EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 4/10/2008

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Men News

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ARGENTINA

LSB, Regatas is the first finalist -by Ana Soifer
Regatas Corrientes from Corrientes beat in their court to Universo/BRB Brasilia from Brazil by 73 to 57 and is the first finalist for the South American League.
In the another game Flamengo Petrobras Rio de Janeiro from Brazil beat Boca Juniors Capital Feder by 83 to 58 and put the series 1 to 1, they going to play tonight the 3rd game to see who is the another finalist.

Regatas Corrientes Corrientes (73): Starters: Alejandro Montecchia 7, Javier Martinez 12, Ramzee Stanton (193-F-80, agency: CAA Sports, college: W.Chester) 19, Chuckie Robinson 20, Robert Lopez 6; Off the bench: Damian Tintorelli 1, Juan Manuel Rivero 3, Diego Cavaco 5, Milton Temute 0, Nestor Serantes 0, Sergio Zacarias 0. DT: Silvio Santander.

Universo (57): Starters: Valtinho 5, Andre Ratto 3, Arthur 15 (x), Maurice Spillers (199-F-74, college: Utah St.) 12, Luis Fernando 2 (x); Off the bench: Santos Cipriano 9 (x), Estevam 9, Charles Lopes 2. DT: Lula Ferreira.

Flamengo Petrobras Rio de Janeiro (83): Starters: Helio 18, Duda 16, Marcelinho Liao (182-G-83) 12, Coloneze 7, Alirio 8; Off the bench: Luis Fernando 7, Fred 5, Amiel 8, Maicon 2, Wagner 0, Marcellus 0. DT: Paulo Texeira.

Boca Juniors (58): Starters: Luis Cequeira 6, Devon Ford 0, Gustavo Orona 8, Leonardo Gutierrez 9, Gabriel Fernandez (204-C-76) 12; Off the bench: Raymundo Legaria 0, Fernando Funes 6, Alejandro Alloatti 2, Grady Reynolds 6, Lionel Schattmann 9. DT: Gabriel Piccato.

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BELGIUM

D1 News -by Peter Buyse

Ed Norvell suffered a ruptured achilles tendon in yesterday's game vs Bree and will undergo surgery on Thursday morning.
The game it happened in was a rematch of a Rd 9 game which was won by Liege 79-77. But due to a referee erroir the league decided the game had to be replayed which happened on tuesday with however the same result, this time by a 73-71 score but more importantly the loss of guard Norvell for Liege.

The Liege management has not decided yet if they are going to replace Norvell.


Spirou Charleroi signed US guard Jerry Johnson (183-G-82, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Rider) to replace Michael Jordan.

After leaving Rider at the end of the 2004-2005 season played in Poland and Turkey.

This season he played in France for Clermont Ferrand. In 20 games he averaged 15ppg and 4apg.


Antwerp Forward Mladen Sekularac has been put on inactive by him team and will not play in any of the remaining games.


Eight out of the 10 D1 teams had their licence approved for the 2008-2009 season, only the applications of Bree and Verviers-Pepinster are still under review.


One of the team which did get their licence Optima Gent will see several players lieave the team for the 08-09 season.

The most recent departure is Sam Rotsaert who is headed to D3 team Oostkamp. Earlier Sam Verstraete and Gilis Mestdagh agreed to a deal with another D3 team Latem-De Pinte. Wim Dobbelaere who has gotten sustantial playing time also ageed to a deal with D2 team Zwevezele.



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BOSNIA

Standings - D2 Leagues
D2 Leagues Standings
A1 League
1. Novi Grad 17-2
2. Limometal 16-3
3. Kakanj 15-4
4. Brcko 14-5
5. Velpak 13-5
6. Bihac 6-13
7. Lukavac 6-13
8. Trica 6-13
9. Student T. 6-13
10. Play Off 5-13
11. Velez 5-14
12. Bosnjak 3-15
D1 Srpska Liga
1. Mladost MG 19-3
2. Radnik B. 17-5
3. Bratunac 16-6
4. Varda 14-8
5. Rudar 14-8
6. Glasinac 12-10
7. Igokea II 10-12
8. Bijeljina 9-13
9. Wolf Security 9-13
10. Sutjeska 8-14
11. Mladost G. 4-18
12. Vrelo 0-23
Herceg-Bosne
1. Vitez 15-1
2. Siroki II 13-2
3. Zrinjski II 12-3
4. Rama 8-7
5. Brotnjo Citluk 7-8
6. Ljubuski 6-8
7. Odzak 6-8
8. Tomislav 5-10
9. Busovaca 5-12
10. Posusje II 4-8
11. Livno 1-15


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BRAZIL

Minas improves to 14-4 record -by Eurobasket News
Minas got an easy win over Iguacu BC to improve to 14-4 record in the league. The hosts took an early start and dominated later in the whole game. The first quarter was opened with 33:7 that took all the chances from the guests for the entire game. Iguacu BC however produced 14:20 in the third, but that was not enough even to stay closer. Soro Pinto (190-F-80) led the winners with 20 points. Savani Mauro nailed 15, while Johnson Jasper scored 13. Rafinha and Leandro led the way for the guests with 14 points each.
In another games CETAF was stronger FTC EAD 92:80. The hosts opened the encounter with 23:19 and step-by-step won all the quarters with a minimum advantage. Felipinho led the winners with 21 points. Jefferson netted 19, whilst Marcio had 16. Newsome ended up for the guests with 25 points. Londrina overcame Univates 78:72 as the visitors were coming back to the game. After failing in the first half, Univates tried to recover but it was too late. Alves Leo top-scored for the winners with 24 points. Guto produced 20 and da Silva Nailson had 10. dos Santos Ildes chipped in 17 points in the losing effort. Ulbra beat Joinville 96:89 and Saldanha smashed FTC EAD 92:46.

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BULGARIA

Rilski Sportist to 7th place -by Valentin Anguelov

The team of Rilski Sportist played good today and managed to secure an important win. In Arena Samokov the hosts defeated Cherno More Eurohold 89-82. The team from Samokov moved to 7th place with equal record with Yambol but with advantage in the direct games.

The game started good for the visitors from Varna who went ahead 10-2. Little by little the hosts managed to cut the deficit that went down to three points, 18-21 after the first quarter.

In the second they cut it to a single point but then Cherno More moved ahead again by a good margin, 24-32. Then the hosts scored 11 straight points and took the lead for first time after a triple by Mirkovic to make it 35-32. To the end of the game Cherno More never had the lead again. Rilski Sportist played very good in those minutes and managed to build a double digit lead at the break, 51-40.

Santos Martinez (198-G/F-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Livingstone) and Branko Mirkovic played really good in the first half as they had 15 and 14 points respectively and leading their team to overcome their deficit. Bryce Sheldon also had 15 for the visitors, but he scored them in the first quarter.

Gruev opened the scoring in the second half to give the host their biggest lead of the game - 14 points. The visitors cut it to 10 and for a few minutes the score was in that margin. With two minutes to go after a Boev's basket Cherno More cut it to 3, and then to 2, but Golubovic scored a basket and was fouled, converting the free throw to make it 68-63 after three quarters.

Cherno More went scoreless for the first 3 minutes of the last quarter and allowed their visitors to score 8 straight points that all but secured the win. In the final minutes the visitors managed to cut the deficit by little but didn't have any chance of winning as the players of Rilski Sportist held on for the win.

Santos Martinez showed he is in very good form as he was the best player on the court finishing with 25 points and 14 rebounds. Branko Mirkovic scored 16 and Momchil Petrov played his best game of the season with 15 points and 5 rebounds in a match that six Rilski Sportist players scored in double figures.

For the visitors from Varna Bryce Sheldon was the top scorer with 24 points while Bogdan Boev and Nikolay Kolev finishied with 11 and 10 respectively.

FULL STATS FROM THE GAME RILSKI SPORTIST - CHERNO MORE

by Lubomir Neshev - BulgarianBasket.com




Standings A1
A1 Standings
1. Lukoil A. 30-0
2. Levski 21-9
3. Balkan 19-11
4. Spartak P. 15-15
5. CSKA 15-15
6. Cherno More 13-17
7. Yambol 10-20
8. Rilski S-list 10-20
9. Dunav 2007 0-0
10. Sliven 0-0


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CHINA

China Selects B Team to Train in America -by Arthur Volbert
China has named an all-star B team that will train in America this summer, under coach Rick Adelman of the Houston Rockets, through an agreement with Reebok. It appears that each CBA team was asked to select its best player, 25 years old or younger, who has not played for the National team.

Jiangsu selected Meng Da (196-F/G-84) ahead of Tang Zhengdong, perhaps because they know that Tang is really older than 25. Aside from that, and Li Pengfei of Xinjiang, the players selected appear to match the criteria for best 25-and-under player.

Li is listed as a 203 cm small forward born in 1990 but did not play for Xinjiang at all the past season. However 203 cm is tall for a perimeter player, and he might have grown. So maybe Li is Xinjiang's best young prospect, especially if he really was born in 1990. One of these days China will realize that it must use correct ages to enable it to judge its prospects correctly.

If the latter is true -- and, of course, it might not be true -- Li could be the best prospect on the team. Aside from Yang Ming and Su Wei, none of the other players on the team are likely ever to be candidates for the real Chinese national team, let alone the NBA.

G: Yang Ming,Liaoning, Ying Kui,Zhejiang Guangsha, Wang Zhongguang,Bayi, Luo Zhi,Zhejiang, Sun Jie,Shandong, Yang Chao, Fujian
F: Chen Lei,Beijing, Wang Yong,Shanghai, Meng Da,Jiangsu, Liu Jiulong,Shaanxi, Qiu Biao,Dongguan, Zhang Xuewen, Shanxi Yujun, Liu Ziqiu, Yunnan, Li Pengfei, Xinjiang
C: Su Wei, Guangdong, Liu Wei, Jilin

In addition Shanghai's best two younger prospects, Cai Liang and Wu Yang, will play in the IBL, an American minor league, this summer. Wu is a 206 cm power forward allegedly born in 1988. Cai is listed as 202 cm and born in 1992. Since it seems unlikely that China would send a 16-year-old boy to play against full-grown American professionals, the likelihood is that Cai was born somewhat earlier than 1992.

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COSTA RICA

Standings - D1
NL Standings
1. Barva 2-0
2. San Luis 2-0
3. Liceo 1-0
4. Limon 1-1
5. Escazu 1-1
6. Perez Zeledon 1-1
7. Santa Cecilia 1-1
8. UCR 1-2
9. Goicoechea 0-2
10. Santa Ana 0-2


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CROATIA

Vuckovic signed for Zrinjski! -by Dani Erceg

Zdravko Vuckovic (198-F-79) signed for BiH D1 team Zrinjski. He played this season for Croatian A2 League Center teams Bosco and Fortuna

Zapresic.



Standings - Ozujsko A1 League
A1 Standings
Group 1-8
1. KK Split 3-0
2. Zadar 3-0
3. KK Zagreb 2-1
4. Sibenka 2-1
5. Cibona 1-2
6. Cedevita 1-2
7. Dubrava 0-3
8. Slavonski Brod 0-3
Group 9-13
1. Zabok 9-9
2. Borik 8-10
3. Alkar Sinj 7-11
4. Kvarner NR 7-11
5. Dubrovnik 6-12
6. Osijek 2006 3-15


Split and Zadar top A1 league -by Eurobasket News
Split and Zadar improved to 3-0 record after the latest games in A league for the Championship. Zadar had a road win over Zagreb 84:101. Split survived a thriller against Cibona taking 86:88 win away from home. In another games of Round 3 Sibenka beat Dubrava 93:75, while Cedevita overcame Slavonski Brod 90:84.
Gordan Giricek (197-G-77) averages 5.5 points per game and 1.1 assists for his team in NBA. His Phoenix Suns hosted a playoff-haunting Denver and rolled to an impressive 132:117 victory. Amare Stoudemire scored 41 points and grabbed 14 boards, while Steve Nash dropped 36 points to ignite come-from-behind win for the Suns. It was the 50th win for Phoenix and they tied the LA Lakers atop the Pacific Division. The hosts battled out a 22-point first half deficit to fire from all guns in the fourth term. Amare Stoudemire notched 16 points in it and the Suns outscored the Nuggets 46:25 to post an outstanding win. Shaquille O'Neal had 20 points and 12 boards for the winners. Gordan Giricek scored 2 points and made 3 rebounds. The loss threw Denver out of the playoff zone a half-game behind Golden State. J.R. Smith scored 23 points for the Nuggets. Allen Iverson added 21, while Kenyon Martin secured 19 points in defeat.
The Denver Nuggets did not wait for too long to take a revenge for yesterday's loss to Phoenix. The teams moved to the Pepsi Center yesterday and the hosts rolled to a crucial 126:120 victory to leapfrog the Golden State Warriors back into playoff territory. The teams were close in the dying minutes but Denver capitalized on the visitors' misses. First Steve Nash missed a jumper and Carmelo Anthony grabbed a rebound and sank two free throws being fouled. Then Leandrinho Barbosa also missed a potentially tying three-pointer and Carmelo Anthony once again secured a defensive rebound to be put to the stripe later on and to convert two more free throws that put the hosts away for good. Allen Iverson scored 31 points to lead the Nuggets. Carmelo Anthony had 25 points and 8 boards for the winners. Leandrinho Barbosa secured 27 points for the Suns in defeat. Gordan Giricek nailing 16 points and grabbing 4 boards. Last night Gordan Giricek produced 14 points against Memphis.

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CUBA

News from Cubans abroad: -by Alessandro Fontana

In Puerto Rico, Indios de Mayaguez were defeated by Vaqueros Bayamon 97-87. Angel Caballero played 28 minutes with 15 points (6/8 2pts, 0/1 3pts, 3/4 FT), 8 rebounds, 3 assists but also 4 turnovers.
Guayama won against Ponce in an incredible game 75-74, Roberto Carlos Herrera played very well, with incredible intensity in defense. He scored 6 pts (3/6 2pts, 0/1 3pts) with 3 rebs, 5 assts and 2 steals.
In Argentina its play-off time, Obras Buenos Aires won the series against Juventud Sionista 3-2. In the last game, Lazaro Borrell scored 17 pts (6/15 2pts, 0/1 3pts, 5/5 FT) with 7 rebs. In 5 game Borrell scored 13.0 ppg + 6.2 rpg.
A. Fontana



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D-LEAGUE

Last Transactions -by Surujh Roopnarine
NBA Player Assignment s/ Re-Calls
The Phoenix Suns re-called rookie swingman Alando Tucker (6'6''-F-84, college: Wisconsin) from the Albuquerque Thunderbirds. During his third and final assignment which began on March 14th, Tucker averaged 28.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 37.4 minutes in 10 games. In 21 total games (19 starts) in Albuquerque this season, the former Wisconsin star averaged
27.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

The Portland Trailblazers re-called rookie forward Josh McRoberts (6'10''-F-87, college: Duke) from the West Division leading Idaho Stampede.
McRoberts was on his second assignment to the D-League. In 15 total games with Idaho this season, McRoberts posted averages of 7.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 26.8 minutes. The 37th overall selection of the 2007 NBA Draft out of Duke is averaging 2.0 points, 0.8 rebounds and 4.4 minutes in five games with Portland.

Second year center Patrick O'Bryant (7'0''-C-86, college: Bradley) has been re-called from the Bakersfield Jam by the Golden State Warriors. O'Bryant appeared in eight games with the Jam since being assigned to Bakersfield on March 10. The 7-footer out of Bradley averaged 16.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.5 blocked shots over that eight-game span, including a season-high 22 points, 14 rebounds and seven blocked shots in last Friday's game versus the Idaho Stampede. The ninth pick of the 2006 NBA Draft, O'Bryant appeared in 25 games with Bakersfield last season, averaging 12 points and nine rebounds per contest.

Player Movement
Dakota: Signed Andre Patterson (6'7''-F-83, college: Tennessee). Patterson, an athletic forward out of Tennessee (by way of UCLA) was with Los Angeles' training camp before the season started and then headed to Venezuela in February. Patterson appeared in 50 games with the D-Fenders during the 2006-07 season averaging 10.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.
Idaho: Signed Anthony Washington (6'9''-F/C-83, college: Portland St.). Washington, still in his rookie year out of Portland State was an All-Rookie selection with Yakima of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) after averaging 6.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and shooting 56.8% from the field in 38 games.
Sioux Falls: Signed Milone Clark (6'4''-G-83, college: Tennessee Tech) to fill the roster spot vacated by Kasib Powell's call-up to the NBA. Clark appeared in four games with Colorado earlier this season and holds D-League career averages of 4.0 points, 1.7 rebounds and .4 assists in 47 career games.

Kasib Powell Re-Joins Miami HEAT on Second Call-Up -by Surujh Roopnarine
2007-08 D-League Most Valuable Player Kasib Powell (6'7''-F-81, college: Texas Tech) of the Sioux Falls Skyforce has been re-signed by the Miami Heat for the remainder of the seson. Paying immediate dividends, the former Texas Tech standout registered a team-high 18 points on 8-16 shooting in Miami's 95-88 victory last night over the Chicago Bulls. The 18 points and his six rebounds are career highs. In 40 games for the Skyforce Powell has averaged 22.2 points, on 51-percent shooting, to go with 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 38.8 minutes of action. His 22.3 points per game ranks him fourth in the D-League in scoring average. Kasib averaged 6.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 steals in 25.4 minutes, during his first stint in Miami (six games) after being called-up on March 22nd. Powell becomes the 26th D-League call-up of the season.

Standings
D-League Standings
Central Division
1. Sioux Falls S. 28-21
2. Dakota W. 27-21
3. Iowa E. 21-27
4. Ft.Wayne MA 17-31
Southwest Division
1. Austin T. 29-19
2. Colorado 14ers 27-21
3. Tulsa 66ers 25-23
4. Albuquerque T. 22-26
5. Rio Grande VV 20-29
West Division
1. Idaho S. 34-14
2. LA D-Fenders 32-15
3. Utah 23-25
4. Anaheim A. 21-27
5. Bakersfield J. 10-37


Stats Leaders
D-League Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1.M. Almond, UTA 25.2
2.D. Farmer, RGV 24.6
3.S. Banks, LAD 22.4
4.K. Powell, SIF 22.2
4.C. Powell, DAK, 22.2
Rebounds Per Game
1.R. Benson, DAK 12.1
2.C. Alexander, SIF 11.1
3.L. Allred, IDA 10.0
4.M. Sene, IDA 8.9
5.M. Campbell, ANA 8.7
Assists Per Game
1.R. Livingston, IDA 10.4
2.E. Gill, COL 8.5
3.A. Barrett, AUS 8.5
4.K. Kruger, UTA 7.0
5.J. Horner, IOW 6.1


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EGYPT

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


Gezira beats Sporting in the last second 72-71 -by Sherif Soliman
Sporting wasted a close win over Gezira in Alex. last night. Sporting controlled the game till the last 4 min When they had a 10 points lead. Every one was celebrating Sportings win but suddenly Gezira players made a fast come back through Danny Johnson who scored 2 three points shots in the last 2 min. The score was 69-71 Sporting lead with only 19 second to go. Dramatically Sherif Guinedy made his last drive with only 1 second left, he scored 2 points and made the one more giving his team a hard win. The referees almost spoiled the game making lots of mistakes which made both coaches very angry during the game.Danny Johnson (190-G-76, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Charleston)

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ESTONIA

Standings - KML
EMKL Standings
1. BC Kalev 30-2
2. TU/Rock 29-3
3. Pirita 23-10
4. Triobet/Dalkia 22-12
5. Tar.Fausto 20-16
6. Valga Welg 18-18
7. Parnu 10-26
8. Kraft Mooel 7-28
9. Rakvere 7-29
10. TTU KK 6-28


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EUROLEAGUE

CSKA advances to Final Four -by Eurobasket News
CSKA Moscow -Olympiacos Piraeus 81:56

CSKA Moscow is again favorite number one after the series against Olympiacos Piraeus. In the decisive third game Russian squad was stronger 81:56. The winners were in control for the entire game and thanks to 5000 spectators won the home game after the loss from Greek team in the opener. Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) led CSKA with 24 points. Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) netted 13 and Theodoros Papaloukas (200-G-77, agency: Interperformances) added 12. Panagotis Vasilopoulos (202-F-84, agency: FCM) scored 17 points for Olympiacos.

CSKA had no choice but to win as the loss would spoil the whole season. Especially after the first defeat in the series CSKA had to prove the ambitions for the winning the title and could not stop in that stage. Matjaz Smodis with a three gave the hosts 14:9 in the opening tip. Lynn Greer limited the damage to 22:16. The second period belonged to the Russian team that started to increase the lead. With 19:13 in it CSKA had 41:29 at the half time.
Panagotis Vasilopoulos triples brought Olympiacos Piraeus back to the game in the third for 50:41. The guests remained in the game even after 53:46 and all of us expected an intrigue in the end. CSKA used some good moments to spurt for 11 points advantage after 30 minutes of the game.Having a tough defense in the last period CSKA allowed Greek side to score only 6 points in the quarter. Russian team posted 20 points for 81:56 win and a ticket to Final Four.

CSKA Moscow:Ramunas Siskauskas 24 points, Matjaz Smodis 13, Theodoros Papaloukas 12.
Olympiacos Piraeus:Panagotis Vasilopoulos 17 points, Lynn Greer (186-G-79, college: Temple) 11

Tau Ceramica books tickets to Madrid -by Eurobasket News
Tau Ceramica - Partizan Igokea 85:68

Spanish Tau Ceramica deserved a place in Euroleague Final Four in the decisive game over Partizan Igokea. Tau were too good in the second half and led to 85:68 advantage to make the score 2-1 in the series. Pete Mickeal (198-F-78, college: Cincinnati) paced the winners with 19 points. Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) collected 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) nailed 15. Uros Tripkovic (197-G-86) finished the night with 16 points for Serbian squad.Tau will face CSKA Moscow in the semifinal game next month in Madrid.

After a loss in the second game in Serbia Tau still had a home court advantage and better chances to advance. Partizan did not take it too serious and won the opening tip 7:14. A pair of free throws by Pekovic closed the first quarter with Partizan leading 16:19.
It was the last lead for the guests as TAU grabbed the way to control the game Vranes made it 23:19. Pablo Prigioni (186-G-77) and Tiago Splitter increased to 38:29 entering the last minute of the first half. Milt Palacio was the last to score in the second quarter making the margin at 38:32.
In the third quarter Partizan stayed tough and trailed 5-7 points. Before the last 10 minutes of the game the guests were behind, 60:53. To make the things better in the game Pete Mickeal brings the hosts for 65:56. Pablo Prigioni sank 2 free throws for a 72:57 advantage and the game was over at that time. The guests came within 79:66 but they could not take Tau's spot in the Final Four. Spanish squad led the game to 85:68 and advanced with 2-1 in the series.


Tau Ceramica: Pete Mickeal 19 points, Tiago Splitter 18 points and 9 rebounds, Igor Rakocevic 15, Mirza Teletovic (205-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) 10
Partizan Igokea:Uros Tripkovic 16 points, Milenko Tepic (198-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) 14, Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) 14.

Tonight in Vitoria history is on Partizan's side -by Yarone Arbel

This is a basketball website, and the text you read here is, most of the time, about basketball. That text is here to give you more news and information about the game we care about. The text you're about to read is no exception, but in some ways it can be used by Spanish nationalist movements as well.

In football and mostly basketball some Spanish teams became famous for having a losing mentality, and if you doubted that then you won't anymore as EuroBasket 2007 has landed the final stamp on this thought. It seems like those teams are able to win big games only as complete underdogs, and can't handle the pressure when it comes to being favorites. In Basque land they like to say 'We are not Spanish - we are Basque', but they might want to re-consider that since their biggest basketball club - Tau Ceramica Vitoria, is acting 100% like a Spanish team.

Some things in life you can't argue about. You can debate where are the best looking women in Europe, who has the ugliest jump shot in the history of European basketball or focus on the real important things - where's the best Italian ice cream? But with pure facts you just can't argue. What's a pure fact? Claiming that playing in Vitoria a crucial game against Tau as the underdog is good news for any team and in this case - Partizan Beograd.

The magic squad of Coach Dusko Vujosevic will step tonight on the floor of the Fernando Buesa arena, the legendary home court of Tau Vitoria, and most people will consider them as the underdogs. Bet sites give Tau a nine point advantage, and people in the streets probably think it will be a huge upset if the Partizans will make it to Madrid through Vitoria. Well, think again.

Keeping in mind that Tau holds the Euroleague record for home games winning streak, which stands on 30 wins in a row, from January 2005 till this season's game against CSKA, and for many seasons, including this one, Tau is considered a better team, this is understandable, but… this game isn't just any game.

When a team qualify to the next phase it has to go through one game that will decide if they get the prize or not. That game has several versions: It can be a game when a win is worth the ticket but the team will stay alive even in case of a loss (like Tau in game 2 last week), or it can be a 'winner-takes-it-all' game, in which the winner of the game will prevail. The last type has a sub-category: you can come to this game as a favorite with everything to lose or you can come to such game as the underdog that has nothing to lose and no pressure.

For those of you who didn't wake up yet - for Tau the upcoming game is of the last type. The winner of game 3 will go on, the loser will focus on the domestic league and Tau are the clear favorites - they have everything to lose. For Partizan these are the best news in the world.

Tau became an elite force in European Basketball only in the 2000/01 when the ULEB's Euroleagure was established, so anything before that isn't considered in this 'study'. We'll take it season by season and if you're a Partizan fan, your smile will get bigger the longer you read. For the Red Star and Tau fans, it's better to stop here.

Season 2000/01
Twice this season Tau made it to game five and lost. First came the Euroleague finals against Kinder Bologna of Manu Ginobili and Ettore Messina. Tau was down 2-1 before game four in Vitoria but still managed to win 96-79 and force the deciding game in the Palamalagutti in Bologna. There they played the second type game - winner-takes-it-all with no pressure on their heads. Pressure or no pressure didn't bother Ginobili, and although Tau lost the title, they earned a lot of respect.

Later the season Tau played the ACB's semi-finals series against Real Madrid. Once again Tau was down 2-1 before hosting game 4, once again they won by a big margin, 95-74, and…once again lost game five on the road although they had nothing to lose.

Mid-term score: 0-2 in winner-takes-it-all games.

Season 2001/02
This was the best season of Tau in the ACB. They have won the title for the first time in the club's history, and it was a very convincing one. 3-1 against Pamesa and Barcelona in the first phases took Tau to the finals against Unicaja Malaga that held the home court advantage. Nevertheless Tau won the first two games and game three in Vitoria was of the first type - Tau could afford a loss, but… didn't let it slide. Without having big pressure on their shoulders they have won the finals a clean 3-0 sweep.

That was a very sweet candy to replace the bitter taste of the Euroleague campaign. Back then the winners of the Top16 groups made it directly to the Final Four. In the last game of the season Tau hosted Maccabi Tel Aviv. They could afford a five point loss and still make it, they were in big momentum after a road win in Moscow the week before and with the support of the home fans were ready to show the Suproleague champion what it feels like to face a Euroleague team. That was the first time this Tau had a winner-takes-it-all game with the pressure on them, and the result… Maccabi destroyed Tau with a 65-94 win, despite Nate Huffman played less than 10 minutes. It was only a 10 point Maccabi lead at half time, but in the third it turned into a nightmare.

Mid-term score: 0-3 in winner-takes-it-all, 0-1 when the pressure is on Tau's side in Fernando Buesa Arena.


Season 2002/03
After the big humiliation against Maccabi in this season Tau didn't go very far in the Euroleague, and didn't come close to win their Top16 group.

In the ACB history repeated. In a replica of last year's finals Tau and Unicaja met already in the quarter-finals. Once again Tau hosted game four down 2-1 and a must win game in order to survive, and once again they made it with an 88-78 win. Then came game 5 in Malaga. Tau were the champs, but couldn't be considered as favorites playing in a tough gym as Unicaja's. They lost 62-61 and Spain had a new champ.

Mid-term score: 0-4 in winner-takes-it-all, 0-1 when the pressure is on Tau's side in Fernando Buesa Arena.

Season 2003/04
Another minor Euroleague season finished with an 84-82 loss in Moscow in the fifth week of the Top16. The last game had no meaning and Tau was second after Duda's team.

In ACB Tau was ready to run for the title again, but once again saw their home court advantage dishonored by their opponent. Estudiantes faced Tau in the semi-finals and arrived to Vitoria for game five to see who's going to the finals. Tau, a bigger club and the hosts of the deciding game, were the favorites in this game, but couldn't handle the pressure. The students from Madrid won 84-97, another too-easy loss in front of their fans, and another disappointing season for Tau.

Mid-term score: 0-5 in winner-takes-it-all games, 0-2 when the pressure is on Tau's side in Fernando Buesa Arena.

Season 2004/05
For the first time in the club's history Tau made it to the Euroleague's final four. They did that with a 2-0 win over Benetton Treviso in the quarter-finals. Benetton held the home court advantage, but a huge game by Luis Scola allowed Tau to host game two with the luxury to lose and survive. They didn't lose, and next were two Final Four games without pressure. In the first they shocked CSKA in Moscow, and finally earned a win in a deciding game, while in the finals lost to Maccabi, 90-78.

Back in Spain it all seemed going in the right direction, and the curse to be lifted off Tau's head. They held the home court advantage in the finals against Real Madrid and after game three already held a 2-1 advantage. One more win would mean another title, but Tau lost game four and went back to Fernando Buesa to decide the series. What happened there went down in history books of ACB as one of the biggest, if not the biggest, come backs ever. Tau entered the last minute with a 68-61 lead but made every possible mistake in the book which allowed Alberto Herrors to sink a corner three pointer and complete an unbelievable comeback to a 69-70 Real win. After two big losses in a deciding game in Vitoria came just a one point loss, but perhaps this one was the most uncomfortable one.

Mid-term score: 1-7 in winner-takes-it-all games, 0-3 when the pressure is on Tau's side in Fernando Buesa Arena.


Tau in Winner-Takes-It-All Games

# Season Competition W/L Home team pts Road team pts
1 2000/01 Euroleague L Kinder 82 Tau 74
2 2000/01 ACB L Real 76 Tau 71
3 2001/02 Euroleague L Tau 65 Maccabi 94
4 2002/03 ACB L Unicaja 62 Tau 61
5 2003/04 ACB L Tau 84 Estudiantes 97
6 2004/05 Euroleague W CSKA 78 Tau 85
7 2004/05 Euroleague L Maccabi 90 Tau 78
8 2004/05 ACB L Tau 69 Real 70
9 2005/06 Euroleague W Pao 71 Tau 74
10 2005/06 Euroleague L Maccabi 85 Tau 70
11 2005/06 ACB L Tau 79 Barcelona 95
12 2006/07 Euroleague L Pao 67 Tau 53
13 2007/08 Spanish Cup L Tau 80 Joventut 82

* Home games in Italic


Season 2005/06
Another quarter-finals performance for Tau finished with one of the biggest wins in the club's history. They faced Panathinaikos without the home court advantage and after losing the first game, once again, used their home court to tie with the knife on their neck. In game three, back in Athens, nobody in Europe expected them to win. Not in front of crazy Greek fans. Nevertheless Pablo Prigioni showed how to stun and silent 17,000 people in one shot, and sent Tau to the Final Four in Prague. There they met back-to-back Euroleague champs - Maccabi Tel Aviv, which beat them in the finals of the previous season, and here once again 85-70.

Later the season in the ACB Tau didn't have any deciding game. They won the quarterfinals 3-1, the semifinals 3-0 before losing the finals 3-0 to Unicaja.

Mid-term score: 2-8 in winner-takes-it-all games, 0-3 when the pressure is on Tau's side in Fernando Buesa Arena..

Season 2006/07
After one year break the symptoms has returned. In the Euroleague we saw another 2-0 quarter-finals win, this time against Olympiacos with game two played in Greece. Then in the Final Four came another big loss, 67-53, in the semi-finals to Pao.

In ACB we heard the same tune again. In the semi-finals they faced Barcelona with the home court advantage. It came to game five in Basque land and, if you made it all the way here, then you know how it ended. Barcelona took over the game in the third quarter and easily won 79-95. Another deciding game lost at home in front of a packed arena and all the pressure on their shoulders.

Mid-tern score: 2-10 in winner-takes-it-all games, 0-4 when the pressure is on Tau's side in Fernando Buesa Arena.

Season 2007-08
If someone wants to say this season Tau has a new team, new post-Scola era and a new coach, well, it's all true, but the spirit is still there. The ACB play offs are still not here, and the Euroleague season, well…we'll know tonight, but this season Tau hosted the Spanish king cup - Copa del Rey.


Until this point Copa del Rey games weren't taking into account, and this would have been the case here as well, if it wasn't hosted in Vitoria and showed once again what's going on in this arena when Tau face a crucial game.

If you have compassion in your soul you can count Tau's wins over Unicaja and Bilbao in the quarters and semis as back-to-back wins in winner-takes-it-all games as favorites, but they didn't really win compassion in the previous years. When the big game was on the line, the finals game, the losing spirit of Tau came back. They faced Joventut and after taking a double-digit lead in the first half saw Rudy and Ricky beat them 82-80 and strip another big game from Tau's hands in their home arena.

Final score: 2-11 in winner-takes-it-all games, 0-5 when the pressure is on Tau's side in Fernando Buesa Arena.

Ok, some might argue where the best Palacinka in Beograd is, but when it comes to tonight's game it seem like there's no debate at all.

On paper Tau is the favorites and host the game, but history shows Partizan couldn't ask for a better situation. Since joining the Elite of Europe in the beginning of the 21st century Tau has NEVER won a game of this type at home.

They lost five times - three of these losses were by a big margin, the one against Real is the biggest nightmare of Tau's fans and only the last one was a reasonable acceptable loss.

In total their record in games where both teams can qualify is 2-11 and those two wins were the ones in which Tau were the biggest underdogs of all 13 games. They lost three games by 1-3 points but double than that were by double-digit margins.

Partizan will step on court with nothing to lose, but they certainly don't want to become the first team in history to lose a big game in Vitoria.

Myself, I'm a history person, and until Tau proves else I go with Partizan tonight. If you doubt me, let's make it a bet - winner gets to pick the best Italian ice cream.



*****************************************************
FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: Honka and Kouvot captured home court advantage -by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Semi-finals, Game 1: The semi-finals got started tonight with two victories on the road. As Honka (Espoo) won over YMCA LPR at Lappeenranta
(67-92) and Kouvot (Kouvola) over Torpan Pojat in Helsinki (74-83), it means, that both Honka and Kouvot captured at once the home court advantage for
themselves. YMCA LPR was missing four starters (flu) and having only seven players on the roster. Honka got the victory for almost free. In Helsinki Kouvot,
the best defensive team in the league, was leading by 18 pts during the half time. ToPo made it a five-point-game at the end (74-79), but Kouvot won anyway
by nine. The next games (Game 2) on Friday, April 11.

YMCA Lappeenranta - Honka 67-92 (30-47) (Ivan Harris (201-F-84, college: Ohio St.) 22, Jouko Jarvinen 17, Aki Ulander 12 - Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) 25/9a, Jukka Matinen 18, Ben Perkins 14).

Torpan Pojat - Kouvot 74-83 (27-45) (Josh Gonner (188-G-82, agency: Profibasketball.de, college: S.Carolina) 20, Takais Brown 13, Elias Kajander 11 -

Wayne Bernard (190-G-81, college: Davidson) 21, Corey Smith 18, Peter Cipriano 16).



*****************************************************
FRANCE

Jimmal Ball: "We've got a lot of confidence" -by Maxime Weber

Jimmal, after your road win on Saturday against Orleans, Vichy is now a very serious candidate for the playoffs. What are your expectations for the rest of the season?

Jimmal Ball: The season is not over yet. We are focused on one game at a time, and we are not looking past anyone. We want to be the first team in French basketball history to participate in the playoffs 1 year after playing in the 2nd division. Whether at home or on the road, we go into every game expecting to win. We have some of the best fans in the league. They follow us and support us everywhere. With our fans behind us, we will try to go as far as we possibly can.


In its first season coming back from ProB, Vichy is enjoying a surprisingly strong season. Did you and your teammates expect this kind of success going into this season?

You have to realize Vichy did not reach this success with a bunch of unknown players. Our roster consists of many players who have played in France before and know the league and the competition very well. We have a group of players who complement each other very well, and a coaching staff who use the talents of the players effectively. We can say maybe some in the French basketball world underestimated the true value of these players.


You have previous experience in ProA with Roanne and Cholet, but we can say you have reached the peak of your career with Vichy this season. What do you say explains your success this season?

I am happy that I am having a good season, but I would not say I have reached a peak. Roanne and Cholet were also successful experiences for me, and I feel like I can continue to help my teams at the highest levels of basketball.


This season you have made big plays in the most critical points in many games, and have been decisive at the end of many games. To what do you attribute your level of confidence?

The coach and my teammates have a lot of confidence in me, and this has given me the freedom to make the plays my team needs in critical moments. I feel like I can make the plays when we need them. Of course our opponents have also discovered this, and the defenses focus on me during these times. I am simply focused on winning games, and if I can make plays for myself or my teammates to bring us a win, I am happy.


It is likely that your success this season will bring you many offers from other top leagues in Europe. Can we expect to see you back in France next season?

It is too early to know what will happen next season. I like France and Vichy very much. I am still waiting for my French passport. However, my agent and I will evaluate all the options before making a decision.


How far do you think Vichy can go this season?

I don't know. All I can say is we do not distinguish between easy or difficult opponents. For us the playoffs start NOW. We go into every game to win. We may not be favorites to win every game, but we are also not an easy team to beat. I am also curious to see how far we can go this season. I guess we will see in a couple months.

Jimmal Ball's stats after 26 games: 15ppg, 4rpg, 3apg, 30mpg




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

2. Bundesliga Pro A: Highlights of gameday 28 -by Moritz Korff
Play of the Day: David Berghoefer (208-C-83, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Carolina) - Duesseldorf: 14 pts, 7/12 FG, 16 rbs, 3 as, 1 bs
Points: Jermain Raffington (205-F/C-85, college: Southeastern CC) - Chemnitz: 29
Rebounds: Monta McGhee (202-F-79, agency: AMI, college: Lewis) - Cuxhaven: 16
Assists: Jeremy Hunt (196-G-83, agency: CAA Sports, college: Memphis) - Kaiserslautern: 8
Steals: Roderick Middleton (191-G/F-82, college: Buffalo) - MBC: 5
Blocked Shots: Thomas Fairley (206-F/C-82, college: Lamar) - Chemnitz: 4

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

All fans of the 2. Bundesliga can now vote for the Coach, Player and Youngster of The Year on the website of the league (the nominated coaches and players have been chosen in a pre-election by fans, coaches and the team captains) :
Pro A: click
Pro B: click

Regionalliga News -by Moritz Korff
The Elephants Grevenbroich (Regionalliga West) have extended the contracts of Timo Verwimp (202-F-81, college: Catawba) and Matthias Wojdyla (199-F-80) for the 2008-2009 season. The two veterans were key players on the Elephants' run to the third place in the RLW. Also Chris Wooldridge (198-F, college: Catawba), who came to Grevenbroich during the season, decided to take one more year with the team.

Phillip Kappenstein, the new coach of BSV Wulfen (Regionalliga West), has begun to build his roster for the 2008-2009 season: Daniel Stagneth (203-C-78), Philipp Lensing (210-C-80), Karsten Heidermann (199-C-88) and Jan Letailleur (195-F-87) will suit up for Wulfen, while Sebastian Kleina (201-C-79) decided to step back for family reasons. Meanwhile, Forward Robert Franklin (195-F-81, college: N.Mexico Highlands) has been voted the teams' Player of the Year by the BSV-fans.

Only shortly after Headcoach Torsten Schierenbeck made an agreement with SSV Lok Bernau (Regionalliga North) for the next three years, also two veterans announced their decision to stay for the 2008-2009 campaign: 30-year-old Konstantin Mau (192-G-78) will go into his fourth season in Bernau, the team's leading scorer Sebastian Trzcionka (197-F-79) who is posting close to 20 points per outing this year is going to remain on the Lok-squad as well. Forward Felix Schekauski (198-G/F-87) had agreed to an extension for 08-09 already some days ago.

*****************************************************
GUATEMALA

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


Sat-Cybertech wins again, dismissing Universidad Rafael Landivar -by Victor Padilla
In their road of preparation for what will be a tough Torneo de Apertura - where at least 3 teams are counted as favorites to win it all (Leones, Elite and SAT)- , the current Guatemalan representative in the Central American region, Sat-Cybertech, defeated Universidad Rafael Landivar (URL) with a final score of 84 - 35, limiting the college players to what is possibly the lowest offensive production of a team in this tournament. Victor Padilla 18, Ricardo Amaya 17 pts and Enrique Samayoa 13 led the cause for the winners. And Melchor contested with 11 points at the losing side. The computerized team will see no more action in the coming two weeks, as they will concentrate in preparing for the final matches that await them at Liga Centroamericana de Clubes 2008, where they have gained a spot in the Final Four event scheduled for April 17-20.

Liga Metro updatings -by Gianni Pascucci
Elite Sport Pollo Rey took another win in Liga Metropolitana de Baloncesto-Torneo Apertura 2008, largely defeating La Mans 85-52. Luis Garcia (198-F) led Elite Sport with 21 points, Juan Jose Rosales (181-G-82) added 17 pts and Hector Vandenveire (-G/F) 14 (3/4 in 3 pointers). The best in Le Mans were Javier Ouer and Juan Bollat, who ended the game with 14 points each.
with the help of Walter Corado

*****************************************************
HAITI

Dalembert averages a double-double in NBA -by Eurobasket News
Samuel Dalembert (211-C-81, college: Seton Hall) and his Philadelphia 76ers clinched the playoff appearance beating the Atlanta Hawks 109:104 yesterday. It is going to be the first post-season journey for the 76ers in three years. Andre Iguodala scored 30 points and dished out 10 assists, while Andre Miller came up with 23 to pace the 76ers. Philadelphia also halted a 5-game winning streak for the Hawks. Atlanta nevertheless has a tight grip on the final eighth playoff spot in the East. Joe Johnson topscored for the Hawks with 32 points. Atlanta remained 3 games ahead of the Indiana Pacers. Samuel Dalembert nailed 2 points and made 10 rebounds. In another game against Atlanta he poured in 15 points and made 10 rebounds.
His prevoius team mate Allen Iverson stepped back on the court of the Wachovia Centre for the first time since he left the place in December 2006. Allen Iverson was impressive with game-high 32 points but it did not help his playoff-chasing Denver to upset the striking 76ers. Samuel Dalembert drained a layup with 32 seconds remaining in regulation to put the hosts up for good. Allen Iverson had a chance to tie the game but missed his final shot and Marcus Camby failed to add one after an offensive rebound. Andre Miller scored 28 points to lead the 76ers to 34-34 record in the ladder. The Nuggets meanwhile suffered the 28th loss in the season and still just eying the 8th spot in the West. Allen Iverson got a long standing ovation when introduced. Andre Iguodala notched 21 points for the winners. Samuel Dalembert averages a double-double in NBA having 10. 6 points per game and 10.3 rebounds.

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

FEB Results: Both MyGuide Amsterdam, West-Brabant Giants Win -by Sanders Jackson


Tuesday night in FEB action, the top two ranked teams in the FEB competition, MyGuide Amsterdam and West-Brabant Giants took care of business, with MyGuide winning on the road over Aris Friesland by the score of 77-66, and West-Brabant Giants spanking ZZ Leiden 94-77. West-Brabant Giants put themselves in a great position to clinch the 2nd place position, provided that Eiffel Towers do not win their last four games of the regular season, including the last regular season game,

with West-Brabant not affording to lose to Eiffel in their last regular season matchup versus one another. MyGuide already has assured themselves of homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs.



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

Rishon cut Mendez -by Yarone Arbel
Rishon Lezion decided to cut Juan Mendez despite the team's situation in the standings. Rishon is ranked last, two wins behind the 9th place which secures another season in the Super League. With only seven more games to play in the regular season it doesn't seem like Rishon has a big chance to survive. Nevertheless, the club decided to cut Mendez who averaged so far in the season 16.7 ppg (ranked 3rd) and 5.1 rpb. A couple of weeks ago the team suspected Mendez went out to a club on the same day he skipped practice for illness. The club considered cutting Mendez but eventually decided to keep him, perhaps because other clubs in the Israeli league were waiting for Mendez to be cut so they could quickly sign him. Eventually Rishon signed lately another inside player - Omar Sneed and now that the signing deadline has passed and Mendez can't join any rival of Rishon, the team decided to cut him.

Rishon cut Mendez -by Yarone Arbel
Rishon Lezion decided to cut Juan Mendez (202-F-81, college: Niagara) despite the team's situation in the standings. Rishon is ranked last, two wins behind the 9th place which secures another season in the Super League. With only seven more games to play in the regular season it doesn't seem like Rishon has a big chance to survive. Nevertheless, the club decided to cut Mendez who averaged so far in the season 16.7 ppg (ranked 3rd) and 5.1 rpb. A couple of weeks ago the team suspected Mendez went out to a club on the same day he skipped practice for illness. The club considered cutting Mendez but eventually kepthim, perhaps because other clubs in the Israeli league were waiting for Mendez to be cut so they could quickly sign him. Eventually Rishon signed another inside player - Omar Sneed (203-F/C-76, college: Memphis) and now - when the signing deadline has passed and Mendez can't join any rival of Rishon, the team decided to cut him.

Rishon cut Mendez -by Yarone Arbel
Rishon Lezion decided to cut Juan Mendez despite the team's situation in the standings. Rishon is ranked last, two wins behind the 9th place which secures another season in the Super League. With only seven more games to play in the regular season it doesn't seem like Rishon has a big chance to survive. Nevertheless, the club decided to cut Mendez who averaged so far in the season 16.7 ppg (ranked 3rd) and 5.1 rpb. A couple of weeks ago the team suspected Mendez went out to a club on the same day he skipped practice for illness. The club considered cutting Mendez but eventually decided to keep him, perhaps because other clubs in the Israeli league were waiting for Mendez to be cut so they could quickly sign him. Eventually Rishon signed lately another inside player - Omar Sneed and now that the signing deadline has passed and Mendez can't join any rival of Rishon, the team decided to cut him.

Rishon cut Mendez -by Yarone Arbel


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

FINALS OF THE KOSOVA CUP TOURNAMENT IN PRISHTINA -by Alban Salihu
The Board of Basketball Federation of Kosova in the meeting held on April 8th 2008 took these decisions: D E C I S I O N S The Regulation for National Teams of Kosova is approved. The finals of Kosova Cup tournament in basketball will take place in Prishtina from April 18 till April 20th 2008.

The organization of the Kosova Cup will be done by BC' Sigal Prishtina' General Secretary of BFK, Isuf Lumi is obliged according to the annunciation made, to sign the contract with BC' Sigal Prishtina' for organizing Kosova Cup tournament. The Summer Basketball Camp for young categories will be organized from June 22nd till June 29th 2008 in Bresovica. The Assembly of Basketball Federation of Kosova will take place by the end of May or in the beginning of June. The president of BFK Erolld Belegu


source:basketbolli.com

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

LBL standings
LBL Standings
Division I
1. Valmiera 13-9
2. BK Ventsp. 12-2
3. VEF Riga 12-9
4. Barons/LMT 11-2
5. ASK Riga 10-3
6. Liep.Lauvas 10-11
7. Bum./ASK 3-19
8. Keizarmezs 2-18
Division II
1. Zemgale 27-5
2. Ventspils au. 25-7
3. RNS-D/Livani 20-12
4. ASK/Juniors 20-12
5. Jurmala 14-18
6. LU/Ridzene 13-19
7. Roja 12-20
8. Saldus 7-25
9. Cesis/Remarks 6-26


*****************************************************
LIBERIA

LBF fight continues -by Numennie Williams
The fight for the 2007-08 chases for the Liberia Basketball Federation national championship continues last weekend with some shocking results. On Friday April 4, Flames went down to Uhuru Kings 45-64 in the first division while Wildcats fell to Cardinal 78-79 points in a tense encountert in the second division and in another second division battle, Sacbase whipped Cestor Mogars 59-55 points. On Saturday Dream Team bowed to NPA Pythons 59-73 points in the first division while Phoenix knocked Survivors 54-40 points in the female division. On Sunday one time champion Mighty Barrolle fell to former champion LPRC Oilers 62-82 points in the first division.

LBF fight continues -by Numennie Williams
The fight for the 2007-08 chases for the Liberia Basketball Federation national championship continues last weekend with some shocking results. On Friday April 4, Flames went down to Uhuru Kings 45-64 in the first division while Wildcats fell to Cardinal 78-79 points in a tense encountert in the second division and in another second division battle, Sacbase whipped Cestor Mogars 59-55 points. On Saturday Dream Team bowed to NPA Pythons 59-73 points in the first division while Phoenix knocked Survivors 54-40 points in the female division. On Sunday one time champion Mighty Barrolle fell to former champion LPRC Oilers 62-82 points in the first division.

*****************************************************
LITHUANIA

Kleiza is struggling for a play-off position -by Eurobasket News
The Denver Nuggets' playoff hunt received a setback when talented rookies from Seattle doomed the Nuggets at the Key Arena. Kevin Durant scored career-best 37 points, while Jeff Green added his best 35 points to carry the Supersonics past shocked Denver 151:147 in two overtimes. The win never seemed likely as the Nuggets beat Seattle by an average of 37 points on three previous occasions. But this time it was Seattle dominating. They entered the final frame up by 4 points but the Nuggets soon denied the deficit. Lithuanian Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Missouri) poured in a trey and the visitors were ahead by 3 with just over a minute remaining. However Kevin Durant answered with a three-pointer of his own and forced the first overtime. Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony secured a 135:130 advantage for the Nuggets late in the first extra period. Seattle once again recovered. Kevin Durant scored 5 points in a row and sent teams into the second overtime. Jeff Green came up with 5 quick points for the hosts in the second overtime and Seattle grabbed a decisive lead. Luke Ridnour posted 19 points and 8 assists for the winning side. Carmelo Anthony had 38 points and 11 boards for Denver. Allen Iverson accounted for 26 points and 13 assists, while Kenyon Martin had 22 points in defeat. Denver are now tied with the Warriors at the 8th spot in the West. Linas Kleiza produced 17 points and 2 assists. The Nuggets now play three more games away from home including a mouth-watering clash against Golden State on Thursday.
Before that Denver Nuggets lost to Sacramento 115:118 as Linas Kleiza nailed 28 points.
In April 2 Denver did not wait for too long to take a revenge for a loss to Phoenix. The teams moved to the Pepsi Center yesterday and the hosts rolled to a crucial 126:120 victory to leapfrog the Golden State Warriors back into playoff territory. The teams were close in the dying minutes but Denver capitalized on the visitors' misses. First Steve Nash missed a jumper and Carmelo Anthony grabbed a rebound and sank two free throws being fouled. Then Leandrinho Barbosa also missed a potentially tying three-pointer and Carmelo Anthony once again secured a defensive rebound to be put to the stripe later on and to convert two more free throws that put the hosts away for good. Allen Iverson scored 31 points to lead the Nuggets. Carmelo Anthony had 25 points and 8 boards for the winners. Leandrinho Barbosa secured 27 points for the Suns in defeat. Linas Kleiza posted 8 points and made 1 rebound. Denver now appeared half-game ahead of the Warriors.

Standings - LKL
LKL Standings
1. Lietuvos 17-1
2. Zalgiris 16-2
3. Siauliai 12-6
4. Alita 11-7
5. Neptunas 7-11
6. Nevezis 7-11
7. Sakalai 6-12
8. Atletas 5-13
9. Panevezys 5-13
10. Suduva 4-14


*****************************************************
LUXEMBOURG

Standings - DBBL
DBBL Standings
Title Group
1. Sparta 19-7
2. Etzella 19-7
3. Musel Pikes 16-10
4. Amicale 14-12
5. Contern 10-15
6. Residence 10-15
Relegation Group
1. T71 13-11
2. Black Star 10-14
3. Soleuvre 10-14
4. BBC Nitia 4-20


*****************************************************
MEXICO

Romel Beck Now Playing for Pierrel in Italy's Serie A -by Justin Brink

by ALBERT ASKER:

Mexican National Team member Romel Beck (203-G/F-82, agency: Interperformances, college: UNLV) has recently terminated his contract with Pallacanestro (Cimberio) Varese and is now currently playing for Pierrel Capo d'Orlando of the Italian League. Pallacanestro (Cimberio) Varese is currently at the bottom of the standings, 18th place, in Serie A which is Italy's top basketball league. Romel Beck's new club, Pierrel Capo d'Orlando, is currently in 5th place in Serie A. Romel Beck was averaging 20.3 points a game for Pallacanestro (Cimberio) Varese while shooting an eye-popping 70.9% from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 81.5% from the charity stripe. Comment on Beck's hoops prowess here. Is the best Mexican player not in the NBA?



Mexican Nationals Finish NCAA Post Season -by Justin Brink
by ALBERT ASKER
Now that the NCAA tournament is over we can finally recap the post-seasons for the three Mexican nationals playing Division I basketball. Freshman center Oliver Caballero (206-C) helped San Jose State University to a 64-62 victory over Louisiana Tech in the play-in of the Western Athletic Conference Tournament. Unfortunately, San Jose State lost their next game to WAC regular season Co-Champions Utah State 85-65. Oliver Caballero scored 4 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in the loss. San Jose State University finishes the season with a 4-12 record in the WAC and a 13-19 record overall. Oliver Caballero finishes the season averaging 2.1 points per game and 1.4 rebounds per game. Senior Forward Hector Hernandez (206-F-86) scored 9 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and blocked 1 shot in Fresno State University's WAC Tournament 1st round loss to WAC regular season Co-Champions Nevada. The final score was Nevada 64, Fresno State 57.

Fresno State University finishes the season with a 5-11 record in the WAC and a 13-19 record overall. Hector Hernandez finishes the season averaging 9.7 points per game and a team-leading 7.3 rebounds a game. Boise State University won the WAC Tournament Championship. Senior center Lorenzo Mata (203-C-86) helped lead UCLA to the PAC-10 Tournament Championship. Mata-Real scored 8 points, pulled down 3 rebounds, and blocked 4 shots in the Bruins' 1st round win over California. Next, UCLA knocked off USC. Then Mata-Real scored 1 point, grabbed 3 rebounds, and had 1 steal against Stanford to win the PAC-10 Tournament Championship. With their PAC-10 Championship wrapped up the UCLA Bruins received the number 1 seed in the West Regional of the NCAA Tournament.

In the NCAA Tournament, Mata-Real had 9 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots in a 1st round win over Mississippi Valley State University which UCLA won 70-29. Mata-Real scored 2 points in UCLA's win over Texas A&M. Then UCLA went on to beat Western Kentucky and finally Xavier to win the West Regional Championship and move on to the Final Four. Unfortunately, UCLA lost their next game against Memphis. UCLA finishes the season with a 16-2 record in the PAC-10 and a 35-4 record overall. Lorenzo Mata, who started at center last season for the Bruins, finishes the season averaging 3.1 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game, and 1.1 blocks per game. Click here to react to Albert Asker's article on Mexican Nationals in the NCAA.

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NBA

Standings
NBA Standings
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C. 62-16
2. Philadelphia 40-38
3. Toronto R. 39-39
4. New Jersey N. 32-46
5. New York K. 23-56
Central Div.
1. Detroit P. 55-23
2. Cleveland C. 43-35
3. Indiana P. 34-44
4. Chicago B. 30-48
5. Milwaukee B. 26-52
Southeast Div.
1. Orlando M. 49-29
2. Washington W. 41-37
3. Atlanta H. 36-42
4. Charlotte B. 30-49
5. Miami H. 14-64
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Utah J. 52-26
2. Denver N. 47-31
3. Portland T.B. 39-39
4. Minnesota T. 19-59
5. Seattle S. 18-61
Pacific Div.
1. Los Angeles L. 53-25
2. Phoenix S. 53-26
3. Golden St. 47-31
4. Sacramento K. 36-42
5. Los Angeles C. 23-55
Southwest Div.
1. N.Orleans H. 55-23
2. Houston R. 53-25
3. San Antonio S. 53-25
4. Dallas M. 49-29
5. Memphis G. 21-57


Phoenix routs San Antonio in Texas -by Eurobasket News
Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) led 6 Phoenix players in double figures en route to an impressive 96:79 road win over San Antonio. Shaquille O'Neal came back after a hip contusion and provided 16 points and collected 9 boards for the winners. He accounted for 8 points in the crucial fourth frame when the Suns outgunned the hosts 24:11 to celebrate the second straight victory. The Spurs looked convincing in the opening stanza and built a 24:16 lead. But the visitors adjusted their shooting after the intermission and evened things at halftime. The Suns started to get away after the long break. Steve Nash and Shaquille O'Neal ignited a 13:0 run early in the fourth frame and Phoenix never looked back again. Leandrinho Barbosa finished with 14 points, while Steve Nash had 12 points and 10 assists in a win. Tim Duncan (6'10''-F-76, college: Wake Forest) notched 23 points and 10 boards for the Spurs. Tony Parker (6'0''-G-80) added 20 points as San Antonio secured the second spot in the West despite the defeat.
The New Orleans Hornets remained at the top of the Western conference standings with a 122:90 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Trailing by 2 points after the starting stanza the Hornets struck back soon to come out on top. Chris Paul (6'0''-G-85, college: Wake Forest) returned to usual ways after a slow game against Utah tallying 19 points and 16 assists. Predrag Stojakovic drained 24 points and David West contributed 22 for the winners. Rashad McCants (6'4''-G/F-84, college: N.Carolina) had 23 points for the Timberwolves who lost their 6th in a row. Randy Foye (6'3''-G-83, college: Villanova) managed 20 points in defeat.
Gilbert Arenas (6'3''-G-82, college: Arizona) came off the bench to nail 13 points as Washington rallied past Boston 109:95 at the Verizon Center. The Wizards completed a series sweep of the Celtics in the season and also snapped Boston 7-game winning streak. Antawn Jamison (6'9''-F-76, college: N.Carolina) produced 27 points and 11 boards to pace the hosts. Caron Butler (6'7''-F-80, college: Connecticut) notched 13 points, 10 assists and 7 boards as Washington registered their 41st win of the season.

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NCAA2

Final GNAC Scoring Leaders -by Sanjey Noriega

1.Jake Linton (5'10''-G)-SMU........19.0
2.Ira Graham (6'1''-G)-WWU........18.5
3.Carl Arts (6'6''-F-85)-UAA..........18.5
4.McCade Olsen (6'8''-F-84)-UAA..15.4
5.Jake Beitinger (6'8''-F)-CWU......14.8
6.Rob Will-SPU............. 14.6
7.Marques Echols (6'2''-G)-SPU....14.4
8.Bill Richardson (6'7''-F/C)-SMU...14.3
9.Matt Penoncello (6'5''-G)-CWU....14.1

10.Travis Kuhns (6'8''-F)-WOU......13.9



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NORWAY

BLNO Stats Leaders
BLNO Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. O.Trobe, Tornad. 24.9
2. E.Garrow, Centr. 21.2
3. T.Aliferis, Persbr. 20.7
4. T.Samuels., Var. 19.5
5. O.Ofte, NTNUI 18.6
Rebounds Per Game
1. T.Fisher, Centru. 13.9
2. B.Madsen, OSI 12.4
3. T.Samuelsen, Var. 8.7
4. K.Hansen, Var. 8.2
5. R.Paulsen, Stava. 8.1
Assists Per Game
1. T.Randolph, Lang. 5,4
2. E.OGarrow, Centr. 4,9
3. B.Aunan, Persb. 4,4
4. T.Trobe, Tornad. 4,4
5. B.Madsen, OSI 3,9
Steals Per Game
1. E.OGarrow, Cent. 3.5
2. T.Randolph, Lang. 3.5
3. A.Simkunas, Cent. 3.3
2FGP
1. D.Kroder, Lang. 64.2
2. G.Troni, Lang. 63.9
3. T.Fisher, Centr. 63.8
3FGP
1. G.Ronning, OSI 45.8
2. J.Hauge, NTNUI 43.5
3. E.Mamen, Lang. 43.3
Free Throws
1. H.Gulliksen, Fro. 88.9
2. T.Randol., Lang. 85.5
3. B.Aunan, Persb. 82.0


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POLAND

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


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PUERTO RICO

Standings - BSN
BSN Standings
Island
1. Arecibo 13-6
2. Ponce 10-9
3. Caguas 9-9
4. San German 7-11
5. Guayama 6-12
6. Mayaguez 4-14
Metro
1. Carolina 12-6
2. Santurce 11-8
3. Guaynabo 10-8
4. Fajardo 10-8
5. Humacao 9-9
6. Bayamon 9-10


Santurce losses Third Consecutive Game -by Luis Ramirez
The Humacao Grays came from behind to beat the Santurce Crabbers 95-33. It was a dramatic win for the Grays which lost the 1st quarter 33-14. They were also behind at the end of the 1st quarter 50-35. Things didn't go their way either in the 3rd quarter as Santurce was still leading at the end of the 3rd, 75-56. But it seems that the Grays had reserved their offense for the 4th quarter as they came out firing on all cylinders they took the lead with 87-86 with only 1:36 to go in the game. The Crabbers did manage to tie the game at 90 points but the Grays produced a 3 pointer with 27 seconds to go in the game to take the lead for good 93-90. Santurce's Robert Traylor was fouled and had the opportunity to tie the game but he missed both free throws to end the Crabbers hopes. For Humacao, Ansel Guzman (175-G-84, agency: Next Level) scored 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds followed by Roberto Nieves with 21 points. For Santurce, Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Edge Sports, college: USC) playing with a fractured nose scored 19 points followed by Robert Traylor with 18 points.

BSN Boxscores -by Alessandro Fontana
Humacao won an important game against Cangrejeros de Santruce, with this victory Humacao has now a 9-9 record. Santurce is the best team of the 'Metro Division' with a 11-8 record, because Los Gigantes de Carolina have a 12-6 record and they are now 'El equipo'.
MVP of the game was Ansel Guzman with 27 points (7/10 2pts, 1/5 3pts, 10/13 FT) + 10 rebounds, 6 assts and 3 steals, a 'partidazo'. Santurce depended too much on Larry Ayuso who played a good game with 19 points but it was not enough. Santurce played without Raymond Dalmau.
BSN BOXSCORES
HUMACAO-SANTURCE= 95-93
H= Guzman 27, Nieves 21, Sanchez 20, Orozco 11, Jackson 7, Wingate 4, Ayala 2, Vazquez 2, J. Nieves 1, R. Sanchez 0, Morales 0
S= Ayuso 19, Traylor 18, Falcon 13, Dalmau 12, Rivas 12, O. Santiago 9, Melendez 4, Santiago 3, Watson 2, Narvaez 1, Berdiel 0
A. Fontana

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ROMANIA

Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Awards 2007-08 -by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Williams


Voinescu


Smith


Seals


Krstanovic
Player of the Year - Demetrius Williams (206-F-81) (Dinamo Bucuresti)
Guard of the Year - Mircea Adrian Voinescu (184-G-72) (Rapid Bucuresti)
Forward of the Year - Jason Smith (197-F-77) (CSU Sibiu)
Center of the Year - Demetrius Williams (Dinamo Bucuresti)
Newcomer of the Year - Florin Muntean (185-G-88) (Gaz Metan Medias)
Most Improved Player of the Year - Mihai Silvasan (200-F-85) (U Mobitelco)
Bosman Player of the Year - Zoran Krstanovic (205-C-82) (U Mobitelco)
Import Player of the Year - Demetrius Williams (Dinamo Bucharest)
Domestic Player of the Year - Mircea Adrian Voinescu
Defensive Player of the Year - Levente Szijarto (192-G/F-83) (Ploiesti)
Coach of the Year - Peter Schomers (Sibiu)

1st Team
Mircea Adrian Voinescu (Rapid)
LeVar Seals (194-G-82) (Cluj)
Jason Smith (Sibiu)
Zoran Krstanovic (Cluj)
Demetrius Williams (Dinamo)

2nd Team
William Hatcher (188-G-84) (Sibiu)
Reggie Elliott (196-G-73) (Ploiesti)
Bryan McCullough (198-G/F-83) (Mures)
Zoran Milovic (204-C/F-77) (Rapid)
Brad Buckman (203-F-84) (Cluj)

All-Domestic Players Team
Mircea Adrian Voinescu (Rapid Bucuresti)
Tudor Dumitrescu (195-G-79) (Medias)
Bogdan Popescu (201-F-78) (Rapid)
Teodor Jucan (198-F-83) (Medias)
Eugen Ilie (200-F/C-76) (Otopeni)

All-Imports Team
William Hatcher (Sibiu)
LeVar Seals (Cluj)
Jason Smith (Sibiu)
Louis Truscott (198-F-78) (Mures)
Demetrius Williams (Dinamo)

All-Bosmans Team
Milan Medvedj (183-G-79) (Cluj)
Enes Hadjibulic (196-G-83) (Dinamo)
Ivan Stefanovic (201-G/F-80) (Rapid)
Zoran Milovic (Rapid)
Zeljko Bubanja (210-C-73) (Medias)

All-Defensive Team
Claudiu Fometescu (188-G-73) (Dinamo)
LeVar Seals (U Mobitelco)
De'Angelo Alexander (198-G-84) (Ploiesti)
Virgil Carutasu (204-C-76) (Ploiesti)
Rob Thomson (208-C-82) (Medias)

All-Newcomers Team
Florin Muntean (Medias)
Vlad Pora (193-G-84) (Mures)
Andrei Beatu (-G-84) (Rapid)
Vadim Macaveiu (199-G-88) (Dinamo)
Cristian Jakab (207-C-81) (Mures)

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SERBIA

TAU Ceramica books ticket to Madrid -by Dragan Jankovski

Tau Ceramica - Partizan Igokea 85:68

Spanish Tau Ceramica deserved a place in Euroleague Final Four in the decisive game over Partizan Igokea. Tau were too good in the second half and led to 85:68 advantage to make the score 2-1 in the series. Pete Mickeal (198-F-78, college: Cincinnati) paced the winners with 19 points. Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) collected 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) nailed 15. Uros Tripkovic (197-G-86) finished the night with 16 points for Serbian squad.Tau will face CSKA Moscow in the semifinal game next month in Madrid.

After a loss in the second game in Serbia Tau still had a home court advantage and better chances to advance. Partizan did not take it too serious and won the opening tip 7:14. A pair of free throws by Pekovic closed the first quarter with Partizan leading 16:19.
It was the last lead for the guests as TAU grabbed the way to control the game Vranes made it 23:19. Pablo Prigioni (186-G-77) and Tiago Splitter increased to 38:29 entering the last minute of the first half. Milt Palacio was the last to score in the second quarter making the margin at 38:32.
In the third quarter Partizan stayed tough and trailed 5-7 points. Before the last 10 minutes of the game the guests were behind, 60:53. To make the things better in the game Pete Mickeal brings the hosts for 65:56. Pablo Prigioni sank 2 free throws for a 72:57 advantage and the game was over at that time. The guests came within 79:66 but they could not take Tau's spot in the Final Four. Spanish squad led the game to 85:68 and advanced with 2-1 in the series.


Tau Ceramica: Pete Mickeal 19 points, Tiago Splitter 18 points and 9 rebounds, Igor Rakocevic 15, Mirza Teletovic (205-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) 10
Partizan Igokea: Uros Tripkovic 16 points, Milenko Tepic (198-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) 14, Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) 14.



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SLOVENIA

Mali will miss rest of the season -by Zeljko Zule
Grega Mali (197-G-84, agency: Interperformances) of Zlatorog will miss reminder of the season after suffering a knee injury and will be sidelined at least three month. He averaging 26,5 minutes, 12,6 points (2P 49-89, 3P 39-95, FT 55-62) 3,7 rebounds, 1,7 assists, 1,2 steals and 1,5 turnovers in 23 games of A-1 League UPC Telemach. .

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SWEDEN

Solna takes the last semi final spot -by Frankie Afzelius
Solna Vikings clinched the last Semi Final spot by beating Oresundskraft in the fifth and deciding quarter final. It has been a exciting series with both teams stealing their first wins on the opponents home courts. The game started slow and the players from both teams looked nervous. For the first three quarters the teams exchanged baskets and going on small runs but none of them taking an extensive lead. With a three by Rudy Mbemba (181-G-87) before the buzzer the score was 36-37 at half. The second half started in the same way as the first half. Both teams exchanging baskets. It wasnt until Bilal Salaam (201-F-81, college: Kutztown) started showing why he is a force inside on the defensive side. Grabbing all rebounds and blocking shots left and right. Along with Brandon McKnight (188-G-83, college: Purdue) defense and Martin Pahlmblad (190-G-86) outside shooting, Solna started to take control of the game. For the away team Herman Favors (173-G-84, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Georgia St.) and Jens Ståhlhandske kept the team in the game. Scoring in bunches and Favors finding Johan Akesson (209-C-84) inside for easy baskets. In the fourth quarter Bilal Salaam kept cleaning the glass, creating problems for the away team to get easy baskets and allowed for Solna to keep the lead and win the series.
Now Solna Vikings will host the defending champions Plannja Basket on Thursday the 10th. In the other Semi Final, Sundsvall Dragons will host Sodertalje Kings.

Solna Vikings: Brandon McKnight 18/6reb/9ass, Martin Pahlmblad 18, Bilal Salaam 15/11reb/5blk, Rudy Mbemba 13/ 7reb/6ass, Lesli Myrthil 13/7reb, Peter Bogner 3
Oresundskraft: Herman Favors 19/9reb/7ass/5stl, Johan Stahlhandske 19, Johan akesson 13, Tomas Cerkunovas 12/14reb, Srdjan Vukovic 7, Anders Ronndahl 5

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SWITZERLAND

Marcus Sloan Interview -by Alexander Davis
Marcus Sloan (205-F-82, agency: Octagon, college: TCU) joined the Swiss Champion Benetton Fribourg Olympic this season and the versatile forward has enjoyed a lot of success with his new team. They currently are ahead 2-0 in their quarterfinal playoff series against the Geneva Devils. He also blogs on a couple of websites about his experiences this year with Fribourg. We got an interview with one of the best players in the Swiss league, who talks about his transition to playing with one of the up and coming teams in Europe.

1. Fribourg won all 3 championships last year, did you feel a little pressure earlier in the year to win the other 2 championships, especially when Birstal beat you guys in the Swiss cup?

'Yeah, I mean I wouldn't call it pressure, but I felt like we had to win the next 2 championships. You never want to come to a team that won everything and not repeat as champions, because people will look at you like, well he must be one of the reasons they didn't win.'


2. Last year in Germany you were considered one of the better players in all of Germany, and you averaged 20 and 10 last year. This year you're averaging around 13 points and 7 or 8 boards, what's the difference?


'I think the difference is I'm on a better team, and a more balanced team. I don't have try to go out and score 20 a game anymore, I just got out and try to play hard D, and do whatever my coach asks of me. He always wants me to play with what he calls my 'fastness', so that's what I do!'


3. What is the difference between playing in Germany compared to playing in Switzerland? Are the fans different. referees, style of play, etc.?

'The biggest difference is we play faster here on my team this year, that's how I score the majority of my points in transition, the game is played at a faster pace here. As far as the crowd and fans, I think in German basketball is more respected and the fans are more knowledgeable and they are crazier than the fans in Switzerland. But the fans in Fribourg are obviously the best, and they always support us. And I think the refs are bad everywhere in Europe, so I don't think there's much of a difference!'


4. This year you played in the Uleb Cup, describe that experience.

The Uleb was a great experience because I got to play against other good European clubs, and got see where I stood against other good players. We also got to travel to places I hadn't been, so that was a good experience as well. And I think it helped our team bond and get ready for the second half of the season and the playoffs. So I really enjoyed, and I also liked playing 2 games a week, compared to one.

5. You have started to blog this year about your experiences in Europe, first with Draftexpress.com, and now with BallinEurope.com. You have some pretty good postings, how did this come about?

'Well, I've always liked to write, and the guys from both websites were gracious enough to let me blog on their sites, and its been a good experience for me. Maybe when I'm done, I can have a career as a coloumnist are something, maybe have my own show like Stephen A. Smith did.'


6. What are your plans for this summer and next fall? Do you have any NBA workouts, or camps lined up? Maybe the NBA summer league? And according to your blog, you're considering playing in the D League too, can you elaborate on that?



'Right now my focus is winning the LNA championship with Fribourg, then getting back home and see what happens. I think I have played pretty well this year, so I should have a lot of options for next year. My agent is getting some things lined up as far as NBA mini camps, summer league, etc. so we'll see. And as far as next year is concerned, Europe, D League, I really can't say right now, I like playing in Europe a lot, but I'll just have to pray about it see where God takes me!'


7. Last question. There are alot of guys from Texas, and especially Houston playing professionally in the NBA and overseas. Have you ever gotten a chance to play against any of thes guya t home or in Europe this year?

'Yeah this year I actually got to play against a good friend of mine, Brandon Gay, who plays for Antwerp in Belgium. But I have so many friends playing all over the world, and it's walys fun to come back home and talk about our expereinces form the season. So I'm sure this year will be no different.'

Fribourg keeps nucleus intact, as Esterkamp and Voigt sign for two more seasons! -by Alexander Davis
Dave Esterkamp (200-F-78, college: Bowling Green)and Oliver Voigt (209-C-80) have signed contract-extensions with Swiss Champion Benetton Fribourg Olympic . Esterkamp who averages 12.8 points per game this campaign has signed to stay two more years, which will keep him in the green and white jersey for 6 seasons, and Voigt who has vaslty improved this season, will also see his contract run through the 2009-2010 season. He is posting 11.1 points per outing. Esterkamp and Voigt are the third and fourth players who are going to stay in Fribourg for the next season, thus keeping their nucleus intact. The other two players are Pascal David-Perrier (184-G-75) and Tresor Quidome (192-G-80). These signings mean Fribourg will once again be the favorite of the LNA for a couple of more years.

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SYRIA

Yousef merjaneh with jalaa for this season as replacment for micheal Maadanli -by Bashar Nashef


Yousef merjaneh with jalaa for this season as replacment for micheal Maadanli -by Bashar Nashef
Yousef Mejaneh a veteran who us to play for jalaa before he left to Germany, he would be the older brother of Rami Merjaneh he is playing in Germany with a Regionale team that won the finals heading to the bundesliga. He is 195cm and he plays the 2-3 position, he is a great benefit for jalaa this season especially after the injury of their super star micheal Maadanli. So today if the Syrian TV or the Dunia TV broadcasts the syrian final four you will see him play. We hope the best for the best team to win, and hoping to have a fare and nice final four and off course all referees are going to be from Iran and from Lebanon.

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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Manning New President -by Don Farrell
There has been a shake up in the National Basketball Federation of Trinidad and Tobago.President Earl John and long standing Technical Director Obadiah Archer has been removed.This shake up took place at an AGM on the 29th March 2008.
Former Crusaders and Lions player Brian Manning is now the President of the Federation.Mr Manning indicated they will be looking for a new Technical Director and a CEO for the Federation.

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UKRAINE

Stefanishyn: the priest instead of the player / Monkeys are worming up -by Alexander Muzyka
- Leonid Stefanishyn (199-F-85) has ended his career for being as the priest. Remind, that Stefanishyn is known as the Ukrainian NT candidate who refused to play under Vitali Lebedintsev's rule because of the bad atmosphere inside his team. 'I wanted to find myself as a priest the year ago, - Leonid said. - Now I'm ready to end my basketball career. I made everything I wanted in basketball. I do not want to have the place of another talented player even in National team. Thanks everybody for understanding me - my partners, my coaches, my fans. I hope Valentyn Melnychuk will make the good team without me - I will pray for that'.

- Cherkasy Monkeys wormed up itself by the win over Khimik 85:77 (18:24, 25:23, 16:16, 26:14)

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URUGUAY

Standings - Metropolitan League
Metropolitan Standings
1. Aguada 0-0
2. Larre Borges 0-0
3. Goes 0-0
4. Nacional 0-0
5. Larranaga 0-0
6. Urunday Univ. 0-0
7. 25 de Agosto 0-0
8. Yale 0-0
9. Guruyu Waston 0-0
10. Verdirrojo 0-0
11. Capurro 0-0
12. Marne 0-0
13. Olivol Mundial 0-0


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VENEZUELA

Guaiqueries says goodbye to Terquin Mott, brings in Marcus Fleming -by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Guaiqueries de Margarita decided to let Terquin Mott (203-F-74) go, despites the fact that he averaged 14.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game, and brought along power forward Marcus Fleming (204-F-78) as his replacement.

Fleming used to play for Belgrano in Argentina's Liga A. With that team, after 44 games, he netted 16.9 points and grabbed 7.6 rebounds per match. A 29 year-old player, he's also played for other teams in Argentina such as Atletico Argentino Junin, Regatas Corrientes, Ciclista Juninense and Atenas de Cordoba.

Nembhard returned and Gaiteros defeat Trotamundos -by Antonio Gomez

Ruben Nembhard (191-G-72, college: Weber St.) is back. The guard made 23 points against Trotamundos de Carabobo and Gaiteros del Zulia won, wednesday night, 91-88 at the Pedro Elias Belisario Aponte Arena in Maracaibo.

Jermaine Watson (193-G-81, college: Boston Coll.) scored two free throws with 13 seconds left and the zulian team stopped the Expreso Azul. Jamahr Warren made another 22 points and Watson finished with 11.

'We play better with Ruben in the court. We improve our defense and Warren showed his good game' said after the game Jorge Arrieta, Gaiteros head coach.



Standings - LPB
LPB Standings
1. Trotamundos 14-4
2. Gatos 12-6
3. Guaiqueries 9-6
4. Cocodrilos 8-6
5. Dep.Tachira 8-7
6. Gaiteros 8-9
7. Marinos 7-9
8. Guaros 7-11
9. Gigantes 5-12
10. Panteras 5-13


Robert Palacios awarded by Northern Colorado Bears -by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan guard and shooting guard Robert Palacios (187-G, college: Indian Hills CC), who belongs to Cocodrilos de Caracas (LPB) and Duros de Lara (LNB) in the local leagues, was awarded as Best Defensive Player of the 2007-2008 NCAA season by the Northern Colorado Bears, after completing a good first season with averages of 5.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists per match in 29 outings.

Palacios was awarded during a party held at High Plains Room in Nottingham Field. Other players and coaches were also rewarded for their seasons.

LPB ejects Ray Castillo off the tournament -by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- The LPB's main board decided to eject imported player Ray Castillo (196-G/F-82, college: UTPA), of Gaiteros del Zulia, due to the fact that he hit another player, Nestor Moran, of Gigantes de Guayana, during last Sunday's match. Moran needed 9 stitches to fix his upper lip and the general management of Gigantes decided to sue Castillo for personal damages and physical agression.

'This technical comission has take its decision adjusted to the rules of the tournament and after reading the reports of the referees and the comissioner of that game', indicated Rafael Borjas, president of the referee's national comission.

'Everything that happens on court is subject to the rules of the league and the FIBA rules and in that context, we decided to punish this action of Castillo', said the league's president, Rolando Urdaneta, who added that he'll contact FIBA Americas, Consubasquet and other international organizations to get international sanctions for Castillo.

Other players involved in the match got serius money fines and among them were Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80) of Gaiteros and Martin Correa (198-F-78) of Gigantes.

Woodward shines
Meanwhile, the LPB announced that player Brian Woodward (191-G-81, college: Rhode Island), of Deportivo Tachira, got the MVP of Week 5 after averaging 23 points, 4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in three matches. His team is currently on a winning streak that has taken them from eight to fifth place in the past seven days.

Gigantes de Guayana sign Tim Parham -by Eurobasket
Gigantes de Guayana strengthened their roster with addition of 25-year old American forward Tim Parham (206-F-83, college: Md-Eastern Shore, agency: HM Sports Agency). Parham played most recently at Regatas Lima (Peru).



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Women News

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ADRIATIC L. (W) - Women

Stats Leaders
WABA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. D.Zaku., M.Kraji. 22.1
2. I.Perov., Buduc. 20.7
3. J.Kara., Vojvod. 20.0
4. M.Mazic, Gospic. 18.9
5. S.Klein, Medve. 16.9
Rebounds Per Game
1. M.Evtouk. Merkur 10.8
2. I.Perova., Budu. 10.4
3. M.Blake, Merkur 10.3
4. J.Velino., C.vezd. 10.0
5. G.Mazic, Gospic 9.5
Assists Per Game
1. D.Zakula, Mladi Kr. 4.1
2. T.Juric, Šibenik 3.8
3. A.Jelavic, Šibenik 3.7
4. S.Klein, Medve. 3.6
5. A.Pinto , Gospic 3.5
Steals Per Game
1. A.Jelavic, Sibenik 3.7
2. E.Guneva, Sibenik 3.0
3. S.Klein, Medvesc. 3.0
2FGP
1. I.Perov., Buduc. 68.7%
2. A.Perov., Buduc. 63%
3. A.Sem., Medv. 61.8%
3FGP
1. J.Bura, Ragusa 66.7%
2. A.Stoj., Kraji. 66.7%
3. I.Todor., Krajis. 60%
Free Throws
1. M.Tabak, Gosp. 96.9%
2. B.Had., C.zvez. 87.5%
3. L.Latin., Krajis. 87.5%


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BULGARIA - Women

Dunav keeps lead over Lukoil in A1 -by Eurobasket News
Dunav Econt remained atop of A1 ladder with a comfortable 84:44 win over Beroe 07 in Round 20. Dunav dominated the game and easily ran away to a 43:22 distance at halftime. The hosts did not manage to answer in the second half and lost the ball game. Hristina Minkova (184-C/F-72) nailed 20 points, made 9 steals and 8 boards to pace Dunav. Viktoria Mircheva (190-C-87) contributed 12 points for the winners. Zhaneta Zhelyova (182-F-75) responded with 16 points for Beroe 07 in a loss.
Lukoil Neftochimic thrashed Montana 2003 to stay a game shy of Dunav. Seven Lukoil players scored in double digits to propel their side to a 133:52 rout of Montana. Zornitsa Kostova, Radostina Slavova (186-F-86), Natalia Topalova, Katya Kordova (176-G/F-86) and Dimana Makarieva (183-C-84) all poured in 19 points apiece for the winning side. Zheni Dimitrova (184-F-87) replied with 17 points for Montana in defeat.
Rilski cleared at the third spot in the ladder beating Slavia 82:76 at home court. Agnesa Doychinova carried Rilski with 27 points and 10 boards. The hosts used a strong third frame to stretch the margin to 10 points before the final stanza and never looked back in the fourth quarter. Hristina Ivanova (185-F-89) added 17 points for Rilski. Hristina Deyanova notched 23 points for Slavia.

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CROATIA - Women

Standings - Women
A1 Standings
Top Group
1. Sibenik 8-0
2. Gospic 6-1
3. Medvescak 4-4
4. Ragusa 3-4
5. Studenec O. 1-7
6. Zadar 1-7
Bottom Group
1. Pozega 3-1
2. Mursa 2-1
3. Croatia 2006 2-1
4. Montmontaza 1-2
5. Agram 1-2
6. Novi Zagreb 0-3


League for champion -by Eurobasket News
Sibenik remains undefeated in the League for champion having 8-0 record. Its 'every-time' rivals Gospic has 6-1 record with only loss from the leader. In the latest games Sibenik beat Ragusa 69:51, while Gospic smashed Studenac 100:67. In another game Medvescak overwhelmed Zadar 117:55.
Meanwhile Sonja Kireta (198-C-76) and Bourges were upset for the first team in French league after 23 rounds. Being the undefeated team this season the favorite lost away from home to Challes-les-Eaux 61:60. Challes-les-Eaux celebrated the win as if the team won the regular season. Martina Luptakova led the winners with 17 points. Laina Badiane nailed 14, while Marie Bacquet scored 11. Australian Belinda Snell resisted with 17 points in the losing effort. Sonja Kireta nailed 6 points for team abroad.
Bourges's dreams however were far from home as the team starts the Final Four of Euroleague this week. Challes-les-Eaux kept their noses behind in the race for the majority of the time. Thanks to a come-from-behind victory the team jumped to the fourth position. Bourges opened the game as if they had to and took 18:10 lead. The game continued to be under the favorites' current as they led 33:27 at the half time. Even 17:17 in the third quarter did not upset them as they had 6 points before the final quarter. Not many people expected, but the spectators were happy to have tickets for that game. Challes-les-Eaux sparkled with 17:10 in the last quarter to win by one points.
Sonja Kireta and Bourges are getting ready to play in Final Four of Euroleague on April 11.

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DENMARK - Women

Horsholm and Amager open semifinal stage with wins -by Eurobasket News
The top-ranked Horsholm and Amager got to a winning start of their semifinal series. The 79ers drove to a difficult 66:62 win over Vitus. The encounter turned out into a seesaw clash with the teams trading blows throughout the action. The Pirates grabbed an 18:15 lead 10 minutes into the game. However Horsholm shook off a starting sloppiness and gradually took over. They evened the contest and soon surged ahead winning the first half 35:31. The hosts maintained the pressure in the third frame and stretched the margin to 7 points before the decisive period. The Pirates refused to give it up and trimmed the gap to minimum in the closing seconds. Nevertheless the 79ers withstood late in the game and posted an initial victory in the series. Anne Thorius (179-G-77, college: Michigan) paced the home side with 25 points and 5 boards. Kristine Jensen dropped 13 points and collected 7 boards for the winners. Margerat O'Hara (191-F/C-85, college: Washington) answered with 21 points and 11 boards for Vitus. Kaja Laursen had 20 points and 9 rebounds in defeat. Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday.
Amager had more comfortable ride as they coasted to a 79:53 win over SISU. The hosts worked hard in the first frame and ran away to a 15-point distance outscoring the visitors 25:10. SISU finally showed some signs of recovery in the second term as they cut the deficit by 5 points and trailed 28:38 at the interval. The tempo rose in the third quarter as both teams found open baskets and SISU managed to narrow the gap by one more point. However Amager did not allow them to get any closer in the fourth stanza. The hosts stunned their opponents 19:4 in the last frame and celebrated a confident win. Sussie Kruuse (192-C-83) was impressive with game-high 29 points and 9 rebounds. Siri Andersen (180-F-78) and Emilie Ramberg (173-G-79) contributed 12 points apiece for the winning side. Mandakova Clark (170-G-82) and Tea Jorgensen (177-G-87) scored 12 points each for SISU.

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EUROLEAGUE (W) - Women

Eurobasket introduces Final Four teams -by Eurobasket News
As there are only 2 days left before the Final Four in Euroleague, Eurobasket decided to recollect the road to Brno for four teams. Let us start with the defending champions....
Spartak Moscow Region will defend the title being the champion of Euroleague last year.The team from Russia proves the ambitions in Euroleague this season. In the second game of the Quarterfinals the defending champions smashed Dynamo 58:98. Tatiana Shchegoleva led the winners with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) and Diana Taurasi followed her with 16 points each. Last weekend Spartak Moscow Region won the regular season beating CSKA in the last game of it. Spartak Moscow Region looked awesome and even made the score inappropriate for the derby, 86:63. CSKAthat stayed on top of the standings for 21 Rounds, had to admit the loss and finished second in the regular season. Sue Bird led the winners with 25 points. Lauren Jackson collected 17 points and 8 rebounds, while Irina Osipova had 16. Maria Stepanova top-scored for CSKA with 18 points and 7 rebounds. It was Spartak Moscow Region who took a control in the game from the early beginning. The hosts won the opening quarter 23;14 and never looked behind. In the third quarter after 28:17 run it became clear that Spartak Moscow Region would benefit. Vidnoe saw the winner of the regular season, its local Spartak Moscow Region.
Another Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg will face Spartak Moscow Region in the semifinal. UMMC Ekaterinburg has one of the best rosters now in the world. UMMC Ekaterinburg beat one of the favorites CSKA 94:90 and advanced to the Final Four. Agnieszka Bibrzycka paced the winners with 22 points. Sandrine Gruda nailed 17, while Yelena Leuchanka collected 14 points and 12 rebounds. Becky Hammon top-scored for the guests with 24 points.
The road to the Final Four for Czech champions Gambrinus Sika Brno was probably the most difficult. In the decisive third game of the Quarterfinals they win over Ros Casares to claim the last available spot in the Euroleague Final Four. Gambrinus Sika Brno were on verge of losing the series after falling short to Ros Casares in the first game of the series. But the Czech outfit recovered and struck back winning back-to-back encounters and coming from behind to book the Final Four birth. So Gambrinus Sika Brno now has a chance of repeating their success of 2006 when they triumphed in the Euroleague. Gambrinus Sika Brno will now take on Cercle Jean Mace Bourges in the Euroleague semifinal on April 11.
French Cercle Jean Mace Bourges will be the opponent of the hosts in the semifinal advanced to the Final Four with 72:74 win in Istanbul that allowed them to sweep the series over Fenerbahce. In the last round of French league Challes-les-Eaux became the first team to upset Cercle Jean Mace Bourges after 23 rounds. Being the undefeated team this season the favorite lost away from home 61:60. Challes-les-Eaux celebrated the win as if the team won the regular season. Cercle Jean Mace Bourges's dreams however were far from home as the team starts the Final Four of Euroleague this week. Challes-les-Eaux kept their noses behind in the race for the majority of the time. Thanks to a come-from-behind victory the team jumped to the fourth position. Cercle Jean Mace Bourges opened the game as if they had to and took 18:10 lead. The game continued to be under the favorites' current as they led 33:27 at the half time. Even 17:17 in the third quarter did not upset them as they had 6 points before the final quarter. Not many people expected, but the spectators were happy to have tickets for that game. Challes-les-Eaux sparkled with 17:10 in the last quarter to win by one points.
Final Four starts on April 11th. In the first game Spartak Moscow Region will face UMMC Ekaterinburg at 15.00. The game between Gambrinus Sika Brno and Cercle Jean Mace Bourges is scheduled for 18.00.

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HUNGARY - Women

Euroleague Final Four in Brno with hungarians -by Adam Patonay
The Euroleague Final Four in this year will be in Brno beetwen 11-13 of April. The two russian giant UMMC and Spartak will play against each other and the home team against the french Bourges. Timea Beres (192-C-76) is player of the home team and Nora Bujdoso (188-F-85) is the player of Bourges. So one russian team and one hungarian player will be on the final at saturday for sure!

EUROLEAGUE FINAL FOUR
Brno, 11-13 April, 2008

11.04.2008. Friday
UMMC Ekaterinburg VS. Spartak Moscow Region , 15:00
Gambrinus Sika Brno VS. Cercle Jean Mace Bourges , 18:00

13.04.2008. Sunday
Bronze game , 15:00
Final , 18:00

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ITALY - Women

Eurobasket.com All-Italian A1 Awards 2007-08 -by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Brunson


Johnson


Holland-Corn


Screen


Machanguana
Player of the Year: Rebekkah Brunson (191-F/C-81) of Taranto
Guard of the Year: Shannon Johnson (169-G-74) of Venezia
Forward of the Year: Rebekkah Brunson of Taranto
Center of the Year: Clarisse Machanguana (194-C/F-73) of Fiera di Roma
Newcomer of the Year: Kathrin Ress (193-F-85) of Schio
Most Improved Player of the Year: Benedetta Bagnara (178-G-87) of La Spezia
Bosman Player of the Year: Florina Pascalau (193-C-82) of Priolo
Import Player of the Year: Rebekkah Brunson of Taranto
Domestic Player of the Year: Laura Macchi (187-F-79) of Schio
Defensive Player of the Year: Mery Andrade (181-F-75) of Venezia
Coach of the Year: Massimo Riga of Venezia

1st Team
Shannon Johnson of Venezia
Kedra Holland-Corn (173-G-74) of Napoli
Jennifer Screen (180-G-82) of Parma
Rebekkah Brunson of Taranto
Clarisse Machanguana of Roma

2nd Team
Tamecka Dixon (176-G-75) of Pozzuoli
Doneeka Hodges (175-G-82) of Fiera di Roma
Aleksandra Vujovic (182-G-80) of Venezia
Laura Summerton (191-C-83) of Taranto
Hollie Grima (190-C-83) of Pozzuoli

All-Domestic Players Team
Elisabetta Moro (174-G-75) of Schio
Francesca Modica (175-G-81) of Venezia
Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) of Schio
Laura Macchi of Schio
Kathrin Ress of Schio

All-Imports Team
Shannon Johnson of Venezia
Kedra Holland-Corn of Napoli
Jennifer Screen of Parma
Rebekkah Brunson of Taranto
Clarisse Machanguana of Roma

All-Bosmans Team
Audrey Sauret Gillespie (179-G/F-76) of Taranto
Tanja Cirov (181-G/F-81) of Pozzuoli
Gergana Slavcheva (186-F-79) of Comense
Daliborka Jokic (185-F-81) of Faenza
Florina Pascalau of Priolo

All-Defensive Team
Mariangela Cirone (171-G-76) of Napoli
Kedra Holland-Corn of Napoli
Mery Andrade of Venezia
Daliborka Jokic of Faenza
Eva Giauro (204-C-86) of Venezia

All-Newcomers Team
Giulia Gatti (168-G-89) of Montigarda
Nunzia Paparo (165-G-77) of Pozzuoli
Benedetta Bagnara of La Spezia
Kathrin Ress of Schio
Adriana Grasso (188-C-74) of Pozzuoli

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LUXEMBOURG - Women

Standings - Women
DBBL Standings
Title Group
1. Basket Esch 15-3
2. Musel Pikes 12-6
3. T71 Dudelange 10-9
4. Residence 10-9
5. Amicale 7-12
6. AB Contern 6-13
Relegation Group
1. Etzella 5-0
2. Racing 5-1
3. Grengewald 4-2
4. Black Frogs 1-4
5. Les Esperants 1-5
6. BC Mess 1-5


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NORWAY - Women

Stats Leaders
Kvinneligaen Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. K.Gibbs, Gimle 17.0
2. T.Ytrehus, END 15.1
3. K.Tatters. , Gimle 13.9
4. K.Kristia. , Ullern 12.9
5. M.Hella, Gimle 12.8
Rebounds Per Game
1. K.Tattersdill, Gimle 11
2. NK.Sand, Asker 9.7
3. B.Huuse, Nordst. 8.4
4. KB.Kristia., ENB 8.3
5. I.Havnas, Nordst. 8.0
Assists Per Game
1. M.Hella, Gimle 4,7
2. K.Kristian., Ullern 3,5
3. CL.Hanni., Asker 2,7
4. K.Tonheim, Ullern 2,5
5. NK.Sand, Asker 2,5
Steals Per Game
1. R.Tyssøy, Hop 5,7
2. M.Hella, Gimle 5,2
3. K.Kristia., Ullern 5,2
2FGP
1. M.Hella, Gimle 64.0
2. MH.Austgu., Hop 63.6
3. K. Tatters., Gimle 57.8
3FGP
1. B.Oyjordsb., Gimle 50
2. K.Kristia., Ullern 44.4
3. M.Backe, A.Que. 39.6
Free Throws
1. K.Kristian., Ullern 82.5
2. NK.Sand, Asker 80.6
3. G.Nyquist, Ullern 77.1


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PARAGUAY - Women

Female league has started -by Gianni Pascucci
The Paraguayan Female First Division-Apertura started last week. In Round 1, reigning champions of Olimpia defeated a young San Lorenzo team 101-68. In the other games, Sol de America beat 89-66 Universidad Catolica, Universidad Autonoma Asuncion prevailed over Ciudad Nueva 74-46, and the surprise of the round was the large win, 83-53, of Libertad over Felix Perez Cardozo.

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POLAND - Women

FGE Play-offs: Semi-Finals - Game 3 -by Wojciech Strzebinczyk
PKM Duda PWSZ Leszno - Lotos PKO BP Gdynia 72:78 (22:25, 24:16, 10:20, 16:17)
PKM: Edyta Krysiewicz 21, Ryan Coleman 19, Martyna Koc 13, Agnieszka Budnik 10, Olga Żytomirska 4, Agnieszka Makowska 3, Daria Mieloszyńska 2.
Lotos: Dominique Canty 19, Anna Breitreiner 15, Slobodanka Maksimovic 15, Magdalena Leciejewska 12, Chamique Holdsclaw 10, Jekaterina Snicyna 3, Patrycja Gulak 2, Natalia Waligorska 2, Marta Jujka 0.

PKM Duda PWSZ Leszno - Lotos PKO BP Gdynia 0:3

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SPAIN - Women

Stats Leaders - LFB
Liga Femenina Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1.Hodges(Canarias)19.8
2.Willingham (Oles)18.6
3.Christon (Irun) 18.1
4.Tuukkanen(Canari)15.9
5.S.Morales (Ibiza)15.3
Rebounds Per Game
1. Willingham(Olesa)10.6
2. Lyttle (Ibiza) 9.6
3. Da Silva (Extram) 8.5
4. L.Nicholls (Celta) 8.5
5. B.Wyckoff (Canari)8.2
Assists Per Game
1. S.Morales(PDV) 4.8
2. C.Ciocan (Burgos) 4.6
3. L.Palau (Ros) 3.3
4. S.Santos (Dato) 3.3
5. R.Hodges (Canari)3.2
Steals Per Game
1. Lyttle (PDV) 2.8
2. Musovic (Olesa) 2.7
3. S.Santos (Cadi) 2.3
Blocks Per Game
1. Wyckoff (Canarias) 1.3
2. Tamane (Filter) 1.1
3. Miller (Burgos) 1.1
2FGP
1 Antibe, Rivas 61,87
2 Rasmussen EBE60,9
3 Bermejo Perf 60,87
3FGP
1 Gomez San Jose 53,8
2 Rasmussen EBE 51,8
3 Cohen San Jose 49,02
Free Throws
1. Tornikidou (Ros) 93
2 .Feaster (San J) 92.5
3 Dubljevic Rivas 90.7
Ranking
1. Willingham(Olesa)23.0
2. S.Morales (Ibiza) 19.1
3. S.Lyttle (Ibiza) 18.9
4. R.Hodges(Canari)18.6
5. N.Antibe (Rivas) 16.7


Manolo Real leaves bench of Ros Casares for health's problems -by Ivan Villar
Surprising new from Valencia when his coach Manolo Real announced his leaving of team before end season.Reasons of coach are for problems of health.Doctors adviced him about it was better to stop his job as basketball's coach for recovering himself as soon as possible.Manolo Real was sad but said to be the best for both parts.His assistant coach,Vicente Collado,will be new coach of Ros Casares until club decides about it.Manolo Real had won 2 Queen's Cup,1 LF,and 2nd place of Euroleague in year and half in valencian team.

Mandisa Stevenson,out of game -by Ivan Villar
Problems grows in Badajoz.Team of Fernando Mendez is placing 13th position.Last game in Vilagarcia was horrible for score (80-44) but also Mandisa Stevenson (191-C-82, college: Auburn) fell injured in first quarter.American center had troubles in her knee but last saturday maybe she broke herself some ligament.The player will be resting during 1 month so she cannot play more to help her team to avoid LF2.So Extremadura Dato has extra problem to difficult mission of last 3 games.

Alicia Lopez,player of EBE-Promociones,is injured too.Forward should be resting during 1 month,o it's possible she can help her team in decisive playoffs for tittle.

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UGANDA - Women

Frances Nabulobi joins Uganda Christian University -by Eurobasket News
The top-scorer of the last three seasons in Uganda Frances Nabulobi joined Uganda Christian University prior to the league starting on April 18. She played for Lady Bucks throughout three years but the last season was not a successful one for the team. They failed to make it to the playoffs and it could have triggered Frances Nabulobi to make the decision. UCU were fourth last season and now should be widely taken as the main favorites. Frances Nabulobi will now play alongside Flavia Oketcho and Brenda Mbone for the Students.
KCC Leopards and A-1 Challenge also spent a deal at the market. The Leopards opted for Marion Nakaziba (-F) and Carol Nantalo (-G) from the Makerere Sparks to bolster the squad. A-1 Challenge strengthened their roster with the acquisition of Barbra Okot and Olivia Mulwana (-G) from the Sparks.