EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 4/20/2008

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Crvena Zvezda and Stevan Karadzic parts ways ! -by Dragan Jankovski
Head coach of Crvena Zvezda from Belgrade Stevan Karadzic resigned on his position yesterday afternoon, just 24 hours before the eternal derby against Partizan Igokea.

'There was couple of reasons for my resignation. First reason is the fact that most of the players didn't receive their salaries on time. The biggest problem was when players and people around the club realized that couple of players gets money on time but the rest of the team not. Thus, after that moment atmosphere in the team drastically get worse. During the entire season I have bad communication with GM Igor Zezelj. We didn't sign a center despite we had an agreement to do that. We received three monthly salaries and the fourth one was after selling of Nenad Misanovic' said Karadzic. He also said that it is not fair that only people who possess yearly tickets are able to enter the Pionir for the derby game vs Partizan.

Zvezda's GM Igor Zezelj said: 'Karadzic's decision to leave the team on this way without saying goodbye to the players is unfair and unusual move and his reasons are just his alibi. Karadzic had our support. It is well known that salaries were late during the last 5 years in Zvezda. Situation is not better now but it is much brevier to stay and fight until the end.'

Karadzic's assistant Milan Skobalj will lead the team against Partizan while the name of the new Zvezda's head coach will be known very soon.

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ARGENTINA

Liga A, Quaterfinals -by Ana Soifer
Penarol and Libertad are semi finalist. They are going to play against them. The another key should be from the winner from Obras (2) - Boca (1) and Quimsa (1) Regatas (1).

El Nacional (0) 77 - Penarol (3) 97
Quilmes (1) 70 - Libertad (3) 88
Obras (2) 89 - Boca (1) 75

Penarol finishes the series 3-0 in their favour beating El Nacional from Monte Hermoso by 97 to 77 on the road. Getting with this victory, the classification for the semi finals.
El Nacional (77): Starters: Fabian Sahdi 2, Patricio Rodriguez 3, Mike Manciel 9, Federico Ferrini 12, Djibril Kante (201-C-80, college: Indiana St.) 28; Off the bench: Cristian Amicucci 0, Sebastian Farias 3, Mariano Castets 16, Alexis Elsener 2, Byron Wilson 2. Coach: Juan Garcia
Penarol (97): starters: Pablo Rodriguez 9, Juan Locatelli 11, Quincy Wadley 15, Jason Osborne 10, Roman Gonzalez 19; off the bench: Marcos Mata 1, Alejandro Diez 6, Jervaughn Scales 0, Lucas Picarelli (185-G-81) 26. Coach: Sergio Hernandez


Libertad took a place in the semi final when knocked Quilmes 88 to 70.
Quilmes (70): Starters: Hernando Salles 11, Selem Safar 2, Carl Edwards (196-F-81, college: Charleston) 21, Harold Arceneaux 6, Ezequiel Dentis 10; Off the bench: Eduardo Villares 0, Nicolas Aguirre 11, Maximiliano Maciel 2, Diego Romero 7. Coach: Oscar Sanchez
Libertad (88): Starters: Sebastian Ginobili 12, Pablo Moldu 10, Laron Profit 18, Jorge Benitez (202-C-73) 14, Robert Battle (200-C-81, college: Drexel) 21; Off the bench:, Marcos Saglietti 6, Juan Sartorelli 7. Coach: Julio Lamas


Obras got an important win over Boca by 89 to 75. The 4th game will be next Sunday.
Obras (89): Starters: Fernando Titarelli 12, Gabriel Cocha 2, Chris Jeffries 28, Fernando Calvi 12, Tyler Field 3; Off the bench: Lazaro Borrell (202-F-72, agency: Interperformances) 25, Daniel Chaer 0, Facundo Venturini 2, Cristian Cortes 5. Coach: Bernardo Murphy.
Boca Juniors (75): Starters: Luis Cequeira 4, Devon Ford (193-G-77, agency: Huss Sport Agency, college: Idaho) 13, Gustavo Orona 10, Leonardo Gutierrez 12, Gabriel Fernandez 13; Off the bench: Raymundo Legaria 13, Fernando Funes 0, Alejandro Alloatti 5, Grady Reynolds 0, Lionel Schattmann 5. Coach: Gabriel Piccato.

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BELGIUM

Standings - Division I
D1 Standings
 1. Bree 24-7 
 2. Oostende 23-8 
 3. Charleroi 22-9 
 4. Liege 20-11 
 5. M.Hainaut 19-12 
 6. Aalstar 14-17 
 7. Verviers-Pep. 11-20 
 8. Antwerp 10-21 
 9. Leuven 7-24 
 10. Gent 5-26 


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BOSNIA

Standings - BIH League
D1 Standings
League 8
 1. Bosna S. 3-0 
 2. Sloboda Dita 2-1 
 3. Slavija 2-1 
 4. Igokea 2-1 
 5. Siroki 2-1 
 6. Zrinjski MC 1-2 
 7. Grude 0-3 
 8. Borac Nektar 0-3 
Places 9-14
 1. Posusje 10-14 
 2. Zenica Celik 10-14 
 3. Hercegovac 10-14 
 4. Leotar 9-15 
 5. Capljina 8-16 
 6. Vogosca 2-22 


League 8, 3TH week - Bosna better in derby game -by Elvir Halilovic

Results:
Bosna ASA BH Telecom - Igokea Partizan 82:80
Sloboda Dita - Borac Nektar 67:61
Grude - Siroki Prima Pivo 78:92
Slavija - Zrinjski Mik Company 100:97 OT

Standings:
1. Bosna ASA BHT 3-0 247:208 +39 6 pts.
2. Igokea Partizan 2-1 265:240 +25 5 pts.
3. Siroki Prima Pivo 2-1 254:230 +24 5 pts.
4. Slavija 2-1 263:263 00 5 pts.
5. Sloboda Dita 2-1 194:221 -27 5 pts.
6. Zrinjski MC 1-2 256:278 -22 4 pts.
7. Borac Nektar 0-3 215:225 -10 3 pts.
8. Grude 0-3 234:263 -29 3 pts.

Bosna ASA BH Telecom - Igokea Partizan 82:80
(28:17, 21:25, 16:20, 17:18)
Sarajevo, SD Skenderija; Att.: 700; Ref.: Jovanic, Okuka, Nozinovic
BOSNA ASA BHT: Jefferson 2 (4 as.), Sehovic 5, Tomovic, Panic 7, Djurasovic, Zimic, Bailey 10 (4 as.), Rahimic 6, Hajric 16 (7 reb.), Pasalic, Jackson 5, Williams (7 reb.)
Coach: Jurij Zdovc
IGOKEA: Tosic 1, Patterson 5, Bocka 11, Stazic, Djurica, Vucurovic 15, Cup, Wright, Tatvydas 11 (8 reb.), Stefanovic 18 (5 reb.), Kovacevic 2, Allen 17 (6 as.)
Coach: Zoran Sretenovic

Sloboda Dita - Borac Nektar 67:61
(19:15, 16:16, 19:13, 13:17)
Tuzla, SD Mejdan; Att.: 1.000; Ref.: Obradovic, Duskaj, Babic
SLOBODA DITA: Halilovic, M. Milosevic 14, Hrncic 12, Halilbegovic, Albijanic, Persic, Tomovic, Tanasilovic 4, Matic 13, N. Milosevic 14, Jocovic 2, Ross 8
Coach: Senad Muminovic
BORAC NEKTAR: Franklin 8, Z. Jovanovic 16, Stupar 2, Rothbart 13, V. Jovanovic 8, Gemaljevic 2, Djurasovic 6, Pavlovic, Popovic 4, Velimirovic, Paunovic 2, Ugrekhelidze
Coach: MIlos Pejic

Grude - Siroki Prima Pivo 78:92
(18:23, 18:25, 23:22, 19:22)
Grude, SD Bili Brig; Att.: 500; Ref.: Husaric, Pehar, Adamovic
GRUDE: Lovric, M. Vranjes, I. Vranjes, Alpeza, M. Gligora 19, L. Gligora 8, Jelcic 8, Vujcic 4, Bura 11, Lozancic, Zitko 13, Peraica 15
Coach: Predrag Mikulic
SIROKI PRIMA PIVO: Bubalo, Grays 13, Stemberger 8, Dijan 18, Zupic 6, Sola 2, Spralja 14, Naletilic, Susak, Fajardo 17, Bethel 10, Ezugwu
Coach: Ivan Velic


Slavija - Zrinjski MIK Company 100:97
(18:20, 21:24, 18:23, 27:17, 16:13)
Istocno Sarajevo, SD Slavija; Att.: 600; Ref.: Drmic, Ignjatovic, Hatibovię
SLAVIJA: Gvozdenovic 18, Stanic 23, Tomasevięc, Simeunovic, Mladenovic 16, D. Damjanovic, Vukovic 5, Malovic 20, Grubisic 1, Anderson, Ivanovic, A. Damjanovic 17
Coach: Goran Sehovac
ZRINJSKI MIK CO: Filipovic 8, Bisko 3, Sarenac 7, Norac 6, Petric 10, Oroz, Dzidic 20, Brecic 16, Vuckovic 21, Buhac, Planinic 6, Grbavac
Coach: Nedeljko Zelenika



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CAMEROON

Luc Richard Mbah A Moute declares for the NBA... -by Yann Tientcheu
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (200-G/F-88) announced today that he would make himself eligible for the 2008 NBA Draft, but will not hire an agent,
thus leaving opened the possibility to come back next year as a senior. Mbah A Moute said he 'felt it was in his best interest to see
what the NBA has to offer.' Coach Ben Howland, described Mbah A Moute as the 'the most versatile defensive player' he has 'ever
coached' and 'supports him exploring his opportunity to play in the NBA.' Mbah A Moute will end his Bruins career having started in
three consecutive NCAA Final Four (other players who matched this achievement were Keith Wilkes, Bill Walton and Greg Lee: between
1972 and 1974). Mbah A moute is currently ranked as high as the 15th best rebounder of all time in the UCLA Men's basketball program having
throughout his college career, contributed to the success of his team on the board, to the tune of 775 rebounds.
We wish him the best of luck!!!

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COSTA RICA

Liceo adds three players for the Final Four -by Gianni Pascucci
To compete as best as possible in the Liga Centroamerican Final Four, the 'Red Express' Copenae Liceo de Costa Rica called Hernol Hall (205-C-82, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Lon Morris JC) back from Poland and negotiated the lean of two good players from Limon, Jeffrey Spencer (189-F-81) and Daniel Simmons (193-C). The score of Liceo is to reach at least the final game, that should grant the participation to Liga de las Americas 2008.

Liceo defeats Icevic -by Gianni Pascucci
The Liga Centroamericana de Clubes 2008 'Final Four' Tournment started on Friday night in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The first game became a nightmare to Hondurean team Icevic, as they failed to stop the offensive wave of Liceo of Costa Rica in the 4th quarter, when the winners outscored the Hondurian team 32 to 11 points. The final score was 91-71. Patrick Culver (208-C-84, college: Texas A&M) led the scorers of Liceo at 20 pts, Kendrick Jones (190-G-83, college: Columbus St.) and Jeffrey Spencer (189-F-81) added 19 pts each and Hernol Hall (205-C-82, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Lon Morris JC) 18 to froze Icevic in a game in which the lead could only be taken by any of the teams for just a few seconds, and by no more than 6 points. Although rebounding seemed to be Icevic's secret weapon during the first three quarters, the fierce transition game of Liceo and their good managing of their offensive tempo gave the winners a 20-pts difference win that now places them just one game away from clinching their ticket to Liga de las Americas 2008.
with the help of Victor Padilla

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CROATIA

Standings - Ozujsko A1 League
A1 Standings
Group 1-8
 1. Zadar 6-0 
 2. KK Split 5-1 
 3. KK Zagreb 4-2 
 4. Cibona 4-2 
 5. Sibenka 2-4 
 6. Cedevita 2-4 
 7. Dubrava 1-5 
 8. Slavonski Brod 0-6 
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 


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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

LOPEZ ON FIRE! GUG UNDEFEATED! -by Ozell Wells
In last night's action GUG took the lead in the Semi Final Round of play at 3-0 as they defeated SAMEJI 102-94. Felipe Lopez (197-G/F-74, college: St.John's) torched the nets for 29 pts to go with 8 rebounds and 1 assist. Winston Munoz (180-G-83) added 26 pts & 5 assists.
For Sameji Amaury Filion (206-C/F-81) had 27 pts, 9 rebs & 2 assists And Manuel Fortuna (187-G) added 26 pts 5 rebs shooting 10-16 from the floor in his 1st game with Sameji.

This Sunday CUPES vs Sameji and GUG vs CPN

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ESTONIA

Standings - KML
EMKL Standings
 1. TU/Rock 33-3 
 2. BC Kalev 33-3 
 3. Pirita 23-13 
 4. Triobet/Dalkia 22-14 
 5. Tar.Fausto 20-16 
 6. Valga Welg 18-18 
 7. Parnu 10-26 
 8. Kraft Mooel 8-28 
 9. Rakvere 7-29 
 10. TTU KK 6-30 


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FINLAND

Eurobasket.com All-Finnish Korisliiga Awards 2007-08 -by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Smith


Matinen


McCarroll


Gonner


Koponen
Player of The Year: Corey Smith (196-G/F) (Kouvot)
Guard of The Year: Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) (Honka)
Forward of The Year: Corey Smith (Kouvot)
Center of The Year: Mark McCarroll (208-F/C-80) (Tarmo)
Newcomer of The Year: Jesse Niemi (187-F-90) (Pyrinto)
Most Improved Player of The Year: Timo Heinonen (198-F-81) (ToPo)
Import of The Year: Corey Smith (Kouvot)
Domestic Player of The Year: Petteri Koponen (Honka)
Defensive Player of The Year: Jukka Matinen (203-F-78) (Honka)
Coach of The Year: Jukka Toijala (Kouvot)

1st Team
Corey Smith (Kouvot)
Jukka Matinen (Honka)
Mark McCarroll (Tarmo)
Josh Gonner (188-G-82) (ToPo)
Petteri Koponen (Honka)

2nd Team
Steve Smith (200-F-81) (KTP)
Damon Williams (199-F-73) (Pyrinto)
Adrian Henning (203-F-82) (LrNMKY)
Eric Washington (192-F/G-74) (Kauhajoki)
Wayne Bernard (190-G-81) (Kouvot)

All-Domestic Players Team
Jukka Matinen (Honka)
Timo Heinonen (ToPo)
Jussi Kumpulainen (204-F-76) (Korihait)
Jukka Kataja (197-F-82) (Kouvot)
Petteri Koponen (Honka)

All-Imports Team
Corey Smith (Kouvot)
Damon Williams (Pyrinto)
Mark McCarroll (Tarmo)
Josh Gonner (ToPo)
Wayne Bernard (Kouvot)

All-Defensive Team
Jukka Matinen (Honka)
Ilkka Vuori (181-G-86) (YMCA Lahti)
Juha Sten (191-G-83) (LrNMKY)
Esa Maki-Tulokas (200-F-82) (Tarmo)
Corey Smith (Kouvot)

All-Newcomers Team
Jesse Niemi (Pyrinto)
Matti Nuutinen (198-F-90) (Kouvot)
Sasu Salin (187-G-91) (Honka)
Toni Raiski (194-F-81) (Kauhajoki)
Kwamena Brace (200-G-87) (Kauhajoki)

KORISLIIGA: YMCA LPR winning bronze -by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, the bronze game: What a bronze game it was. Both YMCA Lappeenranta and Torpan Pojat (Helsinki) scoring under 65 pts, ToPo shooting
FTs 27,3% and treys 23,1%, taking three (3) offensive rbs in the contest. However ToPo was still in the game (56-50, 3:44 to go) as Josh Gonner
(ToPo) missed his both FTs, hosting YMCA LPR thanked and won Team's first bronze ever: 64-56 (32-24). Quarters: 21-15, 11-9, 18-12, 14-20.
YMCA LPR defended well, but the shooting % behind the arc was terrible: 10,0% (3/30)! Adrian Henning (203-F-82, agency: EM-PA, college: Austin Peay St.) played 40 minutes and was the game MVP: 21 pts/11 rbs. Juha Sten (191-G-83, agency: Rasmussen Services) gave 10 assists and had six steals. Tyson Patterson (175-G-78, college: Appalachian St.) led ToPo with 12 pts. Regular season top teams YMCA Lappeenranta # 3, Torpan Pojat # 4.

YMCA Lappeenranta - Torpan Pojat 64-56 (32-24) (Adrian Henning 21/11, Aki Ulander 12/11, Pasi Riihela 11/6, Petri Virtanen 10/7, Juha Sten 6/4/10a/6s, Ivan

Harris 2/2, Jouko Jarvinen 2/1 - Tyson Patterson 12/6/5a, Timo Heinonen 11/9, Takais Brown 11/2, Elias Kajander 8/10, Josh Gonner 8/5, Panu Majala 2/1, Roope

Ahonen 2/1, Antti Niskanen 2/0, Ilpo Pehkonen 0/2).



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GERMANY

Bundesliga Game Day 30: Friday April 18th results! -by Michael Taylor
Bundesliga Game Day 30 took place Friday April 18th as part of a double game day weekend with exciting action all over Germany.

Thursday April 17th
brose Baskets Bamberg 73 Koln 99ers 61
Bamberg's 22-7 4Q helped them overcome an inspired effort from Koln 99ers in a 73-61 game Thursday night at JAKO Arena. Ademola Okulaja topscored with 18pts 5reb, Robert Garrett added 13pt and Dwayne Mitchell 11pt 4reb 6ast. Bamberg shot 44% from the floor and made 10 of 29 threes (34%) and dished out 20ast. Yassin Idbihi and Milko Bjelica led Koln with 12pt each while Derek Raivio added 11pt 6ast. Bamberg ran to a 23-15 lead after 1Q but a strong Koln 2Q trimmed the deficit to 40-39 at half. The inspired 99ers outscored Bamberg 15-11 in the 3Q to take a 54-51 lead into the 4th before the hosts made their strong finish. Head Coach Dirk Bauermann and his Bamberg team improved to 20-10 while Koln slipped to 15-15.

NewYorker Phantoms Braunschweig 82 Artland Dragons 77
John Allen scored 28pt to lead NewYorker Phantoms Braunschweig to an 82-77 home win over Artland Dragons Thursday night at Volkswagonhalle in Braunschweig. The Phantoms of Head Coach Emir Mutapcic opened with a 21-20 1Q lead before the Dragons took a 38-35 lead at half. Artland extended their lead to 55-50 after three. Braunschweig outscored the Dragons 32-22 in the 4th. Domonic Jones scored 16pt and Andrew Drevo added 12pt 9reb in the win. Terrance Thomas led Artland with 19pt. Braunschweig shot 47% from the floor, outrebounded Artland 35-31 and the Phantoms hit 21 of 27 FT (77%). The Phantoms overcame a 1-12 (8%) night from beyond the arc in the win. Artland shot 51% and made 11 of 21 (52%) threes and 10 of 19 (52%) FT but suffered 23 turnovers in the loss. Braunschweig evened at 15-15 while Artland fell to 21-9.

Friday April 18th
BG74 Gottingen 69 Telekom Baskets Bonn 67
Darren Brooks scored 21pt on 9 of 12 shooting with 6reb in leading BG74 Gottingen to a 69-67 road win over Telekom Baskets Bonn Friday night at Hardtberghalle in Bonn. Gottingen started strong 23-15 after 1Q and 37-31 at half. Bonn battled back but their comeback fell short as Head Coach John Patrick and his Violets earned the road win. Michael Schroeder scored 11pt while both Ben Jacobsen and Jahmar Thorpe added 10pt apiece for Gottingen. Miah Davis led Bonn with 14pt while Ronnie Burrell scored 12. Gottingen outrebounded Bonn 35-32 and made 18 of 26 FT (69%) while Bonn sank 11 of 19 (57%). Gottingen upped their record to 12-18 while Bonn dropped to 19-11.

Eisbaren Bremerhaven 103 Science City Jena (2OT) 98
Bremerhaven moved into sole possession of 8th place and the final playoff spot as they upped their record to 16-14 after a narrow 103-98 double overtime road win Friday night over Science City Jena. Matt Haryasz topscored for Bremerhaven with 24pt 9reb while Anthony Tolliver posted a strong 22pt 19reb and Ivars Timermanis 22pt on 5 of 10 from three. Head Coach Sarunas Sakalauskas saw his team shoot 44% compared with 41% from Jena and outrebound the hosts 50-45. Bremerhaven also enjoyed an advantage from the foul line making 31 of 54 FT (57%) to Jena's 11 of 18 (61%). Lavelle Felton led Jena with 26pt 8ast, Mark Davis 22pt 9reb and Jason Miller 19pt 8reb in the loss. Head coach Sean McCaw was forced into action and scored 7pt including the amazing halfcourt shot to force overtime. Jena fell to 5-25.

digibu Baskets Paderborn 101 ratiopharm Ulm 91
Steve Esterkamp scored 34pt in leading digibu Baskets Paderborn to a fast paced 101-91 win over ratiopharm Ulm Friday night in Paderborn. Head Coach Doug Spradley and his team burst to a 35-28 lead after 1Q before Ulm responded to take a 58-51 halftime lead. Paderborn's 3Q run (28-14) gave them a 79-72 lead after 3. Already without injured players Bryan Lucas, Konrad Wysocki and Emeka Erege, Ulm All Star Jeff Gibbs fouled out in the late 3Q and C Sean Finn picked up his 5th in the early 4th leaving Ulm with 6 active players. Ulm's bench gave a strong effort but Paderborn's Esterkamp, Greg Jenkins (23pt) and Tim Black (21pt) keyed the win. Romeo Travis led Ulm with a 23pt 12reb double double with help from EJ Gallup (21pt), Sean Finn (16pt 6reb) and Dru Joyce (16pt 10ast). Paderborn shot 54% from the floor and made 9 of 18 threes while outrebounding Ulm 32-31. Ulm hit 57% from the floor and made 9 of 21 threes. Paderborn enjoyed an advantage at the foul line making 18 of 26 FT (69%) compared to Ulm's 6 of 10. Paderborn sealed their spot in the Bundesliga for next season with the win and improved to 12-18. Ulm fell to 14-17.

Ewe Baskets Oldenburg 78 TBB Trier 63
Ewe Baskets Oldenburg opened with a 21-9 1Q and never looked back as they won their 10th straight game in beating TBB Trier 78-63 Friday night at Ewe Arena in Oldenburg. Head Coach Predrag Krunic and his team held a 42-17 lead at half and coasted to the win. PG Jason Gardner led the Thunderbirds with 12pt while Daniel Strauch and Rickey Paudling added 11 each along with 10pt from Miladen Pekovic in the win. Oldenburg shot 47% from the floor and hit 9 of 19 threes (47%) while Trier sank 42% of their shots but only 2 of 12 from three (16%). The teams combined for 49 turnovers. James Gillingham led Trier with 16pt in the loss. Oldenburg's win streak has helped them rise to 5th in the standings with a 20-10 record while Trier fell to 6-24.

Deutsche Bank Skyliners 74 ALBA Berlin 58
The Deutsche Bank Skyliners jumped out to a 22-9 lead after 1Q and ran to a 74-58 home win over ALBA Berlin to stretch their win streak to 7 games. Derrick Allen led the Frankfurt attack with 19pt 6reb while Pascal Roller added 16pt and Jimmy McKinney 10. Julius Jenkins led ALBA with 15pt while Aleksandar Nadjfeji added 10. Head Coach Murat Didn and his Frankfurt team led 38-24 at half and held off a Berlin run as ALBA cut the margin to 49-44 after 3. Frankfurt's 25-14 4Q sealed the win. 7 straight wins for the Skyliners has upped their record to 20-11 while ALBA Berlin drops to 23-7 but remains one game ahead of second place Leverkusen.

EnBW Ludwigsburg 91 Bayer Leverkusen 73
EnBW Ludwigsburg put six players in double figures and exploded for a 35-13 2Q as they cruised to an impressive 91-73 road win over Bayer Leverkusen Friday night at historic Wilhelm Dopatka Halle in Leverkusen. Coleman Collins led the way with 22pt while Brandon Woudstra added 15pt 6reb 8ast, Nils Mittman, Heiko Schaffartzik and Ronald Ross chipped in 12pt apiece and Michel Nascimento added 10. Brant Bailey led Leverkusen with 20pt while Eric Taylor posted an 18pt 10reb double double. Luwigsburg shot 54% from the floor and made 12 of 26 threes (46%) while Leverkusen hit 41% and made 8 of 25 threes (32%). Leverkusen outrebounded Ludwigsburg 39-30 but suffered 20 turnovers while Ludwigsburg totaled 20ast. Head Coach Silvano Poropat and his Ludwigsburg team moves to 14-16 while Leverkusen falls to 22-8 one game behind ALBA Berlin atop the standings.

Walter Tigers Tubingen 75 LTi Giessen 46ers 69
Walter Tigers Tubingen shot 52% from the floor and put 5 players in double figures in their 75-69 home win over LTi Giessen 46ers Friday night at Tubingen Arena. Jermaine Anderson and Jay Thomas scored 13pt apiece to lead the Tigers with help from Rasko Katic (12pt 7reb), Dee Andre Hulett (12pt) and Patrick Sparks (11pt). Head Coach Tolga Ongoran and his Tigers broke the game open with a 28-7 3Q after Giessen held a 29-26 halftime lead. Tubingen shot 52% compared to 33% from Giessen and outrebounded the 46ers 38-32. Gerrit Terdenge led Giessen with 14pt 9reb while Obie Trotter and Danny Lewis finished with 12pt apiece. Tubingen improved to 9-21 while Giessen s record went to 8-22.

The Bundesliga returns to action Sunday April 20th for Game Day 31 as the season continues down the exciting stretch run toward the playoffs!

Grothe and Freeman to stay in Hagen -by Moritz Korff
Matthias Grothe (200-F-78) and Zach Freeman (201-F/C-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Illinois Wesleyan) have signed contract-extensions with Phoenix Hagen (2. Bundesliga Pro A). Team captain Grothe, the 2006 Eurobasket.com All-German 2. Bundesliga Domestic Player of the Year who is currently in his 4th year with Phoenix, made an agreement with the team of Coach Ingo Freyer until 2010, while Freeman signed for the 2008-2009 campaign. The 22-year-old Post Player is posting 10.7 points and 4.6 rebounds for Hagen in his first season in Germany.
Meanwhile, Phillip Guenther (178-G-85) is going to leave the team at the end of this current campaign.

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HOLLAND

Eiffel Towers Remain In Hunt For 2nd Place, Win Over Rotterdam Challengers In OT -by Sanders Jackson

Thursday night in the Maaspoort, in the race for the 2nd playoff spot in the FEB, defending Dutch champions Eiffel Towers almost blew their opportunity to remain in position to overtake West-Brabant Giants, blowing a huge lead on feisty Rotterdam Callengers, before righting themselves and holding off the Rotterdammers 91-89. The FEB title holders held a 69-51 lead heading into the final quarter and had to sweat it out in the end, with Rotterdam making a furious comebak, outscoring Eiffel 31-13 in the 4th, making up for three bad previous quarters. In the end, with Eiffel leading, the Rotterdammers had the last shot, but Rotterdam's Frank Young (196-F-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: W.Virginia) last second attempt ame up short. Darrell Tucker (206-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: USF) led Eiffel with 22 pts. and 11 rebounds, Marcel Aarts (212-C-83, agency: R.H.Consultancy) added 15, and Dean Oliver (180-G-78, college: Iowa) added 14 pts. and 10 assists. Nick Meyers (206-F/C-82, college: Akron) led Rotterdam with 21 pts. With a win on Saturday versus MyGuide Amsterdam, Eiffel Towers will move into 2nd place in the FEB playoff position, with the Rotterdammers needing a win at Hanzevast Capitals to remain in 5th place, but a Matrixx Magixx loss in Den Helder/Rotterdam Challengers win will catapult the Rotterdammers to the 4th place position and homecourt advantage for the 1st round of the FEB playoffs.

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HUNGARY

Standings - A Division
A Division Standings
 1. Falco 21-5 
 2. Dombovar 19-7 
 3. Pecs 17-9 
 4. Albacomp 16-10 
 5. Szolnok 15-11 
 6. Atomeromu 15-11 
 7. Kormend 14-12 
 8. Nyiregyhazi 14-12 
 9. Univer KSE 12-14 
 10. Soproni 12-14 
 11. ZTE KK 10-16 
 12. Kaposvari 7-19 
 13. MAFC 6-0 
 14. Bodrogi Bau 4-22 


Round 26: the regular seaon is over -by Tamas Deri

The big loser of the last round is Albacomp, as they lost in Dombovar and Pecs could win in Budapest, they felt back to the 4th place.
Dombovar again without Julien Mills and lead by Mike English - 25 points, 14 rebounds, 12 assists and 10 fouls against -, DuJuan Wiley - 23 points, 7 three pointers - won in a very hard game and will start the playoffs from the 2nd place.

MAFC was up by 4 points after the first quarter but after that the guests started to rule the game and with the excellent performance of Williams, Lapov and Aleksic had one easy and very important victory in Budapest. They reached the best place (3rd) after the regular season in club's history ever!

As Atomeromu SE lost in Sopron, just got the 5th and will play against Albacomp in the first round.

Kormend could beat Szolnok by 19 points and as NYKK cold not win against Kaposvar, they reached the 7th place. Szolnok got the 6th and will play against Pecs.
In the game between the two red-black teams we could see a lot of great performances. Jermaine Thomas was the best scorer of the home team, but even hungarian guard Marton Fodor had a nice game with 19 points - 5 three pointers -. Stanley Ocitti came only in the 10th minute on the court and scored 20 points - 4 three pointers -. Kenny Henderson spent 27 minutes on the court and had one double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
From the guests Thomas Kelley showed his playoffs-performance already and scored 26 points.

Kaposvar beat NYKK by 30 points, so the guests, who played without injured Gary Buchanan but had even the chance to reach the 5th place, just got 8th and will meet Falco in the first round!


For Falco it was not hard to win in Hodmezovasarhely, the yellow-blacks will meet NYKK in the first round. 4 starters of the team scored in double-figure, the one player was Andrija Ciric, who showed in his 2nd game after his inury, that he will be 100% fit for the playoffs.

UNIVER KSE could beat ZTE KK and so reached the 9th place.


Playoffs, First Round (starts on the 30th of April):

FALCO KC - NYIREGYHAZI KK

DOMBOVAR KC - KORMEND

PECS - SZOLNOK

ALBACOMP - ATOMEROMU SE



BODROGI BAU-VASARHELYI KOSARSULI-FALCO-SZOVA KC SZOMBATHELY 100-119
(21-35, 29-31, 27-31, 23-22)
Hodmezővasarhely, Att.: 300, Referees: Hegedűs T., Csősz, Gal J.
HODMEZOVASARHELY: Drahos 15/6, David Brooks (191-G-82, college: Niagara) 27/3, Kovats 8, Eric Freeman (205-C-79, college: Ky Wesleyan) 28/3, Gemes 18, Boszormenyi, Kukla 4, Babut, Szogi, Csorba, Coach: Czuprak Laszlo
SZOMBATHELY: Laszlo Kalman (186-G-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 26/9, Bam Doyne (193-G-84, college: Mississippi) 35/18, Andrija Ciric (199-G-80, agency: Beo Basket) 24/3, Arnas Kazlauskas (204-C/F-76, agency: Court Side) 21/12, Aliakseveu 3, Borszeki 8, Pankar, Feigl, Varadi 2, Will, Coach: Srecko Sekulovic


MAFC-PVSK-EXPO CENTER-PECS 77-84
(19-15, 15-24, 20-24, 23-21)
Gabanyi Sportcsarnok, Att.: 200, Referees: Benczur, Gorka, Szabo G.
MAFC: Jitim Young (188-G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Northwestern) 22/3, Harris 9/3, Zoltan Wehner (191-G/F-82) 16/6, Andras Vavra (202-F-78) 11/3, Kecskes 6, Fulop 10, Graczer 3/3, Coach: Dinnyes Attila
PECS: Srdjan Jovanovic (194-G-76) 12, Nick Williams (192-G-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Cincinnati) 20/6, Toth N. 2, Denes 4, Bojan Lapov (211-C-68) 18/9, Dragan Aleksic (196-G-70, agency: Beo Basket) 17/9, Peter Grebenar (211-C-81) 9, Kutasi, Czigler 2, Coach: Stojan Ivkovic


POLAROID LAMI-VED KORMEND-SZOLNOKI OLAJ KK 96-77
(25-22, 25-23, 19-16, 27-16)
Kormend, Att.: 1800, Referees: Hartyani, Palla, Győrffy
KORMEND: Jermaine Thomas (187-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: La Salle) 21/9, Marton Fodor (191-G-81, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 19/15, Trummer 6/6, Kenneth Henderson (201-F-82, college: Texas Arlington) 11, Vavra 10, Stanley Ocitti (203-F/C-80, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Binghamton) 20/12, Ferencz 9/3, Coach: Dragoljub Krivacevic
SZOLNOK: Thomas Kelley (188-G-76, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: Michigan St.) 26/9, Cziczas, Hollins 8, Sabaliauskas 10/6, Henrik Gobi (206-C-71, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 15, Cseh 6/6, Molnar 6/6, Harazin 6, Coach: Por Peter


SOPRONI SORDOGOK-ATOMEROMU SE 94-77
(20-23, 25-19, 32-16, 17-19)
Sopron, Att.: 500, Referees: Bognar, Szilas, Torok
SOPRON: Karon Bradley (180-G-84, college: Wichita St.) 20/3, Lakatos 7, Jeff Viggiano (198-F-84, college: Massachusetts) 27/3, Richard Lesko (204-F-81, college: Ill.-Chicago) 30/3, Frana 10, Pojbics, Boldizsar, Vesztergom, Coach: Meszlenyi Robert
PAKS: Meszaros 6, Brooks 10/6, Stevenson 6, Horvath Z. 9/3, Robert Gulyas (213-C-74) 25/9, Toroman 9/9, Csaplar-Nagy E. 8/3, Kiss Zs. 4/3, Coach: Sabali Balazs


PLANET LEASING DOMBOVAR KC- ALBACOMP 83-81
(26-22, 23-21, 18-16, 16-22)
Dombovar, Att.: 1200, Referees: dr. Valovics, Adam, Kiraly
DKC: Mike English (194-F/G-82, college: UMKC) 25/3, Balogh L. 2, Attila Deak (193-F-77) 12/12, Sanders 11, Du Juan Wiley (206-C-75, college: Michigan St.) 23/2, Simon N. 2, Bodi 8, Molnar M., Coach: Dzunic Branislav
ALBACOMP: Balazs Simon (188-G-80, agency: Court Side) 24, Cory Bradford (191-G-78, agency: Edge Sports, college: Illinois) 19/12, Boozer 1, Chad McClendon (199-F-73, college: Appalachian St.) 21, Radovic 11/3, Soos 3/3, David, Bencze 2, Coach: Peresztegi-Nagy Akos


UNIVER KECSKEMET-ZALAKERAMIA-ZTE KK 94-77
(28-15, 20-17, 22-29, 24-16)
Kecskemet, Att.: 400, Referees: Bodnar, Cziffra, Pozsonyi
KECSKEMET: Jakob Sigurdarson (192-G-82, agency: IceBasket, college: Birmingham Souther) 24/12, Larry Blair (183-G-84, college: Liberty) 18/3, Horvath A. 5/3, Zsolt Szabo (202-F-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 26/15, Fiegi 11/3, Toth P. 2, Halmai 1, Vida 4, Lekli 3, Coach: Zsoldos Andras
ZTE: Miskovic 6/3, Walters 13, Tamas Kaman (200-F-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 20/18, Hoffmann 10, Reggie Bassette (206-C-77, college: ODU) 22, Baki, Gaspar, Simon L. 6, Kovats, Keresztes, Coach: Nikola Lazics


KAPOSVARI KK-MARSO-VAGEP NYĶREGYHAZI KK 112-82
(36-19, 33-22, 25-23, 18-18)
Kaposvar, Att.: 400, Referees: Forrai, Kiss L., Kapitany
KAPOSVARI KK: Matija Ceskovic (192-G-81, agency: Court Side) 12/6, Vojvoda 9/3, Szőke 10, Roland Hendlein (201-F-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 23/9, Mike Kinsella (213-C-84, college: Marquette) 25/12, Kiss 9/3, Ferenc Csirke (183-G-76, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 16/9, Orosz 6, Tomosvary 2, Markus, Coach: Horvath Imre
NYĶREGYHAZA: Savic 8, Siska 8/6, Mouton 13/3, Erno Sitku (208-C-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 32, Srdjan Helbich (205-F/C-76) 18, Krasznai, Trepak 3/3, Toth D, Coach: Deri Csaba



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

Wise is back & Jobity follows him to Orthodox for ACC -by Mohammed Malas

Orthodox basketball team head coach Hilal Barakat has announced earlier today that his former US player Kelly Wise (208-F-80, college: Memphis) will be back to the team for Arab Clubs Championship (Jordan, April 23 - May 6) after he was banned from playing in the local competitions due to the problem which happened in Zain's game in Jordan Cup, The canadian center Kevin Jobity (207-F/C-74, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Niagara) will replace Mark Strickland (208-F/C-70, college: Temple) after decision to change his direction to As Seeb of Oman who will participate in the same tournament, Both players will arrive tomorrow to Amman.

Wise was a vital part in the roster of the reds and made a good addition in the beginning of the season while Jobity is well known guy who knows the backetball in the region very well as he had a bright career in Lebanon (4 seasons), UAE and Iran.



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

Barons fight back to book place in final -by Gunars Gailitis
Barons LMT Riga became the first finalists of EuroCup Final Four 2008 after coming from behind to beat Estonian side Tartu Rock 88-82 on Friday night in Limassol, Cyprus.

Barons suffered from a slow start and were down by 18 points late in the second quarter, but a big second half by Demetrious Demetrius Alexander (204-F/C-75, college: Alabama), sparked the Latvian side's comeback.

Demetrius Alexander led all scorers with 25 points.

Raimonds Vaikulis was another reason why Barons finished the better team. The Latvian guard played his best game of the season exactly when it mattered.
Demetrius Demetrius Alexander (Barons LMT )
Demetrius Demetrius Alexander had an amazing second half for Barons

At the end of the first half he stepped up to reduce Tartu's big lead to just nine, and despite getting into foul trouble, he stayed on court to make the big plays until fouling out with less than two minutes to go. He left the game with 11 points, 10 assists and six rebounds.

'Vaikulis had a great game tonight,' said Barons' coach, Karlis Muiznieks regarding the guard's performance.

'In the beginning we allowed Tartu to play the way they desired, but in the second half we played a lot better and that showed on the scoreboard.'.

Tartu's George Tsintsadze had 16 points and six assists on the day, but most of them came in the first half. Center Brian Cusworth scored 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds but his influence on the game also came in the first half.

Tartu's Tanel Tein showed great intensity on defense with big plays, while Cusworth on the other end made Barons' soft defense pay and helped Tartu to hold a seven-point-lead at 29-22 lead after ten minutes.

After Armands Skele picked up an injury fighting for the ball Barons's back-court Giedrius Gustas and Vaikulis, both on three fouls, had to be careful for the remainder of the first half.

Tartu already had a 31-49 lead with three minutes to play in the half. Up to that point had an amaing 80% from the field, and looked destined to win.

But things were soon to change.

Dainius Adomaitis started a 9-0 Barons run that that cut the deficit to just nine points, 49-40, at the break.

Barons came back from the locker-room with a more aggressive approach, and that showed immediately.

Tartu took a 52-61 lead with four minutes to play in the third quarter, but then were out-scored 11-3, capped by a big three point play by Gustas, as the team entered the fourth quarters with Tartu up by a single point 63-64.

When Vaikulis nailed a big trey, he gave Barons their first lead of the night, 70-69. Tartu were still in fighting mood but earned their points mostly off the offensive glass.

And then it was Demetrius Alexander's time.

'I wanted to keep fighting and let them know we can come back,' said Demetrius Alexander after the game. 'I wanted our team to keep the faith and be able to win it.'

Together with a couple of long range hits by Marlins Kravcenko Barons took a 84-77 lead that put them well in command with a minute and a half to play.

Gert Kullamae tried to save the day with a three pointer but Demetrius Alexander answered with a long range shot which sealed Barons' win, and a spot in the final.

www.fibaeurope.com

*****************************************************
LIGA CENTROAMERICANA

Liceo defeats Icevic -by Gianni Pascucci
The Liga Centroamericana de Clubes 2008 'Final Four' Tournment started on Friday night in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The first game became a nightmare to Hondurean team Icevic, as they failed to stop the offensive wave of Liceo of Costa Rica in the 4th quarter, when the winners outscored the Hondurian team 32 to 11 points. The final score was 91-71. Patrick Culver (208-C-84, college: Texas A&M) led the scorers of Liceo at 20 pts, Kendrick Jones (190-G-83, college: Columbus St.) and Jeffrey Spencer (189-F-81) added 19 pts each and Hernol Hall (205-C-82, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Lon Morris JC) 18 to froze Icevic in a game in which the lead could only be taken by any of the teams for just a few seconds, and by no more than 6 points. Although rebounding seemed to be Icevic's secret weapon during the first three quarters, the fierce transition game of Liceo and their good managing of their offensive tempo gave the winners a 20-pts difference win that now places them just one game away from clinching their ticket to Liga de las Americas 2008.
with the help of Victor Padilla

Pioneros win in debut -by Gianni Pascucci
Pioneros de Quintana Roo overpowered visiting team Sat-Cybertech with a 94-50 win in its debut at home for the Final Four of Liga Centroamericana 2008, extending its credits to a 9-games winning streak in the tournament. Although the start of the game appeared to showcase a close rivalry between the undefeated Mexican team and the fast-playing visitors (the 1st quarter ended in favor of Pioneros 16 to 12), the rest of the match resulted in a clear dominance of the winners both in offense and defense, being this last what held the Guatemalans to their lowest score so far. The best performers for the host team were Juan Pablo Bravo (191-G/F) with 17 pts, Alonso Izaguirre (200-G/F-76) with 14 and Boubacar Aw (197-F-75, agency: Interperformances, college: Georgetown) with 12. They were contested only by SAT import player Henry Martinez (186-G/F-75, agency: Interperformances) with 13 pts on the losing effort. Saturday will face the two winners of today's game, Pioneros and Liceo, in a confrontation that will produce the first qualifier to the Liga de las Americas Tournament that will be held later this year with the best clubs of the continent.
with the help of Victor Padilla

*****************************************************
LIGA SUDAMERICANA

Regatas Corrientes closes on the Sudamericana title -by Eurobasket News
Regatas Corrientes got to a perfect start of the Liga Sudamericana Final series. They beat Flamengo twice in Argentina and now fly to Brazil in need of a single victory to decide the series. The first game was an overwhelming display of Regatas dominance as they had an advantage in almost every component of the encounter. The Argentinean team fired down their opponents 31:18 in the first stanza and kept rising the pressure down the stretch. The hosts enlarged the margin to 26 points at the interval and never looked back again. Marcelinho Machado was ejected in the third period receiving his second technical foul and Flamengo had little to propose without their leader on the court. Regatas eased to an impressive 95:72 victory at the end. Javier Martinez (189-G-78) notched 26 points, 7 assists and 6 boards to pace Regatas. Juan Manuel Rivero (192-G-85) added 20 points, while Ramzee Stanton (193-F-80, agency: CAA Sports, college: W.Chester) knocked down 14 in a winning case. Amiel Morejon (202-F-76) answered with 19 points for Flamengo.
Flamengo played without Marcelinho Machado in the second game but still managed to keep the intrigue burning. The visitors stressed the defense and it worked well in the first half. Brazilian team limited Regatas to just 22 first half points and led 30:22 at the break. But soon the home side adjusted and netted 25 points in the third stanza to storm back into the lead. Flamengo simply did not match the effort and had to surrender in the second straight game. Ramzee Stanton nailed 19 points and pulled down 8 boards for Regatas. Chuck Robinson (201-F-72, college: E.Carolina) and Javier Martinez scored 11 points each for the winners. Fernando Coloneze (207-C-78) had 15 points and 9 boards for Flamengo. Amiel Morejon (202-F-76) tallied 14 in defeat. Flamengo now have their backs against the wall when they take on Regatas Corrientes in Rio de Janeiro on April 22.

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

Pioneros win in debut -by Gianni Pascucci
Pioneros de Quintana Roo overpowered visiting team Sat-Cybertech with a 94-50 win in its debut at home for the Final Four of Liga Centroamericana 2008, extending its credits to a 9-games winning streak in the tournament. Although the start of the game appeared to showcase a close rivalry between the undefeated Mexican team and the fast-playing visitors (the 1st quarter ended in favor of Pioneros 16 to 12), the rest of the match resulted in a clear dominance of the winners both in offense and defense, being this last what held the Guatemalans to their lowest score so far. The best performers for the host team were Juan Pablo Bravo (191-G/F) with 17 pts, Alonso Izaguirre (200-G/F-76) with 14 and Boubacar Aw (197-F-75, agency: Interperformances, college: Georgetown) with 12. They were contested only by SAT import player Henry Martinez (186-G/F-75, agency: Interperformances) with 13 pts on the losing effort. Saturday will face the two winners of today's game, Pioneros and Liceo, in a confrontation that will produce the first qualifier to the Liga de las Americas Tournament that will be held later this year with the best clubs of the continent.
with the help of Victor Padilla

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

Standings Men
NBL Standings
 1. Waikato 7-2 
 2. Wellington 7-3 
 3. Nelson 6-3 
 4. Auckland 5-4 
 5. Harbour Heat 5-4 
 6. Taranaki 5-5 
 7. G&H Hawks 4-3 
 8. Manawatu 2-5 
 9. Canterbury 2-7 
 10. Otago 2-9 


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

San German knocks Ponce out of 3rd Place -by Luis Ramirez
The San German Athletics defeated the Ponce Lions 86-84 in a game that could have gone either way. The Athletics withstood an offensive run by the Lions in the 4th quarter to just barely come off with a 2 point win. The game started out with the Athletics taking command in the 1st quarter 23-18. They also took the 1st half 41-35, during this half the Lions were slapped with a technical foul for having too many people on the sidelines something that is not usually called by Island Officials. There was another technical called against the Lions which also became a factor in the final result of the game. The Athletics dominated the 3rd quarter and the lead was 68-59 at the end of this quarter. In the 4th quarter the Lions started to chip away at the lead and with 10 seconds left in the game went for the tie but Gabriel Colon mishandled the ball and time expired for the Athletic win. For San German, Samuel Villegas scored 22 points while Omar Alvarado added 19 points. For Ponce, Raul Orta (196-G-85) scored 25 points followed by Matt Freije with 24 points.

Over at, Arecibo the Captains defeated the Caguas Criollos 78-66. The Captains took the 1st quarter 18-11. They were also leading at the half 39-29. In the 3rd quarter the Criollos had a great offensive run to tie the game at 53 points. The Captains played a good defensive 4th quarter to hold the Criollos to just 13 points to take the win. For Arecibo, Angel Figueroa (196-G/F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Dowling) scored 25 points followed by Rodney White with 17 points. For Caguas, Shawn Redhage (202-F-81, agency: Warren Sports, college: Arizona St.) scored 14 points followed by Marlyn Bryant with 15 points.

*****************************************************
QATAR

American trio with Qatar SC for ACC -by Mohammed Malas
The american trio Jerry Holman (209-F/C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Minnesota), Ishmael Joyce (190-G-81, college: Jackson St.) and Maurice Hargrow (195-G-83, agency: Worldwide Hoops, college: Minnesota) will be the imports of Qatar Club in the upcoming Arab Clubs Championship which will begin next Wednesday and will resume until the 6th of may in Amman, Jordan.

The team's head coach Eric Darrel (Former coach of Qatar National Team) has assured to Asia-Basket earlier today that his team is looking to improve themselves among with the best teams in Arab World, Jerry (Played overseas in Spain and Turkey) and Maurcie (Was part of Qatar in the domestic league) had played together before in US college with University of Minnesota for two seasons (2001-2002 & 2002-2003), While Joyce was part of the team setup during the season and did well...

Qatar lost the final of Emir Cup yesterday against Al Rayyan and look to cover up and appear in good shape in ACC.

Parmer Leads Al Rayyan to Cups Sweep -by Amir Abou-El-Kheir

The signing of Marlon Parmer (191-G-80, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Ky Wesleyan) paid off right away. After losing out in the League to Qatar Army (Jaysh), Al Rayyan signed Parmer to help them get back on top. Well, after claiming both, the Heir Apparent and King's (Emir's) Cups over the last month, he did just that.


Emir's Cup Final
Al Rayyan 86 - 71 Qatar Club

Coming into this game Rayyan knew that if they did not contain Qatar's dynamic 3 it would be a long night. So Rayyan came out and used various defences to contain the one-on-one ability of Qatar's trio. Qatar was able to rely on Daoud Musa (193-G-82), A.J. and Musa in the first half to stay in the game, but the team was unable to do much of anything in the 3rd quarter and dug themselves into a deep hole. Down by 17 to start the 4th, Maurice Hargrow (195-G-83, agency: Worldwide Hoops, college: Minnesota) was finally able to break free, which lead to a run that saw the deficit shrink to 4 points, And with Parmer in foul trouble after picking up his 4th, it looked like the game was turning in Qatar's favour. They couldn't however, bait him in to his 5th, and Parmer was able to stay in the game to give Rayyan the extra punch they needed in the closing minutes. They made a few key free throws down the stretch, and a dagger of a 3-pointer by Saleem Abdullah Mohammed (202-C-82) with under 3 minutes left saw the lead balloon back to 10 points and that was it. The nail was in the coffin.

Leading Scorers

Al Rayyan: Yaseen Ismail 20, Omar Abdgader Salem 20, Marlon Parmer 11

Qatar Sports: Daoud Musa 23, Maurice Hargrow 18, Musa 12

Al Rayyan and Al-Arabi will represent Qatar at the GCC Championships that will take place in Doha at Gharrafa Stadium starting on the 24th of April. Qatar Sports Club will be off to Jordan next week, representing Qatar at the Arab Club Championships. Best of luck to all 3 of them.


Game analysis courtesy of the Professor of Roundball, Luqman Williams



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

Crvena Zvezda and Stevan Karadzic parts ways ! -by Dragan Jankovski
Head coach of Crvena Zvezda from Belgrade Stevan Karadzic resigned on his position yesterday afternoon, just 24 hours before the eternal derby against Partizan Igokea.

'There was couple of reasons for my resignation. First reason is the fact that most of the players didn't receive their salaries on time. The biggest problem was when players and people around the club realized that couple of players gets money on time but the rest of the team not. Thus, after that moment atmosphere in the team drastically get worse. During the entire season I have bad communication with GM Igor Zezelj. We didn't sign a center despite we had an agreement to do that. We received three monthly salaries and the fourth one was after selling of Nenad Misanovic' said Karadzic. He also said that it is not fair that only people who possess yearly tickets are able to enter the Pionir for the derby game vs Partizan.

Zvezda's GM Igor Zezelj said: 'Karadzic's decision to leave the team on this way without saying goodbye to the players is unfair and unusual move and his reasons are just his alibi. Karadzic had our support. It is well known that salaries were late during the last 5 years in Zvezda. Situation is not better now but it is much brevier to stay and fight until the end.'

Karadzic's assistant Milan Skobalj will lead the team against Partizan while the name of the new Zvezda's head coach will be known very soon.

*****************************************************
SOUTH KOREA

Dongbu Promy Leads Best Of 7 Game Series Up 2 -by Rick Ross

Dongbu Hosted Samsung in the Best of seven series in Wonju
Leading 2 games to Zip, after posting a 101-89 victory in game one
Dongbu retunred another home victory 100-96,
Kim Joo-Sung (205-C-79) the Korean Star netted 36 pts to lead all scores and
Pyo Myung-Il (182-G-75) had 9 assist as Dongbu Promy move on to Seoul for the next
2 games at Samsung.

Samsung Thunders won 5 straight play-Off Games
to reach the Finals but are in desperate need of a win to stay alive in the best
Of this 7 game series. No other scores at this time of addition.
Click here for more details:

http://www.kbl.or.kr/



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SPAIN

Oyedeji and Van Lacke, new signings of Granada -by Francisco Martinez
Oyedeji Olumide (208-C/F-81) has been signed for CB Granada for the last stage of the regular season in ACB. The center will replaced Michael Bradley (208-F/C-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Villanova), who arrived few weeks ago and has not satisfied the necessities of the team. Besides, the club announced they have inked Federico Van Lacke (191-G-80) till the end of the season. The guard was playing for Ciudad de Huelva, in LEB league, and he will replace injured Carlos Cherry (184-G-79).

Jesus Sala, two more years -by Francisco Martinez
Jesus Sala and Caja Rioja have reached an agreement to extend their contract for the next two years. Jesus Sala is one of the youngest coaches in Spanish Basketball and he joined the team in the season 2004/05. In the current season Caja Rioja is playing a good season and they will fight for the promotion to LEB Gold league in the playoff and in the Final Four which will take place in Caceres next May-31 and June-1

*****************************************************
U.S.VIRGIN ISLANDS

Suns' Bell plans to keep it clean while doing the dirty work -by David Edole
The comparison should have been flattering, but Raja Bell (196-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) didn't see it that way. He heard his name mentioned in the same sentence as another noted defensive irritant and he winced, crinkling his nose like he'd caught a whiff of old cheese and gym socks.
Even when he's not in the room, Bruce Bowen can have that effect on people.

'In that we have a lot of tough assignments, I can relate to Bruce,' Bell said last week. 'But I think Bruce and I go about it in two different ways, though.'

It seems the black hat has never fit the Phoenix Suns, and that highlights one reason why this figures to be one of the most compelling first-round series in the history of the NBA playoffs. Most watching will see good guys and bad guys, a sympathetic bunch of crowd pleasers seeking vengeance against the villains who supposedly robbed them, and both sides play their roles perfectly.

Although this generation of Phoenix players hasn't beaten the Spurs when it has mattered, the Suns consider themselves morally superior, and that perception was hammered home again last week. After Amare Stoudemire called out Bruce Bowen for attacking a screen elbow-first, someone suggested that tensions always seem to mount when these two teams get together.

Stoudemire almost looked offended.

'It's definitely not us — it's them, really,' Stoudemire said. 'But we're going to be the bigger men about it.'
It was the same attitude Bell had when asked about Bowen, and the message in both comments was clear — they think the Spurs are willing to do things the Suns aren't.

YouTube furthers this idea, what with the clips of Robert Horry hip-checking Steve Nash, Bowen taking aim at Stoudemire's heels and Tony Parker bonking Nash in the nose. But have the Suns' problems against the Spurs been a matter of the Spurs going too far?

Or of the Suns not going far enough?

The addition of Shaquille O'Neal helps Phoenix in this regard, if for no other reason than he's willing to be the bad guy. Shaq's been booed in his old hometown for more than a decade, and more than a few times he's been able to celebrate afterward.

But he'll need some help with the dirty work, and the Suns' best candidate is still Bell. Even if Shaq can neutralize Tim Duncan, he won't always be able to guard the rim against Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, and Bell is the only Phoenix player with the ability and willingness to slow either down.

Bell starts games on Parker, but it's his work on Ginobili that might define this series. In four meetings with Phoenix during the regular season, Ginobili was guarded primarily by Bell and shot just 19 for 64 (29.6 percent) from the field. He did not shoot better than 37 percent in any of those games.

Considering that the Spurs will be leaning on Ginobili over the next couple of weeks as much as they ever have, those are interesting numbers. But in the closing minutes of a playoff game, does anyone really expect Manu to be as flustered by Bell as Nash has been by Bowen?

Part of the answer to that question lies in Ginobili's track record, and part of it goes back to Bell's reluctance to be compared to Bowen. Bell, once honored by PETA as one of the 'World's Sexiest Vegetarians,' doesn't have the same taste for blood.

The ingredients are there, though. Like Bowen, Bell has been hailed as a 'Kobe stopper' (even if Kobe didn't show him much respect), and like Bowen, Bell has been creative with his feet (he was once suspended for kicking Toronto's Andrea Bargnani).

But in the end? This could come down to the black hat.

And who's more willing to wear it.

By Mike Finger

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UGANDA

Standings
MTN D1 Standings
 1. Mogas Falcons 0-0 
 2. Power 0-0 
 3. Warriors 0-0 
 4. KIU 0-0 
 5. Marines 0-0 
 6. Miracle 0-0 
 7. Gulu Hawks 0-0 
 8. Crane 0-0 
 9. UCU Canons 0-0 


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UKRAINE

Kyiv and Mariupol Enjoy Wins #2 -by Alexei Naumov
BC Kyiv took a 2:0 series lead against Dnipro after a 73:67 home win.

Second game of the series was not nearly as easy as the first one for Kyiv. Dnipro was a good matchup for the Superleague's top team, coming out mentally ready for the challenge.

Dnipro's Artem Shvets opened the game up with a triple, Grigoriy Khizhiak's free-throw and Maxim Vilkhovetskiy's three and two baskets from Khizhiak made it 5:11 midway through the quarter.

Kyiv tried made every effort to catch up with their opponents, but to no avail at least in the first period. Dnipro finished it up by 4 - 16:20.

Artur Drozdov hit from downtown to tie the game at 22. He added a steal and a dunk to put Kyiv up by 2 three minutes into the second time frame. The home side started to run away from Dnipro, but Maxim Vilkhovetsky and Khizhian kept their team within reach - 38:34 at the half.

The game was close till the final minutes. Vilkhovetskiy drained a three to make the score 67:65. Kyiv's Marcus Faison responded with a layup and the visitors were forced to foul, allowing the Kyiv team to put the series on the line in the next matchup.

Kyiv's Artur Drozdov had a game-high 19 points. Dnipro's Grigori Khizhniak had 17 and 9 rebounds.

Azovmash Mariupol, meanwhile, had yet another easy 84:63 win against Cherkaski Mavpy. The game's stats (and live stats of the upcoming games in English) are available on the Official Website of the Ukrainian Basketball Federation.

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URUGUAY

Aguada now alone in first place in the Metro League -by Hector Lopez
Aguada beat 25 de Agosto 96-72 to take sole posession of first place in the Metropolitan League with their 3-0 record. For Aguada, Martin Aguilera (195-F-87) was the leading-scorer with 22 points, while Dave Holmes (201-C-82, college: Manhattan) chipped in with 12, and grabbed 9 rebounds. 25 de Agosto, playing without one of their top players, drops to 2-1. Their top scorer in the game was Javier Alvarez, who had 21. Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Lewis) netted 21 points and added 13 rebounds, and now has a ranking of 36 points when Yale defeated Olivol Mundial 93-82. The best scorer for Olivol was Juan Garbarino with 18 points. Capurro, now 2-0, beat Urunday 79-65. Nicolas Borsellino (201-C-86) led the way for the victors with 18 points and 16 rebounds. The import player for Capurro, Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles), played 10 minutes without scoring.

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VENEZUELA

Guanipa and Baez, brilliants in Houston -by Wolfgang Lucena
Heberto Guanipa and Elvis Baez are doing a great job in the AAU Houston Kingwood Classic 2008. Guanipa and Baez, both proud Venezuelans U17 basketball players, are facing those best high school basketball players of the United States that are attending this first AAU tournament of the 2008. In this tournament, both of them are defending the cause of the Miami Tropics Nike team travel. They won today's game, where our guys were taking an important roll. 6'2''Points guard Elvis Baez with 11 points and 6'10'' Heberto Guanipa with 8 points and 8 rebounds.

Congratulations Guys!!




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Women News

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AUSTRALIA - Women

Australia holds off USA in the Good Luck Beijing opener -by Eurobasket News
Australia - USA 74:60

Rohanee Cox (182-F-80) scored team-high 16 points and the Opals handled the USA 74:60 in the first game of the Beijing invitational tournament. The USA got to an aggressive start and led 6:0 in the starting minutes. But Aussies quickly found their rhythm and wrapped up the first stanza leading 17:16. Katie Smith (180-G-74, college: Ohio St.) gave the lead back to the USA 23:22 early in the second period and they maintained advantage 33:29 at the interval. The teams traded buckets in the third period with USA squad still enjoying a 50:48 after three quarters of action. But Erin Phillips (173-G-85) put the Opals ahead 51:50 in the fourth quarter and Australia never actually turned back riding to a confident victory at the end. Hollie Grima (190-C-83, agency: LBM Management) scored 13 points and Erin Phillips added 12 for the winners. The USA team answered with 17 points from Lisa Leslie (196-C-72, college: USC). Katie Smith knocked down 14 points in defeat.

Australia: Rohanee Cox 16, Hollie Grima 13, Erin Phillips 12
USA: Lisa Leslie 17, Katie Smith 14

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CHINA - Women

China beats Korea at the Good Luck Beijing tournament -by Eurobasket News
China - Korea 80:69

Almost 5,000 people gathered at the Beijing's Olympic Gym to witness their favorites taking a winning start of the Good Luck Beijing Invitational tournament. China fired from all guns and drove to an impressive 80:69 win over their arch rivals South Korea in the opener. Nan Chen (197-C-83) tallied the first double-double of the tournament finishing with 26 points and 13 boards to propel China to the victory. China prevailed right from the start as they jumped to a 4:0 lead. Miao Lijie marked a 14:5 buffer for China midway through the frame. The hosts enjoyed a 24:15 advantage after one quarter of action. China stretched the gap to as many as 17 points in the second quarter and seemed to cruise to a success. But Korea was not about to give this one up that easy. Beon Yeon Ha (182-F-80) and Kim Kwe Ryong (191-C-79) fueled a comeback effort from Korean team as they posted a 14:0 run to begin the third quarter. Korea kept insisting and soon narrowed the deficit to 2 points late in the third frame. But a three-pointer from Miao Lijie cooled off Korea and China retained control. They cleared off back to a 9-point distance and never looked back at the dying stages. Chen Xiaoli (193-C-82) provided 18 points for China. Miao Lijie scored 14 points in a win. Beon Yeon Ha answered with 24 points for Korea. Kim Yeong Ok accounted for 13 points in a losing effort. China outrebounded Korea 37:24 and forced those to 15 turnovers. The home team shot solid 50% from the field holding Korea to 41% accuracy.

China: Nan Chen 26+13 boards, Chen Xiaoli 18, Miao Lijie 14
Korea: Beon Yeon Ha 24, Kim Yeong Ok 13

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CUBA - Women

Cuba opens Good Luck Beijing tourney with win -by Eurobasket News
Cuba - New Zealand 75:71

The official Olympic basketball test event started today in Beijing. In the first game Cuba defeated New Zealand in a well contested battle. Tall Ferns jumped to an early win and finished the first frame on top 21:19. Cuban team evened the game in the second term and tied it all at 38 at the interval. But once again a strong defensive effort from Kiwi players allowed New Zealand to gain a 5-point lead after three quarter time. However Tall Ferns failed to secure the winning outcome. Suchitel Avila (183-F-82) nailed a bunch of trebles to spark a 24:15 run from Cubans as they surged ahead for good in this one. Yamara Amargo (178-F-85) and Yayma Boulet (193-C-83) finished with 20 points apiece to lead Cuba. Suchitel Avila nailed 19 points for the winners. Angela Marino (166-G-86) provided 20 points and 6 assists for Tall Ferns. Lisa Wallbutton (183-F-86) contributed 19 points and 6 rebounds in a losing effort.

Cuba: Yamara Amargo 20, Yayma Boulet 20, Suchitel Avila 19
New Zealand: Angela Marino 20, Lisa Wallbutton 19

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CZECH REPUBLIC - Women

Czech Classics: Gambrinus and USK Praha in the title series -by Eurobasket News
It's all came down to an old story in Czech Republic ZBL. Gambrinus and USK Praha will continue their never-ending rivalry when they meet in the Final series. Two Czech powerhouses cruised past quarterfinal and semifinal stages to reach the championship battle. The best-of-five series is due to start on Monday in Brno.
Gambrinus had little to worry about when they took on Trutnov in the semifinal. The Brno outfit prevailed in the first game 98:65 and easily grabbed the lead. Petra Kulichova (198-C-84) nailed 17 points to lead the action. Jana Vesela (194-F-83) added 14 points and Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) had 12 for the winners. Katerina Zohnova (179-F-84), Snajdrova and Carvajal all scored 15 points apiece for Trutnov. Gambrinus completed the series next day when they overwhelmed Trutnov 92:72 away from home. Petra Kulichova netted 19 points and Zuzana Zirkova (175-F/G-80) contributed 17 points as Gambrinus entered the ZBL Final.
USK Praha looked even more comfortable in the semis. They stunned Valosun Brno 115:69 in the opening encounter. Mokrosova poured in 16 points to lead six Praha players to produce in double figures. Tereza Peckova (191-F-87) accounted for 15 points in a winning effort. Romana Hejdova (181-F-88), Wynter Whitley (187-F/C-82, college: Duke) and Veronika Vlkova (175-G/F-84) answered with 10 points each in a loss. In Game 2 USK Praha gave no chance for the hosts. The league's favorites stormed past Valosun 108:73 in Brno. Seven players reached double figures in scoring list and USK Praha celebrated a coasting victory. Sandra Le Drean (187-F-77) was the topscorer with 18 points and 7 boards. Veronika Vlkova replied with 17 points for Valosun.

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ESTONIA - Women

TLU/Volta wins the first game of the Final -by Eurobasket News
TLU/Volta - Tallinna Living 60:55

The top seeds of the Mestriliiga met in the Final best-of-five series. TLU/Volta automatically claimed their Final birth winning the regular season, while Tallinna Living had to deal with Kalev in the semis to reach the championship games. They completed the task perfectly knocking out Kalev in two games. However next challenge was a tougher one for Living. TLU/Volta and Tallinna Living fight was interesting to watch during the regular season and now it reached the upshot. The series tipped off at the TLU Stadium in Tallinn and lived up to the highest expectations. TLU/Volta jumped off to a brave start as they piled up a 21:16 lead after the opening stanza. The hosts continued to dominate after the first intermission and drove to a 7-point cushion at the interval. TLU/Volta won the rebounding battle and kept the visitors at bay through three quarters of action. The margin was stretched to 9 points at 30-minutes mark. Tallinna Living came up defensively in the fourth period limiting TLU/Volta to just 8 points. But it still was not enough for Living to spark any intrigue late in the encounter. The hosts wisely rolled to the initial victory in the series and surged ahead. Ashley Wallace (183-C-85, college: Pace) provided 19 points and 10 boards to carry TLU/Volta to the winning outcome. Jana Rannaveski (172-G-87) scored 16 points and Heila Rosenfeldt (172-G-83) dropped 10 points and pulled down 12 caroms in a win. Sandra Andresson (182-G-89) answered with 16 points for Tallinna Living. Kerttu Jallai (180-F-90) netted 13 points in defeat. TLU/Volta outrebounded their opponents 44:34 and allowed just three free throws from Living down the stretch. Game 2 is scheduled for Monday at Audentese Sports Complex.

TLU/Volta: Ashley Wallace 19+10 boards, Jana Rannaveski 16, Heila Rosenfeldt 10
Tallinna Living: Sandra Andresson 16, Kerttu Jallai 13

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FRANCE - Women

Tournoi de la federation - finalist are known -by Leslie Anderson

Bourges and USVO will meet in the final of the Federation Cup.


Bourges had a comfortable victory against Villeneuve while USVO were pushed all the way by Montpellier.


Belinda Snell and Celine Dumerc were active behind the three-point line in their match against Villeneuve, but it was Francesca Zara (177-G-76) who made the headlines for USVO with a near perfect display beyond the 6.25m line.


Montpellier will meet Villeneuve in a repeat of last seasons third place match, while Bourges will take on USVO for the fourth season in a row



Standings - NF1 (Women) -by Leslie Anderson
NF1 Standings
 1. Nantes 21-5 
 2. Charleville 19-7 
 3. Landes 19-7 
 4. Armentieres 18-8 
 5. Dunkerque 17-9 
 6. Limoges 14-12 
 7. Lot-et-Garonne 13-13 
 8. Avenir de Rennes 13-13 
 9. Nice 13-13 
 10. Strasbourg 12-14 
 11. La Roche-sur-Lion 11-15 
 12. CFBB 10-16 
 13. Voiron 8-18 
 14. Lyon 8-18 
 15. Pleyber Christ 6-20 
 16. Marseillais 6-20 


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HOLLAND - Women

North Team prevails in All Star Game -by Eurobasket News
North - South 78:76

The Dutch All-Star Gala took place in Amsterdam. The best basketballers playing in Netherlands were invited to participate in festivities. The game lived up to its status bringing a basketful of positive emotions for a sell out crowd at the Sports Hall. The North Team pulled away a narrow last-second win over the South due to a key attempt from Marloes Roetgerink (189-C-77). The 31-year-old center of Yellow Bike was trumped the game's MVP. The annual awards were distributed after the game. Women's All-Star team included Laura Kooij (183-F-82), Anna Vicenzetto (183-C/F-77) and Leonie Kooij (187-F-86) of Yellow Bike, Anouk Biesters (182-G/F-86) of ProBuild Lions and Naomi Halman (193-F/C-86, college: Cal-Irvine) from Lely Amsterdam. Naomi Halman was also named the season's MVP. Meindert van Veen was proclaimed the Coach of the Year.

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NEW ZEALAND - Women

Cuba opens Good Luck Beijing tourney with win -by Eurobasket News
Cuba - New Zealand 75:71

The official Olympic basketball test event started today in Beijing. In the first game Cuba defeated New Zealand in a well contested battle. Tall Ferns jumped to an early win and finished the first frame on top 21:19. Cuban team evened the game in the second term and tied it all at 38 at the interval. But once again a strong defensive effort from Kiwi players allowed New Zealand to gain a 5-point lead after three quarter time. However Tall Ferns failed to secure the winning outcome. Suchitel Avila (183-F-82) nailed a bunch of trebles to spark a 24:15 run from Cubans as they surged ahead for good in this one. Yamara Amargo (178-F-85) and Yayma Boulet (193-C-83) finished with 20 points apiece to lead Cuba. Suchitel Avila nailed 19 points for the winners. Angela Marino (166-G-86) provided 20 points and 6 assists for Tall Ferns. Lisa Wallbutton (183-F-86) contributed 19 points and 6 rebounds in a losing effort.

Cuba: Yamara Amargo 20, Yayma Boulet 20, Suchitel Avila 19
New Zealand: Angela Marino 20, Lisa Wallbutton 19

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POLAND - Women

Finals FGE: Lotos PKO BP - Wisla Can-Pack 1:0 -by Wojciech Strzebinczyk
Lotos PKO BP - Wisła Can-Pack Krakow 89:74 (21:21, 24:19, 19:20, 25:14)
Lotos PKO BP: Chamique Holdsclaw 28, Dominique Canty 25, Jekaterina Snicyna 8, Slobodanka Maksimovic 8, Magdalena Leciejewska 8, Anna Breitreiner 7, Alana Beard 5, Natalia Waligorska 0, Patrycja Gulak 0.
Wisła Can-Pack: Candice Dupree 20, Marta Fernandez 14, Anna DeForge 14, Kara Braxton 13, Jelena Skerovic 8, Agnieszka Pałka 3, Anna Wielebnowska 2, Monika Krawiec 0, Ewelina Kobryn 0, Natalia Trafimawa 0

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SOUTH KOREA - Women

China beats Korea at the Good Luck Beijing tournament -by Eurobasket News
China - Korea 80:69

Almost 5,000 people gathered at the Beijing's Olympic Gym to witness their favorites taking a winning start of the Good Luck Beijing Invitational tournament. China fired from all guns and drove to an impressive 80:69 win over their arch rivals South Korea in the opener. Nan Chen (197-C-83) tallied the first double-double of the tournament finishing with 26 points and 13 boards to propel China to the victory. China prevailed right from the start as they jumped to a 4:0 lead. Miao Lijie marked a 14:5 buffer for China midway through the frame. The hosts enjoyed a 24:15 advantage after one quarter of action. China stretched the gap to as many as 17 points in the second quarter and seemed to cruise to a success. But Korea was not about to give this one up that easy. Beon Yeon Ha (182-F-80) and Kim Kwe Ryong (191-C-79) fueled a comeback effort from Korean team as they posted a 14:0 run to begin the third quarter. Korea kept insisting and soon narrowed the deficit to 2 points late in the third frame. But a three-pointer from Miao Lijie cooled off Korea and China retained control. They cleared off back to a 9-point distance and never looked back at the dying stages. Chen Xiaoli (193-C-82) provided 18 points for China. Miao Lijie scored 14 points in a win. Beon Yeon Ha answered with 24 points for Korea. Kim Yeong Ok accounted for 13 points in a losing effort. China outrebounded Korea 37:24 and forced those to 15 turnovers. The home team shot solid 50% from the field holding Korea to 41% accuracy.

China: Nan Chen 26+13 boards, Chen Xiaoli 18, Miao Lijie 14
Korea: Beon Yeon Ha 24, Kim Yeong Ok 13

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WNBA - Women

Australia holds off USA in the Good Luck Beijing opener -by Eurobasket News
Australia - USA 74:60

Rohanee Cox (182-F-80) scored team-high 16 points and the Opals handled the USA 74:60 in the first game of the Beijing invitational tournament. The USA got to an aggressive start and led 6:0 in the starting minutes. But Aussies quickly found their rhythm and wrapped up the first stanza leading 17:16. Katie Smith (180-G-74, college: Ohio St.) gave the lead back to the USA 23:22 early in the second period and they maintained advantage 33:29 at the interval. The teams traded buckets in the third period with USA squad still enjoying a 50:48 after three quarters of action. But Erin Phillips (173-G-85) put the Opals ahead 51:50 in the fourth quarter and Australia never actually turned back riding to a confident victory at the end. Hollie Grima (190-C-83, agency: LBM Management) scored 13 points and Erin Phillips added 12 for the winners. The USA team answered with 17 points from Lisa Leslie (196-C-72, college: USC). Katie Smith knocked down 14 points in defeat.

Australia: Rohanee Cox 16, Hollie Grima 13, Erin Phillips 12
USA: Lisa Leslie 17, Katie Smith 14