 3st), M.Galliou (7pts, 6reb), H.Akmouche (7pts), L.Barba (7pts, 7reb), M.Radjati (6pts, 3reb, 6ass), F.Basque (4pts, 4reb), E.Grossemy (4pts, 6reb, 3ass), C.Diallo (4pts), B.Mukoko (2pts), A.Diallo (2pts, 3reb).

U18 European Championship: group F

Turkey and Poland played a very bouncing game which finished with a very close score 68 - 64 in favor of Turkey. In fact, the winner made a very good start by scoring twice more points than the opponent and even managed to keep the initiative in the second quarter. But they definitely didn't expect that Poland could make thm tremle in the third quarter as the latter were really close to tying the core and maybe already believed in their win. At last, Turky managed to constrain Poland in the last period and walked away with the win.

Turkey 68 - 64 Poland (18-9, 37-27, 49-47)
Turkey: O.Kavurmacioglu (20pts, 6reb), N.Demirkol (12pts, 6reb, 3ass), E.Guler (10pts, 8reb), A.Gunay (7pts, 5reb, 3st), A.Cora (5pts), M.Yalcinkaya (5pts, 5reb), O.Cakir (4pts), O.Turmus (2pts), C.Yetis (2pts), O.Ozturk (1pt).
Poland: P.Kuras (15pts, 6reb, 3ass), A.Szczepanik (13pts, 11reb), M.Zietara (10pts), M.Idziorek (10pts), A.Morawiec (6pts, 4reb), M.Bieniek (4pts), K.Bandyk (4pts), A.Tanasiejczuk (2pts).

U18 European Championship: group F

Ukraine were defeated again, this time by Italy and with a huge score difference of 30pts (81 - 51). Italy set the tone immediately in the first quarter and never let Ukraine any chance to try to struggle. The only sector where they were leading was free throwing but it could not change the situation as Italian performance at field shooting was unreachable.

Italy 81 - 51 Ukraine (23-11, 46-25, 73-40)
Italy: L.Morsiani (17pts, 5reb), B.Carta (11pts, 4ass), I.Cigliani (11pts), G.Gorini (10pts, 6reb, 4ass), N.Diene (10pts, 7reb, 3ass), M.Masoni (10pts, 3reb), C.Salvini (6pts, 9reb), F.Dotto (2pts, 6reb), C.Zanin (2pts), L.DiCOstanzo (2pts, 5reb).
Ukraine: A.Iagupova (13pts, 6reb), L.Naumenko (9pts, 7reb), O.Chek (7pts), V.Karyeva (6pts, 9reb), A.Kiriyenko (5pts, 7reb), O.Rysina (4pts), N.Pokrovenko (2pts, 3st), K.Demchenko (2pts), V.Skubiy (2pts), M.Tkach (1pt, 4reb).

U18 European Championship: group E

Sweden and Serbia met to reveal an easy winner, Sweden who destroyed the opponent with a big score gap 61 - 42. The Swedish team made a good start to gain a 10pt-lead in the first quarter but allowed Serbia to seize the initiative in the second quarter. Still, they didn't repeat this mistake in the second half and crossed out all Serbian achievements by allowing them to score only 5pts in the third quarter.

Sweden 61 - 42 Serbia (17-7, 29-25, 47-30)
Sweden: A.Zahui (19pts, 7reb), F.Abdi (16pts, 7reb, 3ass, 3st), S.Kabengano (7pts, 3reb, 3ass, 3st), J.Vesterberg (6pts), N.Fontaine (3pts, 8reb, 4ass), M.Hakim (3pts), L.Brandholm (3pts), A.Nystrom (2pts, 3reb), E.Gustavsson (2pts).
Serbia: S.Colic (16pts, 4reb), J.Stankovic (7pts, 3reb), I.Brajkovic (7pts, 5reb, 3st), M.Toskovic (4pts, 3reb), D.Stancic (3pts, 5reb), Z.Nikolic (2pts), J.Repic (2pts, 5reb), K.Stankovic (1pts, 3reb).

U18 European Championship: group E

Russia defeated Slovac Republic but managed to realize their objective only in the second quarter. The peak of the Russian rage was in the third quarter after which they allowed the opponent to breathe and finish the last period only with 15-17. But by that time the winner were already calm and didn't seem to worry about winning this game. While showing a more or less balanced game at 2pt-shooting, the teams had a big gap at shooting from behind the arc (4/21 for Slovakia and 9/24 for Russia).

Slovak Republic 51 - 68 Russia (15-15, 27-30, 36-51)
Slovak Republic: N.Bradnanska (10pts, 3reb), M.Palenikova (9pts, 6reb, 3st), D.Domiterova (9pts, 7reb, 4ass), M.Letkova (8pts), P.Bartanusova (6pts), S.Oroszova (3pts, 3reb), Z.Hruscakova (2pts, 4reb), M.Matejcikova (2pts), Z.Stevove (2pts, 3reb).
Russia: Y.Poluyanova (22pts, 5reb, 5st, 3bs), S.Efimova (17pts), A.Maksimova (9pts, 14reb, 5ass), A.Stoylar (9pts, 4reb, 4ass), E.Fedorenkova (5pts), Y.Stepanova (4pts, 5reb), A.Pasynkova (2pts, 6reb, 3ass).

U18 European Championship: group E

Spain completely destroyed Slovenia 63 - 31 by keeping them off their part of the court in the first quarter (20-2) and only once allowing to score more than 10pts, which was in the second quarter. Slovenia had nothing to hope for with their very low shooting effort and not a very collective game. As for Spain, they attempted a lot of shots and were performing at assisting (18) and stealing (20).

Spain 63 - 31 Slovenia (20-2, 31-15, 46-23)
Spain: M.Ortiz (8pts, 3st), L.Gil (8pts, 12reb), Q.Casas (7pts, 4st), I.Zanoguera (6pts, 4reb), M.Espana (6pts), E.Diaz (6pts, 5reb), E.Vivas (6pts, 3ass), M.Claret (4pts, 3reb), Y.Diaz (4pts), M.Delgado (3pts, 4st), C.Calvelo (2pts, 7reb).
Slovenia: B.Adamovic (10pts, 4reb), S.Jevtovic (9pts, 13reb), U.Svetic (7pts, 4reb, 4st), T.Kopusar (3pts, 4reb), T.Unverdorben (2pts).

U18 European Championship: group G

Belgium were 8pts stronger in their meeting with Czech Republic (62 - 70) thanks to a terrific acceleration made in the third quarter. Overall, Belgium were just more prolific at field goals shooting and were a litle beter at defense (32 defensive rebounds). Still, both teams accumulated a lot of turnovers (23-24), which added more spice to the match.

Czech Republic 62 - 70 Belgium (10-15, 25-28, 38-49)
Czech Republic: T.Vyoralova (14pts, 6reb, 3ass, 3st), B.Kasparkova (11pts, 5reb, 3ass), K.Elhotova (10pts), M.Satoranska (10pts, 9reb), M.Cepelkova (10pts, 5reb), M.Kusova (3pts, 6ass), J.Hausknechtova (2pts), B.Adamcova (2pts).
Belgium: L.DeMeyer (21pts, 9reb), A.Scyvens (13pts), H.Mestdagh (12pts, 8reb), S.Storme (7pts, 4ass), S.Devliegher (5pts, 3reb, 4st), E.Mayombo (4pts), L.Delmulle (2pts, 4reb, 3ass), C.Bourlioux (2pts), J.Maes (2pts), J.Mayinga (2pts, 5reb, 3st).

U18 European Championship: group G

Latvia lost to Hungary 66 - 70 because in the second half they didn't manage to recover their losses of the first half when they were behind by 13pts. The loser showed a desperately low result at 2pt-shooting (12/33) and even their better performance from behind the arc (10/27 against Hungary's 5/16) could not help them to catch up.

Latvia 66 - 70 Hungary (7-14, 19-32, 55-52)
Latvia: L.Pagrode (18pts, 4reb), S.Dukate (16pts), I.Eida (9pts, 3ass), A.Kirsteine (6pts, 5reb), G.Lagzdina (6pts, 8reb), D.Rozenberga (5pts, 5reb), K.Stauere (4pts), D.Kuzmane (2pts, 5reb).
Hungary: L.Adamecz (17pts, 4reb, 3ass), J.Manyoky (12pts, 3ass), B.Baksa (11pts, 6reb, 6ass, 7st), F.Szabo (7pts, 3reb), N.Czirjak (6pts, 3ass), A.Nemeth (5pts, 5reb), B.Barta (2pts, 6reb).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group C

Turkey defeated Bulgaria 76 - 67 thanks to a very good first half when they gained a 16pt-lead. In the second half Bulgaria tried to perform a better resistance but they didn't manage to overcome the opponent's margin. Turkey were stronger at 2pt-shooting and even a more prolific game of Bulgaria at free throwing couldn't change the situation.

Turkey 76 - 67 Bulgaria 67 (24-10, 44-28, 58-43)
Turkey: E.Tuncluer (18pts), B.Caglar (13pts, 6reb), M.Bilge (10pts, 6reb), K.Siyahdemir (8pts, 3reb, 3ass), M.Gezer (7pts), N.Yilmaz (6pts, 5reb), B.Vardarli (5pts, 5ass), C.Kozluca (3pts, 3reb), G.Dogan (2pts, 4reb), N.Yigit (2pts, 3ass), G.Yavuz (2pts).
Bulgaria: J.Zlatanova (19pts, 5reb), D.Hodges (16pts, 6reb, 6ass), D.Georgieva (14pts, 9reb), E.Yankova (6pts), R.Yordanova (5pts), D.Peteva (3pts), E.Dimitrova (2pts, 3ass), R.Slavova-Naneva (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group C

Montenegro turned out to be stronger in the match with Hungary as they defeated the opponent 65 - 76. The main events happened in the second half as at the beginning Hungary were leading and finished the first half with a 9pt-advantage. But after the big break Montenegro showed another face and used the third quarter to tie the score and the final one - to inflict a loss on Hungary.

Hungary 65 - 76 Montenegro (24-16, 39-30, 49-50)
Hungary: Z.Fegyverneky (21pts, 3reb, 3ass, 5st), D.Horti (15pts, 8reb), T.Krivacevic (11pts), D.Furesz (5pts, 3reb), N.Bujdoso (4pts, 6reb, 3ass), H.Szlimak (3pts, 3reb), S.Torok (2pts), A.Vida (2pts), Z.Horvath (2pts, 6reb).
Montenegro: I.Perovanovic (22pts, 7reb, 4st), A.Baletic (14pts, 6reb), J.Dubljevic (11pts, 5reb), M.Bjelica (11pts), J.Skerovic (8pts, 7reb, 5ass, 3st), M.Milutinovic (8pts), J.Culafic (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group A

Italy and Croatia played a very bouncing game where the initiative sang from one side to another. FIrst, it was Italy who set the tone but Croatia managed to recover their losses in the second quarter so that the teams left for the big break with a close score 43 - 41. And in the third quarter Croatia continued their performance to definitely establish controle. In the final period Italy didn't manage to turn the match around and had to walk away with the loss.

Italy 69 - 76 Croatia (25-16, 43-41, 54-63)
Italy: C.Pastore (16pts, 5reb), R.Masciadri (14pts), A.Gianolla (9pts, 3reb, 4ass), C.Consolini (9pts), M.Alexander (8pts, 3reb), K.Ress (6pts, 6reb), S.Cinili (5pts, 10reb), F.Modica (2pts).
Croatia: A.Lelas (17pts, 8reb), M.Vrsaljko (12pts), S.Mandir (10pts, 5reb, 3ass), I.Sliskovic (10pts, 3reb), E.Podrug (8pts), J.Ivezic (8pts), A.Jelavic (6pts, 3reb), I.Ciglar (3pts, 3ass), P.Stampaljia (2pts).

Eurobasket Qualifying round: group A

Lithuania defeated Netherlands not allowing them even to breathe as they established control immediately in the game and just accelerated their pressure from quarter to quarter. They really smothered the opponent at 3-pointers and even more - at free throwing (32/36 against only 11/14). Their rebounding performance was also up to the mark (54reb against 31), let alone all the rest sectors.

Lithuania 98 - 52 Netherlands (22-17, 44-30, 75-46)
Lithuania: G.Petronyte (18pts, 6reb), S.Linkeviciene (15pts, 3reb, 4ass), A.Abromaite (14pts, 4reb), E.Stakneviciene (14pts, 7reb), M.Sauliute (6pts), M.Solopova (6pts, 4reb), R.Valentiene (6pts), G.Paugaite (6pts, 9reb), A.Bimbaite (5pts, 5reb), V.Sipaviciute (5pts), D.Staugaitiene (3pts, 4ass).
Netherlands: M.Klein (12pts, 3st), A.Biesters (10pts, 5reb), M.Beld (7pts, 3ass), S.Beld (6pts, 5reb), L.Kooij (6pts, 7reb), M.Roetgerink (4pts), M.Nieuvween (4pts, 4reb), R.Roubehie Fissa (3pts).

U18 European Championship: group F

France defeated Poland in quite a bouncing game 56 - 66 where the latter tried hard to build a deserving opposition. The first quarter was very balanced and the teams tried out each other to estimate their potential. But in the second quarter it was already clear that France found it way as they imposed 7-16 on Poland. Even though Poland reacted well after the big break, it could not save them as France were not going to lose what they gained.

Poland 56 - 66 France (15-15, 22-31, 40-46)
Poland: M.Zietara (19pts, 4reb), A.Szczepanik (11pts, 4reb, 3bs), M.Jasnowska (9pts), K.Wilk (5pts), M.Idziorek (4pts), K.Bandyk (4pts, 4reb), P.Kuras (2pts, 6reb), M.Stelmach (2pts).
France: H.Akmouche (19pts), L.Barba (10pts, 7reb), E.Grossemy (10pts, 3reb), M.Galliou (9pts, 7reb), C.Diallo (9pts, 4reb), F.Basque (4pts, 3reb), M.Radjati (3pts, 5ass), S.Bouzenna (2pts, 3reb, 6ass).

U18 European Championship: group F

Ukraine lost to Lithuania 66 - 95 being unable to oppose strong resistance to their pressure. Indeed, Lithuania set the tone at the beginning of the game and never let the opponent any opportunity to catch up. Even the fact that Ukraine were not bad at 3pt-shooting could help them as they were completely smashed at 2-pointers.

Ukraine 66 - 95 Lithuania (17-27, 31-44, 47-67)
Ukraine: A.Iagupova (29pts, 6reb, 5ass), A.Yablonska (10pts), A.Kiriyenko (6pts, 5reb), K.Demchenko (5pts, 3reb), O.Rysina (4pts, 6reb), L.Naumenko (4pts, 5reb), V.Karyeva (3pts, 3reb), M.Tkach (3pts, 4reb, 4ass), O.Chek (2pts).
Lithuania: M.Grigalauskyte (19pts, 6reb), L.Svaryte (18pts, 10reb, 3st), S.Okockyte (14pts, 3reb, 9ass), N.Skadaite (11pts, 5reb, 5ass, 3bs), P.Zaveckaite (11pts, 11reb), K.Druskyte (10pts, 5reb), M.Petrauskaite (4pts, 6reb, 3st), G.Morkunaite (4pts, 5reb), G.Tamasuskaite (2pts), D.Saurazaite (1pt, 5reb, 3st), V.Kaminskyte (1pts, 4reb).

U18 European Championship: group F

Turkey were defeated by Italy 52 - 63 despite a very good resistance performed in the first half when they were even ahead by 2pts. Acually, it was their catastrophic performance in the third quarter that killed them, Italy did not allow them to score more than 6pts whareas themselves thay gained 16pts. Even though Turkey tried to catch up in the last period, it was too difficult for them, also psychologically.

Turkey 52 - 63 Italy (17-16, 30-28, 36-44)
Turkey: O.Cakir (14pts, 8reb, 3ass), O.Kavurmacioglu (10pts, 7reb), E.Guler (9pts), A.Gunay (7pts), N.Demirkol (5pts, 6reb, 3ass, 3st), O.Turmus (2pts, 3reb), C.Yetis (2pts), M.Yalcinkaya (2pts, 3reb), A.Cora (1pt).
Italy: F.Dotto (15pts, 5reb), B.Carta (10pts, 3reb, 5ass), G.Gorini (8pts, 6reb, 5ass), I.Cigliani (8pts, 4reb), C.Salvini (8pts, 3reb), M.Masoni (6pts, 5reb), N.Diene (4pts, 5reb, 3ass, 3st), L.Morsiani (2pts, 3reb), C.Zanin (2pts, 4reb, 3ass, 3st).

U18 European Championship: group E

Serbia were really destroyed by Russia 48 - 88 in a game of no merci. Indeed, in the end of the third quarter, and maybe earlier, Serbia understood that there were nothing to hope for. Even for a decent score. Russia were stronger all around the court, except maybe for rebounding where the teams grabbed the same number of balls.

Serbia 48 - 88 Russia (7-16, 25-39, 35-63)
Serbia: I.Brajkovic (15pts, 9reb, 3ass), S.Colic (5pts), K.Stankovic (5pts, 3reb), D.Stancic (5pts), J.Stankovic (4pts, 6reb), T.Dijan (4pts), J.Stulic (3pts), M.Toskovic (3pts), J.Repic (2pts), J.Dordevic (2pts, 3reb).
Russia: S.Efimova (19pts, 5reb), Y.Poluyanova (18pts, 7reb), E.Fedorenkova (8pts), A.Zamaraeva (7pts), A.Pasynkova (7pts, 3st), E.Kubynina (6pts, 3reb), A.Stolyar (6pts, 4reb), N.Gumennaya (5pts), Y.Stepanova (4pts), M.Davydova (3pts), A.Maksimova (3pts, 3reb, 5ass, 3st), D.Varzar (2pts).

U18 European Championship: group E

Slovenia and Slovac Republic finished their game in favor of the first 78 - 73 but Slovenia needed an overtime to gain this win. The winner played a very prolific game in the first quarter when they imposed 18-9 on Slovakia. But the latter reacted immediately and tied the score by the end of the basic time.

Slovenia 78 - 73 Slovak Republic (18-9, 32-24, 48-45, 66-66)
Slovenia: N.Baric (29pts, 12ass, 5st), T.Gortnar (14pts, 5reb, 4bs), E.Rupnik (14pts, 3reb), T.Jakovina (8pts, 11reb), R.Abramovic (7pts), S.Jevtovic (4pts), B.Adamovic (2pts, 3st).
Slovak republic: M.Kissova (21pts, 3reb), D.Domiterova (19pts, 10reb), M.Palenikova (16pts, 5reb, 7ass, 3st), N.Bradnanska (7pts, 7reb, 3st), Z.Hruscakova (6pts, 7reb), P.Bartanusova (2pts), A.Firkalova (2pts).

U18 European Championship: group E

Sweden and Spain played a non-prolific game 38 - 50 where Spain were stronger almost in all sectors. Having played a slow start, Spain woke up in the second quarter and that was the time where they earned their win as the second half of the match was quite balanced. The winner were very really helped by a disastrous performance of Sweden at 2pt-shooting (8/27). Indeed, all what they managed to gain was thanks to free throwing.

Sweden 38 - 50 Spain (6-9, 14-26, 24-38)
Sweden: S.Kabengano (9pts, 8reb), E.Nystrom (8pts, 5reb), J.Vesterberg (6pts, 5reb), A.Zahui (6pts, 8reb), A.Nystrom (4pts), N.Fontaine (2pts, 5reb), M.Hakim (2pts), E.Gustavsson (1pt).
Spain: Q.Casas (12pts, 7reb, 4ass, 3st), E.Diaz (8pts, 4reb), M.Ortiz (7pts, 5reb, 4ass, 5st), C.Calvelo (7pts), L.Gil (6pts, 3reb), E.Vivas (5pts), A.Vilaro (5pts, 3st).

U18 European Championship: group G

Belgium lost to Latvia just by 4pts 59 - 63 in a very hard game where still they were leading most part of the game but were destroyed 6-15 in the last quarter and missed their win. Though Latvia scored less two-pointers, they were ahead at shooting from behind the arc and also put a pressure with their free throwing.

Belgium 59 - 63 Latvia (13-12, 31-30, 53-48)
Belgium: L.DeMeyer (16pts, 7reb), E.Mayombo (14pts, 4reb), L.Delmulle (8pts, 3reb), J.Mayinga (8pts, 5reb, 3bs), S.Devliegher (5pts), S.Storme (3pts, 3reb), H.Mestdagh (3pts, 5reb), C.Bourlioux (2pts, 5reb).
Latvia: A.Kirsteine (24pts, 7reb), G.Lagzdina (15pts), L.Pagrode (11pts, 4reb, 5ass), I.Eida (7pts), S.Dukate (4pts, 5reb), D.Kuzmane (2pts).

U18 European Championship: group G

Czech Republic defeated Hungary thanks to a better start which gave them a good margin and also added self-confidence to continue performance in the second half. What was really remarkable is Czech 3pt-shooting performance (9/15 against only 1/11 for Hungary). The winner also showed a more collaborative effort and grabbed more rebounds. Though, both teams accumulated too many turnovers (26 for Hungary and 30 for Czech Rep.)

Hungary 51 - 66 Czech Republic (11-19, 27-34, 43-53)
Hungary: J.Manyoky (9pts), N.Czirjak (8pts, 4reb), B.Baksa (8pts, 5reb), F.Szabo (6pts), B.Barta (6pts, 6reb), A.Nemeth (6pts, 7reb), S.Katona (4pts), A.Mansare (3pts, 3reb), D.Zele (1pt, 4reb).
Czech Republic: K.Elhotova (16pts, 9reb, 3ass, 4st), B.Kasparkova (13pts, 12reb), M.Satoranska (8pts, 6reb), M.Cepelkova (8pts, 3st), M.Kusova (5pts), M.Horakova (4pts), N.Zoubkova (3pts), B.Adamcova (3pts, 4reb), T.Vyoralova (2pts, 4st).

Late reaction of Seattle

Another match with a short score was played by Seattle and Minnesota which finished 71 - 72. In this game the first half was quite unbalanced as Seattle were leading after the first quarter but were completely defeated in the second one, which allowed Minnesota to leave to the locker-room with an 8pt-advantage. Still, Seattle showed another face in the second half and put pressure on the opponent by reducing the gap up to 1pt. Unfortunately for them, they lacked this 1pt to impose an overtime and to get an opportunity to win this game.

Minnesota Lynx 72 - 71 Seattle Storm (17-20, 39-31, 54-51)
Lynx: S.Augustus (24pts), C.Houston (14pt, 4reb, 3st), L.Whalen (11pts, 7ass), N.Anosike (7pts, 6reb), A.Hornbuckle (7pts), M.Wright (4pts), R.Brunson (3pts, 8reb), H.Maiga-Ba (2pts).
Storm: S.Bird (16pts, 10ass), T.Wright (15pts, 4ass, 3reb), C.Little (13pts, 4reb, 3ass), L.Jackson (12pts, 3reb), S.Cash (8pts, 5reb), S.Abrosimova (6pts, 3reb), A.Robinson (1pt, 7reb).

Disappointing loss of Chicago

Chicago suffered a very disappointing loss from Phoenix 96 - 97 despite the fact that they performed a very good first quarter. Before the second period started Chicago had a 6pt-advantage but Phoenix reacted immediately and managed to catch up. The second half was a real battle as the iniative swang from one side to another but it turned out that Mercury were more lucky.

Phoenix Mercury 97 - 96 Chicago Sky (20-26, 45-44, 74-70)
Mercury: D.Taurasi (35pts, 11ass, 3reb), C.Dupree (19pts, 6reb), T.Smith (13pts, 3reb), P.Taylor (11pts, 6ass), T.Johnson (6pts, 6ass, 5reb), D.Bonner (6pts, 6reb), K.Braxton (4pts, 6reb), K.Swanier (3pts).
Sky: S.Fowles (35pts, 8reb), J.Perkins (23pts, 5reb), E.Prince (14pts, 4reb, 5ass), E.Thorn (7pts, 3reb, 5ass, 3st), D.Canty (5pts, 3reb, 3ass), S.Murphy (4pts), T.Young (3pts, 6reb), C.Kraayeveld (3pts, 3reb), M.Bass (2pts, 5reb).

Washington perform

Washington defeated at home Tulsa 62 - 87 thanks to a very stable performance when after gaining a 16pt-advantage in the first quarter, they continued to increase it in the second and third quarters. Indeed, there was no chance for Tulsa to catch up with the score as they were allowed to take a breath only in the final period but it could not help them already.

Tulsa Shock 62 - 87 Washington Mystics (9-25, 25-44, 39-65)
Tulsa: T.Jackson (14pts, 7reb), S.Robinson (9pts, 4reb), A.Holt (7pts, 5reb), S.Crossley (6pts), N.Ohlde (6pts), R.McCants (6pts), M.Jones (4pts), I.Latta (4pts), J.Lacy (3pts), K.Brown (3pts, 3ass).
Washington: M.Currie (15pts, 4reb), K.Smith (15pts), M.Coleman (14pts, 10reb, 4ass, 3st), C.Langhorne (11pts, 6reb), C.Melvin (10pts, 8reb), L.Harding (10pts, 4reb, 4ass), N.Sanford (7pts, 7reb), M.Ajavon (5pts, 3ass, 3st).

Balanced game NY vs Sun

New York and Connecticut finished their game with just a 4pt-difference in favor of the first (67 - 71). The start was quite balanced and there was nothing outstanding in the performance of the teams, which allowed them to finish the first quarter with a tie score at 18. The second half also didn't reveal the leader and the team left to the locker-room keeping the intrigue for the second half. But the main battle happened in the last quarter which was started at the advantage of Connecticut but finished with the win of New York.

Connecticut Sun 67 - 71 New York Liberty (18-18, 33-34, 52-50)
Connecticut: A.Jones (18pts, 8reb), R.Montgomery (14pts, 5ass), T.Charles (12pts, 10reb), T.White (8pts), D.Walker (4pts), A.Hightower (3pts), K.Lawson (3pts, 3ass), K.Griffin (3pts), S.Gruda (2pts).
New York: C.Pondexter (24pts, 5reb, 3ass), L.Mitchell (15pts, 4reb, 4ass), P.Pierson (9pts, 6reb), J.McCarville (9pts, 6reb), T.McWilliams-Franklin (6pts, 5reb, 3ass), E.Carson (5pts), N.Powell (3pts, 5ass).

Indiana lost on a visit

Indiana were defeated on a visit by Atlanta 74 - 90 because of being unable to counteroppose a proper resistance in the first and the third quarters. The game was really unstable as Atlanta set the tone at the beginning but Indiana woke uo in the second quarter to finish it with 20-20. Still, in the third quarter Atlanta seized the initiative once again, which killed the opponent despite a better perfomance of the latter in the last qiarter.

Indiana Fever 74 - 90 Atlanta Dream (15-25, 35-45, 55-72)
Indiana: T.Catchings (24pts, 6reb, 3ass, 3st), K.Douglas (9pts, 4reb, 3ass), B.January (8pts, 4ass), J.Moore (7pts), J.Davenport (6pts, 12reb), J.Morris (6pts), S.Zellous (4pts), T.Sutton-Brown (4pts), T.Bevilaqua (3pts, 4reb, 3ass), E.Hoffman (3pts, 4reb).
Atlanta: I.Castro Marques (22pts), A.McCoughtry (20pts, 5reb, 7ass), E.DeSouza (16pts, 5reb), S.Lyttle (13pts, 8reb, 3ass, 4st), K.Miller (5pts, 4reb, 3ass), A.Bales (4pts, 7reb), C.Miller (4pts), A.Price (3pts), Y.Leuchanka (2pts), S.Lehning (1pt, 7ass).

No miracle for Chicago

Seattle gained a 20pt-advantage in the game with Chicago and finished the match with the score 60 - 80. Actually, Seattle built their win in the first half when they were ahead by 24pts. Even the fact that Chicago tried to perform a different game in the second half could not change the situation. Indeed, after the big break Chicago switched to a more defensive game and put great effort to constrain the opponent. Unfortunately for them, it was too late as only a miracle could help to catch up with Seattle's 32/69 FGM.

Seattle Storm 80 - 60 Chicago Sky (27-13, 55-31, 72-49)
Storm: S.Cash (16pts, 4reb, 3ass), L.Jackson (14pts, 4reb, 3ass), S.Abrosimova (13pts, 3ass), S.Bird (11pts, 8ass), C.Little (10pts, 7reb), L.Willingham (9pts, 7reb), T.Wright (5pts, 4ass), A.Robinson (2pts).
Sky: S.Fowles (13pts, 5reb, 5ass), E.Prince (10pts, 6reb), D.Canty (9pts), T.Young (8pts), C.Kraayeveld (7pts, 3reb), S.Murphy (6pts, 3reb), J.Perkins (5pts), M.Bass (2pts, 7reb).

San Antonio pressed Tulsa

San Antonio dominated in the match with Tulsa and defeated the hosts 101 - 85. The first quarter was very balanced and even finished with a tie score at 18. But after San Antonio tried out the opponent, they made a great acceleration in the second quarter. After the big break Tulsa tried to restore their resistance again but collapsed in the final period. Still, the game was ery interesting as the teams played a good game outside the arc (9/16 three-pointers for San Antonio and 10/21 for Tulsa) and also were very collaborative (17ass and 18ass respectively).

Tulsa Shock 85 - 101 San Antonio Silver Stars (18-18, 39-47, 63-71)
Shock: I.Latta (19pts, 3ass), S.Robinson (17pts, 3reb, 4st), N.Ohlde (9pts, 6reb, 3ass), K.Brown (9pts, 5ass), T.Jackson (8pts, 7reb), A.Holt (7pts), R.McCants (6pts), J.Lacy (4pts), S.Crossley (2pts), C.Black (2pts), M.Jones (2pts).
Silvers Stars: B.Hammon (22pts, 3reb, 3ass), S.Young (17pts), E.Lawson-Wade (17pts, 3reb, 3ass), M.Snow (14pts, 7reb), C.Holdsclaw (12pts, 3ass), R.Hodges (11pts, 5reb), C.Kelly (6pts), H.Darling (2pts).

No chance for Connecticut

Connecticut were destroyed at home by Atlanta 94 - 62. Actually, there was no chance for the hosts in this game as Atlanta established control at the very beginning and never let the opponent seize the initiative. Connecticut were behind in every sector of the game starting from shooting efficiency and finishong with stealing peformance. As for Atlanta, they were up to the mark as really attempted a lot of shots, both 2pt and 3pt.

Connecticut Sun 62 - 94 Atlanta Dream (17-26, 36-53, 48-86)
Sun: A.Jones (16pts, 3reb, 3ass), D.Walker (13pts, 5reb), S.Gruda (12pts), R.Montgomery (8pts, 4ass), T.Charles (6pts, 12reb), T.White (3pts, 4reb, 3ass), K.Lawson (2pts, 3reb, 5ass), K.Gardin (2pts).
Dream: A.McCoughtry (20pts, 6reb, 3ass), I.Castro Marques (17pts), E.DeSouza (13pts, 13reb, 3ass), C.Miller (12pts), S.Lyttle (8pts, 6reb, 3ass, 5st), K.Miller (6pts, 3reb, 5ass), S.Lehning (5pts, 3ass), A.Price (5pts, 6reb, 5ass), Y.Leuchanka (4pts, 4reb), A.Bales (2pts, 3reb, 3st).

Balanced game NY vs LA

New York defeated at home Los Angeles in a very balanced game where the teams were performing neck to neck with a very short score. It was only in the last quarter that the hosts managed to turn the events around and made a good effort to increase the difference. In all the secotrs the teams's performances were very close but Los Angeles couldn't play as effective as New York at 2pt-shooting.

New York Liberty 88 - 79 Los Angeles Sparks (17-15, 45-43, 62-63)
Liberty: C.Pondexter (20pts, 4reb, 4ass), J.McCarville (15pts), T.McWilliams (14pts, 9reb), P.Pierson (14pts, 3ass), L.Mitchell (12pts, 4reb, 5ass, 3st), N.Powell (9pts, 4reb), K.Greene (2pts, 3ass), K.Vaughn (2pts).
Sparks: T.Thompson (18pts, 4reb), M.Ferdinand-Harris (17pts, 4reb, 3st), N.Quinn (13pts, 4reb), D.Milton-Jones (10pts, 5reb), T.Penicheiro (6pts, 4reb, 7ass), A.Riley (6pts), K.Toliver (5pts), L.Wisdom-Hylton (4pts, 6reb).

Minnesota defeated inside the key

Indiana defeated Minnesota 77 - 73 despite a very deserving first half performed by the latter. Indeed, Minnesta seized the initiative immediately at the beginning and by the end of the first quarter had a 9pt-lead. Unfortunately for them, they didn't manage to keep control and by the middle of the last period lost all the advantage. In fact, Minnesota didn't manage to break the defense of the opponent and were killed just by 4pts shot inside the key. 

Indiana Fever 73 - 77 Washington Mystics (26-17, 43-35, 60-56)
Fever: K.Douglas (16pts), T.Catchings (16pts, 4reb, 7ass), T.Sutton-Brown (14pts, 4reb, 3st), E.Hoffman (9pts, 4reb), T.Bevilaqua (6pts), J.Davenport (4pts, 4reb), B.January (3pts, 3reb), S.Zellous (3pts), J.Moore (2pts).
Mystics: L.Harding (33pts, 6reb), N.Sanford (11pts, 7reb, 4ass), C.Langhorne (9pts, 11reb), M.Coleman (8pts, 6reb), M.Currie (7pts, 7reb), M.Ajavon (4pts), K.Smith (3pts, 4reb, 4ass), C.Melvin (2pts, 3reb, 3ass).