EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 3/3/2008

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

FMP beat Zvezda in Serbian derby -by Dragan Jankovski
Crvena Zvezda - FMP 95-98
FMP from Zeleznik made very important road win against Crvena Zvezda so both teams now have 13 wins and 10 defeats sharing the 5th position. It was a night of Zoran Erceg, who was the key player for FMP's fifth consecutive win. After starting lead of Crvena Zvezda, FMP made turn and kept plus 3 until the half time. At the middle of the third quarter the hosts made run 11-0 setting the score to 70-66. Zvezda went into the last 10 minutes with plus 5 but that wasn't enough for the victory. With 7 points in the row Erceg made turn 76-78. After Bakic's 3-pointer Zvezda came closer on 90-93 but at the next FMP's possession Protic scored drawing a foul for the 13th win of his team.
Zoran Erceg (211-C/F-85) was the best in FMP adding 31 points and 8 rebounds. The Zvezda's killing tandem Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's) - Tadija Dragicevic (205-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) was on its level collecting 46 points, 6 assists and 5 steals. After this win FMP stayed in the battle for the 5th or 6th position which could be enough for the ULEB Cup next season.

Siroki Prima pivo - Vojvodina Srbijagas 83-73
Very interesting game was seen in Siroki where the hosts were better than Vojvodina Sbrijagas 83-73. Six minutes remaining in the game the hosts had fantastic plus 24 after what Bajic of Vojvodina got injured. From 34th to 39th minute the Tulips made run 17-2 coming on 78-73 with 37 seconds to go. Siroki celebrated at the end thanks to couple of successful FTs by Bethel and Bubalo.
Sime Spralja (206-F/C-83) and Sharif Fajardo (205-F/C-76, agency: Edge Sports, college: UTEP) netted 21 points each for Siroki while Ivan Paunic (194-G-87) scored 16 points for Vojvodina.


Crvena Zvezda - FMP 95-98
(20-22,28-29,28-20,19-27)

Crvena Zvezda: Cook 26 (6 as, 5 st), Dragicevic 20, Raicevic 14 (4 rebs), Bakic 13
FMP: Erceg 31 (8 rebs), Protic 16 (5 as), Samardziski 15 (10 rebs)


Siroki Prima pivo - Vojvodina Srbijagas 83-73
(25-21,17-13,23-15,18-24)

Srioki Prima pivo: Spralja 21 (9 rebs), Fajardo 21 (4 rebs), Bethel 15 (7 as), Dijan 10 (5 rebs)
Vojvodina Srbijagas: Paunic 16, Ivanovic 13 (4 rebs), Bojovic 12, Golubovic 10 (8 rebs)

Partizan too strong for Buducnost, Hemofarm beat Slovan -by Dragan Jankovski

Buducnost - Partizan Igokea 64-68
After great victory against Efes Pilsen in Euroleague TOP 16, Partizan Igokea continues to dominate in Adriatic league having score 20-2. Buducnost wasn't able to make a surprise against reining Serbian and Adriatic league champion. The hosts opened the game better making 7-2 but after Vujosevic's time-out and introducing of Pekovic visitors made run 14-2. Partizan extended lead of 3 points, how much they had on the half time, and came into the last period with solid 54-46. Buducnost didn't give up as they had the last chance on 60-63 with a minute remaining but Palacio and Pekovic had no mercy from the FT line at the very end.
MVP of the game was a center Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) who made double-double, 15 points and 10 rebounds. Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.) also was good as he added 18 points and 4 assists. Buducnost got 12 points from Nemanja Gordic (195-G-88).

Hemofarm STADA - Geoplin Slovan 82-76
In this game team from Vrsac played under the pressure in order to reach Final 4 of Adriatic league. They were obviously tired and emotionally empty after qualifying to the ULEB Cup 1/8 finals. Slovan exploited this situation in the first half mostly owing to 5 triples by Samadan. Hemofarm made crucial run at the middle of the third period making double digits advantage, 56-46. Later the orange team extended lead to 15 but at the end visitors had run 10-0 and made this defeat acceptable.

Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland) netted 23 points while Boris Savovic (207-F-87) had 14 points in Hemofarm. Ljubo Samadan (208-C/F-83) was the top scorer in Slovan with 27 points while MVP of the game was Simon Petrov (191-G-76) who had 17 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists.


Buducnost - Partizan Igokea 64-68
(14-18,22-21,10-15,18-14)

Buducnost: Gordic 12, Maras 10, Otasevic 8 (5 st), Dasic 7 (6 rebs, 4 st)
Partizan Igokea: Palacio 18 (4 as), Pekovic 15 (10 rebs), Tripkovic 8, Tepic 6, Vranes 6


Hemofarm STADA - Geoplin Slovan 82-76
(16-17,25-27,23-12,18-20)

Hemofarm STADA: Marshall 23, Savovic 14, Bozovic 12 (10 rebs), Macvan 10
Geoplin Slovan: Samadan 27 (4 rebs), Petrov 17 (6 rebs, 7 as), Novak 15



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AZERBAIJAN

NTD Devon remains undefeated -by Eurobasket News
In Round 7 of the Azerbaijan Basketball league NTD Devon beat Western University and increased to 7-0 record. U18 overcame Khazar University 105:47 in the game of the teams from the bottom. Aztop created a sensation upsetting 4-times champion of the country Gala. Aztop was stronger 95:82 to take 4-3 record.

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Saturday results and stats -by Eurobasket News
Estonian Kalev/Cramo survived against Valmiera in a thriller 93 : 90. Latvian team opened the game with 25:34 as Jankauskas closed the first quarter. Vladimir Stimac (206-C-87, agency: Interperformances) made it 31:49 in the beginning of the second and it seemed the hosts would nor recover. Moreover the teams went to the lockers with 15 points advantage of Valmiera. Things became better for the hosts in the second half as they started to reduce. When the score was 68:76 in the beginning of the last quarter Kalev/Cramo created 6-0 run and grabbed the lead after. Scott fired a three after the teams stayed at 90 to bring his team 93:90 victory. Valmo Kriisa (190-G-74) led the winners with 25 points. Reed and Scott nailed 14 points each. Vladimir Stimac finished the game scoring 23 points for the guests.
Vilnius saw another win of Lietuvos Rytas over Rock 104 : 77. The favorite produced another great game and proved the ambitions for the top place in Baltic League. Michailas Anisimovas (211-C-84) opened the game for the hosts with a lay-up and they never looked behind after. Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college: Iowa St.) closed the quarter with a free throw to give Lithuanian team 8 points deficit. Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88) made a jump-shot after a massive second quarter for 54:35 advantage. In the end of the game it was him again to score three-pointers in a row to set up the final 104:77 win. Martynas Gecevicius poured in 28 points as a total. Jackson Vroman netted 21, whilst Michailas Anisimovas and Bajramovic had 11. Brian Cusworth (213-C-84, college: Harvard) chipped in 19 points in the losing clause.
Ventspils edged Siauliai in a game where defense dominated over offense. Latvian team took 65:67 victory to improve at 7-9. McNamara started the scoring list for the guests and then his team had 12:16 after the first quarter. Siauliai bounced back with 23:17 to lead 35:33 at the half. In the late fourth quarter Zavackas tied the score at 65:65 with 30 seconds to play. Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80, college: S.Florida)'s jump-shot saw the visitors winning the matchup. he led all the winners with 17 points. Akin Akingbala (208-F-83, college: Clemson) collected 11 points and 15 rebounds, while Vairogs added 10. Antonio Grant (196-F-77, college: S.Carolina) ended up with 21 points in defeat.

Lietuvos Rytas - Rock 104 : 77 ( 19-11, 35-24, 28-20, 22-22 )
Lietuvos Rytas:Martynas Gecevicius 28, Jackson Vroman 21, Michailas Anisimovas 11, Bajramovic 11
Rock:Brian Cusworth 19, Allingu 15

Kalev/Cramo -Valmiera 93 : 90 ( 25-34, 16-22, 27-18, 25-16 )
Kalev/Cramo:Valmo Kriisa 25, Reed 14, Scott 14
Valmiera:Vladimir Stimac 23, Bankevics 21

Siauliai -Ventspils 65 : 67 ( 12-16, 23-17, 17-20, 13-14 )
Siauliai:Antonio Grant 21, Zavackas 10
Ventspils:Jimmy Baxter 17, Akin Akingbala 11+15 rebs, Vairogs 10

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BELARUS

Vitalyur shares the victories with Minsk-2006 -by Eurobasket News
Vitalyur and Minsk-2006 shared the wins in the last round of the league. At first Minsk-2006 edged Vitalyur 83:79 but then the leader of the league replied with 76:82. OZAA won both thrillers over Grodno 78:72 and 96:88.
Nikola Aliakseyeu (212-C-78, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents, college: Buffalo) participated in All Star game in Hungary. On the 1st of March, the male All-Star Game was organized by the Hungarian Federation. As venue for the event Pecs was chosen. The was a selection, based on the supporters' votes, of women and men players forming the League All Star Team. They had to faced against the National Team on the court. The game ended with the winning of the National Team 110-92. Nikola Aliakseyeu produced 4 points for League All-Stars.
Meanwhile Yegor Mescheriakov and Azovmash failed to complete the task of reaching Top 16 falling short in Zadar. Azovmash travelled to Croatia having a 2-point lead in store but it was erased by the hosts. Buford, Panagiotis Liadelis and Skutelnik kept the visitors hopeful in the first frame as they maintained a narrow lead. But it all went broke after the first intermission. Juby Johnson and Shammell Stallworth scored 8 points late in the frame to give Zadar a 35:30 advantage at halftime. Azovmash tried hard to stay in visibility for some time in the second half but soon Shammell Stallworth and Corey Brewer exploded with back-to-back trebles to open up a double-digit lead for the home team. Zadar masterfully kept Azovmash at distance for the reminder of the game and secured a 77:60 victory at the end. Juby Johnson accounted for 23 points to lead Zadar. Todor Gecevski nailed 15 points and pulled down 11 boards for the winners. Robert Jr. Archibald totaled 12 points and 15 boards for Azovmash. Panagiotis Liadelis and Yegor Mescheriakov (205-F-76, agency: Octagon, college: George Washington) dropped 12 points apiece in a losing clause.

The National team still lacks a coach -by Eurobasket News
The national team still lacks a coach, but the calendar of forthcoming matches and the names of competitors are already made public. After the drawing of qualifying round of European championship in the Division B different opinions concerning our eliminated group were discussed as well as the chances to beat it with the least percentage of defeat. Comparing to other teams, the Belorussian drawing was favourable enough - the opposing national teams of Switzerland, Romania, Cyprus and Albania didn't seem to be dangerous.
The most important thing to know remains the awareness of the exact players and the policy of management at this elimination fall marathon.Before supposedly getting into the strongest division in 2010, it is rather reasonable to count on youthful teams. After a defeat from Austria in 2005, Alexander Borisov made a mistake preferring to involve the experienced basketball veterans instead of filling up the standby group.
So far the fans care less about the coming half-tournament in September 2008. In case of failing the team will keep on suffering that critical situation. Therefore, that would be quite reasonable to lay the foundation for the future. And the best way to do this is to make up a team consisting of experienced basketball-players who perform overseas and talented young players.
We already possess a backbone of the national team. And that would be foolish to neglect the service of Kuz'min, Alekseev, and moreover of Yahor Meshcharnakou due to their age. Together with Arseni Kuchinsky, Alexander Kudrautsau , Pavel Ulyanko and Dzianis Korshuk they make up a team basis in that forthcoming elimination tournament. The issue is not so about Vladimir Veremeenko, who repeatedly had problems with arrival, moreover, the forward of the Moscow vicinities team Khimki in his interview told us about his wish to show himself in the summer NBA camps. Anyways, all this leaves vacant places for talented young players, who in the nearest future will have to carry the burden of the national team. Be that younger Yahor Meshcharnakou or Parakhovskiy, residing now in the USA, as well as Efremov or Trostineckiy, playing for the best homeland clubs.
The succession of generations, thrown in the past, should be present these days, if we want to be on the prominent position on the basketball map.

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BELGIUM

Division II Results - Regular Season (Round 20)... -by Bertrand Larsimont

After 20 days in the Division II competition, Falco (probably one of the toughest teams to beat in DII for the moment) and CEP Fleurus (nice win away in Sint-Truiden on Feb. 24th) share the first spot.
Challengers Wevelgem and Waregem have both lost on Round 20. BT Power Wevelgem could not defeat their hosts BBC Boom while BS Waregem, at home, could not avoid a loss against visitors of Kangoeroes reinforced by the presence of their new hired player: former Belgian Lion Matthias Desaever (194-G/F-76, agency: Court Side). Desaever and Kangoeroes have found an agreement until the end of next season. Bram Deceunink will also join West Hoek Zwevezele for the end of the season. At the bottom of the Division II rankings, Nivelles is doing better and has won for the first time at home this season. Jean Colinet was back in the Royal Alsec Nivelles' roster and helped his team defeating West Hoek Zwevezele (70-55) on Round 20.

Here are the boxscores of Round 20:

Xenia Tours Sint-Truiden vs. CEP Fleurus 71-87
Sint-Truiden: Souverijns 19; Thoelen 3; Bullen 3; Pipeleers 19; Willegems 10; Baert 9; Cuppens 8.
Fleurus: Vanesse 14; Tison 7; Moris 11; Jadin 22; Rozewicz 12; Buja 5; Semijejero 8; Pourtoit 8.

BBC Boom vs. BT Power Wevelgem 88-80
Boom: Bayer 16; Lambreghts 22; Salden 15; Kitieu 10; Van den Brande 7; Van den Eynde 18.
Wevelgem: Vandenberghe 2; T. Van de Keere 14; Robeyst 30; S. Naudts 14; Guillemyn 6; Flanders 14.

Bent Schoenen Waregem vs. Kangoeroes Willebroek 66-74
Waregem: Steinbach 6;Cleymans 16; Bwatu 9; Dewilde 15; Verdickt 13; Vermeiren 5; Fiers 2.
Kangoeroes: Roelandts 20; Desaever 17; Casteels 13; Bocevski 9; D'Haens 8; Coulanges 5; De Wachter 2.

Royal Alsec Nivelles vs. De West Hoek Zwevezele 70-55
Nivelles: Wade 3; Kalonji 5; Martin 11; Karavokyros 12; Lait 4; Mugogwa 16; Muylaert 7; Colinet 10; O'Connor 2.
Zwevezele: Tandt 4; Lombart 12; Bobb 8; Hamers 8; Van Hulle 10; Myleville 5; Defraeye 8.

BBC Falco Ghent vs. Jaga Radiators Hasselt 86-60
Falco: Huyghe 8; Vanderkimpen 6; Breca 19; Foucart 16; De Schepper 5; J. Van de Vondel 16; Selhorst 10; Seghers 2; Brysse 4.
Hasselt: Jacobs 5; Gysen 7; Hendrix 3; Sterk 17; Van Poelgeest 4; Koonings 3; Vanhove 12; Maes 5; Thuwis 2; Gijbels 2.

... and Division II Results - Regular Season (Round 21) -by Bertrand Larsimont

CEP Fleurus vs. Sint-Jan Antwerp 68-50
Buja and Penninck (injured) were missing for the hometeam while Tomas Van de Vondel, best scorer in Division II (20.2 ppg), remained on the bench also because of injury.
Despite a courageous game by the visitors, led by a very efficient Jochen Ceyssens (201-C-79) in all fields of the game (rebounding and shooting), CEP strongly finished the first half. Pourtoit (182-G-88), Semijejero and Moris showed the way to their mates. Tison had an excellent second half. Also special mention to Tomas Rozewicz for his sober but good game on the CEP side as well as Sint-Jan's Witse Van Schil for his great fighting spirit.
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 10-12, 29-23, 46-37 and 68-50.
Fleurus: Pourtoit 15; Tison 14; Moris 11; Vanesse 8; Rozewicz 7; Semijejero 7; Jadin 6.
Sin-Jan: Gorremans 10; Van Rillaer 2; Lemaire 4; Van Schil 11; Verrept 3; Ceyssens 20.

BC Ninane vs. BBC Boom 106-90
As announced on the West Hoek Zwevezele's web site, BC Ninane player Laurent Lhote (182-G-84) could join the Flemish club next season.
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 33-22, 54-45, 83-69 and 106-90.
Ninane: Lhote 6; A. Delhaes 3; Vanbergen 7; R. Delhaes 11; Offerman 9; Delsaute 31; Hawley 17; Lebecque 11; Muric 11.
Boom: Van Wert 8; Bayer 10; Lambreghts 11; Salden 26; Kitieu 10; Van den Brande 13; Van den Eynde 12.

West Hoek Zwevezele vs. Falco Ghent 62-92
Nice win for Falco in Zwevezele. Falco will host BS Waregem next week in the final regular season game before the play-offs.
Stijn D'Hondt sat on the bench through the whole game but Falco nevertheless won the game by 30 points. Since mid-February, Laurent Lhote and Wim Dobbelaere (198-F-85) have been announced in Zwevezele for the 2008-09 season.
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 22-27, 32-46, 47-71 and 62-92.

Kangoeroes Willebroek vs. Royal Alsec Nivelles 101-89
Not a bad result for Nivelles but the strong local team finally defeated the visitors by a twelve-point margin.
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 23-17, 49-37, 74-66 and 101-89.
Kangoeroes: Roelandts 22; Desaever 27; Casteels 27; Bocevski 5; D'Haens 14; Coulanges 3; De Wachter 3;
Nivelles: --

Bent Schoenen Waregem vs. Xenia Tours Sint-Truiden 74-69
Bram Raes (center, 2.10 m, age 21) who is currently playing for Sint-Niklase Condors (Division III) will join Bent Schoenen Waregem next season. Raes averages 11.9 ppg this season.
Sint-Truiden seemed to be able to win this game until the very last seconds but Waregem took the lead (70-69) with just one minute to go. Dieter Souverijns of Sint-Truiden was called two fouls in a row by referees in the very last seconds (intentional and technical) and Van Vooren of Waregem did not miss the free-throws.
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 18-19, 38-38, 50-55 and 74-69.
Waregem: Van Vooren 9; Steinbach 5; Cleymans 19; Bwatu 5; Dewilde 10; Verdickt 13; Vermeiren 9; Fiers 4.
Sint-Truiden: Souverijns 15; Bullen 5; Pipeleers 22; Willegems 7; Baert 12; Van Hoecke 2; Cuppens 6.

Jaga Radiators Hasselt vs. BT Power Wevelgem 67-86
Cox and Bijnens were missing for Hasselt. Robeyst and Vandenberghe were missing for the visitors.
Angelo Flanders (201-F-77, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Bradley) grabbed 11 rebounds for BT Power Wevelgem.
Score evolution: 15-25, 32-41, 49-61 and 67-86.
Hasselt: --
Wevelgem: Cokelaere 2; Jouret 4; S. Naudts 13; Guillemyn 24; R. Naudts 3; Flanders 20; T. Van de Keere 20.

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BRAZIL

Universo BRB , Flamengo and CISER Joinville won their games in Nacional Masculino.- -by Ed Goodman
Last Saturday Universo defeatred FTC EAD 91-64 were Universo dominated the game easily, this win helop Universo to climb positions on the table. The best scorers were Arthur 24 Points by Universo and Jefferson 14 Points by FTC EAD. Today Flamengo /Petrobras still undefeated in 11 games won over Uguazu 113-57 Marcelinho with 32 was the best by the winnera and Douglas and Pedrinho both with 12 Points. In the 2nd game CISER/ Univille /Joinville won over Univates Bira 72-50 Andre and Olivia with 16 Points and Diguinho with 9 Points.

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BRIT.V.ISLANDS

Penn was one blocked shot from a triple double -by David Edole
McNeese State rode the shoulders of seniors Jarvis Bradley and Kleon Penn (211-C-86) to a 74-71 victory over Southland Conference leading Lamar University in action here Saturday.

Bradley scored a game high 22 points, 11 in each half, while the 6-11 Penn narrowly missed only the second triple double in Cowboy history, scoring 12 points, pulling 15 rebounds and blocking nine shots.

The victory was the third in a row and the fifth in the last six games for the Cowboys who evened their league record at 7-7 and their overall mark at 13-13. Lamar fell to 18-8 overall and to 12-2 in league play.

'We're getting a lot better,' Cowboy coach Dave Simmons said of his team. 'We got that good lead but then Lamar came back and we were able to hang on. We did what we had to do to win and that is a big positive.'

The Cowboys led at halftime by a 34-28 score and then went up 17 points at 57-40 with 11:49 left in the game. McNeese held a double digit lead at 74-63 with 1:45 left but Lamar scored the final eight points to make the game close.

Penn's nine blocked shots in the game gave him 108 for the season and a school record, breaking the mark of 106 that had been set by former standout Edmond Lawrence in the 1972-73 season. Incidentally, Lawrence is the only former Cowboy to ever produce a triple double.

Also scoring in double figures for the Cowboys, who made 54.5 percent of their shots for the game, were John Pichon with 14 points and John Ford with 12.

As a team the Cowboys had 19 assists and 11 blocked shots.

Lamar was led in scoring by Currye Todd who had 16 points while Darren Hopkins scored 13, Justin Nabors had 12 and Lamar Sanders 10.

McNeese held a 41-28 edge in the rebound column, a department that the Cowboys have led over most teams throughout the year. Bradley had seven rebounds while Pichon had six and freshman P. J. Alawoya came off the bench for five.

More than half of the Cowboys points in the game came in the paint, McNeese scoring 42 there. The Cowboys also made 23 points on second chance shots.

The victory by the Cowboys avenges an earlier loss to Lamar in Beaumont, TX.

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CHINA

Yao to Have Surgery Monday -by Arthur Volbert
Yao Ming will have surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot, Houston Rockets officials said Saturday. The surgery will be performed Monday in Houston by Rockets team doctor Tom Clanton.

The likelihood is that Yao is having surgery because he has been assured that he has a good chance of returning to play by early July. This will cause him to miss the NBA playoffs, which end in June, but give him a month's preparation with the National Team for playing in the August Olympics. Perversely, he might be in better shape for the Olympics by taking four months off than if he had exhausted himself as the Houston Rockets made a deep run into the playoffs.




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COLOMBIA

Final Home Season Game for Juan Tello -by Jair Perea
Today was 'Senior Night', the last home game for the players finishing up their senior season as Louisville Cardinals. This game was very unique for Juan Palacios (203-F-85) since he not only leaded the team in scoring with 13 points, but also had the presence of his mother, who for the first time attendedt one of his games since he came to the states to play ball. Personally I want to congratulate Juan for such a great career; moreover, I would like to praise Ms. Maria Palacios because we know that her support and dedication have been the key behind Tello's success.

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CYPRUS

Proteas EKA AEL in the Semis -by Chris Mammides
Proteas EKA AEL qualified, as expected, in the semis after the second consecutive victory over Pizza Express Primetel Apollon with 51-88. The game was a continuous monologue from Charles Burton's players as Apollon played mostly with his cadets. Top performer and Top scorer ws the talented Russian Vasili Zavoruev (196-G-87) who finished the game with 22 points.
The quarters were: 17-28, 24-44, 41-71, 51-88
The scorers for the two teams were the following:
Pizza Express Primetel Apollon: Kazoulis 11, Hatzitheodosiou 2, Xenofontos 5, Kaskiris 6, Ierodiakonou 3, Panagiotis Koutousis (198-F-82) 13, Ekine 11 (just participation without points from the young players: Foklas, Markou and Antonov)
Proteas EKA AEL Limassol: Liatsos 8, Cuic 14, Souchu 7, Radle 9, Perentos 3, Buziane 4, Zianveni 4, Ilunga 2, Vasili Zavoruev 22, Kamarace 7, Marios Palalas 2, Loizidis 6

Limassol hosts EUROCUP ALL STAR GAME -by Alkis Spyrou
Cyprus and Limassol more specifically, will be hosting -for the 5th year running- of the EUROCUP ALL STAR GAME. The match will take place on Tuesday 25th March in the 'Spyros Kyprianou' (Past president of Cyprus) Sports Hall while a number of other events will be hosted by the Cypriot city on Monday 24th March and prior to the main event [on Tuesday 25th March].

In the press conference, held in Pissouri, Michael Loizidis (Chairman of PROTEAS EKA AEL B.C.) outlined the agenda for both days and the numerous surprises that will entertain the fans.

As an 'hor d'oveur' of the 2-day celebrations of European basketball, the MINI ALL STAR will take place on the 16th March in the Melford Arena in collaboration with all the Youth teams of the Cypriot League. 48 children (24 boys & 24 girls) between the ages of 9-12 will to take part in an eventful day with exhibition games, competitions and three-point contests.

On Monday 24th March, in down town Limassol, the Basketball Festival will be hosted. An exhibition match of the youth teams will be the main attraction as well a cheerleader show. On the evening, a party will take place at the Limassol Nautical Club.

Finally, on Tuesday, 25th March, 2 seminars will take place at the Four Seasons hotel. The first will revolve around the possibility of PROTEAS EKA AEL taking part in the Greek A1 league and the second will be a discussion between the coaches of PROTEAS ÅÊA AÅL's youth team and their counterparts of other European teams.

The main 'course' will take place on Tuesday evening at the 'Spyros Kyprianou' sports hall. EUROPE Vs REST OF THE WORLD will be the central attraction. The annual three-point and slam-dunk contest will add to the extravaganza of the evening! So far, they have accepted the invitation, the MagicFreestyle and Faceteam-Dunkers groups as well the cheerleaders from CSKA Moscow and Queens (PROTEAS ÅÊA AÅL's cheerleaders).

In his closing remarks, FIBA EUROPE general secretary, Nar Zanolin, stated that he is happy to be once again in Cyprus 'amongst the great friends that he and FIBA have made the last years in Cyprus'. He also added that he is sure that, just like the 4 previous years, that this Cypriot tradition will suppress FIBA's expectations.

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CZECH REP.

Prostejov and Geofin fight for the second spot -by Eurobasket News
Round 31 of the Czech NBL saw all the leaders gain their respective victories. The league leading Nymburk was once again impressive against Sadska at home. The hosts got to a somewhat sloppy start. Just 6 straight points from Pavel Slezak (185-G-84) late in the first stanza allowed Nymburk to clear off to a 6-pont distance. Monty Mack (191-G-77, agency: Interperformances, college: Massachusetts) and Benes opened a double-digit advantage at the start of the second quarter as Nymburk gradually adjusted their game. Sadska stayed in visibility for some time before Michal Kremen (200-F-81) knocked down back-to-back treys and Nymburk started to get away. They accumulated a 58:43 advantage at halftime. Monty Mack and Arthur Lee (185-G-77, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: Stanford) teamed up for 8 points in a row to make it 66:43 for Nymburk at the beginning of the third stanza. The home team never looked back afterwards gaining their 30th win of the season 107:74. Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) topscored for the hosts with 22 points and 8 boards. Ladislav Sokolovsky (201-F-77, agency: PPGroup) contributed 17 points, while Michal Kremen secured 14 points for the winners. Tim Lyle (202-F-79, college: JMU) answered with 19 points and 7 boards for Sadska.
Prostejov secured their second spot with a 70:66 win over Pardubice. The visitors dominated throughout the major part of the game and Prostejov were close to suffering the 8th loss in the season however they survived. The hosts trailed 30:37 at halftime and 50:56 after three quarters of action. But Pavel Novak (197-F-83), Jaroslav Prasil (201-F-80, agency: PPGroup) and Rashaan Ames (184-G-77, college: Shaw) scored 6 points in a row for Prostejov midway through the final stanza to surge ahead. The teams then traded baskets before Modibo Niakate (185-G-81, college: Cleveland St.) sealed the winning outcome for Prostejov from charity stripe. Aleksandar Bojic (207-C-81, college: Hawaii-Pacific) finished with 19 points to pace the hosts. Rashaan Ames added 13 points in a win. Pardubice responded with 18 points from Jiri Novotny (199-F-77).
Geofin remained just one win shy of Prostejov as they edged USK Praha 95:86 in Round 31. Geofin stayed ahead for the majority of the encounter and deservedly added another victory to the stats. Stepan Reinberger (200-F-81, agency: PPGroup) provided 20 points to ensure the success for Geofin. Robert Sarovic (205-F-78) was productive with 18 points and 9 boards. Lucious Wagner (194-G-81, agency: Court Side, college: Evansville) shone with 26 points and 9 boards for USK Praha as they slipped to 11-20 record.

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ESTONIA

Trailing 18 points Kalev/Cramo wins in Tallinn -by Eurobasket News
Estonian Kalev/Cramo survived against Valmiera in a thriller 93 : 90. Latvian team opened the game with 25:34 as Jankauskas closed the first quarter. Vladimir Stimac (206-C-87, agency: Interperformances) made it 31:49 in the beginning of the second and it seemed the hosts would nor recover. Moreover the teams went to the lockers with 15 points advantage of Valmiera. Things became better for the hosts in the second half as they started to reduce. When the score was 68:76 in the beginning of the last quarter Kalev/Cramo created 6-0 run and grabbed the lead after. Scott fired a three after the teams stayed at 90 to bring his team 93:90 victory. Valmo Kriisa (190-G-74) led the winners with 25 points. Reed and Scott nailed 14 points each. Vladimir Stimac finished the game scoring 23 points for the guests.
Vilnius saw another win of Lietuvos Rytas over Rock 104 : 77. The favorite produced another great game and proved the ambitions for the top place in Baltic League. Michailas Anisimovas opened the game for the hosts with a lay-up and they never looked behind after. Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college: Iowa St.) closed the quarter with a free throw to give Lithuanian team 8 points deficit. Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88) made a jump-shot after a massive second quarter for 54:35 advantage. In the end of the game it was him again to score three-pointers in a row to set up the final 104:77 win. Martynas Gecevicius poured in 28 points as a total. Jackson Vroman netted 21, whilst Michailas Anisimovas and Bajramovic had 11. Brian Cusworth (213-C-84, college: Harvard) chipped in 19 points in the losing clause.


Lietuvos Rytas - Rock 104 : 77 ( 19-11, 35-24, 28-20, 22-22 )
Lietuvos Rytas:Martynas Gecevicius 28, Jackson Vroman 21, Michailas Anisimovas 11, Bajramovic 11
Rock:Brian Cusworth 19, Allingu 15

Kalev/Cramo -Valmiera 93 : 90 ( 25-34, 16-22, 27-18, 25-16 )
Kalev/Cramo:Valmo Kriisa 25, Reed 14, Scott 14
Valmiera:Vladimir Stimac 23, Bankevics 21

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FINLAND

I-DIV.: Lapua upset FoKoPo at Forssa -by Rauno Hurmalainen

I-division, Rounds 23-24: The winner of I-division is not clear yet. When there are two rounds left out of the regular season, there are two Teams
FoKoPo (Forssa) or Korikobrat (Lapua) who have the chance to win it all and get up to Top League (Korisliiga). During the weekend BC Nokia lost
both games and cannot win anymore I-division. Tonight FoKoPo had an important home game vs Lapua and if FoKoPo won that contest, they could
have made sure to win I-division. But Lapua did not give up yet. Kyle Carhart (191-G/F-83, college: Grand Valley St.) (39) and Tyrwone Still (196-F-77, college: W.Virginia St.) (22) combined 61 pts and led Lapua to 83-91 victory at Forssa. FoKoPo will play still vs Honka (Tapiola) on the road at Espoo and vs YMCA Helsinki at Forssa. Lapua will meet BC Nokia at home and Huima on the road.

The results during the weekend: 1.3.: YMCA Helsinki - BC Jyvaskyla 78-101, BC Nokia - FoKoPo 95-97, YMCA Turku - Ura Basket 98-69, Lapua - Pantterit 80-76.

2.3.: FoKoPo - Lapua 83-91, Pantterit - Honka 49-71, Vilpas - YMCA Helsinki 65-68, Huima - BC Nokia 100-99, PuHu - RU 101-63, BC Jyvaskyla - YMCA Turku 96-106.



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FRANCE

John Cox: "Maybe my best season" -by Maxime Weber
Maxime WEBER: This is your 3rd season in France. Is it your best season in your career (NCAA include?)
John Cox (196-G-81, college: USF): This may be the best season of my career. Though I did have a nice senior year in college, so i might have to wait until this season is over to answer that question.

You're the 3rd best scorers in the league. What is your secret?
My scoring this year really just comes from me staying aggressive throughout each game. I have a big responsibility on the team this season. So each week I try to focus on our opponent.

You lost against Le Mans after an incredible end. Could you tell us what happened?
Last night against Le Mans we stop competing. When you play against a good team you must compete for 40mins however long the match is. We were up 5 points wit 8.1 secs left and lost the game. Le Mans made big plays in the final seconds and stole the game. (Limonad scored 2 3pt in a row during the last 6seconds)

The playoffs will be very close this season. A lot of team could think about the finals…
The playoffs are very close and we are trying to secure a spot. That has been the goal since the beginning of the season. We have a tough schedule ahead of us. The standings are very tight so we must focus on one game at a time and and not get ahead of ourselves.

NM1: Longwy casts a shadow in Mulhouse -by Chris Spiesser
The locals desperatly needed a victory to avoid a relegating spot and the obligation to win two more games than Longwy, as well as Boulogne, to remain in NM1. To do so the efficient administratives of the FCM almost managed to fullfill the Palais des Sports and gave to that Sunday afternoon game a nice familiar atmosphere. On the court also, the situation was positive for Mulhouse with a complete roster focused during an impressive warm up. On the other hand, Longwy was missing his red hot player. Jonathan Godin (184-G-82) due to a three technical fouls suspension. The Mulhouse formed PG posted 66 ranking points over his two last games and shows some nice season averages despite 3.3topg: 13.6ppg (47%), 3.1rpg, 2.1spg, 4.8apg.

But once the jump ball thrown, the situation quickly reversed. The two teams soon fitted to their recent trends. Longwy goes 7-1 over the last weeks while Mulhouse is 3-9 since the end of November. The officials had to whistle an agressive and concentrated team playing against an adversary which was missing those impact elements. Mulhouse's offense is really bad (71ppg, 16th) and on the court the impression wasn't any better. The alsatians tried to post Longwy inside on almost every possession. But Aaron Coombs (209-F-82, college: NC-Wilmington) and Co soon adapted and took the lead. Surprisingly, maybe under pressure, Mulhouse's harsh defense wasn't appoint. Some forgotten rotations gave Longwy the first advantage (18-26, 10'). After that QT, coach Meriguet put Christopher Marsh (195-F-81, agency: R.H.Consultancy) instead of Zaka Alao (187-G-81) to the PG position. The belgian-canadian gave some more density to Longwy's offensive tempo and the lorrains scored four more points than Mulhouse in the second quarter. At halftime the score was 33-45 and Mulhouse paid cash its lack of intensity. From the FT line, the locals shot a rickety 1/2 while Longwy converted 11 one pointers over 15 tries. After what might have been a rude halftime, the locals came back with a totally different attitude. Their defense was set, Zaka Alao could get stopped (13pts 3/4 3pts after 20') and Longwy lost many balls allowing a 7-0 to coach Gonsalves boys. If Aaron Coombs (18pts, 12rbs) bore his team during this third QT, the game was tight again (50-54, 30') and everything remained possible for the last period. Atinkpahoun (10pts 4/6, 5rbs) and Zaka Alao (16pts, 3stl, 8to, 5ass) gave a 9pts lead to Longwy but their offensive risks caused 2 FTs and 2 TOs. At 56-59, coach Meriguet took a decisive timeout. Driven by Marsh (19pts, 8rbs), Longwy started to play wisely with a big defense. On the other hand, Mulhouse made the wrong options despite Benjamin Obouh Fegue (197-F-87) combativity (11pts, 9rbs). At final, the alsatians lost 63-74, N'Dour was impressive in the paint (16pts 8/11, 11rbs), but the team will have to make serious collective adjustments to avoid a lethal NM2 fall.

'Big trouble' was the mostly used term by the disappointed supporters to qualify their team's situation. But a little ray of sun sneaks into the Palais des Sports. The Mulhousian calendar is really easier than Logwy's, Franck Meriguet revealed his point eagerness before the game because his team will have to face the 6 firsts over the 8 next games. Over the 10 last games, Mulhouse will play 6 times at home, mostly against teams ranked beyond place 7. But their home ratio (5w-7d) will have to be raised!

The results:
Lievin 66-79 Bordeaux
Toulouges 95-83 Feurs
Fos 107-92 Challans
Angers 80-52 Centre Federal
Mulhouse 63-74Longwy
Andrezieux 88-99 Blois
Golbey-Epinal 90-85 Boulogne
Antibes 84-71 Charleville
Lille 76-55 Saint-Chamond
(Details coming soon)

Round 20 Round up -by Sean Davis
Pau-Orthez 76 - 82 Nancy

Pau-Orthez looked to upset another first place team for the second
straight week, while Nancy looked to bounce back from an upsetting
home loss against Dijon. Nancy jumped out to an early 10pt league and
Pau was unable to battle back losing 82-76. Pau drops to 7-13 and
Nancy keeps place with ASVEL and Le Mans at 15-5. Nancy had great
individual efforts only accumulating 5 assists throughout the game.
Nancy was led by Ricardo Greer 18pts, 8rebs, and 4ast. Nancy had 4
other players score in double figures. Pau had 3 players score in
double figures led by Antonio Graves with 18pts, Antywane Robinson
with 15pts and 9rebs, and Maximiliano Stanic with 17pts and 6ast.

Orleans 80 - 40 Clermont

As expected, Clermont continued their downward spiral getting smacked
on the road by 40pts. Clermont got embarrassed from start to finish
managing to only score 4pts in the entire first quarter. With the
loss Clermont dropped to sole possession of last place and Orleans was
able to keep pace for a spot in the playoffs. Dustin Sallsbery led
the way for Orleans with 18pts and 6ast. Zeb Cope scored 15pts and
Aldo Curti added 12pts. As a team Orleans shot 41.7% from the 3pt
line and caused 19 turnovers. Clermont shot 18.2% from the 3pt line
and 32% from the field. Clermont had two players score in double
figures Tony Skinn and Jerry Johnson with both scoring 14pts.

Strasbourg 79 - 90 Paris

Strasbourg took a 7pt lead at the end of the first quarter and looked
to cruise to a victory. Instead Paris became a completely different
team taking 20pt lead going into the 4th quarter on their way to 11pt
road upset. Paris shot the lights out of the ball, shooting 73.5%
inside the 3pt line and 40.9% from the 3pt line. Je'Kel Foster led
the way for Paris with a monster game scoring 27pts on 10-13 shooting
and a perfect 6 of 6 from inside the 3. Kimani Ffriend also had an
outstanding game scoring 23pts while shooting 9 of 11 from the field.
Strasbourg shoot well from the field but committed 18 turnovers, which
proved to be the difference. Eddie Shannon had 12pts, 8rebs, and 6ast
for Strasbourg and Derrick Obasohan led the team in scoring with
16pts.

Le Havre - 98 - 99 Le Mans

In the Lnb Game of the Week Le Mans and Le Havre played a nail bitter
that went down to the wire. Le Mans stole a very import road victory
that kept them in first place tied with ASVEL and Nancy. With the win
Le Havre would have jumped to 5th place instead they dropped to 8th
and into a tight race to make the playoffs. Nicolas Batum came out of
his slump for Le Mans scoring 21pts and grabbing 12rebs. Raviv
Limonad and Luka Bogdanovic both chipped in with 18pts each. John Cox
went off for Le Havre scoring 30pts on 10 of 16 shooting. T.J.
Thompson scored 20pts and dished out 13ast.

Dijon 90 - 83 Roanne

Dijon continued their hot streak beating a very good Roanne team at
home 90-83. Dijon had 5 players score in double figures led by Maleye
Ndoye with 28pts, 7rebs, and 4ast. David Simon also had an
outstanding game scoring 26pts on 10 of 15 shooting. Roanne also had
5 players score in double figures led by Adam hess with 19pts and
willam Soliman with 13pts and 8 rebs.

Hyeres-Toulon 79 - 87 Cholet

Cholet has been on a rampage and the rampage continued on the road
against Hyeres-Toulon beating them 86-79. Cholet got out rebounded,
but Hyeres-Toulon committed 20 turnovers, which was the difference in
the game. Cholet led by Nando De Colo with 19pts, 4rebs, and 7ast and
Claude Marquis with 19pts. Paul McPherson led the way for
Hyeres-Toulon coming of the bench to score 21pts on 9 of 11 shooting.
Hrvoje Perincic scored 17pts on 7 of 10 shooting from the field.

Gravelines 74 - 69 Vichy

Gravelines got a much-needed home victory over a very good Vichy team.
Gravelines trailed by 2pts entering the 4th quarter but manage to
pull out a 3pt victory. Gravelines only had 3 players score in double
figures led by Thomas Dubiez with 19pts and 5ast. Stephen Brun added
18pts, 8rebs, and 4ast. Vichy was led by Jimmal Ball's 18pts and Zach
Moss 16pts.

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GERMANY

2. Bundesliga Pro B: Highlights of Gameday 23 -by Moritz Korff
Play of the Day: Nikita Khartchenkov (201-F-87, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) - Braunschweig: 31 pts, 10/11 FG, 6/6 3P, 5/5 FT, 4 rbs, 3 st, 2 as

Points: Nikita Khartchenkov - Braunschweig: 31

Rebounds: Terry Horton (191-F-81, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Alabama A&M) - Iserlohn: 12

Assists: Dustin Pfeifer (173-G-83, college: Findlay (OH)) - Herten: 10

Steals: James Warwick (198-G-85, college: Grayson County CC) - Wolfenbuettel: 5

Blocked Shots: Christoph Weise - Stahnsdorf, Philip Freeman - Ansbach, Malik El-Tamer - Iserlohn, Chad McKenzie - Muenchen, Markus Klotz - Essen, Ethan Shaw - Essen: 2 apiece

Check out all stats and scores on the official website of the 2. Bundesliga: click

2. Bundesliga Pro A: Highlights of Gameday 23 -by Moritz Korff
Play of the Day: Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford) - Kaiserslautern: 22 pts, 7/15 FG, 8/8 FT, 16 rbs, 3 as, 1 bs, 1st

Points: Nick Stapleton (186-G-79, agency: Court Side, college: Austin Peay St.) - Duesseldorf: 26

Rebounds: David Berghoefer (208-C-83, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Carolina) - Duesseldorf: 17

Assists: Whit Holcomb-Faye (185-G-84, college: Radford) - Kaiserslautern: 10

Steals: Nick Stapleton - Duesseldorf: 7

Blocked Shots: Alonzo Hird (206-F-83, college: E.Kentucky) - Schalke: 4

Check out all stats and scores on the official website of the 2. Bundesliga: click

Bundesliga Game Day 22: Weekend Results Febuary 29th/March 1st! -by Michael Taylor
Friday Febuary 29th
EnBW Ludwigsburg 71 Science City Jena 69
Michel Nascimento sank two FT with 2sec to play giving visiting EnBW Ludwigsburg a tight 71-69 win at Science City Jena Friday night. Leading by three with under 1min, Ludwigsburg fouled Ali Seggelke attempting a three and the Jena shooting guard cooly tied the score at 69 with 3 FT. Vincent Yarbrough drilled 5 threes in the comeback for Ludwigsburg. Jena's 25-20 2Q gave them a 38-34 halftime lead which they extended to 54-46 after three. Ludwigsburg finished the 4Q with a 25-14 advantage. Ronald Ross topscored with 21pt, Vincent Yarbrough added 17pt, Michel Nascimento 11pt and Heiko Schaffartzik 10pt for Ludwigsburg who played without leading scorer Brandon Woudstra in the win. Ali Seggelke led Jena with 17pt, Jason Miller added 14pt, Ajmal Basit 12pt and Mark Davis a 10pt 12 reb double double. Ludwigsburg made 9 of 24 threes (37%) compared to Jena's 2 for 15 (13%) and forced Jena into 20 turnovers. Jena outrebounded Ludwigsburd 37-22. Head Coach Silvano Poropat and his men improved to 12-10 while Jena slipped to 2-20.

Saturday March 1
ALBA Berlin 80 Koln 99ers 78
This classic Bundesliga matchup between ALBA Berlin and Koln 99ers resulted in another exciting game. ALBA Berlin edged the 99ers 80-78 Saturday at MaxSchmellinghalle, overcoming an extraordinary effort from Head Coach Sasa Obradovic and his team. Playing their former teammates Immanuel McElroy and injured Aleksander Nadjfeji, Koln started strong leading after 1Q 24-20 and taking a 47-39 lead into halftime. Berlin battled back in the 3Q outscoring Koln 20-14 making the game 61-59 into the 4th. C Patrick Femerling made the difference at the end. ALBA's Julius Jenkins led scoring with 21pt followed by Goran Nikolic who hit 6 of 8 shots for 14pt and 11pt from Immanuel McElroy. Newly added Brian Greene played a fantastic debut for Koln scoring 28pt hitting 4 of 8 threes and 10 of 11 FT. Milko Bjelica added 17pt and Derek Raivio 13 for Koln. Both teams shot 56% from the floor and ALBA outrebounded Koln 28-21. Koln drilled 12-23 threes (52%). Head Coach Luka Pavicevic and his ALBA team improved to 18-5 while Koln dropped to 12-10.

BG74 Gottingen 89 ratiopharm Ulm 79
BG74 Gottingen put 5 players in double figures, limited Ulm to 35% floor shooting and used a strong 2nd half to earn an 89-79 road win at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm Saturday night. Ulm started strong leading 11-2 behind EJ Gallups 3pt attack. Leading 21-19 after 1Q, Ulm took a 43-40 lead at half. Gottingen's strong 3Q outscoring Ulm 20-14 set the score at 60-54 for the Violets heading into the 4th. A combination of strong Gottingen defense and big shots keyed the road win. Willie Jenkins topscored for Gottingen with 16pt followed by 14pt apiece from Ben Jacobsen and Jason Boone. Marco Grimaldi and Jeb Ivey added 13pt each in the win. EJ Gallup led Ulm's attack with 21pt followed by 16pt 6reb from Bryan Lucas and 12pt 9reb by Konrad Wysocki. The Violets shot 42% from the floor and 39% from three (9-23) compared with Ulm's 35% shooting and 8-29 (27%) from three. Ulm outrebounded Gottingen 45-41. Head Coach John Patrick and his Gottingen team improved to 9-13 while ratiopharm Ulm dropped their 8th straight game falling to 9-13.

digibu Baskets Paderborn 89 Walter Tigers Tubingen 56
digibu Baskets Paderborn shot 58% from the floor and forced 22 turnovers in their big 89-56 home win over Walter Tigers Tubingen Saturday night in Paderborn. Jason Edwin led Paderborn with 16pt 4ast followed by 12pt apiece by Billy Ray McDaniel and Nathan Peavy and 10pt from Tim Black. Playing his first game with Paderborn, newly signed G John Bynum was a perfect 3 for 3 finishing with 9pt 3reb. Head Coach Doug Spradley and his squad broke the game open in the 2Q with a 31-11 surge to take a 50-26 halftime lead. Paderborn poured it on after the break with a 24-8 3Q building their lead to 74-34 after 3. Tigers PG Jermaine Anderson nailed 7 of 7 threes on his way to a game high 23pt and Bingo Merriex added 10. Paderborn shot 58% from the floor, outrebounded Tubingen 33-24 and enjoyed an advantage from the foul line making 16 of 21 (76%) compared with the Tigers 5 of 9 (55%). Paderborn improved to 8-14 while Tubingen fell to 6-16.

Ewe Baskets Oldenburg 80 NewYorker Phantoms Braunschweig 67
In a tight game between two teams battling for playoff position, Ewe Baskets Oldenburg broke open a 36-36 halftime tie with a 27-12 3Q run helping them earn an important 80-67 home win over NewYorker Phantoms Braunschweig Saturday night at Ewe Arena in Oldenburg. Branimir Longin and Rickey Paudling shared topscoring honors with 15pt apiece as Oldenburg shot 50% from the floor and 50% from beyond the arc in the win. Oldenburg also outrebounded the Phantoms 40-23. Jasmin Perkovic chipped in 12pt 6reb 4ast. Kyle Visser led the Phantoms with 17pt 6reb with help from John Allen's 15pt 4ast 4stl. Head Coach Predrag Krunic and his team improved to 13-10 while Braunschweig slipped to 12-10.

Sunday March 2
LTi Giessen 46ers @ TBB Trier BBL.TV 3pm

Artland Dragons @ Eisbaren Bremerhaven 4pm

Deutsche Bank Skyliners @ Bayer Leverkusen 4pm

Telekom Baskets Bonn @ brose Baskets Bamberg 5pm

Bundesliga Game Day 22: Results March 2nd! -by Michael Taylor
Sunday March 2
TBB Trier 69 LTi Giessen 46ers 61
Before a sold out Trier Arena, TBB Trier used a late 3Q run to take control of a tight game before earning an important 69-61 victory over LTi Giessen 46ers Sunday afternoon in Bundesliga action. Austen Rowland was in top form producing 19pt 7reb 5ast and Caleb Green added a 16pt 10reb double double in the win. Recently signed Marshall Phillips scored 6pt with 5reb in his Trier debut. Trier shot 42% from the floor while limiting the 46ers to 29% and outrebounded Giessen 41-34. Playing without injured star Rouven Roussler, Michael Umeh paced the Giessen attack with a terrific 28pt game but was the only double figure scorer for the 46ers. Umeh made 15 of 16 FT and Giessen sank 23 of 28 (82%) for the game. Head Coach Yves Defraigne and his team improved to 5-17 while Giessen slipped to the same record.

Artland Dragons 79 Eisbaren Bremerhaven 74
Helping head coach Chris Fleming celebrate his birthday, Artland Dragons earned a tough 79-74 road win over Eisbaren Bremerhaven Sunday night in Bremerhaven. Artland Dragons ran to an early 25-13 1Q lead and held a 46-34 advantage at the half. Bremerhaven battled back in the second half but Artland held on for the win at the end. Lamont McIntosh and Leon Rodgers topscored with 19pt apiece for the Dragons and Chad Prewitt added 10pt 6reb to the win. EJ Rowland scored 8pt with 10reb off the bench for the Dragons. Matt Haryasz led Bremerhaven with 15pt 12reb double double and Tony Bobbitt also scored 15pt including 3 threes. Nate Funk (14pt 4-8 threes) and Zygimantas Jonusas (14pt 3-4 threes) were also strong for Bremerhaven. Artland outrebounded Bremerhaven 40-38, shot 44% from the floor to Bremerhaven's 38% and the Dragons sank 18 of 21 FT (85%) to the Eisbaren 9-14 (64%). Bremerhaven hit 11 of 27 threes (40%) and dished out 15ast as a team. Artland improved to a Bundesliga best 18-4 while Bremerhaven slipped to 11-10.

Bayer Leverkusen 86 Deutsche Bank Skyliners 79
Bayer Leverkusen turned momentum in the first half and built a lead before beating visiting Deutsche Bank Skyliners 86-79 Sunday at historic Wilhelm Dopatka Halle in Leverkusen. Skyliners started strong taking a 23-18 lead before Leverkusen answered with a 26-11 2Q to hold a 44-34 halftime advantage. Leverkusen led 69-58 going into the 4th before holding off the Frankfurt comeback attempt. Nate Fox continued his outstanding season with 21pt 11reb while Tyron McCoy drilled 3 of 6 threes to finish with 15pt and Brendan Winters added 11pt 6reb in the win. Ilian Evtimov led Frankfurt with 23pt 11reb 4ast 5stls and Derrick Allen added 21pt 10reb. Leverkusen outrebounded Frankfurt 44-39 and made 22 of 31 FT (71%) to Skyliners 15 of 22 (68%). Head Coach Achim Kuczmann and his Leverkusen men improved to 17-5 while Frankfurt fell to 13-10.

brose Baskets Bamberg 79 Telekom Baskets Bonn 50
brose Baskets Bamberg put together a terrific team effort in beating Telekom Bonn 79-50 Sunday afternoon at Hardtberghalle in Bonn. Behind a balanced team effort led by Dwayne Mitchell's 15pt and 12pt apiece from Darren Fenn and Steffen Hamann, Head Coach Dirk Bauermann and his team cruised to the road win. Bamberg outscored Bonn 15-8 in the 2Q taking a 34-20 halftime lead and followed with a 22-7 3rd to break the game open. Bamberg shot 55% from the floor and sank 12 of 23 (52%) from three while limiting Bonn to only 29% from the floor with tough team defense. Ademola Okulaja and Robert Garrett chipped in 9pt each for Bamberg. Ronnie Burrell was the most notable Bonn player with a 13pt 11reb double double. Bamberg upped their record to 14-6 while Bonn slipped to 14-8.

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GUATEMALA

SAT-Cybertech roster unveiled -by Gianni Pascucci
This down is the official roster of SAT-Cybertech, that will represent Guatemala in Liga Centroamericana de Baloncesto. The import player is Salvadorean Oscar Rivera (186-G-80), the Head Coach is Otto Larios . The players are: Enrique Samayoa (193-F-82), Ricardo Amaya (191-G-84, agency: Tank Sports), Heberth Rodriguez (185-G-82), Alejandro Carrillo (191-F-88), Oscar Salguero (196-F-87), Victor Padilla (-70), Pablo Cano, Diego Berreondo, Joaquin Ortiz (180-G-78), Angel Estrada and Gerson Duarte (202-C-83)

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HUNGARY

All-Star Game -by Tamas Deri
This weekend wasn't ordinary in the routine of the season. On the 1st of March, the male and female All-Star Game was organised by the Hungarian Federation. As venue for the event Pecs was chosen. The was a selection, based on the supporters' votes, of women and men players forming the League All Star Team. They had to faced against the National Team on the court.

The National Team was conducted by Stojan Ivkovic, who was elected for the head-coach of the National Team a few weeks ago as well. Laszlo Kalman could not be on the court because of his injury, he was replaced by his teammate Kornel Varadi (198-G-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services). Even Robert Gulyas missed the game, he got hurt on thursday in the cup game against Kecskemet.

The game ended with the winning of the National Team 110-92 (32-22, 23-23, 24-20, 31-27).

National Team: Marton Fodor (191-G-81, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 18, Zoltan Bencze (213-C-81) (213-C-81) 17, Balazs Simon (188-G-80, agency: Court Side) 14, Zoltan Horvath (207-F/C-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 14, Kornel Varadi 11, Simon L. 8, Kaman 8, Ferencz 6, Grebenar 6, Kiss 5, Denes 3, Coach: Stojan Ivkovic
League All-Stars: Erno Sitku (208-C-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 17, Julien Mills (193-G-84, agency: Warren Sports, college: Ball St.) 16, Thomas Kelley (188-G-76, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: Michigan St.) 16, Freeman 9, Horvath A. 8, Kazlauskas 7, English 6, Williams 4, Aliakseyeu 4, Meszaros 3, Wiley 2, Aleksic, Coach: Srecko Sekulovic

MVP: Zoltan Bencze

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ISRAEL

Orien Greene signed with Hapoel Jerusalem -by Tamar Goldman
The American Guard Orien Greene (193-G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Louisiana-Lafayette) joins Hapoel Jerusalem. Greene started the season in Sacramento (NBA), but was waved in Nov. and moved to the Australian League, where he played for New Zealand.
Greene started his Carrier in Louisiana-Lafayette University, and graduated on 2005 with 11.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.0 apg and 2.7 spg. That summer he was drafted by the Boston Celtics (53rd place) and signed a three years contract. He played 80 games with the Celtics (opened in 5) and averaged 3.2ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.6apg . After one season he was released and signed with Indiana Pacers where he played 41 games and averaged 1.5ppg, 1.1rpg.

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ITALY

Jesi wins Lega 2 Cup -by Gianni Pascucci

At the end of a very battled and tensed game, Fileni Bpa Jesi defeated Carife Ferrara 72-62 (after one OT) winning the Lega 2 Cup 2008. The home team was very effective in limiting Michele Maggioli (212-C-77) under the boards, and ended ahead the first half 38-30. Ferrara, however, wasn' t able to control the perimetral shooting of Anthony Maestranzi (178-G-84, college: N.Illinois) (178-G-84, college: N.Illinois) and the energy of David Moss (196-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana St.) (196-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana St.), and suffered the comeback of Jesi during the second half, till the 57-57 at the end of the regular time. Pointing on his veterans and on the scoring of Moss, Jesi cleary won the overtime 15-5, deserving the win. David Moss ended the game with 21 points, 7 rebounds, 6 steals and is our MVP of the night. Anthony Maestranzi added 16 points and 2 assits, veteran Davide Cantarello (214-C-68) scored 9 points in pivotal moments of the game, while Michele Maggioli (212-C-77) ended the game with 6 pts and 11 rebs. Ferrara did not have the usual performning from Andre Collins (183-G-82, college: Loyola, MD), who ended the game with 9 points and only 3/20 from the court. The two best players in Ferrara were Harold Jamison (204-C-76, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Clemson), who scored 16 points, grabbed 10 rebs and stealed 6 balls, and Marco Allegretti (204-F-81), who ended the game with 11 pts and 4 rbs.
See complete boxscore at www.legaduebasket.it



Lega 2 Cup individual awards -by Gianni Pascucci
In an unusual way, two players from the team that lost the Final were given the Lega 2 Cup 2008 individual awards: the Final Four MVP, winner of the 'Chiarino Cimurri Trophy' is Harold Jamison (204-C-76, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Clemson), thanks to 14,5 ppg and 9,5 rebs in the two games of the competition, while Marco Allegretti (204-F-81) (8,5 ppg and 3,5 rpg) was awarded as the best domersic player of the tournment.

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JORDAN

Zain & Orthodox in WABA -by Mohammed Malas
Jordan's champions Zain and runner-ups Orthodox will be part of West Asia Clubs Championship which will be played this year in Iran from 9th until 14th of March, Three teams from different countries will qualify to Asian Clubs Championship in Kuwait next may...9 Teams (2 from lebanon 'Al Riyadi & Blue Stars', 2 from Syria 'Al Ittihad & Al Jalaa', 2 from Iran 'Saba Battery & Petrochimi' and 1 from Iraq 'Al Kahraba') will be divided to two groups...

Zain is suffering from injuries as Enver Soobzokov (193-G/F-78, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.), Sam Daghlas (197-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) and Rasheim Wright (193-G-81, college: District of Col.) will be out from the team while Ayman Idais (205-C-78, agency: Court Side) and Ghazi Naber (178-G-76) may be fit enough to join their teammates in the competition....

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KOSOVO

KOSOVA CUP DRAW -by Alban Salihu
Today in Sports House offices took place the drawing for the first round competition for Kosova Cup, for men and women 2008 edition



MEN


Group A
1. BAMBI
2. YLLI
3. VERTIKALI
4. ISTOGU
5. FUSHË KOSOVA

Group B

1. TREPCA
2. KOSOVA
3. SHB'12'
4. LIPJANI

In the first round will meet : Group A( Ylli- Fushe Kosova, Vertikali- Istogu, Bambi will rank in the second round with no match), Group B( Trepca - Lipjani, Kosova - SHB '12'), Group C (Sigal Prishtina - Kosovari, Kastrioti -Bashkimi) Group D( Peja - Eurosport, RC Cola Drita - Malisheva).

source:basketbolli.com

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KUWAIT

Sasser signs for Al Arabi -by Ali Ahmed
Al Arabi Sharjah basketball team management agreed terms with the American Forward Jason Sasser (201-F-74, college: Texas Tech) to play for them this season.



He is a winner at every level, who gets on the boards on every play, dives for loose balls, runs hard, and doesn't back down from a physical challenge. He thrives under pressure. His shooting and passing need work.
'I am a very hard worker and a winner on the court. The same is true for off the court. I am a Christian with good morals and strong beliefs.'
Very strong body, a threat under the basket and also from outside.



Awards/Achievements:
SWC 1st Team -95,96
SWC Post-Season all-tournament team -95,96
NCAA 3rd Team -96
SWC Player of the Year -96
CBA Rookie of the Year -97
CBA 2nd Team -97
USA National Team -98-99
World Championships -98(3)
CBA Finalist -99
IBL 2nd Team -00
ABA Semifinals -01
Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga 1st Team -03
Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Imports Team -03
Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Newcomers Team -03
German 1.Bundesliga Finalist -03, 04
Portuguese League Regular Season Runner-Up -05
Portuguese League Finalist -05
CBA All-Star Game -08

Game Day #24: Al Kuwait cruised easily past Al Tadhamon! Al Jahra & Al Qadsia also win!!! -by Mohammed Al Raad
Wednesday February 27, 2008

Al Qadsia slipped past Al Nasr club on the road with a not so easy one point victory. Al Jahra enjoyed a 40 point blowout win at home against Sulaibikhat and Al Tadhamon struggled without their leading scorer, combinaton guard Nowaf Al Dhafairy as they bowed out to Al Kuwait 101-52 in their final game of the regular season. Al Kuwait's Ira Clark led all scorers in the game with 23 points. 'Without Nowaf on the court, we are lost. Especially against any kind of full court pressure. He brings so much to the team. We missed his on court leadership. He plays with confidence and his teammates follow suit. He probably leads the league in scoring as well . He has had games where he scored 41, 36 and had many more where he scored over 20 We hope his knee is better and that he can contribute in the post-season cups' explains Al Tadhamon's Head Coach Paul Missavage. 'Our 3-15 record is not indicative of how well we played this regular season'. Missavage continues, 'We had moments of excellence with the youngest team. in the country. We lost games by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11 points. We also had to play the entire season without the multi-talented Hussien Al Ali , who because of a military duty, could not play even one game for us. We hope he is able to be with us now for the cups. It is really too bad. With Hussien, maybe we are over .500. If this great group of young guys stay together and they keep working hard to improve their skills and physical strength, they have a trmendous future ahead of them. They are fun to coach and to be around on and off the court. I am happy, but not satisfied, with our results thus far. Canadian pivot player Kevin Shand is showing some good leadership and we are heading in the right direction. We earned some respect from all the teams in the league this season'.

Al Nasar - Al Qadsia 84-85
Al Jahra - Al Sulaibikhat 89-49
Al Kuwait - Al Tadhamon 101-52

Undefeated Al Kuwait dominates #2 Al Qadsia!!! Golden Four to begin Wednesday, March 5!! -by Mohammed Al Raad
Last game day brings final four preview for Kuwait League!

Final Game Day #25

March 2, 2008

Al Kuwait - Al Qadsia 88-70
Al Arabi - Al Jahra 85-77


Kuwait League 'Golden Four' to begin on Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Here is the program to determine the Champion for the final four Playoffs:

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Al Kuwait - Al Arabi
Al Qadsia - Al Jahra

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Al Kuwait - Al Jahra
Al Arabi - Al Qadsia

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Al Kuwait SC - Al Qadsia
Al Arabi - Al Jahra

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LEBANON

New imports in Blue Stars -by Mohammed Malas
Blue Stars club who will br part of West Asia Clubs Championship (Iran 9 - 14 March) decided to change their imports and sign with the americans Derrick Tarver (192-G-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Akron) and Waki Williams (206-F-82, college: Memphis)....

Tarver plays as a Shooting Guard, He has a good enough experience to be part of the blue castle as he played before in Sweden, France, Russia, Italy, Cyprus and Syria..While Williams is still young and has a lot to prove, His experience abroad was only in Norway last season (Played 9 games only) and will look to have a good career in Leabnon.

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LIGA CENTROAMERICANA

Pioneros win easy in debuting game -by Gianni Pascucci
LeRoy Hickerson (196-G-82, college: Cumberlands) scored 32 points, 16 of them with spectacular dunks, to lead Pioneros de Quintana Roo to the win, 92-52 over Liceo de Costa Rica in the first game of the Liga Centroamericana 'Group A'. Enrique Zuniga (193-G-75, college: Grand Canyon) added 19 pts and 8 assits and Alonso Izaguirre (200-G/F-76) 11 pts and 10 rebs at the winning side. Brian Evans (185-G-82, agency: Heinrich Sports, college: Texas A&M - C.C.) was the only player at the CostaRican side to end the game in double digits, with 19 points, followed by Lemarck Clark (-88) with 9. These two teams will meet again themselves tonight at 9 pm in Cancun.

Second win for Pioneros -by Gianni Pascucci
Pioneros de Quintana Roo won the second game too, defeating Liceo de Costa Rica 69-53, but this time it was an harder job. In fact, Liceo managed to control better the main offensive players of the Mexican team, and had a great performance from Brian Evans (185-G-82, agency: Heinrich Sports, college: Texas A&M - C.C.), who was the MVP of the game, scoring 26 points in a superb losing effort. LeRoy Hickerson (196-G-82, college: Cumberlands) led one time more Pioneros, scoring 22 points, and Enrique Zuniga (193-G-75, college: Grand Canyon) added 12 pts and 8 assists.

SAT-Cybertech roster unveiled -by Gianni Pascucci
This down is the official roster of SAT-Cybertech, that will represent Guatemala in Liga Centroamericana de Baloncesto. The import player is Salvadorean Oscar Rivera (186-G-80), the Head Coach is Otto Larios . The players are: Enrique Samayoa (193-F-82), Ricardo Amaya (191-G-84, agency: Tank Sports), Heberth Rodriguez (185-G-82), Alejandro Carrillo (191-F-88), Oscar Salguero (196-F-87), Victor Padilla (-70), Pablo Cano, Diego Berreondo, Joaquin Ortiz (180-G-78), Angel Estrada and Gerson Duarte (202-C-83)

Icevic wins second game in a row -by Gianni Pascucci
After defeating Nacionales de El Salvador at home in the first game of the Liga Centroamenricana 'Group B', Icevic Tegicigalpa won again, this time 87-75, defeating the same Salvadorean team on its court, showing again a stronger game under the boards and a more organized team game. USA import James Parker was again the best, with 30 points, followed by Hondurean veteran Pedro Salazar (204-C-72), who scored 20 pts, while Panamanian import Enrique Huie (191-F-73) added 18 pts and the usual hustling. Carlos Alas (181-G-79) scored 23 points at the losing side. Thanks to this second win, Icevic-Dimer Tegicigalpa has great hopes to advance to the Final Four.

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LIGA SUDAMERIC.

Sol defeats Malvin ! -by Gianni Pascucci
In the last day of the 'Group C', Regatas defeated Deportivo Tachira 88-60, and these two team ended the Group at the first two places, and Sol de Amercia ended its Qualifying group with a good game, taking a 92-70 win over Malvin, advancing in this way to the second leg of the competition as the team officials were hoping. This is an historical success for Paraguayan basketball. Tim Jones (193-G/F-73, college: Georgia St.) was the main scorer of the game, with nothing less than 39 points, Peter Kiganya (197-F-72, college: Abil.Christian) and Guillermo Araujo (204-C-82) added 11 points each and some stregth under the boards, but the main factor in the win was Juan Daniel Ocampo (187-G-79), who led his team during all the game, scoring 20 points. Sol de America should now meet in quarterfinals Brazilian team Flamengo, winner of the Group B of the tournment, but the schedule of the quarterfinals hasn' t been released yet by FIBA-America.

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LITHUANIA

Zalgiris loss in BBL -by Lukas Zajancauskas
ASK Riga overcome Zalgiris Kaunas 74:69 (18:18, 22:25, 23:12, 11:14). Great performance by Sandis Valters (193-G/F-78, agency: Arik Krayn Services), he scored 24 points and hit 6 three pointers. Also good game for ASK Riga playmaker Curtis Millage (185-G-81, college: Arizona St.), he finishd with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Zalgiris played without Marcus Brown and Jonas Maciulis. Most valuable player of Zalgiris was Mamadou N'Diaye (212-C-75, college: Auburn) who scored 16 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Also he made 7/7 free throws.
Zalgiris had a chance to tie the game with only 30 seconds remaining, but De Juan Collins (188-G-76, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Tuskegee) missed from downtown. Then Curtis Millage landed two free throws and ASK Riga celebrated their victory 74:69.
After the match, Zalgiris coach Rimantas Grigas was complaining about the refs, he said that the game was to rough and many fouls wasn't stated.

ASK Riga : Sandis Valters 24, Curtis Millage 19, A.J. Bramlett (208-C-77, college: Arizona) 12.
Zalgiris : Mamadou N'Diaye 16, Paulius Jankunas (204-F-84, agency: Interperformances) 12, De Juan Collins 11.

Rytas improves to 15-1 in Baltic League -by Eurobasket News
Vilnius saw another win of Lietuvos Rytas over Rock 104 : 77. The favorite produced another great game and proved the ambitions for the top place in Baltic League. Michailas Anisimovas (211-C-84) opened the game for the hosts with a lay-up and they never looked behind after. Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college: Iowa St.) closed the quarter with a free throw to give Lithuanian team 8 points deficit. Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88) made a jump-shot after a massive second quarter for 54:35 advantage. In the end of the game it was him again to score three-pointers in a row to set up the final 104:77 win. Martynas Gecevicius poured in 28 points as a total. Jackson Vroman netted 21, whilst Michailas Anisimovas and Bajramovic had 11. Brian Cusworth (213-C-84, college: Harvard) chipped in 19 points in the losing clause.
Ventspils edged Siauliai in a game where defense dominated over offense. Latvian team took 65:67 victory to improve at 7-9. McNamara started the scoring list for the guests and then his team had 12:16 after the first quarter. Siauliai bounced back with 23:17 to lead 35:33 at the half. In the late fourth quarter Zavackas tied the score at 65:65 with 30 seconds to play. Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80, college: S.Florida)'s jump-shot saw the visitors winning the matchup. he led all the winners with 17 points. Akin Akingbala (208-F-83, college: Clemson) collected 11 points and 15 rebounds, while Vairogs added 10. Antonio Grant (196-F-77, college: S.Carolina) ended up with 21 points in defeat.

Lietuvos Rytas - Rock 104 : 77 ( 19-11, 35-24, 28-20, 22-22 )
Lietuvos Rytas:Martynas Gecevicius 28, Jackson Vroman 21, Michailas Anisimovas 11, Bajramovic 11
Rock:Brian Cusworth 19, Allingu 15

Siauliai -Ventspils 65 : 67 ( 12-16, 23-17, 17-20, 13-14 )
Siauliai:Antonio Grant 21, Zavackas 10
Ventspils:Jimmy Baxter 17, Akin Akingbala 11+15 rebs, Vairogs 10

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MEXICO

Pioneros win easy in debuting game -by Gianni Pascucci
LeRoy Hickerson (196-G-82, college: Cumberlands) scored 32 points, 16 of them with spectacular dunks, to lead Pioneros de Quintana Roo to the win, 92-52 over Liceo de Costa Rica in the first game of the Liga Centroamericana 'Group A'. Enrique Zuniga (193-G-75, college: Grand Canyon) added 19 pts and 8 assits and Alonso Izaguirre (200-G/F-76) 11 pts and 10 rebs at the winning side. Brian Evans (185-G-82, agency: Heinrich Sports, college: Texas A&M - C.C.) was the only player at the CostaRican side to end the game in double digits, with 19 points, followed by Lemarck Clark (-88) with 9. These two teams will meet again themselves tonight at 9 pm in Cancun.

Second win for Pioneros -by Gianni Pascucci
Pioneros de Quintana Roo won the second game too, defeating Liceo de Costa Rica 69-53, but this time it was an harder job. In fact, Liceo managed to control better the main offensive players of the Mexican team, and had a great performance from Brian Evans (185-G-82, agency: Heinrich Sports, college: Texas A&M - C.C.), who was the MVP of the game, scoring 26 points in a superb losing effort. LeRoy Hickerson (196-G-82, college: Cumberlands) led one time more Pioneros, scoring 22 points, and Enrique Zuniga (193-G-75, college: Grand Canyon) added 12 pts and 8 assists.

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NBA

Yao Ming decides to undergo surgery -by Eurobasket News
Chinese All-Star centre Ming Yao (7'5''-C-80) will undergo a surgery on a stress fracture in his left foot. It was announced by the Rockets' officials yesterday. The Houston franchise reported that the injury would keep Ming Yao out of action for the reminder of the season on Thursday. The centre himself waited for two opinions before opting for surgery. The Houston Rockets' doctor Tom Clanton will perform the surgery. Clanton previously supposed that the surgery would not be an obstacle for Ming Yao to play in the Beijing Olympic Games in August.
Meanwhile the league action continued with a couple of interesting matchups yesterday. The Philadelphia 76ers went on with the playoff birth pursuit as they registered the first win in Phoenix in the last six years. It was the 9th win for the 76ers in the last 12 games and they improved to 27-33 record. Meanwhile the Suns are struggling recently and fell to 2-4 record after Shaquille O'Neal (7'2''-C-72, college: LSU) arrival. The game was a real close fixture in the first three quarters but the visitors went on a 15:2 run early in the fourth stanza to clear off. Philadelphia then built a 103:87 advantage with just under 5 minutes to go in regulation. Steve Nash (6'3''-G-74, college: Santa Clara) stepped for the hosts nailing 9 points and Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) added a vital tip-in to make it a 114:116 game with 10 seconds left. However the visiting side withstood as Willie Green (6'4''-G-81, college: Detroit Mercy) and Andre Miller (6'3''-G-76, college: Utah) were deadly from charity stripe in the final seconds. Andre Iguodala (6'6''-G-84, college: Arizona) paced Philly with 32 points. Willie Green provided 17 points, while Andre Miller was productive with 25 points and 12 assists for the winners. Amare Stoudemire replied with 26 points, while Leandrinho Barbosa (6'3''-G-82) added 22 in defeat. The Suns slipped to 39-20 record and are now tied at the 5th spot with the Mavs in the West.
The San Antonio Spurs at the same time posted the 8th straight victory outscoring Milwaukee 96:94 at the Bradley Center. Emanuel Ginobili (6'6''-G-77, agency: Interperformances) scorched the Bucks with 30 points and drained a vital jumper with 13 seconds left in regulation to give the Spurs their 40th win in the season. Tony Parker (6'0''-G-80) finished with 26 points, while Milwaukee did a great job of defending against Tim Duncan (6'10''-F-76, college: Wake Forest) as he tallied only 9 points and 7 boards on the night. Michael Redd (6'6''-G-79, college: Ohio St.) had 25 points, while Andrew Bogut (7'0''-F/C-84, college: Utah) notched 17 points and 15 boards in a loss.

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NCAA3

Olson is Second Straight Lord Jeff Named Josten's Trophy Finalist -by Moritz Korff
The Rotary Club of Salem, Va announced the finalists for the prestigious 2008 Josten's Trophy yesterday afternoon, which is awarded annually to the best men's and women's basketball players in the NCAA's Division III. For the second consecutive season, a member of the top-ranked Lord Jeff men's basketball team was named to the field of ten finalists.

Following in the footsteps of last year's captain Dan Wheeler '07 (Bloomington, MN), senior captain Andrew Olson (5'10''-G) (San Diego, CA) was named to the list of distinguished finalists. Olson is the only finalist, either male or female, to be named from the NESCAC this season.

The Jostens Trophy is a national award created by the Rotary Club of Salem, Va., to honor the most outstanding men's and women's Division III basketball players of the year. The award takes into account three vital parts: basketball ability, academic prowess and community service. The trophy models the Rotary motto of 'Service above Self' by recognizing those who truly fit the ideal of the well-rounded Division III student-athlete. This year's class marks the 11th year the award has been presented.

Olson is one of the most decorated players in program history, and this season is no different. Last year he was named the NABC Regional and National Player of the Year, and was named a First Team All-American by both the NABC and D3Hoops.com. As a two-time finalist for the Bob Cousy Award, Olson was also the 2007 NESCAC Player of the Year, and the starting point guard for the national champions.

Head Coach David Hixon '75 is no stranger to having standout players in his program, but is quick to praise the accomplishments for which Olson is being recognized. 'Andrew's character defines what the Josten's Trophy is about. He is a both a spectacular player and extremely unselfish.' Becoming only the second player in NESCAC history to score 1,000 points and dish out 700 assists illustrates Hixon's sentiments.

Hixon adds that 'Andrew is a terrific leader both on and off the court, and in his community.' The coach explains that 'no other player in Division III has experienced the level of success Andrew has over that past four years, but he has remained unbelievably humble, without losing the fire for another title run.'

As a political science major, Olson has a 3.0 grade point average at Amherst. He is also very active in the community, and is quick to take advantage of opportunities to give back. Olson was involved in Project Coach this winter on campus, and is going with teammates to local elementary schools to read to children this week. He is also quick to note that one of the best parts of his two trips to the Final Four is the chance to go to a school in Salem and read to local children.

The Rotary Club is responsible for the initial review of annual nominations and narrowed the pool to 10 men and 10 women finalists. The list found below will be forwarded to the 32-person national selection committee, which will complete the selection process by picking the two Jostens Trophy winners.

The Finalists are as follows:
The men's finalists: Jake Baldwin (6'6''-F), Piedmont; Jimmy Bartolotta, MIT; Greg Bienemann, Washington and Lee; Andrew Olson, Amherst; Kent Raymond (6'3''-G), Wheaton; Troy Ruths (6'6''-F-85), Washington U.; Ben Strong (6'11''-C-86), Guilford; Anthony Williams (6'1''-G), Plattsburgh State; Tyler Winford (6'6''-F-85), Mississippi College; Trevor Wittwer, Gustavus Adolphus.

The women's finalists: Leigh Ann Burke, DeSales; Colleen Feeney, Bridgewater State; Liz Hickey, Mary Washington; Lindsay Ippel, Millikin; Nikki Lobach, Messiah; Tarra Richardson, McMurry; Megan Scheele, Edgewood; Katie Streck, Wilmington; Jess Vadnais, Gustavus Adolphus; Katelyn Whiton, Simpson.

Final ballots are due no later than March 7 with the winning schools notified on March 10. The awards presentation is scheduled for Thursday, March 20 at the Salem Civic Center in conjunction with the Men's Division III Championship being hosted in Salem, Va., on March 21-22.

Courtesy of https://cms.amherst.edu/athletics/teams/winter/basketball-m

Jason Boone upsets Jeff Gibbs in German Bundesliga -by Moritz Korff
In a clash of two former Division 3-Big Men Jason Boone (6'6''-F/C-85, college: New York U.), a member of the 2006-2007 D3hoops All-America 3rd Team, had a great performance with his new club BG 74 Goettingen in the 1. Bundesliga, Germanys first division. The graduate of New York University just joined the Violets last week on a transfer from third division-side SSV Lok Bernau. Boone helped his new team to a 89:79-road win at ratiopharm Ulm on Saturday. He scored 14 points, had 8 rebounds, 2 blocked shots and 1 steal in 24:26 minutes on the court. Most of the time Boone was playing against Jeff Gibbs (6'2''-F-80, college: Otterbein), another former D3-star and a two-time German All-Star. Gibbs, who made the D3hoops All-America 1st Team in 2001-2002 and was named to the D3hoops NCAA D3 All-Decade 2nd Team just recently, tallied 8 points, 12 rebounds and 1 assist. Boxscore of the game: click

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NEW ZEALAND

Nelson goes 2-0 at the start -by Eurobasket News
Otago - Nelson 76:80

The NBL defending champs Nelson Giants sent a strong message across the league winning two opening games of the season to seat atop the ladder after Round 1. The Giants continued their winning streak today overcoming the Otago Nuggets 80:76 at the Edgar Centre in Dunedin. It was all about a dynamic import duo of Nelson. American imports Jamil Terrell (203-F/C-80, college: W.Texas A&M) and Michael Harrison (206-F, agency: Interperformances) teamed up for 42 points and 20 boards in a winning effort for the title holders. Nelson got to a flying start as they accumulated a 12-point advantage in the opening frame. But led by an unstoppable import Jay Anderson (206-F-81, college: Oregon) Otago returned into contest in the second frame. Jay Anderson notched 12 points in the quarter and saw the Nuggets taking a 34:33 lead. The teams kept a steady pace from that moment on. The Nelson were not able to clear off till the fourth term. But a massive triple from Mike Fitchett (183-G-82) and a near perfect defense from the visitors that kept Otago scoreless for about 3 minutes allowed the Giants to widen the margin. The Nuggets however refused to give up. Nat Connell (185-G-80) fired from downtown in the closing stages to drag the hosts within 2. Mike Fitchett stepped up for Nelson again with cold-blooded two free throws to put the game away for the Giants. Jamil Terrell produced 22 points, 11 boards and 5 assists to pace Nelson. Michael Harrison scored 20 points, pulled down 9 boards and blocked 4 shots in a winning effort. Jay Anderson answered with game-high 25 points for the Nuggets. Brent Charleton (194-G-82) contributed 15 points in the first loss for Otago.
Nelson continued the action next week as they face the Waikato Pistons on Thursday and the Dynamos Taranaki on Friday. The Otago Nuggets hosts the Canterbury Rams on Saturday.

Otago: Jay Anderson 25, Brent Charleton 15, Nat Connell 13
Nelson: Jamil Terrell 22+11 boards, Michael Harrison 20+9 boards, Mike Fitchett 12

Kiwi bid for World Event -by Eurobasket News
New Zealand faces a one-on-one battle with oil-rich Bahrain to host its first major international basketball tournament - the 2009 FIBA Men's U19 World Championship. FIBA sport director Lubo Kotleba has spent the past three days inspecting venues around the country to assess New Zealand's ability to stage a 16-team event that will launch many of the sport's most promising players into superstardom. He, FIBA Oceania secretary general Steve Smith and Basketball New Zealand president Barbara Wheadon led a tour of stadiums and hotels in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. 'It is very preferential from many points of view to have one city only hosting these championships,' says Kotelba, from the Slovak Republic. 'More cities would mean more spectators, but it is more expensive to host in two cities than one.' Two years ago, Basketball New Zealand joined Basketball Australia in a bid for the 2010 FIBA Men's World Championships, but the bid was withdrawn when the economic ramifications became clear. The tournament was eventually awarded to Turkey.
Hosting this event would cost about $1.6 million, but Basketball New Zealand has no intention of running up a huge debt in the process. 'This is something we thought we could do and would be a catalyst for developing our players,' says Wheadon. 'We are working with local city councils in New Zealand and, at the end of the day, we have a very sponsorable product. This is the tournament that players like LeBron James came through, there will be a raft of NBA agents looking at these players and there will be TV coverage around the world.' 'I'm not saying it's a given. We have to work very hard at funding this event, but I'm never one to be put off by a challenge.' Staging the championships would offer an opportunity to showcase and develop basketball in New Zealand, including the next generation of Tall Blacks. As the host team, the Junior Tall Blacks would automatically qualify. 'When I see New Zealand basketball in general, you had an excellent group of players who finished fourth [at the world men's championships] in Indianapolis in 2002,' says Kotleba. 'But that team is slowly aging and it needs some more players in the future. 'If you have an opportunity to host the U19s here, it is also an opportunity to make some key players in your senior team in the future.'
Kotleba will now visit Bahrain and make his recommendations to the FIBA Central Board for a decision in April.
Courtesy of: www.basketball.org.nz

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NIGERIA

Ebi Ere finishes the season with Bullets, Akingbala still hot with Ventspils -by Eurobasket News
In Baltic League Ventspils edged Siauliai in a game where defense dominated over offense. Latvian team took 65:67 victory to improve at 7-9. McNamara started the scoring list for the guests and then his team had 12:16 after the first quarter. Siauliai bounced back with 23:17 to lead 35:33 at the half. In the late fourth quarter Zavackas tied the score at 65:65 with 30 seconds to play. Jimmy Baxter's jump-shot saw the visitors winning the matchup. he led all the winners with 17 points. Akin Akingbala (208-F-83, college: Clemson) collected 11 points and 15 rebounds, while Vairogs added 10. Antonio Grant ended up with 21 points in defeat.
Ebi Ere (195-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma) and his Brisbane Bullets were denied a chance to defend their NBL champions' title. The Melbourne Tigers edged the Bullets in a dramatic battle at the Brisbane Convention Centre today to advance to the NBL Grand Final. The Brisbane threw everything they got to force a decisive third game in the series but Melbourne were not about to play the third game. Ebi Ere, who was unusually quiet in the first game with 5 points, proved it was a mere incident as he fired a couple of impressive baskets early in the game. But the Tigers replied on strong performance from Chris Anstey to claim a 28:27 lead after the opening frame. CJ Bruton and Brad Williamson fired from downtown early in the second term to put the Bullets up. Michael Hill picked up the scoring frenzy from beyond the arc as he and Brad Williamson bruised the Tigers for a couple of more long bombs to pile up a 59:54 advantage at the interval. Melbourne struggled to adjust their defense to keep the Brisbane's three-point shooting limited. Brad Williamson and CJ Bruton continued their carousel in the third period and stretched the hosts' lead to 12 points. But the game was far from being done. Melbourne once again addressed to their big men and they never let the Tigers down. Chris Anstey and Dave Thomas masterminded Melbourne's comeback in the fourth frame and the scoreline appeared tied at 101 with under a minute to go. CJ Bruton and Darryl McDonald missed their shots and the game was forced into overtime. It was to and fro game throughout the extra period but when the Tigers grabbed a 113:112 lead the home team failed to answer. CJ Bruton tried to send one of his teammates for a fastbreak but his dish was intercepted and Dave Thomas slammed it for the final 115:112 score that put the Tigers into the Grand Final.
Dave Thomas and Chris Anstey scored 26 points apiece and combined for 19 rebounds. Sean Lampley contributed 23 points and 7 boards for the winners. Craig Bradshaw, Ebi Ere and CJ Bruton netted 19 points apiece for the Bullets. Adam Gibson added 17 points, 6 boards and 5 assists in defeat. The teams were equally matched on the boards with 49 rebounds apiece. At the same time the hosts committed 15 turnovers and sank just 70% from charity stripe.

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PARAGUAY

Sol defeats Malvin ! -by Gianni Pascucci
In the last day of the 'Group C', Regatas defeated Deportivo Tachira 88-60, and these two team ended the Group at the first two places, and Sol de Amercia ended its Qualifying group with a good game, taking a 92-70 win over Malvin, advancing in this way to the second leg of the competition as the team officials were hoping. This is an historical success for Paraguayan basketball. Tim Jones (193-G/F-73, college: Georgia St.) was the main scorer of the game, with nothing less than 39 points, Peter Kiganya (197-F-72, college: Abil.Christian) and Guillermo Araujo (204-C-82) added 11 points each and some stregth under the boards, but the main factor in the win was Juan Daniel Ocampo (187-G-79), who led his team during all the game, scoring 20 points. Sol de America should now meet in quarterfinals Brazilian team Flamengo, winner of the Group B of the tournment, but the schedule of the quarterfinals hasn' t been released yet by FIBA-America.

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PORTUGAL

Liga UZO round 17 -by Luis Rocha
A special weekend with a game between the two strongest teams of the season so far. Porto went to Ovar and won, 71-68. Things are not completely settled in Ovar since the arrival of their new coach, and porto is been taking good profit on that, first the win in Taca da Liga, now in their opponnents field. It was a good match, both teams play a good defence, and the game was close untill the final were Porto scored two three pointers wich made things go their way. Ginasio won at home against Barreirense 87-78. The Barreiro team aprt being better is not as consistent as expected, but surely things are getting better and the game in Figueira da Foz was another prove of that. Belenenses is going bad to worse, they were beated at home by Lusitania 67-87. The team seems to be less quickier in offense then it should, and when it comes to defend the frustration of bad offense 'tired' them and didn't let them be as sharp as they should. Finally Vagos shows everybody that is project was well thought and well performed, the team continues to prove itself, game after game, this time they went to Madeira and won over CAB 71-66. It was a close game, but once again Vagos showed a nice control in the bad phases of the game, wich was something that at the begginning of the season was not expected from a team that never played professional competitions in Portugal. The MVP of the round goes to Jamar McKnight (195-G/F-80, college: Clemson) of Lusitania, a great game with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists, he did what was nedeed to is team come out as the winner.

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PUERTO RICO

Santurce notches 2nd Win -by Luis Ramirez
The Santurce Crabbers came from behind to beat the Ponce Lions 77-63. The Lions had lead for most of the game but even though Larry Ayuso did not have a great night he did convert when it really mattered. The Lions seems to feel the effects of having to play their first back to back game. The 1st quarter belonged to the Lions 22-20, as did the 1st half as the Lions were leading 39-34. During the 2nd half of the game the Lions started to show tiredness and the Crabbers started to show some good defense that simply wore the Lions down. In the 4th quarter the Lions would score only 7 points and that was the game, the Crabbers would outscore the Lions 23-7 in that quarter for the win. For Santurce, Robert Traylor (204-F/C-77, college: Michigan) scored 16 points followed by Eddin Santiago with 13 points. For the Lions, Antonio Latimer (204-F/G-78, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Missouri So.) scored 12 points while Joel Jones (196-G/F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Sacramento St.) followed up with 11 points.

In other BSN action, Fajardo beat the Bayamon Cowboys 83-78. The Cowboys took the 1st quarter 22-17, but Fajardo came right back in the 2nd quarter to take a 1 point lead to end the half 40-39. In the 3rd quarter the Cowboys once again came strong and overtook the Cariduros as the quarter ended with the Cowboys leading 60-55. The Cariduros were not done yet and they came back strong in the 4th quarter to seal the win. For Fajardo, Javier Mojica (190-G-84, college: Cent.Conn.St.) had a great night with 29 points followed by Chris Jackson (208-C-81, college: N.Mexico St.) and Jorge Rivera both scored 11 points. Jackson also grabbed 9 rebounds in the win. For Bayamon, Lee Benson tied the effort by Fajardo's Mojica, as he too scored 29 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in a losing cause. Ivan Lopez (208-C-85, agency: Next Level, college: Memphis) followed up with 19 points.

The Lions and the Cowboys are both winless in this early stage of the BSN season, as they both now have records of 0-2. Too early to press the panic button, but fans are getting restless and there may be changes in both squads in the near future.

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SCOTLAND

Wolves edges the Rocks -by Eurobasket News
Worcester Wolves beat SAMG Verve Scottish Rocks 108:92 at home. Wolves opened the game with 4-0, but Scottish team had 22:23 in the end of the quarter. Worcester Wolves started another quarter stronger and that time kept the advantage for good by the end of it, 50:44. From time to time the lead of the hosts had increased as they had 77:66 after 30 minutes of the game. James Life (194-G-83, college: Massachusetts) led the winners with 27 points. Anthony Paez (198-F-84, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Stephen F. Austin) netted 23, while Evans scored 19. Robert Yanders (180-G-79, college: Missouri St.) ended up with 24 points in defeat.
Meanwhile Azovmash and Robert Jr. Archibald (211-C/F-80, college: Illinois) failed to complete the task of reaching Top 16 falling short in Zadar. Azovmash travelled to Croatia having a 2-point lead in store but it was erased by the hosts. Buford, Panagiotis Liadelis and Skutelnik kept the visitors hopeful in the first frame as they maintained a narrow lead. But it all went broke after the first intermission. Juby Johnson and Shammell Stallworth scored 8 points late in the frame to give Zadar a 35:30 advantage at halftime. Azovmash tried hard to stay in visibility for some time in the second half but soon Shammell Stallworth and Corey Brewer exploded with back-to-back trebles to open up a double-digit lead for the home team. Zadar masterfully kept Azovmash at distance for the reminder of the game and secured a 77:60 victory at the end. Juby Johnson accounted for 23 points to lead Zadar. Todor Gecevski nailed 15 points and pulled down 11 boards for the winners. Robert Jr. Archibald totaled 12 points and 15 boards for Azovmash. Panagiotis Liadelis and Yegor Mescheriakov dropped 12 points apiece in a losing clause.

Worcester Wolves - SAMG Verve Scottish Rocks 108:92
Wolves: James Life 27, Anthony Paez 23, Evans 19
Rocks: Robert Yanders 24, Moritz Wohlers (203-F/C-84, agency: Court Side, college: Montana St. - Billin) 16, Davis 15

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SERBIA

Adriatic league: Partizan too strong for Buducnost, Hemofarm beat Slovan -by Dragan Jankovski

Buducnost - Partizan Igokea 64-68
After great victory against Efes Pilsen in Euroleague TOP 16, Partizan Igokea continues to dominate in Adriatic league having score 20-2. Buducnost wasn't able to make a surprise against reining Serbian and Adriatic league champion. The hosts opened the game better making 7-2 but after Vujosevic's time-out and introducing of Pekovic visitors made run 14-2. Partizan extended lead of 3 points, how much they had on the half time, and came into the last period with solid 54-46. Buducnost didn't give up as they had the last chance on 60-63 with a minute remaining but Palacio and Pekovic had no mercy from the FT line at the very end.
MVP of the game was a center Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) who made double-double, 15 points and 10 rebounds. Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.) also was good as he added 18 points and 4 assists. Buducnost got 12 points from Nemanja Gordic (195-G-88).

Hemofarm STADA - Geoplin Slovan 82-76
In this game team from Vrsac played under the pressure in order to reach Final 4 of Adriatic league. They were obviously tired and emotionally empty after qualifying to the ULEB Cup 1/8 finals. Slovan exploited this situation in the first half mostly owing to 5 triples by Samadan. Hemofarm made crucial run at the middle of the third period making double digits advantage, 56-46. Later the orange team extended lead to 15 but at the end visitors had run 10-0 and made this defeat acceptable.

Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland) netted 23 points while Boris Savovic (207-F-87) had 14 points in Hemofarm. Ljubo Samadan (208-C/F-83) was the top scorer in Slovan with 27 points while MVP of the game was Simon Petrov (191-G-76) who had 17 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists.


Buducnost - Partizan Igokea 64-68
(14-18,22-21,10-15,18-14)

Buducnost: Gordic 12, Maras 10, Otasevic 8 (5 st), Dasic 7 (6 rebs, 4 st)
Partizan Igokea: Palacio 18 (4 as), Pekovic 15 (10 rebs), Tripkovic 8, Tepic 6, Vranes 6


Hemofarm STADA - Geoplin Slovan 82-76
(16-17,25-27,23-12,18-20)

Hemofarm STADA: Marshall 23, Savovic 14, Bozovic 12 (10 rebs), Macvan 10
Geoplin Slovan: Samadan 27 (4 rebs), Petrov 17 (6 rebs, 7 as), Novak 15



Adriatic league: FMP beat Zvezda in Serbian derby -by Dragan Jankovski
Crvena Zvezda - FMP 95-98
FMP from Zeleznik made very important road win against Crvena Zvezda so both teams now have 13 wins and 10 defeats sharing the 5th position. It was a night of Zoran Erceg, who was the key player for FMP's fifth consecutive win. After starting lead of Crvena Zvezda, FMP made turn and kept plus 3 until the half time. At the middle of the third quarter the hosts made run 11-0 setting the score to 70-66. Zvezda went into the last 10 minutes with plus 5 but that wasn't enough for the victory. With 7 points in the row Erceg made turn 76-78. After Bakic's 3-pointer Zvezda came closer on 90-93 but at the next FMP's possession Protic scored drawing a foul for the 13th win of his team.
Zoran Erceg (211-C/F-85) was the best in FMP adding 31 points and 8 rebounds. The Zvezda's killing tandem Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's) - Tadija Dragicevic (205-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) was on its level collecting 46 points, 6 assists and 5 steals. After this win FMP stayed in the battle for the 5th or 6th position which could be enough for the ULEB Cup next season.

Siroki Prima pivo - Vojvodina Srbijagas 83-73
Very interesting game was seen in Siroki where the hosts were better than Vojvodina Sbrijagas 83-73. Six minutes remaining in the game the hosts had fantastic plus 24 after what Bajic of Vojvodina got injured. From 34th to 39th minute the Tulips made run 17-2 coming on 78-73 with 37 seconds to go. Siroki celebrated at the end thanks to couple of successful FTs by Bethel and Bubalo.
Sime Spralja (206-F/C-83) and Sharif Fajardo (205-F/C-76, agency: Edge Sports, college: UTEP) netted 21 points each for Siroki while Ivan Paunic (194-G-87) scored 16 points for Vojvodina.


Crvena Zvezda - FMP 95-98
(20-22,28-29,28-20,19-27)

Crvena Zvezda: Cook 26 (6 as, 5 st), Dragicevic 20, Raicevic 14 (4 rebs), Bakic 13
FMP: Erceg 31 (8 rebs), Protic 16 (5 as), Samardziski 15 (10 rebs)


Siroki Prima pivo - Vojvodina Srbijagas 83-73
(25-21,17-13,23-15,18-24)

Srioki Prima pivo: Spralja 21 (9 rebs), Fajardo 21 (4 rebs), Bethel 15 (7 as), Dijan 10 (5 rebs)
Vojvodina Srbijagas: Paunic 16, Ivanovic 13 (4 rebs), Bojovic 12, Golubovic 10 (8 rebs)

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SLOVAKIA

Pezinok enjoys the top -by Eurobasket News
Pezinok is still 2 wins in front of inter and win the latest games as well as the opponent. The last victim for the leader was tough Nova Ves that is third in the league. Pezinok started as if they had to providing 23:16 in the opening quarter. Later on the guests took the control of the matchup and replied with 11:20 in the second to close the half at 34:36. A carousel in the game saw Pezinok taking 22:13 in the third, but then again Nova Ves brought some troubles in the game. A 67:61 on the board in the end was greatly applaud by the spectators who are 24-6 with their team in the standings. Dusan Snopko (195-G-75) led the winners with 18 points, while Kozlik added 13. David Demecko (192-G/F-81) and Becarik top-scored for the guests with 11 points apiece.
Inter had similar game against Slovintegra Levice, but the difference was that the team played away from home. Slovintegra Levice opened the game with 25:22 amd even after the first half had 1 point advantage.Inter luckily won the third to bounce back with 2 points before the last period. in the final stanza Inter produced 14:20 to seal the victory. Martin Micka (180-G-81, agency: Promotex) paced the winners with 27 points. Pohanka posted 15 and Blagojevic had 13. Peter Klein (195-G-75) finished the night with 17 points for the hosts.
Nenad Milosevic (188-G-83) became the top-scorer in the round as he poured in 31 points. His MBK Handlova easily beat Chemosvit Svit 105:77.

HBK Prievidza - ESO CLUB Lucenec 61:68 (17:17, 20:14, 9:17, 15:20)
HBK Prievidza:Storcel 16, Puljko 14, Immink 11
ESO CLUB Lucenec: Tarabus 23, Nuber 16, Bicvic 15

Slovintegra Levice - Inter Bratislava 80:88 (25:22, 21:23, 20:23, 14:20)
Slovintegra Levice:Peter Klein 17, Lutovsky 14, Ristanovic 12
Inter Bratislava: Martin Micka 27, Pohanka 15, Blagojevic 13

MBK Rieker Komarno - BK CASTA SPU Nitra 78:72 (18:26, 19:12, 24:16, 17:18)
MBK Rieker Komarno: Stipe Pivac (204-F/C-78, agency: Heinrich Sports) 17, Majoros 17, Jurik 17
BK CASTA SPU Nitra: Gillespie 20, Hill 18, Palenik 17

MBK Handlova - Chemosvit Svit 105:77 (18:18, 33:25, 29:10, 25:24)
MBK Handlova: Nenad Milosevic 31, Bratic 14, Golian 12
Chemosvit Svit : Laco 19, Ingles 15, Pezer 10

BK Dolny Kubin - Slavia TU Kosice 80:59 (16:18, 21:17, 27:11, 16:13)
BK Dolny Kubin: Petrovic 22, Kurilic 21, Cvitanovic 15
Slavia TU Kosice: Michal Batka (205-C-87) 16, Misinsky 15, Krasznai 11

SKANSKA Pezinok - Nova Ves 67:61 (23:16, 11:20, 22:13, 11:12)
SKANSKA Pezinok: Dusan Snopko 18, Kozlik 13
Nova Ves: David Demecko 11, Becarik 11

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SPAIN

Latest signings in LEB league -by Francisco Martinez
After the LEB Gold signings deadline we have the recap of the signings in the last week:

Esteban Martinez (194-G/F-82) to Alerta Cantabria Lobos.
Elgrace Wilborn (203-F-83, agency: Worldwide Hoops, college: W.Kentucky) to Rosalia.
Jose Antonio Rojas (199-F-82) to CAI Zaragoza.
Chris Heinrich (208-C-77, college: St.Louis) to Ciudad de Huelva.
Antonio Bustamante (182-G-84, agency: Court Side) to Ciudad de Huelva.
David Gil (188-G-78, agency: Interperformances) to Bruesa GBC.
Joao 'Betinho' Gomes (199-F-85) to Leche Rio Breogan.
Eduardo Ruiz (205-C-83) to Alerta CAntabria.
Kevin Thompson (208-C-71, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.) to Plus Pujol Lleida.
Alfonso Albert (210-C-73, agency: Interperformances) to Tenerife.
Ross Schraeder (196-G-83, college: Cal-Irvine) to Bruesa GBC.

Bestides, some ACB teams have take advantage of the last movements to get good LEB players to reinforce their rosters:

Corsley Edwards (206-C/F-79, agency: Edge Sports, college: Cent.Conn.St.) to Granada.
Chris Hernandez (188-G-83, agency: Octagon, college: Stanford) to Fuenlabrada.

The last signing, Chris Hernandez to Fuenlabrada, is the cause of another movement: Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) has been loaned to a team from Puerto Rico. Anyway, he has contract with Fuenlabrada for one more year.

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TAIWAN

Weekly summary March 3 -by Chris Wang
Mar. 2
PY 89-68 Dacin
-- PY had a 59-26 run in the 2nd and 3rd period after trailing 19-9 in the first
PY: Chien Jia-hong 24p, Lin Jin-bang 13p+13rb, James Mao 19p+9rb+6a, Hong Chih-shan 15p
Dacin: Lin Yi-hui 22p+7rb, Chang Chi-feng 17p

Yulon 81-65 TB
-- Yulon had a 24-10 4th quarter
Yulon: Chen Hsin-an 23p+8rb+6a, Lee Chi-yi 16p+10rb, Chen Chih-chung 14p, Lee Hsueh-lin 13p
TB: Wu Dai-hao 16p+9rb, Ho Sho-jen 11p, Lin Chih-jay 11p, Ha Hsiao-yuan 12p

dmedia 91-75 TM
-- Lin Kwn-lun was 7-11 from threes
dmedia: Lin Kwan-lun 34p, J. Sanders 7p+10rb+5a, Cheng Jen-wei 15p
TM: Lai Kuo-hong 15p, Lin Shin-hua 15p

Mar. 1
Yulon 89-79 dmedia
-- dmedia's Ouyang Jin-hen sat out the game.
Yulon: Chen Hsin-an 23p+6rb+4a, Chen Chih-chung 24p, Yang Che-yi 15p, Lee Hseuh-lin 13p
dmedia: J. Sanders 22p+11rb+6a, Chen Jing-huan 14p, Huang bao-tse 12p

BOT 92-83 Dacin
BOT: Lin Chun-feng 29p, Chang Jung-hsuan 11p
Dacin: Wang Chih-chun 18p, Chen Tse-wei 13p

TM 65-58 TB
-- TM led 21-9 after the first period
-- TB was 6-34 from threes
TM: Hsu Wei-sheng 20p, Wu Cheng-yu 11p+9rb, Chen Yao-ting 10p
TB: Ho Sho-jen 18p, Lin Chih-jay 13p+8rb

Feb. 29
dmedia 104-87 BOT
-- Sanders' 43 was a season-high and career-high
-- dmedia on 4-game win streak
-- BOT's Chien Ming-fu dislocated his left shoulder and will be out of season
dmedia: J. Sanders 43p(15-24 FG)+21rb+6a, Lin Kwan-lun 14p, Wang Nan-kuei 13p
BOT: Lin Chun-feng 18p+7rb, Hsu Chi-chan 18p, Chang Bo-sheng 13p

PY 102-77 TM
-- TM 1-8 in last nine games
-- attendence: all-time low 76
PY: Hong Chi-shan 20p, James Mao 18p+7rb, Lin Jin-bang 15p, Chien Jia-hong 13p, Huang Chi-ffeng 11p
TM: Wu Cheng-yu 19p, Lai Kuo-hong 15p+8rb

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U.KINGDOM

Plymouth Pavilions will host BBL Trophy Final at 15.00 -by Eurobasket News
Today at 15.00 in Plymouth Pavilions will host BBL Trophy Final where Heat faces Eagles. So far the results of the latest games in BBL Championship.
Worcester Wolves beat SAMG Verve Scottish Rocks 108:92 at home. Wolves opened the game with 4-0, but Scottish team had 22:23 in the end of the quarter. Worcester Wolves started another quarter stronger and that time kept the advantage for good by the end of it, 50:44. From time to time the lead of the hosts had increased as they had 77:66 after 30 minutes of the game. James Life (194-G-83, college: Massachusetts) led the winners with 27 points. Paez netted 23, while Evans scored 19. Robert Yanders (180-G-79, college: Missouri St.) ended up with 24 points in defeat.
Kularoos Plymouth Raiders overcame Team Birmingham Panthers 82:64. Raiders did not wait until the end of the game and spurted from the very beginning. The hosts led 40:28 when the teams disappeared in the lockers. Another wins in the next quarters saw the hosts taking another victory. James Loveridge (197-F-76, college: Butler County CC) led the winners with 17 points. Andrew Lasker (188-G-82, college: Point Loma) nailed 16, whilst Moore had 15. Adam Williams (193-G-83) top-scored for Team Birmingham Panthers with 21 points.

Kularoos Plymouth Raiders -Team Birmingham Panthers 82:64
Raiders: James Loveridge 17, Andrew Lasker 16, Moore 15
Panthers: Adam Williams 21, Omope 12, L Williams 10

Worcester Wolves - SAMG Verve Scottish Rocks 108:92
Wolves: James Life 27, Paez 23, Evans 19
Rocks: Robert Yanders 24, Wohlers 16, Davis 15

BBL Trophy Final: Heat is too hot for the Eagles -by Eurobasket News
Guildford Heat -Newcastle Eagles 86:79

Guildford Heat triumphs in BBL Trophy upsetting Newcastle Eagles 86:79 an hour ago. In a fascianting game that deserved to be a Final Guildford Heat solved the task in the second half. Trailing 35:47 at the half Heat rearranged and led the game to the happy end. Elmer J. Harrison (186-G-76, college: Connecticut) and Daniel Gilbert (197-G-83, college: Buffalo) paced the winners with 25 points each. The first one got an award, being the Most valuable Player in the court. Martin followed them with 13 points. Lynard Stewart (202-F-74, college: Temple) top-scored for the losing team with 26 points, whilst Andrew Bridge (193-F-79) netted 12.
The teams traded baskets early in the game before Daniel Gilbert made a dunk as part of an 8-0 burst. Andrew Bridge hit 5 points in a row as art of a further 7 unanswered points that made it 28:37 to the Eagles. Newcastle continued to dominate and had 12 points deficit at the half.
Guildford Heat came out of the dressing room ready for battle of their lives and fired from all guns. Mike Martin was one of the leaders to fuel a 13-3 for the Heat to tie at 51:51. Guildford snatched the lead back as they finished the third quarter 65:61 to the good. The teams continued to exchange buckets and the game remained close. Olu Babalola (198-F-81, college: Clemson) scored 4 points early in the fourth period and the Eagles went up 65:66. Heat responded with 8-2 run to take 73:70 margin. The game was done when Elmer J. Harrison made two free throws in the game for the victory.
The matchup that was eagerly expected in the country brought also interest in the world. Both teams have players from the USA and fulfills the roster with some other foreigners.

Heat: Elmer J. Harrison 25, Daniel Gilbert 25, Martin 13
Eagles: Lynard Stewart 26, Andrew Bridge 12, Olu Babalola 11

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U.S.VIRGIN ISL.

Tough finish for Boyd Anderson -by David Edole
By FABIAN LYON
26-game winning streak. A No. 1 ranking in 6A and No. 20 in the National Prep Basketball Poll.

None of those accomplishments could console the Boyd Anderson boys' basketball team Saturday night. Not after the top-ranked Cobras (30-2) suffered a second-half collapse and lost 59-54 to Miami Norland in the FHSAA Class 6A State championship game at a sold-out Lakeland Center. Boyd Anderson went up as much as 14 points in the second quarter only to see their title hopes slip away after getting outscored 21-7 in the third quarter.

''Somewhere down the line we got away from what we were doing in the first half,'' said Cobras coach Eugene Richardson. ''I thought we got somewhat involved in the crowd. We did not do some assignments like getting out on shooters. Staying at home kind of hurt us. The recovery time to get back was leaving the three-point shooters open. We knew they would make a run but I thought we would be OK.'' Norland senior guard Amir Celestin - the tournament MVP, had other ideas.

Celestin shook off a sub-par shooting effort in the first half to score 13 straight third-quarter points, including three three-pointers to help the Vikings seize the momentum for good.

''Basically I didn't want to lose,'' said Celestin, who finished with 18 points. ``I knew I had to do something. Coach [Lawton Williams] said I took the first half off, I wasn't looking too good. So coming out the second half I had to show something.''

The Vikings (26-6) later tied it at 38 on a Jerry Jones scoop shot and went ahead for good (41-38) on a three-point play by Antonio Hester with 53.8 seconds left in the period. That gave the Vikings its first lead since 4-2. Senior 6-7 center Ivan Aska and junior guard Martavious Irving each had a team-high 14 points for the Cobras. Frank Gaines had 11 points and Bryan Bynes added 10 points.

''I think they just came out with more intensity in the second half,'' said Irving. ``No. 12 [Celestine] came out with fire to win and our defensive pressure wasn't like the first half. They played better defense in the second half. That is what helped them win.''

As the final buzzer sounded the Vikings stormed the court to celebrate their second state title in three years. The scene near the Cobras bench was somber, with players staring at the scoreboard in disbelief. Some blinked away tears as Richardson took turn hugging those who needed it.

''It is tough,'' said Richardson. ``We just gathered ourselves, and said it is a difficult thing for us to lose this game. We were very confident in ourselves. Not cocky but moreso confident. We thought if we got down we would be able to get back and win it.''

From the opening tip, Boyd Anderson looked like a team determined to end its 14-year title drought. WIth Aska and Irving combining for 15 quick points, the Cobras built a 19-8 lead at the end of the first quarter. Irving scored the last four points of the period, including a pull-up jumper from the free throw line with 2.3 seconds left.

''We jumped on them,'' said Aska. ``We were playing good defense. I thought we had the game. But in the second half it is like our defense just went away. I was stressing to the guys to keep on playing defense when they score. To get it back. We did everything we could.''

Oakwood wins 2008 USCAA Championship defeating Florida College 90-76 -by David Edole
Dewitt Henley (183-G-86) was one of six players in double figures for sixth-seeded Oakwood University as the Ambassadors defeated fifth-seeded Florida College 90-76 for the 2008 USCAA Championship on Saturday night. Henley, a senior guard, finished with 14 points, seven reobunds and three assists in his final game.
The Ambassadors shot a blistering 32-of-60 from the floor (53.3%) and outrebounded the Falcons 41-27.
Mike Conner and Brandon Broome scored 12 for Oakwood and Rodney Davis had 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Florida College was paced by Stanley Kelly with 18 points, Jesse Hastings with 17 and all-tournament selection Pete Alexandrou had 15 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Coast Guard Wins NEWMAC Championship; Punch Ticket to NCAA's -by David Edole
Jevon James (193-F) celebrated his birthday with 11 points on five-of-six shooting as third-seeded Coast Guard dominated the second half outscoring top-seeded and host WPI 51-32 in the final 20 minutes enroute to its tenth straight win, a 82-66 victory, its second straight New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) tournament championship and automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament.

Last year, seventh-seeded Coast Guard stunned top-seeded WPI 71-66 to win the NEWMAC tournament championship game.

WPI had beaten Coast Guard twice during the regular season this year, 71-62 in Worcester and 66-57 in New London. The loss in New London on February 2nd is the last time Coast Guard has been beaten this year.

With the win, Coast Guard (21-6) ties the school-record with its 21st victory. The 1978-‘79 team also won 21 games. The Bears, who are making the third trip in school history to the NCAA Tournament, will find out their opponent for the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Monday at noon.

WPI (21-6) tied the game 48-48 on a 3-pointer by senior Jim Marois with 14:20 left before the Bears scored nine straight capped by a senior Grant Johnson 3-pointer with 11:59 left for a 57-48 lead.

Coast Guard took its largest lead at 68-55 with 3:40 left before WPI scored six straight to make it a 68-61 score with 2:27 left. The Bears however, put the game away by going 12-for-12 from the foul line in the final 2:07. Coast Guard was 20 for 22 from the foul line in the game.

The Bears shot a sizzling 53.6 percent (15-28) in the second half and 48.3 percent in the game (29-60) from the floor.

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UKRAINE

BC Kyiv keep their record spotless -by Eurobasket News
BC Kyiv continued their impressive winning run in the Ukrainian Superleague as they stretched a perfect rally to 19 games. Yesterday Kyiv outfit punished visiting Mykolaiv 121:77 to stay undefeated. The hosts opened the game with a three-pointer from Manuchar Markoishvili (196-G-86) to set the tone. Manuchar Markoishvili and Eugene Jeter (179-G-83, agency: CAA Sports, college: Portland) soon made it a 7:3 game but Mykolaiv were not taken aback. Led by veteran guard Aleksandr Rayevskyy (185-G-76) the visitors surged ahead 10:9 midway through the first frame. Ryan Stack (212-F/C-75, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Carolina) and Manuchar Markoishvili restored the hosts' lead but Aleksandr Rayevskyy remained hot-shooting to keep Mykolaiv at a striking distance. Krstic scored 5 in a row for BC Kyiv to open the second quarter and gave the home side a 34:22 advantage. Later Marcus Faison (196-G-78, college: Siena) and Manuchar Markoishvili came up with back-to-back treys and widened the damage. Aleksei Beskov (191-G-75) trimmed the gap but BC Kyiv was rolling confidently now. Josh Davis (203-C/F-80, college: Wyoming) and Marcus Faison finalized the first half at 65:45 for the hosts. Jacob Jaacks (208-F-77, college: Iowa) and Artur Drozdov (198-G-80) teamed up for 17 points in the third stanza to enlarge the gap to an unassailable 35 points. The teams coasted to the finale in the fourth term and BC Kyiv managed to notch season-high 121 points at the end. Marcus Faison accounted for 18 points to pace BC Kyiv. Josh Davis and Jacob Jaacks scored 15 points apiece in a win. Aleksandr Rayevskyy answered with game-high 27 points for Mykolaiv. Aleksandr Gilevich (196-G-89) added 16 points and 5 boards in defeat.
Azovmash secured the second spot with a cruising 93:67 victory over Sumyhimprom. Panagiotis Liadelis (193-G-74) and Rodney Buford (196-G-77, college: Creighton) drained 18 points apiece to lead Azovmash. Gerrod Henderson (193-G-78, agency: Octagon, college: Louisiana Tech) contributed 14 points as Azovmash improved to 16-3 record in the season. Rostislav Krivych (198-F-78) replied with 22 points as Sumyhimprom slipped to 12-7 record. Sumyhimprom are now at the three-team tie for the 3rd spot. Khimik and Politekhnika Lvov also stand at 12-7 record.
Khimik were quite unexpectedly edged by Krivbasbasket 64:78 away from home. The hosts used a stunning 28:8 second quarter to build an insurmountable buffer. Dmitri Korablev (199-F-77) nailed 20 points, while Aleksandr Shaposhnikov (196-G/F-82) and Milos Pavlovic (209-F-84) added 12 points apiece for the winners. Andriy Agafonov (207-F-86, agency: Interperformances) managed 14 points and 8 boards in a losing effort.
Politekhnika Lvov outgunned Budivelnik 81:75 at home court. Vladimir Golubev (193-G-81) totaled 23 points and 7 assists to ensure the winning outcome for the hosts. Ulianko had 18 points in a winning case. Leonid Stefanishin (199-F-85) chipped in 19 points in the 13th loss for Budivelnik.

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URUGUAY

Bigua advanced to the final games -by Hector Lopez
Bigua will play the final games for the Uruguayan League after beating 85-62 Defensor Sporting, with a 3/1 semifinal record, while Hebraica beat Atenas 83-80 to tie
the serie and will play a fifth and last game next Monday. Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, college: Texas A&M) scored 22 points, with 4/8 with three point shots, and Kevin Young (206-C-84, college: Missouri) added 15 points and grabbed 17 rebounds. For Defensor Sporting Diego Castrillon (199-F-75) netted 15, David Jackson (196-G-82, college: Penn St.) scored 11 and Nathan Mielke (210-F-81, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) 6 and 4 rebounds. Letheal Cook (208-C/F-80, college: Bowie St.) netted two free shots with1.45 to play and put Hebraica ahead to tie the semifinal games, and with one minute to play made a block and with 15 seconds stole the ball to lead his team. Cook scored 11 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. The main scorer for Hebraica was Grady Reynolds (198-F-80, agency: Strategic Sports, college: St.John's) with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Foe Atenas Wendell Gibson (201-F/C-83, college: Hofstra) netted 18 with 10 rebounds and Hakeem Rollins (202-C/F-83, agency: CAA Sports, college: Washington) scored 12.

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VENEZUELA

Once again -by Wolfgang Lucena
Guaiqueries defeated Panteras de Miranda once again 84 - 71 in Margarita Island.
Panteras de Miranda was playing really good the first 20 minutes of the game, at some points the game get tie up, until the coach Guaiqueri changes his strategy.
The second half went to the same way. Julio Toro was using all his knowledge until he finds out the solution in the bench.
Terquin Mott (203-F-74, college: Coppin St.) kept the scoring keeper busy for Guaiqueries with 22 points while Roque Osorio (206-C-76, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) did the same for Panteras with 19 points.

Gaiteros unstoppable! -by Antonio Gomez
Gaiteros del Zulia swept Guaros de Lara in the first series of the season for both teams. The two games were dominated by the zulianos. Ruben Nembhard, Jamarh Warren, Travis Garrison (203-F-84, agency: CAA Sports, college: Maryland), Miguel Marriaga and Hernan Salcedo were unstoppables.

In the opening day, game played saturday, Gaiteros won 82-78 with Warren and Nembhard commanding the offensive of the Jorge Arrieta team. Warren scored 19 points and Ruben 18.

Yesterday, once again, Gaiteros defeated Guaros, this time 87-76. With those results, the zulian team command the standing with Guaqueries de Margarita. In the first quarter of that game, Nembhard get injured a finger of his right hand. Ruben might be out one month due to the injury. Garrison scored 23 points and took 11 rebounds. Well done Gaiteros!



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Women News

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ADRIATIC L. (W) - Women

Crvena hopes for the fourth -by Eurobasket News
Serbian Crvena won 10th game in Adriatic league to improve at 10-7. This is so far the 4th result, however Ragusa has 9-6 with 2 games remaining. Crvena beat Jedinstvo 72:58 in a catch up game. The visitors grabbed 10:16 advantage and stayed tough even in the second quarter. Serbian team however closed the gap and had 29:31 at the half. With 22:15 and 21:12 Crvena maintained to 72:58 total win. Jelena Velinovic (193-C-81) led the winners with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Brankica Hadzovic (175-G-81) netted 12, whilst Nina Bogicevic (178-G-89) added 11. Jasmina Bigovic (176-G-79) resisted for the guests with 22 points.
Slovenian Merkur defeated Medvescak 70:60 to take 6-11 record. The game remained carousel in the first half as the teams produced runs to each other. Merkur opened the campaign with 17:13 lead but then was upset by 14:21. Croatian team had 3 points deficit at the half being 34:31 in front. Merkur splashed with 21:15 in the third and added 18:11 in the last quarter. Nika Baric (168-G-92) paced all the winners with 22 points. Monique Blake (188-F-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: Seton Hall) collected 16 points and 19 rebounds, while Milijana Evtoukhovitch scored 13. Dea Klein-Sumanovac (182-G/F-81) top-scored for Medvescak with 20 points.

Crvena - Jedinstvo 72:58 (10-16, 19-15, 22-15, 21-12)
Crvena:Jelena Velinovic 21+13 rebs, Brankica Hadzovic 12, Nina Bogicevic 11
Jedinstvo: Jasmina Bigovic 22, Jelena Maksimovic (192-C-82) 12

Merkur - Medvescak 70:60 (17-13, 14-21, 21-15, 18-11)
Merkur: Nika Baric 22, Monique Blake 16+19 rebs, Milijana Evtoukhovitch (190-C-81) 13+9 rebs
Medvescak:Dea Klein-Sumanovac 20, Mirna Mazic (188-F-85, college: Richmond) 11

Standings
Adriatic L. Standings
1. Buducnost 14-3
2. Sibenik 13-2
3. Gospic 12-3
4. Crvena Zv. 10-7
5. Ragusa 9-6
6. Jedinstvo 6-10
7. Celje 6-11
8. Medvescak 5-12
9. M.Kraj. BL 3-13
10. Vojvodina 2-13


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CAMEROON - Women

Mendeng averages 13.7 points per game in Poland -by Eurobasket News
Alvine Mendeng (184-G/F-81, college: N.Carolina St.) spends this season in Poland for AZS KK Jelenia Gora. The team struggles hard, but due to the other strong teams has 2-19 record so far. In the latest game Leszno kept the third place in the league. The team beat AZS J.Gora 58:68 away from home. Ryan Coleman was unstoppable for the winners providing 28 points. Budnik and Daria Mieloszynska could not reach the double digits but were satisfied with 9 points each. Ely ended up with 15 points, Natalia Malaszewska scored 14 and Alvine Mendeng had 12.

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FINLAND - Women

SM-SARJA: Almost two upsets tonight -by Rauno Hurmalainen

SM-sarja, Round 31: Almost two upsets tonight. Huima (Aanekoski) defeated Catz (Lappeenranta) 82-71 and PuHu (Vantaa) was leading 34 minutes
(72-71) vs PeKa (Kotka), but PeKa was too strong at the end. Kurki brothers Seppo (PeKa) and Mikko (PuHu) knew each other as Head Coaches too well and the game was close most of the time. Shanika Freeman (183-F/C-83, college: Jacksonville St.) led PeKa with 22 pts and 12 rbs. Heli Roukanoja (186-C-73) scored 26 pts and grabbed 13 rbs for PuHu. Espoo Team crushed HoNsU (Jyvaskyla) 100-49 and YMCA Helsinki won over Alku (Forssa) 80-47. It seems, that PeKa will win the regular season, Catz will be # 2 and then come the rest.

PuHu - PeKa 79-86 (45-39) (Heli Roukanoja 26/13, Aneta Kausaite 17 - Shanika Freeman 22/12, Tiffany Portes-Talbert 18).

Huima - Catz 82-71 (27-37) (Shakeena Wicker 23/10, Kenya Robinson 18/10 - Yelena Solovyeva 14/12, Lizanne Murphy 14).

Espoo Team - HoNsU 100-49 (69-23) (Pauliina Oksanen 32 (treys 7/10), Yolanda Jones 26/13 - Breanne Watson 19/12, Juuli Piiroinen 7).

YMCA Helsinki - FoA 80-47 (55-25) (Mari Puustinen 18/10, Henna Salomaa 15 - Megan Griffith 17, Jamie Hawkins 10).



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GERMANY - Women

DBBL: Recap of Game Day 18 -by Moritz Korff
ChemCats Chemnitz - Muenchen Basket 78:79
Muenchen returned to success by holding off Chemnitz in a thriller. With only some seconds left to play the ChemCats turned the ball over and the guests made the decisive points. A last shot by Jenny Menz missed. Magdalena von Geyr had a great game for Muenchen, scoring 19 points. Faye Muller chipped in 16 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and blocked 4 shots. Her teammate Sandra Carroll had 15 points. Caitlin Chiaramonte answered with 19 points and 6 boards for Chemnitz, Katsiaryna Zberch posted 18 points and 12 rebounds in defeat, Alexandra Riecka added 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.

BBV Leipzig Eagles - evo New Basket Oberhausen 82:89
The little things made difference in a close encounter between the hosting Eagles and Oberhausen. While almost only the starting players produced points for Leipzig, Oberhausen used a great team-effort to carry home the win. Petra Glaeser tallied 22 points and 11 rebounds for Oberhausen, Heather Ernest had 21 points, while Bracey Barker collected 16 points and 8 boards. Da'Love Woods had another huge game for Leipzig. She scored 23 points, pulled down 9 rebounds, dished out 5 assists and snagged 6 steals. Anna Adlerova followed with 20 points and 6 boards.

BG 74 Goettingen - TSV 1880 Wasserburg 57:85
Exactly 713 Violets-supporters were hoping for a surprise, but went home without having seen a win of their favorite team as the defending German champion from Wasserburg got another victory to stay on the straight way to another title. The guests went on a 26:8-run in the second quarter. That was too much for hosting Goettingen that was led by 14 points/11 rebounds of Dasa Rajecka and 13 points of Michaela Abelova. Katrina Hibbert paced the Wasserburg offense with 21 points, including 3 treys, Rebecca Thoresen added 18 points, Jana Furkova had 15.

Eisvoegel USC Freiburg - Herner TC 87:62
Freiburg rallied past Herne to get the 9th win of the season. The hosts looked dominating from the first minute on and were ahead with 54:31 at halftime. Anna-Christine Goerg was the only member of the HTC-squad who was able to keep up with the pace of the home team. Goerg had 21 points and 7 rebounds in the game. The Freiburg attack was led by Sarah Hayes who scored 21 points. Birte Wehrenbrecht added 19 points, Melissa Dennett had 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Mirna Paunovic put in 17 points and grabbed 9 boards.

BC Pharmaserv Marburg - TV 1872 Saarlouis Royals 59:65
The Royals racked up an away-win at Marburg to remain in second place in the table. Coming back from a 12 point-deficit at halftime the visiting team held the hosting Blue Dolphins at 16 points in the second half, while putting in 34. Saarlouis shot 47.7% from the field, while Marburg only had 35,6%. Romy Baer finished the game with 14 points as the Royals' leading scorer, Rachel Wojdowski tallied 13 points and 5 boards, Julie Anne Page produced 10 points and a game-high 8 rebounds. Marburgs Amanda Davidson made 5 out of 12 from the three point-line and had 21 points totally in the loss. Natalie Gorke followed with 19 points and 6 rebounds.

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GREECE - Women

Match Day 20: Results and Scorers -by Chris Mammides

Paghiakos - Sporting 82-60
Top scorers:
Paghiakos: Nikki Blue (173-G-84, college: UCLA) 19 points and 8 rebounds, Kaliopi Valeta (182-F-79) 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
Sporting: Anthoula Balta (178-G-87) 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 steals, Meg Tierney (190-F/C-81) 17 points and 8 rebounds

Esperides - Megas Alexandros 96-51
Top scorers:
Esperides: Erica Davis (191-C-85, college: Yale) 19 points and 13 rebounds, Stella Kaltsidou (187-C-83) 16 points
M. Alexandros: Brooke Reeves (188-F-75) 16 points and 9 rebounds, Zoi Dimitrakou (188-F-87) 15 points

Kastoria - Athinaikos 78-74
Top scorers:
Kastoria: Ligita Kinkeviciene (173-G-76) 20 points, Athena Christoforakis (183-F-80, college: Temple) 15 points.
Athinaikos: Katie Gearlds (186-G/F-84, college: Purdue) 19 points, Barbara Farris (191-F/C-76, college: Tulane) 15 points

Athinaikos agreed to finanacial terms with the veteran American forward Barbara Farris and released Lori Nero (188-F/C-80, college: Louisville)

Panionios - Apollon Ptolemaidas 77-69
Top scorers:
Panionios: Brooke Queenan (188-F-84, college: Boston Coll.) 29 points, Erin Thorn (178-G-81, college: BYU) 19 points
Apollon Ptolemaidas: Eleni Papadimitriou (178-G-80) 16 points, LaToya Davis (186-F/C-84, college: Texas Tech) 14 points and 11 rebounds

Siemens - Aris Holargou 53-56
Top scorers:
Siemens: Erika Quigley (188-C-84, college: St.Cloud St.) 20 points, Ambrosia Anderson (186-F-84, college: BYU) 18 points and 6 rebounds
Aris Holargou: Giuliana Mendiola (182-G-81, college: Washington) 21 points and 9 rebounds, Chloe Kerr (191-C-85, college: USC) 14 and 11 rebounds

Aias Evosmou - Asteras Exarhion 56-66
Top scorers:
Aias: Christina Quaye (185-F-85, college: Marquette) 19 points, 12 rebounds and 5 steals; Jovana Milovanovic (171-G-83) 14 points
Asteras Exarhion: Vasiliki Volonaki (179-F-80) 18 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, Brandie Hoskins (175-G-85) 15 points and 7 rebounds, Amanda Carver (188-F/C-79) 17 points, 18 rebounds and 4 steals.

Panathinaikos - Iraklis 68-46
Top scorers:
PAO: Claire Coggins (180-G/F-85, college: Kansas St.) 21 points, Evdokia Stamati (180-F) 13 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals.
Iraklis: Elena Vlani (174-G-86) 11 points and Evangelia Katopodi (188-F/C-87) 11 points and 11 rebounds



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KOSOVO - Women

KOSOVA CUP DRAW -by Alban Salihu
Today in Sports House offices took place the drawing for the first round competition for Kosova Cup, for men and women 2008 edition


WOMEN :

Group A

1. SIGAL PRISHTINA
2. TREPCA
3. DRITA
4. PROBASKET

Group B

1. BASHKIMI
2. PENZA
3. VËLLAZNIMI
4. KASTRIOTI

In the first round will meet: Group A( Sigal Prishtina - Probasket, Trepca - Drita)
Group B( Bashkimi - Kastrioti, Penza - Vellaznimi)
The matches of second round will take place on March 5th and 6th 2008.

source:basketbolli.com

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LEBANON - Women

Lebanese Cup Competition - Quarterfinal Round -by Raffi Kassabian
The Lebanese Cup competition quarter final round will be played today with four games in schedule. After clubs' representatives not being invited to the draw that saw Riyadi Beirut meet with Homenetmen Antelias in the semi finals (if they avoid surprises) for the third year in a row some said that it was because of their ranking in the championship a year before knowing that the cup competition has nothing to do with the championship and the standings of the clubs, and its always the clubs' right to be present in the draw. The good thing is that the cup competition will allow the teams resume playing competitive games after three weeks of break that some said it was because of the political situation in the country but the political situation didn't change at all. Furthermore, in the past three weeks more than 30 basketball league games of different divisions were played including 11 games in the Lebanese Men First Division, so this shows that the political situation could never be the reason behind having three weeks of break for the teams before the cup competition and the Final 4. Meanwhile, the results of the first round of the cup competition don't seem to be that interesting after the withdrawal of two first division teams Anibal Zahle and Homenetmen Beirut from the first round, thus allowing Antranik Sinelfil and La Tour Aintoura to proceed to the quarter final round. Blue Stars were the other team that reached the quarter final round after a win in the first round against Mouttahed from the second division with the score 65-59.

Results - 1st Round

Blue Stars (1st div) - Mouttahed (2nd div) 65-59
Anibal Zahle (1st div) vs Antranik Sinelfil (2nd div) 0-20
Homenetmen Beirut (1st div) vs La Toure Antoura (3rd div) 0-20


Schedule - Quarter Final Round

Quarter final 1
Sunday 2/3/2008 Sagesse Jdeideh 20:00
Antranik Beirut vs St. Georges Zalka

Quarter final 2
Sunday 2/3/2008 Demirjian Center 20:00
Champville vs Blue Stars

Quarter final 3
Sunday 2/3/2008 Demirjian Center 18:00
Riyadi Beirut vs Antranik Sinelfil

Quarter final 4
Sunday 2/3/2008 Sagesse Jdeideh 18:00
Homenetmen Antelias vs La Toure Aintoura 20:00

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MONTENEGRO - Women

Iva Perovanovic leads Buducnost to the top -by Eurobasket News
Buducnost improves to 14-3 record defeating Vojvodina 95:68 in the last day of February. A fascinating 28:9 run in the opening quarter led the team to the easy win. In the next quarters of the game Vojvodina tried to catch up, but the task for the hosts was to get 100. In the last quarter Vojvodina was stronger 13:21 and did not allow Buducnost to reach triple digits. Iva Perovanovic (190-C/F-83) led the winners with 26 points. Maja Milutinovic (176-G-87) nailed 16 and Nikolina Popovic scored 15. Iva Musulin (170-G-84) ended up with 8 points in the losing effort.
Serbian Crvena won 10th game in Adriatic league to improve at 10-7. This is so far the 4th result, however Ragusa has 9-6 with 2 games remaining. Crvena beat Jedinstvo 72:58 in a catch up game. The visitors grabbed 10:16 advantage and stayed tough even in the second quarter. Serbian team however closed the gap and had 29:31 at the half. With 22:15 and 21:12 Crvena maintained to 72:58 total win. Jelena Velinovic (193-C-81) led the winners with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Brankica Hadzovic netted 12, whilst Nina Bogicevic added 11. Jasmina Bigovic (176-G-79) resisted for the guests with 22 points.

Crvena - Jedinstvo 72:58 (10-16, 19-15, 22-15, 21-12)
Crvena:Jelena Velinovic 21+13 rebs, Brankica Hadzovic 12, Nina Bogicevic 11
Jedinstvo: Jasmina Bigovic 22, Jelena Maksimovic (192-C-82) 12

Buducnost - Vojvodina 95:68 (28-9, 22-21, 32-17, 13-21)
Buducnost:Iva Perovanovic 26, Maja Milutinovic 16, Nikolina Popovic 15
Vojvodina: Iva Musulin 8

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POLAND - Women

Wisla catches up in the ladder -by Eurobasket News
Wisla improved to 20-2 which is the second result in the league. As Lotos did not play in the round Wisla had a chance to catch up and closed the record to the leader that is 21-0.
Wisla had a road win over Utex Row 60:75 as the latter fell at 13-8. Utex Row struggled hard and won the opening quarter 15:14 in the defensive beginning. Later on the teams exchanged the baskets and Utex Row still kept 1 point advantage at the half. Only in the last quarter Wisla proved the class between two teams. The favorite created 5:20 in the final stanza to reach the 20th win. Brown-Braxton led the winners with 15 points. Fernandez and Candice Dupree (188-F/C-84, college: Temple) followed her with 13 poiints apiece. Bell ended up with 18 points for the hosts.
In another games Leszno kept the third place in the league. The team beat AZS J.Gora 58:68 away from home. Ryan Coleman (173-G-83, college: E.Michigan) was unstoppable for the winners providing 28 points. Budnik and Daria Mieloszynska (188-F-83, college: Texas) could not reach the double digits but were satisfied with 9 points each. Ely ended up with 15 points, Natalia Malaszewska (178-G-84, agency: Promotex) scored 14 and Mendeng had 12.
AZS Gorzow smashed Lomianki 100:43, MMKS Energa outscored Cukierki 80:66. AZS Poznan beat MUKS Poznan 78:62 and CCC was stronger than LKS 77:68.

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SERBIA - Women

Latest news from and out of the country -by Eurobasket News
In Adriatic league Serbian Crvena won 10th game in Adriatic league to improve at 10-7. This is so far the 4th result, however Ragusa has 9-6 with 2 games remaining. Crvena beat Jedinstvo 72:58 in a catch up game. The visitors grabbed 10:16 advantage and stayed tough even in the second quarter. Serbian team however closed the gap and had 29:31 at the half. With 22:15 and 21:12 Crvena maintained to 72:58 total win. Jelena Velinovic (193-C-81) led the winners with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Brankica Hadzovic (175-G-81) netted 12, whilst Nina Bogicevic (178-G-89) added 11. Jasmina Bigovic resisted for the guests with 22 points.
Buducnost improves to 14-3 record defeating Vojvodina 95:68 in the last day of February. A fascinating 28:9 run in the opening quarter led the team to the easy win. In the next quarters of the game Vojvodina tried to catch up, but the task for the hosts was to get 100. In the last quarter Vojvodina was stronger 13:21 and did not allow Buducnost to reach triple digits. Iva Perovanovic (190-C/F-83) led the winners with 26 points. Maja Milutinovic (176-G-87) nailed 16 and Nikolina Popovic (184-G/F-84) scored 15. Iva Musulin ended up with 8 points in the losing effort.
Sonja Petrovic (189-F-89) and her Bourges Basket advanced to the Final Four and joined two Russian squads there. A 72:74 win in Istanbul allowed them to sweep the series over Fenerbahce. Five players scored more than 10 points for the winners. Belinda Snell led all of them with 20 points, while Miyem added 12. Cappie Pondexter shone for the Turkish side with 31 points.
After 85:69 in France Bourges Basket realized that the road to Istanbul will be tough. Sonja Petrovic gave the guests 0-3 lead after the shot from the arc. Ndongue with a tap-in and then a free throw kept French advantage to 2:8. It seemed that the visitors would not have problems in the game, but they already had them in the end of the first period. Vardarli's three reduced the gap to 16:19. Sutton-Brown with a jump-shot brought the hosts the first lead at 25:24. In a back-to-back period Bourges Basket was still in front. Sutton-Brown sent both squads to the lockers making 31:34 margin.
A lay-up by Ndongue opened another battle for the teams in the third quarter. Fenerbahce could not tie the game but stayed 3-4 points behind. Belinda Snell made it 41:44 and then her three-pointer reached 43:48. Lepron brought her team 45:52 lead before the final quarter. The last period was the game between Bourges Basket and Cappie Pondexter who took the leading skills of her team. She made first eight points of Fenerbahce that still trailed 53:62. Sutton-Brown reduced to 60:65 with 3.35 to play in the game. Cappie Pondexter scores another 9 points in a row for 69:70. She was the last to pour in the game but her free throw only gave 72:74 as Dumerc's four free throws reached the aim. Sonja Petrovic collected 4 points and 5 rebounds.
In the first game Sonja Petrovic scored 6 points and made 3 rebounds as French Bourges Basket met little resistance en route to a solid victory over visiting Fenerbahce to open the Euroleague quarterfinal series. Sonja Kireta scored quick 6 points for the hosts early in the game and Bourges grabbed a 13:7 lead. Celine Dumerc hit from beyond the arc and Sonja Kireta added two more points to her scoring haul as the hosts stretched the gap to as many as 9 points 20:11. Nevriye Yilmaz answered with 4 points in a row to cut the margin but Florence Lepron completed a three-point play and Emmeline Ndongue capped the frame with a jump shot to give Bourges a 25:15 lead. Cappie Pondexter and Tammy Sutton-Brown kept Fenerbahce close early in the second quarter. Endene Miyem and Belinda Snell however soon opened 12-point buffer, while back-to-back treys from Belinda Snell and Sonja Petrovic stretched it to 16 points. Cappie Pondexter finalized the first half with 4 points in a row and the teams went into the dressing room with Turkish team trailing by 10. Esmeral Tuncluer scored 6 points at the start of the second half to erase the deficit to only 5 points. Emmeline Ndongue reacted with 4 straight points and Sonja Sonja Petrovic fired one from the outside to ice Fenerbahce efforts. Endene Miyem accounted for the last 6 Bourges points in the frame and allowed the hosts to enjoy a 64:54 lead before the final period. Belinda Snell and Sonja Kireta combined for 7 more points at the start of the fourth quarter and Bourges Basket ran away for good.

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SWITZERLAND - Women

BBC Troistorrents inserts two young players in its roster -by Dimitri Toumayeff
Due to the momentary absence of Linda GUY and Jessica KELLOGG (both due to deaths in their families), Troistorrents inserted Jennifer PAGE (167-1988) and Severine UDRIOT (1989-169) for its game agsint Brunnen. By the way, 3T also decided to rest Lori CRISMAN (wrist injury). All three players will be back for sure next week (beginning of the playoffs on Wednesday). Troistorrents will play against 7th seed Lancy Meyrin.

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U.S.VIRGIN ISL. - Women

Javois finishes regular season with a bang! -by David Edole
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - On Senior Night, the Griffons came onto the court with a mission; to get to the MIAA tournament. In order to accomplish their goal, the Griffons would have to beat a good Missouri Southern team that was 18-8 on the season. With a good crowd behind them, the Griffons played inspired basketball and were able to beat Missouri Southern 70-58.

The seniors on the team, Chemia Woods, Yanique Javois (176-G-86, college: St.Louis) and Jill Johnson were honored before the game. The Missouri Southern game would be the last time that these three players would be together during the regular season. They were walked out by their parents to center court and received their old playing jerseys put in a picture frame. The returning players for next year also gave the three departing seniors smaller gifts to remember the team by as these players last games were coming to an end.

When the game started, after all of the ceremonies for the seniors was over, the team played to their capabilities. They played as if it was the last game of the season for them which could have happened if the Griffons had lost. The seniors on the team had especially good games as they went out on a high note. Woods had a great game for herself. She led her team from the point guard position and made all the right passes to teammates the entire night. She finished with a career-high 10 assists and scored eight points on the night.

Javios had her shot going from the opening tip off and was especially hot in the second half of the ball game. She ran the fast break to perfection and always seemed to have a step on any defender who covered her the entire night. Javios was 10-of-14 shooting and 4-of-4 from the free throw line for the night. She was the high scorer for the game with 26 points.

Johnson did most of her damage from the free throw line. She was able to get the ball in the low post area, take a few dribbles then make a move. The moves that Johnson made on the low post resulted in Johnson being fouled. When she got to the foul line, she took advantage of her opportunities going 8-for-8. She finished with 19 points for the game.

The seniors exited the game to a standing ovation with a minute left. They all ended their college careers' on a high note. It's not over yet, but their time in front of the home crowd will be over. They all had outstanding careers at Missouri Western capped off by last year's magical run that saw the team go 21-0 before losing their first game and 30-4 for the season. It was one of the best single-season records in school history.

The Griffons needed to win this game to assure a ticket to the MIAA Tournament next week. The seniors came through in a big way for the Griffons to make it possible. They didn't want their season to be over. The women of the Missouri Western basketball team hope that the momentum of their win at Northwest and the win tonight can translate into some positive things when they face the No. 1 seed in the tournament, Washburn, on Thursday, March 6th at 12:00 pm from Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.

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WNBA - Women

Offseason news -by Bruno Baltazar
Detroit Shock Head Coach and General Manager Bill Laimbeer announced today that the Shock has re-signed Plenette Pierson (6'2''-F/C-81, college: Texas Tech), the team's top reserve and 2007 WNBA 6th Woman of the Year. Per team policy, financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Pierson, 26, was the second leading scorer (11.2) and third leading rebounder (7.2) during Detroit's 2007 postseason run. Entering her sixth season in the league, and her fourth with the Shock, Pierson has averaged 8.2 points and 4.0 rebounds during her WNBA career. During the 2007 campaign - where she earned her 6th Woman of the Year honors - Pierson played in all 34 games and averaged 11.6 points and 5.8 rebounds.

Pierson, a Texas Tech graduate, was originally drafted with the fourth pick in the 2003 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury. The Shock acquired her in a June 29, 2005 trade in exchange for Andrea Stinson and the Shock's 2006 second round draft pick.

The Shock also signed two recent collegians to Training Camp contracts - former Middle Tennessee State guard Chrissy Givens and former University of Texas guard Nina Norman. Givens, a two-time Sun Belt Player of the Year honoree, was selected in the third round (No. 31 overall) of the 2007 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury, but was waived prior to the start of the regular season. This is Norman's first time on a WNBA training camp roster.


The WNBA Board of Governors has approved the sale of the Seattle Storm to Force 10 Hoops L.L.C., the entity owned by Anne Levinson, Ginny Gilder, Lisa Brummel and Dawn Trudeau, WNBA President Donna Orender announced today.
'Force 10 Hoops presented a compelling case for approval of the sale,' Orender said. 'They garnered an impressive array of government, business and public support. That, together with their strong record of civic involvement and business experience, made it clear to us that the Storm has a great future in Seattle. The vote was unanimous.'
Force 10 Hoops announced on Jan. 8 that it had secured an exclusive option to purchase the Women's Basketball Club of Seattle, which owns the Storm, from the Professional Basketball Club, L.L.C., the Oklahoma group headed by Clay Bennett. The purchase was contingent on league approval.

'This is an exciting day for all the fans who have been so loyal to the Storm over the years,' said Anne Levinson, who negotiated the transaction for Force 10 Hoops and will be the Club's initial Chairperson. 'For us to have been able to provide the league with a letter signed by nearly 1,200 fans, resolutions from government leaders, and strong growth in ticket sales and sponsorships over just the past six weeks speaks to the incredible support from the fans and the community and is evidence of how much this team means to the Seattle region. We want to thank the league and the Board of Governors for their vote of confidence; we are looking forward to a great season.'

The seventh WNBA team to be owned and operated independently from an NBA team, the Storm will continue to play home games at the Seattle Center's KeyArena.

In October 2002, the NBA Board of Governors approved the transition of WNBA teams from operating agreements to individual ownership rights, allowing WNBA teams to be located in non-NBA markets and owned by non-NBA owners both in and out of NBA cities. The Connecticut Sun, Washington Mystics, Chicago Sky, Los Angeles Sparks, Houston Comets and new expansion team, the Atlanta Dream, are the other independently owned teams.

Last week the Storm acquired two-time WNBA champion and two-time WNBA All-Star Swin Cash from the Detroit Shock in exchange for the No. 4 pick in the April 9 WNBA Draft. Cash was the second overall pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft out of Connecticut behind Sue Bird. Cash was a member of the 2004 gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic women's basketball team, a two-time NCAA Champion in 2000 and 2002 at the University of Connecticut, and was named to the Kodak All-American first team in 2002.

Season tickets for the Storm's 2008 season are on sale now, with the season opener on May 17 against the Chicago Sky. For fans and businesses who want to show support for the Storm and the new local owners, season tickets and group ticket packages can be purchased by calling (206) 217-WNBA or online at www.storm.wnba.com.

Contacts:
WNBA -- Ron Howard, (212) 407-8641, rhoward@nba.com
Seattle Storm -- Tom Savage, (206) 272-2576, tsavage@sonics-storm.com