EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 3/20/2008

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Men News

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ABA

Losing pieces again.... -by Gianni Pascucci
Some days ago, we discovered that the ABA playoff game between the West Texas Whirlwinds and the Georgia Gwizzlies won' t be played at all, because the Whirlwinds will not be able to travel till Macon, Georgia. This allows the Atlanta Vision to qualify directly to the ABA Final 8. Today, we learn that the Halifax Rainmen aren' t anymore members of the league, effective immediately. This all means that the active ABA teams are now barely 15, and is another, clear 'desease symptom' of this league, that is opening its 'All-Star Weekend' tomorrow. We would hope that the league officials, that surey will meet in Barre, will be able to study a 'rescue plan' for the American Basketball Association, finally deciding to stop adding new franchises and pointing on a limited group of well organized teams, that can restore the playing level and the upstanding organization of the old ABA....

Rainmen say farewell to the ABA -by Gianni Pascucci
In an official release, the Halifax Rainmen basketball team owner Mr. Andre Levingston announced that he has removed the team from the American Basketball Association, effective immediately. The Rainmen will be not participating in the league's play-offs, scheduled in Quebec later this month. 'After all the challenges we faced this year, it became obvious that the ABA is not the right league for the Halifax Rainmen. Our fans, our corporate partners, our season tickets holders and this city deserve better, and I will do every thing I can to deliver,' added the Rainmen owner, announcing also the team plans to make a run at becoming a member of the NBA's Developmental League. Levingston commited the Rainmen will stay in Halifax regardless of the success of the future NBA D-League negotiations.

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Vlada Vukoicic is the new head coach of Hemofarm STADA ! -by Dragan Jankovski
After Miroslav Nikolic's resignation, management of BC Hemofarm STADA immediately hired ex head coach of FMP Zeleznik Vlada Vukoicic, whose first words like Hemofarm's head coach were: 'We have the same ambitions and ideas. Hemofarm is a kind of team who always looks for the wins and has the biggest ambitions. My opinion is that it is a real club and a challenge for a coach to show what he can!'

Vukoicic, who won the European Championship last summer with Serbian U20 National Team, will start to work with his new team today afternoon while he will have debut on the Hemofarm's bench on Saturday against Vojvodina Srbijagas on the road (round 26 of Adriatic league).

The contract is valid until the end of the current season with an option to be extended.

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BAHRAIN

Manama claim semi-final opener -by Yousef Ahmed

MANAMA defeated Sitra 74-52 last night to draw first blood in their Bahrain Basketball League Golden Square semi-final series, reports Patrick Salomon.

The victors used a strong fourth quarter performance to blow open a close one-point game, and take the early one-game advantage in the best-of-three affair.

American professional Donald Little anchored Manama with 28 points and 14 rebounds, while fearless young point guard Mohammed Hussain contributed 14 markers in the win. Star guard Mahmood Ghuloom (187-G-79) was held to a respectable 11 points.

Sitra import Jamal Coachman, also from the US, led all Sitra scorers with 15 points, while forward Zuhair Hubail and guard Younis Hassan each contributed 11 points. Key players Ahmed Marhoon and Abdulaziz Abdulbaqi were both held to forgettable outings in the contest.

Sitra took an early lead in the game and were ahead 15-13 at the end of the opening period. They maintained their advantage after the second quarter and took a 29-26 lead heading into halftime.

But Manama roared back to start the second half, regaining the lead and maintaining a one-point advantage (43-42) after three quarters.

The winners then sealed the victory with a scintillating final quarter, where they outscored their opponents by 21 points (31-10) for the 22-point victory.

Manama, this year's Cup winners, won their third successive game against Sitra this year. They can close out the series and book their place in the championship round with a win in game two on March 29. Game three, if needed, will be played on April 1.

The other semi-final series tips off tonight, with defending champions Al Ahli taking on underdogs Muharraq.

Ahli will bank on the strong play of American Jamal Holden, along with top Bahraini players Hussain Shaker, Ahmed Malallah and Sadeq Mahdi.

Muharraq will rely on local talents Mohammed Hassan, Abdulmajeed Shahram and Mohammed Abdulmajeed, as American player Rah-Shaun Roberts reportedly may not play.

The game gets underway at 7pm.





SOURCE GDN

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BELGIUM

Okapi Aalstar Transfer News -by Peter Buyse

Okapi Aalstar has announced the arrival for next season of Thomas Foucart (191-G-84).
Thomas is the brother of Olivier Foucart the former Falco Gent guard who was signed by Aalstar earlier this season.
Foucart has already been practising with Okapi for a while and is scheduled to join the team next season.
At present he is the third leading scorer for D2 team Falco Gent with an average of 12.9ppg.
This would mean the reunion of both brothers who besides half of this season always played on the same team.

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BELIZE

Senior Champs Keep Perfect Record in BECOL Tournament!!! -by David Magana
Last Friday night at the Falcon Field in San Ignacio the BECOL Tournament continued its regular season with three games. In the U-17 division, L. A. Tigers(2-0) defeated Sacred Heart College(1-2) by 41 - 27. Even though Shimeon Simpson of SHC scored 21 pts of the total 27 pts his team scored, it wasn't enough for SHC to win the game. For the winning team, Shelton Defour scored 17 pts and had 9 rebs.
In the second game, two senior teams clashed in probably one of the closest games played so far in the BECOL Tournament. The champs, E-Three Stars(3-0) collided against the Sacred Heart Junior College/Belize Natural Energy team(2-2) and the champs were able to come out victorious by a score of 60 - 55. The Harpy Eagles (SHJC/BNE) fought valiantly against the champs to the point of leading by three points early in the fourth quarter but due to experience and talents from the champs, they came from behind to retake the lead and end up winning by five. For the champs, Mark O'Brien had a marvelous night with a double double, 22 pts, 14 rebs, Jason Daly (183-G) 16 pts and 8 rebs and Jimmy Rudon 12 pts. In a losing effort, Kurt Burgess (-F/C) scored 17 pts, 7 rebs and a block, while Halil Alcoser scored 16 pts (hitting 5 three pointers) and Lucas Wordsworth (188-F) 9 pts, 5 rebs and a block.
In the third game, Spartans(1-2) beat Venus Warriors(0-4) by 97 - 52. For the Spartans, Aubrey Lopez (188-G) had a game high of 40 pts, 5 rebs and 2 assists, while Gardel Montejo 26 pts, 5 rebs, 2 assists and Peter Alvarez 9 pts and 3 steals. In a losing effort Leon Myers scored 28 pts, 9 rebs and 7 steals while Flavous 'Flagga' Johnson 10 pts and 4 steals.

Central American Champs Bounce Back in the U-26 Tournamet!!! -by David Magana
Last night at the UB Gymnasium infront of their home crowd, The mighty UB Black Jaguars exposed their claws after losing game one of the semi-finals against Lake I Boyz to even the series. This time it was a different story and in a had to win situation they proved to be the Central American University monarchs by beating Lake I boys by 50 - 39. For UB - Lindsberg Graham (178-G-83) scored 16 pts / 3 rebounds / 2 assist / 1 steals while Stephen Williams (188-G-83) 14 pts / 5 rebounds / 1 steal. In a losing effort, Tyrone Edwards (186-G, college: Hillsdale) scored 11 pts / 5 rebounds / 1 assist and Jerome 'Penny' Ellis 11 pts / 2 assist.

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BULGARIA

Lukoil gets thrashed in Moscow -by Eurobasket News
Dynamo Moscow - Lukoil 103:77

The Bulgarian defending champions Lukoil Academic did not pass the ULEB Cup Top 16 test and fell short at the stage of the tournament. Lukoil took on Dynamo Moscow and were narrowly beaten in both encounters. Yesterday Lukoil travelled to Russian capital having a 14-point deficit after the home game and never seriously threatened Dynamo in Moscow. The 2006 ULEB Cup champions dominated throughout the game and easily booked their Final Eight ticket. Lukoil entered the game bravely and the visitors grabbed a 12:10 lead early in the game. Sergei Monya (204-F-83) nailed a treble and Milos Vujanic (190-G-80) added a jumper for Dynamo to build a 25:21 lead at the first intermission. Travis Hansen (198-G/F-78, college: BYU) opened the second quarter with 5 straight points as Dynamo started to get away. Riste Stefanov (198-G-83, agency: Interperformances) and Haris Mujezinovic (205-F-74, college: Indiana) nailed jump shots, while Willie Deane III (186-G-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Purdue) connected from beyond the arc to keep Lukoil within striking distance. But Travis Hansen and Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) fired from downtown and Dynamo cleared off to a 13-point distance. Pero Antic and Haris Mujezinovic dragged Lukoil back but Henry Domercant hit another triple for Dynamo to stay ahead 55:41 at halftime.
Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81), Milos Vujanic and Travis Hansen opened up a 20+ cushion for the hosts at the beginning of the third stanza. Willie Deane III battled back for Lukoil with 5 points in a row but his effort was immediately matched by Javtokas and once again Travis Hansen. Dynamo enjoyed an insurmountable 86:59 advantage after three quarters. Samoylenko stretched it even further to tip off the fourth period and the teams simply coasted to the game finale. Henry Domercant scored 25 points to pace Dynamo. Travis Hansen dropped 23 points, while Sergei Monya added 13 in a winning cause. Willie Deane III answered with 24 points, 5 assists and 4 boards for Lukoil. Riste Stefanov had 16 points and 7 boards in a loss. The home side outrebounded Lukoil 37:33 and held them to 34% from the field.

Dynamo: Henry Domercant 25, Travis Hansen 23, Sergei Monya 13
Lukoil: Willie Deane III 24, Riste Stefanov 16, Haris Mujezinovic 15

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CANADA

Rainmen say farewell to the ABA -by Gianni Pascucci
In an official release, the Halifax Rainmen basketball team owner Mr. Andre Levingston announced that he has removed the team from the American Basketball Association, effective immediately. The Rainmen will be not participating in the league's play-offs, scheduled in Quebec later this month. 'After all the challenges we faced this year, it became obvious that the ABA is not the right league for the Halifax Rainmen. Our fans, our corporate partners, our season tickets holders and this city deserve better, and I will do every thing I can to deliver,' added the Rainmen owner, announcing also the team plans to make a run at becoming a member of the NBA's Developmental League. Levingston commited the Rainmen will stay in Halifax regardless of the success of the future NBA D-League negotiations.

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CROATIA

Zadar finishes ULEB campaign -by Eurobasket News
Pamesa Valencia - Zadar 93:70 (28-21, 19-22, 25-8 21-9)

Spanish Pamesa Valencia reached the Final 8 last as the team overcame Croatian Zagreb tonight 93:70. A fascinating second half for the hosts had nothing to do with Zadar's hopes to advance. Ruben Douglas (193-G-79, college: N.Mexico) paced Pamesa with 29 points. Fred House (196-F-78, agency: Octagon, college: S.Utah) netted 16, while Dejan Milojevic (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) ended up with 14 points. Juby Johnson (196-G-81, college: Miami, OH) finished the game with 20 points in the losing clause.
In an offensive opening quarter both teams exchanged the baskets, but Pamesa was glad to take 14:7 lead. After three three-pointers the hosts held their seven, 28:21. An 11-0 run in the beginning of the second did not upset Zadar as they started to play better. Corey Brewer (188-G-75, college: Oklahoma) and Johnson got Zadar within 47:40. Both teams disappeared in the lockers with 47:43.
In the third quarter it became clear that Zadar would not advance to the Final 8. After some points from Dejan Milojevic and then Ruben Douglas Pamesa had 59:46 lead. Another Ruben Douglas's triple made it 68:51. A 25:8 and 21:9 were too much for the Croatian team to stay in the game. Spanish squad benefited from it and won the encounter. Pamesa will face DKV Joventut in the quarterfinals in Turin, Italy on April 10-11.

Pamesa Valencia:Ruben Douglas 29, Fred House 16, Dejan Milojevic 14, Shammond Williams (187-G-75, college: N.Carolina) 10 assists
Zadar:Juby Johnson 20 points, Corey Brewer 17

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CYPRUS

APOEL in the finals! -by Chris Mammides
Updated information
Aspis Apoel was the final winner after a great game between the Nicosia team and Proteas EKA AEL for the Semi finals. Aspis Apoel qualified in the finals after last night's winning result and the final 91-84
Tast night's game was a real derby between two of the best teams in the Cyprus league, a game which was finally won by the narrowest of margins. Aspis Apoel took the initiative from the beginning 23-20 in the first quarter and since then Apoel never lost the leading role. During half time, the score was 46-39 mainly due Gerben Van Dorpe (211-F/C-76, college: Mt.St.Mary's)'s scoring abilities. In the third quarter the difference got greater between 5-7 points, but 2 minutes before the end of the third quarter, Proteas EKA AEL cut the deficit to 2 points 60-58. By the end of the third quarter the result was 67-63 and the fans thought that they would have a thrilling ending, the reality though was different as in less than 3 minutes the difference went up to 10 points after a really 'silent' 3 minutes from AEL. The most crucial basket came three minutes before the end as Tyson Wheeler (183-G-75, college: Rhode Island) scored a three pointer increasing the deficit once more for the home team to thirteen points.
Proteas EKA AEL at that particular moment played its last card mainly with Duane Woodward (191-G-76, college: Boston Coll.) and Maxime Zianveni (198-F-79) and cut the deficit to 5, 87-82 but it was too late for the Limasol team….. The final score was 100% fair and the best team won the game.

The scorers for the two teams were:
Aspis Apoel: Gerben Van Dorpe 17, Hansen 6, Miseta 7, Jones 10, Radunovic 10, Tyson Wheeler 20, Pantouris 9 and Garcia 12.

Proteas EKA AEL: Liatsos 5, Maxime Zianveni 21, Aleksic 13, Radle 8, Buziane 3, Ilunga 6, Zavoriev 3, Duane Woodward 25 (3).

APOEL in the Finals - AEL will not defend its title after 5 consecutive years. -by Chris Mammides

There were two winners in Nicosia on Tuesday night as Aspis Apoel Nicosia beat Proteas EKA AEL 91-84, but the Cyprus Basketball confirms its upgrading structure as the Limasol team might loose after five years the chance to win the Cyprus league for sixth consecutive year but there are many chances to add another golden page for Cyprus Basketball as the spot in the Semifinals of the FIBA EuroCup which will take place in Melford Arena in Limasol gives many chances to the host team to bring a unique trophy in Cyprus as the teams from the Baltic Sea, the Estonian TU Rock, the Latvian Barons together with the Belgian Dexia Mons Hainaut (of the 8 Americans!!) are opponents which are very much respected by the Cyprus Basketball fans but there is no doubt that these opponents are not 'forbidden' zone for AEL, especially in its own home court.

The defending Cyprus league champions gave their best shot to win a thrilling game that went down against them from the very first quarter. The game was a back-and-forth battle with the home team of Head Coach Kyriakos Yiangoulis coming out red-hot from downtown as they built slowly - slowly a 6-7 points lead in the first 13 minutes. AEL stormed back to cut the deficit up to 1-2 points but by the halftime the score went down to 7 points 46-39. Aspis Apoel Nicosia with Wheeler in a great night being the man of the game was scoring unstoppable and keeping his team in the leading role but AEL never quit down to the last minutes but an unproductive 3 minutes driven APOEL to a 10-0 series which was the final countdown for Limassol Yellows and Coach Charles Barton . The quarters were: 23-20, 46-39, 67-63 and the final 91-84. Tyson Wheeler (183-G-75, college: Rhode Island) led Aspis Apoel Nicosia with 20 points on 8-for-11 shooting. The American veteran was the Top performer and the MVP of the game, he can easily characterized as the man who stopped AEL in the Cyprus league.



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CZECH REP.

36th round of Mattoni NBL -by Ondra Simecek
BK Prostejov lost to Decin 74:80 on the homecourt. The decision about the result came in the last minutes of the match. Prostějov had to finnish the game without Bojic who was disqualified and even Goran Savanovic was back after an injury and Ames scored 23pts, rebounded 6 balls and assisted 5 times the team did not succeed. Brno won over Ostrava 90:79 and therefore reached the fourth victory in the row. Sadska won in Usti 81:99 and proved to have more experienced roster even the game was close until the third quarter. Kolin lost on the homecourt to Liberec 75:83 especially because of a great performace of Jiri Cernosek (200-F/G-81) who scored 33 pts. Pardubice manager to win over USK 85:80 having a problem without Sanders in the roster (injury). There was a battle expected in Nymburk, while the team was plaing against Geofin Novy Jicin but won without any problem with a high diference 92:58.

Nymburk's Muli Katzurin - new coach of Polish NT -by Ondra Simecek
Muli Katzurin , the had coach of CEZ Basketball Nymburk accepted the offer from Polish basketball federation and is becoming a headcoach of Polish National Team. Muli Katzurin had an offer also from the Czech National Team, but finally denied. Katzurin used to coach Polish Idea Slask Wroclaw before he came to Nymburk where he has been coaching for the second season. He has been is coaching his third decade and for seven years he was an Israeli National Team coach.
Last week Katzurin announced to extend the contract for another season with Nymburk where he managed to come with the team to the Last 32 in the ULEB Cup.

Standings - NBL
NBL Standings
1. Nymburk 35-1
2. Geofin 27-9
3. Prostejov 26-10
4. Pardubice 23-13
5. Decin 21-15
6. A Plus B. 17-19
7. Ostrava 17-19
8. Sadska 15-21
9. USK Praha 12-24
10. Liberec 12-24
11. Kolin 8-28
12. Usti n/Labem 3-33


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DENMARK

Amager and Horsholm are through to the semis -by Eurobasket News
Amager and Horsholm were victorious in their respective quarterfinal series to reach the semifinal stage of Basketligaen. BK Amager overcame Horsens 98:72 in the third game to claim the decisive win in the best-of-three series. Amager marked their advantage early in the encounter as they stunned the visitors with a 33:18 first quarter. Horsens tried to level things in the second term and a storming effort allowed them to trim the gap to 11 points at halftime. But the hosts adjusted their defense in the second part of the game and Horsens could not cope. They scored just 23 points in the second half and suffered a massive defeat in the end. Peter Johansen (204-F/C-80, agency: Arik Krayn Services) led the action with 31 points, 6 boards and 6 blocks for Amager. Mads Rasmussen (190-G-86) added 14 points for the winners. Spencer Ross (181-G-81, college: Queens (NC)) nailed 22 points for Horsens. Mostafa Rakadan netted 12 points in a losing effort. Amager will now face the Svendborg Rabbits in the semis.
In another clash the Horsholm 79ers were able to upset the Randers Cimbria away from home to get away with a precious 76:73 victory. It was a seesaw battle with the outcome unknown till the final seconds. The teams looked pretty even in the first half being squared up at 35 at halftime. The 79ers spurred ahead to a 7-point advantage after three quarters of action. It turned out to be a decisive margin. The hosts trimmed the deficit to minimum in the final minutes of the game but Horsholm withstood a fierce comeback rally to celebrate a key success. Allan Ehte (189-G/F-86) notched 21 points to pace the visitors. Duane James (198-F-83, college: Binghamton) had 15 points and 9 boards, while Nick Billings (214-C-82, college: Binghamton) provided 14 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Ranko Stevovic (188-G-77) scored 24 points, grabbed 7 boards and made 6 steals for the hosts. Bonell Colas (206-F-82, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Florida) finished with 22 points and 12 boards for Randers. Horsholm will now take on the regular season champs Bakken Bears on Friday.

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D-LEAGUE

Standings
D-League Standings
Central Division
1. Dakota W. 23-18
2. Sioux Falls S. 23-20
3. Iowa E. 18-22
4. Ft.Wayne MA 15-25
Southwest Division
1. Austin T. 25-15
2. Tulsa 66ers 23-16
3. Colorado 14ers 23-17
4. Albuquerque T. 18-22
5. Rio Grande VV 16-26
West Division
1. Idaho S. 30-10
2. LA D-Fenders 28-12
3. Utah 19-22
4. Anaheim A. 16-25
5. Bakersfield J. 7-34


Stats Leaders
D-League Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1.M. Almond, UTA 24.7
2.D. Farmer, RGV 23.4
3.K. Powell, SIF 22.2
4.S. Banks, LAD 22.1
5.C. Powell, DAK 21.6
Rebounds Per Game
1.R. Benson, DAK 12.2
2.C. Alexander, SIF 10.9
3.L. Allred, IDA 10.0
4.M. Campbell, IDA 8.2
5.I. Mahinmi, AUS 7.9
Assists Per Game
1.R. Livingston, IDA 10.9
2.E. Gill, COL 8.4
3.A. Barrett, AUS 8.3
4.K. Kruger, UTA 7.1
5.E. Calloway, FWN 5.8


LA Clippers Sign Nick Fazekas for Rest of Season -by Surujh Roopnarine
Former Tulsa 66ers forward and D-League All-Star Nick Fazekas (6'11''-F-85, college: Nevada) has been signed for the remainder of the NBA season by the Los Angeles Clippers.
Fazekas had played out a pair of 10-day contracts beginning on February 27th. In eight appearances for the Clippers, Fazekas is averaging 2.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 0.4 assists in 9.3 minutes per game. Fazekas played 28 games with the 66ers this season and was named a D-League All-Star. Fazekas averaged 19.1 points per game. 10.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 53 percent from the floor with Tulsa.

Tuesday Night Action in the D-League -by Surujh Roopnarine
Iowa Energy (96) at Ft. Wayne Mad Ants (114)
A strong fourth quarter by the home Mad Ants, propelled them to a 114-96 victory over the visiting Iowa Energy last night at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. The former Indiana duo of Earl Calloway (6'3''-G-83, agency: CAA Sports, college: Indiana) and Roderick Wilmont combined for 43 points as the Mad Ants shot 44% from the field while limiting Iowa to 38.9% on the night. Ft. Wayne improves to 15-25 while Iowa who was led by Shannon Brown (6'3''-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Michigan St.)'s 27 points, fell to 18-22.
ENERGY: Shannon Brown (27p+8rb), Doug Thomas (15p+9rb), Cedric Simmons (13p+8rb), Jeff Horner (13p+5rb+5as)
MAD ANTS: Earl Calloway (24p+8rb+6as), Roderick Wilmont (21p), Cheikh Samb (16p+10rb+5bs), Corey Minnifield (19p+5rb)

Anaheim Arsenal (114) at Dakota Wizards (108)
Dakota could not sustain a 14-2 open to the game as they fell to the visiting Anaheim Arsenal 114-108 at the Bismark Civic Center. Anaheim was led by former Iowa State standout Will Blalock (6'0''-G-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa St.)'s 21 points on 8-11 field goals. Dakota was led by Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: Missouri St.), who has stepped up his play as of late, averaging a scorching 33.6ppg in five games in March. Anaheim improves to 16-25, three games behind Utah for third in the West Division, while Dakota falls to 23-18, now only a game ahead of second place Sioux Falls in the Central Division.
ARSENAL: Will Blalock (21p+7as), Kedrick Brown (18p+10rb+5as), Marcus Campbell (18p+9rb), Mo Charlo (16p+5rb)
WIZARDS: Blake Ahearn (30p+8as), Carlos Powell (26p+5rb+5to), Rod Benson (8p+12rb), Will Frisby (15p+6rb)

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EGYPT

Super League Standings
Superleague Standings
1. Al Ittihad 18-3
2. Gezira 17-4
3. Sporting 16-5
4. Zamalek 16-5
5. Ahly 16-5
6. Somouha 12-9
7. Shams 8-13
8. Geish Army 7-14
9. Gazco 6-15
10. Eastern Co. 5-16
11. Shorta-Police 5-16
12. Damenhor 0-21


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EUROLEAGUE

The fourth time was fatal for Panathinaikos -by Chris Mammides

The fourth game which was the most crucial one was also the fatal one for the Green Champions. The 2006-2007 European champions lost the chance to repeat their European title and as of last night they are officially out of the most prestige European Basketball Institution! The amazing Serbs after three consecutive negative results in the games against Panathinaikos, they prove to be an unbearable opponent in their in between game last night. In the most decisive game of the season, the Green team of Zelimir Obradovic crashed down the tradition and disqualified from the Quarter finals of Euroleague, at the same time Panathinaikos liberate the Euroleague trophy for a new owner. The biggest weakness of this seazon's Panathinaikos was the rebounding and they definitely prove it last night in Hala Pioner as the green Achillean heel, as the rebounding battle was totally lost in Serbia, without Zizic and with Prkcin and Dikoudis in another low flight in their 7 and 8 minutes (playing time) in the court, Panathinaikos's only help in the paint was Batiste and Diamntidis with 4 and 5 rebounds respectively!!!

A year after making its first Top 16 of the decade, Partizan went a step further, finishing 4-2 in Group D to set up a best-of-three playoff series with Group E winner Tau Ceramica. The heroes were many, but one a night when Panathinaikos neutralized Partizan's season-long star, Nikola Pekovic, two seasoned veterans led the way. Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.) scored 24 points for the winners and he was definetely the MVP of the game, including a killer driving lay-up heading into the final minute. Dusan Kecman has 16 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists, including a pair of late put-backs that settled the matter. Novica Velickovic added 11 points, among them a huge triple late, and Milenko Tepic 10 for Partizan, which ruled the boards to the tune of 37-18. Although it solved its turnover problems, allowing only 7, Panathinaikos could not overcome that rebounding disadvantage. The Greens grabbed a pair of brief late leads, but otherwise played from behind repeatedly. Partizan reached high leads of 9 points twice on Milenko Tepic triples, at 26-17 to end the first quarter and at 33-24 in the second. Pekovic hit a shot to match it shortly after halftime, but thereafter Panathinaikos got closer and closer until Palacio and Kecman made the difference down the stretch. Sarunas Jasikevicus led Panathinaikos with 20 points, while Michael Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) added 12 and Vassilis Spanoulis 11.



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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: Korihait defeated Kataja after OT -by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 41: Only one round left out of the regular season. Now 41 rounds behind, YMCA Lappeenranta and Torpan Pojat, Helsinki on the top.
Both top teams won their home games tonight: YMCA Lappeenranta beat Pyrinto (Tampere) 108-72 and Torpan Pojat won over YMCA Lahti 88-74.
An upset was close in Kouvola, where local Kouvot won only by two over Karhu (Kauhajoki): 82-80. When Team Componenta won at the same time
over visitor KTP (Kotka) 84-72, TC is now ahead of Kauhajoki as these two teams will meet on Saturday at Kauhajoki. Tarmo (Porvoo) lost at home
vs Honka (Espoo) 79-105 and Korihait (Uusikaupunki) defeated Kataja (Joensuu) 87-78 after OT.

YMCA LPR - Pyrinto 108-72 (48-40) (Ivan Harris 34, Adrian Henning 21 - Damon Williams 19/14, Damion Dantzler 18).

Torpan Pojat - YMCA Lahti 88-74 (45-34) (Josh Gonner 23/10, Tyson Patterson 22 - Ville Makalainen 20, Vesa Makalainen 19/13).

Kouvot - Kauhajoki 82-80 (36-45) (Corey Smith 20, Roope Suonio 19 - Eric Washington 27/18, Cedric McGowan 20/13).

Team Componenta - KTP 84-72 (43-42) (Chris Hester 28, Nigel Moore 21/14 - Steve Smith 25, Baboucarr Bojang 16).

Tarmo - Honka 79-105 (34-54) (Mark McCarroll 15, Travis Leech 12 - Petteri Koponen 23, Matt Williams 20).

Krihait - Kataja OT 87-78 (68)(47-33) (Glenn Stokes 30, Darius Glover (196-G/F) 25/10 - Sami Lehtoranta 20, Louis Hinnant 18).



Standings - Korisliiga
Korisliiga Standings
1. ToPo 31-10
2. Kouvot 30-11
3. Honka 27-14
4. Lahti 20-21
5. Korihait 19-22
6. Tarmo 18-23
7. Pyrinto 18-23
8. LrNMKY 16-5
9. Kataja 16-25
10. KTP 16-25
11. Componenta 13-28
12. Kauhajoki 12-29


*****************************************************
GERMANY

German Cup: Bremerhaven, Berlin and Ludwigsburg advance to the Semis -by Moritz Korff
Cuxhaven BasCats - Eisbaeren Bremerhaven 73:80
The cinderella-story of the Cuxhaven BasCats in the German Cup has come to an end. In a clash with local rival Bremerhaven the team of Coach Vidmantas Matkevicius fell short 73:80 and has to bury its dreams of going to the Top Four in Hamburg. The Polar Bears will do instead, for the 2nd straight year. In a completely sold-out Rundsporthalle the hosting BasCats counted on their starting players only. Danny Gibson, Jean Francois and Rocky Trice each got 40 minutes on the floor, Monta McGhee and Marlon Pompey played 38 and 39 minutes respectively. However, it took about 38 and a half minute for Bremerhaven to stop the BasCats. Tony Bobbitt nailed a three-pointer to give the visitors a 75:69-lead with 90 seconds left to go.
Bremerhaven outrebounded the BasCats 49:34 and was carried by Matt Haryasz (210-C-84, agency: Octagon, college: Stanford) who scored 29 points on 12 out of 17 from the field and 5 out of 6 from the foul line. Haryasz also pulled down a game-high 13 boards, blocked 3 shots, dished out 2 assists and snagged 2 steals. Anthony Tolliver followed with 16 points and 12 rebounds. The BasCats, who decided not to apply for a Bundesliga-license though leading the Pro A-league with only 5 match-days left to go in this current season, were guided by Danny Gibson who tallied 22 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds. Monta McGhee contributed 21 points, Jean Francois had 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Rocky Trice finished the game with 12 points and 10 boards.

ALBA Berlin - ratiopharm Ulm 102:91
After failing to qualify for the Top Four in 2007 ALBA Berlin will make the trip to Hamburg this year after winning a double-overtime affair over ratiopharm Ulm 102:91. Berlin looked sharp in the beginning and ran out to a 24:18 in the first quarter. But the visitors from Ulm stepped up and closed the gap in the second half. In overtime Berlin's Julius Jenkins showed his class and hit a couple three-pointers to destroy the hopes of the Ulm-supporters.
Bryan Lucas led the point-production for Ulm with 19, five of his teammates finished the game in double-figure scoring as well: Dru Joyce and Jeff Gibbs each had 16, EJ Gallup added 14, Romeo Travis chipped in 13 and Konrad Wysocki had 11 plus a team-high 13 rebounds. On the other end Dijon Thompson scored 27 points, Bobby Brown produced 21 points, 6 assists and 6 boards, Julius Jenkins added 20 points and Aleksandar Nadjfeji finished the game with 10 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.

Walter Tigers Tuebingen - EnBW Ludwigsburg 84:88
In another thriller Ludwigsburg stopped Tuebingen and advanced to the semifinal of the German Cup-competition for the second year in a row. Just like the Bremerhaven-fans also the supporters of Ludwigsburg can make the bookings for another tour to the Northern shore. A sharp-shooting Heiko Schaffartzik paced the visitors as he drained 4 shots from beyond the arc and chipped in 20 points totally. His fellow countryman Nils Mittmann stood out with an excellent performance, hitting 6 out of 7 from the field. He tallied 16 points and 6 rebounds. On the defensive end the Ludwigsburg players forced 20 turnovers of the hosting Tigers. Tuebingen's AJ Moye topscored with 28 points, Jermaine Anderson contributed 18 points and 7 assists, Rasko Katic, who fouled out short before the 4th quarter ended, had 17 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.

The Top Four will be completed on Wednesday (March 26), when the Artland Dragons take on Bamberg at home.

Another player tested positive for THC -by Moritz Korff
Another positive doping-test in the 1. Bundesliga. Only one week after Nate Fox (206-F-77, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Maine) had been caught for using cannabis Ermen Reyes-Napoles (185-G-89) failed to pass the same test. THC was found in his urine. The sample had been taken after the game against Ludwigsburg. The 18-year-old Guard, who had appeared in 13 games of the Bundesliga, will not only get suspension for the first league, but also for the NBBL and the clubs' Regionalliga-side.

*****************************************************
GREECE

Papanikolopoulos: The MVP of the 20th day -by Kostas Papadopoulos
The most important result of the 20th day of A1 championship has been reflected in the win of AEL Larisas against Aris. Thus, the player who contributed most to this win, Nikos Papanikolopoulos (193-G-79), was undoubtedly voted as the MVP of the day. The 28-year old guard took 74 votes for his 23 points (9/9 1p., 4/7 2p. and 2/7 3p. shots), just 1 vote more than David Young (196-G/F-81, college: N.C.Central) (Rethymno), the player who kept the hopes of his team alive for remaining at A1.
The results for the first 6 players:
Nikos Papanikolopoulos (AEL) 74
David Young (Rethimno) 73
Anthony Grundy (189-G-79, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) (Panellinios) 50
Dragan Ceranic (212-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) (AEL) 23
Giorgos Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) (Olympiakos) 18
Nenad Pistoljevic (196-G-80) (Rethymno) 18

Panathinaikos wil not defend the European Title!! -by Chris Mammides

The fourth game which was the most crucial one was also the fatal one for the Green Champions. The 2006-2007 European champions lost the chance to repeat their European title and as of last night they are officially out of the most prestige European Basketball Institution! The amazing Serbs after three consecutive negative results in the games against Panathinaikos, they prove to be an unbearable opponent in their in between game last night. In the most decisive game of the season, the Green team of Zelimir Obradovic crashed down the tradition and disqualified from the Quarter finals of Euroleague, at the same time Panathinaikos liberate the Euroleague trophy for a new owner. The biggest weakness of this seazon's Panathinaikos was the rebounding and they definitely prove it last night in Hala Pioner as the green Achillean heel, as the rebounding battle was totally lost in Serbia, without Zizic and with Prkcin and Dikoudis in another low flight in their 7 and 8 minutes (playing time) in the court, Panathinaikos's only help in the paint was Batiste and Diamntidis with 4 and 5 rebounds respectively!!!

A year after making its first Top 16 of the decade, Partizan went a step further, finishing 4-2 in Group D to set up a best-of-three playoff series with Group E winner Tau Ceramica. The Serb heroes were many, but one a night when Panathinaikos neutralized Partizan's season-long star, Nikola Pekovic, two seasoned veterans led the way. Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.) scored 24 points for the winners, including a killer driving lay-up heading into the final minute. Dusan Kecman (197-G/F-77) has 16 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists, including a pair of late put-backs that settled the matter. Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) added 11 points, among them a huge triple late, and Milenko Tepic 10 for Partizan, which ruled the boards to the tune of 37-18. Although it solved its turnover problems, allowing only 7, Panathinaikos could not overcome that rebounding disadvantage. The Greens grabbed a pair of brief late leads, but otherwise played from behind repeatedly. Partizan reached high leads of 9 points twice on Milenko Tepic triples, at 26-17 to end the first quarter and at 33-24 in the second. Pekovic hit a shot to match it shortly after halftime, but thereafter Panathinaikos got closer and closer until Palacio and Kecman made the difference down the stretch. Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) led Panathinaikos with 20 points, while Mike Batiste added 12 and Vassilis Spanoulis 11.



In a game without tommorow Panathinaikos just left for the others the Euroleague trophy -by George Manousidis
Partizan vs Panathinaikos 82-73
In a game without tomorrow Panathinaikos just left for the others the Euroleague trophy.
The Champions Europe fought until the end, but made bad choices in the most critical points of game.
Again the problem it was near the basket very big and this was impressed in the statistics.
Panathinaikos has 19 less rebound (18-37) from the team of Partizan. This was the main reason for which was lost the game.
Zeljko Obradovic : 'First from all, congratulations in the Partizan for the victory, which it deserved. It amazingly played in the duration of Top-16. We, we lost the game in the attack, because we missed three times in critical points. The Panathinaikos has experienced players and waited for more intelligent and patient game from them. I thank the fans of Partizan for the hot reception. We have enormous problem in the place of power forward. We lost the Tsartsari and we are forced to play with four short '.
Sani Becirovic (195-G-81, agency: Beo Basket): 'Congratulations in the Partizan. All were fantastic, the public, her appearance, all. The key for her victory they were sure rebound. The Panathinaikos is more qualitative and experienced team, but the Serbs handled much better the pressure '.
Dusko Vujosevic : 'I am very happy that we reached in the' 8 '. This success it was fantastic. First from all charm in the players and the energy that gave. Secondly, I do not remember public or atmosphere as the one that we had tonight. We are ready to fight also against the Tau. We overcame the Champion Europe and we do not have right to stop in order to celebrate this victory '.
Novica Velickovic (205-F-86): 'Tonight we played a important game, against a very good team with exceptional coach. We showed the heart and our force. It is really big victory for Serbia basket. The Partizan had this year lost three times from the Panathinaikos, but learned from our each defeat. In the one of them I lost the victory 3-point field goal . Acquired experience from three them mats and today played for 40 minutes in high rhythm and with a lot of energy '.

*****************************************************
HOLLAND

Sullivan Sykes extend contract at Rotterdam Challengers -by Fred Roggen
Also the American shooting-guard Sullivan Sykes (193-G/F-81, college: St.Joseph, IN) has extended his contract with the Rotterdam Challengers by direct with an option for the season 2009-2010.
Sullivan Sykes has shown his value for the Rotterdam Challengers and is currently averaging 13.8 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Challengers.
He is with Jeroen Slor and Charles Richardson, the third player who extends his contract with the Rotterdam Challengers in their way to the top of the Dutch Eredivisie.

Standings - Eredivisie
Eredivisie Standings
1. Amsterdam 28-6
2. West-Brabant 23-11
3. M.Magix 21-13
4. Eiff.Towers 20-12
5. Hanzev.Cpt 20-14
6. Rotterdam 18-14
7. Zwolle 14-19
8. Weert 14-20
9. Leiden 14-20
10. Aris Friesland 7-26
11. Den Helder 4-28
12. Almere 0-0


FEB Results: Hanzevast Capitals Blow Out West-Brabant Giants; Eiffel Towers Escape In Leiden -by Sanders Jackson


Tuesday night in FEB play, both Hanzevast Capitals and defending Dutch champions Eiffel Towers took care of business in their quest for good playoff seeding, with a strong 3rd quarter run helping Hanzevast blow out slumping West-Brabant Giants, and Eiffel making a strong comeback and escaping with a road win over ZZ Leiden.

In the 3rd quarter Hanzevast put up Phoenix Suns-type numbers, scoring an incredible 41 pts., which broke West-Brabant's back, with Hanzevast going on to win 107-88. Donar forced 25 turnovers, scoring 35 pts. off forced turnovers, while shooting 62% FG. Six Hanzevast players scored in double figures, led by Kevin Melson (199-F-78, college: Wright St.) with 22 pts., Alton Mason (185-G-77, agency: Court Side, college: Arizona St.) had 18, and Niels Meijer (204-F-80, agency: R.H.Consultancy) had good all-around numbers with 16 pts., 6 assists and 8 steals. Tim Blue (206-F-84, agency: Worldwide Hoops, college: Middle Tenn.St.) led the guests with 20 pts. Hanzevast are now 20-14 and in 5th place in the FEB, while West-Brabant Giants are now mired in a two-game losing streak after a hot period, falling to 23-11.


In Leiden, Eiffel Towers found themselves down 54-50 in the 3rd quarter, but found their reknown resilance when it really mattered, with the team from Randy Wiel prevailing in the end, escaping with the win 74-73. Eiffel only shot 40.4% FG compared to ZZ's 60.5%, but ZZ shot only 9 of 17 from the charity stripe, with Eiffel making 12 of 17, and a 19-9 offensive rebounding advantage (44-35 difference for Eiffel). Damone Brown (204-F-79, college: Syracuse) led all scorers with 22 pts. Eiffel are now 20-12 and remain in the 4th spt, while the loss was painful for ZZ in their quest for the playoffs, falling temporarily behind Upstairs Weert in 9th.



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IBL

2008 Holland Blast Opening Day Roster: -by Lucius Jones
Holland Blast Roster for 2008 season:

Dennis Springs (5'8''-G-82, college: Ferris St.)
Marwan Gaines (6'5''-F-82, college: Findlay (OH))
Dominick Melton (6'6''-F, college: Wisc.-Parkside)
Antonio Davis (6'6''-F-82, college: Urbana)
Jared Bledsoe (6'3''-G-81, agency: Huss Sport Agency, college: Minnesota St. Univ.)
David Williams (6'9''-C-83, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Saginaw Valley)
Duane Bosma (6'9''-C, college: Hope (MI))
Jonathan Woods (6'7''-F-82, college: Fresno St.)
Jeremy File (6'1''-G-84, college: W.Michigan) - 175 lbs- Olivet College
Bryan Edwards (6'2''-G-69, college: JMU) -190 lbs Cornerstone University
Julius Vines (6'3''-SG, college: Ferris St.) - 190 lbs
Ron Ferguson - 6'2 185 lbs. SG - Holland High School
Steve Cramer - 6'2 185 lbs. SG - Hope

With the group of players Holland has carried over and the signed additions to the team, the Holland Blast look primed for a very productive,successful season.
<<>><<>>

*****************************************************
ISRAEL

Standings - Premier League
Premier L. Standings
1. Macc.T-A 13-4
2. Bnei Hash. 12-5
3. Hap.Holon 11-6
4. Jerusalem 10-7
5. Ramat Gan 9-8
6. Nahariya 9-8
7. Ashkelon 6-11
8. Gilboa/Afula 5-12
9. Rishon LZ 5-12
10. Hap.G.Elyon 5-12


Standings - Artzit (D3)
Artzit Standings
Group North
1. Elitzur K.Yair 16-2
2. Kiryat Tivon 14-4
3. Hap.K.Saba 12-6
4. Hap.Emek I. 10-8
5. Macc.Hadera 10-8
6. Hap.Tveria 10-8
7. Hapoel Misgav 10-8
8. Macc.Carmiel 8-10
9. Macc.Qiryat/B. 8-10
10. Hap.Kazrin 7-11
11. Bney Herzeliya 7-11
12. Hap.Ma a lot 2-16
Group South
1. Hap.Beeri 13-5
2. Macc.R.Hain 13-5
3. Hap.Givatayim 11-8
4. Macc.Rehovot 10-8
5. Beer Tuvia 9-9
6. Macc.B.Yaak. 9-9
7. Hap.H.Eylot 7-11
8. Hapoel Eilat 7-11
9. Hap.T-A 4-14
10. Macc.Q.Gat 1-17


*****************************************************
ITALY

Fabriano changes coach -by Gianni Pascucci
In consequence of a dispute between coach Massimo Bernardi and some local fans after the last Lega 2 game, Indesit Fabriano officials opted to suspend Bernardi instead of the fans who offended him.... Andrea Pecchia will now serve as head coach at the place of Bernardi, and Marco Pesaresi will be his assistant.

*****************************************************
JUCO

JUCO National Championship starts in Hutchinson -by Eurobasket News
NJCAA men's national championship got under way in Hutchinson, Kansas. Sixteen teams tipped off the tournament with the games of the eighth-final stage. The 4th-ranked Salt Lake CC overcame Vincennes University in the first encounter yesterday. The Bruins finished the regular season with just 2 losses but were close of suffering the third one here. They trailed to the Trailblazers 23:25 at halftime. But a strong performance from Brian Green and Davell Jackson in the second part of the game allowed Salt Lake to advance to the quarterfinal stage of the championship. Green notched 15 points, while Jackson had 13 points and 7 boards in a winning case. Devon Dumes (6'2''-G-87) answered with 21 points for Vincennes.
Southern Illinois edged Paris JC 63:57 to book their Top 8 spot. The Dragons got to a better start and held a 29:27 lead at halftime. But the Falcons revived in the second half and changed the complexion of the game celebrating a tough win at the end. Andree Wilson (6'5''-F-84) knocked down 18 points and grabbed 6 boards to pace Southern Illinois. Monie Hudson and Kyle Oldham dropped 11 points apiece for the winners. Eric Tramiel answered with 15 points and 6 boards for Paris JC.
Three Rivers CC took on Eastern Wyoming and proved strength 83:70. The Raiders dominated the game from the start and managed to build a 40:38 advantage at halftime. The Lancers failed to recover after the long break and lost the battle at the end. Jeff McClain topscored with 22 points for Three Rivers. Artem Valov (6'9''-F-86) scored 18 points for the Raiders. The Lancers replied with 20 points from Casey Robinson.
The Shelton State Bucs were unable to match Northeastern Oklahoma losing 65:78. The Golden Norsemen quickly spurred ahead and never allowed the Bucs to claw their way back. Reggie Mathis drilled 26 points, while Dominique Gaines added 24 as the Golden Norsemen qualified for the Top 8 stage, where they would face Seward County CC. Brandon Williams had 16 points for Shelton State in defeat.
Reggie Chamberlain was impressive with game-high 30 points to carry his Seward County Saints past the 2nd-ranked Chipola College 90:84 in overtime. One of the championship favorites Chipola got to a flying start and stayed ahead throughout the first half. They drove to a 37:33 advantage at halftime but Chamberlain and Darko Cohadarevic (6'9''-F-86) stepped up for the Saints in the second half and forced the extra period. There the Saints outpaced the Indians and clinched an improbable victory at the end. Darko Cohadarevic added 25 points for the winners. Vernon Teel (6'3''-G) led the Indians with 19 points.
Two more games of the Top 16 stage will be played today. Indian Hills will take on Itawamba, while South Plains College will face Georgia Perimeter.

*****************************************************
NAIA

Oregon Tech Claims Championship in Rematch of 2004 -by Brandon Woudstra
In a rematch of the 2004 national championship game, Oregon Tech, the 11th seed, defeated top-seeded Bellevue (Neb.) 63-56 to win their second ever national championship. The Hustlin' Owls finish their championship season with a 31-6 overall record. The 17th-annual event is being held at the Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of the College of the Ozarks (Mo.).

The top-seeded Bruins began the game with an 8-2 run, sparked by a pair of three pointers by junior Chance Wallesen. Oregon Tech answered back with the next 14 points, led by NAIA Player-of-the-Year Ryan Fiegi (6'7''-F) (6'7''-F) with six during the run. The Hustlin' Owls led by as much as eight (26-18) before Bellevue scored the final five points of the first half to put the halftime score at 26-23. Both teams struggled from the field as Oregon Tech shot 39% while the Bruins made 29% of their field goal attempts.

The Bruins continued their comeback at the start of the second half and tied the score at 30 after a Ben Thorn three pointer with 17 minutes left. Bellevue held the lead briefly (32-30) after a basket by John Gray (6'3''-G-85) but a Ryan Beesley three pointer put Oregon Tech back in front (35-32). Bruin guard Matt Imig tied the game at 37 on a three pointer but the Hustlin' Owls took the lead for good with 10 minutes left to play on a 7-0 run. The Bruins made one final charge after back-to-back baskets by Jerrod Tucker cut the lead to three. Oregon Tech, however, on five straight points by Jguwon Hogges was able to hold on for the victory, 63-56. The 119 combined points matched the lowest scoring championship game in tournament history (1993-Williamette (Ore.) def. Northern State (S.D.).

Oregon Tech shot 43% for the game, 46% in the second half. Ryan Fiegi, the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, led all players with 22 points. The senior led the tournament with 112 points in the five games. Jguwon Hogges and Ryan Beesley added 14 and 10 points, respectively. Josh Wetzler pulled down 10 more rebounds to increase his tournament leading total to 56.

Bellevue shot 41% from the floor, well below their tournament average of 52%. John Gray led the Bruins with 14 points and pulled down seven rebounds in his final game. Ben Thorn came off the bench to score 10 and Hannibal Cofield added seven points and a team-high 10 rebounds. Bellevue, which lost to Oregon Tech in the 2004 championship game (81-72), ends their season at 33-4.

This is the second national championship for Oregon Tech; they also won it in 2004.

(www.naia.org)

1st and 2nd Round Results from NAIA II Tourney -by Brandon Woudstra
Friday's Second Round Games:
#9 Bethel (Ind.)(29-6) def. Ottawa (Kan.)(24-9), 86-81
#1 Bellevue (Neb.)(31-3) def. #16 Aquinas (Mich.)(25-9), 65-61
#13 Northwood (Fla.)(27-7) def. #4 Walsh (Ohio)(26-5), 66-59
#5 Northwestern (Iowa)(29-4) def. Oklahoma Wesleyan (26-8), 86-85 OT
#2 MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.)(30-4) def. #15 Cedarville (Mich.)(23-8), 79-73
Grace (Ind.)(26-9) def. #3 Morningside (Iowa)(29-4), 90-81 OT
#10 College of the Ozarks (Mo.)(27-5) def. #7 Eastern Oregon (26-6), 65-42
#11 Oregon Tech (27-6) def. #6 Evangel (Mo.)(28-6), 72-63

Thursday First Round Games:
#13 Northwood (Fla.)(26-7) def. Bluefield (Va.)(25-8), 88-86
#4 Walsh (Ohio)(26-4) def. Judson (Ill.)(19-9), 91-57
#5 Northwestern (Iowa)(28-4) def. Minot State (N.D.)(19-12), 97-90
Oklahoma Wesleyan (26-7) def. #12 William Penn (Iowa)(28-6), 75-73
#3 Morningside (Iowa)(29-3) def. Indiana Tech (21-13), 73-67
Grace (Ind.)(24-9) vs. #14 Embry-Riddle (Fla.)(27-6), 5:45 pm
#11 Oregon Tech (27-6) def. Mount Vernon Nazarene (Ohio)(23-8), 77-74
#6 Evangel (Mo.)(28-6) def. Menlo (Calif.)(18-10), 73-48

Wednesday First Round Scores:
Ottawa (Kan.)(24-8) def. 38 King (Tenn.)(26-8), 70-65
#16 Aquinas (Mich.)(25-8) def. Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.)(24-9), 91-66
#1 Bellevue (Neb.)(30-3) def. St. Joseph (Vt.)(13-15), 111-52
#9 Bethel (Ind.)(28-6) def. Warner Pacific (Ore.)(22-11), 86-73 OT
#15 Cedarville (Ohio)(23-7) def. Jamestown (N.D.)(23-9), 83-59
#7 Eastern Oregon (26-5) def. Edward Waters (Fla.)(20-12), 93-62
#10 College of the Ozarks (Mo.)(26-5) def. Indiana-Southeast (24-9), 91-82
#2 MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.)(29-4) def. Friends (Kan.)(19-12), 82-66

Final Four Set in NAIA II Tourney -by Brandon Woudstra
The Final Four is set as all four higher seeds won in today's quarterfinal action. Four different conferences will be represented in Monday's semifinal. The 2008 event is being held at Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of College of the Ozarks (Mo.).

Top-seed Bellevue (Neb.) defeated #9 Bethel (Ind.) in the first quarterfinal game, 73-69. The Bruins are the first number one seed to advance to the Final Four since 2003. They will take on #5 Northwestern (Iowa) in the first semifinal game on Monday. The Red Raiders defeated #13 Northwood (Fla.) in the day's only blowout, 96-70. Northwestern will be making their second consecutive and tournament best, sixth overall Final Four.

In the two late games, defending champion MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) defeated #10 College of the Ozarks (Mo.), 70-58, in front of a packed Keeter Gymnasium. The second seeded Pioneers got another double-double from Danny Hawkins (6'7''-F) (6'7''-F), 20 points and 10 rebounds, in the win over the host Bobcats. Ozarks fell in the quarterfinals for the second straight year. MidAmerica Nazarene will face 11th seed Oregon Tech, who defeated unseeded Grace College (Ind.), 81-70. The Hustlin' Owls return to the Final Four for the first time since 2005 and are making their fourth trip to the semifinals.

The 32-team, single elimination tournament continues with the Final Four on Monday, March 17. Top-seeded Belleuve will play #5 Northwestern in the first game at 6:00 pm, followed by #11 Oregon Tech and #2 MidAmerica Nazarene. The four teams remaining have combined for 16 trips to the semifinals and four national championships. Northwestern has won two titles (2001 and 2003), Oregon Tech won the championship in 2004 and MidAmerica Nazarene won the championship last year in 2007. Bellevue reached the championship in 2004 but fell to the Hustlin' Owls, 81-72. The championship game will be on Tuesday, March 18 at 8:30 pm.

(www.naia.org)

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NBA

Boston stops Houston in their run -by Eurobasket News
The Boston Celtics made it look pretty routine. They came to Texas to win and proved it with two impressive wins over San Antonio and Houston. The latter one meant the end to a 22-game winning streak of the Rockets. Boston overwhelmed the hosts in the second half to claim a 94:74 victory and took off the burden of record chasing from the Rockets. Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76) had 22 points to pace the Celtics as they spurred ahead after the long break. The teams were all square at 40 at halftime but a 32:16 third frame condemned the hosts. Tracy McGrady (6'8''-G/F-79) was kept beyond 10-point mark on the night going for just 4/11 from the field and registering 8 points. Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) scored 20 points to pace Boston to the 54th win in the season. Leon Powe (6'8''-F-84, college: California) stepped up from the bench to account for 21 points as the Celtics won the 13th out of their last 14 games.
Meanwhile the LA Lakers returned to winning ways and tied the Rockets atop of the Western Conference. The Lakers visited Dallas and wasted a 25-point third quarter lead just to hold off the Mavs at the end 102:100. The Lakers were without injured Pau Gasol but Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) scored 20 points in the first half and the visitors piled up a 21-point buffer into the second half. It was too dull for the hosts before the final minutes of the third period. Dallas exploded with a 14:1 run to cap the frame and then opened the fourth one with a 9:2 rally to trim the deficit. The Mavericks trailed by one 100:101 with 4.9 seconds left in regulation. Derek Fisher (6'1''-G-74, college: UALR) was fouled and hit one free throw but Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) was unable to drill his attempt from downtown sealing the victory for the Lakers. German forward had 35 points, 11 boards and 5 blocks to lead all scorers. Lamar Odom (6'10''-F-79, college: Rhode Island) scored 17 points and grabbed 17 rebounds for the winners. Jason Kidd (6'4''-G-73, college: California) was held to just 1 point on a 0/3 shooting.

Standings
NBA Standings
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C. 54-13
2. Toronto R. 35-33
3. Philadelphia 34-34
4. New Jersey N. 29-39
5. New York K. 19-48
Central Div.
1. Detroit P. 49-19
2. Cleveland C. 39-30
3. Chicago B. 27-40
4. Indiana P. 27-41
5. Milwaukee B. 23-44
Southeast Div.
1. Orlando M. 45-25
2. Washington W. 34-33
3. Atlanta H. 28-39
4. Charlotte B. 24-44
5. Miami H. 12-54
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Utah J. 45-24
2. Denver N. 40-28
3. Portland T.B. 35-33
4. Minnesota T. 17-50
5. Seattle S. 16-52
Pacific Div.
1. Los Angeles L. 46-21
2. Phoenix S. 46-22
3. Golden St. 42-25
4. Sacramento K. 31-36
5. Los Angeles C. 21-46
Southwest Div.
1. N.Orleans H. 46-21
2. Houston R. 46-22
3. San Antonio S. 44-23
4. Dallas M. 44-24
5. Memphis G. 16-51


Allen Iverson returns to Philadelphia, but the Nuggets lose -by Eurobasket News
Allen Iverson (6'1''-G-75, college: Georgetown) stepped back on the court of the Wachovia Centre for the first time since he left the place in December 2006. Allen Iverson was impressive with game-high 32 points but it did not help his playoff-chasing Denver to upset the striking 76ers. Samuel Dalembert (6'11''-C-81, college: Seton Hall) drained a layup with 32 seconds remaining in regulation to put the hosts up for good. Allen Iverson had a chance to tie the game but missed his final shot and Marcus Camby failed to add one after an offensive rebound. Andre Miller (6'3''-G-76, college: Utah) scored 28 points to lead the 76ers to 34-34 record in the ladder. The Nuggets meanwhile suffered the 28th loss in the season and still just eying the 8th spot in the West. Allen Iverson got a long standing ovation when introduced. Andre Iguodala (6'6''-G-84, college: Arizona) notched 21 points for the winners. Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) dropped 26 for Denver.
Houston lost their second in a row as they fell short to New Orleans 69:90 away from home. The Rockets that possessed a 22-game winning streak just two days ago suddenly have to deal with the losing streak. They were defeated in two straight games and allowed the Hornets to leapfrog them in the Western Conference standings. Bonzi Wells (6'5''-F-76, college: Ball St.) came off the bench to deliver 20 points in the fourth period and led the hosts to an impressive victory. He finished with 25 points, while David West (6'8''-F-80, agency: Octagon, college: Xavier), who just returned from a right ankle sprain, added 23 points and 11 boards for the winners. Tracy McGrady (6'8''-G/F-79) managed 15 points, while Luis Scola registered 14 points in a losing case.
Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) returned to the Raptors' lineup and Toronto thrashed hapless Miami 96:54. Pat Riley had to use just 7 players and it resulted in the franchise-lowest scoring tally. Chris Bosh nailed 8 points and grabbed 8 boards as the Raptors showed the signs of recovery. They went 2-8 without Chris Bosh in the starting lineup. Jose Calderon produced 10 points and 10 assists, while Andrea Bargnani (6'10''-F/C-85) and Anthony Parker (6'5''-G/F-75, college: Bradley) had 14 points apiece for the winners. Chris Quinn (6'2''-G-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Notre Dame) led the Heat with 14 points.

*****************************************************
NCAA1

Sthl Season 2007-2008 Summary -by Richard
#s#
#e#6


Alexander


Bright


Sanders


Gilder


Dawkins

Regular Season Standings
East Division
1 Lamar 13-3
2 SE Louisiana 9-7
3 Northwestern St. 9-7
4 Mc Neese St. 7-9
5 Nicholls St. 5-11
6 Cent.Arkansas 4-12
West Division
1 Stephen F. Austin 13-3
2 Sam Houston St. 10-6
3 Texas Arlington 7-9
4 UTSA 7-9
5 Texas St.-San Marcos 6-10
6 Texas A&M - C.C. 6-10


Tournament Final: UT Arlington - Northwestern State 82-79
Tournament Semifinals:
UT Arlington - Sam Houston State 72-66
Northwestern State - Stephen F. Austin 69-66

All-Southland Conf. Tournament MVP: Anthony Vereen (6'7''-F-86) of UT Arlington


Southland Conf. All-Tournament Team:
Matt Kingsley (6'9''-F-86) of Stephen F. Austin
Trey Gilder (6'9''-F-85) of Northwestern State
Larry Posey (6'5''-F-86) of UT Arlington
Roger Guignard (5'11''-G-87) of UT Arlingotn
Anthony Vereen of UT Arlington


All-Southland Conf. 1st Team
Josh Alexander (6'4''-G-87) of Stephen F. Austin
Ryan Bright (6'6''-F) of Sam Houston State
Lamar Sanders (6'6''-F-84) of Lamar
Trey Gilder of Northwestern State
Kenny Dawkins (5'9''-G-87) of Lamar


All-Southland Conf. 2nd Team
Matt Kingsley of Stephen F. Austin
Kevyn Green (6'5''-F-85) of Southeastern La.
Nate Bowie (6'0''-G) of Central Arkansas
Devin Gibson (6'0''-G) of UTSA
Jermaine Griffin (6'9''-C-86) of UT Arlington


All-Southland Conf. 3rd Team
Chris Daniels (7'0''-C-84) of A&M-Corpus Christi
Ryan Bathie (6'6''-F-87) of Nicholls State
Jarvis Bradley (6'6''-F/C-82) of McNeese State
Brandon Bush (6'7''-G-86) of Texas State
Roger Guignard of UT Arlington


All-Southland Conf. Honorable Mention
Shamir McDaniel (6'1''-G) of Sam Houston State
Darren Hopkins (6'2''-G-86) of Lamar
John Ford (5'10''-G-84) of McNeese State
Colby Bargeman (6'5''-F-86) of Northwestern State
Eric Bell (5'6''-G-87) of Stephen F. Austin
Anthony Vereen of UT Arlington
Justin Reynolds (6'9''-F-88) of A&M-Corpus Christi


All-Southland Conf. Player of the Year: Josh Alexander of Stephen F. Austin
All-Southland Conf. Freshman of the Year: Devin Gibson of UTSA
All-Southland Conf. Newcomer of the Year: Kenny Dawkins of Lamar
All-Southland Conf. Coach of the Year: Danny Kaspar of Stephen F. Austin



SEC Season 2007-2008 Summary -by Richard
#s#
#e#6


Hendrix


Weems


Bradley


Gordon


Rhodes

Regular Season Standings
Eastern Division
1 Tennessee 14-2
2 Kentucky 12-4
3 Vanderbilt 10-6
4 Florida 8-8
5 S.Carolina 5-11
6 Georgia 4-12
Western Division
1 Mississippi St. 12-4
2 Arkansas 9-7
3 Mississippi 7-9
4 LSU 6-10
5 Alabama 5-11
6 Auburn 4-12


Tournament Final: Georgia - Arkansas 66-57
Tournament Semifinals:
Arkansas 92 - Tennessee 92-91
Georgia 64 - Miss. State 64-60


All-SEC Tournament MVP: Sundiata Gaines (6'1''-G-86) of Georgia


SEC All-Tournament Team:
Sundiata Gaines of Georgia
Terrance Woodbury (6'7''-G/F-86) of Georgia
Charles Thomas (6'8''-F-86) of Arkansas
Darian Townes (6'10''-F-84) of Arkansas
Mykal Riley (6'6''-F) of Alabama


All-SEC 1st Team
Richard Hendrix (6'8''-F-86) of Alabama
Sonny Weems (6'6''-G/F-86) of Arkansas
Ramel Bradley (6'2''-G-85) of Kentucky
Jamont Gordon (6'4''-G/F-87) of Mississippi State
Charles Rhodes (6'8''-F/C-85) of Mississippi State
Devan Downey (5'9''-G-87) of South Carolina
Chris Lofton (6'2''-G-86) of Tennessee
Tyler Smith (6'7''-F-86) of Tennessee
Shan Foster (6'6''-G/F-86) of Vanderbilt


All-SEC 2nd Team
Nick Calathes (6'6''-G/F) of Florida
Sundiata Gaines of Georgia
Joe Crawford (6'5''-G-86) of Kentucky
Patrick Patterson (6'9''-F-89) of Kentucky
Marcus Thornton (6'4''-G-87) of LSU
Dwayne Curtis (6'8''-C-85) of Ole Miss
JaJuan Smith (6'2''-G-85) of Tennessee
Andrew Ogilvy (6'10''-C-88) of Vanderbilt


All-SEC Honorable Mention
Joe Crawford of Kentucky
Sundiata Gaines of Georgia
Andrew Ogilvy (6'10''-C-88) of Vanderbilt
Anthony Randolph (6'11''-F-89) of LSU
JaJuan Smith of Tennessee
Jarvis Varnado (6'9''-F/C-88) of Mississippi State


SEC All-Freshman Team
Nick Calathes of Florida
Jai Lucas (5'11''-G) of Florida
Chandler Parsons (6'9''-F) of Florida
Jeremy Price (6'9''-F-88) of Georgia
Patrick Patterson of Kentucky
Anthony Randolph of LSU
Trevor Gaskins (6'2''-G) of Ole Miss
Chris Warren (5'11''-G) of Ole Miss
Mike Holmes (6'7''-F) of South Carolina
Andrew Ogilvy of Vanderbilt


SEC All-Defensive Team
Steven Hill (7'0''-C-85) of Arkansas
Sundiata Gaines of Georgia
Ramel Bradley of Kentucky
Garrett Temple (6'5''-G-86) of LSU
Jarvis Varnado of Mississippi State
JaJuan Smith of Tennessee


All-SEC Player of the Year: Shan Foster of Vanderbilt
All-SEC Defensive Player of the Year: Jarvis Varnado of Mississippi State
All-SEC Co-Freshman of the Year: Nick Calathes of Florida and Patrick Patterson of Kentucky
All-SEC Sixth Man of the Year: J.P. Prince (6'7''-G) of Tennessee
All-SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Dave Bliss (6'10''-C-86) of Georgia
All-SEC Co-Coach of the Year: Billy Gillispie of Kentucky and Bruce Pearl of Tennessee



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NCAA3

2007-2008 All-Region Teams by D3hoops.com -by Moritz Korff
As D3-fans and the four remaining teams are getting ready for the Final Four in Salem, Virginia, D3hoops.com published its NCAA Division 3 All-Region Teams for the 2007-2008 season. The players were nominated and voted by the Sports Information Directors of several D3-schools.
The following players received Player of the Year honors:

Northeast: Andrew Olson (5'10''-G) - Amherst
East: Anthony Williams (6'1''-G) - Plattsburgh State
Atlantic: Richard Jean-Baptiste - Brooklyn
Middle Atlantic: Nick Shattuck - Ursinus
South: Ben Strong (6'11''-C-86) - Guilford
Great Lakes: James Cooper (6'0''-G) - Wooster
Midwest: Kent Raymond (6'3''-G) - Wheaton (Ill.)
West: Connor Whitman - Occidental

For the complete All-Region Teams please visit D3hoops.com: click

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PBL

First playoff results -by Gianni Pascucci
The Maryland Nighthawks produced a huge surprise in the PBL 1/8 of Finals yesterday, defeating the higher ranked Wilmington Sea Dawgs 125-112. Omar Weaver (6'8''-F-80, college: Riverside JC) scored 26 pts to lead six other Nighthawks' players in double digits. Maryland meets today in quarterfinals the third seeded Reading Railers, winnner yesterday 136-120 over Jacksonville. Railers top gun was Jared Mills (6'6''-F-81, college: Randolph-Macon), who scored 25 points. In the other games of yesterday, Rockford defeated Dallas 121-108 and Arkansas defeated Chicago 115-102, and these two teams will meet together today afternoon they too, again at the Attack Athletics Center in Chicago. The winners of today Quarterfinals will play tomorrow the two division winners.

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POLAND

Turow survives BC Kyiv's challenge -by Eurobasket News
Turow - BC Kyiv 58:67

Polish Turow completed the task of reaching ULEB Cup Final Eight in Turin. Despite the loss to BC Kyiv in Liberec the Polish team managed to secure the advantage they built in Ukrainian capital. Kyiv players threw it all to deny the deficit and were really close to turn it upside down. But David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) stepped up for the hosts at the dying seconds and his driving layup held off an ambitious BC Kyiv. But Turow had to survive some nervous moments during the game. The first one came just seconds after the start of the game as Andres Rodriguez (182-G-81, college: American) sprained his ankle and left the court. BC Kyiv looked dominant at the moment scoring 4 unanswered points to grab the lead. Marcus Faison (196-G-78, college: Siena) and Ryan Stack (212-F/C-75, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Carolina) fueled a 7:0 run from the visitors as they maintained the advantage at 11:5. Andres Rodriguez soon reappeared on the court and obviously surmounting the pain continued to conduct Turow's game. He capped the first frame with a basket to trim the deficit to 16:19. David Logan had quick 5 points early in the second period as the home side picked up a 25:23 lead. The teams then traded buckets until Artur Drozdov (198-G-80) drained a fadeaway three-pointer to put Kyiv in front 36:34 with just seconds left in the first half. But it was just enough for Turow to set up an easy shot for Vjeko Petrovic (193-G-81) and he was deadly from beyond the arc finalizing a 37:36 advantage for the hosts at the break.
Andres Rodriguez fell badly at the start of the third period and headed to bench for the second time in the game. It impacted Turow's offensive schemes and they struggled to pick up the right pace. Kyiv however did not look too good themselves. Both teams kept scoreless for almost 2 minutes at the start of the third period. Dragisa Drobnjak (200-F-77, agency: VTBM/SRBM) put the home side up by 3 but Artur Drozdov and Eugene Jeter (179-G-83, agency: CAA Sports, college: Portland) answered back-to-back jumpers to carry the visitors in front. BC Kyiv gained the right tempo and finished the third stanza on a 9:0 run that put them up by 7 points after 30 minutes. Marko Maravic (201-F-79, agency: VTBM/SRBM) and Eugene Jeter stretched the gap to 11 points early in the fourth. The intrigue revived and Saso Filipovski had to introduce Andres Rodriguez back in action. The point guard immediately completed a three-point play as Turow kept alive in the contest. Josh Davis (203-C/F-80, college: Wyoming) and Eugene Jeter scored 4 points for the visitors but impressive Andres Rodriguez penetrated under the rim to score another layup and then Dragisa Drobnjak restored a 6-point distance. Eugene Jeter nailed 5 straight points for Kyiv team as they piled up an 11-point cushion with 37 seconds remaining. David Logan easily beat the defense and scored a vital layup for Turow. BC Kyiv needed a trey to survive in the series but Markoishvili missed a desperate three-point attempt and Turow advanced into the Final Eight.
David Logan scored 15 points, while Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, college: Washington St.) added 13 points for Turow. Eugene Jeter scored 19 points to lead BC Kyiv. Marko Maravic contributed 15 points and 7 rebounds for the visitors.

Turow: David Logan 15, Thomas Kelati 13, Andres Rodriguez 9
BC Kyiv: Eugene Jeter 19, Marko Maravic 15, Artur Drozdov 10

Standings - DBE
DBE Standings
1. Turow 16-6
2. Prokom 15-7
3. Anwil 14-8
4. Slask 13-10
5. Atlas Stal 12-10
6. Polpak 12-11
7. AZS Koszalin 11-11
8. Basket 10-12
9. Kotwica 9-13
10. Energa Czarni 9-13
11. Gornik W. 9-13
12. Polonia 7-15
13. Polpharma 7-15


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PORTUGAL

Willie Taylor replaces the injured Ben Reed in Ovarense -by Bruno Baltazar
The portuguese champions Ovarense already decided which player will be to replace the injured Ben Reed.
Willie Taylor (194-G-81, college: Va Commonwealth) that last season played in Lusitania with great numbers ,back then Lusitania coach was Manuel Povea the new Ovarense coach.
Both player and coach know each other from past season and Willie comes from BBC Nyon in Switzerland,team in the 9th place in their championship,the contract is valid untill the end of the season.

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PUERTO RICO

Standings - BSN
BSN Standings
Island
1. Arecibo 9-2
2. Ponce 6-4
3. Caguas 5-4
4. San German 5-5
5. Guayama 3-7
6. Mayaguez 2-6
Metro
1. Santurce 7-2
2. Guaynabo 5-3
3. Bayamon 5-6
4. Carolina 3-4
5. Fajardo 3-6
6. Humacao 2-6


Stats Leaders - BSN
Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
Figueroa (Arecibo) 23.4
Melendez (Caguas) 22.8
White (Arecibo) 22.4
Jones (ponce) 21.8
Ayuso (Santurce) 20.2
Rebounds Per Game
Benson (Bayamon) 15.1
Martinez (Humacao) 13.3
Beard (Guayama) 12.3
Ramos (Caguas) 11.2 Figueroa (Arecibo) 10.8
Assists Per Game
Caro (Guayama) 6.0
Pagan (Ponce) 6.0
Rivera (Carolina) 6.0
Alvarado (SG) 5.8
Hatton (Arecibo) 5.0
Steals Per Game
Figueroa (Arecibo) 2.0
Caro (Guayama) 1.8
E.Santiago(Santurce) 1.8
Blocks Per Game
Dyer (San German) 2.3
Ramos (Caguas) 2.1
Richards (Humacao) 2.1
3FGP
Alamo (Caguas) 52.9%
Wilson (Guaynabo)51.4%
E.Santiago (San.) 50.0%
Free Throws
Ashby (Caguas) 100%
Rice (Carolina) 90.9%
Pellot (Fajardo) 89.7%


Lions break Brujos Spell -by Luis Ramirez
The odds were not good for the Lions who going into last night game against the Brujos had lost 15 out of 18 games against the Brujos. The last game played between these two teams had been a rout by the Brujos, so the Lions were looking for a way to break the spell cast upon them by these pesky Brujos. Well, it seems that remedy was Joel Jones (196-G/F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Sacramento St.); he powered the Lions to a win last night over the Brujos 85-81. The game was close most of the way but Jones was determined and with a couple of key plays sealed the win for the Lions. Jones had a monster dunk during the final minutes of the game to put an exclamation point on the win. The Lions took the 1st quarter 28-21, but Guayama came right back in the 2nd quarter to close the gap to within 1 point as the half ended 42-41 in favor of the Lions. In the 3rd quarter the game continued to be tight as the Lions held a two point advantage at the end of that period. In the 4th quarter things seemed to be going the Brujos way, until Joel Jones and Antonio Latimer produced some key basket for the win. For Ponce, Joel Jones topped all scorers with 26 points and 8 rebounds, followed by Antonio Latimer with 17 points. For Guayama, Matt Freije (206-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Vanderbilt) scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds followed by Rafael Perez with 17 points.

Over at Arecibo, it took an additional 5 minute period to decide the game as the Captains beat the Athletics in overtime 95-92. The game started out with both teams tied at the end of the 1st quarter 19-19, this seemed to provide a glimpse of how things would go for both of these teams last night. The half ended with Arecibo up by 6 points 41-35 but the Athletics would catch up to the Captains in the 3rd quarter and played to a tie 81 points each to go into overtime. San German had two great opportunities to end the game in regulation time but missed two easy lay-ups in the final seconds to go into overtime. In overtime Arecibo had an 11-0 run to seal the victory. For Arecibo, Rodney White (206-F-80, college: Charlotte) scored 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds followed by Carlos Rivera with 25 points. For San German, Robert Lazor scored 30 points followed by Samuel Villegas with 23 points.

At Fajardo, the Humacao Grays got a much needed win as they beat the Cariduros 73-72. The 1st quarter belonged to Fajardo 24-23. But in the 2nd quarter the Grays reclaimed the lead 42-40. In the 3rd quarter the Cariduros once again took the lead but in the 4th quarter the Grays managed to hold off the Cariduros for the win. For Humacao, Roberto Nieves (194-G-82, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Valparaiso) scored 19 points followed by Ja Ja Richards with 16 points and 11 rebounds. For Fajardo, Uka Agbai (203-F-81, college: Boston Coll.) scored 18 points followed by Chris Jackson with 14 points.

In the last game of the night, Caguas routed the Mayaguez Indians 104-82. The game started out with the Indians leading at the end of the 1st quarter 22-20, but after that all was downhill for the Indios as the Criollos went on an offensive run and just kept adding to their lead the rest of the way. For Caguas, Ricardo Melendez (180-G-83) scored 29 points followed by Peter John Ramos with 23 points and 10 rebounds. For Mayaguez, Hiram Fuller (206-F-81, agency: Octagon, college: Fresno St.) scored 23 points followed by Keenan Jourdan with 14 points.

Boricuas Abroad, Gardner in Mayaguez and BSN Boxscores -by Alessandro Fontana
In Uleb Cup, Besiktas won against Red Star Beograd 81-69. For Rick Apodaca another 'partidazo', He was the MVP of the game with 24 pts (9/16 2pts, 0/2 3pts, 6/6 FT), 7 rebs, 4 assts and 1 steal in 33 minutes. For Christian Dalmau 9 pts (2/2 2pts, 1/5 3pts, 2/5 FT), 2 rebs and 5 assts in 23 minutes.
In Poland, Turow was defeated by Kiev 67-58. Andres Rodriguez played 23 minutes with 9 points (4/8 2pts, 0/1 3pts, 1/1 FT), 1 reb and 3 assists.
BSN NEWS
Indios de Mayaguez signed Hiram Fuller and Thomas Gardner. Hiram Fuller was already in Puerto Rico, He was playing for Atletico San German with 11.5 ppg+5.5 rpg. Thomas Gardner is a strong shooting-guard, He played college at Missouri (last season, his best season, with 19.2 ppg) and later He had experiences in Europe, in Belgium with Pepinster (12.2 ppg), in Rusland with Rostov and Had also 'a 5 games experience ' in NBA with Chicago Bulls (5.3 ppg). In his first game with Mayaguez He scored 11 pts.
BSN BOXSCORES
ATLETICO SAN GERMAN-ARECIBO= 92-95
SG= Lazor 30, S. Villegas 23, Alvarado 18, De Jesus 10, Dyer 7, S. Villegas 4, Mendez 0, Herrera 0, Torres 0,
A= White 28, C. Rivera 25, Figueroa 23, Cruz 8, Hatton 5, Butler 4, Ricardo 2, Cortes 0, Rivera 0, Rosario 0, Rosa 0
GUAYAMA-PONCE= 81-85
G= Freije 18, Perez 17, Beard 15 (15 rebs), Payano 12, Caro 11, Parillon 2, Oliver 2, Lopez 2, Rivera 2, Melendez 0
P= Jones 26 (8 rebs), Latimer 17, Colon 15, Pagan 14, Thompson 5, Aubry 4, Martinez 2, Rosario 2, Curbelo 0, Padilla 0
HUMACAO-FAJARDO= 73-72
H= Nieves 19, Richards 16 (11 rebs), Martinez 11, Guzman 11, Jackson 5, R. Sanchez 3, Sanchez 2, Ayala 2, Febres 2, Wingate 0
F= Agbai 18, Jackson 14 (10 rebs), Quintero 12, Hamilton 10, Pellot Rosa 10, Mojica 5, Salgado 3, Morales 0, Collazo 0, Vazquez 0, Rivera 0
MAYAGUEZ-CAGUAS= 82-104
M= Fuller 23, Jourdon 14, Erazo 12, Gardner 11, Jimenez 8, Casiano 7, Krauser 5, Caballero 2, Lopez 0, Zayas 0, Castillo 0, Caraballo 0, Crispin 0
C= Melendez 29, Ramos 23, Bryant 22, Alamo 11, Konecny 7, McSweeney 6, Martinez 2 (15 asts), Ortiz 2, casablanca 2, Rivera 0, Ruiz 0, Davila 0
A. Fontana

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SAINT KITTS

SKABA Sets Registration Deadline -by Jay
Basseterre, St.Kitts ( March 18th 2008) :- The St.Kitts Amateur Basketball Association have set the registration deadline for the 2008 basketball season. According to officials of the association the registration and subscription deadline for ALL teams and or clubs desirous of participating in the upcoming season is Tuesday March 25th at the annual general meeting of the association. This date was discussed and finalized at the most recent general meeting held at the FND conference room. There will be absolutely no late registration accepted for this year's tournament said a SKABA official.
'It has been a practice in the past of teams registering as late as the 1st week of scheduled games, this will not be allowed this year,' said newly elected SKABA President James 'Barman' Hanley. 'All teams must be properly registered by the March 25th deadline, the President continued.
The association also indicated that the junior team registration must be accompanied by a copy of each players passport or birth certificate in order to verify there birth date. The age limit for this year's junior tournament remains at under 19.
Registration forms as well as information concerning registration can be collected from James 'Barman' Hanley at the Electricity Dept., Ethel Thomas at Digicel or it can be downloaded on the official SKABA website at www.stkittsbasketball.com
The association also indicated that they have come to a mutually beneficial arrangement with the referees association. The Referees expressed concern during the 2007 season about payments which were due for games that they officiated. The matter remined unresolved until last week when President James Hanley met with FIBA Referee Instructor Ian Liburd and FIBA Certified referee Romel Tobias. Both Tobias and Liburd representd the referees association in the negotations with the SKABA who was represented by Hanley. According to President Hanley an agreement was reached with the referees which would served to solve many of the problems and concerns the referees expressed.
'Outisde of the players the referees are the most important units of SKABA basketball and as such they must be given utmost respect and attention not only by players but by us as management,' President Hanley said. 'The referees expressed their concerns and we have stretched our hands out to at the very least meet attempt to address their many concerns,' Hanley continued. 'Our discussion were fruitful and I have received the commitment of the referees for the upcoming season,' Hanley said.
The 2008 SKABA season is tentatively set to start on April 13th

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SAUDI ARABIA

Ward signs for Al Ittihad -by Ali Ahmed
Al Ittihad Jeddah basketball team management agreed terms with the American Forward Ward Jerod (206-F/G-76, college: Michigan) to play for them this season.



A swingman who can play in the 2 and 3 positions as well. Can create his own shot at the offensiove side and has good defensive skills, with the ability to guard opponents in different positions.


Awards/Achievements:
Big10 1st Team -95
Big Ten Senior of the Year -98
IBL Finalist -00
Spanish ACB All-Star Game Slam Dunk Contest Winner -03
Korean KBL Regular Season Runner-Up -05
Korean KBL Finalist -05
Lebanese Cup Finalist -06
Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League 2nd Team -06
Asia-Basket.com Lebanese League All-Imports Team -06
Lebanese League Regular Season Runner-Up -06
Lebanese League Finalist -06

*****************************************************
SERBIA

Vlada Vukoicic is the new head coach of Hemofarm STADA ! -by Dragan Jankovski
After Miroslav Nikolic's resignation, management of BC Hemofarm STADA immediately hired ex head coach of FMP Zeleznik Vlada Vukoicic, whose first words like Hemofarm's head coach were: 'We have the same ambitions and ideas. Hemofarm is a kind of team who always looks for the wins and has the biggest ambitions. My opinion is that it is a real club and a challenge for a coach to show what he can!'

Vukoicic, who won the European Championship last summer with Serbian U20 National Team, will start to work with his new team today afternoon while he will have debut on the Hemofarm's bench on Saturday against Vojvodina Srbijagas on the road (round 26 of Adriatic league).

The contract is valid until the end of the current season with an option to be extended.

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SLOVAKIA

Butler Bulldogs with Julian Betko in the starting five the Horizon League champs -by Jakub Krivan
Butler beats Cleveland State 70-55 to win the Horizon League. Butler (29-3) build a 14 point lead in the first half which was the key to the win. Senior guard Julian Betko (196-G/F-83, college: Clemson) played 13 minutes for the BulldogsButler which are already qualified for the final tournament ''Big Dance'' and ranked as number 12 in the whole NCAA. 32 conference winners will compete in the final tournament. Top seeds this year are considered to be North Carolina, Memphis and UCLA.

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SOUTH KOREA

Standings
KBL Standings
1. Dongbu 37-15
2. KCC 33-19
3. Samsung 31-21
4. KT&G 30-22
5. LG 29-23
6. SK 27-25
7. ET 27-25
8. KTF 22-30
9. Mobis 13-39
10. Orions 11-41


*****************************************************
SWEDEN

Standings - Basketligan
Basketligan Standings
1. Sundsvall 24-9
2. Solna 23-10
3. Plannja 23-10
4. Sodertalje 19-14
5. 08 19-14
6. Uppsala 17-16
7. Oresundskraft 16-17
8. Norrkoping 15-18
9. Boras/Marbo 14-19
10. Jamtland 11-22
11. Akropol 9-24
12. Gothia Basket 8-25


Standings - BasketEttan
Basketettan Standings
North
1. Blackeberg 16-5
2. Umea 16-6
3. Talje 15-6
4. Lidingo 14-7
5. Lulea Steel 14-8
6. Hallsta 10-11
7. Lulea BG 10-12
8. Polisen 9-12
9. Alvik Basket 9-13
10. Haga Haninge 8-13
11. Tensta 7-14
12. Eskilstuna 0-21
South
1. Orebro 18-3
2. Nassjo 17-4
3. Srbija 15-6
4. Kvarnby 14-7
5. Hoganas 13-8
6. S:t Helena 12-9
7. Norrkoping BK 11-10
8. Sanda 10-11
9. Kalmar 7-13
10. NUBF 5-17
11. Malbas 3-18
12. Eos 1-20


*****************************************************
TRINIDAD

QRC cop North Zone Schools Title -by Don Farrell
Distinquished Trinidad high school Queen's Royal College pulled off an impressive 12-point come-from-behind victory over the National Academy of Business Arts and Commerce (NABAC) to take the NGC/Express Secondary Schools Basketball League North Zone title on Tuesday at the Jean Pierre Complex.

The school which was founded in 1869 was led byJaeon Bobb sank 24 points, and Shemuel Bartholomew, who put in a half-time appearance, still managed 20 points, to lead QRC's second half recovery, after they trailed by six points, NABAC having the advantage 27-21.

Stephen Taylor (18 points) and Aadil Osbourne (20), as well as Kirton Legerton (17), were the sharp shooters for NABAC, but they could not keep pace with the second half scoring, as their team were bettered 51-33.

Also on Friday, International School of Port of Spain turned back QRC's Under-17s 66-39, thanks to Mathew Temple's 27 points, and Dominique Lawrence's 15. D'Javan Walker sank 17 points for QRC, but it was never enough, as they lost by 27 points.

Last week Friday, ISPS also blanked Woodbrook Government's Under-20 Boys, Bill Fryar (22) and Temple's 13 points outweighing Isaiah Cummings' 22 for Woodrook.

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TURKEY

Stats Leaders - D1
TBL Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1.Q.Hosley, Karsi. 23.0
2.K.Braswell, Selc 21.6
3.L.Gordon, Kepez 21.3
4.S.Marshall, Karsi. 19.6
5.R.Marsh, Ant. 19,0
Rebounds Per Game
1.Q.Hosley, Karsi. 12.3
2.D.Kinloch, Alpella 11.0
3.K.Adeleke, Banvit 10.9
4.D.Harvey, Banvit 10.5
5.C.Burgess, Beykoz 9.4
Assists Per Game
1.H.Koseoglu, Kepez 7.0
2.K.Braswell, Selc. 5.8
3.W.Solomon, FB 5.3
4.H.Dobie, Ted K. 5.2
5.D.Brown, GS 4.7
Steals Per Game
1.K.Braswell, Selc. 2.4
2.S.Cetin, Alpella 2.1
3.J.Lucas, Ant. 2.0
4.Q.Hosley, Karsi. 2.0
5.C.Williams, Turk T. 2.0
Blocks Per Game
1.O.Asik, FB 1.9
2.D.Harvey, Banvit 1.5
3.C.Burgess, Beykoz 1.3
4.S.Nicevic, BJK 1.2
5.H.Besok, GS 1.0
Ranking
1.Q.Hosley, Kars. 558
2.L.Gordon, Kepez 515
3.W.Carter, Selc. 422
4.C.Burgess, Beyk 416
5.A.Adeleke, Banvit 410


Turkish Sides Remained into Last 8 of Uleb Cup -by Uygar Karaca


Last seven,out of eight teams of the 2007-2008 ULEB CUP were determined last night.The representatives of Turkey,Besiktas ColaTurka and Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul both advanced to the next round and became rivals in the Final Eight Round in Turin,Italy.

Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul,who fixed the score at 80-80 draw at Belgrade in the first encounter, beat KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd with a margin of 12 points,81-69 in the second leg of Last 16 Round.Preston Shumpert (198-G-79, college: Syracuse) (198-G-79, college: Syracuse) and Rick Apodaca (192-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency, college: Hofstra) (192-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency, college: Hofstra) were active again,both scored 24 points.Predrag Drobnjak (212-F/C-75) with 8 points and 6 rebounds and Christian Dalmau (194-G-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Daytona Beach CC) with 3 points and 5 asists also contributed.However,KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd 's unsuccessful shooting percentage from the foul line with %47 free throw performance made the home side's job easier.Serbian side's point guard,Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's) recorded 0/6 3 pointers percentage, 8 points and 7 asists,whereas Elmedin Kikanovic (210-C-88, agency: Beo Basket) with 17 points and Miroslav Miroslav Raicevic (208-C-81, agency: Interperformances) with 10 points were the only ones who reached the double digits for the Red Star.

Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul started with points from Rick Apodaca, Sinan Guler (192-G-83, college: Carroll (MT)) and Christian Dalmau to make it 6-0 early.KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd's first points came with the Miroslav Raicevic's three pointer,whereas after Kaya Peker increased the margin to 15-10 before Mirko Kovac hitted another triple to tim the difference to 2.Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul scored 6 points in a row,where 4 of them came from Rick Apodaca to finish the first period 24-18 for the home side.

The second quarter started with a duel between Marko Cvetkovic (197-F/G-77, agency: Beo Basket) who finished the game with 5 points and Predrag Drobnjak until Preston Shumpert gave the home side their first double-digit lead of the game 31-20.Dragicevic's first points,which came with a 3 pointer,made the score 41-32,whereas the remaining two minutes in the first half let Red Star only score two more points.41-34.

In the starting minutes of the third quarter, points from Shumpert and a brilliant series of 10-1 to increase the lead: 51-35.Omar Cook's layup and Sandro Nicevic's baskets where not enough to stop the gap growing,Mladjen Sljvancanin's triple decreased it only to 16 with 59-43.Although Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul was able to increase the lead to 20, the third period finished 65-50.

Cook's freethrow points and Kikanovic's three baskets opened the last quarter,whereas the score came to 65-58.Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul kept its score advantage until the second part of the quarter.A nice layup from Shumpert conributed and further with the help of Adoadaca,they were able to finish it 81-69.It might be necessary to note that Dalmau got an knee injury in the final minute of the match.

The other Turkish team,who remained in the Last 8 of the Uleb Cup became Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul, although they were beaten 88-79 by Gran Canaria Grupo Dunas.

Robert Hite,who scored 20,hit 4 triples out of 6 and Chris Owens,who contributed with 15 points and 9 rebounds were crucial for the visitors side advancing to the Last 8.


Galatasaray,visited the Gran Canaria Grupo Dunas Islands with an advantage of 25 for the second leg,was some anxious in the first half although they managed to keep the differences plausible with 25-20 in the first quarter and 48-41 at the end of the half.

Homesiders were trying to increase the lead with triples,the most successful player was Carl English with 24 points,who was also hit 4 'long-distanced' shots out of 8.His performance did not prove enough though; Galatasaray took the lead at the end of the third quarter 59-61.
The efforts of David Kornel with 12 points and Roberto Guerra with 11,were just able to bring the match to Gran Canaria Grupo Dunas,who won 88-79 in the end,but not the ticket for Turin.



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U.S.VIRGIN ISL.

Bell doesn't let Portland's Roy get the best of him this time -by David Edole

Raja Bell (196-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) said he didn't do anything different. But almost everyone agreed he did it better this time. After watching Portland star Brandon Roy go for 25 points against him here two weeks ago, Bell put down the defensive screws in the rematch, holding Roy to six points on 3-for-14 shooting to help the Suns beat the Blazers 111-98.
'Raja is playing his rear end off. His defensive effort the last few games has been phenomenal,' Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni said. 'There are very few people in the league who can guard Brandon Roy. I'm sure he was off a little, but Raja was hounding him all night, and that's what he's been bringing for us.'

Bell said he didn't do anything differently. 'Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't work so great,' he said. 'I tried to make his night as tough as I could. But I wasn't left out there on an island either. The big fella (Shaquille O'Neal) was there when I got people going toward him.'

Portland coach Nate McMillan was impressed. 'He makes Brandon work. He gets in his face and forces him to rush his game. And with Shaq in the middle, it allows Bell to overplay … it's almost as if they have him caught up in a box-and-one defense.'

Jerry Brown, Tribune



*****************************************************
ULEB CUP

Turow survives BC Kyiv's challenge -by Eurobasket News
Turow - BC Kyiv 58:67

Polish Turow completed the task of reaching ULEB Cup Final Eight in Turin. Despite the loss to BC Kyiv in Liberec the Polish team managed to secure the advantage they built in Ukrainian capital. Kyiv players threw it all to deny the deficit and were really close to turn it upside down. But David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) stepped up for the hosts at the dying seconds and his driving layup held off an ambitious BC Kyiv. But Turow had to survive some nervous moments during the game. The first one came just seconds after the start of the game as Andres Rodriguez (182-G-81, college: American) sprained his ankle and left the court. BC Kyiv looked dominant at the moment scoring 4 unanswered points to grab the lead. Marcus Faison (196-G-78, college: Siena) and Ryan Stack (212-F/C-75, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Carolina) fueled a 7:0 run from the visitors as they maintained the advantage at 11:5. Andres Rodriguez soon reappeared on the court and obviously surmounting the pain continued to conduct Turow's game. He capped the first frame with a basket to trim the deficit to 16:19. David Logan had quick 5 points early in the second period as the home side picked up a 25:23 lead. The teams then traded buckets until Artur Drozdov (198-G-80) drained a fadeaway three-pointer to put Kyiv in front 36:34 with just seconds left in the first half. But it was just enough for Turow to set up an easy shot for Vjeko Petrovic (193-G-81) and he was deadly from beyond the arc finalizing a 37:36 advantage for the hosts at the break.
Andres Rodriguez fell badly at the start of the third period and headed to bench for the second time in the game. It impacted Turow's offensive schemes and they struggled to pick up the right pace. Kyiv however did not look too good themselves. Both teams kept scoreless for almost 2 minutes at the start of the third period. Dragisa Drobnjak (200-F-77, agency: VTBM/SRBM) put the home side up by 3 but Artur Drozdov and Eugene Jeter (179-G-83, agency: CAA Sports, college: Portland) answered back-to-back jumpers to carry the visitors in front. BC Kyiv gained the right tempo and finished the third stanza on a 9:0 run that put them up by 7 points after 30 minutes. Marko Maravic (201-F-79, agency: VTBM/SRBM) and Eugene Jeter stretched the gap to 11 points early in the fourth. The intrigue revived and Saso Filipovski had to introduce Andres Rodriguez back in action. The point guard immediately completed a three-point play as Turow kept alive in the contest. Josh Davis (203-C/F-80, college: Wyoming) and Eugene Jeter scored 4 points for the visitors but impressive Andres Rodriguez penetrated under the rim to score another layup and then Dragisa Drobnjak restored a 6-point distance. Eugene Jeter nailed 5 straight points for Kyiv team as they piled up an 11-point cushion with 37 seconds remaining. David Logan easily beat the defense and scored a vital layup for Turow. BC Kyiv needed a trey to survive in the series but Markoishvili missed a desperate three-point attempt and Turow advanced into the Final Eight.
David Logan scored 15 points, while Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, college: Washington St.) added 13 points for Turow. Eugene Jeter scored 19 points to lead BC Kyiv. Marko Maravic contributed 15 points and 7 rebounds for the visitors.

Turow: David Logan 15, Thomas Kelati 13, Andres Rodriguez 9
BC Kyiv: Eugene Jeter 19, Marko Maravic 15, Artur Drozdov 10

Lukoil gets thrashed in Moscow -by Eurobasket News
Dynamo Moscow - Lukoil 103:77

The Bulgarian defending champions Lukoil Academic did not pass the ULEB Cup Top 16 test and fell short at the stage of the tournament. Lukoil took on Dynamo Moscow and were narrowly beaten in both encounters. Yesterday Lukoil travelled to Russian capital having a 14-point deficit after the home game and never seriously threatened Dynamo in Moscow. The 2006 ULEB Cup champions dominated throughout the game and easily booked their Final Eight ticket. Lukoil entered the game bravely and the visitors grabbed a 12:10 lead early in the game. Sergei Monya (204-F-83) nailed a treble and Milos Vujanic (190-G-80) added a jumper for Dynamo to build a 25:21 lead at the first intermission. Travis Hansen (198-G/F-78, college: BYU) opened the second quarter with 5 straight points as Dynamo started to get away. Riste Stefanov (198-G-83, agency: Interperformances) and Haris Mujezinovic (205-F-74, college: Indiana) nailed jump shots, while Willie Deane III (186-G-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Purdue) connected from beyond the arc to keep Lukoil within striking distance. But Travis Hansen and Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) fired from downtown and Dynamo cleared off to a 13-point distance. Pero Antic and Haris Mujezinovic dragged Lukoil back but Henry Domercant hit another triple for Dynamo to stay ahead 55:41 at halftime.
Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81), Milos Vujanic and Travis Hansen opened up a 20+ cushion for the hosts at the beginning of the third stanza. Willie Deane III battled back for Lukoil with 5 points in a row but his effort was immediately matched by Javtokas and once again Travis Hansen. Dynamo enjoyed an insurmountable 86:59 advantage after three quarters. Samoylenko stretched it even further to tip off the fourth period and the teams simply coasted to the game finale. Henry Domercant scored 25 points to pace Dynamo. Travis Hansen dropped 23 points, while Sergei Monya added 13 in a winning cause. Willie Deane III answered with 24 points, 5 assists and 4 boards for Lukoil. Riste Stefanov had 16 points and 7 boards in a loss. The home side outrebounded Lukoil 37:33 and held them to 34% from the field.

Dynamo: Henry Domercant 25, Travis Hansen 23, Sergei Monya 13
Lukoil: Willie Deane III 24, Riste Stefanov 16, Haris Mujezinovic 15

Standings
ULEB Cup Standings
Group A
1. Joventut 9-1
2. T.Telekom 9-1
3. ALBA 4-6
4. Bosna S. 4-6
5. Siauliai 4-6
6. Guildford H. 0-10
Group B
1. Besiktas 10-0
2. BK Ventsp. 6-4
3. Koeln 99ers 6-4
4. Chalon 5-5
5. FMP 3-7
6. Ovarense 0-10
Group C
1. Akasvayu 7-3
2. Galatasaray 7-3
3. Hemofarm 6-4
4. CSU Ploies. 4-6
5. Charleroi 4-6
6. Hanzev.Cpt 2-8
Group D
1. Pamesa 8-2
2. Khimky 8-2
3. Azovmash 6-4
4. WTK Anwil 4-6
5. Nancy 4-6
6. Frankfurt 0-10
Group E
1. Triumph 8-2
2. Buducnost 7-3
3. Gmunden 4-6
4. Antwerp 4-6
5. Fribourg 3-7
6. Hap.G.Elyon 3-7
Group F
1. Dynamo M. 8-2
2. Oostende 6-4
3. Crvena Zv. 6-4
4. Nymburk 5-5
5. Upim 4-6
6. Panellinios 1-9
Group G
1. G.Canaria 8-2
2. ASVEL 6-4
3. Slask 5-5
4. Panionios 5-5
5. Ludwigsb. 3-7
6. BC Kalev 3-7
Group H
1. BC Kyiv 7-3
2. Benetton 7-3
3. Lukoil A. 6-4
4. Art.Dragons 5-5
5. ASK Riga 3-7
6. Pau 2-8
Group I
1. Turow 8-2
2. Zadar 6-4
3. Jerusalem 5-5
4. Unics 5-5
5. Strasbourg 3-7
6. Eiff.Towers 3-7


Last 16 series give road to Final Eight -by Eurobasket News
Besiktas, Unics, Galatasaray, Joventut, Dynamo, Turow, Akasvayu and Pamesa will fight for ULEB trophy in Turin, Italy on April 10-13. Their roads to Italy were different from each other.
Polish Turow completed the task of reaching ULEB Cup Final Eight in Turin. Despite the loss to BC Kyiv in Liberec the Polish team managed to secure the advantage they built in Ukrainian capital. Kyiv players threw it all to deny the deficit and were really close to turn it upside down. But David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) stepped up for the hosts at the dying seconds and his driving layup held off an ambitious BC Kyiv. But Turow had to survive some nervous moments during the game. The first one came just seconds after the start of the game as Andres Rodriguez sprained his ankle and left the court. BC Kyiv looked dominant at the moment scoring 4 unanswered points to grab the lead. Marcus Faison and Ryan Stack fueled a 7:0 run from the visitors as they maintained the advantage at 11:5. Andres Rodriguez soon reappeared on the court and obviously surmounting the pain continued to conduct Turow's game. He capped the first frame with a basket to trim the deficit to 16:19. David Logan had quick 5 points early in the second period as the home side picked up a 25:23 lead. The teams then traded buckets until Artur Drozdov drained a fadeaway three-pointer to put Kyiv in front 36:34 with just seconds left in the first half. But it was just enough for Turow to set up an easy shot for Vjeko Petrovic and he was deadly from beyond the arc finalizing a 37:36 advantage for the hosts at the break.
Andres Rodriguez fell badly at the start of the third period and headed to bench for the second time in the game. It impacted Turow's offensive schemes and they struggled to pick up the right pace. Kyiv however did not look too good themselves. Both teams kept scoreless for almost 2 minutes at the start of the third period. Dragisa Drobnjak put the home side up by 3 but Artur Drozdov and Eugene Jeter (179-G-83, agency: CAA Sports, college: Portland) answered back-to-back jumpers to carry the visitors in front. BC Kyiv gained the right tempo and finished the third stanza on a 9:0 run that put them up by 7 points after 30 minutes. Marko Maravic and Eugene Jeter stretched the gap to 11 points early in the fourth. The intrigue revived and Saso Filipovski had to introduce Andres Rodriguez back in action. The point guard immediately completed a three-point play as Turow kept alive in the contest. Josh Davis and Eugene Jeter scored 4 points for the visitors but impressive Andres Rodriguez penetrated under the rim to score another layup and then Dragisa Drobnjak restored a 6-point distance. Eugene Jeter nailed 5 straight points for Kyiv team as they piled up an 11-point cushion with 37 seconds remaining. David Logan easily beat the defense and scored a vital layup for Turow. BC Kyiv needed a trey to survive in the series but Markoishvili missed a desperate three-point attempt and Turow advanced into the Final Eight.
David Logan scored 15 points, while Thomas Kelati added 13 points for Turow. Eugene Jeter scored 19 points to lead BC Kyiv. Marko Maravic contributed 15 points and 7 rebounds for the visitors.
Akasvayu Girona was once again better than Hemofarm STADA 76:62. After half time Girona started to play much better. With two wins they totally deserved to qualify for the ULEB Cup Final 8 in Turin. Marc Gasol and Branko Cvetkovic scored 16 points each for the winners while on the other side Hemofarm got a double-double from center Vladan Vukosavljevic, 23 points and 15 rebounds.
Besiktas Cola Turka beat Crvena Zvezda in the second game in Turkey 81:69 and remained undefeated on their home court in ULEB Cup. Rick Apodaca scored 24 points, made 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners while Preston Shumpert also had 24 points but with 6 rebounds. Elmedin Kikanovic (210-C-88, agency: Beo Basket) was the best in Zvezda finishing the game with 17 points and 5 rebounds.
The Bulgarian defending champions Lukoil Academic did not pass the ULEB Cup Top 16 test and fell short at the stage of the tournament. Lukoil took on Dynamo Moscow and were narrowly beaten in both encounters. Yesterday Lukoil travelled to Russian capital having a 14-point deficit after the home game and never seriously threatened Dynamo in Moscow. The 2006 ULEB Cup champions dominated throughout the game and easily booked their Final Eight ticket. Lukoil entered the game bravely and the visitors grabbed a 12:10 lead early in the game. Sergei Monya nailed a treble and Milos Vujanic added a jumper for Dynamo to build a 25:21 lead at the first intermission. Travis Hansen opened the second quarter with 5 straight points as Dynamo started to get away. Riste Stefanov and Haris Mujezinovic nailed jump shots, while Willie Deane III connected from beyond the arc to keep Lukoil within striking distance. But Travis Hansen and Henry Domercant fired from downtown and Dynamo cleared off to a 13-point distance. Pero Antic and Haris Mujezinovic dragged Lukoil back but Henry Domercant hit another triple for Dynamo to stay ahead 55:41 at halftime.
Antonis Fotsis, Milos Vujanic and Travis Hansen opened up a 20+ cushion for the hosts at the beginning of the third stanza. Willie Deane III battled back for Lukoil with 5 points in a row but his effort was immediately matched by Javtokas and once again Travis Hansen. Dynamo enjoyed an insurmountable 86:59 advantage after three quarters. Samoylenko stretched it even further to tip off the fourth period and the teams simply coasted to the game finale. Henry Domercant scored 25 points to pace Dynamo. Travis Hansen dropped 23 points, while Sergei Monya added 13 in a winning cause. Willie Deane III answered with 24 points, 5 assists and 4 boards for Lukoil. Riste Stefanov had 16 points and 7 boards in a loss. The home side outrebounded Lukoil 37:33 and held them to 34% from the field.
Unics Kazan used a 17-5 push to book its spot in the ULEB Cup Final Eight with a 74:59 victory over Artland Dragons. Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) had another tremendous game with 21 points and 16 rebounds. Artland was led by 16 points from Adam Chubb, while John Goldsberry scored 14 points and Leon Rodgers had 11 points and 7 rebounds.
DKV Joventut beat Khimki of Russia 69:54. Rudy Fernandez (197-G-85) led the winners with 18 points, including 4 three-pointers. Jan-Hendrick Jagla added 16 points, while Lubos Barton had 9 and 5 rebounds. Khimki got 13 points each from Clay Tucker and Mike Wilkinson.
Galatasaray advanced to a ULEB Cup Final Eight despite an 88:79 loss to Gran Canaria. After 25-point first-leg win, Robert Hite (188-G-84, college: Miami, FL) 's 20 points and 8 rebounds led four Galatasaray players. Carl English tallied 24 points in a losing effort.
Spanish Pamesa Valencia reached the Final 8 last as the team overcame Croatian Zagreb tonight 93:70. A fascinating second half for the hosts had nothing to do with Zadar's hopes to advance. Ruben Douglas paced Pamesa with 29 points. Fred House netted 16, while Dejan Milojevic ended up with 14 points. Juby Johnson finished the game with 20 points in the losing clause.In an offensive opening quarter both teams exchanged the baskets, but Pamesa was glad to take 14:7 lead. After three three-pointers the hosts held their seven, 28:21. An 11-0 run in the beginning of the second did not upset Zadar as they started to play better. Corey Brewer (188-G-75, college: Oklahoma) and Johnson got Zadar within 47:40. Both teams disappeared in the lockers with 47:43.In the third quarter it became clear that Zadar would not advance to the Final 8. After some points from Dejan Milojevic and then Ruben Douglas Pamesa had 59:46 lead. Another Ruben Douglas's triple made it 68:51. A 25:8 and 21:9 were too much for the Croatian team to stay in the game. Spanish squad benefited from it and won the encounter.

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VENEZUELA

Martinez times two -by Wolfgang Lucena
Jose Martinez (196-F-82) made 20 points as well as Fernando Martinez (170-G-79) to defeat Panteras de Miranda in Guaros hometown.
Guaros knocked down Panteras in the Bolivarian Dome to move forward and kept its hopes alive along the way to the classification.
Ronald Blackshear helped both Martinez with 16 points to beat Panteras.

Guaros: Fernando Martinez (170-G-79) 20 points, Jose Martinez (196-F-82) 20, Ronald Blackshear (196-G-78, college: Marshall) 16, Francisco Centeno (201-G/F) 13 Panteras: Eduardo Torres (195-F-81) 25 points, Dennis D'Adezzio (191-G-81) 14, Richard Mejias (187-G-78) 14, Mitchell Cornelius 14 and Marlon Dumont 10.

The final score was Guaros 97 Panteras 90

Standings - LPB
LPB Standings
1. Trotamundos 7-1
2. Gatos 7-2
3. Cocodrilos 5-3
4. Guaiqueries 5-4
5. Gaiteros 3-4
6. Panteras 3-5
7. Guaros 3-6
8. Dep.Tachira 2-3
9. Marinos 2-4
10. Gigantes 1-6


Reaction Marine -by Wolfgang Lucena

Marinos de Oriente wakes up on Wednesday‘s night to defeat Gatos de Monagas that played as guest in Puerto La Cruz.
Marinos de Oriente led the game since the first minutes, while Gatos de Monagas was trying to find the way to open the homeowner's defense.
The best marine tonight's game was Kevin Young (206-C-84, college: Missouri) with 20 points, as well as Alejandro Flores (201-F,college: E.Oklahoma St. JC) for Gatos de Monagas with 19 points followed for Ernesto Mijares (190-G-76, college: Mc Clennan CC) with 18 units.

Final score
Marinos de Oriente 85 Gatos de Monagas 78





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Women News

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BRAZIL - Women

Cuban team topples Brazil in friendly series -by Eurobasket News
Cuba and Brazil National squads played 4 friendlies recently in Havana. Both teams are now preparing for the Olympic Games qualifying tournament that will take place In Spain prior to the Olympics. Brazil is also getting ready to the South American Championship that is scheduled for the end of May in Ecuador. Cuba dominated the series winning three games. They only lost the second encounter 80:81. But were pretty confident in other three games. Both teams were weakened by the absence of some key performers as the European season continues at the moment. In the last game at the weekend Cuba overcame Brazil 73:58. Leidys Oquendo (179-F-82) topscored with 19 points for Cuban side. Natalia Burian (162-G-84) answered with 15 points for Brazilian team.

Cuba - Brazil 73:44
Cuba - Brazil 80:81
Cuba - Brazil 76:65
Cuba - Brazil 73:58

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CAMEROON - Women

NADEGE MUNA have won her first title in US -by Gilles Bouwe

The Lady Toppers of our country women NADEGE MUNA have won the Sun Belt Conference's automatic bid after winning the conference tournament last week in Mobile, Ala. WKU enters the tournament on a seven-game winning streak, and has won 20 of its last 22 games. This marks the 16th trip to the NCAA Tournament for the Lady Topper program, and the first since 2003. Despite the fact that she has never got her chance in this team NADEGE MUNA is our first countrywomen who have won a title of that level.

BORIS SIAKAM our countrymen of the WKU men team have won the same title this season.



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CUBA - Women

Cuban team topples Brazil in friendly series -by Eurobasket News
Cuba and Brazil National squads played 4 friendlies recently in Havana. Both teams are now preparing for the Olympic Games qualifying tournament that will take place In Spain prior to the Olympics. Brazil is also getting ready to the South American Championship that is scheduled for the end of May in Ecuador. Cuba dominated the series winning three games. They only lost the second encounter 80:81. But were pretty confident in other three games. Both teams were weakened by the absence of some key performers as the European season continues at the moment. In the last game at the weekend Cuba overcame Brazil 73:58. Leidys Oquendo (179-F-82) topscored with 19 points for Cuban side. Natalia Burian (162-G-84) answered with 15 points for Brazilian team.

Cuba - Brazil 73:44
Cuba - Brazil 80:81
Cuba - Brazil 76:65
Cuba - Brazil 73:58

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FINLAND - Women

SM-SARJA: FoA will play on Top level -by Rauno Hurmalainen
Qualification to Top League (SM-sarja): Alku (Forssa) will play on Top level also next season. FoA (Forssa) won over Kataja (Joensuu) 75-65 on Wednesday
and that means the victories are 2-1 for FoA after three contests. Earlier Kataja won at Forssa first 65-67, then FoA won in Joensuu 69-76. In third game
FoA got much help from three American players: Megan Griffith (168-G-85, college: Columbia) 20 pts, Amber Cunningham (178-G-84, college: Rice) (17) and Jamie Hawkins (185-F-84, college: Oregon) (16). Tiina Aaltonen (170-G-86) led Kataja with 18 pts. Saara Lind (185-C-82) added 13 pts and grabbed game high 13 rbs. Laura Nupponen netted 11 pts.

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JUCO - Women

Salina hosts JUCO National Championship -by Eurobasket News
Salina, Kansas became the site of the JUCO National Championship these days. The tournament opened with the games of the eighth-final stage. Six of them were played yesterday.
The 3rd-ranked Gulf Coast took on Western Nebraska and came out victorious 68:62. The game was tight and the Commodores were up by just 2 points at halftime. But Gulf Coast withheld all the efforts from the Cougars to cut the lead and celebrated a hard-fought win at the end. Jackie Sanders notched 18 points and 14 boards for the Commodores. Janae Stokes contributed 17 points for the winners. The Cougars answered with 18 points from Chelsea Lyles.
The 6th-ranked Jefferson College defeated Monroe CC 75:64 to qualify to Top 8 stage. The Vikings relied on a strong well-balanced offensive performance to run away to a 38:21 distance at halftime. The Tribunes never recovered in the second half and lost the game. Latoya Johnson and Danielle Adams netted 16 points apiece for the winners. Brittany Hilliard tallied game-high 31 points and 6 boards for Monroe.
The 2nd-ranked Arkansas-Fort Smith coasted past Lake Region State 87:63. Shoate dropped 19 points, while Lewis added 18 points to ensure the positive outcome for Arkansas-Fort Smith. Elinor Avny (5'4''-G-88) answered with 21 points for the Lady Royals.
The top-seeded Central Arizona dismantled Georgia Perimeter 87:34. It was all over at the long break as the Vaqueras piled up an unassailable 42:12 advantage. The Lady Jaguars never bounced back. Ashley Sours led the action with 20 points and 10 boards for Central Arizona. Tenaya Watson secured 14 points as the Vaqueras kept their record for the season spotless.
Barton County CC beat Shelton State CC 64:61 behind 21 points from Courtney Sturdivant (5'6''-G). Margaret Bell responded with 21 points and 12 boards for the Lady Bucs. Walters State fell short to College of Southern Idaho 53:62. The Golden Eagles were paced by 21 points from Soana Lucet (6'2''-C-87).

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NCAA1 - Women

HorizL Season 2007-2008 Summary -by Richard
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Akande


Klein


Porath


Edwards

Regular Season Standings
1 Wisc.-Green Bay 17-1 26-4
2 Wisc.-Milwaukee 11-7 17-13
3 Wright St. 11-7 15-15
4 Butler 10-8 20-10
5 Cleveland St. 10-8 17-13
6 Valparaiso 9-9 14-16
7 Youngstown St. 8-10 14-17
8 Ill.-Chicago 6-12 10-20
9 Loyola, IL 5-13 8-23
10 Detroit Mercy 3-15 6-24


Tournament Final: Cleveland State - Wright State 70-56
Tournament Semifinals:
Cleveland State - Green Bay 90-66
Wright State - Milwaukee 57-55


All-Horizon League Tournament MVP: Kailey Klein (5'11''-G-88) of Cleveland State


Horizon League All-Tournament Team:
Dominique Butler (5'9''-G-86) of Cleveland State
Traci Edwards (6'2''-C-87) of Milwaukee
Kailey Klein of Cleveland State
Brittany Korth (5'10''-G-86) of Cleveland State
Sheylani Peddy (5'6''-G) of Wright State


All-Horizon League 1st Team
Lade Akande (6'1''-C-87)of Butler
Kailey Klein of Cleveland State
Rachel Porath (5'10''-G-85) of Green Bay
Traci Edwards of Milwaukee
Sheylani Peddy (5'6''-G) of Wright State


All-Horizon League 2nd Team
Kayla Groh (5'7''-G-86) of Green Bay
Lavesa Glover (6'3''-C-86) of Green Bay
Jessie Miller (5'8''-G-88) of UIC
Agnieszka Kulaga (5'6''-G-86) of Valparaiso
Tiara Scott (6'0''-F) of Youngstown State


Horizon League All-Freshman Team
Brittany Boeke (6'2''-F/C) of Loyola
Keisha Collins (5'6''-G) of Loyola
Sheylani Peddy of Wright State
Lashawna Thomas (5'6''-G) of Wright State
Tiara Scott of Youngstown State


Horizon League All-Defensive Team
Dominique Butler of Cleveland State
Kayla Groh of Green Bay
Turquoise McCain (5'10''-G-87) of Milwaukee
Sheylani Peddy of Wright State
Lauren Branson (5'7''-G-85) of Youngstown State


All-Horizon League Player of the Year: Traci Edwards of Milwaukee
All-Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year: Dominique Butler of Cleveland State
All-Horizon League Sixth Player of the Year: Sierra Crayton (5'11''-F-86) of Wright State
All-Horizon League Newcomer of the Year: Sheylani Peddy of Wright State
All-Horizon League Co-Coach of the Year: Matt Bollant of Green Bay and Bridgett Williams of Wright State



MVC Season 2007-2008 Summary -by Richard
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Cirone


Martin


Parker


Rudolphi


Thrall

Regular Season Standings
1 Illinois St. 13-5
2 Drake 13-5
3 Evansville 13-5
4 Creighton 12-6
5 Missouri St. 9-9
6 Indiana St. 8-10
7 N.Iowa 8-10
8 Bradley 6-12
9 S.Illinois 5-13
10 Wichita St. 3-15


Tournament Final: Illinois State - Drake 70-62
Tournament Semifinals:
Illinois State - Creighton 68-60
Drake - Evansville 46-41

All-MVC Tournament MVP: Kristi Cirone (5'8''-G-87) of Illinois State


MVC All-Tournament Team:
Monique Jones (5'10''-F-87) of Drake
Jill Martin (6'1''-F-85) of Drake
Ashleen Bracey (6'0''-F) of Illinois State
Maggie Krick (5'11''-G-87) of Illinois State
Kristi Cirone of Illinois State

All-MVC 1st Team
Kristi Cirone of Illinois State
Jill Martin of Drake
Rebekah Parker (5'10''-G/F-85) of Evansville
Laura Rudolphi (6'2''-C-85) of Indiana State
Ally Thrall (5'6''-G-86) of Creighton
Lindsay Whorton (6'0''-G-86) of Drake


All-MVC 2nd Team
Tahnee Balerio (5'6''-G-86) of Missouri State
Sara Cain (6'1''-F-86) of Creighton
Maggie Dwyer (6'1''-G) of Missouri State
Jacqui Kalin (5'8''-G) of UNI
Shannon Novosel (6'1''-C-87) of Evansville


All-MVC Honorable Mention
Courtney Felke (5'8''-G-86) of Evansville
Maggie Krick of Illinois State
Angela Phillips (5'5''-G-85) of Indiana State
Kiki Stephens (5'11''-F-86) of Wichita State
Tiff Terwelp (6'2''-F-86) of Missouri State


MVC All-Freshman Team
Marisha Brown (5'9''-G) of Missouri State
Shala Jackson (5'9''-G) of Illinois State
Jacqui Kalin of UNI
Kelsey Woodard (5'10''-G) of Creighton
Ellen Young (5'5''-G) of Southern Illinois


MVC All-Defensive Team
Ashley Austin (5'9''-G) of Evansville
Kristi Cirone of Illinois State
Skye Johnson (5'7''-G) of Bradley
Laura Rudolphi of Indiana State
Erica Smith (5'7''-G/F-87) of Southern Illinois

All-MVC Defensive Player of the Year: Rebekah Parker of Evansville
All-MVC Freshman of the Year: Kelsey Luna (5'5''-G-87) of Indiana State
All-MVC Newcomer of the Year: Megan Neuvirth (5'11''-F) of Creighton
All-MVC Coach of the Year: Dana Eikenberg of Southern Illinois



NEC Season 2007-2008 Summary -by Richard
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Kerner


Nainima


Sowinski

Regular Season Standings
1. Quinnipiac 16-2
1. Robert Morris 16-2
3. Sacred Heart 14-4
4. LIU Brooklyn 13-5
5. Fairleigh Dickinson 9-9
6. Monmouth 7-11
6. St.Francis,NY 7-11
8. Mt.St.Marys 6-12
9. Wagner 5-13 .278 7-22
10. St.Francis,PA 3-15
10. Cent.Conn.St. 3-15


Tournament Final: Robert Morris - Long Island 86-75
Tournament Semifinals:
Quinnipiac - Long Island 63-67
Monmouth - Robert Morris 52-67


All-Northeast Tournament MVP: Chinata Nesbit (6'2''-F) of Robert Morris


Northeast All-Tournament Team:
Chinata Nesbit of Robert Morris
Sade Logan (6'0''-G) of Robert Morris
Valerie Nainima (5'5''-G-86) of Long Island
Chelsi Johnson (6'0''-G/F) of Long Island
Erin Kerner (5'8''-G-87) of Quinnipiac


All-Northeast 1st Team
Sade Logan of Robert Morris
Erin Kerner of Quinnipiac
Valerie Nainima of Long Island
Kaitlin Sowinski (6'4''-C-86) of Sacred Heart
Chinata Nesbit of Robert Morris


All-Northeast 2nd Team
Jennifer Walkling (6'0''-F-84) of Fairleigh Dickinson
Tiffany Hill (5'8''-G) of St. Francis (NY)
Mandy Pennewell (5'8''-G) of Quinnipiac
Jennifer Bender (6'1''-F-87) of Monmouth
Stephanie Ryan (5'10''-G-86) of Sacred Heart


Northeast All-Freshman Team
Alisa Apo (5'9''-G) of Sacred Heart
Mary Dunn (5'11''-G) of Mount St. Mary's
Jasmyra Saunders (5'6''-G) of Fairleigh Dickinson
Chelsi Johnson of Long Island
Kerrianne Dugan (5'10''-F) of Central Conn. State


All-Northeast Player of the Year: Sade Logan of Robert Morris
All-Northeast Defensive Player of the Year: Brianna Rooney (5'9''-G-86) of Quinnipiac
All-Northeast Freshman of the Year: Alisa Apo of Sacred Heart
All-Northeast Coach of the Year: Ed Swanson of Sacred Heart



Sthl Season 2007-2008 Summary -by Richard
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Ekworomadu


Gibbs


Matthews


Carr


Abalde

Regular Season Standings
East
1 Lamar 10-6
2 Northwestern St. 8-8
3 Mc Neese St. 8-8
4 SE Louisiana 6-10
5 Cent.Arkansas 5-11
6 Nicholls St. 4-12
West
1 Texas St.-San Marcos 14-2
2 Texas Arlington 13-3
3 UTSA 12-4
4 Stephen F. Austin 9-7
5 Texas A&M - C.C. 7-9
6 Sam Houston St. 0-16

Tournament Final: UTSA - Lamar 65-56
Tournament Semifinals:
Texas A&M Corpus Christ - Lamar 50-63
UT Arlington - UTSA 67-77

All-Southland Tournament MVP: Monica Gibbs (5'8''-G) of UTSA


All-Southland 1st Team
Joyce Ekworomadu (5'9''-G/F-86) of Texas State
Monica Gibbs (5'8''-G) of UTSA
Tena Matthews (5'8''-G-85) of Northwestern State
Nikki Carr (5'6''-G-85) of Stephen F. Austin
Tamara Abalde (6'2''-G-89) of Lamar


All-Southland 2nd Team
Maryann Abanobi (5'8''-G-86) of UT Arlington
Onika Anderson (5'10''-F) UTSA
Courtnee Hollins (5'7''-G-83) of McNeese State
Katherine Plummer (5'4''-G-86) of Nicholls State
Tiffeny Riles (6'3''-C-86) of UT Arlington


All-Southland 3rd Team
Brooke DeGrate (5'7''-G) of Texas State
Elisa Beagle (6'0''-F/C-87) of A&M-Corpus Christi
Brittney Williams (5'10''-F-88) of Lamar
Terrie Davis (5'8''-G) of UTSA
Nikki Williams (5'5''-G-87) of Lamar


All-Southland Honorable Mention
Laura Beth Anderson (5'8''-G) of UCA
Brooke Necaise (5'8''-G-86) of SLU
Kristy Carlin (6'0''-F) of SLU
Shante' Perry (5'9''-F-87) of MCN


All-Southland Player of the Year: Joyce Ekworomadu of Texas State
All-Southland Defensive Player of the Year: Nikki Carr of Stephen F. Austin
All-Southland Freshman of the Year: Tamara Abalde of Lamar
All-Southland Newcomer of the Year: Onika Anderson of UTSA
All-Southland Coach of the Year: Suzanne Fox of Texas State



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POLAND - Women

Standings - PLKK
PLKK Standings
1. Lotos 24-0
2. Wisla 21-3
3. AZS Gorzow 17-7
4. T. Leszno 17-7
5. Utex Row 14-10
6. CCC 14-10
7. AZS Poznan 11-13
8. LKS 11-13
9. MMKS Energa 11-13
10. MUKS Poznan 8-16
11. Cukierki 5-19
12. AZS J.Gora 2-22
13. Lomianki 1-23


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U.KINGDOM - Women

Standings - Women
EBL Standings


Sheffield Hatters win the Division 1 League championship -by Eurobasket News
The Sheffield Hatters got an unexpectedly easy victory in the title race at the EBL Division One. Their archrivals Rhondda Rebels simply forfeited the game scheduled for March 16. The Rebels were unable to come up with a venue to stage the game and as sadly as it sounded just had to surrender without playing. The Hatters needed to win the game or lose it by less than 14 points to celebrate an overall success at the championship. But it turned out to be an easier way to the positive outcome for Sheffield outfit. The Rebels lost two key players not long before the game. Andrea Congreaves (193-C-70) and Sally Kaznica (174-G-81) left the team. Rhondda had to use a 5-player roster against Northumbria in the previous round.
The Hatters clinched their 13th title in the last 18 years. They also defended the last season's title and now look forward to succeed in the playoff rally.

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WNBA - Women

USA beat spanish team Rod Casares -by Bruno Baltazar
A quick word on the USA Basketball game today. Team USA topped Spanish powerhouse Ros Casares 82-72 behind 14 points from Lindsay Whalen and 13 from former Sun teammate Katie Douglas.

Take a look here for the full story from the USA Basketball site:

USA:
Whalen: 14 points, 3 assists, 5 boards, 2 steals
Douglas: 13 points, 2 assists, 2 steals
Feenstra: 9 points, 5 boards
Augustus, Pondexter & Spencer: 8 points each

ROS:
Elena Tornikidou (6'1''-F-65): 20 points
Erika De Souza (6'6''-C-82): 16 points, 9 boards

USA shot 33-65 from field, 3-11 3-point, 13-18 line, 35 boards, 12 assists.

ROS shot 24-55 from field, 4-11 from 3-point, 20-26 free throw, 34 boards, 14 assists.