EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 2/29/2008

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Men News

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ABA

ABA will return next season to Nashville -by Bruno Baltazar
The American Basketball Association announced that the league would return to Nashville, Tennessee next season. According to Joe Newman, ABA CEO, 'Nashville was a terrific ABA city; the former team, the Nashville Rhythm, was very successful; it had wonderful fan support. We have no doubt that it will be that way again under the leadership of Scott Lumley, one of the most interesting personalities ever in the league. We are very excited about this.'

The name Scott Lumley is probably recognizable to anyone who follows the Rodeo circuit or horses as Scott was the former #1 All Pro Rider in the World and the #6 NRS Rider. In 2001, 2002, 2003 he was the NRS Top Rider prior to retiring from the rodeo. Scott is an expert on penning horses and has produced the well-known 'Secrets of the Pros' video.

Since retirement, he has developed several successful businesses including BidFlame, one of America's Leading on-line stores and auctions -- an incredible source for electronics, cars, apparel, collections, sporting goods, jewelry and other items online at www.bidflame.com.

'I've been a great fan of basketball and have wanted to own a professional basketball team. The ABA is perfect,' said Lumley. 'I have no doubt that we will put together a tremendous operation and a very competitive team. I am a very competitive person and have a lot of broken bones and scars from my rodeo days to prove it. This is another challenge that I am looking forward to accepting. Our first order of business is to find a GM and Coach - and we are starting the search right now.'

For more information email scott@bidflame.com, visit www.scottlumley.com, or call (615) 219-0001.


ABA AFFILIATE CREATES NEW HIGH SCHOOL PREP LEAGUE -by Bruno Baltazar
ABA Affiliate Fort Wayne's Best Leagues announced the addition of a high school prep league in the Fort Wayne area. 'We are adding a high level high school league that will be filled with area high school talent,' said Crane Hearn, who is the league director and assigning official for all BEST leagues. 'Our league will be scheduled before the AAU season so that we can capture the very best talent in the area.' The PREP league will play with a modified version of the unique ABA rules.

Best Leagues has also announced the draft dates for the 2008 Spring and Summer seasons. Fort Wayne's Best Prep League will kick off its inaugural season with a draft night on Monday, April 28th. Registrations up to this date will be $25. After April 28th, the cost will be $50. Registration closes on May 2nd. Fort Wayne's Best Men's League will have their annual draft on Sunday, June 8th. Registration is $50. After that day, the cost will be $65.

For more information, call the league office at (260) 447-3578 or visit www.bestleagues.org.


FROST HEAVES MOVE TO 28-4 WITH WIN IN MONTREAL -by Bruno Baltazar
For the second straight night, the Vermont Frost Heaves trailed at halftime, but rode another strong third quarter to a 95-82 victory over Montreal at the Pierre Charbonneau Center on Sunday evening.

Guard Dwuan Rice (5'11''-G, college: CSU Bakersfield) contributed 19 points and 6 assists for Vermont. The team remains number 1 in the ABA Power Rankings. Issa Konare and B.J. Robertson both added 13 points and Dokun Akingbade had 12 for the visitors.

After the Frost Heaves built a 13 point lead in the fourth quarter, the Royal sliced it to six before Rice went to work. He contributed a jumper and a steal and layup to build the Vermont lead back to double digits.

Cordell Jeanty's 23 points led Montreal.

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Crvena Zvezda inks Vujadin Subotic, new player in Cibona -by Dragan Jankovski

After fantastic win in Treviso and advancing to the ULEB Cup 1/8 finals Crvena Zvezda got new reinforcement for the rest of the season. According to the Belgrade's media the team returned their ex player Vujadin Subotic (198-G-81, agency: Beo Basket), who terminated the contract with German ALBA Berlin more than a week ago. The contract is valid until the end of the season. Before ALBA Berlin Subotic spent one year in New York Phantoms Braunschweig.


Cibona from Zagreb agreed terms with experienced Corey Williams (191-G-77, college: Alabama St.), who can be used on a PG and 2G.



Siroki: Perincic, Zimmerman released, Bethel back -by Sead Buljina
After several losses Siroki management has given its support to the head coach Velic. They have, however, decided to release center Ivan Perincic and guard Derick Zimmerman. At the same time, Siroki is bringing back its point guard from the last season, Anthony Bethel. Although he is a very good player, it`s not clear in what capacity Bethel can help Siroki taking into account the fact that he`s been injured for half a season.

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ARGENTINA

Penarol won the clasicc -by Facundo Iatzky
With a lot of people in the Stadium (around 6000) Penarol won to Quilmes in the clasicc game of the LIga A. Penarol won just 41-39 in the halftime but in the second time Quilmes (played with 1 foreigner) felt tired and could not play good in offense. Roman Gonzalez was very important in the paint and foreigners Quincy Wadley and Jason Osborne were very important with their three point shoots. Eduardo Villares of Quilmes was the best scorer of the match.

Quilmes (66): Hernando Salles 0, Eduardo Villares 20, Carl Edwards 17, Cristian Romero 9, Ezequiel Dentis 10 (St); Selem Safar 4, Sebastian Porta, Nicolas Aguirre 6 Maximiliano Maciel 0. coach: Oscar Sanchez.

Penarol (87): Lucas Picarelli 6, Juan Manuel Locatelli 7, Quincy Wadley 19, Jason Osborne 15, Roman Gonzalez 15 (St); Sebastian Rodriguez 6. Marcos Mata 6, Alejandro Diez 2, Jervaughn Scales 7, Jonathan Ledesma 2, Alejandro Konsztadt 2. coach: Sergio Hernandez

20/27 - 39/41 - 52/65
Referees: Daniel Rodrigo y Roberto Smith.
Court: Polideportivo Islas Malvinas

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AUSTRALIA

Brisbane gets dethroned -by Eurobasket News
Brisbane - Melbourne 112:115

The Brisbane Bullets were denied a chance to defend their NBL champions' title today. The Melbourne Tigers edged the Bullets in a dramatic battle at the Brisbane Convention Centre today to advance to the NBL Grand Final. The Brisbane threw everything they got to force a decisive third game in the series but Melbourne were not about to play the third game. Ebi Ere (195-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma), who was unusually quiet in the first game with 5 points, proved it was a mere incident as he fired a couple of impressive baskets early in the game. But the Tigers replied on strong performance from Chris Anstey (213-C-75) to claim a 28:27 lead after the opening frame. CJ Bruton (188-G-75, college: Indian Hills CC) and Brad Williamson (197-F/G-81) fired from downtown early in the second term to put the Bullets up. Michael Hill (197-G-78) picked up the scoring frenzy from beyond the arc as he and Brad Williamson bruised the Tigers for a couple of more long bombs to pile up a 59:54 advantage at the interval. Melbourne struggled to adjust their defense to keep the Brisbane's three-point shooting limited. Brad Williamson and CJ Bruton continued their carousel in the third period and stretched the hosts' lead to 12 points. But the game was far from being done. Melbourne once again addressed to their big men and they never let the Tigers down. Chris Anstey and Dave Thomas (204-G/F-76, college: Michigan St.) masterminded Melbourne's comeback in the fourth frame and the scoreline appeared tied at 101 with under a minute to go. CJ Bruton and Darryl McDonald (192-G-64, college: Texas A&M) missed their shots and the game was forced into overtime. It was to and fro game throughout the extra period but when the Tigers grabbed a 113:112 lead the home team failed to answer. CJ Bruton tried to send one of his teammates for a fastbreak but his dish was intercepted and Dave Thomas slammed it for the final 115:112 score that put the Tigers into the Grand Final.
Dave Thomas and Chris Anstey scored 26 points apiece and combined for 19 rebounds. Sean Lampley (201-F-79, college: California) contributed 23 points and 7 boards for the winners. Craig Bradshaw (207-F/C-83, college: Winthrop), Ebi Ere and CJ Bruton netted 19 points apiece for the Bullets. Adam Gibson added 17 points, 6 boards and 5 assists in defeat. The teams were equally matched on the boards with 49 rebounds apiece. At the same time the hosts committed 15 turnovers and sank just 70% from charity stripe.

Brisbane: Craig Bradshaw 19, CJ Bruton 19, Ebi Ere 19
Melbourne: Dave Thomas 26, Chris Anstey 26+13 boards, Sean Lampley 23

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BARBADOS

Cavs, Lakers start as pre-season favourites -by Justin Marville
The only constant in life is change.

Sunday's season opener, the Lomer Alleyne exhibition game between 2007 double-crowned champions Lakers and PIT winners Station Hill Cavaliers, bounces off a 2008 BABA season which will be marked by huge player movement across the board and the revamping of several Premier League rosters thus reminding fans that change is indeed constant.

Add this to the absence of several marquee players from a number of clubs for this year and these changes could bring about one of the most exciting seasons in recent Premier League memory.

However, do not expect a drastic changing of the guard for 2008 as the defending champs and their opponents on Sunday, the losing league finalists, enter this season where they left off the last one; as the top two teams in the league.

Station Hill, winners of both the league and knockout back in 2005, must start as favourites after keeping their roster in tact for the most part while being boosted by having the services of overseas-based professional forward Andrew Alleyne for the entire season.

Dominant centre Kelvin Patterson has left the camp for Intermediate title contenders Patriots but should not be sorely missed with the emergence of national forward Junior Moore on both ends of the floor and a line-up that includes other nationals Corey Williams and Kevin Sealy with a strong supporting cast led by sharp shooting Jason Smith with coach Adrian Craigwell at the helm.

Plus the Cavs can argue that they did capture the PIT title and reach the league finals when the burly 6'5' Patterson left these shores for more than half of last season.

The Lakers can make the case that they have been hardest hit by this year's absence of some key marquee players, missing the likes of national captain and 2007 defensive player of the year Pearson Griffith who is overseas coaching, along with former national centre and frontcourt mate Sydney ‘Bouncer' Rowe.

Both men's shoes will be almost impossible to fill as ‘Bouncer' was a nightly double-double fixture while Griffith's average of four blocks per game during the last regular season has not been seen since Dwight Rouse's heyday in the Premier League.

But the Lakers' bench is as deep as any ever seen, mirroring that of their NBA counterparts from Los Angeles, and starting national shooting guard Zahir Motara along with swingman Adrian Stewart should be more than able to keep the ship afloat until overseas-based point guard Andre Lockhart returns in April just in time to make their playoff push.

Led by the 2007 MVP Jefferson Trotman, last season's Cinderella team the St. John's Sonics appeared to have made no significant off-season moves, instead sticking to a formula of cohesion and transition play in hopes of making a deeper post-season run this time around with the rumoured demise of the other losing semi-finalists in '07.

This brings us to the Clapham Bulls.

It was just back in 2006 that the proud community-based club won the coveted Premier League trophy, but with star combo guard and last season's top scorer Jeremy Gill expected to be out of the island for this season then that championship year will feel more like 1996 for Barry Rock's boys.

The departures of Andre Jean-Pierre and Gary Miller to Station Hill and Pinelands respectively won't help an already thin frontcourt while Gill and Miller's absence leaves the team without many viable scoring options on a club that was already offensively suspect.

Deacons and Warriors will now feel that Clapham's playoff spot might be up for grabs but both sides enter this season with question marks of their own.

Will the Warriors be able to cope once franchise small forward Corey McDonald departs for Canada in April?

Can Deacons' Henry Richards, Bryan Worrell, Tyrone Alexander and Kirk Holder step up to fill the void left by forwards Rudolph Agard and Nicholas Chandler?

Having kept their cores intact, this season presents a good opportunity for both the Tridents and newly promoted Jackson to have strong performances as they won't be under as much pressure to perform as their other league counterparts whose fans will have greater expectations.

Yes, the only constant in life is change and this 2008 will see more than its fair share of changes, but with respect to the Lakers and Cavs let us not forget the old adage, ‘the more things change, the more they stay the same.'

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BELGIUM

Belgian Teams in European Cups -by Peter Buyse

Mixed results for the 2 Belgian teams still in the European Competitions.
Oostende who played in the stronger Uleb Cup could not pull off the needed 5 pt win in Kyiv.
They went down fighing in the second game in Kyiv though, after a strong first quarter they stayed to within 1 pt at the end of the 3rd Q, but that proved to be the end of the road for Oostende in the Uleb cup and they lost on the road 68-60, marking the end of a strong Uleb season.


Different story for Dexia Mons-Hainaut in the Fiba EuroCup. In game one they blew out Samara 92-66, but of course in a best of 3 series a huge win does not guarantee anything. So they had to go into Russia and get the win to avoid having to come back to Belgium for game 3.

Game 2 told a totally different story and it took the heroics of Nate Reinking (183-G-73, college: Kent St.) to pull off the win.

Trailing 85-84 Mons turned the ball over with 7 seconds left on the clock.

When play resumed after a Samara time-out they went for the foul right away, fouling Demeshkin who only made 1 of 2 Ft's giving Samara a 86-84 lead with seconds to play. Coach Finch then called his last time out which resulted in the game winning 3pt shot for Reinking.


Next up for Mons is the Eurocup final four which takes place on the 18th and 20th of April.

They meet AEL Limassol in the first semi-final.



Transfer and Various News -by Peter Buyse

Spotter Leuven has signed Anthony Dill and Tyrone Sally for the rest of the season.

The league did not accept the protest of Telindus Oostende after their loss to Charleroi and the result stands.
Oostende has decided not to appeal this decision.

John Turek (206-F/C-83, college: Nebraska) is scheduled to play this weekend vs Aalst. The league's leading rebounder missed the past 3 games with back problems.

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BELIZE

O-35 Games in BECOl Tournament!!! -by David Magana
Last Friday night at the Falcon Field in San Ignacio, the BECOl Tournament continued with three matches. In the first game St Ignacius High School defeated Cayo Ballers 43 - 29 in a U-20 game. For SIHS - Garrett Bermudez scored 12 points and Elliot Bermudez - 11 points. For the losing team, Derrick Garbutt - 11 points and 5 rebounds and Shelton Defour - 13 rebounds.
In the O-35 games, Belmopan Bandits defeated Benque Rockers, 67 - 47. For Belmopan Bandits - Fred Banks scored 19 points, Clifford King - 12 points & 8 assists, Robert Allen - 12 points & 9 rebounds and Marlon Tillett with double double, 11 points & 10 rebounds.
In the third game, ICB Veterans defeated Esperanza 70 - 64. For ICB Veterans, Oscar 'Jordan' Quewell -scored a game high of 37 points followed by Elvis 'Tigre' Usher with 14 points. In a losing effort, Evan Reynolds - 25 points & 8 rebounds while Ronald Reynolds - 11 points and 6 rebounds.

Belize Bank Junior Bulldogs With 10-1 record in U-26 Tournament!!! -by David Magana
Last night at the Civic Center in Belize City the regular season continued featuring twp exciting games. In the firt match, Belize Bank Junior Bulldogs torn to pieces Complex Bombers by a score of 106 - 46 and moving to a 10 - 1 record.
Top Scorers
Bze Bank - Greg Rudon (180-G) 32 pts / 5 rebounds / 2 assist / 4 steals
Densmore 'Denz' Edwards 18 pts / 11 rebounds / 7 assist / 1 block / 6 steals
Complex - Ronald Rivers (183-G-84) 14 pts / 10 rebounds / 3 assist / 1 steal
Troy 'Toby' Williams 10 pts / 3 rebounds / 2 assist / 3 steals
In the second game, This was a see/saw battle throughout with a different team leading at the end of every quarter. Lake I boyz pulled it out in the end and made sure they were leading at the end of the most important quarter - the 4th. In the end, Lake I Boyz defeated the Future by a score of 62 - 56.
Lake I - Ashton 'Koolie' Edwards 29 pts (4-3's) / 5 rebounds / 1 assist / 10 steals (different form of dbl/dbl)
Tyrone Edwards (186-G, college: Hillsdale) 12 pts / 8 rebounds / 3 assist / 1 steal
Future - Leroy Louriano 21 pts / 2 rebounds / 1 block / 3 steals
Winston 'Air Jun' Pratt 18 pts / 10 rebounds / 1 block / 1 steal (traditional dbl/dbl)

Present Standings:
1. Belize Bank Junior Bulldogs 10 W 1 L 21 pts - Clinched playoff spot
2. Lake I Boyz 9 W 3 L 21 pts
3. The Future 8 W 4 L 20 pts
4. Mesop. Guardian Bombers 8 W 4 L 20 pts
5. UB Black Jaguars 8 W 3 L 19 pts

Due to the concert this weekend all games have been moved to next week, making it an exciting week to the end of the regular season with four (4) teams battling for three (3) positions remaining. Making the majority of next weeks games playoff caliber.

NEXT WEEK SCHEDULE:

Monday 03 March 6:30 pm at Civic Center
Game 1 - UB Black Jaguars (8-3) vs Complex Bombers (2-10) - Complex can play the part of spoilers
Game 2 - Belmopan Tuff e Nuff (3-9) vs Belize Bank Bulldogs (10-1) - Belmopan can make the playoff match ups more interesting
Game 3 - Mesop. Guardian Bombers (8-3) vs Lake I Boyz (9-3) - battle for a playoff position

Tuesday 04 March 7:30 pm at UB Stadium (Belmopan)
Game 1 - UB Black Jaguars (8-3) vs Belize Bank Junior Bulldogs (10-1) - possible playoff match up

Thursday 06 March 7:30 pm at UB Stadium (Belmopan)
Game 1 - UB Black Jaguars (8-3) vs The Future (8-4) - battle for a playoff position

Friday 07 March 6:30 pm at Civic Center
Game 1 - Belmopan Tuff e Nuff (3-9) vs Complex Bombers (2-10)
Game 2 - Mesop. Guardian Bombers (8-4) vs The Future (8-4) - battle for a playoff position
Game 3 - Belize Bank Junior Bulldogs (10-1) vs Lake I Boyz (9-3) - possible playoff match up

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BOSNIA

Siroki: Perincic, Zimmerman released, Bethel back -by Sead Buljina
After several losses Siroki management has given its support to the head coach Velic. They have, however, decided to release center Ivan Perincic and guard Derick Zimmerman. At the same time, Siroki is bringing back its point guard from the last season, Anthony Bethel. Although he is a very good player, it`s not clear in what capacity Bethel can help Siroki taking into account the fact that he`s been injured for half a season.

Bosna accomplishes its goal in ULEB Cup -by Sead Buljina
By qualifying to the ULEB Cup 1/16 finals, Bosna ASA BHT has accomplished the Club`s goal set prior to the season. Bosna has advanced from a group phase of the ULEB Cup and it`s a nice accomplishment at this point for team from Sarajevo. Bosna had even a chance to advance to the 1/8 finals. After a win in the first game in Sarajevo vs. Gran Canaria 89:82, Bosna went to Spain to play its best and maybe surprise hosts. Gran Canaria has not played particularly well at home arena. Hosts scored 38 points in the first half, which is not impressive. However, Bosna scored only 22 points. Someone might think that Gran Canaria played excellent defense. That was not the case at all. Bosna players kept missing uncontested layups, allowing hosts to gain control of the game in the first half. Although guests played terible offensively, major influence on the flow of the game had several referees` calls, especially on Bosna`s point guards, Bailey and Pasalic. Both PGs got into early foul trouble thanks to questionable calls by referees. Gran Canaria deserved to win, it had a large lead in the third quarter. However, impression is that Bosna beat itself with a significant help of referees. Let`s forget both host players for the moment. Bosna never missed so many open shots including a large number of layups, starting point guard got two fouls in the first three minutes, his back up, unrecovered Pasalic received three questionable fouls by the halftime. A key player Bavcic has played his probably worst game in the last two seasons. Bavcic`s backup Queemont Greer has played poorly during the whole season and only Bosna management knows why they keep paying him for his poor performance both in domestic championship and ULEB Cup. Only Lance Williams and to some extend Dzenan Rahimic played well in Spain. Bailey also had a decent game, but played limited minutes due to the above mentioned foul trouble. Others could not hit the ocean with the rock. Bosna jacked up 17 three pointers making only 2. Lance WIlliams scored 19 points, but he would score twice as many if perimeter players were more patient and delivered him the ball more often. All in all, in spite of a big lead Gran Canaria had to be worried 6 minutes in the last quarter when Bosna started playing more aggressive defense and cut their lead to -17, meaning that Bosna was only 10 points away from advancing to the 1/8 finals. Unfortunately, Bosna just played poorly offensively and finished this season`s participation in the ULEB Cup with a combined loss in two games of -13 points (89:82 and 69:89). Gran Canaria is a better team with a longer bench and deserved to move on. Bosna had a good showing in this year ULEB Cup winning against ALBA Berlin, Gran Canaria, Lithuanian Siauliu and playing a record-breaking five-overtime-game vs. ALBA in Berlin.

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BRAZIL

Universo BRB won over Cetaf Garoto.- -by Ed Goodman
Tonight the Nacional Masculino offered only one game between Universo BRB and Cetaf Garoto winning Universo 102-79 reaaly Universo dominated clearly the 1st and 4th quarters and Cetaf made the best effort winning the 3rd. Cipriano was the best scorer of the winners with 25 Points and Jefferson with 21 Points by Cetaf. Tomorrow the season continues with one game between Ulbra Rio Claro and Saldanha da Gama.

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BRIT.V.ISLANDS

Penn seven blocks away from school single season record -by David Edole
The Cowboy defense was suffocating tonight, to the tune of a 74-53 victroy over UT-San Antonio here tonight in a mid-week conference match-up on the road.

The Cowboys improved to 12-13 overall, 6-7 in Southland Conference action. The Roadrunners fell to 12-14 on the season, also going to 6-7 in SLC play.

In their only match-up of the season, McNeese took a late season game that could make a huge difference in positioning going into the conference tournament next month.

'Kleon was huge tonight,' said Cowboys head coach Dave Simmons, 'the entire team played with such great energy tonight.'

Early on, the Cowboys kept both teams in the game, shooting 59% in the first half behind Diego Kapelan's 10 first half points to go along with John Ford and Kleon Penn (211-C-86), who each had eight points on perfect 3-of-3 shooting from the field, but as a team, the Cowboys also committed 12 turnovers to keep the Roadrunners in the game with the score 44-43 McNeese at the half.

After halftime was a different story, with the Cowboys committing only six more turnovers in the second half and completely dominating the Roadrunners in what turned into a blowout at the end.

'I've never seen in my life a team go for 3-for-32 in a half' said Simmons, 'we are really clicking with a big game coming up against Lamar on Saturday'

John Ford played tenacious defense on Roadrunner standout freshman Devin Gibson, forcing Gibson to shoot 1-for-15 from the field and holding him to only 10 points on the night, eight from free throws, after he was averaging 26.5 points per game over the last week.

Jarvis Bradley led the Cowboys on the night, recording 15 points and 14 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season.

Ford scored 14 points, Kleon Penn scored 12 and Diego Kapelan had 10 points as they were the other Cowboys in double digits scoring on the night.

Penn also recorded six more blocks on the night, putting him seven blocks away from the single-season school record.

The Cowboys are back in action on Saturday evening against Lamar at the Burton Coliseum.

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CAPE VERDE

Rudolph Named MAAC Men's Basketball Rookie Of The Week For Fourth Straight Week -by Pedro Gomes
Honor is sixth this season for the freshman point guard from New Bedford, Mass.
Feb. 25, 2008

Edison, N.J. - Loyola men's basketball freshman guard Brian Rudolph (180-G-88) has been named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Co-Rookie of the Week - the fourth consecutive week and sixth time he has been acknowledged by the league this season - it was announced today by the conference office. All six of Rudolph's acknowledgements have come during conference play.

This is the third time in the six weeks that Rudolph has shared the award, sharing it for a second time with Canisius' Greg Logins. The pair also shared the award on February 4. Siena's Alex Franklin was named the Player of the Week.

In helping the Greyhounds to a 2-0 week, Rudolph averaged 7.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 9.0 assists. Loyola improved to 17-12 on the season and is among four teams tied for first place in the MAAC standings as the league enters the final weekend of conference play.

On the day he was honored by the league for the third straight week and fifth time this season, he led a comeback from a 15-point deficit for a 73-68 home win over Rider. His career-high 10th assist put Loyola ahead for good with 71 seconds remaining and then scored a layup with the shot clock expiring with 16.5 ticks left to seal the win. He finished the game with eight points and four rebounds while playing 38 minutes. Against UC Davis, Rudolph handed out eight assists and matched his career best with eight rebounds as the Greyhounds won their 10th home game of the season.

The Greyhounds have won 11 of 14 since Rudolph was reinserted into the starting lineup. Of Loyola's 17 wins, 15 have come when Rudolph was the starter at point guard. He is averaging 6.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists while playing 26.8 minutes per game.

Loyola returns to action Thursday night when it hosts Canisius at 7 o'clock. The regular season concludes on Sunday when the Greyhounds visit Marist for a 4:00 p.m. game.

http://loyolagreyhounds.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/022508aaa.html

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CBA

Daryan Selvy and Terrance Hunter are named Players of the Week -by Eurobasket News
The CBA season is under way with more exciting games going on around the league. Meanwhile the players continue to register impressive stats and some of them get rewarded for that. Daryan Selvy (6'6''-F/G-79, college: Oklahoma) of the Oklahoma Cavalry was awarded the Player of the Week for the National Conference recently. It was the second straight weekly and the third season award for the Cavalry forward. Oklahoma are currently on the impressive winning streak that counts for 13 games already. Daryan Selvy was mostly outstanding for Oklahoma during the last week in which the Cavalry posted three wins in a row. First Selvy accounted for 27 points in a 112:106 road win over Great Falls. He then notched massive 37 points and picked up 10 boards against the Atlanta Krunk as the Cavalry dismantle them 135:100. Finally Oklahoma overcame the league leading Yakama 100:91 with Daryan Selvy tallying 23 points and 12 boards to pace the Cavalry.
In the meantime the American Conference chose Terrance Hunter (6'8''-F-83, college: Delaware St.) for the weekly award. The Atlanta Krunk forward are among the topscorers in the CBA. The Krunk do not show solid results in the season but Hunter is still impressive. He poured in 37 points and pulled down 11 boards in a 115:150 loss to Oklahoma. Later he exploded with game-high 44 points but still did not prevent the Krunk from falling to Oklahoma 100:135. Terrance Hunter averages 22.4 points per game.
There were some transactions going on around the Association lately. The leaders Yakama Sun Kings opted to sign Castleberry Steve (7'0''-C-81, college: Rider). They also waived Jamaal Williams (6'5''-F-83, agency: Life Sports, college: Washington) on the same day.
The Albany Partoons decided to sign Terry Sellers (7'2''-C-78, college: Iona) and John Lawrence. The Oklahoma Cavalry inked Nate Green (6'6''-F-75, college: Dayton). They also axed Judson Stubbs (6'7''-F/C-82, college: TCU).

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COSTA RICA

Liceo plays tomorrow in Mexico -by Gianni Pascucci
Liceo de Costa Rica, newly sponsored by Copenau company, traveled to Quintana Roo, Mexico, where will meet tomorrow night Pioneros, for the opening game of the Liga Centroamericana de Baloncesto. The tournment should have started tonight, but one of the two teams from Honduras, Nacional de Ingenieros, decided to withdraw at the last time, and Liceo has now the honour to play the game opener. Randall Porras, President of the CostaRican team, announced the signing of USA players Michael Jackson (201-C-79, college: Mo.-Kansas City), Ben Davis (205-F-72, college: Arizona) (205-F-72, college: Arizona) and Brian Evans (185-G-82, agency: Heinrich Sports, college: Texas A&M - C.C.), that will join in roster Lemarck Clark (-88), Walter Chacon (175-G-83), Warner Bolanos (194-F/C-79), Jeffrey McDougall, Harold Mitchell (200-C-83), Alonso Sanchez (174-G-85), Andres Umana (204-C-83), Rogelio Stuord (185-G/F-81), Javier Bustamante (183-G/F-80), Ricardo Duran (201-F-80, college: Ferrum) and Rayner Archer (-G). The team is coached by Rodolfo Fonseca

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CROATIA

Market news! -by Dani Erceg
Cibona signed Corey Williams (191-G-77, college: Alabama St.) who just finished season in Australia playing for Townsville Crocodiles. Williams played 25 games in Australian championship and averaged 21.4ppg, 4.9rpg, 4.6apg, 1.8spg.

Cedevita is testing God Shammgod (184-G-76, college: Providence) after Jason Straight (180-G-83, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wyoming) did not pass the tryout period. Shammgod played this season in China for Zhejiang Wanma Cyclones.

Domagoj Kesina (202-F-79) signed for Osijek 2006.

Kvarner Novi Resort Rijeka named Boris Pilepic as new head coach.

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D-LEAGUE

Wizards Jump on Skyforce Early, Take lead in Central Division -by Surujh Roopnarine
The Dakota Wizards improved to 20-16 with a 116-106 victory over the visiting Sioux Falls Skyforce (20-17) last night in Bismarck. Dakota used a fast start by Rod Benson (6'10''-F/C-84, college: California) to take control of the game early, finishing the first quarter up 30-19. All-Star Carlos Powell (6'7''-F-83, college: S.Carolina) scored a game high 31 for Dakota while Dontell Jefferson (6'5''-G-83, college: Arkansas) recorded his first career triple-double. Fellow All-Star Kasib Powell (6'7''-F-81, college: Texas Tech) led the Skyforce with a team high 28 points.
SKYFORCE: Kasib Powell (28p+5rb), David Bailey (23p+5as), Chris Alexander (12p+13rb), Carl Elliott (22p+5st)
WIZARDS: Carlos Powell (31p+6rb+7as+5to), Dontell Jefferson (13p+10rb+11as+6st+7to), Blake Ahearn (29p), Rod Benson (19p+13rb)

Last Roster Moves -by Surujh Roopnarine
Anaheim: Signed veteran guard Derrick Dial (6'4''-G-75, college: E.Michigan). Dial, who was last in the NBA with the Orlando Magic during the 2003-04 season is a seasoned veteran having previously played in Greece, Spain and Italy.
Ft. Wayne: Signed James Peters (6'8''-F-81, college: UNLV). Waived by Bakersfield on February 22nd, Peters had averaged 15.2 points and 5.7 rebounds in 33 games for the Jam.
Los Angeles: Re-signed Wendell White (6'6''-G-84, college: UNLV) and waived Abdoulaye N'Diaye due to injury. White was originally waived on the 13th due to injury. The former UNLV product is averaging 12.1 points and 6.1 rebounds this season (28 games)

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EGYPT

Gasco 67 Vs 65 Shorta -by Eslam Mohamed
Gasco Club team achieved second win respectively after winning the Eastern Co.
As well as win over Shorta Club in the match postponed from the fourteenth week at shorta hall
The game ends with 67-65
The match was full of jittery
first quarter of the game GASCO wins 20 -15
The second quarter shorta wins 23-18 to end the first half 38-38
The third quarter gasco wins 14-11
And the fourth quarter Shorta wins 16-15


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EUROLEAGUE

Olympiakos - Zalgiris 86-84 -by Kostas Papadopoulos
It was known from the very first beginning that the last night's game of Olympiakos against the Lithuanian team would be a non-tomorrow game for the Reds, in their attempt for qualifying at the Top-8 of Euroleague. And that fact has been proved inside the Peace and Frienship's court, since Olympiako's players never lost their faith for win, despite the difficulties they faced throughout the whole game.
Zalgiris entered the game with 3 out of 4 successful 3-point attempts to lead with 5 points (6-11) but the Reds answered quickly with a 10-0 serie to overcome at 16-11. However, with the help of Marko Popovic (185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC), Zalgiris finished the first period ahead (20-22). This lead has been extended to 6 points (20-26) and then to 7 (23-30), due to Zalgiris' fast-breaks [by Marko Popovic and Marcus Brown (192-G-74, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Murray St.) mainly], but then the Reds strengthened their defense and with a great help from Marc Jackson (206-C/F-75, college: Temple), Giorgos Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) and Iakovos Tsakalidis (218-C-79) managed to draw the score (30-30) and then lead at the first half (39-38) despite De Juan Collin's (188-G-76, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Tuskegee) scoring.
The second half begun at the same rhythm as the first one: Zalgiris made a 14-2 serie in 4-minute time, to lead with 11 (41-52), but Marc Jackson took his gun again and, with the help of the defense, the Reds managed to reduce this difference at 2 (52-54) and even lead (57-56) after Qyntel Wood's (204-F/G-81, college: N.Mississippi JC) good appearance. Zalgiris, though, returned to its successful 3-point attempt game [3/3 from Marko Popovic and Jonas Maciulis (200-G/F-85, agency: Interperformances)] to relead with 8 (59-67) but Olympiakos returned at the game for one more time, with the great help from Panagotis Vasilopoulos (202-F-84, agency: FCM) (2 successful 3-point attempts and strong defense with an impressive block). Jonas Maciulis scored another 3-point shot but Lynn Greer (186-G-79, college: Temple) answered quickly with a same shot and since no team scored at the last seconds, the solution would have been found at the extra time (72-72).
Olympiakos took the lead early (75-72) and since Panagotis Vasilopoulos, Marc Jackson and Lynn Greer were hot, the Reds leaded by 5 (84-79), 55 seconds before the end of the game. But the game hadn't finished yet. Marko Popovic added 3 points to his numbers and after a Lynn Greer's offensive foul and a Vassilopoulos' turnover, De Juan Collins had a chance to give Zalgiris the lead again. He missed a free throw, though, at each one of his two times at the line and with the score at the draw (84-84), Qyntel Woods earned a foul and scored two free throws 5 seconds before the end. Marko Popovic's last attempt behind the 3-point line wasn't successful at the buzzer, and the Reds are still alive, waiting for Maccabi's tonight's game against Real Madrid to see how their future expectations for Top 16 will be shaped.
Periods: 20-22, 39-38, 55-56, 72-72, 86-84 (extra time)
Olimpiakos: Roderick Blakney (181-G-76, college: S.Carolina St.) 5 (1), Qyntel Woods 18, Seibutis, Iakovos Tsakalidis 4, Lynn Greer 22 (3), Loukas Mavrokefalidis (207-C-84) 1, Panagotis Vasilopoulos 9 (2), Vasiliadis, Giorgos Printezis 4, Milos Teodosic (196-G-87) 2, Marc Jackson 21
Zalgiris: Jurak, Marcus Brown 16 (3), Jonas Maciulis 12 (4), Dainius Salenga (197-F-77) 2, Zukauskas, Paulius Jankunas (204-F-84, agency: Interperformances) 2, Damir Markota (209-C/F-85) 5 (1), Marko Popovic 14 (3), N'Diaye 14, De Juan Collins 19 (1)

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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: Honka signed two American players -by Rauno Hurmalainen
Honka (Espoo) has released American G Keddric Mays (183-G) and signed two other American players for the rest of this season. The newcomers on Honka roster
are F Ben Perkins (200-F-79, college: Mc Neese St.) and G Akeem Scott (186-G-83, college: High Point). Both players played last season in Finland (Korihait) Perkins averaging 16,7 ppg - 5,9 rpg and Scott 17,3 ppg - 4,1 rpg. This season Perkins has played in Luxembourg and Scott in Finland (I-division). Matt Williams (200-F-77, college: Montana) will continue as Team's third American player.

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GERMANY

USC Heidelberg hires Big Man from Boston -by Moritz Korff
To make sure to stay in the league and in order to get some support for Peter Huber-Saffer (208-C-80, agency: Court Side) in the paint, USC Heidelberg (2. Bundesliga Pro A) has added a fifth import player for the remainder of the season just before the end of the signing period. 23-year-old Center Ben Sullivan (208-C-84, college: Portland) will join USC. The native of Boston, Mass. spent his college-days at Cal.State Northridge and the University of Portland (both NCAA1). He averaged 7.9 points, 4.8 boards and 1.6 assists for the Pilots in 31 encounters as a senior (2006-2007).

Brandon Crawford: "Rebounding will be the key" -by Moritz Korff
Basketball-fans in Bavaria are excited. Only two days are left until TG Renesas Landshut, currently in second place in the Regionalliga South-East, will take on number one FC Bayern Muenchen at home. Both teams are going to battle for a win, that would probably mean the decisive step on the way to championship honors. Eurobasket Germany talked to Brandon Crawford (198-F/C-84, college: Albion) of hosting Landshut about his expectations to the game. An athletic Post Player from Detroit, Michigan is one of three Americans on the roster of Headcoach Georg Eichler and a force in the middle for the TG-squad. The member of the 2006-2007 Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga North First Team and the 2005-2006 NCAA D3 All-America First Team who suited up for the P4two Ballers Osnabrueck last season, has not only been impressive through the past three games, in which he averaged 17.3 points.

What kind of game do you expect on Saturday?
I expect the game on Saturday to be a very physical and exicting game against the top two teams in the league with Landshut coming out on top. Bayern won the first game mostly due to rebounding. They got key rebounds in critical moments of the game which caused us to lose the game. Rebounding will be the key to who wins this game and ultimately the league.

Will the winner of Saturday's game take home the championship in the Regionalliga South-East?
I don't like to make predictions but I am sure that whoever wins this game will definitely take home the championship in the South-East Regionalliga division and move up to the next division.

Your teammate Justin Allen (183-G-83, college: S.Utah) is injured. What does that mean for your chances to win the game?
With Justin being injured that is definitely a big blow to our team both on offense and defense. He is an extremely athletic player who can get to the hole and finish so we will be missing his scoring ability along with his defense. However, I think we are the better team and that we have to play with what we have, and our team has a good bench so I think we will be able to come out with a win on Saturday.

After almost two years playing for top- teams in the Regionalliga: Do you feel ready to move up to a higher league for next season?
I definitely know that I am ready to move up to a higher division for the next season. I feel that I have proved myself both last year as well as this year that I am capable of playing at a higher division.

Before moving to Landshut you played for Osnabrueck last season. North or South-East: Which Regionalliga-division is more competitive?
I think that both divisions have good players and that both are equally as good but in different areas. I think that the big men are a little bigger and more physical in this league but the guards were a little better last year in the North.

Roy Booker to Koeln -by Moritz Korff
Roy Booker (191-G-83, college: SE Missouri St.) has left the Dutch side Aris Friesland Leeurwarden to join the Koeln 99ers (1. Bundesliga). That is what his agency announced on its website today. The 25-year-old Combo-Guard played for Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir (4 games: 8.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.3spg) in the Turkish league last season and moved to the ABA in October 06. After a stint in the Dominican Republic Booker agreed terms with the Eredivisie-team from Leeurwarden. He had 21 apperances for Aris Friesland in this campaign and averaged 23.7 points per outing.

Phil Sellers working on comeback after heart surgery -by Moritz Korff
Only a couple of month ago nobody knew if Phil Sellers (196-F-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: St.Rose (NY)) would ever be able to play basketball again. The 29-year-old had been hit by a stroke while spending some time in the USA during the summer. The doctors diagnozed a hole in his heart which had to be closed in order to continue his basketball-career. Werner Semmler, member of the USC management-squad, started a relief action to help to finance the necessary operation. Sellers underwent heart-surgery in Bad Krozingen, Germany in December 07 and began his rehab afterwards. The latest medical check-ups confirmed that the hole in his heart is perfectly closed. According to the doctors' opinion Sellers will soon be ready to play basketball on a professional level again. USC Freiburg has now applied for a player license which would allow Sellers to return to the hardwood already in this current season.

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GREECE

Olympiakos - Zalgiris 86-84 -by Kostas Papadopoulos
It was known from the very first beginning that the last night's game of Olympiakos against the Lithuanian team would be a non-tomorrow game for the Reds, in their attempt for qualifying at the Top-8 of Euroleague. And that fact has been proved inside the Peace and Frienship's court, since Olympiako's players never lost their faith for win, despite the difficulties they faced throughout the whole game.
Zalgiris entered the game with 3 out of 4 successful 3-point attempts to lead with 5 points (6-11) but the Reds answered quickly with a 10-0 serie to overcome at 16-11. However, with the help of Marko Popovic (185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC), Zalgiris finished the first period ahead (20-22). This lead has been extended to 6 points (20-26) and then to 7 (23-30), due to Zalgiris' fast-breaks [by Marko Popovic and Marcus Brown (192-G-74, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Murray St.) mainly], but then the Reds strengthened their defense and with a great help from Marc Jackson (206-C/F-75, college: Temple), Giorgos Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) and Iakovos Tsakalidis (218-C-79) managed to draw the score (30-30) and then lead at the first half (39-38) despite De Juan Collin's (188-G-76, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Tuskegee) scoring.
The second half begun at the same rhythm as the first one: Zalgiris made a 14-2 serie in 4-minute time, to lead with 11 (41-52), but Marc Jackson took his gun again and, with the help of the defense, the Reds managed to reduce this difference at 2 (52-54) and even lead (57-56) after Qyntel Wood's (204-F/G-81, college: N.Mississippi JC) good appearance. Zalgiris, though, returned to its successful 3-point attempt game [3/3 from Marko Popovic and Jonas Maciulis (200-G/F-85, agency: Interperformances)] to relead with 8 (59-67) but Olympiakos returned at the game for one more time, with the great help from Panagotis Vasilopoulos (202-F-84, agency: FCM) (2 successful 3-point attempts and strong defense with an impressive block). Jonas Maciulis scored another 3-point shot but Lynn Greer (186-G-79, college: Temple) answered quickly with a same shot and since no team scored at the last seconds, the solution would have been found at the extra time (72-72).
Olympiakos took the lead early (75-72) and since Panagotis Vasilopoulos, Marc Jackson and Lynn Greer were hot, the Reds leaded by 5 (84-79), 55 seconds before the end of the game. But the game hadn't finished yet. Marko Popovic added 3 points to his numbers and after a Lynn Greer's offensive foul and a Vassilopoulos' turnover, De Juan Collins had a chance to give Zalgiris the lead again. He missed a free throw, though, at each one of his two times at the line and with the score at the draw (84-84), Qyntel Woods earned a foul and scored two free throws 5 seconds before the end. Marko Popovic's last attempt behind the 3-point line wasn't successful at the buzzer, and the Reds are still alive, waiting for Maccabi's tonight's game against Real Madrid to see how their future expectations for Top 16 will be shaped.
Periods: 20-22, 39-38, 55-56, 72-72, 86-84 (extra time)
Olimpiakos: Roderick Blakney (181-G-76, college: S.Carolina St.) 5 (1), Qyntel Woods 18, Seibutis, Iakovos Tsakalidis 4, Lynn Greer 22 (3), Loukas Mavrokefalidis (207-C-84) 1, Panagotis Vasilopoulos 9 (2), Vasiliadis, Giorgos Printezis 4, Milos Teodosic (196-G-87) 2, Marc Jackson 21
Zalgiris: Jurak, Marcus Brown 16 (3), Jonas Maciulis 12 (4), Dainius Salenga (197-F-77) 2, Zukauskas, Paulius Jankunas (204-F-84, agency: Interperformances) 2, Damir Markota (209-C/F-85) 5 (1), Marko Popovic 14 (3), N'Diaye 14, De Juan Collins 19 (1)

AEK : Car accident for Harisi, Stathopoulo -by George Manousidis
They had a serious road accident , immediately afterwards the training on Tuesday (26/2), Kostas Harisis (211-F/C-79, college: USC) and Giorgos Stathopoulos. The accident happened in the perimetric space of OAKA, when the car on which got the two men came out of road, because slipperiness of paving, and he crashed into baluster, so that they are wounded - fortunately light - getting.
The center of AEK was submitted in examinations and he had a broken bone of clavicle in the left winger hand and a broken right elbow something that means that he will return in trainings in roughly 45-60 days.

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HUNGARY

Hungarian Cup, 1/4 Final: NYKK won -by Tamas Deri
NYKK could win against Kormend by 16 points in the first game of the 1/4finals. They won the third quarter by 19 and this fact decided the game.

In the beginning the guest took care of their defense: the full-court press was working. They scored even some three pointers, so were up by 11 points after five minutes. In the second quarter the three-points specialists of the home team showed the fans, that they did not forget to shoot: the first three was made by Sitku, and Buchanan had 4 others in 10 minutes.

Even Savic, Mouton and Helbich had a good game, so in the third quarter the home team lead by 20 points already.
Int he 33rd minute there was the biggest difference between the teams: NYKK was up by 25 points, but than Kormend took out the weapon. With full-court press could make some stels and easy layups.

At the end Mouton and Henderson got in conflict, both players got closed out!


MARSO-VAGEP NYÍREGYHAZI KK - POLAROID LAMI-VED KÖRMEND 110-94
(25-29, 29-23, 35-16, 21-26)
Nyiregyhaza, Att.: 800, Referees: Vigh, Kiraly, Gal
NYÍREGYHAZA: Savic 10/6, Gary Buchanan (191-G-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Villanova) 31/21, Ross Mouton (201-G/F-85, college: Louisiana-Lafayette) 17/6, Erno Sitku (208-C-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 20/9, Srdjan Helbich (205-F/C-76) 32, Trepak, Siska, Coach: Deri Csaba
KÖRMEND: Jermaine Thomas (187-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: La Salle) 17/3, Ferencz 13/9, Gergely Fodor (193-G-77, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents) 21/9, Vavra 12/3, Stanley Ocitti (203-F/C-80, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Binghamton) 13/3, Fodor M. 7/3, Henderson 7, McCants 4, Coach: Krivacevic Dragoljub

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IBL

I.B.L. Must See Game: The Holland Blast vs The Hidden Gems All Stars!!! -by Lucius Jones

The Holland Blast will begin their season at Orchardview Middle School in Muskegon Michigan on Sat, March 15th at 7pm versus the Hidden Gems All Stars. The Holland Blast roster for 2008 will feature the 1-2 punch of Dennis Springs (5'8''-G-82, college: Ferris St.) and Antonio Davis (6'6''-F-82, college: Urbana) among many talented others.

Hidden Gems is a semi-pro team that plays competitive,high pressure basketball against different professional teams and colleges. The Hidden Gems All Stars will be composed of players who are in the market for professional basketball employment. Most have achieved high levels of success in their collegiate careers and also have professional experience at varied levels of play. Other IBL teams and representatives of different organizations are encouraged to be in attendance in order to evaluate the prospective talent.

To access information for attending this spectacular game, go to www.hollandblast.com and go to the schedule which has all the traveling information. Or visit either www.iblhoopsonline.com and go to Holland Blast for specific information on the team or www.leaguelineup.com/hiddengems for more information on the Hidden Gems organization as a whole. Roster Information for The Hidden Gems All Stars:

Tyler Ousley (6'9''-F/C) - All American at Otterbien with bigtime pro potential. Can play any frontcourt position at his height.

Frank Phillips (6'4''-F/G-84, college: Findlay (OH)) - All American on Nationally ranked Findlay. 4yr starter who is apt at 2/3/4. Defensive stopper.
Tony Cornett (6'5''-F/G-84, college: W.Virginia St.) - 2-time All American. Equally effective at 2/3/4. Athletic,competitor fresh from Iceland.
Dwayne McNeal (6'7''-F/C-79) - Versatile Post player from Hampton who can play 4 or 5. Vast,varied pro experience.
Charles Warren (6'1''-PG/SG, college: Findlay (OH)) - IBL All Star and star in college. Strong at either backcourt position. Top tier shooter and leader.
Marcus McCants (6'1''-PG/SG) - South Carolina St collegiate athlete with deadly outside touch. Plays 1 or 2 very well. Brother of Ed McCants.
Chris Blakely (6'5''-G/F, college: Mt.Union) - Coach on the floor. Premier defender and high quality all around talent. 1-4 on both sides of the ball.

Marcel Jackson (6'3' PG/SG) - Defensive juggernaut. 6'8' wingspan allows for many steals and quality defensive pressure. Deft mid-range shooter as well.

Sean Ballard (6'6' F) - Frontcourt versatility. Fully capable of defending 2/3/4 and strong at 3/4 on offense. High level defense and intensity.
Henry Brown (5'8' PG) - Cat-quick, strong PG who finsihes well in traffic. 3ball is strong,as is defensive pressure. Penetration is almost at will.



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ICELAND

Div 1 result. -by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Haukar 76. Armann 83. Marel Gudlaugsson leading scorer for Haukar with 16 pts. Maurice Ingram (204-C-74, agency: Interperformances, college: Co.Carolina) with huge game for Armann 21 pts & 26 rebounds. Gunnlaugur Elsoson 19.

FSU 97. Breidablik 81. First game Breidablik looses this season in the league. Matt Hammer 26 (Agency: Icebasket) Arni Ragnarsson 20 for FSU. Runar Erlingsson 20 for Breidablik.

Iceland Express league results. -by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Grindavik 105. IR 107. (OT 94-94) Even with a high scoring game from Grindavik captain Pall Axel Vilbergsson (197-F/G-78) 39 pts grindavik lost. Jonathan Griffin (191-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Mo.-St.Louis) 26. For IR. Nate Brown (183-G-80, agency: IceBasket, college: St.Peter's) 31. Tahirou Sani (205-F-85) 24. Sveinbjorn Claessen (191-G-86) 21.
Tindastoll 87 Njardvik 96. Philip Perre (198-F-79, college: N.Alabama) 25. Joshua Buettner (206-F/C-85, college: Michigan Tech) 19 for Tindastoll. Damon Bailey 28. Brenton Birmingham 26 for Njardvik.
Fjolnir 61. Snaefell 114. Last sunday these teams played in Cup final where Snaefell won. Tonight this was not a game. Fjolnir players and coaches gave up in first half. To loose by 53 points when you are fighting for your spot in top league is not good at all.
Leading scorer for Fjolnir Anthony Drejaj 13. For Snaefell. 11 players score at least 4 points or more. Leading scorers. Justin Shouse 24. Jon Olafur Jonsson 17.

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IRAN

Dribbling from Desert Sands to the Cotton Fields of Gorgan -by Houman Bagheri
Anwar Coleman jump started a contract in Iran. Last season he was playing in Saudi Arabia. The warmth of the Middle East has kept him in the region. He just ended his season a few days ago in the greens of northern Iran, playing for Gorgan's municipality team.

How did you first hear about Iranian basketball?

I have known about Iranian basketball for a few years, but I never thought I would end up here. A friend of mine told me about the league when I was on a tour in Chile. I started to pay closer attention to it this summer after they won the FIBA Asian games.

So, is this your first experience of Asian basketball?

No, I actually played in Saudi Arabia last season.

What brought you over to Iran, then?

I decided to come to Iran because I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to play in a good league and earn good money. I figured this must be one of the best leagues in Asia this year, because of their performance last summer.

What other options did you have in the Middle East?

Well, I could have stayed in Saudi Arabia to play in Mecca or to move to a team in Qatar. But I thought if I was going to play in this region, it should be in the best league.

What was your idea of Iran before you came over?

I didn't know much about the actual country. When I started to do research, I started to hear about how the relationship between Iran and the USA was not good. Also, a lot of people think Iran is a war zone but I haven't even seen a fist fight here.

How do you spend your free time here?

I am a friendly person and I like to be with people but there are no social clubs or social settings where people can interact. Plus there are not many things to do for fun here besides watching TV.

How can sports close gaps between countries?

History has shown that most people can be brought together through common interests. I think that sports can definitely bring countries with conflict together. Most people would rather love than hate. Most conflicts are between governments and it trickles down through its people. A country, no matter how big or small, is nothing without its people. So if you can bring the people together through the love of sports, you can bring countries together for the sake of its people.

Is it true that due to the ongoing US sanctions against Iran, it is illegal for the Americans to play basketball in Iran unless you get permission from the US government?

Well, no matter what country you live in, you are subject to its government's laws and rules, and you need the permission of your government to do almost anything. I did not receive any resistance from my government when I decided to play in Iran. I think the nations are only divided from the political standpoint not a social one. I am not a politician, so I am not really qualified to answer that question in depth.

Have you found any similarities between the Iranian and American life?

Yes, in both countries family and religion play a very big part in everyday life.

Have you ever experienced a culture shock here?

Yes, I would say the reckless driving has definitely shocked me. I have never seen anything like it. I thought the driving was bad in Saudi Arabia, but it's much worse here. People here cross the street like they are made of steal. Some don't even look; they just carelessly walk in front of cars.

What is your opinion of the Iranian Basketball?

I think the basketball here is surprisingly strong. There are very good foreign players and a lot of the local players are also very good. There are some surprisingly tall players here like Jaber from Zob Ahan. He has to be at least 7'5'. Samad from Mahram and Hadadi from Saba are just as good as any player that I have seen outside of the NBA.

What about the Iranian basketball fans?

The fans are good. They are really rowdy and make a lot of noise, but I think my city, Gorgan, has the best fans. They are absolutely crazy about their home team and they show up at every game. They even come to our practices.

But some other teams who have come to play in Gorgan said they weren't at ease there, especially when local spectators were present?

I think it is because our fans are not usually very nice to our opponents, and they will scream, shout and call names. They will do anything to distract our opponents. They definitely give us a home court advantage.

With fans like that, do you have anything to complain about?

Well honestly, some of the gyms have a really hard surface and can get pretty cold in the winter. That takes a toll on your body. Also, I found that for me it is really hard to receive foul calls, which can change your game a bit. But all in all it has not really been that difficult.

Did you ever find it hard to communicate with your team mates?

Yes, there is a definite language barrier because most of my teammates do not speak English and their way of life is very different to mine. At first I did not agree with every player voicing his opinion about how the game should be played. I always thought you lead by example because anyone can tell you they are great, but someone that is actually great can show you their greatness.

So why didn't you try to adapt others to your style?

We have a saying in the USA, 'when in Rome do as the Romans do.' It is easier for me to adapt to the style of eleven other players than try to have them change to fit my style. I feel I can win playing any style. I prepare myself for all conditions in the off season.

Mahram was the first team to reach the semis rather early because your team did not play the second game against them in first phase of play-offs. Why did this happen?

I am not sure exactly. I was told that the weather was too bad to travel by bus and there were no plane tickets available. I was really disappointed because my teammate Eddie Elisma and I really wanted to play against them again. During the first game, they caught us off guard with a lot of double teams. We felt we were ready for them for the second game, but we never got a chance to show it.

Have you learned anything about Islam and Iranian culture since arriving here?

Well, my wife was raised as a Muslim, though she no longer practices the religion. So I have a great deal of respect and understanding for Islam. As for the Iranian culture, I have learned that the people here are very hospitable. All Iranians seem to be like one big family, and they easily welcome a foreigner like me into that family.

And what souvenirs will you be taking back home from your time in Iran?

I think Iran is a great place with a lot of history and many beautiful cities. The people here are amazing and I would rather be here than any place in the world, except the USA with my wife and family, of course. However, life here is very different from the life in my country. You have to have a totally different mentality to live in my country. But I will never forget my teammates and coaches. They have been great. They have treated me like family no matter how I have played.

Will you consider staying in Iran if you get new offers or do you prefer to go back home?

Yes, absolutely, I hope I can play here for many years in the future. I feel I had a very good season here on and off the court. I had no problems with the game or the people, and I would love to come back if I receive the right offer. The only problem is that I have been away from my wife. Next season, I think she may come to Iran.

Iran's basketball team has qualified for the Olympics after an absence of over 50 years. How do you assess this?

I think it shows just how far Iranian basketball has come, and it is only going to get better. The Olympics feature the best teams in the world, and Iran didn't just qualify, they qualified as the top team in Asia. In my opinion, that is a huge achievement. And I think if the Iranian basketball organization catches up with the talent of its players and provide them with better facilities and more decent statistics, the Iranian league would be respected all over the world.

Thank you Anwar for your participation in this interview.
Thank you.

Houman Bagheri
FIBA Official Correspondent in Iran
(Edited by Touria Ghaffari)

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IRELAND

Irish players in Europe (ULEB Cup) -by Mariano Galindo
Great night for Irish players in the ULEB Cup. Last Tuesday, Khimki and Kalise Gran Canaria passed to the next round and, if they win their following matches, Pat Burke (208-C-73, college: Auburn) and Jim Moran (200-F/G-79, college: William & Mary) will be in Turin to play the Final Eight. However, after pass the last 32, Russian and Spanish teams will face with strong opponents like former Fiba Cup Champion Dkv Joventut and Serbian team Hemofarm, respectively,

Khimki solved without problems his two tournament matches against Koln 99ers. In this round, Pat Burke has played 15:47 minutes and scored 3.6 points per game.
On the other side, Jim Moran's team, Kalise Gran Canaria passed to the last 16 after overcome a 7 points disadvantage. In the decisive Tuesday night, Moran was in the five starting and remained in the court almost 30 minutes.

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ITALY

Market News and Rumors -by Stefano Pini
Lottomatica Roma will add to his roster the italian young talent Pietro Aradori (192-G-88). His former team Armani Jeans, should announce soon the deal with Fabio Di Bella (187-G-78). Armani Jeans could sign also 'hot sauce' Hassan Adams (193-G-84, agency: David Lee services, college: Arizona). Angelico Biella will trade Troy Bell (186-G-80, college: Boston Coll.) to Pavia and will replace him with Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas), last season at Soresina.

Daniel Cioffi signs with Coopsette Rimini -by Interperformances
Italian/Australian point guard Daniel Cioffi (190-G-81, agency: Interperformances) has moved from Edimes Pavia to Coopsette Rimini in the Italian lega2. Has a vast international experience, having starting his career in Australia with great results.. Moved to Italy where he has always been an Imortant player on the team. He is a shooting guard that can also play the point. Has an excellent 3-point shot.

David Brkic moves to Caserta -by Interperformances
7'0' shooting forward David Brkic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) has signed with Pepsi Caserta in the Italian Lega2. He is considered one of the best 3-point shooters in Italy He is hard to stop because of his height. He is a complete player that can run the floor and is a good passer. He started the season with Edimes Pavia..He could make the diference for anyt eam to be promoted to the serie A

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JAMAICA

Memphis too good for Tulsa -by Leonard Whyte
Memphis, TN (2-28-2008) - Center Jerome Jordan finished with eight points, five rebounds, and three blocked shots, but Tulsa University was no match for No. 2 Memphis University and were beaten 82-67 last night in a Conference USA encounter. The loss snapped a five-game winning streak for Tulsa who dropped to 15-11 overall and 6-7 in conference play. Memphis had been the last unbeaten team in Division I until they were ambushed at home last weekend by No. 2 Tennessee University.

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JORDAN

Round 3 of Excellent League's Final 4 -by Mohammed Malas

Arena suffered before winning over Al Riyadi/Aramex who played without their imports for unknown reasons, While Zain remained on top without any partner following their victory in their game against Orthodox in Prince Hamza Hall last night within round 3 of the Excellent League's Final 4...

Arena 89 - Al Riyadi/Aramex 88 (Qs: 24-21, 52-44, 62-51 & 89-88)

The yellows began the game strongley and succeeded to have the higher hand in the 1st 3 quarters thanks to the perfromance of Mark Strickland (208-F/C-70, college: Temple) '22 points', Mohammad Bushnaq (200-F-81) '16 points' and Josh Cooperwood (193-G-80, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Tennessee St.) '18 points' .


The 4th quarter witnessed the late wake up of Al Riyadi through Wesam Sous (181-G-83) '20 points', Faisal Kheir (204-C-85) '12 points' and Hussam Lutfi (198-F/C-73) '27 points' made the game tied at 88-88 before 20 seconds from the end but Cooperwood's free throw saved Arena from their 2nd loss in final 4.

Zain 86 - Orthodox 72

The titleholders succeeded to passby their previous problems esspecially injuries history and won over their rivals Orthodox by 14 points.....

Zain's trio Nate Johnson (199-F-77, college: Louisville) '32 points', Soumaila Samake (215-C-78, agency: CAA Sports) '19 points' and Moussa Al Awadi (190-G/F-85) '15 points' were on the top of their performance yesterday by scoring and stopping their opponent in offense esspecially from Naser Bassam (198-G/F-76) '23 points' and Kelly Wise (208-F-80, college: Memphis) '17 points'....

Orthodox's Ayman Idais (205-C-78, agency: Court Side) was injured during the game and that was utilized by Zain esspecially inside, Ashraf Samara (205-F/C-76) played his 1st game with Orthodox yesterday but failed to cover Idais's gap as he needs more time to get involved more to his new team's system....The game also was the beginning for the new Zain's import Antonio Wyche's (193-F-77, college: Notre Dame) 1st experience in Jordan, He came the day before from Qatar as he was playing there with Al Rayyan.


Zain's Enver Soobzokov (193-G/F-78, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) will be out from 3 to 6 weeks due to injury in his right hand during the game.......


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


The 4th round of Excellent League's final 4 will be played tomorrow (Friday) as Zain will meet Al Riyadi/Aramex and Arena will be face to face with Orthodox.....



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MEXICO

Pioneros ready for CentroAmerican League -by Gianni Pascucci
Tomorrow, February 29, Pioneros de Quintana Roo-Cancun wil host Liceo de Costa Rica in the opnening game of the new Liga Centroamericana. Pioneros enter in the tournment as the favourite team, and are expected to easily advance to the 'Super 4', the Final Four that will end the CentroAmerican League. To strengthen their roster as best as possible, Pioneros announced the signing of Santiago Aguirre (203-C-85, college: Westmont) and LeRoy Hickerson (196-G-82, college: Cumberlands), who will join Juan Pablo Bravo (191-G/F), Enrique Zuniga (193-G-75, college: Grand Canyon), Tomas Rios (175-G-84), Diego Gonzalez (177-G), Jorge Serrano (186-G-76), Robby Collum (185-G-81, college: W.Michigan), Arim Abdul Solares (202-F/C-83), Mauricio Ramos (195-F-74), Oswaldo Guzman (192-F-82), Hiram Lopez, Alonso Izaguirre (200-G/F-76), Febo Apolo (196-G/F-75), Eric Carr (200-F-71, college: Penn St.), Boubacar Aw (197-F-75, agency: Interperformances, college: Georgetown), Horacio Llamas (211-C-73, agency: Interperformances). The coach is again Argentinean Daniel Jaule

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NBA

James becomes the youngest player in NBA history to reach the 10,000 points -by Eurobasket News
Mike Bibby produced 24 points and 12 assists in his home debut for Atlanta. The Hawks beat his former team, the Sacramento Kings 123:117. Joe Johnson top-scored with 26 points to lead the Hawks, and Josh Childress scored 25 points. Beno Udrih and Brad Miller (6'11''-C-76, college: Purdue) each netted 25 points for the Kings.
Larry Hughes (6'5''-G-79, college: St.Louis) and Drew Gooden are shinning already in his new Chicago. Hughes poured in 29 points and Gooden collected 10 points and 15 rebounds. Chicago Bulls beat the Indiana Pacers 113:107 solving the game in the last minutes.
LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) nailed 26 points and became the youngest player in NBA history to reach the 10,000 points. In the game against Boston the latter however enjoyed a 92:87 victory. James hit the mark on a dunk that made it 63:54 with less than 5 minutes left in the third quarter. Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76) scored 18 points and had 11 rebounds to help Boston win.
New Orleans Hornets easily overcame Phoenix Suns 120:103. Chris Paul (6'0''-G-85, college: Wake Forest) had 25 points, 15 assists to help the Hornets end a three-game losing streak. Jannero Pargo (6'2''-G-79, college: Arkansas) scored 22 and Peja Stojakovic 17 points for the winners. Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) led Phoenix with 32 points and 14 rebounds. Leandro Barbosa scored 17 points, while Raja Bell (6'5''-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) had 14 points and Steve Nash 13 assists.

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NEW ZEALAND

Harbour Heat victorious in Round 1 of NBL -by Eurobasket News
Harbour Heat - Wellington Saints 80:76

The Dominion Finance NBL got under way today with a game of the first round. The Harbour Heat sent a strong message across the league to claim their highest ambitions with an 80:76 win over the Wellington Saints. The Heat were dominant from the start as rookie BJ Benny Anthony (198-F-88) nailed quick 6 points and gave the home team a 10:2 advantage. Daryl Cartwright (201-F-77) picked up the baton later on. He scored 16 points in the first half and allowed the hosts to accumulate a 40:31 advantage at halftime. The Heat was even more comfortable building a double-digit margin in the third stanza. However the Saints refused to surrender and paved their way back into contest. Luke Martin (181-G-81, college: UTEP) fired back-to-back treys to tie the score at 75 with just over a minute to go in the game. Oscar Forman (205-G-82) then drained a triple for Harbour to step in front. Marquis Webb (196-G/F-84, college: Rutgers) later fouled on Mika Vukona (197-F-82) and the Heat capitalized. Oscar Forman was put to free throw line and buried both shots to seal the winning outcome for the hosts. Oscar Forman finished with 22 points to pace the Heat. Daryl Cartwright added 19 points, while Tim Behrendorff (211-C-81, college: Gardner-Webb) netted 14 points in a winning case. Nick Horvath (209-F-81, college: Duke) answered with game-high 23 points and 7 boards for the Saints.
Round 1 will be continued on March 1 when the Auckland Stars will take on Wellington Saints and the Canterbury Rams will face the defensing champions Nelson Giants.

Harbour Heat: Oscar Forman 22, Daryl Cartwright 19, Tim Behrendorff 14
Wellington Saints: Nick Horvath 23+7 boards

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PBL

The strange case of the Dallas team -by Gianni Pascucci
As it often happens in sport journalism, despite the wins of the Rochester and Quad Cities teams, most of the PBL news we published till now have been dedicated to the struggling teams, as Jacksonvile and Dallas have recently been. The Dallas Defenders, however, were very interesting till the beginnning, simply because one of their players, Antonio Meeking (6'8''-F-81, college: Louisiana Tech), has been the first PBL major call-up of the season when he was called up to play in Lega 2 for the Italian team Indesit Fabriano Basket. In the first 4 games played in Italy, Meeking is performing for 11,3 ppg and 5,8 rpg, and this tells enough about the quality of this guy. His cousin, Tony Gipson (6'1''-G-82, college: LSU), who played he too for the Defenders at the start of the PBL season, recently signed with the Dakota Wizards in the D-League, and this is another good new regarding the Defenders. The last things happened in Dallas, instead, leave us perplexed. This team, in fact, sent on the court on February 23, a roster of 11 players, 8 of whom ( Taron Hill, Steven Dunn, Dameon Sansom, Randall Williams, Jonathan Young, Mario Kinsey, Melvin Mitchell and Ty Thomas ) are all yet listed as active players of the Texas Tycoons (ABA). These facts can not be denied by anyone, every fan can check the official game boxscore on the PBL website, and compare it to the roster listed on the official Tycoons website. In a recent e-mail exchange with Usbasket.com, Mr. Erin Patton, Dallas team Owner and GM, and also the only person authorized to discuss or distribute Defenders media information, told us about a 'roster restructured to accommodate more local players from a cost management standpoint'. We understand these needs, and appreciate the availability and the courtesy of Mr. Erin Patton, but the same we believe that the PBL league needs to clarify this situattion some more. Was it a simple, temporary 'loan' of those players from the Tycoons ? Will be this the first case of the group of players competing at the same time in two 'professional' leagues ?? For sure, this is a strange case, and should be, a totally new case in minor league basketball history....

Dallas PBL -by Jean-Paul Afif
Dallas, TX.: The Dallas PBL despite unstable local ownership, has survived quite an ordeal this season. With a great start due to tremendous recruiting on behalf of NBA Coach Chuck Davisson , and Assistant Don Sellers , the Dallas PBL was able to bring in the best of the best minor league talent. Including cousins Antonio Meeking (6'8''-F-81, college: Louisiana Tech), and Tony Gipson (6'1''-G-82, college: LSU). As well as NBA D-League players such as O'Neal Mims (6'10''-F-83, college: Angelo St.),, and ALL NCAA Andre Heard (6'3''-G-83, college: Binghamton). Management and coaching staff did a thorough job scouting and bringing in the highest talent possible, including NCAA Memphis ALL-American Billy Richmond (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Memphis), and New York Knick Ronald Blackshear (6'5''-G-78, agency: Heinrich Sports, college: Marshall). Unfortunately due to shaky local ownership on behalf of Dallas team owner Erin Patton , it was impossible to keep this type of talent on the Defenders squad.

As the situation grew in Dallas, then Coach Chuck Davisson , and then Assistant Don Sellers did an unprecedented job with the PBL league mantality of players first; to help get almost every defenders player placed. Antonio Meeking was placed in Italy, Tony Gipson was given a position in the NBA D-League, Lonnie Randolph (6'1''-G-83, college: Drake) signed with Quad Cities, forward Jai Pradia (6'6''-F-79, college: Pittsburg St.) was sent to Venezuela, and guard Kenneth Barnes (6'6''-F-83, college: E.Texas Baptist) has NBA summerleague offers in place.

Now that the PBL league has stepped in and gone above and beyond to correct the current situation in Dallas, as well as to make certain that the Dallas PBL completes the season on a high note, NBA D-League players such as O'Neal Mims (6'10''-F-83, college: Angelo St.), have decided to stay, as well as ALL NCAA guard Andre Heard and 7'1' Croatian Center Brian Gilic (7'1''-C-82, college: Santa Monica CC).

Now currently in Dallas, with no upside to the local ownership situation, the PBL League has continued with their full support for not only the Dallas team but the community as well. Dallas has begun to re-attract some of the top minor league talent in the country and will boast a high octane roster in the upcoming Chicago PBL Triple 'S' Showcase starting Monday March 3rd. For more information visit the PBL website at www.pblproball.com

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PORTUGAL

Joao Betinho Gomes change of team in LEB ORO -by Bruno Baltazar
Joao Gomes (199-F-85) switched teams in LEB ORO,in the last weeks in Alerta Cantabria he was playing his best moments,but the fact of many loses by his team and the fact that Breogan(4th place in LEB ORO)saw his american player Zach Morley injured,Breogan saw the chance to grab one of the biggest talents in european basketball.
its a good change for Betinho as will give him the chance to compete in a team that has real options to move up in the standing and come to ACB as his team in is the 4th place in LEB ORO with a record of 14-7 ,he can play this weekend and will play with his favorite number-15.

Mike Plowden funeral and last tribute schudale -by Bruno Baltazar

For everyone interested to pay the last tribute to the great person and player Mike Plowden (200-F/C-58, college: Saginaw Valley) heres the schudale:
The funeral cerymonys start tomorrow(Friday) at 3pm(portuguese time) at Capela da Misericordia do Barreiro in the city of Barreiro near the police station and funeral is in Saturday at 10am(portuguese time aswell) in Vila Cha cemitery.

Not only basketball fans are welcome to join ,but everyone is more then welcome to join due the fact of besides sport and the love ,passion he had,he was a incredible human being that marked everyone he meet,from kids to fans,from old people to moms,to simply everyone.



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PUERTO RICO

Crabbers Looking to Repeat -by Luis Ramirez
The Santurce Crabbers seem to have solidified their team for this season. Not only will they have their Tracktor back in the middle but they have added additional depth to their Center position by signing Manuel Narvaez who last year had a very good season. The Crabbers will have a lot of offensive players which include, Larry Ayuso, Richie and Ricardo Dalmau, Orlando Santiago, Michael Watson, Ali Berdiel, Luis Rivas, Alex Falcon and community Player Victor Mariscal. Head Coach Tony Ruiz knows that everyone expects the Crabbers to go all the way to the Finals once again this, especially when they will be playing with almost if not all their roster players from the start of the season. A careful look into the roster shows a solid team which will have a really good opportunity to retain their Championship. The season gets underway tonight when the Santurce Crabbers meet the Arecibo Captains. Let the excitement begin!

Santurce gets first Win -by Luis Ramirez
Bobby Joe was in the starting rotation for the Arecibo Captains, his new team this year. The start was somewhat erratic for both teams and Santurce was the first team to score. Mid way thru the quarter Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Edge Sports, college: USC) made his first 3 point attempt which made the score 6-4. Ayuso however committed an early second foul in this quarter and went to the bench. Both teams showed their bench depth as both teams frequently sent in fresh player and tried to maintain a fresh rotation on the court. The first quarter ended 14-12 with Arecibo leading. Both team traded leads for a while in the 2nd quarter Santurce brought in the Santiago Brothers Orlando Santiago (186-G-75, college: Dowling) and Eddin Santiago, these gave Santurce an immediate lift, to the point where they took the lead with 6:32 to go 21-19 and Arecibo had to request an immediate time-out. Although Arecibo was able to take the lead for a short period, it was Santurce who battled back in the quarter to take a 31-25 lead with 2:28 left in the half. Arecibo did manage to come back with some fast breaks plays and with 25 seconds left to play in the half Santurce lead had been cut to just 1 point 36-35. Orlando Santiago made a long range shot to end the half with Santurce leading Arecibo 39-35. In the 3rd qtr. although Santurce made a run, it was Arecibo coming back from a 10 point deficit to take the lead with just 4 seconds left 56-55. In the 4th quarter Santurce started a festival de long range bombs and overtook the Captains, they continued to pressure the Captains and they were never able to get back into the game. Final score 85-74.For Santurce the leading scorer was Larry Ayuso with 18 points followed by Raymond Dalmau (198-G-73, agency: Duran International, college: South Plains JC) with 12 points. For Arecibo, White Rodney (206-F-80, college: Charlotte) scored 23 points while Angel Figueroa (196-G/F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Dowling) followed up with 19 points and 16 rebounds.

Santurce vs Arecibo and Boricuas Abroad. -by Alessandro Fontana

Tonight is 'The night', BSN 2008 will start with one of the most beautiful games of the whole season, Cangrejeros de Santurce against Capitanes de Arecibo. These teams played last season the Finals and Santurce could win the BSN 2007 and became the 'Queen of Puerto Rico'.
Cangrejeros are still one of the strongest teams of this BSN and in this season ' El Jefe' Larry Ayuso will play for Santurce since the beginning. Tonite is also Larry Ayuso vs. Angel Figueroa, 'El jefe' and 'Buster' are two of the most important and spectacular 'boricuas' in the League and They will contribute to make Cangrejeros- Capitanes not only a basket-game but also an authentic show. Welcome BSN 2008.
The possible starting-five of the teams are:
For Santurce: Raymond Dalmau, Ricardo Dalmau, Larry Ayuso, Alex Falcon and Robert Traylor; For Arecibo: Bobby Joe Hatton, Rafael 'Pachy' Cruz, Angel Figueroa, White Rodney and Osiris Ricardo.

BORICUAS ABROAD
In Euroleague, Daniel Santiago played a 'partidazo' against CSKA Moscow. His team Unicaja Malaga won against one of the strongest teams in this Euroleague 72-67. 'Our Boricua' was the MVP of the game with 20 points (7/12 2pts, 6/6 FT) in 22 minutes. Santiago catched also 6 rebounds+ 2 steals. In this Top 16, Daniel Santiago is scoring 8.9 ppg with 2rpg. Unicaja has a 1-2 standings and They can still qualify for the Next Round.
In NBA Orlando was defeated by Philadelphia 101-89, for Carlos Arroyo only 4 minutes with 0 pts (0/1 2pts).
A. Fontana



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ROMANIA

Sibiu upsets Asesoft in a thriller for a 15-0 streak -by Adrian Popa
CSU Sibiu remain unbeaten this year, after a surprising win on the home court of Asesoft Ploiesti. It was the first home loss in regular season for Asesoft in nearly four years, the last one coming in the 2003-2004 season, on 23rd of April against Dinamo.

It was the 15 victory in a row for Sibiu who's last defeat came against Asesoft, in Sibiu, on 3rd of November 2007. Since that time was winning all the way for the team coached by Peter Schomers.

William Hatcher (188-G-84, agency: LimeLight, college: Miami, OH), Darnell Clavon (188-G-72, college: Chaminade) and Jason Smith (197-F-77, college: Mississippi) combined for 65 points and made useless the efforts of Alexander DeAngelo the best player from Ploiesti in this game with 28 points and 15 rebounds.

Sibiu led by as many as 12 points, 62-74, at the beggining of the fourth quarter, but Ploiesti climb back in the game with big help from Bojan Obradovic, who scored all of his 10 points in the last quarter. The serbian center was sidelined for more than one month because of an ankle injury and is not fully recovered, playing for the first time this year. Obradovic scored 2 points with 4 minutes left in the game to even the score, 78-78.

After big baskets from Clavon and Smith, and freetrows made by Obradovic, Arvydas Cepulis (195-G-79) was fouled on a three point attemped when the score was 86-89. Even he had a cold night, with 1/8 from beyond the arc, Cepulis was cold blood from the charity line and scored all three to make it 89-89.

On the next posesion Levente Szijarto (192-G/F-83) fouled Hatcher, and the guard from Sibiu, with the whole arena putting presure on him, scored only of the two free throws. After a time-out by Vladimir Arnautovic, Elliot missed the chance to put Asesoft in advantage and Craciun rebounded the ball. He was fouled immediatly with 4 seconds left in the game, missed the first free throw, and intentionally missed the second one, to let the time go. Asesoft didn't manage to have a shot in final seconds and Sibiu escapes with the precious victory.

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SERBIA

Crvena Zvezda inks Vujadin Subotic -by Dragan Jankovski

After fantastic win in Treviso and advancing to the ULEB Cup 1/8 finals Crvena Zvezda got new reinforcement for the rest of the season. According to the Belgrade's media the team returned their ex player Vujadin Subotic (198-G-81, agency: Beo Basket), who terminated the contract with German ALBA Berlin more than a week ago. The contract is valid until the end of the season.

Before ALBA Berlin Subotic spent one year in New York Phantoms Braunschweig.



Djordje Petrovic parted ways with Lokomotiv Novosybirsk -by Dragan Jankovski

After couple of inconvinient defeats, management of Russian Superleague team Lokomotiv Novosybirsk and Serbian coach Djordje Petrovic agreed to terminate the contract. Russian team is curently on the 11th place in Superleague with 4 wins and 16 defeats. They have one wins less than Univerzitet Surgut and two than Spartak Vladivostok.


The team immediately hired Sergei Kazarzhevsky as a new head coach and announced that there won't be any changes until the end of the season.



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SWEDEN

Plannja falls to Jamtland, Solna remains ahead -by Eurobasket News
Jamtland got to an unexpected home win over the second-ranked Plannja 79:70 in Round 27. Plannja entered the game quite aggressively and built a 25:19 lead. But the hosts eventually took over and paved their way back. Saulius Dumbliauskas (202-F/C-81, agency: Court Side, college: St.Bonaventure) and Marko Djuric (208-F/C-83, agency: LimeLight) dominated the paint and Jamtland surged ahead before halftime. Plannja never recovered after the break as they were outrebounded and committed too many mistakes after the break. Saulius Dumbliauskas notched 22 points and 12 boards to pace the hosts. Marko Djuric added 20 points and 16 boards for the winners. Dee Ayuba (198-F-86, college: Mo.-Kansas City) answered with 26 points and 9 boards for Plannja. Terry Williams (187-G-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Georgia Southern) finished with 19 points in a losing case. Plannja fell to 19-8 record, while Jamtland climbed to 10-17 at the 10th spot in the ladder.
The league leaders Solna visited Norrkoping and drove to the 21st win in the season. Norrkoping got to the faster start and piled up a 27:16 advantage at the first intermission. But the momentum was gone and Solna struck back pretty soon. They trimmed the margin to 2 points at the interval and later spurred ahead with a massive third stanza. The Vikings outscored their opponents 31:19 in the quarter clinching a safe 10-point buffer heading into the fourth period. The Dolphins were unable to answer and lost their 16th game at the tournament. Solna improved to 21-6 record and consolidated the leading position. Lesli Myrthil (200-F-77, college: Wagner) produced 25 points and 8 boards for the visitors. Rudy Mbemba (181-G-87) tallied 24 points and 8 assists for the winners. Ian Johnson (206-F-84, college: Davidson) had 17 points and 10 boards for Norrkoping. George Gervin secured 16 points in a loss.

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TURKEY

Angry, Dissapointed and Defeated In Belgrad -by Serdar Ortakuyu
Despite all the warranty provided by the ULEB and Serbian police Efes Pilsen had to travel to Serbia without Drew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland), Rashad Wright (189-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia), Andre Hutson (202-F-79, college: Michigan St.) and Loren Woods (215-C-78, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Arizona) who refused to get to Belgrad due to security reasons. Four imports ignoring their team who made a serious investment for the Final Four ticket, did not show up at the airport although their citizens Coach David Blatt , Scoonie Penn (178-G-77, college: Ohio St.) and Kenny Gregory (197-G/F-78, college: Kansas) were there in addition to Albanian native Ermal Kurtoglu (207-C-80) and 5 others. Efes Pilsen got permission from ULEB to show up at the gym with 8 players (Youngsters Baris Hersek (206-F/C-88) and Bora Pacun (210-F-87) who have been added to Euroleague roster after Serkan Erdogan (190-G-78, agency: Interperformances)'s injury and Cenk Akyol (200-G-87, agency: FCM)'s departure, are among them) although teams are not able to have less than 10 guys in such situations.
Far away from witnessing something negative but even being applauded by the spectators Efes Pilsen tried to fight but failed to catch up with Partizan after the first quarter. Two sides traded baskets in the first quarter as Ender Arslan (190-G-83)'s triple made it 20-19 for Efes Pilsen at the end. Milenko Tepic (198-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) rallied his Partizan for a 20-8 second quarter run which sealed the deal early at the half time for the hosts. In the second half Partizan never let the visitors tie the score and posted the first win in Top 16 to match their record with Efes Pilsen, 1-2.
Kenny Gregory was the topscorer with 19 while Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.) hit a team high 14 points in addition to his 4 assists.
Sooner or later Efes Pilsen management will make a decision about the four imports who did not only leave the team alone in Belgrad but also ruined the spirit of game and then maybe with 8 players again Efes Pilsen will play Panathinaikos who they defeated by 10 in Istanbul, for a decisive Top 16 match up.

Partizan Igokea(78): Milton Palacio 14, Milenko Tepic 9, Dusan Kecman 9, Dejan Borovnjak 3, Uros Tripkovic 5, Velickovic 5, Nikola Pekovic 7, Cedomir Vetkovic 5, Petar Bozic 2, Slavko Vranes 4
Efes Pilsen(65): Scoonie Penn 13, Kenny Gregory 19, Mustafa Abi 0, Bora Pacun 0, Kerem Gonlum 11, Ermal Kurtoglu 13, Baris Hersek 0, Ender Arslan 9

(19-20, 39-28, 52-43, 78-65)

FB Ulker Downs Rytas In Late OT -by Serdar Ortakuyu
After losing the latest TBL game to relegation fighters Casa TED at home Fenerbahce Ulker registered a very cruical Top 16 victory over Lietuvos Rytas to improve their record to 2-1. The officials who realized time was over when Will Solomon (187-G-78, college: Clemson) hit the so-called game winning jumper from downtown, decided to call both teams back to the floor after an hour they left for the locker room. In a game featuring many lead changes Fenerbahce Ulker took full advantage of their front court adding 9 block shots - 5 by Omer Faruk Asik (211-C-86) - against Rytas who received another big contribution from Hollis Price (186-G-79, college: Oklahoma), Chuck Eidson (202-F-80, college: S.Carolina) and Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket), the big trio. Bajramovic helped his team bounce back from an 11 point deficit in the third quarter but Fenerbahce Ulker came back in the fourth thanks to Tarence Kinsey (200-G-84, college: S.Carolina). When the score was tied at 79 Rytas wasted a chance with Hollis Price 7 seconds remaining and then Will Solomon hit a jumper for the win but he was less than a second late. The hosts ran a quick 7-0 serie in the middle of OT to seal deal making the score 95-91, still a better result than 81-79 in probably the longest game of Euroleague history.

Fenerbahce Ulkeer(95): James White 0, Willie Solomon 27, Omer Onan 10, Semih Erden 6, Demir Kaan 5, Gasper Vidmar 2, Oguz Savas 6, Tarence Kinsey 16, Omer Faruk Asik 13, Emir Preldzic 10
Lietuvos Rytas(91): Andrius Slezas 0, Jackson Vroman 7, Mindaugas Lukauskis 11, Hollis Price 18, Michailis Anisimovas 8, Chuck Eidson 20, Arturas Jomantas 5, Kenan Bajramovic 22

(25-27, 45-34, 55-63, 79-79, 95-91)

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U.S.VIRGIN ISL.

Elegar's double double -by David Edole
Philadelphia, Pa. - Tramayne Hawthorne led five Dragons in double figures with 15 points as Drexel hung on to defeat James Madison, 70-67 on Senior Night.

Drexel (12-18, 5-12) appeared to have a comfortable lead at 67-60 with 1:29 to play, but the Dukes (12-16, 4-13) scrambled to get back in the game. Juwann James scored on a three-point play and, after Drexel turned the ball over, James was fouled. He made one of two from the line to cut the lead to 67-64 with 34 seconds remaining. James Madison fouled Scott Rodgers on the next possession and Rodgers missed the first but made the second. Abdulai Jalloh then banked home a three-pointer with 18 seconds left to cut the led to one point. Drexel threw the inbound the length of the court and the ball was almost picked off, but instead it bounced up to Rob Hampton, who scored on a lay-up to give Drexel a 70-67 lead 14 seconds remaining. Madison had a chance to tie but Pierre Curtis missed on a three-point shot and Madison was forced to foul Rodgers. The junior missed both attempts, giving the Dukes one more chance, but Abdulai Jalloh got the rebound but lost control of the ball as time ran out.

The first half featured big runs from both teams. Drexel raced out to and early 10-point lead, only to have James Madison go on a 17-2 run to pull ahead 30-23 with just over three minutes remaining in the half. JMU wouldn't score again in the half as Drexel scored the final nine points of the half.

Hampton had a solid all-around night for the Dragons. The sophomore had 14 points, six assists and five rebounds and was 7-for-11 from the floor. Drexel got a big contribution off the bench from Jamie Harris. The freshman had career-highs of 10 points and eight assists. Harris was 4-for-6 from the floor and had a pair of three-pointers.

The game marked the final Daskalakis Athletic Center appearance for Randy Oveneke and Frank Elegar (206-C-86). Oveneke finished with 11 points of 5-for-8 shooting in the game, while Elegar had a game-high 12 rebounds. Elegar moved into 15th place on Drexel's all-time scoring and rebounding list.

Drexel shot 49 percent from the floor while holding the Dukes to just 37 percent shooting. Each team committed 18 turnovers. Drexel concludes the regular season on Saturday afternoon at Hofstra.

Boyd Anderson in semis tonight! -by David Edole
Class 6A
Orlando Evans (24-7) vs. Boyd Anderson (29-1)
Time: 8:30 p.m.

About Boyd Anderson: Making its first state semifinal appearance since winning the 5A championship in 1994. Comes in with a 25-game win streak. Only loss was to Dillard, 67-61. Senior forward Ivan Aska is averaging 14.9 points and 11.8 rebounds. Senior forward Frank Gaines is averaging 14.7 points and 6.5 rebounds.

About Orlando Evans: Making its first appearance in the state semifinals since 1985. Won the Class 2A state championship in 1975. Senior guard Kedric Taylor is averaging 18 points and 7 rebounds per game. Junior guard Kevin Harden averages 15 points and 7.9 rebounds.

What's at stake: State championship on Saturday against Winter Springs or Miami Norland.

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VENEZUELA

Richard…in the Market!! -by Wolfgang Lucena
Former Venezuela National team's center and now former big man of Trotamundos of Carabobo is placed in the market.
The blue express had a scrimmage game versus Guaros de Lara on last Wednesday 27, where Mr. Lugo didn't show up.
Trotamundos' technical staff though it was a grave disrespect of its rules and contract. This fact goes against of the LPB rules as well. Trotamundos came to a decision to put Richard Lugo (209-C-73, college: St.Francis,NY) immediately into the market because of that.



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Women News

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CROATIA - Women

Gospic falls short against Schio in EuroCup -by Eurobasket News
Schio - Gospic 85:54

Italian Schio completed their task of qualifying to the semifinal of EuroCup cruising past Croatian Gospic in the quarterfinal. Schio were victorious in the first game of the teams back in Croatia 68:63 and were hopeful before the return leg at home. Gospic needed a miracle to surpass their opponents but it never came as Schio dominated the home encounter. Deanne Butler (169-G-81) and Laura Macchi (187-F-79) teamed up for 10 points in a 16:2 run from the hosts to open the game. Katarina Maloca (190-F/C-75) scored 4 straight points for Gospic to cut the deficit but Deanne Butler nailed a three-pointer to make it 21:8 for the hosts. Sandra Popovic-Mandir (177-G-77) and Katarina Maloca closed the margin to 9 points however the home team capped the frame with a 26:14 advantage. Sandra Popovic-Mandir scored a jump shot at the start of the second term and later Cori Enghusen (200-C-80, college: Stanford) added another jumper to finalize a scoring tally for Gospic in the second term. Schio kept the Croatian team scoreless for more than 6 minutes in the second frame and stretched the lead to 26 points at halftime 44:18.
Sandra Popovic-Mandir and Katarina Maloca adjusted offense for Gospic in the third stanza but it was too late to hope for any kind of positive result. Sandra Popovic-Mandir accounted for 9 points for Gospic and the visitors managed to outscore Schio 20:18 in the quarter. But with the starting five players back on court Schio easily regained the initiative and Bernadette Ngoyisa (195-C-82) scored 4 points, while Laura Macchi added two more as Schio restored a 27-point buffer early in the fourth term. The hosts then coasted to an impressive overall win. Bernadette Ngoyisa and Laura Macchi scored 16 points apiece to pace Schio. Bethany Donaphin (190-C-80) contributed 12 points in a winning case. Sandra Popovic-Mandir answered with 24 points for Gospic. Katarina Maloca dropped 10 points in defeat.
Schio will now take on the winner of a Galatasaray vs. Electra Ramat-Hasharon clash.

Schio: Bernadette Ngoyisa 16, Laura Macchi 16, Bethany Donaphin 12
Gospic: Sandra Popovic-Mandir 24, Katarina Maloca 10

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D.R. CONGO - Women

Ngoyisa top-scores and advances to the semis -by Eurobasket News
Italian Schio and Bernadette Ngoyisa (195-C-82) completed their task of qualifying to the semifinal of EuroCup cruising past Croatian Gospic in the quarterfinal. Schio were victorious in the first game of the teams back in Croatia 68:63 and were hopeful before the return leg at home. Gospic needed a miracle to surpass their opponents but it never came as Schio dominated the home encounter. Deanne Butler and Laura Macchi teamed up for 10 points in a 16:2 run from the hosts to open the game. Katarina Maloca scored 4 straight points for Gospic to cut the deficit but Deanne Butler nailed a three-pointer to make it 21:8 for the hosts. Sandra Popovic-Mandir and Katarina Maloca closed the margin to 9 points however the home team capped the frame with a 26:14 advantage. Sandra Popovic-Mandir scored a jump shot at the start of the second term and later Cori Enghusen added another jumper to finalize a scoring tally for Gospic in the second term. Schio kept the Croatian team scoreless for more than 6 minutes in the second frame and stretched the lead to 26 points at halftime 44:18. Sandra Popovic-Mandir and Katarina Maloca adjusted offense for Gospic in the third stanza but it was too late to hope for any kind of positive result. Sandra Popovic-Mandir accounted for 9 points for Gospic and the visitors managed to outscore Schio 20:18 in the quarter. But with the starting five players back on court Schio easily regained the initiative and Bernadette Ngoyisa scored 4 points, while Laura Macchi added two more as Schio restored a 27-point buffer early in the fourth term. The hosts then coasted to an impressive overall win. Bernadette Ngoyisa and Laura Macchi scored 16 points apiece to pace Schio. Bethany Donaphin contributed 12 points in a winning case. Sandra Popovic-Mandir answered with 24 points for Gospic. Katarina Maloca dropped 10 points in defeat. Schio will now take on the winner of a Galatasaray vs. Electra Ramat-Hasharon clash.

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EUROCUP (W) - Women

Gospic falls short against Schio in EuroCup -by Eurobasket News
Schio - Gospic 85:54

Italian Schio completed their task of qualifying to the semifinal of EuroCup cruising past Croatian Gospic in the quarterfinal. Schio were victorious in the first game of the teams back in Croatia 68:63 and were hopeful before the return leg at home. Gospic needed a miracle to surpass their opponents but it never came as Schio dominated the home encounter. Deanne Butler (169-G-81) and Laura Macchi (187-F-79) teamed up for 10 points in a 16:2 run from the hosts to open the game. Katarina Maloca (190-F/C-75) scored 4 straight points for Gospic to cut the deficit but Deanne Butler nailed a three-pointer to make it 21:8 for the hosts. Sandra Popovic-Mandir (177-G-77) and Katarina Maloca closed the margin to 9 points however the home team capped the frame with a 26:14 advantage. Sandra Popovic-Mandir scored a jump shot at the start of the second term and later Cori Enghusen (200-C-80, college: Stanford) added another jumper to finalize a scoring tally for Gospic in the second term. Schio kept the Croatian team scoreless for more than 6 minutes in the second frame and stretched the lead to 26 points at halftime 44:18.
Sandra Popovic-Mandir and Katarina Maloca adjusted offense for Gospic in the third stanza but it was too late to hope for any kind of positive result. Sandra Popovic-Mandir accounted for 9 points for Gospic and the visitors managed to outscore Schio 20:18 in the quarter. But with the starting five players back on court Schio easily regained the initiative and Bernadette Ngoyisa (195-C-82) scored 4 points, while Laura Macchi added two more as Schio restored a 27-point buffer early in the fourth term. The hosts then coasted to an impressive overall win. Bernadette Ngoyisa and Laura Macchi scored 16 points apiece to pace Schio. Bethany Donaphin (190-C-80) contributed 12 points in a winning case. Sandra Popovic-Mandir answered with 24 points for Gospic. Katarina Maloca dropped 10 points in defeat.
Schio will now take on the winner of a Galatasaray vs. Electra Ramat-Hasharon clash.

Schio: Bernadette Ngoyisa 16, Laura Macchi 16, Bethany Donaphin 12
Gospic: Sandra Popovic-Mandir 24, Katarina Maloca 10

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FINLAND - Women

SM-SARJA: International Catz from Lappeenranta -by Rauno Hurmalainen
Catz (Lappeenranta) will be even more international from now on during the rest of this season. Head Coach Tommi Koskinen has now five foreigner
players from four different countries as Canadian F Lizanne Murphy (185-F-84, college: Hofstra) transfered from HoNsU (Jyvaskyla) to Catz roster. C Yelena Solovyeva (189-C-75) (KAZ), F Elena Reshetko (185-C-86) (RUS), F Tamara Tatham (185-F-85, college: Massachusetts) (CAN) and G Kirbria Lewis (168-G-84, college: Texas A&M - C.C.) (USA) will continue on Catz roster. Right now Catz is # 2 with 26-3 record during the regular season. Last December Catz won the Finnish Cup.

SM-SARJA: Sanna Jamsen comes back -by Rauno Hurmalainen
Huima (Aanekoski) will get Team's Captain Sanna Jamsen (183-F-79) back to the roster. Sanna Jamsen has been on maternity leave, but has started to practise again and is soon ready to help Huima during the rest of the season. Jamsen has played 303 Top league games and was helping her Team Huima to win bronze and the
Finnish Cup during the 2006-07 season. Jamsen has scored on top level by now 3718 pts, taken 1863 rbs and given 639 assists.

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ISRAEL - Women

Round 20th first team. -by Gil Goshen

Edwina Brown is the MVP for round 20..

Round 20 MVP - Edwina Brown
Brown finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds, half of them on the offensive glass, and made all the big shots that kept Ramat Hen in front.

Round 20 First Team
Edwina Brown - 6th double double .......

Jackie Johnson - had 21 points on great shooting and added 11 rebounds in Ramla's impressive win.

Tamara Bowie - had 37 points and 14 rebounds and carried Hapoel to a big win at Tel Kabir.

Mistie Williams - Shot 80% from the field on her way to 22 points, added 9 rebounds in Raanana Hertzeliya's important win over Ramat Hasharon.

Katia Abramzon - brought a lot of energy on both ends of the court, played Ashdod's foreigners tough on defense and knew how to finish under the basket for 10 points off the bench.

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JAMAICA - Women

Liberty Christian surprised in championship game -by Leonard Whyte
Lynchburg, VA (2-28-2008) - Senior guard Christina Mitchell and Liberty Christian Academy were upset 40-37 by Carlisle High in the Blue Ridge Championship game on Monday night. Liberty Christian had barely beaten their opponents twice in the regular season. Although Mitchell scored all of her team's points in the third quarter, including a three-point play to tie the game at 24, Carlisle proved to be too tough down the stretch. Liberty Christian now waits to find out its seeding for the upcoming Virginia State Tournament playoffs.

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KUWAIT - Women

Qatar women beat Kuwait in basketball friendly -by Eurobasket
Qatar's women basketball team defeated Kuwait Women Club 45-38 in a friendly match held in sports hall of Women Club at Aspire Zone on Wednesday.
The friendly matches are considered as preparation for Qatar women national teams in their participation for the forthcoming Gulf Championship which will take place in March in Kuwait.
Dr. Anisa Al Hitmi - President of Qatar Women Sport Committee expressed her happiness on the success achieved by the organising of these friendly sport encounters between the sisters in the two countries, which will boost Women Sport movement in GCC, she also applauded the overwhelming response of Qatari women who attended the two friendly matches.
Courtesy of Qatar News

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MALI - Women

Hamchetou collects with 13 points and 11 boards for Czech champions -by Eurobasket News
Hamchetou Maiga (185-G/F-78, college: ODU) together with her Czech champion falls short to Spanish powerhouse Ros Casares that got to a successful start of the Euroleague quarterfinal series against Gambrinus winning Game 1 in Valencia. The battle proved to be a real scorcher with neither side able to clear off till the last minutes. The teams traded baskets early on before Katie Douglas scored 5 straight points and gave Ros Casares a 14:7 advantage. Hamchetou Maiga and Jana Vesela cut it to 5 points and later Zuzana Zirkova dragged Czech team within 2 points 16:18 at the end of the first frame. Hamchetou Maiga scored quick 4 points to put Gambrinus up in the very beginning of the second term. Katie Douglas and Delisha Milton-Jones responded with 8 points in a row for the hosts and Ros Casares built a 27:20 buffer. Petra Kulichova, Hana Machova and Eva Viteckova kept Gambrinus within a striking distance and Ros Casares finished the first half leading by only 2 points 34:32. Beres netted 4 points and Hamchetou Maiga added 2 more to tip off the second half. The lead changed hands for 6 times throughout the third period and Ros Casares appeared on top 54:51 after 30 minutes of action. Delisha Milton-Jones, Katie Douglas and Laia Palau notched 6 consecutive points to make it a 64:55 for Ros Casares midway though the final period. Zuzana Zirkova and Jana Vesela reacted with 5 points in a row to keep the hopes alive for the visitors. However Katie Douglas nailed 5 points and Elena Tornikidou added two more to keep Gambrinus at bay. Delisha Milton-Jones ended up with game-high 26 points to pace Ros Casares. Katie Douglas contributed 23 points and Elena Tornikidou dropped 8 more for the winners. Hamchetou Maiga responded with 13 points and 11 boards for Czech champions. Zuzana Zirkova scored 13 points, while Eva Viteckova netted 12 points in defeat. Gambrinus outrebounded the hosts 39:36 but committed 21 turnovers and sank only 62% from charity stripe in a losing effort.

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QATAR - Women

Qatar women beat Kuwait in basketball friendly -by Eurobasket
Qatar's women basketball team defeated Kuwait Women Club 45-38 in a friendly match held in sports hall of Women Club at Aspire Zone on Wednesday.
The friendly matches are considered as preparation for Qatar women national teams in their participation for the forthcoming Gulf Championship which will take place in March in Kuwait.
Dr. Anisa Al Hitmi - President of Qatar Women Sport Committee expressed her happiness on the success achieved by the organising of these friendly sport encounters between the sisters in the two countries, which will boost Women Sport movement in GCC, she also applauded the overwhelming response of Qatari women who attended the two friendly matches.
Courtesy of Qatar News

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U.S.VIRGIN ISL. - Women

Javois lead Griffs to a win! -by David Edole
The Missouri Western Griffon women's basketball team erased an eight point halftime deficit to defeat the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats, 69-66 in Maryville, Mo. Tierra Ford, Jill Johnson and Yanique Javois (176-G-86, college: St.Louis) combined for 39 of the Griffons 46 second half points, which helped Missouri Western improve to 11-14 overall and 6-11 in the MIAA.

Despite turning the ball over 13 times and only getting ten points from their top two scorer's the Missouri Western Griffons found themselves down only eight, 31-23 at the half against the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats. The Griffons clawed ahead of the Bearcats 13-8 early in the contest, but could only muster ten points the last fourteen minutes of the first frame.

The two teams struggled from behind the arc as the Griffons made 1-of-8 (12.5%), while the Bearcats shot 4-of-17 (23.5%). Freshman, Tierra Ford led all-scorers in the first-half with nine points on 4-of-8 shooting.

The Bearcats opened up the second-half pushing their lead to 14 on a Lauren William three point shot, 41-27 with 16:09 left in the contest. The Griffons would hang tough as it battled back to cut the lead to five 44-39 with 12:40 left in the game. Senior forward Jill Johnson picked up her fourth foul with 12:00 minutes left in the game, but freshman Tierra Ford would come in and provide the Griffons with the spark down the stretch.

Western tied the game up at 48 for the first time since the game was tied at 17 with 7:20 left in the first half on three point shot by Yanique Javois. The Bearcats would answer going on a 7-2 run to take a 55-50 lead with 7:35 left.

Missouri Western used an eleven point run to go up 61-55 with 5:38 left in the contest. The two teams would battle the rest of the way with Missouri Western holding on for the big MIAA victory. Tierra Ford led the way for the Griffons as she scored a career high of 24 points on 10-of-18 shooting from the field. She also snared six rebounds on the evening. Jill Johnson and Yanique Javois had 18 and 16 points respectively. They also combined for 15 rebounds, seven by Johnson and eight by Javois.

The Bearcats Lauren Williams had 18 points, while Meghan Brue and Mandi Schumacher added 16 and 10 respectively. Schumacher led the way on the boards with nine rebounds in the contest.

Both teams struggled hanging onto the ball as they combined for 44 turnovers in the contest. Missouri Western had scored 18 points off turnovers to Northwest Missouri's 17. The Griffons shot 100-percent (9-of-9) from the free throw line to the Bearcats 68.8-percent (11-of-16). Western dominated the points in the paint out-scoring the Bearcats by 16, (38-22) underneath. The Griffons also dominated the bench points out-scoring the Bearcats by 12, (27-15).

The Griffons will be at home on Saturday, March 1 for Senior Night and their last home game of the season against the Missouri Southern Lions.

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WNBA - Women

Sky Re-Signs Veteran Guard Perkins -by Bruno Baltazar
Chicago Sky Head Coach and General Manager Bo Overton has announced that the team has re-signed veteran guard Jia Perkins (5'8''-G-82, agency: Merit Sports, college: Texas Tech) to a three-year contract.
'We are thrilled that she will remain in the lineup,' said Overton. 'In her two seasons with the Sky, she has emerged as a team leader on and off the court, and we look forward to the ways her game will develop in the years ahead.'

'I'm excited to stay in Chicago,' said Perkins. 'It's been my home for the past two seasons and I look forward to spending the next few years with Sky teammates, staff, and fans. And I want to continue to help build a great team and bring a WNBA Championship to Chicago.'

Perkins, a four-year veteran of the WNBA, was selected by the Sky in the 2006 WNBA Expansion Draft. In 2007, Perkins averaged 11.7 points, 2.3 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game. It was a standout season as she set multiple franchise and career records, including scoring a franchise and career-high 39 points in a win over Sacramento on June 29. It was the second highest single game point total in the WNBA in the 2007 season. In the same game, she sank five 3-pointers (franchise and ties career high), had 10 assists (career high and ties franchise high), and made 24 free throw attempts (career high). She was a finalist for the WNBA's Sixth Woman of the Year award in 2007 and is currently ranked fourth in the WNBA in 3-point percentage (.459), 10th in the league in steals (50) and 16th in field goal percentage (.464).

Perkins is currently playing for Ramat Hasharon in Israel with Sky teammate Chasity Melvin.