NationStates Jolt Archive

Feel free to post pre-World Cup RPs and rosters until Pacitalia returns from holiday, which is when we will post the draw and scorinate the matches.

Good luck to all the participants!

Nedalia Attempt to Bring Respect to their Basketball


The Nedalia Lions will look to improve on their dismal efforts in the last Basketball World Cup by actually winning a game this time around. Apparently, the last roster was filled with amateurs who only earned their starting places thanks to money paid to a corrupt federation, but the promise coming from up top is that the Nedalia Basketball Federation (which also plans on introducing the Nedalia Basketball League soon) has cleared its named and has focused all its attention on erasing all scandals from its ranks.

The team is, like last time around, filled with unknown talents, with the only returning player being Howard Treeton, who justed turned 21. The small forward averages from the last tournament were 18.7 ppg to along with 6.3 rpg and 4.0 apg, leading the team in both points and rebounds. He is expected to shine in World Cup V, atleast in the Nedalian ranks, but one should not overlook the rest of the team.

The starting point guard will most likely be 23 year old Imrat Schooling, who stands at 6-2 and weighs 188 lbs. Very quick and agile, he is somewhat viewed as a lightweight who cannot handle too much abuse, but if he uses his speed to get by defenders, there wont be anyone getting close to him too often. His passing ability is solid, and he is known to keep his cool in pressure situations.

Imrat Schooling's partner in the backcourt will be 25 year old Jonathan Creek, another who's pace and speed will be a matchup problem for defenders. His height (6-7), to go along with his speed, are his main advantages, and he loves to take the ball to the hole. Somewhat of a streaky shooter, his main ability lies in getting to the basket and the free-throw line.

The power forward position has been given to Anderson Wahhat, a 22 year old powerhouse who was raised in the city of Aanjar. Standing at 6-10 and weighing 245 of pure muscle, little can be done when he gets down in the paint and begins to operate. Couple his power with a 38 inch vertical, and you a phenomenal athlete who'll be hell for any defending PF.

Finally, the center position will be filled by the veteran of the squad, 28 year old Janef Aslan, another to hail for the desert city of Aanjar. The 7-2, 260 lbs center towers over most, but suprisingly, its his agility that makes him such a threat to opposing teams. A good passer for a big man, he nonetheless makes his living rebounding and scoring in the paint.

The PG reserve is Kim Slim, the SG reserve is Openadda, the SF reserve is Gregory Houghton, the PF reserve is Bob Hallinger, and finally the C reserve is Hassan Hijazi. The coach is Brahim Khalsan, the only other personnel from last tournament to retain his position.

http://kfox.gamehorizons.net/bwc5logo.jpg

Welcome to the fifth edition of the Basketball World Cup!

---------------------------------------------------------

The divisions will go as such:

Sarzonian Conference

Division S1
Sarzonia (4)
Hockey Canada
Homieville
Zhambyl

Division S2
Liverpool England (2)
Hisam
Lovisa
Nedalia

Conferenza Pacitaliana

Divizione P1
Vilita (3)
Pacitalia (5)
Corneliu
Tonissia

Divizione P2
Harlesburg (1)
Elrich
Trianland
Wulaishen

---------------------------------------------------------

First day matchups in Sarzonia

Sarzonia (4) v Hockey Canada
The Palestra, Woodstock, 7.00p WST, Friday, 19 August

Homieville v Zhambyl
The Dockyard, Portland, 7.00p WST, Friday, 19 August

Liverpool England (2) v Lovisa
The Hangar, Avalon, 1.00p WST, Saturday, 20 August

Hisam v Nedalia
The Terrace, Tacoma, 1.00p WST, Saturday, 20 August

First day matchups in Pacitalia

Vilita (3) v Corneliu
Arena dell'AeroPacitalia, Timiocato, 7.30pm CPDT, Friday, 19 August

Pacitalia (5) v Tonissia
BNP Paribas Place, Mandragora, 7.30pm CPDT, Friday, 19 August

Harlesburg (1) v Wulaishen
Arena di ABN Amro, Nortopalazzo, 2.00pm CPDT, Saturday, 20 August

Elrich v Trianland
Enfora Place, Pamagento, 3.00pm EPDT, Saturday, 20 August



*** note that games will not usually be scorinated until after the second set of games from the "match day" - ex. games on a Friday/Saturday will not be scorinated until Saturday ***

Basketball World Cup V
-Harlesburg Screaming Eagles Team Roster

The Confederacy Of Harlesburg for the fourth time returns to the Basketbal World Cup scene and for the second time looks set to defend their Trophy something they failed to do after World Cup II and during World Cup III.
The Harlesburg National Basketball League(HNBL) run competition has been showing off the best of Harlesburg's Basketballing talent once again and with another four years of experience has become a Premiere competition.

The National team The Harlesburg Screaming Eagles has been made up a team of the 10 best players in all of Harlesburg and the colony of Citrius Vastiva while previous competitions were 12 men the last was 10 men as is the standard for current rosters.

Harlesburg are eager to repeat its stellar performances of World Cup 2 and 4.

The Harlesburg Screaming Eagles are coached by:Richard Swain
The Team is as follows:

Starters
5-PG-Albert Rimmer(6'3"-186lbs)30 4th cup 18
Albert Rimmer a player of reasonably tall stature for a point guard.Veteren of the National squad that one the first World Cup and finished 3rd in The 2nd.Leads his Profesional Team The Harlesburg Heat well.Is best described as a high scoring pick pocket.

6-SG-Josh Ballard(5'11"-168lbs)34 4th cup
Josh Ballard competitivness is in his blood a third generation player and the second member of his family to play for the Port Royale Bombardiers (after his grandfather "The Great" Hans Ballard)his slight of hand has the ability to put players in the gaps and to pick a pocket.

3-SF-Ryan Edwards(6'8"-224lbs)29 4th cup
Ryan Edwards has calmed down his ways since entering the International scene still lets his anger get the better of him some times but now has let his actions do the talking.Massive dunking ability asured of a high rebound tally because of his presence in the key.Plays for The Macton Marauders.[6:6]

13-C-Charle Worth 7'3"=262lbs).Age 24

2-PF-Robert Handkoff(6'10"-248lbs)Age 36
Robert Handkoff a strong burly Forward from Comnors Corsairs leads from the front still with the team hes lead to the semis the last 5 seasons and with another strong performance before leaving for National duty will only increase his pedigree.

Bench

9-C-Oliver Collier(6'11"-246lbs).Age 38
Always been plagued by Taylor's prescence the two dont get along however with The Admirals retirement he finds himself once again on the Pine.

10-PF-Jared Jurgonson(6'11"-242lbs).Age 32 4th Cup
Jurgonsen gets around the court with ease for a big man killer 3 but more noted for his dunks.

14-SF-Chase Baker(6'8"-242lbs).Age 26 1st Cup
New to the team plays for Comnor Corsairs Averages 12 Rebounds and 15 Points per game.

12-PG/SG-Troy Breakspear(5'11"-189lbs)Age 29 4th Cup
Now a Veteren of the team loads of experience.
Was an outstanding member of the Original team to win the World Cup has ability to play both guard positions and as such is a scorer and playmaker strong three pointer and rarely misses a free throw.

4-SG-Ronald Barker(5'10"-172lbs)
Came into the team after a massive impression in his third season in the Citrius-Vastiva local league some doubt his abilities but has proven himself on numerous occasions.Averages 16 points a game and 7 assists.Shoots a wicked three from anywhere but lacks defense.
slight editing.

Basketball World Cup V The Homieville And1 Ballers
Stadium- Georgetown College Gym
Home Colors-White 80% Black 15% Gold 5%
Away Colors-Black 75% Gold15% White 10%

Team status.FGP 573%. F3P 410%. FTP 908%. PPG 98.3 RPG 34 ORPG 15.4 DRPG 18.6 BPG 8.5 SPG 6.2 APG 21.6 TurnoversPG-6.1 FoulsPG-7

Glad I'm in the World Cup how did I qualify to the world cup?Players of Homieville are
Starting Five
*C.Richard Iope 7'5(324 pounds)2 year pro.Age-21 Salary Cap-$3.99m
*PF.Lance Bing 6'11(240 pounds)Rookie.Age-19 Salary Cap-$3.54m
*SF.Vince Mounti 6'8(234 pounds)5 year pro.Age-25 Salary Cap-$6.90m
*SG.Terrel Francis 6'8(210 pounds)1 year pro.Age-23 Salary Cap-$2.73m
*PG.LeBron Playa 6'2(183 pounds)2 year pro.Age-20 Salary Cap-$4.60m

Bench players
*C.Houstan Blake 6'11(288 pounds)Rookie.Age-18 Salary Cap-$2.59m
*PF.Utibaro Stromboli 6'10(330 pounds)4 year pro.Age-26 Salary Cap-$1.20m
*SF.Rasheed Hamilton 6'8(227 pounds)8 year pro.Age-27 Salary Cap-$7.22m
*SG.Stephon Okafor 6'6(190 pounds)3 year pro.Age-21 Salary Cap-$1.01m
*PG.Jeulius Anthony 6'2(176 pounds)6 year pro.Age-25 Salary Cap-$2.53m
*C.Karl Laxton 7'2(260 pounds) 2 year pro.Age-19 Salary Cap-$1.08m
*SG.Travis Dyice 6'8(206 pounds)1 year pro.Age-22 Salary Cap-$540k

All Players are All Star Professional Players Signed to the World Cup of Basketball Associates of Homieville

Ready for the game!

Zhambyl took a early lead 12-7 but in the end of the first quarter Homieville is leading 28-18.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b274/John_Spinks/Elrichlogopaint.jpg

TEAM - THE KINGDOM OF ELRICH
NICKNAME - THE BADGERS
HOME STADIUM - ST. MICHAEL'S COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL GYM
HOME COLOURS - YELLOW BIBS
AWAY COLOURS - RED BIBS

COACH - JONATHAN CECIL-SHOE
EXPERIENCE - Owns NBA JAM 1994 on the Sega Megadrive, and through this has the most Basketball Knowledge in the whole of the Kingdom.

Basketball in the Kingdom of Elrich is a very small-scale sport, with no national association, no television footage, no national league and basically no interest. With the whole nation football crazy after the national side's adventures in the Baptism of Fire and the World Cup few nationals have much time for Basketball, but a small core of 200 fans are expected to support the team through the Basketball World Cup. Few of these fans actually understand the rules of the game, the tactics or the positions and the same applies for not only the players but the coach as well. With only one training session to date Cecil-Shoe is relying heavily on young player Boris McSheffrey, who was the only player in the session to shoot a basket. With little knowledge on positions, through NBA Jam and by copying other teams positions the coach has deduced that the Center is basically the 8 foot circus freak and the PG (Parental Guidance???) is the one guy who can afford to be normal(ish) in height.

In a bid to recruit players (there was little interest) Shoe decided to look to the nation's circus community for oddly sized individuals to make up his team.

THE STARTING TEAM
C. Frank N'Stein (7'2)
PF. Morag Totempole (6'8)
SF. Crispin Tootibald (6'3)
SG. Barney McGrew (6'4)
PG. Boris McSheffrey (5'9)

BENCH PLAYERS (they'll play anywhere)
The Bearded Lady (6'2)
The Strong Man (6'0)
Fabricio the Magician (5'9)
Leo the Lion Tamer (6'0)
Jimbob the Juggler (6'3)
Wally the Fireater (5'9)

THE GROUP
Divizione P2
Harlesburg (1)
Elrich
Trianland
Wulaishen

Elrich basically know nothing about the opposition but given the (1) next to Harlesburg's name, we guess they must be rather good.... hmmm.

Given the team's Basketball experience Elrich are not expecting to do too well in Sarzonia-Pacitalia, but the Elrichian public can watch all of the Badger's matches LIVE on TicTacTV 2 starting with Elrich v Trianland from Enfora Place, Pamagento at 3.00pm EPDT, Saturday, 20 August.

Homieville beats Zhambyl in a preasure shot in OT by Houstan Blake the nice assist by Terrel Francis Final Score The Homieville And1 Ballers 117 Zhambyl 116.

Lance Bing has a small injury to his left arm but will be able to play further in the World Cup Bing is on Med.
The Homieville And1 Ballers are in Training Camp and have rapidly got better in shooting but lacking defensive steals

A even game when started out but in the 3rd quarter Canada Hockey fell behind and Sarzonia didnt look back Sarzonia wins 97-83.

Sorry, dude, but we (Sarzonia and I) scorinate the games, not you. My scores are coming up.

OOC: Homieville, please delete your score posts from this thread (namely posts 6 and 8-10). Any future posts like that will result in a minus RP points penalty for each post of that nature.

Vilita (3) 81, Corneliu 88
Pacitalia (5) 71, Tonissia 73
Harlesburg (1) 69, Wulaishen 60
Elrich 83, Trianland 69

Sarzonia (4) v Hockey Canada
79 : 76

Homieville v Zhambyl
74 : 80

Liverpool England (2) v Lovisa
91 : 79

Hisam v Nedalia
77 : 86

Match Day 1 completed! Standings to be posted momentarily (along with my roster and opening RP ;))

That means I am knockedout of the WorldCUp?

and lets say that Above with I cant delete I dont know why was just a Friendly game.

World No. 2s defeat Lovisa in opening encounter

The fifth edition of the Basketball World Cup (BWC) got underway with Liverpool England, traditionally not a basketball powerhouse until recently, defeating their opponents Lovisa in what could be a prelude to the two teams meeting in the Football World Cup (WC).

Liverpool England, ranked second in the world, got off to a 91-79 win over Lovisa. The team, who reputedly played their first Basketball World Cup with just eight players and finished third, scored early through Tonny Johansen (14 points in the first quarter, 2 assists, 3 rebounds) to take an 18-4 lead.

Lovisa came out strong in the second quarter, catching the Leaping Giants off guard, Kryzk Woslinky making a good play from way downtown. The Leaping Giants failed to score in the first four minutes of the quarter, and Lovisa took a 24-18 lead.

This surely must have worried coach Ungus Davison; he made three changes immediately. Johansen was helped to a double-double (11 points, 12 assists) in the remaining eight minutes of the quarter, such was the lax defending by the Lovisans. At half-time, Liverpool England led 54-35.

Johansen missed the whole of the third quarter due to an injury scare; Lovisa came out tops in the third by scoring 34 points to the Leaping Giants' 5. As Johansen looked on from the sidelines, everyone seemed to worry that the game was slipping away from them, with the game at 69-59 Lovisa.

When it was obvious that Johansen could not play further, and will now miss the next game, the team seemed to rally around, amazingly outscoring Lovisa 32-10 in the last quarter with their star out of action. Liverpool England will also face Hisam and Nedalia in the group.

That means I am knockedout of the WorldCUp?

No, you have to play two more games - if you are mathematically unable to qualify after the second game, then, yes, you are knocked out. But, theoretically, you have until the third matchday to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Slow Start to Title Defence
Harlesburg 69 Wulaishen 60

With the opening of the 5th Edition of the Basketball World Cup once again The Harlesburg Screaming find themselves up against a nation little known to Harlesburg in their first match.

Harlesburg's first opponents were from Wulaishen and as is also customary for Harlesburg their first match was a close low scoring match that wasnt decided until the final quarter when the experience of now veteran Point-Guard Albert Rimmer shone through to give Harlesburg the first up win after he went on a personal 5 point run with 3 minutes to go.

The First Quarter was a trying out stage for Harlesburg as they have had little to no International Playing oppurtunities since winning their second World Cup and as a result the score at the end of the quarter was Harlesburg 17 and the Wulaishen 16 with new comer Chase Baker a Small-Forward from Comnors Corsairs raking up 8 points and 3 Rebounds.

The Second Quarter was just as stiff as the First with niether team seeming able to gain any accendancy over the other as Harlesburg looked to grease the hinges and break the shackles that were restraining the team.
Harlesburg with a strong base of players from previous cups have only added two new caps to the roster in Baker and Giant Centre Charle Worth at the age of 23 stands at 7'3".

Charle Worth came into the team due to the retirement of Great Jack Taylor and went to the number one Centre position with a strong performance in the National League and he showed why he was picked claiming 7 Points and 5 Rebounds in the second to go with his 3 Points and 4 Rebounds from the first giving him 10 and 9 respectivly and helping extend the Harlesburg lead to 32-28.

After the Half Harlesburg were faced with a strong showing from the Wulaishenians who put on 8 unanswered points before Harlesburg sunk a 3 pointer by Troy Breakspear to bring the Wulaishen lead back to one.
Breakspear stuck in a battle with Rimmer and Ballard for one of the two guard positions as Edwards is prefered at starting Small Forward certainly made the most of his brief time on the court sinking two more 3's and a steal to give Harlesburg the lead back with 42 seconds left in the 3rd.
Quarter time score Harlesburg 52 Wulaishen 51.

Harlesburg had a 1 point lead going into the last quarter and in such a low scoring match obvious tension was in the air as the game could go either way but Harlesburg soon put the worries to rest breaking out to a 7 point lead in notime and as the quarter came to a close had held the opposition to only 9 points from one 3,two 2's and 2 freethrows while Harlesburg brought in another 11 points.

Scorers
Albert Rimmer 12 Points 2 Rebounds 5 Assist 2 Steals
Josh Ballard 4 Points 3 Assists 3 Steals 1 Blocked shot
Ryan Edwards 6 Points 6 Rebounds 1 Blocked shot
Charle Worth 10 Points 2 Assists 6 Rebounds 2 Blocked shots
Robert Handkoff 3 Points 3 Assists 4 Rebounds
Oliver Collier 5 Points 3 Rebounds 1 Steal
Jared Jurgonson 8 Points 1 Assist 5 Rebounds 1 Steal
Chase Baker 8 Points 5 Rebounds 1 Assist
Troy Breakspear 11 Points 2 Assists 2 Steals
Ronald Barker 2 Points 2 Rebounds


Divizione P2
Harlesburg (1)
Elrich
Trianland
Wulaishen

The Nedalia Lions

Nedalia Gets Rolling and Doesnt Look Back

The very first victory in the history of Nedalian basketball came against Hisam after a rally that got things going during the 3rd quarter. Outscoring their opponents 16 - 2 over a 5 minute mark, the Lions were able to take control of the game and it proved too much. The final scoreline read 86 - 77.

"I'm proud of the boys, the played well against a tricky team, and came up on top. Hopefully, this will set a trend and we'll see ourselves qualify to the knockout stages. We've got a couple of key games, but the signs are good. When we switched to the zone defense halfway during the 3rd quarter, Hisam didnt know how to react, and the boys took advantage," commented coach Branhim Khalsan.

Led by Howard Treeton and his 23 points (he also added 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals), the team managed to put together a decent offensive performance to go with their stellar defensive effort. Anderson Wahhat, the starting PF, was equally impressive, pitching in 16 points and a game high 13 rebounds.

During the 16 - 2 run, however, it was a couple of threes by streaky Jonathan Creek (13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists) that made the difference, as well as two crucial blocks from Janef Aslan (11 points, 10 rebounds) to kickstart the fastbreaks.

Much like their football counterparts, these Lions showed a natural flair, whether it was Imrat Schooling's (10 points, 8 assists) behind the back passes or Treeton sensation 360 degree slam. While the flamboyance makes their game very watchable, they need to remember to transfer that passion into defense as well, something they did very well this game. If they continue to do so, there wont be any problems reaching the objective they set out to achieve.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b274/John_Spinks/Elrichlogopaint.jpg

ELRICH TRASH TRIANLAND!!!

In the Kingdom of Elrich's first EVER Baksetball Match they trounced the nation of Trianland by 83 points to 69. Boris McSheffrey was instrumental throughout, hitting some spectacular three-pointers and proving the creator on numerous occasions for the big men N'Stein and Totempole to dunk home. The Badgers were ahead throughout with slick passing and finishing in offense and stout blocking and stealing in defense. The Elrichian support of 380, who came not knowing what to expect were pleasantly surprised. It is amazing what Cecil-Shoe has achieved in his few days of coaching with the team.

Cecil-Shoe was delighted with his teams performance, "They've surprised everyone, even themselves," he exclaimed, "To win, and to win like that is an incredible feeling, the boys are over the moon in the dressing room."

When asked on Elrich's chances in the World Cup he remained realistic, "Us? Win the World Cup?" he laughed, "I don't think there's much chance of that happening. Let's not get carried away but enjoy this moment, we do not know how often a result like this is going to come along. It is great to think of the impact this win has had on basketball in Elrich, and we're proud to have done that. By winning today, we could be creating a new generation of winners for the years to come".

What is incredible is the buzz that has gripped Elrich after the result, with the Kingdom nearly selling out their allocation for their next match. It is rumoured the team could soon be moving from St Michael's Gym to the 12,000 capacity Elrichian Oblong Gardens, now used as a Music Arena for their future home matches, due to the growing support for the team. The nations leading sport manufacturer "Badoosh" have expressed their interest in manufacturing a national basketball kit to replace the bibs currently used, which is expected to be manufactured and released within the next week, but the design is being kept a firm secret until then.

Homievilles player Lance Bing has recovered from injury and will be able to play with 100% OF his game.Whens the next games?

Oh Yeah plus it was a great idea to make this Basketball World Cup Good idea my friends. Who were the winners in the other World Cups

Stats for the game

C.Richard Iope 10Pts 6Reb 3Blocks
PF.Lance Bing Injured out of 3rd quarter 7Pts 3Reb 2Steals
SF.Vince Mounti 13Pts 8Reb 6Assists
SG.Terrel Francis 27Pts 3Reb 7Assists 3Steals
PG.LeBron Playa 6Pts 4Assists 4Steals
C.Houstan Blake 0Pts 1Reb 1Block
PF.Utibaro Stromboli 7Pts 4Red 2Blocks
SF.Rasheed Hamilton 0pts 2Assists
SG.Stephon Okafor 0Pts 4TO
PG.Jeulius Anthony 4Pts 1Assist
C.Karl Laxton 0 Pts-
SG.Travis Dyice IR

Sarzonia Storm

Head Coach: Dick Motta
Assistant Coaches: Geoff Porter; Brian Robiskie

Starting Lineup

3 Dave Powell (6' 5", 192 lbs, point guard): Seems to have a sixth sense for where his teammates are going to be and led the league in assists. His shooting percentage of 46.4% is too low for him to take more than the occasional jumper. 25 years old. Team: Woodstock Wolves.

10 Calvin Powell (6' 6", 210 lbs, shooting guard): Led his college team in scoring with 21.3 points per game and led the country in three point percentage (58.9). This 22 year old is going to have to adjust to the pro distance of 20' 9". Team: Nicksia Nobles.

22 Mike Lindsey (6' 7", 220 lbs, small forward): Scored 19.7 points per game in his rookie season, converting 48.1 percent of his shots from the field. The 24 year old is an excellent foul shooter (93.1 percent). Team: Portsmouth Power.

30 Kevin Farrier (6' 8", 265 lbs, power forward): Known as Mr. Nasty for his propensity to get in foul trouble. He's not a scorer (6.8 points per game), but this 32 year old is a ferocious rebounder (11.9 per game). Team: Portland Schooners.

33 David Ewing (7', 250 lbs, center): Ewing is more of a finesse center, relying on positioning and intelligence to get points (14.6 per game) and rebounds (9.7 per game). At 37 years old, this will likely be his last appearance in the World Cup. Team: Townshend Tigers.

Bench

2 Tom Jennings (6' 2", 215 lbs, guard): Jennings can play both the two and the one, though his slight frame sometimes causes him problems against larger off guards. This 20 year old has time to bulk up in the future, however. Team: Joe Gibbs University.

7 Kenny Taylor (6' 5", 203 lbs, guard-forward): Though he's smallish as a forward, he led his team in rebounding with 8.9 per game. Even though he's rail thin, he's surprisingly strong. At 23 years old, his sky's the limit. Team: Rypien Rangers.

9 Ryan Morgan (6' 9", 230 lbs, forward): He has the size to bang with the power forwards and the touch to play small forward, but this 32 year old has sometimes played center when his team was in dire need. Team: Saugerties Sounders.

12 Drew Harrier (6" 10, 245 lbs, forward-center): This 27 year old is the worst foul shooter on the team, hitting only 59.6 percent of his charity stripe shots. His coaches with the Woodstock Wolves are working with him night and day on that.

35 Reggie Tolliver (6' 8", 225 lbs, guard-forward): The most versatile player on the Storm, Tolliver can play either forward or shooting guard, depending on matchups. The 30 year old can even play point guard in a dire emergency with his sixth place ranking in assists. He's even taken some practice time at center. Team: Avalon Aeros.

Storm edges Hockey Canada, 79-76

WOODSTOCK (ASP) -- Coming into the fifth Basketball World Cup, the host Sarzonian national basketball team came into their opening match with several decided advantages. But despite a country that has become a hotbed for basketball talent and a loud home crowd at the Palestra, the Storm were forced to rally from an 18 point first half deficit to defeat Hockey Canada 79-76.

"We just started out flat," Coach Dick Motta said. "That's not the way a team that's expected to challenge for the title is supposed to operate. We're lucky we beat those Hockey Canada guys."

Sarzonia (1-0) leaned on veteran center David Ewing (career high 30 points, 19 rebounds) and forward Mike Lindsey (16 points, nine assists) to rally from the large deficit against Hockey Canada, plus Motta shifted to a full-court press mixed with zone to confuse the Hockey Canada players. The team also shifted to a half court offence away from their run and gun play with Ewing on the bench.

"It was all we could come up with," Lindsey said. "They were eating us alive in the man-to-man. Then we turned things around with the half-court offence."

The Storm said they would consider remaining in the half-court offence, but would practice "all out" to make sure they didn't have to overcome another 18 point deficit.

Yeah thanks when are the next games?

OOC: Homiesville, nice to see the enthusiasm, but relax a bit. They will post the results when they get the chance, and a little room between scores is always nice because you can get some quality RPs in, helping your chance of winning.

Pacitalian Blue Inferno

The team remains pretty much the same - a few substitute players are new - as in BWC4, as fifth seed and co-host Pacitalia looks to make it through to a contending position in this, the fifth edition of the Cup.

=============================


Administration
Fernando Sandinhão da Silva (President of the Federazione Baschetaboli di Pacitalia)
Lucio Franceto Baradoni (Head Coach)
Azimano Chiefa Samarfano (Senior Assistant Coach)
Sutarre Vaschati Maldini (Junior Assistant Coach)

Starting Lineup
Centre
Cemuta Liriano Serranino, age 28, 201cm, 92kg, GB Mandragora
Mandragora's professional basketball club is yet again represented in the centre position with star Cemuta Serranino taking the reins. He has been with GB Mandragora his entire LBcP career, which has spanned 6 years. Some 2004/05 stats: 16.3 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 10 AST, 82.6% FTPct

Forwards
Redolino Santo Marceratoni, age 30, 198cm, 89kg, GB Mandragora
The other of GB Mandragora's two representative players on the Blue Inferno squad, Marceratoni is a proven clutch forward, and one of the two stars of the team. He can play a defensive-style forward when needed. He's been in the LBcP for 9 years. Some 2004/05 stats: 30.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG

Marco Azimuto Rabandoro, age 25, 203cm, 92kg, Red-CSB Timiocato
Rabandoro is the largest starter, and thus the power forward, known for his take-no-prisoners style of basketball. He also has a good free throw percentage. Some 2004/05 stats: 19.3 PPG, 81.5% FTPct

Guards
Point Guard: Julio Moreno Fantado, age 31, 195cm, 88kg, GB Pamagento
The only player on the national squad hailing from a Disculpava-province team, Julio Fantado is an excellent back-forth defensive force and proved himself a useful three-point scoring player in the crucial match against GB Sambuca which made the difference between a fourth-seeding and a fifth- or sixth-seeding in the Northern Conference for the upcoming LBcP playoffs, which take place after the BWC. Some 2004/05 stats: 18.3 PPG, 63.0% 3PPct

Shooting Guard: Fabio Bæruz Stantiniro, age 29, 182cm, 87kg, CSB Mavrogenidia
Stantiniro's name perfectly highlights his mixed Pacitalian and Turkish blood. He brings a veritable force to the team with his near-perfect free-throw and field goal conversion ratings, which have not fallen below 95% since he started playing for CSB Mavrogenidia in the LBcP. Some 2004/05 stats: 7.9 PPG, 96.8% FT/FG Pct

On The Bench

C: Madrano Samicanto, 27, 187cm, 90kg, GB Athalone
F: Alberto Cantazzeri, 28, 190cm, 91kg, GRB Capagatta
F: Soribano Vantocescu, 25, 188cm, 87kg, CB Xtreme Cantugali
PG: Costas Molinidis, 25, 193cm, 85kg, CB Sobrefema
SG: Razin al-Karbali, 27, 185cm, 88kg, Blue-FB Timiocato

Hosting Blue Inferno stumble out of the gate in a narrow loss

Pacitalia's national basketball squad faltered late and let unseeded Tonissia catch up, beating the home side and host 73 : 71 in a dramatic and exciting game. Leading the charge for Pacitalia were centre Cemuta Serranino with 24 points, six assists and four rebounds, and point guard Julio Fantado with his own set of twenty-four points.

Despite the great offensive performance of the team, defence seemed to decrease in quality and effectiveness from start to finish. By the end, Tonissia's forwards found ways through Fantado and his co-defender, shooting guard Fabio Stantiniro, and brought the score back up, where nerves set in and further allowed Tonissia to inflict damage on their way to an upset over the seeded home squad.

"I'm still happy with the game," said loyal Pacitalian fan Bruno Santo Cristato, 24, after the match. "They played their butts off, but it just didn't work out in the end. Maybe next match we'll be better. It was exciting from the opening whistle to the closing buzzer, and worth every penny."

Pacitalia (0-1) did stumble a little out of the gate here with the narrow loss but now faces Corneliu in the second match day, and is expected to rebound for a win despite Corneliu's nice victory over third-seed Vilita. However, there is a lot of work to do to ensure nothing is truly wrong with the Blue Inferno and that this loss was a fluke.

"I'll be checking the rosters and looking at our chemistry," says head coach Lucio Baradoni, "and I will fiddle with a few things to make sure we have other options in case our main plan fails us again. But, of course, if we go to 0-2 we're probably mathematically assured of disqualification."

"I hear the fans are still happy with our play today," forward Redolino Marceratoni said today. "That's good. I'm also happy with the way we played today but I would like to make it clear that we are still not satisfied with a loss, even if it's by two points. We'll be working hard to make sure that we live up to our reputation and that we don't falter again late."

The best Pacitalia can be now is 2-1 in the round-robin and hopefully that will be enough to catapult the home side and co-host into the knockout stage of this World Cup, where the other co-host Sarzonia (4), powerhouse Liverpool England (2) and defending champion and top dog Harlesburg look to be headed.

After Day 1!

Standings after Match Group 1

Sorted by wins, then by losses, then by PD.
Two points per win.

Division S1 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zhambyl 1 1 0 2 80 74 6.0 1.000
Sarzonia (4) 1 1 0 2 79 76 3.0 1.000
Hockey Canada 1 0 1 0 76 79 -3.0 0.000
Homieville 1 0 1 0 74 80 -6.0 0.000


Division S2 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liverpool England (2) 1 1 0 2 91 79 12.0 1.000
Nedalia 1 1 0 2 86 77 9.0 1.000
Hisam 1 0 0 0 77 86 -9.0 0.000
Lovisa 1 0 0 0 79 91 -12.0 0.000


Divizione P1 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corneliu 1 1 0 2 88 81 7.0 1.000
Tonissia 1 1 0 2 73 71 2.0 1.000
Pacitalia (5) 1 0 1 0 71 73 -2.0 0.000
Vilita (3) 1 0 1 0 81 88 -7.0 0.000


Divizione P2 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elrich 1 1 0 2 83 69 14.0 1.000
Harlesburg (1) 1 1 0 2 69 60 9.0 1.000
Wulaishen 1 0 1 0 60 69 -9.0 0.000
Trianland 1 0 1 0 69 83 -14.0 0.000


x - denotes team completed league stage.

========================================================

Day 2

Second Day Matchups in Sarzonia

Sarzonia (4) v Zhambyl
The Dockyard, Portland, 7.00p WST, Tuesday, 23 August

Liverpool England (2) v Nedalia
The Terrace, Tacoma, 7.00p WST, Tuesday, 23 August

Hockey Canada v Homieville
The Palestra, Woodstock, 1.00p WST, Wednesday, 24 August

Hisam v Lovisa
The Garage, Avalon, 1.00p WST, Wednesday, 24 August

Second Day Matchups in Pacitalia

Pacitalia (5) v Corneliu
Enfora Place, Pamagento, 8.00p EPDT, Tuesday, 23 August

Harlesburg (1) v Elrich
Arena di ABN Amro, Nortopalazzo, 7.00p CPDT, Tuesday, 23 August

Tonissia v Vilita
BNP Paribas Place, Mandragora, 1.00p CPDT, Wednesday, 24 August

Trianland v Wulaishen
Arena dell'AeroPacitalia, Timiocato, 1.00p CPDT, Wednesday, 24 August



*again, the games will not be scorinated until Wednesday. So if you play Tuesday, you'll still get your scores on the second day of the match group.*

OOC:Pacitalia When are the NS Olympics Starting?

OOC: Homiesville, nice to see the enthusiasm, but relax a bit. They will post the results when they get the chance, and a little room between scores is always nice because you can get some quality RPs in, helping your chance of winning.

Your right,I never been in anything like this I wont say anything,

OOC:Pacitalia When are the NS Olympics Starting?

Following Olympic tradition, the 2010 Winter Olympiad in Megalopolis City, Oglethorpia starts next February (RL). It takes a lot of planning, so we'll need lots of time.

“What that?”

“Dunno. Look like some TV show.”

“I know it a TV show. What kind TV show?”

“Look like… jumping worms.”

“No, they humans.”

“Look like worms.”

“Squint.”

“Hmm… Oh, yeah. They humans.”

“What they doing?”

“Jumping around.”

“I know they jumping around. Wanna know how come.”

“I can’t tell what they doing. Picture all snowy.”

“Trans-border broadcasts always like that.”

“RBA broadcasts always like that, too.”

“True, true.”

“So what you think they doing?”

“Who?”

“Humans on TV!”

“Think they… jumping around, I guess.”

“What for?!”

“You want me speculate?”

“Yeah.”

“It look like they throwing something. Throwing it through ring.”

“What for?”

“Dunno. Maybe it game?”

“What kind of game played like that?”

“Dunno. Maybe it not game.”

“What it be, then?”

“Maybe military training exercise.”

“Hmm.”

“Hmm. Maybe.”

“Maybe.”

“What that thing they throwing through ring?”

“Dunno.”

“Squint!”

“I think it…”

“What?”

“Hmm. Head, maybe?”

“Head?”

“It look like head.”

“Oh, yeah. Definitely head, you right.”

“What for humans jump around and throw head through ring?”

“Must be military exercise. No other explanation.”

“Definitely military exercise.”

“Want another toke?”

“Thanky kindly.”

LMAO At BA





IC:

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER: Tonissian Rost'a


C #34 Darryl Toby
C #12 Alonzo Figham
F #1 Bubba Howell Jr
F #54 Adrain Jackson
F #89 Gonzo Gorgamel
F #67 Hyatt Regency
G #32 Danny Boy Figham
G #3 Landon Oaky
G #44 Richie Hambden-Mcoy
G #99 Zajic Brewer


Starters

Gameday Two Results, Pacitalian Region

(5) Pacitalia 86, Corneliu 83
Elrich 80, (1) Harlesburg 79
Tonissia 83, (3) Vilita 79
Wulaishen 80, Trianland 69

Round-Robin Match Group 2, Sarzonian region

Sarzonia v Zhambyl
90 : 76

Liverpool England v Nedalia
77 : 79

Hockey Canada v Homieville
68 : 71

Hisam v Lovisa
84 : 79

Standings to be posted momentarily.

Standings and tournament position after MG2

Sorted by wins, then by losses, then by PD. Two points per win.

Division S1 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
Sarzonia (4) 2 2 0 4 169 152 17.0 1.000
Homieville 2 1 1 2 145 148 -3.0 0.500
Zhambyl 2 1 1 2 156 164 -8.0 0.500
Hockey Canada 2 0 2 0 144 150 -6.0 0.000

Division S2 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
Nedalia 2 2 0 4 165 154 11.0 1.000
Liverpool England (2) 2 1 1 2 168 156 12.0 0.500
Hisam 2 1 1 2 161 165 -4.0 0.500
Lovisa 2 0 2 0 158 175 -17.0 0.000

Divizione P1 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
Tonissia 2 2 0 4 156 150 6.0 1.000
Corneliu 2 1 1 2 171 167 4.0 0.500
Pacitalia (5) 2 1 1 2 157 156 1.0 0.500
Vilita (3) 2 0 2 0 160 171 -11.0 0.000

Divizione P2 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
Elrich 2 2 0 4 163 148 15.0 1.000
Harlesburg (1) 2 1 1 2 148 140 8.0 0.500
Wulaishen 2 1 1 2 140 138 -9.0 0.500
Trianland 2 0 2 0 138 163 -25.0 0.000


x - denotes team completed league stage.



Current Position
1. Sarzonia (2-0, 17.0)
2. Elrich (2-0, 15.0)
3. Nedalia (2-0, 11.0)
4. Tonissia (2-0, 6.0)
5. Liverpool England (1-1, 12.0)
6. Harlesburg (1-1, 8.0)
7. Corneliu (1-1, 4.0)
8. Pacitalia (1-1, 1.0)
--------------------------------------------
9. Homieville (1-1, -3.0)
10. Hisam (1-1, -4.0)
11. Zhambyl (1-1, -8.0)
12. Wulaishen (1-1, -9.0)
13. Hockey Canada (0-2, -6.0)
14. Vilita (0-2, -11.0)
15. Lovisa (0-2, -17.0)
16. Trianland (0-2, -25.0)

Third Day Matchups in Sarzonia

Sarzonia (4) v Homieville
The Garage, Avalon, Friday evening

Hockey Canada v Zhambyl
The Terrace, Tacoma, Friday evening

Liverpool England v Hisam
The Dockyard, Portland, Saturday afternoon

Lovisa v Nedalia
The Palestra, Woodstock, Saturday afternoon

Third Day Matchups in Pacitalia

Pacitalia (5) v Vilita (3)
BNP Paribas Place, Mandragora, Friday evening

Corneliu v Tonissia
Enfora Place, Pamagento, Friday evening

Harlesburg (1) v Trianland
Arena dell'AeroPacitalia, Timiocato, Saturday afternoon

Elrich v Wulaishen
Arena di ABN Amro, Nortopalazzo, Saturday afternoon



*again, the games will not be scorinated until Saturday. So if you play Friday, you'll still get your scores on the second day of the match group.*

Storm win in rout, 90-76

PORTLAND (ASP) -- After struggling to defeat Hockey Canada in their first game of the fifth Basketball World Cup, the Sarzonian team got a chance to rest their starters before the end of the third quarter and rode a 33 point, 19 rebound game from centre David Ewing en route to an easy 90-76 victory over Zhambyl.

The Storm (2-0) enter the third game of the groups stage with the best point differential in the World Cup at plus-17 and prepare to face World Cup newcomers Homieville, who are fighting for playoff position with a minus-three differential.

"We just played tenacious basketball and we were aggressive from start to finish," Coach Dick Motta said. "We've still got some work left to do before we can say we've accomplished our ultimate goals, but it's nice to get a quality win under our belts."

Sarzonia set out to dominate the game from the opening tap and jumped out to a 12-2 lead just 1:12 in, forcing the Zhambyl coach to burn his first time out with the crowd of 17,924 at The Dockyard making near-deafening noise. The Storm took a 51-24 lead into the halftime locker room and Motta began emptying his bench with the lead at 34 with five minutes left to go in the third.

"We're going to need all 10 guys," Motta said. "That's when you start resting guys as much as possible. Besides that, Zhambyl's comeback gives us something to harp on in practice."

Sounds like Sarzonian national football team coach Dave Wilson at his best.

Elrich beat top seeds!!

Elrich 80, Harlesburg 79

An incredible victory for the badgers saw them gain a shock win over the number 1 seeds in the Basketball World Cup. It was a tight thing though, as Morag Totempole's last second three-pointer won the game by just a single point.

An incredible game saw the underdugs passionate support get right behind the team. The Badgers were ahead until the final minute when Harlesburg looked to have stolen the game, but Totempole's last ditch heroics send him down in Elrichian Folklore.

Second lose

Lovisa lose in second match with Hisam 84 : 79. It was second lose and Lovisa havent any chance to advance in next round.

Pacitalia regains its composure with win over Corneliu

The chips were down for this one. After a narrow loss to underdog Tonissia, all eyes were on the co-host Pacitalia as they entered their second of six round-robin matches against division rival Corneliu. A loss here would have dropped the Blue Inferno to 0-2 and set them on a likely crash course for winless elimination at the end of the six-game matchfest. However, thanks to strong offensive play by centre Cemuta Serranino, Pacitalia regained a positive mentality that has seemed to stick well past the final buzzer, as Serranino led the national squad with 31 points on the way to an 86-83 win over Corneliu.

Once again, though, the question is defence. Now that the non-seeded teams are out of the way, Pacitalia plays a higher-seeded opponent, number three Vilita. Vilita, on the one hand, is 0-2. On the other hand, they still have excellent talent and are able to make games close, regardless of the -11.0 point differential. They'll be looking to rebound to 1-2 against a Pacitalian team also looking for something: to get into the winning records for the first time this tournament (at 2-1, thus knocking Vilita to 0-3).

"Our goal now is to go 5-1 by the time the round-robin stage is over," coach Lucio Baradoni said after the win tonight. "We just need to see Tonissia lose and then the playing field in [Divizione] P1 is evened out once again." As for tonight's game, he added: "We played very well. I just want to have a look at our defence."

Defence is the question, as said earlier. The offence is contributing fantastically as expected, but the strong defence of guards Julio Fantado and Fabio Stantiniro is not living up to expectations in the slightest. Narrow games are not the Pacitalian style, and we are yet to see a game where Pacitalia has won by more than ten points since the third game of the last BWC's round-robin. If the defence steps up, we could see an excellent showing by Pacitalia down the stretch in this tournament. Now's a good time to start.

"I have no words to explain our subpar play," said Fantado tonight. "We're not doing our jobs, and I'd say we're lucky to be 1-1 right now. Fabio and I are honestly, truly embarrassed about our efforts in the last two games. We both know we can do much better than that, and we'll be putting 150% into our next four games to try and help our squad to a better record in the round-robin."

Baschetaboli fans in Pacitalia are craving success for their national squad, yet to win an international title in the sport. But the talent is there, and like in other sports, the Pacitalians have to be skilled at converting on-paper good looks into on-court success to be successful.

WoW Sarzonia is a good team my team is going to prepare for a good game

OOC: Posting these early because I'll be gone all afternoon.

Sarzonian region scores, Match Group 3

Sarzonia (4) v Homieville
78 : 74

Hockey Canada v Zhambyl
80 : 81

Liverpool England (2) v Hisam
83 : 87

Nedalia v Lovisa
87 : 79

Gameday 3 Results
Pacitalian Region

(5) Pacitalia 65, (3) Vilita 58
Corneliu 87, Tonissia 85
(1) Harlesburg 70, Trianland 68
Wulaishen 79, Elrich 69

Harlesburg ammend Loss
Harlesburg 70 Trianland 68

After a shock loss to Elrich in game two of the Pool play held in Sarzonia Harlesburg have made ammends for that loss by beating another little known Force in Trianland but by a close major of Harlesburg 70 to Trianland's 68.

This was a much important win for the current World Champions whos loss to Elrich was a shock for everyone and had seriously jilted the pools hierachy.
Something needed to be done to reorder the balance and this victory for Harlseburg and Elrich's loss to Wulaishen 79-69 put things back on course to claim the top slot.
Harlesburg now find themselves at number one in the pool going by points for and against with a total of 218 for and 208 against giving the +/- of 10 while Elrich have a for of 232 and an against of 227 giving a +/- of 5.


Unlike the game against Elrich where Harlesburg were obviously outplayed by a faster but not neccasarily fitter Elrich team which workd the court beautifully the Trianland team could not make adjustments like Harlesburg had done.

(OOC)Mo to come.

OOC: Harlesburg, you're second. Wulaishen has a better point differential than you. ;) Sorry to burst your bubble, buddy.

Standings and current position after match group three

Sorted by wins, then by losses, then by PD. Two points per win.

Division S1 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarzonia (4) 3 3 0 6 247 226 21.0 1.000
Zhambyl 3 2 1 4 237 244 -7.0 0.667
Homieville 3 1 2 2 219 226 -7.0 0.333
Hockey Canada 3 0 3 0 224 231 -7.0 0.000

Division S2 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nedalia 3 3 0 6 252 233 19.0 1.000
Hisam 3 2 1 4 252 248 4.0 0.667
Liverpool England (2) 3 1 2 2 251 243 8.0 0.333
Lovisa 3 0 3 0 237 262 -25.0 0.000

Divizione P1 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacitalia (5) 3 2 1 4 222 214 8.0 0.667
Corneliu 3 2 1 4 258 252 6.0 0.667
Tonissia 3 2 1 4 241 237 4.0 0.667
Vilita (3) 3 0 3 0 218 236 -18.0 0.000

Divizione P2 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wulaishen 3 2 1 4 219 207 12.0 0.667
Harlesburg (1) 3 2 1 4 218 208 10.0 0.667
Elrich 3 2 1 4 232 227 5.0 0.667
Trianland 3 0 3 0 206 233 -27.0 0.000


x - denotes team completed league stage.

Current Position
1. Sarzonia (3-0, 21.0)
2. Nedalia (3-0, 19.0)
3. Wulaishen (2-1, 12.0)
4. Harlesburg (2-1, 10.0)
5. Pacitalia (2-1, 8.0)
6. Corneliu (2-1, 6.0)
7. Elrich (2-1, 5.0)
T-8. Hisam (2-1, 4.0)
T-8. Tonissia (2-1, 4.0)
-----------------------------
10. Zhambyl (2-1, -7.0)
11. Liverpool England (1-2, 8.0)
12. Homieville (1-2, -7.0)
13. Hockey Canada (0-3, -7.0)
14. Vilita (0-3, -18.0)
15. Lovisa (0-3, -25.0)
16. Trianland (0-3, -27.0)

Games for Match Group Four TBD

Blue Inferno down higher seed 65-58; take first place in P1... for now

After a stunning two-point defeat to Tonissia in the first match, all eyes seemed to be on Pacitalia to make up the ground and get back into contention. And that they have done, with Wednesday's 86-83 win over Corneliu and yesterday's defensive showdown with third-seed Vilita. The Blue Inferno took heed well to the comments that their defense was collapsing, and the game ended with the lowest score by any opponent, any team, this tournament: 58 points. Meanwhile, though Vilita's defence did have its way with the Pacitalians in some areas of the game, including rebounds (which would have added a substantial amount to the point total), the front three put up 65 in a winning cause.

"I'm happy to be at 2-1, now," said shooting guard Fabio Stantiniro. "We did exactly what we said we would do - both about keeping the opponent away from our basket, and at least getting to 2-1, but, you know, it is painful to still know that we were one and a half baskets away from a 3-0 record."

However, Pacitalia can exact some revenge on Tonissia, as they get to play them a second time before the round-robin completes itself after six games. Now that three are over, Pacitalia is confident they can go 3-0 down the stretch and make a favourable impression in the knockout stage. But, they're not getting too cocky.

"That is still a lot of basketball to play," head coach Lucio Baradoni said. "We're not going to get complacent with our play. We feel we can get to 5-1 after this is all said and done, but it takes work, not just words. We can convince ourselves all we want but we have to work hard to get that 5-1 record. Luckily, we have two teams we've already beaten, and one we need to get revenge on for a very narrow loss, so our position in the next three games is favourable."

At 2-1, Pacitalia shares the lead in the division with Corneliu (W 86-83) and Tonissia (L 73-71), but takes the outright lead of the three because of point differential. Pacitalia literally leads the P1 division by a single basket, with a +8 PD (Corneliu has +6, Tonissia +4).

Meanwhile, across the BWC...
Fellow co-host Sarzonia continued its excellent play at this fifth BWC cup, taking a 78-74 squeaker late against division rival Homieville (1-2). They are now 3-0 and tops in the Cup, with 90-76 and 79-76 wins and a +21 PD.
Nedalia surprised once again - after going 0-4 in BWC4, they improved to 3-0 this time around with a solid 87-79 victory over a winless Lovisa side.
Liverpool England was shocked for the second straight match with an 87-83 loss to Hisam. The defeat drops the second-seeded side to 1-2, while unseeded Hisam continues its good play, improving to 2-1.
Hockey Canada again lost very narrowly, with division rival Zhambyl taking the game late, 81-80. HC is now one of four 0-3 teams, while Zhambyl remained in second in S1 with a 2-1 record.
Corneliu and Tonissia butted heads for the first time in BWC5. Corneliu came out the victor and thus placed three of the four teams in P1 at 2-1 in a narrow 87-85 win over the now formerly undefeated Tonissia.
Harlesburg, shocked with a loss in MG2, regained its composure to take a narrow 70-68 victory over winless Trianland. Harlesburg shares the lead in its division, P2, with two other teams (Elrich and Wulaishen), at 2-1.
And finally, Elrich, which shocked the world with its outstanding play in the first two games to take the outright lead after MG2, dropped its third game by a remarkable ten points, 79-69 to Wulaishen.

Storm rallies to win, moves to 3-0

AVALON (ASP) -- The setting at the Hangar in Avalon, named in honour of the Avalon Aerospace Corporation, isn't exactly conducive to crisp basketball. The dank, dungy, pungent air of the arena runs in stark contrast to the sparkling Avalon Arena, but with that building being remodeled, the Hangar is the host to basketball here in Sarzonia.

The Storm overcame a slow start due to a 3 for 19 stretch from the floor and closed the game with a 12-0 run to wrest a 78-74 win from upset-minded Homieville and leave the Storm with the best mark in World Cup V by point differential over former World Cup co-hosts Nedalia.

"That was not easy by any means," Coach Dick Motta said. "We've had to fight our own tendency to sleepwalk through the second and third quarters. Fortunately, we've done well in the fourth quarter."

Indeed. Sarzonia (3-0) outscored Homieville 29-8 in the fourth quarter, switching to a pressure man-to-man defence and relying on a newly rediscovered transition game and forward Mike Lindsey's 38 points and nine assists. Lindsey shot 6 for 9 from beyond the arc, forcing Homieville's defence to collapse on him, but he kept scoring.

"It was the Mike show tonight," centre David Ewing said. "We just got the ball in his hands and let him do his thing."

The Storm dropped Homieville to a 1-2 record and remains one game ahead of Zhambyl, who improved to 2-1 with a buzzer beating 81-80 win over winless Hockey Canada. Sarzonia is hoping to clinch a spot in the knockout stages with a win in their fourth game and a two game lead over third place Homieville (1-2).

"We've got to do a better job of playing sound, fundamental basketball in the middle of the game," Motta said. "We need to learn to bury teams when we've got 'em down."

Terrible match

Lovisa lose all matches and wasin last place in group and do not advance to next round.

All fans are very surprise, that bad play in our team.

To next champ. Maybe it will be better.

is there going to be a next world cup of basketball if so I'm want to be in it as well

is there going to be a next world cup of basketball if so I'm want to be in it as well
(OOC)It aint over they are just busy.*Unsure*

(OOC)It aint over they are just busy.*Unsure*

OOC: Sorry about the delay, guys, but it's my first year at post-secondary so things are a little hectic. Tourney's still on and I'll get the matchups up as soon as possible.

(OOC)cool.
(IC)Harlesburg rest up
... ...

Fourth Day Matchups in Sarzonia

Sarzonia (4) v Hockey Canada
The Garage, Avalon

Zhambyl v Homieville
The Terrace, Tacoma

Liverpool England (2) v Lovisa
The Dockyard, Portland

Hisam v Nedalia
The Palestra, Woodstock

Fourth Day Matchups in Pacitalia

Pacitalia (5) v Tonissia
BNP Paribas Place, Mandragora

Vilita (3) v Corneliu
Enfora Place, Pamagento

Harlesburg (1) v Wulaishen
Arena dell'AeroPacitalia, Timiocato

Trianland v Elrich
Arena di ABN Amro, Nortopalazzo

Sarzonian region scores, Match Group 4

Sarzonia (4) v Hockey Canada
81 : 75

Homieville v Zhambyl
75 : 73

Hisam v Nedalia
93 : 90

Liverpool England (2) v Lovisa
84 : 94

Matchday Four results

(5) Pacitalia 85, Tonissia 69
Corneliu 85, (3) Vilita 64
(1) Harlesburg 72, Wulaishen 71
Elrich 84, Trianland 66

Standings and current position after match group four

Sorted by wins, then by losses, then by PD. Two points per win.

Division S1 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
=====================================================================================
Sarzonia (4) 4 4 0 8 328 301 27.0 1.000
Homieville 4 2 2 4 294 299 -5.0 0.500
Zhambyl 4 2 2 4 310 319 -9.0 0.500
Hockey Canada 4 0 4 0 299 312 -13.0 0.000
=====================================================================================

Division S2 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
=====================================================================================
Nedalia 4 3 1 6 342 326 16.0 0.750
Hisam 4 3 1 6 345 338 7.0 0.750
Liverpool England (2) 4 1 3 2 335 337 -2.0 0.250
Lovisa 4 1 3 2 331 346 -15.0 0.250
=====================================================================================

Divizione P1 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
=====================================================================================
Corneliu 4 3 1 6 343 316 27.0 0.750
Pacitalia (5) 4 3 1 6 307 283 24.0 0.750
Tonissia 4 2 2 4 310 322 -12.0 0.500
Vilita (3) 4 0 4 0 282 321 -39.0 0.000
=====================================================================================

Divizione P2 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
=====================================================================================
Elrich 4 3 1 6 316 293 23.0 0.750
Harlesburg (1) 4 3 1 6 290 279 11.0 0.750
Wulaishen 4 2 2 4 290 279 11.0 0.750
Trianland 4 0 4 0 272 317 -45.0 0.000
=====================================================================================


x - denotes team completed league stage.

Current Position (Rec, PD)
1. Sarzonia (4-0, 27.0)
2. Corneliu (3-1, 27.0)
3. Pacitalia (3-1, 24.0)
4. Elrich (3-1, 23.0)
5. Nedalia (3-1, 16.0)
6. Harlesburg (3-1, 11.0)
7. Hisam (3-1, 7.0)
8. Wulaishen (2-2, 11.0)
-----------------------------
9. Homieville (2-2, -5.0)
10. Zhambyl (2-2, -9.0)
11. Tonissia (2-2, -12.0)
12. Liverpool England (1-3, -2.0)
13. Lovisa (1-3, -15.0)
14. Hockey Canada (0-4, -13.0)
15. Vilita (0-4, -39.0)
16. Trianland (0-4, -45.0)

So we're back on track? Sarzonia on board as well?

Storm on the verge after win

Avalon (ASP) -- After a sluggish start to the first game played in several weeks due to political strains and wartime conditions, the Sarzonian national basketball team outscored Hockey Canada 16-4 late in the fourth quarter to pull out a 81-75 victory that all but clinched a spot in the quarterfinals of the fifth Basketball World Cup.

Mike Lindsey scored 24 points after a 1 for 15 first half and centre David Ewing had his best game in the World Cup, scoring 21 points, grabbing 15 rebounds and blocking seven shots.

"There was some uncertainty with the World Cup, but hopefully we're over that," Coach Dick Motta said. "We played like a team that hadn't played in a while, but so did all 16 teams in the World Cup."

Sarzonia (4-0) started out missing 14 of its first 18 shots in a first quarter that ended with the Storm trailing 14-12 and Hockey Canada went on a 12-0 run midway through the second quarter that put the visitors up 36-24 with Motta burning his third timeout. He said after the game that he told his team to "wake the [expletive] up" and the team responded. The Storm outscored winless Hockey Canada 10-2 before closing the half on a 6-0 run that saw Hockey Canada leading 41-40.

But the second half was where the Storm rallied, holding Hockey Canada to misses in 15 of its 18 shots in the third quarter while Sarzonia established Ewing inside. He hit all seven of his shots in the period, with none of them being farther than six feet from the basket.

"That was a muscle game from Ewing," Lindsey said. "He outmuscled everybody from Hockey Canada." For his part, Lindsey caught fire in the fourth quarter, hitting three shots from beyond the stripe as Hockey Canada could get no closer than four points. When the final whistle sounded, the Storm had the distinction of being the only unbeaten team in the World Cup. The team is also tied with Corneliu in the Pacitalia region for best goal differential (plus-27).

"We haven't done anything yet," Motta said. "If we win the world championship, then we can say we've accomplished something. Until then, we've still got a lot of basketball left to play."

So we're back on track? Sarzonia on board as well?

OOC: Hehe, yeah. We're just going to play it off as political strains and Sarz's participation in Operation Hellfire. Welcome back, folks. ;)

Revenge served: "Big Blue Machine" rocks Tonissia

The Blue Inferno's most important match of the Basketball World Cup round-robin was probably here after their original 73-71 loss to Tonissia on Match Day 1. And, in classic Pacitalian style, the attempt at revenge for that close defeat was very much served, as the Inferno put down 17 three-pointers in a 85-69 thumping of the Tonissian team.

With three straight wins, the Pacitalian squad moves to a solid 3-1 record and sits third overall on point differential. Confidence in the team is sky-high as the team continues to recover grandly from what many called a morale-devastating opening loss to Tonissia. After the loss, the Blue Inferno recorded 86-83 and 65-58 wins on their way to last night's victory. Fans that were originally nervous from the first game to near the end of the second (until Pacitalia went on a 9-3 run to take the game) are now screaming with delight, even referring to the national squad as the "Big Blue Machine".

Pacitalia now revisits Corneliu and Vilita for the second time before the end of the round-robin, and if Pacitalia wins those games, they will finish 5-1 and be in a prime position to go all the way. It will still take hard work, though, says Coach Baradoni. They're not getting cocky or overconfident yet.

"We're doing very well," Baradoni said post-game. "For that, I'm happy. However, we're far from done yet. 120 minutes of basketball could mean the difference between great success or total failure, so we have to keep our heads up and our brains on for this to work out in our favour."

Versatile centre Cemuta Serranino once again led the charge, this time with 26 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists in 50:02 of court time. Serranino and forwards Redolino Santo Marceratoni and Marco Azimuto Rabandoro were rested for the last 10 minutes after accounting for 63 of Pacitalia's 85 points. The backup forwards along with guards Julio Fantado and Fabio Stantiniro helped out big in those last ten, holding Tonissia to just six points in that time with Pacitalia already up 77-63. Substitute forward Soribano Vantocescu scored five of Pacitalia's last eight points, including a superb three-pointer and two free throws.

Meanwhile, across the BWC...
A seemingly sluggish Sarzonian side barely recovered from a deficit to beat Hockey Canada 81-75 for the second time this tournament. Sarzonia continues, now as the only undefeated team in the cup at 4-0.
The recovery streak for Nedalian basketball ended with a 93-90 loss to Hisam. The two teams now share the lead in Division S2 at 3-1, but Nedalia remains first by default on point differential.
Liverpool England's troubles continue - Lovisa captured its first win of the tournament with a 94-84 win over the 2nd seeders, dropping LE to 1-3 and a tie for last with Lovisa.
Third-seed Vilita is mathematically disqualified from the playoffs after their fourth loss of the tournament. This time they were crushed by upstart Corneliu, 85-64.
Surprise power Elrich handed Trianland its fourth loss of the tournament with a 84-66 victory over the team. The win places Elrich in first in the P2 division, though they are mathematically tied with Harlesburg at 3-1.
Top-seeds Harlesburg edged Wulaishen by a point, 72-71.
And, finally, Homieville rankled four last-minute points to edge Zhambyl 75-73 and jump into second in the S1 division.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b274/John_Spinks/Elrichlogopaint.jpgITS (Basketb)ALL GOOD FOR ELRICH!

After the nation's football team just missed out on the World Cup proper, the attention of the nation again swung to events in Pacitalia where Elrich are doing surprisingly well in the Basketball World Cup.

Coming into the competition with little or no Basketball experience, the side, under coach Jonathan Cecil-Shoe have performed heroics and so far are the real surprise of the tournament. An opening win over Trianland was followed up by the most unlikely of victories over top-seeded Harlesburg. The Badgers however were brought down to earth with a bang after a poor defeat against Wulaischen but yesterdays emphatic 84 - 66 win over Trianland puts Shoe's men in a commanding position.

Morag Totempole was impressive throughout but the power of center Frank N'Stein porved the key factor for the Badger's, who move to the top of their group with this win.

The Badger's surprise success has brought the sport of Basketball to life in Elrich, with it being adopted as a second sport in some areas, especially inner cities. All matches are live on Tic-Tac-TV 2 and viewing figures have soared, with a core of 500 elrichian fans following the team at the World Cup itself. The nations impressive start has put them on the map, and they will be hoping to kick on from here.

Fifth Day Matchups in Sarzonia

Sarzonia (4) v Zhambyl
The Terrace, Tacoma

Hockey Canada v Homieville
The Garage, Avalon

Liverpool England (2) v Nedalia
The Palestra, Woodstock

Hisam v Lovisa
The Dockyard, Portland

Fifth Day Matchups in Pacitalia

Pacitalia (5) v Corneliu
Arena dell'AeroPacitalia, Timiocato

Vilita (3) v Tonissia
BNP Paribas Place, Mandragora

Harlesburg (1) v Elrich
Enfora Place, Pamagento

Trianland v Wulaishen
Arena di ABN Amro, Nortopalazzo

Sarzonian region scores, Match Day 5

Zhambyl v Sarzonia
69 : 68 (OT)

Hockey Canada v Homieville
87 : 79

Nedalia v Liverpool England
82 : 85

Lovisa v Hisam
84 : 72

Pacitalian Region Scores, Matchday 5



(5) Pacitalia 68, Corneliu 63
(3) Vilita 72, Tonissia 77
(1) Harlesburg 85, Elrich 75
Trianland 83, Wulaishen 81

Standings after Matchday 5

Sorted by wins, then by losses, then by PD. Two points per win.
======================================================================================
Division S1 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
======================================================================================
Sarzonia (4) 5 4 1 8 396 370 26.0 0.800
Zhambyl 5 3 2 6 379 387 -9.0 0.600
Homieville 5 2 3 4 373 386 -13.0 0.400
Hockey Canada 5 1 4 2 386 391 -5.0 0.200

======================================================================================
Division S2 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
======================================================================================
Nedalia 5 3 2 6 424 411 13.0 0.600
Hisam 5 3 2 6 417 422 -5.0 0.600
Liverpool England (2) 5 2 3 4 420 419 1.0 0.400
Lovisa 5 2 3 4 415 418 -3.0 0.400

======================================================================================
Divizione P1 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
======================================================================================
Pacitalia (5) 5 4 1 8 375 346 29.0 0.800
Corneliu 5 3 2 6 406 384 22.0 0.600
Tonissia 5 3 2 6 387 394 -7.0 0.600
Vilita (3) 5 0 5 0 354 398 -44.0 0.000

======================================================================================
Divizione P2 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
======================================================================================
Harlesburg (1) 5 4 1 8 375 354 21.0 0.800
Elrich 5 3 2 6 391 378 13.0 0.600
Wulaishen 5 2 3 4 371 362 9.0 0.400
Trianland 5 1 4 2 355 398 -43.0 0.200


x - denotes team completed league stage.

Current Position (Rec, PD)
1. Pacitalia (4-1, 29.0)
2. Sarzonia (4-1, 26.0)
3. Harlesburg (4-1, 21.0)
4. Corneliu (3-2, 22.0)
T5. Elrich (3-2, 13.0)
T5. Nedalia (3-2, 13.0)
7. Hisam (3-2, -5.0)
8. Tonissia (3-2, -7.0)
-----------------------------
9. Zhambyl (3-2, -9.0)
10. Wulaishen (2-3, 9.0)
11. Liverpool England (2-3, 1.0)
12. Lovisa (2-3, -3.0)
13. Homieville (2-3, -13.0)
14. Hockey Canada (1-4, -5.0)
15. Trianland (1-4, -43.0)
16. Vilita (0-5, -44.0)

Red text means the team has been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.

Extra work goes for nought

Tacoma (ASP) -- A 14-0 run at the end of the fourth quarter and a career high 30 points from David Ewing brought the Sarzonian national basketball team back from what looked like an embarrassing loss for the team that came in as the pacesetters in the World Cup.

However, Ewing picked up his fifth foul with 41 seconds left in overtime and Zhambyl took full advantage, getting the ball inside on back to back possessions to take a four point lead. Mike Lindsey hit a three pointer at the buzzer, but all it did was make the final margin 69-68 in overtime.

"Once again, we didn't take care of business in the first half," Coach Dick Motta said. "We've shown a great ability to come back from big deficits, but I'd rather not get in the positions to need a comeback."

Sarzonia (4-1) dropped out of sole possession of first place in the World Cup of Basketball with the loss, and Pacitalia (4-1) takes over by point differential, 29 to 26. For the Storm, however, their priority is to concentrate on their last game of the group stage and then the knockouts unless they're eliminated.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Lindsey (four points on two for 19 shooting). "Before you know it, we'll be in trouble."

By gum its getting close

It now appears as if the Kingdom of Elrich will almost certainly need a win in their final Basketball World Cup V matchup with Wulaishen in order to progress beyonf the Group Stages. With a 3-2 record, Elrich are currently in the qualifying spots but with an 85-75 defeat at the hands of number 1 ranked Harlesburg, Elrich are far from certain to qualify. After Elrich had shocked the basketball world with the most unlikely of wins over the famous side earlier in the competition, Harlesburg were much less complacent and outplayed Elrich throughout.

Jonathan Cecil-Shoe's men will now face Wulaischen in their final group game, against a side who easily beat the Badgers last time around. The whole of the nation will be hoping for a reversal of fortunes this time around.

Shoe had this to say, "To get some of the results we have so far is a great achievment. We've exceeded our expectations and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the EBA, the players and especially the supporters for helping us to achieve what we have for Elrichian Basketball. Having said that, there is no point in us coming so far to fail now. Let's not let all the previous effort go to waste."

Blue Inferno on top of the world

TIMIOCATO (PSN)-- A 68-63 win over Corneliu catapulted the Pacitalian national squad into first overall after they learned the red-hot Sarzonians had lost their first game of the tournament in overtime to Zhambyl. Point differential has resulted in this literal shaking of the turf, in which Pacitalia sits at 4-1 with +29 and Sarzonia at 4-1 with +26.

A strong performance on defence was led by guard Julio Fantado, who blocked a national record 19 shots, meanwhile contributing 14 points, 9 assists and 3 rebounds to the winning cause. Fantado was a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc Monday night and 2/2 on free throws after he was fouled in the third quarter by a Corneliuan guard.

"It was by far my best performance of the tournament, and right when we needed it," Fantado said with a grin. "I'm proud of the way I played tonight, and I know that our defensive play is finally living up to the reputation we earned last time around."

Pacitalia's two guards -- Fantado and Fabio Stantiniro -- are definitely doing so, as the Blue Inferno has the lowest points-against total of any squad in the tournament (346 in five games, or 69.2 PPG). Next best in that regard is first-seed Harlesburg (354 in five / 70.8 PPG). However, it is important to note as well that most of Harlesburg's wins have also been in the low 70s, in terms of points-for totals, while Pacitalia has shown some real offensive grit and had, among others, an 86-point effort in an earlier win over Corneliu.

Meanwhile, the front three cashed in with 51 points. Right forward Marco Azimuto Rabandoro finished five three-pointers on his way to a 22-point night while Cemuta Serranino and Soribano Vantocescu brought further heat with a combined 29-point effort. Vantocescu was playing in place of the injured Redolino Santo Marceratoni, who experienced a minor sprain on his left ankle during Sunday's practice. Santo Marceratoni is listed as day-to-day but will probably play in the sixth and final game of the round-robin.

Still, Vantocescu is holding his own, proving that he's just not a substitute. "I think I've played well while replacing [Redolino]," he said after Monday's game. "Hopefully, this translates into more playing time next cup. I don't want to take Redolino's job away from him but my teammates keep telling me I'm doing a great job just when the team needed a good replacement left forward... so that's well and good."

The "Big Blue Machine" looks to make it a 5-1 appearance (and five straight wins) later this week when they play third-seed (but winless) Vilita in the final matchup of the round-robin. A solid win will most likely ensure a first-seeding in the playoffs. Last time, Pacitalia defeated Vilita 65-58 (Match Day three) in the most defensive contest of the tournament.

The Nedalia Black Stallions

B.Stalls Withstand Loss; Remain Top of Division

Despite an 85-82 heartbreaking loss to Liverpool England, the Nedalia Black Stallions remained on top of Division S2 with 6 points. After 3 wins and 2losses, the B.Stalls are inching towards qualification after the disappointment that was the World Cup IV, which was actually hosted by Nedalia and their good friends in Sarzonia (along with lots of help from Pacitalia.)

The game started out of well enough for Nedalia, who got off to a quick 14-2 run to get things rolling, but LE quickly brought the game back to Nedalia, equalizing at 22-22. Howard Treeton, the B.Stalls star performer, hit 2 Three pointers to quickly turn the match into Nedalia's favor, bringing his point total at that point to 10. Imrit Schooling had 3 assists and 8 points of his own, and at the end of the half, it was the B.Stalls up 46-41.

The 2nd half saw intense defensive pressure introduced by the number 2 ranked team in the world, shutting the Nedalian offense down. The counterside of it was that the B.Stalls had their own defensive pressure turned on as well, and LE struggled to score as well. Janef Aslan (14 pts, 11 rbds, 5 blks) made sure the paint around the B.Stalls zoned remained a warzone, but at the end of the match, the experience of the number 2 ranked team showed through. The B.Stalls had an opportunity to tie the game with 7 seconds to go, but 3 point attempt was rushed by Treeton (20 pts, 4 rbds, 3 asts, 2 stls), and the game was handed to LE.

"Well, it wasnt a bad performance, but we were shut out offensively in the 2nd half," commented head coach Brahim Khalsan. "We have to remain focused so we can finish things off here, and qualify to the next round. Its definitely not beyond us, but we have to remain in charge of our games. We are doing on the defensive end, now we just need to get more consistent on the opposite end of the court. When that happens, we'll be a threat to anyone we face."

Are there signups for a sixth WC yet?

Are there signups for a sixth WC yet?

Most likely they'll be up during the playoffs of this cup. Still have one more round-robin match to play.

Last day matchups in Sarzonia

(4) Sarzonia v Homieville
The Palestra, Woodstock

Zhambyl v Hockey Canada
The Terrace, Tacoma

(2) Liverpool England v Hisam
The Garage, Avalon

Lovisa v Nedalia
The Dockyard, Portland


Last day matchups in Pacitalia

(3) Vilita v (5) Pacitalia
Arena di ABN Amro, Nortopalazzo

Corneliu v Tonissia
BNP Paribas Place, Mandragora

(1) Harlesburg v Trianland
Arena dell'AeroPacitalia, Timiocato

Elrich v Wulaishen
Enfora Place, Pamagento

(OOC)
Remind me to give you a hug or something....-Sarzonia and Pacitalia

Pacitalia Region, Gameday Six
(3) Vilita 50, (5) Pacitalia 49
Corneliu 70, Tonissia 67
(1) Harlesburg 92, Trianland 79
Wulaishen 49, Elrich 44

Sarzonian region scores, Match Day 6

Liverpool England v Hisam
91 : 81

Lovisa v Nedalia
94 : 88 (OT)

Hockey Canada v Zhambyl
82 : 76 (OT)

Homieville v Sarzonia
80 : 78 (OT)

Standings to be posted momentarily, plus the knockout draw.

Final standings after round-robin

Sorted by wins, then by losses, then by PD. Two points per win.

=====================================================================================
Division S1 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
=====================================================================================
Sarzonia (4) 6 4 2 8 474 450 24.0 0.667
Homieville 6 3 3 6 453 464 -11.0 0.500
Zhambyl 6 3 3 6 454 469 -15.0 0.500
Hockey Canada 6 2 4 4 468 467 1.0 0.333
=====================================================================================

=====================================================================================
Division S2 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
=====================================================================================
Liverpool England (2) 6 3 3 6 511 500 11.0 0.500
Nedalia 6 3 3 6 510 505 5.0 0.500
Lovisa 6 3 3 6 509 506 3.0 0.500
Hisam 6 3 3 6 498 513 -15.0 0.500
=====================================================================================

=====================================================================================
Divizione P1 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
=====================================================================================
Pacitalia (5) 6 4 2 8 424 396 28.0 0.667
Corneliu 6 4 2 8 476 451 25.0 0.667
Tonissia 6 3 3 6 454 464 -10.0 0.500
Vilita (3) 6 1 5 2 404 447 -43.0 0.167
=====================================================================================

=====================================================================================
Divizione P2 GP W L Pts PF PA PD .Pct
=====================================================================================
Harlesburg (1) 6 5 1 10 467 433 34.0 0.833
Wulaishen 6 3 3 4 420 406 14.0 0.500
Elrich 6 3 3 6 435 427 8.0 0.500
Trianland 6 1 5 2 434 490 -56.0 0.167
=====================================================================================

Current Position (Rec, PD)
1. Harlesburg (5-1, 34.0)
2. Pacitalia (4-2, 28.0)
3. Corneliu (4-2, 25.0)
4. Sarzonia (4-2, 24.0)
5. Wulaishen (3-3, 14.0)
6. Liverpool England (3-3, 11.0)
7. Elrich (3-3, 8.0)
8. Nedalia (3-3, 5.0)
-----------------------------
9. Lovisa (3-3, 3.0)
10. Tonissia (3-3, -10.0)
11. Homieville (3-3, -11.0)
T12. Hisam (3-3, -15.0)
T12. Zhambyl (3-3, -15.0)
14. Hockey Canada (2-4, 1.0)
15. Vilita (1-5, -43.0)
16. Trianland (1-5, -56.0)

Red text means the team has been eliminated from playoff contention.

Playoff draw

Quarterfinals
(1) Harlesburg (home)
v
(8) Nedalia (visiting)

(2) Pacitalia (home)
v
(7) Elrich (visiting)

(3) Corneliu (home)
v
(6) Liverpool England (visiting)

(4) Sarzonia (home)
v
(5) Wulaishen (visiting)

Locations for the quarterfinals
The games for 1-8 and 2-7 will be played in Pacitalia.
The 3-6 and 4-5 games will be played in Sarzonia.

http://kfox.gamehorizons.net/bwc5logo.jpg

Round-robin recognitions

Best offence: Liverpool England, 511 points-for
Runners-up: Nedalia, 510; Lovisa, 509

Best defence: Pacitalia, 396 points-against
Runners-up: Wulaishen, 406; Elrich, 427

Best point differential: Harlesburg, +34.0
Runners-up: Pacitalia, +28.0; Corneliu, +25.0

Most points scored in one game: Lovisa, 94 (two times)
Runners-up: Hisam, 93; Harlesburg, 92

On the other side of things...

Worst offence: Vilita, 404 points-for
Runners-up: Wulaishen, 420; Pacitalia, 424

Worst defence: Hisam, 513 points-against
Runners-up: Lovisa, 506; Nedalia, 505

Worst point differential: Trianland, -56.0
Runners-up: Vilita, -43.0; Hisam and Zhambyl, -15.0

Least points scored in one game: Elrich, 44
Runners-up: Pacitalia and Wulaishen, 49; Vilita, 50

OOC: This was for statistical purposes only, just in case you wanted a few stats for your RPs. Not intended to make anybody feel bad
about their performance.

Storm tossed from higher seed

WOODSTOCK (ASP) -- With three members of the starting lineup having fouled out in the last five minutes of regulation, the Sarzonia Storm unit that played the final game of the groups stage barely resembled a team that ran off to a 4-0 start that had it in first place overall in the fifth Basketball World Cup. The team entered overtime after a 74-all tie in regulation but couldn't keep up with Homieville, losing 80-78 in front of a disappointed crowd of 11,296 at the Palestra in Woodstock.

However, more than just a loss in the round robin stage has Coach Dick Motta fuming.

"We played like [crap] out there," Motta said. "You're going to have an awful hard time winning basketball games when three of your starters aren't available. We only have a 10 man roster so any time we lose players, it's going to be huge for us to overcome."

The team started the game slowly as Homieville (3-3) jumped out to a 39-17 lead with five minutes gone in the second quarter, forcing Motta to burn three timeouts in that span before the team finally snapped out of its funk. Point guard Dave Powell sparked the team's resurgence, hitting two three pointers and dishing off four assists as the team outscored Homieville 16-4 to go into the break down by just 10 points.

"We can't afford to spot teams 22 points at any time in the ballgame," small forward Mike Lindsey (22 points, nine assists) said. "We just expended so much effort to get back into the ballgame that we were tanked going into OT."

Lindsey said the team's exhaustion from having to come back led to some "silly fouls," but they sent Powell to the showers with six minutes left in the fourth quarter and the Storm leading by eight. The loss of the team's floor general was soon painfully obvious to anyone watching the Storm as Homieville scored 10 of the final 12 points of the game to force the overtime. Center David Ewing was the second Storm player to foul out, with 3:26 remaining in regulation.

Losing Ewing "cost us most of our inside presence," Motta said. "We just couldn't get anything established in the paint after Ewing fouled out." The team also lost their leading scorer, Lindsey, when he picked up his fifth foul with 4:22 left in the overtime.

"That just killed us," reserve center Drew Harrier (career high 18 minutes, four points, three rebounds) said. "Linds is our leader out there, especially without Dave Powell. With him gone, we didn't have any leadership out there and no one to run plays for."

The team has to pick up the pieces against fifth seed Wulaishen (3-3) in the playoffs. Motta has told the team they would be expected back in the Palestra for film sessions, but after a particularly physical game, he said practice was going to be lighter than usual.

"We've got guys who are walking wounded out here," Motta said. "We don't need the physical reps. We get those all the time. What we need to do is focus on the mental aspect of our game. Wulaishen has the second best defence in the entire World Cup and we're going to have to figure out how to crack that defence."

They could start by keeping all their players from fouling out.

One-point loss fails to shake confidence of Blue Inferno

Cemuta Serranino had a tournament high 33 points but the rest of the team's offence was apparently not interested in assisting the crafty centre, as the Blue Inferno gave up both an opportunity to run away with a game against second-worst Vilita and, thusly, the chance to go 5-1 and finish first in the round-robin. Vilita managed a 50-49 victory over the Blue Inferno in front of a disappointed home crowd in Nortopalazzo. The scoreline was the second lowest in this edition of the cup. Earlier Sunday, Wulaishen defeated Elrich 49-44 to ensure a spot in the playoffs.

The Blue Inferno's defence was extremely strong once again, allowing the Vilitan side only fifty points -- the home squad's best performance of the round-robin. However, Pacitalia's offence capitulated early and with only 16 points from the other four players, Pacitalia ended up with a one-point loss and its most offensively pathetic performance of the tournament.

Still, Pacitalia scraped second place on point differential as Harlesburg, for the second straight cup, came from an original shaky start to knock Pacitalia out of the top spot. Last cup, it was in Pacitalia's group. This time, it was for overall first. Corneliu and Sarzonia also ended up 4-2 but their point differentials were lower, and so, they finished third and fourth, respectively.

"We can still be extremely pleased with a 4-2 record in the round-robin," coach Lucio Baradoni said, "but I am extremely disappointed we simply gave up the opportunity to go 5-1. It was right in front of us and we just sat there. Cemuta was brilliant on offence, and Fabio and Julio were great defensively, but overall, we were a terrible team on the court tonight. Neither team was dominant; we just didn't seem to try offensively. Perhaps we were too cocky. I don't know. The point is that we will most definitely learn from this and prepare for our quarterfinal match with these errors in mind."

"Certainly, we are disappointed in ourselves," centre Cemuta Serranino added after he was named player of the game. "because we had an opportunity and just ignored it. But this will only make us stronger - as long as we play our style of game and gain control of the game early, we'll go a long way in the knockout round. Hopefully we get to the cup final, but we'll take this one game at a time."

Pacitalia (4-2) was sorted into second seed in the knockout draw, while Elrich (3-3) managed a seventh place finish and was sorted into that position. If Pacitalia wins, they play the lowest available seed in the semi-final. Conversely, if Elrich wins, they play the highest available seed.

*bump for me and Pacitalia to finally finish this*