EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 3/27/2008

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Men News

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ABA

ABA Finals at the start -by Gianni Pascucci
The'Pavillon de la Jeunesse' in Quebec City will host the American Basketball Association 'Final 8 Championships' starting from tomorrow night. Just before the start of the Final 8, the Montreal Royals will host the Jersey Express tonight, March 26, at 7pm. in the only preliminar game scheduled by the league before this 'Final 8'. In fact, the San Francisco Rumble and the Atlanta Vision were allowed to play in the Finals without winning any playoff game (at least, despite an active research made by Usbasket.com, no news about playoff games played by these teams were found...) However, we are now able to say that the ABA 2008 PLAYOFF BRACKET is as follows: the reigning ABA champions Vermont Frost Heaves will play the first Quarterfinal against the San Francisco Rumble on Thursday, March 27, at 5 p.m. The same day, the host team Quebec City Kebekwa will take on the Texas Tycoons in the 8 p.m. nightcap. Another quarterfinal doubleheader - featuring the San Diego Wildcats vs. the Atlanta Vision, and the Manchester Millrats vs. the winner of the game between Jersey and Montreal - will tip off at 5 on Friday, March 28, afternoon. Semifinals are set for 5 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, with Sunday's title game tipping off at 4 p.m. ..

Montreal advances to Final Eigh Championship -by Gianni Pascucci

The Montreal Royals defeated the Jersey Express yesterday night, 118-110. Thanks to this win, Montreal is the second Canadian team to participate to the American Basketball Association 'Final 8 Championships' that tips off tonight in Quebec City. The definitve ABA Quarterfinal pairings are as follows:
Vermont - San Francisco
Quebec City - Texas
San Diego - Atlanta
Manchester - Montreal
Fans interested in tickets and hotel packages for the Final 8 may call the organizers at 418-780-4850 or e-mail info@kebs.ca The entire ABA Final 8 Championship will be Webcast free, for viewing live and in archived rebroadcast, at www.vermontfrostheaves.com



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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Play-off quarterfinals, game 1: Hemofarm, Partizan and Zadar celebrates -by Dragan Jankovski
In the first game of play-off quarterfinals Hemfoarm STADA made an easy win over Buducnost Podgorica in Millennium 87-71. Hemofarm dominated since the beginning. The orange team made a 17-4 run finishing the first quarter with plus 12. Buducnost showed a better performance in the second period and after their 10-0 run came closer on minus 5. But at the middle of the last period Hemofarm made a crucial run, thanks to Marshall, Borisov and Savovic, making plus 12 after which they extended the lead to 16. Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland) led Hemofam adding 25 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists while Boris Savovic (207-F-87) and Nebojsa Joksimovic (193-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) netted 15 points each. Buducnost got 24 points from Nemanja Gordic (195-G-88).

Reining Serbian and Adriatic league champion Partizan Igokea once again crushed Cibona in Pionir 90-80 for the first win in play-off quarterfinals. Cibona opened the game much better as they had 24-31 in the second period but it was a signal to the black and white team to start playing. Mostly owing to successful attempts from behind the arc by Kecman and Bozic Partizan made a serious run and went on the half with 46-41. In the third quarter Palacio and Pekovic stepped up setting the score to 56-46 in 27th minute. Until the end of the game Partizan kept extending the lead till the black and white team reached their maximum advantage in 35th minute. It was 73-57. Partizan's first star, center Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket), was MVP of the game with an index value of 29. He collected 19 points and 7 rebounds. MVP of March in Euroleague Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.) also was good, adding 14 points and 5 assists. Chris Warren (196-F-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: S.Carolina) had 19 points while Damir Mulaomerovic (195-G-74, agency: FCM) finished the game with 18 points and 4 assists.

Zadar was better than FMP after over time 95-91. FMP was a short step away from the victory but, despite the fact they had plus 3, the young Panthers didn't make a foul at the Zadar's last possession with 5 seconds remaining. Barac exploited the opportunity and drained a 3-pointer for the over time. In the extra 5 minutes Zadar was better finishing it 13-9. Pankracije Barac (196-G-81) had very good night netting 39 points. Todor Gecevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) followed him with 26 points and 6 rebounds. Zoran Erceg (211-C/F-85) was the best in FMP with 27 points and 7 rebounds.


Hemofarm STADA - Buducnost 87-71
(28-16,16-19,17-20,26-16)

Hemofarm STADA: Marshall 25 (4 rebs, 6 as), Savovic 15, Joksimovic 15, Vukosavljevic 12
Buducnost: Gordic 24, Micov 12 (5 as)


Partizan Igokea - Cibona 90-80
(24-26,22-15,17-14,27-25)

Partizan: Pekovic 19 (7 rebs), Palacio 14 (5 as), Kecman 10 (6 rebs), Borovnjak 10
Cibona: Warren 19, Mulaomerovic 18 (4 as), Andric 12 (5 rebs)


Zadar - FMP 95-91
(17-17,26-24,20-22,19-19,13-9)

Zadar: Barac 39, Gecevski 26 (6 rebs), Brewer 11 (6 rebs, 4 as)
FMP: Erceg 27 (7 rebs), Labovic 21, Samardziski 10 (6 rebs)

Stats leaders of Adriatic league regular season -by Dragan Jankovski
Tadija Dragicevic (205-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) of Crvena Zvezda is the MVP and the top scorer of The Adriatic league regular season. He has a 22.76 index value per game averaging 21.36 points per game. Vladimir Golubovic (212-C-86) of Vojvodina Srbijagas is the top rebounder with 8.73 rebounds per game while USA PG Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's) is the leading assistant of the regular season with 6.69 assists per game.


Ranking MVP per game
1 Tadija Dragicevic (205-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) of Crvena Zvezda 22.76
2 Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's) of Crvena Zvezda 21.04
3 Jakov Vladovic (187-G-83) of Zagreb CO 19.68
4 Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) of Partizan Igokea 18.33
5 Vladimir Golubovic (212-C-86) of Vojvodina Srbijagas 18.23


Points per game
1 Tadija Dragicevic (205-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) of Crvena Zvezda 21.36
2 Marlon Garnett (188-G-75, college: Santa Clara) of Split CO 19.17
3 Jakov Vladovic (187-G-83) of Zagreb CO 17.92
4 Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's) of Crvena Zvezda 16.50
5 Robert Troha (194-G/F-77) of Helios 15.52


Rebounds per game
1 Vladimir Golubovic (212-C-86) of Vojvodina Srbijagas 8.73
2 Todor Gecevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) of Zadar 7.23
3 Ante Tomic (217-C-87) of Zagreb 7.15
4 Andrija Stipanovic (207-C-86) of Split 6.88
5 Predrag Samardziski (215-C-86) of FMP 6.50


Assists per game
1 Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's) of Crvena Zvezda 6.69
2 Tony Akins (180-G-80, college: Georgia Tech) of Split 5.96
3 Jure Mocnik (183-G-85) of Helios 5.00
4 Jakov Vladovic (187-G-83) of Zagreb 4.40
5 Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.) of Partizan Igokea 3.75


Blocks per game
1 Slavko Vranes (229-C-83) of Partizan Igokea 2.17
2 Predrag Samardziski (215-C-86) of FMP 1.63
3 Todor Gecevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) of Zadar 1.00
4 Nenad Misanovic (217-C-84) of Crvena Zvezda 1.00
5 Luksa Andric (209-C/F-85) of Cibona 0.92


Steals per game
1 Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's) of Crvena Zvezda 3.08
2 Jakov Vladovic (187-G-83) of Zagreb 2.04
3 Corey Brewer (188-G-75, college: Oklahoma) of Zadar 1.96
4 Dusan Djordjevic (195-G-83) of Vojvodina Srbijagas 1.92
5 Tony Akins (180-G-80, college: Georgia Tech) of Split 1.88

Standings
Adriatic L. Standings
1. Partizan 24-2
2. Zadar 18-8
3. Crvena Zv. 16-10
4. Hemofarm 16-10
5. Buducnost 15-11
6. Cibona 15-11
7. Olimpija 15-11
8. FMP 15-11
9. Vojvodina 12-14
10. KK Split 11-15
11. Siroki 7-19
12. KK Zagreb 6-19
13. Helios 6-20
14. Slovan 5-21


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ARGENTINA

LSB: Regatas is the first semifinalist -by Ana Soifer
Regatas de Corrientes beat Deportivo Tachira from Venezuela by 93-64, being the first semifinal team for the South American League. The Argentinean team is waiting now for the winner from Cocodrilos de Venezuela (0) and Universo de Brazil (1), who will play tonight the second game in Venezuela.

Regatas was clear winner from the beginning of the game, the score in the first half was 55-26, Argentinean coach decided to sit the starting players down for the big difference but keep doing the same, the most was 83-44, also didn't play the Olympics player Alejandro Montecchia and the national Damian Tintorelli.

Tachira couldn't show the good performance that they did in the first games of this tournament, in the Venezuelan team couldn't play the Americans Johnell Smith-Christopher Powell and the national player Carlos Morris.

Best players:

Regatas de Corrientes: Clarence Robinson: 19 pts (7/7 doble), 6 reb y 5 as, Javier Martinez: 12 pts 8 as and Ramzee Stanton 14 pt 8 reb

Tachira: Darwin Ramirez 18 pt and Stalinin Guedez 13 reb

Liga A, Reclasification series: 1st Game -by Ana Soifer
El Nacional, Quilmes, Quimsa and Sionista took advantage in the reclassification series wining the first game, they will play the second one next Friday.
El Nacional (1) 73 - Ben Hur (0) 63
Atenas (0) 70 - Quilmes (1) 81
Quimsa (1) 90 - Gimnasia y Esgrima (0) 81
Obras (0) 71 - Sionista (1) 83

El Nacional (73): Fabian Sahdi 4, Patricio Rodriguez 15, Mike Manciel 10, Federico Ferrini 12, Djibril Kante 12(F.I) Cristian Amicucci 8, Mariano Castets 5, Sebastian Farias 5, Byron Wilson 2
Ben Hur (63): Gustavo Martin 6, David Harrison20, Eduardo Calvelli 7, Durelle Brown 2, Ruperto Herrera 12 (F.I) Felipe Ederra 7, Elias Saad 3, Sebastian Uranga 6

Atenas (70): Bruno Labaque 7, Sebastian Acosta 6, Brandon Manson 8, James Moore 6, diego Osella 19 (F.I) Juan Figueroa 3, Cristian Romero 12, Leandro Paladino 9
Quilmes (81): Hernando Salles 14, Eduardo Villares 10, Carl Edwards 13, Harold Arceneaux 13, Ezequiel Dentis 15 (F.I), Salem Safar 3, Nicolas Aguirre 8, Diego Romero 5

Quimsa (90): Jonatan Triese 9, Julio Mazzaro 24, Cleotis Brown 32, William McFarlan 15, Gabriel Mikulas 2 (F.I), Andres Rodriguez 3, Victor Cajal 5
Gimnasia y Esgrima (81): Diego Alba 10, Charles Jones 12, Matias Fioretti 8, Diego Prego 11, Jimmy Boston 19 (F.I), Ariel Eslava 6, Sebastian Festa 4 Federico Mansilla 3, Bruno Ingratta 8

Obras (71): Fernando Titarelli 8, Gabriel Cocha 7, Chris Jeffries 10, Lazaro Borrel 9, Tyler Field 12 (F.I), Fernando Calvi 18, Daniel Chaer 7
Sionista (83): Mariano Byro 17, Juan Cantero 4, Michael Robinson 5, Alejandro Zilli 14, Alejandro Burgos 17 (F.I), Agustin Carnovalle 2, Pablo Jaworsky 6, Hall 9, Daniel Hure 9

TNA, Reclasification series: 4th Game -by Ana Soifer
Atl. Echague (3) 101 - La Union Formosa (1) 90
Echague is the second classified for the quarter final, surprising La Union Formosa who was one of the candidates to win the championship.
Best score: for the winner Sebastian Pardal (202-C-81) 32 pts 5 reb, Mauro Rotschy (192-G-77) with 20 pts and 4 reb. For La Union Formosa from Formosa Nathaniel Green (198-F-79, college: Dayton) 28 pts 8 reb

Asoc. Italiana (2) 80 - Lanus (2) 76
They are going to play the 5th game next Sunday to decide who will play quarterfinals.

Atletico Argentino Junin (2) - Ciclista Juninense (1) couldn't play tonight the 4th game because the police weren't available to make their security job to be working in some farming strike from Argentinean government. The game will be reprogramming for the coming days.

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AUSTRALIA

Australia wins Group C at the Albert Schweitzer tourney -by Eurobasket News
Australian U18 National team celebrated their second win at the prestigious Albert Schweitzer tournament in Germany. In Round 3 Australian youngsters took on Russia and rolled to a 78:68 victory. Russian juniors got to a better start to the game as they were up 24:19 after the opening stanza. But the Emus regrouped in the second period and struck back gaining a 4-point lead at halftime. Aussie team stretched the margin to 14 points in the third frame and Russia never recovered. Matthew Dellavedova (184-G-90) notched 18 points to pace Australia. Cody Ellis dropped 15 points, while Brock Motum secured 9 points for the winners. Russia answered with 20 points from Grigoriy Andreev (194-G-90). The Emus will now fight in the qualifying round. They take on Sweden later today.

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AUSTRIA

Stats Leaders
Hauptrunde 1 Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Mayes, Swans 24.0
2 Dale, Panthers 20.9
3 Youngblood, Gunners 20.7
4 Miletic, Panthers 19.8
5 Lamesic, Lions 19.5
6 Watson, Dukes 18.2
7 Goljovic, Panthers 17.4
8 Suljanovic, Bulls 17.3
9 Ray, Bulls 17.3
10 Kohlmaier, UBC 17.2
Rebounds Per Game
1 KJohnson, Swans 9.7
2 Fraser, Panthers 9.0
3 JJohnson, Gunners 9.0
4 Martin, Dukes 8.6
5 Suljanovic, Bulls 7.7
Assists Per Game
1 Schreiner, UBC 7.4
2 Shavies, Panthers 7.2
3 Zeleznik, Bulls 4.8
3 Danek, Lions 4.8
3 Boylan, Swans 4.8
Steals Per Game
1 Artner, Gunners 2.6
2 Schreiner, UBC 2.3
3 Boylan, Swans 2.2
3 Shavies, Panthers 2.2
5 Vickery, Lions 1.8
5 Creddle, Dukes 1.8
Blocks Per Game
1 Colwell, Panthers 1.7
2 Martin, Dukes 1.6
3 Kohlmaier, UBC 1.2
4 Fraser, Panthers 1.1
5 Anderson, WBC 1.0
2FGP
1 Fraser, Panthers 67.2
2 Bjelica, Lions 63.0
3 JJohnson, Gunners 62.5
4 Milosevic, Lions 62.1
5 Kohlmaier, UBC 59.8
3FGP
1 Goljovic, Panthers 51.6
2 Diwald, Dukes 47.0
3 Forrestal, Bulls 46.4
4 Schoninger, Swans 45.8
5 Mayes, Swans 45.2
Free Throws
1 Vickery, Lions 98.0
2 Forrestal, Bulls 93.6
3 Nagler, Dukes 93.4
4 Goljovic, Panthers 87.6
5 Mayes, Swans 85.6
Ranking
1 Lamesic, Lions 20.1
1 JJohnson, Gunners 20.1
3 Schreiner, UBC 19.8
4 Kohlmaier, UBC 19.3
5 Suljanovic, Bulls 19.0


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BAHAMAS

Commonwealth Bank Giants clinch the NPBA title -by Eurobasket News
Commonwealth Bank Giants edged the Electro Telecom Cybots in the fourth game of their final best-of-five series to claim the New Providence Basketball Association title. The Giants overcame the Cybots 90:87 to complete their nearly perfect season in style. The Giants got to a flying start of the title series. They stretched their season winning run to 18 games and looked very confident against the Cybots. But the perfect rally was snapped by the Cybots in Game 3 as they trimmed the series deficit and revived the intrigue. Brian Bain (190-G) exploded with game-high 36 points for the Cybots to keep them alive in the series. He also accounted for go-ahead free throws with the time ticking out to bring the Cybots to an overall success. Mark Hanna responded with 33 points for the Giants. The Cybots were missing Delvonne Duncombe and Tyrone Sands due to injuries. Another blow for the Giants was the injury of one of their leaders Jeremy Hutchinson (-C-80).
However Hutchinson recovered partially and entered the court for Game 4. He nailed 19 points in a winning effort and propelled his team to another NPBA title. Michael Bain fired 35 points for the Giants in the Game 4 and was later named the series MVP. Brian Bain answered with 24 points for the Cybots. Delvonne Duncombe had 19 points in a loss. The Giants will now represent New Providence at the BBF National Round Robin Championships.

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BALTIC LEAGUE

SEB BBL Play Offs: Amazing win for BC Kalev/Cramo -by Janar Filippov
BC Kalev/Cramo defetated BK Ventspils 70:55 in the first round of SEB BBL play-off. Game 2 will be played on Saturday at Ventspils.

It was 3:22 to play and Jimmy Baxter's phenomenal dunk had just cut the hosts lead to 58:53. Ventspils was back in the game and had all the chances to take the upper hand in this close contest. But instead, it was the last bright moment for 'the Yellow' team as Valmo Kriisa's three-pointer from the corner started a final 12:2 run by BC Kalev/Cramo which also included two beautiful baskets from Ed Scott and a final triple by Kriisa with 3 seconds left. The hosts had turned a bad luck - four consecutive losses against Ventspils through last two seasons - and taken a promising 15-point advantage in SEB BBL play-off first round.

The guests started better and led 1:6 with three minutes played. Helmanis and Baxter added three-pointers to go up 8:12 - Baxter had 7, Helmanis 5 points at that point. Two baskets by Ed Scott and Dusan Jelic, a former player of Ventspils, had the hosts rolling but first quarter ended 13:18. The 2nd quarter was nothing but beautiful. Ventspils made a 6-point run to go up by nine - 15:24. A three-pointer by McNamara had the guests ahead 22:29 as the hosts kept making turnovers. A three-pointer by Arbet started hosts' comeback and another one from Sokk ended first half 30:32. But still, it was far from satisfying for the hosts.

Third quarter became a turning point in the game. Kedzo and Scott completed a 9:1 run in six minutes as the guests had no field goals. Then Kangur missed from an easy position and Gabrans punished with a three-pointer and it was 41:38, again. Kangur followed with a dunk despite missing four last shots an Reed ended the quarter 50:42, making it 20:10 spurt in whole quarter.

4th quarter started with the greatest moment of the game as Frier put a high-flying block on a dunk attempt of Skirmants. Both teams continued with a low pace until Reed put Kalev up 54:47 and Vairogs answered with a three-pointer - 54:50 with five minutes left. Kangur, a top scorer today, made four free throws for 58:50 and then it was Baxter's time to shine - the last shining moment of the guests today.

Kalev won the rebounds 40:33 (offensive 11:5), the guests were disastrous 6/25 frm a three-point line.
Kangur led Kalev with 16 points and 8 rebounds, Scott added 13, Kedzo and Reed 9 and Kriisa 8 points, 6 of them in last three minutes. Baxter was the only one from Ventspils with a double-digit number as he had 12 points.

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BARBADOS

Sonics cool off streaking Tridents -by Justin Marville
The streak is over.

Despite a game high 20 points from Sagicor Tridents shooting guard Keefe Birkett, the Roll-A-Way Storm and Security Shutters St. John's Sonics held the school boys to a season low 63 points, snapping their opponents' three game winning streak with a comfortable twelve point victory at the Wildey Gym on Tuesday in the Sprite/BOA Premier League.

Led by the sharp shooting Birkett, the Tridents (3-2) entered the contest scoring a league best 85.5 points per game and seemed well on their way to dropping their second successive 100 point performance as the six foot guard had his way with the Sonics' perimeter defenders from the opening tip.

Last season's Most Improved Player started the first quarter aggressively, scoring his side's first seven points in the game to initiate the Tridents' high powered offence as the school boys put up a staggering 21 points within the first eight minutes of the first quarter to blow open a quick double digit lead.

But the Sonics (4-1) would respond with a run of their own to close the period, rallying behind five quick points from reigning Most Valuable Player Jefferson Trotman to pull with six, 24-18, heading into the second quarter.

The crafty St. John's shooting guard was then forced to take matters into his own hands after his side went down by nine early in the ensuing period following a controversial second unsportsmanlike foul on Sonics forward Bernard Howell.

Trailing 30-21 two and a half minutes into the second, last season's MVP took over the game's proceedings, forcing the issue in transition by scoring eight points in the open court against multiple Trident defenders as the Sonics turned up their defensive intensity and forced several timely turnovers.

Struggling to protect the ball and settling for numerous outside jumpers, the school boys' offence sputtered in the second quarter, scoring just ten points in the period resulting in the Sonics taking a 41-34 lead into the half as Trotman found the perfect foil in forward Hayden Forde.

Continually doomed by their poor decision making and failure to get the ball into national forward Akeem Marsh in the low blocks, the Tridents' offensive woes carried over to the third quarter allowing their opponents to stretch the advantage to double digits despite Trotman having a quiet period.

The school boys would end up scoring just eight points in the period, only managing four of 17 from the floor in the third to highlight their offensive futility against some stifling Sonics' defence while opposing forward Dwayne Kellman proved to be a source of frustration on the offensive glass.

Five quick points from guard Nicholas Bradshaw gave St. John's its biggest lead at 61-48 early in the fourth before the Tridents finally found their groove offensively once again behind a resurgent Birkett.

Back to back treys from the Tridents scoring leader, who went just three of eleven from the field through the second and third quarters, got the school boys within nine points midway through the fourth but that is as close as they would get the rest of the way as Forde and swingman Rommel Garnes scored at will to put away their listless opponents.

Trotman finished with a team high 15 points, Garnes and Forde both ended with 12 points apiece while Bradshaw chipped in with a further 11. For the Tridents, Marsh had a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds while adding six steals.

A career best 32 points from reserve shooting guard Adrian Allman steered reigning double crowned champs Lumber Company Lakers to a 92-51 blow-out of Weekend Nation Nico Deacons Fastbreaks in the night's second game.

Starting point guard Derek Browne added 25 points and 10 boards for the Lakers who improved to 3-2 while forward Matthew Moore scored 12 points. Fastbreaks swingman Henry Richards was the lone Deacons player in double digits with a team high 16 points.

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BELGIUM

Coaches News -by Peter Buyse


New D2 St Jan coach Tony van den Bosch could also become head-coach of the Dutch National team.
The Dutch Federation has said they do not want a Dutch D1 head-coach coaching the NT. A profile that fits VDB perfectly.
Coach Van den Bosch told Eurobasket he was contacted about the NT job about a week ago and was very interested.
He has been a coach in Holland for close to 4 years now and if not for the long commute between his home and Leeuwaarden would have loved to stay there.

Tony served as coach of the Belgian NT in 1993 and between 2001 and 2002 and the Dutch NT in 1998.

Charleroi coach Drazen Anzulovic was suspended by the league for 4 games after his altercation with one of the referees at last weekend's loss in Aalst.

He was also fined 1000 euro and got a probationary suspension of another 4 games between now and March 25 2010..



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BELIZE

THE FINALS HAVE BEEN DECIDED IN U-26 TOURNAMENT!!!! -by David Magana

The U-26 Tournament is coming to an end and two team will face each other tonight at the Civic Center in Belize City to start an epic battle for the crown. This year's finalists are two of the best teams in Belize, the Belize Bank Junior Bulldogs and the University of Belize Black Jaguars. They reached the finals after convincingly beating their opponents in a best of three game series. The Junior Bulldogs swept the game against the Bombers 2 - 0. In the last game, they defeated the Bombers by a very close margin of 2 pts. It was a flip flop game with the lead going back and forth. In the closing seconds of the game Bernard Felix (183-G-85) made a couple crucial turnovers that sealed the deal for Belize Bank Junior Bulldogs despite a clutch 3 pointer by Egbert 'Eggy' Walhford to bring the game within reach. Belize Bank Junior Bulldogs now moves on to the finals.

Top Scorers
Bze Bank - Densmore 'Wabble' Edwards 19 pts / 1 rebound / 1 assist / 3 steals
Darwin Leslie (191-F/G-81) 17 pts / 8 rebounds / 2 assist / 3 steals
Mesop. - Bernard Felix 21 pts / 3 rebounds / 5 assist / 4 steals
Leon Williams (203-F/C-86, college: Ohio) 19 pts / 10 rebounds / 1 assist / 3 steals

Meanwhile the UB Black Jaguars reached the finals by having to make a come back from a loss to Lake I. Then made a spectacular come back to win two games in a row. In the last game UB defeated Lake I Boyz by 63 to 60. After being down in the 1st quarter by 6, Lake I Boyz fought back and tied the game at the half behind Ashton 'Koolie' Edwards who came off the injury list with a buzzer beater 3 to end the half. In the 2nd half the lead went back and forth and with 40 secs remaining Stephen 'Muerte' Williams blocked Tyrone 'Joka' Edwards' attempt not once but twice, and a third block later with secs remaining. Lake I still had a chance to tie the game with 7.8 secs remaining and 3 point king Ashton 'Koolie' Edwards with the ball. The buzzer beater attempt did not fall this time and UB Black Jaguars move on to the finals where they will face #1 Seed (15-1) Belize Bank Junior Bulldogs.

Top Scorers
UB - Lennox Bowman (180-G) 20 pts / 5 rebounds / 3 assist / 1 block / 2 steals
Stephen Williams (188-G-83) 11 pts / 11 rebounds / 1 assist / 5 blocks / 2 steals
Lake I - Ashton 'Koolie' Edwards 20 points (4-3's) / 2 rebounds / 2 assist / 2 steals
Jerome 'Penny' Ellis 14 pts / 1 rebound / 1 assist / 2 steals

NOTE: Due to the actions of the Mesop. Guardian Bombers after their loss, throwing water on the court delaying the 2nd game by almost an hour, Lake I Boyz automatically become the 3rd place team in the U26 2008 Basketball Competition.

NEXT GAMES: Championship Schedule

Game 1 - Wednesday 26 March 7:30 pm at Civic Center
#1 Belize Bank Junior Bulldogs (15-1) vs #3 UB Black Jaguars (12-5)

Game 2 - Thursday 27 March 7:30 pm at UB Stadium in Belmopan
#3 UB Black Jaguars (12-5) vs #1 Belize Bank Junior Bulldogs (15-1)

Game 3 - (If Necessary) Friday 04 March 7:30 pm at Civic Center
#1 Belize Bank Junior Bulldogs (15-1) vs #3 UB Black Jaguars (12-5)



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BRAZIL

Liga Sudamericana: Flamengo in the semis -by Gustavo Cardoso
It was easier than expected. With Tim Jones not coming to Brazil after problems with his passport, there was not much Sol de America could do. The word out is that they even had their flights already booked for Wednesday morning, doubting they could force a game three in the series. Flamengo dominated the first quarter, and despite playing badly, was able to advance into the semis. Flamengo 108, Sol de America 76.

Around 200 fans from Flamengo's Torcida Jovem, and a couple hundred more basketball enthusiasts made their way to the central court of Tijuca Tenis Clube. In an evening of torrential rain in Rio, and ugly basketball on court, the best choice was to stay home indeed. Flamengo lost the opening tip, but Sol missed an easy lay up to start the game. After that Coloneze was the man of Flamengo dominating the boards and scoring easy baskets on Sol's Randy Orr.

With just less than six minutes to go on the quarter, Flamengo led 14-3. Kiganya, by far the best (and only) player on Sol de America's side, tried the best that he could to put some points on the scoreboard for the Paraguayans, but Coloneze continued hitting bank shots and perfect swishes. At the end of the first it was Flamengo 28, Sol 14.

In the second Paulo Chupeta decided to give a chance to some of his bench players and Fernando Mineiro, and Amiel came in for Helio and Coloneze. Flamengo lost its composure and on back to back plays by Randy Orr, the lead fell to 11 points (32-21). Amiel committed consecutive turnovers, and Duda made a wild outlet pass to the Cuban right afterwards, but Sol, despite the chances, could not turn those mistakes into points.

Ramoa came in for the Paraguayans and gave the team more stability on its backcourt game. However, Amiel and Duda, recovering from their previous bad plays, went on 3 point shooting sprees that put Flamengo 21 points ahead (48-27). At the end, Kiganya from the charity stripe, and Ramoa on a fastbreak scored the last 3 points before the half. Flamengo 48, Sol 30.

Flamengo started the third quarter with its starting five and quickly went on a 13-4 run (61-34) that pretty much sealed the deal. After that Marcellus, a U20 point guard for Flamengo, had his chance to come in and run the offense of Paulo Chupeta. Duda and Marcelinho continued to shine, but it was Marcelo's younger brother who dominated the scoreboard helping the rubro negros increase their lead to 22 (82-60).

In the fourth Maicon got his chance to play adding 4 points to the scoreboard. Helio took control of the backcourt game while Duda rested. On the other end Randy Orr, and Kiganya tried to keep their team's energy level at a minimum. At the buzzer Flamengo had 108 against Sol de America's 76. It could have been a much larger gap on the scoreboard, but Flamengo seemed satisfied with what they put in.

Duda was the top scorer with 29 points while Kiganya added 26 for Sol de America. Flamengo will now face the winner of the series between Boca Juniors and Libertad Sunchales. While Sunchales breathes basketball and will have its arena packed with passionate fans, a match up against Boca Juniors would bring a great football rivalry to the hardwood. Let's wait and see.

CR Flamengo 108 (28+20+34+26)
Starters: Helio, Duda, Marcelinho, Alirio, and Coloneze. Off the bench: Fernando, Amiel, Marcellus, and Maicon;

Sol de America 76 (14+16+30+16)
Starters: Paniagua, Ocampo, Viveros, Kiganya, and Orr; Off the bench: Ramoa, Lopez, Maroletto;

NCAA: Brazilians downed in the first rounds of Madness -by Gustavo Cardoso
Eddie Lima, Gabe Garcia, Fabio Nass, Coach Walter Roese, and wonderkid Johnatan Tavernari were ousted on their first weekend of March Madness, ending the Brazilian season early in the NCAA.

Lima, in his first season of D1 play (he played 2 years of JUCO ball in Arizona), saw his Titans drop their first game of the tourney, after a great season (24 wins and 9 losses, only 2 within their conference). Despite Josh Akognon's 31 points, the Badgers taller squad, and its overall confidence (they were coming off a Big Ten tourney win) prevailed (71-56).

Eddie came off the bench, played for just one minute in his final game of the season, and went scoreless. The 280 pounder 'pernambucano' played in only 11 games this season, and averaged 1.5 points, and 1.1 rebounds in 5.2 minutes per game. Certainly less than what he did for Arizona Western in the two previous years.

Gabe Garcia, another JUCO player to move up to D1, did not see any action in the last game of the season of the Golden Flashes. His team played a miserable first half, scoring 10 points, and trailed UNLV throughout the game (71-58).

Kent State finished the regular season with 13 wins and only 3 losses in the East region of the Mid American conference. However, that did not come from Garcia's efforts. The 7 footer played in only 5 games this season, and hopes to have more chances in his senior year.

Fabio Nass, the reserve center for the Miami Hurricanes, who has also not played much during the season, was unable to reach the Sweet 16. The Hurricanes lost to Texas (72-75) after a strong win against St Mary's (78-64) in the first round.

In that occasion Nass played for only one minute, but on yesterday's game, his last in the NCAAs, he sat out for the entire game. The Brazilian finished his senior season with an average of 2.1 points in just over 6 minutes of playing time (he played in only 9 games).

Walter Roese, an assistant coach at University of San Diego, also said goodbye to the competition. After knocking UConn off in the first round (70-69), the Toreros were unable to beat Western Kentucky yesterday evening (63-72). The team fought against a 16 point deficit, but could not overcome the Kentucky program.

Despite the loss, the year ends on a very good note for the Toreros as this was the school's first trip to NCAA post season.

Johnatan Tavernari is the Brazilian to watch in the NCAA. He has improved his game since last year, and has been a great asset to coach David Rose, in Provo. The Brazilian led all Cougars in the game against Texas A&M with 15 points, just two points above his season average of 13.1 points per game.

This was Brigham Young's second best season in history (27-8), and its fifth trip to the tourney in the last 8 years. Tavernari, one of Brazil's top prospects born in 1987, played a very important role throughout the season, sharing leadership responsibilities with Lee Cummard and Trent Plaisted.

The game against the Aggies on Thursday was a nailbiting experience for college hoops fans. After a first half tie (29-29), both teams continued to played competitively until the final minute of the game. The Cougars came off a 6 point deficit to tie at 60 points. At the end it was a Joseph Jones free throw, with 11 seconds away, that put the Texans on the second round.

'It could have gone either way', said Tavernari after the game. The Sao Bernardo kid will come back next year for his junior year, but Brazilians might see some of his action before November in case he gets to work for Moncho Monsalve's National Team in the Qualifier for the Beijing Olympics. He has got the game.


Supercopa de Basquete: Franca continues on top -by Gustavo Cardoso
On Monday, four games took place in the 11th round of Supercopa, the Brazilian National League organized by ACBB (Brazilian Basketball Clubs Association). Limeira's win over Franca (93-88) narrowed the gap on the standings and added some spice to the tournament.

The limeirenses relied on Brian Taylor and Rodrigo Bahia to get the eighth victory of the club in the league. It was not easy as Limeira needed one overtime to get the job done. Taylor added 25 points while Bahia added 17 and dominated the paint with 15 boards. On Franca's side Rogerio Klafke had 18 points followed by Helinho's 17.

Bauru could not resist to Assis stronger game, and lost 78-57, yesterday at Jairao Arena, in Assis. In the first two quarters Bauru was able to stay within reach, and at the half Assis led by just 3 points (37-34).

However, in the third quarter, Assis won 29-11, and made things difficult for Coach Guerra's squad, who could not narrow the gap in the last quarter. Nezinho finished the game with 22 points, and 6 assists, followed by Ricardo Probst's 18 points and 10 boards. Gaucho was Bauru's main scorer with 14.

Pinheiros, who now has former New Orleans Hornets Marquinhos in its roster, conquered an important win away, playing Sao Jose Basketball in the Paraiba Valley. Marquinhos had 18 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds to help the team from the capital achieve its third win of the season. Fabiao Pires was the top scorer for Pinheiros with 20 points while Fabricio and Deivisson led Sao Jose with 22 apiece.

Araraquara also played as a guest, but in Sao Paulo, to Paulistano, and had an important win. The team coached by Chui scored 101 points and beat the home team by 17 (101-84). Cesar was the main player for Araraquara with 27 points while Neto added 15 points and dished 11 assists. Paulistano played without some of its top players and had in former UTEP Miner's forward Thomas Gherke its main source for scoring with 14 points.

The same match-ups will be seen tonight as teams face each other for the 12th round of competition.

Standings (after round 11):

(1) Franca 20 pts (9W-2L)
(2) Limeira 19 pts (8W-3L)
(3) Assis 19 pts (8W-3L)
(4) Paulistano 18 pts (7W-4L)
(5) Araraquara 15 pts (4W-7L)
(6) Sao Jose 14 pts (3W-8L)
(7) Pinheiros 14 pts (3W-8L)
(8) Bauru 13 pts (2W-9L)

Top Scorers (after round 11):

(1) Dede Stefanelli (Paulistano): 24,8 ppg
(2) Paulinho Boracini (Pinheiros): 23,1 ppg
(3) Marcio Dornelles (Franca): 18,5 ppg
(4) Nezinho (Assis): 18,2 ppg
(5) Rogerio Klafke (Franca): 18,1 ppg

Top Rebounders (after round 11):

(1) Ricardo Probst (Assis): 11,6 rpg
(2) Lucas Tischer (Araraquara): 8,3 rpg
(3) William Drudi (Franca): 7,3 rpg
(4) Bruno Fiorotto (Paulistano): 6,9 rpg
(5) David Teles (Assis): 6,8 pts

Top Dishers (after round 11)

(1) Helinho Garcia (Franca): 8,7 apg
(2) Fernando Penna (Paulistano): 7,6 apg
(3) Neto (Araraquara): 6,9 apg
(4) Nezinho (Assis): 6,5 rpg
(5) Renato Lamas (Limeira): 4,3 pts

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BULGARIA

Levski won the bronze medals in the Bulgarian Cup -by Valentin Anguelov

After losing the semi-finals against Cherno More, today Levski won the bronze medals in the Bulgarian 'Ledenika' Cup after beating CSKA 78-77 thanks to Yulian Radionov who scored 6 seconds before the final whistle. That is a step back for Levski compared to last year's edition of the tournament when they played at the final against Lukoil Academic. Lubomir Minchev's players played well only in the first and the last quarters of the game, letting CSKA take the other two and giving them a real chance to win the bronze medals.


After the first 10 minutes Levski was leading 26-17 and everything seemed to be going as planned for the 'blue' team. However in the next quarter CSKA took the initiative and totally outplayed Levski with 22-9, making the score 39-35 at the half-time. At the beginning of the second half CSKA was still the better team on the court and they won the third quarter 21-14 making it very difficult for their opponents before the final 10 minutes. After all Levski managed to cut the lead and luckily won the game with Radionov's basket.

Stefan Georgiev scored 18 points for Levski before leaving the game for 5 personal fouls, while Asen Velikov added 13.

For CSKA Lavell Payne was the top scorer with 20 points and Georgi Davidov finished with 14. Both of them couldn't finish the game because they also had to leave the court for 5 personal fouls.


FULL STATS FROM THE GAME LEVSKI - CSKA



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CANADA

Montreal advances to Final Eigh Championship -by Gianni Pascucci

The Montreal Royals defeated the Jersey Express yesterday night, 118-110. Thanks to this win, Montreal is the second Canadian team to participate to the American Basketball Association 'Final 8 Championships' that tips off tonight in Quebec City. The definitve ABA Quarterfinal pairings are as follows:
Vermont - San Francisco
Quebec City - Texas
San Diego - Atlanta
Manchester - Montreal
Fans interested in tickets and hotel packages for the Final 8 may call the organizers at 418-780-4850 or e-mail info@kebs.ca The entire ABA Final 8 Championship will be Webcast free, for viewing live and in archived rebroadcast, at www.vermontfrostheaves.com



Canada U18 loses to Italy -by Eurobasket News
Canadian U18 National team was denied the third straight win at the Albert Schweitzer tournament in Germany. In Round 3 they met with Italy and suffered their first defeat 78:86. Italian youngsters dominated for the major part of the encounter launching a 43:30 lead at halftime. Canada stayed close throughout the second half but could not seriously threaten the deficit. They finished the preliminary round at 2-1 record at the second spot in Group C. Canadian team will now play in the qualifying round. They face Turkey tonight. Rob Gagliardi led Canada against Italy scoring 23 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. Mangusto Arop contributed 19 points and 6 rebounds, while Simon Bibeau notched 15 points in defeat.

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CHAD

League of Chari-Baguirmi Ndjamena -by Emery Doradji
The league of Chari-Baguirmi in Ndjamena start last monday 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 Ngoniry as head coach , and Daniel Ngangnon as assistance coach the two men want to revolutionize Chadian basketball they have a really good team. The captain Tissaign Niahma Doradji says that they are ready to attack this season with his teamates Mbah, and Alladoum they say the Defending championhip title is afraid to play them.

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CROATIA

Croatia U18 storms past New Zealand in Germany -by Eurobasket News
Croatia added some positive emotions to their Albert Schweitzer tournament campaign with a cruising win over the Junior New Zealand team. Croatia turned out to be a higher team and they capitalized on the advantage. They outmuscled their opponents in the paint and piled up a 21:11 lead after the opening stanza. The Juniors Tall Blacks had a momentum going in their favour in the second stanza as they were able to cut the deficit by 2 points. But Croatia rested well during the long break and came out of the dressing room recharged. Europeans quickly ran away to a comfortable distance and never looked back again. Leon Radosevic (208-F/C-90) was massive with 30 points and 10 boards for Croatia. Goran Fodor (193-G-90) added 21 points and Bilinovac had 13 in a winning case. Dion Prewster (196-G/F-91) scored 21 points for Kiwis. Croatia youngsters outrebounded their opponents 43:26 and forced those to 21 turnovers. They also sank 52% from the field, while New Zealand finished with 49% accuracy.
Croatia will now fight for lower placing and they play against the defending champs France later tonight.

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CUBA

Capitalinos-Ciego de Avila 2-1 -by Alessandro Fontana

LSB Finals in Cuba!
Ciego de Avila won the last game of the Cuban Finals 94-74 and with this victory Ciego de Avila comes back in 'the race' to conquer the LSB 2008. Capitalinos won the first two games and if Capitalinos will win tonight the 4th game, the team of La Habana will win the 'Cuban Championship'.
The first quarter ended 20-20 and in the Ramon Fonst Coliseum of La Habana, the 'Capitalinos Fans' believed to win and to be the champions of Cuba.

In the second quarter Geoffrey Silvestre 'El Gato' began to score and catch rebounds, thanks to him Ciego de Avila played a great second quarter and 'Los avilenos' obtained a +13 advbantage (48-35).
In the third qaurter, Capitalinos with Lavastida tried to come back into the game but Ciego de Avila had always a good advantage (69-57 3rd quarter). The fourth quarter was a Slvestre show and Ciego de Avila won deservedly the game.
MVP of the game was Geoffrey Silvestre with 24 points, for Michael Guerra 15 pts and a lot of leadership and assists. For Capitalinos, Lavastida 19 pts and Taylor Garcia 17 pts.
A. Fontana



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CYPRUS

Stats Leaders - A2
A2 Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
Prokopiou (Anagen) 16
Hristodoulou (Digenis) 15
Christodoulou (APOP) 15
Alexandrou(Anagen) 14
Antoniou (APOP) 14
Georgiadis (Philips) 13
Grigoriou (Anagen) 13
Papadopoulos(Paral)13
Rebounds Per Game
Koutsoloukas (Philips) 8
Papadopoulos (Paral) 7.5
Alexandrou (Anagen) 7.1
Hristodoulou (APOP) 7
Christodoulou (Digeni) 7 Grigoriou (Anagen) 6
Assists Per Game
Prokopiou (Anagen) 2.9
Georgiadis (Philips) 2.4
Papadopoulos(Paral) 2.1
Hatzifedonos (Olym) 2.1
Daniel (Digenis) 1.7
Steals Per Game
Karagiannis (Anagn) 2.1
Hristodoulou (APOP) 2.1
Alexandrou (Anagen) 2.1
Karvazonis (Digen) 1.5
Achilleos (Argon) 1.5
Blocks Per Game
Christodoulou (APOP) 2
Papadopoulos (Paral) 1.5
Hatzifedonos (Olymp) 1.1
Hristodoulou (Digenis) 1
Koutsoloukas (Philips) 1
Zagorov (Philips) 1
2FGP
Prokopiou (Anagn) 68
Antoniou (APOP) 65
Haralambus (Doxa) 60
Mihail (Achilleas Ag) 58
Christodoulou (Digen) 58
Zagorov (Philips) 57
3FGP
Christodoulou (Digen) 55
Philippou (Doxa) 54
Shiakallis (Olympos) 53
Papanikolaou (Philips) 50
Georgiadis (Philips) 50
Free Throws
Prokopiou (Anagen) 85
Hristodoulou (Digenis) 85
Hatzifedonos (Olymp) 83
Antoniou (APOP) 82
Mastoris (APOP) 82
Ranking
Prokopiou (Anagen)
Christodoulou (APOP)


Standings - Division B
Division B Standings
1. A.Yermasogias 21-1
2. Philips Coll. 19-3
3. Doxa 15-6
4. Olympos A. 15-7
5. APOP Paphou 15-7
6. Digenis 14-7
7. Paralimni 12-9
8. Achilleas Agrou 10-11
9. Asteras 7-14
10. Enosis K. 4-14
11. Argonaftes 3-17
12. Onisilos 3-18
13. A.Yeroskipou 0-22


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D-LEAGUE

Standings
D-League Standings
Central Division
1. Dakota W. 26-18
2. Sioux Falls S. 25-20
3. Iowa E. 18-25
4. Ft.Wayne MA 15-28
Southwest Division
1. Austin T. 27-15
2. Tulsa 66ers 24-19
3. Colorado 14ers 23-18
4. Albuquerque T. 20-23
5. Rio Grande VV 17-29
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


Stats Leaders
D-League Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1.M. Almond, UTA 24.7
2.D. Farmer, RGV 23.4
3.K. Powell, SIF 22.3
4.C. Powell, DAK 22.2
4.S. Banks, LAD 22.2
Rebounds Per Game
1.R. Benson, DAK 12.0
2.C. Alexander, SIF 11.1
3.L. Allred, IDA 10.0
4.M. Campbell, IDA 8.4
5.I. Mahinmi, AUS 8.1
Assists Per Game
1.R. Livingston, IDA 10.7
2.E. Gill, COL 8.4
3.A. Barrett, AUS 8.3
4.K. Kruger, UTA 7.1
5.J. Horner, IOW 5.9


Tuesday's Results -by Surujh Roopnarine
Tulsa 66ers (98) at Rio Grande Valley Vipers (93)
66ERS: Jason Fontenet (5'10''-G-82, college: Oregon St.) (18p+6as), Jeremy Nelly (17p), Mike may (16p), Adam Harrington (13p+9rb)
VIPERS: Desmon Farmer (6'5''-G-81, college: USC) (24p+6rb+7as), Kris Collins (20p+5to), Quin Humphrey (15p+6rb), Sergio Sanchez (10p)

Ft. Wayne Mad Ants (100) at Dakota Wizards (104)
MAD ANTS: Dahntay Jones (6'5''-F/G-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Duke) (28p), Larry Turner (22p+14rb), Ron Howard (24p+5rb), Earl Calloway (18p+12as+6st)
WIZARDS: Carlos Powell (6'7''-F-83, college: S.Carolina) (23p), Rod Benson (18p+9rb), Kevin Lyde (17p+9rb), David Palmer (17p+7rb)

Bobby Jones Returns to Skyforce -by Surujh Roopnarine
Bobby Jones (6'6''-F-84, college: Washington) has returned to the Sioux Falls Skyforce after not having his 10-day contract with the Miami HEAT renewed. The club instead decided to audition a tri of D-Leaguers in Kasib Powell (6'7''-F-81, college: Texas Tech), Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: Missouri St.) and Stephane Lasme (6'8''-F-82, college: Massachusetts), all currently with the HEAT.
The well travelled Jones, was with his fourth NBA club this season, tying an NBA record most recently held by Tony Massenburg.
The former U of Washington lock-down defender had his best run this season with the HEAT, averaging eight points and four rebounds while shooting 53% in six games.
Jones appeared in four games with the Houston Rockets, nine games (two starts) with the Memphis Grizzlies and 23 games with the Denver Nuggets. Prior to that, during the 2006-07 season, Jones appeared in 44 games (five starts) with the Philadelphia 76ers.

D-League Alum Help Lead Aishin Sea Horses to JBL Championship -by Surujh Roopnarine
Veteran forward James Maye (6'7''-G-81, college: NC-Greensboro) and swingman Alpha Bangura (6'6''-F/G-80, college: St.John's), along with former UCLA big man JR Sakuragi (Henderson) led Aishin Sea Horses to a 3-2 series victory over Toyota Alvark in Japan's JBL Finals. Bangura, a product of St. John's University and a member of the North Charleston Lowgators (2002-04) scored 19 points while Maye, a member of Dakota's 2007 D-League Championship squad, contributed 15 points off the bench. Maye, a product of UNC-Greensboro, was a key contributor to Dakota's run last season, averaging 15.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and shooting 45.9% from the field in 33 games. Maye's resume includes international stints in Norway, Venezuela, Greece and now Japan.

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EBA

EBA's Top Scorer Signs in Saudi Arabia -by Justin Moore
The EBA's Top scorer Sherman Brittingham (6'5''-F-82, college: California (PA)) (6'5''-F-82, college: California (PA))of the Delaware Destroyers signed with Al Ahli Jeddah in Saudi Arabia last week. Sherman was the leading scorer in the EBA this season scoring in a exposive fashion to the tune of 37.4pts 10.8rebs a game.Sherman can score points in bunches,great from 3point range,drives to the hole,post up's you name it just a complete scorer Quoted Daryl Owens (6'2''-G, college: Nova CC) a minor league vet and one of the top defenders in the EBA' He can flatout get it done! he is so tough because he can do so many things if your smaller he will take you in the block,if your bigger he will take you of the dribble he uses his 6-5 frame very well he's just hard to guard'.

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ESTONIA

SEB BBL Play Offs: Amazing win for BC Kalev/Cramo -by Janar Filippov
BC Kalev/Cramo defetated BK Ventspils 70:55 in the first round of SEB BBL play-off. Game 2 will be played on Saturday at Ventspils.

It was 3:22 to play and Jimmy Baxter's phenomenal dunk had just cut the hosts lead to 58:53. Ventspils was back in the game and had all the chances to take the upper hand in this close contest. But instead, it was the last bright moment for 'the Yellow' team as Valmo Kriisa's three-pointer from the corner started a final 12:2 run by BC Kalev/Cramo which also included two beautiful baskets from Ed Scott and a final triple by Kriisa with 3 seconds left. The hosts had turned a bad luck - four consecutive losses against Ventspils through last two seasons - and taken a promising 15-point advantage in SEB BBL play-off first round.

The guests started better and led 1:6 with three minutes played. Helmanis and Baxter added three-pointers to go up 8:12 - Baxter had 7, Helmanis 5 points at that point. Two baskets by Ed Scott and Dusan Jelic, a former player of Ventspils, had the hosts rolling but first quarter ended 13:18. The 2nd quarter was nothing but beautiful. Ventspils made a 6-point run to go up by nine - 15:24. A three-pointer by McNamara had the guests ahead 22:29 as the hosts kept making turnovers. A three-pointer by Arbet started hosts' comeback and another one from Sokk ended first half 30:32. But still, it was far from satisfying for the hosts.

Third quarter became a turning point in the game. Kedzo and Scott completed a 9:1 run in six minutes as the guests had no field goals. Then Kangur missed from an easy position and Gabrans punished with a three-pointer and it was 41:38, again. Kangur followed with a dunk despite missing four last shots an Reed ended the quarter 50:42, making it 20:10 spurt in whole quarter.

4th quarter started with the greatest moment of the game as Frier put a high-flying block on a dunk attempt of Skirmants. Both teams continued with a low pace until Reed put Kalev up 54:47 and Vairogs answered with a three-pointer - 54:50 with five minutes left. Kangur, a top scorer today, made four free throws for 58:50 and then it was Baxter's time to shine - the last shining moment of the guests today.

Kalev won the rebounds 40:33 (offensive 11:5), the guests were disastrous 6/25 frm a three-point line.
Kangur led Kalev with 16 points and 8 rebounds, Scott added 13, Kedzo and Reed 9 and Kriisa 8 points, 6 of them in last three minutes. Baxter was the only one from Ventspils with a double-digit number as he had 12 points.

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EUROCUP

Rest of the World Team betters Europe in EuroCup All-Star Game -by Eurobasket News
Europe - Rest of the World 116:118

Limassol was chosen to host the EuroCup festivity yesterday. The All-Star Game between Europe and the Rest of the World teams was preceded by different contests. Vasili Zavoruev (196-G-87) from AEL succeeded in winning the three-point shootout. He surpassed James Jim Cantamessa (202-F-78, college: Siena) of Mons-Hainaut in the final round. Vasili Zavoruev missed all of his attempts at the first rack but notched 10 straight treys to advance to the final round. There he was unstoppable leaving James Jim Cantamessa behind.
The All-Star Game itself that drew 5500 spectators to the Melford Arena in Limassol turned out to be a real treat for all basketball fans. The teams played an entertaining piece of basketball with little defense involved. The Rest of the World squad grabbed the lead early in the game as Joe Smith (193-G-77, agency: Priority Sports, college: Al.-Huntsville) drilled a couple of treys. Alex Scales (192-G-78, college: Oregon) added another long three-pointer and the Rest of the World team accumulated a 20:13 advantage. Nando De Colo (195-G-87) and Petri Virtanen (183-G-80) fired back-to-back triples to drag Europe within 4 points late in the first quarter. Milutin Aleksic (202-F-82) and Martynas Andriukaitis (204-F-81) capped the frame with 4 points and the Europe side trailed 34:38. The teams continued to trade baskets throughout the second term with the Rest of the World keeping it in front. Dimitris Verginis (194-G-87, agency: FCM) nailed a treble and George Tsintsadze (192-G-86) added a jumper to shave the deficit to 2 points but Famutimi and Duane Woodward (191-G-76, college: Boston Coll.) teamed up for 8 quick points and the Rest of the World secured a safe distance. Alex Scales and Joseph Joe Smith crowned the first half with two treys and the Rest of the World team led by 6 points at halftime. A trey from Milutin Aleksic finally put the Europe up 88:86 midway through the third period. The lead then changed hands for a couple of times before Joe Smith nailed another treble and the Rest of the World entered the final stanza in front 100:99. The sides were all square at 114 with under 4 minutes remaining. Alex Scales put the Rest of the World in front with a jumper, while Famitimi stretched the gap to 4 points with just over 2 minutes left. Sasa Bratic (202-F/G-81, agency: Beo Basket) cut the deficit to 2 points with free throws but the Rest of the World team withstood in the dying seconds and celebrated an impressive victory. Joe Smith, who finished with 28 points, was voted the MVP of the Game.

Europe: Nando De Colo 24, Milutin Aleksic 20, Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83) 18, Sasa Bratic 18
Rest of the World: Joe Smith 28, Alex Scales 23, Adrian Henning 14, Demetrius Alexander 13

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EUROLEAGUE

World select team announced for Nike Hoop Summit -by Dragan Jankovski
The World Select Team was announced today for the Nike Hoop Summit, the premier annual basketball game featuring many of the world's leading basketball players aged 19 years or younger, which takes place at the Rose Garden, in Portland, Oregon on Saturday, April 12, 2008 (tip-off 1 pm PT).

The game, which sees America's top senior high school players taking on a World Select Team comprising the world's top players, has been staged on ten previous occasions and has given an extraordinary number of talented young players the chance to showcase their abilities.

This year's version promises to be no different, with the World Select naming a roster full of players with a great deal of experience in international basketball and featuring 11 players from 11 countries across four continents.

The roster features four guards Diego Gerbaudo (180-G-89) (6'0', Real Madrid and Argentina), Devoe Joseph (193-G-90) (6'3', Pickering High School, Ontario and Canada), Zygimantas Janavicius (192-G-89, agency: Interperformances) (6'4', Zalgiris Kaunas and Lithuania) and Oleksandr Kolchenko (195-F/G-88) (6'6', BC Khimik and Ukraine).

The World Team has forwards Emmanuel Emmanuel Negedu (200-F-88) (6'6', Brewster Academy, New Hampshire and Nigeria), Samardo Samuels (206-C-89) (St Benedict HS, New Jersey and Jamaica), Serge Ibaka (208-C/F-89) (6'10', CB Hospitalet (Spain) and Congo), Angel Garcia (196-C-88) (6'10', East Chicago Central HS and Puerto Rico) and Tim Ohlbrecht (211-C/F-88) (6'11', Bamberg and Germany).

The roster is currently rounded off with centres Alexis Ajinca (214-C-88) (7'1', Heyers-Toulon and France), who returns from the 2007 roster, and Boban Boban Marjanovic (216-C-88) (216-C-88) (7'4', Hemofarm and Serbia).

Diego Gerbaudo was the MVP of Basketball Without Borders in both Puerto Rico and Buenos Aires and currently plays with the second team of Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid. Joseph has committed to play for the University of Minnesota in 2008 and has been invited to try-out for the senior national team that plays in Olympic qualification this summer.

Zygimantas Janavicius won silver medals with the Lithuanian under-18 national team at the European Championships in 2006 and 2007 while Oleksandr Kolchenko was called up to the full senior Ukranian national team last year and helped the under-20 team win silver at the B Division European Championships, averaging 19.4 points and 4.4 rebounds a game.

Emmanuel Negedu enjoyed a successful World Championships with the Nigerian under-19 national team last summer, averaging 17.2 points and 8.6 rebounds a game and will play for the University of Arizona next season.

Samuels has attended St Benedict High School for four years and, in 2007-08, made a verbal commitment to play college ball at the University of Louisville.

Serge Ibaka, a member of Congo's under-18 national team, plays in Spain's LEB with CB L'Hospitalet and was MVP, leading scorer and leading rebounder at the African Junior Championships in South Africa in 2007. Garcia averaged 13.8 points and 7.8 rebounds a game for Puerto Rico at the under-19 World Championships in Serbia last year.

Tim Ohlbrecht played 12 games for Brose Baskets Bamberg in 2006-07 when they won the German Bundesliga and was named the All German Bundesliga Newcomer of the Year that season. Ajinca has played Euroleague basketball, the top club competition in Europe, for Pau-Orthez and helped the French under-19 national team to bronze medal in the 2007 World Championships.

Boban Marjanovic was a member of the Serbia team that won gold at those 2007 under-19 World Championships, averaging 8.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and shooting 62.2 per cent from the field over nine games.

The World Team at Nike Hoop Summit 2008 will be coached, for the fourth time, by respected Australian national teams coach Rob Beveridge , currently with Australian National Basketball League team the West Sydney Razorbacks.

Beveridge, who will be assisted by Serbia's Marin Sedlacek, making his eighth Hoop Summit appearance, was the coach of last season's World Select which lost 100-80 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee, giving the USA an 8-2 lead in the series.

The two World Team victories came in 1996 in Charlotte, North Carolina, by a 104-96 margin, and in 1998 in San Antonio when, famously, Dirk Nowitzki had 33 points and 14 rebounds in a 104-99 victory.

The World Select Team has been assembled by Nike's Consultant of Global Basketball Rich Sheubrooks after consulting with general managers, clubs, federations, scouts and coaches from around the world.

He said: 'I think the team we have this year is very athletic, possibly it is the most athletic team we have ever assembled for Nike Hoop Summit. Also, a lot of our guys have experience of playing against American players so, hopefully, that will help us as well.

'We believe this team compares vary favorably with our teams from previous years and we are very excited about seeing them come together in Portland.'

To date, 70 former USA and World Select players have been drafted by NBA teams and, currently, 40 former USA and 12 former World Team members play in the NBA.

World Team Hoop Summit alums now playing for NBA teams include: Andrea Bargnani (Toronto Raptors), Dan Gadzuric (Milwaukee Bucks), Yi Jianlian (Milwaukee Bucks), Bostjan Nachbar (New Jersey Nets), Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks), Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs), Vladimir Radmanovic (Los Angeles Lakers), Sergio Rodriguez (Portland Trail Blazers), Mouhamed Saer Sene (Seattle SuperSonics), Louis Scola (Houston Rockets), Darius Songaila (Washington Wizards) and Marcus Vinicius Viera (New Orleans Hornets).



2008 World Select Team Nike Hoop Summit Roster

NAME POS HGT WGT DOB COUNTRY / TEAM
Diego Gerbaudo G 6-0 174 8/13/89 Argentina / Real Madrid
Devoe Joseph G 6-3 180 5/07/90 Canada / Pickering H.S., Ontario
Zygimantas Janavicius G 6-4 176 2/20/89 Lithuania / B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas
Oleksandr Kolchenko G 6-6 200 9/20/88 Ukraine / Khimik-OPZ Yuzny
Emmanuel Negedu F 6-6 220 10/23/88 Nigeria / Brewster Academy, NH
Samardo Samuels F 6-8 250 0/00/89 Jamaica / St Benedict's Prep, NJ
Serge Ibaka F 6-10 210 9/18/89 Congo / C.B. L'Hospitalet
Angel Garcia F 6-10 230 11/07/88 Puerto Rico / East Chicago H.S.
Tim Ohlbrecht F 6-11 225 8/30/88 Germany / Brose Bamberg
Alexis Ajinca C 7-1 220 5/06/88 France / Hyeres-Toulon Var
Boban Marjanovic C 7-4 245 8/15/88 Serbia / Hemofarm Stada Vrsac

Head Coach: Rob Beveridge (Australia)
Assistant Coach: Marin Sedlacek (Serbia)

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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: Team Componenta won by 19 pts -by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Qualification, Game 1: Team Componenta (Karkkila) did not have any difficulties vs Korikobrat (Lapua) tonight as these two teams met
each other for first time. The winner (the best out of three) will play next season on Top level and it seems, that TC wants to stay in the Top League
and Lapua just measures how close they are right now to Korisliiga. 12 minutes Lapua was even (25-25) in the game, but later on TC was so
much stronger with wider material. TC won by 19 pts. Nanayaw Awuah Addae (175-G-84), PuHu's help to TC, showed once again, he can play: 25 pts. Nigel Moore (195-F/G-81, college: Alabama A&M) added 15 pts and grabbed 14 rbs. Tyrwone Still (196-F-77, college: W.Virginia St.) had to do almost everything on Lapua roster. Still netted game high 32 pts. Lapua had only two players in double figures. The next game on Friday, March 28, at Lapua.

Team Componenta - Lapua 90-71 (44-37) (Nanayaw Awuah Addae 25 (treys 5/6), Nigel Moore 15/14 - Tyrwone Still 32 (treys 5/8), Ville Turja 12).



KORISLIIGA: Kouvot has re-signed with six players -by Rauno Hurmalainen
Kouvot (Kouvola) has re-signed with six Finnish players by now. While concentrating to the play-off-games Kouvot has built the roster already
for next season. Tuomas Iisalo (195-G-82), Samu Kaaresvirta (192-F-81), Jukka Kataja (197-F-82), Roope Suonio (176-G-82), Tero Laitinen (201-F-87) and Matti Nuutinen (198-F-90) want to continue playing in Kouvola. Kouvot will start the play-off-games at home this Friday vs Korihait (Uusikaupunki). During the regular season Kouvot defeated Korihait 3-1 in four games.

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FYR MACEDONIA

D1 Standings
Superleague Standings
1. Feni Indistrija 23-3
2. Strumica 19-7
3. F.Rabotnicki 15-11
4. AMMAK SP 15-11
5. Pelister 15-11
6. MZT Skopje 13-13
7. Vardar 10-16
8. Karpos 2-24


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GABON

Standings
Elite League Standings
1. Stade Madji 0-0
2. Somo B 0-0
3. CAS 1987 0-0
4. Manga Basket 0-0
5. AO BB 0-0
6. Toungui 0-0
7. Atomik 0-0
8. ASSCTG 0-0


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GERMANY

German Cup: Top Four features familiar faces -by Moritz Korff
Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck - Brose Baskets Bamberg 98:67
The Artland Dragons topped Bamberg in the last quarterfinal of the German Cup-competition and advanced to the Top Four of the BBL-Cup for the second straight year. The visiting Brose Baskets lost every quarter in a packed Artland-Arena and turned the ball over 22 times in the game. Also, hitting only 41% of their shots from the field was not good enough to make the host stumble. On the other end the Dragons produced a field-percentage of 62.7 and went 10/17 from beyond the arc. Chad Prewitt (206-F/C-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arizona St.), Lamont McIntosh (191-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia St.) and Terrance Thomas (198-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Baylor) each drained 3 triples. 20 assists were proof of a good team performance which made the way for another Semifinal-appearance.
Adam Chubb (207-F/C-81, college: Pennsylvania) led the point-production for the host and tallied 22 points on 5 out of 7 from the field and 12 out of 14 from the foul line. Thomas followed with 15 points (6/8 FG) and pulled down 5 rebounds, as did Chubb. Thomas also handed out a game-high 4 assists. E.J. Rowland (188-G-80, college: St.Mary's, CA) nailed 5 of his 6 shots from the field to finish the game with 13 points for the Dragons, while Leon Rodgers (199-F-80, college: N.Illinois) had 9 points in only 13 minutes on the court. Bamberg's Robert Garrett (193-G-77, agency: SportsTalent) answered with 15 points, including 3 threes, Steffen Hamann (194-G-81) and Jared Reiner (211-C-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa) had 10 points apiece in the loss.
Quakenbrueck is the third team of last year's participants who will make another trip to Hamburg. Ludwigsburg and Bremerhaven had qualified last week just like Berlin, the only club of this quartet that didn't attend the 2007 Top Four-tournament.

John Whorton no longer in Trier -by Moritz Korff
1. Bundesliga-club TBB Trier and John Whorton (205-C-78, college: Kent St.) have parted, effective immediately. The 29-year-old Center appeared in 17 league-games for Trier and averaged 5.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per outing. According to the press release published on the website of the club the chemistry between Whorton and Coach Yves Defraigne was not good, so both parts decided to stop the cooperation. The young Post Player Maik Zirbes (205-C-90), who is currently attending the Albert-Schweitzer-Tournament with the German U18-National Team, will try to replace the American for the remainder of the season.

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GREECE

Panathinaikos won the Hellenic cup for fourth consecutive time! -by Chris Mammides

Tsartsaris is back! No wonders why Zeljko Obradovic stated that one of the main reasons which Panathinaikos disqualified from Euroleague it was the absence of their super power forward Kostas Tsartsaris (210-F-79).
The amazing Greek forward proved his coach's statement last night when Panathinaikos defeated Olympiacos at Ellinikon Olympic Hall 81-79 to win the Greek Cup for fourth straight time. Kostas Tsartsaris, was named MVP of the Greek Cup final for the third straight year, had 14 points and 5 boards for the Greens. The Greens, who bounced back after their shocking elimination from the Euroleague Quarterfinal Playoffs to show that they are still the team to beat in Greece.
Panathinaikos took the an early lead in last night's thrilling game, but Olympiacos stayed competitive. By the end of the first half, the Greens led 30-34 and in the third period, both teams found their rhythm as the excitement grew. Tsartsaris sank a big three at the beginning of the fourth quarter for a 13-point Panathinaikos lead, 50-63. But Greer, who went scoreless in the first half, caught fire and led Olympiacos on an impressive comeback. With 1:10 to go, Spanoulis hit another three-pointer to make it 70-75, but the Reds already received Panagiotis Giannakis passion and spirit. Thirty seconds before the end Dimitris Diamantidis's free throws gave his team a 5-point lead, but Olympiacos used its fouls to stay alive. With 12 seconds to go, Greer made one for two free throws, grabbed the offensive rebound and tied the game at 78-78. Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) posted 2 free throws at the other end for a 78-80 advantage, then Greer went to the foul line, but scored only one, 79-80 and Winston sealed the victory for his team with a free throw. It is worth mentioning the fact that Olympiakos dashed down 10 rebounds more than the permanent champions (48-38) and shot much better from the parameter with 22/27 free throws 15/24 two's and 9/18 three's with Panathinaikos having 15/23 free throws, 9/21 two's and 16/30 three's. Panathinaikos was much better in the assists as the Greens overcome their opponents with 16 to 9
.

The protagonists of the Cup Final
Other than the MVP, Kostas Tsartsaris, Panathinaikos, shot 16 for 30 from downtown got 20 points and 7 assists from Vasilis Spanoulis (193-G-82), while 11 points and a key free throw in the closing seconds from Kennedy Winston (198-F-84, college: Alabama). Olympiacos's Lynn Greer (186-G-79, college: Temple) bagged 28 points dished 5 assists, but missed some critical free throws down the stretch. Panagotis Vasilopoulos (202-F-84) added 15 points, Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83) recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds and Marc Jackson (206-C/F-75, college: Temple) had 10 points.



Do or Die for the Eternal Enemies -by Eurobasket
The two super giants of Greek basketball, Panathinaikos Athens BC and Olympiacos Piraeus BC, face each other tonight for the Greek Cup Final for the first time in 22 years in what is considered to be an all-time classic, the Greens vs the Reds.
Panathinaikos beat their rivals in a highly convincing manner in Piraeus a few weeks ago for the Greek league but timing, morale status and competition are all different this time.

Olympiacos' momentum
It couldn't get any tighter after the two teams' latest Euroleague results. Olympiacos stunned Real Madrid in front of their frantic home crowd in Piraeus on last Thursday earning a place in the Euroleague Quarter-finals in style while Panathinaikos suffered a Partizan thrashing in Belgrade and were left out from the competition, spoiling their impressive 12-2 record during the regular season which was second to none.

History
Olympiacos were the first club to break the 8 years of unrivaled dominance (1985-1993) of the two Northern Greece giants, PAOK BC and Aris BC. The Reds won five straight domestic league titles (1993-97) followed by much controversy and speculation over being the 'favoured' team in Greece at that time. They reached their peak in 1997 when the Reds succeeded their bitter rivals, Panathinaikos, as European Champions- their only European honour to date.
Panathinaikos took over since then grasping nine domestic league titles, all but one since 1998.
Meanwhile they were crowned 4 times European Champions. The architect of the 'Green empire' has been their Serbian head-coach, Zeljko Obradovic who was appointed by Panathinaikos back in 1999.
Summer of 2006, was arguably the most notable milestone of Olympiacos BC recent history.
The Greek tycoons, the Angelopoulos brothers took charge of Olympiacos basketball section determined to lead the Reds back to glory days. They immediately appointed Pini Gershon as head-coach who had been voted as best coach in Europe for 2005 just after winning the Euroleague with Maccabi Tel-Aviv. They then flamboyantly splashed a lot of money on flashy signings to build a 'run and gun' team that would dethrone Panathinaikos.
They came very close last year when they gave a real scare to Panathinaikos at the Greek Play-off best-of-five final series.
The Greens eventually prevailed by the smaller of margins after winning their three home matches in a very dramatic fashion.

Gershon out, Giannakis in
After their poor 7-7 record in the Euroleague regular season, Olympiacos decided to sack Pini Gershon and sign
Panagiotis Panagiotis Giannakis instead, the Greek National Team head coach, to get the job done. Panagiotis Giannakis follows a completely different game style to Pini Gershon 's in both defence and offence but surprisingly for the Reds that U-turn transformation has not cost them so far.

The stars
Panathinaikos 6.5 million dollars summer record signing, point guard Sarunas Jasikevicious, is the Greens most influential figure, averaging 12.8 points and 3 assists in 19 Euroleague games this year. Although the Lithuanian super star has not been playing to his full potential so far, he is probably the man all Panathinaikos opponnents fear the most. Alongside with Dimitrios Diamantidis, Vasileios Spanoulis and Sani Becirovic consist one of the most powerful guardlines of European basketball. That is clearly Panathinaikos greatest strength.
On the other side, under Panagiotis Giannakis Lynn Greer and power forward Marc Jackson have remained the chief offensive options. The former has established himself as one of the most clinical shooting guards in the Euroleague averaging 17.6 points in 15 Euroleague games. Marc Jackson averages 15.5 points and 6.2 rebounds in 19 games respectively- leading a massive Olympiacos front-line consisting also of Ioannis Bourousis, Iakovos Tsakalidis and Georgios Printezis. This front-line is the Reds main weapon.

Head-to-Head
Since 1986 Panathinaikos has a winning 57-47 record (54,8%) over their rivals in all competitions. However, Panathinaikos dominance proves more emphatic in Greek Cup matches, 10-4 (71,4%).
Oddly, Olympiacos have beaten their Athenian rivals in 5 out of their total 6 encounters in Euroleague.

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GUATEMALA

Sat Cybertec and Leones de Marte debut in Liga Metro with wins -by Victor Padilla

In a strong demonstration of their current fitness as a team, Sat Cybertec overpowered Zencas with a 109 to 63 win that clearly communicated its intention to reach the finals of Torneo de Apertura in Liga Metropolitana 2008. Pablo Cano (176-G-88) and Diego Berreondo (177-G-88) led the offensive for the winners with 21 pts and 15 points each, most of them produced from the 3-point line. On the second scheduled game of the evening, Leones de Marte also performed as expected with a comfortable 101-62 win over Millonarios.



Standings
Liga Metropolitana Standings
1. Leones de Marte 1-0
2. Markvision 1-0
3. Corpoevisa 0-0
4. SLT 0-0
5. Lemans 0-0
6. Estudiantes 0-0
7. Elite Sport 0-0
8. URL 0-0
9. R L 0-0
10. USAC 0-0
11. Zencas 0-1
12. Millonarios 0-1


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HOLLAND

Mental Toughness Helps Landstede Basketball To Road Win In Groningen -by Sanders Jackson

Tuesday night in the Martiniplaza, a 24-10 deficit at the end of the 1st quarter did not faze Landstede Basketball, who proved that mental toughness and togetherness can overcome adversity, with a big 3rd quarter effort that got them over the hump, winning over Hanzevast Capitals by the score of 74-66. Landstede made up for poor 1st half shooting with tough defense of their own, while controlling the glass versus the taller Hanzevast team, managing to keep the Hanzevast crowd out of sync.

In the 3rd quarter, the momentum swing turned in Landstede's favor, with Landstede outscoring Hanzevast 24-12 in the quarter to take the lead 51-45 at the end of the quarter and did not lose their egde again. Landstede clearly showed their mental toughness and selflessness advantage over their opponents, and sent the Hanzevast public home disappointed. Robby Bostain (191-G/F-84, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Furman) and FEB leading scorer Darnell Wilson (198-F-85, college: Canisius) stepped their games up, both scoring 25 and 22 pts. respectively to lead Landstede, but the X-factor for Landstede was Nate Lufkin (208-C-82, college: Holy Cross), who played big inside, with numbers of 12 pts., 11 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. Kitwana Rhymer (208-C-78, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Massachusetts) led Hanzevast with 16 pts. Landstede wins its 3rd straight, improves its record to 16-19 and 7th place, while Hanzevast ruins an opportunity to gain ground for the 4th place and homecourt advantage spot in the FEB playoff race.

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IBL

Japanese team officially joins IBL for 2009 season -by Trask Frost
Portland, OR - The International Basketball League has announced that the Nippon Tornadoes have officially committed to join the league for the 2009 season. On Saturday March 22nd, the IBL's Commissioner Mikal Duilio received final payment to secure the deal. The Tornadoes will become the fourth nation represented in the IBL, joining China, Canada and the U.S.

The Tornadoes are owned by Mr. Katsuya Sasaki. Sasaki is a representative of the Japan Basketball Academy, and has a passion for developing the game in his home country. 'Joining the IBL will not only be an exciting cultural experience,' said Sasaki. 'This affiliation will give Japanese players and coaches the opportunity to improve by competing against some of the best players in the world.'

Sasaki's vision for the Tornadoes roster is a collection of some of the top players from around Japan. Although the Tornadoes have support from Ehime Prefecture, and its capital, Matsuyama City, the team would like to have a national identity. The name ‘Nippon' is an older reference to the nation of Japan.

IBL Commissioner Mikal Duilio - 'Katsuya and his team are a tremendous addition to our league', further—'the fact that they chose 2009 over the 2008 season as their entry point is one of many examples of solid their decision making that shows their commitment to excellence and their commitment to stability and sustainability. The team is continually, and currently, building the correct and appropriate long term partnerships in Japan'.

The IBL is uniquely able to offer Asian teams an efficient and affordable option to compete in an American professional basketball league. The IBL's system of organizing teams in regional clusters makes it possible for the league to offer an overseas team the same ‘one flight guarantee' it gives its domestic owners. The Tornadoes will be based at the USBA in Blue Lake, Oregon, and play much of their 20 game schedule in the IBL's northwest cluster.

Adding the Tornadoes to the IBL's stable of teams is the latest success from the league's Asian Expansion Department. At least two other teams from Asia will compete in the IBL in 2009, both from China. There are also ongoing efforts to add teams from South Korea and the Philippines expected to yield results no later than the 2010 and 2011 season respectively. The Shanxi Kylins from the CBA will play 20 games in the IBL this (2008) season.

For more information about the International Basketball League, including video and pictures of teams and players, visit www.iblhoopsonline.com

Los Angeles Lightning announce Head Coach -by Trask Frost
Los Angles, CA - The Los Angeles Lightning, an expansion team in the International Basketball League, announced today that Ron Quarterman will be the team's Head Coach. Originally from Chicago, Quarterman has been coaching in the LA area for over 15 years. Recently, Quarterman has coached in the ABA, as well as at Pierce College and Burbank High School.

Lightning General Manager Mark Harwell comments - 'I think we are very fortunate to have Ron on board. Not only is he extremely qualified but he is a great human being. He has been an influence in the community for many years and will be a wonderful addition to our organization.'

Coach Quarterman's philosophy and approach to the game of basketball is simple: work hard everyday on your game, keep your fundamentals of the game sharp, and always play the game the right way.

Commenting on his new position, Quarterman said - 'I'm very excited to be coaching the Los Angeles Lightning. I think our fans will find the International Basketball League's style of play very entertaining and fun to watch.'

Los Angeles Lightning schedule open tryouts -by Trask Frost
Los Angles, CA - The Los Angeles Lightning have announced the dates for their open tryouts. Tryouts will be held at the Gilbert Sports Arena in Thousand Oaks, in two separate sessions: March 29 & 30, and April 4 & 5. Tryouts will be in front of new head coach, Ron Quarterman, as well as scouts and staff members from the league and team. Competitors will play two games and go through several sets of drills and workouts.

Lightning General Manager Mark Harwell comments - 'LA has a huge pool of talent and we are looking for the best to compete with energy and provide entertainment and skill for the audience.'

Los Angeles Lightning open tryout details:

Saturday, March 29 5pm—9pm
Sunday, March 30 1pm—5pm

Friday, April 4 1pm—5pm
Saturday, April 5 1pm—5pm

The Gilbert Sports Arena - 60 West Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Applicants need to arrive one hour in advance to fill out paperwork and go through registration. There will be a $200 registration fee upon arrival. Attendees will have the opportunity to accompany the team to the veteran's camp on April 14 - 17.

Battle Creek Knights news and notes 3-26-08 -by Trask Frost
Battle Creek, MI— The Knights opener was against the Gary Steelheads last Thursday night. The Knights first-year guard Roberto Fortes, from Illinois State University, led the scoring with 35 points. Bobby Madison scored 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds, and Rickey Willis scored 14 points and dished out eight assists. Both Madison and Willis are in their fourth season with the Knights. However the combined effort was not enough to hold off the Steelheads. The Steelheads defeated Battle Creek 119-112.

The Knights then faced the Windy City Soldiers on Saturday. The Knights rebounded for a 121-99 victory. Seven Knights players scored in double-figures, with Fortes again leading Battle Creek with 20 points. Right on his heels was Madison with 18 points. Kei Madison and first-year Knight Jamal Ward each added 16 points in the win.

This Sunday, March 30, the Knights are on the road facing the two-time defending IBL champs Elkhart Express. Elkhart won their season opener against Gary, but the Knights will look to hand the Express their first loss of the season.

On Tuesday April 1, the Knights will participate in the April Food's Day Media Supermarket Sweep at the Marshall Family Fare Market Store. This event helps support the Food Bank of South Central Michigan.

The Knights will return to Kellogg Arena on Thursday, April 3 to play against the Holland Blast (1-0). For this game there will be special half time entertainment by 'Zeke the Wonder Dog'. For tickets contact the Kellogg Arena Box Office at 269.963.4800.

Standings
IBL Standings


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ISRAEL

Murilo is back with Maccabi -by Yarone Arbel
Maccabi Elite Tel Aviv decided to bring back the Brazilian center Murilo da Rosa (207-C-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services) and play him until the end of the season. Last summer Murilo signed with Maccabi a long term deal, but was loaned to Academik Sofia to gain some experience in the European market. He had a good start in Bulgaria and averaged 12.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 71.1% 2FG% in 21:28 mpg in the ULEB Cup but at some point things both sides decided to part ways and he went back to Brazil. Maccabi was looking to thicken their back court after the injury of Marcus Fizer, and after almost landing Loren Woods eventually decided to use a player who is already under contract with the club. Murilo will be able to play only in the Israeli league, since the registration deadline for the Euroleague was before the tip off of the Top16.

Standings - Premier League
Premier L. Standings
1. Macc.T-A 14-4
2. Bnei Hash. 13-5
3. Hap.Holon 12-6
4. Jerusalem 10-8
5. Ramat Gan 9-9
6. Nahariya 9-9
7. Ashkelon 7-11
8. Gilboa/Afula 6-12
9. Rishon LZ 5-13
10. Hap.G.Elyon 5-13


Sneed is back in Rishon -by Elad Zeevi
Maccabi Rishon is doing everything in their power to avoid relegation, and just two days before the transfer deadline the team signed Omar Sneed (203-F/C-76, college: Memphis), who played in the orange uniforms back in 2005-06 season. in that season he recorded 18.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG and 4.3 APG and led the team to the Final-Four. since playing in Rishon Sneed played in Russia (Lokomativ Rostov) and in Iran (Saba Battery). Rishon is currently in the 9th position (out of 10) in the Israeli premier league table.

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JAPAN

JBL Finals Game 5 stats -by Kenny
In Aisin's 93-79 Game 5 victory over Toyota on Wednesday (3/26) night, C J.R. Sakuragi led all Aisin starters with 25 points while grabbing 18 rebounds. G/F Alpha Bangura contributed to the title-clinching win with 19 points while PG Shinsuke Kashiwagi had 18 points-many of them coming late in the game from the free throw line as Toyota had no choice but to foul Aisin in order to stop the clock. F James Maye also helped Aisin out by scoring 15 points off the bench on 3 for 5 shooting from 3-point range.

Toyota once again received a great effort from longtime JBL veteran F Charles O'Bannon (198-G/F-75, college: UCLA) who put up 29 and 9. PG Louis Campbell, playing hurt most of the game, put up 19/8/5 in the loss while G Yusuke Okada came out of nowhere to score 16 points on 4 for 11 shooting from beyond the arc-many of those 3s coming in crucial situations.

Now that the JBL's 2007-08 season is finally over, it'll be interesting to see what will transpire in the off-season. Will Aisin or Toyota make a push for up-and-coming SG Takuya Kawamura who is almost certain to leave OSG as they move over to the bj-league? Or will Aisin and Toyota stand pat and give it another shot with the players they currently have? Only time will tell.

Aisin takes the JBL title -by Kenny

In a game that should've been an Aisin blowout but ended up close until the game's final 3 minutes, the Aisin Sea Horses held off Toyota's late charge and hung on for the 93-79 victory in Game 5 of the best-of-5 JBL FInals in Tokyo on Wednesday, winning their first JBL championship since 2004 and giving them bragging rights as the first ever champions of the newly formed Japan Basketball League. Aisin led the Alvark by as many as 15 points at one point in the 2nd quarter and again in the 4th quarter, but Toyota came back on clutch shooting by G Yusuke Okada who hit a number of 3-pointers off the bench. At one point in the 4th quarter Toyota fought back and closed the gap to within 1 point, but with the always dominant C J.R. Sakuragi (206-C-76, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: UCLA) leading the way, Aisin was able to hold off the rally and win the game and the JBL title.

Final statistics were not available at this time, but they will be posted as soon as they become available.

Notes: This title marks J.R. (Henderson) Sakuragi's 3rd JBL championship since he arrived in Japan during the 2001-02 season as a mid-season replacement player for Aisin.



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

Orthodox: Jordan Cup 2007/2008 Winners.... -by Mohammed Malas

* Tuesday 25th of March:

Orthodox 82 - Zain 77 (Qs: 17-21, 31-40, 52-56 & 82-77)

# Best performance:
- Orthodox:
Ayman Idais (205-C-78, agency: Court Side) (28 pts, 14 reb)
Chris Campbell (194-G/F-81, agency: 011 Sports, college: Harding) (15 pts, 4 ast, 7 reb)
Ghazi Naber (178-G-76) (9 pts, 5 ast)
- Zain:
Nate Johnson (199-F-77, college: Louisville) (31 pts, 9 reb)
Soumaila Samake (215-C-78, agency: CAA Sports) (10 pts, 11 reb)
Mohammad Hamdan (201-F-84) (9 pts, 3 stl)

Its the 1st title for Orthodox in Jordan Cup, The team improved alot this year after their successful performance during the season until now, Zain is still suffering from lack of local players due to injury of 3 of their important players (Sam Daghlas (197-G-79, college: Midwestern St.), Rasheim Wright (193-G-81, college: District of Col.) & Enver Soobzokov (193-G/F-78, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.))....

Congratulations for Orthodox and Hardluck for Zain ....


img111/2940/1111bd8.jpg



*****************************************************
KAZAKHSTAN

Second Division wraps up its action in Kazakhstan -by Eurobasket News
The season was successfully completed in the Second Division of Kazakhstan championship. CSKA Almaty celebrated a well-deserved victory. Kazygurt from Shymkent secured the second spot in the final ladder, while Almaty-2 claimed the Bronze medals.
The league announced the best performers of the season. Ivan Nechayev (187-G-82) from CSKA Almaty was trumped the Best Point Guard of the Year. Muslim Shakirov was named the Best Shooting Guard of the Year, while his Kazugyrt's teammate Mikhail Korneev was awarded as the Best Small Forward of the Year. Alexei Timoshin of Almaty-2 was pronounced the Best Power Forward, while Vyacheslav Pashkevich (197-C-80) received the honours as the Best Centre of the Year.
Kazakhmys was given the title of the Most Improved team of the season.

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

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE FINALS FOR KOSOVA CUP ON 18-20.04.2008 -by Alban Salihu
Basketball Federation of Kosova Board, in the meeting held on March 25th 2008 took this : D E C I S I O N

That the organizer of the finals in the Kosova Cup tournament for the competitive edition 2007/2008 to be appointed based on the bid:

The winner of the bid must fulfill these conditions:

1.To organize the finals of the tournament in one of the Sports Hall in which Mabetex Super League matches are played
2. To provide all the technical conditions for games based on the FIBA rules.
3. To provide the medals and plates for winners and the finalists of the tournament for both categories.
4. To cover all the expenses of the official people for all the matches during the final Tournament.
5. To provide in the court only 100 seats and that only in the central part of it.
6. To provide only 10 honor seats for the Board members of BFK.
7. To put two posters for each of the League's sponsors. ( Mabetex, Toyota, Stobi Flips)
8. To provide special place for media
9. To provide TV broadcast for at least a match of semifinals and the final match in men's category.
10. To provide a sufficient number of fans for other participating teams.
11. To provide a sufficient number of security people during all final matches of the tournament
12. To offer funds for development of the NT's of young categories.
13. The offers will be accepted until April, 4 2008 0n 16:00.
14. All the offers will be closed

The winner of the bid for organizing the tournament will be the club which offers better financial conditions for development of the NT's for young categories and guarantees that all the above mentioned conditions will be fulfilled.

President of BFK General Secretary of BFK

Erolld Belegu Isuf Lumi

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

LBL standings
LBL Standings
Division I
1. Barons/LMT 11-2
2. BK Ventsp. 11-2
3. Valmiera 11-8
4. VEF Riga 10-9
5. ASK Riga 9-2
6. Liep.Lauvas 9-9
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 13-18
7. Roja 12-20
8. Saldus 7-24
9. Cesis/Remarks 6-25


Stats Leaders
LBL Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
Ozols (Jurmala) 21.5
Kanbergs (VA) 19.8
Rudzitis (Bum.) 18.3
Berkis (Zemgale) 17.8
Jurevicus (Liepaja) 17.6
Rebounds Per Game
Stimac (Valmiera) 11.3
Ed.Eglitis (LU/Ridz.) 8.8
Licitis (Saldus) 8.4
Neilands (Roja) 8.4
Bucs (VA) 8.2,
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


*****************************************************
LIGA SUDAMERIC.

Liga Sudamericana: Flamengo in the semis -by Gustavo Cardoso
It was easier than expected. With Tim Jones not coming to Brazil after problems with his passport, there was not much Sol de America could do. The word out is that they even had their flights already booked for Wednesday morning, doubting they could force a game three in the series. Flamengo dominated the first quarter, and despite playing badly, was able to advance into the semis. Flamengo 108, Sol de America 76.

Around 200 fans from Flamengo's Torcida Jovem, and a couple hundred more basketball enthusiasts made their way to the central court of Tijuca Tenis Clube. In an evening of torrential rain in Rio, and ugly basketball on court, the best choice was to stay home indeed. Flamengo lost the opening tip, but Sol missed an easy lay up to start the game. After that Coloneze was the man of Flamengo dominating the boards and scoring easy baskets on Sol's Randy Orr.

With just less than six minutes to go on the quarter, Flamengo led 14-3. Kiganya, by far the best (and only) player on Sol de America's side, tried the best that he could to put some points on the scoreboard for the Paraguayans, but Coloneze continued hitting bank shots and perfect swishes. At the end of the first it was Flamengo 28, Sol 14.

In the second Paulo Chupeta decided to give a chance to some of his bench players and Fernando Mineiro, and Amiel came in for Helio and Coloneze. Flamengo lost its composure and on back to back plays by Randy Orr, the lead fell to 11 points (32-21). Amiel committed consecutive turnovers, and Duda made a wild outlet pass to the Cuban right afterwards, but Sol, despite the chances, could not turn those mistakes into points.

Ramoa came in for the Paraguayans and gave the team more stability on its backcourt game. However, Amiel and Duda, recovering from their previous bad plays, went on 3 point shooting sprees that put Flamengo 21 points ahead (48-27). At the end, Kiganya from the charity stripe, and Ramoa on a fastbreak scored the last 3 points before the half. Flamengo 48, Sol 30.

Flamengo started the third quarter with its starting five and quickly went on a 13-4 run (61-34) that pretty much sealed the deal. After that Marcellus, a U20 point guard for Flamengo, had his chance to come in and run the offense of Paulo Chupeta. Duda and Marcelinho continued to shine, but it was Marcelo's younger brother who dominated the scoreboard helping the rubro negros increase their lead to 22 (82-60).

In the fourth Maicon got his chance to play adding 4 points to the scoreboard. Helio took control of the backcourt game while Duda rested. On the other end Randy Orr, and Kiganya tried to keep their team's energy level at a minimum. At the buzzer Flamengo had 108 against Sol de America's 76. It could have been a much larger gap on the scoreboard, but Flamengo seemed satisfied with what they put in.

Duda was the top scorer with 29 points while Kiganya added 26 for Sol de America. Flamengo will now face the winner of the series between Boca Juniors and Libertad Sunchales. While Sunchales breathes basketball and will have its arena packed with passionate fans, a match up against Boca Juniors would bring a great football rivalry to the hardwood. Let's wait and see.

CR Flamengo 108 (28+20+34+26)
Starters: Helio, Duda, Marcelinho, Alirio, and Coloneze. Off the bench: Fernando, Amiel, Marcellus, and Maicon;

Sol de America 76 (14+16+30+16)
Starters: Paniagua, Ocampo, Viveros, Kiganya, and Orr; Off the bench: Ramoa, Lopez, Maroletto;

*****************************************************
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 1-0
4. Rudar 0-1
5. Primorje-M. 0-1
6. Kotor 0-1


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

Central Christian College of Kansas sweeps Baptist Bible -by Stephan Ditgens

Central teams sweep Baptist Bible
McPherson Sentinal

After two rugged MCAC games earlier in the week, Baptist Bible was just what the doctor ordered Saturday for the Central Christian College basketball teams.
The Central men romped to a 103-79 victory, while the ladies improved on their sparkling regular-season record with a 93-44 cakewalk.
Louis Collins scored 19 points to lead five Tigers in double figures, but it was Aaron Mattingly who got CCC off and running in to a 56-26 first-half explosion with all 15 points he scored in the game.
Patrick Green scored 18 for the Tigers, Jordan Crawford added 14 and Chris Crawford supplied 11.
Daniel Johnson scored 28 for Baptist Bible, which scored 53 points in the second half, though mainly against the CCC second-line players.

source: centralchristian.edu

Cedarville Yellow Jackets ousted at NAIA Nationals -by Stephan Ditgens

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. (3-14-2008) - Defending champion and #2 seed MidAmerica Nazarene ended #15 Cedarville's season with a 79-73 win in the second round of the 17th Annual NAIA Division II National Tournament.

The Yellow Jackets had a 38-37 lead at halftime, but the Pioneers, 30-4 overall, shot 54 percent from the field over the final 20 minutes and took the lead for good midway through the half. Cedarville trailed by as much as eight points with four minutes left and trimmed the deficit to two with 10 seconds remaining before running out of time. MNU hit 11-of-15 free throws down the stretch to seal the outcome.

Ryan Short totaled 23 points and nine rebounds in his final game as a Yellow Jacket to complete his career with 1,745 points. Ricardo Alliman produced a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds, Christopher Walker had 15 points, and Chris Beals added 10 for CU, who finishes 23-8.


source: yellowjackets.cedarville.edu/

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

Chris Webber retires because of chronic knee injury -by Eurobasket News
Chris Webber (6'10''-F/C-73, college: Michigan) played just 9 games for the Golden State Warriors before announcing his retirement. After battling haunting knee injuries Webber decided to end his remarkable NBA career. One of the most renowned power forwards in the NBA can boast of 15 seasons in the league, in which he averaged 20.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists. He is among only 6 players in the NBA history to average 20 points, 9 boards and 4 assists per game in their career.
Meanwhile the action continued in the NBA yesterday. The Atlanta Hawks secured their 8th spot in the East with a 115:96 win over Milwaukee. Joe Johnson (6'8''-F-81, college: Arkansas) scored 28 points to pace the hosts, while Josh Childress (6'8''-G/F-83, college: Stanford) had 20 points for the winners. Atlanta lost their starting point guard Michael Bibby (6'2''-G-78, college: Arizona) in the fourth period. He sprained his thumb and did not return to court. However the X-rays on his thumb were negative and Michael Bibby was listed as day-to-day. Atlanta celebrated their 5th win in the last 7 games and remained a half-win ahead of the New Jersey Nets in the 8th spot.
New Jersey kept chasing the Hawks with a 124:117 home win over the Indiana Pacers. Devin Harris (6'3''-G-83, college: Wisconsin) came up with career-high 15 assists to go alongside with 22 points to propel the surging Nets past Indiana. The Pacers who are also in the race for the 8th spot in the East lost their second straight and appeared two and a half games behind Atlanta in the ladder. Josh Boone (6'10''-F/C-84, college: Connecticut) scored career-high 26 points and Vince Carter (6'5''-G-77, college: N.Carolina) added 22 points and season-high 14 boards for the winning side. The teams will now travel to Indianapolis to face off again on Friday.

Standings
NBA Standings
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C. 56-15
2. Philadelphia 37-35
3. Toronto R. 36-35
4. New Jersey N. 31-41
5. New York K. 20-51
Central Div.
1. Detroit P. 50-21
2. Cleveland C. 40-32
3. Indiana P. 29-43
4. Chicago B. 28-43
5. Milwaukee B. 24-46
Southeast Div.
1. Orlando M. 46-27
2. Washington W. 37-34
3. Atlanta H. 31-40
4. Charlotte B. 26-45
5. Miami H. 13-58
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Utah J. 47-25
2. Denver N. 43-28
3. Portland T.B. 38-34
4. Minnesota T. 18-52
5. Seattle S. 17-55
Pacific Div.
1. Los Angeles L. 49-23
2. Phoenix S. 47-24
3. Golden St. 43-27
4. Sacramento K. 32-39
5. Los Angeles C. 21-50
Southwest Div.
1. N.Orleans H. 49-21
2. Houston R. 49-23
3. San Antonio S. 49-23
4. Dallas M. 45-26
5. Memphis G. 18-53


*****************************************************
NLBA

New league on the horizon -by Eurobasket
Here we have another new semi-pro league starting next month. The NLBA (Next Level Basketball Association) will be starting from April-June.
Most of the teams in newly created league will migrate from SEBL. However there will be 4-5 new teams, which have not played in any other league yet.

Standings
NLBA Standings


*****************************************************
NORWAY

Asker took the first one -by Kaare Vangen

Asker Aliens and Harstad Vikings opened the BLNO finals tonight in Asker. More than 600 enthusiastic fans saw Asker Aliens take the command in the first period, a more even second period before Aliens played a good third period and made sure Vikings never had a chance to win. So Aliens are now 1-0, kept the home court advantage and can take a huge step towards a new title if they win in Harstad on Friday. The schedule for the finals this year is very tight so if a team gets in the flow zone they can build a lot on the momentum a win gives.

Harstad normally rely a lot on Jeff Rogers (185-G-73, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: W.Kentucky). He had an OK game but were not the outstanding gamewinner he sometimes can be. In the last minutes of the match he was out with an ankle injury. If Harstad lose him for the rest of the series they are in trouble.

Man of the match was Asker's Ronny Karlsen (203-F-78, college: Independence CC) with a double-double (21 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals). Asker also got important contributions from Christian Hinsch (188-G-88) who was back from his injury (broken leg) and gave the team 13 points. Asker had 8 players in the rotation but let all 12 get minutes. Harstad had 7 in the rotation and gave two young locals a feel of how it is to play a final.

See more stats here: http://www.bl.no/tx.aspx?MatchId=3805776
and follow the pace of the match here: http://www.bl.no/tx.aspx?MatchId=3805776&IncidentReport=true



*****************************************************
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

*****************************************************
POLAND

Standings - DBE
DBE Standings
1. Turow 17-6
2. Prokom 16-7
3. Anwil 14-9
4. Slask 13-10
5. Polpak 13-11
6. Atlas Stal 12-11
7. AZS Koszalin 12-11
8. Basket 10-13
9. Kotwica 9-14
10. Energa Czarni 9-14
11. Gornik W. 9-14
12. Polonia 8-15
13. Polpharma 8-15


*****************************************************
PUERTO RICO

Boricuas Abroad -by Alessandro Fontana

Boricuas Abroad
In NBA, Carlos Arroyo played a great game, for 'Our Boricua' 28 minutes with 17 points (6/12 2pts, 1/2 3pts, 2/2 FT), 3 rebs and 2 assts. Despite of 'his partidazo', Orlando Magic was defeated by San Antonio Spurs 107-97.
In the Adriatic League, Siroki won against KK Zagreb. MVP of the game was the Boricua Sharif Fajardo with 22 points (4/6 3pts, 3/6 3pts, 5/5 FT) and 3 rebs in 33 minutes.
In Poland, Turow won against Atlas 87-71, for Andres Rodriguez 22 minutes with 2 pts (1/3 2pts, 0/1 3pts), 2 assts and 1 steal. Polpharma won against Anwil 72-71, Donald Copeland scored 13 pts (4/9 2pts, 1/1 3pts, 2/3 FT) and 4 assts in 35 minutes. Turow is always the best team of the Polish League with a 17-6 standings.
In Spain, Malaga defeated Valladolid 94-89, for Daniel Santiago only 9 minutes with 2 pts (1/2 2pts).

In Italy Caserta won easily against Imola 91-63, Guillermo Diaz played 20 minutes and He scored 8 points (3/3 2pts, 0/2 3pts, 2/3 FT) with 1 reb and 1 assist. In Germany Paderborn won against Artland Dragons 80-73, for Nathan Peavy a good game with 14 points.
Besiktas did not play during this week, the Turkish team with our boricuas Apodaca and Dalmau will play tonight in the Turkish League.
A. Fontana



*****************************************************
RUSSIA

(Older) Ewing, (Russian) Hansen and (Crazy) Fernandez? -by Max Brodsky
Eurobasket congratulates the guard of BC Khimki Daniel Ewing (191-G-83, college: Duke) on his birthday and wish him health, good luck, happiness and success.

Travis Hansen (198-G/F-78, college: BYU) became Russian. President of Russia, Vladimir Putin issued the Russian passport for him, so we have third naturalized player after J.R. Holden (185-G-76, college: Bucknell) and Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, college: S.Mississippi).

Rudy Fernandez (197-G-85) refused 20.000.000 Euros offered by CSKA says some Russian online sources while General Manager Andrey Vatutin expels any offer made towards Spanish guard. Agents use this kind of promotion for their players as they are paying some journalists to make an article that their client was offered millions of dollars by certain club. As we remember the same situation when Kosta Koufos (213-F/C-89) refused millions offered from Panathinaikos and etc.

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

Market News -by Mohammed Malas
- Al Fateh basketball team management have finally found their 3rd import fo play with Cheikh Ya Ya Dia (203-F/C-74, agency: Interperformances, college: Georgetown) and Jermaine German in the Elite Cup which will begin in the coming few days....The player is the american center Wayne Houston (205-F-73, college: S.Indiana)....

Houston is familiar to Middle East as he played in Syria (Three seasons) and Bahrain before adding to his career in Uruguay, Spain and Ireland...

- After keeping both Ismail Muhammad (198-F-83, college: Georgia Tech) and Priest Lauderdale (221-C-73, college: Central State) in the team, Arthur Davis (193-G-77, college: St.Joseph's) will be the 3rd part of Al Hilal's setup for the Elite Cup.....

Davis has just finished playing in Cyrpus, He has an additional experience in having a chance to go and play in Portugal, Domenican Republic, China and some US leagues....

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

Play-off quarterfinals, game 1: Hemofarm, Partizan and Zadar celebrates -by Dragan Jankovski
In the first game of play-off quarterfinals Hemfoarm STADA made an easy win over Buducnost Podgorica in Millennium 87-71. Hemofarm dominated since the beginning. The orange team made a 17-4 run finishing the first quarter with plus 12. Buducnost showed a better performance in the second period and after their 10-0 run came closer on minus 5. But at the middle of the last period Hemofarm made a crucial run, thanks to Marshall, Borisov and Savovic, making plus 12 after which they extended the lead to 16. Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland) led Hemofam adding 25 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists while Boris Savovic (207-F-87) and Nebojsa Joksimovic (193-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) netted 15 points each. Buducnost got 24 points from Nemanja Gordic (195-G-88).

Reining Serbian and Adriatic league champion Partizan Igokea once again crushed Cibona in Pionir 90-80 for the first win in play-off quarterfinals. Cibona opened the game much better as they had 24-31 in the second period but it was a signal to the black and white team to start playing. Mostly owing to successful attempts from behind the arc by Kecman and Bozic Partizan made a serious run and went on the half with 46-41. In the third quarter Palacio and Pekovic stepped up setting the score to 56-46 in 27th minute. Until the end of the game Partizan kept extending the lead till the black and white team reached their maximum advantage in 35th minute. It was 73-57. Partizan's first star, center Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket), was MVP of the game with an index value of 29. He collected 19 points and 7 rebounds. MVP of March in Euroleague Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.) also was good, adding 14 points and 5 assists. Chris Warren (196-F-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: S.Carolina) had 19 points while Damir Mulaomerovic (195-G-74, agency: FCM) finished the game with 18 points and 4 assists.

Zadar was better than FMP after over time 95-91. FMP was a short step away from the victory but, despite the fact they had plus 3, the young Panthers didn't make a foul at the Zadar's last possession with 5 seconds remaining. Barac exploited the opportunity and drained a 3-pointer for the over time. In the extra 5 minutes Zadar was better finishing it 13-9. Pankracije Barac (196-G-81) had very good night netting 39 points. Todor Gecevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) followed him with 26 points and 6 rebounds. Zoran Erceg (211-C/F-85) was the best in FMP with 27 points and 7 rebounds.


Hemofarm STADA - Buducnost 87-71
(28-16,16-19,17-20,26-16)

Hemofarm STADA: Marshall 25 (4 rebs, 6 as), Savovic 15, Joksimovic 15, Vukosavljevic 12
Buducnost: Gordic 24, Micov 12 (5 as)


Partizan Igokea - Cibona 90-80
(24-26,22-15,17-14,27-25)

Partizan: Pekovic 19 (7 rebs), Palacio 14 (5 as), Kecman 10 (6 rebs), Borovnjak 10
Cibona: Warren 19, Mulaomerovic 18 (4 as), Andric 12 (5 rebs)


Zadar - FMP 95-91
(17-17,26-24,20-22,19-19,13-9)

Zadar: Barac 39, Gecevski 26 (6 rebs), Brewer 11 (6 rebs, 4 as)
FMP: Erceg 27 (7 rebs), Labovic 21, Samardziski 10 (6 rebs)

Nenad Krstic scored season high 22 points on Monday -by Nenad Ilijev
Nenad Krstic (213-C-83) appears to be getting back to form following months of knee rehab. He scored 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting with six rebounds Monday night in New Jersey's victory over New York. However Krstic said he lost weight while missing three games because of an upper respiratory infection, the Newark Star-Ledger reports. 'I lost about five or six pounds, I think,' Krstic said. He is averaging 6.4ppg and 4.2rpg this season.

Lower leagues, round 22 -by Dragan Jankovski
After 22 rounds of B league Tamis Petrohemija and Vujic Valjevo are on top with 18 wins and 4 defeats. Crnokosa from Kosjeric has a chance yet to advance to the Serbian A league, but it will be very difficult as they have score 16-6. Vojvodina Zlatiborac, Kotez Bambi and Beovuk 72 most probably will fight for the survival until the very end.


B league

Vujic Metalac - Kikinda 93:81
(22:19, 21:17, 27:25, 23:20)

Beograd - Prva Petoletka 99:73
(22:16, 26:18, 21:21, 30:18)

Tamis Petrohemija - Kotez Bambi 80:72
(27:14, 11:15, 27:20, 15:23)

Sloboda - Beovuk 72 (26.3. 19:00h)

FMP 2 - Vojvodina Zlatiborac 74:72
(18:18, 20:21, 17:17, 19:16)

Proleter Naftagas - Zeleznicar 107:71
(37:10, 21:19, 26:21, 23:21)

Vrbas - Crnokosa 96:91
(20:18, 23:21, 20:21, 33:31)



Third league, group North

Topola - Srem 85:83
(26:16, 22:19, 16:23, 21:25)

Viva Basket - Mladost (Ze) 97:110
(16:21, 22:38, 24:26, 35:25)

Polet Keramika - Spartak 95:55
(24:16, 31:17, 27:06, 13:16)

Zemun Lasta - Radnicki (Ob) 82:93
(16:30, 23:28, 15:15, 28:20)

Radnicki (Bg) - FKL Temerin 81:63
(22:19, 28:15, 18:13, 13:16)

Grocka - Superfund BP 85:93
(20:21, 24:23, 14:21, 27:28)

Sport Key - Partizan 2 84:81
(24:18, 16:26, 24:17, 20:20)



Third league, group South

Novi Pazar - Napredak Maksi-Ko 70:81
(19:13, 13:16, 24:24, 14:28)

Mladost (Ca) - Prokuplje 112:86
(31:26, 25:22, 26:19, 30:19)

Krusevac - Zlatibor 87:91
(24:23, 23:21, 18:22, 22:25)

Maraton Atlantik - Svilajnac Kompo 98:60
(16:14, 32:10, 25:18, 25:18)

Bor RTB - Mladost (Za) 93:82
(29:18, 24:13, 19:30, 21:21)

Jablanica - Pirot 59:64
(19:12, 12:10, 14:19, 14:23)

Goc - Nis 78:82
(19:17, 22:23, 15:25, 22:17)

Boban Marjanovic at Nike Hoop Summit -by Nenad Ilijev
Serbian giant Boban Marjanovic (216-C-88) has been called to participate at The Nike Hoop Summit (April 12, 2008), the premier annual basketball game featuring many of the world's leading basketball players aged 19 years or younger. To date, 70 former USA and World Select players have been drafted by NBA teams and, currently, 40 former USA and 12 former World Team members play in the NBA including Vladimir Radmanovic (208-F-80). Respected Australian national teams coach Rob Beveridge will be assisted by Serbia's Marin Sedlacek.

Boban Marjanovic grew up with Hemofarm STADA. He was a member of the Serbia team that won gold at those 2007 under-19 World Championships, averaging 8.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and shooting 62.2 per cent from the field over nine games.

Standings - A Liga
A Standings
1. Zdravlje 0-0
2. Novi Sad 0-0
3. Masinac 0-0
4. Borac 0-0
5. Sloga 0-0
6. Radnicki 034 0-0
7. Napredak 0-0
8. Ergonom 0-0
9. Mega AM 0-0
10. Swisslion Tak. 0-0
11. Vizura 0-0
12. Radnicki NS 0-0
Will join on later stage:
1. Hemofarm 0-0
2. Crvena Zv. 0-0
3. Partizan 0-0
4. Vojvodina 0-0
5. FMP 0-0


Standings - B Liga
B League Standings
1. Metalac 18-4
2. Tamis 18-4
3. Crnokosa 16-6
4. Beograd 14-8
5. Proleter Naft. 14-8
6. Vrbas 13-9
7. FMP II 13-9
8. Kikinda 12-10
9. Beovuk 72 10-11
10. Kotez Bambi 9-13
11. Vojvodina Z. 9-13
12. Sloboda U. 3-18
13. Prva Petolet. 3-19
14. Zeleznicar C. 1-21


*****************************************************
SLOVAKIA

Mbk Rieker Komarno stops winning streak of Skanska Pezinok -by Jakub Krivan
In the 36th round Komarno won over Pezinok, which means that the Pezinok winning streak of 11 wins has ended. The audience saw a really high quality match. For the home team, Majoros and Barisic were the leaders, on the other side the US players Williams and Whisby dominated. The first half was balanced, in the third quarter Komarno built a lead of 10 points. Then Snopko dominated from the 3 point range and the score was again equal. The last 10 minutes was a blast, Komarno but also Pezinok showed their quality. In the end the home team had better luck and celebrated a close win over the league leader from Pezinok. Igor Majoros (200-F-80, agency: Promotex, college: SW Baptist) was the top scorer of the game with 38 points.

*****************************************************
SLOVENIA

Helios defeated Luka koper, Rogla Zrece and Igor Ratkovic part ways -by Uros Vujic
Helios defeated Luka Koper 89-90.Aleksej Laskevic (203-F/C-78) produced 17 points and 12 rebound and Robert Troha (194-G-77) added 16 points for Helios. Vlado Pasalic (207-C-81) scored 23 points and Miha Cmer (182-PG-77) scored 21 points and had 8 assists for Luka Koper.
Rogla Zrece and Igor Ratkovic (205-F/C-80) part ways, due to personal reasons. Ratkovic had 9.8 points and 4.6 rebound in 25 minutes per game for Rogla Zrece in 1A UPC telemach league.

*****************************************************
TANZANIA

Brewers Pour Sh15m to Back Basketball Tourney in Tanga -by Carlos Pereira
Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) has injected Sh15 million to cater for the National Basketball League (Kili NBL) that gets underway in Tanga today.
TBL's brand manager for Kilimanjaro Premium beer, Oscar Shelukindo said the money has been donated to cover accommodation and internal transport to the 12 participating teams.
Shelukindo said each team will be entitled to Sh400,000 and the balance would be used for promotional efforts in the tournament. Similarly, about Sh400,000 has been set aside for the eventual winner of the tournament, while the first and second runners up have Sh300,000 and Sh200,000 as prize money, respectively.
The prize packages are the same for the men and women teams. Other prizes include Sh100,000 for the most valuable players (MVP), he said, meanwhile as teams have reported in Tanga ahead of the kick off, where Chief Justice Augustino Ramadhani, the new patron of the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) will officiate.
TBF president Richard Kasesela thanked the brewers for their timely response as the event was on the brink of missing a sponsor.
Holders Savio from Dar es Salaam are expected to set the ball rolling as they take on Bombo team at the Mkwakwani Stadium today.
Kasesera said he wished all the best for the competitors, urging them to display a sportsmanship spirit during the tourney.
The tournament winner will feature in the East and Central Africa club championship whose host and date are yet to be announced.

*****************************************************
TURKEY

EF ES Pilsen Signs Dee Spencer -by Jay
After many months of the player Dewarick Spencer (193-G-82, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Arkansas St.) possibly going to Barcelona with a big buyout to the Italian Club Virtus--now the player Dewarick Spencer is headed to Ef Es Pilsen as the Turkish Club paid buyout to the Italian Club for the Player. The Player ranked number two in scoring in the Euroleague this regular season and was ranked as one of its best 3 point shooters. The Player comes highly acclaimed after winning the French Championship last season and the French League MVP.

*****************************************************
UBL

UBL starts their initial season -by Eurobasket
United Basketball League is another league, which starts their first season in upcoming months.
UBL season begins with a rare game during the week, April 3 between the San Antonio Soul and the San Marcos Knights.
The season ends the weekend of July19 and 20, followed by Divisional Semi Finals on July 25 and the Divison Finals on July 27.
The UBL Championship Game is on August 2.
With five teams in each division, three will make the playoffs from each. The first place club gets a first round bye and will play the winner of the Divison semi, which will consist of the teams that placed second and third in the division.
Naturally, whomever wins the two Division Finals will meet for the right to call themselves the first UBL Championship Team!
Talent: Seemingly, in the last few weeks UBL have seen an increase in the level of talent. Players are still calling about try-outs.
Although most teams are pretty much set, the South Texas showboats are getting their team together now, so there is a small window even now, for players to try to make the cut. They can contact 210-858-9260 or send email on mac@ublhoops.com for more information.
Most responsible for the teams joining UBL league is VP and Texas Wranglers owner and coach Ozzie Denson.
Ozzie has battle scars from his days with the Wranglers in the ABA.
Because of his ability to draw people to him with his charisma, and because he knows how to get a person to listen to him, he has the job usually of discussing the league with potential owners.
He also knows about marketing.
His experience in something you can't put a price tag on. He has taught me so much. It is best to email him first at coachdenson@yahoo.com.
From the East, no team is more prepared right now than the Arkansas Warriors.
They have the talent in the front office, and I can't wait to see their team play in person.
They will be one of the top teams on the court and they are already near the top off the court, with several public appearances in their area.
The teams' owners could have gone to the ABA, PBL, or IBL. They chose the UBL.

Standings
UBL Standings
Northern Division
1. Arkansas W. 0-0
2. Okl.City O-P 0-0
3. N.Missouri H. 0-0
4. Dallas O. 0-0
5. Fort Worth F. 0-0
Southern Division
1. East-Tyler 0-0
2. SanAntonio S. 0-0
3. San Marcos 0-0
4. S.Texas S. 0-0
5. Texas W. 0-0


*****************************************************
URUGUAY

Blackwell will play for Waston -by Hector Lopez
Alexander Blackwell (205-F/C-70, agency: Duran International, college: Monmouth) will play for Waston the next Metropolitan League, according to the team. Blackwell already player the Uruguayan League with Malvin 17 games
with 9.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 1.1 apg. The Metropolitan League is expected to begin next April 11 with 13 teams playing for two positions for the Uruguayan League 2009-10.
Each team has been authorized for this year to have one import player.

*****************************************************
VENEZUELA

Diofre Cortez doesn't hesitate -by Yelitza La Torre
Gatos de Monagas' general manager Diofre Cortez doesn't hesitate trying to solve any problem around the organization under his responsibilities.
Gatos de Monagas won the last game against Guaros de Lara, but they lost their big dude Sylvester Morgan due to knee injury. Immediately, Mr. Cortez gave a few phone calls to all his international connections to hire Duquesne Freeman-McKamey, aka 'Duke Freeman'.
Duke Freeman-McKamey (208-F-80, college: Fordham) had a tremendous NCAA career at Fordham University, to then start a professional trip in the United State for organizations as USBL, WBA, NBDL, and ABA. After that, he flew out of the States to gain international experience over; Argentina, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, where he is flying from to arrive over Maturin to defend Gatos' cause.
Gatos de Monagas is chasing the first spot of the classification on the 2008 Venezuela professional basketball league. Tonight they are facing Gaiteros as a guest over Venezuela's most rich state (because of its oil) Zulia.



*****************************************************

Women News

*****************************************************
CYPRUS - Women

Keravnos beats AEL and balances the series of the finals 1-1 -by Chris Mammides

Head Coach Konstantinos Filippopoulos 's Keravnos was great last night, The Strovolos team completed an incredible 40 minutes game and beat the (until last night) unbeaten team of KV Imperial AEL and equalise the series to 1-1. This victory that kept Keravnos hopes alive and at the same time gave a strong message to the defending champions of AEL that they are not alone!! AEL suffered its first Cyprus loss after nearly five months!! The Limassol team ended this seazon undefeated and won the cup earlier inj February with the same crescent. Last night in Strovolos though, it seemed that it takes two to tango, the Strovolos team with great team-work and nearly five players to stand out, took an early lead and increase the deficit for the home team up to 22-23 poitns proving that the continuation will not be as easy as Linos Gavriel girls thought it would have been. With very smart and accurate coaching from Head Coach Konstantinos Filippopoulos , the Strovolos girls covered all their 'weak points' and end up the game with 67-61, with the Bulgarian Silvia Peeva (171-G-79) being the MVP of the game with her 21 points.

The quarters were:

25-19, 44-30, 61-50, 67-61.

The scorers for the two teams:

Keravnos: Silvia Peeva 21 (3), Makri 4, S. Papadopoulou 2, Nikolaou 5, Ch. Papadopoulou 3 (1), charalambidou 5, Haralampous 4, Vezenkova 7, Velisavljevic 16 (2).

K.V. Imperial AEL: Phedonos 6, Stoenescu 23 (3), Papadopoulou 13, Pavicevic 16, Theodorou 5.



*****************************************************
FINLAND - Women

SM-SARJA: PeKa and Catz to the Finals -by Rauno Hurmalainen

SM-sarja, Semi-Finals, Game 3: PeKa (Kotka) crushed again Huima (Aanekoski) 101-59 and is ready for the Finals. PeKa won all four quarters and scored
already during the first half as many points as Huima in the game! Shanika Freeman (183-F/C-83, college: Jacksonville St.) was again herself by scoring game high 29 pts and grabbing 12 rbs. Ashley Haynes (176-G/F-84, college: Austin Peay St.) added 19 pts. Huima was shooting 2-pointers 27,9% and was so much behind PeKa in everything. PeKa - Huima 3-0.
Catz (Lappeenranta) had to work much harder to make the way to the finals. Visitor YMCA Helsinki had the lead (31-32) during the half time, still leading 43-47
after three quarters, but Catz won the fourth quarter 24-5 and the game 67-52. Yelena Solovyeva (189-C-75) (16/17) and Lizanne Murphy (185-F-84, college: Hofstra) (16/14) saved Catz this time. Niina Laaksonen (185-F/C-85) led YMCA Helsinki with 14 pts and 18 rbs. Catz - YMCA Helsinki 3-0.
YMCA Helsinki and Huima will play for bronze in Helsinki on Friday, March 28. The Finals between PeKa and Catz (just like last season) will start on Thursday,April 3.

PeKa - Huima 101-59 (59-26) (Shanika Freeman 29/12, Ashley Haynes 19 - Shakeena Wicker 14/11, Kenya Robinson 13/10).

Catz - YMCA Helsinki 67-52 (31-32) (Yelena Solovyeva 16/17, Lizanne Murphy 16/14 - Niina Laaksonen 14/18, Laura Toivonen 11).



*****************************************************
GERMANY - Women

Ritz Ingram to coach the Leipzig Eagles -by Moritz Korff
The BBV Leipzig Eagles (DBBL), who made sure to stay one more season in the first league with a 70:66-victory over Freiburg on Monday, have named Ritz Ingram the new Head Coach. He signed a contract for three years plus option.
The 57-year-old American owns huge experience as a coach and has been working for several clubs in Germany, including DJK Wuerzburg, TSV Weilheim and ASC Theresianum Mainz. From 1993 to 1997 Ingram was part of the Women's Basketball Program at the University of North Carolina-Asheville.

DBBL: Gameday 21 -by Moritz Korff
SV Halle - BBV Leipzig Eagles 72:64
Halle: Dluzyk: 18 pts, Krug: 14 pts
Leipzig: Woods: 19 pts, Diaz: 17 pts, Flasarova: 12 pts

ChemCats Chemnitz - Saarlouis Royals 71:96
Chemnitz: Robertson: 16 pts, Hennig: 13 pts, Riecka: 10 pts
Saarlouis: Almind: 21 pts, Wojdowski: 17 pts, Page: 16 pts, Barnert: 11 pts

USC Eisvoegel Freiburg - TSV Wasserburg 67:81
Freiburg: Paunovic: 26 pts, Dennett: 18 pts
Wasserburg: Hibbert: 24 pts, Kuehn: 18 pts, Pop: 12 pts

BC Marburg - BG 74 Goettingen 65:66
Marburg: Skuballa: 15 pts, Davidson: 15 pts, Oezen: 13 pts
Goettingen: Kerns: 16 pts, Tulikihihifo: 16 pts, Rajecka: 11 pts

Herner TC - New Basket Oberhausen 70:82
Herne: Goerg: 21 pts, Balandis: 11 pts
Oberhausen: Barker: 25 pts, Glaser: 22 pts, Ernest: 16 pts

DBBL: Gameday 22 -by Moritz Korff
BC Marburg - SV Halle 60:69
Marburg: Oezen: 16 pts; McLaughlin: 13 pts; Gohrke: 12 pts, 9 rbs, 4 as; Davidson: 11 pts
Halle: Seifert: 16 pts; Dluzyk: 15 pts; Triggs: 12 pts, 6 rbs

Saarlouis Royals - BG 74 Goettingen 76:57
Saarlouis: Page: 15 pts; Wojdowski: 12 pts
Goettingen: Tulikihihifo: 22 pts, 11 rbs, 5 st

New Basket Oberhausen - ChemCats Chemnitz 100:80
Oberhausen: Ernest: 32 pts, 6 rbs; Austmann: 18 pts, 5 st; Barker: 13 pts, 8 rbs; Mersch: 12 pts, 10 rbs; Glaeser: 12 pts
Chemnitz: Chiaramonte: 19 pts, 8 rbs; Sopirjakova: 15 pts; Zberch: 14 pts, 9 rbs; Tajkov: 10 pts

TSV Wasserburg - Muenchen Basket 88:67
Wasserburg: Kuehn: 19 pts, 15 rbs; Berger: 18 pts; Thoresen: 15 pts; Hibbert: 13 pts, 5 rbs, 6 as
Muenchen: Carroll: 19 pts; Kovacic: 16 pts, 6 rbs; von Geyr: 13 pts, 6 rbs

BBV Leipzig Eagles - USC Freiburg 70:66
Leipzig: Flasarova: 17 pts, 5 as; Adlerova: 15 pts, 5 rbs, 4 st; Odnovolenko: 14 pts, 11 rbs; Woods: 12 pts, 6 st, 5 as; Diaz: 12 pts, 12 rbs, 6 st, 5 as
Freiburg: Paunovic: 28 pts, 4 st; Dennett: 15 pts, 8 rbs

DBBL: End of the regular season -by Moritz Korff
As the regular season came to a close with Gameday 22 on Monday, the match-ups for the DBBL-Play Offs are set. TSV Wasserburg, the undefeated champion of the regular season, will take on local rival Muenchen Basket, #2 Saarlouis will play against the Blue Dolphins from Marburg, Oberhausen meets the Halle Lions, who made the Play Offs in their first DBBL-season, and Goettingen will battle with Freiburg to advance to the Semifinals.

Play-Offs Quarterfinals:
TSV Wasserburg - Muenchen Basket
TV Saarlouis Royals - BC Marburg
New Basket Oberhausen - SV Halle
BG 74 Goettingen - USC Freiburg

Prior to the start of the Play Offs (April 5th/6th) the Top Four of the DBBL-Cup-competition takes place in Saarlouis on Saturday and Sunday. For more information about the Top Four, please visit the official website: http://www.dbbl-top4.de/

*****************************************************
GREECE - Women

A1 Womens Stats Leaders
A1 Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 MURPHY(Apollon) 18
2 KOCH (Sport) 18
3 QUAYIE (Aias) 17.3
4 WILLIAMS (Meg) 17
5 REEVES (Meg) 16.9
6 DAVIS (Apol) 16.8
6 NERO (Athin) 16.4
7 QUEENAN (Pan) 15.6
Rebounds Per Game
1 TIERNY SPO 81
2 REEVES ALE 69
3 CHRISTOFORAKI 59
4 CARVER AST 58
5 DAVIS APO 58
Assists Per Game
1 GOUZINI ATH 38
2 WILLIAMS ALE 34
3 KARABATZAKI 24
4 KALENTZOU 24
5 DELI PANIONIOS 22
Steals Per Game
1 WILLIAMS Kim 28
2 HAGIYA IRAKLIS 19
3 QUAYE AIAS 18
4 MURPHY APO 17
5 PAPADIMOU 14
Blocks Per Game
1 BIBIRI IRAKLIS 10
2 NERO ATHINAIKOS 6
3 KATOPODI IRAKLIS 5
4 NIKOLAIDOU PAN 5
5 KERR ARIS 4
2FGP
1 QUIGLEY SIE 41
2 NERO ATH 40
3 REEVES ALE 37
3FGP
1 KOCH SPORTING 19
2 SCOTT ESP 17
3 DELI PANIONIOS 15
4 MURPHY APOLLON 14
Free Throws
1 THORN PANION 95%
2 KALENTZOU ESP 89%
3 KALTSIDOU ESP 89%


*****************************************************
KAZAKHSTAN - Women

Okzhetpes and Astana Tigers will clash in the Final -by Eurobasket News
Okzhetspes became the first finalist of the Kazakhstan National championship. They overcame Kustanay 79:62 to reach the title decider. Okzhetpes led from tip off and managed to claim a 45:33 lead at halftime. Kustanay were able to score just 6 points in the third period and their opponents ran away for good.
In another semifinal battle Astana Tigers celebrated a coasting 85:44 win over Barsy Atyrau. The Tigers dominated in every quarter and easily cleared off to a 20-point distance at the long break. Barsy Atyrau did not recover after the break and suffered the loss.
So now the Astana Tigers and Okzhetpes will play in the championship series starting on April 7 in Kustanay.


*****************************************************
MONTENEGRO - Women

1/4 Final of MNT Cup 2008 : Kotor-C.Nuovo 65-99, Rudar-Roling 67-81 -by Dragan Scepanovic
Woman basketball clubs Kastel Nouvo from H.Novi and Roling form Niksic will play in Semi-Final of Montenegrin Cup 2008.In first game of MNT 1/4 Final Kotor-C.Nuovo 65-99 (25-28,9-24,18-24,13-22).In team of Kotor best was Vujadinovic with 23 points and in team of C.Nuovo Vujacic with 26 points.In second game of 1/4 Final Rudar-Roling 67-81 (15-17,16-22,18-22,18-20).In team of Rudar best was Srdanovic with 20 points , and in team of Roling Maltez with 25 points

*****************************************************
NCAA1 - Women

Jazzmin Walters propels Old Dominion past Virginia -by Eurobasket News
The Old Dominion's smallest player Jazzmin Walters (5'2''-G-87) hit the biggest shot of the night as she dropped a go-ahead three-pointer with 4.8 seconds left in regulation to lift the Lady Monarchs past Virginia in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Jazzmin Walters sank a trey to give Old Dominion an 88:85 lead, while Tiffany Green (6'2''-F-85) blocked the Cavs' last attempts of the night to seal the winning outcome for the Lady Monarchs. Old Dominion were up all night through but wasted the lead late in regulation allowing the Cavs to force overtime. Virginia grabbed an 85:81 advantage in extra period but Old Dominion pulled together to cap the action with a 7:0 run and finalized a winning outcome. Jazzmin Walters paced the Lady Monarchs with 17 points and 10 assists. T.J. Jordan (5'8''-G-86) contributed 14 points, while Shahida Williams (5'11''-F-86) and Tiffany Green added 13 points apiece for the winners. Lyndra Littles (6'1''-F-87) answered with 29 points and 14 boards for Virginia. Aisha Mohammed (6'3''-C-85) had 17 points and 15 rebounds in defeat.
Notre Dame beat Oklahoma 79:75 in yet another overtime affair yesterday. Charel Allen (5'11''-G-86) exploded with career-high 35 points and 6 boards to ensure Notre Dame deny a 5-point deficit in extra term and came out on top 79:75 at the end. The Irish head to the regional semis to face top-ranked Tennessee on Sunday. Oklahoma was not helped even by remarkable 92nd straight double-double from Courtney Paris (6'4''-C-87). She finished with 24 points and 16 boards but failed to revive the sloppy Sooners as they lost four out of five last encounters.
Tennessee had little problems en route to a stunning 78:52 victory over Purdue. The win marked the 100th success for Pat Summitt in the NCAA tournaments. The Lady Vols were simply better all over the court and led by as many as 33 points midway through the second half. Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86) secured 24 points, 8 boards and 3 blocks for Tennessee. Alexis Hornbuckle (5'11''-G-85) added 14 points and 5 assists. Keshia Mosley (6'1''-F-89) replied with 14 points for the Boilermakers.

John R. Wooden Award Candidates -by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Charles


Doma


Fowles


Holt


Humphrey
Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88) of University of Connecticut of Connecticut
Natalie Doma (6'3''-C-86) of Idaho State University of Idaho State
Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85) of Louisiana State University of LSU
Amber Holt (6'0''-G/F-85) of Middle Tennessee State University of Middle Tennessee State
Tasha Humphrey (6'3''-F-85) of University of Georgia of Georgia
Crystal Kelly (6'3''-F-86) of Western Kentucky
Crystal Langhorne (6'2''-F/C-86) of Maryland
Erlana Larkins (6'1''-F-86) of North Carolina
Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86) of Louisville
Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89) of Connecticut
Courtney Paris (6'4''-C-87) of Oklahoma
Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86) of Tennessee
Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G) of Rutgers
Andrea Riley (5'5''-G-88) of Oklahoma State
Angela Tisdale (5'7''-G-85) of Baylor
Kristi Toliver (5'7''-G) of Maryland
Candice Wiggins (5'11''-G-87) of Stanford

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POLAND - Women

FGE Play-offs: Quarter-Finals - Game 1 -by Wojciech Strzebinczyk
Lotos PKO BP Gdynia - ŁKS Siemens Łodź 73:57 (24:23, 15:17, 19:6, 15:11)
Lotos PKO BP Gdynia - ŁKS Siemens Łodź 1:0
Lotos PKO BP Gdynia: Snitsyna 18, Holdsclaw 16, Maksimovic 14, Waligorska 10, Leciejewska 7, Canty 4, Gulak 4, Jujka 0, Zarytska 0.
ŁKS Siemens AGD Łodź: Koryzna 16, Humphrey 15, Kenig 13, Sobczyk 4, Oliveira 3, Wlaźlak 3, Dominauskaite 3.

Wisła Can-Pack Krakow - INEA AZS Poznań 87:36 (15:8, 24:8, 28:10, 20:10)
Wisła Can-Pack Krakow - INEA AZS Poznań 1:0
Wisła Can-Pack Krakow: Krawiec 15, Dupree 13, Fernandez 12, Kobryn 12, Pałka 12, Braxton 9, Trafimawa 7, Skerovic 5, Gajdosz 2, Gajda 0, DeForge 0, Wielebnowska 0.
INEA AZS Poznań: Jarkowska 12, Wdowczyk 7, Sibora 6, Mycka 4, Dąbkowska 3, Krupska-Tyszkiewicz 3, Lorek 1, Rafałowicz 0, Pacyńska 0, Pamuła 0, Aleliunaite-Jankowska 0.

PKM Duda PWSZ Leszno - CCC Polkowice 77:69 (16:19, 16:15, 20:17, 25:18)
PKM Duda PWSZ Leszno - CCC Polkowice 1:0
PKM Duda PWSZ Leszno: Mieloszyńska 17, Koc 15, Coleman 14, Makowska 12, Krysiewicz 8, Talarczyk 7, Budnik 4, Żytomirska 0.
CCC Polkowice: Stampalija 14, Jasnowska 12, Bortelova 12, Ndiaye 9, Jeziorna 7, Szycko 6, Lacy 6, Masilione 3, Gajewska 0.

KSSSE AZS PWSZ Gorzow Wlkp. - Utex ROW Rybnik 84:48 (21:10, 25:12, 19:24, 19:2)
KSSSE AZS PWSZ Gorzow Wlkp. - Utex ROW Rybnik 1:0
KSSSE AZS PWSZ Gorzow Wlkp.: Żurowska 15, Moore 15, Szott 10, Ristic 10, N'Garsanet 10, Chomac 6, Babicka 5, Czubak 4, Pietraszek 4, Kaszewska 4, Kaczmarczyk 1, Czarnecka 0.
Utex ROW Rybnik: Chomicka 9, Merideth 9, Dickens 9, Proszczenko 5, Gorzyńska-Szymczak 4, Skorek 4, Siljegovic 4, Błaszczak 2, Bell 2, Głocka 0, Stanek 0.

FGE Play-offs: Quarter-Finals - Game 1 -by Wojciech Strzebinczyk


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SWEDEN - Women

Standings - Damligan
Damligan Standings
Group 1
1. Solna Vikings 2-0
2. Telge Energi 2-0
3. 08 0-2
4. Lulea Basket 0-2
Group 2
1. Norrkoping 2-0
2. Marbo Basket 2-1
3. Visby 1-2
4. Jamtland 0-2


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U.KINGDOM - Women

Manchester Mystics finish the regular season fourth -by Eurobasket News
The Manchester Mystics overcame the UWIC Archers 65:47 at home court to secure the 4th spot in the final ladder of Division I. The Mystics will now enter the playoff stage with home-court advantage in the opening round. The 4th spot was up for grabs before the game and the Mystics handled their main rivals to set up more comfortable journey in the first round of postseason. The Mystics stepped on the gas in the first frame outgunning the visitors 22:11. The Archers tried to stay close and cut the margin to 8 points at halftime. But Manchester raised the tempo in the third period and overwhelmed their opponents 20:6 to build an unassailable lead before the fourth stanza. Joanna Clayden (183-G-84, college: Auburn) finished the game with 24 points. Rehana Khalil (173-G-86) scored 20 points for Manchester. Valerie Doherty answered with 13 points for the Archers.
Kirby Copeland (178-G-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Virginia Tech) scored 27 points and the Rhondda Rebels stunned the Nottingham Wildcats 82:74 in the regular season finale. LaNedra Brown (188-C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Seton Hall) notched 21 points, while Harriett Yea (180-G-89) had 19 for the Rebels as they ended the regular season at the second spot in the ladder. The Wildcats trailed by just a single point 39:40 at halftime and even managed to step in front 62:57 in the third stanza. But the Rebels came back strong in the final quarter and outpaced Nottingham. Hannah Shaw (192-F-90) scored 18 points for Nottingham. Janka Deckerova (-G/F) nailed 17 points in a losing case.