EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 4/8/2008

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Men News

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CAPE VERDE

Schedule for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men -by Pedro Gomes
Schedule for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men

GENEVA (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men) - FIBA and the Hellenic Basketball Federation are happy to announce the competition schedule for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men that will be played in Athens (Greece), in the 18.000 OAKA Sports Arena, located in Maroussi, from 14th to 20th July 2008.

The following nine teams have already booked their tickets for the Olympic Basketball Tournament for Men that will take place in Beijing, China, from 10th to 24th August 2008: China (host), Spain (World Champion), Angola (African Champion), USA (Champion of the Americas), Argentina (Americas runner-up), Iran (Asian Champion), Russia (European Champion), Lithuania (European Bronze medallist) and Australia (Oceanian Champion)

The remaining three men's berths for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will be decided in this 12-team FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament that will feature the following participants: Cameroon and Cape Verde (Africa), Puerto Rico, Brazil and Canada (Americas), Lebanon and Korea (Asia), Greece, Germany, Croatia and Slovenia (Europe) and New Zealand (Oceania).

Listed below are the composition of the four groups, as well as the complete tournament schedule. Please note that all tip-off hours are local time in Athens, Greece.

1. Composition of groups:

Group A: Brazil, Greece and Lebanon

Group B: Cape Verde, Germany and New Zealand

Group C: Canada, Korea and Slovenia

Group D: Cameroon, Croatia and Puerto Rico

2. Preliminary Round:

14th July 2008:

13:00 hours: New Zealand vs.Cape Verde

15:30 hours: Korea vs. Slovenia

19:30 hours: Croatia vs. Cameroon

22:00 hours: Greece vs. Lebanon

15th July 2008:

13:00 hours: Slovenia vs.Canada

15:30 hours: Cape Verde vs. Germany

19:30 hours: Cameroon vs. Puerto Rico

22:00 hours: Lebanon vs. Brazil

16th July 2008:

13:00 hours:Canada vs.Korea

15:30 hours: Puerto Rico vs. Croatia

19:30 hours: Germany vs. New Zealand

22:00 hours: Brazil vs. Greece

The teams placed 1st and 2nd in each group will advance to the Quarter-Finals; the teams placed 3rd in each group will be eliminated and may return home.

17th July 2008: Rest Day

3. Quarter-Finals:

18th July 2008:

Game 13: A1 vs. B2

Game 14: B1 vs. A2

Game 15: C1 vs. D2

Game 16: D1 vs. C2

The games of the Quarter-Finals will be played at 13:00 hours, 15:30 hours, 19:30 hours and 22:00 hours. The order of games will be confirmed after the end of the Preliminary Round.

4. Semi-Finals:

19th July 2008:

Game 17: Winner 13 vs. Winner 15

Game 18: Winner 14 vs. Winner 16

The Semi-Final games will be played at 19:00 hours and 21:30 hours. The order of games will be confirmed after the end of the Quarter-Finals.

The two winners of the Semi-Finals will qualify for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The two losers will play the game for the 3rd place (Game 19 below) for one remaining Olympic spot.

5. Finals:

20th July 2008:

Game 19 (20:00 hours): Loser 17 vs. Loser 18

The winner will qualify for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

About FIBA

FIBA (www.fiba.com), the world governing body for basketball, is an independent association formed by 213 National Federations of basketball throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Its main upcoming events are the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments for Men and Women (to take place in the summer of 2008) that will decide the final berths for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and the FIBA World Championships for Men and Women, held every four years. The 2010 FIBA World Championship will be played in Turkey, while the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Women will take place in the Czech Republic.

Standings
D1 Standings
1. ABC 6-2
2. Seven Stars 6-2
3. Predio 4-4
4. Ach.Grande 0-8


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CHAD

Ndoloum Charles -by Emery Doradji
Charles Ndoloum at Newberry College (Newberry, South Carolina) Charles is majoring in Business Administration. 6'0 ft Guard,180 lbs 20 years old Charles is full of talent. He is future Chadian hope. Born in November 24th 1987 the number one prospect red shirt his junior year at Newberry College, Charles said he does not play this because of some papers work, but he is getting ready for the next season. He played point guard for the Chadian national team when he was eighteen years old.

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D-LEAGUE

2007-08 All-D-League Selections Announced -by Surujh Roopnarine
Headlined by current D-League MVP (Kasib Powell (6'7''-F-81, college: Texas Tech)) and last year's winner (Randy Livingston (6'4''-G-75, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: LSU)) the 2007-08 All-NBA Development League ETams have been announced.
* - player currently in NBA
2007-08 ALL-NBA DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE FIRST TEAM
Position Player Team
Guard Randy Livingston Idaho Stampede
Guard Eddie Gill Colorado 14ers
Forward Kasib Powell Sioux Falls Skyforce
Forward Sean Banks Los Angeles D-Fenders
Center Ian Mahinmi Austin Toros/Spurs

2007-08 ALL-NBA DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE SECOND TEAM
Position Player Team
Guard Andre Barrett Austin Toros
Guard Blake Ahearn* Dakota Wizards
Forward Kaniel Dickens Colorado 14ers
Forward Lance Allred* Idaho Stampede
Center Rod Benson Dakota Wizards

2007-08 ALL-NBA DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE HONORABLE MENTION
Position Player Team
Guard Adam Harrington Tulsa 66ers
Guard Desmon Farmer Rio Grande Valley Vipers
Guard Ramon Sessions* Tulsa 66ers/Bucks
Guard Earl Calloway Fort Wayne Mad Ants
Guard/Forward Dermarr Johnson Austin Toros
Forward Stephane Lasme* Los Angeles D-Fenders
Forward Justin Reed Bakersfield Jam
Forward Mike Hall Tulsa 66ers
Center Mouhamed Sene Idaho Stampede/SuperSonics
Forward Cory Violette Idaho Stampede
Guard Nick Fazekas* Tulsa 66ers/Mavericks
Center Chris Alexander Sioux Falls Skyforce

Standings
D-League Standings
Central Division
1. Sioux Falls S. 28-21
2. Dakota W. 27-21
3. Iowa E. 20-27
4. Ft.Wayne MA 17-30
Southwest Division
1. Austin T. 29-18
2. Colorado 14ers 26-21
3. Tulsa 66ers 25-23
4. Albuquerque T. 22-26
5. Rio Grande VV 20-29
West Division
1. Idaho S. 33-14
2. LA D-Fenders 32-15
3. Utah 23-24
4. Anaheim A. 21-27
5. Bakersfield J. 10-37


Stats Leaders
D-League Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1.M. Almond, UTA 25.0
2.D. Farmer, RGV 24.6
3.K. Powell, SIF 22.3
4.C. Powell, DAK 22.3
4.S. Banks, LAD 22.1
Rebounds Per Game
1.R. Benson, DAK 12.1
2.C. Alexander, SIF 11.2
3.L. Allred, IDA 10.0
4.M. Sene, IDA 9.0
5.I. Mahinmi, AUS 8.2
Assists Per Game
1.R. Livingston, IDA 10.5
2.A. Barrett, AUS 8.6
3.E. Gill, COL 8.5
4.K. Kruger, UTA 6.9
5.J. Horner, IOW 6.0


Sunday's D-League Results -by Surujh Roopnarine
Ft. Wayne Mad Ants (90) at Sioux Falls Skyforce (125)
MAD ANTS: Ron Howard (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Valparaiso) (27p), Dahntay Jones (26p+7rb+7as), Nate Gerwig (9p+13rb), James Peters (8p+8rb)
SKYFORCE: Glen McGowan (6'9''-F-81, college: Pepperdine) (25p+7rb+6to), Kasib Powell (24p+7rb), Carl Elliott (17p+6rb+7as), Chris Alexander (14p+9rb)

Idaho Stampede (123) at Tulsa 66ers (117)
STAMPEDE: Mike Taylor (6'2''-G-86, college: Iowa St.) (32p+5as), Luke Jackson (27p+6as), Roberto Bergersen (25p), Cory Violette (13p+7rb)
66ERS: Derrick Dial (6'4''-G-75, college: E.Michigan) (23p+6rb), Mike Hall (20p+8rb+6as), Jason Fontenet (19p+5as), Jeremy Kelly (18p)

Austin Toros (103) at Colorado 14ers (120)
TOROS: DerMarr Johnson (6'9''-G-80, college: Cincinnati) (18p), Josh Gross (14p+6rb), Serge Angounou (14p+6rb), Andre Barrett (14p+5as)
14ERS: Justin Cage (6'6''-F-85, college: Xavier) (23p+8rb), Billy Thomas (20p), Eddie Gill (19p+5rb+8as), Eric Osmundson (18p)

Current Playoff Matchups as of April 7, 2008
1st Round
Dakota versus Los Angeles --> Winner faces Idaho in Semifinals
Colorado versus Sioux Falls --> Winner faces Austin in Semifinals

Last team in --> Colorado
Last team out --> Tulsa

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FRANCE

ProA : Vincent Collet will coach Villeurbanne next season -by Aurelien Hipp
*Vincent Collet just announced today that he was leaving Le Mans to sign a 3-season contract with Villeurbanne next season. The french coach will replace leaving Yves Baratet. Collet will be replaced in Le Mans by the local former player J.D Jackson.Jackson has succeeded in all the expected exams to coach a french team. Vincent Collet is leaving a team he brought to the top since 2000.Le Mans is currently ProA leader while Villeurbanne isn't very far at the 3rd place.

NM1 Day 28: Longwy back in trouble -by Chris Spiesser
One week after the surprising defeats of the two leaders, the NM1 had a quiter Saturday as each of the 6 firsts won. Good time to focus on what the situation looks like in the bottom. Feurs, Andrezieux and Toulouges will play in NM2 next year. For Andrezieux and Toulouges it is done. Feurs can only expect a miracle as they have a complicated programm with adversaries like Blois, Antibes, Angers or Charleville. So this leaves 5 teams competing to avoid the relegating 14th spot.

Andrezieux 95-88 Longwy (14th)
Today, black hole n°14 is occupied by Longwy which has a very irregular season. One good trend is always followed by a bad one which is the case over these weeks. Missing Alao, Longwy faced a terrific Sebastien Cherasse: 31pts, 5ass This is the fourth loss in a row for the lorrains who did not win since they overcame Mulhouse last month. At that time, this victory looked like a good basis for their future. Though that win might also have removed too much pressure...

Mulhouse (13th) 74-79 Lille
Hard times to face Lille which won a fifth in a row. With Innocent Kere (14pts 5/8, 13rbs), Lille imposed its inner strengh (35rbs vs 47). Mulhouse has still a one win advance over Longwy but coach Meriguet's team has the best point average. Moreover, Mulhouse's calendar looks complicated and their next week's game against Lievin could be decisive.

Lievin (12th) 80-88 Blois
A good game by the locals who could count on a precious Olivier Lamothe (17pts 8/11, 7rbs, 3ass) but Blois gave the final impulsion over the last QT. Blot, Maizeroi and Orr shared the most important part of the job with 64pts and 16rbs. Lievin has two wins more than Longwy plus the point average but their calendar is hell with only two game remaining at home.

Bordeaux (10th) 81-88 Boulogne (11th)
This result drives the two teams on the same 14w-14l line. Even their point average is equal, Bordeaux only having a better global point difference for the moment. On the court, Bordeaux did not take advantage of Boulogne's 21 turnovers. The girondins shot 25 times more than Boulogne but nettd only two more FG's! The key factor for the visitors was Aude Pierre-Joseph (194-F-79) who scored 31pts at 92%. In the standings both teams need two more wins. Each one will have to play against Lognwy, so they can secure their future themselves.

Angers 71-62 St-Chamond
The locals made an early difference that they kept the whole game long. Once more, Michael Doles had a great game (19pts, 9rbs, 3stl, 3ass) leading his team to place 6.

GET Vosges 81-68 Feurs
The vosgians made the difference over the third QT against the forezians who are playing with only frenchmen. Jason Bach (22pts 7/10, 4rbs) made the best performance for the winners who remain nestled at place 5.

Fos 90-51 Toulouges
The azureans had a serious evening. Taking the game with high pressure, they set a first difference during the initial QT (22-14). The catalans couldn't answer, letting the locals grab quite an easy win. Toto might also have grabbed some confidance back after some complicated games: 22pts, 8rbs, 4ass.

Charleville 92-54 CFBB
Like Fos, the ardennians didn't suffer against the CFBB. With an early advantage, coach Antic could give round 20 minutes to all his players. Chris Davis posted 21pts and 6rbs while Delhomme scored 14 units and dished 13 assists.

Antibes 79-74 Challans
Driven by Mollinari (18pts, 4rbs, 8ass), the azureans took a huge advance during the early second half. But slowly, Challans stuck back. Despite Seth Scott's 22pts and 9rbs, Antibes managed to keep a tiny part of its advantage to secure the win and the first spot.

Standings - ProA
ProA Standings
1. Le Mans 17-6
2. Nancy 16-7
3. ASVEL 16-7
4. Roanne 15-8
5. Le Havre 13-10
6. Vichy 13-10
7. Cholet 12-11
8. Strasbourg 11-12
9. Hyeres-Toulon 11-12
10. Orleans 10-13
11. Chalon 10-13
12. Pau 10-13
13. Dijon 9-14
14. Gravelines 9-14
15. Paris-Levall. 8-15
16. Clermont 4-19


Standings - N1
N1 Standings
1. Antibes 22-6
2. Charleville 22-6
3. Blois 21-7
4. Fos Ouest 21-7
5. Get Vosges 19-9
6. Angers 17-12
7. St Chamond 16-12
8. Challans 16-12
9. Lille 16-12
10. Boulogne 14-14
11. Bordeaux 14-14
12. Lievin 13-15
13. Mulhouse 12-16
14. Longwy 11-17
15. Feurs 8-20
16. Andrezieux 5-23
17. Toulouges 5-24
18. Centre Feder. 1-27


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FYR MACEDONIA

Coach changes in the First League -by Todor Chalovski
Strumica 2005 changed their coach after the game against Karpos Sokoli 2000. They swapped Jordancho Davitkov with the Serbian coach Miodrag Kadija, who previously coached Lovcen, Buducnost, Atlas and Igokea Partizan.
Kadija is the third Strumica 2005 coach since the start of this season. They started with the Macedonian NT coach Jovica Arsic, who left in November, and he was replaced by Davitkov.

Previously, Swisslion Pelister parted ways with Miodrag Perisic. His assistant Blagoja Pecalov will coach the Bitola based team until the end of this season.

Pop Sport VSA and Torus lead the way -by Todor Chalovski
Pop Sport VSA beat Ovce Pole 83:70 in a game from Round 4 in the Macedonian First 'B' league. Ovce Pole came to Skopje with a 9 game winning streak, but their roll came to an end, thanks to a great play from the home team in the first and last quarter. Former Fersped Rabotnicki player Aleksandar Joncevski scored 24 points for Pop Sport VSA.

Torus beat Vardar Centar away from home in a Skopje derby 78:72, thanks to a 14:2 series to seal the game, which keeps them in second position.
Ivan Atanasovski scored 19 points for the winners.

Captain Trajce Nacevski led Goce Delchev to a 91:78 win at Negotino. Nacevski scores 26 points, while this victory keeps his team up to 4th position.

Heraklea beats Teteks in overtime 89:82 in Tetovo to keep their survuival hopes alive, in a game from Round 4 in the Second playout league. Veteran Oliver Kotevski and Goce Anakievski score 20 points each for Bitola based side Heraklea.

Plejmejker Kubuc made sure of their survival in the Second league, beating six men Kozuf 94:62. Former MZT and Karpos Sokoli 2000 player Darko Stanimirovic scored 16 points for Plejmejker Kubus.

Amak SP steals the win in Skopje -by Todor Chalovski
Amak SP beat Fersped Rabotnicki in Skopje 94:90 in overtime, in a game from Round 30 in the First Macedonian basketball league. This is the first victory for the Ohrid based side against Fersped Rabotnicki away from home in their history.
Vladimir Filipovic tied the game for the home side with 12 seconds remaining in the regular time at 78:78. American Jarrid Frye won the game for Amak SP. First, he scored both foul shots with 24 seconds remaining for a 92:90 lead, and then he stole the bal for a dunk with seconds remaining.
Vojdan Stojanovski scored 27 for Amak SP, while Americans O'Neal and Frye added 22 and 20 points respectuively.

Feni Industri keep on winning in Kavadarci. League leaders beat Swisslion Pelister 87:79, led by Donald Cole, scoring 26 points.

Strumica 2005 beat Vardar Osiguruvanje 90:65 in Skopje. New coach of Macedonian Champions, Miodrag Kadija, started his career in Macedonia with a convincing win against home side, who played without the Serbian trio Mitic - Maric - Ilic, who have been released from the team.
Damir Latovic scored 23 points for Strumica 2005.

MZT FON Univerzitet Skopje needed a late charge, to beat outsiders Karpos Sokoli 2000 98:91 away from home. Slobodan Agoc scored 27, while captain Jane Petrovski added 22

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GERMANY

American trio has to leave Hannover -by Moritz Korff
UBC Hannover, currently in first place in the Regionalliga North, has parted with its three American players Tim Haley (188-G-82, college: Chico St.), Will Bonner (201-F-83, college: Chico St.) and Jason Van Eck (197-G/F-83, college: Chico St.). The trio will return to the USA in the next days. According to the press release on the club's website the three players didn't stick to agreements and also showed undisciplined behavior in practice. The Tigers will have to play the final game of this season against Rostock without them. Haley and Van Eck each scored more than 20 points per contest for Hannover, while Bonner added 14.2ppg this season.

Bundesliga Game Day 28: Sunday April 6th results! -by Michael Taylor

Bundesliga Game Day 28 took place Sunday April 6th with every team in action.

Sunday April 6th

Deutsche Bank Skyliners 69 LTi Giessen 46ers 57
Ilian Evtimov buried 5 of 7 threes for 21pts and Derrick Allen added 18pt 5reb in leading the Deutsche Bank Skyliners to a 69-57 win over rival LTi Giessen 46ers Sunday afternoon at Ballsporthalle in Frankfurt. Skyliners started strong opening a 20-14 lead after 1Q but took control of the game with a 26-9 2Q giving them a 46-23 lead at half. The 46ers struck back in the 3Q outscoring the hosts 22-3 but Head Coach Murat Didin and his team cruised to the rivalry win. Frankfurt shot 48% from the floor and sank 11 of 24 (45%) from three while Giessen hit 37% in the game. Obie Trotter led Giessen with 18pt while Seamus Boxley added a 12pt 10reb double double. Frankfurt improved to 18-11 while Giessen fell to 8-20.

Eisbaren Bremerhaven 89 TBB Trier 67
Bremerhaven broke open a close game with a 25-15 3Q in earning an important 89-67 home win over TBB Trier Sunday at Stadthalle Bremerhaven. The win gave head coach Dr Sarunas Sakalauskas and his team a sweep of two games as they aim to lock up the 8th and final playoff place. The Eisbaren Creighton connection of Nate Funk (18pt) and Anthony Tolliver (17pt) led the attack with help from Matt Haryasz (11pt). Bremerhaven built a 23-18 1Q lead and held a 43-37 advantage at half. Bremerhaven shot 56% while Trier made 44% from the floor. Bremerhaven also dished out 20 assists to 11 turnovers compared to Trier's 12 assists 20 turnovers. Caleb Green paced Trier with a 25pt 8reb effort. Bremerhaven moved to 15-13 while Trier slid to 6-22.

ALBA Berlin 89 digibu Baskets Paderborn 85
ALBA Berlin used a 28-19 final quarter to overcome an upset minded digibu Baskets Paderborn team 89-85 Sunday evening in Paderborn. digibu Baskets opened with a 24-16 1Q and held a 45-40 lead at half. After a tough 3Q Paderborn maintained a 66-61 advantage. Head Coach Luka Pavicevic and his Berliners made their run to earn the comeback win. Playing without star PG Tim Black, Greg Jenkins led Paderborn with 25pt 9reb while Malik Moore added 23pt. Playing without C Patrick Femerling, ALBA put 4 players in double digits led by Alexsander Nadjfeji with 20pt 5reb, Julius Jenkins 17pt 4ast, Dijon Thompson 16pt 5ast and Immanuel McElroy's 15pt 6reb 4ast effort. Berlin shot 56% from the floor while Paderborn sank 49%. ALBA also earned an advantage making 23 of 28 FT (82%) compared with Paderborns 19-25 (76%). ALBA remained atop the Bundesliga with a 22-6 record while Paderborn dropped to 11-17.

Bayer Leverkusen 83 NewYorker Phantoms Braunschweig 80
Gordon Geib was a perfect 6 for 6 from the floor scoring all 17pt in the second half helping Bayer Leverkusen to an exciting 83-80 comeback win over NewYorker Phantoms Braunschweig Sunday at historic Wilhelm Dopatka Halle in Leverkusen. Trailing the majority of the game, Leverkusen staged a 22-12 4Q in their comeback win. In the early action the Phantoms took control with a 23-14 1Q and 51-41 lead at half. Leverkusen cut the lead to 68-61 after 3Q before Head Coach Achim Kuczmann and his men earned the win in the 4th. Geib and Rans Brempong scored 17pt apiece in the win with help from Eric Taylor (15pt 7reb) and Brant Bailey (14pt 7reb). Steven Wright led Braunschweig with 15pt 6reb 4ast while Anthony Coleman and Domonic Jones chipped in 11pt apiece. Leverkusen shot 52% while Braunschweig made 42%. The Phantoms held an advantage from three making 12 of 35 (34%) compared to Leverkusens surprising 3 of 13 (23%) but Leverkusen made it up at the foul line making 30 of 41 (73%) to Braunschweigs 10 of 16 (62%). Leverkusen upped their record to 21-7 while Braunschweig dropped to 14-14.

Ewe Baskets Oldenburg 82 Koln 99ers 80
Ewe Baskets Oldenburg edged Koln 99ers 82-80 in an exciting Sunday evening game at Ewe Arena in Oldenburg. The competitive game opened with the hosts earning a 28-21 advantage after 1Q but Koln bounced back with a strong 2Q to take a 42-40 halftime lead. Oldenburg won their 8th straight game improving to 18-10 while Koln fell to 14-14. The 99ers extended their advantage to 63-58 after 3Q but Head coach Predrag Krunic and his Oldenburg team came through in the 4Q to earn the win. Rickey Paulding led Oldenburg with 14pt, Jason Gardner added 12pt 8ast, Ruben Boumtje Boumtje had 11pt 7reb and Daniel Strauch 10pt 5reb in the win. Milko Bjelica led Koln with 24pt 9reb while Marko Keselj added 18pt 5reb and Yassin Idbihi 15pt 5reb. Oldenburg shot 54% to Koln's 50% but the Thunderbirds made 11 of 23 (47%) threes compared to the 99ers 3 of 18 (16%).

brose Baskets Bamberg 80 BG74 Gottingen 58
Five Bamberg players reached double figures in a convincing 80-58 team win over BG74 Gottingen Sunday at JAKO Arena. Head Coach Dirk Bauermann and his men steadily took control of the game opening a 16-10 lead after one and building a 36-24 lead at half. Bamberg extended the advantage to 57-38 heading into the 4th and cruised to the win. Dwayne Mitchell led Bamberg with 15pt 5reb 5ast, Chris Ensminger 12pt 14reb, Darren Fenn 12pt 9reb and Ademola Okulaja and Mithat Demirel 11pt apiece. Bamberg shot 52% from the floor held Gottingen to 31% from the floor and outrebounded the visiting Violets 53-30. Willie Jenkins led Gottingen with 20pt and Jahmar Thorpe added 16pt. Bamberg moved to 19-9 while Gottingen fell to 11-17.

Artland Dragons 80 Telekom Baskets Bonn 71
Leon Rodgers led Artland with 17pt 4reb as Artland Dragons earned a strong 80-71 road win over Telekom Baskets Bonn Sunday at Hardtberghalle in Bonn. The Dragons started strong with a 24-13 lead before Bonn bounced back in the 2Q setting the score at 37-34 at half. Artland's strong 25-15 3Q put them in position to hold off the Bonn comeback. Head Coach Chris Fleming and his Artland team shot 56% from the floor and made 7 of 11 threes (63%) while outrebounding Bonn 30-25. Artland got production from Adam Chubb (11pt), EJ Rowland (10pt) and Paul Johnson (10pt) in the win. Ronnie Burrell led Bonn with 15pt, Eddie Basden 12pt, John Bowler 10pt in the loss. Artland snapped a four game skid and improved to 20-8 while Bonn had their 10 game home winning streak broken as they fell to 18-10.

Walter Tigers Tubingen 90 EnBW Ludwigsburg 88
Walter Tigers Tubingen edged EnBW Ludwigsburg 90-88 in a Baden-Wurtemburg Derby game played Sunday at Porsche Arena in Stuttgart. PG Jermaine Anderson led the Tigers with 25pt (6 for 6 from floor and 3 for 3 from three) and C Rasko Katic added 21pt 8reb in leading the Tubingen attack which shot 58% from the floor made 7 of 15 (46%) threes and sank 25 of 31 FT (80%) in the win. Heiko Schaffartzik led Ludwigsburg with 24pt, Ronald Ross scored 19pt and Brandon Woudstra added 15pt 5ast in the loss. Ludwigsburg played without several key players suspended for team reasons. Head coach Tolga Ongoren and his Tubingen team started strong taking a 22-19 lead and held a 40-34 halftime advantage. The game went into the 4th with Tubingen up 61-56 when the Tigers held off a Ludwigsburg comeback. Tubingen improved to 8-20 while Ludwigsburg slipped to 12-16.

ratiopharm Ulm 68 Science City Jena 65
ratiopharm Ulm used a 13-0 run in the 3Q to build a 54-45 lead heading into the 4Q before holding off a Science City Jena comeback in Sundays 68-65 Ulm win in Jena. Jeff Gibbs (13pt 9reb) and Romeo Travis (13pt 5reb) led ratiopharm Ulm's attack with help from Konrad Wysocki (10pt) and Dru Joyce (9pt 8ast). Jason Miller and Ali Seggelke led Jena with 15pt apiece. In the physical defensive oriented game, Ulm shot 33% from the floor and outrebounded Jena 41-40. Ulm ran to a 20-12 lead after 1Q before Jena made a 2Q run cutting the game to 35-34 at half. With the key 19-11 3Q, Ulm took control before a determined Jena comeback in the 4th. Ulm upped their record to 14-15 while Jena fell to 4-24.



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GUATEMALA

Sat-Cybertech wins Game 2 at El Salvador and readies to receive Icevic next week at home -by Victor Padilla
After their loss a day before against Nacionales de El Salvador, Sat-Cybertech defeated the host team with a 74-66 victory that showcased import player Oscar Rivera (186-G-80), in his best performance of the tournament, and veteran player Thomas Gillespie (204-F/C-74, college: Regis) as leaders in scoring for this match, with 21 and 15 points each. Victor Padilla (196-G/F-70) with 10 pts and Heberth Rodriguez (185-G-82) with 9, acted as supportive cast in what resulted a hightly physical game that almost got out of the hands of the referees. With this loss, Nacionales gave a bitter farewell to Liga Centroamericana before their fans, with a 1-7 record that tied Jaguares of Nicaragua, which also ended their participation in last place for their group, as they failed to surprise Liceo of Costa Rica in their second confrontation this weekend. Again, Sat-Cybertech did not line up Henry Martinez (186-G/F-75, agency: Interperformances) for this match, but expects to have him play next week against Icevic, when the final two games of the classification rounds of the tournament take place in Guatemala City and the 1st place of Group B will be defined. Teams that clinched a spot for the Final Four at Cancun, scheduled April 18-20, are: Pioneros of Quintana Roo (Mexico), Icevic (Honduras), Sat-Cybertech (Guatemala) and Liceo (Costa Rica).

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HOLLAND

PromotieDivisie Scores: MSV Noordwijk 2007-08 regular season champions!!! -by Terry Cooper
With the PromotieDivisie Final Four just around the corner, teams are fighting for both play-off spots and seeding. MSV clinched the regular season title by edging currently 3rd place Landstede2 79-78. With 8 players out due to injuries, MSV was lead by Peter Vader (205-C-80) and Edwin Engelhart (193-F-76) scoring 23 and 19 respectively. MyGuide2 defeated Initial High Five 71-49 to remain in 2nd place while VBC Akrides punished Leiden2 88-55 to remain tied for 4th place with the Cangaroes who won 76-72 over De Pigeons. Punch Delft (one of the most dangerous teams in the league) won over Orca's 83-67 while De Groene Uilen got a close victory defeating BV Rooi at home 76-72. With five games remaining, positions 2,3, and 4 are still up for grabs. MyGuide2 and Landstede2 have a rough road ahead having to play both Akrides and Cangaroes currently tied for 4th place. Stay tuned because it is going to be a battle til the end.

Week 19 Scores:

Initial High Five - VBC Akrides 66-68
Orca's - MSV basketbal 77-118
Pigeons - Landstede2 75-118
BV Rooi 1 - MyGuide2 79-78
Leiden2 - Cangeroes 59-67

Week 20 Scores:

Punch - EBBC2 75-69
De Groene Uilen - Landstede2 95-96

Week 21 Scores:

MyGuide2 - Initial High Five 71-49
VBC Akrides - Leiden2 88-55
Orca's - Punch 67-83
Cangeroes - Pigeons 76-72
MSV - Landstede2 79-78
De Groene Uilen - BV Rooi 76-72

Standings - Promotie Divisie
Prom.Divisie Standings
1. MSV 20-1
2. MyGuide 2 15-5
3. Landstede 2 15-6
4. Cangaroes 13-7
5. Akrides 13-7
6. EBBC 2 11-9
7. Punch 11-10
8. BV Rooi 10-11
9. Groene 7-14
10. Initial H5 6-14
11. Leiden 2 6-14
12. Pigeons 5-15
13. Orca s Urk 1-20
14. Emmen E. 0-0


Standings - Eredivisie
Eredivisie Standings
1. Amsterdam 29-7
2. West-Brabant 26-12
3. Eiff.Towers 24-13
4. M.Magix 24-14
5. Rotterdam 22-14
6. Hanzev.Cpt 22-15
7. Zwolle 16-20
8. Leiden 15-23
9. Weert 14-23
10. Aris Friesland 8-30
11. Den Helder 4-33
12. Almere 0-0


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HUNGARY

Hungarian Cup, day two -by Tamas Deri

In the game of the two disappointed teams for the third place the fans could see a very tied game for thirty minutes. In the last quarter the team of Kormend, lead by Marton Fodor (191-G-81, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) and Stanley Stanley Ocitti (203-F/C-80, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Binghamton) decided the game by nice three pointers and fastbreaks and won the bronze medal.

Polaroid-Lami Ved Kormend-Albacomp 78-70
(18-22, 17-18, 17-16, 26-14)
Szombathely, Att.: 1.400
Kormend: Thomas 8, Fodor 2, Ferencz 8/6, Stanley Ocitti 20/6, Peter Vavra (203-F/C-80) 10, Marton Fodor 12/6, Henderson 5, McCants 4, Trummer 7/3, Toth 2, Coach: Dragoljub Krivacevic
Albacomp: Simon 11/3, Bradford 11/6, Radovic 8, Chad McClendon (199-F-73, college: Appalachian St.) 21/3, Boozer 8, Keller 4, Antal 3, David 4, Coach: Peresztegi-Nagy Akos


In the first part of the game both teams made a lot of mistakes, that was the reason of the low scores. The guests made a lot of fastbreaks but missed the layups, however had luck as the home team missed a lot of shots too.
In the halftime the guests lead 36:32, from the home team only Arnas Kazlauskas (204-C/F-76, agency: Court Side) played as expected, scored alone 14 of team's 32 points. In the third quarter Falco played better and tied the game.
In the last ten minutes the guests finished probably all their offenses with scores, so were up by 6 points 5 minutes before the end. Varadi and Kazlauskas scored very important points and tied the game again - 72:72. There were ninty seconds to go: ASE lost the ball because of one offensive foul, on the other side Kazlauskas made his two free throws. Stevenson scored a nice jumper, Doyne missed his shoot, and six seconds before the end Cedric Brooks (185-G-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Pittsburg St.) made his shoot, Paks was up by 2 points.
But than came Bam Doyne (193-G-84, college: Mississippi) again, who got the ball, dribbled to the basket and scored a crazy layup: 76:76, overtime!
In the overtime both teams scored a lot, the game was tied. 42 seconds before the end Laszlo Kalman (186-G-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) made his shoot, Falco lead by 2 points. But, than came Brooks from ASE, who tied the game with a nice basket again, second overtime!
The third extra five minutes ASE eliminated FALCO with fastbreaks and easy layups, dunks by Nile Murry, Horvath and Brooks! ASE won the Hungarian Cup in 2008!

FALCO-SZOVA KC-SZOMBATHELY-ATOMEROMU SE 96-107
(15-10, 17-26, 23-20, 21-20, 11-11, 9-20)
Szombathely, Att.: 2.200, Referees: Hartyani, Bodnar, Palla

FALCO: Laszlo Kalman 24/6, Bam Doyne (193-G-84, college: Mississippi) 25/9, Draughan 3, Arnas Kazlauskas (204-C/F-76, agency: Court Side) 27/12, Aliakseyeu 4, Kornel Varadi (198-G-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 13/3, Feigl, Will, Coach: Srecko Sekulovic
ATOMEROMU: Meszaros 7/3, Toroman 2, Greg Stevenson (198-F-78, agency: SportsTalent, college: Richmond) 12, Horvath Z. 12, Robert Gulyas (213-C-74) 16, Nile Murry (193-G-83, college: TCU) 21/3, Cedric Brooks (185-G-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Pittsburg St.) 27/12, Ervin Csaplar-Nagy (211-C-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 10/3, Kiss Zs., Coach: Sabali Balazs


MVP: Cedric Brooks (Atomeromu SE)

All-Stars: Laszlo Kalman (Falco KC), Cedric Brooks (ASE), Gergely Fodor (Kormend), Arnas Kazlauskas (Falco KC), Robert Gulyas (ASE)



*****************************************************
IBL

NBA vet Lamond Murray joins Los Angeles Lightning -by Trask Frost
Los Angles, CA - Mark Harwell, owner and General Manager of the Los Angeles Lightning, an expansion team in the International Basketball League, has announced the addition of Murray Lamond (6'7''-F-73, agency: Interperformances, college: California).

Murray, 6'7', was selected seventh overall in the 1994 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers after a stellar career at the University of California. Murray, an 11 year NBA veteran, brings with him a career average of 11.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 25.1 minutes per game. In addition to the Clippers, Murray also had stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, and New Jersey Nets.

Harwell comments - 'I feel this is a great start for our organization to have an NBA first round draft choice as our first player signed. We are very excited to have Lamond on board, he is a great leader and I expect him to have a lot of influence on our younger players.'

The International Basketball League, now in its fourth season, includes teams from China, Canada, and sixteen teams across the United States (See attached ‘About the IBL' document for more information). 'The IBL has a lot to offer the most talented players in the world, in that it's a great showcase, and is the only viable option for players this time of year who plan to play year around,' said Harwell. 'A great example of this is the IBL sent 102 players out of 216 on last years rosters over seas with contracts which shows the level of talent and opportunity for players around the world.'

'Joining the LA Lightning is a great opportunity,' said Murray. 'I have expectations of an exciting and competitive season.'

The Lightning will play their home games at the 1,500 seat Gilbert Sports Arena in Thousand Oaks, and will make their debut on April 18 with a home game against the Battle Creek Knights of Michigan. The Knights won the IBL title in 2005. Tickets for the Lightning's inaugural season are currently on sale.

Other exciting news for LA lightning includes the signing of Coach Ron Quarterman, who has also expressed his excitement regarding the addition of Murray. 'Lamond is a great first player signing for the LA Lightning,' said Quarterman. 'He's a player that's highly skilled and brings a lot of experience to the team. I'm very excited about the season and look forward to building this team around him.'

The Los Angeles Lightning is also still continuing their search for Miss Los Angeles Lightning 2008 and will be announcing the winner in the coming weeks. For more information, visit the team's web site at www.lalightning.net. General Admission tickets range from $6-$25 and courtside seats range from $100-$250 per game per seat.

*****************************************************
ICELAND

IR wins first game in semifinal -by Siggi Hjorleifsson

IR who was in 7th place after the regular season keeps on surprising people.In the first round of the play-offs they knocked out KR who was in second place and last year's Champion. Last night they beat Keflavik, regular season champion and the game was at Keflavik. Great team play where many players are putting up good numbers and play very well together is the key for these wins.

Team general Nate Brown (183-G-80, agency: IceBasket, college: St.Peter's) tied the game up last night at the buzzer and made 5 free throws in the overtime to secure the win.
Bobby B.A. Walker (188-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Va Commonwealth) was hot for Keflavik in first half with 20 points but only scored 5 points after that. Arnar Jonsson (184-G-83) had his best game of the season with 18 points for Keflavik. Anthony Susnjara (205-F/C-81, college: Co.Carolina) had also good game for Keflavik 14 pts & 12 rebs.
5 IR players scored more than 10 points and two others Steinar Arason (190-F/G-79) & Eirikur Onundarson (186-G-74) scored 9. Tahirou Sani (205-F-85) 19. Nate Brown 17 + 11 rebs. Hreggvidur Magnusson (198-F-82) 15. Sveinbjorn Claessen (191-G-86) 11. Omar Saevarsson (198-F-82) 10.
Final score. Keflavik 87 IR 92. Next game wednesday at IR



Snaefell takes the first one. -by Siggi Hjorleifsson


Snaefell takes the first one. -by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Snaefell keeps on winning even they have to start again on away in the play-offs. In first game in semifinal against Grindavik they won 97-94. Uptempo game. Not good defense from either team. Lot of mistakes but that's part of play-offs games.Snaefell up by 3 at halftime 55-52 but Grindavik had good third quarter and led by 3 points. Again Snaefell manage to win close game in last minute thanks to late three pointer from Justin Shouse (180-G-81, agency: IceBasket, college: Mercyhurst) and two freethrows from Magni Ingvaldur Magni Hafsteinsson (197-G/F-81). Grindavik had the last position but did miss last second shot.
Only three Grindavik players with 10 or more points. Adame Darboe (190-G-86, agency: Rasmussen Services) 22. Jamaal Williams (196-F-83, agency: Life Sports, college: Washington) 32. Pall A Pall Axel Vilbergsson (197-F/G-78) 15. 6 Snaefell players with more than 10 pts.
Hlynur Baeringsson (200-F-82, agency: IceBasket) 15 + 14 rebs. Magni Ingvaldur Magni Hafsteinsson 14. Jon Olafur Jon O. Jonsson (199-F-81) 12. Sigurdur Thorvaldsson (201-F-80, agency: IceBasket) 15. Justin Shouse 15. Slobodan Subasic (191-G-79) 16.
Grindavik shooting well from 2 points 60.8% & freethrow 91.7% but only 25% from threes.
Snaefell shooting 57.1 from two. 50% from threes & 94.1% from freethrow line. Grindavik 24 rebounds. Snaefell 39.

*****************************************************
INDIA

Geethu remains UNSTOPPABLE -by Yudhistir Krishna
Geethu Anna Jose (185-C-85) (185-C-85). The name sounds familiar isn't it? The Indian Center who is also in the record books for being the first Indian women to play in forgein league. She has been representing the Ringwood Hawks, Austrlia for the third season. After a brilliant performance at hte Asian Championship winning the MVP there, she hoped for a good start for her 3rd season. And thats what exactly happened.

She scored 34 points and collected 21 rebounds in the opning match against the Vikings, before backing it up with another MVP performance against Keilor, playing less minutes and still managing 26 points and 10 rebounds.

If such is performance in future too, the WNBA doesn't seem to be a distant dream.

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

Bosany takes over Nahariya -by Yarone Arbel
The new coach of Ironi Nahariya is Rony Bosany, who will be in charge of the team until the end of this season, after coach Arriel Bet Halekhmi and the club parted ways. Last night Bet Halekhmi's assistant, Mickey Gorke, coached the team in the road loss 100-87 to Ironi Ashkelon. Bosany, who's also the assistant coach of the national team, coached in the past in Rishon LeZion, Ramat HaSharon and Ashkelon.

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


Stats Leaders - Premier League
Premier League Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Burtt, I ASH 19.1
2 Tolbert, I RG 17.2
3 Mendez, MAC RL 16.7
4 Arnold, H JER 16.7
5 Williams, B HASH 16.1
Rebounds Per Game
1 Ebi, B HASH 9.4
2 Campbell, H Holon 8.3
3 Massie, I ASH 7.9
4 Morris, Mac TA 7.7
5 Mossinzon, GALIL 7.4
Assists Per Game
1 Tapiro, B HASH 5.6
2 Jones, Gilboa/A. 5.6
3 Rot, H HOL 4.7
4 Blsingame, R LZ 4.7
5 Ohayon GALIL 4.4
Steals Per Game
1 Ohayon, GALIL 2.2
2 Bowers, H JER 1.9
3 Rot, H HOL 1.8
4 Jones, H A/G 1.8
5 Johnson, GALIL 1.8
Blocks Per Game
1 Wallace, I ASH 2.1
2 Cisse, B HASH 1.4
3 Morris, MAC TA 1.4
4 Ebi, B HASH 1.3
5 Ibekwe, H G/A 1.1
2FGP
1 Arnold, H JER 73.6
2 Brown, H HOL 73.1
3 Campbell. H HOL 72.3
4 Halperin , MAC TA 70.9
5 Garcia, MAC TA 70.6
3FGP
1 Sharp, Mac TA 52.6
2 Grizzard, B HASH 50.0
3 Shason, H JER 49.2
4 Goss, I ASH 48
5 Hagag, H JER 47.8
Free Throws
1 Yatzkan, I ASH 94.4
2 Simmons, H HOL 91.8
3 Hagag, H JER 91.8
4 Sharp, Mac TA 91.7
5 Grizzard, B HASH 90.5
Ranking
1 Arnold H JER 20.9
2 Burtt, I ASH 19.9
3 Campbell H HOL 19.4
4 Eibi, B HASH 19.4
5 Tolbert, I RG 18.4


*****************************************************
ITALY

Standings - Lega 2
Lega2 Standings
1. Carife 21-6
2. Pepsi 18-9
3. Vanoli 17-9
4. Trenkwalder 17-10
5. Banco Sard. 17-10
6. Carmatic 16-11
7. Fastweb 16-11
8. Fileni 14-12
9. Coopsette 13-14
10. TDShop.it 12-13
11. Edimes 12-15
12. Prima Veroli 10-17
13. Aget 9-17
14. Indesit 9-18
15. Agricola G. 6-21
16. Ignis 5-21


Serie A Week 31: Avellino beats Napoli and improves to 20-10 -by Luca Bianchin
The winners of the week are Avellino and Capo d'Orlando. Behind Siena, Air and Pierrel gain two points on Roma and Montegranaro. What a bad Sunday for Premiata: Montegranaro lost in Varese against a team already in Legadue. Delonte Holland (201-F-82, college: De Paul) did not care and scored 47, shooting incredibly well (18/26 from the field). Roma was beaten at home against Siena, that now has 10 straight wins: Bootsy Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's) scored 18 and Drake Diener (196-G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: De Paul) added 16 with 7 fouls drawn. Impressive win also for Avellino: Devin Smith (196-G/F-81, college: Virginia) had a 19 points winning effort to beat Napoli. With a clear situation at the top and at the bottom, playoff race is more and more interesting. One of the top players of the week, Danilo Gallinari (202-G-88, agency: Players Group), led Milano in Bologna with 18 points against La Fortezza. Armani now has 4 points on next opponent Tisettanta Cantu, that won the closest game on the week prevailing after one overtime over Upim Bologna. Jenkins missed a triple with 34 seconds to play and Brown 30 seconds later gave Cantu the last, decisive lead. Next weekend, four key games: Pesaro-Capo d'Orlando, Milano-Cantu, Montegranaro-Biella, Rieti-Avellinoe

Lega2-27th Day -by Gabriele Fioretti

Ferrara has to win still one to be sure to go in Serie A. After lossing at home against Rimini (German Scarone (190-G-75) 23 pts), Ferrara will play on april 14th at Fabriano which lost at Pavia (five players in double figures, with 22 pts by Luis Flores (188-G-81, college: Manhattan). Caserta still dreams of winning at Veroli. A balanced offense by Livorno gave them the win against Sassari (Trent Whiting (185-G-76, college: BYU) scored 19). In the tv-match at Reggio Emilia, Troy Bell (186-G-80, college: Boston Coll.) and his 32 pts led Casale to defeating Reggio Emilia (Paul Marigney (192-G-82, college: St.Mary's, CA) 20 pts). At Montecatini, at 28' the game between Montecatini and Pistoia was suspended by the referee for intemferances by Montecatini supporters. Tonight two games will be played: Jesi-Soresina and Novara-Imola.
Carife FE-Coopsette RN 77-78
Prima Veroli-Pepsi Caserta 60-71
Edimes PV-Indesit Fab 85-83
TDShop.it LI-BancoSardegna 69-63
Trenkwalder RE-Fastweb Casale 77-94

Agr.Go.Montecatini-Carmatic Pistoia 0-20

See complete boxscores at www.legaduebasket.it



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

Round 2 of Excellent League's finals -by Mohammed Malas
* First place Game 2 - Sunday 6th of April:

Orthodox 102 - Zain 99 (Qs: 25-26, 50-40, 67-59, 85-85 & OT 102-99) 'Series is tied 1-1 out of 5'

# Best performance:
* Orthodox:
Fadel Najjar (194-G-85) (22 pts, 5 ast, 3 stl)
Ayman Idais (205-C-78, agency: Court Side) (16 pts, 14 reb)
Ghazi Naber (178-G-76) (16 pts, 3 ast, 4 stl)
Leroy Davis (194-F-81, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Georgia St.) (16 pts)
* Zain:
Nate Johnson (199-F-77, college: Louisville) (28 pts, 9 reb, 3 stl)
John III Thomas (175-G-76, college: St.Francis,NY) (26 pts, 5 ast)
Mohammad Hamdan (201-F-84) (19 pts, 8 reb)

* Third place Game 2 - Sunday 6th of April:

Al Riyadi/Aramex Amman 93 - Arena Amman 91 (Qs: 31-22, 57-42, 80-71 & 93-91) 'Series is tied 1-1 out of 5'

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

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


Black Star wins vs. Soleuvre!!! Former Black Star Coach Terence Stansbury and Soleuvre relegated to National 2!!! Black Star stays with T71 in DBBL!!! BBC Nitia also relegated! -by Alex Meyers
Saturday, March 29, 2008

Black Star Mersch - AS Soleuvre 66-65

It was a very important weekend for AS Soleuvre and Black Star Mersch. Playing without American import Scott Hazelton(suspended), Black Star rose to the occasion to win by 1 point 66-65, relegating Soleuvre to National 2 and will remain in the DBBL for 2008-09.

Patrick Arbaut led Black Star with 20 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds.
Julien Hublart and Daniel Norell added 16 and 15 points. Sean Hampton put in a solid double-double performance for the losing squad with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Christian Weisen added 13 and Pitt Koster 12 for Soleuvre. Black Star Mersch will finish up the season this weekend hosting T-71 on Saturday, April 5 at 8:30pm. BBC Nitia will host AS Soleuvre in the last game day of the season for the poule maintian teams.

Black Star: 25 field goals, 4 three pointers, 26 rebounds, 10 for 22 free throws, 12 fouls and 9 turnovers.
P. Arbaut 20, Norell 15, Hublart 16, Hansen 4, Muepa 8, also Y. Arbaut 3, Dulovic and Mutombo.
Soleuvre: 25 field goals, 5 three pointers, 38 rebounds, 10 for 15 free throws, 16 fouls and 6 turnovers.
Hampton 25, Koster 12, Hemmen, Weisen 13, Loesch 2, also Berthle 4, Controguerra 1 and Mersch 8.


Score by quarters: 1st Q 19-12, Halftime 33-37, 3rd Q 48-52, Final 66-65

April Fool's Prank stirred up a lot of discussion. -by Alex Meyers

www.Basketnews.lu published an article on their website siting the following news in Luxembourg basketball world:

Black Star Mersch can still possibly be relegated to National 2.!

It has been confirmed by several sources that Black Star Mersch's use of Aleksandar Dulovic, was not correct because of a problem with his FLBB player's licence. AS Soleuvre officials have filed a protest with the FLBB and the Luxembourg basketball world will have to await the decision made by the federation as to whether or not the game will be declared a forfeit. If Black Star loses the game by forfeit, Zolwer will get two points for the win and Mersch will get no points. Zolwer would then have 20 points and Mersch 18.5 points and the upcoming weekend's results would not be a factor.


Hundreds of readers were fooled by this very tricky stunt. Eurobasket.com says great job and tips their hats to the ones who came up with this idea. It fooled us too... for a while. April Fool's day can be lots of fun. Good going guys. Keep up the good work. Your coverge of basketball in Luxembourg is impecable.



Sparta earns tie for top spot with 5th win in a row!! Etzella falters losing at Musel Pikes! -by Alex Meyers
Since mid-February when Sparta suffered huge back to back losses to Musel Pikes and Amicale they have gone on a winning streak of 5 games in a row in the playoffs. One of those wins was a 14 point home win over Etzella. Sparta's latest victim was Amicale. With Residence, Etzella and Contern remaining on their schedule, Sparta is looking more and more like the team to beat again for this season's DBBL title.

Amicale 60 - Sparta 69

Larrie Smith continued his dominating ways last evening in Steinsel by once again carrying his team across the finish line with a 9 point lead by the end of the game. Smith finished with 29 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals and a blocked shot. Smith got some help from teammates Sohrab Ziai and Christian Wulff with 16 and 10 points respectively. Sparta struggled from the free throw line(13 for 27) throughout the game to keep Amicale(14-11) within striking distance.Amicale had a decent first half going into intermission down by only 3 points. Amicale continued its success against the visitors in the 3rd period and tied things up by the quarter's end at 47 all. Sparta(18-7) then cranked up its defensive intensity holding Amicale to only 13 while scoring 22 themselves to get the 9 point road victory.

Amicale: 23 field goals, 8 three pointers, 6 for 11 free throws, 25 rebounds, 20 fouls and 10 turnovers.
Depree 15, Ney 10, Scholtes 17, Schartz 7, Jones 5, also Steinmetz, Rausch, Kartheiser, Gillardin and Birenbaum 6.
Sparta: 25 field goals, 6 three pointers, 13 for 27 free throws, 20 rebounds, 11 fouls and 6 turnovers.
Smith 29, Ziai 16, Wulff 10, Baustert 8, Hoffmann 2, also Palumbo 2 and Evans.

Score by quarters: 1st Q 15-18, Halftime 26-29, 3rd Q 47-47, Final 60-69



Check back later for all results and stats from other games!

Racing Luxembourg Returns to DBBL!!! Avanti Mondorf stays with Basket Esch in National 2. -by Alex Meyers

Basket Esch 54 - Racing 70

Racing Luxembourg won big on the road to make it back to the DBBL for the 2008-09 season. After two long seasons in National 2, Racing once again paid its dues and worked hard to win the games it need this season to move back up to the Diekirch League, which they dominated just ten years ago. Stan Blackmon (198-F-78, college: UALR) had 26 points followed by Vincent Weynandt 13 and Eric Grand with 12 points. Racing had to win three of its last four games to make it back to the DBBL. Tony Ostijic will be the coach of Racing Luxembourg next season. So, Congratulations to Coach Jean-Paul Weynandt and everyone from Racing Luxembourg for a job well done!


Basket Esch: 22 field goals, 2 three pointers, 8 for 11 free throws, 19 fouls(2 technical fouls Washington '39 and Coach Melton '39)
Biever 16, Jovanovic 6, Kesseler 3, Rupert 4, Washington 19, also Gantrel 4 and Thome 2.
Racing: 25 field goals, 7 three pointers, 13 for 22 free throws and 14 fouls
Stojanovic 7, Grand 12, Schmit 5, Weynandt 13, Blackmon 26, also Groos 2 and Haas 5.

Score by quarters: 1st Q 11-22, Halftime 28-32, 3ed Q 45-57, Final 54-70
130




Avanti 78 - Heffingen 79


Racing Luxembourg can give a big thanks to Heffingen Guard Olivier Haan for leading his team past Avanti Mondorf pushing them one point behind allowing Racing to come back to the DBBL. Haan threw down 26 points in a tight contest which meant nothing to his team because they had already earned the right to come back to the DBBL several weeks ago. Michael Jones added 17, Claude Weyrich 13 and Joel Thesen 13 to help Heffingen's cause.


Avantini: 30 field goals, 6 three pointers, 12 for 21 free throws, 12 fouls

Pires, Cabette 14, Altmann 14, Kittenmayer 7, Brouwn 34, also Reliter2 and Ivesic 7.

Heffingen: 32 field goals, 3 three pointers, 9 for 14 free throws, 15 fouls

Haan 26, Thesen 13, Scholtus 8, Weyrich 13, Jones 17, also Ferreira 2.

Score by quarters: 1st Q 19-16, Halftime 37-36, 3rd Q 52-53, Final 78-79

300 Spectators



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

Liebres ITCJ in there way to the Final of LICOMUBA.!!!! -by Charles Elwes

In LICOMUBA action Liebres ITCJ , went on the road and beat the two time champion of the league the Choriceros Camargo
the game was just amazing, both teams wanted the game to get there pass to the final. But the young team of Liebres ITCJ
and the knowledge of coach Benjamin Ortega put the Juarez team one step closer to the championship.
All the game was close, hard defense all the quarters and both teams being forced to play there best, but and the last
seconds of the game Choriceros made a basket to put things 81-81 going fans wild in teh arena, having the last possition of the ball

with just seconds in the game in hands of Libres ITCJ point guard Juan Escalante (180-G-81) the final shot and having pressure by Camargo

players, he made a three point shot and that was the shot, that won the game for Liebres ITCJ, and all the fans,went quiet in the arena,they

din't belive what was going on, they saw there two time Choriceros Camargo champions going down versus a young team of Liebres.

Joel Palma (-F) had 20 points and Juan Escalante (180-G-81) had 32 points for Liebres. Now tonight at Nvo Casas Grandes Faraones

will host Mineros Parral in the final game of the series 2-2 lets see who wins and fallow Liebres ITCJ to the final.



The All Stars shine in Cd.Obregon ! -by Charles Elwes

Last night in Cd.Obregon Sonora the all star game of the CIBACOPA was held in front of 3,000 fans in Gimnasio Municipal 'Manuel Lira Garcia'
The game was between the north all stars vs south all stars , were the all stars from the north won the game by a score of 116 - 105. In
wich fans watched a talented group of players from the League Mexicans and imports. All kind of plays were show, 3 point shots, dunks,
etc. At halftime the winner of the Three point contest was won by Mexican player Edgar Soto (192-F/G-77) the native from Navojoa won

the 3 point contest against Ron Selleaze (197-F-76, college: CSU Bakersfield) by 19 baskets made by Soto , for only 7 for Selleaze

who was force to made 19 baskets. In the dunk contest Larry Taylor (186-G-80, college: Missouri Western) took the honors with a

amazing dunk, that put fans on there feet and all the players of the bench.

At halftime the Acro Dunk put some jumps with their little trampolin, having high flying dunks, Acrobatics moves in the air, and the fans loved

their show, the mascot ''Yeti'' had Kids cheer him with his jokes with players.The best player and the MVP of the game was the local player

from Trigueros Cd. Obregon Dontae Truitt (198-G/F-81, college: Georgia SW) with 26 points.

CIBACOPA has been involved in the comunnity, with the program Butaca Enlace, having kids with good grades in school, going free to

watch the players and the action of the CIBACOPA for free.

Congratulations to the CIBACOPA and all the players!!!



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NCAA1

Kansas come back after 20 years as National Champion !!! -by Eurobasket
Extremely interesting final game of the NCAA Final Four. The game ended in overtime after Kansas managed to end regular time with amazing 3-pointer by Mario Chalmers and took control of the game in overtime, where they won 75-68.
So patient for 20 years, Kansas had no problem working an extra five minutes to bring a long-awaited championship back to the heartland.
Mario Chalmers hit a 3-pointer with 2.1 seconds left in regulation to push the game into overtime, and the Jayhawks grinded it out from there for a 75-68 victory Monday night over Memphis in one of the best title games in recent memory.
The shot earned Chalmers the most outstanding player honor.
It was the first title for Kansas since 1988, when Danny Manning, now an assistant coach for the Jayhawks, led them to an upset of Oklahoma.
The most memorable performance in this one came from freshman Derrick Rose of Memphis, who completely took over the game in the second half, scoring 14 of his team's 16 points during one stretch to lift the Tigers to a 60-51 lead.
But Kansas (37-3) used the strategy any smart opponent of Memphis' would— fouling the heck out of one of the country's worst free-throw-shooting teams— and when Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts combined to miss four of five over the last 1:12, it left the door open for KU.
Hustling the ball down the court with 10.8 seconds left and no timeouts, Sherron Collins handed off to Chalmers at the top of the 3-point line and Chalmers took the shot from the top. It hit nothing but net and tied the score at 63.

Kansas Postgame Quotes -by Eurobasket
Head Coach Bill Self

Q. How do you describe this one?
I can't. I don't know if we played poorly or they played very well, but our offense was stale and we got down nine. We got a big break when the three went to two, and nobody knew it at the time. We made so many plays down the stretch and got the ball into our most clutch player's hands, and he delivered.

Q. What were you thinking when you were talking to your team before the game?
I was just trying to script it because I knew it was going to be on tv. These guys have been fabulous all year long, and Memphis is terrific.

Q. How about Rodrick Stewart and what it meant to him to be on the bench tonight cheering on his teammates?
He's been great since he's been here. He was dealt a pretty bad hand once he got here, but his attitude was positive. If anything, I think because of his attitude it allowed our guys to rally around that

On the heart of Memphis
They're good and Cal's a terrific coach. They played great, and they were very good defensively. They bothered us all night with their length. That's as good a team, and if we played 10 times it'd probably go five and five. We got fortunate late, but I'm really proud of our guys.

On who he wants to thank
If I could say…our fans are terrific. They've been so loyal, and I'd really really like to thank all the past players and all the past coaches which has put this program where it is and certainly made my job a lot better

Mario Chalmers (6'1''-G-86), Junior, Guard
On the shot to send to overtime
I got a good look. They gave me a good pass. When it left my hand it felt good and I was just glad it went in.

Brandon Rush (6'6''-G-85), Junior, Guard
On the feeling of winning a title and of the matchup with Chris Douglas-Roberts
It feels good. It was tough defense against CDR and he might have gotten the best of me but we still go the win.

Sherron Collins (5'11''-G-87), Sophomore, Guard
On coming back
I just wanted to come out and do what we needed to do. I did what Coach told me to do. We have great fans, a great team and a great coaching staff.

Russell Robinson (6'1''-G-86), Senior, Guard
On the win
It is a great win. Memphis came out and played a great game. We just wanted it more.
On the 3-point field goal
Mario did a great job. He always steps up when we call on him.
On coming back
Coach Self did a great job in the huddle. He kept telling us to believe and to keep playing hard. We were able to make plays when we had to.

The Kansas Jayhawks are crowned the 2008 National Champions -by Darryl Reshaw

Kansas Jayhawks are crowned the 2008 National Champions in a stunning ending.

The National Championship game in San Antonio had all of the elements to a perfect ending to a great NCAA Tournament.
This game featured two great programs of teams loaded with future NBA talent that had tremendous seasons and were both number one seeds coming into the tourney.

The NCAA Tournament had all the usual drama and Cinderella teams like Davidson who made a remarkable run by upsetting some of the favorites until they met the Kansas Jayhawks.

This was the first time in many years that all four number one seeds made the final four and Memphis came into the championship game with the most wins ever by a NCAA program in a single season.

The night belong to Kansas as they won the National Championship in overtime 75-68 as Mario Chalmers (6'1''-G-86) stole the game with an incredible three point shot that sent the game into overtime. He scored 18 points and earned the game MVP honors. Arthur added 20 points and 12 rebounds for Kansas.

Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88) played well for the Memphis Tigers as he scored 18 points and played extremely well in the second half. Chris Douglas Roberts played well and scored 22 points while being matched up with Brandon Rush.

The first half featured several lead changes as the two heavyweight teams exchanged blows like a great prize fight.
However the Kansas big men were a little better and Derrick Rose reallystruggled in the half as the Jayhawaks took a 33- 28 lead at halftime.

Memphis came back in the beginning of the second half and scored the first five points and the teams swapped leads several times early in the second half.

Memphis later in the second half dominated play as Derrick Rose took over the game and Kansas went very quite with limited inside play which they had established in the first half.

With a few minutes left in the game Memphis was in total control of the contest and was on their way to capture the championship.

Going in the tourney there was a lot of talk from the media about how Memphis big weakness was free throw shooting but John Calipari assured everyone that his team would make them when it counted.

However their worst nightmare happened as they turned the ball over and missed four out of five free throws in the final seventy seconds giving Mario Chalmers the opportunity to tie the contest.

Memphis also had the opportunity to foul Collins and put Kansas on the line with under ten seconds left which would have prevented a three pointer to tie the game.
However Memphis allowed Mario Chalmers to make the three pointer which will be part of history in Jayhawk nation.

In overtime Memphis looked stunned, weary and missed Joey Dorsey (6'9''-F-85) who fouled out in regulation.

Kansas had all of the momentum in overtime and stormed to the championship as the Memphis Tiger and their supporters are still in a state of shock.
The Kansas Jayhawks will hang the championship banner in Lawrence and the tradition of their storybook program continues to be legendary.



Kansas/Memphis Postgame Notes -by Eurobasket
Tonight's game marked the seventh time the NCAA Championship game was decided in overtime. It was the first overtime since 1997, when Arizona beat Kentucky, 84-79.
Kansas captured its first NCAA title since 1988 and its third overall. It also won the crown in 1952. The Jayhawks are 3-5 all- time in NCAA title games.
Kansas finishes the season with a 37-3 record, a school record for wins in a season. The old mark was 35-4 in 1986 and 1998.
Kansas has won 13 straight games and ended Memphis' 13-game winning streak.
Kansas Coach Bill Self is 22-9 in his career in NCAA tournament games. Kansas is 11-12 all-time in Final Four games. The Jayhawks are 83-36 all-time in NCAA tournament play.
Mario Chalmers (6'1''-G-86) earned Most Outstanding Player honors, the fifth Jayhawk to earn the honor and the first since Danny Manning in 1988. The others were Clyde Lovellette (1952), Wilt Chamberlain (1957) and B.H. Born (1953). It marks the third straight all- tournament team Chalmers has made. He earned the honor at the Big 12 Championship and last week in the Midwest Regional.
Chalmers scored 18 points tonight and nailed the three-point field goal to send the game into overtime. It was Chalmers' best scoring game since he had a career-high 30 vs. Texas on March 16 at the Big 12 Championship.
Chalmers made 2-of-6 three-point field goals, moving him into sixth on the school's career list with 180. He passed Adonis Jordan, who made 179 in 1990-93. Chalmers had 4 steals tonight, giving him 97 for the season and tying his own school record set last season. Chalmers ranks second in KU history in career steals with 283. The record is 336 by Darnell Valentine (1978- 81).
This is the second straight year that a school has won a BSC football bowl game (Orange Bowl) and an NCAA men's basketball championship in the same year. Florida won the NCAA title in football and basketball in 2007. Kansas was 9-0 in neutral site games this season.
Kansas' Darrell Arthur (6'9''-F-88) scored 20 points and tied his career high with 10 rebounds, posting his fifth double-double of the year and the seventh of his career. It was his best scoring game since he had 22 in a loss at Texas on Feb. 11. Arthur had had five 10-rebound games in his career, all this season. Arthur made .612 (30-49) from the field in six games in the 2008 NCAA Championship.
Memphis' Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88) scored 18 points with 8 assists, tying for the fifth most assists in an NCAA title game. The last time a player had more was Duke's Bobby Hurley (6'1''-G-71) in 1991 against Kansas. Kansas made 14-of-15 from the free throw line (.933), which would have been the second best in an NCAA title game if they had met the 15 FTM minimum requirement.
Memphis' Robert Dozier (6'9''-F-85) scored 11 points with 10 rebounds, his fifth double-double of the year and the ninth of his career.
Kansas made .527 from the field, the fifth time in six NCAA tournament games that the Jayhawks have made better than 52 percent. Kansas out-shot 39 of 40 opponents this season and shot better than 50 percent 26 times.
Kansas made just 3 three-point field goals (12 attempts), tying for the fifth fewest in an NCAA title game. It was the fewest since Maryland made just 2 vs. Indiana in 2002.
Memphis made .403 from the field. Kansas held 39 of 40 opponents under 50 percent this season.
The teams combined for 22 steals (11 each), tied for the third most by two teams in an NCAA title game.
The loss was Memphis' first away from home this season. The Tigers finish the season with an 18-1 mark in games played outside of Memphis. The last time Memphis lost a non-home game was last season against Ohio State in the NCAA Midwest Regional finals played at the Alamodome (92-76).
Memphis finishes the season 38-2, an NCAA record for victories in a season. Memphis has won 104 games in the last three years, tying the NCAA mark for wins in a three-year period (104 by Kentucky under Rick Pitino/Tubby Smith in 1996-98).
Memphis falls to 30-21 all-time in NCAA tournament games. The Tigers are 14-3 all-time in NCAA games played in Texas, with a 2-2 mark in games played at the Alamodome.
Tonight's game marks the first time since 2002 (Gary Williams , Maryland) that a head coach (Kansas' Bill Self ) has won the NCAA title in his first appearance in the championship game.

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

Standings Men
NBL Standings
1. Waikato 6-0
2. Wellington 5-3
3. Auckland 5-3
4. Harbour Heat 4-3
5. Nelson 4-3
6. Taranaki 4-4
7. G&H Hawks 2-3
8. Manawatu 2-4
9. Canterbury 1-5
10. Otago 1-6


Waikato cruise past Auckland -by Eurobasket News
There is simply no stoppage of Waikato in the season so far as the Pistons secured their 6th straight win. This time they thumped Auckland 88:67 dropping those to 5-3 record. Brian Wethers (194-F/G-80, college: California) and Jason Crowe (193-G-76, agency: Court Side, college: Cal.St. Northridge) teamed up for another big game scoring 24 and 22 points respectively. The Pistons built a double-digit lead in the opening frame already and kept the Stars at bay for the rest of the game. Ben Hill (196-F-79, agency: IceBasket) produced 18 points and 9 boards for the winners. Casey Frank (203-F-77, college: N.Arizona) responded with 20 points for the Stars and reached a 2000-point milestone. Tyrone Davey (188-G-86) added 13 points for Auckland that played without one of their leaders Adrian Majstrovich (202-F/G-80).
The Otago Nuggets finally broke losing curse by beating Manawatu 76:69. Lemar Gayle (198-F-79, college: CSU Bakersfield) stepped up with 25 points and 15 boards to pace the Nuggets. The spark for Otago came in the fourth frame as Jamie Blake (183-G-80) drained two trebles and put the hosts up for good. Jay Anderson (206-F-81, college: Oregon) secured 20 points and 10 boards for the winners. Keith Davis (198-F-82) and Miles Pearce (205-C/F-78) both registered double-doubles for the visitors. Davis provided 19 points and 13 boards, while Pearce posted 13 points and 11 boards in a loss.
The Nelson Giants lost what seemed to be a guaranteed victory against the Hartbour Heat at the Trafalgar Centre. The defending champs led all the way through the encounter and Phill Jones (196-G-74) put them in front by 10 points 67:57 with just over 3 minutes to go in regulation. But the Heat rolled to an improbable success. They capped the encounter with an 11:0 run and silenced the crowd in Nelson. Tim Behrendorff (211-C-81, college: Gardner-Webb) crowned the rally with a go-ahead jump shot with less than 4 seconds left in the game. Tim Behrendorff accounted for 21 points and 12 boards to lead the victors. Oscar Forman contributed 14 points and Hayden Allen dropped 10 as the Heat went 4-3 for the season. Chris Daniel canned 18 points for Nelson. Phill Jones tallied 16 points, 9 boards and 7 assists.

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NIGERIA

Premier League: Peaks narrow win over Pillars -by Olusegun Ikuesan
It was like a new wine in an old bottle when the premier league made its dramatic return last weekend in Jos, Plateau State capital.

Home team, Plateau Peaks basketball club fought hard to earn the maximum point at stake when it played host to old war horse, Kano Pillars basketball club in what was described as a thriller by a basketball fans who watched the encounter.

Though Peaks won the match 70-67 but Pillars had more converts on the evening (Sunday) tagged the return of the nation flagship championship - The Premier League after a long wait.

Pillars' key player, Ibrahim Adamu Yusuf described his team encounter against the host Peaks as a match that brought back the old memory of the league.

The Nigerian international says, Pillars would be a team to be reckoned with as the league progresses.

According to him, the loss to Peaks was painful but says the players have put the loss behind them as they collectively looked forward to this weekend fixtures.

The Atlantic conference of the league will tip-off this weekend in Lagos with former champion, Ebun Comets basketball club doing battle against Nigeria Customs Service basketball club while Dodan Warriors basketball club will take to the floor against star-studded Union Bank basketball at 18.00 hours local time.Ibrahim Yusuf (196-G-89)

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

Sandvika wins junior championship -by Kaare Vangen
Sandvika led by Stian Enge, Stian Mjoes and Nicolay Oestbye were big favorites and did not disappoint. In the final they beat Gimle 102-71. Gimle had the top scorer and MVP in Magne Fivelstad but he could not do it on his own and the better team got the championship.

All Star team for men was
Stian Mjoes, Sandvika
Magne Fivelstad, Gimle
Stian Enge, Sandvika
Nicolay Oestbye, Sandvika
Askel Bolin, Asker

Final ranking:
1. Sandvika
2. Gimle
3. Asker
4. Froeya
5. Persbraaten
6. Ammerud
7. Trondheim
8. Ulriken

All results here:
http://www.basket.no/t2.asp?p=35142&x=1&a=218930

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NPBL

Another team joins the NPBL -by Gianni Pascucci

A team named West Virginia Wild, the same that last year competed in the IBL, agreed to join the National Professional Basketball League and should play its first game on next Saturday, April 12, vs. the Elmira Bulldogs. The West Virginia Wild official website is at http://www.westvirginiawildhoops.com and its 2008 roster is as follows:

Travis Aikens G/F, 1985, 6-4 Marshall '07
Thaddeus Breckenridge G, 1974, 5-10 West Virginia Coll. '97
Wayne Casey G, 1968, 6-3 West Virginia State '89
Gregory Dennis C, 1969, 6-11 East Tennessee State '92
Matt Dorsey G, 1977, 6-1 West Virginia State '99
Daniel Hicks F, 1973, 6-5 Concord '97
Jason Jordan F, 1978, 6-5 West Virginia Wesleyan '97
Joshua Moon G, 1980, 6-2
Justin Phillips G, 6-3
J.R. Vanhoose C, 1979, 6-10 Marshall '02
Head Coach / player: Wayne Casey
Team Owner / player: Daniel Hicks



Standings
NPBL Standings


Week 5 results -by Gianni Pascucci
The Alexandria Avengers outstood in last NPBL weekend, winning two games: the firs one was a 145-124 win over the Hudson Valley Hawks. Despite another good losing effort from Amseshem Foluke-Henderson (6'6''-G/F-84, college: New Paltz St.), the Avengers were boosted by three players who scored more than 30 points: Brandon Woolen (6'4''-G, college: Virginia Union) 33, Brian Carter (6'6''-F-81, college: Catawba) 32 and Tyree Harris (6'1''-G-79, college: Pfeiffer) 30. Daryl Owens (6'2''-G-76, college: Nova CC) was a giant at the rebounding dept, with 25, adding 16 pts and 4 assists. The day after, the Avengers defeated the New York Strikeforce 134-123 led by Tyree Harris, who scored 43pts, and Brian Carter who added 31pts. Leading scorer for the Strikeforce was Marcel Davis (6'3''-F-80) with 26 points, followed by Brandon Weldon (6'0''-G-84, college: Mt.St.Mary) with 20 points. in the third game of the weekend, the Elmira Bulldogs defeated the New York StrikeForce, 124-105. Marlin Johnson (6'4''-F-75, college: Monroe CC), the Bulldogs new acquisition, had an outstanding performance in his first game of the season finishing with 20 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 6 steals and 1 blocked shot. David Ruffin (6'4''-G/F-84, college: Hartford) finished with a game high 36 points and Demontric Doddles (6'7''-F-78, college: Mansfield (PA)) added 19 points. In the last game of the round, the Westchester Monarchs felt to the Maryland Bayraiders by the score of 111-06, in another close loss for the Monarchs, that were led by Telron Spell (6'4''-G/F-82, college: Bridgeport) with a team high 33 points and 8 rebounds. The Bayraiders were led by Javes Wiggins (6'7''-F-80, college: Md-Eastern Shore) with 41 points, and 20 rebounds. Thanks to this last result, the BayRayders keep the top of the table undefeated

*****************************************************
PHILIPPINES

2008 PBA Fiesta Cup Results -by Lorenzo Gahol
#s#
#e#5


Williams


Parada


Rice


Thomas
Apr. 4 (Fri) Araneta Coliseum
Talk ‘N Text 131 Welcoat 95
TNT: McGhee 26 pts, 10 rebs, 3 blks, Washington 24 pts
WD: Reyes 21 pts, 11 rebs

Air21 92 Red Bull 102
RBB: Adam Parada (213-C-81) 28 pts, 12 rebs, 4 blks
AIR: Steve Thomas (203-F-81) of Atlanta Krunk Wolverines (USA) 31 pts, 14 rebs, Santos 19 pts, 13 rebs

Apr. 5 (Sat) Olivarez College Gym
Coca-Cola 109 Purefoods 108
CCT: Dixon Jason (205-C-73, college: Liberty) 37 pts, 12 rebs, Taulava 20 pts
PG: Darius Rice (208-F-82) 37 pts, J. Yap 22 pts

Apr. 6 (Sun) Ynares Center
Alaska 102 Ginebra 89
AA: Holcomb 27 pts, 9 rebs
BGK: Caguioa 25 pts, 5 rebs, 2 stls

Magnolia 86 Sta. Lucia 88
SLR: Kelly Williams (196-F-82) 27 pts, 10 rebs, Wilson 20 pts, 9 rebs
MBM: Watkins 20 pts, 15 rebs, 3 blks

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference
PBA Standings
1. Sta Lucia 2-0
2. Red Bull 2-0
3. Coca-Cola 2-0
4. Air21 1-1
5. Alaska 1-1
6. Purefoods 1-1
7. Talk N Text 0-1
8. Ginebra 0-2
9. Magnolia 0-2
10. Welcoat D. 0-2


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

Boricuas Abroad -by Alessandro Fontana
In Poland, it was the week-end of the Polish Cup, Turow was defeated by Slask Wroclaw 78-70 in the Semifinals. For Andres Rodriguez 3 points.
In Germany, Paderborn was defeated by Alba Berlin 85-89. For Nathan Peavy 9 points (2/6 2pts, 1/1 3pts, 2/4 FT) and 3 rebounds in 24 minutes.
In Spain, Unicaja Malaga won against Gran Canaria 90-95. Daniel Santiago played 15 minutes with 12 points (6/8 2pts) +3 rebs. In Italy, Caserta won against Veroli 71-60, for Guillermo Diaz 15 minutes with 5 points (1/4 2pts, 0/2 3pts, 3/4 FT) and 4 rebounds.
In NBA, Orlando was defeated by New York Knicks 100-90, Carlos Arroyo did not play for coach's decision.
A. Fontana

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

Regular Season Overview -by Max Brodsky
Khimki took the big showdown in the Russian League this week and improved to 21-2, just behind one win from regular season champion CSKA Moscow, by downing Dynamo Moscow 94-87 at home on Friday. Daniel Ewing (191-G-83, college: Duke) and Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) paced the winners each with 19 points. Anton Ponkrashov (200-G-86) added 17 while Clay Tucker (194-G-80, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) had 13 for Khimki. Travis Hansen (198-G/F-78, college: BYU) had 18 points for Dynamo, that finished the regular season with a 15-9 record. Sergei Monya (204-F-83) added 16, Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, college: Arizona) had 14 on 7-for-7 two-pointers while Milos Vujanic (190-G-80) got 11 for the guests. Ponkrashov had 8 points in a 15-3 run that allowed Khimki to get a 29-17 lead after 10 minutes. Khimki dominated the game since that moment, keeping a safe lead all the way until the final buzzer. In other games, Lokomotiv Rostov-na-Donu topped Avers-Universitet Surgut 85-71 while Spartak Primorie Vladivostok beat CSK VVS Samara 81-75 behind 24 points from J.R. Bremer (191-G-80, college: St.Bonaventure).

Fan Mail with Coach Giannakis -by Max Brodsky
The ways in which Olympiacos head coach Panagiotis Giannakis has touched basketball supporters in his native Greece are numerous. He has played for or coached most of the top clubs in the country, and in both roles has also led the national team to its greatest moments. The Fan Mail questions that poured in for Giannakis shows that he's held in highest regard well beyond Greek soil, too. Facing the biggest challenge of his club coaching career, a do-or-die playoff Game 3 on Thursday against CSKA in Moscow for the right to play in the Final Four, Giannakis took time out to answer Fan Mail from as far away as Australia. What he transmitted in his answers was a belief in the ability of players to transform themselves and their teams just like he did for basketball in a whole country - not to mention for Olympiacos since taking over the bench just two months ago. 'I always want to help the players do much better things than I used to do,' Giannakis said. 'And I always believe that a young man can do way better things than we did in my generation.'

Hey, Coach Giannakis, I'm a big Olympiacos fan. What I want to ask you is how does it feel coaching one of the proudest basketball clubs in the world? Also, what are your feelings coming into the big game against CSKA Moscow to decide the Final Four qualifier? Thanks,
James Savoulidis - Canberra, Australia
'I feel proud, very proud for sure. We believe that we can show our best selves against CSKA and win the game.'

Why does Arvydas Macijauskas come off the bench in recent games? Is he not fully recovered from injuries or does he not fit in you defensive focus to start the games?
Shilas - Lithuania
Generally, on my teams, I don't care who is starting the game or not. This not my priority. There are many things can be considered. and have to happen, in order for someone to start the game. As for Macijauskas, since I came here as coach, he has not practiced with us 100 percent. For the most part, he has been out of the practices because of his injuries.'

Mr. Giannakis, What does it take for a boy to develop himself to become the best possible basketball player and coach, as you have in your career? Thank you,
Tanos - Greece
'I am one of these guys who always believes. I believe that every man has the ability and the chance to develop any given talent that they have. Basketball is a game in which you have to have athletic ability and at the same time the mindfulness needed in order to make, each time, the best possible move to achieve your goal. And also, the main thing is that you have to cooperate with others and to make them happy that they are teammates with you. These are things that for one man, for one child, can make them enjoy themselves even more. Basketball is a game that can be played by yourself or with friends. You don't need money to buy specific equipment or gear. You don't need big space to practice, either. You practice in your own room.'

Hi Mr. Giannakis. As a coach, have you ever been close to telling your players: 'If you don't do it right, I'll play instead of you!'? Cheers for everything,
Panagiotis - Greece
'No. I always want to help the players do much better things than I used to do. And I always believe that a young man can do way better things than we did in my generation.'

Coach, when you took over Olympiacos, you decided to maintain the roster even if some of your players didn't seem to match your philosophy. After Marc Jackson's departure, do you regret the decision not to add a player when there was a chance to do it?
Marios - Greece
'When I joined Olympiacos, there was very little time until Euroleague signing deadline. But in any case, I always want to give the opportunity to the guys who started with the team, to see if they can, like professionals, work with a new system. And I believe that every man, if he wants to, can do so.'

Mr. Giannakis, many people in Greece - not only Olympiacos fans - would like to know about Sofoklis Schortsianitis. Is he getting better and does he have hopes of playing soon?
Dimitris - Greece
'He's getting better and he's trying hard, but we have to be patient with him because he needs time and we need him healthy, not only for one game but for many many years. I believe that he and also the fans should be patient, because it's worth the wait.'

Hello, Coach Giannakis. How would you describe the difference about coaching the national team and the club?
Klemen Kodrca - Ljubljana, Slovenia
'On the national team, you have to choose among guys who have the technical skills and the ability to complement each other. Sometimes it is possible that they had cooperation with each other during the season that just finished. But with a national team, there's very little time to play effective basketball: you have to do it within a couple of months. On the other hand, the national team guys play for the love of basketball and the love of the national team. In your club, however, according to the money that you have to spend, you select the players that come to do what they are asked to do, and some of them you can change at some point, if they don't adjust. And of course every two or three days you have a different opponent. You have to improve your players' abilities and togetherness, learn about your opponents, design your conditioning level and your technical skills according to the schedule of the whole year. You must follow closely your opponents and the way they play. In general, they are two different jobs and it would take forever to explain, but for sure both give you real knowledge of basketball and of the players and of how to make teams play better.'

Mr. Giannakis, please tell me what do you think about Milos Teodosic? I wish you the best of luck in Moscow and with Greece in the qualification tournament for the Olympics. Go Reds! Best regards,
Zeljko Vojinovic - Serbia
'He's a big talent. If he improves his athletic ability, and he is patient, he can help Serbian basketball a lot. And, of course, he can help us, too.'

Hi, Coach. Are there adjustments with the team's inside game now that Marc Jackson is not part of the roster? Thank you for your time.
Alex - London, England
'We're trying to do some things in this regard in order to have quality at both ends of the floor. The things that Marc Jackson gave us on one end of the floor we want to have on both ends of the floors.'

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

Nedeljko Asceric is a new head coach of Austrian NT -by Dragan Jankovski
Austrian Basketball Federation decided to hire Nino Asceric (197-F-65) like a new head coach of their National Team. In the past Asceric used to play for many teams. Some of them are Vichy, Hyeres-Toulon, Le Mans and Crvena Zvezda. He also spent 7 years in Austrian team St. Polten.

The main target of Austrian National Team will be to qualify for the next European Championship. Their rivals will be Denmark, Holland, Montenegro and Island.

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

KT&G Bounces Back Drops Dongbu -by Rick Ross
The Number 1 team and seed was over powered by a relentlest
KT&G who roared back being down 1 game in the best of 5 series
To even the playing field 1 game apiece winning 94-90.
Kim Joo-Sung (205-C-79) lead all scores with 29 pts in a losing battle as
Marquin Chandler sealed the win for KT&G scoring a put back shot and two free
Throws in the closing seconds to move the next two games back to Anyoung,
There were no other scores or stats at the time of this addition,
Click Here For more details below........!

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

Next Up,
Game 2 KCC Host Samsung - KCC 0 Samsung 1

*****************************************************
SPAIN

Standings - LEB Silver / Bronze
LEB Standings
Silver
1. Vic 21-7
2. Axarquia 21-7
3. Illescas 21-7
4. Almeria 20-8
5. Caja Rioja 20-8
6. Gijon 19-9
7. Caceres 16-12
8. Huesca 15-13
9. Plasencia 15-13
10. CB Tarrag. 13-15
11. Basq.Muro 12-16
12. Qalat Caja Sol 10-18
13. Palencia 9-19
14. Cornella 9-19
15. Prat 9-19
16. Ourense 8-20
17. Sabadell 8-20
18. Santa Pola 6-22
Bronze
1. Vigo 20-6
2. Archena 20-7
3. Guadalajara 17-9
4. Torrealta 17-10
5. Navarra 16-10
6. Jerez 15-12
7. Coruna 14-11
8. Real M. II 14-12
9. Cajasur 14-12
10. Salsa Musas 12-14
11. Esplugues-P. 11-15
12. Merida 10-16
13. Obila 10-17
14. Badajoz 9-17
15. Tijola 9-18
16. Opel Jovent 8-18
17. ADT Tarrag. 7-19
18. Torrevieja 0-0


Standings - ACB
ACB Standings
1. Real 25-4
2. Joventut 22-7
3. Barcelona 21-8
4. Tau 20-9
5. Pamesa 18-11
6. Lagun Aro 17-12
7. Akasvayu 16-13
8. Unicaja 16-13
9. G.Canaria 15-16
10. Menorca 12-17
11. Murcia 12-17
12. Grupo Capitol 11-18
13. Granada 10-17
14. Cajasol 10-19
15. Fuenlabrada 10-19
16. Ricoh Man. 10-19
17. Estudiant. 9-20
18. Leon 7-21


Week 28: Brandon Wolfram MVP LEB Silver and Inaki Narros MVP LEB Bronze -by Daniel Fernandez

Brandon Brandon Wolfram (207-F/C-79, college: UTEP) (Farho Gijon) was the MVP in the 28th round in the Adecco LEB Silver with 31 of efficiency. He scored 29 points and grabbed 3 rebounds. Akasvayu Vic, CB Illescas and Clinicas Rincon Axarquia are leading the LEB Silver with 21 wins and 7 loses.
Inaki Narros (HNV Navarra) was the MVP in the 28th round in the Adecco LEB Bronze with 33 of efficiency. He scored 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Gestiberica Vigo (20-6) and Balneario Archena (20-7) are leading the LEB Bronze.

Week 28: TOP 5 by Efficiency LEB Silver

Brandon Wolfram (207-F/C-79) (Farho Gijon): 31 (29pt + 3rb)

Duane Virgil (205-F/C-74) (CB Illescas): 30 (19pt + 9rb)

Edward Santana (203-F-80) (Palencia): 30 (23pt + 5rb)

Paulo Prestes (210-C-88) (Axarquia): 27 (19pt + 14rb)

Ramon Espuna (206-C/F-84) (CB Tarragona): 27 (24pt + 11rb)

Week 28: TOP 5 by Efficiency LEB Bronze

Inaki Narros (194-G-81) (Navarra): 33 (21pt + 11rb)

Daniel Dousa (219-C-81) (Vigo): 28 (13pt + 13rb)

Josep Mestres (208-F/C-85) (AB Esplugues): 28 (17pt + 13rb)

Brett Beeson (193-G-72) (Archena): 28 (27pt + 9rb)

Chris Mortellaro (206-F/C-82) (Badajoz): 28 (23pt + 9rb)



*****************************************************
SWEDEN

Stats Leaders - Basketligan
Basketligan Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Gerald Riley Akr 25,67
2 Thomas Akr 25,64
3 Gervin Nor 24,50
4 J Johnson 08 24,13
5 Favors Oresund 23,50
Rebounds Per Game
1 Mcdade Borås 11.3
2 Kjellbom Sund 10
3 Kingma Borås 9,52
4 Salaam Solna 9,45
5 Lazare Gothia 9,28
Assists Per Game
1 Thomas Akr 6,64
2 Jackson Upps 6,58
3 Favors Öre 6,22
4 Larsson Pla 5,88
5 Pleick Norr 5,55
Steals Per Game
1 Thomas Akropol 3.14
2 Jackson Upp 2,85
3 Williams Pla 2.44
4 Mbemba Solna 2,35
5 J Johnson 08 2.30
2FGP
1 Randa Akr 75,76
2 Drains Plannja 67
3 Djuric Jämt 66,67
3FGP
1 Guei Uppsala 55,81
2 Degernäs Söd 51,85
3 Westerlund 08 50
Free Throws
1. Bengtsson 08 96,43 2. Larsson Boras 90,62
3. Bennerman Jamt 90


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

Kings Emerge Fourth in Basketball Tourney and ABC is Tanzania Champion -by Carlos Pereira
by Victor Machota
Arusha

Arusha's representatives in the national basketball championships in Tanga, the Kaloleni Kings clinched fourth position.
One of the Kings players, Joseph Mrema told this reporter that in the preliminaries, Kings beat Tanga 49-42 and JKT Dar es Salaam 50- 40.
In the second round Kings thumped Mzinga of Morogoro 60-48 earning a ticket to the semi finals.
Spurs of Dodoma made a narrow win of 49-48 against the Kings.
In the match to determine the third winner, Kings lost narrowly to Savio of Dar es Salaam, 52 - 49.
In the final match ABC of Dar trounced Spurs of Dodoma 68 - 48.
ABC received the first prize of Tsh.400,000, Spurs Tsh.300,000 and Savio received Tsh.100,000.
Kings comprised Bariki Martin, Elia Mwabukusi, Roruak-Kik, Robert Edward, Jonathan Lema, Rahim and Patrick.
Mrema called on members of public to come out and support Kings in their bid to strengthen themselves in future events.

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

Sean Marshall a crucial player in Efes Pilsen loss, Efes fires David Blatt -by Max Brodsky

22 years old Boston College rookie Sean Marshall (198-G/F-85, college: Boston Coll.) has wonderful season in Turkish TBL with Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir where he averages 20ppg and 5.5rpg. Turkish supporters remember Karsiyaka's game against Galatasaray Cafe Crown on February 16th, where Sean Marshall beat Istanbul team personally 75-74. He was always distinguished on his every Turkish match but yesterday it was historical game of Karsiyaka as they beat European grand Efes Pilsen by 4 points while Pilseners were hosting the match in Istanbul at Abdi Ipekci Spor Salonu. Marshall scored 22 points and was scoring leader of his team. Later Efes Pilsen announced that David Blatt (Head Coach of Russian National Team and European Champion of 2007) was released...

Sean Marshall averaged 14.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.9apg in his senior season at Boston College and was All-ACC Honorable Mention. Some sources says that Sean Marshall has some offers from few Euroleague teams that are offering very high salary. As for the example, Marshall's ex-teammate Gary Neal (193-G-84, college: Towson) left for Spain and plays for AXA Barcelona. Karsiyaka had Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) in 2003-04 who continued his career with Efes Pilsen, Olympiakos Pireus and plays for Dynamo Moscow right now.


Which of Karsiyaka players will be a true European star? Will Sean Marshall take an offer from the Euroleague teams? Or NBA will steal one more Eurostar from Euroleague? It all depends on Sean Marshall's decision... Let's see!



Standings - TBL
TBL Standings
1. Besiktas 21-6
2. Efes P. 20-7
3. Fenerbahce 18-8
4. Galatasaray 17-10
5. T.Telekom 17-10
6. Karsiyaka 16-11
7. Antalya 16-11
8. Mersin 12-15
9. TED Koleji 12-15
10. Kepez Bld 11-15
11. Banvitspor 11-16
12. Oyak Renault 10-17
13. Darussafaka 9-18
14. Selcuk Uni. 9-18
15. Beykoz 8-19
16. Alpella 8-19


Karsiyaka "guillotine" -by Sinan Can
Efes Pilsen, known as the 'system' club of Turkey, changed their coach before the season ended for the 3rd time in the last 17 years as Pinar Karsiyaka was the same factor once again. Izmir club who beat Efes Pilsen in 1999-2000 season with Coach Ergin Ataman, caused 'The Beermen' to part ways with legendary coach Aydin Ors. That year it was a role change as Ergin Ataman replaced Ors and made himself a good name in European basketball as carrying Istanbul team to Final Four of European League for the first time in history. Now the names changed but Pinar Karsiyaka's did not, as Izmir team won in Istanbul after nine years and this time, the one who was fired by Efes Pilsen management is David Blatt. Reaching the title of Eurobasket 2007 with Russian National Team helped him to come to Turkey with a championship ring, but a season with lots of trouble ended with a home defeat vs Pinar Karsiyaka. Blatt shared the same destiny with Aydin Ors as Efes Pilsen management announced that they've decided to part ways with David Blatt, immediately after the 81-77 loss, as Assistant Coach Ekrem Memnun will be the replacamenet for the remainder of the season. It looks like Pinar Karsiyaka is the 'guillotine' for Efes Pilsen coaches as this should be reminded to the person who will take charge at Efes Pilsen next year: 'If you want to keep your job, do not lose against Pinar Karsiyaka at home!'

*****************************************************
UKRAINE

9-12 places' games have canceled / Ukrainians are preparing for play-off -by Alexander Muzyka
- FBU headquarters decided to cancel 9-12 places' games this year. The teams won't solve the problem of being in Superleague that will grow the number of its participants. Meanwhile, the majority of the 9-12 places' teams began the holidays before this FBU solution. Nobody knows, how the NT candidates (Zabirchenko, Poltoratskyi, Kovalenko, Korabliov, Stefanishyn etc.) from these teams will look like this summer when their future partners end the play-offs. Farms League will be ended this week - now we have Final Six in Kyiv.

- BC Kyiv and Azovmash Mariupol have the camps these days. BC Kyiv went to Slovenia and Azovmash Mariupol will have its friendlies in Croatia. Both teams will meet Russian Triumph in friendlies at Apr. 9 and 11, Triumph official site informed. Meanwhile, Cherkasy Monkeys will meet Khimik at friendlies tomorrow.

*****************************************************
WCBPL

WCPBL line-up announced -by Gianni Pascucci
According twith the official West Coast Pro Basketball League website, we are now able to add some informations about the teams that will compete in its 2008, inaugural season. We have yet introduced the Santa Barbara Breakers, that will be coached by Curt Pickering . The Ventura Jets will be coached by Patrick Davis and the Pasadena Slam by Rob Robinson . The High Desert Rattlers will be coached by Andre Cobbs , and Daryl Gowens will coach the Newport Beach Surf. The Carlsbad Beach Dawgs will be coached by Ron Meikle , and nothing less that 'Sik Wid It' Robin Kennedy (5'11''-G-74, college: Nevada) will be the player/coach of the Hollywood Shooting Stars. His ABA team, the Orange County Gladiators, confirmed the participation to the inaugural season of the WCPBL, coached again by Tony Farmer



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

Women News

*****************************************************
AUSTRALIA - Women

Snell, Jackson and Summerton won the regular seasons with their teams -by Eurobasket News
Belinda Snell (182-F-81, agency: LBM Management) won the regular season in France even though it is not finished yet. In the latest game however Challes-les-Eaux became the first team to upset her 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. 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.
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.
Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) and her Spartak MR won the regular season in Russia beating CSKA in the last game of it. Spartak 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 MR 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 would benefit. Vidnoe saw the winner of the regular season, its local Spartak!
Laura Summerton (191-C-83, agency: LBM Management) won the season with Taranto in Italy.

The Opals overpower Tall Ferns in friendlies -by Eurobasket News

The World champions Australia dealt with New Zealand national team in two friendly encounters in Australia. The first game was a rather one-sided scrimmage with the Opals dominating and securing a stunning 84:39 victory. The masterful coup by the Aussies was masterminded midway through the action. Australia bruised their opponents with a 39:6 run to pull away for good. Rohanee Cox (182-F-80) paced the winners with 15 points. Erin Phillips (173-G-85) added 13 points, while Suzy Batkovic (193-C-80) had 11 for the Opals. Aneka Kerr (183-F-81) was the only Tall Ferns player to score in double figures as she knocked down 11 points. Karlene Kingi had 8 points and 7 rebounds in a losing case. Kiwis committed 34 turnovers and shot 27% from the field. They also lost the battle under the rims pulling down 34 boards compared to 36 from Australia.
The next game held at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra proved more intriguing with Tall Ferns adjusting their game. The Opals took over from where they left in the first game rolling to a massive 21-point advantage early in the second period. But Kiwi players stopped the onslaught and gradually found the ways to even the contest. Tall Ferns trimmed the deficit to 11 points at the start of the fourth term but could not capitalize. The Opals went on a 9:0 run and buried any hopes for New Zealand driving to an 80:60 win at the end. Emma Randall (188-C-85) provided 17 points and 8 rebounds for Australia. Abby Bishop (189-C-88) and Carly Wilson (180-G-82, agency: LBM Management) secured 12 points apiece in a win. Aneka Kerr notched 19 points and 6 rebounds for Tall Ferns. Toni Edmondson scored 8 points in defeat. This time Tall Ferns sank 37% from the field, while the Opals netted 40% of field goals. Australia again dominated the paint outrebounding their opponents 44:23.

Australia - New Zealand 84:39
AUS: Rohanee Cox 15, Erin Phillips 13, Suzy Batkovic 11
NZ: Aneka Kerr 11, Karlene Kingi 8+7 boards

Australia - New Zealand 80:60
AUS: Emma Randall 17, Abby Bishop 12, Carly Wilson 12
NZ: Aneka Kerr 19, Toni Edmondson 8



*****************************************************
BELARUS - Women

Buyalskiy is back from the US -by Eurobasket News
The main coach of the Belarusian national basketball team Anatoliy Buyalskiy has just come back from the monthly probation at the US Luisville University.
According to his words, he got lucky to have stayed there longer, so that he could be a witness of the final part of the US students' championship. He didn't only watch the games but also held the trainings of both male and female teams as an assistant coach. Without any exaggeration basketball for America is life in fact, but in the other two states - Kentucky and Indiana it's likely to be compared to religion. Luisville is probably the only city where the NBA club is not registered. Though all the necessary conditions are provided for that - for instance, by 2010 a huge arena for 25 thousand spectators is supposed to be built. It's unbelievable, but still a fact, that wherever the university team goes for the game, thousands of fans go with them to cheer up.
The coach witnessed one thing that proved that Americans were indeed crazy about basketball, that happened on a certain day in August when the team coaching with a ball could be started. That night Anatoliy was absolutely shocked - when the gym's doors opened at midnight there were nearly 5 thousand spectators on the stands.
The first ten days the Belarusian coach worked non-stop every day with male and female teams under the supervision of the legendary Rick Pitino. Anatoliy Buyalskiy also suggested some new playing strategies to the main coach - Jeff Walls, whose team won the championship with Maryland University , and that's how he got to coach in Luisville. Americans have a special technique for managing new combinations by means of a group up to 10-12 people, so called the team managers, who get paid a sporting grant. Their role is not only to prepare the gym and hold the coaching, but to take part as the female sparring partners.
Since all the new basketball trends spread throughout the world from America , there was nothing extremely shocking in coaching for Anatoliy. He holds his trainings nearly the same way, but they lack such a great technical equipment.
Pitino is an outstanding and greatly respected person, who having 5 assistants makes the best out of every coaching with appropriate music, emotions, strict discipline and equal treatment and equipment for both male and female teams.
Anyway, Anatoliy Buyalskiy was pleasantly surprised and touched by the friendly American welcome and not less friendly farewell and the best wishes for prosperity, team success back home as well as further invitations.

*****************************************************
BOSNIA - Women

Mladi Krajisnik and Zeljeznicar won the openers -by Eurobasket News
Baltic league representative and the winner of the regular season celebrated the wins in the openers of the semis. Mladi Krajisnik Banja Luka had a road win over Jedinstvo 67:83, while Zeljeznicar beat Celik 83:54.
Meanwhile Amra Mehmedic (175-G-81, agency: LBM Management) and her Challes-les-Eaux became the first team to upset 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. Martina Luptakova led the winners with 17 points. Laina Badiane nailed 14, while Marie Bacquet scored 11. Amra Mehmedic collected 6 points and 5 rebounds.
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.

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

AEL beat Keravnos 51-43 and won the double. -by Chris Mammides
AEL beat Keravnos 51-43 in a game which finished earlier on tonight and won the title and repeated last year's achievement by winning the title for a second consecutive time. Keravnos fight the game once more but the Limassol team was much stronger to be defeated in Melford arena, so the result consider to be fair. Coach Filippopoulos team fought the game with all its power but Biljana Pavicevic (191-F-80) was in a great shape and with her 20 points was the MVP of the game and the player which gave the extra 'push' when needed to the Limassol team. It is worth mentioned that the score in the 3rd quarter was 31-30! AEL scored 20 points in the fourth quarter and won the game...

Cypriot Women National Team 2008 -by Jay
#s#
#e#6


Papadopoulou


Larkou


Phedonos


Papadopoulou


Vezenkova
Koula Nikodimou (179-G-85) of Jubala APOEL Nicosia
Kalia Papadopoulou (166-G-80) of AEL Limassol
Sophia Theodorou (180-G-86) of AEL Limassol
Loukia Larkou (171-G-88) of AEL Limassol
Persefoni Kyriakou (180-F-78) of AEL Limassol
Chrystalla Phedonos (183-F-77) of AEL Limassol
Gianna Kleanthous (177-F-74) of AEL Limassol
Giota Stulianou (174-G-82) of Anagennisi Yermasogeias
Sophia Theologou (174-G-87) of Apoel Nicosia
Nikolina Kouzi (178-F-85) of Apoel Nicosia
Sonia Papadopoulou (170-G-82) of Keravnos Strovolou
Michaela Vezenkova (191-F-84) of Keravnos Strovolou
Antonia Makri (174-G-79) of Keravnos Strovolou
Stephany Kile of GS Komotinis Greece
Petra Orlovic (178-F-90) of Ano Liosia Greece
Zoe Athanasiou (172-G-88) of GS Ag. Paraskevis
Valentina Ionova (176-G) of Adelphi University (USA)

*****************************************************
ESTONIA - Women

Playoffs hit the road in Meistriliiga -by Eurobasket News
Four teams started to find for the only available spot in the Meistriliiga final as the playoff stage got under way in Estonia. Tallinna Living took on Tallinna Kalev in the best-of-three series. The first game was all about the 2nd-ranked Tallinna Living as they dismantled their opponents 93:68 to grab a 1-0 lead in the series. The hosts easily ran away in the first half and enjoyed a 47:32 advantage at the interval. Kalev struggled to fight back after the long intermission with the gap just growing into the game. Led by Pirgit Puu (170-G-88) Tallinna Living coasted to an overall success and celebrated the initial win in the series. Puu finished with 22 points and 7 assists. Sandra Andresson (175-G-89) nailed 21 points for the winners. Lina Aglinskaite (181-F/C-87) answered with 24 points for Kalev. Kedru Arbet (185-F-80) had 22 points and 10 boards in a losing effort.
Meanwhile BC Star overcame Audentes 69:58 in the first game of the series. The visitors maintained the lead from the start and ended leading by 4 points after the starting stanza. But strong performance from Davineia Payne (175-G-83, college: La Salle) and Joanna Barnes (180-F-83, college: American) changed the complexion of this one later in the encounter. The hosts denied the deficit in the second period and eventually came out on top. They capitalized on an overwhelming dominance under the rims outrebounding Audentes 47:30. They also shot 82% from free throw line which helped BC Star to secure the winning outcome late in regulation. Joanna Barnes dropped 21 points and pulled down 11 boards for BC Star. Davineia Payne totaled 13 points and 10 rebounds for the winning side. Kerli Haas (179-F-90) had 21 points and Solveig Keskula (180-F-92) notched 14 points and 9 boards in a loss.

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

SM-SARJA: Catz had 31 turnovers! -by Rauno Hurmalainen

SM-sarja, Finals, Game 3: You cannot win with 31 turnovers in basketball. Catz (Lappeenranta) tried, but noticed, that it's impossible. PeKa (Kotka)
crushed Catz tonight in front of TV-cameras 87-60 (40-27). PeKa won all four quarters. Team was even able to loose the boards by 13 (46-59) and shoot
treys 10,5% (2/19), when Catz had those 31 TOs and was shooting also terrible behind the arc (10,0%, 2/20). PeKa shot 79 times in the game,
Catz only 66 times. Ashley Haynes (176-G/F-84, college: Austin Peay St.) made 9/13 of her 2-pointers and led PeKa with 22 pts. Tiffany Porter-Talbert added 19 pts, Shanika Freeman 15 and Laura Lehtoranta was still in double figures (14). Lizanne Murphy (185-F-84, college: Hofstra) was the best player out of Catz Team. Murphy netted 14 pts and grabbed 20 boards. Yelena Solovyeva played her season worst game. Piia Harkko, scoring her season best (21 pts) last Saturday, was 0/0 this time in 14 minutes. Catz - PeKa 1-2. Game 4 on Thursday, April 10 in Lappeenranta.

PeKa - Catz 87-60 (40-27) (Ashley Haynes 22/7, Tiffany Porter-Talbert 19/6/5a, Shanika Freeman 15/12, Laura Lehtoranta 14/0, Susanna Rinta 8/1,

Jutta Richter 4/2, Dionne Pounds 3/8, Maiju Pekkarinen 2/4, Pauliina Posti 0/2 - Lizanne Murphy 14/20, Elena Reshetko 14/12, Kirbria Lewis 11/3,

Tamara Tatham 9/11, Yelena Solovyeva 5/8, Kaisa Valtakari 3/1, Vilma Kesanen 2/1, Henna Alatalo 2/1).



*****************************************************
FRANCE - Women

Bourges suffers the first loss -by Eurobasket News
Challes-les-Eaux became the first team to upset 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. Martina Luptakova (184-F-77) led the winners with 17 points. Laina Badiane (180-F-85) nailed 14, while Marie Bacquet (192-C-83) scored 11. Australian Belinda Snell (182-F-81, agency: LBM Management) resisted with 17 points in the losing effort.
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.
In another games Clermont beat Pays dAix 92:86. USVO defeated Mourenx 75:51, while Tarbes overcame Mondeville 60:50. Montpellier edged Villeneuve 69:54 and St Amand beat COB Calais 72-68. Reims was the only team to win away from home defeating Arras 70:80.

Standings - LFB
LFB Standings
1. Bourges 23-1
2. USVO 18-6
3. Montpellier 17-7
4. Villeneuve 13-11
5. Mondeville 13-11
6. Challes 13-11
7. Reims 12-12
8. St Amand 12-12
9. Clermont 12-12
10. Tarbes 10-14
11. Pays d Aix 9-15
12. Arras 8-16
13. COB Calais 5-19
14. Mourenx 3-21


*****************************************************
FYR MACEDONIA - Women

Champions with pole position before the playoffs -by Todor Chalovski
Vigor Skopje reach top positions before the playoffs in the Vardar Osiguruvanje First Macedonian league for women.
Vigor Skopje beat Izgradba Komerc Mladinec 71:63 in a game 19, thanks to Ana Tanturovska and Ana Zhivkovic, who scored 19 points each.

The champions and cup winners will face Biljana 006 in the semifinals, in a repreat of last year's final. Biljana 006 beat Vodnjanski Lisici 86:68 in Skopje, but could only finish fourth at the end. Vesna Balazoska scored 37 points for Biljana 006 in this game.

Pelister finished the regular season in third place, after beating Kumanovo at home 79:56. Aleksandra Blazevska scored 20 points for Bitola based Pelister. They will play Izgradba Komerc Mladinec in the semis.

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HOLLAND - Women

Yellow Bike edges ProBuild Lions -by Eurobasket News
The games that were played over the weekend brought the key game between ProBuild Lions and Yellow Bike. The latter with a road 64:73 victory are too close now to win the regular season. Yellow Bike was paced by Anna Vicenzetto (183-C/F-77) who scored 23 points and Leonie Kooij (187-F-86) had 19. Anouk Biesters (182-G/F-86) led the Lions with 16 points and Cherie Lea (176-G/F-81, college: NC-Wilmington) added 14 points.
Probuild Lions won a Cup recently and did not have enough power to compete. The team however stayed tough in the game and trailed only 3 points after the opening quarter. Italian forward Anna Vicenzetto had 8 points at that time. Yellow Bike remained on top before the break, 34:31.
Leonie Kooij hit three consecutive 3-pointers for Yellow Bike for 34:43. Thanks to Cherie Lea the hosts remained in the game with 40:45.Another spurt in the last quarter saw the guests taking 45:55 advantage. Jinga Gosschalk (172-G/F-79, agency: LBM Management, college: Long Beach St.) hit a 3-pointer to narrow the gap to 61:64. That was all the hosts could do as the leaders of the regular season held the score for good.
In another games Woonb./DAS beat BV Lely 81:54, while Perik Jumpers edged Amazone 79:68. Binnenland had a road win over Celeritas-D. 94:98.

Standings - Women
Eredivisie Standings
1. Yellow Bike 19-3
2. ProBuild Lions 16-5
3. Amazone 16-5
4. Perik Jumpers 12-10
5. BV Lely 11-12
6. Woonb./DAS 11-12
7. Celeritas-D. 6-16
8. Binnenland 6-16
9. Grasshoppers 2-20


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ITALY - Women

Standings A2 Women -by Carlo Grilli
A2 Standings
Group A
1. Marghera 21-4
2. Bologna 20-5
3. San Giovanni 20-5
4. Crema 17-8
5. Cavezzo 16-9
6. Udine 16-9
7. Reggio Emilia 15-10
8. Broni 13-12
9. San Bonifacio 11-14
10. Firenze 9-16
11. Cervia 9-16
12. Bolzano 8-17
13. Carugate 7-18
14. Val Di Taro 7-18
15. Muggia 6-19
16. Ivrea 5-20
Group B
1. Ancona 21-4
2. Pontedera 20-5
3. Chieti 18-7
4. Siena 16-9
5. Livorno 16-9
6. Umbertide 15-10
7. Rende 15-10
8. S.Elpidio 14-11
9. Cagliari CUS 12-13
10. Alcamo 11-14
11. Cagliari Ic. 10-15
12. Battipaglia 9-16
13. Napoli 8-17
14. Alghero 7-18
15. Palestrina 4-21
16. Valdarno 4-21


Serie A1, Playoff and Playout , day-1: stats and results -by Carlo Grilli
Playoff, quarterfinals, game-1, best-of-three series:

Famila Wuber Schio - Germano Zama Faenza 57 - 46 (1-0)
(15-13, 31-26, 42-38)
FAMILA WUBER SCHIO: Moro E. 8 (1/3, 2/5), Butler D. 2 (0/1, 0/1), Donaphin B. 12 (3/9), Tassara S. (0/1), Sanchez R. (0/2), Masciadri R. 4 (1/4, 0/5), Mudju Ngoyisa (195-C-82) 9 (3/7), Ress K. 7 (3/6, 0/1), Ciampoli F. 6 (3/3), Macchi L. 9 (3/10, 0/3). Coach Orlando Sandro
GERMANO ZAMA FAENZA: Eric M. (0/3, 0/2), Franchini M. 6 (2/2, 0/1), Ramon E. dnp, David I. 6 (3/4), Ballardini S. 6 (0/4, 2/6), Casadio G. 3 (1/3), Jokic D. 13 (6/8, 0/1), Bandini E. dnp, Knezevic A. 6 (3/9), Dos Santos C. 6 (3/6). Coach Rossi Paolo

Levoni Taranto - Carispe La Spezia 92 - 57 (1-0)
(21-12, 51-20, 72-35)
LEVONI TARANTO: Balleggi M. 11 (5/6, 0/1), Corbani C. 4 (2/4), Greco M. 12 (5/8, 0/1), Zimerle A. 8 (1/1, 2/3), Sauret Gillespie A. 9 (4/7), Laura Summerton (191-C-83, agency: LBM Management) 21 (10/17), Prado F. 2 (1/3), Frohlich L. 7 (2/4, 1/2), Brunson R. 15 (5/13, 0/1), Masoni M. 3 (1/3). Coach Corno Aldo
CARISPE LA SPEZIA: Bestagno M. (0/1), Corradini L. 2 (1/2), Pastore C. 12 (3/6, 2/5), Callens E. 3 (0/2, 1/2), Templari E. 2 (1/2, 0/2), Newton C. 19 (6/13, 2/6), Bagnara B. 5 (0/1, 1/3), Vukovic V. 5 (2/6), Sarti R. 3 (0/4, 1/2), Willis C. 6 (3/10). Coach Papini Giovanni

Umana Venezia - Acer Priolo 70 - 48 (1-0)
(12-13, 26-20, 52-30)
UMANA VENEZIA: Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) 7 (2/4, 1/2), Modica F. 10 (3/4, 0/5), Johnson S. 16 (2/3, 1/5), Sanford N. 15 (5/8), Andrade M. 4 (2/3, 0/1), Nadalin J. 6 (3/7), Giauro E. 2 (1/3), Romagnoli A. 2 (1/1), Vujovic A. 8 (0/3, 1/5), Zampieri A.. Coach Riga Massimo
ACER PRIOLO: Gianolla A. 7 (1/3, 1/3), Bonfiglio S. dnp, Palie S. (0/4), Milazzo O. 2 (1/1), Fabbri E. 4 (2/2, 0/1), Seino T. 11 (3/5, 1/4), Sciacca B. 7 (0/3, 1/1), Pascalau F. 12 (3/9, 0/1), Meneghel R. 5 (2/3), Phillips T. (0/5). Coach Coppa Santino

Phard Napoli - Lavezzini Parma 73 - 64 (1-0)
(19-13, 39-31, 52-43)
PHARD NAPOLI: Paterna S. 2 (1/1), Mariangela Cirone (171-G-76) 17 (3/5, 2/3), Mauriello P. 5 (1/2), Giauro S. 6 (3/4), Barnes A. 12 (5/6, 0/2), Gentile I. , Horasan Y. 6 (3/7), Ndiaye A. 6 (3/7), Lesdema N. 2 (1/1), Holland-Corn K. 17 (1/3, 4/7). Coach Molino Nino
LAVEZZINI PARMA: Maiorano M. (0/1, 0/1), Stabile S. 3 (0/2, 1/4), Paparazzo E. 2 (1/3), Zanoni I. (0/2, 0/1), Battisodo V. 6 (2/7), Van Malderen L. 9 (2/6, 1/2), Mahoney M. 15 (3/7, 3/4), Zanon M. 6 (2/4), Screen J. 10 (5/5, 0/1), Sulciute E. 13 (4/7, 1/2). Coach Scanzani Maurizio

Playout, first round, game-1, best-of-three series:

Gescom Viterbo - Banco di Sicilia Ribera 69 - 61 (1-0)
(16-13, 24-21, 43-33)
GESCOM VITERBO: Danzi D. 6 (2/4), Kouznetsova S. dnp, Santucci L. 4 (2/5), Brunelli G. dnp, Smith B. 16 (6/9), Maslowski M. 12 (5/11), Limoura L. 5 (2/5, 0/2), Valentina Siccardi (182-G/F-82) 14 (0/3, 2/5), Gorla L. 7 (1/2, 1/4), Crepaldi C. 5 (0/1, 1/4). Coach Agresti Claudio
BANCO DI SICILIA RIBERA: Farris S. (0/1), Duffy M. 9 (0/2, 2/9), Favento S. 5 (0/1, 1/6), Bona G. dnp, Kajdacsi J. 10 (4/5), Riccardi E. 2 (1/3, 0/2), Montagnino J. 19 (4/6, 1/8), Perfetti C. 6 (1/4, 1/4), Pys'Mennik O. 8 (1/6, 1/3), Razmaite D. 2 (0/3). Coach Anselmo Paolo Francesco

Italmoka Pozzuoli - Fiera di Roma Pomezia 75 - 68 (1-0)
(20-19, 37-36, 56-48)
ITALMOKA POZZUOLI: Paparo N. 2 (1/2, 0/2), Cirov T. 7 (2/5, 1/2), Ferazzoli I. (0/3), Michela Franchetti (175-G-76) 10 (2/4, 2/4), Minervino M. dnp, Grima H. 9 (2/5), Linguaglossa E. dnp, Grasso A. 4 (0/3), Andjelic N. 17 (4/5, 3/5), Dixon T. 26 (5/8, 2/6). Coach Palumbo Carlo Fulvio
FIERA DI ROMA POMEZIA: Di Battista F. 5 (2/4, 0/3), Hodges D. 23 (6/15, 2/9), Cinili S. 3 (1/3, 0/1), Mancini V. dnp, Mendes Da Silva T. dnp, Scimitani S. 6 (3/5), Machanguana C. 15 (6/12), Lichnerova J. 6 (1/1, 1/1), Beljanski M. 6 (3/4, 0/1), Gattini C. 4 (2/6, 0/2). Coach Incecchi Sandro

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LEBANON - Women

Antranik Champion for the 6th consecutive year -by Asia-Basket Lebanon
Antranik - Beirut retained its Championship Title for the 6th consecutive season after wining the third game in the Final series against Homentmen - Antelias on the score of 71-45.

Demirdjian Center saw a record for the number of fans who have attended the game. The home team started the game very focused with a goal to end the series and secure the precious title , the first quarter saw the dominance of Antranik players who led form the first minutes and finished the quarter on the score of 17-10.

In the second quarter Homentmen - Antelias started its come back and managed to tie the game and to have the lead 25-24 beofre 1 minute from the half , but Antranik who missed Nayla Alammeddine in this quarter due to her quick foul problems knew how to finish the 2nd quarter having the lead , 26-25.

In the 3rd quarter Antranik - Beirut players started to dominate on the both ends of the court and started cursing to an easy victory through a great team work , Nayla Alammeddine , Tamara Khalil (185-F-86) , Nisrin Dandan and Chada Nasr scored from everywhere and they outscored Homentmen 27-09 , the reason for this big run is the Box and One Defense applied on Sandra Najem. The score at the end of the third was 53-34.

In the 4th quarter the same tempo continued and the Antranik players continued their dominance and made the difference go bigger and bigger to reach the 30 points , In the last 5 minutes the two coaches gave the chance for the young players to have the Finals feeling. The final score in the end was 71-45.

By wining this title Antranik - Beirut won its 06th consecutive championship title , they tied the record of Sagesse - Beirut in the Men's Championship ( from 1999 till 2004) , and the 09th in the past 11 years. The wining games streak is now 94 games without any loss since the season 2002-2003.

Antranik - Beirut now will be heading next Friday to Aleppo - Syria to participate in the West Asian Champions Cup for Women which will be held from April 13 to 18.And in June they will have another task to defend their Arab Title , which they hold fr the past two years.

Best Performances :

Antranik - Beirut : Tamara Khalil (20pts ,10rebs) , Nisrin Dandan (18pts,14rebs),Nayla Alammeddine (14pts, 11rebs,4ast) , Chada Nasr (10pts, 7ast)

Homentmen - Antelias: Sandra Najem(17pts, 7rebs) , Nathalie Sevajian (

Standings - Women League
Premier League Standings


Antranik Beirut is the lebanese league champion for the season 2007-2008 -by Raffi Kassabian
Antranik Beirut is the lebanese league champion for the season 2007-2008. The third game of the final round was played in Antranik's court that saw a big number of fans from both teams and the game was almost equal for the first two quarters of the game and the second quarter ended 26-25 with one point lead for Antranik Beirut. In the third quarter Homenetmen's players committed consecutive turnovers that were well took by Antranik players who scored in the third quarter 27 points against only 9 scored by Homenetmen in the third quarter. The last quarter was not different from the third quarter and Antranik scored 18 points against only 11 for Homenetmen Antelias and the game ended with the final score 71-45. Antranik Beirut won the lebanese league after winning the first game against Homenetmen Antelias 71-64, the second game 67-56 and the third game 71-45 and its their sixth consecutive league title that was also said to be the best league finals for six years.

Results - Final Series Game 3
Antranik Beirut - Homenetmen Antelias 71-45
Antranik Beirut: Nisrine Dandan 20, Tamara Khalil 18, Nayla Alammeddine 14, Shada Nasr 10, Cherine Al Sharif 7, Christell Chalouhi 1, Nathalie Mamo 1.
Homenetmen Antelias: Sandra Najem 20, Caroline Moufarej 6, Nathalie Sevajian 6, Leila Fares 5, Sanan Markarian 4, Eliane Chalhoub 4.

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LUXEMBOURG - Women

Standings - Women
DBBL Standings
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
7. Etzella 5-0
8. Racing 5-1
9. Grengewald 4-2
10. Black Frogs 1-4
11. Les Esperants 1-5
12. BC Mess 1-5


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MONTENEGRO - Women

Standings - Women League
League Standings
Superleague
1. Jedinstvo 5-0
2. BC Kastel 5-1
3. Roling Niksic 2-3
4. Buducnost 0-0
Premier League
1. Kotor 1-2
2. BC H.Novi 0-0
3. BC Rozaje 0-1
4. Rudar 0-5


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NCAA1 - Women

Marquette claims WNIT title -by Eurobasket News
Marquette - Michigan State 81:66

Krystal Ellis (5'9''-G) scored 15 points in a 23:2 run at the start of the game and the Golden Eagles never surrendered the lead. Marquette maintained the pressure on the Spartans in the first half and enjoyed a 29:9 advantage. However Michigan State scored 10 straight points to cut the difference to only 11 points late in the half. Erin Monfre (5'11''-G) sank one of her 5 trebles to seal the outcome at 45:33 after the first half. The Golden Eagles made just one more push with an 8:0 rally to open the second half. It was too much for the Spartans as they never got closer than 10 points throughout the second part of the encounter. Angel Robinson (5'8''-G-89) paced the winners with 16 points, 8 boards and 5 assists. Monfre had 15 points, while Krystal Ellis added 11 assists to her stats. Kalisha Keane (6'1''-F-89) answered with game-high 24 points and 8 boards for the Spartans. Allyssa Dehaan (6'9''-C-88) and Mia Johnson (5'9''-G-86) secured 11 points apiece in defeat. Marquette held their opponents to 35% accuracy from the field and outrebounded them 35:31. Krystal Ellis was named the tournament's MVP as she averaged 23.2 points per game to lead the Golden Eagles.

Marquette: Angel Robinson 16, Krystal Ellis 15+11 assists, Erin Monfre 15
Michigan State: Kalisha Keane 24, Allyssa Dehaan 11, Mia Johnson 11

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NEW ZEALAND - Women

The Opals overpower Tall Ferns in friendlies -by Eurobasket News

The World champions Australia dealt with New Zealand national team in two friendly encounters in Australia. The first game was a rather one-sided scrimmage with the Opals dominating and securing a stunning 84:39 victory. The masterful coup by the Aussies was masterminded midway through the action. Australia bruised their opponents with a 39:6 run to pull away for good. Rohanee Cox (182-F-80) paced the winners with 15 points. Erin Phillips (173-G-85) added 13 points, while Suzy Batkovic (193-C-80) had 11 for the Opals. Aneka Kerr (183-F-81) was the only Tall Ferns player to score in double figures as she knocked down 11 points. Karlene Kingi had 8 points and 7 rebounds in a losing case. Kiwis committed 34 turnovers and shot 27% from the field. They also lost the battle under the rims pulling down 34 boards compared to 36 from Australia.
The next game held at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra proved more intriguing with Tall Ferns adjusting their game. The Opals took over from where they left in the first game rolling to a massive 21-point advantage early in the second period. But Kiwi players stopped the onslaught and gradually found the ways to even the contest. Tall Ferns trimmed the deficit to 11 points at the start of the fourth term but could not capitalize. The Opals went on a 9:0 run and buried any hopes for New Zealand driving to an 80:60 win at the end. Emma Randall (188-C-85) provided 17 points and 8 rebounds for Australia. Abby Bishop (189-C-88) and Carly Wilson (180-G-82, agency: LBM Management) secured 12 points apiece in a win. Aneka Kerr notched 19 points and 6 rebounds for Tall Ferns. Toni Edmondson scored 8 points in defeat. This time Tall Ferns sank 37% from the field, while the Opals netted 40% of field goals. Australia again dominated the paint outrebounding their opponents 44:23.

Australia - New Zealand 84:39
AUS: Rohanee Cox 15, Erin Phillips 13, Suzy Batkovic 11
NZ: Aneka Kerr 11, Karlene Kingi 8+7 boards

Australia - New Zealand 80:60
AUS: Emma Randall 17, Abby Bishop 12, Carly Wilson 12
NZ: Aneka Kerr 19, Toni Edmondson 8



Twice as nice -by Eurobasket News
Undercover Kiwi Jillian Harmon (185-F-87) has double reason to celebrate. This week, she will create history as the first 'known' New Zealander to contest an NCAA basketball championship. Next week, she will debut for the Tall Ferns at the Good Luck Beijing tournament, the official Olympic test event.
Harmon and her University of Stanford Cardinal upset Connecticut 82-73 in today's semifinals and will now meet University of Tennessee in the US college final on Wednesday (NZ time). Stanford pulled away from their opponents midway through first half and extended their lead to 11 points midway through the second, before surviving a comeback. Harmon, who nursed a foot injury coming into the tournament, logged 15 minutes for nine points (2/5 FG, 5/6 FT), four rebounds (3 OR) and a steal.
Two months ago, her Kiwi status was unknown, which makes one wonder how many more New Zealanders are scattered around the world, playing basketball unrecognized. Harmon only revealed her roots - mother Julie is Kiwi - in February after former Stanford team-mate Clare Bodensteiner (175-G) began pushing her claims for Tall Fern selection. 'I am delighted for Jillian,' says Ferns coach Mike McHugh . 'The NCAA tournament is huge for college athletes and most players never get a chance to get to the Final Four, let alone the championship game. 'Jillian has shown by her performances for Stanford that she could be a key addition to the squad for the Beijing test event.' Harmon's height (1.85m) will be much needed in a line-up already giving away centimetres at international level.
Christchurch-born and US-raised, Bodensteiner has also been included in the national squad after participating at the national team camp in Canberra over the past five days. The feisty guard was unconvincing in the first of two scrimmages against the world champion Australian Opals, but looked more assured in the second encounter, shooting 2/2 from the arc. 'She fitted in really well, but probably tried too hard in that first game,' observed McHugh. Others to emerge from the AIS with reputations enhanced were veteran forward Aneka Kerr (183-F-81), who led the team in scoring with 15.0 points over the two games, young forward Toni Edmondson and centre Karlene Kingi. Two players who sat out the camp - centre Jessica McCormack (196-F-89) with an Achilles niggle and late withdrawal Lisa Wallbutton (183-F-86) - have been included in the team for the test event, but starting guard Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe (173-G-79, college: Buffalo) will miss the tournament with a knee injury. The Tall Ferns will prepare for Good Luck Beijing against the Chinese national team in Ningbo on April 16 and open their account against Cuba on April 19.
Courtesy of: www.basketball.org.nz

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NORWAY - Women

Hop brings title back to Bergen -by Kaare Vangen
Last year's runner up, Hop, finally got the title and brought the junior women's title back to Bergen after seeing Ammerud winning it in 2007. Since 2000 only two titles have gone to teams outside Bergen (Ammerud 2007 and Asker 2004). Ida Løvik and her teammates were playing well and had the necessary luck to win a close final 57-50. Ida Løvik got the MVP award. Gimle once again was in top three, the club has only missed it twice since 2000. The clubs from Hordaland were very dominant and took four of the first five spots.

All Star Team:
Katrine Fjaerestad, Gimle
Stephanie Johannessen, Hop
Maren Austgulen, Hop
Edda Ulset, Asker
Ida Loevik, Hop

Final ranking:
1. Hop
2. Asker
3. Gimle
4. Nattland
5. Loddefjord
6. Ullern
7. BK
8. Centrum

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PORTUGAL - Women

Liga Feminina Playoff, quarter finals day 2 -by Luis Rocha
The secong day of the quarter finals showed almost the same results of the first. Not at all the same in Vagos where the home team won the game and leave the series tired, but Boa Viagem has done what they did and now they have the chance to eliminate Vagos at home. Yesterday the game was completely diferent and playing two days in a row is at the moment a bit too much for the roster of Boa vIagem, the result finish 61-44, and the big doubt now is if at home Boa Viagem can forget the tiredness and beat Vagos two days ina row. Alges won over CPN 76-67, another tough game but in his house Alges know how to maintain diferences and now all the pression of the series is in CPN. ESSA get the 2-0 on the series, this time with a bigger margin 70-59, CAB like B.Viagem seems not quit fit to plays with a short roster two days in a row, now at home they will have to change things up, can they do it?. Finally Olivais had a unexpected close game with UNiao, the final score was 68-64, this time UNiao was motivated and willing to put up a good fight, Olivais take the foot of the gas, but that could cost them a higher price, nevertheless they will go to Madeira with a 2-0 score and should managed to solve the matter at the opposition ground.

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SERBIA - Women

Hemofarm win the regular season -by Eurobasket News
Hemofarm did not lose any game in the regular season finishing the league with 22-0 record. In the last game the favorite overcame Usce 66:102 on a road. Trailing 21:20 after the opening quarter Hemofarm shined in the second half. Biljana Stankovic (176-G-74) led the winners with 33 points. Marija Dosen (182-F-84) nailed 16 and Rizvic Danijela had 12 points. Nevena Saponjic (186-C-85) ended up with 19 points in the losing effort.
Meanwhile Serbian Martina Luptakova (184-F-77) was the key player for Challes-les-Eaux that became the first team to upset Bourges after 23 rounds in France. 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. Martina Luptakova led the winners with 17 points. Badiane nailed 14, while Bacquet scored 11. Australian Snell resisted with 17 points in the losing effort.
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. Serbian Sonja Petrovic (189-F-89) for Bourges produced 7 points and 8 rebounds.

Standings - Women
A League Standings
1. Hemofarm 22-0
2. Crvena Zv. 18-4
3. Partizan 16-6
4. Spartak 16-6
5. Vojvodina 14-8
6. Proleter 11-11
7. Kraljevo 9-13
8. Kovin 7-15
9. Loznica 7-15
10. Usce 5-17
11. Radnicki NB 4-18
12. Stara Pazova 3-19


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SPAIN - Women

Round 23:Perfumerias Avenida lost the derby against Ros Casares and 2nd place -by Ivan Villar
Derby of spanish basketball had only one colour,orange of Ros Casares.Nowday champion team is higher than second candidate to tittle.On second quarter Manolo Real saw how his team had the game controlled.Katie Douglas was again top player of game with unbelieavable stats of 21 points,6 rebounds and 26 of efficience.She has confirmed herself as real candidate to MVP of this season.Anna Montanana was best scorer of her team with 19 points,but with low throw's percentages.EBE Promociones took advantage of Perfumerias' mistake winning at home to Cadi La Seu d'Urgell.Silvia Morales (20 p-28 val.) and Sancho Lyttle (23-30 val.) leaded again a team called to be good alternative of powerful Perfumerias and Ros Casares.Silvia Santos was again best player of Cadi with 17 points and 5 assists.San Jose Leon knocked down a little more Arranz Burgos at their court with easy win by 23 points.Anna Cruz could play and was best player of her team with 15 points and 24 of efficience.But team coached by M.A.Estrada was too much big for Burgos.Murriel Page (16 p-9 reb) and Allison Feaster (20 p-20 val) were leaders of team which recovers its best version.Step to step Celta Vigo has made homeworks and probably will play for Europe's place.Mann Filter Zaragoza lost new chance to escape from LF2's fight with horrible team's game (only 36 of efficience).Alba Torrens is recovering her best level in second part of season,scoring 16 points and gaining 5 rebounds.Rivas continues as best team of last months with 7th win in a row.Gran Canaria was her victim with partial of 8-24 in first quarter.Cathy Joens (17 p-15 val) and Rankica Sarenac (202-C-74) (13 p-8 reb) leaded a team which had been improved in 2008.Extrugasa Vilagarcia had a quiet evening in game against Extremadura Dato.Players of Fernando Mendez showed why are placing 13th position (only 26 points of efficience).Kiesha Brown (14 p-23 val) and Katia Da Silva (15 p-20 val) were best resources of galician team.

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U.S.VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women

@ School: Rebekah Seifer -by David Edole
by Carol Buchanan

Challenges are something Rebekah Seifer, a senior at Country Day School, takes in stride. Which is good, considering that next up is taking on the challenge of being one of the few female trainees in the Coast Guard Academy -- on a full scholarship.
'I am feeling anxious about the strict schedule in the Coast Guard, but I'm used to schedules and I'm extremely organized,' Seifer said. She said she's been tempered by keeping her chin up when competing against boys.
Just 25 percent of the students at the academy in New London, Conn., are female.
'It is nice to see all her hard work has paid off,' said Rebekah's mom, Deborah Cestaro-Seifer. 'Rebekah has the mental and physical ability to succeed at the Academy,'
Siefer's mom said a year ago they were watching the movie 'The Guardian' which depicted intense Coast Guard training. She said to Rebekah, 'You can do that.' Cestaro-Seifer said that three months later, after thinking about it, Rebekah said she would go for it and apply to the Coast Guard.
Seifer said she has always been a water person, so she felt the Naval Academy or the Coast Guard was where she wanted to go to college. She decided the Coast Guard was the best fit because it is smaller and more specialized.
Three years ago, Seifer moved to St. Croix from northeast Tennessee with her mom and younger brother (her parents are divorced). Growing up in Tennessee, one of her favorite things to do was whitewater rafting. She first tried rafting at the age of just four. Her mom said physically she couldn't do it at first, but Rebekah didn't give up and mastered the rapids.
Seifer said she loved moving to St. Croix and living so close to the water. One of the first things she took advantage of living by the sea was to become a certified diver.
It is not all fun and water sports for Seifer; throughout her school years, she has had to study a lot and work extremely hard for her high grades. She has a 3.9 grade point average and she may be her class salutatorian.
Math has always been her strong subject, so an engineering degree from the academy is what she is aiming for.
'I have never seen a girl who studies as much as Rebekah,' said Cecile Roth, dean of the upper school at Country Day. 'She is amazing -- they don't get any better than her.'
Seifer is talented musically too. She is in the music society at school and was in the East Tennessee Children's Choir for years. She has played piano four years and last year took up guitar. She is planning on joining a Coast Guard a cappella group.
Basketball is also something at which Seifer excels. She has garnered awards as most valuable player in ninth and 10th grade as well as most athletic female. Though petite, she has played in the V. I. Hoop Classic.
Being a team player is important to her, said Seifer. She adds it beats doing things by yourself. She said at the Coast Guard they state they will 'break you down as an individual and bring you up as a team.'
Seifer said June 30 she will be off to 'Swab Summer' boot camp for almost six weeks where she will have very little contact with her family.
'They make you feel the Coast Guard is your family,' she said.
Seifer said her mom has been a big influence in her life.
'My Mom doesn't give up on things,' she said. 'She shows me strength and gives encouragement.'
Her mom said whatever Rebekah does or tackles she does with tenacity and compassion. 'It has been a real pleasure and honor watching her tackle things near to impossible,' Cestaro-Seifer said.
After her tour of duty she said she would love to come back to St. Croix to use her degree in environmental engineering.
'Whatever she does will lead to something wonderful,' Cestaro-Seifer said.