Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 3/26/2008

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Men News

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ANGOLA

Cup - 1º De Agosto And Petro Decide Access to Semi-Finals -by Carlos Pereira
The senior males basketball teams of 1º de Agosto and of Petro de Luanda will face-off on Tuesday at Rio-Seco pavilion at 07pm for the second leg of the quarterfinals of the Angola Cup.
With a five-point advantage obtained in the first leg played a week ago at Cidadela pavilion, 1º de Agosto are considered as the favourites.
In the current season 1º de Agosto beat Petro five times. To continue in the competition, the club captained by Miguel Lutonda only has to avoid losing by more than five points.
In the first leg, the USA point guard of Petro de Luanda, Shannon Croocks was the top scorer with 18 points, whilst Joaquim Gomes 'Kikas' with 16 points was the best for 1º de Agosto.
1º de Agosto are the current titleholders.

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ARGENTINA

Argentinean NT for International Tournament in Mannheim (Unofficial World Championships U18) -by Eurobasket

4 Juan Levrino (188-G-90) of Atletico Independiente Neuquen
5 Mateo Gaynor (198-G-90) of Bahiense del Norte
6 Federico Glinberg (201-C-90) of Nautico Hacoaj Buenos Aires
7 Facundo Campazzo (180-G-91) of Penarol Mar del Plata
8 Pablo Orlietti (206-C/F-90) of Atenas Cordoba
9 Santiago Scala (186-G-91) of Atletico Argentino Junin
10 Ezequiel Manzanares (197-G-90) of Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata
11 Fabian Ramirez (197-F/G-90) of Boca Juniors Capital Feder
12 Maximiliano Martin (198-G/F-90) of Bahiense del Norte
13 Emanuel Sayal (208-C-91) of Argentino de Castelar
14 Andres Landoni (204-C/F-90) of Libertad Sunchales
15 Matias Ruger (200-F/C-91) of Penarol Mar del Plata

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AUSTRIA

Standings - 2.Bundesliga

2.Bundesliga Standings

Group Middle East
1. LZ NO Sud	11-1
2. Baden BJ	10-2
3. WAT Wieden	7-5
4. UBBC Wien	5-7
5. Basket 2000	4-8
6. GeeBau AF	3-9
7. Mattersburg	2-10
Group South
1. Villach	7-2
2. Klagenfurt	6-3
3. ATSE Graz	6-4
4. Mattersburg R.	5-5
5. Worthersee 2	2-6
6. UBSC Graz	1-7
Group West
1. Schwaz	9-1
2. Salzburg	6-4
3. Dornbirn	6-4
4. SVO/BRG	5-5
5. TI Sparkasse	4-6
6. Bludenz	0-10

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BOSNIA

League 8 started at April 12TH -by Elvir Halilovic
Second part of Bosnian Championship, „Liga 8', started at April 12TH. In League 8 played seven best team from first part and last year Champion, Siroki Prima Pivo, which finished NLB competition.
In first round play Bosna ASA BHT and Sloboda Dita, like first and second team from League 13. 4TH and 3TH team from first part (probably Grude and Igokea Partizan) play in second derby match. At last three places in League 13 will be Slavija, Zrinjski Mik Company and Borac Nektar, but they still didn't know on which. 5TH team from League 13 play against Siroki Prima Pivo and last match is 7TH team from League 13 against 6TH placed team.
League 8 will play at 14 round, till May 27TH. After that, four best team going to Play-Off.

Standings - D2 Leagues

D2 Leagues Standings

A1 League
1. Novi Grad	15-2
2. Limometal	15-2
3. Kakanj	13-4
4. Brcko	13-4
5. Velpak	12-5
6. Student T.	6-11
7. Play Off	5-11
8. Trica	5-12
9. Bihac	5-12
10. Lukavac	5-12
11. Velez	4-13
12. Bosnjak	3-13
D1 Srpska Liga
1. Mladost MG	17-3
2. Bratunac	15-5
3. Radnik B.	14-5
4. Varda	13-7
5. Rudar	12-8
6. Glasinac	11-9
7. Igokea II	10-10
8. Bijeljina	9-10
9. Wolf Security	8-12
10. Sutjeska	6-14
11. Mladost G.	4-116
12. Vrelo	0-20
Herceg-Bosne
1. Vitez	14-1
2. Siroki II	12-2
3. Zrinjski II	12-3
4. Rama	7-7
5. Odzak	6-7
6. Ljubuski	6-7
7. Brotnjo Citluk	6-8
8. Tomislav	5-9
9. Posusje II	4-8
10. Busovaca	4-11
11. Livno	1-14

Stats Leaders - D1

LIGA 13 BIH Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1. Bakovic (CAP) 20,09
2. Matic (SLO) 17,43
3. Rothbart (BOR) 17,33
4. Timotic (HER) 16,95
5. Mladenov (SLA) 16,00

Rebounds Per Game

1. Rothbart (BOR) 9,8
2. Ramljak (POS) 8,7
3. Timotic (HER) 5,9
4. Petani (CAP) 5,9
5. Sadibasic (ZEN) 5,7

Assists Per Game

1. Allen (IGO) 6,0
2. Gvozdenovic (SLA) 5,1
3. Bailey (BOS) 4,5
4. Bocka (IGO) 3,9
5. Ross (SLO) 3,8

Steals Per Game

1. Bocka (IGO) 2,5
2. Crnobrnja (HER) 1,9
3. Stazic (IGO) 1,8

Blocks Per Game

1. Rothbart (BOR) 1,3
2. Ramljak (POS) 1,1
3. Wright (IGO) 1,1

2FGP

1. Timotic (HER) 6,67
2. Matic (SLO) 6,28
3. Rahimic (SLO) 5,39

3FGP

1. Skerovic (HER) 2,71
2. Bakovic (CAP) 2,62
3. Tosic (IGO) 2,28

Free Throws

1. Petani (CAP) 6,35
2. Bakovic (CAP) 6,18
3. Ross (SLO) 4,5

Ranking

1. Rothbart (BOR) 11,6
2. Matic (SLO) 9,1
3. Ramljak (POS) 8,8

Standings - BIH League

D1 Standings

1. Bosna S.	19-3
2. Sloboda Dita	18-5
3. Igokea	15-7
4. Grude	14-8
5. Slavija	12-10
6. Borac Nektar	11-11
7. Zrinjski MC	11-11
8. Posusje	10-13
9. Zenica Celik	9-13
10. Hercegovac	9-13
11. Leotar	7-15
12. Capljina	7-15
13. Vogosca	2-20
Will join on later stage:
1. Siroki	-

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BRIT.V.ISLANDS

Chino has Easter blow out -by David Edole
Paul On The Ball Hewlett 25.MAR.08
Randy George (200-F-81, college: Henderson St.) and the Sheffield Sharks wasted no time on Saturday night dispatching London Capital on their home court by an impressive 17-point blow out for a final score of 79-62. It was a typical day on the job for Chino who was yet again asked by Coach Peter Scantlebury to focus on defense. Nevertheless, George still managed 10 points and was 100 percent at the free throw and as usual was ruthless in his defense with his ability to jump very high and swat the ball away like flies.

The Sharks who traveled over three hours to get to London were determined to make the long trip pay off and uncharacteristically came out firing early in the first quarter, leading by 14 at the end of one, 24-10.

It wasn't only the London fans who were stunned, the coach was evidently just as shocked having defeated the Sharks in their other two regular season encounters and immediately opened the second quarter with a two man press. This proved very effective and the home side was able to close the gap down to six, but some good defense work by George, which included a visit to the free throw line, saw the second quarter ended 36-24 in favor of the visiting Sharks.

It was the third quarter though which really broke the backs of London Capital as Sheffield coach Scantlebury showed a side of himself not seen before this season, opening the quarter with a three-man press which totally threw the London side off guard and took them out of their comfort zone. The Sharks went on the rampage ending the third 61-42 after one point, having as much as a 24 point lead half way through the quarter. The final quarter proved to be elementary for the Sharks as London Capital never really got back into the game with a final score of 79-62 in favor of the Sharks.

Defensive player of the game Randy George had a special Easter message for folks back home.

'First off I would like to wish everyone back home a Happy Easter and a safe and enjoyable Virgin Gorda Festival,' he said.

He then got down to business and spoke about the win. 'The game was one where we came in to make a statement on defense from the start to finish. London Capital is a team that does not quit, they hustle, they are physical and therefore we knew we had to control the tempo on both ends of the floor.'

With the playoffs just weeks away, George said the team has had an attitude change.

'Well we know it's time for us to pull together and make a run for the playoffs cause we have six games left and it's a close race between the 4th to 8th place teams in the standings, and we want to get up in the mix. It was all about forcing them out of their comfort zone from the start of the game to the finish and we know if we are going to win games we have to put 40 minutes of tough nose basketball together.

'On a personal note, I really let their offense come to me. I work around my teammates and they get me the ball in positions where I know I can score. I just do whatever the team needs. I know we have a team where everyone of our players can go out on any given day and give 20 plus points or more, so I just want to help in whatever way I can, which is to play solid defense, rebound both ends and just do the little things that sometimes don't show up on the stats sheet. '

With the BVI league looming around the corner George says he refuses to lose focus on the job at hand.

'I am very focused on the job at hand now in the British Basketball League, which is to make it to the playoffs and be in good positions to win games. If you ask me the same question in a few weeks time my focus will most definitely be the BVI Basketball League as I know it's gonna be exciting this year and very competitive with some crucial player movements,' he said.

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BULGARIA

Cherno More is the first finalist for the Bulgarian Cup -by Valentin Anguelov
In a dramatic game Cherno More Eurohold beat Levski 76-72 in overtime (66-66 after the regular 40 minutes) and qualified for the final of the Bulgarian 'Ledenika' Cup. After that loss Levski is going to play for the bronze medals tomorrow, while Cherno More expects the winner from the other semi-final between Lukoil Academic and CSKA. The final is on Thursday, 18:00 at 'Arena Samokov'.

Cherno More started with an 8-0 run in the first 2 minutes, which set the course of the first quarter and after 10 minutes of play they were ahead by 12 (24-12). Levski tried to cut the lead but made lots of mistakes and missed too many shots during these first minutes to be able to do it. Until the middle of the second quarter nothing changed on the court and the team from Varna maintained their lead around 10 points. 5 minutes before the end of the first half Levski finally started to play better and managed to get closer and closer, reducing the lead to only 2 points at the half-time (37-35). After the break they continued to pressure Cherno More and 3:33 minutes before the end of the third quarter they got their biggest lead in the game - 40-50. The last 10 minutes started at 48-54, but Lubomir Minchev's team couldn't sustain the tempo and slowly started to lose control over the game. With a great team effort and a lot of concentration the players from Varna got back into the game and 3 minutes before the final whistle the score was tied. 1:16 before the end Cherno More were leading 64-63 and Levski had a chance to score on a few consecutive offences. They couldn't do it and with 18 seconds to go Leven Belberov assisted Agustinas Vitas for a lay-up to make the score 66-63. Lobo Minchev immediately called a time-out but on the following attacks his players missed 4 free-throws and it all came up to the final moment of the regular time, when Asen Velikov got the rebound and scored an incredible triple with the siren, making it 66-66. In the overtime Cherno More were mentally stronger and managed to win the game and qualify for the final.

Levski's players shot tragically from the three-point line and except Zlatin Georgiev (3/4) the rest of the team finished with 3 made triples out of 19 attempts. Although they won the rebounds under the two baskets (48-38), Levski made 24 mistakes and missed 16 free-throws. That made the game impossible to win, especially against the concentrated team of Cherno More, that made only 9 mistakes throughout the game and stole 15 balls, compared to only 5 steals by Levski's players.

For the winners Bryce Sheldon was the top scorer with 22 points, while the Litovian Agustinas Vitas made an impressive double-double with 14 points and 17 rebounds.

For Levski only Stefan Georgiev with 14 points and 12 rebounds was at his usual level. Zlatin Georgiev added 13 points from the bench and Rob Preston finished with 9 points and 7 rebounds.

FULL STATS FROM THE GAME CHERNO MORE EUROHOLD - LEVSKI

Lukoil Academic defeated CSKA at the semi-finals for the Bulgarian Cup -by Valentin Anguelov
Lukoil Academic had no problems with CSKA and won by 54 points in one of the semi-finals played today at 'Arena Samokov'. The finals score was 102-48, showing the obvious difference in the classes between the two teams.

CSKA played as equals to the champions only in the opening minutes of the game but after the fifth minute Zeljko Lukaic's players made a 17-1 run to finish the quarter at 24-8. During the second quarter things got even worse for CSKA and by the half-time break their deficit was already 31 points (19-50). By that moment it was already clear who will win the game and the two teams just had to play the remaining minutes and settle the final score. After the break Zeljko Lukaic used all his players on the court and the youngster Blagovest Spasov made his debut with the men's uniform, scoring 4 points in 2:30 minutes of play.

The top scorers for Lukoil Academic were Willie Deane and Riste Stefanov, both with 17 points, while Pero Antic and Larry O'Bannon added 12 points each.

For CSKA only 6 players could score in this game, from whom Josh Washington finished with 15 and Hristo Nikolov added 10.

After today's semi-finals, Levski is going to play against CSKA in the game for the bronze medals on Wednesday, while Cherno More Eurohold and Lukoil Academic are going to decide which team will be the new cup holder on Thursday at 18:00.

FULL STATS FROM THE GAME LUKOIL ACADEMIC - CSKA

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CBA

Minot levels Final series -by Eurobasket News
Oklahoma - Minot 89:92

The Minot Skyrockets evened the final series against the Oklahoma Cavalry as they beat them in Lawson yesterday. The series is now tied at 1-1 and it moves to Minot. Game 2 once again started with Minot taking a lead. They were up 7:0 in the opening minutes and finished the first term ahead by 10 points. Marvin Phillips (6'7''-F-83, college: Claflin) finally tied things up late in the second quarter but Minot managed to walk into the dressing room up by 3 points. The CBA Player of the Year Daryan Selvy (6'6''-F/G-79, college: Oklahoma) stepped up for the hosts in the third stanza. He tallied 9 points and Oklahoma denied the deficit. The hosts seemed to take over in the game in the final period as Daryan Selvy and Marvin Phillips gave them a 6-point advantage. But Minot was not about to give this one up. The Skyrockets squared things up at 89 with seconds remaining in regulation. Ronnie Fields (6'4''-G-77, agency: Edge Sports) had the last laugh for Minot as his long trey hit the target with 1.5 seconds on the clock. Oklahoma were done and simply did not find enough time to save the game. It turned out to be the only Minot's three-pointer for the night. Ronnie Fields accounted for 30 points to lead Minot. Kevin Rice (6'4''-G-75, college: Utah St.) dropped 13 points for the winners. Daryan Selvy secured 19 points and 10 boards for Oklahoma. Curtis Haywood (6'6''-G-75, agency: Huss Sport Agency, college: Oklahoma City) added 14 points and 17 boards in defeat. The CBA Finals will continue on Wednesday at the Minot Municipal Auditorium.

Oklahoma: Daryan Selvy 19+10 boards, Curtis Haywood 14+17 boards
Minot: Ronnie Fields 30, Kevin Rice 13, Kevin Johnson (6'8''-F-80, college: Charlotte) 9

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CHINA

CBA Committee Meeting -by Robert Wang
CBA organized the meeting with all clubs last weekend. All clubs summerized former season and discussed the new season plan included that they want to have imports play longer (last season, the imports allowed to play 1 for each quator averagely), CBA all clubs would be devided into 2 groups as north divission and south divission. 2 new teams would come up from D-2 to D-1 this season. Game numbers are more than this year since the Olympic game would be over after August. All these issues are under the discussion and not confirmed yet. This is the updated info. from CBA recently.

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COSTA RICA

Saprissa protests league decision -by Jason Markham

According to La Nacion, Costa Rica's largest paper, Deportivo Saprissa will not be participating in the 2008 season. It states lateness in a registration payment of $500 as the reason. When asked about the decsion, Deportivo Saprissa Owner/President Joe Lear responeded ' I was never contacted by league officials about late payments or being kicked out of the league. I read it in La nacion. Since the article has come out, I have not been able to reach any of the league officials. But the effects of the article have been catasrophic, as my top sponsors have walked away as well as 4 of my starting players.'

Lear and Sapirssa have been credited for bringing the league into the 21 st century. They had Khalid Reeves (190-G-72, college: Arizona), the first NBA player to play in the league. Other accomplishemnts include finding scholarships for orphans and university opportunities for current junior players. All of that topped with a national championship in the Apertura doesn't quit make sense that the league would release the team for a $500 late payment.

'I will meet with the other presidents with whom I consider my friends. Hopefully that will put an end to this contraversy and we can keep on playing.'

With the loss of two major sponsors and 4 starters, the articles oabout Saprissa may have put a severe dent in Deportivo Saprissa's plans to win a title.

More updates to follow.

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CYPRUS

Rest of the World narrowly beats Europe -by Alkis Spyrou
The Rest of the World beat Europe 118-116 in the EuroCup All Star Game held the 'Spyros Kyprianou Sports Hall' in Limassol on Tuesday (25/03) night.

An exhibition of offensive as the final scoreline suggests, this close fought encounter was decided in the last 3' of the game. With everything tied at 114-144 -after a -pointer from De Colo-, Scales made a lay-up and Famutimi dunked the ball to put the game beyond doubt. Bratic with 2 free throws put Europe within striking distance, but a number of missed 3-pointers from Bratic and Aleksic ensured that The Rest of Wold was the final winners.

Spartak St. Petersburg's Joseph Smith was the MVP as he led his team to a win by scoring 28 points, including 7 3-pointers! (5 in the first half), and 4 assists.

At the interval between 1st and 2nd quarter, the 3-pointy shootout took place. In a thrilling encounter, Vasiliy Zavororuev (Proteas EKA AEL) with a late rally beat James Cantamessa (Dexia Mons-Hainaut) in the final. The two of them will face each other in the semi-final of the EuroCup Final Four that will also be hosted in Cyprus. Actaully, 9 of the players that played in the All Star Game will be taking part in the EuroCup Final Four .

Quarters: 34-38 (34-38), 64-70 (30-32), 99-100 (35-30), 116-118 (17-18)

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DENMARK

Bakken is close to the final -by Eurobasket News
The Bakken Bears made another step towards Basketligaen Final series. They toppled Horsholm 82:75 in Game 3 of the semifinal series and grabbed a 3-0 lead. It was once again a graphic display of dominance from the Bears as they controlled the tempo and looked better in every other component of the game. The hosts built a 24:19 lead after 10 minutes of action. The gap grew to 9 points at halftime and Bakken never looked back. Jason Siggers (193-G/F-85, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Albany) led balanced offense with 14 points and 5 assists. Chris Christoffersen (218-C-79, college: Oregon) and Nicolai Iversen (204-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: San Jose City JC) had 11 points apiece and teamed up for 18 rebounds. Duane James (198-F-83, college: Binghamton) answered with 16 points and 7 boards for Horsholm. Frederik Nielsen (180-G-88) dropped 15 points for the 79ers in a loss. Game 4 is scheduled for Thursday in Horsholm.
Meanwhile Amager denied Svendborg's home court advantage as they beat the Rabbits 82:72 away from home yesterday. A sloppy start to the game proved costly for the hosts. They accounted for only 11 points in the opening stanza and allowed the visitors to pile up a 20:11 lead. The teams kept it close through the rest of the game but Amager withstood all the home side efforts to deny the deficit and celebrated a key win. Amager now grabbed a 2-1 lead in the series with Game 4 scheduled for Thursday in Amager. Matt Cooper (201-F-85, college: Le Moyne) was impressive with 26 points and 8 boards to pace Amager. Kristian Jakobsen (190-G/F-79) scored 14 points for the winners. Jarrett Howell (188-G-84, agency: Worldwide Hoops, college: Texas Arlington) had 21 points for Svendborg. Ivan Hoger (225-C-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) finished with 17 points and 11 boards in defeat.

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D-LEAGUE

Eddie Gill Heading Back to the NBA -by Surujh Roopnarine
NBA and D-League veteran point guard Eddie Gill (6'0''-G-78, college: Weber St.) has been signed to a 10-day contract by the Seattle SuperSonics from the Colorado 14ers. This is Gill's second call-up of the season, having played with the New Jersey Nets in November. Gill played in 32 games for Colorado, where he averaged 18.8 points, 8.4 assists and 5.0 rebounds in 39.9 minutes. The former Weber State standout was named a D-League All-Star this season as well. Gill has appeared in 180 career NBA games during stints with the Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Trail Blazers, and Indiana Pacers. He holds NBA career averages of 3.1 points, 1.1 assists and 1.1 rebounds in 11.1 minutes.

Latest Roster Moves -by Surujh Roopnarine
Ft. Wayne: Acquired NBA veteran and former Duke star Dahntay Jones (6'5''-F/G-80, college: Duke) and released Rob Griffin.
Los Angeles: Re-Acquired Cecil Brown (6'4''-G-83, college: UCSB) and Wendell White (6'6''-G-84, college: UNLV).
Dakota: Signed David Bell (6'1''-G-81, college: Montana)
Austin: Traded Cheyne Gadson (6'4''-G-80, college: Oklahoma St.) to Albuquerque for former University of Denver big man Yemi Nicholson (6'10''-C-83, college: Denver).
Albuquerque: Waived Dwight Brewington (6'5''-G-84, college: Liberty) after acquiring Cheyne Gadson.
Colorado: Re-acquired Kaniel Dickens (6'8''-F-78, college: Idaho) and Billy Thomas (6'5''-G-75, college: Kansas) after their time with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Waived Paul Butorac (6'10''-F-83, college: E.Washington) due to injury.

Standings

D-League Standings

Central Division
1. Dakota W.	25-18
2. Sioux Falls S.	25-20
3. Iowa E.	18-25
4. Ft.Wayne MA	15-27
Southwest Division
1. Austin T.	27-15
2. Colorado 14ers	23-18
3. Tulsa 66ers	23-19
4. Albuquerque T.	20-23
5. Rio Grande VV	17-28
West Division
1. Idaho S.	30-12
2. LA D-Fenders	29-13
3. Utah	20-23
4. Anaheim A.	19-25
5. Bakersfield J.	9-34

66ers Drop Third in a Row, 109-94 at Vipers -by Surujh Roopnarine
The Rio Grande Valley Vipers, behind a personal best 31 points from Kris Collins (6'2''-G-83, college: N.Mexico), knocked off the visiting Tulsa 66ers 109-94 last night at the Dodge Arena.
Collins, connected on 12-16 shots in 41 minutes as RGV shot 50.0% from the field for the night and used a strong fourth quarter (Outscored Tulsa 34-25) to put a defining stamp on the victory. Tulsa, who now falls to 23-19 and four games behind Central Division leading Dakota, where led by Adam Harrington (6'5''-G-80, college: Auburn)'s 23 points. The Vipers improved to 17-28, still last in the division.
66ERS: Adam Harrington (23p), Ronald Dupree (20p+6rb), Mike Hall (15p+14rb+6as), Jeremy Kelly (10p)
VIPERS: Kris Collins (31p+5as), Desmon Farmer (26p+5rb), Ivan Johnson (16p+11rb), Stanley Asumnu (14p+5rb)

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EGYPT

Egypt Cup Men 2007 2008 Games -by Eslam Mohamed
Today Cup games will be resumed as below:

At 18:00
Gazco Vs Army at Ain Shams university Hall
Smouha Vs Zamalek at Smouha Club
Police Academy Vs Tyran At Police Academy Club
El Horya Damnhour Vs Sporting at Damnhour Hall
Ahly Vs El Nasr Damnhour at Ahly Club
Ghazl El suiez Vs Eastern Company at Suiez

At 20:00
Gezira Vs Shams At Cairo Stadium

At 27/3/2008 17:00
Ittihad Vs Bniswef at Ittihad Club

Super League Standings

Superleague Standings

Group A
1. Al Ittihad	19-3
2. Gezira	18-4
3. Sporting	17-5
4. Zamalek	17-5
5. Ahly	16-6
6. Somouha	13-9
Group B
1. Shams	8-14
2. Geish Army	8-14
3. Shorta-Police	6-16
4. Gazco	6-16
5. Eastern Co.	5-17
6. Damenhor	0-22

Tarek Seleem Leaves Zamalek -by Sherif Soliman
Leaving the team just before the finals, Tarek seleem left Zamalek last week. Tarek seleem said that he left the team for financial problems as his players didn't get the promised rewards till know.While Zamzlek on line page announced that the reason was that Ismaeel Seleem the big brother for Tarek will participate in the coming elections in July. Any ways Zamalek will face Somouha in Alexandria tonight in a cup game it is really a very hard game to play.Ahmed Adel will lead the team tonight. Most probably Essam Abd El hameed will leave Somouha and lead Zamalek till the end of this season.Ahmed Adel

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FRANCE

Round 23 Round Up -by Sean Davis

Clermont 88 - 94 Pau-Orthez

Jeff Trepagnier (192-G-79, college: USC) shot Pau to victory by scoring a season high 27pts while shooting 6 of 9 from 3. Pau jumped out to an early 16pt lead in the first quarter, but after Graves went to the bench early in the 2nd with 2 fouls Clermont battled back to within 5 at half time 44-49. Pau regained control of the game in the 3rd quarter out scoring Clermont 27-18. Clermont managed to keep it close but never took the lead on their way to their 19th loss of the season. Pau jumped right back into playoff contention with their 10th win of the season. Pau got solid contributions from a number of players. Along with Jeff Trepainier outstanding performance, Maximiliano Stanic (178-G-78, agency: Players Group) had a double double with 10pts and 13rebs, Deji Akindele had 18pts and 9rebs, and Antonio Graves (190-G-85, college: Pittsburgh) had 15pts and 3 steals. Jerry Johnson (183-G-82, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Rider) led the way for Clermont with 21pts and Tony Skinn (186-G-83, college: George Mason) added 19pts.

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GEORGIA

Gamqrelidze... at least tripple double -by Levan Mikeladze

Energy Invest and TSU opened the latest Superleague leg in Rustavi.

The game belonged to hosts' playmaker Giorgi Gamqrelidze (183-G-86), who dominated and finished just two rebounds short of tripple double. He was 6/9 from field, and made 8 0f 12 shots from the free throw line. Also a double double was made by Energy Invest's Serbian forward Jovan Stefanov (208-F-83, college: Ill.-Chicago), who made his both long shots. The hosts had almost twice as many free throw attempts (33/17), then the visitors.

TSU captain Shalva Khetsuriani (197-G/F-83) finished with his first double double of the season and had a solid game in all.

Energy 95:78 TSU

Dinamo/Sanikidze wins against TSU -by Levan Mikeladze
Dinamo is playing well ever since Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86) joined the team. He lead Dinamo again with 25 points and 13 rebounds. This time he had a great help by Lekso Lapanashvili (196-G-87) who finished the game with 24 points. For TSU that needs to play a little better if they want to keep the second spot before the playoffs, leading scorer was Davit Barbakadze (204-F-82) with 21 points and Shalva Khetsuriani (197-G/F-83) with 13.

Dinamo: Viktor Sanikidze (25 Points, 13 Rebounds); Lekso Lapanashvili (24 Points, 5 Rebounds)
TSU: Davit Barbakadze (21 Points, 6 Rebounds, 4 Assists); Shalva Shalva Khetsuriani (13 Points)

Vita squashed Energy away -by Levan Mikeladze
Vita had a 17 point lead at the end of the 1st half. Energy came close a few times in the second half, but never managed to turn that into their lead and were not able to pull off the win. For Vita Mikheil Berishvili (205-F-87, agency: Naiditch Entertainment) was on fire. Even when nothing good was going for Vita he was hitting some clutch shots. He ended the game with 31 points. On the other side Jovan Stefanov (208-F-83, college: Ill.-Chicago) was the only player ready for the game in Energy with 22 second half points. He finished with 28 points and 18 rebounds. Giorgi Gamqrelidze (183-G-86) was distinguished by 11 assists this time for Energy.

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GREECE

Standings - B-C leagues

B Standings

B Division
1. Near East	18-5
2. Ikaros K.	17-6
3. KAOD	15-8
4. Komotini	15-8
5. Aigio Helesi	15-8
6. Amyntas	14-9
7. Ikaroi Serron	14-9
8. Ermis L.	14-9
9. Lavrio	14-9
10. Anagennisi	14-9
11. Goumenissa	10-13
12. Doukas	10-13
13. Makedonikos	6-17
14. Alimos	5-18
15. Milonas	2-21
16. Olympiakos V.	1-22
C North - Group 1
1. AIAS Evosmou	19-4
2. Arhelaos	19-4
3. Aiginiakos	15-8
4. Filippos V.	15-8
5. Niki Volou	14-9
6. HANTH	13-10
7. Argos Orestiko	12-11
8. Galaxias	10-13
9. Proteas G.	10-13
10. Siatista	9-14
11. Foinikas	9-14
12. Ionas Volou	8-15
13. Ifestos T.	5-18
14. Megas Al.	3-20
C North - Group 2
1. Apollon K.	21-2
2. Stratoni	20-3
3. Enosi Kavalas	19-4
4. Mantoulidis	16-7
5. Halkidona	16-7
6. Eleftheroupoli	14-9
7. Makabi	12-11
8. M.Alexandros	12-11
9. Ionikos Ionias	10-13
10. Thermaikos	7-16
11. Komotinis	5-18
12. VAO	5-18
13. Arion Xanthis	4-19
14. Nikiti H.	0-16
C South - Group 1
1. Gyziakos	20-3
2. Arkadikos	19-4
3. Kronos l.	16-7
4. Agia Paras.	16-7
5. AEK/Pegasus	14-9
6. Peiraikos	13-10
7. Kefallonias	13-10
8. KAO Palaimon	13-10
9. Apolloniada	11-12
10. Doxa Lefkadas	10-13
11. Papagou	6-17
12. AEM Polyvios	4-19
13. EA Patron	3-20
14. Messinis	3-30
C South - Group 2
1. OFI	20-2
2. Ierapetra	18-5
3. Zografou	16-7
4. Panelefsiniakos	16-7
5. Filathlitikos	14-9
6. Kronos AD	14-9
7. Ionikos Nikaias	12-11
8. Arditos	12-11
9. Ionikos N.F.	11-12
10. Aris Nikaias	10-13
11. Apollon Sm.	7-16
12. Ermis S.	6-17
13. Diagoras	3-20
14. Halkida	2-21

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HOLLAND

Standings - Eredivisie

Eredivisie Standings

1. Amsterdam	28-7
2. West-Brabant	24-11
3. M.Magix	23-13
4. Eiff.Towers	21-13
5. Hanzev.Cpt	20-14
6. Rotterdam	19-14
7. Zwolle	15-19
8. Leiden	15-21
9. Weert	14-22
10. Aris Friesland	8-27
11. Den Helder	4-30
12. Almere	0-0

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ISRAEL

Round 18 first team -by Netanel Dahan
Round 18 MVP: Ndudi Ebi (206-F-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Arizona) of Bnei Hashron
Ebi scored 27 points in 29 minutes and took 14 rebounds.

Chris Massie (206-F-77, agency: World Sport Agency, college: Memphis) of Ashkelon
Even with his injury he scored 21 points and took 14 rebounds.

Steve Burtt (185-G-84, agency: CAA Sports, college: Iona) of Ashkelon
Steve was amazing at the first quarter he finished the game with 23 points and lead Ashkelon to the win.

Omri Casspi (204-F/G-88, agency: Interperformances) of Maccabi Tel Aviv
The NBA talent played 28 minutes, scored 24 points and took 8 reabounds.

Amit Ben David (190-G-77, agency: Avi Zilberman) of Hapoel Gilboa/Afula
Amit took a three points shoot at the last second and won the game for Afula.

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ITALY

Standings - SerieA

SerieA Standings

1. Montepas.	26-2
2. Lottomatica	19-9
3. Air AV	18-10
4. Premiata	18-10
5. Pierrel	17-11
6. Armani	15-13
7. Scavolini	15-13
8. Upim	14-14
9. Tisettanta C.	13-15
10. Solsonica	13-15
11. Angelico	13-15
12. Siviglia Wear	12-16
13. Snaidero	12-16
14. Eldo	12-16
15. Benetton	11-17
16. La Fortezza	11-17
17. Legea	8-20
18. Cimberio	5-23

Virtus Bologna escapes from Lega 2 -by Gianni Pascucci

It is not yet sure, but it is very probable that the win of La Fortezza Virtus Bologna, 89-78 on yesterday night over Premiata Montegranaro, will grant to this team the stay in the top Italian league. After a first Qtr ended behind (19-24), La Fortezza took the lead in the score and managed to keep a better 3pts shooting till the end of the game. New Virtus Captain Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) and Alan Anderson (198-G/F-82, college: Michigan St.) led their team in one of the most important games of the season, scoring 18 and 13 points, respectively, and four other players from Bologna ended the game in double digits. Premiata wasn' t able to shot better than 25% from behing the 3pts line, and had only 11 points from Jobey Thomas (193-G-80, college: Charlotte), while Sharrod Ford (206-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Clemson) had a night of 21 pts and 10 rebs and Kiwane Garris (188-G-74, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) and Ricky Minard (194-G/F-82, college: Morehead St.) ended the game with 17 and 15 pts, respectively. This loss at Bologna could mean the definite fareewell to the second place for Montegranaro, in a season that remains fantastic.
See complete boxscore at www.legabasket.it

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JAMAICA

Tulsa still alive in invitational tournament -by Leonard Whyte
Tulsa, OK (3-25-2008) - University at Tulsa, playing before 5,764 cheering fans, scored an exciting 69-60 quarterfinal win over the University of Utah in the inaugural College Basketball Invitational Tournament last night to punch their ticket into the semifinals where they will face the University of Houston, another Conference USA foe, on Wednesday night. Center Jerome Jordan again scored in double figures by adding 12 points and seven rebounds. Houston defeated Valparaiso University 91-67 to end Valpo's season. Another Jamaican, guard Michael Rogers, scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds in a losing cause for Valparaiso.

SIC eliminated from national tournament playoffs -by Leonard Whyte
Hutchinson, KS (3-25-2008) - Southeastern Illinois College (SIC) was eliminated from the NJCAA Men's National Tournament over the weekend by Eastern Arizona College after falling 70-53. The superior size and inside game of Eastern Arizona proved to be too much for SIC to overcome. After falling behind by as many as 22 points, SIC could do very little as their opponents pounded the ball inside and got its big men into foul trouble. Forward Andree Wilson capped a fine season, scoring 18 points and hauling down nine rebounds.

Samuels picked for World Select Team -by Leonard Whyte
Miami, FL (3-25-2008) - University of Louisville-bound Samardo Samuels has been selected as a member of the World Select Team that will play in the 11th annual Nike Hoop Summit. The World team will play a team of the top 12 players from the United States, set for Portland, Oregon, on April 12, 2008. Samuels, the No. 1 power forward in the high school class of 2008, played his high school ball at St. Benedict's Prep in Newark, New Jersey, and is one of the top five players in the country. The game will be televised live on Fox Sports Net.

McDonald's All-American Game
The 6' 9' Samuels warmed up for the 31st annual McDonald's All-American High School Boys Basketball Game last night with an impressive performance in the 3-points shootout. He finished with 13 points, more than some of the top guards and could have done even better but he left an entire rack unused since he used too much time on the first four racks. The game will be played tomorrow, March 26th at 9:30 pm EST, and will be carried live on ESPN. Samuels will represent the East All-Stars.

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JAPAN

Aisin wins Game 4 to force a deciding Game 5 in JBL Finals -by Kenny
After winning Game 1 of the best-of-5 JBL Finals, Aisin was clearly in the driver's seat, but the ride ended up becoming bumpy as Aisin lost on Sat. (3/22) to Toyota 82-76 and lost again on Sun. (3/23) 86-72, putting them on the brink of elimination going into Game 4 yesterday (3/25) in Tokyo down 2 games to 1 to a Toyota Alvark team that has won the last 2 JBL titles. The Aisin Sea Horses once again had their hands full on Tuesday night, but they found a way to pull away from Toyota in the 4th quarter by outscoring the Alvark 30-15 in the final period to pull off a 88-69 victory to force a winner-take-all Game 5. Game 5 is set for Wednesday (3/26) night in Tokyo.

In Game 2, 8-year JBL veteran F Charles O'Bannon (198-G/F-75, college: UCLA) carried Toyota on his back as he scored 37 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in the contest. 2nd year PG Louis Campbell contributed to Toyota's win by putting up 15 points to go along with 5 boards and 7 dimes. Toyota found a way to stymie their nemesis J.R. Sakuragi and held him to only 12 points. 2nd year Aisin swingman Alpha Bangura scored 27 points in the losing effort.

In Game 3 held on Sunday, Toyota led Aisin by 13 points at halftime and never looked back, winning the game 86-72. 'Chuck' O'Bannon once again proved to be the difference as he pumped in 24 points while grabbing 11 boards. Sweet Lou Campbell once again put up good numbers as he had 22/5/5. F Mike Takahashi also contributed with 19 and 11. J.R. Sakuragi was once again 'held' to 17 points although he had 11 rebounds and 5 assists in the losing effort. Alpha Bangura scored 18 points while regular season MVP Shinsuke Kashiwagi poured in 24 points for Aisin in the loss.

Aisin showed their resiliency in Game 4 as they bounced back from 2 straight losses to hold off Toyota and their quest for 3 straight championships, at least for one more night. In the 88-69 Game 4 victory, veteran C Sakuragi bulled his way to 25 points and 13 boards while Bangura once again scored in double figures with 24 points. 1st year F James Maye also contributed to the win for Aisin by scoring 19 points off the bench. Toyota's veteran swingman Takuma Watanabe scored 15 points while the steady O'Bannon, who should win the Finals MVP award should Toyota win the series, put 28 points on the board for the Alvark.

Now it's a 1-game series as it comes down to one game to decide who will be crowned JBL champions in 2008. Will Aisin win their first JBL title since 2004? Or will the Toyota Alvark win their 3rd straight JBL Championship? We'll find out on Wednesday night.

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KOSOVO

Kosova Cup & First League schedule -by Edona Shabani

Round II 26 - 27 March 2008

QUARTERFINALS FOR MEN

BASHKIMI - SIGAL PRISHTINA Wednesday, on 19,00
Referees: Azem Hoxhaj, Hysen Hasani
Monitors: Tafil Hoxha

TREPCA - KOSOVA, Wednesday ,on 18,00
Referees: Xhavit Beqiri, Ilhan Xhaka
Monitors: Bajrush Ademi

PEJA - RC COLA DRITA, Thursday ,on 20,00
Referees: Hajredin Zeka, Agim Halili
Monitors: Muhamet Ahma

BAMBI - YLLI will be played later

SEMIFINALS WOMEN

SIGAL PRISHTINA - TREPCA, Wednesday on 12,00
Referees: Mehdi Gashi,Faton Kurshumliu
Monitors: Remzi Ramadani

VËLLAZNIMI - BASHKIMI , Wednesday, on 17,00
Referees: Hektor Grezda,Vllaznim Rraci
Monitors: Blerim Vula

FIRST LEAGUE SCHDULE

WEEK V 26 - 27 March 2008

MALISHEVA - VERTIKALI, Wednesday on 16,00
Referees: Arbnor Rifati, Urim Hasani

FUSHË KOSOVA - LLAPI, Wednesday on 19,30
Referees: Daut Mehmeti, Alban Vula
Monitors: Sejdi Mehmeti

Rests: 'EUROSPORTI

www.basketbolli.com

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

LBL standings

LBL Standings

Division I
1. Barons/LMT	11-2
2. BK Ventsp.	11-2
3. Valmiera	10-8
4. VEF Riga	10-9
5. ASK Riga	9-2
6. Liep.Lauvas	9-8
7. Bum./ASK	2-16
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
Tiss (Saldus) 4.4
Buskevics (ASK) 4.4
Olivero (Valmiera) 4.0
Raiskums (Zem.) 3.9

Steals Per Game

Slesers (Livani) 3.2
Millage (ASK) 2.6
Skele (Barons) 2.5

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.) 20.0

Standings - LBAL

LBAL Standings

Austrumi 1-4
1. Valmiera-2	8-1
2. DU/Hansabanka	6-3
3. Maksis/LTI	4-5
4. Madona	0-9
Austrumi 5-7
1. Preili	4-2
2. Jekabpils	3-3
3. Ezerzeme	2-4
Centrs 1-4
1. ASK Kadeti	4-1
2. Jurmala 2	3-2
3. Keizarmezs-2	2-3
4. Ogre/Sonora	1-4
Centrs 5-8
1. Kursa/MRU	2-0
2. Turiba	2-1
3. LU	1-2
4. VIA Riga	0-2
Centrs 9-12
1. VEF Riga	1-0
2. Salacgriva	1-1
3. Ridzene 89	0-0
4. Saulkrasti	0-1
Centrs 13-16
1. I.O.S.	1-0
2. Ridzene M.	1-0
3. ASK Kadeti-2	0-1
4. 3.BJSS	0-1
Centrs 17-20
1. DSN	0-0
2. LNSF	0-0
3. Ridzene 91	0-0
Rietumi 1-4
1. Liepajas Papirs	6-4
2. Dartija	4-4
3. Kandava	4-5
4. Variants	4-5
Rietumi 5-9
1. Zemgale/Juniors	9-2
2. Perkons	7-2
3. Talsi	5-6
4. Olaine	3-8
5. Baldone	2-8

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LEBANON

Standings - Division A

Div.A Standings

1. Al Riyadi	11-0
2. Moutahed	10-3
3. Sagesse	9-4
4. Blue Stars	6-7
5. Antranik	5-8
6. Feytroun	4-8
7. Champville	4-8
8. Anibal	1-12

Standings - Div.1

Div.1 Standings

1. Tebnine	17-1
2. Antonins	16-3
3. Kahraba	15-4
4. ENB	14-6
5. Tadamon	11-8
6. Homenetmen	10-9
7. Club Central	9-11
8. Army	7-13
9. Animation	5-14
10. St.Georges	4-15
11. Ghazir	4-15
12. Anoubine	1-14

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LIGA SUDAMERIC.

Sol de America eliminated from Liga Sudamericana -by Gianni Pascucci
Paraguayan champion team Sol de America fel tonight to Flamengo 76-108 in Rio de Janeiro in Game 2 of Liga Sudamericana Quarterfinals, being eliminated from the competition. The performing of the team from Asuincion was seriously limited by the absence of Guillermo Araujo (204-C-82), injured, Victor Villalba (187-G), due to family reasons, and import Tim Jones (193-G/F-73, college: Georgia St.), who suffered the steal of his passport some days ago. The import duo of Sol for this last game was made of Peter Kiganya (197-F-72, college: Abil.Christian) and Randy Orr (207-C/F-82, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Georgia Perimeter). As it was easy to expect, however, the Brazilian team was too strong for Sol de America, and dominated the game, with Eduardo Duda Machado (197-F-82) being the best performer at 29 points amd Marcelinho Machado (200-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) adding 13 pts. Thanks to this 2-0 in Quarterfinal, Flamengo is the frist team to advance to the Semifinals, where will meet the winner of the Argentinean derby between Boca Juniors and Libertad de Sunchales.

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LITHUANIA

NKL Semifinals -by Lukas Zajancauskas

Zalgiris-Sabonio mokykla advances to finals by beating Juventus Utena 3:1. They won the last game 99:66. The third game was crucial, because the youngsters won in Utena (81:89) and it was almost clear that Kaunas will do the job at their fortress. Good game for one the most promising players in Lithuania. Zygimantas Janavicius (192-G-89, agency: Interperformances) scored 12 points and 8 assists, 19-year old Sarunas Vasiliauskas (188-G-89)- 17 points, Donatas Motiejunas (213-C-90) - 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks.
Naglis-Adakris was only one win away from the finals, they was leading 2:0, but Dextera Jonava won two consecutive games (in Palanga 66:80, at home 90:84) and tied the serie. Palanga Superstar, former Lithuanian NT leader Saulius Stombergas (202-F-73, agency: Interperformances) was unstoppable last night (27 points), Andre Smith (188-G-80, college: NC-Asheville) scored 24, Freeman Taylor (198-F-81, college: Robert Morris) 13, but that wasn't enough. Jonava have longer bench and they use it. That was very visible in the third game, because it was a bad day for Naglis leaders and Palanga was unable to find players, who could pull the team forward. Serie - 2:2, last game will be played in Palanga, March 27.

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MALAYSIA

Filipino to coach SEABA-bound Malaysian NT -by Hector Santos
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines will compete against a familiar figure in the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (Seaba) Champions Cup.

Former Philippine national coach Boysie Zamar will call the shots for Malaysia in the Champions Cup, slated April 3 to 7, where the Philippines is defending the title through four-time PBL champion Harbour Centre.

'I have mixed emotions,' said Zamar. 'Of course, I'm a Filipino. But this is just a job.'

Zamar said he might tap a Filipino player as a second import of the Malaysian national team, which is already reinforced by 6-foot-4 import Chris Cuete of Cameroon.

'I might get an ex-PBA center,' said Zamar, who also worked in Jakarta in the last two years as head coach of Aspac Putra in the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL).

'Malaysia got me because I'm from the Philippines and I'm familiar with our game. But I can only do so much as a coach.'

Coach Jorge Gallent said the development is another cause for worry for the Harbour five.

'We can't undermine Coach Boysie's skills and the preparation they're doing,' said Gallent.

Yet Zamar believes the Philippines will still dominate the tournament even with Nigerian Sam Ekwe of San Beda College as its only import.

'To be frank, Malaysia will be okay if it finishes No. 2,' said Zamar. 'Our goal is very realistic. We just want to qualify in the Champions Cup and try to beat Indonesia and Thailand.'(Jasmine Payo/PDI)

*****************************************************
MONTENEGRO

Standings - 1A

1A Standings

Superleague
1. Lovcen	0-0
2. Niksic	0-0
3. Buducnost	0-0
4. Mogren	0-0
5. Danilovgrad	0-0
6. ABS Primorje	0-0
Play-Out
1. Jedinstvo	1-0
2. Mornar Bar	1-0
3. Ulcijn	0-0
4. Rudar	0-1
5. Primorje-M.	0-1
6. Kotor	0-1

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NBA

Dirk Nowitzki is out indefinitely -by Eurobasket News
The Dallas Mavs received a probable setback in their playoff run as Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) had been injured in the game against San Antonio and would sit out indefinitely. He hurt his ankle as well as his knee but hopefully it was just a mere mild sprain. The team's doctors could not figure out the rehabilitation process and the time for the recovery until the swelling is gone. It could be a week or two for German forward. But Dallas in desperate need of Nowtizki right now. They are just one win ahead of Golden State and two wins away from the 9th-ranked Denver in the Western ladder. Moreover three of the upcoming five games for Dallas would be against Denver and Golden State. With Dirk Nowitzki, who is averaging 23.6 points per game for the Mavs, Dallas can get into real trouble reaching playoffs. Dirk Nowitzki missed just 26 games in his 10-year career in NBA.
Meanwhile the league's action continued yesterday with a couple of interesting matchups. The Detroit Pistons overcame the absence of Richard Hamilton to edge the Phoenix Suns 110:105 in overtime at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Chauncey Billups (6'3''-G-76, college: Colorado) hit a long trey to put the Pistons ahead 107:105 with a minute left in overtime. Steve Nash (6'3''-G-74, college: Santa Clara) missed his shot and Shaquille O'Neal fouled on Antonio McDyess. Detroit's veteran was deadly from charity stripe to ensure a 4-point lead for the hosts, which proved to be enough for the win. Chauncey Billups led the home team with 32 points and 6 assists. Rasheed Wallace added 23 points, while Rodney Stuckey (6'4''-G-86, college: E.Washington) had 13 for the winners. Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) notched 33 points for Phoenix. Steve Nash posted 23 points and 9 assists in defeat.

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C.	56-14
2. Philadelphia	36-35
3. Toronto R.	36-35
4. New Jersey N.	29-42
5. New York K.	19-51
Central Div.
1. Detroit P.	51-20
2. Cleveland C.	41-31
3. Indiana P.	30-41
4. Chicago B.	27-43
5. Milwaukee B.	24-45
Southeast Div.
1. Orlando M.	46-27
2. Washington W.	36-34
3. Atlanta H.	30-39
4. Charlotte B.	26-44
5. Miami H.	12-58
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Utah J.	46-26
2. Denver N.	43-28
3. Portland T.B.	37-34
4. Minnesota T.	18-52
5. Seattle S.	16-55
Pacific Div.
1. Los Angeles L.	49-22
2. Phoenix S.	48-23
3. Golden St.	43-27
4. Sacramento K.	31-39
5. Los Angeles C.	22-48
Southwest Div.
1. N.Orleans H.	48-21
2. Houston R.	48-23
3. San Antonio S.	48-23
4. Dallas M.	44-27
5. Memphis G.	18-51

"Age Aint Nothin' but a Number..." -by Alex Yams

Another year has passed and college basketball's royalty will once again be knocking on the NBA's door. This years draft class is similar to its predecessor in that most experts believe there is a clear choice for a No 1 overall selection, should the player (Beasley) declare, which is all but a formality at this point.

Yet, the league and its 'powers that be' AKA David Stern, insist on tampering with the league's age requirement, and suggesting raising it yet again, from 19 yrs of age to 20. Keeping the Kevin Durant's and Michael Beasley's of the world in NCAA land for another year. Apparently, Stern and NCAA chairman Myles Brand have some sort of secret society pack in keeping the dilution of the college game at a minimum.

I agree that the college game has become some what more dramatic since the age limit was first introduced, keeping the likes of Durant, Oden and basically 60 percent of last years lottery at the collegiate level, but who is to say that the league is not violating these player's rights in forcing them to attend college for a minimum of 2 years. If a private individual can drop out of school at any point in his/her life, and apply to work full time, why is an 'athlete' prohibited to do so, in their profession? Instituting an age hurdle would almost certainly handicap the leagues teams, and rob these specific individuals of realizing their childhood dreams.

When the two most talked about and publicized players in the NBA are both 'college non-attendees' (Kobe Bryant and Lebron James), Stern and the league certainly can not use the cliche that the competition is too stiff. Sure the Duncan's and Roy's of the world will still be around, those that choose to spend 4 years in college, but lets not dilute our game for the sanctity of another.

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NCAA1

Regional semis get paired up -by Eurobasket News
So now sixteen teams remained in NCAA tournament fighting for the championship. Everything is set for the mouth-watering Regionals staring on Thursday.
The top-ranked Memphis scraped through the second stage bruising Mississippi State 77:74. Joey Dorsey (6'9''-F-85) came up with 13 points, 12 boards and 6 blocks to pace the Tigers to a hard victory. Chris Douglas-Roberts (6'7''-G-87) and Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88) added 17 points apiece in a winning case. It was the first second round appearance for Mississippi State since 1996 and they fought bravely. The Bulldogs were down by 8 points with 25 seconds left but 5 straight points dragged them within 3 points from Memphis 72:75. Derrick Rose was immediately fouled but sank one free throw, while Jamont Gordon (6'4''-G/F-87) converted a layup to record a 74:76 score with 4 seconds left. Chris Douglas-Roberts added another free throw, while Jarmont Gordon missed a potential tying three-pointer to seal the victory for Memphis. Jamont Gordon paced the Bulldogs with 21 points. Ben Hansbrough (6'3''-G-87) contributed 19 points for Mississippi State.
Xavier advanced to the West region semifinal beating Purdue 85:78. C.J. Anderson (6'6''-G/F-85, college: Manhattan) and Drew Lavender (5'7''-G-84, college: Oklahoma) scored 18 points apiece. Josh Duncan (6'9''-F-86) secured 16 points, while Stanley Burrell (6'3''-G-84) had 11 in a well-balanced attitude from the Musketeers in the game. Xavier are looking forward to meeting Western Virginia, who surprised Duke en route to the semis. Purdue known for one of the tightest defense in the league simply could not find remedy against multifaceted Xavier's offense. Keaton Grant (6'4''-G-86) answered with 19 points for Purdue. Etwaun Moore (6'3''-G-89) chipped in 15 points for the Boilermakers in a loss.
Davidson created another sensation knocking out the 2nd-ranked Georgetown 74:70 in the second round of the tourney. The Wildcats battled back a 17-point seconds half deficit to reach the Top 16 stage. Stephen Curry (6'0''-G-88) launched 25 points in the second half and the Wildcats staged an improbable comeback. Stephen Curry finished the game with 30 points. Jason Richards (6'2''-G) provided 20 points for the winners. Georgetown answered with 14 points from Jessie Sapp (6'3''-G).

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NCAA2

GSC Season 2007-08 Summary -by Richard

Kohs

Weybright

Hall

Fraise

Walton

Regular Season Standings
East Division
1 N.Alabama 10 2
2 Valdosta St. 8 4
3 W.Georgia 7 5
4 Al.-Huntsville 6 6
5 Montevallo 5 7
6 W.Florida 3 9
7 W.Alabama 3 9
West Division
1 Christian Brothers 10 4
2 Ouachita Baptist 10 4
3 Harding 10 4
4 Arkansas Tech 8 6
5 Ark.-Monticello 8 6
6 Delta St. 8 6
7 S.Arkansas 2 12
8 Henderson St. 0 14

Tournament Final: Christian Brothers - Harding 93-89
Tournament Semifinals:
Christian Brothers - North Alabama 80-69
Harding - Valdosta State 89-84

All-GSC Tournament MVP: Nick Kohs (6'8''-C-87) of Christian Brothers

GSC All-Tournament Team:
Nick Kohs of Christian Brothers
Kevin Weybright (6'6''-F-85) of Christian Brothers
Matt Hall (6'6''-F-84) of Harding
Kevin Brown (6'5''-F) of Harding
Thomas Fraise (6'6''-C-82) of North Alabama
Stephan Walton (5'9''-G) of Valdosta State

All-GSC East Division 1st Team
Terrill Humphrey (6'3''-G) of Montevallo
Casey Holt (6'5''-G-85) of North Alabama
Quinn Beckwith (6'0''-G-85) of North Alabama
DeVario Hudson (6'7''-F-84) of Valdosta State
Ricky Coleman (6'4''-G) of Valdosta State

All-GSC East Division 2nd Team
Tyler Dunaway (6'2''-G-85) of Alabama-Huntsville
Thomas Fraise of North Alabama
Terrence Hundley (6'2''-G-85) of West Georgia
Doug Daniels (6'3''-G) of West Georgia
Paul Harper (6'7''-F) of West Georgia

All-GSC West Division 1st Team
Darren Tarver (6'2''-G) of Arkansas Tech
Kevin Weybright of Christian Brothers
Nick Kohs of Christian Brothers
Matt Hall of Harding
Ed Keyes (6'7''-G) of Ouachita Baptist

All-GSC West Division 2nd Team
Jamar Flowers (6'6''-F) of Arkansas Tech
Ernesto Green (6'2''-G) of Delta State
Trent Morgan (6'3''-G) of Harding
Antoine Vinson (6'0''-G) of Henderson State
Memo Rodriguez (6'5''-F) of Ouachita Baptist

All-GSC East Division Player of the Year: Casey Holt of North Alabama
All-GSC East Division Freshman of the Year: Deandre Washington (6'5''-F) of Valdosta State
All-GSC East Division Coach of the Year: Bobby Champagne of North Alabama
All-GSC West Division Player of the Year: Matt Hall of Harding
All-GSC Co-West Division Freshman of the Year: Dangelo Dean (6'3''-G) of Arkansas-Monticello
All-GSC West Division Coach of the Year: Jeff Morgan of Harding

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NEW ZEALAND

Junior Tall Blacks suffer three loses in Germany -by Eurobasket News
The Junior New Zealand National team lost all three encounters at the Albert Schweitzer tournament in Germany. After the loss to Spain in the opener the Junior Tall Blacks faced Argentina in the second round. The Latin American outfit got to a better start and kept it up by 7 points after 10 minutes of action. The Kiwis outscored their rivals 18:17 in the second term to trim the deficit. But the turnovers plagued the Junior Tall Blacks throughout the night and Argentina capitalized. They took over after the break and ran away for good in the third period. Ezequiel Manzanarez led the winners with 22 points. New Zealand team answered with 15 points from Brooke Ruscoe. Dion Prewster (196-G/F-91) provided 14 points, while Rob Loe added 13 in defeat.
Next day New Zealand youngsters played against Croatia and suffered yet another stunning defeat. Croatia dominated every facet of the game shooting more accurately and outrebounding Kiwis and deservedly celebrated 105:77 win at the end. Leon Radosevic (208-F/C-90) was impressive with 30 points and 10 boards for Croatia. Junior Tall Blacks responded with 21 points from Dion Prewster. Brooke Ruscoe netted 19 points and dished out 3 assists in a loss. New Zealand team will now fight for lower spots. They next take on Israel and then will play against France.

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PARAGUAY

Sol de America eliminated from Liga Sudamericana -by Gianni Pascucci
Paraguayan champion team Sol de America fel tonight to Flamengo 76-108 in Rio de Janeiro in Game 2 of Liga Sudamericana Quarterfinals, being eliminated from the competition. The performing of the team from Asuincion was seriously limited by the absence of Guillermo Araujo (204-C-82), injured, Victor Villalba (187-G), due to family reasons, and import Tim Jones (193-G/F-73, college: Georgia St.), who suffered the steal of his passport some days ago. The import duo of Sol for this last game was made of Peter Kiganya (197-F-72, college: Abil.Christian) and Randy Orr (207-C/F-82, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Georgia Perimeter). As it was easy to expect, however, the Brazilian team was too strong for Sol de America, and dominated the game, with Eduardo Duda Machado (197-F-82) being the best performer at 29 points amd Marcelinho Machado (200-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) adding 13 pts. Thanks to this 2-0 in Quarterfinal, Flamengo is the frist team to advance to the Semifinals, where will meet the winner of the Argentinean derby between Boca Juniors and Libertad de Sunchales.

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PHILIPPINES

JAPETH AND WKU IN SWEET SIXTEEN (NCAA1)? -by Benny Lirio
TAMPA, Fla. - It didn't take much to notice that Western's attitude remained loose throughout the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament.

Whether it was the dunking exhibition that junior guard Desire Gabou and junior forward Japeth Aguilar (206-C) put on at the end of the Toppers' open practice on Thursday, or Gabou keeping it light-hearted in the locker room with jokes and dancing, the mood was relaxed considering Western was about to play for a spot in the Sweet Sixteen.

'Now that we're here, we just want to enjoy it, have fun and keep playing for each other,' senior guard Courtney Lee said.

Even during times when players were being interviewed, they kept it fun and relaxed.

Freshman forward D.J. Magley was taking questions about how he had set Aguilar up with his sister Jessica, and Gabou with his oldest sister Jennifer. Magley was asked if he had a girlfriend himself.

'Naw, every girlfriend I try, he always takes them,' Magley said pointing to freshman Steffphon Pettigrew. The statement got those around Magley laughing.

Horn said that his main goal coming into the week was to make sure the team was loose and relaxed as well as playing the way Western is capable of playing, win or lose.

'I think we're going to try to keep doing what we've been doing all year,' Horn said. 'It's given us 29 wins against some pretty good competition. We've been taking it one game at a time and preparing for each team individually and trying to stay committed to our style of play.'

Western seemed to emphasize that they were going to enjoy the moments that senior guard Ty Rogers' game-winning shot to defeat Drake brought to the locker room and team.

'That big shot, you can't ignore,' Magley said. 'It's been on TV and it's on the Internet and everything. It was a great pass and a great shot by (senior guard) Tyrone Brazelton and Ty Rogers. It's just been amazing. It's a great ride so far. This is the type of stuff I would think about as a little kid. It's pretty cool.'

Now Western turns their attention to their West Regional semifinal match up against UCLA at 8:40 p.m. Thursday in Phoenix at the U.S. Airways Center.

'It's a great thrill,' Horn said. 'And it's a great thrill for me personally to watch our guys enjoy it, because as a player that's been through it, it's one of the most special times in your life.'
WKU HERALD/ARobinson

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PUERTO RICO

Lions bounce back and trounce Captains -by Luis Ramirez
The Ponce Lions who just a couple of nights ago had a terrible offensive night did not look like the same team tonight as it beat the League Leading Arecibo Captains 100-80. The Lions took the 1st quarter 24-20 and also took the 2nd quarter to lead at the half 48-35. The Captains had not look sharp in the first half. In the 2nd half the Lions continued to play good defense and the Captains seemed to tire as the game went on, the Lions took the 3rd quarter and were leading 73-54. In the 4th quarter the Captains tried to surprise the Lions with a full court press but the Lions had already done enough damage to coast for the win. For Ponce, Garnett Thompson (207-F/C-80, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Providence) scored 23 points and captured 13 rebounds followed by Gabriel Colon with 20 points. For Arecibo, Rafael Cruz scored 24 points followed by Bobby Joe Hatton with 18 points.

Over at Caguas, the Fajardo Cariduros cooled off the hot Criollos 78-75. The Criollos had taken the 1st quarter 20-12 and they also took the 2nd quarter 19-15 to lead at the half 39-27. In the 2nd half the Cariduros exploded with a great offense and trimmed the lead 56-55. In the 4th quarter the Cariduros sped by the Criollos and took the win. For Fajardo, Jesse Pellot scored 27 points followed by Kevin Hamilton with 20 points. For Caguas, Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) scored 26 points followed by Ricardo Melendez with 19 points.

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

Island
1. Arecibo	10-4
2. Ponce	7-6
3. Caguas	6-5
4. San German	5-8
5. Mayaguez	4-7
6. Guayama	4-8
Metro
1. Santurce	8-4
2. Guaynabo	7-5
3. Carolina	6-5
4. Fajardo	6-7
5. Humacao	5-6
6. Bayamon	5-8

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ROMANIA

Round 24 - Mures and Medias secure playoff spots -by Adrian Popa

CSM Oradea - CSU Sibiu 77-74 (28-23; 22-19; 11-19; 13-16)
It was a very big surprise, if you look at the standings with Sibiu in second place and Oradea the last one with only 3 wins this season going into this round. But Sibiu came to Oradea without Jason Smith (197-F-77, college: Mississippi) and Keith Triplett (191-G-80, college: Toledo), suspended by the Romanian Basketball Federation after the brawl from the previous round game with Cluj. Oradea led for almost three quarters, having the biggest lead immediately after the break with 52-42. Sibiu had a strong comeback and took the lead in the begining of the fourth. The teams exchanged the lead a few times during the fourth quarter, and with 4 minutes to go Sibiu was in front by four, 67-71. But Djordjo Djordjic (198-F-78) and Rares Apostol (202-F/C-78) contributed for a 6-0 run and Oradea was in front by 2 with 2 minutes to go. Trif had ice in his veins from the free throw line and scored both for 77-74 with only 4 seconds till the end of regulation. Clavon had the chance to send the game into overtime but turned the ball over and Oradea escaped with the win. However Oradea is still the last in the standings but Sibiu is in danger to lose the second place with two difficult games in the last 2 rounds, home with Timisoara and away in Tg. Mures.
Oradea - Bellucci 19p, 4reb; Morris 17p; Trif 16p, 4reb.
Sibiu - Hatcher 26p; Barbary 15p, 6reb; Craciun 11p, 6reb.

Elba Timisoara - Rapid Bucuresti 91-90 (31-22; 24-28; 19-21; 17-19)
With Dan Paltinisan (208-C-79, agency: Court Side), Milos Pesic (202-F-84) and Brice Kabengele (190-G-81, agency: Heinrich Sports) scoring together 54 points, Timisoara won a tough game against Rapid by only a one point margin. The teams will most probably meet also in the first round of the playoff, with Rapid still having the home court advantage, in fourth place with two rounds to go, and Timisoara next on fifth. Rapid was behind by 13 before halftime but managed to climb back in the game through the middle of the third quarter, and even the situation on the scoreboard, 71-71, with one minute to go in the third. Rapid losed Ivan Stefanovic (201-G/F-80, agency: World Sport Agency), fouled out, and Timisoara took the lead by 3 going into the decisive quarter. Bogdan Popescu (201-F-78, agency: Stanley International, college: Alaska-Fairb.) fouled out with 2 minutes to go, and without their best scorer in this game (21 points), Rapid put the ball in the hands of the veteran point guard Adrian Mircea Adrian Voinescu (184-G-72). Mircea Adrian Voinescu, who delivered so many times, had the chance to win the game for Rapid, after Dragoslav Markovic missed two free throws at 91-90. But the romanian point guard missed from beyond the arc at the buzzer and Timisoara is still hoping to steal the home court advantage in the first round, from Rapid, before the playoff begins.
Timisoara - Dan Paltinisan 20p; Brice Kabengele 17p; Pesic 17p.
Rapid - Popescu 21p;

BCMUS Pitesti - Gaz Metan Medias (16-27; 25-24; 21-17; 9-22)
Crucial game for both teams. Medias was in need of a win to secure a playoff berth, Pitesti was still hoping to reach the last playoff spot with 3 wins in the last 3 rounds. It was not meant to be for Pitesti this year. The runners-up from last year championship struggled during the second part of the season, with only 4 wins from 11 games. Medias reached the playoffs for the second time in a row, ironicaly in front of the team who swept them last year in the first round of the postseason. Medias didn't give any chance to the opponents, leading from start to finish, Zeliko Zeljko Bubanja (210-C-73) and Rob Thomson (208-C-82, college: Fairfield) combined for 31 points and 21 boards, being a dominating force in the paint. But the big difference in this game was made by forward Tudor Dumitrescu (195-G-79) who scored 15 of his 28 points from beyond the arc. Pitesti had 4 players in double figures, but that didn't helped too much. Paul Helcioiu had a horrible night with 5-15 from the field and 5 turnovers, scoring 16 points. Chris Garnett (211-C-80, college: Indiana SE) had 17 points and 4 rebounds and Bojan Gnjato (208-C-74) posted a double double with 15 points and 13 boards. So Pitesti, from the second place of the podium last year is going to the playoffs, where in the first round they will meet a team coming from the second league. Medias meanwhile is trying to win the remaining games to avoid Ploiesti or Sibiu in the first round of the playoffs.

CSU Ploiesti - BC Targoviste 85-67 (24-18; 18-17; 16-18; 27-14)
No question about the winner of this game. The champions didn't have too much to worry about. They are not in danger to lose the first place before playoffs, so they are already preparing what looks like the toughest run to the title for them in the last 4 years. Targoviste came to Ploiesti thinking more about the playoffs the result was un ugly low scoring game, at least for the first three quarters. The 27 points scored by Ploiesti in the last 10 minutes saved the appearences and woke up a sleepy crowd.
Ploiesti - Szijarto 20p, 5reb; Obradovic 15p, 8reb; Cepulis 13p; Blidaru 12p; Carutasu 11p, 18reb.
Targoviste - Smith 22p, 5ast; Mihuti 13p, 7reb; Horton 12p, 6reb;

BC Ramnicu Valcea - BC Mures 97-100 (25-28; 22-11; 22-16; 17-31; OT1: 11-14)
Mures advance to the playoffs for the first time since the team came back in the first league, after a thrilling game ended after one overtime. Mures was in front by 3 after the first quarter, when both teams shared the lead. But then Silviu Lupusavei (184-G-81) nobody could stop from the three point line. He finished 31 points, 27 of them from beyond the arc. The guests couldn't find the rhythm and Valcea took the biggest lead of the game with one minute to go in the third quarter, 69-50. But Mures ended the perioad with a 5-0 run which was the wake up signal. Valcea still had a 16 points advantage through the middle of the fourth, 79-63, but Mures finished the regulation with an unbelievable 23-7 run to make it 86-86. Mures took advantage of some turnovers made by host players, and finished the business in Valcea by a margin of 3 points, even Silviu Lupusavei tried to carry his team also in overtime scoring yet another basket for 3 points, for a total of 9 made.
Valcea - Silviu Lupusavei 31p; Senai 21p, 14reb; Belanovic 18p
Mures - Cooley 31p, 9reb; Truscott 28p

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RUSSIA

Interview with Daniel Ewing -by Max Brodsky

George Daniel Ewing Jr (born March 26, 1983 in Milton, Florida), is an American professional basketball player. He is currently a player of B.C. Khimki of the Russian Superleague, most recently having played with the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA. A 6'3', 185 lbs. shooting guard from Duke, Ewing was selected by the Clippers in the second round (32nd overall) of the 2005 NBA Draft. Ewing played for four seasons at Duke under coach Mike Krzyzewski from 2001-2005. Prior to Duke, Ewing played for Willowridge High School in Missouri City, Texas along with T.J. Ford and Ivan McFarland. He was selected as a McDonald's All-American in 2001.

Eurobasket reporter Max Brodsky made an interview with Daniel Ewing regarding his Russian season. So read on!

Q. Daniel, what do you think what was the main reason you lost last game with Joventut on ULEB Cup?
D.E. I don't think we understood how good of a team Joventut really was and how well they can shoot the ball.

Q. What is your opinion about the competitive level you have found in the Russian Superleague?
D.E. I find the Russian Superleague to be competitive.

Q. Did you adjusted European style of basketball easily?
D.E. Yes and no, I adjusted fairly easy to the style of play but it took me awhile to get use to the officiating.

Q. What sort of impact has this season had on your career?
D.E. This season has allowed me to show and better my abilities to be a point guard @ the professional level.

Q. Daniel, how do you approach your role as a team leader?
D.E. For the most part, I demonstrate my leadership by example, how I play; since this is my first year playing in Europe, I let my teammates who have more experience with the European game be the more vocal leaders.

Q. Describe your own game. Give me a scouting report on Daniel Ewing.
D.E. There's is no scouting report for Daniel Ewing. Come on now, I can't expose any weaknesses that I have. Seriously, I ask myself that question frequently, I wonder what other teams scouting report reads when talking about me because I think I'm affective in a lot of areas. So, giving you a scouting report on me would probably be extremely bias.

Q. What about Russian girls? Better than in the States?
D.E. Even though my girlfriend does live with me here in Moscow, it's safe to say that Russia has it's share of women to offer. As far as being better than the States, no way.

Q. Please shortly remind some recent or past funny story.
D.E. There was a game in Italy we had during preseason, one of my teammates was motioning with his hands to 1 of the refs to make better calls. Not knowing that the hand motioning he was making is an inappropriate gesture in Italian culture. His gesture resulted in a technical foul but after the game we all laughed about it when he found out what he did was a major insult.

Q. If you could bring anything from the USA over here with you, what would you bring?
D.E. I would bring the food.

Q. How do you like the city? How do you entertain yourself in Moscow?
D.E. Moscow is ok, it's similar to some cities in the states because you can do just about anything here that you can do in the states. For the most part, if I'm not goin going out to eat, my entertainment is watching my slingbox, surfing the net, and playing video games.

Q. What chances Dynamo Moscow has in Russian Superleague this year?
D.E. They have a fair chance.

Q. Daniel, is it your main aim to get back to the NBA or stay in European TOP level?
D.E. My ultimate goal is get back to the NBA.

Khimki's away campaign is concluded by the victory -by Max Brodsky
On Sunday BC Khimki played away against the team CSK VVS Samara. The result of match was determined long before the break after the spurt of yellow-blue at the beginning of second period. As a result a lopsided victory of BC Khimki - 90-57 (26-18, 22-15, 22-6, 20-18). Next match BC Khimki will play at home against Dynamo Moscow on 4th of April. Top scorers: Maciej Lampe (13+10 rebounds), Kelly McCarty (13), Daniel Ewing (191-G-83, college: Duke) (12).

In BC Khimki entry list there are no Vladimir Veremeyenka and Teemu Rannikko. The starting line differed from usual: Daniel Ewing, Vitali Fridzon (195-G-85), Kelly McCarty, Vladimir Dyatchok, Mike Wilkinson.

At the beginning of the match CSK VVS Samara tried to offer stubborn resistance, but BC Khimki snuffed out this resistance easily at the end of first period. In second period our players crushed the opponents +18. And didn't stopped. The lead increased — 66-33.

In last period BC Khimki coach Kestutis Kemzura all players from entry list except Burke took part in match. The coach's staff could experiment with the roster. For example, fans could see the new link - Vitali Fridzon-Savkov. But the lead of BC Khimki continued to increase. As a result - the 20th victory in regular season.

Wisniewski and Wright will not participate in FIBA EuroCup All Star Game -by Max Brodsky
Ural Great players Andrew Wisniewski (191-G-81, college: Centenary) and Brent Wright (203-F/C-78, college: Florida) will not be able to take part in the EuroCup All Star Game to be played on the 25th of March in Limassol, Cyprus. Non-flying weather delayed flight of our team from Surgut where they won local Universitet team 104-102 in the Russian Superleague game played on the 23rd of March. Ural Great returned to Perm at 15:30 on the 24th of March instead of arriving back at 22:00 on the 23rd as it was planned initially. Owing to this obstacle Andrew and Brent could not make it to the Perm - Cyprus flight booked for them by the All Star Game organisers. Both players regret what happened out of their control. American forward Ryan Randle (206-F-81, college: Maryland) of the host Proteas EKA AEL will be brought in as a replacement in the Rest of the World team.

Standings - Superleague A

A Superleague Standings

1. CSKA	21-1
2. Khimky	20-2
3. Triumph	15-6
4. Unics	14-7
5. Dynamo M.	14-7
6. Ural Great	11-11
7. Lok.Rostov	10-11
8. Samara	9-12
9. Spartak-P.	8-12
10. Univ.Surgut	6-15
11. Spartak St.P.	4-17
12. Lokomotiv N.	4-19
13. Krasnoyarsk	2-18

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SERBIA

Slavko Stefanovic signed with Igokea, Jorovic joins Swisslion -by Nenad Ilijev
Former Serbian NT forward, Branko Jorovic (205-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) will continue his career in Swisslion Takovo team. He has agreed to stay in Vrsac till end of this season so he will be great reinforcement for Swisslion in Superleague clashes. After being released from Red Star in December '07, Jorovic played in AEP Olimpias Patron from Greece averaging 4.3ppg and 2.8rpg in 6 games.

Another ex-Red Star player Slavko Stefanovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) moved to Igokea Partizan, one of the best teams in Bosnia. Stefanovic started this season in Mega Aqua Monta Beograd but moved to ALBA Berlin in December '07 (3 games: 1.0ppg, 1.0rpg). After he left Germany in February, Stefanovic was signed back at Mega Aqua Monta averaging 17.9ppg and 5.4rpg.

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SEYCHELLES

Jhelum Cup - Men's finalists to be known this week -by Carlos Pereira
DEFENDING champions Premium Cobras were the last of the four teams to make the semifinals of the Jhelum Cup (the new name of the annual Curtain-raiser tournament) which enters the semifinal stage today.
The Cobras completed the semifinal line-up last Thursday at Victoria Gymnasium when after having trailed the Rockers for the whole of the first half, bridged a 13-point gap thanks to a huge third quarter performance during which they outscored their opponents 27-7.
With a healthy 14-point lead (58-44), the Cobras added to their total with another 26 fourth-quarter points compared to MBU Rockers' 16 for an 84-61 quarterfinal win.
In only his second match with his new team, Nigerian point guard Alao Solomon looked on fire for the Cobras, leading all scores with 33 individual points including three 3-pointers.
He was helped in offence by bench player Steve Allisop with 15 points, while Seychelles' international power forward Dominic Pillay did a good job coming off the substitutes' bench to dominate the boards - both offensively and defensively - to get 11 points.
Fired up to play against his former team, Seychelles' swingman Cyril Agrippine looked capable of killing the Cobras on his own in the first half until he received a knock on his nose and had to leave the game for a while. Although he got back onto the court, he just could not have the same effect as during the first half.
Agrippine, who joined the Rockers last year after sitting out the whole 2006 season when he decided not to play for Premium Cobras - the team he joined in 1994 after playing for the Mont Fleuri Neutrons in 1992 and 1993 - finished with 32 points, among those nine from beyond the three-point range.
In tomorrow's second semifinal encounter at 5.15 p.m. at Victoria Gymnasium, Premium Cobras will meet Baya who had no trouble dispatching Division Two outfit AAP Brothers thanks to a big 116-51win.
Skippered by Seychelles international Dave Roseline who led them in scoring with a game-high 21 points, Baya had four other players - Robert Leon (18 points), Jean-Paul Camille (17), Giovanni Laval (17) and Michael Cupidon (10) - scoring in double digits.
Theodore Marguerite led AAP Brothers in scoring with 15 points, including three treys.
In today's first men's semifinal encounter, PLS Hawks will entertain Angels. Still without Ugandan all-rounder Stephen Omony who is out of the country and playmaker Thomas Collie unavailable for selection due to an injury, the Hawks also reached the century mark against last year's losing finalists Cascade Bullets.
Coach Tony Juliette's PLS Hawks won the match 106-68 and got balanced scoring from his players as six of them - veteran power forward Jim Domingue (25 points), Bernard Bristol (18), Barry Baron (15), Nigel Annette (14), Neddy ‘Oye' Fanchette (12) and Emmanuel Jupiter (10) - scored in double figures.
Newcomer Christopher Camille led the Bullets in scoring with 23 points, while Kenneth Sophie added 16 as the two combined for 39 points - more than half of their team's total.
Like Baya and PLS Hawks, Angels also hit the century mark as they disposed of Division Tow side Juniors 101-81 in a quarterfinal match-up.
With captain Darren Lesperance scoring just two points, Daniel Dodin took over the scoring responsibility for Anse Boileau-based Angels with 23 points and he was helped in offence by Michel Agathine with 17 points, Chabel Servina with 17, while both Collin Japhet and David Boniface added 13 apiece.
As for Juniors, both skipper Reggie Ah-Kong and Martin Asba made 15-point contributions and Yannick Ally added 13.
The winners of the two semifinals will clash in Saturday's final scheduled for Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Palais des Sports.

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SLOVENIA

Krka defeated TCG Mercator -by Uros Vujic
Well balanced Krka offense led by 17 points from T.J. Sorrentine (180-G-82) crushed TCG Mercator 97-60. Jure Erzen (203-F-75) produced 17 points for TCG Mercator.
Rogla Zrece hope is still alive after important victory 87-77 over Zagorje KD FT at Zrece. Dejan Grkovic (203-F-84) had 28 points and 13 rebounds for Rogla, 27 points from excellent Gilbert Goodrich (178-PG-82) were not enough for Zagorje KD FT.
Hopsi Polzela defeated Kraski Zidar Sezana 91-72. Vladimir Rizman (196-F-67) scored 27 points for Hopsi, Marko Sekulic (206-F-86) had 25 points and 8 rebounds for Kraski Zidar Sezana.

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TAIWAN

Week 15 BOW: Lai Kuo-hung -by Chris Wang
Taiwan Mobile veteran forward Lai Kuo-hung, 34, won Week 15 Baller of the Week -- his first BOW award in five years -- Tuesday. Lai, who averaged 9.7 points and 4.7 rebounds for the season, last week averaged 19.5 points and 6 rebounds in 26 minutes of playing time.

Lai received 26 points in the media voting. BOT guard Lin Chih-lung finished second with 23 points.

2007-08 Baller of the Week:
Week 15: Lai Kuo-hung (TM)
Week 14: Hsu Chih-chang (BOT)
Week 13: Chen Chih-chung (Yulon)
Week 12: Chen Hsin-an (Yulon)
Week 11: All-Star week
Week 10: Jonathan Sanders (dmedia)
Week 9: Lin Chih-chieh (TB)
Week 8: Chien Chia-hung (PY)
Week 7: Chang Po-sheng (BOT)
Week 6: Lin Chih-chieh (TB)
Week 5: Jonathan Sanders (dmedia)
Week 4: Chen Hsin-an (Yulon)
Week 3: Jonathan Sanders (dmedia)
Week 2: Chen Hsin-an (Yulon)
Week 1: Chen Hsin-an (Yulon)

2007-08 final SBL stats leaders -by Chris Wang
Scoring
1 Chen Hsin-an (Yulon) 22.3
2 Jon Sanders (dmedia) 21.3
3 Ouyang Ching-heng (dmedia) 19.4
4 Chien Chia-hung (PY) 17.4
5 Ho Shou-cheng (TB) 16.8

Rebounding
1 J. Sanders (dmedia) 16.9
2 Hsu Chih-chang (BOT) 8.9
3 Chen Hsin-an (Yulon) 8.7
4 Wu Tai-hao (TB) 7.6
5 Lin Chih-chieh (TB) 6.6

Assists
1 J. Sanders (dmedia) 5.8
2 Chen Hsin-an (Yulon) 3.8
3 Wang Chih-chun (Dacin) 3.7
3 Chen Hui (TM) 3.7
5 Su Yi-chieh (Dacin) 3.6

Blocks
1 Wu Tai-hao (TB) 2.73
2 J. Sanders (dmedia) 1.53
3 Hsu Chih-chang (BOT) 1.15
4 Chen Hsin-an (Yulon) 0.80
5 Hsu Wei-sheng (TM) 0.79

Steals
1 Wang Chih-chun (Dacin) 2.7
2 Wu Yung-jen (TM) 1.9
3 J. Sanders (dmedia) 1.8
4 Hsu Tse-hsin (TM) 1.6
5 Chen Shih-chieh (PY) 1.5

Stats Leaders

SBL Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Chen (Yulon) 22.3
2 Sanders (dmed) 21.3
3 Ouyang (dmedia) 19.4
4 Chien (PY) 17.4
5 Ho (TB) 16.8

Rebounds Per Game

1 Sanders (dmedia) 16.9
2 Hsu (BOT) 8.9
3 Chen (Yulon) 8.7
4 Wu (TB) 7.6
5 Lin (TB) 6.6

Assists Per Game

1 Sanders (dmedia) 5.8
2 Chen (Yulon) 3.8
3 Wang (Dacin) 3.7
3 Chen (TM) 3.7
5 Su (Dacin) 3.6

Steals Per Game

1 Wang (Dacin) 2.7
2 Wu (TM) 1.9
3 Sanders (dmedia) 1.8
4 Hsu (TM) 1.6
5 Chen (PY) 1.5

Blocks Per Game

1 Wu (TB) 2.73
2 Sanders (dmedia) 1.53
3 Hsu (BOT) 1.15
4 Chen (Yulon) 0.80
5 Hsu (TM) 0.79

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TANZANIA

King's Thump Baptists in Basket Ball Tourney -by Carlos Pereira
by Victor Machota
Arusha

Arusha's leading basketball team, Kings thumped Moshi's Baptists 69-49 in a thrilling game played at the Soweto grounds on March 13.
But the Baptists youths in the Under-18 category were a force to reckon with when they walloped International School of Moshi (ISM) 30-21. The Under-18 basketball league was played at the St. Constantine's grounds.
In the youth category, the Baptists clinched the trophy. Baptist's Captain Dennis Simon said their adults team performance against Kings was not up to standard because of inadequate preparations.
Kings captain Elia Mwakabushi said his team was now engaged in daily practice in preparation for the forthcoming clubs league to be held in Tanga towards the end of the month under Kilimanjaro Premium Lager sponsorship

Stage Set for Basketball Tourney -by Carlos Pereira
by Suleiman Jongo

Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) secretary general Lawrence Cheyo says 13 teams have so far confirmed to compete in this year's National Basketball League (NBL).
It gets underway at the Mkwawani Stadium in Tanga on Wednesday.
He said there is a possibility for two more teams, Bugando of Mwanza and Mbeya's Prisons, to take part in the competition.
'We are very impressed by the response from the competing teams, and possibly the championship would be a success', said Cheyo.
Women teams that have confirmed participation are JKT, Jeshi, Lady Lioness, Polisi, CWT and Magereza.
Men's teams are JKT, Army Basketball Club (ABC), Savio, Oilers , Vijana (City Bulls), Mzinga and Baptist Basketball Club
Recently-crowned RBA Kili league champions and Super Cup winners Vijana stand as clear favourites to excel in the tourney.
The fixture for the championship will be drawn tomorrow as the teams and referees arrive.
TBF appointed referees are George Kitundu, Said Khamis, Oden Mbaga, Alfred Ngalaliji, John Golita, Gosbert Boniface, Daniel Patrick and Haleluya Kavalambi.
Substitute referees are Prosper Mushi and Francis Chalamila.
Match commissars are Hamidu Halekwa, Jimmy Nkongo and Manaseh Zablon
Savio are defending champions for men as JKT are holders for women teams.

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TURKEY

25.Week starts with a derby -by Uygar Karaca

Derby contest in Beko Basketball League -by Uygar Karaca
The 25.week of Beko Basketball league will witness a derby match between European Cups' challangers Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul and Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul tomorrow.The match will be played at the Abdi İpekci Arena,21.00 TSİ.The first match between the rivals in the first part of the season was won by Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul,88-77.

Before this match,Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul is 3 in the league,with 16wins and 8 losses whereas Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul,with 40 points and only by the average difference is on the 4th line.
The important weapon of Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul will be undoubtly the best scorer of the team,Chris Owens (204-F-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Texas)who has a scoring average 12.9.Whereas one should not forget that the contributions of Robert Hite (188-G-84, college: Miami, FL) with 11.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per match and Huseyin Besok (212-C-75, agency: Interperformances),who had an operation tonight because of a problem with his appendicitis and it is unknown whether he will play, with 11 points and 5.9 rebounds on average.

From the Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul side,they have the rookie,suprisingly the best blocker in the Euroleague Omer Asik (211-C-86)with a 1.6 blocking average in Beko Basketbol League.Will Solomon (187-G-78, college: Clemson)'s performance ,who made 5.3 asists and scored 13.8 points per match also be decisive.
Other matches of the 25.Week are:

26 March,2008

Turk Telekom-Mersin Buyukşehir Belediyesi (Ankara Ataturk)

Kepez Belediyesi-Beşiktaş Cola Turka (Dilek Sabancı)

Efes Pilsen-Alpella (Abdi İpekci)

Mutlu Aku Selcuk Üniversitesi-Pınar Karşıyaka (Selcuk Üniversitesi 19 Mayıs)

TTNet Beykoz-Daruşşafaka (Recep Şahin Kokturk)

Banvit-Antalya Buyukşehir Belediyesi (Banvit Kara Ali Acar)

OYAK Renault-Casa TED Ankara Kolejliler (Bursa Ataturk)

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U.KINGDOM

Standings - BBL

BBL Standings

1. Newcastle E.	24-4
2. Plymouth R.	20-8
3. Guildford H.	19-7
4. Milton Key.	17-9
5. Scottish R.	16-11
6. Everton T.	13-13
7. Worcester W.	12-15
8. Sheffield S.	12-15
9. Cheshire J.	9-18
10. Leicester R.	8-20
11. London C.	7-20
12. Birmingh.P.	5-21

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UKRAINE

All of the AllStarDay participants -by Alexander Muzyka

AllStarDay teams

The Ukrainian Stars
Starting five
1 Oleksandr Raievskyi (185-G-76) (MBC Mykolaiv)
2 Serhi Gladyr (196-G/F-89) (MBC Mykolaiv)
3 Artur Drozdov (198-G-80) (BC Kyiv)
4 Serhi Lischuk (210-C/F-82) (Azovmash)
5 Volodymyr Gurtovoi (207-C-75) (Politekhnika-Halychyna)
Second five
1 Artem Butskyi (185-G-81) (Sumykhimprom)
2 Rostyslav Kryvych (198-F-78) (Sumykhimprom)
3 Dmytro Korabliov (199-F-77) (Kryvbasbasket-Lux)
4 Maksym Kornienko (201-F/C-87) (Dnipro)
5 Viacheslav Kravtsov (210-C-87) (BC Kyiv)
FBU wild-card - Oleksandr Panchenko (184-G-84) (Dnipro)
AllStarDay wild-card - Kostiantyn Galionkin (206-F/C-71) (BC Donetsk)
Coaches: Dmytro Bazelevskyi (Khimik), Volodymyr Poliakh (MBC Mykolaiv)

The legionary stars
Starting five
1 Eugene Jeter (179-G-83) (BC Kyiv)
2 Marcus Faison (196-G-78) (BC Kyiv)
3 Olumuyiwa Famutimi (197-G-84) (Khimik)
4 Yahor Mescherakau (205-F-76) (Azovmash)
5 Robert Jr. Archibald (211-C/F-80) (Azovmash)
Second five
1 Wykeen Kelly (186-G-79) (Khimik)
2 Panagiotis Liadelis (193-G-74) (Azovmash)
3 Rodney Buford (196-G-77) (Azovmash)
4 Martynas Andriukaitis (204-F-81) (Cherkasy Monkeys)
5 Oleg Kojenets (208-C-77) (Sumykhimprom)
FBU wild-card - Sasa Bratic (202-F/G-81) (Khimik)
FBU wild-card - Marko Maravic (201-F-79) (BC Kyiv)
Coaches: Tomo Mahoric (BC Kyiv), Mehmet Becirovic (Azovmash)

Farms' teams

North
1 Denys Lukashov (187-G-89) (BC Kyiv)
2 Oleksandr Zhuzha (195-G/F-85) (Politekhnika-Halychyna)
3 Andri Novikov (196-F-89) (BC Kyiv)
4 Maksym Pustozvonov (200-F-87) (BC Kyiv)
5 Maksym Sandul (205-C-91) (BC Kyiv)
6 Andri Lebedintsev (194-G-91) (BC Kyiv)
7 Kostiantyn Ivanov (194-G-85) (Budivelnyk)
8 Artem Shelukha (198-F-87) (BC-93 Pulsar)
9 Maks Adam Kanate (198-F-91) (Cherkasy Monkeys)
10 Mykola Yeriomin (204-C-85) (Sumykhimprom)
FBU wild-card - Oleg Shevchenko (185-G-88) (Cherkasy Monkeys)
FBU wild-card - Ruslan Otverchenko (192-F-90) (BC Kyiv)
Coaches: Vitali Cherni (BC Kyiv), Anatoli Zaverykin (Politekhnika-Halychyna)

South
1 Ihor Chygrynov (188-G-67) (Dnipro)
2 Oleksi Shchepkin (194-G-89) (Dnipro)
3 Ihor Silkovskyi (194-G-85) (MBC Mykolaiv)
4 Oleksandr Sabutskyi (208-C-86) (Khimik)
5 Vadym Norenko (204-F-88) (MBC Mykolaiv)
6 Vladyslav Tonchenko (185-G-89) (MBC Mykolaiv)
7 Denys Parvadov (196-G-88) (Khimik)
8 Maksym Shepil (195-G-86) (MBC Mykolaiv)
9 Oleksandr Berkhin (199-G-85) (Dnipro)
10 Yuri Gorenkov (215-C-88) (Dnipro)
FBU wild-card - Dmytro Glebov (198-F-88) (Kryvbasbasket-Lux)
FBU wild-card - Kostiantyn Glazyrin (201-F-88) (Dnipro)
Coaches: Pavlo Ahapov (198-G-79) (Dnipro), Serhi Kirlan (MBC Mykolaiv)

3points shoot-out contest participants:
Serhi Gladyr (MBC Mykoaliv), Pavlo Revzin (Cherkasy Monkeys), Rostyslav Kryvych (Sumykhimprom), Manuchar Markoishvili (BC Kyiv), Tomas Delininkaitis (Azovmash), Yahor Mescherakau (Azovmash)

Dribbling contest participants:
Eugene Jeter (BC Kyiv), Wykeen Kelly (Khimik), Artem Butskyy (Sumykhimprom), Oleksandr Panchenko (Dnipro)

Slamdunk contest participants:
Pavel Ulianko (Politekhnika-Halychyna), Olumuyiwa Famutimi (Khimik), Rodney Buford (Azovmash), Artur Drozdov (BC Kyiv), Maksym Kornienko (Dnipro), Vitali Kovalenko (Budivelnyk)

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URUGUAY

Osimani will play for Trotamundos -by Hector Lopez
Martin Osimani (194-G-81, college: Duquesne), a member of Bigua, the Urguayan League champions, is travelling to Venezuela today. where he will join Trotamundos de Carabobo, announced the web site Urubasket. With Bigua, Osimani, who is a memebre of the Uruguayan NT, played 43 games with 13.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 6.1 apg. He was voted for the All Star team of the local League. With Trotamundos is already playing other member of Bigua, Mark Alan Bortz (208-F/C-82, college: Buffalo).

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VENEZUELA

Kenya became the best of this week -by Wolfgang Lucena
Kenya Capers (194-F-73, college: Houston) got player of the third week of the Venezuela Professional Basketball league. Kenya was the main piece of Gatos de Monagas against Marinos de Oriente and Guaros de Lara. 22.3 points per game, 3 rebounds, 1.67 assist, 87% from the free throw line and 43% field goals, are the main reason of the LPB technical staff to considering Mr. Capers as player of the week of Venezuelan most important basketball league. Kenya Capers is the third foreign player on the Venezuelan League that becomes player of the week. Ronald Blackshear (196-G-78,college: Marshall) got this honor the first week as well as Cornelius Mitchell (180-G-82, college: Charleston) the second week.

LPB 2008 - Week 3 (Saturday): Panteras and Gigantes fight to win -by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Panteras de Miranda had to play overtime at home to defeat Gaiteros del Zulia 107-106, while Gigantes de Guayana maintained themselves alive till the last basket to surprise the powerful Marinos de Anzoategui 89-87, also as hosts, in part of Saturday night's matches of LPB 2008's Week 3. Meanwhile, Trotamundos de Carabobo enjoyed a nice victory as visitors against Deportivo Tachira, 89-78, and maintained first place in the standings with their best beginning of the season in the history of the franchise.

SATURDAY, MARCH 22ND

Trotamundos de Carabobo 89 - Deportivo Tachira 78
'Arminio Gutierrez Castro' Gymnasium - San Cristobal, Tachira

Quarter by quarter
TACH: 19-7-29-23= 78
TRO: 33-23-16-17= 89

Top scorers
TRO: J.R. Wallace (183-G-81) 20 points, Manuel Berroteran (185-G-80) 20 points and 5 assists, Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) 14 points and 6 rebounds
TACH: Carlos Morris (194-F-75) 33 points, Darius Lane (193-G-78) 17 points, Guillermo Araujo (204-C-82) 12 points

Gigantes de Guayana 89 - Marinos de Anzoategui 87
'Hermanas Gonzalez' Gymnasium - Puerto Ordaz, Bolivar

Quarter by quarter
GIG: 27-20-26-16= 89
MAR: 25-24-26-12= 87

Top scorers
GIG: Odell Bradley (193-F/G-81) 24 points, DaJuan Gouard (189-G-83) 22 points, Deivis Aranguren (192-F-85) 14 points, Daniel Dominguez (-71) 11 points, Martin Correa (198-F-78) 10 points

MAR: Kevin Young (206-C-84) 17 points and 10 rebounds, Axier Sucre (198-F-78) 16 points and 9 rebounds, Kenny Lowe (191-G-80) 13 points, Jair Peralta (178-G-76) 10 points

Panteras de Miranda 107 - Gaiteros del Zulia 106 (ET)
'Jose Joaquin Carrillo' Gymnasium - Caracas, D.C.

Quarter by quarter
PAN: 32-8-27-26-14= 107

GAI: 19-24-23-27-13= 106

Top scorers

PAN: Cornelius Mitchell (180-G-82) 23 points, Gregory Vargas (182-G-86) 22 points, Eduardo Torres (195-F-81) 19 points and 10 rebounds, Marlon Dumont (206-F-77) 18 points and 8 rebounds

GAI: Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80) 25 points and 11 rebounds, Diego Pereyra (184-G-85) 18 points, Ray Castillo (196-G/F-82) 17 points, Jamahr Warren (194-G/F-79) 14 points, Jean Carlos Espinoza (190-G/F-75) 14 points

LPB 2008 - Week 3 (Sunday): Trotamundos sweeps, Guaros takes down Gatos -by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Trotamundos de Carabobo completed an away sweep over Deportivo Tachira and improved their record to 9-1, their best start ever in Venezuelan pro basketball. Meanwhile, Marinos de Anzoategui and Gaiteros del Zulia took revenge on Gigantes de Guayana and Panteras de Miranda as visitors and Guaros de Lara opened up their road series against Gatos de Monagas with a surprising triumph, considering the amount of injured and absent players.

SUNDAY, MARCH 23RD

Trotamundos de Carabobo 94 - Deportivo Tachira 72
'Arminio Gutierrez Castro' Gymnasium - San Cristobal, Tachira

Quarter by quarter
TACH: 25-12-13-22= 72
TRO: 25-18-25-26= 94

Top scorers
TRO: Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) 17 points, J.R. Wallace (183-G-81) 16 points, Eric Cardenas (206-C-73) 13 points, Manuel Berroteran (185-G-80) 10 points
TACH: Darwin Ramirez (191-F-82) 18 points, Darius Lane (193-G-78) 15 points

Marinos de Anzoategui 91 - Gigantes de Guayana 50
'Hermanas Gonzalez' Gymnasium - Puerto Ordaz, Bolivar

Quarter by quarter
GIG: 10-11-13-16= 50
MAR: 16-24-28-23= 91

Top scorers
GIG: Odell Bradley (193-F/G-81) 17 points, Jose Yovera (194-G/F-75) 8 points

MAR: Kevin Young (206-C-84) 16 points, Axier Sucre (198-F-78) 9 points and 10 rebounds, Kervis Ramirez (190-G-78) 9 points, Jair Peralta (178-G-76) 9 points

Gaiteros del Zulia 94 - Panteras de Miranda 92
'Jose Joaquin Carrillo' Gymnasium - Caracas, D.C.

Quarter by quarter
PAN: 31-19-19-23= 92

GAI: 21-28-29-16= 94

Top scorers

PAN: Dennis D'Adezzio (191-G-81) 28 points, Marlon Dumont (206-F-77) 21 points, Eduardo Torres (195-F-81) 14 points

GAI: Ray Castillo (196-G/F-82) 23 points, Jamahr Warren (194-G/F-79) 16 points, Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80) 15 points, Diego Pereyra (184-G-85) 10 points, Jorge Leon (180-G-82) 10 points

Guaros de Lara 88 - Gatos de Monagas 85
'Gilberto Roque Morales' Gymnasium - Maturin, Monagas

Quarter by quarter
GAT: 25-21-20-19= 85

GUA: 21-30-15-22= 88

Top scorers

GAT: Kenya Capers (194-F-73) 32 points, Alejandro Flores (201-F) 23 points and 12 rebounds, Ernesto Mijares (190-G-76) 10 points

GUA: Heissler Guillent (191-G-83) 16 points, Francisco Centeno (201-G/F) 16 points, Evan Brock (204-F-84) 15 points, Jose Martinez (196-F-82) 11 points, Ronald Blackshear (196-G-78) 11 points, Rafael Guevara (194-F-79) 10 points

LPB 2008 - Week 3 (Monday): Gatos gets even at home -by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Gatos de Monagas took revenge against Guaros de Lara to get a home series split right at the end of Week 3 in LPB 2008's regular season calendar. Capers and Flores did it all, specially in the last 10 minutes, to avoid what would have been a heroic display by the injury affected Guaros.

MONDAY, MARCH 24TH

Gatos de Monagas 81 - Guaros de Lara 69
'Gilberto Roque Morales' Gymnasium - Maturin, Monagas

Quarter by quarter
GAT: 16-18-21-26= 81

GUA: 14-23-17-15= 69

Top scorers

GAT: Kenya Capers (194-F-73) 29 points, Edgar Arteaga (198-F-76) 15 points, Alejandro Flores (201-F) 10 points and 10 rebounds

GUA: Heissler Guillent (191-G-83) 15 points, Jose Martinez (196-F-82) 14 points, Francisco Centeno (201-G/F) 12 points

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings

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

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Women News

*****************************************************
CHAD - Women

League of Chari-Baguirmi Ndjamena -by Emery Doradji
The league of Chari-Baguirmi in Ndjamena (CHAD) start last mond 03/24/08. The first game was postponed Postel 2000 vs Academya, Postel 2000 wasn't ready to confront Academya basketball club. Academya enter the season with Mark Ngone Hiri as head coach , and Daniel as assistance coach those men want to revolutionize Chadian basketball they have a really good team. The captain Tissaign Niahma Doradji says that they are to attack this season with teamates like Mbah, and Alladoum (nunu) they say the Defending championhip title is afraid to play them.

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GERMANY - Women

Standings - Women

DBBL Standings

1. Wasserburg	40-0
2. Saarlouis	34-6
3. Oberhausen	30-10
4. Goettingen	24-16
5. Freiburg	20-20
6. Halle	18-22
7. Marburg	16-24
8. Chemnitz	12-28
9. Munich Basket	12-28
10. Leipzig	8-32
11. Herne	6-34

Stats Leaders - Women

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1. Paunovic, FRE 19,1
2. Tulikihihifo,GÖTT 19,0
3. Woods, LEIPZIG 18,8
4. Barker, OBER 18,5
5. Hibbert, W'BURG 18,2

Rebounds Per Game

1. Dennett, FRE 10,6
2. Triggs, HALLE 9,5
3. Zberch, CHEM 8,75
4. Tulikihihifo, GÖTT 8,58
5. Page, SAARL 8,53

Assists Per Game

1. Pop, W'BURG 114
3. Comteße, SAARL 91
3. Mersch, OBER 89
4. Austmann, OBER 80
5. Davidson, MARB 72

2FGP

1. Paunovic, FRE 272
2. Dennett, FRE 238
3. Ernest, OBER 232
4. Tulikihihifo, GÖTT 222
5. Gläser OBER 204

3FGP

1. Carroll, MÜNCH 201
2. Davidson, MARB 162
3. Hibbert, W'BURG 123
4. Barker, OBER 120
5. Özen, MARB 117

Ranking

1. Paunovic, FRE 382
2. Barker, OBER 369
3. Hibbert, W'BURG 365
4. Tulikihihifo, GÖTT 361
5. Carroll, MÜNCH 350

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GREECE - Women

Standings -A2 Women -by George Manousidis

A2 Standings

Group North
1. Apollon K.	21-1
2. Olympiada L.	18-4
3. PAOK	16-6
4. Pylaia	14-8
5. Aris Thessal.	14-8
6. Artemis Volou	13-9
7. AO Serron	12-10
8. Asteras Kavallas	12-10
9. Komotini	11-11
10. Apollon K.	9-13
11. Triglias	5-17
12. Lassanis	4-18
13. Aspis	4-18
14. Elimeias	1-21
Group South
1. P.Faliro	20-1
2. Ano Liosa	20-2
3. Attalos	18-4
4. Aris T.	15-7
5. Amarillida	15-7
6. Hania	14-8
7. Eleutheria M.	11-11
8. Paraskevis	9-13
9. Proteas V.	9-13
10. Argyroupolis	9-13
11. Irodotos	8-14
12. Amilla Tripolis	2-19
13. Iviskos	2-19
14. Panionios	1-20

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ICELAND - Women

KR to the final. -by Siggi Hjorleifsson
It will be Keflavik vs. KR in Iceland Express league play-offs final. This was known after the fifth game between Grindavik & KR tonight.
In front of packed house KR beat Grindavik in a very good game 83-69. Leading at halftime 40-33. Leading in rebounds, steals and less turnover was the main different tonight.
Candace Candaca Futrell (178-G-82, college: Duquesne) scored 26 pts. Hildur Sigurdardottir (170-G-81, agency: IceBasket) 18. Helga Einarsdottir (-88) 7 + 13 boards. Gudrun Amundadottir (176-F/G-87) 7 and player of the game Sigrun Amundadottir (183-C/F-88) 23 & 14 rebounds.
For Grindavik. Tiffany Roberson (183-F-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Chattanooga) 30 + 12 rebs. Olof Helga Palsdottir 15. Joanna Skiba (163-G-85, agency: IceBasket, college: Bryant) 13. Petrunella Skuladottir 7. Ingibjorg Jakobsdottir (174-G-90) 3. Helga Hallgrimsdottir 1.

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ISRAEL - Women

Standings (W)

D1 Standings

Upper Playoffs
1. Bnot hsharon.	16-5
2. Ramat Hsharon.	16-5
3. Ramla.	16-5
4. Ramat Hen	12-9
5. M.Ashdod	10-11
6. Elitzur Holon	8-13
Lower Playoffs
1. B.Yehuda	8-12
2. M.Tel Kabir	4-14
3. Hap.T-A	3-18

Round 23th results -by Gil Goshen

Ramat Hasharon had to win in the final game of the regular season to get home court advantage in the semi finals vs. Ramla, and did so by 1 point in overtime at Ramat Hen. Ramla made a big come back to win big over Holon, and Ashdod wrapped up the season with a win over Raanana Hertzeliya.

Ramat Hen 89 - Electra Ramat Hashaon 90 (F/OT)

For Ramat Hasharon:
Jia Perkins 26 pts
Monique Coker 21 pts
Dada Vilipic 15 pts, 9 rebs
Nomi Kolodny 14 pts
Tatyana Troina 7 pts
Merav Dori 4 pts
Shimirit Gigi 3 pts

For Ramat Hen:
Taj McWilliams Franklin 38 pts, 14 rebs
Armintie Price 19 pts, 8 rebs
Edwina Brown 15 pts, 9 rebs
Chen Shtain 11 pts
Shiri Sharon 6 pts

Ramla 82 - Holon 61

For Ramla:
Shay Doron 23 pts
Laine Selwyn 13 pts, 7 ast, 7 rebs
Michelle Snow 10 pts
Ina Gourevitch 7 pts
Tali Noy & Brasheeda Elohim 6 pts each
Katia Abramzon 5 pts

For Holon:
La'Tangela Atkinson 18 pts, 12 rebs
DeTrina White 14 pts, 16 rebs ( another double double ...)
Ivory Latta 9 pts
Inbal Mizrachi 7 pts
Hanna Haleli 6 pts
Lin Golan 4 pts
Shiran Zairy 3 pts

Ashdod 86 - Raanana Hertzeliya 81

Ashdod:
Brandi McCain 24 pts, 7 ast
Ayana Walker & Sheri Sam 17 pts each
Ortal Oren 13 pts
Michal Epstein 8 pts
Bat El Lazmi 5 pts
Inbal Shnapper 2 pts

For Raanana Hertzeliya:
Tanisha Wright 21 pts, 9 ast, 7 rb.
Abiola Wabara 18 pts
Mistie Williams 15 pts, 11 rebs
Noa Ganor & Neda Djuric 7 pts each
Ornit Shwartz 6 pts
Chen Nusel 5 pts
Katia Levitzky 2 pts

Latest stories
Ramat Hasharon 2nd, Ramla 3rd

Cup Stays in Ramla - the Quotes

Ramla Does it Again

Notes From The Semis

Ramla Survive Ashdod
Game winner for Perkins
Photo: Motti Klinger
Print

DeTrina White (180-F-80, college: LSU)

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NCAA1 - Women

SWAC Season 2007-08 Summary -by Richard

Christian

Thomas

Werema

Smith

Smith

Regular Season Standings
1 Prairie View A&M 15-3
2 Jackson St. 13-5
3 Alabama A&M 12-6
4 Southern 10-8
5 Arkansas-Pine Bluff 9-9
6 Miss.Valley St. 8-10
7 Alabama St. 8-10
8 Alcorn St. 8-10
9 Texas Southern 6-12
10 Grambling St. 1-17

Tournament Final: Jackson State - Prairie View A&M 63-31
Tournament Semifinals:
Jackson State - Mississippi Valley State 69-62
Prairie View A&M - Arkansas-Pine Bluff 83-70

All-SWAC Tournament MVP: Erica Trahan (5'10''-F) of Jackson State

SWAC All-Tournament Team:
Lasharee Christian (5'6''-G) of Jackson State
Delores Hughley (5'6''-G) of Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Shavonne Smith (5'7''-G) of Prairie View A&M
Erica Trahan of Jackson State
Portia Wilson (5'10''-F) of Miss. Valley State

All-SWAC 1st Team
Lasharee Christian of Jackson State
Candice Thomas (5'9''-G) of Prairie View A&M
Shawntawnee Collins (6'1''-F) of Alcorn State
Gaati Werema (6'0''-G) of Prairie View A&M
Chari Smith (6'3''-G) of Prairie View A&M

All-SWAC 2nd Team
Shantae Robinson (5'2''-G-85) of Alabama State
Delores Hughley of Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Portia Wilson of Miss. Valley State
Freda Allen (6'1''-F) of Southern Univ.
Felicia Drummond (5'11''-F) of Alabama A&M

SWAC All-Academic Team
Nyasha Chambwe (5'10''-F) of Jackson State
Latasha Williams (5'6''-G) of Miss. Valley State
Ashleonte Samuel (5'10''-F) of Alabama A&M
Kourtney Sherman (5'10''-G) of Grambling State
Fredreika Lewis (6'4''-C-85) of Southern Univ.
Kenisha Daniels (5'10''-F) of Alcorn State
Camille Parks (5'4''-G) of Texas Southern
Dominiquea Holman (6'3''-F) of Prairie View A&M

All-SWAC Player of the Year: Candice Thomas of Prairie View A&M
All-SWAC Defensive Player of the Year: Carena Easley (5'10''-G) of Jackson State
All-SWAC Freshman of the Year: Freda Allen of Southern Univ.
All-SWAC Newcomer of the Year: Chari Smith of Prairie View A&M

WAC Season 2007-08 Summary -by Richard

Criner

Harris

Neal

Sneed

Wilson

Regular Season Standings
1 Boise St. 14-2 22-6
2 Fresno St. 14-2 20-10
3 N.Mexico St. 11-5 22-8
4 Nevada-Reno 9-7 18-12
5 Louisiana Tech 9-7 16-14
6 Hawaii 6-10 12-18
7 Utah St. 5-11 9-19
8 Idaho 3-13 4-25
9 San Jose St. 1-15 3-28

Tournament Final: Fresno State - New Mexico State 72-56
Tournament Semifinals:
Fresno State - Louisiana Tech 85-58
New Mexico State - Boise State 72-66

All-WAC Tournament MVP: Jaleesa Ross (5'8''-G) of Fresno State

WAC All-Tournament Team:
Tasha Harris (5'7''-G) of Boise State
Anikia Jawara (6'0''-F) of New Mexico State
Emma Andrews (5'5''-G) of Fresno State
Tierre Wilson (5'8''-G-84) of Fresno State
Jaleesa Ross of Fresno State

All-WAC 1st Team
Dellena Criner (5'7''-G-87) of Nevada
Tasha Harris of Boise State
Sherell Neal (6'0''-F-86) of New Mexico
Jo Sneed (6'2''-F-86) of Louisiana Tech
Tierre Wilson of Fresno State

All-WAC 2nd Team
Anikia Jawara of New Mexico State
Katie Madison (6'0''-C-87) of Idaho
Jaleesa Ross of Fresno State
Tanya Smith (6'3''-F-84) of Hawaii
Jessica Thompson (5'9''-G) of Boise State

WAC All-Freshman Team
Hayley Munro (6'1''-G/F-88) of Fresno State
Yinka Olorunnife (6'0''-C) of Idaho
Jaleesa Ross of Fresno State
Madison Spence (5'11''-G) of New Mexico State
Tarkeisha Wysinger (5'7''-G) of Louisiana Tech

WAC All-Defensive Team
Dellena Criner of Nevada
Cherlanda Franklin (5'10''-F-86) of Nevada
Tasha Harris of Boise State
Sherell Neal of New Mexico State
Tanya Smith of Hawaii

All-WAC Player of the Year: Tierre Wilson of Fresno State
All-WAC Defensive Player of the Year: Dellena Criner of Nevada
All-WAC Newcomer of the Year: Jaleesa Ross of Fresno State
All-WAC Coach of the Year: Adrian Wiggins of Fresno State

MWC Season 2007-08 Summary -by Richard

Mitchell

Warburton

Zavecz

Holmes

Marsh

Regular Season Standings
1 BYU 14-2 25-6
2 UNLV 12-4 23-7
3 N.Mexico 11-5 24-7
4 San Diego St. 9-7 19-11
5 Air Force 8-8 16-13
6 Utah 7-9 16-13
7 TCU 6-10 14-15
8 Wyoming 5-11 12-18
9 Colorado St. 0-16 7-24

Tournament Final: New Mexico - San Diego State 62-59
Tournament Semifinals:
New Mexico - Colorado State 65-41
San Diego State - TCU 69-67

All-MWC 1st Team
Leilani Mitchell (5'5''-G-85) of Utah
Morgan Warburton (5'11''-G-87) of Utah
Hanna Zavecz (6'0''-F-85) of Wyoming
Sequoia Holmes (6'1''-F-86) of UNLV
Dionne Marsh (6'1''-F-86) of New Mexico

All-MWC 2nd Team
Kalee Whipple (6'0''-F-88) of Utah
Jene Morris (5'9''-G-87) of San Diego State
Adrianne Ross (5'8''-G-84) of TCU
Mallary Gillespie (5'10''-G) of BYU
Justyna Podziemska (6'2''-F-85) of Wyoming

All-MWC 3rd Team
Lorie Butler-Rayford (5'11''-F-86) of TCU
Alecia Steele (6'0''-F-84) of Air Force
Brandi Kimble (5'8''-G-86) of New Mexico
Aubrey Vandiver (5'11''-G-88) of Wyoming
Amy Beggin (5'6''-G-88) of New Mexico
Shamela Hampton (6'3''-C-87) of UNLV

All-MWC Honorable Mention
Helena Sverrisdottir (6'1''-G-88) of TCU
Sara Hunter (5'6''-G-85) of Colorado State
Jodi Bolerjack (5'9''-G-86) of Wyoming
Allison Duffy (6'2''-F) of San Diego State
Paris Johnson (6'4''-C) of San Diego State
Lauren Riley (6'3''-C) of BYU
Pamela Findlay (5'11''-G/F-86) of Air Force

All-MWC Player of the Year: Leilani Mitchell of Utah
All-MWC Defensive Player of the Year: Hanna Zavecz of Wyoming
All-MWC Freshman of the Year: Helena Sverrisdottir of TCU
All-MWC Newcomer of the Year: Leilani Mitchell of Utah
All-MWC Coach of the Year: Elaine Elliott of Utah

Candice Wiggins explodes with 44 points against UTEP -by Eurobasket News
Candice Wiggins (5'11''-G-87) tied school-record 44 points and her Stanford easily jumped into Top 16 round. Wiggins' heroics were just enough for the Cardinal to upset UTEP 88:54 and continue their way to the championship. Wiggins shot impressive 15/27 from the field, added 10 boards and 8 assists in a win. Stanford will now face Pittsburgh, who make their debut at this stage of the tournament. Izabela Piekarska (6'5''-C-85) answered with 17 points and 8 boards for UTEP.
Pittsburgh's Sweet 16 appearance will be the first one in the school history. The Panthers went into the history upsetting the 3rd-ranked Baylor 67:59 yesterday. Shavonte Zellous (5'10''-G-86) notched 19 points for the Panthers as they knocked down a former national champs Baylor. The Baylor Bears were led by Danielle Wilson (6'3''-C-88) with 15 points. Wilson though went scoreless in the second half.
Oklahoma State narrowly defeated Florida State 73:72 to reach Top 16. It was a seesaw battle but the Cowgirls were a bit luckier late in the game. The game was forced into overtime and the teams kept it close throughout the extra period. The teams were all square at 72 with time ticking out. Andrea Riley (5'5''-G-88) got the ball but was trapped by the defense. She managed to throw the ball away and the refs whistled the foul on her with 0.7 seconds remaining. Riley missed her first attempts but netted the second one to bring the Cowgirls to a difficult win. Oklahoma State will now play LSU in the regional semifinal. Danielle Green (5'8''-G-86) tospcored for Oklahoma State with 23 points. Andrea Riley had 21 points in a win. Mara Freshour (6'1''-G-87) had 20 points for Florida State. Shante Williams (5'7''-G-85) chipped in 19 points in a sour loss for the Seminoles.

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RUSSIA - Women

UMMC and CSKA make Russian Final -by Eurobasket News
Ekaterinburg holds the Russian Cup and will see its local team in the Final against CSKA. The road to the Final game both teams reached truthfully.
In the first day UMMC overcame Vologda 75:61 taking 18:9 advantage in the opening quarter. CSKA had a thriller against BC Moscow as the latter won the first quarter 18:26. CSKA woke up with 29:19 in the third and advanced to the next round. Spartak MR beat Dynamo Kursk 75:62 and Dynamo Moscow had the easiest win over Shelen 95:56.
The Second Day was a fascinating event for the spectators who enjoyed the semifinals of the titans. At first UMMC beat Dynamo Moscow 92:62 controlling the entire game. Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, college: Abil.Christian) paced all the winners with 24 points. Sandrine Gruda (192-F/C-87) nailed 17, while Leuchanka scored 13. CSKA won over Spartak MR 71:62 in a back-to-back campaign. Ann Wauters (194-C-80) led the winners with 23 points. Diana Taurasi (182-G-82, college: Connecticut) ended up with 17 points in the losing effort.
CSKA and UMMC advanced to the Final of the Cup. As you remember UMMC took CSKA's spot in Euroleague semifinal upsetting the favorite in both games. Will CSKA revenge and grab the Cup?

CSKA wins Russian Cup -by Eurobasket News
UMMC - CSKA 70:84

CSKA Moscow overcame their archrivals UMMC in Ekaterinburg to claim the Russian Cup title. Moscow team once again sent a strong message about their highest ambitions for this season overcoming UMMC in the final game of the Cup. CSKA also took a revenge for an upset loss to UMMC in the quarterfinal of Euroleague. The teams were well-matched in the opening frame and finished it tied at 19. CSKA got to a better start to the second period and surged ahead. Ilona Korstine (183-G-80) did not miss from the field and the visitors gradually cleared off to a 12-point distance. UMMC were driven by a sell-out crowd at their home arena and started to trim the deficit in the third stanza. CSKA entered the final frame leading by 7 points and secured the distance throughout the dying stages. Moreover UMMC obviously ran out of steam late in the encounter and CSKA capitalized widening the margin and driving to an impressive success. Ilona Korstine notched 22 points and 6 boards to pace CSKA. Ann Wauters (194-C-80) added 20 points and 13 boards for the winners. Kristi Harrower (166-G-75) answered with 12 points for UMMC. Sandrine Gruda (192-F/C-87) had 11 points and 11 boards in defeat.
In the Bronze medals game Spartak MR edged Dynamo Moscow 83:70. Diana Taurasi (182-G-82, college: Connecticut) netted 19 points to lead Spartak. Tina Thompson (188-F-75, agency: Merit Sports, college: USC) added 17 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (176-F-83) dropped 23 points for Dynamo.

UMMC: Kristi Harrower 13, Sandrine Gruda 12
CSKA: Ilona Korstine 22, Ann Wauters 20+13 boards, Becky Hammon (168-G-77, college: Colorado St.) 16

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SEYCHELLES - Women

Jhelum Cup -by Carlos Pereira
Meanwhile, the women's finalists are HotShots and Anse Etoile Stars.
HotShots' Tina Agathine (16 points) and power forward Myra Solin (14 points) combined for 30 of their team's points in the 48-30 win over RA Sisters in the semifinal.
As for Anse Etoile Stars who rested Simone Malbrook for their semifinal encounter against Juniors, they had Zita Simeon (16 points), Georgia Desir (14 points) and Dynah Louis (12 points) scoring in double figures in the 69-28 win.
It is to note that veteran Simone Malbrook scored the game's last two free-throws to give the Stars a 44-42 win against HotShots in the Charity match played earlier in the season.G. G.

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SPAIN - Women

Anna Cruz,injured in ankle -by Ivan Villar
Shooting guard of Arranz Burgos suffered a injure in her ankle.During second quarter against Hondarribia Anna Cruz (175-G-86) fell injured and coudn't finish game.Now doctors are waiting to decide if she can play next decisive game of Burgos against Cadi La Seu d'Urgell.Bad luck seems don't finish for team coached by Tito Sobrin.Team suffered different serious injures of important players and switched import place twice.

Round 21:Perfumerias assures itself second position winning decisive derby -by Ivan Villar
Perfumerias Avenida's resurrection happened this week.After loosing against USA by 3 points and with overtime,Jose Ignacio Hernandez recovered for his team best face of season.San Jose Leon arrived to Salamanca with a lot of tickets to get second place of table.Isabel Sanchez (16 p-7 reb) senteced their old teammates after equalized game.Allison Feaster (14 p) and Anke de Mondt (14) were ofense references of respective teams.EBE-Promociones sweated in Olesa to keep on Top-4 of table.Catalan team showed again that is a bigger team at their court.This time its principal resource was Olga Olga Podkovalnikova (195-C-84).Russian player was MVP of round thanks to 23 points,9 rebounds and 9 received faults for total efficience of 35.But Silvia Morales had too a great performance scoring 21 points also 6 steals and 6 assists.Bad face of this season is for Hondarribia Irun.Vasc team continues irregular way in spite of have high budget.The team coached by Manel Sanchez gave air to Arranz Burgos.Tito Sobrin's team had the best version of Cristina Ciocan (25 p-8 as.) and the great signing of January,Paola Ferrari.Paraguay's player is showing her real level in Burgos and scored 14 points and gained 7 rebounds.Step to step Celta Vigo assures ticket for european playoff.This weekend beated Cadi La Seu in As Travesas Arena leaded by rookie Laura Nicholls (18 p-10 reb).Gran Canaria got decisive win against Filter Mann Zaragoza with not many problems.Brooke Wyckoff shone with 21 points and 9 rebounds.Extrugasa Vilagarcia fought until 3rd quarter against Ros Casares.Valencian team broke game in last quarter thanks to their physic power.Anyway,people of arena missed more fair play of some players of champion team.Tornikidu was best scorer of game with 18 points.Twin towers of Rivas,Nicole Antibe and Rankica Sarenac were too much for Extremadura Dato.Both centers scored 43 points and gained 18 rebounds.Badajoz,Zaragoza and Burgos seem to be candidates for 2 places of LF2 next season.

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TRINIDAD - Women

NBFTT Invites Women For Centrobasket Training -by Don Farrell

The National Basketball Federation of Trinidad and Tobago has invited women players to continue preparations for the upcoming Centrobasket Championships scheduled to be held in Puerto Rico in July.

The national team qualified for the Championships by having placed second in the Caribbean Basketball Championships held in Puerto Rico last year when a few foreign-based players joined the team.

The following players have been invited and are attending sessions conducted by coach Christopher Jackson Charles at the Maloney Indoor Sport Arena:

Carol Ann Granger, Natalie Peters, Patrice Edwards and Tova Lin Bartholomew (UTC Maloney Pacers); Chezel Griffith, Pietra Gay and Rachel Thompson-King (Courts Horizon); Annola Charles, Fanta Patterson, Leslie-Ann Francois, Mahalia Simpson and Sue Lin Tang (Sportworld Straker Nets); Alicia Liverpool, Crystal George and Rhonda John-DavisÂ (Defence Force); Allison YoungÂ (Brian Chase Academy); Angel Ottley (Staff); Ayana Mack and Crystal KirtonÂ (Tigers); Hanifa Hector, Kemba Duncan (Alpha Engineering Star Seekers)Â and Krista Winchester (Tobago All Stars).

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UKRAINE - Women

Tim Skuf needs overtime to beat Kozachka -by Eurobasket News
Tim Skuf needed overtime to beat Kozachka in Zaporozhye 92:96. With 86 for both teams after four quarters Tim Skuf used a 10:6 spurt to win the campaign. Biryuk top-scored for the winners with 33 points and 5 assists. Natalia Isachenko (183-G-79) nailed 21 pointa and made 9 rebounds, while Fenko scored 14. Tamisha Augustin (173-G) provided 36 points in the losing effort.
Meanwhile Dexia together with Ukrainian Olesya Malashenko (188-F-91) and Oksana Agabalova (186-F-73) secured the spot in the D1 Final series. Together with Waregem the teams were victorious in the final round of the qualifying stage and advanced to the main event of the season. Dexia held off BBC Boom 86:72 on Saturday making their way to the championship series. The game was not an easy ride for the hosts and defending champs Dexia. They grabbed an early lead 20:17 after one quarter of action but BBC Boom refused to lag behind. The visitors stayed close and narrowed the gap to 2 points at halftime. But Dexia finally managed to take off after the break. They stepped on the gas in the third period outscoring their opponents 28:15 and building a 16-point distance between the sides. BBC Boom failed to overcome the deficit in the fourth term and fell short at the end. Olesya Malashenko notched 21 points to pace the hosts. Oksana Agabalova dropped 18 points in a win.

Standings (Women)

Higher Standings

Places 1-3
1. Dnipro	13-2
2. Tim-Scuf	10-6
3. Kozachka	10-7
Places 4-6
1. Ol.-NAEK	6-8
2. Chaika	6-8
3. Dynamo-NPU	0-14