Tomorrow is the starting date of the 2007 Saludcoop Colombian Basketball Federation Invitational Cup, seven teams are ready to fight for the glory in the most important Colombian tournament.
For this year at least 6 of the 7 teams can be competitive, but at the end just 4 will qualify for the semi finals, here is our preview.

Luis Flores (188-G-81, college: Manhattan) signed a one year contract to play the next season in Greece with the team Olimpiada Patras of the first division (1-A), the basketball season begins on September 10th, the last summer Luis Flores was with Houston Rockets on the NBA summer league but dindt received an invitation for the NBA pre season. Flores decline to participate with Dominican Republic national team in the Torneo Caribeño because his differences with the national teams program director Hector Baez.

Panama City (FIBA Americas Championship) - Panama's National Basketball Federation (FEPABA) announced today that the national team's Head Coach named the final 12 players that will travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sunday 19th, to be active in the FIBA Americas Championship 2007, which qualifies to the 2008 Olympic Games.

The final list of players goes as follows, as per each player's number:

No. 4 - Joel Munoz
No. 5 - Jamahr Warren
No. 6 - Danilo Pinnock
No. 7 - Maximiliano Gomez
No. 8 - Jamaal Levy
No. 9 - Jorsua Chambers
No.10 - Amir Alvarado
No.11 - Gary Forbes
No.12 - Reyjavick Degracia
No. 13 - Antonio Garcia
No.14 - Jaime Lloreda
No. 15 - Alexis Smith

The coaching staff is integrated by: Vicente Duncan (Head Coach), Mario Galvez (Assistant Coach), Sir Carlos Lugo (Athletic trainer), and Luis Vergara (Administrative Assistant).

It was also announced that, national team center, Jaime Lloreda, signed a contract in the Italian Professional Basketball league, but that he will play for Panama before, in the FIBA Americas Championship 2008. He will travel to Italy following the end of the competition.

With some PBA teams to compete abroad as part of their preparation in the coming 33rd PBA wars, Talk 'n Text can not be left behind as the team will be leaving the country Sunday for a two-week training in San Antonio, Texas.

The Phone Pals will try to improve their second-place finish in the recent Fiesta Cup with the return of Team Pilipinas stalwarts Asi Taulava, Jimmy Alapag and Florendo Ritualo (188-G).

With the return of Ritualo, many basketball experts and followers are guessing who would play longer minutes between Ritualo and the Fiesta Cup's Best Player of the Conference Macmac Cardona at No. 2 spot.

It can be recalled that Cardona used to play back-up to Ritualo at two-guard spot before Ritualo was loaned to play for the national team.

Semifinals

Serbia - Japan 76:62
Serbian basketball is in its full swing this summer as they continue to gather all kinds of titles around the world. Serbian students closed on one more as they advanced to the Final of the Summer University Games in Bangkok. Serbia toppled Japan today to maintain their perfect record at the tournament and joined Lithuania in the title game. Japan will now play for Bronze medals against Canada.
Serbia was forecasted as favorites in this clash and started to prove their status early in the game. They built a narrow 17:15 lead after the first frame. However Japanese team was about to beat forecasts this evening. They limited European players to only 9 points in the second quarter and secured a 28:26 advantage at halftime.
Serbian team were probably well shaken during the intermission by their coach Sasa Nikitovic as they began to turn things their way immediately after the break. An aggressive defence maintained throughout the term helped Serbia to limit Japan to 6 points and clear off to a 46:34 distance. The final frame brought a high-scoring attacking basketball where Serbian team still were more successful outscoring Japan 30:28.
Strahinja Milosevic (203-G/F-85) led Serbia with 15 points and 7 boards. Marko Simonovic (203-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) fired 12 points for the winners. Yusuke Okada (185-G-84) answered with game-high 16 points for Japan. Akihito Inoue (198-F-84) scored 11 points in a losing effort.
Both teams shot 41% from the field, but Serbia were a bit more accurate from free throw line converting 65%. Serbia also outrebounded their opponents 45:20.

Serbia: Strahinja Milosevic 15, Marko Simonovic 12
Japan: Yusuke Okada 16, Akihito Inoue 11


Lithuania - Canada 79:64
Lithuanian team continued their impressive race in the basketball tournament at the Universiade in Bangkok. They edged Canada in today's semifinal and advanced to the title game. Rimantas Grigas' guys will now face the winner of Japan vs. Serbia semifinal.
Lithuania enjoyed a narrow 26:20 lead after the opening frame. Canada remained at a striking distance throughout the second term and trailed by the same 6 points at halftime 42:48. However Lithuania put breaks on Canadian offense in the third quarter and limited them to just 8 points. It resulted in Canada falling behind 10 points and entering the final frame trailing 50:66. Lithuania wisely held on to the advantage and never allowed Canada to come closer. Canada only managed to outscore Europeans 14:13 in the fourth quarter but it had little influence on the result.
Jonas Maciulis (200-G/F-85, agency: Interperformances) scored 18 points to pace Lithuania. Steponas Babrauskas (197-G/F-84) secured another 13 points for the winners. Scott Morrison was the only Canadian player to deliver in double figures as he netted 16 points. Jevohn Shepherd (196-F-86) added 9 points in a losing effort. Lithuania dominated every aspect of the game. They outrebounded Canada 36:30 and forced them to 18 turnovers. Lithuania also shot better from the field converting 44%, while North American players hit 37%.

Lithuania: Jonas Maciulis 18, Steponas Babrauskas 13
Canada: Scott Morrison 16, Jevohn Shepherd 9


Classification 5th-8th spots

Turkey - Korea 79:68
Turkish students overcame Korea in todays's action at the Universiade. The win enabled Turkey to play for the 5th spot tomorrow. Korea will now fight the 7th place.
Turkey used strong second and fourth frames to succeed in the game. Both teams kept it close throughout the opening stanza and were all square at the start of the second term 20:20. But Turkish side spurred ahead after the first intermission. They limited Korea to 11 points and outscored them 24:11 to pile up a 44:31 lead at halftime. Korea however was not about to let it slip away. They hit a couple of three point attempts and dominated the boards to cut the deficit to 52:55. But Turkey stayed cool and never let Korea to come close enough for the final strike. A solid shooting percentage from the field allowed Turkey to stay in front in the dying stages and seal victory at the end.
Cem Coskun (209-C-87) led Turkey with 17 points and 9 boards. Sinan Guler (192-G-83, college: Carroll (MT)) contributed 13 points for the winners. Jung Hwiryang (200-F-84) scored 15 points for Korea. Oh Sekeun (201-C-87) produced 13 points and game-high 18 rebounds in a loss.

Turkey: Cem Coskun 17+9 boards, Sinan Guler 13
Korea: Jung Hwiryang 15, Oh Sekeun 13+18 boards


Russia - Germany 94:76
Russian forward Nikita Kurbanov (202-F-86) scored 30 points to lift his team past Germany at the Universiade in Bangkok today. Russia will now face Turkey for the 5th spot. Gemany will play against Korea for the 7th place tomorrow.
Russia shook off bad memories of the quarterfinal loss to Lithuania and started the game bravely enough. They outscored German side 25:16 in the opening frame. The gap kept on growing in the second quarter and reached a 49:32 mark at halftime. Germany struggled to come back into contest as they could not match Russian high accuracy and slumped behind. Russia entered the final stanza up by 19 points 73:54 and easily hold on to the lead.
Nikita Kurbanov topscored for Russia with 30 points, 4 assists and 3 boards. Andrey Komarovskiy contributed another 16 points and 7 boards for the winners. Jan Lipke (193-G-83, agency: Court Side) responded with 23 points for Germany. Philip Zwiener (198-F-85) had 20 points and 7 rebounds in a loss.
Russia recorded impressive shooting figures as they converted 57% from the field, including 43% from beyond the arc. Germany hit 37% of field goals. Russia managed to outrebound their opponents 34:27 and took advantage of German 21 personal fouls.

Russia: Nikita Kurbanov 30, Andrey Komarovskiy 16
Germany: Jan Lipke 23, Philip Zwiener 20+7 boards


Classification 9th-12th spots

Israel - Greece 74:59
Israeli team will play for the 9th spot in the Summer University Games in Thailand. It became known after today's classification game against Greece. Israel survived an early threat from Greek team and emerged strong in the second half to celebrate a comprehensive win at the end. Israel will take on the winner of USA versus Finland battle tomorrow.
Greece got to a better start of the game and led 18:13 after the first quarter. Israel managed to cut the deficit by 2 points at halftime 29:32. Israeli players recovered after the intermission as Nitzan Hanochi (190-G-86, agency: Ronsport) fueled a comeback effort. Israel surged in front 50:44 in the third term. Greece lost the touch from the field and could not revive in the final stage.
Israel were paced by 22 points from Nitzan Hanochi. Anton Kazarnovski (205-F/C-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) secured 18 points and 7 boards for the winners. Kostas Kakaroudis (204-C-83) delivered 18 points for Greece. Fotios Vassilopoulos netted 13 points in a loss.
Israel limited Greek players to just 38% from the field, while shooting 49% themselves. Greece also struggled from the stripe knocking down 42%. They however managed to outrebound Israel 39:31.

Israel: Nitzan Hanochi 22, Anton Kazarnovski 18
Greece: Kostas Kakaroudis 18, Fotios Vassilopoulos 13


USA - Finland 59:44
USA team represented by Northern Iowa University players overcame Finland in today's classification game. This was the fourth consecuive victory for United States team. They will now play for the 9th spot against Israel tomorrow.
USA had a narrow advantage in the first quarter and secured a 14:11 lead after it. Adam Koch (203-F) and Jared Josten (180-G-84) combined 17 points in the first half to pace USA to a 30:20 advantage at halftime. However Finland started the second half with a 7:0 rally that put them within three points from North American team. But USA bounced back with a 6:0 run of their own and claimed lead for good.
Adam Koch topscored for USA with 13 points and 9 rebounds. Jared Josten secured 12 points for the winners. Finland had no players to score in double figures. Ville Makalainen (194-F-85, agency: Rasmussen Services) answered with 9 points and 11 boards for Finland. Juha Sten (191-G-83, agency: Rasmussen Services) added 8 points and 4 rebounds in defeat.
Both teams struggled in accuracy as USA converted 36% of field goals and Finland replied with 27%. Finland also shot miserable 30% from free throw line. United States outrebounded Finland 41:38 and forced those to 16 turnovers.

USA: Adam Koch 13+9 boards, Jared Josten 12
Finland: Ville Makalainen 9+11 boards, Juha Sten 8


Classification 13th-16th spots

New Zealand - Ukraine 86:104
New Zealand students were rallied by Ukraine in today's action at the Summer Universiade. Ukraine managed to withstand massive 39 points from Bay Hawks guard Everard Bartlett (191-G-86) to ensure their appearance in the clash for the 13th spot tomorrow. Ukrainian captain Leonid Stefanyshyn (200-F-85) led well-balanced squad to a comprehensive victory.
Europeans were dominant right from the start as they established a 21:14 after the first quarter. Playing a spectacular attacking basketball the teams rolled to a 49:40 in favor of Ukraine at halftime. Both Ukraine and New Zealand never stopped after the break and continue to entertain Thai fans with a high-scoring attitude. Ukraine extended the lead to 75:58 after three quarters. Ukrainian coach Igor Yatsenko let the bench log more minutes in the final term however it did not influence the tempo and Ukraine closed the game in style outscoring Emerging Tall Blacks 29:28.
Leonid Stefanyshyn scored 18 points and grabbed 6 boards for Ukraine. Maxym Kornienko added 14 points for the winners. Everard Bartlett posted 39 points, hitting 7/12 three pointers, 5 rebounds 3 assists and 2 steals for Kiwis. Christopher Reay (206-F) had 17 points in a losing clause.
Ukraine outrebounded their opponents 43:27. They also shot impressive 61% from the field, while Emerging Tall Blacks were limited to 35%. New Zealand were a bit better from the charity stripe converting 73%, while Ukrainian players knocked down 58% of free throws.

New Zealand: Everard Bartlett 39, Christopher Reay 17
Ukraine: Leonid Stefanyshyn 18, Maxym Kornienko 14


Mexico - China 83:67
Mexican team had a successful outing against China at the Universiade today. They overcame their Asian counterparts 83:67 to ensure the game for the 13th spot tomorrow. Mexico will play against Ukraine. China meanwhile will fight for the 15th place versus New Zealand team.
A well-balanced team effort brougt Mexico their second victory and the team imroved to 2-3 record at the tournament. Latin American side looked better in the first half as they managed to pile up a 44:33 advantage at halftime. China tried to come back in the third term and cut the deficit to 55:65 entering the fourth quarter. But Mexico tightened defence and sealed a perfect win at the end.
Jose Luis Bucio (179-G-86) scored 17 points to pace Mexico. Edward Ayileke (197-F/C-84) added 14 points for the winners. Yang Chao (192-G/F-84) and Han Shuo (198-G-89) nailed 18 points apiece for China. Li Zhenyang (204-C-87) chipped in 13 points in a losing clause.
Mexico converted 49% from the field and 78% from free throw line. China shot with 45% accuracy from the field and 63% from charity stripe. China managed to outmuscle Mexico under the rims pulling down 33 boards. Both teams committed 24 turnovers.

Mexico: Jose Luis Bucio 17, Edward Ayileke 14
China: Yang Chao 18, Han Shuo 18, Li Zhenyang 13


Classification 17th-20th spots

Australia - Taiwan 106:66
Austrlian team played probably their best basetball at the Summer Universiade so far edging Taiwan 106:66. The victory allowed Aussies to fight for an overall 17th place. They will now take on the winner of Brazil versus Czech Republic clash.
Austalian players marked their intentions right from the start rolling past Taiwan 28:13 in the first frame. Taiwan tried to stay in the contest in the second term as they managed to outscore Australia 22:21 but they could not deliver after halftime break. Astralian squad completely dominated the court and established a comfortable 74:49 lead entering the fourth frame. The task was completed in the last part of the game as Australian bench dismantled their opponents 32:17.
Carlin Hughes (185-G) provided game-high 26 points for Australia. Aron Baynes (208-C-86) had 17 points and 9 boards, while Marcus Ng (189-G-85) nailed 16 points for the winners. Sheng Yao Liu answered with 22 points for Taiwan. Chang Yi Ming (185-G-84) delivered 10 points in a losing effort.
Australia shot solid 53% from the field, including 43% from beyond the arc. Taiwan replied with 42% accuracy. Australian players outrebunded their counterparts 42:19. They also committed just 11 turnovers.

Australia: Carlin Hughes 26, Aron Baynes 17+9 boards, Marcus Ng 16
Taiwan: Sheng Yao Liu 22, Chang Yi Ming 10


Czech Republic - Brazil 85:73
Czech Republic team took advantage of Brazil in today's classification game at the Universiade in Thailand. They will now play for the 17th spot against Australia tomorrow. Brazil will face Taiwan in the clash for the 19th place.
Czech Republic did not wait for too long before starting to deliver in this one. They got off to a flying start and easily ran away to a 20:12 distance after the opening frame. Brazil however managed to slow down their European opponents and cut the advantage by 4 points at halftime 34:38. Czech team then wisely held on to the lead in the third term and entered the final stanza in front 61:56. Brazil tried to come back into the contest but it was not the day for them. Czech connected a couple of long jumpers to seal the victory at the end.
Pavel Slezak (185-G-84) had 24 points to pace Czech team. Michal Vocetka (192-G/F-87) contributed 14 points in a winning effort. Gustavo Lima (178-G-90) replied with 21 points for Brazil. Audrei Parisotto (194-F-84) netted 17 points in defeat.
Czech Republic converted 47% from the field and 73% from free throw line. Brazil recorded 46% of field goals and 47% from charity stripe. Czech players outrebounded their counterparts 32:23. Both teams committed 17 turnovers.

Czech Republic: Pavel Slezak 24, Michal Vocetka 14
Brazil: Gustavo Lima 21, Audrei Parisotto 17


Classification 21st-24th spots

Thailand - Angola 77:72
Thai team celebrated a narrow victory over Angola in the classification game for the 21st-24th spots today. The hosts of the Summer Universiade will now face either Kazakhstan or South Africa for the 21st place tomorrow. Angola meawhile remained winless in Bangkok.
The teams kept it close throughout the first quarter and Thailand took a narrow advantage 27:25. Thai players extended the gap to 42:35 at halftime. However Angolan team regrouped after the break and speeded up to outscore hosts 20:12 and take a 55:54 lead. But cheered by the fans Srinakharinwirot University Thailand secured a tough victory in the final stanza.
Chaiwat Kaedum (-C-85) topscored for Thailand with 22 points. Ratdech Kruatiwa (190-F-85) contributed 17 points for the winners. Adilson Baza (185-C-86) replied with game-high 26 points and 8 boards for Angola. Joao Suingue (185-G-83) had 14 points in defeat.
Thailand shot solid 53% from the field and 63% from free throw line. Angola responded with 40% accuracy from the range and 64% from the stripe. Thai players outrebounded Angola 41:25. At the same time hosts committed massive 31 turnovers.

Thailand: Chaiwat Kaedum 22, Ratdech Kruatiwa 17
Angola: Adilson Baza 26, Joao Suingue 14


Kazakhstan - South Africa 80:59
kazakhstan added more pain for weary South African team. Kazakhs handed them the 6th straight loss and left them winless at the tournament. The victory means kazakhstan will now fight for the 21st spot against hosting Thailand tomorrow. South Africa will seek for their first success against Angola.
Kazakhstan proved the difference early in the game and rolled to a 29:12 advantage after the opening frame. South Africa however was not taken aback and did not collapse afterwards. They played a close basketball in the second half but South Africans never came close enough to trouble Kazakhstan.
Mikhail Yevstigneyev (198-F-84) led all scorers with 27 points and 17 rebounds for Kazakhstan. Maxim Voyeikov (195-F-88) contributed 10 points for the winners. Eric Mofokeng (204-C-84) and Tsepo Matsie (185-G-86) nailed 15 points apiece for South Africa. Thami Kukulela (194-G-85) added 9 points in a losing clause.
Kazkahstan were more accurate from the field knocking down 50%, while South Africa shot just 34%. Kazakh players reigned under the rims outrebounding their opponents 46:33. Kazakhstan also capitalized on 25 personal fouls from African players.

Kazakhstan: Mikhail Yevstigneyev 27+17 boards, Maxim Voyeikov 10
South Africa: Eric Mofokeng 15, Tsepo Matsie 15, Thami Kukulela 9

Ceyhan signed Seda Tekindag and Burcu Uzun from Galatasarayand American player Cristen Green.

Mersin BSB renewed contract with Mujde Yuksel and Signed Tugba Palazoglu from Besiktas and Pelin Incel from Kayseri TED.

Migrosspor signed Nihan Anaz from Galatasaray and Nalan Guney and Aylin Hocaoglu from Istanbul Universitesi.