Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 3/1/2009

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Men News

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ABA

NY Internationalz, a different story - by Gianni Pascucci
After reading the piece about his team posted yesterday on Usbasket.com, the NYC Internationalz team owner Anwar Sharhan asked to me to post the statements down:
'The New York City Internationalz has never changed ownership. The Coach- Michael Logan was working to sabotage our organization- the NYC Internationalz b/c he did not want me to tell about the ABA scam . Here's the story: On Wednesday evening February 19, Michael Logan and I had a conversation which, he advised me that I dont know how the playoffs are working, my reply to him was, What? Of course I do I was putting together a bid for the all-star game and playoffs before Nashville got it, Joe (CEO) and Quintin (Former COO that was arrested) advised me, I would have to pay for all the hotel accommodations and airfare for every team participating in the playoffs, he then replied to me, No! thats not how its gonna work! Needless to say, I was baffled I asked him How do you now how its going to work? Who have you been talking to? The conversation stood silent as I asked the question again, he would not respond but then laughed after I asked him a third time. After I heard the laugh, I asked, Who have you been talking to Marsha (Jersey Express Team Owner), Joe? He replied, The league! Have a goodnight Anwar, goodnight. And this would end the conversation. The league (Joe Newman), Marsha and Michael all agreed to try and lock us out. Michael Logan called Harvey Li (Co-owner of the NYC Internationalz) the next morning- Thursday February 20th 2009 and said I quit! Ive had enough! Im not changing my mind this time, Im serious, thats it! And directly after that, Michael Logan got the league to approve him for a team in the middle of the season. On that same day, February 20th, I confirmed this Saturdays game with Marsha for February 28th at 7pm, where as she replied that we could get there at 6pm to warm-up. On February 25th, I would get a text from Marsha stating, I will be playing the NYC Thunder on Saturday run by Mike Logan. In other words, she was no longer playing us- the NYC Internationalz. Marsha, Joe and Michael, where trying to lock us out hence Michael reported a fraudulent story to you to keep the lie going we never left the team, the players definitely did go another way, but it was due to reasons under the players control. Michael Logan , Quintin Gittens and Marvin McCullough are all friends; these two players and coach recruited all of the players- which are their friends; Please be advised that, Michael Logan still has over $7,000 worth of uniforms and equipment in his possession (this is the real story, behind the curtains.)'
Comment from Usbasket.com:
We received this text directly from Mr. Sharhan, and we had received the previous news from Tim Gittens, one of the NYC team players. At this point, we can not say if the team will go now on the court as 'Internationalz' of 'Tunder'. And, of course, Mr. Sharham and Mr. Gittens are fully responsible of what they declared to us.

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Dragan LABOVIC
  FMP
  (207-C/F-87)
  Avg: 18.2

1. Labovic, FMP	18.2
2. Jacobson, Helios	16.5
3. Ikonic, Bosna S.	15.9
4. Shields, Krka	15.9
5. Shannon, KK Split	15.6
6. Gecevski, Zadar	15.1
7. Tomic, KK Zagreb	15.0
8. Simon, KK Zagreb	14.6
9. Stemberger, KK Sp.	13.9
10. Ivanovic, Bosna.	13.4

Rebounds Per Game

Ante TOMIC
  KK Zagreb
  (215-C-87)
  Avg: 8.8

1. Tomic, KK Zagreb	8.8
2. Gecevski, Zadar	8.0
3. Borovnjak, Vojvo.	7.1
4. Ivanov, Zadar	6.9
5. Lasme, Partizan	6.8
6. Samardziski, FMP	6.7
7. Velickovic, Partizan	6.7
8. Labovic, FMP	6.2
9. Pavic, Krka	6.1
10. Roberts, Crvena.	5.9

Assists Per Game

Rok STIPCEVIC
  Zadar
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 4.6

1. Stipcevic, Zadar	4.6
2. Ilievski, U.Olimpija	4.5
3. Shannon, KK Split	4.2
4. Dordevic, Bosna S.	4.0
5. Covic, FMP	3.5
6. Mocnik, Helios	3.5
7. Calloway, Cibona	3.5
8. Dixon, Zadar	3.3
9. Pavkovic, Hemofarm	3.2
10. Marinovic, Crvena.	3.2

Steals Per Game

Eddie SHANNON
  KK Split
  (180-G-76)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Shannon, KK Split	2.4
2. Dasic, Buducnost	2.3
3. Calloway, Cibona	2.0
4. Micov, Buducnost	2.0
5. Markovic, Hemofarm	1.8
6. Otasevic, Buducnost	1.7
7. Ozbolt, U.Olimpija	1.7
8. Mocnik, Helios	1.6
9. Stemberger, KK Sp.	1.5
10. Batina, KK Spl.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Mirza BEGIC
  U.Olimpija
  (218-C-85)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Begic, U.Olimpija	2.5
2. Lasme, Partizan	1.9
3. Vranes, Partizan	1.7
4. Samardziski, FMP	1.3
5. Misanovic, Buduc.	1.2
6. Roberts, Crvena Z.	1.1
7. Tomic, KK Zagreb	1.1
8. Bajic, Vojvodina	1.1
9. Gecevski, Zadar	1.0
10. Zimic, Bosna.	1.0

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ARGENTINA

LigaA Round: 25 (Regular Season, second phase) - by Eurobasket News
Quilmes MP - Lanus 79-84
Lanus grabbed nice road win against Quilmes for 10-15 in the second phase. Fernando Funes (193-G-83, agency: Interperformances) scored 18, Nicolas Laprovittola and Jon Smith had 17 each, while Terrel Taylor netted 15 pts. Smith also had 10, while Taylor grabbed 13 rebounds. Hernando Salles answered with 14 points and 8 assists in loss.

Boca Jrs - Penarol 78-74
Boca Juniors crushed the top ranked Penarol handing it the 6th defeat in the second phase. However, despite this loss Penarol stays No.1 in Liga A with 54 pts in total. Derrick Alston (208-C/F-72, agency: Priority Sports, college: Duquesne) led the scorers in victory with 23, while Carl Edwards added 22 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. David Jackson replied with 23 pts for the loosing side.

Gimn.CR - Ben Hur 85-53
Gimnasia CR did not have any troubles to beat the last ranked Ben Hur and to reach 14-11 record in the second phase. Gary Buchanan (191-G-80, college: Villanova) once again was a key player for the winners delivering 20 points. Jimmy Boston followed with 14 and Bruno Ingratta had 10 pts. Visitors got 17 pts from Lucas Ortiz.

Sionista - Libertad 82-59
Sionista outplayed Libertad coming pretty close to them. Juan Pablo Cantero came up with 17, while Alejandro Burgos helped the winners with 14 points. On the other side, Esteban Batista registered double-double, 12 points and 10 rebounds. Sionista jumped on the fifth place with 49.5 pts.

Atenas - Independ.N. 99-65
Atenas blasted Independiente 99-65 staying the second ranked team in Liga A with 53.5 pts. The hosts had couple of players in a game mood yesterday, but maybe the best one was Djibril Kante (201-C-80, college: Indiana St.), who nailed 15 points and grabbed 6 boards. Brice Assie led the scorers in defeat with 13 pts.

El Nacional - Obras 94-88
James Moore (203-C-82, college: N.Mexico St.) scored 21, Camargo Dionisio Gomez had 19 pts and 8 boards, while Brandon Dean added 16 pts. Mariano Castets, who came off the bench, helped with one point less. Obras got 19 points from Felipe Lopez. With this victory improves to 10-15.

Quimsa - Estudiantes
The game is scheduled for March 3rd.

Regatas - Ciclista Olimpico
The game is scheduled for March 3rd.

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Standings

1. Penarol	54-0
2. Atenas	53-5
3. Libertad	50-5
4. Sionista	49-5
5. Independ.N.	49-5
6. Gimn.CR	49-5
7. Estudiantes	48-0
8. Cicl.Olimpico	48-5
9. Obras	47-0
10. Boca Jrs	47-5
11. Regatas C.	46-0
12. El Nacional	45-5
13. Quimsa	44-5
14. Quilmes MP	44-5
15. Lanus	43-0
16. Ben Hur	36-5

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

Edward NELSON
  Estudiantes
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 20.9

1. Nelson, Estudiantes	20.9
2. Moodie, Independ.	19.9
3. Jackson, Penarol	18.7
4. Mazzaro, Quimsa	17.8
5. Assie, Independ.N.	17.5
6. Robinson, Sionista	17.1
7. Taylor, Lanus	16.8
8. Espil, Boca Jrs	16.2
9. Osborne, Libertad	15.9
10. Glover, Cicl.Olimpi.	15.9

Rebounds Per Game

Federico KAMMERICHS
  Regatas C.
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 10.5

1. Kammerichs, Regat.	10.5
2. Williams, Cicl.Oli.	9.1
3. Assie, Independ.N.	8.5
4. Nelson, Estudiantes	8.0
5. Taylor, Lanus	7.5
6. Mikulas, Quimsa	7.4
7. Levy, Estudiantes	7.3
8. Kante, Atenas	7.2
9. Gomez, El Nacional	7.2
10. Borrell, Obr.	7.2

Assists Per Game

Hernando SALLES
  Quilmes MP
  (188-G-79)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Salles, Quilmes MP	4.9
2. Rodriguez, Penarol	4.1
3. Cantero, Sionista	3.9
4. Franco, Estudiantes	3.9
5. Treise, Quimsa	3.8
6. La Bella, Estudiantes	3.4
7. Titarelli, Obras	3.3
8. Cequeira, Regat.	3.1
9. Martinez, Sionista	3.0
10. Olmedo, Lan.	2.9

Steals Per Game

Anthony JOHNSON
  Hebraica
  (198-G/F-79)
  Avg: 6.7

1. Johnson, Boca Jrs	6.7
2. Assie, Independ.N.	2.4
3. Moodie, Independ.	2.2
4. Marin, Independ.N.	2.1
5. Casini, Boca Jrs	2.0
6. Aguirre, Boca Jrs	2.0
7. Treise, Quimsa	1.9
8. Sciutto, Gimn.CR	1.9
9. Bortz, Boca Jrs	1.8
10. Glover, Cicl.Olimpi.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Nakiea MILLER
  Quimsa
  (204-C-79)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Miller, Quimsa	1.9
2. Moore, El Nacional	1.9
3. Bortz, Boca Jrs	1.9
4. Smith, Quimsa	1.9
5. Allen, Quimsa	1.8
6. Alston, Boca Jrs	1.5
7. Kammerichs, Regat.	1.4
8. Smith, Lanus	1.3
9. Williams, Cicl.Oli.	1.2
10. Gonzalez, Penar.	0.9

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AUSTRIA

Byron Joynes back in Oberwart - by Stefan Prager
The Oberwart Gunners announced today that they brought back center Byron Joynes. Due to the injury of Tomislav Gaspar the Gunners are in the need of some size under the basket. Joynes already played 9 games for the Gunners this season before he got cut out of financial reasons. He avereaged 2.3ppg and 4.3rpg in 13 minutes of action. He back upped Center Jason Johnson at the beginning of the season when Johnson fought a finger injury.

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BAHRAIN

Muharraq regain top spot - by Yousef Ahmed

CHAMPIONS Muharraq cruised to an 82-69 victory over Al Ettehad last night to return to the top of the standings in the Zain Bahrain Basketball League, played at the Um Al Hassam sports complex.

The victors held on to the lead for most of the match before pulling away in the second half, to register their 11th win in 13 outings and break a three-way tie with top rivals Manama and Al Ahli.

Ettehad dropped to their 10th defeat in the league to go along with three wins.

In yesterday's other contest, Al Hala overcame a tough challenge from Isa Town to win 82-78.

Hala were better poised in the game's closing minutes as they took their eighth win in 13 outings to stay in contention for the Golden Square.

With the result, Hala stayed fifth on the table and inched closer to fourth-placed Nuwaidrat as the two-horse race for the last semi-final spot goes down to the wire for yet another season.

Isa Town, on the other hand, suffered their eighth defeat in as many attempts.

League action continues tonight with Manama and Ahli facing off in a hugely anticipated battle between two of Bahrain's most successful basketball clubs. The game tips off at 7.30pm, and will be played at the same venue.

Both teams, along with Muharraq, are currently sure-bets for the Golden Square. They are currently tied on the standings with a 10-2 win-loss record apiece.

Source GDN

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Baltic-League Round: 21 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News

ChallengeCup

Zemgale - Keizarmezs 54-66
Keizarmezs improved at 2-1 record in the second stage of the Challenge Cup after they defeated Zemgale on the road. Reinis Strupovics (192-G-87) fired 28 points to lead the Riga outfit. Arturs Strelnieks added 11 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Ilmars Bergmanis, Andris Justovics and Edgars Rekis answered with 11 points apiece for Zemgale in the loss.

Kaunas Tr. - Sakalai 70-75
Sakalai held off Kaunas Triobet on the road behind 16 points and 9 boards from Nerijus Strazdauskas (198-F-84). Rokas Uzas contributed 12 points and 9 boards in the victory. Marius Valukonis had 17 points and 9 boards for Kaunas Triobet as they suffered 6th defeat.

Neptunas - VEF Riga 103-105
VEF Riga left it late but claimed a narrow win over Neptunas. Luke Cooper (183-G-84, college: Alaska-Anch.) knocked down one of two free throws, while Martunas Mazeika missed a three-pointer as VEF Riga celebrated the 14th win in the season. Evgeniy Kolesnikov finished with game-high 30 points. Jurijs Aleksejevs knocked down 20 points in the win. Deividas Gailius answered with 29 points and 7 boards for Neptunas in the loss.

Liepaja - Alytus Alita 79-62
Liepajas Lauvas got closer to the playoffs with a home win over Alytus. Arturs Stalbergs (196-F-84, college: Evansville) notched 25 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists for the hosts. Jevgenijs Kosuskins and Curtis Nash had 11 points apiece in the winning case. Rytis Adomavicius answered with 21 points and 11 boards for Alytus as they fell at 7-11 record in Group D.

Keizarmezs - Zemgale 69-74
Zemgale claimed an imprortant road win over Keizarmezs. Janis Bambis paced balanced Zemgale team with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Edgars Krumins contributed 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Reinis Strupovics fired game-high 29 points for Keizarmezs in the losing effort.

Sakalai - Neptunas 106-67
Sakalai fired down Neptunas at home court as Arnas Labuckas had 19 points. Vytautas Sarakauskas managed 18 points and 9 rebounds off the bench for the home team. Remigijus Trakimas was the only player to score in double figures for Neptunas as he dropped 16 points in the loss.

Elite Group

Kalev/Cramo - Nevezis 82-76
Kalev/Cramo outscored pesky Nevezis in Tallinn. Kevin Lyde (206-C-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Temple) netted 16 points, while Josh Pace and Tanel Sokk canned 15 points each in the win. Benas Veikalas responded with 18 points and 7 boards for Nevezis in the losing case.

Siauliai - Lietuvos 91-88
Siauliai stunned the Elite Division leaders Lietuvos Rytas at home arena to earn the ninth win. Andrius Slezas and Stefhon Hannah nailed 21 points each to pace the hosts. Virginijus Praskevicius (206-C/F-74) had 12 points and 13 rebounds for the winning side. Steponas Babrauskas answered with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for Lietuvos Rytas.

Zalgiris - TU/Rock 91-64
Zalgiris left no chance for visiting TU/Rock dismantling those in Kaunas. Paulius Jankunas (203-F-84, agency: Interperformances) knocked down 20 points and collected 11 rebounds to lead Zalgiris. Jonas Maciulis added 16 points in the win. Giorgi Tsintsadze replied with 18 points for TU/Rock.

Ventspils - Siauliai 72-76
Virginijus Praskevicius notched 27 points and 12 boards to propel Sialiai past Ventspils on the road. Mindaugas Kuzminskas had 21 points and 10 rebounds in the win. Bernard King (196-G-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Texas A&M) topscored with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals for Ventspils.

Valmiera - Ventspils 77-94
Bernard King exploded with a triple-double of 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists as Ventspils cruised past Valmiera away from home. Ronalds Zakis contributed 17 points and 8 boards in the 7th win for Ventspils. Ronald Clark answered with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for Valmiera.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Evgeniy KOLESNIKOV
  VEF Riga
  (195-G-85)
  Avg: 20.1

1. Kolesnikov, VEF R.	20.1
2. Clark, Valmiera	19.4
3. Bankevics, Valmiera	19.4
4. Strupovics, Keiza.	19.2
5. Varnelis, Alytus A.	19.0
6. Vares, Valga Welg	18.8
7. Alexander, Ba.	17.7
8. Vasylius, Neptunas	17.6
9. Beard, TU/Rock	17.5
10. Runkauskas, Sudu.	17.1

Rebounds Per Game

Tanoka BEARD
  TU/Rock
  (205-F/C-71)
  Avg: 9.6

1. Beard, TU/Rock	9.6
2. Anderson, Valga W.	9.5
3. Alexander, Ba.	8.5
4. Butkevicius, Kaunas T.	7.9
5. Vasylius, Neptunas	7.9
6. Varnelis, Alytus A.	7.9
7. Jankunas, Zalgiris	7.4
8. Dimsa, Aisciai	7.4
9. Valukonis, Suduva	7.3
10. McNaull, Norrkopi.	7.2

Assists Per Game

Giorgi TSINTSADZE
  TU/Rock
  (192-G-86)
  Avg: 5.6

1. Tsintsadze, TU/Rock	5.6
2. Grant, Norrkoping	4.8
3. Gabrans, ASK/.	4.6
4. Hill, Techasas	4.4
5. Jeromanovs, VEF R.	4.4
6. Sirsnins, Valmiera	4.3
7. Runkauskas, Suduva	4.3
8. Viskontas, Nevezis	4.3
9. Eidson, Lietuvos	4.2
10. Kazevicius, Alytus.	4.0

Steals Per Game

John LINEHAN
  Kalev/Cramo
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Linehan, Kalev/Cr.	3.3
2. Bolds, Techasas	2.6
3. Slesers, Keiza.	2.3
4. Jeromanovs, VEF R.	2.2
5. Gabrans, ASK/.	2.1
6. Pilk, TTU K.	2.1
7. Mazutis, ASK Riga	2.0
8. Skele, Ba.	2.0
9. Valukonis, Suduva	1.9
10. Kolesnikov, VEF.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Darius SILINSKIS
  Nevezis
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Silinskis, Nevezis	1.9
2. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	1.6
3. Woods, Zalgiris	1.5
4. Anderson, Valga W.	1.4
5. Berzins, Ba.	1.3
6. Lyde, Kalev/Cramo	1.3
7. Shukhovtsov, Sakal.	1.2
8. Talts, TU/Rock	1.2
9. Selakovs, VEF Riga	1.2
10. Toome, TTU.	1.2

BBL: Kalev/Cramo struggles but beats brave Nevezis - by Janar Filippov

BC Kalev/Cramo had to work very hard to take a compulsory victory against the SEB BBL underdogs, Nevezis Kedainai. The hosts survived a scary comeback by Nevezis and got away with a narrow 82:76 victory to stay in the SEB BBL regular season 2nd place hunt.

Just as in the first game in this season against Kalev/Cramo, Nevezis gave Estonian team a fierce battle. Then, Kalev/Cramo also won narrowly 74:72. This time, the hosts made a mighty 15:3 run during the last 4 minutes of the 3rd quarter to go ahead 59:43. But the guests didn't surrender and with only a minute left to play, it was suddenly only 2-point advantage for Kalev/Cramo - 78:76.

With 2 minutes left to play, the guests were trailing 77:68 and then made a scary 1:8 run during a mere 70 seconds. Then Nate Fox (206-F-77, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Maine) became hosts' hero as he took an offensive rebound with 24 seconds left, was fouled and made both free throws to secure the victory for his team.

Kevin Lyde (206-C-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Temple) led the winners with 16 points. With John Linehan (175-G-78, college: Providence) injured, it was time for Tanel Sokk (183-G-85) to take the responsibility. He and Josh Pace (198-G-83, agency: Dynasty Sports, college: Syracuse) scored 15 points - it was their best game in SEB BBL this season, Nate Fox made a double-double with 11 points + 11 rbs and Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) made 7 points + 12 rbs.

For Nevezis, Benas Veikalas (192-G-83, agency: Passing Lane, college: Metro St.) contributed 18 points + 7 rebounds, incl. 4/4 three-pointers. Valdas Dabkus (204-F-84) added 14 points.

Kalev/Cramo tried huge 29 three-point attempts, making 10 of them. Nevezis were 10/21 for three and 10/11 for FT.

The hosts outrebounded opponents 42:29 (18:5 offensive rbs)

Standings - Men

BBL Standings

Elite Division
1. Lietuvos		14-3
2. Zalgiris		12-5
3. Kalev/Cramo		11-6
4. ASK Riga		9-6
5. Siauliai		9-8
6. TU/Rock		8-9
7. Ventspils		7-10
8. Barons/LMT		6-10
9. Valmiera		5-11
10. Nevezis		2-15
Challenge Cup
Group C
1. Sakalai		15-4
2. VEF Riga		14-4
3. Kaunas Tr.		12-6
4. Neptunas		12-7
5. Norrkoping		10-7
6. Aisciai		9-8
Group D
1. TTU KK		9-8
2. Liepaja		8-10
3. Tallinna Kalev		7-10
4. Alytus Alita		7-11
5. Keizarmezs		7-11
6. Zemgale		7-11

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Cowboys drop game to Nicholls State in overtime - by David Edole
Thibodaux- McNeese States Cowboys dropped an overtime heat breaker 80-76 to the Nicholls State Colonels here Saturday afternoon in Southland Conference basketball play.

Freshman Patrick Richard brought the Cowboys back from an eight-point halftime deficit with his 20 point second half performance, including a three pointer with one tick left on the clock that sent the game into overtime.

The Colonels were up by nine points with 3:17 left in the game before the big Cowboy push. A John Pichon layup and a Kleon Penn (211-C-86) dunk put the game within three to set Richard up for the last second effort.

Richard would also give the Cowboys their first lead of the game after a free throw 25 seconds into the extra period.

Nicholls would go on to win the battle of the threes in overtime, hitting four from beyond the three point arc including Anatoly Boses game winner. The Cowboys would make two from threepoint range, one by Diego Kapelan and one by C.J. Collins.

The kids fought back hard against a good basketball team, said head coach Dave Simmons. They (Nicholls) just got the ball in a hot hand and hit a three when they needed it.

The Cowboys trailed by as many as 17 points in the first half but the team would head into intermission on the up side of a 13 to four point run that cut the Colonels lead to eight.

Coming out of the locker room McNeese put on another impressive run, this one a 16 to three effort. The run was quickly quieted, however, as Colonels Justin Payne and Chris Isles put in four quick three-point shots.

Richard led all scorers with his career high 24 points. McNeese also had three other players in double digit scoring including Pichon with 11, Kapelan with 12 and Penn with 19. The Cowboys also shot 58 percent from the field as a team and went eight of eleven from the free throw line.

I was glad to see that effort from Pat and see him perform like that, said Simmons of his freshman. We needed his 24 points and he showed he deserves the minutes hes getting.

Nicholls, who came into the game in second place in the eastern division of the Southland Conference, shot and made an impressive 16 three pointers, five by Payne who would also finish with 19 points.

If we bring this fight to our last two games theres no doubt in my mind well take them, said Simmons. Ill watch some other scores tonight but we still need to take care of business these last two games.

The loss dropped the Cowboys to 11-16 overall and to 5-9 in league play.

Up next for coach Simmons team is a Wednesday night match up against Southeastern Louisiana, who the Cowboys lost to earlier in the season. That game is set for 7 p.m. in Burton Coliseum.

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BULGARIA

Rilski Sportist outguns Radnicki 034 in BIBL - by Eurobasket News
Balkan League, Quarter-Finals: Radnicki 034 - Rilski Sportist 81-91

Radnicki 034 Group suffered home defeat against Rilski Sportist in the first quarterfinal game. The next one will be played in Samokov, where in the front of its fans Rilski Sportist will have a chance to reach the Final 4. Dragoslav Papic (205-C/F-87, agency: Global Sports Plaza) stepped up for the winners collecting 27 points and 14 rebounds. Branko Mirkovic (185-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) had 20 and Travis Peterson (208-C-85, agency: Edge Sports, college: Samford) registered double-double, 15 points and 11 rebounds. Radnicki got the most from Igor Mijajlovic (193-G-84, agency: Beo Basket), 20 points and 7 assists. Ivan Milosevic (192-G-78) scored 16 coming off the bench, while Danilo Draskovic (207-C-86) added 15 points and 10 rebounds. Rilski was better in the first (18-22), while Radnicki 034 ended the second quarter with 28-27. Dragoslav Papic and his teammates demonstrated huge aggressiveness after the breather. Because of that the hosts had many troubles at the offensive end scoring just 12 points in third stanza. On the other side, Rilski Sportist nailed 24 entering to the last ten minutes with plus 15. Thanks to Igor Mijajlovic and Danilo Draskovic, Radnicki succeeded to close the gap on 10 pts. Anyway, Rilski is in much better situation now. The Bulgarians totally outjumped their rivals with 34 rebs. They also had impressive 27/31 from the line. The next game is scheduled for March 4th.

Radnicki 034: Igor Mijajlovic 20+7 as, Ivan Milosevic 16, Danilo Draskovic 15+10 boards
Rilski Sportist: Dragoslav Papic 27+14 boards, Branko Mirkovic 20, Travis Peterson 15+11 boards

Cherno More won a thriller against Spartak - by Valentin Anguelov

Euroins Cherno More defeated the visiting Spartak Pleven after a good basketball game in 'Hristo Borisov' hall in Varna. In a very important match for both teams the hosts won 87-76.

From the beginning both teams played focused and for every ball. After very good plays both on offense and defense from both teams at the end of the first quarter the score was 23-22.

The pressure continued to be high in the second quarter. After a run by Cherno More, the team managed to pull ahead but Spartak responded quickly. Very good for the visitors played Hrisimir Dimitrov and Iliya Stankov as their team had a 42-39 lead at the break.

After the halftime interval both teams continued to look for the win. There was a new tie at 48 points and later at 57 with three minutes to go in the third quarter. The followed a new exchange of baskets as the visitors took a 63-62 lead after 30 minutes.

In the last quarter Spartak went ahead but thanks to Tsenov and Santos the hosts came right back in to the game. In the final minutes of the game McIntosh and Dimitrov were the main figures for their own teams. At the very end of the game the hosts managed to make their biggest run and broke their opponents to win this game. In total there were 9 ties in this game and 34 lead changes.

Corey McIntosh was the top scorer for the hosts with 17 points adding also 6 assists and 4 rebounds. Simeon Tsenov finished with 14 points and 9 rebounds while Dusan Koutsoupoulus had 9 and 7. Very good played the yougster Vasil Kyosev who for only 13 minutes finished with 10 points and 4 rebounds.

For Spartak best player was Hrisimir Dimitrov with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Vladimir Marinov had 15 points and 7 assists against his former team.

FULL STATS OF THE CHERNO MORE - SPARTAK PLEVEN GAME

CURRENT STANDING IN THE NBL

SCHEDULE AND SCORES IN THE NBL

INDIVIDUAL STATS IN THE NBL

TEAM STATS IN THE NBL

DOUBLE DOUBLE STANDING

ATTENDANCE STANDING IN THE NBL

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CANADA

Stats Leaders

CIS Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Bakovic, Ryerson 27.2
2 Glover, Sask. 24.9
3 Zanaty, McGill 23.8
4 Posey, Lakehead 22.3
5 Haywood, St.M. 21.5

Rebounds Per Game

1 Salhia, Lakehead 11.1
2 Nkrumah, Cape Br 11
3 Doerksen, Tr.W 10.5
4 Bekkering, Calg 10.3
5 Gueye, UQAM 10.2

Assists Per Game

1 Kadima, Lethbr. 6.5
2 Tokar, Brandon 6.0
3 Curtis, Western 5.6
4 Sullivan, Dalhousie 5.3
5 Baribeau, Laval 5.1

Steals Per Game

1 Glover, Sask. 3.9
2 Buckley, Concor. 3.7
3 Nkrumah, Cape Br 3.3

Blocks Per Game

1 Haynes,York 3.5
2 Dean, Manitoba 2.5
3 Stewart, Thomp. 2.2

2FGP

1 McCleery, Carleton 58.7
2 Traikov, Acadia 57.7
3 Laroche,Concordia 57.5

3FGP

1 Kenny, Carleton 53.5
2 Beattie, Dalhousie 48.6
3 McNeilly, Ryerson 48.4

Free Throws

1 Jhaj, Fraser Valley 100
2 McGarrigle, Cape Br 90.9
3 Freeman, Fr. Valley 90

OUA Quarterfinal Results - by Eurobasket News
York made their way into the CIS OUA Conference semifinals after defeating Ryerson 71:69 on the road. Ryerson were considered favorites to win this one but the Lions came up with a big time upset. York grabbed a narrow lead and maintained it throughout the opening stanza. The visitors had a 17:15 advantage after the starting frame and stretched it to 4 points at halftime 37:33. The Rams could not get things work in their favor as they still trailed by 6 points with one quarter to go. However Ryerson opened the fourth period with 11 unanswered points to edge in front in this one. Tut Ruach (188-G-85) regained the lead for the Lions with just 20 seconds left in regulation 69:68. Soon Tut Ruach was fouled and extended the margin to three points from the stripe. Boris Bakovic (201-F-88) narrowed the distance back to 2 points and later the Rams had a chance to win it but failed to come up with a shot losing the battle. Tut Ruach finished with 22 points for the Lions. David Tyndale (180-G) added 16 points in the win. Boris Bakovic provided 25 points and 11 boards for the Rams in defeat.
Waterloo shot down Guelph 71:63 on the road. Waterloo used a 10:1 rally late in the first half to pile up an 8-point buffer at the major break. The Warriors stayed consistent after the intermission and opened up a double-digit lead soon after the start of the second half. Waterloo kept it cool throughout the rest of the affair and posted a well-deserved win at the end. Dan White (193-G-85) finished with 25 points and 9 rebounds to pace the Warriors. Alan Goodhoofd (196-F-88) and Cam Mcintyre (191-G-87) produced 12 points apiece in the win. Duncan Milne (206-F-86) responded with 23 points and 7 boards for Guelph. Waterloo is going to meet with Western in the OUA semis.
McMaster held off Laurier 56:48 to advance. The Marauders had just a slender 50:48 lead heading into the final minute of regulation but kept the Golden Hawks scoreless for the rest of the game and eked out a tough win. Mouctar Diaby (206-C-85) notched 15 points and 11 boards to lead the charge. Marko Gacic (193-F) had 12 points and 15 rebounds in the victory. Andrew Pennycook (210-C) and Matthew Buckley (215) had 10 points each for Laurier.
McMaster will take on Windsor in the semifinal battle.
Toronto in the meantime overcame Queens 63:48 to book their semifinal spot. Ahmed Nazmi (122-F) produced 14 points and 11 caroms to lead the Blues. Nick Snow (-F) added 11 points and 15 rebounds in the winning case. Robert Shaw had 12 points for the Gaels.

CIS Standings

CIS Standings

Atlantic
1. St.Francis X.	17-3
2. Cape Breton	15-5
3. St.Mary's	12-7
4. Dalhousie	12-7
5. UPEI	11-9
6. Acadia	6-14
7. New Brunsw.	3-17
8. Memorial	3-17
CanWest Central
1. Calgary	17-5
2. Alberta	13-9
3. Saskatchewan	10-12
4. Lethbridge	5-17
CanWest Great Plains
1. Brandon	13-9
2. Regina	12-10
3. Winnipeg	5-17
4. Manitoba	4-18
CanWest Pacific
1. UBC	21-2
2. Victoria	17-6
3. Trinity West.	17-6
4. Simon Fraser	14-9
5. UCFV	7-16
6. Thompson R.	2-21
Quebec League
1. Concordia	12-4
2. Laval	10-6
3. UQAM	8-8
4. Mc Gill	5-11
5. Bishop's	5-11
UOA East
1. Carleton	21-1
2. Ottawa	19-3
3. Toronto Univ.	15-7
4. Ryerson	12-10
5. Queens	7-15
6. York	7-15
7. Laurentian	5-17
8. RMC	0-22
UOA West
1. W.Ontario	19-3
2. Windsor	15-7
3. Mc Master	13-9
4. Guelph	10-12
5. Waterloo	10-12
6. Laurier	9-13
7. Brock	8-14
8. Lakehead	6-16

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CHINA

Standings - CBA

CBA Standings

1. Guandong	36-5
2. Xinjiang	36-5
3. Jiangsu	32-9
4. Shaanxi	24-17
5. Zhejiang G.	23-18
6. Fujian	23-18
7. Shandong	23-18
8. DongGuan	22-19
9. Beijing	22-19
10. Bayi	21-20
11. Shanxi Zh.	21-20
12. Jilin	19-22
13. Liaoning	19-22
14. Zhejiang C.	17-24
15. TianJin R.	11-30
16. Qingdao DS	10-31
17. Shanghai	6-35
18. Yunnan	4-37

Stats Leaders - CBA

Points Per Game

Rodney WHITE
  Zhejiang G.
  (206-F-80)
  Avg: 35.8

1. White, Zhejiang G.	35.8
2. Muoneke, Yunnan	34.6
3. Rodgers, Jilin	33.3
4. Jones, Beijing	32.9
5. Snyder, Zhejiang C.	32.6
6. Benson, Shaanxi	31.7
7. Harris, DongGuan	31.0
8. Harvey, Jiangsu	30.5
9. Tuck, Shandong	29.9
10. Robinson, Shaan.	26.1

Rebounds Per Game

Olumide OYEDEJI
  Shanxi Zh.
  (207-C/F-81)
  Avg: 19.5

1. Oyedeji, Shanxi Zh.	19.5
2. Benson, Shaanxi	18.7
3. Harvey, Jiangsu	15.8
4. Jones, Beijing	14.8
5. Thompson, Shandong	14.7
6. Watkins, TianJ.	14.6
7. Harris, DongGuan	14.2
8. Watkins, Jiangsu	13.4
9. Porter, Fujian	13.1
10. Lauderdale, Sha.	12.9

Assists Per Game

Xiaoming LU
  Fujian
  (176-G-79)
  Avg: 9.1

1. Lu, Fujian	9.1
2. Hu, Jiangsu	7.2
3. Tuck, Shandong	6.5
4. Allen, Xinjiang	6.0
5. Benson, Shaanxi	5.9
6. Li, Qingdao DS	5.5
7. Zhang, Liaoning	5.0
8. Mengke, Xinjiang	5.0
9. White, Zhejiang G.	4.9
10. Smith, TianJin.	4.6

Steals Per Game

Xiaoming LU
  Fujian
  (176-G-79)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Lu, Fujian	4.9
2. Williams, Qingd.	4.4
3. Allen, Xinjiang	3.5
4. Hu, Jiangsu	3.5
5. Li, Qingdao DS	3.1
6. Robinson, Shaanxi	3.0
7. Tuck, Shandong	2.9
8. Jones, Beijing	2.6
9. White, Zhejiang G.	2.4
10. Wang, Ba.	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Keith CLOSS
  Liaoning
  (220-C-76)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Closs, Yunnan	4.5
2. Lauderdale, Shand.	3.7
3. Steyn, Qingdao DS	2.4
4. Harrison, Beijing	2.4
5. Benson, Shaanxi	2.2
6. Mo, Bayi	2.0
7. Watkins, Jiangsu	1.9
8. McCaskill, Qingd.	1.9
9. Thompson, Shandong	1.8
10. Wang, Ba.	1.8

CBA Round: 41 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Liaoning - Guandong 84-111
Guangdong improved to 36-5 after the win over Liaoning 111:84. Zhu Fangyu (201-F-83) led the winners with 36 points and 5 rebounds, while Jason Dixon had 23 points and 12 rebounds. Awvee Storey posted 33 points and grabbed 8 rebounds for Liaoning, while Chris Alexander collected 28 points and 17 rebounds.

Fujian - Yunnan 109-81
Fujian blasted Yunnan 109:81 as Gong Songlin (195-G/F-81) nailed 20 and Chris Porter notched 19 points and garbbed 18 rebounds. Li Tao led Yunnan with 32 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.

Zhejiang C. - DongGuan 122-125
Snyder Kirk (198-F-83, college: Nevada) recorded 56 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 blocks for Zhejiang but it was not enough against Dongguan that emerged victorious 125:122. Michael Harris led Dongguan with 38 points and 15 rebounds, while Zhang Kai had 36 points and 7 rebounds.

Shanxi Zh. - Shanghai 128-103
Shanxi Zhongyu beat Shanghai 128:103 behind Oyedeji Olumide (207-C/F-81) 's 27 points, 17 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 blocks. Li Gen led Shanghai with 27 points and 6 rebounds.

Shaanxi - Zhejiang G. 101-93
Shaanxi beat Zhejiang Guangsha 101:93 in Regular Season Round 41. Benson Lee (208-F/C-73, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Brown Mackie) had 36 points and 22 rebounds while Brandon Robinson collected 35 points and 11 rebounds. Rodney White produced 34 points for Guangsha, whilst Jelani McCoy had 27 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists.

Xinjiang - Bayi 98-96
Xinjiang remained with 5 losses stunning Bayi 98:96. Mengke Bateer (210-C-75) led Xinjiang with 28 points and 14 rebounds, while Xu Guochong had 21 points and 4 rebounds. Wang Lei scored 28 points and Chen Ke posted 20 in defeat.

Jiangsu - Jilin 111-97
Jiangsu overcame Jilin 111:97 as Yi Li (203-F/G-85) had 22 points and Hu Xuefeng added 18 points, 7 assists and 5 steals. Leon Rogers exploded with 39 points, 10 rebounds and 5 steals for Jilin.

TianJin R. - Shandong 95-106
Shandong outscored Tianjin 106:95 as Tuck Mack (198-G/F-75, college: Cent.Oklahoma) top-scored with 33 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists, while Garnett Thompson had 22 points and 13 rebounds. Darryl Watkins produced 25 points, 21 rebounds for Tianjin.

Beijing - Qingdao DS 93-85
Beijing overcame Qingdao 93:85 behind Zhang Yunsong (182-G-81) 's 27 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Chris Williams collected 27 points and 14 rebounds in the losing effort.

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CYPRUS

Pizza Express Primetel Apollon won-Proteas Eka Ael gets first place! - by Michael Aristidou
In a dramatic game Pizza Express Primetel Apollon won Keravnos Strovolou 73-70. This result gave Proteas EKA AEL Limassol first place in regular seazon! Keravnos Strovolou team had won Proteas EKA AEL Limassol twice this year but eventually came second. In the game now Pizza Express Primetel Apollon needed to win the game by eight in order to get the second place in the league. They controll the game untill 30min having a lead of 16points (62-46) but then in the last quarter they just couldnt score! The game started and no team dominate for the first fivemin. The score was 11-11 when Pizza Express Primetel Apollon improved their defense and finish the quarter by 5 (20-15). Second quarter was for Pizza Express Primetel Apollon having an excellent percentage in 3p shots. They had 5/7 and got the laed they wanted. Half time score was 44-32. In the the third quarter we had the same situation with Pizza Express Primetel Apollon leading from 12-17 points and Keravnos Strovolou just couldnt follow up. Score in the third quarter was 62-46. Nothing preconceive what was going to happen in the last quarter. There Keravnos Strovolou played excellent defense and manage to gather the difference below 10p. On the other hand Pizza Express Primetel Apollon just couldnt score! First point was 4:58 before the end from free throws and first basket 2:48 before time! Last minutes was dramatic while 3min before time score was 64-60. Then Lewis Sims (203-F/C-73, agency: Strategic Sports, college: New Orleans) take things in hand for Pizza Express Primetel Apollon and with seven personal points score was 71-64 one min before the end of the game. Keravnos Strovolou made his last try to get to the game but they manage to reduce only to three. Final score 73-70. Pizza Express Primetel Apollon won but stayed in third place, Keravnos Strovolou lost but maintain the second place and Proteas EKA AEL Limassol take advantage by winning first place over Keravnos Strovolou. First scorer for Pizza Express Primetel Apollon was Lewis Sims with 26(4) and for Keravnos Strovolou Barisa Krasic (203-F-78) with 20(4).

Seastar Apoel gets 4th position-Frederick Achilleas 5th - by Michael Aristidou
Seastar Apoel Nicosia will face Frederick Achilleas Kaimakliou for the quarterfinals after their results last night. The other pairs will come out after tomorrow game between B.M.C. AEK Larnacas and InterCollege Etha Engomis.
Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD Agios Dometios-Seastar Apoel Nicosia 62-65. Seastar Apoel Nicosia won their last match for regular seazon and finishes in 4th position. First scorer for Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD Agios Dometios was Aleksandar Matic (203-F-76) having 21(3) and for Seastar Apoel Nicosia Martin Zeno (196-G-85, college: Texas Tech) with 18(3). The quarters 16-16, 29-34, 45-57, 62-65.
NISSAN Omonoia Nicosia-Frederick Achilleas Kaimakliou 63-80. Frederick Achilleas Kaimakliou won their last game and finishes 5th in regular seazon. The game was not that eazy as the scores shows. Only in last quarter Frederick Achilleas Kaimakliou dominate and won eventually easily. First scorer for NISSAN Omonoia Nicosia was Brandon Jenkins (190-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Louisville) with 19(1) and for Frederick Achilleas Kaimakliou Vladimir Zujovic (201-F/G-80, agency: Beo Basket, college: Lock Haven) with 17(1). The quarters 13-14, 31-38, 54-58, 63-80.

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Maurice HAMPTON
  Liberec
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 20.7

1. Hampton, Liberec	20.7
2. Arnold, Ostrava	18.2
3. Pruitt, Prostejov	16.4
4. Sarovic, Geofin	16.3
5. Benes, Podebrady	16.1
6. Hatcher, Decin	15.8
7. Steffel, Pardubice	15.3
8. Beechum, Prostejov	15.2
9. Walker, Geofin	15.0
10. Sanders, Pardubi.	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Shaun PRUITT
  Ventspils
  (208-C-85)
  Avg: 9.9

1. Pruitt, Prostejov	9.9
2. Steffel, Pardubice	8.2
3. Arnold, Ostrava	8.2
4. Rogers, Kolin	8.1
5. Walker, Geofin	8.0
6. Sarovic, Geofin	7.7
7. Platt, USK Praha	7.6
8. Payne, Pardubice	6.5
9. Bohacik, Ostrava	6.3
10. Ofoegbu, Dec.	6.3

Assists Per Game

Emanuel UBILLA
  Geofin
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Ubilla, Geofin	6.2
2. Ames, Kolin	5.1
3. Mitchell, Ostrava	4.9
4. Sanders, Pardubice	4.8
5. Carnecky, Opava	4.8
6. Hatcher, Decin	4.7
7. Ames, Prostejov	4.7
8. Skibniewski, Prost.	4.4
9. Toth, Liberec	4.1
10. Kotas, USK Pra.	3.9

Steals Per Game

Ian HANAVAN
  Prostejov
  (202-F-80)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Hanavan, Prostejov	2.8
2. Mitchell, Ostrava	2.6
3. Ames, Prostejov	2.5
4. Soliver, Podebrady	2.2
5. Kotas, USK Praha	2.1
6. Sanders, Pardubice	2.0
7. Hampton, Liberec	2.0
8. Beechum, Prostejov	1.9
9. Ubilla, Geofin	1.9
10. Pumprla, Opa.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Jon ROGERS
  Kolin
  (204-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Rogers, Kolin	2.3
2. Walker, Geofin	1.4
3. Williams, Decin	1.3
4. Payne, Pardubice	1.3
5. Hamm, USK Praha	1.2
6. Benda, Nymburk	1.2
7. Meno, Liberec	1.1
8. Miller, Prostejov	1.0
9. Marek, Liberec	0.8
10. Pelikan, Geof.	0.8

NBL Round: 33 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Ostrava - Geofin 66-98
Stepan Reinberger (201-F-81, agency: PPGroup) scored 18 points and paced balanced Geofin side to a cruising road win over Ostrava. Kenny Walker and Emanuel Ubila had 16 points each in the win. Ostrava got 17 points and 7 boards from Petr Bohacik. Marcus Arnold added 15 points and 7 boards in defeat.

Opava - Liberec 78-90
Liberec fired down Opava on the road as Maurice Hampton (188-G-84, college: Austin Peay St.) accounted for 29 points. Jiri Cernosek contributed 18 points in the winning case. Pavel Purmpla, Marek Stec and Tomas Hruby had 13 points apiece for the hosts.

Prostejov - Nymburk 88-96
Blake Schilb (201-G-83, college: Loyola, IL) tallied 19 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists to lead Nymburk past Prostejov away from home. Petr Benda added 18 points and 9 rebounds as the league leaders improved at 29-1 record. Hurl Beechum responded with 23 points for Prostejov.

Kolin - USK Praha 90-61
Kolin overcame USK Praha at home court to gain the 8th win in the season. Jonas Brown (191-G-85, college: La-Monroe) came up with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists to lead Kolin. David Machac added 13 points and 8 boards for the winners. Lawrence Hamm answered with 14 points for USK Praha in the loss.

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Nymburk	29-1
2. Geofin	23-7
3. Decin	17-13
4. Prostejov	16-13
5. Liberec	13-16
6. USK Praha	12-17
7. Ostrava	12-18
8. Pardubice	12-18
9. Podebrady	11-19
10. Kolin	9-20
11. Opava	9-21

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DENMARK

Canal Digital League Round 18: - by Thomas Soltau

Svendborg VS Bakken (91-84): The Rabbits were hungry to prove that the recent loss in Randers was not a sign of things to come.

An even game until the final ten minutes where Svendborg took charge. A 29-20 quarter for the home team gave them the victory.

Imports Johnell Smith (186-G-80, college: New Orleans) and William Pharis (206-F/C-81, agency: Promotex, college: Arkansas) led the way with 25 and 24 points respectively, but young Dane Mikkel Plannthin (195-G-88) made the difference, as the player adding 20 points and 7 boards, on 12-12 free throws in his 26 minutes on the court.

For Bakken Danish NT center Chris Christoffersen (218-C-79, college: Oregon) totaled a big double-double, with 20 points and 16 rebounds (11 offensive), while fellow NT guard Andreas Jacobsen added 19 points.

Amager VS Horsholm (73-62): Both teams are still fighting for play-off positions, and so the defense stood in the foreground in this game.

A crazy low-scoring 6-16 first quarter opened the game, as Horsholm took the early led.

The home team struggled to get into the game, but after half time the ball seemed to start to find its way into the basket.

Amager outscored Horsholm 49-32 in the second half to climb back and get the win.

Andreas Bloch (183-G-83) led Amager with 16 points, while Frederik Nielsen (180-G-88) scored 15 points for Horsholm.

Horsens VS Randers (95-89): Horsens secured the 9th place with this close win at home.

Randers was already sure to finish second in the CDL, but none the less this was a close and exciting high-scoring game.

For Horsens especially Dane Anders Katholm (202-F-77) played well, with 23 points, closely followed but NT forward Hans Schur (203-F/C-83, college: Lynn), who scored 21 points and Jonas Larsen (192-G/F-86) who finished with 19.

Randers saw their trio of Bonell Colas (206-F-82, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Florida), 29 points and 8 boards, Chris Nielsen (193-G-85), 21 points and 6 assists, and D.J. Smedley (178-G-84, college: Ill.-Chicago),18 points, play really well, but not good enough to win the game.

Roskilde VS SISU (81-94): Roskilde was not able to overcome a well playing SISU team.

As seen before the home team seemed to run out of gas in the second half.

SISU again was able to rest some players and still secure the win.

Henrik Thomsen (203-G/F-84, college: Cal-Riverside) played another outstanding game to SISU. The Dane scored 26 points, on 11-16 shooting, including 4-6 threes, in his 26 minutes of floor time.

This year's Dunk Champion Mario Brown (201-F-84, college: Jacksonville) played well for Roskilde, as the forward totaled 19 points and 14 rebounds, while Keith Borgan (180-G-83, college: Metro St.) added 22 points.

Naestved VS Aabyhoj (106-97): Little defense, but great offense made this a highly enjoyable game to watch.

Naestved's 36-23 third quarter made the difference and Aabyhoj's smaller run in the fourth quarter could not chock the well playing home team.

Adrian Gross (201-C-85, college: Co.Carolina) dominated the game and was one assists shy of the famous triple-double. The big-man collected 18 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists.

Another splendid performance came from Naestved's point guard. Sasha Djordjevic (190-G-85) finished with 26 points and 9 assists.

Aabyhoj was all Daniel Thomas (176-G-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and Chris Gilliam (201-F/C-86, college: Pitt-Johnstown), as the two players combined for 62 points and 11 assists.

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EL SALVADOR

Cosmos is the "Campeon de Campeones" - by Jaime Arevalo
Defeating 68-67 Universidad Francisco Gavidia in the Final Game if the 'TORNEO CAMPEON DE CAMPEONES' held in San Salvador, the Cosmos Team of Liga Premier was crowned Salvadorean Champion of the Champions 2009. UFG led the game till the beginning of the last quarter, when Cosmos came back, completing a parttial score of 15-8. Scoring 15 points, Norberto Valle led the Cosmos attack in the Final game, and Diego Zaffanela added 13 points, while Jonathan Lopez (173-G-88) scored 17 in losing effort for UFG

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ESTONIA

BBL: Kalev/Cramo struggles but beats brave Nevezis - by Janar Filippov

The hosts outrebounded opponents 42:29 (18:5 offensive rbs)

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EUROLEAGUE

Top 16 Week 4 MVP: Tiago Splitter, Tau Ceramica - by Kostas Papadopoulos
A triumphant return from personal misfortune and family tragedy saw a signature Euroleague superstar earn MVP honors for Top 16, Week 4. All-Euroleague center Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) put on a near-perfect performance as Tau Ceramica moved nearer to Quarterfinal Playoffs qualification by dominating Armani Jeans Milano 74-107 on the road Wednesday in Group D. It was Tiago Splitter's first Top 16 game after an injury and the tragic passing of his teenage sister earlier in February as she lost a long battle with leukemia. In his first games after returning, Tiago Splitter helped Tau win the Spanish King's Cup last weekend. And on Wednesday, he put on an impressive show of force and skill as Tau blew out Milano to break their part of a tie for first place in Group D. Despite playing less than 21 minutes, Tiago Splitter had 19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and a steal. He made all 7 of his two-point shots and 5 of 7 free! throws to finish with a performance index rating of 28. Most importantly, Tiago Splitter and Tau are one step closer to the Quarterfinal Playoffs and the chance to try for their fifth consecutive Final Four together. Following in second place for the week was another superstar center, Nikola Vujcic (211-C-78, agency: Interperformances), who led Olympiacos to an 84-71 home win against Asseco Prokom with 20 points on 10-for-13 two-point shooting, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, good for a 27 index rating. In the same game, David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) of Prokom had 24 points, 3 assists and 6 steals for a 25 index rating, which tied him for third place this week with Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) of CSKA Moscow, who posted also posted 14 points and 12 rebounds in his team's big home win against Montepaschi Siena. Erazem Lorbek's CSKA teammate, J.R. Holden (185-G-76, college: Bucknell), was fifth with a 24 index rating based on 5 three-pointers, 7 rebounds and 6 assists to complete the top individual performances for Top 16 Week 4.

Individual highs: Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's) of Unicaja, 8 assists
Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) of Maccabi Electra was the best scorer of Top 16 Week 4 with 26 points in a losing effort against Real Madrid. Three players - Louis Bullock (186-G-76, college: Michigan) of Real Madrid, Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) of Tau Ceramica and Mirsad Turkcan (206-F-76) of Fenerbahce Ulker - tie as the Top 16's overall scoring leaders with 19 points per game each. Erazem Lorbek's 12 rebounds led the weekly standings in that category while Mirsad Turkcan, the Euroleague's all-time top rebounder, heads the Top 16 list, too, with 9 per game. Omar Cook of Unicaja dished 8 assists, more than anyone this week, in his team's overtime home loss against Partizan. Former Euroleague MVP Thodoros Papaloukas (200-G-77, agency: Interperformances) of Olympiacos leads the Top 16 assists table at 5.5 per game. David Logan and his Prokom teammate Qyntel Woods (204-F/G-81, college: N.Mississippi JC) each collected 6 steals against Olympiacos. David Logan also leads the Top 16 standings with 4.3 steals per night. Six players - Tiago Splitter, Alan Anderson (198-G/F-82, college: Michigan St.) of Cibona, Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) of Panathinaikos, Panagiotis Vasilopoulos (202-F-84, agency: FCM) of Olympiacos, Stephane Lasme (203-F-82, college: Massachusetts) of Partizan and Benjamin Eze (207-C/F-81, college: S.Idaho JC) of Montepaschi Siena - each had 2 blocks this week. Fran Vazquez (210-C-83) (2.5 bpg.) is the Top 16's best shot blocker so far. Only Erazem Lorbek and Giannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) of Olympiacos were able registered double-doubles in Top 16 Week 4, both in points and rebounds.

Courtesy of Euroleague

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FINLAND

1.DIVISION: Vilpas defeated Kauhajoki 75-72 - by Rauno Hurmalainen

1.Division, Round 17: Top contest at Salo Vilpas vs Karhu (Kauhajoki) became a thriller. Two top teams meeting eachother in nice Salo Hall and the house almost full.
When Vilpas (13-3) still causing Kauhajoki (15-2) season second loss (75-72), the basketball boom in Salo is huge. Vilpas three American players combined 55 pts while Karhu got 49 pts from two Americans. Quennell Green (198-G/F-84, college: SE Louisiana) led Vilpas with 22 pts playing with sore knee. Amani Daanish (201-F-83, college: Indiana St.) added 18 pts and grabbed 10 rbs. G Aubrey Conerly (183-G-83, college: Jacksonville) netted 15 pts. The game MVP was Eric Washington (192-F/G-74, agency: Interperformances, college: Alabama) (Kauhajoki). Washington scored 27 pts, but missed the last shot (3-pointer) at the buzzer. Brandon Polk (200-F-84, college: Butler) had a double-double 22/12 and 1-division best Finnish player Roni Leimu (189-G-82) shot 16 pts. In Lapua local Korikobrat crushed BC Nokia 112-76. Kyle Carhart (191-G/F-83, college: Grand Valley St.) scored season high 30 pts for the hosts and James Holmes (188-G-83, college: S.Florida) 30 pts as well for the visitors.

Vilpas - Kauhajoki 75-72 (40-37) (Quennell Green 22, Amani Daanish 18/10, Aubrey Conerly 15 - Eric Washington 27, Brandon Polk 22/12, Roni Leimu 16).

Lapua - BC Nokia 112-76 (44-33) (Kyle Carhart 30, Toni Raiski 15, Marko Piplovic 20/13 - James Holmes 30, Matt Cooper 18).

KORISLIIGA: Three Rounds (33 games) is done - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 33: Three rounds (33 games) out of the regular season is now done. Today it was almost too difficult to win at home court. The only victory at home for Honka (Espoo) by one, when FoKoPo (Forssa) missed three FTs out of four during the last 44 seconds. Akeem Scott (186-G-83, college: High Point) didn't miss his two FTs or the lay up four seconds to go and Honka won 76-75. Newcomer Tuukka Kotti (205-F/C-81, college: Providence) was at once Honka's best scorer and rebounder: 22/10. Ray Cunningham (199-F-79, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Murray St.) led FoKoPo with 16 pts.
Kouvot (Kouvola) was in trouble with Pyrinto (Tampere) big men at home. Damon Williams (199-F-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) (13/11) had returned 'back home' and was helping Pyrinto a lot. Especially Antti Nikkila (210-F/C-78, college: Valparaiso) (23/12) enjoyed and American PG Kenny Lowe (191-G-80, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Purdue) (26) was in good mood after the injury. Pyrinto will win still many regular season games and might reach into the play-off-games? Team Componenta (Karkkila) got tired after three quarters (48-41) vs Torpan Pojat (Helsinki) by losing the last 10 minutes 14-34 and the contest 62-75. Also ToPo wants to be among the eight best after 44 rounds.

Kataja (Joensuu) wants to be # 1 and is number one right now. Seven wins in a row and a lot of points even vs YMCA Lahti on the road. YMCA Lahti is

famous for tough defense, but Kataja scored 107 pts and 62 pts during the second half. Visitors made 16/36 treys (44,4%) with Larry Blair (183-G-84, college: Liberty) (26) and Sami Lehtoranta (205-C/F-79, agency: ANYPEX) (20) on the top. YMCA Lahti got 30 pts from Ray Nixon (203-F-84, agency: Court Side, college: Wisconsin).

And one more win on the road. Korihait (Uusikaupunki) lost at home vs KTP (Kotka) 71-81. Korihait had only two players (Alain Laroche (198-F-83, agency: Court Side, college: N.Florida), Mark Zoller (200-F-85, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Pennsylvania)) in double digits. Team's both Guards Bojan Sarcevic and Josh Gonner were shooting 1/11 from the field. Petri Heinonen (207-F/C-88) (Honka) had joined Korihait roster for the rest of this season. Zero pts in three minutes. KTP had four players over 10 pts and team is still waiting Robert Owens (201-F-82, college: Ball St.) to come. KTP seems to be able to make the top four.

Honka - FoKoPo 76-75 (33-36) (Tuukka Kotti 22/10, Akeem Scott 14, Kimmo Muurinen 11 - Ray Cunningham 16, Ronald Yates 15, Jarno Nissinen 15).

Kouvot - Pyrinto 78-90 (44-54) (Tuomas Iisalo 20, Brian Swift 14, Antti Kanervo 11 - Kenny Lowe 26, Antti Nikkila 23/12, Chris Hester 17, Damon Williams 13/11).

YMCA Lahti - Kataja 96-107 (54-45) (Ray Nixon 30, Kurtis Rice 24, Teemu Laine 16 - Larry Blair 26, Sami Lehtoranta 20, Jeremiah Wood 17/19).

Korihait - KTP 71-81 (36-45) (Alain Laroche 29, Mark Zoller 22 - Durell Vinson 21/12, Steve Smith 21, Sami Ikavalko 12).

Team Componenta - ToPo 62-75 (32-30) (Frank Richards 21, Dainmon Gonner 20, Damion Dantzler 13/14 - Jean Francois 19, Isaac Spencer 18/13, James Allen 17/11).

KORISLIIGA: YMCA LPR towards play-off-games - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 33: YMCA Lappeenranta defeated tonight Tarmo (Porvoo) 76-57 (38-14) and is going towards the play-off-games starting after 11 rounds
of regular season. YMCA LPR was shooting a lot better than Tarmo. Tarmo made 2-pointers 28,5% and 3-pointers 12,5% during the first half and Tarmo's
14 pts is the fewest pts during one half ever on top level in Finland. HL Coleman (202-F-74, college: Wyoming) led YMCA LPR with 22 pts and 13 rbs. Demetrius Brown (197-F-83, college: San Jose St.) added 18 pts and newcomer Adrian Penland (186-G-80, college: Lander) 10 pts. Victor Morris (185-G-85, college: Cleveland St.) netted 15 pts for Tarmo. YMCA LPR Head Coach (the first season at Lappeenranta) Jarmo Laitinen reached the 500 mark as Coach on top level in Finland. He is the third Finnish Coach coaching over 500 regular season games. Ahead of Laitinen are only Kari Liimo (722) and Eero Saarinen (610). Laitinen has been winning 47,2% of his games and has been named 'The Coach of The Year' twice (2000, 2001).

YMCA Lappeenranta - Tarmo 76-57 (38-14) (HLColeman 22/13, Demetrius Brown 18, Adrian Penland 10 - Victor Morris 15, DeWayne Richardson 14).

Korisliiga Round: 33 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Korihait - KTP 71-81
Korihait lost to KTP 71:81 as Durell Vinson (201-F-85, college: Wagner) and Steve Smith (200-F-81, college: Iona) paced all the winners with 21 points each. Laroche Alain notched 29 for the hosts and Zoller Mark posted 22.

Componenta - ToPo 62-75
Spencer Isaac, James Allen (194-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Montevallo) and Francois Jean combined 54 points as ToPo overcame Componenta 75:62. Richards Frank nailed 21 in defeat, while 10 Gonner Daimon produced 20.

Honka - FoKoPo 76-75
Honka survived a thriller over FoKoPo beating them 76:75 in Regular Season Round 33. Tuukka Kotti (205-F/C-81, college: Providence) led the winners with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Scott Akeem chipped in 14, while Perkins Ben and Muurinen Kimmo had 11 each. Cunningham Ray produced 16 points in defeat.

LrNMKY - Tarmo 76-57
LrNMKY beat Tarmo 76:57 as HL Coleman (202-F-74, college: Wyoming) was unstoppable with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Brown Demetrius followed him with 18, whilst Penland Adrian added 10. Morris Victor finished the night with 15 points for the guests.

Namika Lahti - Kataja 96-107
The game between Namika Lahti and Kataja became the key one in Regular Season Round 33. The league leaders improved to 24-9 after the road 96:107 win. Larry Blair (183-G-84, college: Liberty) paced Kataja with 26 points, while Lehtoranta Sami brought 20. Nixon Ray nailed 30 points in the losing effort.

Standings - Korisliiga

Korisliiga Standings

1. Kataja	24-9
2. Lahti	22-11
3. Kouvot	22-11
4. KTP	21-12
5. Honka	20-13
6. Korihait	19-14
7. LrNMKY	15-18
8. ToPo	14-19
9. FoKoPo	13-20
10. Pyrinto	11-22
11. Componenta	11-22
12. Tarmo	6-27

Standings - Division I

1st Division Standings

1. Kauhajoki	15-2
2. Salon Vilpas	13-3
3. Lapua	10-7
4. Huima	9-7
5. LoKoKo	7-9
6. JKS	7-11
7. BC Nokia	7-11
8. HNMKY	6-9
9. Honka	6-9
10. Jyvaskyla	6-10
11. Ura Basket	4-13

Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

Points Per Game

Jeremiah WOOD
  Kataja
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 20.6

1. Wood, Kataja	20.6
2. Blair, Kataja	19.6
3. Brown, LrNM.	19.5
4. Coleman, LrNM.	19.5
5. Richards, Compo.	18.7
6. Smith, KTP	18.4
7. Scott, Honka	17.9
8. Richardson, Tarmo	17.7
9. Hester, Pyrinto	17.4
10. Hunter, FoKo.	17.1

Rebounds Per Game

Jeremiah WOOD
  Kataja
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 13

1. Wood, Kataja	13.0
2. Richardson, Tarmo	12.9
3. Williams, KTP	10.3
4. Cunningham, FoKoPo	10.2
5. Jones, Componenta	9.9
6. Coleman, LrNM.	9.6
7. Waters, Componenta	9.1
8. Nikkila, Pyrinto	8.8
9. Smith, KTP	8.5
10. Vinson, K.	8.4

Assists Per Game

Jerel BLASSINGAME
  LrNMKY
  (175-G-81)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Blassingame, LrNM.	6.5
2. Williams, KTP	4.3
3. Blair, Kataja	4.3
4. Colman, LrNM.	4.2
5. Vuori, Namika Lahti	3.9
6. Richards, Compo.	3.9
7. Sarcevic, Korihait	3.3
8. Barnes, Tarmo	3.3
9. Swift, Kouvot	3.2
10. Kataja, Kouv.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Akeem SCOTT
  Honka
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Scott, Honka	2.7
2. Blair, Kataja	2.4
3. Williams, KTP	2.4
4. McNeil, Tarmo	2.1
5. Richards, Compo.	2.0
6. Jones, Componenta	2.0
7. Hester, Pyrinto	2.0
8. Wood, Kataja	1.9
9. Yates, FoKoPo	1.9
10. Cummings, Hon.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Antti NIKKILA
  Pyrinto
  (210-F/C-78)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Nikkila, Pyrinto	1.8
2. Williams, KTP	1.8
3. Epps, ToPo	1.5
4. Messy, Tarmo	1.4
5. Hunter, FoKoPo	1.4
6. Wood, Kataja	1.1
7. Spencer, ToPo	1.1
8. Nixon, Namika Lahti	1.0
9. Perkins, Honka	1.0
10. Lehtoranta, Kata.	1.0

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FRANCE

Standings - ProA

ProA Standings

1. Orleans	15-3
2. ASVEL	15-4
3. Nancy	12-6
4. Roanne	11-7
5. Strasbourg	11-8
6. Gravelines	10-8
7. Le Mans	10-8
8. Chalon	10-8
9. Vichy	8-10
10. Cholet	8-11
11. Dijon	7-11
12. Hyeres-Toulon	7-11
13. Rouen	7-12
14. Le Havre	6-12
15. Besancon	6-12
16. Pau	3-15

Standings - ProB

ProB Standings

1. Paris-Levall.	19-3
2. Bourg	16-5
3. Poitiers	16-6
4. Clermont	14-7
5. Limoges	13-8
6. Saint-Etienne	12-10
7. Charleville	12-10
8. Maurienne	10-11
9. Nanterre	10-11
10. Antibes	10-11
11. Nantes	9-12
12. Le Portel	9-13
13. Boulazac	8-13
14. St.Vallier	8-13
15. Evreux	8-13
16. Brest	8-13
17. St.Quentin	7-15
18. Quimper	3-18

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game

Austin NICHOLS
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (198-G/F-82)
  Avg: 23.7

1. Nichols, Hyeres-T.	23.7
2. Rush, Strasbourg	22.3
3. Gray, Roanne	19.5
4. Thompson, Le Havre	18.9
5. Banks, Orleans	17.3
6. Chatfield, Dijon	16.3
7. Sy, AS.	16.1
8. Boddicker, Chalon	16.1
9. Skinn, Gravelines	15.7
10. Harper, Roan.	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Bingo MERRIEX
  Le Havre
  (204-F-80)
  Avg: 9.9

1. Merriex, Le Havre	9.9
2. Issa, Vichy	8.3
3. Vaty, Pau	8.1
4. Falker, Cholet	7.8
5. Sanders, Dijon	7.4
6. Thioune, Rouen	7.2
7. Greer, Nancy	7.1
8. Koffi, Le Mans	7.1
9. Troutman, AS.	7.1
10. Lewin, Strasbou.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Kareem REID
  Vichy
  (178-G-75)
  Avg: 7.9

1. Reid, Vichy	7.9
2. Wright, Chalon	6.7
3. Thompson, Le Havre	6.2
4. Heurtel, Pau	5.5
5. Sciarra, Orleans	5.3
6. Jeanneau, AS.	5.2
7. Draper, Hyeres-T.	5.1
8. Greer, Nancy	4.8
9. Pellin, Roanne	4.8
10. Chatfield, Dij.	4.6

Steals Per Game

Zack WRIGHT
  Chalon
  (188-G-85)
  Avg: 3

1. Wright, Chalon	3.0
2. Dobbins, Orleans	2.6
3. Rush, Strasbourg	2.2
4. Krupalija, Dijon	2.2
5. Causeur, Le Havre	2.1
6. Banks, Orleans	1.9
7. Greene, Orleans	1.9
8. Perincic, Hyeres-T.	1.7
9. Grier, Cholet	1.7
10. Troutman,.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Brion RUSH
  Strasbourg
  (186-G-84)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Rush, Strasbourg	1.3
2. Houston, Rouen	1.3
3. Gray, Roanne	1.1
4. MBaye, Dijon	1.1
5. Krupalija, Dijon	1.1
6. Wright, Chalon	1.1
7. Traore, AS.	1.0
8. Greer, Nancy	1.0
9. Spencer, Le Mans	0.9
10. Covile, Orlea.	0.9

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game

Errick CRAVEN
  Clermont
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 19.7

1. Craven, Clermont	19.7
2. Fein, St.Quentin	19.0
3. Olivero, Le Portel	18.2
4. Ingram, Bourg	17.6
5. Mohammed, Limoges	17.4
6. Carter, St-Etienne	17.3
7. Younger, Poitiers	17.1
8. Barnette, St.Vallier	17.0
9. Wright, Poitiers	16.8
10. Gay, Bre.	16.6

Rebounds Per Game

Christophe HUMBERT
  St.Quentin
  (202-F-79)
  Avg: 9.6

1. Humbert, St.Qu.	9.6
2. Melicie, St.Vallier	8.8
3. Bing, Clermont	8.3
4. Almonte, Nanterre	8.2
5. Mathis, Evreux	8.0
6. Emerson, Limoges	7.8
7. McCord, Antibes	7.8
8. Sullivan, Maurienne	7.8
9. Lalugba, Bourg	7.7
10. Younger, Poitie.	7.3

Assists Per Game

Terry WILLIAMS
  St-Etienne
  (189-G-83)
  Avg: 5.7

1. Williams, St-Etienne	5.7
2. Gomez, Poitiers	5.6
3. Taylor, Boulazac	5.4
4. Ingram, Bourg	5.2
5. Ball, Paris-Levall.	5.0
6. Dunn, Maurienne	4.7
7. Craven, Clermont	4.7
8. Morlende, St.Qu.	4.4
9. Thomas, St.Vallier	4.2
10. McCord, Antib.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Errick CRAVEN
  Clermont
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Craven, Clermont	3.1
2. Sullivan, Maurienne	2.9
3. Barnette, St.Vallier	2.6
4. Dunn, Maurienne	2.4
5. Block, Quimper	2.1
6. Traore, Boulazac	2.1
7. Ball, Paris-Levall.	2.0
8. Ingram, Bourg	1.9
9. Boire, Le Portel	1.9
10. Karim, Evre.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Dragan LUKOVSKI
  Limoges
  (190-G-75)
  Avg: 2

1. Lukovski, Limoges	2.0
2. Tucker, St.Quentin	1.4
3. Dunn, Maurienne	1.2
4. Hollins, Nantes	1.2
5. Mohammed, Limoges	1.1
6. Kennedy, Antibes	1.1
7. Craven, Clermont	1.0
8. Mathis, Evreux	1.0
9. Fein, St.Quentin	1.0
10. Bing, Clermo.	1.0

Digbeu return not enough for Pau - by Umberto Scogni
Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez lost heavily against Chorale de Roanne Basket; in French veteran star Alain Digbeu (195-F-75)'s debut game : 88-66. Chorale de Roanne Basket dominated the game; from the first whistle to the end of the game. They are also ahead in the half by 17; with the score 52:35 ... Digbeu scored 11 in his debut ; Page scored 22 and fight to keep his team on game; while Monroe scored 20 and Sumpter 11 in the wiiners. With this loss;ex French giants has loosing the hopes to jump from the last place of the league

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GERMANY

German Cup TOP 4: Bonn and Berlin made it to the final - by Moritz Korff

On day one of the German Cup TOP 4 in Hamburg the Telekom Baskets Bonn and ALBA Berlin advanced to the final and will face eachother on Sunday. Bonn defeated Duesseldorf, while Berlin overcame Frankfurt in the second semi. However the beautiful venue was only sparely filled. One of the spectators was the German basketball-idol Detlef Schrempf.
The consolation game tips off on Sunday at noon, the final follows at 3pm.

Semifinals:
Bonn - Duesseldorf 83-62
Berlin - Frankfurt 81-69

Standings - 1. Bundesliga

1.Bundesliga Standings

1. Goettingen	17-4
2. Oldenburg	17-5
3. Bonn	16-6
4. ALBA	14-5
5. Ulm	14-8
6. Frankfurt	14-8
7. Paderborn	11-10
8. Ludwigsb.	11-11
9. Bamberg	11-12
10. Trier	10-13
11. Braunschweig	10-13
12. Noerdlingen	10-13
13. Art.Dragons	9-13
14. Tuebingen	9-13
15. Duesseldorf	8-14
16. Giessen	7-15
17. Koeln 99ers	6-15
18. Bremerhaven	3-19

Standings - ProA

ProA Standings

1. MBC	19-2
2. Bayreuth	18-4
3. Hagen	18-4
4. Jena	13-9
5. Kirchheim	13-9
6. Karlsruhe	13-9
7. B.Muenchen	11-11
8. Chemnitz	11-11
9. Cuxhaven	10-12
10. Bremen	9-11
11. teckproBraves	9-12
12. Langen	9-13
13. ETB Wohnbau	7-15
14. Schalke	5-17
15. Heidelberg	4-16
16. Lich	4-18

Standings - Pro B

ProB Standings

1. proveo Merl.	18-4
2. Wolfenbuettel	16-6
3. Rhoendorf	16-6
4. Herten	15-7
5. Osnabrueck	13-9
6. Telemotive	12-10
7. Ehingen	11-10
8. Hannover	11-11
9. Stahnsdorf	10-11
10. SU Braunsch.	10-11
11. B'guessbach	10-12
12. Mainz	8-14
13. Freiburg	7-14
14. Landshut	7-15
15. Franken Hexer	6-16
16. Speyer	4-18

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

Omari WESTLEY
  Noerdlingen
  (201-F-82)
  Avg: 17.7

1. Westley, Noerdlingen	17.7
2. Hess, Art.Dragons	15.3
3. Paulding, EWE B.	15.2
4. Bailey, Goettingen	15.0
5. Bowman, Telekom B.	14.9
6. Jeanty, Noerdlingen	14.8
7. Fenn, Art.Dragons	14.6
8. Rowland, Telek.	14.5
9. Gardner, EWE B.	14.5
10. Katic, Walter Tige.	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Chris ENSMINGER
  Pad.Baskets
  (209-C-73)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Ensminger, Pad.Bask.	10.6
2. Gibbs, ratiopharm	10.1
3. McGhee, Noerdlin.	8.2
4. Katic, Walter Tigers	7.7
5. Gordon, Dt.	7.6
6. Fenn, Art.Dragons	7.2
7. Westley, Noerdlingen	6.8
8. Rouse, LTi 46ers	6.4
9. Drevo, NY Phantoms	6.4
10. Visser, NY Pha.	5.8

Assists Per Game

Dru JOYCE
  ratiopharm
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 4.6

1. Joyce, ratiopharm	4.6
2. Gardner, EWE B.	4.1
3. Gordon, Koeln 99ers	4.1
4. Franklin, NY Phant.	4.1
5. Watson, Bremerha.	4.0
6. Rowland, Telek.	4.0
7. Jenkins, ALBA	3.9
8. Anderson, Walter T.	3.9
9. Rivera, Brose B.	3.6
10. Schaffartzik, LT.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Roderick TRICE
  Goettingen
  (191-F-84)
  Avg: 3

1. Trice, Goettingen	3.0
2. Gordon, Koeln 99ers	2.7
3. Slaughter, Bremerha.	2.6
4. Lee, Goettingen	1.8
5. McGhee, Noerdlin.	1.7
6. Yarbrough, Telek.	1.7
7. Franklin, NY Phant.	1.7
8. Foster, EWE B.	1.6
9. Paulding, EWE B.	1.5
10. Peete, Duesseldo.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Ken JOHNSON
  Telekom B.
  (210-C-78)
  Avg: 3

1. Johnson, Telek.	3.0
2. Reiner, Bremerha.	1.3
3. Slaughter, Bremerha.	1.3
4. Gadri-N., Bremerha.	1.2
5. Boumtje Boum., EWE B.	1.0
6. Drevo, NY Phantoms	0.9
7. Gibbs, ratiopharm	0.9
8. Majstorovic, EWE B.	0.8
9. Sesay, ALBA	0.8
10. Grunheid, Koel.	0.8

ProB Round: 22 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Wolfenbuettel - Hannover 95-84
Wolfenbuettel held off Hannover at home court to remain just two wins shy of the league leading proveo Merlins. Frank Theis (200-C-82) scored 24 points and grabbed 9 boards to lead Wolfenbuettel. Connor Whitman tallied 23 points, 7 assists and 6 boards in the win. Deandre Townsend had 22 points for the Tigers in the loss.

Rhoendorf - proveo Merl. 72-90
Crailsheim did not slow down in the championship and posted the 18th win. John Griffin (183-G-85, college: Bucknell) nailed 30 points to lead the league top team past Rhoendorf on the road. Sean Brooks added 27 points and 11 boards in the central game of the round. The Dragns answered iwth 14 points from Fabian Thulig. Chrstopher Rojik had 13 points and 15 rebounds as Rhoendorf slipped at the third spot in the table.

Landshut - B'guessbach 81-99
Karsten Tadda (189-G-88) notched 32 points and 6 assists to lift Breitenguessbach past Landshut on the road. Erik Land added 17 points for the visitors. Horace Wormely came up with 23 points, 7 assists and 4 boards for the hosts in defeat.

Franken Hexer - Speyer 74-65
Franken Hexer outlasted Speyer as Ryan Steer (183-G-84) nailed 14 points. Christian Imberi delivered 13 points as the winners improved at 6-16 record. Elias Harris finished with 21 points and 8 boards for Speyer as they fell at 4-18 record.

Telemotive - Osnabrueck 84-90
Osnabrueck defeated Telemotive away from home to register the 13th success. Michajlo Pesic (206-F/C-81, agency: Court Side) had 22 points, while Daniel Boticki netted 21 in the win. Achmadschah Zazai pitched in 20 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals in the losing clause.

Mainz - Herten 88-82
Mike Zuiderveen (206-C-84, college: Saginaw Valley) had a big night for Mainz as he produced 22 points and 17 boards to lead his team past Herten. Ilja Ickert contributed 18 points as Mainz recorded the 8th win in the league. Gary Johnson replied with 30 points, 7 boards and 4 assists for Herten.

Stats Leaders - 2.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

Brandon WATKINS
  Cuxhaven
  (182-G-81)
  Avg: 22.4

1. Watkins, Cuxhaven	22.4
2. Hall, Schalke	18.4
3. Baumann, Kirchheim	18.2
4. Khartchenkov, Chemn.	18.2
5. Griffin, Hagen	18.0
6. Komarek, Heide.	17.7
7. Benzing, Langen	17.7
8. Hodges, Heidelberg	17.5
9. Oppland, Bayreuth	17.3
10. Parker, B.Muench.	16.8

Rebounds Per Game

Adam BAUMANN
  Kirchheim
  (203-C/F-81)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Baumann, Kirchheim	10.6
2. Jeffers, Langen	10.3
3. Seward, Cuxhaven	10.2
4. Hamilton, Bayreuth	10.1
5. Howard, Karlsruhe	9.9
6. Gilbert, MBC	9.4
7. Gerwig, Chemnitz	9.0
8. Freese, Lich	9.0
9. Sabourin, Bremen	8.9
10. Lischka, Li.	8.7

Assists Per Game

Japhet MCNEIL
  Heidelberg
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 7.5

1. McNeil, Heidelberg	7.5
2. Bannister, Schalke	6.2
3. Pfeifer, Chemnitz	5.0
4. Watkins, Cuxhaven	4.5
5. Holcomb-Faye, Bayre.	4.4
6. Crawford, Kirch.	4.3
7. Ruffin, teckproB.	4.3
8. Williamson, Jena	4.2
9. Griffin, Hagen	4.2
10. Parker, B.Muench.	4.1

Steals Per Game

Japhet MCNEIL
  Heidelberg
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 3.5

1. McNeil, Heidelberg	3.5
2. Williamson, Jena	2.3
3. Scott, Kirchheim	2.2
4. Pfeifer, Chemnitz	2.2
5. Hamilton, Bayreuth	2.2
6. Paeley, teckproB.	2.0
7. Mueller, Bremen	2.0
8. Crawford, Kirch.	2.0
9. Brooks, B.Muenchen	1.8
10. Harris, Bayreu.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Tarvis WILLIAMS
  Decin
  (205-F/C-78)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Williams, B.Muenchen	2.7
2. Seward, Cuxhaven	1.4
3. Hamilton, Bayreuth	1.4
4. Shaw, ETB Wohnbau	1.2
5. Benzing, Langen	1.1
6. Sabourin, Bremen	1.1
7. Zyskunov, teckproB.	1.1
8. Wiley, teckproB.	1.0
9. Hornig, Kirchheim	0.9
10. Fairley, Je.	0.9

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

HOLLAND

Steve Levens Joins WestBrabant Giants - by Fred Roggen
Before closing of the transfer period, the technical staff of West-Brabant Giants has attracted shooting guard Steven Leven (197-G-82, agency: Court Side, college: Wyoming) until the end of the season. Leven replace Carlos Taylor, who turned back to the States because of private circumstances. Steven Levens played for, among others, the team of University of Wyoming (NCAA), the Australian Perth Wildcats, Newcastle Eagles (GB) and the
strong Spanish team of Unicaja Malaga. His last team was AB Cosmetics Pezinok in Slovakia.

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

HUNGARY

"Welcome back tour" by Szolnoki Olaj KK - by Tamas Deri
After a tied first half, Szolnok eliminated DEKE in the second and could beat the home team by 20 points. It seems, that the management of Szolnok found the right foreigners during the christmas break for the rest of the season, as Barro, Tutt and Ross showed their excellent skills again and scored 68 of 88 points last night. Szolnok is still on the way for one place in the playoffs.

DEKE-Szolnoki Olaj KK 66-88
(20-18, 16-21, 18-24, 12-25)
Debrecen, Att.: 500, Referees: Foldhazi T. Gorka Sz. Jakab L.
DEKE: Dagostino 8/3, Weathers 7/3, Kutasi 4, Kennerly 13, Gary Ware (206-F/C-83, agency: Tank Sports, college: Purdue) 22, Takacs 7/3, Toth 5/3, Coach: Fodor Peter
Szolnoki Olaj KK: Ronnie Ross (187-G-79, college: Utah St.) 15/3, Ken Tutt (185-G-84, agency: Strategic Sports, college: ORU) 25/6, Kornel Varadi (198-G-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 12/6, Jurkunas 6/6, Ousmane Barro (208-F-84, college: Marquette) 28, Harazin 2, Cziczas, Gaal, Coach: Por Peter

STATISTICS:
2pointers: 43% - 72%
3pointers: 4/17 - 7/18
Free Throws: 8/8 - 5/6
Rebounds: 26 (Ware 8) - 30 (Barro 8)
Assists: 14 (Weathers, Kutasi 4-4) - 17 (Ross 6)
Steals: 6 (Kutasi 2) - 7 (Varadi, Jurkunas 2-2)
Blocks: 1 (Ware) - 7 (Barro 6)
Fouls: 13 - 9

Standings - A Division

A Division Standings

1. Albacomp	15-3
2. Falco	13-5
3. PVSK Panth.	13-5
4. Atomeromu	12-6
5. Dombovar	11-7
6. Univer KSE	10-8
7. Soproni	10-8
8. ZTE KK	9-8
9. Szolnok	9-9
10. Kormend	8-10
11. Kaposvari	7-11
12. Marso-Vagep	6-10
13. Debreceni	1-17
14. EnterNet-NTE	0-17

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

IRAN

Standings - Superleague

Superleague Standings

1. Petrochimi	19-2
2. Saba	18-3
3. Zob Ahan	16-5
4. Mahram	16-5
5. BEEM	11-9
6. a.s Pipe	10-10
7. Gorgan	9-11
8. Kordestan	8-12
9. Shahrekord	7-13
10. Azad	6-14
11. Langeroud	6-14
12. Ararat	6-14
13. Khorasan	0-20

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

ITALY

Legadue Cup: Vanoli Soresina and Prima Veroli reached the final - by Antonello Varallo

Great entertainment in Legadue Cup Final Four. In the first semifinal, Prima Veroli defeated Cimberio Varese (the current leader of Legadue Championship) thanks to a perfect offensive match:

Prima Veroli - Cimberio Varese 97-92 (30-25/54-41/75/65/)

http://www.legaduebasket.it/game/indexcup.phtml?id=1

Dawan Robinson (189-G-82, college: Rhode Island) proved himself as a decisive player at this level,playing a very productive match: 24 points and 7 assists. Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86), the best rebounder of the League, was the top scorer with 28 points: one more time, he defeated the sceptical attitude related to his size. The whole roster of Veroli scored at least 2 points. For Varese,that played without Randy Childress (190-G-72, college:Wake Forest), youngster Niccolo Martinoni (202-G/F-89) scored 18 points (9/10 from 2pts) and Kenyel Dickens (203-F-78,college:Idaho) was the top scorer with 20 points.

In the second semifinal, Vanoli Soresina defeated Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia after a hard - fought game:

Vanoli Soresina - Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia 88-80 (21-26/41-35/55-58)

http://www.legaduebasket.it/game/indexcup.phtml?id=2

Troy Bell ((186-G-80, college: Boston College) and Quadre Lollis (200-PF-73, college:MontanaSt) leaded their team with points and rebounds, while veteran Dante Calabria (194-G-73, college:N.Carolina) scored 15 points with good percentage. For Reggio Emilia, first italian double - double for Glen McGowan (206-F-81, college: Pepperdine) (21 points and 11 rebounds, but only 9/14 from the line), while Robert Fultz (190-G-82) played a great but unlucky game. Vanoli won the match with 9 offensive rebounds grabbed and 11 assists served, while Reggio Emilia had only 2 assists and 4 offensive rebounds.
Tomorrow, Prima Veroli and Vanoli Soresina will play the Final of the Fifth Legadue Cup.

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

JAPAN

Standings - JBL

JBL Standings

1. Aishin	22-10
2. Panasonic	21-11
3. Hitachi S.	21-12
4. Toyota	16-16
5. Tochigi Brex	15-17
6. Toshiba	14-19
7. Hokkaido	12-20
8. Mitsubishi	8-24

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

JORDAN

Abu-Shamala Named Outstanding Male Student-Athlete - by Mohammed Malas
Courtesy: University of Minnesota
http://gophersports.com/

The University of Minnesota recently honored 565 student-athletes at the 20th annual Scholar-Athlete Award Ceremony. Awards ranging from individual academic achievements to team success in the classroom were rewarded.

This years male recipient of the Outstanding Student-Athlete Award went to Jamal Abu-Shamala (196-G/F-87). The award is presented to one male and one female student-athlete who are accomplished in the four major areas emphasized by the NCAA Life Skills Program: Academics, Athletics, Leadership, and Volunteerism.

Winning this award was a great honor,' said Abu-Shamala. 'It meant a lot to be recognized for my accomplishments during my career here at the University of Minnesota and will be something that I look back on many years from now and be very proud of.'

In his senior season at Minnesota, Abu-Shamala has continued his consistent performance that has helped pace the Golden Gophers during his tenure at the school. Abu-Shamala, a co-captain, has career averages of 4.7 points and 2.2 rebounds per game and is currently seventh all-time at Minnesota with 121 career games played.

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

LATVIA

Ventspils Bernard King Records Triple Double in Baltic League Win - by Emiliano Carchia
In a must win victory for the Latvian club BK Ventspils to keep any hope alive of going to the Baltic League Playoffs, Bernard King (196-G-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Texas A&M) records one of the few triple doubles in european basketball all season long with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists to beat Valmeira 77-94 in Latvia Saturday night. The 6'5' King is playing point guard a position that he has longed to play in europe. 'I will go on record and say that if a team lets Bernard King play point guard they will find that he is one of the best players in europe hands down, without a question, without any doubt,' said his agent Craig McKenzie.

Standings - LBAL

LBL Standings

1. RNS-D/Livani	14-4
2. Jurmala	13-5
3. Saldus	13-5
4. Zemgale/Juniors	13-6
5. ASK/Juniors	13-6
6. Valmiera-2	12-6
7. Ridzene/Barons	9-8
8. Ventspils au.	8-10
9. Keizarmezs-2	6-12
10. SK Cesis	6-13
11. Liepajas Papirs	5-14
12. Kandava	4-15
13. BA Riga	3-15

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

LEBANON

Importante game...but EASY won for Al-Mouttahed - by Maarouf Mawloud

After two losses from Blue Stars�one in Hussam-Din HARIRI tournament and another one in the season �Coach Toni Vujanic and his players finished their game against Blue Stars in Tripoli in an easy way�by 26 points win.

Full Safadi centre didn't enjoy the start of this important game.

Game started not so good for home team...Al Moutahed Tripoli start the game passive, on other side Blue Stars started strong�and finished the first quarter with 10-13 lead.

The second quarters continue with bad offenses from home team and Blue Stars stayed in the game, Al Moutahed Tripoli managed to finish the second quarter with 37-32.

The Third quarter was totally another game�coach Toni Vujanic knows that the first five minutes in this quarter is the most important time for his team in this game�well Al Moutahed Tripoli players did great job playing hard and aggressive defense where Tony Williams (202-F-78, agency: ACMT, college: Louisville) and Elie Roustom (191-F-87)tom shut down Jean and Nick Zakhery...under the sublime leading of Darren Kelly (190-G-78, college: Texas).... Al Moutahed Tripoli finished third quarter with 69-51

The fourth quarter was an easy one for Al Moutahed Tripoli and home team was up by 33 pts�because of that, seven minutes before the end of the game coach Toni Vujanic played with five Lebanese bench players who did a great job and finished the game 83-57

From Al Moutahed Tripoli: leader Darren Kelly had 25 points 6 rebounds 8 assists, Tony Williams was great in defense and had 23 points 8 rebounds, 5 assists and added 6 STEALS, constant good Elie Roustom 10 points and 3 assists and 3 steals, Mario Abboud (204-C-81) surprised with 7 points, Mohamed Akary (185-G-85) 6 points, Tarek Hauchar (208-C-88) 3 points, Mazen Mneimneh (192-G-86) 2 points and Mohammad Fahes (195-F-82) 6 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

At the end Coach Toni Vujanic gave small interview for Eurobasket he said:'Blue Stars team was this season very difficult for us...Style and small lineup didnt mach up very good with our system..Game started slow for us and we wasn't very aggressive and concentrated...our defense was soft in the beginning...but in second half and especially third quarter I congratulate my players for great performance and very good defense.'

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

NBA

Celtics finally sign Stephon Marbury - by Eurobasket News
The Boston Celtics announced today that they have signed free agent guard Stephon Marbury (6'2''-G-77, college: Georgia Tech). Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

'We are very excited to have a player of Stephon's caliber joining our team. Our entire organization is confident in the belief that Stephon can play an important role in helping us to win another championship', said Danny Ainge, Celtics President of Basketball Operations.

Marbury, a 62, 205lb guard, is entering his 13th season in the NBA and has posted career averages of 19.7 points and 7.8 assists per game. The former Georgia Tech product is third among all active players in assists with 6,396. The two time All-Star has averaged 20 or more points in a season seven times and has averaged eight or more assists nine times. During his career, Marbury has finished in the NBAs top 5 in assists five times, and has finished in the top 10 nine times.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Ben Wallace out four to six weeks with broken leg - by Eurobasket News
In their lowest moments this season, and there haven't been many, the Cavaliers have been rather rudely reminded that it's still a big man's game. And now they are going to be even smaller.

Playing against another big-and-rough team Thursday added one of those insults and an injury. The Cavs were battered, 93-74, by the Houston Rockets to snap their five-game win streak. And speaking of snapping, that's what happened to Ben Wallace's (6'9''-C-74, college: Virginia Union) right fibula after a collision with Rockets ultra-big man Yao Ming. Wallace will be out four to six weeks.

Plus, LeBron James had one of the lowest-output games of his career in addition to turning his right ankle in the fourth quarter. It is not serious.

Wallace suffered the injury in the first half and played five minutes in the second half before going to get an X-ray.

'I thought it was like a bruise or something and it would let up, but it didn't,' Wallace said. 'I saw the X-ray. I know what that little white line means. It was one of those freak accidents.'

The ramifications are the Cavs (44-12) have limited options at this point since it is after the trading deadline. Players can be bought out or waived before Monday and still be eligible for playoff rosters. The Cavs have been keeping their eye on what happens with Joe Smith and the Oklahoma City Thunder. These events, though, might make Smith more valuable and ratchet up the pressure.

The Cavs have $5.1 million left on their midlevel exception and could make a hefty offer to Smith if he were to get out of his Thunder deal, which ends this season.

'We're going to be impacted a lot,' James said. 'Defensively, [Wallace is] one of the best on-ball defenders in the post, and his intimidation factor out there. We can't escape it; I know it hurts him a lot, and it hurts us as a team. We'll see what happens around the league. Guys are going to have to step up.'

Rookie forward J.J. Hickson will get more chances after seeing his playing time dry up after guard Delonte West and center Zydrunas Ilgauskas returned from their injuries. The Cavs also will do what they have been doing all season, which is play smaller lineups more.

But while those small lineups have meant plenty of success, they have a downside. What happened Thursday was a prime example. In two games against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Cavs were smashed in the interior by the Lakers' overall big-man depth, and the Rockets did the same in their own way.

Even before Wallace, who spent a lot of time matching up with Yao, got hurt, the Cavs couldn't handle him. They tried to bring double teams, but the Rockets were effective in getting Yao isolated. Then he just went to work, hitting 13-of-15 shots for 28 points. It was a good night for him, to be sure, but the Cavs really had no answer.

Meanwhile, they didn't have a game plan for him at the other end, either. As has often been the case when facing the Rockets (37-21) in Houston over the years, the Cavs let Yao dictate the game. They almost never challenged him inside and their efforts to make him move away from the basket were ineffective. He was guarding either Wallace or Anderson Varejao and simply didn't follow them when they tried to draw him away from the basket.

So Yao had just a single block yet ruled the paint.

As a result, James spent almost the entire game on the outside and out of the flow. He went 7-of-21 from the field for 21 points. Pretty much standard, though. Coming in, he had shot just 35 percent and averaged 22.4 points in his five career games at the Toyota Center.

With Ron Artest (15 points) and Shane Battier (four blocks) hounding him in different ways, James was completely uncomfortable. It showed as he finished with one rebound and no assists. It was the first time in his career he had finished a game with no assists.

Ilgauskas did nothing about his matchup edges and had just 11 points. Mo Williams had 21 points but needed 18 shots. As a result, the Cavs scored a season-low 74 points on a season-low 33.8 percent shooting and therefore lost by 19 points, also a season-worst.

'We can't get a good flow in this building,' James said. 'You have to give a lot of credit to their defense, they keep you out on the perimeter.'

Courtesy of http://www.cleveland.com

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Dwyane WADE
  Heat
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 28.7

1. Wade, Heat	28.7
2. James, Cavaliers	28.4
3. Bryant, Lakers	27.6
4. Durant, Thunder	26.3
5. Granger, Pacers	25.0
6. Nowitzki, Mavericks	24.9
7. Jefferson, Timberwo.	23.2
8. Roy, Trail Blazers	22.6
9. Bosh, Raptors	22.4
10. Harris, Ne.	22.3

Rebounds Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Magic
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 14.2

1. Howard, Magic	14.2
2. Camby, Clippers	12.6
3. Lee, Knicks	11.9
4. Murphy, Pacers	11.7
5. Biedrins, Warriors	11.6
6. Jefferson, Timberwo.	11.0
7. Duncan, Spurs	10.7
8. Okafor, Bobcats	10.7
9. Yao, Rockets	9.6
10. Bosh, Rapto.	9.5

Assists Per Game

Chris PAUL
  Hornets
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Paul, Hornets	10.8
2. Williams, Jazz	10.3
3. Nash, Suns	9.7
4. Calderon, Raptors	8.5
5. Rondo, Celtics	8.5
6. Kidd, Mavericks	8.4
7. Duhon, Knicks	7.9
8. Davis, Clippers	7.9
9. Wade, Heat	7.3
10. James, Cavalie.	7.0

Steals Per Game

Chris PAUL
  Hornets
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Paul, Hornets	2.8
2. Kidd, Mavericks	2.2
3. Wade, Heat	2.1
4. Rondo, Celtics	2.0
5. Chalmers, Heat	1.9
6. James, Cavaliers	1.8
7. Davis, Clippers	1.8
8. Wallace, Bobcats	1.7
9. Felton, Bobcats	1.7
10. Artest, Rocke.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Magic
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Howard, Magic	2.9
2. Camby, Clippers	2.4
3. Andersen, Nuggets	2.2
4. Turiaf, Warriors	2.2
5. O'Neal, Raptors	2.0
6. Duncan, Spurs	1.9
7. Lopez, Nets	1.9
8. Perkins, Celtics	1.8
9. Thomas, Bulls	1.8
10. Dalembert, 76e.	1.8

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Celtics	47-13
2. 76ers	29-29
3. Nets	26-32
4. Knicks	24-35
5. Raptors	23-37
Central Div.
1. Cavaliers	45-12
2. Bucks	29-33
3. Pistons	28-29
4. Bulls	27-33
5. Pacers	25-36
Southeast Div.
1. Magic	43-16
2. Hawks	33-25
3. Heat	31-27
4. Bobcats	24-35
5. Wizards	14-45
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Nuggets	39-20
2. Trail Blazers	36-22
3. Jazz	36-23
4. Timberwolves	18-40
5. Thunder	14-45
Pacific Div.
1. Lakers	48-11
2. Suns	33-25
3. Warriors	21-38
4. Clippers	15-44
5. Kings	13-48
Southwest Div.
1. Spurs	39-18
2. Rockets	37-22
3. Hornets	35-22
4. Mavericks	34-23
5. Grizzlies	15-43

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

NCAA3

R-MC's Short, GC's Palombo Head ODAC Men's Hoops Awards - by Moritz Korff
SALEM, Va. --- Randolph-Macon College senior Justin Short (5'10''-G) took home the ODAC Player of the Year award, announced on Thursday as part of the league's conference tournament festivities. Guilford head coach Tom Palombo was tabbed as the Bob Johnson ODAC Coach of the Year. Randolph College forward Derrick Woods-Morrow received ODAC Freshman of the Year honors, and Washington and Lee University senior Ben Heller was selected as the 2009 ODAC/Farm Bureau Scholar-Athlete.

Short adds this season's POY honor to a back-to-back All-ODAC First Team nods. He currently ranks second in the conference in scoring at 19.2 per outing. He leads in three points field goal percentage (36.6%), minutes played (33), assists (80), steals (33) and assist-to-turnover ratio. Short scored in double figures in each of 25 games this season, leading the team in scoring 21 times. He has scored 30-plus points twice including a 31-point effort against Emory & Henry, his season. For his career, Short has scored better than 1,200 points.

Palombo top coaching honor also marks the first bestowed under its new namesake as the Bob Johnson ODAC Coach of the Year award, named after the former Emory & Henry head coach and current athletic director. Palombo shared the coach of the year award with Johnson in 2004. This year marks the third time in six years that Palombo has been named the league's top coach. After leading his squad to its first ODAC championship last year and consecutive NCAA appearances, his team is the number one seed heading into this weekend's tournament. He has a career winning percentage of 63-percent including back-to-back 24-5 records the last two years.

Woods-Morrow's selection as the league's top rookie marks the first major men's basketball ODAC award in the program's two year history. He made a name for himself in the paint this season, leading his team and ranking second in the conference in rebounding at 8.9 boards per game. He posted 10 double-doubles, which placed second in the conference. He scored in double figures in 15 games, going for a season-high 21 points with 11 rebounds against Randolph-Macon on January 24.

On the court, Heller is the Generals' leading scorer (10.5 ppg) and rebounder (5.0 rpg). He returned from an injury that caused him to miss last season and appeared in all 25 games this season with five starts He has scored in double figures in 12 games, including a career-high 24 points on 11-of-14 shooting in a 67-66 (OT) loss to Bridgewater. In the classroom, Heller boasted a 3.473 grade point average while majoring in accounting. He has also been a previous member of the All-ODAC Academic Team.

Listed below are the 2009 Men's Basketball All-ODAC Teams. For more information on men's basketball as well as the upcoming tournament and the rest of the league's sports, visit the ODAC on the Internet at www.odacoline.com.

2009 MEN'S BASKETBALL ALL-ODAC TEAMS
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Justin Short, Sr., Guard, Randolph-Macon
COACH OF THE YEAR: Tom Palombo , Guilford
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Derrick Woods-Morrow, Fr., Forward, Randolph
ODAC/FARM BUREAU SCHOLAR-ATHLETE: Ben Heller, Sr., Forward, Washington and Lee

ALL-ODAC FIRST TEAM
Clay Henson (6'1''-G-87), Jr., Guard, Guilford
George Johnson, So., Guard, Eastern Mennonite
Turner King, Jr., Guard, Hampden-Sydney
Curtis Peery, Sr., Forward, Roanoke
Tyler Sanborn (6'10''-C-88), Jr., Center, Guilford
Justin Short, Sr., Guard, Randolph-Macon

ALL-ODAC SECOND TEAM
Rhett Bonner, Jr., Guard, Guilford
Jordan Brown, So., Forward, Randolph-Macon
Terrell Dixon, So., Guard, Virginia Wesleyan
Stephen Fields, Jr., Guard, Virginia Wesleyan
D.J. Hinson, So., Forward, Eastern Mennonite
Dominic Trawick, Jr., Guard, Bridgewater
Mason Wooldridge, Jr., Forward, Lynchburg

ALL-ODAC HONORABLE MENTION
Timothy Clarke, So., Guard, Randolph
Steven Echols, Jr., Guard, Lynchburg
Robert Hudson, Sr., Guard, Emory & Henry
Quinton McDuffie, Fr., Center, Virginia Wesleyan
Parrish Walker, So., Guard, Roanoke
Zac White, Jr., Forward, Washington and Lee

Courtesy of http://www.odaconline.com/02.26.09_mbb_09allconference.htm

Thomas More wins PAC Championship - by Eurobasket
The Saints built a 14-point (29-15) first half lead, only to see the Bison close the gap and trail by just one (37-36) at the half.
With the game tied 43-43 with 14:48 to play, Thomas More took control of the game with a huge 25-4 to run to take a 68-47 lead and went on to hold a double-digit lead the rest of the way. TMC, which shot 58 percent (34-of-59) from the field for the game, had a balanced offensive attack with five players scoring in double figures. Leading the Saint attack was senior Daniel Ellis (5'10''-F) (Springfield, OH/Springfield North H.S.) with 16 points, including four three-pointers, while sophomore Brian Muse (6'7''-C) (Bethel, OH/Bethel H.S.) added 14 points on 5-of-5 shooting off the bench. For Bethany (WV), freshman Lance Beckwith (6'0''-G) (Raleigh, NC/Word of God Christian H.S.) posted a team-high 16 points in the loss.

PAC Regular Season Standings
1. Thomas More 10-2 17-8
2. Bethany (WV) 9-3 15-10
3. Wash.&Jefferson 7-5 16-9
4. Westminster(PA) 7-5 9-16
5. Grove City 6-6 12-11
6. Waynesburg 2-10 6-18
7. Thiel 1-11 2-22
* St.Vincent 22-3
* Geneva 8-17
* NCAA D-III provisional member - ineligible for PAC title

Final: Thomas More - Bethany 91-65
Semis:
Thomas More - W&J 78-64
Bethany - Westminster 71-67

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

PBL

Undefeated at home - Manchester wins again - by Chris Terrell

Manchester, NH - The Manchester Millrats win their 8th in a row and will complete the PBL season undefeated at home, defeating the Chicago Throwbacks 124-105. Manchester got off to a great start on the evening, leading going into the half by a score of 62-46. Kenyon Gamble (7'0''-C-82, agency: European Basketball Agency, college: Tuskegee) was a force in the middle with his ability to change shots all night and although their was no quit in Chicago, Gamble was forcing more and more of their play away from the rim. Chicago was forced into lower percentage shots and could only muster 38% shooting on the night while being outrebounded 66-51.
Each team had several players step up in the points column with Tommy Mitchell (6'3''-G-82, college: Siena) getting 23 for the Millrats. Dameon Mason (6'5''-G/F-85, college: LSU) had 22 for Chicago and teammate Stanley Thomas (6'5''-G/F-80) had 18 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort but it was the interior play of Kenyon Gamble that would make the difference tonight for Manchester; owning the glass with 15 boards to go with 9 points and 5 blocked shots.

Gamble was a first round draft pick, 1st overall selection by the Rome Gladiators (WBA) out of Tuskegee University where he had led the nation in blocked shots in 2004. Harold Ellis , now the Associate Head Coach for the Detroit Pistons, drafted Gamble and it paid off. Gamble has won everywhere he's been including stops in the WBA, CBA, IBL, and now PBL. He's also brought his swat machine over the waters to Cyprus, Germany, Turkey and Syria. Gamble has had pro workouts with, among others, The Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and Indiana Pacers.

Opposing teams are taking a gamble taking the ball into the interior against Kenyon and the Millrats. Manchester will be looking to see if they can put one more minor league ring on Mr. Gamble's finger before he moves to that next level. You can get more information on some of the terrific talent of the PBL by visiting them on the web at www.pblproball.com. You can make scouting inquiry about next level talent by email at myspace4hoops@yahoo.com

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

POLAND

Standings - DBE

DBE Standings

1. Prokom	17-6
2. Polpharma	15-7
3. Anwil	14-9
4. Kotwica	14-9
5. Turow	14-9
6. AZS Koszalin	14-10
7. En.Czarni	13-10
8. Polonia	13-10
9. Bank BPS	10-14
10. Atlas Stal	9-14
11. Znicz J.	8-15
12. Sportino I.	8-15
13. PBG Basket	8-16
14. Gornik W.	5-18

Standings - 1 Liga

1Liga Standings

1. Polonia 2011	21-7
2. MOSiR Kr.	21-7
3. Big Star	20-7
4. Siarka T.	18-10
5. Zastal ZG	16-11
6. Stal SW	15-12
7. LKS Lodz	15-12
8. MMKS DG	15-13
9. Zubry	14-14
10. Sokol L.	13-14
11. Sudety JG	13-15
12. Znicz Basket	11-17
13. AZS Kalisz	10-18
14. AZS AWF K-ce	8-20
15. Prokom II	7-20
16. Resovia	3-23

Standings - 2 Liga

2Liga Standings

Group A
1. Tempcold	19-2
2. Astoria	17-3
3. Rosasport	15-4
4. Nowy Dwor Gd.	15-5
5. SIDEn	13-7
6. AZS Kutno	11-9
7. UKS Leczyce	10-9
8. Bonduelle	10-10
9. Tur B.Podl.	8-12
10. Norgips	8-12
11. AZS Olsztyn	7-13
12. Ksiezak L.	3-16
13. Legia W-wa	1-17
14. OSSM Sopot	1-18
Group B
1. Spojnia S.	15-3
2. AZS Szczecin	15-4
3. AZS Opole	14-4
4. Tarnovia	13-5
5. Pogon P.	11-7
6. Open Basket	11-7
7. AZS Big Plus	9-9
8. Tytan	8-11
9. MKKS Rybnik	7-13
10. Doral-Nysa	6-11
11. Slask II W.	6-13
12. VB Leasing	3-16
13. OSSM Wroc.	0-19
Group C
1. Start Lublin	17-2
2. UMKS Kielce	17-4
3. MKKS Zabrze	15-6
4. Basket K.	13-6
5. Alba	10-9
6. Cracovia	10-10
7. Pogon RS	10-11
8. MCKiS Jaw.	9-8
9. Limanowa	9-11
10. SKK S-ce	8-12
11. HK Zory	7-11
12. Wisla Krakow	7-13
13. AZS Radom	5-14
14. OSSM W-wa	0-20

Stats Leaders - 1Liga

Points Per Game

Jakub DLONIAK
  Znicz Basket
  (192-F-83)
  Avg: 21.2

1. Dloniak, Znicz Basket	21.2
2. Pacocha, Big Star	19.1
3. Misiewicz, Zubry	16.8
4. Salamonik, MOSiR K.	16.5
5. Wiekiera, Zastal Z.	16.3
6. Berisha, Polonia 2011	16.1
7. Donigiewicz, AZS A.	15.8
8. Wisniewski, Zastal Z.	15.8
9. Kulig, Big Star	15.7
10. Pluta, MOSiR.	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Tomasz WOJDYLA
  Sudety JG
  (201-F-77)
  Avg: 9.4

1. Wojdyla, Sudety JG	9.4
2. Mis, Siarka T.	8.3
3. Bartosz, Polonia .	8.0
4. Dluski, LKS Lodz	7.5
5. Pisarczyk, Sokol L.	7.5
6. Chodkiewicz, Zastal Z.	7.5
7. Kulig, Big Star	7.5
8. Misiewicz, Zubry	7.2
9. Wiekiera, Zastal Z.	7.2
10. Piotrkowski, AZS.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Krzysztof KALINOWSKI
  MOSiR Kr.
  (187-G-76)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Kalinowski, MOSiR K.	5.9
2. Ecka, Znicz Basket	5.3
3. Baran, Siarka T.	5.0
4. Pacocha, Big Star	4.8
5. Basinski, MMKS D.	4.6
6. Krupa, Siarka T.	4.3
7. Snieg, Polonia 2011	4.1
8. Swietonski, Prokom I.	3.9
9. Kalinowski, Zastal Z.	3.8
10. Malecki, Resov.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Bartosz KRUPA
  Siarka T.
  (180-G-80)
  Avg: 3.7

1. Krupa, Siarka T.	3.7
2. Malecki, Resovia	3.7
3. Pacocha, Big Star	3.4
4. Baran, Siarka T.	3.3
5. Berisha, Polonia 2011	3.2
6. Trepka, LKS Lodz	3.1
7. Piechowicz, Stal S.	3.1
8. Snieg, Polonia 2011	3.1
9. Babiarz, Resovia	3.0
10. Wisniewski, Zastal.	3.0

Blocks Per Game

Tomasz PISARCZYK
  Sokol L.
  (205-F-85)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Pisarczyk, Sokol L.	2.4
2. Milewski, MMKS D.	1.7
3. Mis, Siarka T.	1.5
4. Kulikowski, Zubry	1.5
5. Lisewski, Stal SW	1.5
6. Czech, Sudety JG	1.5
7. Lapeta, Prokom II	1.2
8. Kulig, Big Star	1.2
9. Karwowski, Polonia .	1.2
10. Briegmann, Znicz.	1.1

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

PORTUGAL

Da Silva near Porto - by Luis Rocha
With a very umpleasant season when it comes to injuries, Porto has now saw Daniel Monteiro (182-G-82) out for some months with a broken hand. Its possible that the team can turn their eyes onto Filipe Da Silva (185-F-86), because hes a good guard, can play as portuguese and is unemployed. Everything seems ready to come true. The player as a bad experience this season in Frnace, and in the middle of it find himself 'overboard', now if both he and Porto can put all togheter, this will be the perfect chance for him to get back to a country he knows well, and where he can be decisive, maybe even become an option to the National Team. The affair is rolling and news will be deliver in the next few days.

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

ROMANIA

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Bryant MATTHEWS
  CSU Atlassib
  (201-G/F-82)
  Avg: 21.7

1. Matthews, CSU A.	21.7
2. Gibson, U.Mobite.	19.2
3. Tomic, Craiova	18.9
4. Lawrence, Pitesti	18.6
5. Obradovic, Otopeni	18.1
6. Popescu, Rovinari	17.6
7. Cepulis, Ploiesti	17.4
8. Darby, Rovinari	17.2
9. Vlaicu, Rapid B.	17.1
10. Broadus, CSU Bras.	16.2

Rebounds Per Game

Ionut DRAGUSIN
  CSU Brasov
  (221-C-85)
  Avg: 11.2

1. Dragusin, CSU B.	11.2
2. Carutasu, Ploiesti	10.5
3. Wingate, Tirgu M.	8.9
4. Pavlovski, Dinamo B.	8.6
5. Green, Rovinari	8.2
6. Matthews, CSU A.	7.6
7. Lazar, Oradea	7.6
8. Holmes, Craiova	7.6
9. Jucan, Gaz Metan	7.5
10. Obradovic, Otope.	7.3

Assists Per Game

JuJuan COOLEY
  Tirgu Mures
  (175-G-82)
  Avg: 7.2

1. Cooley, Tirgu M.	7.2
2. Blidaru, Otopeni	5.0
3. Osmokrovic, Ploiesti	4.5
4. Cuic, U.Mobitel.CN	4.0
5. Dzambic, Timisoara	4.0
6. Gibson, U.Mobite.	3.9
7. Radmanovac, Gaz M.	3.8
8. Lawrence, Pitesti	3.6
9. Fometescu, Dinamo B.	3.6
10. Johnson, CSU.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Brandon JOHNSON
  CSU Atlassib
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Johnson, CSU A.	3.2
2. Cooley, Tirgu M.	2.9
3. Gibson, U.Mobite.	2.9
4. Fometescu, Dinamo B.	2.5
5. Matthews, CSU A.	2.5
6. Mitchell, Craiova	2.4
7. Reaves, Dinamo B.	2.3
8. Velickovic, Timisoara	2.3
9. Holmes, Craiova	2.1
10. Blidaru, Otope.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Ionut DRAGUSIN
  CSU Brasov
  (221-C-85)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Dragusin, CSU B.	2.4
2. Tibarna, Otopeni	2.0
3. Pantelic, Pitesti	1.8
4. Lazar, Oradea	1.6
5. Pavlovski, Dinamo B.	1.5
6. Harrison, CSU A.	1.3
7. Wingate, Tirgu M.	1.2
8. Gibson, Craiova	1.2
9. Bubanja, Gaz Metan	1.2
10. Osby, U.Mobitel..	1.1

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

RUSSIA

Standings - Superleague A

A Superleague Standings

1. CSKA	18-0
2. Khimky	13-4
3. Dynamo M.	12-4
4. Unics	10-5
5. Triumph	9-7
6. Spartak SP	9-9
7. Lok.Rostov	7-10
8. Krasnoyarsk	7-11
9. Ural Great	5-12
10. CSK VVS	4-13
11. Univ.Surgut	4-13
12. Spartak-P.	3-13

A Superleague Round: 18 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Spartak SP - Dynamo M. 71-72
Dynamo Moscow survived a thriller over Spartak SP taking 72:71 victory. Bostjan Nachbar (207-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances) top-scored for the guests with 18 points and a newcomer Chase brought 17. Meshcharakou Yegor produced 15 points for the home side.

CSKA - Lok.Rostov 75-57
CSKA improved to undefeated 18-0 record after the home win over Lokomotiv Rostov 75:57. Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) paced all the winners with 19 points, while Smodis Matjaz and Planinic Zoran netted 11 each. Marshall Rawle ended up with 13 points for the guests.

Khimky - Krasnoyarsk 74-68
Khimky is 13-4 defeating Krasnoyarsk 74:68 at home in Regular Season Round 18. Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi) led all the winners with 18 points and Fridzon Vitaly brought the hosts 16. Millage Curtis finished the night with 20 points for the guests and Kambala Kaspars collected 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Lok.Rostov - CSK VVS 62-57
Lokomotiv Rostov and CSK VVS opened Regular Season Round 18 as the hosts triumphed with 62:57 win. Szymon Szewczyk (209-C-82) paced all the winners with 17 points, while Marshall Rawle netted 14 with 10/10 from the free throw line. Perry Marque ended up with 19 points for the guests.

Triumph - Ural Great 84-77
Triumph overcame Ural Great 84:77 as Perry debuted woth 16 points for the winners. Aleksander Miloserdov (196-G-80) ended up with 15 points and Goree Marcus had 12 points and 10 boards. Washington Darius produced 24 points in defeat.

Unics - CSK VVS 89-88
Unics stun CSK VVS 89:88 only in the last seconds of the game as only 5 players were on the court for the visitors for the whole game. Sergei Demeshkin (200-F-76) scored 33 points for Samara and Clancy Sam collected 17 points and 15 boards. Popovic Marko led the winners with 23 points.

Stats Leaders - Superleague A

Points Per Game

Lionel CHALMERS
  Univ.Surgut
  (183-G-80)
  Avg: 21.3

1. Chalmers, Univ.Sur.	21.3
2. Perry, CSK V.	17.3
3. Kambala, Krasnoya.	16.9
4. Nachbar, Dynamo M.	16.1
5. Wisniewski, Spart.	15.2
6. Hansen, Dynamo M.	14.9
7. Bailey, Spartak-P.	14.9
8. Washington, Ural G.	14.6
9. Warrick, Krasnoya.	14.5
10. Meshcharakou, Spar.	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

Viktor KHRYAPA
  CSKA
  (204-F/G-82)
  Avg: 7.9

1. Khryapa, CSKA	7.9
2. Clancy, CSK V.	7.1
3. Kambala, Krasnoya.	6.4
4. Szewczyk, Lok.R.	6.4
5. Kirksay, Unics	6.2
6. Meshcharakou, Sparta.	5.9
7. Loncar, Unics	5.7
8. Lampe, Khimky	5.7
9. Jones, Ural Great	5.6
10. Plisnic, Ural Gre.	5.6

Assists Per Game

Jannero PARGO
  Olympiakos
  (187-G-79)
  Avg: 5.4

1. Pargo, Dynamo M.	5.4
2. Collins, Lok.Rostov	5.3
3. Chalmers, Univ.Sur.	5.1
4. Bremer, Triumph	4.7
5. Wisniewski, Spart.	4.4
6. Ponkrashov, Khimky	4.4
7. Holden, CSKA	3.8
8. Biggs, Ural Great	3.7
9. Perry, CSK V.	3.3
10. Bailey, Spartak.	3.1

Steals Per Game

David TOYA
  Prostejov
  (200-G/F-76)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Toya, Spartak-P.	2.6
2. House, Lok.Rostov	2.6
3. Millage, Krasnoyarsk	2.5
4. Surovtsev, Ural G.	2.1
5. Komarovski, Univ.Sur.	2.0
6. Kirksay, Unics	1.9
7. Biggs, Ural Great	1.9
8. McCarty, Khimky	1.8
9. Khryapa, CSKA	1.8
10. Lyday, Uni.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Timofey MOZGOV
  Khimky
  (215-C-86)
  Avg: 1.1

1. Mozgov, Khimky	1.1
2. Likholitov, Ural G.	1.1
3. Lavrinovic, Dynamo M.	1.1
4. Javtokas, Dynamo M.	1.1
5. Krstic, Triumph	1.0
6. Marshall, Lok.R.	1.0
7. Morris, CSKA	1.0
8. Savrasenko, Spart.	1.0
9. Pervukhin, Univ.Sur.	0.9
10. Monya, Dynamo.	0.9

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SERBIA

Bojan Ljubojevic in France again, Radnicki Novi Sad beats Metalac - by Dragan Jankovski
Power forward / center Bojan Ljubojevic (204-C-78, agency: Beo Basket) agreed terms with French Pro B team Bourg-en-Bresse. Ljubojevic already has experience from Pro B competition as he played there on season 06/07 as a member of Levallois SCB. Experienced big guy started the current season in Mega Hypo Leasing. After 3 games he joined another Serbian A league participant - Radnicki 034 Group. Season 07/08 Ljubojevic started with ESPE Chalons-en-Champagne Basket Pro, but left the team after just one official game. In the past he also used to play for Mornar Bar, Keravnos, Ergonom, Zastava and Borac. His new team Bourg is on top of Pro B with 16-5.

In the opening game of Round 23, Radnicki Invest Inzenjering was better than Metalac 90-84. That's the very important victory for the team from Novi Sad in the battle for survival in A league. Veteran Zlatko Bolic (195-G-74, agency: Beo Basket) again led the scorers in Radnicki 26 points. Stefan Fekete (188-G-86, agency: Beo Basket) and Marko Cvetkovic (197-F/G-77, agency: Beo Basket) netted 17 points each. On the other side, Nikola Micevic (195-G-82) scored 34 points. He had 5 triples. With this win Radnicki has 11-12. Metalac is now on 14-9, but still with the chances to reach the Superleague.

Kesar new head coach of Ural - by Zoran Popovic
Aleksandar Kesar is new head coach of Ural Great Perm. We made agreement fast and easy, Ural is club with great tradition. This season team is not on the top of Russian league, but to the end of the season well have enough time to scan team, analyze problems and make good base for next season. I have enough time to summarize all potential team resources, said Aleksandar Kesar for Belgrade Sports news. Kesar was coach assistant of Dusko Vujosevic in Partizan in period 2004-2007 and in season 2007-2008 head coach of Mega Aqua Monta Beogad. Kesar run Serbian University National team on University games in Bangkok and now is coach assistant of Dusan Ivkovic in Serbian National team.

Rilski Sportist outguns Radnicki 034 in BIBL - by Eurobasket News
Balkan League, Quarter-Finals: Radnicki 034 - Rilski Sportist 81-91

Radnicki 034 Group suffered home defeat against Rilski Sportist in the first quarterfinal game. The next one will be played in Samokov, where in the front of its fans Rilski Sportist will have a chance to reach the Final 4. Dragoslav Papic (205-C/F-87, agency: Global Sports Plaza) stepped up for the winners collecting 27 points and 14 rebounds. Branko Mirkovic (185-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) had 20 and Travis Peterson (208-C-85, agency: Edge Sports, college: Samford) registered double-double, 15 points and 11 rebounds. Radnicki got the most from Igor Mijajlovic (193-G-84, agency: Beo Basket), 20 points and 7 assists. Ivan Milosevic (192-G-78) scored 16 coming off the bench, while Danilo Draskovic (207-C-86) added 15 points and 10 rebounds. Rilski was better in the first (18-22), while Radnicki 034 ended the second quarter with 28-27. Dragoslav Papic and his teammates demonstrated huge aggressiveness after the breather. Because of that the hosts had many troubles at the offensive end scoring just 12 points in third stanza. On the other side, Rilski Sportist nailed 24 entering to the last ten minutes with plus 15. Thanks to Igor Mijajlovic and Danilo Draskovic, Radnicki succeeded to close the gap on 10 pts. Anyway, Rilski is in much better situation now. The Bulgarians totally outjumped their rivals with 34 rebs. They also had impressive 27/31 from the line. The next game is scheduled for March 4th.

Radnicki 034: Igor Mijajlovic 20+7 as, Ivan Milosevic 16, Danilo Draskovic 15+10 boards
Rilski Sportist: Dragoslav Papic 27+14 boards, Branko Mirkovic 20, Travis Peterson 15+11 boards

Standings - A Liga

A Standings

1. Swiss.Lions	19-3
2. Borac	15-7
3. Napredak	14-8
4. Metalac	14-9
5. Radnicki 034	12-10
6. Mega HL	11-11
7. Radnicki I.	11-12
8. Ergonom	10-12
9. Novi Sad	10-12
10. Vizura	9-13
11. Tamis	8-14
12. Sloga	8-14
13. Masinac	8-14
14. Zdravlje	6-16
Will join on later stage:
1. Crvena Zvez.	-
2. Partizan	-
3. Vojvodina	-
4. FMP	-
5. Hemofarm	-

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Zlatko BOLIC
  Radnicki I.
  (195-G-74)
  Avg: 22.1

1. Bolic, Radnicki I.	22.1
2. Bogavac, Ergonom	20.8
3. Stojacic, Mega HL	20.5
4. Mirkovic, Masinac	19.3
5. Kljajevic, Radnicki.	18.8
6. Markovic, Napredak	18.7
7. Stefanovic, Sloga	18.3
8. Martinic, Novi Sad	18.3
9. Mladenovic, Ergon.	17.3
10. Sinovec, Vizu.	16.9

Rebounds Per Game

Uros MIRKOVIC
  Masinac
  (205-F/C-82)
  Avg: 8.4

1. Mirkovic, Masinac	8.4
2. Draskovic, Radnicki.	7.5
3. Bogavac, Ergonom	6.9
4. Dokic, Tamis	6.8
5. Mihajlovic, Tamis	6.3
6. Buric, Vizura	6.2
7. Dramicanin, Borac	6.1
8. Kljajevic, Radnicki.	6.0
9. Zigeranovic, Borac	5.9
10. Pobric, Novi S.	5.7

Assists Per Game

Bojan JOVICIC
  Tamis
  (184-G-77)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Jovicic, Tamis	6.2
2. Duvnjak, Radnicki.	4.7
3. Stefanovic, Sloga	4.2
4. Stefanovic, Borac	3.9
5. Teodosic, Metalac	3.9
6. Vukotic, Sloga	3.6
7. Tomasevic, Masinac	3.5
8. Maric, Ergonom	3.5
9. Martinic, Novi Sad	3.4
10. Pejovic, Napred.	3.2

Steals Per Game

Goran MARTINIC
  Novi Sad
  (186-G-87)
  Avg: 3

1. Martinic, Novi Sad	3.0
2. Bolic, Radnicki I.	2.0
3. Jovanovic, Zdravlje	1.9
4. Fekete, Radnicki I.	1.8
5. Dramicanin, Borac	1.7
6. Sinovec, Vizura	1.7
7. Bogavac, Ergonom	1.7
8. Mirkovic, Masinac	1.7
9. Majstorovic, Ergon.	1.6
10. Dunderski, Vizu.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Danilo DRASKOVIC
  Radnicki 034
  (207-C-86)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Draskovic, Radnicki.	1.4
2. Vucicevic, Vizura	1.3
3. Bircevic, Metalac	1.1
4. Tanaskovic, Metal.	1.0
5. Zigeranovic, Borac	1.0
6. Buric, Vizura	1.0
7. Mladenovic, Ergon.	1.0
8. Nikolic, Mega HL	0.8
9. Dramicanin, Borac	0.8
10. Janjusevic, Zdr.	0.8

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

SPAIN

Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game

Antwain BARBOUR
  Erdemir
  (196-G/F-82)
  Avg: 18.9

1. Barbour, Tenerife	18.9
2. Guillen, Los Barrios	18.7
3. Detrick, La Laguna	17.7
4. Garcia, Burgos	17.7
5. Kiefer, Vic	17.4
6. Simien, Caceres	16.8
7. Cusworth, Leche R.	15.6
8. Terrell, La Palma	15.5
9. Prestes, Cl.Rincon	15.3
10. Blair, Mallor.	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Paulo PRESTES
  Unicaja
  (210-C-88)
  Avg: 9.7

1. Prestes, Cl.Rincon	9.7
2. Donaldson, La La.	9.4
3. Battle, Valladolid	8.7
4. Simien, Caceres	8.2
5. Hamilton, Tenerife	8.1
6. Guillen, Los Barrios	7.6
7. Baez, Leon	7.3
8. Blair, Mallorca	7.2
9. Moss, Caceres	7.1
10. Cusworth, Leche.	7.1

Assists Per Game

Diego CIORCIARI
  Melilla
  (185-G-80)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Ciorciari, Melilla	6.3
2. Corrales, Burgos	4.8
3. Sala, La Palma	4.1
4. Mendiburu, Plus Pujol	4.0
5. Bernabe, Leon	3.8
6. Brown, Caceres	3.8
7. Lopez, Leche Rio	3.7
8. Dumas, Valladolid	3.5
9. Cortaberria, Cl.Ri.	3.5
10. Jimenez, Illesc.	3.4

Steals Per Game

Marc BLANCH
  Mallorca
  (195-F-82)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Blanch, Mallorca	2.3
2. Van Lacke, Valladolid	2.1
3. Ciorciari, Melilla	1.9
4. Lopez, Leche Rio	1.9
5. Bernabe, Leon	1.8
6. Baez, Leon	1.6
7. Hill, Alicante	1.6
8. Victor, Melilla	1.5
9. Angulo, Caceres	1.5
10. Boccia, Teneri.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Robert BATTLE
  Valladolid
  (200-C-81)
  Avg: 2

1. Battle, Valladolid	2.0
2. Hamilton, Tenerife	1.7
3. Southall, Melilla	1.6
4. Donaldson, La La.	1.6
5. Cusworth, Leche R.	1.3
6. Lewis, Plus Pujol	1.3
7. Simien, Caceres	1.3
8. Nana, Rosalia	1.2
9. Sinanovic, Burgos	1.1
10. Harris, La Lagu.	1.0

Stats Leaders-LEB Silver

Points Per Game

Dreke BOULDIN
  Matchmind
  (202-G/F-80)
  Avg: 22.3

1. Bouldin, Matchmind	22.3
2. Echols, Cantabria	19.3
3. Mortellaro, ADT T.	17.4
4. Williams, Matchmind	17.3
5. Llorente, Archena	16.5
6. Turner, Promobys	16.5
7. Nelson, Huelva	16.1
8. Martinez, Navalcar.	15.4
9. Harry, Archena	15.4
10. Camps, Cantabr.	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Zachary ANDREWS
  Guadalajara
  (203-F-85)
  Avg: 9.3

1. Andrews, Guadalaj.	9.3
2. Mathis, Alcazar	9.2
3. Turner, Promobys	9.2
4. Mortellaro, ADT T.	9.1
5. Williams, Matchmind	8.6
6. Thompson, Molina	8.4
7. Echols, Cantabria	8.2
8. Mugica, Archena	7.8
9. Ausina, Molina	7.7
10. McLemore, Huel.	7.6

Assists Per Game

Salvador CAMPS
  Cantabria
  (178-G-79)
  Avg: 7

1. Camps, Cantabria	7.0
2. Monclova, Alcazar	5.6
3. Rufian, Huelva	5.6
4. del Tio, Merida	4.6
5. Darbo, Huelva	4.6
6. Llorente, Archena	4.4
7. Nunez, Guadalajara	3.9
8. Sanchez, Cantabria	3.6
9. Inigo, Guadalajara	3.5
10. Castello, Matchmi.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Jermaine TURNER
  Promobys
  (195-F-74)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Turner, Promobys	2.5
2. Llorente, Archena	2.3
3. Martinez, Navalcar.	2.3
4. Monclova, Alcazar	2.1
5. Comas, Girona	2.0
6. Rueda, Promobys	1.9
7. Sanchez, Cantabria	1.8
8. Gelsi, Girona	1.8
9. Camps, Cantabria	1.8
10. Zalvide, Moli.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Ryan MCLEMORE
  Huelva
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 2.3

1. McLemore, Huelva	2.3
2. Bain, ADT Tarrag.	1.6
3. Herndon, Alaior	1.5
4. Williams, Matchmind	1.3
5. Farley, Archena	1.2
6. Williams, V..	1.2
7. Bouldin, Matchmind	1.2
8. Turner, Promobys	1.1
9. Rodrigo, Navalcar.	1.1
10. Hilliman, Promob.	1.1

Pecile changes Sevilla for Lugo - by Robert Mayor
Andrea Pecile (187-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency) won't continue playing for Cajasol Sevilla after club and player decided to part ways. Italian guard that arrived to Andalusian team after several good season in Granada, was not playing at the expected level, averaging 10 points and more than 2 assists per game, and Spanish team decided not to continue with his services. The same day, player announced that will play for LEB Gold team Breogan Lugo for the remainder of the season, and will try to help his new club to return to ACB.

Standings - LEB Gold

LEB Gold Standings

1. Alicante	17-4
2. Tenerife	15-7
3. Valladolid	14-7
4. Leche Rio	14-8
5. Melilla	14-8
6. Burgos	13-9
7. Axarquia	12-9
8. Caceres	11-10
9. Leon	11-11
10. Plus Pujol	11-11
11. Los Barrios	11-11
12. La Laguna	10-11
13. La Palma	10-12
14. Vic	9-12
15. Mallorca	9-13
16. Illescas	5-16
17. Aguas Gandia	4-17
18. Rosalia	4-18

Standings - LEB Silver

LEB Silver Standings

1. Palencia	16-5
2. Torrons Vic.	15-6
3. Vigo	14-7
4. Plasencia	13-8
5. Caja Rioja	13-8
6. Navarra	13-9
7. Ourense	12-9
8. CB Tarrag.	12-10
9. Cornella	11-11
10. Jerez	10-12
11. Huesca	9-13
12. Gijon	8-14
13. CajasurCord.	8-14
14. Prat	7-14
15. Coruna	7-15
16. Qalat Caja Sol	4-17

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

SWEDEN

No changes on top of Basketligan - by Eurobasket News
Round 31 of the Swedish top division was played yesterday. The two top ranked teams, Solna and Norrkoping, once again registered victories continuing struggle for position No.1 before the play-off.
Solna Vikings devastated the last ranked Gothia Basket on the road 89-48. Jonte Flowers (196-G, college: Winona St.) shined for the guests collecting 24 points and 7 rebounds. The hosts got 15 points from Emil Salon.
Norrkoping Dolphins cruised past Helsinborg 74-65 for 22-6 record. Kenny Grant (188-G-82, college: Davidson) and Fred Drains netted 13 points each for the winners. Mattias Goransson netted 15 for the loosing side.
08 Stockholm did not have any troubles to beat Jamtland at home 89-61 and to jump on 14-14. Jerel Blassingame (175-G-81, college: UNLV) came up for the hosts with 22 points. Johan Akesson followed him with 2 less.
Plannja Basket faced with a home loss vs Sodertalje 60-79. Totally the best player for the visiting side was Corey Smith with 24 points and 6 rebounds. Hakan Larsson (184-G-74) scored 16 for the hosts. With this win Sodertalje moved up to 16-12.
In the last game Uppsala outplayed Boras 97-75 mostly owing to Thomas Jackson (175-G-80, agency: 011 Sports, college: Butler), who scored 17 points and pulled down 6 rebounds. Uppsala 19-9, Boras 7-21.

Standings - Basketligan

Basketligan Standings

1. Norrkoping	22-6
2. Solna	22-6
3. Uppsala	19-9
4. Sodertalje	16-12
5. 08	14-14
6. Plannja	13-14
7. Sundsvall	13-14
8. Jamtland	13-15
9. Helsingborg	9-18
10. Boras	7-21
11. Gothia Basket	5-24

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

TAIWAN

Ho wins All-Star MVP, Allen takes home dunk champion - by Chris Wang
Taiwan Beer forward Ho Shou-cheng had 23 points and paced Red Team to a 108-98 win over White Team in the annual SBL All-Star Game Saturday night. U.S. import Allen Byron (201-C-81, agency: Rice and Rice, college: Northwestern St.) edged Doug Creighton 97-96 in the dunk competition.

Allen got the perfect score of 50 on a dunk he collaborated with Taiwan Mobile teammate Wu Yong-jen, who won the three-point shootout earlier. Doug Creighton lost in the dunk final for the second consecutive year, losing last year to former U.S. star import Jon Sanders.

About 5,000 fans were in attendance of the annual festivity in Jhubei City, Hsinchu County, the first time that the league holds

the All-Star Game outside of Taipei area.

Chen Shih-chieh also had 23 points for Red Team, consisted of players from Taiwan Beer, Yulon and Pure Youth. Lu Cheng-ju

had 14 points and help Red Team to put the game away early, leading by more than 10 points in the second quarter.

Allen Byron, who won the dunk competition at halftime, had 21 points and 13 rebounds for White Team. Su Yi-chieh had 18

points, including three 3-pointers. Lin Yi-hui had 15 points and Lin Kwan-lun had 11. Tien Lei scored nine.

In other events, the little guys beat the big men team 42-37 in the 'Big vs. Small' exhibition game. Hong Chih-shan of Pure Youth hit five 3-pointers in the 12-minutes exhibition which match-ups players shorter than 180cm against players who are taller than 195cm. Yeah, 195cm or taller is considered 'tall' in this country.

Wu Yong-jen scored 21 points in the final round and won the 3-point shootout for the second time in his career after winning five years ago.

3-point shootout final round
Wu Yong-jen, TM 21 points
Wang Nan-kwei, KKL 16 points
Chen Ching-wen, Dacin 15 points
Chen Shun-hsiang, BOT 13 points

Bank of Taiwan won an interesting event called 'mixed-shooting competition', which has seven teams -- with each team consists of a coach, a younger player and a veteran -- shooting from seven spots on the floor. When a player made a shot from spot A, the team could move on to the next spot with the last spot in halfcourt.

BOT beat Dacin after an extra 'penalty kick' session as Chen Kuo-wei made a halfcourt shot after four seconds while Dacin made one after nine seconds.

The All-Star Game drew the same criticism as it has been in the past years. But it was actually a dilemma. When players did play hard and made the game ugly, fans said that the All-Star Game was supposed to be a show. When these All-Stars tried to have fun on the floor -- just like they did last night when they turned the final three minutes into a dunk exhibition, fans said they didn't respect the game and the ticket buyers.

So what do the players have to do? I have no idea.

Dunk contest was pathetic as always. Except for a couple of dunks, most participants had a hard time finishing dunks or came up with a creative slam.

It's funny but I believe the event that provided the most drama was the mixed-shooting contest.

So the 2009 All-Star Saturday was in the past and we're ready to move on to the second half of the season. The league is moving the games back to Taipei area, a move they think would help media coverage and ticket sales. Let's wait and see.

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

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

THE Q With Spurs forward/center Tim Duncan - by David Edole
Q: You're coming off your 11th All-Star Game. What does it feel like to play in that many?

A: Every year I'm shocked that I continue to be in the starting lineup. I truly mean that.

Q: What's your reaction to your former teammate David Robinson being selected as one of 16 finalists for the Hall of Fame?

A: Easy decision. I'm happy for him. What he has been through over the years, his career, how he has touched people on and off the basketball courts, what he has done, just a great guy and [I'm] glad that it's done for on his first try.

Q: What has he meant to you in your career?

A: Well, he has always been like a big brother to me, ever since Day One walking in there. He has always been my big brother on the court, showing me how things are done off the court, just being there for me.

Q: How did he help develop your game?

A: I think more than anything he helped me develop my game by being there, by being next to me, taking the pressure off me, allowing me to mature and become the player I could be on my own time instead of being forced in there in a situation where I'm the No. 1 pick and have to be the man right off the bat. It was a great situation for me.

- Mary Schmitt Boyer

UVI rolls over UPR-Carolina, 99-85 - by David Edole
THOMAS - The University of the Virgin Islands Buccaneers dominated UPR-Carolina, 99-85, on Friday night at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center for their first home win of the season. The win moves UVI to 2-4 in league play as they enter the second half of the season.

UVI came out strong with an aggressive game, playing quick and furious defense to stymie Carolina and keep them on the perimeter while the Bucs' offense worked the fast break effectively to get inside for easy points.

'It was about defense,' said UVI head coach Sean Georges. 'The movement was there and the guys got the loose balls and we were able to fast break off the turnovers.'

By the end of the first half UVI led, 43-31.

UVI continued to build their lead early the third quarter. Carolina replied with a press defense as time dwindled, but UVI's speed cut through their defense on the way to a 72-50 lead at the end of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter was all about the foul and UVI held up strong through the final minutes under intense defensive pressure.

Kenneth Vialet recorded a quadruple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and 14 turnovers for UVI. Jerrick Amaro followed with 24 points with 12 rebounds. Nashon Jeffers also scored 24 points with five steals and Brandon Varlack scored 21 points with 14 rebounds and four steals.

By SEAN McCOY

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

UKRAINE

Superleague Round: 21 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
BC Donetsk - Khimik 104-101
BC Donetsk needed two overtimes to beat Khimik 104:101. Anthony Tucker (196-F-85, agency: CAA Sports, college: Texas) paced all the winners with 21 points and Owens Haywood nailed 18. Canak Nenad chipped in 23 points in defeat, while Kelly Wykeen had 21 points, 12 boards and 7 assists.

Pulsar - Poltava 81-75
Pulsar beat Poltava 81:75 in another overtime of the round. Ilya Shemosyuk (188-G-85) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Briantsev Dmitri chipped in 15. Sirutavicius Gytis ended up with 21 points in defeat.

Sumykhimpr. - Mykolaiv 71-92
Sumykhimprom lost to Mykolaiv 71:92 in Regular Season Round 21. Jarrius Jackson (188-G-85, college: Texas Tech) and Gladyr Sergiy led the winners with 28 points each. Podorvannyy Yevgeniy and Lekavicius Linas posted 13 points apiece in defeat.

BC Kyiv - Azovmash 57-59
The games between two top teams in Ukarine are always a battle and February 28th was not exception for that. BC Kyiv lost to Azovmash 57:59 again in the last seconds of the game. Simonas Serapinas (197-F-82) paced all the winners with 15 points and Thompson Dijon nailed 12. Markoishvili Manuchar could score the last shot for the win but missed it and finished with 15 points for the hosts.

Standings - Superleague

Superleague Standings

1. BC Kyiv	18-3
2. Azovmash	18-3
3. BC Donetsk	12-8
4. Khimik	11-10
5. Mykolaiv	8-13
6. Pulsar	6-15
7. Sumykhimpr.	5-15
8. Poltava	5-16

Standings - Higher League

UBL Standings

1. Kryvbasbasket	23-8
2. Cherkasy	20-10
3. Budivelnyk	20-10
4. Polit.Lviv	19-11
5. BC Odessa	19-12
6. Dnipro	18-13
7. Ferro-ZNTU	13-18
8. Hoverla	10-20
9. Azoty	7-24
10. Gryfony	4-27

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Anthony TUCKER
  BC Donetsk
  (196-F-85)
  Avg: 20.1

1. Tucker, BC Donetsk	20.1
2. Owens, BC Donetsk	17.7
3. Gladyr, Mykolaiv	16.8
4. Greene, Sumykhim.	16.3
5. Aleksic, BC Donetsk	15.8
6. Ulyanko, Pulsar	15.7
7. Jarutis, Poltava	15.6
8. Clemons, Poltava	15.0
9. Bajramovic, BC Ky.	14.2
10. El-Amin, Azovma.	13.9

Rebounds Per Game

Abdullahi KUSO
  Sumykhimpr.
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 7.7

1. Kuso, Sumykhimpr.	7.7
2. Aleksic, BC Donetsk	7.6
3. Greene, Sumykhim.	7.2
4. Guinn, Poltava	7.0
5. Tucker, BC Donetsk	6.7
6. Thompson, Azovmash	6.6
7. Owens, BC Donetsk	6.1
8. Gumenyuk, Pulsar	6.0
9. Kieza, Poltava	5.8
10. Zuza, Polta.	5.5

Assists Per Game

Andres RODRIGUEZ
  BC Donetsk
  (182-G-81)
  Avg: 7

1. Rodriguez, BC Do.	7.0
2. El-Amin, Azovmash	5.8
3. Kelly, Khimik	3.8
4. Clemons, Poltava	3.4
5. Jarutis, Poltava	3.0
6. Shemosyuk, Pulsar	2.9
7. Butskyy, Sumykhim.	2.8
8. Aleksic, BC Donetsk	2.6
9. Penn, BC Kyiv	2.6
10. Rayevskyy, Myk.	2.6

Steals Per Game

Andres RODRIGUEZ
  BC Donetsk
  (182-G-81)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Rodriguez, BC Do.	3.4
2. Greene, Sumykhim.	2.8
3. Clemons, Poltava	1.9
4. Drozdov, BC Kyiv	1.8
5. El-Amin, Azovmash	1.7
6. Thompson, Azovmash	1.7
7. Famutimi, Khimik	1.6
8. Zabirchenko, BC Do.	1.6
9. Aleksic, BC Donetsk	1.5
10. Guinn, Polta.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Roman GUMENYUK
  Pulsar
  (221-C-87)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Gumenyuk, Pulsar	1.5
2. Blair, Mykolaiv	1.5
3. Rizvic, Azovmash	1.3
4. Lishchuk, Azovmash	1.2
5. Ulyanko, Pulsar	1.0
6. Kuso, Sumykhimpr.	1.0
7. Djapa, Pulsar	1.0
8. Van Den Spie., Azovm.	0.9
9. Kravtsov, BC Kyiv	0.9
10. Guinn, Polta.	0.8

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

UNITED KINGDOM

Standings - BBL

BBL Standings

1. Newcastle E.	18-4
2. Everton T.	17-3
3. Scottish R.	15-7
4. Leicester R.	14-9
5. Plymouth R.	14-10
6. Guildford H.	13-9
7. Cheshire J.	10-13
8. Worthing T.	10-16
9. Worcester W.	10-17
10. MK Lions	9-13
11. Sheffield S.	9-16
12. London C.	1-23

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

VENEZUELA

Cocodrilo's first bite - by Wolfgang Lucena
New York, 02-27-2009. Cocodrilos Del Caracas defeats Panteras de Miranda as visitant 95-86 in the opening of the XXXVI season of the Venezuela's Professional Basketball League. Panteras won the first part of the game 21-26, thanks to its defense system. Cocodrilos went to the locker- room at the end of the first half winning 51-47; Cocodrilos led the third quarter of the game 70-69; to finally win it 95-86. For Cocodrilos, Kevin Freeman (201-F-78, college: Connecticut) and Jesus Centeno (190-G-85) finished the game with 15 points each while Roque Osorio (206-C-76, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) from Panteras was the best player of the opening night with 22 points.

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

Women News

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

CANADA - Women

Windsor and Ottawa clinch OUA West and East titles - by Eurobasket News
Windsor stunned Western 82:61 to claim the OUA West Division title for the first time in their history. The Lancers thus advanced to the CIS national championship that is scheduled to take place in Regina this year. Windsor burst out with a 20:8 run in the opening term to accumulate a confident lead. The Mustangs could not stop offensive onslaught from the hosts as they still trailed by 12 points at the major break 26:38. Alisa Wulff and Dranadia Roc (173-G-84) rocked the court as they ballooned the margin to 25 points soon after the start of the second half. Western sweetened the pill in the fourth period but could not threaten the gap as Windsor coasted to the victory. Dranadia Roc came up with 23 points to lead the Lancers. Alisa Wulff (185-F-84, college: Michigan St.) had 21 points and 7 rebounds in the winning case. The Mustangs were paced by game-high 28 points from Amanda Anderson (173-G). Megan Lapointe (188-F) added 11 points and 9 rebounds for Western in defeat. Windsor will now host Ottawa in the OUA Conference finals.
Ottawa in the meantime outlasted Toronto 68:55 to reach the conference decider. The Gee-Gees were dominant in the opening frame and they closed Torontos offense and won the frame 17:9. Ottawa soon made it 26:12 before the Blues got back to life. They trimmed the margin to 7 points at halftime 21:28. Toronto got even closer in the third period as they shaved the gap to just 5 points with one quarter to go. Ottawa however accounted for 26 points in the fourth term and sealed the winning outcome. Kelly Weir (-G) and Allison Forbes (-G) knocked down 14 points apiece to lead Ottawa. Nicki Schutz (183-F) responded with 11 points and 13 rebounds for the Blues in the loss.

CIS Standings

CIS Standings

Atlantic
1. Memorial	16-4
2. St.Francis X.	16-4
3. Cape Breton	15-5
4. Dalhousie	14-6
5. New Brunsw.	8-12
6. Acadia	7-13
7. St.Mary's	2-18
8. UPEI	2-18
CanWest Central
1. Saskatchewan	18-4
2. Alberta	16-6
3. Calgary	8-14
4. Lethbridge	5-17
CanWest Great Plains
1. Regina	18-4
2. Winnipeg	13-9
3. Manitoba	8-14
4. Brandon	1-21
CanWest Pacific
1. Simon Fraser	22-1
2. Victoria	17-6
3. UBC	13-10
4. Trinity West.	11-12
5. UCFV	4-19
6. Thompson R.	3-20
Quebec League
1. Laval	11-5
2. Bishop's	10-6
3. UQAM	9-7
4. Concordia	5-11
5. Mc Gill	5-11
UOA East
1. Toronto Univ.	17-5
2. Ottawa	15-7
3. Carleton	14-8
4. Mc Master	14-8
5. Laurentian	10-12
6. Ryerson	9-13
7. Queens	7-15
8. York	6-16
9. RMC	1-21
UOA West
1. Windsor	21-1
2. W.Ontario	17-5
3. Laurier	11-11
4. Lakehead	11-11
5. Guelph	9-13
6. Waterloo	7-15
7. Brock	7-15

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FINLAND - Women

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Kieraah MARLOW
  S-Hameen.
  (178-F-85)
  Avg: 23.6

1. Marlow, S-Hameen.	23.6
2. Parker, PuHu	22.3
3. Covington, S-Ham.	20.5
4. Bailey, Huima	20.0
5. Hodges, Huima	19.0
6. Haynes, Espoo Team	19.0
7. Parker, PeKa	17.9
8. Gidden, HoNsU	17.7
9. Pellom, FoA	17.5
10. Frasier, F.	17.2

Rebounds Per Game

Vanessa GIDDEN
  HoNsU
  (191-C-85)
  Avg: 14.1

1. Gidden, HoNsU	14.1
2. Covington, S-Ham.	14.0
3. Roukanoja, PuHu	12.2
4. Haynes, Espoo Team	11.8
5. Robinson, Huima	11.7
6. Triggs, PeKa	11.2
7. Jones, BC Nokia	10.7
8. Yates, BC Nokia	10.5
9. Freeman, PeKa	9.9
10. Solovyeva, Ca.	9.8

Assists Per Game

Vilma KESANEN
  Catz
  (172-G-88)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Kesanen, Catz	3.5
2. Pellom, FoA	3.2
3. Piipari, Catz	3.0
4. DeCoud, HoNsU	2.6
5. Rivers, PeKa	2.5
6. Haynes, Espoo Team	2.5
7. Frasier, FoA	2.5
8. Parker, PuHu	2.4
9. Jamsen, Huima	2.3
10. Covington, S-H.	2.3

Steals Per Game

Erneisha BAILEY
  Huima
  (175-G-86)
  Avg: 4

1. Bailey, Huima	4.0
2. DeCoud, HoNsU	3.8
3. Haynes, Espoo Team	3.4
4. Collier, HoNsU	3.2
5. Pellom, FoA	3.1
6. Reshetko, Catz	3.0
7. Vapamaa, S-Hameen.	2.9
8. Allen, Espoo Team	2.9
9. Haynes, Catz	2.8
10. Covington, S-H.	2.7

Blocks Per Game

Vanessa GIDDEN
  HoNsU
  (191-C-85)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Gidden, HoNsU	1.8
2. Roukanoja, PuHu	1.5
3. Solovyeva, Catz	1.3
4. Sten, Catz	1.2
5. Triggs, PeKa	1.2
6. Tuure, Catz	1.0
7. Reshetko, Catz	1.0
8. Allen, Espoo Team	1.0
9. Scott, Catz	0.9
10. Parker, Pu.	0.7

D1 Round: 2 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
S-Hameen. - Huima 85-69
S-Hameenmaa revenged for the first lost in the Quarter-Finals Round 1 and beat Huima 85:69 in Game 2. Jazz Covington (185-F-85, college: Louisville) paced all the winners with 25 points and 20 boards, while Marlow Kieraah collected 22 points and 12 rebounds. France Kalika had 17 points and 12 caroms in defeat.

FoA - PeKa 71-88
PeKa made the series 2-0 over FoA after 88:71 road win. Dionne Pounds (174-F-84, college: Lamar) was impressive with 28 points, while Freeman Shanika shined with 22 points and 20 rebounds. Jahilo Juta top-scored for the hosts with 22 points and 10 caroms.

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GERMANY - Women

Standings - Women

DBBL Standings

1. Wasserburg	16-3
2. Saarlouis	15-4
3. Halle	13-6
4. Marburg	11-8
5. Oberhausen	11-8
6. Donau-Ries	10-9
7. Herner	8-11
8. Goettingen	7-12
9. Freiburg	6-13
10. Leipzig	6-13
11. Wolfenbuttel	6-13
12. Chemnitz	5-14

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ITALY - Women

Standings A2 Women - by Juliane Hoehne

A2 Standings

North
1. Cavezzo	18-2
2. Lucca	17-3
3. Marghera	15-5
4. Udine	15-5
5. Reggio Emilia	13-7
6. Bologna	11-9
7. Montigarda	8-12
8. Bolzano	8-12
9. Biassono	7-13
10. Cervia	6-14
11. Broni	6-14
12. San Martino	6-14
13. San Bonifacio	5-15
14. Crema	5-15
South
1. Pontedera	16-2
2. Pomezia	12-6
3. Ancona	12-6
4. Cagliari CUS	12-6
5. Cagliari Tr.	11-7
6. S.Elpidio	10-8
7. Napoli	10-8
8. Siena	8-10
9. Chieti	8-10
10. Alcamo	7-11
11. Firenze	6-12
12. Rende	6-12
13. Alghero	5-13
14. La Spezia	3-15

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LEBANON - Women

Round 12 of the Lebanese League - by Maarouf Mawloud

Homentmen A. hosted Homentmen B. who didn't have any difficulty to win the game with a final score 46-65 by 19 pts
This round will continue Sunday 2/3/2009,first one between Al Riyadi v/s Anibal Zahleh at 18.00 in Al-Manara...and the second one between Antoura against Al muttahed..and this game must be an importante and difficult game for both team this game will be at 20.30 in La Toure Antoora..

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POLAND - Women

Stats Leaders - PLKK

Points Per Game

Ashley SHIELDS
  Duda Leszno
  (178-G-85)
  Avg: 17.7

1. Shields, Duda L.	17.7
2. Coleman, AZS J.	17.5
3. Kobryn, Wisla C.	16.6
4. Zohnova, AZS G.	16.5
5. Sissoko, MUKS P.	15.7
6. Mieloszynska, CCC	15.1
7. Carter, CCC	14.2
8. Krawiec, Energa T.	13.9
9. Breitreiner, AZS G.	13.9
10. Rushing, MUKS.	13.9

Rebounds Per Game

Djenebou SISSOKO
  MUKS Pozn.
  (190-F/C-82)
  Avg: 13.2

1. Sissoko, MUKS P.	13.2
2. Robbins, CCC	10.8
3. Beachem, MUKS P.	10.3
4. Petillon, Cukierki	10.3
5. Kobryn, Wisla C.	8.9
6. Carter, CCC	8.8
7. Merideth, AZS J.	8.2
8. Atkinson, Utex Row	8.1
9. Aleliunaite-J., Inea A.	7.5
10. Moore, Energa.	7.4

Assists Per Game

Agata GAJDA
  CCC
  (174-G-80)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Gajda, CCC	4.5
2. Wlazlak, LKS	3.6
3. Marchanka, Lotos P.	3.6
4. Skerovic, Wisla C.	3.5
5. Richards, AZS G.	3.4
6. Atkinson, Utex Row	3.3
7. Kenig, LKS	3.0
8. Howard, Inea A.	2.9
9. Czubak, AZS Gorzow	2.9
10. Rushing, MUKS.	2.8

Steals Per Game

La'Tangela ATKINSON
  Utex Row
  (188-G/F-84)
  Avg: 4.4

1. Atkinson, Utex Row	4.4
2. Krysiewicz, Duda L.	3.8
3. Gajda, CCC	3.7
4. Shields, Duda L.	3.5
5. Moore, Energa T.	3.4
6. Ristic, AZS J.	3.3
7. Beachem, MUKS P.	3.3
8. Rushing, MUKS P.	3.3
9. Koryzna, LKS	3.1
10. Petillon, Cukier.	3.0

Blocks Per Game

DeTrina WHITE
  Duda Leszno
  (180-F-80)
  Avg: 2.3

1. White, Duda Leszno	2.3
2. Coulibaly, MUKS P.	2.0
3. Taylor, AZS Gorzow	1.9
4. Aleliunaite-J., Inea A.	1.8
5. Palka, Wisla C.	1.6
6. Walich, Inea A.	1.2
7. Moore, Energa T.	1.2
8. Atkinson, Utex Row	1.0
9. Beachem, MUKS P.	1.0
10. Robbins, C.	0.9

Standings - PLKK

PLKK Standings

1. Lotos PKO BP	18-2
2. Wisla Can-Pak	17-4
3. AZS Gorzow	16-3
4. CCC	15-4
5. Energa Torun	12-9
6. Inea AZS P.	11-10
7. Utex Row	10-10
8. Duda Leszno	10-12
9. AZS J.Gora	7-14
10. Cukierki	6-16
11. MUKS Pozn.	5-14
12. LKS	3-17
13. PTK Pabian.	2-17

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SERBIA - Women

Round 17- Skoric & Moraca MVPs - by Zoran Bogdanovic
Two players of Celarevo, Maja Skoric (184-F-89) & Marina Moraca (180-F-85), in the match against Usce scored 49 pts and grabed 30 rebounds both.
CRVENA ZVEZDA - RADIVOJ KORAC 81:49 ( 15:16 , 19:13 , 25:5 , 22:15 )
CRVENA ZVEZDA: Musovic 16 pts, Maksimovic 16 pts, Vasovic 14 pts
RADIVOJ KORAC : Vukovic 11 pts & 7 rbs, Kravic 10
PROLETER-PARTIZAN 75:78 ( 21:21 , 19:21 , 16:15 , 19:21 )
PROLETER : Vidacic 24 pts & 12 rbs, Gobeljic 14pts, Caran 11 pts, Varagic 11 pts
PARTIZAN : Jankovic 28 pts, Stjepanovic 15 pts & 11 rbs
KRALJEVO - VOJVODINA NIS 74:82 ( 19:20 , 21:19 , 18:21 , 16:22 )
KRALJEVO : Velisavljevic25 pts, Jessie Christine 12 pts, Ckvoric 12 pts
VOJVODINA : Vukovic 17 pts, Vukoje 16 pts, Scekic 14 pts, Stupar 11 pts, Bajic 10 pts
USCE CELAREVO 74:88 ( 15:22 , 25:16 , 18:25 , 16:25 )
USCE : Sarvan 13 pts, Djekic 12 pts, Devic12 pts, Traljic 12 pts, Mlinar 10 pts
CELAREVO : Maja Skoric 29 pts & 17 rbs, Marina Moraca 20 pts & 13 rbs, Radisic 13 pts, Krnjetin 11 pts
SPARTAK-LOZNICA 69:59 ( 17:19 , 19:16 , 16:15 , 17:9 )
SPARTAK : Erak 22 pts & 10 rbs
LOZNICA : Markovic 16 pts, Matic 12 pts, Jugovic 10 pts
KOVIN - HEMOFARM STADA 61:99 ( 20:24 , 16:28 , 12:23 , 13:24 )

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SPAIN - Women

PDV-Ibiza still haven't decided about future of Jordi Fernandez - by Ivan Villar
Victor Torres,manager of Ibiza's team,is still thinking about future of team.His coach,Jordi Fernandez ,takes five seasons making a good job in island team.But budget's trouble arrived to Ibiza too.It's possible that team takes a new path.Ibiza is suffering a lot of trouble with injures this season.They are thinking of building a longer roster for next season.Nowday they have 8 players and the aim for next season would be to sign 11 players.So Ibiza PDV wait until the season ends for planning its future.

Estudiantes changes Leash Rush by Nickky Teasley - by Ivan Villar
Yesterday was last day for new signings in spanish leagues.Estudiantes Madrid is fighting to avoid last positions of table.They decided to fire the center Leash Rush and signed Nikki Teasley (183-G-79, college: N.Carolina).New player is an american shooting guard who won WNBA championship with Los Angeles Sparks in 2002.Her principal skill is the shoot from long distance.So rosters of teams are closed until the end of season.Leash Rush didn't have great performances so the team bet for small player.

Rosi Sanchez comes back to Gran Canaria - by Ivan Villar
Gran Canaria is other team which is in danger place to move down to LF2.They decided to sign Rosi Sanchez (175-G-74) last day of signings.The shooting guard was playing in italian team of Taranto which fired San Jose Leon this week of FIBA Eurocup.Gran Canaria is glad to have Rosi Sanchez again in the team.She played in island team a few years ago so she knows the club and the league very well.She will be able to play today against Celta Vigo.This game will be a new final for players of Domingo Diaz.Gran Canaria is still placing last position of LF.

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SWEDEN - Women

No.1 Vikings win in Round 20 opener - by Eurobasket News
Solna Vikings - Umea Comets 81-55

Solna Vikings celebrated against Umea Comets 81-55 in the opening game of Round 20. It means that the Vikings are currently on top of Damligan with 18-3 record. 08 Stockholm will have a chance to reach the same numbers today, while Lulea BBK will have opportunity to do it tomorrow against Norrkoping. This time Solna Vikings got the most from Jurgita Kausaite (178-G/F-70, college: Emporia St.), 23 points. Jannie Nasstrom (173-G-78) and Katarina Andersson were behind her with 12 points apiece. On the other side Anna Osterman (181-F/C) led the scorers with 20 points. Amy Mohr (186-C, college: Fort Lewis) had 19 and Ida Sodersten (172-G-83) netted 11 pts. Interesting is that none of the other players in Umea Comets had more that 2 pts. The Vikings were slightly better in the first quarter grabbing 4-point lead, 22-18. It turned out that the next frame was the crucial one in this game. Jurgita Kausaite and her teammates managed to stay on high level in offense, while at the same time they intensified defense. The Comets were able to score just 8 points in this period meaning that the hosts already made plus 18. At that point of game it was already clear that the Vikings will be at least one day on top of Damligan alone. They slowed down in the second half playing as much as it was necessary to stay on a safe distance.

Solna Vikings: Jurgita Kausaite 23, Jannie Nasstrom 12, Katarina Andersson 12,
Umea Comets: Anna Osterman 20, Amy Mohr 19, Ida Sodersten 11

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women

VI Lady Bucs 55, Carolina 53 - by David Edole
The UVI Lady Bucs fought to their second straight home win against rival UPR-Carolina on Friday night. UVI held the lead for the majority of the game, but a few mistakes during the final minutes let Carolina edge back into the game before UVI ultimately prevailed, 55-53.

'Once again, Carolina and us and it's down to the wire,' said UVI head coach Curtis Gilpin. 'They are becoming our biggest rival.'

UVI earned an early lead leaning on their significant height advantage to dominate the boards and build a 26-16 halftime lead.

But as the second half progressed, 5-foot-2-inch Carolina point guard Angelica Nolasco gave the Lady Bucs fits as she worked toward her game-high 25 points and pulled Carolina back into the game.

'If she was seven inches taller she'd be in the WNBA,' Gilpin said.

Carolina briefly took the lead with four minutes to play, but UVI quickly took it back and held on through the last minute of hard fouling to get the win.

Angelina Prince dominated the paint for UVI, scoring 20 points and 17 rebounds with four steals. Tiffany Reddick followed 15 points with 11 rebounds and Teal Hetrick added 12 points from the point guard spot.

Dayana Rivera scored 19 points for Carolina.

The Lady Bucs play Sacred Heart University at 6:30 p.m. tonight at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center. The men's squads will face each other at 8:30 p.m.

Antilles Lady Hurricanes stop CAHS to avenge earlier defeat - by David Edole
ST. THOMAS - The high school girls varsity basketball season saw a rebound of sorts on Friday night at Charlotte Amalie High School.

One week after the Lady Chickenhawks handed Antilles School a 30-point loss, the Lady Hurricanes charged back to win one of their own and even out the regular season standings with the season winding down and championship hopes high for both teams.

The Hurricanes played an aggressive game against the formidable Chickenhawks to win, 42-38.

'It was a long time coming. This team has been beating us,' said Antilles School head coach Derek Heyliger. 'I told the seniors yesterday lets go out fighting. We were going to make them earn it.'

Charlotte Amalie High School has dominated Antilles throughout the season, winning 5 of 7 counting tournament play. The teams are now 1-1 against each other in the regular season and neither team has lost another regular season game.

Victoria Hamilton led Antilles with 19 points and was crucial during the final minutes when she took several hard fouls that led to points. Julia Casazza scored 11 points including two 3-pointers during the third quarter to help Antilles take the lead.

Lashanda Creque led the Chickenhawks with 12 points.

The Chickenhawks had several opportunities to pull ahead in the final minutes of the game but had trouble from the free-throw line all night, missing 15 from the charity stripe.

'I think mentally we weren't prepared to play,' said Chickenhawks head coach Myron Corbett. 'If you miss all these free throws and aren't mentally focused, you can be beat.'

Corbett said that his team will refocus their efforts for the next contest with Antilles.

'Next game, you will see what our mental approach to the game will be,' he said.

By SEAN McCOY