International Basketball Championships 24- Everything Thread

[Northwest Kalactin]

Northwest kalactin players Preparing for big game






We have a big game tomorrow night number one in the world plays us we had a good game by rebounding by losing by 20 to winning by 20 there was a bad part during the game that will certainly backfire Ross Wilson got thrown out of the game and will receive a 2 game suspension because he punched a opponent this apparently happened after a Juvencus player bad mouthed him and hopes this won’t happen again but we need to prepare for our next game…

[West Phoenicia]

A one point loss in game 2 of the International Basketball Championships against the nation of Cosumar leaves bad taste in many West Phoenician mouths.

From the moment both teams took to the court it was going to be a strong game between both ranked teams.
With Cosumar taking an early lead, the Scorpions played a hard defence to keep them out of their area as much as possible.

By the last quarter The Scorpions had gained a foothold chipping away at the Cosumar lead until an error on the part of player Li Chen Wu caused an unnecessary foul against him when a Cosumar player collided, falling to the floor.

Much to the protest of the West Phoenician squad that the fall was orchestrated, a foul was awarded against Li Chen Wu allowing the opposition two free throws and possession of the ball.
The first free throw was a miss but the second free throw allowed Cosumar the wiggle room by having them lead by a point.
A tight defence on Cosumars part allowed them to keep the ball out of the Scorpions hands until the buzzer sounded.

West Phoenicia will next play unranked team Eshan where the Scorpions hope an easy win can see them sail into the coveted 2nd spot allowing them to progress. To make that dream possible Cosumar will need to lose against unranked newcomer Juvencus which seems highly unlikely.

[Saint Kanye]

IBC 24: SURGE WIN IN MATCHDAY 2, HEAD HOME NEXT
Northwest Kalactinians label STK game a "big game"

by Maria Muller



Pencurve Arena in Kardashia (seating capacity: 13,500), where the Surge will be playing its home games. The arena is named and sponsored by St. Kanye's #1 brand of consumer electronics.

MILDRID - The stress of nation-hopping didn't seem to get to the players, staff and even the fans of the St. Kanye Surge national basketball team. After playing (and winning) their first game of the 24th International Basketball Championships in Juvencus, they headed to Eshan next. The fans cheered wildly, and the Surge played to the highest level and came out on top, 90-66. That gave them a 2-0 win-loss record as they head back to Kardashia to meet the team from Northwest Kalactin at Pencurve Arena.

Team captain Brock Dotson paced the Glorious Free Republic with 17 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Rakim Roberts had 15, and Victor McLain and Alex Martin both scored 12. Andrew Illiano scored the most out of the Eshan players, but he fouled out with 7:35 left in the fourth quarter.

Roberts faced Eshan counterpart Alexis Wolfe at the jump ball. Wolfe was taller, but Roberts could leap higher, and so it is the Kanyeans, wearing their black alternates, who got first possession. Roberts showed just how much of an all-around player he is, hitting a long two for his and the team's first points of the night, stealing the ball off Eshan's small forward Julius Romero on the inbound, and then finding and throwing a perfect pass to McLain for three. After a quick score by Eshan on the other side, courtesy of Illiano, St. Kanye would hit another three, this time from Dotson, to make the score 8-2 after the first minute and a half. The Surge turned this into a 22-7 advantage at the end of the first quarter, the exact same score after ten minutes yesterday against Juvencus. It would have been ten points for Eshan, though, however, LaMar Lewis' Hail Mary three was nullified after the referees found that the ball left his hands a split second after the ending buzzer sounded, not before.

Eshan put in and took out various bench players in the third, looking to stop the Kanyean run, but nothing seemed to be working for them. Lewis was called for charging against McLain, 7'5" Frequency "Freq" Vibrations got dunked on by 5'10" Norman Walker, and Michael Porter stole the ball from Max Desuazi twice. The Surge capped off a 15-1 run at the end of the third quarter with Dotson shooting a floater over Vibrations and Wolfe, giving the Yeezies a 73-40 lead after three quarters of play. Then it was the Surge's turn to experiment with different combinations of the five on the floor, as they were enjoying a big lead entering the fourth. They kept Eshan at a safe distance for the final ten minutes and held on for the 90-66 win in fromt of the opponents' home crowd.

"That's two down, and one to go", said captain Dotson, referring to the three unranked teams that kick off the Kanyeans' group stages schedule. "But I'm not saying that to belittle these teams or take them lightly. In fact I believe that the unranked teams can be as dangerous as the big guns, maybe even more as there's little to base on when it comes to their strengths and weaknesses." Next up is Northwest Kalactin, who lost by twenty and then won by twenty to put their point differential at a steady zero. They are looking forward to facing the Surge in Kardashia, calling it a "big game", even as point guard Ross Wilson was suspended two games for fighting with a Juven player. "They want a big game, we'll give them - and the fans at home - a big game, this I tell you", said Kanyean head coach Anton Spoletto.

Joel Pond, the Surge's former starting center who was unable to make the IBC 24 squad due to an ankle injury, was spotted in the stands at The National Court in Eshan. He explained that he's scouting other teams and giving the Surge information about them. "And no, I ain't being paid by the team for this. I'm doing this on my own, because I want to see the team - my team - succeed. In fact, I'm in communication with other Surge players around the world who are doing the same." Pond specifically pointed out Andre Adams, Oliver Lopez and Lester Smith, who all played for the Kanyean squad at some point in the past. "Andre's looking at the other powerhouses - he's in Vangaziland yesterday and Ethane today. Oliver and Lester are scouting the other teams in our group. I think we should go to Abanhfleft at some point, there's always a lot to learn from how those Rebs play, and of course catch up, they're a friendly bunch."

Pencurve Inc. and KOBE (Kanyean Organization for Basketball Entertainment) will be having a special treat for all the Surge supporters out there. Groups of four or more fans, Kanyean or foreign, will be given a 24% discount on tickets to any Surge home game. Please see the websites of KOBE (kobe.stk) or Pencurve (pencurve.stk/ibc24) for more details.

Scores:

ST. KANYE 90 - Dotson 17, Roberts 15, Martin 12, McLain 12, Porter 9, Muhlenberg 7, Schneider 6, Norris 5, Samson 5, Walker 2, Coyle 0, Duff 0.

ESHAN 66 - Individual scores not available.

Quarters: 22-7, 41-28, 73-40, 90-66.

---

Around the IBC

by the Kibitzer Research Department

We're done with Matchday 2, and here are the notable games from each group.

GROUP 1: FILINDOSTAN 95, BANIJA 87
The Filindostanis get their first win and keep the Banijans winless in the first two days of the competition.

GROUP 2: CENI 85, ROYAL KINGDOM OF QUEBEC 58
The IBC 20 hosts keep their record clean by beating the IBC 21 co-hosts by twenty-seven points.

GROUP 3: AZADESHIA 80, INDUSSE 66
The Azadeshians bounce back from yesterday's loss, despite starting center Govind Navathe being unable to play.

GROUP 4: VALANORA 91, NEW DANICAN 66
Yesterday it's the Weavers, today it's New Danican who fall to the oldest team in the IBC. Twenty-five points separated the teams.

GROUP 5: COSUMAR 73, WEST PHOENICIA 72
The Stallions join the Surge at 2-0 by squeaking past the Scorpions by a single point.

GROUP 6: HISPANIA Y FILIPINAS 91, ALPINE UNION 81
Walter Laganson's squad rolls on to a second win, joining Vangaziland on top of the Group 6 standings.

GROUP 7: TOBIASIA 89, AGGREY-FYNN LAND 84
Tobiasia recovers from yesterday's whipping at the hands of the Drawks with a close win against Aggrey-Fynn Land.

GROUP 8: NEWMANISTAN 85, DUNNES 60
The host nation get back-to-back wins as the Rockets beat Dunnes by twenty-five.

---

Game Schedule - Group 5

Surge Record So Far: 2-0

Matchday 1: W 84-58 vs. Juvencus (UR*)
Matchday 2: W 90-66 vs. Eshan (UR)
Matchday 3: White Home vs. Northwest Kalactin (UR)
Matchday 4: Purple Away vs. Cosumar (14)
Matchday 5: White Home vs. West Phoenicia (26)
BREAK
Matchday 6: Black Alt vs. Juvencus (UR)
Matchday 7: White Home vs. Eshan (UR)
Matchday 8: Purple Away vs. Northwest Kalactin (UR)
Matchday 9: White Home vs. Cosumar (14)
Matchday 10: Purple Away vs. West Phoenicia (26)
BREAK
Playoffs

*Unranked.

All games televised live through SKYNET (Saint KanYe NETwork) Sports Channel 12 and streamed on ibc-tv.stk.

[Abanhfleft]

This was the second worst thing that Jazz Higgs has ever felt.

The worst thing he had ever felt happened during the Central Conference Finals in the recently concluded 2022-23 FBA season. It was the Uranium City Nukes versus the Malabon Black Ops, the defending champions, but the Nukes had built up a 3-0 series lead. There was simply no reason for the Nukes to lose this series, not when they had the Black Ops on the ropes like this. But the Black Ops, they didn't become back to back champions without tenacity and a never-say-die attitude. In Game 4, the Black Ops came back from 14 points down to win the game by 8 points. Jazz and the Nukes were like, "It's okay, it's all right; let them get at least one game back so the whole series doesn't look so humiliating to them." And then Game 5 came along and the Nukes got dominated, with the Black Ops eventually winning the game by 15 points and reducing Uranium City's series lead to 3-2. A few alarm bells were ringing in the backs of the minds of Nukes players, staffers, and fans, but they weren't too worried just yet. "We'll close this series out in Game 6," they thought.

Then Game 6 rolled around, and while both sides didn't look like they would be able to fully dominate the game, it was a game in which shots were traded and whoever missed the next shot would most likely lose the contest. There it went, basket after basket, three-pointer after three-pointer, free throw after free throw, until in the last minute of the game, when with the game tied at 67-all the Nukes' small forward Ty Oswin had his lay-up attempt blocked by the Black Ops' Esmeraldo Bagatsing, who then passed it off to Leo Baxter, who was already on the fast break and was at the halfway line by the time the ball got into his hands, and then Leo ran to the basket and threw a high-arcing shot just as Walt Bryce threw up his hands to block the shot, but the ball went in anyways and Bryce got called for the foul and the and-one play. As the Nukes inbounded following Leo's successful freebie, the Nukes' coach called out instructions for anyone in an open position to take a shot at the basket in the hopes of reducing the deficit, even though at that point it was still a one-possession game. The ball made its way to Jazz Higgs, who was standing undefended in the corner, and even though Jazz knew that he sucked at three-pointers, he still cocked back his arms and threw the ball, and as expected the ball completely missed the hoop and went straight into the hands of a Black Ops player. That possession ended with Leo Baxter, who also was not really known for his three-pointers, managing to sink the ball from beyond the arc.

The Nukes' three-game lead in the Central Conference Finals had been erased until all that was left was a 3-3 tie, leaving Game 7 as the do-or-die game for both teams. At this point, Nukes fans were in an uproar. "How can we blow a 3-0 lead?" they asked. Neither Jazz nor anyone else in the team had any answers ready for that. All they could do now was win this one for the fans. But it was not to be. Malabon had been energized by their team's performance in Game 6 and the home crowd was wild. Everyone in the city was cheering their team on. And the Black Ops rode on that success to win Game 7 and the Central Conference Finals by a hefty twenty points.

The Nukes were the object of ridicule in the next few months. They essentially became a meme, and other teams which blew a 3-0 series or score lead would then be said to have "done a Uranium City". And when news of the trade of Damian Wegiel from Malabon to the Nukes went out to the public, some Internet geek with too much time on his hands immediately posted an image showing Jazz and Damian talking to each at the end of the Conference Finals Game 7 with the caption "Would you like to blow a 3-0 lead with me?"

That was the worst thing that Jazz Higgs had ever felt, the shame of losing a thing that he and the team very much had in their fingers. But this, this was easily second place in the worst things he had ever felt. The human leg was not meant to turn 360 degrees for a reason. So when Jazz slipped on the hardwood of the Kita-Hinode stadium where they were playing their first IBC 24 qualifier, he felt a very sharp twisting pain in his foot and ankle and then he felt nothing more. He looked down at his leg and wished he hadn't. His foot was facing backwards, and all Jazz could do at that point was beat the hardwood with his fists.

What a way to start the IBC, huh?

(OOC: Look up Gordon Hayward's injury to see what I mean. Or better yet, don't. It's NSFW.)

[Filindostan]

FSNA BERITA FILINDO
Filindostan State News Agency - fsna.fid

SPORTS
IBC 24: Pula Agilas get first win; keeps Banija winless

LAKISKA, BANIJA - Finally, the shooting squad of Filindostan got going.

The Pula Agilas torched the Banijan perimeter defense with a barrage of threes and long twos, shooting a higher than usual 58 percent from the field to outlast the Lions, 95-87, in their first road game of the International Basketball Championships. Paul, Star, and Jenny combined for 19 of 22 three pointers scored by the Filindostanis - a far cry from their lackluster performance in their first game against Ethane. Star finished with 31 points, with 7-of-13 shooting from beyond the arc, 10-of-17 from the field and perfect from the line, with two rebounds, six assists, and four steals to get the player of the game award.

The Lions of Banija relied on their strong frontcourt to score the buckets to lead by the end of the first quarter, as Hari and Paul struggled to put away the frontcourt offense of the Lions, especially the so-called Twin Towers of Banija, already scoring double digits by the end of half to lead the Banijan scorers, and helped them lead by the half, 45-39.

However, the shooting of the Pula Agilas shined brighter against a poor backcourt defense by the Lions, with almost all the shots coming in from deep or in the perimeter. They took advantage of their quickness to overcome a 6 point deficit and lead the Banijans by three by the end of the third, 74-71. The teams literally exchanged buckets, the Banijans with their superior interior offense, and the Filindostanis with their shooting from three being their main weapon going forward.

In the fourth quarter though, Banija and Filindostan traded basket after basket, until coach Ciot's men found out a way to stop the interior defense of the Lions - the half-court trap. Putting further pressure to the backcourt of Banija, Fasika Henoke and Abbas Taal, enabled them to make mistakes such as backcourt violations and turnovers, to stop the twin towers from getting their needed touches. By the last two minutes, the Pula Agilas have already led by 11. The half-court trap started to fade off as the Lions put another run to cut the lead to five by the fifty second mark, but a crucial three from Paul put the game to bed, giving the Filindostanis a 93-87 lead going into the last thirty seconds. Ricki then shot two free throws to secure the win.

The win gave the Pula Agilas their first win while the Lions will have to wait for their first victory. They go back to the Anetta Coliseum to host Frenline Delpha, who gave Banija a soundly beating on the first day of the tournament and defeated Mithea III on their opening home game.

[Platerdam]

Rough start for the Eagles.

---

---

SOUTHPORT - NEWMANISTAN. Platerdam's National Basketball Team lost to Kita-Hinode, 56 - 95, not the greatest start to Platerdam, after defeating Azadeshia, we've lost. Anyways, our hopes are still standing, we might give a surprise.

Kita-Hinode won with 96 points, accumulated quickly during the game. Platerdam tried to fight back, but, we couldn't give more damage.

There are still more games to be played, and one thing our neighbours should know about Platerdam is that we don't give up. We'll keep fighting 'til the end.

---

IN OTHER NEWS:

Ethane 79–63 Zombie Nations
The Ethanian (?) team defeated the zombie players with ease.

Valanora 91–66 New Danican
Valanora achieved the victory by defeating New Danican.

Qasden 94–81 Bjornoya Islands
The Bjornans (?) were defeated by all-time favourite Qasden.

---

Let's hope the best for the basketball team; Let's win this thing!

[Banija]

The All-Banija Sports Magazine
The only nationwide publication that is all sports, all the time!

Banija falls into a huge hole in the 24th IBCs with their second straight home loss; this one to Filindostan by a score of 95-87


Center Katamaba Savaneh expresses frustration with the referee during the 4th quarter of Banija's home loss

LAKISKA- We said that if Banija did not win this game, they may dig themselves into an early hole that they might not be able to climb out of. This tournament is 48 teams. There are 8 groups of 6, and the top 2 from each group will find themselves competing in the Round of 16. As Banija has never been a basketball powerhouse in the first place, they found themselves facing a tall task in order to try and break into the knockout stages. The schedule, however, did them a favor. They would start the tournament with their first two games occuring at the Busoga Regional Arena. Maybe, just maybe, if they could use that advantage to get off to a fast start, they could protect home court, gain confidence along the way, steal a couple of road games, and find their way into the top two.

That was the theory, at least. The results were an unmitigated disaster.

Banija lost both of those home games, meaning that Banija has the hardest task left out of any group to try and claw their way back into the knockout stages. While everyone has 8 games left, 5 of those 8 for Banija are away from home. If they cannot protect their home court, even take 1 of 2 against Filindostan or Frenline Delpha, how is Banija going to go on the road and make up for those home losses? Especially with two games looming against the #4 team in the world, Ethane? And, of course, there's no expectation that Banija can steal a game against Frenline Delpha, and Filindostan was the better team in Lakiska today, and will expect to win on their home floor. No, even though they are only two games in, Banija is as good as dead in terms of advancing to play games in Newmanistan.

Now that this game the Lions actually put on a respectable performance, we'll do a full match report. The twin towers were actually able to get going, and they both played well enough for Banija to win. Faraba Savaneh had 27 points, while his twin brother Katamaba Savaneh had 31 points. They were two huge imposing figures in the paint, and Filindostan could not find a way to stop them. They both had 15 points in the first half. Once Banija got the ball into the paint, they were as good as into the basket.

Of course, the key words were getting the ball into the paint. In the fourth quarter, they employed a deadly halfcourt trap that was deadly effect against the Lions, a strategy that completely foiled this offense and turned the game on its head. Henoke could not handle the pressure, and they stole passes, they forced backcourt violations, and they did everything to disrupt the Banijan offense. The key for them, though, was the employment of the three point basket. They hit a stunning 22 three pointers against the Banijan 2-3 zone- Banijan, as a comparison, was 2/4 from beyond the arc. And one of those attempts was a fullcourt heave at the end of the first half.

PAUL Pardosi, a stretch 5, was killing Banija from beyond the arc. They didn't have an answer for him. He, Stella Arielle Delos Santos-Strauss(known as Star), and Jennyfer Farias, combined to hit a stunning 19 3 pointers. This will be a cause of concern for the Olympic Committee of Banija, as it is clear that their refusal to adopt the three point shot at home, in defense of "the pureness of the game", has clearly put Banijan athletes at a disadvantage. When you get crushed from beyond the arc as badly as the Banijans did, who are not used to shooting or defending those shots, it hurts in close games, as the dagger was a wide open Paul three pointer from the top of the arc. The rotation to go out and cover him simply did not get there in time, as was true for the entirety of the game, and that was another Banijan loss.

This game, of course, had more positives than the Frenline Delpha game. Banija didn't just mail it in- they came out and fought, and almost won. But the visitors were simply the better side. They got the ball to the Twin Towers, who combined for 58 points. They competed, though they were simply outclassed by the visitors at the business end of the game. Since the knockout stages seem well out of reach for them now, these next 8 games will tell us about the spirit of this team, and this coach. Will players play with heart? Or will they go through the motions? While a spot in the knockouts is out of reach, there is still a lot of pride on the line, and the coach has the opportunity to make roster changes at the mid group stage break.

They will now visit the Zombie Nation for some time away from what has quickly become a house of horrors, and will try to get out of the group A cellar and get the campaign back on track with a trip to Zombie Nation. Zombie Nation defeated Mithea III 74-57 in the tournament's opening game on their home floor, so they will be looking for a victory to stay in the race for 2nd place in Group A.

[Tropicorp]

Starters		
C	Watend'aa Wuzkoszali
SF	Ateeli	Horneta'a
PF	Polaili	Yutoaza
SG	Kuli	Maraksa
PG	Ladi'i	Gam'iiakok
Bench		
C	Turtii	Maraksa
SF	Marila	Trapa'pin
PF	Lonina	Aneta
SG	Truvala	Zaga'a
PG	Kioao	Aneta
U	Juli	Maraksa
U	Nikka	Bokka

While the Tropicorp Roster wasn't announced in time for press in the IBC 24 Media Guide, there are many good stories on the roster. Beyond the Maraksas is the sister duo of Lonina & Kioao Aneta. All eyes however will likely be on Watend'aa Wuzkoszali who is continuing the comeback trail from a knee injury. The Tropicorp Basketball Teams are using Tropicorp Sportswear.

[Vangaziland]

Foyelson's Crew Ekes Out A Close Win

#5 ranked Vangaziland faced #16 Free Republics in the first of what should be the Royals' most evenly matched series of the group stage. Tension and excitement were high at the tip off, with both teams racing at the start. Vangaziland started cold once again, going 0-7 in the first few minutes.

Yulssen found himself with extra space as he stood at the top of the arc, watching his teammates screen, cut and battle bodies. The Vangazi were cold, after all. Cutting the lane seemed like the right move. After a second or two of mental aiming, he jumped into his form and released the shot. It bounced off the backboard, coming in from the front angle and bounced into the net. "The backboard breaks cold streaks", Yulssen would later say at a halftime interview.

The Vangazi were still down throughout the first quarter and into the second. Eventually the team would catch up, but there would be no big Vannish lead.

"If there's one thing we know, it's to never underestimate anybody", said Coach Foyelson post match. "The Free Republics are not just anybody, but are the 16th ranked team in the competition. If we were not on our game, they would have stolen this win and we'd already have a monkey wrench in our playoff hopes."

The Royals hope to knuckle down throughout the season and win games in a year when anything is possible.

"Teams are definitely looking to make runs", said captain Hectare Yulssen. "We're seeing more parity now than before, although day 1 featured big point differentials."

The Vannish basketball team watches film from games all over the world and strategizes based on it.

"There are things we take from other teams. A lot of it is used to shore up defensive tactics. It comes in handy for the type of scenario we faced towards the end of the game."

With time winding down, Vangaziland found themselves up by two. The Free Republics threw a solid possession at the Vangazi, but the shot just didn't fall. Knucks snatched the rebound and Yulssen brought the ball up. The floor spread. Isolation. Yulssen took a step and dribbled. He stutter stepped in the opposite direction and put the ball through his legs. He crossed it back over with a shimmy and stutter. With the defender off balance, he sprinted inward.

They may have been hesitant to double team for fear of the pass, but there was no time. Yulssen stopped on a dime, stepped back and put up the midrange two.

Swish. The finality of the game sunk in with time for one possession remaining.

Eaglesen played less minutes tonight, finishing with 8 points and 6 assists. Yulssen scored 15 and had 7 assists on a fairly average night for him. Ironwrought was shut down after a big MD1, scoring just 12. He did manage 7 rebounds.

The player of the match was Tom Gravu and his timely shooting performance. He scored 18, going 4 of 7 from behind the arc. He proved to once again be a serious threat with the corner 3. He also added 3 assists, 2 of which were pass-backs to Yulssen. Gravu pump faked and took his defender to the left on a drive that led to a layup more aggressive than the Tom Gravu of old.

"I hate complacency", Gravu said after the win. "So I'm always working on something. I need to be able to drive. The team needs me to do more than play the shooter role. That won't take us as far as our sights are set."

"If I said we weren't breathing easier after this close win, I'd be lying", said assistant coach and retired center Frank Hurcle. "The win is really too close to get too happy, though. If they beat us by as little as 5 on leg 2, they get the advantage." The seven footer flashed a smirky grin. "So we'll have a tough practice tomorrow."

A reporter asked Chris Ironwrought what made Vangaziland different from other teams in the IBC.

"We love the game", said the 6'8 forward. "It's about having fun and honestly... Playing carefree. Somewhere in that love of the game, we end up enjoying ourselves and results follow. But when I look back, I enjoyed the season where we lost in the first round just as much as when we made the Finals." He paused. "Maybe that's a problem."

[Saint Kanye]

IBC 24: VIC, COACH S REACT TO HIGGS INJURY

by Adam Murphy



On the first day of the 24th International Basketball Championships, Abanhfleft Rebolusyonaryos player Jazz Higgs suffered a horrific injury during their away game against the Kita-Hinode Jiangshi. The 7'5" half-Kanyean center twisted his foot nearly a hundred and eighty degrees, causing it to break and face backwards. A video that quickly went viral worldwide, especially in the Glorious Free Republic where it has gotten over twenty million views, showed Higgs slip on the court and fall, then yell out in pain as he was surrounded by Fleftic and Hinodejin players alike, curious to know what happened. Several moments later, even fans are rushing to the court from the stands, among them Jazz's own mother Kristen (a Kanyean), who took one look at her son's condition and laid on the floor beside him, crying hysterically.

Upon watching the video, St. Kanye Surge head coach Anton Spoletto stated "I have seen a lot of injuries in my time, and most of it were really serious, but this one - I don't even know what to say, except perhaps good luck to him [Higgs] in his recovery and to the team [Rebs] in dealing with it. After all they've seen a lot of adversity go their way, but they pulled through." Coach S was specifically referring to happenings in previous IBC editions involving the Fleftic team, including captain Leonidas "Leo" Baxter being kidnapped, and then injured, and a militant group of fans rioting and then kidnapping a Kanyean diplomat in the name of their favorite team. Surge shooting guard Victor McLain, a friend of Higgs, said "I can't even imagine if that happened to me, man. I don't know how I'll sleep at night after watching that video happen, and to a friend no less. Well, if you're reading this, have strength, Big J. Get well soon, and don't stop believing."

McLain has also stated that he will be visiting Higgs at the hospital during the one-day break at the middle of the group stages. "I hope my teammates can also come, and maybe Teresa as well", referring to Teresa Rolde of the Empire of Cats Felines, a mutual friend of the two, whose team has unexpectedly sat out IBC 24 after an excellent maiden season in which they reached the quarterfinal stage.

[Vangaziland]

Mysterious Lights Over Northton

The city of Northton is alight with talk of little, green men after hundreds spotted a strange triangular object flying over a suburban section of the town. It hovered over a park where a nighttime concert was taking place, the monthly 'Bonfire In The Woods'. It hovered still, floating above trees in the background.

"It looked like it was looking over the crowd", one concert goer said. "It started to move towards us slowly. Not like a plane, it floated towards the stage."

The lights started as an eerie green. As it moved closer, something incredible happened.

"The thing rotated in the air and faced us. Then it flashed a bright purple. It got really bright until the lights died down. Then they turned red."

After less than five minutes, two fighter planes showed up, lights off, and sped towards the object. The lights turned back to their original green white shade and the vehicle shot off at a speed three times as fast as the fighter jets. The sound of military jet engines could be heard and faint outlines could be seen on some footage.

The band continued to play smooth jazz, unaware of the show behind them. The videos are set to the sounds of piano and saxophone music. One famous UFO & paranormal radio host said the following. "This video has the catchiest soundtrack to anything paranormal since Ghostbusters."

A statement from Vangaziland said the aircraft was a commercial drone that had problems with it's transponder beacon. "We performed an intercept only because of tensions in Asia and the Middle East. Not to mention our involvement in Ukraine." Vangaziland finds itself policing three fronts.

Former international baseball competitor, the Tainese Isles are at war with the island nation of Yanjin. A recent aerial clash over the Pacific ocean resulted in a dogfight with Tainese, Yan and Vannish aircraft.

"These are crazy times", said concertgoer Patrick Didssen who shared his UFO footage. "You heard it from me... P. Diddy."

[Newmanistan]

INTERNATIONAL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 24

Matchday 3 Results

Group 1
Filindostan 69–73 Frenline Delpha
Zombie Nations 65–77 Banija
Mithea III 62–94 Ethane

  Group 1                       Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Ethane                          3    3   0   254  189  +65     9
2 Frenline Delpha                 3    3   0   255  198  +57     9
3 Zombie Nations                  3    1   2   202  213  −11     3
4 Filindostan                     3    1   2   228  241  −13     3
5 Banija                          3    1   2   219  253  −34     3
6 Mithea III                      3    0   3   193  257  −64     0

Group 2
Royal Kingdom Of Quebec 73–83 United States Of Devonta
Velstrania 54–79 Ceni
Islana Lunigo 54–76 Grenopia

  Group 2                       Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Ceni                            3    3   0   243  188  +55     9
2 United States Of Devonta        3    2   1   232  214  +18     6
3 Velstrania                      3    1   2   214  224  −10     3
4 Royal Kingdom Of Quebec         3    1   2   227  244  −17     3
5 Grenopia                        3    1   2   221  244  −23     3
6 Islana Lunigo                   3    1   2   192  215  −23     3

Group 3
Kita-Hinode 58–103 Azadeshia
Chromatika 67–70 Platerdam
Indusse 53–83 Abanhfleft

  Group 3                       Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Abanhfleft                      3    3   0   270  201  +69     9
2 Azadeshia                       3    2   1   249  201  +48     6
3 Platerdam                       3    2   1   203  228  −25     6
4 Kita-Hinode                     3    1   2   240  254  −14     3
5 Chromatika                      3    1   2   212  230  −18     3
6 Indusse                         3    0   3   187  247  −60     0

Group 4
Equestrian States 92–67 The Andromeda Archipelago
New Danican 65–101 Spaam
Maryloupe 58–68 Valanora

  Group 4                       Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Spaam                           3    3   0   264  203  +61     9
2 Valanora                        3    3   0   246  202  +44     9
3 The Andromeda Archipelago       3    1   2   237  229   +8     3
4 Equestrian States               3    1   2   234  240   −6     3
5 New Danican                     3    1   2   227  270  −43     3
6 Maryloupe                       3    0   3   196  260  −64     0

Group 5
West Phoenicia 89–60 Eshan
Juvencus 58–68 Cosumar
Saint Kanye 84–70 Northwest kalactin

  Group 5                       Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Saint Kanye                     3    3   0   258  194  +64     9
2 Cosumar                         3    3   0   226  212  +14     9
3 West Phoenicia                  3    2   1   251  203  +48     6
4 Northwest kalactin              3    1   2   216  230  −14     3
5 Eshan                           3    0   3   208  264  −56     0
6 Juvencus                        3    0   3   172  228  −56     0

Group 6
Tropicorp 93–70 Hispania y Filipinas
Free Republics 91–62 Mufsana
Alpine Union 72–83 Vangaziland

  Group 6                       Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Vangaziland                     3    3   0   255  204  +51     9
2 Hispania y Filipinas            3    2   1   245  230  +15     6
3 Tropicorp                       3    2   1   244  245   −1     6
4 Free Republics                  3    1   2   217  198  +19     3
5 Alpine Union                    3    1   2   214  229  −15     3
6 Mufsana                         3    0   3   196  265  −69     0

Group 7
Natanians and Nosts 90–58 Calponia
Tobiasia 76–67 Malachi Griffo
Drawkland 100–79 Aggrey-Fynn Land

  Group 7                       Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Drawkland                       3    3   0   289  191  +98     9
2 Natanians and Nosts             3    3   0   257  184  +73     9
3 Tobiasia                        3    2   1   216  250  −34     6
4 Calponia                        3    1   2   193  244  −51     3
5 Malachi Griffo                  3    0   3   195  234  −39     0
6 Aggrey-Fynn Land                3    0   3   225  272  −47     0

Group 8
Bjornoya Islands 58–88 Pridnestrovia
Newmanistan 70–72 Qasden
Lata Eden 45–85 Dunnes

  Group 8                       Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Newmanistan                     3    2   1   254  184  +70     6
2 Pridnestrovia                   3    2   1   224  206  +18     6
3 Qasden                          3    2   1   225  218   +7     6
4 Dunnes                          3    1   2   207  203   +4     3
5 Bjornoya Islands                3    1   2   212  244  −32     3
6 Lata Eden                       3    1   2   186  253  −67     3

[West Phoenicia]

The West Phoenician Scorpions scored a much needed win today against Team Eshan with a final score of 89-60

The 4th match is where West Phoenician Basketball fans will be keeping an eye on. First the Scorpions will come against Juvencus, who have currently lost all 3 of there games. It would be a travesity for West Phoenicia to lose against them and any hope for a progression to the top 16 would be dashed.
The Scorpions are leaving no margin for error as extra practice has been called to ensure a tight defence and calculating offensive is played. They may be up against the bottom ranked team of their grouping, but West Phoenicia knows full well never to walk in assuming the outcome.

Tomorrow Cosumar and Saint Kayne will play off. With both having 3 wins under their belt, one will fall enabling West Phoenicia the opportunity to slide into 1st or 2nd spot.A Saint Kanye loss would be better for West Phoenicia giving that they are yet to play the nation and any loss would chip away at their morale.

Day 5 will also be a brutal match as the Scorpions have got their sting back for this Championships and they are prepared to sting whoever they need to sting to progress.

[Azadeshia]

DailyAzadeshiTimes

Basketball: A Smashing Victory
Azadeshi basketball team has shocked the people by defeating Kita-Hinode 103-58.Kita-Hinode is ranked 20th after International Basketball Cahampionship - 23, but the Azadeshi basketball team has actually defeated them.Dharya Chitanis said "This is what we came for.We can prove to the people that we are a good team!".Sayana Navathe said "I am really.......maybe happy".Gopal Vad said "This is what I call progress!".

CHIT-CHAT In The Locker Room

Gopal Vad: I am sooooooooooo proud of you boys!

Everyone smiled except Sayana Navathe.

Dharya Chitanis: Sayana what happened.

Sayana Navathe: I...I....just don't want to talk.

Sayana walked off.

Amrit Valimbe: What just happened?

Govind's Flight

Govind Navathe: I hate this.

Sayana calls Govind.

Govind Navathe: WHAT DO YOU WANT!?

Sayana Navathe: We.......won the match against Kita-Hinode(sniff)

Govind Navathe: Whatever.....wait, why are you crying.

Sayana Navathe: You don't know what it's like when your not beside me(sniff)

Sayana cuts the call.

Govind Navathe: Oh no....I have to go back, but how.

Govind starts acting if he's dying.Pilot is taking the plane back to the airport.

When they take Govind to hospital, he quickly jump and run away.

THE END

[Northwest Kalactin]

Good game



Northwest kalactin had a difficult game against saint Kanye a 84-70 loss but looking at how we played the coach was impressed they are the best team in the world and we lost by 14 to them like you saw eshan get beaten by 24 by them that was a bad game that shows that our team can put up a good game against high ranked teams. We have a big next game that might help decide if we can get into the round of 16 well let’s make it so if we lose where out forever that’s how northwest kalactanian players play and we hope that’s what it is like for the rest of the tournament.

[Azadeshia]

DailyAzadeshiTimes

Basketball: New Jersey
The Azadeshi team has a new jersey.The fire in the jersey represents Azadeshi spirit, because our players always have the spirit whether they lose or win.

[Saint Kanye]

IBC 24: HOME FANS GO WILD AS YEEZIES NOTCH THIRD WIN
"Good game" - NK Coach

by Claude Harlan

KARDASHIA - The Northwest Kalactin Bashers called it a "big game". The fans of the St. Kanye Surge looked forward to the big game. Head coach Anton Spoletto promised the big game, and the Kanyean players delivered the big game. The very first International Basketball Championships game held in the Glorious Free Republic ended with an 84-70 victory not just for the home squad, but also for the massive crowd that gathered in Kardashia's Pencurve Arena. The arena's capacity was 13,500, but it is estimated that almost twenty thousand were present to watch the IBC 24 group stage game, the excess being content in standing outside the arena and viewing the action from the specially-prepared big screens outside. Millions more Kanyeans were content with watching the game on television or online.

Victor McLain shot 4-for-6 threes, 3-for-5 twos and 2-for-2 from the line, to lead the white-clad Kanyeans with 20 points. Rakim Roberts had a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, the Bashers, who played without point guard Ross Wilson (suspended for fighting), were led by small forward Jackson Guidry's 15 points, four assists and two steals.

The game was tight at first, with the two teams exchanging buckets for a 14-all deadlock with 3:11 remaining in the first quarter. The Surge then pulled ahead with a 9-to-nothing run to end the quarter, and by the second quarter it was all St. Kanye. McLain made three of the team's seven threes this quarter, while also holding opposing shooting guard Noah Emilson scoreless in the quarter. The Bashers as a whole shot a cold 4-for-21 (19%) in the second frame, and no free throws. Without Wilson, they were having problems at the point guard position. Justin Russell shot a three early in the period, but racked up two fouls and was quickly benched in favor of Felix Ders. Ders attempted five shots and made none of them, including an airball that went straight into the hands of Surge counterpart Michael Porter.

The Northwest Kalactinians' shooting touch returned during the third period, but they could do nothing but trade baskets. It was their free throws that enabled them to cut the Kanyean lead from 29 to 22 this quarter. A 12-4 run, led by Guidry and Russell, to start the fourth cut the deficit further to fourteen, and even though they would get to within eight and as far behind as twenty in this quarter, fourteen is where the Kanyean lead remained until the end. It was so much of a riot when the final buzzer sounded, "you might have thought we already won the title", said Surge assistant coach Bernard Foley. Foley and head coach Spoletto shook hands with respective counterparts Jackie Kosher and Luke Clark, with Clark telling his team and the Kanyeans "good game".

The win improved St. Kanye's record to 3-0, same as the Cosumar Stallions, who they face on the road tomorrow. "We can't let them [Stallions] have this one", said Foley. "All those times we beat them in the past don't mean anything now, what matters is what happens tomorrow, and you bet we're ready to play." The Yeezies will be wearing purple in the Cosumar match.

Surge captain Brock Dotson and naturalized Freiger player Klaus Muhlenberg have both expressed their intention to accompany McLain in visiting Abanhfleft's Jazz Higgs at the hospital during the break. Higgs broke his foot in Kita-Hinode during Matchday 1. "This just confirms that even though the Surge and Rebs are rivals on the court, members of one team can still be friends with members of the other", said Dotson.

Scores:

ST. KANYE 84 - McLain 20, Roberts 16, Dotson 13, Porter 10, Martin 8, Samson 6, Muhlenberg 5, Duff 3, Norris 2, Schneider 1, Coyle 0, Walker 0.

NORTHWEST KALACTIN 70 - Ja. Guidry 15, Emilson 11, Russell 9, Backes 7, Fitzgerald 7, Jo. Guidry 6, Fernandez 5, Nuneres 5, Ders 3, White 2, Jackler 0, Johansson 0.

Quarters: 23-14, 52-23, 69-47, 84-70.

Around the IBC

by the Kibitzer Research Department

Fans were loving the St. Kanye Surge's home win over the Northwest Kalactin Bashers at the Pencurve Arena in Kardashia. "I already have my tickets reserved for all the remaining home games", said Tywin Callahan, a 27-year-old ad copywriter. "It's awesome enough to see the Surge play on Kanyean soil, but even more awesome to see them win! Hope they win a lot more, not just home but away as well", added Georgia Turkelson, 33, a housewife.

GROUP 1: BANIJA 77, ZOMBIE NATIONS 65
The Banijans barge into the win column, catching up with their victims at 1-2.

GROUP 2: UNITED STATES OF DEVONTA 83, ROYAL KINGDOM OF QUEBEC 58
The USD win by ten over the RKQ to rise to the second spot in Group 2, just behind Ceni.

GROUP 3: AZADESHIA 103, KITA-HINODE 58
The Jiangshi, playing at home, suffer a stunning forty-five point loss to a still undermanned Azadeshian side.

GROUP 4: EQUESTRIAN STATES 92, THE ANDROMEDA ARCHIPELAGO 67
The Weavers gallop to a 92-67 victory, their first in IBC 24, over The Andromeda Archipelago.

GROUP 5: COSUMAR 68, JUVENCUS 58
The Stallions stick to the Surge at 3-0 after a ten-point takedown of the Juven.

GROUP 6: FREE REPUBLICS 91, MUFSANA 62
Team Free Republics grab win number one by twenty-nine points, leaving Mufsana behind in the cellar.

GROUP 7: DRAWKLAND 100, AGGREY-FYNN LAND 79
The Net Corp heat up and score a century, making it 3-0 for themselves and 0-3 for A-F Land.

GROUP 8: QASDEN 72, NEWMANISTAN 70
The visiting Vans edge the Rockets by a mere two points. Both are now at 2-1, together with Pridnestrovia.

---

Game Schedule - Group 5

Surge Record So Far: 3-0

Matchday 1: W 84-58 vs. Juvencus (UR*)
Matchday 2: W 90-66 vs. Eshan (UR)
Matchday 3: W 84-70 vs. Northwest Kalactin (UR)
Matchday 4: Purple Away vs. Cosumar (14)
Matchday 5: White Home vs. West Phoenicia (26)
BREAK
Matchday 6: Black Alt vs. Juvencus (UR)
Matchday 7: White Home vs. Eshan (UR)
Matchday 8: Purple Away vs. Northwest Kalactin (UR)
Matchday 9: White Home vs. Cosumar (14)
Matchday 10: Purple Away vs. West Phoenicia (26)
BREAK
Playoffs

*Unranked.

All games televised live through SKYNET (Saint KanYe NETwork) Sports Channel 12 and streamed on ibc-tv.stk.

[Abanhfleft]

"With the 24th pick in the 2022 FBA Draft, the Malabon Black Ops select Vern Goldman, from the College of Uranium City!"

For any other player, the fact that he had been drafted by the Malabon Black Ops, two-time defending champions of the Fleftic Basketball Association and generally considered one of the best teams in the league, period, would be something to celebrate. But for Vern Goldman, he was celebrating for a different reason entirely. There was no denying that getting selected by any team in the FBA Draft was a dream come true for numerous young ballers just like Vern, even if the team that had drafted him was the team that had beaten his hometown team in the previous FBA Finals, but Vern also knew that even though it was the Black Ops who drafted him, the first team for which he would suit up was actually his very own Uranium City Nukes. This happened by way of a number of trades between a number of teams which happened way before Vern had decided to join the draft. But no matter. Malabon had realized that they had a draft pick which they could use to send a young college boy to the team of his hometown, and after beating the Nukes in the FBA Finals the previous season, they were just doing their competition a friendly favor.

Vern was welcomed into Uranium City with open arms, but as he only had one year of experience as a college varsity player, he didn't get a lot of game time, nor did he expect to. Jazz Higgs was the undisputed son of Uranium City, and Vern was all right with that. He was a fan of Jazz too, and he knew that he was simply not yet as great as Jazz was now. So Vern played second fiddle to Jazz, a role in which he was content to serve, and he did serve as a good backup to the guy, even putting up a number of valuable points for the Nukes when it was required of him.

Vern had also felt the highs and lows of the 2023 Central Conference Finals in which Uranium City famously blew a 3-0 lead. Everyone was disappointed in the way they had played during the final game but it was also Vern who had backed up Jazz after the latter had made some speech that this was all part of the process of learning how to play sports; that sometimes the losers would look like they were winners before their eventual yet inexplicable defeat, and that everyone should take this as a lesson so that when the time came again for them to play the Black Ops again, whether in the regular season or in the postseason.

Then, everyone saw live what happened to Jazz Higgs when he went up for that rebound against Kita-Hinode for the first game of the IBC 24 group stage. Like everyone else, Vern was shocked to see such a thing happen to a person, especially someone whom he knew and played with and was even friends with. Jazz Higgs' injury was the type of thing that no person would wish on even their worst enemy, so to see it happen on one of the most beloved young basketball players of his generation was just almost too much for Jazz Higgs. Hell, sometimes even just remembering the incident made Vern feel like his own leg was twisting this way or that.

But little did Vern know that that horrific injury could very well lead to his own chance to shine. And it all happened thanks to a single phone call.

"Hello? Who is this?" Vern asked, responding to he unknown caller who had called up his phone.

"Hello, is this Vern Goldman?" a voice with a heavy accent replied. "My name is Ivan Opanasenko. I am the head coach of the national basketball team of Abanhfleft. I am calling you for the possibility of your inclusion into the team's roster for the International Basketball Championships."

"Hang on a minute," Vern said. "Is this serious?"

"Yes, Mr. Goldman, I am serious. I am sure you know of what happened to Jazz Higgs. The team needs a center to replace Mr. Higgs while he recovers and recuperates and the Samahan believes that you are the best candidate for the task."

Vern Goldman couldn't believe it. He was actually being considered for inclusion into the Rebolusyonaryos. Here was his chance to play against the big teams in the multiverse like Saint Kanye, Qasden, the Empire of Cats, all those teams! He would be a fool to reject the chance now that it had come to him.

"Of course, Mr. Opanasenko," Vern said. "I'm ready when you need me."

"Good man. Stand by for my call in the next few days."

(OOC: Not the best that I could come up with but I'll take it.)

[Filindostan]

The Samahang Basketbol ng Filindostan
36 Champaca St., Rio Grande,
San Marco, Filindostan

Call for Imports!

The Samahang Basketbol ng Filindostan (SBF) is the basketball governing body of Filindostan, which oversees the development of basketball in the nation, including the organization of the domestic league, known as the Filindostani Basketball Association. As the first season of the FBA progressed, we have seen the development of the rivalries of the different participating teams.

We have designated the second and the third conferences as 'import-laden' conferences, meaning that any non-Filindostani can play for the team, with maximum of one import per team. The teams can sign these imports for the year, but they will be barred from playing in the first conference, which is designated as 'All-Filindostani' Conference. They can be loaned to other leagues or do team charity events or coach the team while the first conference is ongoing.

With this, we are calling for foreigners to ply their trade in Filindostan. For now, we will be keeping the guidelines in the above paragraph. However, the body will look to allow the teams at most one foreign player for the entire season in the future. If you have questions, you may contact the undersigned at +122 1524716.

Thank you.

Charito "Charie" Pamungkas
Chairman, Samahang Basketbol ng Filindostan

OOC: Send me a TG should you be interested in sending a player to be an import to the Filindostani Basketball Association.

[Vangaziland]

Royals Almost Blow Lead

The Royals faced off against a determined team from the Alpine Union. Not looking to repeat the mistakes of the past two games, Vangaziland got off to a hot start. Eaglesen played the entire first quarter, as Yulssen was rested for today."

"I want to see what we have", said Coach Foyelson. "What can Eaglesen do with more court time? We also have a third point guard who hasn't played more than a handful of minutes."

Foyelson was speaking of Sarah Overson, a veteran of several IBC editions. She's had a major role in the past as the team's second option. Now she finds herself behind a player eerily similar to the starting PG.

"I can't say I've enjoyed riding the bench", Overson said. "But we're a team. I'm always ready to sub in. We also see things like the Higgs injury. So we're always on guard." Overson picked up the amount of minutes Eaglesen usually splits with Yulssen.

Team captain Yulssen was dressed for the game, ready to sub in if needed.

"The coach said 'lets see what they can do'", Eaglesen said post match. "Coach would have subbed me in if things got heated. But they stood their ground. Overson and Eaglesen are solid point guards.

The game was fairly even at half time with the score close. Neither team had a real advantage. Vangaziland was down by 2. Vangaziland sunk during the third quarter, going into the fourth down by 7.

"We both had trouble getting the ball into the lane", Eaglesen said. "Alpine Union played solid defense all night. They're really a team to look out for."

Again, timely late fourth quarter play brought victory to a Royals team that did not dominate the entire match. Kate Foyelson was originally brought on as an assistant for her late game play-calling. She's responsible both for the close 75-71 victory and also for the late run that carried Vangaziland against the Alpine Union.

The point guards run her plays properly and the rest of the team has executed thus far. Vangaziland is still far from perfect. They are 3-0, but had a slow start, a narrow victory and a bad third quarter which almost cost them a game.

Despite that, the Royals managed to slip into first of their conference.

"We're ranked highest in this group, but that doesn't entitle us to act as demigods", said big man Lonnie Knucks. "We're all still learning, improving and growing as people. We battle on the court, but we admire all of our foes."

So how did the new PG stat-line turn out? Eaglesen finished with 9 points, 11 assists and 2 steals. Overson scored 8, had 5 assists and 3 rebounds. Sarah O. wowed the crowd with a doozy of a crossover on Reggie Thomas. She pulled a relatively old move called the Shammgod. It's almost like a backwards stutter step.

After a little back and forth, she bounced the ball in front of her body, from the right to the left. It appeared she was running to the left. But the left hand hit the ball in the opposite direction in a hard cut to the right. This causes an intense jerking reaction from the defender. A crowd favorite. After that, Overson slowed the ball down and put a hand up.

Ironwrought leapt from the side of the post, Overson launched a rocket and the crowd roared on an alley-oop. It turned out to be the play that woke the Royals up in the fourth quarter.

"I was glad I could get us back on track", she said the next day in the media.

Ironwrought again led scoring with 25 points and 7 rebounds.

[Banija]

The All-Banija Sports Magazine
The only nationwide publication that is all sports, all the time!

Banija get first victory of the IBCs; a 77-65 victory away from home


Center Katamaba Savaneh celebrates during the Banijan road victory

ZOMBIE NATIONS- Banija is in a seriously deep hole in the group. Starting 0-2 at home is not the way to try and advance in this tournament. Regardless, they went back out their on the floor, played with pride, and were able to put up their first victory, this one a 77-65 road victory over Zombie Nations. This was a good victory and one that was needed, by the squad, as a confidence booster. Two losses, the opening one an ugly domination, the second a heartbreaker on their home floor, had shot this team's confidence. They needed a confidence booster as they have another game that they are expected to win, before their matchday 5 trip to Ethane, the world #4.

The Savaneh twins, once again, were able to dominate inside the paint. Katamaba went for 20 and 12, along with 6 assists, while his brother went for 23 and 16, as the Zombie Nations had no answer for the Twin Towers. Those two were the dominant players, and their improved passing in this game, as they've gained chemistry with their teammates, have allowed their teammates to cut towards the basket and get to the line, on the dribble drive. Banija did not attempt a 3 point shot in this game.

They've found a formula that works- feed the ball to the Savaneh twins, and let them do their thing in the paint. Faraba has started getting the basketball at the free throw line and pass the ball to players cutting towards the basket, a new wrinkling in Banija's offensive style. They will look for more of the same against Mithea III, as this team has a lot to clean up before their crucial visit to Ethane that, for Banija, will most likely determine whether they are capable of coming back in this group, or will be the death knell for this team's chances.

Rumor Mill- Are the Savaneh twins trying to leave Banijan Basketball?

Banijan basketball has been seriously exposed in this tournament. The lack of the three point ball means that Banija simply does not have the shooters to keep up with the good teams at this tournament, and it is showing. Filindostan hit 22 three pointers against the Lions, and shot a stunning 58% from the field- showing that this defense was not used to getting out and covering the long shot. They neutralized the Twin Towers simply by avoiding the paint and relying on their shooters, and it worked.

The Savaneh twins, allegedly throughout this tournament, have been visibly and vocally frustrated with Banijan basketball. While they denied all allegations, they said that "the best competition is clearly abroad." Banijan basketball salaries are quite low, and there has long been frustration inside Banijan basketball circles. What started the rumor mill, of course, is that their agent, James Little, was seen at the airport in Zombie Nations, boarding a flight leaving the country, but not going back to Banija.

With him flying to some unspecified country, and his work saying that he is "on business", where is he going? Alongside the reveal of these allegations, is he looking for a different league for his boys to play in? We'll have to see when he lands back in Banija, and we'll certainly be sending a reporter to his offices when he does. There remains the fact, of course, that the two players are under the contract of the Busukuma Suns, the defending Banijan Champs, for 3 more seasons. This is an interesting story that will be sure to follow this team over the course of the coming weeks.

[Kita-Hinode]

BASKETBALL
Wakuri: "Nakamoto and Hirokami are hard to work with"

To say the loss to Azadeshia was a setback is an understatement and this was especially noted by the team's manager. Not many have agreed with the Hinode Basketball Association's infamous decision of choosing a polemic manager such as Mugenishima Islanders' Yujifume Wakuri, a decision that has already shown to be causing headaches to fans as they swallowed up what could possibly be stated as a "really pretty bad" loss. "The fact we had to hear that the eyesores believe themselves to be actually good on this bollocks is impressive. I'd say it makes me want to bite someone's head off."

Inside reports show that the team started out with a massive chip on their shoulders after what has to be, undeniably, one of the toughest finishes of a Hinodejin Basketball League season as players from both Islanders and Déesses have pretty much involved themselves in a public diss-out brawl before the start of this edition of the IBC. "They look like pissants, the fact they can't take a fair loss makes them even more of a bunch of pissants." noted point guard Kino Takaichi, then as a Mugenishima Islander, while small forward Tomiichi Nakamoto, a player of the Uranai Déesses, chose to go straight to the point, "Mugenishima stinks of unwashed privates."

Needless to say, the fact these two start for the national team could be enough of a point of contention and unsurprisingly, nobody seems to believe themselves to be at fault. "They haven't gotten much better" stated Takaichi. "Likewise" replied Nakamoto. Wakuri, clearly not even trying to keep both sides together in order to try and battle for Hinodejin success decided to take all opportunities to complain over the Déesses' players, even if he still starts Nakamoto out. "I do this because I want all of you to see she's the one not giving a damn" he stated after the game, while also not sparing any flack from substitute Hirokami.

Hinode now prepares for another game... if they can keep their heads out of complaining about each other, that is.

[Valanora]

Valanora Times
Dragons Debut New Jerseys

While granted that the Dragons are not the most popular of Valanora's many different sporting national teams, the basketball team has seen a noted rise in popularity over the last four years. This rise in popularity can easily be correlated to the national team's increasingly better performances in the International Basketball Championships, the World Cup of basketball for those readers who are more familiar with football or hockey. While for several years the national team has sported jerseys made by a Vanorian sportswear company, with the Dragons entering into the top ten of the rankings and looking to become something of a power within the sport, it was decided that the team needed jerseys worthy of such lofty status and expectations. As a result, the VSC reached out to the growing No Nonsense Sportswear from Filindostan to design and produce a new set of jerseys for the Dragons, which were created and shipped to Valanora the day before the group stage of the tournament was set to begin.

The home jersey is what strikes out the most to those who are used to more traditional designs for Valanora's national teams, with NNS deciding to choose to combine the usual aspects of navy and forest green in the home jersey, rather than choosing one of the two as is the usual avenue that other designers have chosen to do in the past. The addition of a dragon motif shaded in the darker green, with half a wing eclipsing into the back of the jersey adds an additional flair that is not often seen in Vanorian sporting designs. It is a suiting change to the more stoic and bland designs, as the Dragons are noted for their high flying, three point shooting focused style of play, being one of the more expressive national teams that the Eternal Empire has. The away jersey does take that more traditional approach, with a white background and the use of navy and midnight blue in the trim and color of the font, with the dragon also shaded in a dusk blue, a call out to the native blue dragons that live in the caves in the Spine of Arrosia mountain chain and some of the waterfalls in the Empire's rivers.

As for the Dragons themselves, they have opened up the start of the tournament looking to live up to that top ten ranking that they have been given following a revision to the ranking's that was passed shortly before the tournament began. The hosts of the tournament's knockout stages, Newmanistan, was able to quickly adjust the pots for the change in the ranking formula and got the draw conducted without little fanfare. For the Dragons, they already opened up against their "Glorious Southwest" subregional rival in Equestrian States, who have began to show more prominence back in the international sporting arena the last two years after nearly a decade of mediocrity and media apathy. The other recognizable name for Vanorians will be the nation of Spaam, the other team in the group that has won their first three games, like the Dragons have after their victory in Maryloupe last night. With Spaam scoring over a hundred points in their travels to New Danican, betting money would be on them to be the real threat to the Dragon's desire to win the group. However the two teams don't play till the game before the halfway mark and then again to finish out group play, which means at this rate, those matches and the victor in them will in all likelyhood will take the group, especially given the rest of the group came into the tournament as unranked teams.

[Ethane]

Title TBC - Part 1

It was that day of the month. One more unfortunate soul. Doomed. Trapped forever in these walls, caged in, held captive like zoo animals on display. They had been looking for a couple of weeks now, and it seemed hopeless. Everything just looked the same; a small part of a great expanse of grey walls, some parts plastered with ivy, forming a barrier between them and whatever was the other side. They had already lost Jimmy to those creatures.

Those creatures. Whatever they were. One second the monsters were nice and friendly, feeding them, but a few minutes later and one of them is being taken away by the monsters, or they're lifting them all up and touching them everywhere. Do you know how rude it is to touch someone without their permission? There was no way to put into words how horrifying these giant creatures were. The monsters were enormous, towering above them like a tree from the jungle, and their features were weird. They had this weird thing on their face - it was red and looked slightly wet - near the bottom. There were 2 of them together, and they seemed to move a lot, making a very weird noise as they moved. It sounded like gibberish.

The monsters took Jimmy away from them. One of the giants came and grabbed Jimmy, picking him up despite the frantic squealing. The giant took a large needle out of his pocket and injected the blue syrup-like mixture into Jimmy, turning him unconscious. The monsters then took him away. They hadn't seen him for a week now. They could only assume that he was dead, which only furthered their resolve to escape this prison.

A loud claxon rang out across the green. This signalled that food would be arriving soon. They all moved towards the front of the enclosed area and looked up. Sure enough, one of the giant monsters was approaching their enclosure, carrying a green bucket in his hand, symbolising that it held vegetables inside. Sure enough, he poured a number of carrots, leeks, cucumbers, and lettuce on to the green. There was a large scramble as all of those who were in the restricted area raced to get to the food first to make sure they had enough food. The monsters never provided enough food to share out equally, so it was always a race. And Alexander always missed out, because he was always pushed to the back, being one of the younger and weaker of the group.

[Vangaziland]

Meeting Overson

Sarah Overson went on a late night talk show with comedian Jim Funtz. He asked the star point guard about her life, joked around and managed to ask a tough question or two. He focused more on her thoughts on things than about her past.

"What other sports do you like?", asked Funtz.

"Baseball is pretty cool. Vangaziland entered into the last World Baseball Classic. It's a sport our guys have to improve in. The Olympiad was fun to watch! We picked up the bronze and in such a fashion. We did score the go ahead run until the ninth inning. Sports at its best!"

"Have you ever played baseball or softball? Only recreationally. I didn't play softball in school. We'd play a little during the summer though. I could never pitch. At least not underhand."

He asked her about her new car.

"Yeah I'm on Team Hammerhead. I ordered the new Vannish Motors muscle car."

"What made you choose that car? It's kind of... I don't know.. The big side inlets."

"It looks like a shark! Those are gills, Jim." The comedian replied with a pun relating to fish and cars. The topic did bring something else up in Sarah's mind.

"Racing.. That's how I got into it. Watching racing. I'm a big fan of VMR. They've put together some good seasons. This year was something though. Wins in both GT2 and the WGP2?"

"So how do you feel about VMR possibly withdrawing from GT2 next year?"

"Well, I understand the team is pushing for promotion to GT1. Sort of makes winning meaningless if you're stuck in the junior division. I love seeing the Ghost V-10 and hope it returns. But let's see what kind of prototype Vannish Motors can concoct."

"Have you seen the new Dragon chassis? The WGPC body?"

"I saw a pic or two. It's too modern", she replied.

"But it's a sleek, beautiful design. What do you want?"

"I like the design of the WGP2 car. It's classic. Simple. Just your every day open-wheeled racer."

The host reminded her about the future, technological advances and asked, "Do you want your team left in the dust?"

The conversation soon turned to music.

"I like Grimhildr", Overson said. "Her new CD is pretty good. I don't like her sappy songs though. Give me the party jams."

"What's wrong with sappy music?"

"It doesn't become me", the 6'4 point guard replied. She was 2-3 inches taller than both Yulssen and Eaglesen and about as quick.

"So what was up with that little move you pulled towards the end of the last game?"

"The crossover? It was just a little something, something", she replied. "That phrase is from a song too."

The last question asked was, "Do you think you'll get much playing time? What are your thoughts on that?"

"It's a team game. I'm sure I'll work into the offense. I have to work on my shot. Eaglesen is hogging up my minutes. I'm telling Coach Foyelson I can play two guard. But she keeps talking about height."

"I'm pretty sure there are a few teams who run smaller guards", the host added. "You'll get your chance."

She was the first Vannish basketball player to hit the late night circuit this year. Several others have made rounds on daytime sports talk shows, including both Eaglesen and Yulssen.