EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 3/23/2008

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Men News

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ABA

ABA East team defeats ABA West team at the All-Star Game -by Gianni Pascucci
Anthony Anderson (5'11''-G-81, college: Massachusetts) of the Manchester Millrats sank five of seven three-point shots and sprang for 33 points to lead the East All-Stars to a 161-140 victory over the West All-Stars in the ABA All-Star Classic at the Barre Municipal Auditorium on Saturday afternoon. Eric Crookshank (6'7''-F-80, college: Idaho St.) of the Halifax Rainmen added 28 points, 14 rebounds and six steals for the East, which raced out to a 72-54 halftime lead and held the West to 36.8% shooting for the game. The lead swelled to over 30 in the third quarter before the fourth quarter became a crowd pleasing acrobatic showcase. Issa Konare (6'8''-F-80, college: High Point) contributed 17 points and eight rebounds iat the winning side. For East coach Will Voigt of Vermont, it was his first All-Star victory, after presiding over the losing East team at last season's ABA All-Star Weekend in Halifax. Cardell Butler (6'4''-F-81, college: Utah St.) of the San Diego Wildcats scored 34 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in the best losing effort for the West team. He was followed by Mario Kinsey (6'2''-G-82, college: Sam Houston St.) of the Texas Tycoons with 21, and Robin Kennedy (5'11''-G-74, college: Nevada) from the O.C. Gladiators had 20 points and 11 assists. Just after the game Anderson was given the Halogen Records ABA All-Star MVP Award.

ABA All-Star weekend contests winners -by Gianni Pascucci
The night before the All-Star Game, in the opening event of ABA All-Star Weekend, Robin Kennedy (5'11''-G-74, college: Nevada) of the Orange County Gladiators, an And1 Tour veteran, nosed out Sean Dixon (6'2''-G-85) of the Atlanta Vision to win the Simply Subs ABA Three-Point crown. Robin Kennedy sank 13-of-20 first-round threes and 15-of-20 in the finals. Vermont's Antonio Burks (6'6''-F-82, college: Stephen F. Austin), who made just four shots in last year's 3-point competition during All-Star Weekend in Halifax, Nova Scotia, more than doubled his output this year with 11. Kenny Wright (6'0''-G) of the Long Beach Breakers sank 12 first-round threes and Sean Dixon of the Atlanta Vision knocked Burks out of the finals with a dozen threes of his own, forc-ing a three-player final with Kennedy.
Chris Cayole (6'7''-F-85, college: St.Michael's) of the Vermont Frost Heaves won the M&M Beverage Centers Slam-Dunk title. Cayole knew that if he had the support of his home crowd, success in the 2008 American Basketball Association All-Star slam dunk competition would surely follow. Thanks to a 360-degree windmill jam he earned the dunk title over San Diego Wildcat Cardell Butler (6'4''-F-81, college: Utah St.) and Texas Tycoon Mario Kinsey (6'2''-G-82, college: Sam Houston St.) at the Barre Auditorium on Friday night.

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ARGENTINA

Liga A round 29 -by Facundo Iatzky


Liga A round 29 -by Facundo Iatzky


Liga A round 29 -by Facundo Iatzky
Best 5:
Julio Mazzaro (186-G-79) of quimsa 33 pts 5 as
Ramzee Stanton (193-F-80, agency: CAA Sports, college: W.Chester) of regatas 22 pts 5 reb
William McFarlan (201-F-76, college: St.Thomas Aquinas) of quimsa 21 pts 5 reb
Jamaal Levy (206-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) of estudiantes 22 pts 9 reb
Tyler Field (206-F/C-78, college: San Diego) of obras 30 pts 12 reb

second team:
Bruno Labaque (183-G-77, agency: Interperformances) of atenas
Quincy Wadley (193-G-78, agency: CAA Sports, college: Temple) of penarol
Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78) of boca
Gabriel Mikulas (201-F-80, agency: Interperformances, college: E.Carolina) of quimsa
Roberto Lopez (199-F/C-76) of regatas

points:
Julio Mazzaro 33
Tyler Field 30
Bruno Labaque 23
Jamaal Levy 22
Kevin Sowell (190-G-81) 22

rebounds:
Tyler Field 12
Byron Johnson (201-F/C-80, college: Belm.Abbey) 11
Roberto Lopez 11
Andres Pelussi (198-F-77) 10
Robert Battle (200-C-81, college: Drexel) 9

assists:
Bruno Labaque 5
Julio Mazzaro 5
Chuck Robinson (201-F-72, college: E.Carolina) 5
Juan Pablo Figueroa (184-G-86, agency: Interperformances) 4
Pedro Franco (187-G-81) 4

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AUSTRIA

Round 32 -by Stefan Heinrich
Furstenfeld Panthers - Kapfenberg Bulls 90:58

The Panthers had an easy game in the Styrian derby as Kapfenberg played without Ramiz Suljanovic (206-F/C-79, agency: R.H.Consultancy) and Mike Hall (191-G/F-82, college: BYU).

Panthers: Shelton Colwell (202-F-80, agency: Court Side, college: Missouri St.) 17, Shavies 17, Fraser 16+12 rebounds, Dale 12, Goljovic 12, Grum 12, Hensley 2, Ocokolijic 2
Bulls: Jason Forrestal (204-F-69, college: Benedictine (IL)) 15, Ray 14, Zeleznik 14, Hallett 6+10 rebounds, Nelson 5, Knabl 2, Josipovic 2

Traiskirchen Lions - UBC St. Polten 110:78

After a very close first half the Lions had a 18:0 Run at the end of the 3rd quarter, what decided the game.

Lions: Stevan Milosevic (211-C-85, agency: Interperformances) 19, Geisler 16, Vickery 14, Danek 14, Lamesic 12, Bjelica 11, Zekovic 11, Nicoara 6, Paliashchuk 5, Rhynes 2
UBC: Martin Kohlmaier (218-C-84, agency: Octagon) 26, Schreiner 20, Speiser 14, Kollik 10, Kerschbaummayr 4, Heuberger 2, Kugerl 2

Oberwart Gunners - Klosterneuburg Dukes 94:91

In this close game for 40 minutes, Jay Jay Youngblood (196-G-84, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Kent St.) made the difference scoring 42 points including 8 of 9 3 Pointers.

Gunners: Jay Youngblood 42, Johnson 16+12 rebounds, Boone 13, Moric 10, Crawford 9, Gaspar 2, Stegnjaic 2
Dukes: Calvin Watson (196-G-85, college: N.Texas) 31, Martin 25+15 rebounds+5 blocks, Creddle 15, Nagler 11, Wright 6, Diwald 3

WBC Wels - Gmunden Swans 82:98

After a close first half the Swans increased their intensity and forced 20 turnovers to get an easy victory.

WBC: Tilo Klette (205-C/F-77) 19, Davis 16, Palmer 14, Pargfrieder 13, Archibald 10, Anderson 7, Stanek 3
Swans: Ian Boylan (198-G/F-83, college: Cal.St. Northridge) 28, Mayes 21, Mayer 17+11 rebounds, Stelzer 13, Sullivan 6, Schoninger 5, Hutter 4, Johnson 4

Standings - A Bundesliga
A Standings
Hauptrunde 1
1. Furstenfeld 24-8
2. Oberwart 23-9
3. Gmunden 22-10
4. Kapfenberg 21-11
5. Arkadia 20-12
6. Wels 18-14
7. Klosterneub. 17-15
8. St.Polten 10-22
Hauptrunde 2
1. Worthersee 5-2
2. Gussing 5-2
3. Vienna 2-5
4. UBSC Graz 2-5


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BALTIC LEAGUE

SEB BBL play-offs. Game 1: Rock - Siauliai 83:85 -by Janar Filippov
Wild three-point shooting gave Siauliai a two-point advantage against TU/Rock in Game One of the first play-off round.

The play-offs are on and it was almost as dramatic as possible in Tartu where TU/Rock hosted BC Siauliai in the first round of SEB BBL play-off.
The hosts did everything they could to take the benefit of home advantage or even more. Rock made 70% of two-point shots, 11/12 free throws and 8/19 three-pointers! But it was Siauliai who felt like home in Tartu as they made enormous 14 three-pointers out of 29 attempts. That was enough to travel back home with a narrow 85:83 victory. Marius Prekevicius (196-F-84, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Florida) (196-F-84, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Florida) and veteran Virginijus Praskevicius (206-C/F-74) both made 4 three-pointers.

Rock took the lead 11:6 with five minutes played but Prekevicius evened the game and first quarter ended 17:17. Prekevicius, a former Lithuanian u18 and u20 NT player, had 10 points, already.

In 2nd, the guests made five three-pointers but Rock held on and had the led at the halftime break. Mantas Ruikis (198-G/F-85) and a former Euroleague-star Praskevicius both made two triples and Antono Grant added on more to take Siauliai ahead 34:39 but Rock answered with 11:0 run to end the first hald 45:39.

Third quarter was a nightmare for the hosts and 3000 home fans. Although Janar Talts (204-C-83) and Brian Cusworth (213-C-84, college: Harvard) had Rock ahead 50:44, the guests made a huge 5:24 run in six minutes and led 60:70 with a quarter to play. Gediminas Maceina started the run with 6 consecutive points and Grant made the most of the damage - 8 points - during the run.

With 7 minutes left to play, the guests were ahead 64:77 but Rock hadn't given up. They made a 8:0 run and with 3:30 left, it was 74:79. Maceina's three-pointer put Siauliai up by 8, Tsintsadze and Tein made it 78:82 and then it was Zavackas who nailed a triple. 78:85 with 1:25 to play. Gert Kullamae had the final word as he made two free throws, added a three-pointer and after turnover by Grant, Kullamae had a chance to grab a victory but he missed this time.

Rock has a week to prepare for an away game where they need to win by at least three points.

Tsintsadze and Cusworth scored 16 for TU/Rock. Prekevicius had 20 for the winners, Grant added 19 and Praskevicius 16 points, including 4/4 three-pointers.

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BELARUS

A round before play-off -by Eurobasket News
None of the basketball championship knows anything about the upcoming final quarter. Vitalur, Temp and Lokomotiv have no idea about their opponents in the first play-off round.
Minsk is more likely to hold the second place in the favorites rows and to play with someone of those obvious outsiders. The team let themselves lose with a 14-point gap. They were trying to win even being armed by a ram-player Koul Alexander, but numerous fouls replied by perfectly exact penalties of OZAA dispelled the Minsk illusions of victory. Moreover, the advantage of the guests' team went over 'twenty'.
Vitalur that won the first place didn't fail to overcome Grodno. The team was playing with a desirable confidence, in the very beginning they were 20 points ahead. But in the last quarter went down just to 4 points ahead, and still Grodno didn't manage to turn the game into overtime. Another Vitalur's trump was Kuchinskiy, who made a contribution by means of 100% exact penalties (six out of six).
The matches in Vitebsk were similar to the ones above - the throws were done 8 seconds before siren. The guests got lucky on Friday, and the victory was brought to the team by Verakso, who spent almost the whole game right on the bench, but showed himself in the end.
The resistance of BNTY and Sozh reminded a contrasting shower - the absence of Dmitri Shpadaruk (200-F-78) and Agevnin put a negative impact on the Minsk team, but made a favour to the Gomel team. The game was pretty hot and couldn't reveal the winner till the end. It happened right after Ostrikov-junior screwed up the even score by two fouls, and that's how Golovskiy set the final score with his two exact penalties.

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CAMEROON

NCAA Tournament.... -by Yann Tientcheu
The second round of the NCAA tournament is following its course and UNLV of Beas Hamga (213-C) is already out of the run for the NCAA Tournament title. UNLV lost to
Kentucky University on the 21st by the score of 56-75. Beas Hamga should make his official debut with UNLV next season off his 2007-2008 redshirt season.
UCLA on the other hand had more success against Texas A&M on the same day. The Haggies had the lead in the game until 3mns left for the end of the meting
when Kevin Love helped the Bruins getting back in the game and sizing the victory (53-49). Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (200-G/F-88) had 2pts and 8rbds in the game.
Alfred Aboya (203-F/C-85) only saw 2mns of playing time.

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ESTONIA

SEB BBL play-offs. Game 1: Rock - Siauliai 83:85 -by Janar Filippov
Wild three-point shooting gave Siauliai a two-point advantage against TU/Rock in Game One of the first play-off round.

The play-offs are on and it was almost as dramatic as possible in Tartu where TU/Rock hosted BC Siauliai in the first round of SEB BBL play-off.
The hosts did everything they could to take the benefit of home advantage or even more. Rock made 70% of two-point shots, 11/12 free throws and 8/19 three-pointers! But it was Siauliai who felt like home in Tartu as they made enormous 14 three-pointers out of 29 attempts. That was enough to travel back home with a narrow 85:83 victory. Marius Prekevicius (196-F-84, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Florida) (196-F-84, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Florida) and veteran Virginijus Praskevicius (206-C/F-74) both made 4 three-pointers.

Rock took the lead 11:6 with five minutes played but Prekevicius evened the game and first quarter ended 17:17. Prekevicius, a former Lithuanian u18 and u20 NT player, had 10 points, already.

In 2nd, the guests made five three-pointers but Rock held on and had the led at the halftime break. Mantas Ruikis (198-G/F-85) and a former Euroleague-star Praskevicius both made two triples and Antono Grant added on more to take Siauliai ahead 34:39 but Rock answered with 11:0 run to end the first hald 45:39.

Third quarter was a nightmare for the hosts and 3000 home fans. Although Janar Talts (204-C-83) and Brian Cusworth (213-C-84, college: Harvard) had Rock ahead 50:44, the guests made a huge 5:24 run in six minutes and led 60:70 with a quarter to play. Gediminas Maceina started the run with 6 consecutive points and Grant made the most of the damage - 8 points - during the run.

With 7 minutes left to play, the guests were ahead 64:77 but Rock hadn't given up. They made a 8:0 run and with 3:30 left, it was 74:79. Maceina's three-pointer put Siauliai up by 8, Tsintsadze and Tein made it 78:82 and then it was Zavackas who nailed a triple. 78:85 with 1:25 to play. Gert Kullamae had the final word as he made two free throws, added a three-pointer and after turnover by Grant, Kullamae had a chance to grab a victory but he missed this time.

Rock has a week to prepare for an away game where they need to win by at least three points.

Tsintsadze and Cusworth scored 16 for TU/Rock. Prekevicius had 20 for the winners, Grant added 19 and Praskevicius 16 points, including 4/4 three-pointers.

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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: The regular season (42 rounds) is over -by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 42 (the last round of the regular season): YMCA Lappeenranta # 1 (regular season winner), Karhu (Kauhajoki) # 12 (to I-division).
It started on Oct 6 and now on March 22 it's over. YMCA Lappeenranta played only 22 games because taking part EuroCup games. The rest 11
Teams played 42 games. Tonight six games and no big upsets. Kauhajoki lost at home though vs Team Componenta, Karkkila 82-92. It means
that newcomer Kauhajoki goes back to I-division. Kauhajoki had back luck as having four American players and only two of them were able to play.
The two others were on injured list. Damon Williams (199-F-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) (Pyrinto) was the leading scorer (23,1 ppg), Mark McCarroll (208-F/C-80, agency: CAA Sports, college: Pittsburgh) (Tarmo) had the most rbs (12,4 rpg) and Tyson Patterson (175-G-78, college: Appalachian St.) led the Top League is assists (5,2 apg). Play-off-games: 1 round: YMCA Lappeenranta vs Pyrinto (Tampere), Torpan Pojat (Helsinki) vs Tarmo (Porvoo), Kouvot (Kouvola) vs Korihait (Uusikaupunki),

Honka (Espoo) vs YMCA Lahti.

Pyrinto - Kouvot 69-79 (30-27) (Damon Williams 29/10, Damion Dantzler 15/11 - Corey Smith 27, Tuomas Iisalo 17).

YMCA Lahti - Tarmo 76-75 (44-32) (Davont Jackson 21, Tom Gustafsson 18 - Tony Bennett 18/9a, Mark McCarroll 17).

KTP - Korihait 92-75 (41-42) (Steve Smith 28/10, Jermaine Spivey 16 - Bojan Sarvevic 19, Glenn Stokes 12).

Kataja - ToPo 78-80 (38-48) (Sami Lehtoranta 24/10, Martti Kuisma 15 - Josh Gonner 20, Tyson Patterson 15/15a).

Kauhajoki - Team Componenta 82-92 (40-44) (Cedric McGowan 21, Eric Washington 17/12 - Chris Hester 30, Nigel Moore 27).

Honka - YMCA LPR 79-104 (37-52) (Petteri Koponen 21, Akeem Scott 20 - Pasi Riihela 33 (treys 8/8), Adrian Henning 19).




Standings - Korisliiga
Korisliiga Standings
1. ToPo 32-10
2. Kouvot 31-11
3. Honka 27-15
4. Lahti 21-21
5. Korihait 19-23
6. Tarmo 18-24
7. Pyrinto 18-24
8. LrNMKY 17-5
9. KTP 17-25
10. Kataja 16-26
11. Componenta 14-28
12. Kauhajoki 12-30


Stats Leaders - Korisliiga
Korisliiga Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Williams, Pyrinto 23,1
2 Henning, LrNMKY 22,3
3 Hester, TC 22,3
4 S.Smith, KTP 21,7
5 C.Smith, Kouvot 21,0
Rebounds Per Game
1 McCarroll, Tarmo 12,4
2 Wallery, TC 12,0
3 Dies, KTP 11,4
4 Williams, Pyrinto 11,0
5 Dantzler, Pyrinto 10,8
Assists Per Game
1 Patterson, ToPo 5,2
2 Virtanen, LrNMKY 4,5
3 Sten, LrNMKY 4,4
4 Hinnant, Kataja 4,4
5 Williams, Pyrinto 4,2


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GREECE

Standings - A2
A2 Standings
1. Trikalla 2000 20-4
2. Dafni 18-6
3. Panorama 17-7
4. Ionikos Lamias 15-9
5. DASH Perist. 15-9
6. HSBC Pagrati 14-10
7. Iraklis 13-11
8. ICBS 13-11
9. Panerythrai. 11-13
10. Xanthi 10-14
11. MENT 10-14
12. Ilysiakos 9-15
13. Apollon 9-15
14. Halkida 7-17
15. Sporting 6-18
16. P.Faliro 5-19


Standings - A1
A1 Standings
1. Panathin. 18-2
2. Olympiak. 17-3
3. Aris 14-7
4. Panellinios 12-8
5. Egaleo 11-9
6. Panionios 11-10
7. AEK 10-11
8. AEL 9-11
9. Maroussi 9-12
10. PAOK 8-13
11. Olimpia L. 8-13
12. Rethimno 7-14
13. Kolossos 7-14
14. Olimpiada P. 3-17


The Greek Men's National Team has the first victory over the France 56-51 in Almpert Schweitzer tournament -by George Manousidis

With victory it began her obligations in tournament Almpert Schweitzer in Mannheim of Germany . In the premiere, the team of Giorgos Vlasssopoulou, was overcame France with 56-51, having and the support of 100 Greek fellow's , that as they were always found near the Greek team.
The quarter's: 14-8, 11-16, 18-14, 13-13
Greece: Papantoniou 8, Roussis, Karathanasis, Dimitris Arapis (203-F-90, agency: FCM), Papanikolaou 8, Georgatos, Giankovits 5, Nikolaos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) 23, Kasselakis 13.
France: Hay, Sadiku, Albicy 7, Faye Djobo, Thibedore, Tanghe 14, Lang 17, Leonarnd 11, Ramassamy 2, Buval, Celerier.
The National Team faces tomorrow (23/3) Israel in 17:00.
In tournament participate 16 teams separated in four groups. [A]' Group: Turkey, Germany, Sweden, Holland. [B]' Group: Spain, Argentina, Croatia, New Zealand. [G]' Group: Russia, Italy, Australia, Canada. [D]' Group: USA, Greece, France, Israel.


The schedule of Almpert Schweitzer tournament is:

PRELIMINARY ROUND


Saturday, March 22nd, 2008

MWS resounds at the Herzogenried

12:00: Spain - new Zealand 104:66

14:00: Argentina - Croatia 78:76

16:00: Turkey - Sweden 97:85

20:30: Germany - Netherlands 99:57

US of sport arena

12:30: Greece - France 56:51

14:30: Australia - Italy 85:63

16:30: Russia - Canada 48:74

20:00: The USA - Israel 83:61


Sunday, March 23rd, 2008

MWS resounds at the Herzogenried

14:00: New Zealand - Argentina

16:00: Netherlands - Turkey

18:00: Sweden - Germany

20:00: Croatia - Spain

US of sport arena

14:00: Canada - Australia

16:00: Israel - Greece

18:00: Italy - Russia

20:00: France - the USA


Monday, March 24th, 2008

MWS resounds at the Herzogenried

14:00: Sweden - Netherlands

16:00: Croatia - new Zealand

18:00: Spain - Argentina

20:00: Turkey - Germany

US of sport arena

14:00: Italy Canada

16:00: France - Israel

18:00: Russia - Australia

20:00: The USA - Greece



QUALIFICATION ROUND

GROUP E

1st Group A, 1st Group C, 2nd Group A, 2nd Group C

GROUP F

1st Group B, 1st Group D, 2nd Group B, 2nd Group D

GROUP G

3rd Group A, 3rd Group C, 4th Group A, 4th Group C

GROUP H

3rd Group B, 3rd Group D, 4th Group B, 4th Group D


Wednesday, March 26th, 2008

MWS resounds at the Herzogenried

14:00: 3rd Group A - 4th Group C

16:00: 4th Group A - 3rd Group C

18:00: 1st Group A - 2nd Group C

20:00: 2nd Group A - 1st Group C


US of sport arena

14:00: 3rd Group B - 4th Group D

16:00: 4th Group B - 3rd Group D

18:00: 1st Group B - 2nd Group D

20:00: 2nd Group B - 1st Group D


Thursday, March 27th, 2008

MWS resounds at the Herzogenried

14:00: 4th Group C - 4th Group A

16:00: 3rd Group C - 3rd Group A

18:00: 2nd Group C - 2nd Group A

20:00: 1st Group C - 1st Group A


US of sport arena

14:00: 4th Group D - 4th Group B

16:00: 3rd Group D - 3rd Group B

18:00: 2nd Group D - 2nd Group B

20:00: 1st Group D - 1st Group B


PLACEMENT ROUND - SEMI FINALS

Friday, March 28th, 2008

US of sport arena

09:00: 4th Group G - 4th Group H (Place 15)

11:00: 3rd Group G - 3rd Group H (Place 13)

14:00: 2nd Group G - 2nd Group H (Place 11)

16:00: 1st Group G - 1st Group H (Place 9)

18:00: 1st Group E - 2nd Group F (Semi final 1)

20:00: 1st Group F - 2nd Group E (Semi final 2)


PLACEMENT ROUND - FINALS

Saturday, March 29th, 2008

US of sport arena

09:00: 4th Group E - 4th Group F (Place 7)

11:00: 3rd Group E - 3rd Group F (Place 5)

14:00: Loose Semi final 1 - loose Semi final 2 (Place 3)

16:00: Winner Semi final 1 - Winner Semi final 2 (finally)


Follow all the action on the official website of the Albert-Schweitzer-Tournament: http://www.ast-basketball.de



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HOLLAND

Standings - Eredivisie
Eredivisie Standings
1. Amsterdam 28-6
2. West-Brabant 23-11
3. M.Magix 22-13
4. Eiff.Towers 20-12
5. Hanzev.Cpt 20-14
6. Rotterdam 18-14
7. Zwolle 14-19
8. Leiden 14-20
9. Weert 14-21
10. Aris Friesland 7-26
11. Den Helder 4-28
12. Almere 0-0


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HUNGARY

Szolnok won against Pecs -by Tamas Deri

Last night the home team of Szolnok could beat the guests from Pecs - who played without Williams, Lapov, Jovanovic, Wittmann and Hosszu - by 12 points and keep the chance to come into the best four after the regular season.

SZOLNOKI OLAJ KK - PECS-EXPO PANTHERS 72-61
(23-12, 27-14, 12-14, 10-19)

Szolnok, Att.: 1800, Referees: Hartyani, Adam, Kiss
SZOLNOK: Thomas Kelley (188-G-76, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: Michigan St.) 15/3, Vernard Hollins (192-G-80, agency: Warren Sports, college: Wright St.) 18/3, Laszlo Cziczas (188-G-79) 14/9, Sabaliauskas 3/3, Gobi 6, Molnar 6/6, Ledoux 4, Cseh 2, Harazin 2, Szabo 2, Coach: Por Peter
PECS: Kutasi 8/6, Dragan Aleksic (196-G-70, agency: Beo Basket) 17/6, Denes 10/6, Toth N. 10, Czigler 6, Grebenar 8, Kovacs P. 2, Polya, Lepsenyi, Coach: Stojan Ivkovic

2pointers: 56 (19/34) - 39 (19/49)
3pointers: 28 (8/29) - 43 (6/14)
Free throws: 67 (10/15) - 83 (5/6)
Rebounds: 40 - 32
Fouls: 14 - 16
Assists: 21 - 6
Steals/Turnovers: 14/12 - 12/14
IBM: 106 - 82


Kormend: still unstoppable -by Tamas Deri
Kormend eliminated NYKK with a 40 points victory and had its 9th straight win since the 20th of January in the regular season.
They were up by 6 points after the first quarter even so, that Gergely Fodor and Rudolf Trummer did not play because of injuries.
NYKK was close to tie the game in the 13th minute, but only Erno Sitku (208-C-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) played as expected, so in the half time Kormend was up by 10 points again.
The guests did not slow down after the half time and made a 19-0 run lead by Ed McCants in the 3rd quarter, after they lead by 30 points already.
In the last 10 minutes Branko Savic got hot and made four three pointers, but not even his shoots could help the team to get closer, so the guests won by 40 points.
Player of the game was Ed McCants, the american guard scored 32 points (9/13 2's, 4/7 3's, 2/3 FT's), had 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 fouls against and 2 assists in 34 minutes on the court.

MARSO-VAGEP-NYIREGYHAZI KK - POLAROID-LAMI-VED-KORMEND 74-114
(16-22, 19-24, 13-32, 26-36)
Nyiregyhaza, Att.: 1200, Referees: Bodnar, Benczur, Csősz
NYKK: Branko Savic (181-G-79) 29/12, Buchanan 6/6, Mouton 5, Erno Sitku18/6, Helbich 10, Trepak 6, Siska, Krasznai, Coach: Deri Csaba
KORMEND: Marton Fodor (191-G-81, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 10/6, Ed McCants (193-G-82, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) 32/12, Csaba Ferencz (192-G-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 11/3, Stanley Ocitti (203-F/C-80, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Binghamton) 18/9, Vavra 9/3, Jermaine Thomas (187-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: La Salle) 12/6, Kocsis 8/6, Kenneth Henderson (201-F-82, college: Texas Arlington) 12, Toth 2, Molnar, Coach: Dragoljub Krivacevic

*****************************************************
ICELAND

FSU & Valur to the finals -by Siggi Hjorleifsson
1. division play-offs is coming to the finals.
FSU beat Haukar today 98-86 ( 42-52 ) Was not difficult for FSU to win this serie 2-0
Leading scorers for Hakar. Sigurdur Einarsson 23. Ludvik Bjarnason 18. Helgi Einarsson 15. For FSU. Arni Ragnarsson 25. Saevar Sigmundsson 23.

The other final four game was Armann against Valur. Valur won first game by 2 points on a three point shot. Today it was not a question who was the better team in the serie.
Valur won 96-80. ( 43-50) Olafur Aegisson 18 Asgeir Hlodversson 15 for Arman, Alexander Dungal (200-F-86) & Hordur Hreidarsson (200-C-88) 20 each. Craig Walls 17 for Valur.

*****************************************************
JORDAN

Tied series in Excellent League's Semi-Finals until now.... -by Mohammed Malas
Orthodox, Zain, Al Riyadi/Aramex Amman and Arena Amman's way to the finals of Excellent League still unknown, Orthodox & Arena Amman's series is tied 1-1 until this moment, Same to the other series between Zain & Al Riyadi/Aramex Amman...Imports changes effected positiveley on the performance of the two battles with more hopes to see more competitive league this year....

* Results of the previous games....

- Friday 21st of March (2nd round of Semi-Finals):

Arena Amman 96 - Orthodox 83 (Qs: 28-19, 56-35, 80-49 & 96-83) 'Tied series 1-1'

# Best performance:
- Arena Amman:
Josh Cooperwood (193-G-80, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Tennessee St.) (21 pts, 5 ast)
Zeid Abbas (203-C-83) (19 pts, 9 reb)
Mark Strickland (208-F/C-70, college: Temple) (19 pts, 12 reb, 5 blk!!)
- Orthodox:
Torraye Braggs (203-F/C-76, college: Xavier) (26 pts, 11 reb)
Ayman Idais (205-C-78, agency: Court Side) (17 pts, 8 reb)
Chris Campbell (194-G/F-81, agency: 011 Sports, college: Harding) (15 pts, 4 ast)

Zain 96 - Al Riyadi/Aramex Amman 92 (Overtime after it was tied 80-80) 'Tied series 1-1'

# Best performance:
- Zain:
John III Thomas (175-G-76, college: St.Francis,NY) (23 pts, 3 ast)
Mohammad Hamdan (201-F-84) (20 pts, 19 reb!!)
Soumaila Samake (215-C-78, agency: CAA Sports) (16 pts, 10 reb)
- Al Riyadi/Aramex Amman:
Rob Anderson (196-G/F-79, college: George Mason) (38 pts, 7 reb)
Hussam Lutfi (198-F/C-73) (17 pts, 11 reb)
Wesam Sous (181-G-83) (14 pts, 6 ast)

- Thursday 20th of March (1st round of Semi-Finals)

Al Riyadi/Aramex Amman 81 - Zain 73 (Qs: 25-10, 41-35, 61-50 & 81- 73)

Orthodox 90 - Arena Amman 83 (Qs: 24-23, 48-44, 69-67 & 90-83)

Market News (Updated) -by Mohammed Malas

- Zain club failed to reach a deal with Tony Madison (190-G-71, agency: China-Hoop, college: New Orleans) to replace Antonio Wyche (193-F-77, college: Notre Dame) in the team but they found another one called John III Thomas (175-G-76, college: St.Francis,NY) to play with the team until the end of the season...

Thomas was chosen as one of the best imports previousley in Germany, England, Finland and Poland, He will have his 1st chance to play in the region...

- After the signature with Rob Anderson (196-G/F-79, college: George Mason), The american center Raphael Madera (208-C-82, agency: 011 Sports, college: Delaware) will be the new addition in the roster of Al Riyadi/Aramex....

Madera is a newly graduated player from Delawere University and will play overseas for the 1st time....


- The american experiecned center Torraye Braggs (203-F/C-76, college: Xavier) and Orthodox had finally agreed together to play until the end of the season adding to Leroy Davis (194-F-81, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Georgia St.) who is confirmed as the 3rd import of the team....


Braggs is a 'full of experience' player who had a big career following his history in playing in NBA (3 seasons), Venezuela, Greece, Spain, Russia, China, Philippines, Latvia, South Korea and finally in Iran this season.......While Davis played before in Mexico, Venzuela and some leagues in the US...



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

Mott CC prepares to defend their Division II title -by Eurobasket News
Mott CC were victorious in the last year's National Championship. This time it was a tougher road but it led to same destination - the Division II National Championship game. Mott CC will defend their title against Columbus State CC in the final game today. It became possible after yesterday's 71:58 win over Kirkwood CC in the semis. Kirkwood got to a better start to this one as they scored 4 unanswered point to open the encounter. They maintained the lead and jumped to a 19:11 distance after three-pointer from Jermain Davis. Mott struggled to come any closer and trailed by 7 points at halftime 26:33. Jermain Davis hit another triple and then penetrated under the rim for an easy two to keep Mott at distance. But gradually the defending champs started to take over. Jacquez Williams fired from downtown to tie the score at 42 midway through the half. Lamarr Drake soon hit a trey to ignite a 17:7 run from the Bears as they cleared off to a 10-point distance with under 4 minutes to go in regulation. It was just enough for Mott to celebrate victory at the end. Lamarr Drake finished with game-high 19 points for Mott. DeAndre Nealy added 15 points and 13 boards for the winners. Ali Farokhmanesh (6'0''-G) and Jermain Davis notched 17 points apiece in a losing clause.
Columbus State CC became the second finalist after they handed a 77:69 loss to the tournament's hosts Danville Area CC. Danville grabbed a 35:30 lead into the second half but some long attempts from Cyrus Smith allowed the Columbus State to return into contest. They soon spurred ahead and withstood the comeback efforts from the hosts to survive late in the game.

Salt Lake CC will take on South Plains in championship game -by Eurobasket News
The 4th-ranked Salt Lake CC will play against South Plains in the final game of the NJCAA Division I National Championship. Salt Lake faced Three Rivers in the first semifinal yesterday and drove to an impressive 68:50 victory. The Bruins built game around their big men and with an obvious dominance inside the paint Salt Lake eventually succeeded. The Bruins outrebounded the Raiders 42:31 and shot 57% from the field to stun Three Rivers. The Utah outfit accumulated a 31:20 lead at halftime and never surrendered it improving on the majority of stats in the second half. The Raiders shot only 37% from the field and failed to revive the intrigue in the dying stages. Brian Green led the victors with 19 points and 5 boards. Vassy Banny (6'3''-G-85) contributed 15 points, 5 assists and 4 boards for the Bruins. Bryan Sherrer and Artem Valov (6'9''-F-86) paced Three Rivers with 15 points apiece in a loss.
South Plains College toppled Seward County CC 77:65 to join Salt Lake in the title decider. The Texans got to a better start which proved to be decisive. South Plains limited their opponents to just 36% accuracy in the first half and dominating the boards piled up a 34:24 advantage at the long break. The Saints improved on merely every category in the second half and looked pretty convincing but it was too late. The Texans were deadly from the charity stripe in the crunch time and pulled away a historic win at the end. Jonathan Hall (6'4''-G) provided 24 points for the Texans. Luciano De Souza (6'7''-F-86) added 21 points in a winning case. Darko Cohadarevic (6'9''-F-86) answered with 21 points for the Saints.

*****************************************************
KOSOVO

NT FOR YOUNG CATGORIES IN BASKETBALL -by Alban Salihu
Professional Council of BFK will organize on Tuesday until Friday the gathering of candidates for NT of Kosova for young categories (U14, U16 and U18) in the Center for Public Safety, Education and Development in Vushtrri.

Invited are all players from the list below to be in Vushtrri on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 no later than 9:00am

The candidates should bring with their fitting for exercise, personal hygiene tools and a basketball ball.

For more information you can contact professional collaborator of BFK, Albert Sylejmani in 044 161 273

SELECTED PLAYERS BORN ON 1991

01. Gramoz Gruda - Peja (1991)

02. Imer Tahiri - Trepca (1991)

03. Leutrim Sveqla - Bonus (1991)

04. Pellumb Citaku - Sigal (1991)

05. Ervin Muharremi - SH.B.'12' (1991)

06. Drilon Bajrami - Probasket (1991)

07. Arlind Hajdari - Ylli (1991)

08. Denis Syla - Probasket (1991)

09. Dalmat Maxhuni - Vertikal (1991)

10. Drilon Hajrizi - Trepca (1991)

11. Xhelal Hamit - Sigal (1991)

12. Labinot Fandaj - Ylli (1991)

13. Egzon Nuhiu - Vertikal (1991)

14. Alban Latifaj - Probasket (1991)

15. Urim Zeneli - Bashkimi (1991)

16. Gramoz Ymeri - Vertikal (1991)

17. Granit Haziri - Drtia (1991)

SELECTED PLAYERS BORN ON 1992

01. Sokol Gashi - Ylli (1992)

02. Denis Qollaku - Sigal (1992)

03. Kushtrim Zeqiri - SH.B.12 (1992)

04. Drin Gashi - Bonus (1992)

05. Agron Ademi - Probasket (1992)

06. Granit Makolli - Sigal (1992)

07. Gezim Morina - Ylli (1992)

SELECTED PLAYERS BORN ON 1993

01. Rron Ahmatoviq - Sigal Prishtina (1993)

02. Arjan Tahiri - Trepca (1993)

03. Elvedin Plakiqi - Vertikal (1993)

04. Adnan Mustafa - Kalaja (25.05.1993)

05. Eldin Jevriq - SH.B. '12' (1993)

06. Kushtrim Tahiri - Trepca (05.09.1993)

07. Visar Shala - Ylli (05.01.1993)

08. Beqe Kovaqi - SH.B.'12' (1993)

09. Dimal Thaqi - Vertikal (1993)

10. Gazmend Hazeri - Bashkimi (1993)

11. Valdrin Tahiri - Bonus (07.04.1993)

12. Drin Grazhdani - Prishtina Probasket (25.05.1993)

13. Artin Gashi - Ylli (28.04.1993)

14. Ideal Lajqi - ABS Vellaznimi (1993)

15. Agim Hamiti - Prishtina Probasket (1993)

16. Baton Daullxhiu - Kalaja (10.04.1993)

17. Drilon Krasniqi - Nba 23 (12.08.1993)

18. Besfort Shala - Prishtina Probasket (1993)

SELECTED PLAYERS BORN ON 1994

01. Zgjim Gerxhaliu - Prishtina Probasket (24.10.1994)

02. Diell Behra - Vertikal (1994)

03. Aron Berani - Nba 23 (1994)

04. Ard Islami - Prishtina Probasket (1994)

SELECTED PLAYERS BORN ON 1995

01. Leonard Mekaj - SH.B. '12' (1995)

02. Blend Doda (1995)

03. Leke Emini (1995)

04. Agan Ramaxhiku (1995)

05. Ediz Zaimi (1995)

06. Arijanit Jeliqi (1995)

07. Blond Kavaja (1995)

08. Bujar Aliu (995)

09. Stregllav Kastrati (1995)

10. Lindrit Latifi (1995)

11. Gzim Rezja (1995)

12. Ahmet Skenderi (1995)

13. Soner Kovaq (1995)

14. Donik Susuri (1995)

15. Zell Zeneli (1995)

SELECTED PLAYERS BORN ON 1996

1.Deniz Karaibo (1996)

2. Ardit Osmani (1996)

3. Somel Shaqiri (1996)

4. Krenar Sermagjaj (1996)


source:basketbolli.com

TRANSACTION TERM FOR MSL A CLOSED -by Alban Salihu
On March 20, 2008 8:00 the transaction term for Mabetex Super League A teams is closed.


These are the requests made:

BC 'SIGAL PRISHTINA'
Blerim Mazreku
Jackie Rogers

BC 'TREPCA'
Hashim Simons
Jure Lozanqiq

BC'PEJA'
Ersid Luca
Samir Shapatahoviq


If all the documentation requested are completed according to the registering Regulation and Board decision made on September 25, 2007 these players have the right to play in the sixth week of Mabetex Super League A.


source:basketbolli.com

*****************************************************
LATVIA

LBL standings
LBL Standings
Division I
1. Barons/LMT 11-1
2. BK Ventsp. 10-2
3. Valmiera 10-8
4. ASK Riga 9-2
5. Liep.Lauvas 9-8
6. VEF Riga 9-9
7. Bum./ASK 2-15
8. Keizarmezs 1-16
Division II
1. Zemgale 25-5
2. Ventspils au. 23-6
3. RNS-D/Livani 19-11
4. ASK/Juniors 19-12
5. Jurmala 14-17
6. LU/Ridzene 13-17
7. Roja 11-20
8. Cesis/Remarks 6-24
9. Saldus 6-24


Stats Leaders
LBL Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
Ozols (Jurmala) 21.5
Kanbergs (VA) 19.8
Rudzitis (Bum.) 18.6
Berkis (Zemgale) 17.8
Delveris (Roja) 17.7
Rebounds Per Game
Stimac (Valmiera) 11.0
Ed.Eglitis (LU/Ridz.) 8.8
Licitis (Saldus) 8.5
Alexander (Bar.) 8.3
Neilands (Roja) 8.3,
Assists Per Game
Slesers (Livani) 7.3
Buskevics (ASK) 4.5
Olivero (Valmiera) 4.0
Tiss (Saldus) 4.0
Raiskums (Zem.) 3.9
Steals Per Game
Slesers (Livani) 3.3
Skele (Barons) 2.8
Millage (ASK) 2.7
Blocks Per Game
J.Rozitis (ASK/Jun.) 2.6
D.Rozitis (Cesis) 2.4
Rich (Liepaja) 2.4
Ranking
Stimac (Valmiera) 21.6
Kanbergs (VA) 21.0
Alexander (Bar.) 20.2


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

Oregon Tech triumphs in NAIA Division II -by Eurobasket News
Oregon Tech - Bellevue 63:56

The Oregon Tech overcame the top-seeded Bellevue to claim the Division II National Championship title. It was the second title in the school history for Oregon Tech. The game was a rematch of the 2004 national championship game and the Hustling Owls came out on top once again. Chance Wallesen knocked down two treys to fuel an 8:2 run from Bellevue early in the encounter. But Ryan Fiegi (6'7''-F) scored 6 point in a 14:0 run from the Owls that put them up. Oregon Tech enjoyed an 8-point advantage for some time in the first half however Bellevue had the last laugh in the half as they capped it with 5 straight points and trimmed the deficit to 3 points 23:26. Ben Thorn (6'3''-F) notched a trey soon after the start of the second half to square things up at 30. Bellevue put their noses in front 32:30 but were quickly denied the lead. Ryan Beesley fired from downtown and Oregon Tech regained the advantage. The Hustling Owls exploded with 7:0 rally to open up a decisive lead. Jerrod Tucker revived the intrigue with 4 straight points for the Bruins. Oregon Tech relied on 5 point in a row from Jguwon Hogges to pull away with a win. Ryan Fiegi was named the tournament's MVP. He led all scorers with 22 points. Jguwon Hogges added 14 points, while Ryan Beesley dropped 10 in a win. John Gray (6'3''-G-85) replied with 14 points and 7 boards for the Bruins. Ben Thorn posted 10 points, while Hannibal Cofield (6'1''-G-86) collected 10 boards for Bellevue in defeat.

Oregon Tech: Ryan Fiegi 22, Jguwon Hogges 14, Ryan Beesley 10
Bellevue: John Gray 14, Ben Thorn 10, Hannibal Cofield 7+11 boards

*****************************************************
NBA

Standings
NBA Standings
1. Boston C. 55-14
2. Detroit P. 49-19
3. Los Angeles L. 48-21
4. N.Orleans H. 47-21
5. Phoenix S. 47-22
6. Houston R. 47-23
7. San Antonio S. 46-23
8. Utah J. 46-25
9. Orlando M. 46-26
10. Dallas M. 44-25
11. Golden St. 42-26
12. Denver N. 41-28
13. Cleveland C. 40-31
14. Portland T.B. 37-33
15. Washington W. 35-33
16. Toronto R. 35-34
17. Philadelphia 35-35
18. Sacramento K. 31-38
19. Atlanta H. 29-39
20. Indiana P. 29-41
21. New Jersey N. 29-41
22. Chicago B. 27-42
23. Charlotte B. 25-44
24. Milwaukee B. 24-44
25. Los Angeles C. 21-48
26. New York K. 19-50
27. Minnesota T. 18-51
28. Memphis G. 18-51
29. Seattle S. 16-54
30. Miami H. 12-56


Lebron James breaks Brad Dougherty's scoring record -by Eurobasket News
LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) surpassed the Cleveland Cavaliers' all-time leading scorer Brad Dougherty yesterday. He scored his fifth point midway through the first frame to overcome Dougherty on the Cavs' scoring list. Brad Dougherty reached a 10,389-point mark in 548 games, while LeBron James beat the result in his 380th game. The Cavs' superstar continued his scoring brilliance in the second half of yesterday's game against Toronto. James dropped 23 points in the second half and the hosts toppled the Raptors 90:83. The victory marked the 9th straight home success for the Cavaliers. Zydrunas Ilgauskas (7'2''-C-75, agency: Interperformances) had 16 points and 10 boards to provide needed help for LeBron James. Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) notched 24 points as the Raptors fell to 35-34 record.
The Seattle Supersonics lost their guard Mickael Gelabale (6'7''-F-83) for season. Mickael Gelabale torn ACL in his right knee and would need a surgery. The injury happened during practice on Tuesday. Mickael Gelabale averaged 4.3 points and 1.5 boards per 12 minutes in 39 appearances this season.
Another season-ending injury news arrived from Miami. The Heat forward Udonis Haslem has to undergo a surgery to remove a bone spur from his left ankle. He joins 3 other Miami players who have sidelined by injuries for the reminder of the season. Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette), Alonzo Mourning (6'10''-C-70, college: Georgetown) and Dorell Wright (6'8''-G/F-85) would not help the Heat in this season. Miami had to sign forward Stephane Lasme (6'8''-F-82, college: Massachusetts) and guard Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: Missouri St.) to 10-day contracts to populate the roster.

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

Basketful of surprises in Tampa -by Eurobasket News
Tampa turned out an undesirable destination for top-seeded teams. Four single-digit ranks were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament yesterday in Tampa. It all started with the 12th-ranked Villanova taking care of the 5th-ranked Clemson 75:69. The Wildcats overcame a 12-point halftime deficit to explode after the break. Scottie Reynolds (6'2''-G-87) paced Villanova with 21 points as the Wildcats outscored the Tigers 48:30 n the second half and celebrated a tough win at the end. Corey Fisher (6'1''-G-88) added 17 points for the winners. Clemson answered with 15 points from K.C. Rivers (6'5''-G/F-87).
The 13th-ranked Siena crushed #4 Vanderbilt 83:62 to advance to the second round of the championship. The Saints dominated throughout the encounter and built a 46:34 lead at halftime. They never allowed the Commodores to come any closer in the second half and celebrated a well-deserved victory. Kenny Hasbrouck (6'3''-G-86) dropped 30 points to pace Siena. Tay Corey Fisher (5'9''-G-86) added 19 points including 6/6 from beyond the arc for the Saints. Andrew Ogilvy (6'10''-C-88) responded with 18 points and 6 boards for Vanderbilt.
Western Kentucky survived a drama at the St.Pete Times Forum in Tampa to beat the 5th-ranked Drake 101:99 in overtime. The Hilltoppers were comfortably ahead by 16 points midway through the second half when the Bulldogs threw themselves into the action to deny the deficit. Jonathan Cox (6'8''-F-85) scored two free throws to put them ahead 99:98 with 5.7 seconds left in extra period. But the ball was handed to Ty Rogers (6'3''-G) and drained an improbable buzzer-beating trey to give Western Kentucky their first tournament win since 1995. Tyrone Brazelton (5'11''-G, college: West Plains JC) finished with game-high 33 points for the Hilltoppers. Courtney Lee (6'5''-G/F) added 15 points, while Ty Rogers had 11 in a win. Cox dropped 29 points and pulled down 16 boards for Drake. Klayton Korver (6'6''-F-84) had 21 points in defeat.
San Diego narrowly edged the 4th-seeded Connecticut 70:69 to make to the next round. Dejon Jackson (6'2''-G-88) converted a jumper with 1.2 seconds remaining in extra period to bring the Toreros to a win over the Huskies. Gyno Pomare (6'7''-F-86) scored 22 points, while Brandon Johnson (6'0''-G-86) added 18 for one of the biggest triumphs in the school history. The Huskies however were playing without their leading scorer A.J. Price (6'2''-G-86) for the bigger part of the game. He injured his knee midway through the first half and never returned to the court. Without him Connecticut offensive schemes went chaotic and it cost them a victory. Jeff Adrien (6'7''-F-86) produced 18 points and 12 boards for the Huskies in a loss.

*****************************************************
NCAA2

The All-Star Game squads are announced -by Eurobasket News
The third annual NCAA Division II All-Star Game will take place on Friday, March 28 at the Naismith Memorial Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts. 20 athletes all around the league were chosen to play for the East and the West All-Star squads. The players for the East tam were picked from the NCAA East, Northeast, South and South Atlantic region teams. The West comprised players from Great Lakes, North Central, South Central and West region teams.
The West squad included Cory Abercrombie (6'7''-F/C) of Pittsburgh State, David Dreas (6'0''-G-86) of St. Cloud State, Jeff Fahnbulleh (6'7''-C) from Kentucky Wesleyan, Robert Lee (6'3''-G-85, college: Houston) of West Texas A&M, Vince Mosley (6'6''-F) of Gannon, Avery Patterson (6'4''-G-86, college: Iowa Western CC) of Tarleton State, Devin Peal (6'4''-F-85) from Humboldt State, Paul Peterson (5'9''-G) from Brigham Young-Hawaii, Marlon Pierce (6'3''-G) from Cal State-San Bernardino and Minnesota State-Mankato's Atila Santos (6'10''-C-83, college: N.Iowa). The Western team will be guided by San Francisco's coach Bill Treseler .
Sean Barnette (6'4''-F) of Wingate, Jeremy Black (6'8''-F-85) of Tampa, Brad Byerson (6'7''-F) of Virginia Union, Steve Dagostino (5'11''-G) from St. Rose, Corey Diethorn (6'6''-F-85) of Assumption, Chris Gilliam (6'7''-F, college: Pitt-Johnstown) of Pittsburgh-Johnstown, Charlie Parker (6'4''-G/F) from Millersville, Jonny Reibel (6'2''-G-86) of Rollins, Michael Sturns (6'5''-G-86) from Holy Family and Pace's Ryan Williams (6'3''-G-85) were selected to represent East. Vincent Alexander from South Carolina-Aiken was chosen to steer the East All-Star team.

*****************************************************
NEW ZEALAND

The Jets pick up initial win -by Eurobasket News
The Manawatu Jets gained their first win in the season beating the Dynamos Taranaki 87:78 at the Arena Manawatu in Palmerston North. Keith Davis (198-F-82) nailed 22 points and grabbed 11 boards to propel the Jets past Taranaki in this one. The teams kept it close throughout the game but free throw misses proved costly for the visitors at the end. Kantrail Horton (185-G-77, college: Iowa St.) notched 18 points as Manawatu improved to 1-3 record. Kane Hokianga (191-G-81) drilled a massive three-pointer with 30 seconds left in regulation to stretch the hosts' lead to 5 points. It was just enough for the Jets to hold off Taranaki. Keith Salscheider (196-G/F-82, agency: Sports Plus International, college: San Diego Chr.) responded with game-high 23 points for Taranaki. Ben Jeffrey (183-G-82) had 19 points, while Link Abrams (198-F-73) recorded 16 points and 16 boards as the Dynamos dropped to 2-3. Taranaki will take on Otago and Canterbury next week. Manawatu will have rest during the next week's action.

*****************************************************
PHILIPPINES

Aguilar Gears Up For U.S. NCAA Cage Wars -by Lorenzo Gahol

TAMPA, USA - Former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles stalwart Japeth Aguilar (206-C) of Western Kentucky University (USA) is keen on reinforcing the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers' campaign in the U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) campaign this season. The 208-centimeter-tall center from Pampanga, who is on his junior year with the 12th-seeded Division I team, will see action against fifth seeds Drake Bulldogs tomorrow. Aguilar, a son of former Philippine Basketball Association cager Peter Aguilar, saw little action in the Hilltoppers' pre-season matches. However, he drew raves during the team's practice session in Tampa by pulling off several monster slam dunks. He capped the session by throwing the ball off the back of the backboard, catching it while ducking underneath the board, and slamming it in. The Hilltoppers, who have 27 wins and six losses in pre-NCAA season matches, bagged the Sun Belt Conference Championship title this week by defeating the Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders, 67-57, in the final. J. Malig

*****************************************************
SAUDI ARABIA

Market News -by Mohammed Malas
- The american center Jonathan Jones (211-C-79, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM)) will be Al Ansar's 3rd import in Elite Cup which will begin in the coming few days......

Jones has a good experience in middle east as he was part of Al Muttahed Tripoli of Lebanon last season adding to Kuwait Club in Kuwait and Jordanians Zain this year, He had a previous career in Finland, Germany, Cyprus and China.....

- Al Fateh basketball team decided to replace the injured american center Earl Ike (204-F/C-78, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Montevallo) with the senegalese player Cheikh Cheikh Ya Ya Dia (203-F/C-74, agency: Interperformances, college: Georgetown).....

The ex-George Town university player played in many countries around the globe such as Argentina, Australia, Jordan, Lebanon, Italy, Turkey, He is waiting for his 1st career in gulf area....

Camara signs for Al Ansar -by Ali Ahmed
Al Ansar basketball team management agreed terms with the Senegalese Center Camara Babacar (211-C-81, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) to play for them this season.


An athletic veteran, who can score and rebound inside. He causes problems for his opponents both on the offensive end and the defensive end. There is not much you can do to stop him. Thanks to his playing eperience and team mentality, he can be a leader in any team he goes.



Awards/Achievements:
African US Smalles Colleges All-Star Team -03 (by Africabasket.com)
ABA Regular Season Champion -05
Senegalese National Team -05

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

Superleague, schedule of the first round -by Dragan Jankovski
Yesterday, in headquarters of concern Swisslions Takovo in Vrsac, was held a draw of competitions numbers for Serbian Swisslions Superleague. It also announced who will meet in the first round, which is scheduled for 5th April.

List with competition numbers:
1. Partizan Igokea, Belgrade
2. Swisslions Takovo, Vrsac
3. Vojvodina Srbijagas, Novi Sad
4. *second ranked team at the end of Serbian A league
5. Crvena Zvezda, Belgrade
6. Hemofarm STADA, Vrsac
7. *third ranked team at the end of Serbian A league
8. FMP, Belgrade


Schedule of the first round, 5th April:
Partizan Igokea - FMP
Swisslions Takovo - third ranked team at the end of Serbian A league
Vojvodina Srbijagas - Hemofarm STADA
Second ranked team at the end of Serbian A league - Crvena Zvezda

Dusan Kecman in the best five of the last round of TOP 16 -by Dragan Jankovski
Guard / forward of Partizan Igokea Dusan Kecman (197-G/F-77, agency: Beo Basket), together with Splitter of TAU, Sato of Siena, Massey of Aris and Solomon of Fenerbahce, is in the best five of the last round of Euroleague TOP 16. Solomon and Massey had index value 34 while Kecman was behind them registering double-double in the Partizan's fantastic victory over reining European champion Panathinaikos from Athens. Kecman collected 16 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists reaching index value 26.

Center Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) is the sixth MVP of Euroleague TOP 16 phase with 18.17 index value per game while Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.) is on the ninth place with 16.33 ivpg.

A league: Masinac better than Swisslions at the opener of round 21 -by Dragan Jankovski
Masinac from Kraljevo beat Swisslions Takovo at home 85-78 registering the 10th win in Serbian A league. On the other side visitors with 16 wins already secured the top position and a place for the Superleague. Center Uros Mirkovic (205-F/C-82) led Masinac almost registering double-double. He added 21 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Marko Dimitrijevic (190-G-78) followed him scoring 20 points. Swisslions got 14 points from shooting guard Radovan Markovic (192-G-82).


Masinac - Swisslion Takovo 85-78
(23-21,22-15,27-20,13-22)

Masinac: Mirkovic 21 (9 rebs 4, as), Dimitrijevic 20, Milasinovic 11 (4 rebs)
Swisslions Takovo: Markovic 14, Mijatovic 11 (5 rebs), Aleksic 10, Jelenic 10

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SOUTH KOREA

Standings
KBL Standings
1. Dongbu 37-16
2. KCC 33-20
3. Samsung 32-21
4. KT&G 30-23
5. LG 29-24
6. SK 29-25
7. ET 28-25
8. KTF 23-30
9. Mobis 13-40
10. Orions 12-42


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SWITZERLAND

Standings - LNA
LNA Standings
1. Fribourg 18-4
2. Lugano Tigers 17-5
3. The Starwings 15-7
4. Monthey 14-8
5. Vacallo 11-11
6. Boncourt 11-11
7. Herens 11-11
8. Geneve 10-12
9. Nyon 9-13
10. Lausanne 7-15
11. Meyrin Gr.-S. 5-17
12. Vevey 4-18


The regular season ends in LNA -by Eurobasket News
Round 22 wrapped up the regular season in the Swiss LNA. The leaders simultaneously lost their last round encounters. Despite the defeat Fribourg secured their top spot and were crowned the regular season champs. Fribourg visited Vacallo and were hardly beaten 55:83. The hosts fought for the higher seed at the playoff stage and motivation proved decisive. Vacallo spurred ahead from the start and enjoyed a 41:25 lead at halftime. Fribourg never recovered in the second half losing their 4th game in the season. Nikola Dacevic (205-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances) topscored with 27 points and 10 boards for Vacallo. Ricky Gibson (191-G-84, college: Stillman) added 21 points in a winning case. Marcus Sloan (205-F-82, agency: Octagon, college: TCU) had 13 points for Fribourg.
Lugano Tigers travelled to Sion and suffered 80:86 loss to Herens. The home team crafted a 17-point advantage at halftime and looked to coast comfortably to an overall success. But a massive onslaught from the visitors in the third stanza turned things upside down. The Tigers tallied a 28:10 rally to surge in front 57:56 heading into the fourth period. But Herens recovered well in the crunch time and celebrated a tough win at the end. Juozas Ramanauskas (208-C-85) scored 22 points for Herens. Fernando Fischer (190-F-81) and Bruno Zanotti (197-F-82, college: Merrimack) added 15 points apiece for the winners. Dusan Mladjan (200-G-86, agency: Interperformances) dropped 20 points for Lugano.
The Birstal Starwings could not cope with visiting Boncourt 61:71. The teams were squared up at 34 at sides change but used a stifling defense in the second half to pull away with a vital victory. Guillaume Sene (197-G/F-86) led the visitors with 17 points, 5 boards and 5 assists. Stephen Sir (198-G-82, college: N.Arizona) chipped 14 points for the winners. Sheray Thomas (203-F-84, college: Kentucky) posted 13 points and 6 boards for the hosts.

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TURKEY

Beko All Star 2008 -by Onur Decani

Beko All Star 2008 Match has been played today , March 22 , 2008 in Abdi Ipekci Arena. It was a great organization there.The most important event was the All Star Match , but there were also 3 point shoutout challenge and Powerade Dunk challenge. There were also several activities , such as the concert of turkish pop singer Yalin and Chigaco Bulls Girls. The activities started with 3 point shoutout challenge , then Powerade Dunk challenge and in the end was the All Star Match.
All Star Match
The All Star Match has been played between turkish and foreign players which play in the TBL. LIke all another All Star Matches which have been played , the foreign team won again. But this year was different then others because the turkish team was leading all the time until the foreign team made a 15-2 serie and change the score from 100-91 to 102-106 to win the match.It was a good chance for the turkish team to bring the first All Star Match victory, but the foreigns stop them again. The MVP of the match was scoring and rebound leader of the league, Quinton Quinton Hosley (198-G/F-84, college: Fresno St.) (198-G/F-84, college: Fresno St.) (198-G/F-84, college: Fresno St.) .In this match he scored 15 points and 8 rebounds , most of them in the last period to bring the victory.

Turkish Stars(102): Ender Arslan 15, Omer Onan 6, Haluk Yildirim 11, Kaya Peker 10, Huseyin Besok 4, Ermal Kurtoglu 13, Sinan Guler 8, Kerem Gonlum 8, Tutku Acik 6, Ersin Gorkem 10, Cuneyt Erden 0, Omer Asik 11

Foreign Stars(106): Khalid El-Amin 6, Will Solomon 13, Quinton Hosley 15, Preston Shumpert (198-G-79, college: Syracuse) 10, Kenny Adeleke 18, Sean Marshall 10, Ricardo Marsh 6, Lorenzo Gordon 11, Dee Brown 9, Andre Woolridge 0, Tomislav Ruzic 8

(31-26 , 59-61 , 89-89 , 102-106)


3Point Shoutout

In the 3 point shoutout challenge were parcipiating : Alper Saruhan from Oyak Renault , Eric Chatfield from Darussafaka , Preston Shumpert from Besiktas , Ogun Seving from Alpella and Omer Unver (204-F-81) from Casa TED. In the first round Alper Saruhan scored 15 points , Eric Chatfield 10 , Preston Shumpert 15 , Ogun Seving 8 and Omer Unver scored 19 points. So in the final 3 players were challenging. Preston Shumpert scored 15 points and Alper Saruhan 13 , while Omer Unver scored 18 points and became the winner.


Powerade Dunk Challenge , James White the flying man

The challengers were : James White from Fenerbahce , Curtis Withers from Beykoz , James Hughes from Alpella , Quinton Hosley from P.Karsiyaka and Richard Chaney from Oyak Renault.In the first round James White scored 98 points and Richard Richard Chaney 92 so both of them were finalist. The final round was spectacular.The players were challenging with great dunks and both bring maximum points . So it was decided to challenge again. In his last attempt James White was spectacular , he jumped from the free throw line to make an unbelievable dunk , so he got 50 points while Richard Richard Chaney bring only 46 and this dunk decided the winner.



Beykoz signed Roberson -by Sinan Can
DESPITE huge investment, thanks to sponsorship from Turk Telekom's TTNet, Beko Basketball League strugglers TTNet Beykoz strengthened their roster just before important game vs Darussafaka as Istanbul side signed with Anthony Roberson (186-G-83, college: Florida). American guard who has spent some time with NBA teams Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State and Denver Nuggets, started this season at Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem, moved to Paris-Levallois at mid-season. Beykoz management announced that, they've seperated ways with Gregory Grays due to disciplinary reasons as Roberson will fill the point guard spot. TTNet Beykoz will face Darussafaka at the crucial game for the bottom of the league on next wednesday.

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U.S.VIRGIN ISL.

2008 SUPER 12 -by David Edole
In my fifth year of writing about the better players in the tri-island territory, I have never been to a point where it has been this tough to signify a number one player. I hope my reasons for classifying each player are in the individual write ups.
I hope you enjoy it and remember the season is more than 7 months away so don't get so tight. This is just a projection……

12. Jonathan 'Jon-O' Fontanelle, 5-9, G, Class of 2012
Comment: Why doesn't he shoot? He has the proper form but his coaches prefer him to drive to the basket at all times. The soon to be freshman at an unknown High School is dangerous around the basket. Because of his upper body strength, Fontanelle finishes everything. Although he is only 5-foot-9, the lefty makes his living in the lane amongst the trees. He usually outplays players bigger than him.

11. Edwin 'Ti-Ti Bread' Ventura, 6-6, Educational Complex, Class of 2011
I an extremely high on Ventura, he is a good shot blocker and aggressive rebounder. Surprisingly he is an excellent ball handler for a big man. Sometimes he fancies himself a point guard. However, offensively the big man could use some work. He struggles to finish. He misses so many lay ups and his free throw shooting mechanics are non existent. Only in the 9th grade, I expect improvement over the course of his high school career.

10. Michael Venzen, 6-5, F/C, St. Peter & Paul, Class of 2010
Venzen had a 27 point game this season. But the same problem persists; he needs to work on his conditioning. The big man is a better football player than basketball player. Venzen is a demon defensive end on the football field.

09-B. Taaron Jones, 5-9, G, Central, Class of 2010
The junior national team member received little game time this season but when he did manage to get time performed extremely well. He sat behind O'lani Vanterpool, and Rashaun Williams. Shooting the basketball is his strength. He loves the 3-ball and could finish well (left or right). He should have a monster senior year.

09-A. Irayn Williams, G, 6-3, Central, Class of 2009
No player in the territory lost so much in so little time. Williams was forced to play power forward and center. Positions he is not comfortable playing for Central High. As a result his play this past season was uninspiring. His outside shot was non existent. His rebounding went for a walk, all because he was the second tallest player on the team.
Williams is a guard and nothing but a guard. He is not a post up center or a head up shot blocker. He is a creator!

08. Kyle Sylvester, 6-2, F, Educational Complex, Class of 2009
The surprise of the junior national team! Sylverster had a double double of 17 points and 11 rebounds in a loss to Mexico in Centro Basket play. Sylvester has been improving game to game. He dribbles well and can pass the ball. His biggest attribute is the ability to shoot the ball. The big man has three point-range and has the ability to defend bigger players.

07. Osel Edney F, 6-4, Manor, Class of 2009
Edney will graduate high school at 16 years of age. He is a big and strong kid. He probably weighs 230. His rebounding numbers has improved from year to year. His offense consists of steady diet of putbacks. Edney could be coming to a prep school near you.

06. Charles Pemberton, F, 6-3, Charlotte Amalie, Class of 2010
AGGRESSIVE! This guy attacks the offensive and defensive glass like his life depends on it. Pemberton out rebounds and or outworks bigger players. His motor is always running. He needs to work on his offense but he will have some big rebounding games next season.

05. Aubrey Daniel, G, 6-1, Eudora Kean, Class of 2011
Daniel is a verstatile guard. He was instrumental in returning Eudora Kean back to an elite status. He had several 20 point games and showed of his dunking ability. When he plays with a purpose he is one of the better players in the territory.

04. James 'Ne Ne' Sneed, G, 5-10, Educational Complex Class of 2010
Sneed caught the bug. The love bug which cost him most of his regular season. When Sneed played he was awesome. In the St. Croix interscholastic championship game, he was held out for the first half. With Complex down 14 points to eventual champions Central High. Sneed nailed four three pointers to tie the game at 48 in the waning moments. Imagine if Sneed played the entire game. Some basketball enthusiast say Sneed only plays in games with big crowds. If that is so he will find it hard to advance to the next level. Sneed is also a great baseball talent.

03. Ryan Mills, G, 6-0, Charlotte Amalie, Class of 2010
The offense was geared around ALL VI First team standout Khalid Gerard, last season. Now, it is time for Mills. Mills led the Chicken Hawks to two tournament wins in three chances. He probably is the most versatile player in the territory. Mills is an excellent outside shooter and is a good decision maker. He is a good defender who can fill up a boxscore. However, his best sport may be football where he is the teams quarterback and safety. He led Charlotte Amalie to its second consecutive football crown.

02. Lamar Bough, G, 6-0, Central, Class of 2009
The starting point guard for the Virgin Islands junior national team is the quickest thing in the territory. His spend and sheer quickness gives him the ability to get to the basket where he is a good finisher. He was named MVP of the Country Day Invitational after leading the Caribs to the championship. His speedy feet sometimes get him into trouble where he over penetrates and sometimes looks out of control. He needs to develop an outside shot if he wants to play at the next level but he is a great free throw shooter.

01. Charles Morehead, G/F, 6-3, St. Joseph's, Class of 2009
As most readers know, I am a big Charles Morehead supporter. I called him the best player from St. Joseph's since Cuthbert 'Cuffy' Victor . However, it has been another frustrating year for Morehead. His team finally won a game in three seasons behind his 23 points. No player in the territory has to go through what Charles goes through. He has to rebound, defend, score, bring up the ball, pass the ball and play all 32 minutes. If he was on a contending team, he would be the best player in the territory hands down. But the wear and tear of doing everything frustrates him.
He is still the most athletic player in the territory and his guard skills have only enhanced since being in his unique position. A jump shot away from being a mid major player.

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UKRAINE

Mijatovic and deVries to Ukraine! -by Alexander Muzyka

- BC Kyiv has inked Nenad Mijatovic (194-G-87) yesterday to make its guard line stronger. It seems to be helpful in a front of a play-off games to have one more pointguard in the team. It will be the first foreign team for Mijatovic in his career.

- Sumykhimprom has announced that Troy DeVries (193-G-82) will be play in Sumy. His invitation was necessary because Ihor Kryvych (199-F-78) still has a troubles with his health. deVries debute is expecting next week vs Budivelnyk.


- Zarko Rakocevic played his first game for Cherkassy in Kyiv. He scored 7 points, 4 rebounds and 1 steal. Remind, Rakocevic had a possibility to be inked by Khimik but prefered Monkeys.



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UZBEKISTAN

Ilyasova makes it to the Quarterfinlas with Barcelona -by Eurobasket News
Barcelona beat Russian CSKA in Euroleague 64:62 in the last round of Top 16 stage allowing the hosts to qualify for the quarterfinals. Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87) and his Barcelona thus improved to 3-3 record and surpassed Unicaja due to a tie-break point advantage against them. The game turned into a real basketball drama with the teams going hand in hand throughout the encounter. Alex Acker and Gianluca Basile scored 6 straight points to open the game. Fran Vazquez quickly added 4 more points and Barcelona grabbed a 10:0 lead at the start. Matjaz Smodis finally broke the scoring deadlock for CSKA with free throws but Basile immediately reacted with another trey to make it 13:2 for the hosts. Finally CSKA seemed to shake off sloppiness and began paving their way back into contest. Matjaz Smodis, Thomas Van Den Spiegel and Ramunas Siskauskas trimmed the gap 5 points. Khryapa and Trajan Langdon scored 5 more points and CSKA climbed within a single point from Barcelona. Finally Khryapa dropped two free throws and CSKA appeared leading 16:15 after the opening frame. Ramunas Siskauskas stretched the lead as he converted a layup to open the second period. From now on the teams traded baskets and the lead changed hands for a couple of times in the quarter. Lakovic and Viktor Khryapa exchanged trebles late in the term and CSKA secured a 33:32 advantage at halftime.
Trajan Langdon and David Andersen deepened the damage early in the third frame. But Fran Vazquez and Pepe Sanchez tied the score midway through the quarter. Later Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) scored 6 points in a row to put the hosts up by 5 points 50:45. However CSKA answered with a three-pointer from Trajan Langdon and the teams entered the fourth stanza with Barcelona leading by 2. Ramunas Siskauskas and Papaloukas retained the advantage for CSKA not long into the final term. The teams kept it close before Ersan Ilyasova and Fran Vasquez carried the home side to a 60:55 distance with less than two minutes left. Trajan Langdon fired from downtown to trim the deficit and then converted a free throw to keep the visitors inches away. Basile and Ramunas Siskauskas traded buckets and then Ersan Ilyasova had his say dunking the ball with 7 seconds left for a 64:61 lead. Ramunas Siskauskas got to charity stripe and hit the first free throw. He missed the second one, while Fran Vazquez and Matjaz Smodis received double foul and CSKA remained with the ball. J.R. Holden had a chance to save the game for CSKA but his three-point attempt went off mark bringing Barcelona to the quarterfinal birth.
Jaka Lakovic scored 14 points to pace Barcelona. Gianluca Basile, Fran Vazquez and Ersan Ilyasova netted 8 points apiece for the winners. Ramunas Siskauskas and Viktor Khryapa answered with 13 points apiece for CSKA. Trajan Langdon had 12 points in defeat. Barcelona will now face Maccabi Tel-Aviv at the quarterfinal stage.

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VENEZUELA

Dion Glover will join Gaiteros -by Antonio Gomez
A new imported player comes to Maracaibo. Dion Glover (196-G-78, college: Georgia Tech) will join tomorrow Gaiteros del Zulia to improve the conduction of the ball. There are great expectations about his performance in the Liga Profesional de Baloncesto de Venezuela.

'We are doing big sacrifices to have a winning team. I think that with him, we are going to be more competitive team', said Paul Romero, Gaiteros CEO, to Diario Panorama in Maracaibo, Zulia.

Glover played in the NBA with Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets. Also knows the Dominican Republic and Lebanon leagues.

Roque Osorio: "This year we'll walk a foothpath of light" -by Francisco Vega
Caracas, Venezuela.- (LPB Press Department) Venezuelan Center Roque Osorio (206-C-76), of Panteras de Miranda, conceeded a special interview to the LPB's press department in which he assured that Panteras de Miranda will begin walking a light footpath this season, after years of tragedies and bad results in the country's main league.

Humility is a virtue that allows, for those who practice it on a daily basis, to reach goals as far as they can propose it to themselves. In basketball that definition is also applied, because with humility, the talent of a player gets recognized, as also is his human quality.

Roque Osorio arrived to Panteras de Miranda four years ago and is one of the basketball players that lets his good will as a sports player and a person speak for him. He's currently the captain of Panteras and has a hard mission as the most experienced player in the franchise, to guide the young players so that they can give the best of themselves out there and earn confidence when they're on court.

He recently reached 400 blocks in his 15th year as a pro. Recently, he also had to take the role of captain due to the tragic death of Gregory Vallenilla (198-F-79), the remembered number 13 of Panteras who died in a car accident last year.

LPB: How do you feel in the team?
RO: 'It's been four years since I got here and I feel very well. The fans of Panteras are the ones who've given me more satisfaction in my career, cause they're always motivating us and beside us, whether we're doing good or bad. They've supported us a lot'

LPB: Last Wednesday you reached 400 blocks in the LPB. How does that make you feel?
RO: 'Pretty good, actually. I'm thankful to God and all the good people that has helped me continue playing basketball. Each one of them has given me different advices. For example, Armando Palacios was a great friend of mine and so are Ivan Olivares, Sam Shepherd or Rolando Urdaneta. All of them have supported me for the past 15 seasons as a player and I think that, with humility, everything can be achieved'

LPB: Being the tall guy of Panteras, how do you feel on court when you're defending and attacking?
RO: 'I'm known for being a defender. The offensive side develops itself and I've never worried about that. I focus on blocking and getting rebounds. That's why I'll face anyone on court, whether or not I can take him. That's why I reached 400 blocks'

LPB: Gregory Vallenilla is the inspiration of Panteras this season. What did he mean to you and the team?
RO: 'Gregory was a great friend. We were together in the toughest times. We were a good key together on court. He was a saint and that's why we dedicate this season to him. He was very close to the whole team and that's why he requested the general management to maintain his locker intact there and not be occupied by any new player. Gregory is supporting us from heaven'

LPB: What are the strenghts and weaknesses of Panteras?
RO: 'Our weakness is height. Our strenght is youth and speed. The young guys are hungry to do things well and when they're mature enough mentally, the team will be a lot different'

LPB: What do you think of coach Johnny Fernandez ?
RO: 'He's worked hard with Panteras. He is strict, but he's also a great person. I love him as a coach. He's always listening to players, including me as one of the veterans of the team, but also the ones with less experience'

LPB: Any message for the fans of Panteras de Miranda?
RO: 'I ask you not to be disappointed for the bad games. This tournament has ups and downs because it is a long regular season. Panteras is a team that, once it gets experience over the years, will allow itself to be in the line of triumphs. This year and the next one will be vital for the team. This season a new foothpath of light is beginning to open for Panteras'

Translation: Francisco Vega (Latinbasket.com Venezuela)

Richard Lugo will play for San German -by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan center Richard Lugo (209-C-73) finally decided where he'll be spending the next few months, as he agreed to terms with Atletico San German of Puerto Rico's Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) league.

Lugo and mexican Victor Avila (209-C-77) are supposed to arrive to the country's capital between Monday and Tuesday to present their working visas in San Juan and inmediately join the team, according to a press note published in the BSN's official website.

The former center of Venezuela's National Team had a disagreement with Trotamundos de Carabobo's general management and was cleared to begin negotiations with other teams earlier this month. Gatos de Monagas, Cocodrilos de Caracas and other LPB teams were eager to get him, but he ultimately opted to play in a foreign country, specially because he's played before in Puerto Rico with great results.

Lugo averaged 14.1 points and 7.5 rebounds in the BSN's 2007 playoffs for Brujos de Guayama, where he shared time with countryman Rafael Perez (185-G-82). In the semis, he put up 21.8 points and 9.7 rebounds for the magic team. He had also played for Vaqueros de Bayamon in the past.

Guevara and Perez
Other Venezuelans in Puerto Rico are Diego Guevara (184-G-77), community imported player for Vaqueros de Bayamon, and Rafael Perez, who has double nationality and belongs to Brujos de Guayama. Guevara missed the first games due to the delayed arrival of his work visa, but has since become a vital member of the team's starting five.

Guevara netted 23 points and gave 6 assists last Monday in a victory over Conquistadores de Guaynabo, 98-92. Later in the week, he faced Conquistadores again and lost, 95-92, despites scoring 13 points and supporting his team with 5 assists.

Meanwhile, Perez scored 14 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in his team's defeat against Grises de Humacao, 96-79.

Guaros, Gatos and Gigantes with changes in their rosters -by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Only a couple of days after receiving new imported players, Guaros de Lara were forced to make changes again, as Uruguayan Fernando Martinez (170-G-79) and American center Walt Waters (211-C-84) had to return home due to family related issues and are not coming back for the remainder of the season.

Waters left the team after playing only one game in which he scored 4 points last Wednesday against Panteras de Miranda, in a 97-90 victory at Domo Bolivariano. The team's press department informed that he requested to leave due to the fact that his daughter is ill back home and was hospitalized. Meanwhile, Martinez, who netted 20 points that night and seemed to be adjusting to the league after only his second game, stated family issues and said he would not be able to return.

The team acted inmediately by signing power forward and center Evan Brock (204-F-84) and is currently looking for a latin american player to occupy the spot of Martinez as community imported player.

Meanwhile, Gatos de Monagas decided to bring along Sylvester Morgan (211-C-83) and send Andre Patterson (201-F-83) to the reserve for now in order to test Morgan and see if he can help them sustain their spectacular start of the season. Patterson will not be released for now.

Gigantes de Guayana, on the other hand, allowed Ramel Allen (210-C-79) to travel to the United States due to the death of his father and found a replacement for the previously released Jamaican Noelly Walters, as they announced the signing of Canadian/Jamaican Andrew Hunter (201-F-79).



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Women News

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BELARUS - Women

Minsk-2006 and Olimpia share the victories -by Eurobasket News
In the last round of the League Olympia came to the capital with a cut off lineup. Moreover, it wasn't just cut off, but had the easy freshmen players: Natalya Kozun (186-F-88), Olga Kopylova (187-F-82), Natalia Anufrienko (174-G-85) and Tatiana Lihtarovich (176-G-88). On the side they shared a team with 5 young bright players from the last-year team Victoriya. Thus, Shimkovyak confronted Buzlyakov in a severe Saturday battle. The results of it though proved that you don't have to come from the capital to win. The Minsk team was harshly beat up in a flash. Meanwhile the guests' team started to gain points beginning from the first minutes. Usovich, Natalia Anufrienko and Tatiana Lihtarovich had fun in combinations, replacing each other at the shield. Olympia fought intensively, but that wasn't a calling anyway for Minsk 2006 to scare the opponent. Every time the 'Olimpians' were scored, they took the revenge right away, sometimes with the help of just two passes.
The capital team coach was determined to keep switching the players, but that did no good - the constant rotation helped neither to quicken the attack nor to stop the opponents in the defence. How funny it sounds, but all relatively good players sat almost the whole game on the bench! Buzlyakov was brave enough to let out on the play-ground Kravchuk and Lomako just for a couple minutes without any visible reasons. As for the guests, changes did not influence them: Sinkevich, Filonchik, Hotko and Soloviyova looked as great as the top-five. Olympia was gradually saving the advantage, and finally they lost with a one-point gap before a hundred - 72:99.
After that defeat Minsk 2006 couldn't pretend for the place higher than the 3rd. But, nevertheless, the team took revenge the next day 81:73. On March, 22-23 for the last round comes Berezina - RCOR, and then the season will be loaded with the series of play-offs.

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FINLAND - Women

SM-SARJA: Catz and PeKa winning -by Rauno Hurmalainen
SM-sarja, Semi-Finals, Game 1: Catz (Lappeenranta) crushed YMCA Helsinki 87-56 (46-27). Lizanne Murphy (185-F-84, college: Hofstra) led Catz with 23 pts and 12 rbs.Elena Reshetko (185-C-86) added 14 pts. YMCA Helsinki had only two players in double figures: Jenni Laaksonen (186-F-81) 13 pts and Niina Laaksonen (185-F/C-85) 11 pts/12 rbs. In Kotka PeKa was leading during the half time by 19 pts over Huima (Aanekoski). During the fourth quarter Huima came a little bit closer, but PeKa
won anyway by 10 pts 92-82 (57-38). Both teams had four players in double figures. Tiffany Porter-Talbert (170-G-84, college: W.Kentucky) led PeKa with 22 pts and 11 rbs. Shanika Freeman (183-F/C-83, college: Jacksonville St.) added 19 pts. Huima's Kenya Robinson (182-C-70, college: New Orleans) was so strong once again: 28 pts/19 rbs. Crystal Erwin (188-F-85, college: Notre Dame) added 18 pts. The next games on March 24.

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FRANCE - Women

Standings - LFB
LFB Standings
1. Bourges 20-0
2. USVO 17-3
3. Montpellier 14-6
4. Mondeville 12-8
5. Villeneuve 11-9
6. Clermont 10-10
7. Reims 10-10
8. St Amand 9-11
9. Challes 9-11
10. Pays d Aix 8-12
11. Tarbes 7-13
12. Arras 6-14
13. COB Calais 5-15
14. Mourenx 2-18


Bourges records 20th straight win -by Eurobasket News
The LFB leader Bourges consolidated their position atop the ladder. They edged Montpellier 77:65 away from home to register their 20th consecutive win in the season. Bourges got to a flying start of the game and piled up a 27:14 lead 10 minutes into the game. The hosts struggled to find the necessary rhythm and fell behind 20-point deficit mark in the next two frames. Montpellier finally managed to outscore Bourges in the fourth term but it had little impact on the outcome. Belinda Snell (182-F-81, agency: LBM Management) provided 14 points for Bourges. Emmeline Ndongue (194-F-83) had 13 points for the winners. Sandra Dijon (195-C-79) answered with 19 points and 6 boards for Montpellier as they slipped to 14-6 record in the third spot.
Valenciennes remained at the second place and improved to 17-3 record in Round 20. They hosted Clermont and rolled to a 61:49 victory. Valenciennes' well-built defense proved impassable for the visitors as they scored just 22 points in the second half. Sabrina Reghaissia (188-F-83) topscored with 13 points for the home side. Krissy Bade (182-F-80) and Reka Cserny (190-F-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Harvard) netted 10 points apiece in a winning case. 'Claudinha' Das Neves (174-G-75) had 15 points for Clermont.
Mondeville posted their 12th win in the season outscoring Reims 70:62 away from home. The visitors tallied a 42:31 lead at the sides change but Reims refused to give up. They stormed past Mondeville 24:6 in the third period and entered the final quarter up by 7. But the lead was wasted as easily as it was gained. Mondeville were back in the driving seat in the fourth stanza and prevailed limiting the home team to just 7 points in the last 10 minutes. Lenae Williams (184-F-79, college: De Paul) scored 18 points to pace Mondeville. Pauline Jannault (193-F/C-87) added 10 in a win. Mia Fisher (175-G-82, college: Rhode Island) dropped 16 points and collected 6 boards for Reims.

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ICELAND - Women

Play-offs -by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Grindavik is not giving up for the play-offs final. Even they went down to 2-0 start against KR but have now won last two games and serie stands now 2-2. Last game on tuesday at KR. Winner of that game will face Keflavik in the finals.
Grindavik 91. KR 83. ( 44-46) Grinadavik got a very good game from Tiffany Roberson 35 pts. Joanna Skiba 27 & Olof Helga Palsdottir step up when needed and added 13 pts,
For KR. Candace Futrell 27. Hildur Sigurdardottir 19. Sigrun Amundadottir (183-C/F-88) 17.

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JUCO - Women

Central Arizona enters championship game undefeated -by Eurobasket News
Central Arizona College secured their perfect record with a 78:56 win over Barton County CC in the semifinal of the NJCAA Division I Championship in Salina yesterday. Ashley Sours dropped 23 points and collected 12 boards to lead the Vaqueras to the 33rd straight win in the season. Tenaya Watson added 16 points, 8 assists and 7 boards for the winning side. Ipek Turkyilmaz (5'9''-G) and Kristine Silaraja (5'10''-G/F-87) had 13 points apiece for the Cougars in defeat.
Central Arizona will take on Gulf Coast CC in the championship finale. The Commodores outgunned the Arkansas-Fort Smith Lions 72:67 to reach the title game. Alexis Givands scored 21 points and pulled down 8 rebounds for the winning team. Janae Stokes netted 19 points for the Commodores. Katorra Lewis answered with 16 points for the Lions.

Kirkwood and Kankakee will clash in the Final -by Eurobasket News
The NJCAA Division II National Championship has almost reached its finale. The teams played the semifinal games on Friday and two finalists were sorted out. The top-ranked Kirkwood took on the tournament's hosts Illinois Central College and upset the crowd in the East Peoria. The Eagles bettered the home side all over the court and forcing the Lady Cougars to numerous turnovers escaped to a 38:25 distance at halftime. Kirkwood adjusted their shooting after the break and converting 60% from the field kept Illinois Central at bay till the end of the encounter winning it 75:49. Breann Hill led all scorers with 25 points and 11 boards. Allie Lindemann provided 11 points for the winners. Kylee Grant paced the Lady Cougars with 11 points. Latasha Hollingshed dropped 9 points and collected 9 boards in defeat.
The second-ranked Kankakee held off Mott 72:55 to join Kirkwood in the decider. The Cavs had an overwhelming advantage on the boards and they capitalized building a 35:27 lead at the break. The Bears shot just 28% from the field in the second period and failed to deny the deficit losing the battle. Ashton Mertens tallied 18 points and 10 rebounds for Kankakee. Jenny Coronelli nailed 17 points, while Abby Williams had 13 in a win. Trinka Boatright responded with 18 points and massive 17 boards for the Bears. Sheria Hatcher posted 18 points and 8 boards in a losing case.

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LATVIA - Women

Standings - LSBL
LSBL Standings
1. Cesis 29-1
2. TTT Riga 15-1
3. Avantis T. 20-10
4. Liepajas met. 18-12
5. RTU/Klond. 17-13
6. TTT/Rapa 14-16
7. Ridzene 10-20
8. SK Riga 5-25
9. LU 0-30


Stats Leaders - Women
LSBL Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
Tillis (TTT) 20.0
Ozolina (Rapa) 19.7
Okonkvo (Cesis) 19.3
Niedola (Liepaja) 18.7
Malkevica (Rapa) 17.2
Rebounds Per Game
Niedola (Liepaja) 11.7
Vitola (Riga) 10.3
Okonkvo (Cesis) 10.2
Crockett (Cesis) 10.1
A.Eglite (Rapa) 9.5
Assists Per Game
Ose-Hlebovicka (Kl.) 5.9
Derevjanik (Cesis) 5.1
Eibele (Avantis) 4.7
Z.Eglite (TTT) 3.9
Kackane (Rapa) 3.3
Steals Per Game
Okonkvo (Cesis) 3.5
Z.Eglite (TTT) 3.2
Babkina (TTT) 3.0
Blocks Per Game
Vitola (Riga) 3.6
Gailite (TTT/Rapa) 1.9
Kityzina (TTT) 1.7
Ranking
Okonkvo (Cesis) 27.4
Niedola (Liepaja) 24.1
Crockett (Cesis) 22.5


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MONTENEGRO - Women

Buducnost could not make it to the Final -by Eurobasket News
Buducnost could not make it to the Final being upset by Gospic in the semis of the Adriatic League. Gospic took on Montenegrin powerhouse Buducnost in the first semifinal yesterday. The game quite unexpectedly turned into a one-sided traffic as Croatian outfit dominated right from the start. They opened up a double-digit lead before the halftime. They situation never changed after the break as Gospic enjoyed an 18-point cushion at times. Finally Gospic secured a 75:60 victory to book their place in the final. Sandra Popovic-Mandir (177-G-77) topscored with 23 points for Gospic. Marina Mazic (190-C-80) had 10 points, while Adriana Pinto (170-G-78) added 8 for the winners. Iva Perovanovic (190-C/F-83) answered with 20 points for Buducnost.

Gospic - Buducnost 75:60
Gospic: Sandra Popovic-Mandir 23, Marina Mazic 10, Adriana Pinto 8
Buducnost: Iva Perovanovic 20, Toni Russell (160-G-83, college: USF) 10

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NCAA3 - Women

Messiah and Howard Payne reach championship game -by Eurobasket News
The Howard Payne University remained spotless as they celebrated their 32nd consecutive win in the season beating Wisconsin-Whitewater in the first semifinal of Division III National Championship in Holland, Michigan. The Lady Jackets secured a 69:59 victory over the brave Warhawks and advanced to the final game. The Lady Jackets could not find a single bucket for more than 3 starting minutes. But Wisconsin-Whitewater managed to score just 3 points at the fragment. Finally Meia Daniels (-G) connected from afar to tie the scoreline. Soon the Lady Jackets went on a 10:2 run to pile up a 27:17 lead late in the first half. Howard Payne took over and eventually stretched the advantage to as many as 14 points. But the Warhawks refused to surrender and trimmed the deficit to 7 points midway through the second half. However 5 straight points from the National Player of the Year Meia Daniels put Howard Payne out of reach. She finished the game with 20 points. Kimberly Hoffman scored 13 points for the winners. Tiffany Morton (6'0''-F/C) responded with 22 points and 7 boards for Wisconsin-Whitewater.
The Howard Payne Lady Jackets will clash with the 4th-ranked Messiah in the title decider. Messiah College overwhelmed Oglethorpe University 80:60 in the second semifinal. The Stormy Petrels jumped to an early lead but it did not last for long. Lauren Schurr (5'10''-G) connected from downtown and Nikki Lobach (5'9''-G) added a jumper to ignite a 15:0 run for the Falcons as they surged ahead to a 24:10 advantage. Messiah's shooting was too good for Oglethorpe defense. The Falcons converted 56% from the field and built an unassailable 18-point advantage at halftime. Messiah kept their opponents at distance in the second half and coasted to an impressive win at the end. Silalei Shani (6'2''-F) topscored for the Falcons with 16 points. Lauren Schurr added 14 points for the winners. Tina Grace scored 21 points to pace the Stormy Petrels in their first Final Four appearance.

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NIGERIA - Women

Zenith Women League: First Bank open title defense against FCT Queens -by Olusegun Ikuesan
Reigning Nigeria Women league champions, First Bank basketball club of Lagos will begin her quest to retain the Nigeria Women league title next Friday against newly promoted FCT Queens basketball club of Abuja.

The match is the opening game of the phase-one of the Zenith Bank Women league with the defending champion favoured to reeact the spark that have seen her dominate the Nigeria local scene.

The match billed for the Sports Hall of the Abuja National Stadium jump-starts the Nigeria season.

First Bank coach and Nigeria senior women national team assistant coach Adewumi Aderemi is optimistic his wards will retain the title again.

Coach Aderemi told www.fiba-afrique.org in an exclusive chat before the team depart Lagsos for Zaria to continue preparations for the task ahead that the Elephant Girls as the team is also known has no equal in the local scene but looking forward to making appreciable impact in the continent once again.

'We want to thank our management for standing by us when the going was tough especially during the 2007 FIBA Africa Champions Club Competition in Maputo, Mozambique where we finished a dismal 7th and we are promising them that we want to return to the continent once but first by winning the Zenith Bank league title.

'I know that other teams in the country have since fortified their team but we are unleashing a more younger team on them, players with hunger for success and ofcourse return to the continent and be counter among the contenders.

'We are not going to underrate any team in our quest to retain the Nigerian league and I want to on behalf of the coaching crew and players thanked the management of First Bank Sports Club and the parent body First Bank Plc for providing us with all the basics we needed to succeed and I stand to say we will not let them down, Aderemi concluded.

First Bank arch rival, Dolphins basketball club was also handed what can be termed an easy opening game pairing as the Wale Aboderin girls will file out against another new comer, Plateau Rocks basketball club of Jos.

The Dolphins like First Bank was also in Mozambique last year where they finished in the 10th position.

And in its bid to do well this year Dolphins is unleashing former Nigeria international guard, Taye Adeniyi as coach/ player on the rest of the teams in the league.

Adeniyi popularly called ‘Do-Something' due to her terrific shooting ability says she is back to prove a point that female players gets better with age.

'Experience especially when it comes to female basketballer is like an old wine that gets better and better with time.

'I am out to help raise the profile of my team - Dolphins and other teams should better watch out as it is not going to be easy for who ever thought I am finished, the former First Bank basketball club guard said.

This year's league is sponsored to the tune of N16 million naira almost 20 percent increment from that of 2007.

According to the 2nd Vive-President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Vivianne Eze who stood-in for the federation president Elder Jacob Gyang Buba that each of the ten teams that will campaign in this year's league will get a sum of two hundred (N200, 000) thousand naira as subsidy for each of the phases amounting to a total of N600, 000 for each club.

She further gave a break-down of the prize money for the 2008 league; first place winner at the end of the third phase in Lagos between June 25 and July 6 will go home with a cash prize of N750, 000 and a giant trophy, second place will get N.5M, third will be rewarded with the sum of N350, 000 while the fourth placed team gets N200, 000 for its efforts.

The Abuja phase-one leg of the league will run from March 26 though April 6 with the first day as arrival while a technical meeting between the teams and the league department of the NBBF will met on March 27 with competition starting on March 28 through April 5.

The second phase with Enugu as venue will dunk-off May 9 through 17 while the ten teams are expected to arrival the Coacl city on May 7, the phase technical meeting is billed for May 8.

Timeyin Ejoor, head of Corporate Communications of Zenith Bank Plc sponsors of the league says its his bank little ways of giving back to the society.

He, however, promised that with full cooperation of the NBBF and participating teams, the bank will continue to sponsor the top women league in Nigeria .

Secretary General of the Nigeria basketball ruling body, Francis Gbiri told www.fiba-afrique.org that the Nigeria federation will continue to do its best to lift the game in the country.

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ROMANIA - Women

Standings - Women
D1 Standings
1. Arad 20-1
2. Sibiu 18-2
3. Alexandria 15-6
4. Rapid 14-7
5. Cluj Napoca 14-7
6. S.Studentesc 13-8
7. Govora 11-10
8. Oradea 8-13
9. Iasi 5-16
10. Olimpia 4-17
11. Targoviste 2-19
12. Dej 1-20


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SERBIA - Women

Standings - Women
A League Standings
1. Hemofarm 18-0
2. Spartak 15-4
3. Crvena Zv. 14-4
4. Partizan 14-5
5. Vojvodina 12-5
6. Proleter 10-9
7. Kraljevo 7-12
8. Kovin 7-13
9. Loznica 5-14
10. Usce 4-15
11. Radnicki NB 4-16
12. Stara Pazova 3-16


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SWITZERLAND - Women

Martigny joins semifinal stage -by Eurobasket News
Brunnen - Martigny 59:87

Martigny edged Brunnen Basket 87:59 in the fourth game of their quarterfinal series to advance to the LNA semifinal stage. Martigny led 2-1 having won two home games. But this time they did not postpone the fulfilling the task routing Brunnen away from home. The teams kept it close in the first stanza and the visitors led by only 2 points after 10 minutes of action. But soon Martigny exploded and easily ran away to an unassailable distance. They limited the hosts to 23 points in the next two quarters and accumulated a 28-point advantage before the fourth term. Brunnen never recovered losing the clash. Shannon Perry (179-F-80, college: Bryant) was outstanding for Martigny with 16 points and 22 boards. Visnja Despinic (186-G/F-79) added 16 points, while Marielle Giroud (180-F/C-87) and Jalinka Michaux (175-F-87) had 14 points apiece for the winners. Diodio Diouf (170-G-84) answered with game-high 27 points to pace Brunnen. Khady Ngom (179-F-79, college: S.Nazarene) secured 23 points and 9 rebounds for the hosts in defeat. Martigny outrebounded the hosts 37:21 and sank 56% from the field.
The semifinals tip off on March 25. The league favorites Neuchatel take on Martigny in the best-of-five series. Next day BBC open their semifinal battle against Riva Basket. The second games of the series are scheduled for April 2.

Brunnen: Diodio Diouf 27, Khady Ngom 23+9 boards
Martigny: Shannon Perry 16+22 boards, Visnja Despinic 16, Marielle Giroud 14, Jalinka Michaux 14

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U.S.VIRGIN ISL. - Women

TERRIFIC 12 -by David Edole
Every year I acknowledge the 12 best players for next High School season. Most of the players on this list are first timers. Charlotte Amalie returned and winning the St. Thomas title prompted a host of players on the list and several Central underclass men are all grown up. Women Basketball in the territory continue to rise and surpass there male counterparts. Several have already been pegged to play AAU ball over the summer based on their outstanding play.

12. Shaniqua Wheatley, G, 5-7, Addelita Cancryn, Class 2012
Wheatley teamed with Kelsey Trass and Germanique Bell to dominate the middle school division. Wheatley and Trass are both headed to Charlotte Amalie and Bell had one more year to stew. Wheatley was the best of the group. Her ability to score is what separates her from the rest. She can shoot, or score of the bounce.

11. Nique Llanos, F, 5-7, Complex, Class 2011
Llanos turned out to be the best player on the Educational Complex team. She is an undersized post but produces. She has a great nose for the ball and rebounds amongst the trees. She needs to improve offensively. Her main diet is put backs.

10. Julia Casazza, G/F, 5-7, Antilles, Class 2009
Needed to help Victoria Hamilton and did a good job as a side kick. Casazza shooting has improved and is a very hard worker. But she struggles against the good teams. She needs to improve defensively.

09. Shayla Kelly, G/F, 5-8, Charlotte Amalie, Class 2010
I saw Shayla play in middle school and saw a big time talent. Two years into her varsity career it has not shown. Kelly is a good player when her mind is on it. She can shoot, handle and score. She needs to improve defensively, too many lapses.

08. Sidney Rogers, G, 5-8, PVT, Class 2010
For the past two seasons, Sidney had a safety blanket in older sister Cheynae. Cheynae will be off to college so the private schools success will lie squarely on Sidney's shoulders. The 5-foot-8 guard/forward plays all five positions on the court but had to play point guard for most of the year. The team played admirably knocking off Coutnry Day several times. Rogers is a great soccer athlete.

07. Aesha Peters, F/C, 6-4, Charlotte Amalie, Class 2010
The tallest player in the territory is a very aggressive rebounder and shot blocker. Her presence in the post causes disruption in opposing teams offenses. The soon to be junior is limited offensively but overtime will be a force. She has the body and heigt (6-foot-4) to be very special.

06. Hanifah Hendricks, F/C, 6-2, Country Day, Class 2010
The junior to be has improved over the course of the season. Team success has come to a halt but Hendricks rebounding and shot blocking is constant. The 6-foo-2 forward/center has developed inside moves and can still run with guards. Hendicks is an excellent volleyball and tennis player.

05. Makeva Aska, G/F, 5-8, Charlotte Amalie, Class 2011
Aska could be the best player in girl's basketball when Victoria Hamilton high school career comes to an end. She can shoot, handle the basketball and loves to play defense. But she is a little bit enigmatic and her basketball IQ needs to improve.

04. Lanese Bough, G, 5-7, Central, Class 2011
They say you are too young to be Player of the year, Oh, yo, yo, you making joke (machel montano -1980). While most basketball enthusiasts in the Virgin Islands pegged Bough as the player of the year for this past season, coaches had other ideas. Bough was named MVP of three of the four tournaments played. The 5-foot-7 guard is a deft three point shooter and free throw shooter. In every big game for Central, it was Bough making free throws lifting the Lady Caribs to a win.

03. Shamyra Vanterpool, G, 5-9, Central, Class 2010
Ability to hit the outside shot is Vanterpool's major strength. She is a big point guard but goes inside and rebounds with the trees. Vanterpool is versatile and should claim 'big baller' status next year on St. Croix. Needs to improve defensively and improve her ability to get to the basket.

02. LaShanda Creque, G, 5-8, Charlotte Amalie, Class 2009
Creque is a very good basketball player who has all the tools to be a complete player. Despite transferring from Eudora Kean, her scoring did not slip. The only knock on Creque is she is the reluctant leader. The Lady Chicken Hawks have pressured her to become the teams franchise player but Creque has not embraced that idea. She prefers to just fit in and put up quality numbers. The 5-foot-8 guard is an excellent shooter and distributor.

01. Victoria Hamilton, G/F, 5-10, Antilles, Class 2009
Hamilton is a definite DI player. Barry University head Coach Williams Sullivan is quoted as saying 'She plays 'under control' more than any of the other players… a good decision-maker… can shoot…can dribble…and can pass….she took care of the ball & did not commit careless turnovers. She can help us immediately'.
Hamilton has been a special player since she was thirteen and has not disappointed. She will be touring with an AAU team this summer through out the USA.

Side Note: Middle School basketball is loaded with talent. The girls from Cancryn were mentioned above but on St. Croix almost every team had a special player. Here are a few; John H. Woodson had 7th graders Kadesha Barry and Kinara Sampy, Arthur Richards: Nasha Williams and Dania Soto, and Cental JV was made up of Najie Hendricks and Marlena Tonge.