Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 3/24/2010

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Men News

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ARGENTINA

Liga A week recap - by Facundo Iatzky
Just two rounds ahead and a lot of things to be decided. In the top of the standings Penarol will be the number one of the regular season unless they loose their two games and atenas won both of them. Then libertad and sionista are the ones who have more chances to qualify directly to quarterfinals. In the bottom, Central Entrerriano will be in the last place and BB estudiantes and Quilmes got important victories and they are the ones with more chances to escape of the last 4 places. They face each other in the last round!

best 5 round 28:
Diego Lo Grippo (198-F-78)
Carlos Schattmann (194-G-87)
Pablo Sebastian Rodriguez (188-G-78)
Gregory Lewis (198-F-78, college: Winthrop)
Laron Profit (196-G/F-77, agency: Buck Andre, college: Maryland)

best 5 round 27:
Terrell Taylor (203-C-81, agency: Liman Sports, college: Virginia Tech)
Hakeem Rollins (202-C/F-83, agency: Liman Sports, college: Washington)
Diego Lo Grippo (198-F-78)
Pedro Franco (187-G-81)
Chuck Robinson

(201-F-72, college: E.Carolina)

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AUSTRIA

A Bundesliga Round: 6 (Second Stage) - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Furstenfeld - Wels 89-90
Wels crushed No.1 Furstenfeld on the road mostly owing to Bruce Fields

(197-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Gardner-Webb), who came up with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Tilo Klette (205-C/F-77), Trenton Meacham and Rasheed Brokenborough also had very important roles with 17 pts each. The Panthers got 27 points and 10 rebounds from Desmond Penigar. Wels 20-8, Furstenfeld 24-4.

Arkadia - Gmunden 77-75
Arkadia grabbed thriller win against Gumnden improving to 15-13 in Austrian top division. Terrence Roderick (198-G-88, agency: Interperformances, college: UAB) this time was a key player in Arkadia collecting 25 points and 11 rebounds. Vilmantas Dilys (208-F-87, agency: Interperformances) followed with 13 pts and 7 rebs. In Gmunden (21-7), Dan Oppland had 24 points and 6 boards.

Klosterneub. - Kapfenberg 76-60
Klosterneuburg blasted Kapfenberg in the last game of Round Six (second stage). Christoph Nagler (194-G-84) led the hosts with 17 points and 5 rebounds, Matthew Rachar (202-F-86) scored 13 and Curtis Bobb helped with 11 pts, plus 6 assists. Visitors got 20 points from Kevin Nelson. Klosterneuburg 21-7, Kapfenberg 15-13.

Group B

UBSC Graz - Vienna 77-70
Mihajlo Pesic (206-F/C-81, agency: Court Side) led UBSC Graz to victory with 27 points and 12 rebounds. Christoph Knor (194-F-85) also shined in this game netting 22 points. In the loosing squad, Stjepan Stazic collected 22 points and 6 rebs. Graz 3-25, Vienna 7-21.

St.Polten - Oberwart 77-84
14-14 for Oberwart and 15-13 for top-ranked St Polten. Anthony Paez (198-F-84, agency: JEMsports, college: Stephen F. Austin) shined for the winners with 26 points and 5 rebounds. Richard Poiger (206-F-87) answered with 24 points in defeat.

Gussing - Worthersee 90-72
Gussing had Frank Richards in a game mood with 28 points. Jean Francois (197-F-80, college: Georgia Southern) and Marcus Heard (201-F-84, college: DePaul) followed him with 18 and 16 points respectively. On the other side, Samo Grum delivered 24 pts. Gussing 9-19, Worthersee 4-24.

Standings - A Bundesliga

A Standings

Group A
1. Furstenfeld	24-4
2. Gmunden	21-7
3. Klosterneub.	21-7
4. Wels	20-8
5. Arkadia	15-13
6. Kapfenberg	15-13
Group B
1. St.Polten	15-13
2. Oberwart	14-14
3. Gussing	9-19
4. Vienna	7-21
5. Worthersee	4-24
6. UBSC Graz	3-25

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin HOUSTON
  Arkadia
  (193-G/F-76)
  Avg: 22.2

1. Houston, Arkadia	22.2
2. Mayes, Gmunden	20.8
3. Francois, Gussing	19.3
4. Mahalbasic, Worth.	18.6
5. Paez, Oberwart	18.5
6. Roderick, Arkadia	18.5
7. Penigar, Furstenf.	18.4
8. Nelson, Kapfenberg	17.6
9. Nagler, Klostern.	17.2
10. Dilys, Arkadia	16.8

Rebounds Per Game

Jason JOHNSON
  Oberwart
  (202-F/C-77)
  Avg: 9

1. Johnson, Oberwart	9.0
2. Mahalbasic, Worth.	8.4
3. Houston, Arkadia	8.2
4. Penigar, Furstenf.	8.0
5. Conley, Wels	7.8
6. McCandies, Worth.	7.7
7. Forrestal, UBSC G.	7.6
8. Heard, Gussing	7.3
9. Moric, Klostern.	6.8
10. Oppland, Gmunden	6.6

Assists Per Game

Ian BOYLAN
  Gmunden
  (197-G/F-83)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Boylan, Gmunden	5.3
2. Schreiner, St.Po.	5.0
3. Danek, Arkadia	4.9
4. Woschank, Kapfe.	4.4
5. Lanegger, UBSC G.	4.2
6. Zeleznik, UBSC G.	4.1
7. Creddle, Klostern.	3.9
8. O''Neal, Vienna	3.8
9. Richards, Gussing	3.7
10. Conley, Wels	3.2

Steals Per Game

Thomas SCHREINER
  St.Polten
  (195-G-87)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Schreiner, St.Po.	2.2
2. Payton, Vienna	2.1
3. Roderick, Arkadia	2.1
4. O''Neal, Vienna	2.0
5. Penigar, Furstenf.	1.9
6. Boylan, Gmunden	1.9
7. Zeleznik, UBSC G.	1.8
8. Richards, Gussing	1.6
9. Jandl, St.Polten	1.6
10. Fields, Wels	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Shelton COLWELL
  Furstenfeld
  (202-F-80)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Colwell, Furstenfeld	1.4
2. Heard, Gussing	1.2
3. Anderson, Vienna	1.0
4. Mahalbasic, Worth.	0.8
5. Roderick, Arkadia	0.7
6. Bralovic, Arkadia	0.7
7. Levy, Oberwart	0.6
8. Francois, Gussing	0.6
9. Kohlmaier, St.Polten	0.6
10. Youngblood, Furstenf.	0.6

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BELGIUM

Scavolini bruise Antwerp in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Scavolini - Antwerp 92:76

EuroChallenge quarterfinal series visited Pesaro. Local Scavolini eased past Antwerp for the initial win in the best-of-three series. Eric Williams (206-C-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) notched 22 points to pace the home team. The series will now move to Antwerp for the second game on March 25.
Roel Moors

(188-G-78, agency: Agency No 10) and Gay opened the game with five quick points but Scavolini quickly denied the deficit. The hosts went on an 11:0 run to take over. Scavolini raced to a 28:15 lead at the first break. Scavolini kept their opponents at bay throughout the second term. Eric Williams knocked down 10 points in the period as Scavolini ensured a 48:37 advantage at halftime. Scavolini stretched the lead to as many as 17 points midway through the third frame. Joksimovic and Cinciarini gave the hosts a 74:55 lead with ten minutes to go. The Giants could trim the deficit at 12 points but Scavolini quickly stopped the bleeding and rolled to the win at the end.
Michael Hicks (193-G-76, college: Texas A&M - C.C.) knocked down 15 points for the winners. Marques Green (170-G-82, college: St.Bonaventure) nailed 12 points for the Pesaro team. Christophe Beghin

(207-F-80, agency: Court Side) responded with 22 points for Antwerp. Roel Moors had 14 points in the loss.

Scavolini: Eric Williams 22, Michael Hicks 15, Marques Green 12
Antwerp: Christophe Beghin 22, Roel Moors 14

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BRAZIL

Standings - BNL

NBB Standings

1. Flamengo	18-4
2. Universo/BRB	17-5
3. Pitagoras/Minas	16-6
4. Vivo/Franca	16-8
5. Ciser/Joinville	13-9
6. S.Jose/Vinac	12-11
7. Pinheiros/Sky	11-11
8. Amigao/Assis	10-12
9. GRSA/Bauru	9-12
10. Paulistano	8-14
11. Palmeiras/Lupo	8-15
12. CETAF	8-15
13. Londrina	6-15
14. Saldanha	4-19

Saldanha shock Universo/BRB in NBB Round 24 - by Eurobasket News
Saldanha claimed a surprising home win over Universo/BRB in Round 24. Amiel Vega Morejon (202-F-76, college: Merritt JC) scored 20 points to lead Saldanha to a 76:75 win. It was just the fourth success for the hosts in the season. Universo/BRB lived up to their status in the first half. They earned a 4-point lead and stretched the margin at 12 points with one quarter to go. But Saldanha turned things upside down in the fourth quarter pulling away with a tough victory. Roberto Ferreira (196-F/C-79) scored 15 points in the winning effort. Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) accounted for 20 points for Universo/BRB. Valtinho Silva and Arthur Luiz Belchior added 13 points each in defeat.
Flamengo used the loss of Universo/BRB to clear off on top of the standings. Marcelinho Machado (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) knocked down 34 points to lead Flamengo to a 98:71 win over Palmeiras. Helio Vitor Lima contributed 16 points for the winners. Arnaldinho Filho (187-G-78) responded with 27 points for Palmeiras.
Pitagoras/Minas got closer to the league leaders as they narrowly defeated CETAF 72:69 for the 16th win. Minas capitalized on a storming first frame when they were able to build a 14-point advantage. Facundo Sucatzky (176-G-72) had 16 points in the win. Christopher Jeffries (199-F-80, college: Wash.-St.Louis) accounted for 15 points in the victory. Magen McNeil (198-F-83, college: Arcadia) responded with 16 points for CETAF.

Canadian will play in Brazil - by Paulo Freire
The Novo Milenio tournament began this weekend, This is a tournament for teams that do not play the national championship, The NBB. Most of the teams use the tournament as preparation for the state championship in Sao Paulo.

Canadian Andrew Parker is the newest member of the Rio Claro Basketball Team. The player who is 1.96 m in height arrived in Brazil on Sunday (March 21) and has already joined the group. Parker will must play the Small forward position and his debut is planned for the game against Paraiso Basketball on Sunday (March 28), since his documentation is already settled.

A graduate of the University of Alberta in 2007-08 when he averaged 10.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists. In the 2008-2009 season the athlete has gone through 3 differents teams: the City Basket Recklinghausen second division of Germany, then did some tests in France in Aix-Maurienne Savoie Basket (ProB), and played in the Edmonton Energy (IBL - independent league of the USA and Canada).

Team directors is expected the arrival of a new foreign, this time an American to lead the team on the point guard position. With a roster with some new faces, mix with young and experienced athletes, it is expected that the general public will come to the games to the team that represents the city.
Full Roster:

Atilio de Mello (203-C-82)

Thiago Mathias (206-F-89, college: N.Mexico JC)

Thiago Pereira (188-G-82)

Bruninho Langsdorff (188-G-85)

Leo Alves (202-F/C-75)

Ulisses Lima (192-F-85)

Gabriel Garcia (208-C)

Juliano Randal (87)

Vinicius Dione (196-F/C-87)

Andrew Parker (196-G-83)

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BULGARIA

Standings A2

Division A Standings

1. Overgas	10-2
2. Vidabasket	9-3
3. Beroe SZ	9-3
4. Dunav 2007	7-4
5. Sliven	7-5
6. NSA	3-8
7. Sportist Svoge	1-11
8. Chavdar	1-11

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CANADA

CCAA Standings

CCAA Standings

1. Algonquin	0-0
2. Vanier	0-0
3. Durham	0-0
4. Champlain	0-0
5. St.Thomas	0-0
6. Trent	0-0
7. Nipissing	0-0
8. Seneca	0-0
9. St.Clair	0-0
10. Camosun	0-0
11. Niagara Coll.	0-0
12. Dawson Coll.	0-0
13. Centennial	0-0
14. Georgian Coll.	0-0
15. Oakwood	0-0
16. Grant McEwan	0-0
17. Medicine Hat	0-0
18. Sault College	0-0
19. Lakeland Coll.	0-0
20. Moncton	0-0

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CHILE

Beltramella is the new head coach for Deportivo Valdivia - by Daniel Valencia
The argentinian Marcos Beltramella became the new head coach for Deportivo Valdivia, replacing Juan Manuel Cordoba , who is now the head coach for the Chilean National Team.

Beltramella has coaching experience in Chile with Deportes Ancud, CD Puente Alto and also with minor series of the National Team.

Deportivo Valdivia finished the past Dimayor season in the second place, losing the finals against Liceo Mixto 4-0.

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COSTA RICA

Standings - D1

LBS Standings

1. Cartago	0-0
2. Liceo	0-0
3. Escazu	0-0
4. UCR	0-0
5. Barva	0-0
6. Perez Zeledon	0-0
7. San Luis G.	0-0
8. ARBA San Ram.	0-0

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CROATIA

Standings - Ozujsko A1 League

A1 Standings

Group A
1. Svjetlost	1-0
2. Zadar	1-0
3. Trogir	0-0
4. KK Zagreb CO	0-0
5. Cibona	0-0
6. Cedevita	0-0
7. Zabok	0-1
8. Darda	0-1
Group B
1. KK Split	2-0
2. Dubrava	2-0
3. Dubrovnik	1-1
4. Borik	1-1
5. Kastela	0-2
6. Sibenik	0-2

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

Toni BIZACA
  Trogir
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 25.3

1. Bizaca, Trogir	25.3
2. Vragovic, Dubrava	21.1
3. Spahija, Svjetlost	18.8
4. Mrva, Borik	16.5
5. Filipovic, Sibenik	16.5
6. Bilan, Sibenik	16.0
7. Krolo, Darda	15.5
8. Sakic, Dubrava	14.7
9. Cosic, Svjetlost	14.5
10. Krapic, Zabok	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

Miro BILAN
  Sibenik
  (212-F-89)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Bilan, Sibenik	10.4
2. Spahija, Svjetlost	10.3
3. Bizaca, Trogir	7.9
4. Vukicevic, Svjetlost	7.3
5. Sakic, Dubrava	7.1
6. Rahimic, Sibenik	7.0
7. Krolo, Darda	6.9
8. Krapic, Zabok	6.8
9. Macura, KK Split	6.8
10. Maric, Dubrava	6.7

Assists Per Game

Luka PETKOVIC
  Siroki Eronet
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Petkovic, Sibenik	6.1
2. Sumic, KK Split	4.4
3. Tomeljak, Zabok	4.1
4. Cosic, Svjetlost	3.9
5. Norac, Svjetlost	3.6
6. Camagajevac, Darda	3.5
7. Blajic, Trogir	3.4
8. Bosnjak, Dubrava	3.2
9. Radic, Dubrovnik	3.2
10. Bubalo, Sibenik	3.0

Steals Per Game

Vinko BOSNJAK
  Dubrava
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Bosnjak, Dubrava	2.5
2. Sumic, KK Split	2.5
3. Norac, Svjetlost	2.4
4. Petkovic, Sibenik	2.3
5. Blajic, Trogir	1.9
6. Tomeljak, Zabok	1.9
7. Cosic, Svjetlost	1.8
8. Kruslin, Dubrovnik	1.7
9. Katic, KK Split	1.7
10. Bizaca, Trogir	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Jere MACURA
  KK Split
  (205-F-80)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Macura, KK Split	1.6
2. Bilan, Sibenik	1.1
3. Sobin, KK Split	1.1
4. Bizaca, Trogir	0.9
5. Vladovic, Sibenik	0.8
6. Culjak, Dubrava	0.7
7. Kamaldin, Darda	0.7
8. Krolo, Darda	0.7
9. Ridl, Darda	0.6
10. Spahija, Svjetlost	0.6

Krasnye Krylia celebrate victory in Croatia - by Eurobasket News
Zagreb - Krasnye Krylia 77:81

Krasnye Krylia ensured a perfect start to their EuroChallenge quarterfinal series. The Russian team stole a narrow road win against Zagreb and would have a chance to advance into the semis when they host their opponents on March 25. Ernest Bremer (196-G-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: St.Bonaventure) tallied 21 points, 5 boards and 5 assists to lead the visitors.
Krasnye Krylia quickly jumped in front in this one. They stayed in charge throughout the starting quarter and secured a 21:14 lead at the first break. But Zagreb opened the second period with a 9:0 run to spur in front. The teams traded baskets throughout the reminder of the half. Marcus Douthit

(211-F/C-80, college: Providence) scored the final six points of the visitors in the half giving Krasnye Krylia a 38:36 halftime advantage. Krasnye Krylia quickly boosted the margin at 10 points early in the third frame. Zagreb got as close as three points before Ernest Bremer and Karaulov sealed the third quarter outcome at 65:56. Damir Mulaomerovic

(195-G-74, agency: FCM) and Simon kept Zagreb hopes alive. Flores and Biggs accounted for 7 points in the final two minutes of the game propelling Krasnye Krylia to the victory.
Marcus Douthit knocked down 16 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for the winning side. Valdas Vasylius (203-F-83, college: ODU) added 15 points for Krasnye Krylia. Damir Mulaomerovic and Luka Zoric

(211-C/F-84) delivered 22 points each for Zagreb.

Zagreb: Damir Mulaomerovic 22, Luka Zoric 22
Krasnye Krylia: Ernest Bremer 21, Marcus Douthit 16+15 boards, Valdas Vasylius 15

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CUBA

Standings - LSB

LSB Standings

1. Capitalinos	22-6
2. Ciego de Avila	22-6
3. Camaguey	20-8
4. Guantanamo	17-11
5. Matanzas	12-16
6. Pinar	11-17
7. Holguin	5-23
8. Santiago	3-25

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CYPRUS

Roanne too good for APOEL - by Eurobasket News
Roanne - APOEL 89:67

Roanne took the lead in the EuroChallenge quarterfinal series versus APOEL. The French team claimed a comprehensive win in the opening game of the series at home. Ralph Mims

(191-G-85, college: Florida St.) accounted for 19 points and 7 assists to lead the hosts.
The game was pretty much done in the first half. Roanne took over and controlled the tempo in the first part of the encounter. Lewis and David Noel (198-G/F-84, college: N.Carolina) gave the hosts a 19:13 lead at the first intermission. Roanne consolidated the lead in the second period as Diabate made it 40:25 with a three-pointer. Phillips, Mickael Mokongo (180-G-86, agency: ACMT) and Dozet exploded with three-pointers late in the half to cut the distance to 11 points 34:45. But Roanne persisted after the major break. Seven straight points from David Noel ensured a 62:36 lead for the home team. Roanne entered the fourth term ahead by 19 points and never looked back en route to the victory.
Uchenna Nsonwu

(208-F/C-78, agency: Beo Basket, college: Wyoming) provided 14 points and 7 rebounds for Roanne. David Noel added 13 points, 5 boards and 4 assists in the victory. Mickael Mokongo responded with 12 points and 7 rebounds for APOEL. Rick Hughes (204-C/F-73, agency: Interperformances, college: Thomas More) had 11 points and 7 caroms in defeat.

Roanne: Ralph Mims 19, Uchenna Nsonwu 14, David Noel 13
APOEL: Mickael Mokongo 12, Rick Hughes 11

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D-LEAGUE

Standings

D-League Standings

Central Division
1. Iowa E.	35-11
2. Sioux Falls S.	27-17
3. Dakota W.	26-19
4. Erie Bay H.	18-27
5. Ft.Wayne MA	16-27
Southwest Division
1. Rio Grande	31-13
2. Austin T.	27-16
3. Maine R.Claws	27-18
4. Tulsa 66ers	24-20
5. Albuquerque	18-28
West Division
1. Utah F.	23-21
2. Idaho S.	22-22
3. Reno Bighorns	21-21
4. Bakersfield J.	16-28
5. Los Angeles D.	14-28
6. Springfield A.	7-37

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Malik HAIRSTON
  San Antonio S.
  (198-G-87)
  Avg: 29.1

1. Hairston, Austin T.	29.1
2. Harris, Rio Grande	27.1
3. Almond, Springfi.	26.8
4. Williams, Sioux F.	26.4
5. Farmer, Reno B.	23.2
6. Johnson, Sioux F.	22.9
7. Powell, Albuquerque	22.2
8. Taylor, Idaho S.	21.8
9. McLeod, Albuquer.	21.7
10. Gee, Austin T.	21.0

Rebounds Per Game

Dwayne JONES
  Austin T.
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 16

1. Jones, Austin T.	16.0
2. Dorsey, Rio Grande	13.2
3. Butch, Bakersfi.	11.6
4. Tolliver, Idaho S.	11.4
5. Johnson, Sioux F.	11.3
6. Harris, Rio Grande	10.4
7. Barron, Iowa E.	10.0
8. Bryant, Erie Bay H.	9.9
9. Kurz, Ft.Wayne MA	9.8
10. Reiner, Ft.Wayne.	9.7

Assists Per Game

Curtis STINSON
  Iowa E.
  (187-G-83)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Stinson, Iowa E.	10.9
2. Conroy, Rio Grande	10.1
3. Blalock, Reno B.	7.5
4. Jackson, Erie B.	7.5
5. Shakur, Tulsa 66ers	7.2
6. Barrett, Idaho S.	7.1
7. Curry, Springfield A.	7.1
8. Dickau, Ft.Wayne.	7.1
9. Gaines, Idaho S.	6.9
10. Lafayette, Ft.Wayne.	6.2

Steals Per Game

Orien GREENE
  Utah F.
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Greene, Utah F.	2.6
2. Shakur, Tulsa 66ers	2.3
3. Gaines, Idaho S.	2.3
4. Trepagnier, Iowa E.	2.2
5. Robinson, Maine RC	2.2
6. Jackson, Erie B.	2.1
7. Stinson, Iowa E.	2.1
8. Robinson, Reno B.	2.0
9. McLeod, Albuquer.	1.9
10. Jerrells, Austin T.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Gregory STIEMSMA
  Sioux Falls S.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Stiemsma, Sioux F.	3.6
2. Looby, Albuquerque	3.3
3. Ajinca, Maine RC	3.1
4. Simmons, Idaho S.	2.9
5. Benson, Reno B.	2.0
6. Jones, Austin T.	1.8
7. Davis, Maine RC	1.8
8. Daniels, Bakersfi.	1.7
9. Bryant, Erie Bay H.	1.5
10. McKenzie, Idaho S.	1.5

Marcus Williams Returns to Austin Toros - by Surujh Roopnarine
Fresh off of a season in China, former Arizona Wildcats guard/forward Williams Marcus

(6'7''-F-86, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Arizona) has re-joined the Austin Toros of the NBA D-League. Williams appeared in 30 games for Zhejiang Wanma Cyclones of China where he averaged 19.7 points, 11.2 rebounds and 1.7 steals. Zhejiang did not qualify for the CBA playoffs, so Williams is back in Austin to help the Toros in their own playoff run. He spent parts of the last two seasons in the D-League with Austin, where in 2008-09 he was an All-Star selection and named to the All D-League 1st Team after averaging 23.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.7 steals over 45 games. The 33rd overall selection of the 2007 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, Williams has had brief stints in the NBA with the Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers in addition to his time in the D-League and China.

Golden State Warriors Sign Reggie Williams Signed for Remainder of Season - by Surujh Roopnarine
Judgment Day; yesterday was that day for the brief NBA career of former D-League star Reggie Williams (6'5''-G/F-86, college: VMI). Coming off of two consecutive 10-day contracts, Williams had to either be signed for the remainder of the season or be released back to the free-agent pool. His play over 11 games, 12.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists, certainly warranted an opportunity to continue proving himself on an undermanned Warriors squad, but a guaranteed contract would have to be waived to make room for the 2010 NBA D-League All-Star from the Sioux Falls Skyforce. In the end the Warriors probably made the prudent decision, releasing injured veteran guard Raja Bell (6'5''-F/G-76, college: Florida Intern.) in order to keep Williams. Bell was the main piece of the trade a few months ago that sent Stephen Jackson to the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for Bell, Vladimir Radmanovic (6'10''-F-80) and the departed Acie Law III. Williams, a second-year guard/forward out of Virginia Military Academy, appeared in 31 games for Sioux Falls this season, averaging a league-leading 26.4 points to go along with 5.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 39.5 minutes.
A prolific scorer at every level, Williams twice led the NCAA DI in scoring while in college. Williams has proven himself to be a willing if not always spectacular defender, aggressive slasher, deft passer and serviceable rebounder for his position. He rewarded his newly cemented employer last night with a career-high 29 points on 10-16 shooting off the bench during a 133-131 home loss against Phoenix.

Veteran Guard Brock Gillespie Joins Maine Red Claws - by Surujh Roopnarine
NBA D-League veteran guard Brock Gillespie (6'1''-G-82, college: Rice) has been signed by the Maine Red Claws. Gillespie joined Maine on Friday and has appeared sparingly in his first three games (two points, eight assists in 30 total minutes). Gillespie comes to Maine after beginning this season in Finland with Joensuun Kataja where he appeared in two games in October. The former Rice Owl has previously played in the D-League during the 2006-07 season with the Austin Toros where in 41 games he averaged 7.3 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 43.8% from the field.

Monday Night in the D-League - by Surujh Roopnarine
The Dakota Wizards pulled away in the fourth quarter last night at home to secure a 103-90 victory over the visiting Maine Red Claws. Renaldo Major

(6'7''-F-82, college: Fresno St.) scored a game-high 21 points for Dakota who lit up the nets in the fourth on their way to outscoring Maine 34-25 to come away with the 13 point victory. Five Wizards (27-19) players tallied double figures in scoring, as Major was followed by Darren Cooper

(6'3''-G-83, college: Portland) (18) and Maurice Baker

(6'1''-G-79, college: Oklahoma St.), Marcus Dove (6'9''-G/F-85, college: Oklahoma St.) and Memphis Grizzlies assignee Lester Hudson who each had 13. Maine (27-18) was led by the strong play of Russell Robinson (6'1''-G-86) who scored a team-high 20 points on 6-12 shooting to go along with a game-high 10 assists.
RED CLAWS: Russell Robinson (20pt+5rb+10as+5to), Maurice Ager (15pt+8rb+5as), Morris Almond (16pt+5to), Paul Davis (14pt+8rb+8to)
WIZARDS: Renaldo Major (21pt), Darren Cooper (18pt+5rb), Maurice Baker (13pt+8rb+6as), Marcus Dove (13pt+7rb)

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

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Horford Strong Performance - by Herubey Grassals
Dominican Alfred Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida) continue his impressive playing style when he made his 30th double digits (points/boards) game of the season helping the Atlanta Hawks beat the san San Antonio Spurs with 119 -114 score in over time; Horford finished with 22 points, 18 boards and 2 steal leading 5 teams mates in double digits score, with this win the Atlanta Hawks secure an spot for this season playoffs.

Aaron Brooks (183-G-85, agency: Buck Andre, college: Oregon) scored 7 points in a row and the end of the game and Kevin Martin (201-G/F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: W.Carolina) scored 28 points to help the Houston Rockets beat the New York knicks by 116-112 score, for Houston Rockets dominican Trevor Ariza (203-F-85, college: UCLA) finished with 12 points, 7 boards and 6 assist.

Francisco Garcia (201-F-81, college: Louisville) finished with 16 points, 3 boards and 4 assist to help with a Sacramento Kings victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, in another contest Charlie Villanueva (209-F-84, college: Connecticut) scored 11 points and grabbed 5 boards in the losing effort when the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons by 104-79 score.

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EBA

EBA Semi-Finals and Championship - by EBA Media
Final Four set for EBA Championship Series

The Final Four teams are set for the EBA Championship Series. EBA semi-final games will be played on Saturday, March 27, 2010 and the final is slated for Sunday, March 28, 2010 game site and game times to be announced.

In the Northern Conference semi-final match-up the two #1 division leaders will go head to head, the Delaware Destroyers against the New York Wizards. While the Southern Conference semi-final will also see two #1 division leaders face off as the Norfolk Tru Hope Trailblazers take on the Washington Madness.

Winners of the semi-final match ups will then face off on Sunday, March 28th in the 2010 Eastern Basketball Alliance Championship Game. Again, site and time of the EBA Championship Series to be announced, please check out the EBA website for updates at www.easternbasketballalliance.com

The EBA Semi-Finals and Championship games will be played at the following location:

Emery Recreation Center
5701 Georgia Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20011

Semi-Finals Saturday, March 27, 2010

Norfolk Tru Hope Trailblazers vs. Washington Madness 5:00PM
Delaware Destroyers vs. New York Wizards 7:00PM
Championship Finals Sunday, March 27, 2010 3:00PM

Standings

EBA Standings

N Empire Div.
1. New York W.	10-1
2. Elmira B.	9-2
3. Connecticut S.	4-7
4. Hudson V.H.	2-10
N Mid-Atlantic Div.
1. DE Destroyers	11-1
2. Harrisburg H.	8-2
3. Garden St. R.	5-7
4. Newark P.	0-12
S Capital Div.
1. Washington M.	10-2
2. NoVa H.	7-4
3. M. All-Stars	7-5
4. Alexandria A.	4-7
5. Beltway B.	1-9
S Dominion Div.
1. True Hope TB	10-1
2. Salem M.	3-6
3. Virginia W.	3-9
4. Hampton RC	1-10

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ESTONIA

Standings - KML

EMKL Standings

1. Rakvere	21-6
2. TTU KK	20-8
3. TU/Rock	19-5
4. Kalev/Cramo	15-8
5. Valga Welg	11-14
6. Tallinna Kalev	8-18
7. Parnu	7-19
8. Kuremaa	2-25

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Charron FISHER
  Kalev/Cramo
  (193-G/F-85)
  Avg: 23.4

1. Fisher, Kalev/Cr.	23.4
2. McGee, Kuremaa	19.4
3. Kurg, Kuremaa	17.9
4. Kriisa, Rakvere	16.8
5. Reed, Tallinna Kalev	16.7
6. Toome, TTU K.	16.5
7. Covington, Tallin.	16.3
8. Raap, Parnu	15.2
9. Veideman, Rakvere	15.1
10. Tamsalu, Parnu	15.1

Rebounds Per Game

Brett MCGEE
  Kuremaa
  (198-G/F-84)
  Avg: 11

1. McGee, Kuremaa	11.0
2. Reed, Tallinna Kalev	10.0
3. Ringmets, Parnu	9.6
4. Toome, TTU K.	8.6
5. Fisher, Kalev/Cr.	8.6
6. Erm, Parnu	7.9
7. Tagamets, Valga W.	7.7
8. Rinkevicius, Valga W.	7.6
9. Kriisa, Rakvere	7.3
10. Keerles, Kalev/Cr.	7.3

Assists Per Game

Valmo KRIISA
  Rakvere
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 4.6

1. Kriisa, Rakvere	4.6
2. Sokk, Kalev/Cramo	4.3
3. Sokk, TU/Rock	3.8
4. Rannula, Valga Welg	3.5
5. Leppik, TU/Rock	3.0
6. Saage, Rakvere	3.0
7. Tein, TU/Rock	2.9
8. Toome, TTU K.	2.8
9. Winston, Kuremaa	2.7
10. Abernethy, TU/Rock	2.4

Steals Per Game

Silver LEPPIK
  TU/Rock
  (185-G-83)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Leppik, TU/Rock	2.2
2. Veideman, Rakvere	2.1
3. Raap, Parnu	2.1
4. Saage, Rakvere	2.0
5. Fisher, Kalev/Cr.	2.0
6. Covington, Tallin.	2.0
7. Karner, Parnu	2.0
8. Kurg, Kuremaa	1.9
9. Kriisa, Rakvere	1.7
10. Ringmets, Parnu	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Kennyetta JOHNSON
  Kalev/Cramo
  (210-C-78)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Johnson, Kalev/Cr.	2.3
2. Rinkevicius, Valga W.	2.0
3. Toome, TTU K.	1.8
4. McGee, Kuremaa	1.1
5. Hallik, Rakvere	1.0
6. Morrison, TU/Rock	0.9
7. Talts, TU/Rock	0.9
8. Kitsing, TU/Rock	0.8
9. Ringmets, Parnu	0.7
10. Saks, TTU K.	0.7

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EUROCHALLENGE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Anthony TUCKER
  Bnei Hasharon
  (198-F-85)
  Avg: 23.4

1. Tucker, BC Donetsk	23.4
2. Mitchell, Khimik	21.3
3. Renfroe, VEF Riga	20.2
4. Giannoulis, AEL	19.5
5. Banks, Liege	18.0
6. Flores, Krasnie .	17.5
7. Hopkins, AP.	16.8
8. Mims, Roanne	16.6
9. Hopkins, Antwerp	16.3
10. Chalmers, Enisey	16.2

Rebounds Per Game

Jason CONLEY
  Wels
  (196-G-81)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Conley, Wels	10.8
2. Burlacu, Ploiesti	10.2
3. Ebong, M.Hainaut	9.7
4. Blanchard, Khimik	9.3
5. Nsonwu, Roanne	8.6
6. Simon, Strasbourg	8.3
7. Tomic, KK.	8.2
8. Thomas, Liege	8.2
9. Beasley, Eiff.Tow.	8.1
10. Anderson, Goett.	7.8

Assists Per Game

Alex RENFROE
  VEF Riga
  (190-G-86)
  Avg: 9.8

1. Renfroe, VEF Riga	9.8
2. Everett, Chalon	7.4
3. Oliver, Eiff.Towers	6.2
4. Bremer, Krasnie .	6.0
5. Mitchell, Khimik	5.7
6. Heurtel, Strasbourg	5.5
7. Lukashov, BC Kyiv	5.5
8. Cooper, Keravnos	5.3
9. Covic, FMP	5.0
10. Mulaomerovic, KK Za.	4.7

Steals Per Game

Darrel MITCHELL
  Khimik
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Mitchell, Khimik	2.7
2. Renfroe, VEF Riga	2.7
3. Green, Scavolini PS	2.7
4. Rodgers, EclipseJet	2.5
5. Ermis, Banvit	2.4
6. Woodside, Gravelines	2.3
7. Fields, Wels	2.3
8. Kolchenko, Khimik	2.3
9. Lukashov, BC Kyiv	2.2
10. Oliver, Eiff.Towers	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Scott MORRISON
  TU/Rock
  (212-C-86)
  Avg: 2

1. Morrison, TU/Rock	2.0
2. Gray, Chalon	2.0
3. Kravtsov, BC Kyiv	1.7
4. Akpomedah, Grave.	1.7
5. Owens, BC Donetsk	1.7
6. Darden, Strasbourg	1.3
7. Talts, TU/Rock	1.2
8. Musli, FMP	1.1
9. Cisse, AP.	1.1
10. Agafonov, Khimik	1.0

EuroChallenge Round: 1 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
KK Zagreb CO - Krasnie Krilya 77-81
Krasnye Krylia ensured a perfect start to their EuroChallenge quarterfinal series. The Russian team stole a narrow road win against Zagreb and would have a chance to advance into the semis when they host their opponents on March 25. Ernest Bremer (196-G-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: St.Bonaventure) tallied 21 points, 5 boards and 5 assists to lead the visitors. Krasnye Krylia quickly jumped in front in this one. They stayed in charge throughout the starting quarter and secured a 21:14 lead at the first break. But Zagreb opened the second period with a 9:0 run to spur in front. The teams traded baskets throughout the reminder of the half. Marcus Douthit scored the final six points of the visitors in the half giving Krasnye Krylia a 38:36 halftime advantage. Krasnye Krylia quickly boosted the margin at 10 points early in the third frame. Zagreb got as close as three points before Ernest Bremer and Karaulov sealed the third quarter outcome at 65:56. Damir Mulaomerovic and Simon kept Zagreb hopes alive. Flores and Biggs accounted for 7 points in the final two minutes of the game propelling Krasnye Krylia to the victory. Marcus Douthit knocked down 16 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for the winning side. Valdas Vasylius added 15 points for Krasnye Krylia. Damir Mulaomerovic and Luka Zoric delivered 22 points each for Zagreb.

Scavolini PS - Antwerp 92-76
EuroChallenge quarterfinal series visited Pesaro. Local Scavolini eased past Antwerp for the initial win in the best-of-three series. Eric Williams (206-C-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) notched 22 points to pace the home team. The series will now move to Antwerp for the second game on March 25. Roel Moors and Gay opened the game with five quick points but Scavolini quickly denied the deficit. The hosts went on an 11:0 run to take over. Scavolini raced to a 28:15 lead at the first break. Scavolini kept their opponents at bay throughout the second term. Eric Williams knocked down 10 points in the period as Scavolini ensured a 48:37 advantage at halftime. Scavolini stretched the lead to as many as 17 points midway through the third frame. Joksimovic and Cinciarini gave the hosts a 74:55 lead with ten minutes to go. The Giants could trim the deficit at 12 points but Scavolini quickly stopped the bleeding and rolled to the win at the end. Michael Hicks (193-G-76, college: Texas A&M - C.C.) knocked down 15 points for the winners. Marques Green nailed 12 points for the Pesaro team. Christophe Beghin responded with 22 points for Antwerp. Roel Moors had 14 points in the loss.

Roanne - APOEL 89-67
Roanne took the lead in the EuroChallenge quarterfinal series versus APOEL. The French team claimed a comprehensive win in the opening game of the series at home. Ralph Mims

(191-G-85, college: Florida St.) accounted for 19 points and 7 assists to lead the hosts. The game was pretty much done in the first half. Roanne took over and controlled the tempo in the first part of the encounter. Lewis and David Noel gave the hosts a 19:13 lead at the first intermission. Roanne consolidated the lead in the second period as Diabate made it 40:25 with a three-pointer. Phillips, Mickael Mokongo and Dozet exploded with three-pointers late in the half to cut the distance to 11 points 34:45. But Roanne persisted after the major break. Seven straight points from David Noel ensured a 62:36 lead for the home team. Roanne entered the fourth term ahead by 19 points and never looked back en route to the victory. Uchenna Nsonwu

(208-F/C-78, agency: Beo Basket, college: Wyoming) provided 14 points and 7 rebounds for Roanne. David Noel added 13 points, 5 boards and 4 assists in the victory. Mickael Mokongo responded with 12 points and 7 rebounds for APOEL. Rick Hughes had 11 points and 7 caroms in defeat.

Goettingen - FMP 75-69
Goettingen made the first step towards EuroChallenge Final Four. They held off FMP in the opening game of the quarterfinal best-of-three series. Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.) scored 24 points and pulled down 6 rebounds to lead the charge. The teams looked well matched in the starting frame. The lead changed hands for several times in the period before Antoine Jordan (196-G-83, college: Siena) drew things level at 16 ten minutes into the encounter. Boone and Robert Kulawick helped the hosts gain a 7-point lead midway through the second stanza. Little drained a triple to ensure a 10-point advantage for Goettingen. But a pair of triples from Bojan Radetic triggered an 11:0 run from the visitors as they surged in front. Taylor Rochestie capped the half with a layup to give Goettingen a 41:40 advantage. The teams stayed close throughout the third quarter. Bojan Radetic and Jeremic allowed FMP to enter the fourth term ahead by one 56:55. Little and Chris Oliver quickly denied the deficit early in the fourth period and Goettingen jumped in front. Meeks and Taylor Rochestie ensured a 68:62 advantage for the home team with under four minutes to go. Protic and Raduljica cut the distance to minimal before Taylor Rochestie and Robert Kulawick exploded with 5 points and Goettingen ran away for good. Antoine Jordan delivered 11 points for the winners. Robert Kulawick and Chris Oliver were helpful with 9 points each. Predrag Samardziski notched 15 points and 11 rebounds for FMP. Bojan Radetic accounted for 13 points in the loss.

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

EUROCUP

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Samuel MEJIA
  Cholet
  (198-G-83)
  Avg: 22.8

1. Mejia, Cholet	22.8
2. Chatman, Besiktas	21.8
3. Washington, Galatasa.	21.6
4. Daniels, Azovmash	21.0
5. Rizvic, Azovmash	20.3
6. Wright, PGE Turow	19.3
7. Neal, Benetton TV	19.3
8. Rancik, Galatasaray	18.8
9. Rush, Triumph	18.5
10. Taylor, Telekom B.	18.5

Rebounds Per Game

Erik DANIELS
  Galil Gilboa
  (204-G/F-82)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Daniels, Azovmash	10.4
2. Ensminger, Telek.	10.0
3. Lampe, Unics	9.5
4. Slaughter, Nancy	9.0
5. Monya, Dynamo M.	8.3
6. Augustine, Gran C.	7.6
7. Boisa, Zadar	7.5
8. Robinson, Cholet	7.3
9. Falker, Cholet	7.0
10. Rancik, Galatasaray	6.9

Assists Per Game

Stefan MARKOVIC
  Hemofarm
  (194-G-88)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Markovic, Hemofarm	5.8
2. Chatman, Besiktas	5.7
3. Greer, Nancy	5.2
4. Poeta, Banca Tercas	4.9
5. Popovic, Unics	4.8
6. Valters, DKV J.	4.7
7. Fields, Spartak SP	4.5
8. Washington, Galatasa.	4.5
9. Jordan, Telekom B.	4.4
10. Acik, T.Telekom	4.4

Steals Per Game

Fred HOUSE
  Azovmash
  (195-F-78)
  Avg: 2.8

1. House, Azovmash	2.8
2. Slaughter, Nancy	2.8
3. Thompson, Hap.Jeru.	2.6
4. Lyday, Unics	2.4
5. Markovic, Hemofarm	2.2
6. Washington, Galatasa.	2.1
7. Neal, Benetton TV	2.1
8. Chatman, Besiktas	2.0
9. Sergeev, Triumph	2.0
10. Diener, Banca T.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Hasan RIZVIC
  Azovmash
  (212-C-84)
  Avg: 3

1. Rizvic, Azovmash	3.0
2. Slaughter, Nancy	2.0
3. Riddick, Charleroi	1.8
4. Achara, Angelico BI	1.7
5. Flomo, Telekom B.	1.7
6. Monya, Dynamo M.	1.5
7. Lishchuk, Valencia.	1.5
8. Plaisted, Zadar	1.5
9. Pettway, Ventspils	1.3
10. Pasco, Angelico BI	1.3

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EUROLEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Linas KLEIZA
  Olympiakos
  (203-F-85)
  Avg: 17.4

1. Kleiza, Olympiakos	17.4
2. Walsh, U.Olimpija	17.3
3. Woods, Assec.Pr.	16.6
4. Tomas, Cibona	16.4
5. Batiste, Panathin.	16.3
6. Teletovic, Caja L.	15.8
7. Logan, Assec.Pr.	15.8
8. Langford, Khimky	15.5
9. Langdon, CSKA	14.8
10. Childress, Olympiakos	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

Travis WATSON
  Zalgiris
  (203-F/C-81)
  Avg: 9.5

1. Watson, Zalgiris	9.5
2. Maric, Partizan	9.1
3. Roberts, Partizan	7.1
4. Kleiza, Olympiakos	6.8
5. Khryapa, CSKA	6.4
6. Javtokas, Khimky	6.4
7. Kasun, Efes Pilsen	5.8
8. Woods, Assec.Pr.	5.8
9. Splitter, Caja L.	5.8
10. Batiste, Panathin.	5.7

Assists Per Game

Omar COOK
  Unicaja
  (186-G-82)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Cook, Unicaja	5.9
2. Papaloukas, Olymp.	5.8
3. Popovic, Lietuvos.	5.4
4. McIntyre, Montepas.	5.1
5. Rubio, Regal Barca	4.8
6. Prigioni, MMC R.	4.6
7. Teodosic, Olympiakos	4.6
8. Khryapa, CSKA	4.5
9. Sciarra, Orleans	4.2
10. Huertas, Caja L.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Bojan POPOVIC
  Efes Pilsen
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Popovic, Lietuvos.	2.4
2. Lukauskis, AS.	2.3
3. Jaaber, Lottomat.	2.2
4. Khryapa, CSKA	2.0
5. Smith, Efes Pilsen	1.9
6. Dobbins, Orleans	1.9
7. McIntyre, Montepas.	1.9
8. Gordon, Cibona	1.8
9. McCalebb, Partizan	1.8
10. Perperoglou, Panath.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

D''or FISCHER
  Maccabi T-A
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Fischer, Maccabi .	1.6
2. Vranes, Partizan	1.5
3. Sow, Assec.Prokom	1.4
4. Lasme, Maccabi T-A	1.4
5. Asik, Fener.Ulker	1.4
6. Begic, Zalgiris	1.3
7. Javtokas, Khimky	1.2
8. Vazquez, Regal B.	1.2
9. Ndong, Regal Barca	1.1
10. Morris, Regal B.	1.0

Quarterfinals: First games - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barca - MMC Real M. 68-61
Regal Barca celebrated 68-61 victory in Spanish 'El Clasico'. The hosts had brilliant last quarter (17-10) and mostly owing to Pete Mickeal

(199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) grabbed 1-0 lead in Euroleague Quarterfinals. Mickeal scored 18 points tonight and pulled down 6 rebounds beside that. Boniface Ndong

(213-C-77) had 14 points and 7 boards, while Juan Carlos Navarro added 11 pts in this victory. On the other side, Real Madrid got 14 pts and 8 boards from Darjus Lavrinovic

(212-C-79). Game Two is scheduled for Thursday and Barca will be the host once again.

Maccabi T-A - Partizan 77-85
Partizan destroyed Maccabi in the last quarter 11-27. The Serbian powerhouse struggled during the first half and Maccabi even reached 34-13, but after the breather visitors had great twenty minutes for impressive road win and 1-0 lead in Euroleague Quarterfinals. Dusan Kecman

(197-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) exploded in this victory with 29 points for 27 minutes on the floor. He made 7 of 9 attempts from behind the arc tonight. Lester McCalebb (183-G-85, college: New Orleans) followed him with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Doron Perkins (188-G-83, college: Santa Clara) responded with 13 points, 5 rebs and 6 assists in loss.

CSKA - Caja Laboral 86-63
CSKA had an easy job against Caja Laboral making a first step forward to Euroleague Final Four. Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) stepped up for the Russian giant with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) scored 14 and Ramunas Siskauskas added one point less. In Caja Laboral, Mirza Teletovic

(205-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) and Fernando San Emterio netted 11 pts each.

Olympiakos - Assec.Prokom 83-79
Olympiakos had to work hard tonight to take 1-0 lead in Euroleague Quarterfinals. Asseco Prokom had nice first half taking 35-39 lead, but the hosts replied in third period (25-15) and for rest of the game managed to stay up. Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri) was a key player for the Reds with 26 points and 6 rebounds. Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) also was great adding 21 points and 6 assists. Qyntel Woods (203-F/G-81, college: N.Mississippi JC) collected 23 points and 11 boards for the Polish champ.

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FINLAND

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Kyle SWANSTON
  Lapua
  (201-F-)
  Avg: 22.8

1. Swanston, Lapua	22.8
2. Haynes, Lapua	21.6
3. Coleman, LoKoKo	21.0
4. Jallow, Uusimaa	20.7
5. Leggett, Huima	20.3
6. Conerly, Tarmo	20.1
7. Riihela, BC Nokia	19.8
8. Pichon, LoKoKo	18.6
9. Sampay, Huima	17.9
10. Hirvikoski, BC No.	17.5

Rebounds Per Game

DeAndre COLEMAN
  LoKoKo
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 13.5

1. Coleman, LoKoKo	13.5
2. Towa, Kerava ET	13.5
3. Nash, Lapua	12.5
4. Sampay, Huima	12.5
5. Jallow, Uusimaa	11.7
6. Leggett, Huima	11.2
7. Douglas, Ura Basket	10.9
8. Pichon, LoKoKo	10.6
9. McCulloch, BC No.	9.5
10. Hassinen, Wartti	9.4

Assists Per Game

Zach RAMEY
  Ura Basket
  (191-F/G-81)
  Avg: 4.8

1. Ramey, LoKoKo	4.8
2. Nikitin, Honka	4.0
3. Conerly, Tarmo	3.3
4. Riihela, BC Nokia	3.2
5. Coleman, LoKoKo	3.0
6. Pekkola, Namika II	2.6
7. Ahila, Jyvaskyla	2.6
8. Rokala, Ura Basket	2.5
9. Juvonen, Uusimaa	2.3
10. Hanninen, Wartti	2.3

Steals Per Game

Ville PEKKOLA
  Namika Lahti
  (192-G-89)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Pekkola, Namika II	3.2
2. Nash, Lapua	2.8
3. Conerly, Tarmo	2.5
4. Rokala, Ura Basket	2.3
5. Korhonen, Kerava ET	2.0
6. King, Jyvaskyla	2.0
7. Hanninen, Wartti	1.9
8. Little, Wartti	1.9
9. Still, Tarmo	1.7
10. Riihela, BC Nokia	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Erno JOHANSSON
  Namika II
  (188-G-85)
  Avg: 0.9

1. Johansson, Namika I.	0.9
2. Raami, Honka	0.7
3. Hassinen, Wartti	0.7
4. Koskinen, Namika I.	0.6
5. Leggett, Huima	0.5
6. Little, Wartti	0.5
7. Sirola, Honka	0.5
8. Coleman, LoKoKo	0.5
9. Streng, Namika II	0.5
10. Kopio, Honka	0.5

1.DIVISION: BC Nokia upset Lapua - by Rauno Hurmalainen
1.Division, semi-finals, Game 3: BC Nokia upset again Korikobrat (Lapua) and tonight even at Lapua. BC Nokia won by 11 pts 68-79 (32-38). Quarters: 18-15, 14-23, 13-23, 23-18. BC Nokia had a 16-point-lead (45-61), when the fourth quarter got started. The hosts came as close as seven pts difference, but BC Nokia made 8/14 FTs during the last two minutes and took a 2-1 lead before game 4 (on Friday, March 26). Henri Hirvikoski (190-G/F-86) and Jeremy McCulloch

(212-C-82, college: E.Washington) were BC Nokia's key players. Kyle Swanston (201-F, college: JMU) (Lapua) again game high scorer. BC Jyvaskyla visited in Porvoo. Tough almost rough defense and very low scores. Tarmo won 63-55 (28-22). Quarters: 17-10, 11-12, 16-20, 19-13. Baeu Muhlbach (193-G/F, agency: 22ft, college: Texas A&M) led Tarmo with 19 pts. Aubrey Conerly (183-G-83, college: Jacksonville) added 16 pts. Mike King (201-F-74, college: Ill.-Chicago) knocked down 16 pts for BC Jyvaskyla. Tarmo leading now 2-1. Game 4 on Thursday, March 25, at Jyvaskyla.
Lapua - BC Nokia 68-79 (32-38) (Kyle Swanston 28, Rob Haynes 15, Jussi Turja 11 - Henri Hirvikoski 21, Jeremy McCulloch 20, Timo Riihela 15).
Tarmo - BC JKL 63-55 (28-22) (Beau Muhlbach 19, Aubrey Conerly 16, Esa Maki-Tulokas 13 - Mike King 16, Niko Malinen 11, Olli Anttolainen 8).

1st Division Round: 3 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Tarmo - Jyvaskyla 63-55
Tarmo regained the lead in the semifinal series against Jyvaskyla. Baeu Muhlbach (193-G/F, agency: 22ft, college: Texas A&M) delivered 19 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort. Aubrey Conerly added 16 points and 9 rebounds for Tarmo. Mike King responded with 16 points for Jyvaskyla.

Lapua - BC Nokia 68-79
BC Nokia stole a road win over Lapua to surge ahead in the series. Henri Hirvikoski (190-G/F-86) delivered 21 points to pace Nokia. Jeremy McCulloch contributed 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Kyle Swanston answered with 28 points and 7 rebounds for Lapua.

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

FRANCE

NM1 Day 27: Denain reaches the top - by Chris Spiesser
Angers BC 85-58 Longwy
St-Chamond 81-73 Le Puy
St-Etienne 79-71 Reims
Lievin 81-94 Boulogne
GET Vosges 78-72 Cognac
Challans 80-74 St-Quentin
Denain 99-91 Blois
CFBB 57-65 ESSL Angers
Chalons 81-83 Bayonne

The facts of the week
Denain's offensive win versus Blois had a double effect. Past the winning enjoyment, Frde Minet and his partners could also celebrate the junction with Reims and le Puy in the standings. The 2 former leaders got down by the two teams from the Loire departement, respectively St-Etienne and St-Chamond. Reims seems clearly exhausted as they shot a poor 41% vs 53 for the host. Le Puy's loss in the derby is surprising but St-Chamond showed more accurate and more aggresssive. Challans stays in embush while Chalons' home loss against Bayonne deprives the marnians from a comfortable wainting position.
In the bottom, St-Chamond's auctions aren't raising that much with the combined wins of the Get and the ESSL Angers. The NM2 cut being set at 13 wins yet, the race to avoid the (2?) last spot (s) leads more or less every team to keep an eye on the lethal line.

The roster of the week
Fred Minet (Denain): 23pts (80%), 5rbs, 5ass, 5to, 3stl
Jonathan Godin (Cognac) 21pts (7/9), 8rbs, 6ass
Moustapha N'Diaye (Chalons): 28pts (60%): 6rbs
J-S Rinna (St-Chamond): 11pts, 6rbs, 4ass, 4stl
Thomas Viglianco (Bayonne): 15pts, 14rbs, 4ass

Mickael Bole (St-Chamond): 21pts, 3rbs, 5ass
Julien Sauret (St-Etienne): 17pts 78%, 3rbs, 5ass, 3stl
Kevin Bichard (St-Quentin): 25pts (11/16), 3rbs, 3to, 3stl
Ansi Lema (GET): 19pts (62%), 6rbs, 3ass, 6to
Tommy Swanson (ESSL): 14pts, 9rbs, 3ass

Roanne too good for APOEL - by Eurobasket News
Roanne - APOEL 89:67

Roanne took the lead in the EuroChallenge quarterfinal series versus APOEL. The French team claimed a comprehensive win in the opening game of the series at home. Ralph Mims

(208-F/C-78, agency: Beo Basket, college: Wyoming) provided 14 points and 7 rebounds for Roanne. David Noel added 13 points, 5 boards and 4 assists in the victory. Mickael Mokongo responded with 12 points and 7 rebounds for APOEL. Rick Hughes (204-C/F-73, agency: Interperformances, college: Thomas More) had 11 points and 7 caroms in defeat.

Roanne: Ralph Mims 19, Uchenna Nsonwu 14, David Noel 13
APOEL: Mickael Mokongo 12, Rick Hughes 11

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

FYR MACEDONIA

Stats Leaders - Superleague

Points Per Game

Dimitar KARADZOVSKI
  Torus
  (189-G-84)
  Avg: 20.3

1. Karadzovski, Torus	20.3
2. Cekovski, Rabotnicki	19.1
3. Ristic, Ovce Pole	19.0
4. Simic, V.Osiguruvanje	18.6
5. Dimcevski, Vardar	18.6
6. Held, Ovce Pole	17.3
7. Stojanovski, V.Osig.	16.7
8. Life, Feni Indistrija	15.9
9. Held, Pelister	15.7
10. Hadzibulic, Rabot.	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Gjorgji CEKOVSKI
  Levski
  (202-F/C-81)
  Avg: 9.3

1. Cekovski, Rabotnicki	9.3
2. Krstevski, Vardar	8.4
3. Held, Pelister	7.6
4. Simic, V.Osiguruvanje	7.5
5. Gjorevski, MZT S.	7.3
6. Ristic, Ovce Pole	7.3
7. Pavlovski, Torus	7.1
8. Dimcevski, Vardar	6.9
9. Televski, Pelister	6.8
10. Knezevic, Feni I.	6.4

Assists Per Game

Milan MILJKOVIC
  Pelister
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Miljkovic, Pelister	6.5
2. Samardziev, Feni I.	5.4
3. Kocov, Vardar 2000	4.8
4. Karadzovski, Torus	4.7
5. Mladenovic, Ovce Pole	4.6
6. Mirakovski, Rabot.	4.3
7. Trajkovski, Plejme.	3.7
8. Sokolov, Rabotnicki	3.7
9. Ugrinoski, V.Osig.	3.5
10. Tasevski, Torus	3.3

Steals Per Game

Milan MILJKOVIC
  Pelister
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Miljkovic, Pelister	2.3
2. Bogojev, Feni I.	1.8
3. Dimcevski, Vardar	1.7
4. Kocov, Vardar 2000	1.5
5. Tasevski, Torus	1.5
6. Stojanovski, V.Osig.	1.4
7. Held, Pelister	1.4
8. Held, Ovce Pole	1.4
9. Dimitrovski, Rabot.	1.4
10. Karakolev, Torus	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Toni SIMIC
  V.Osiguruvanje
  (210-C-76)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Simic, V.Osiguruvanje	2.7
2. Krstevski, Vardar	1.6
3. Pavlovski, Torus	1.6
4. Televski, Pelister	1.3
5. Kralevski, Plejme.	1.1
6. Trajkovski, Feni I.	0.9
7. Knezevic, Feni I.	0.8
8. Ilic, Vardar 2000	0.6
9. Cekovski, Rabotnicki	0.6
10. Bilbija, Ovce Pole	0.5

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

GERMANY

Michael Jordan (Phoenix Hagen) And Scoring May Rattle Teams Down The Stretch - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
31 year old Michael Jordan

(183-G-77, college: Pennsylvania) is a 183cm guard from Philadelphia. He played at the University of Pennsylvania graduating in 2000. His first two years found him jumping around leagues in France and Spain before he found a new home in Germany with TSV Quackenbruck. In the 2002-2003 season, he helped lead Quackenbruck into the BBL with exceptional stats in 30 games, 21.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 6.9 apg. He helped turn The Artland Dragons into a playoff team in the 2004-2005 season as they lost the BBL Quarterfinal playoff series to The Opel Skyliners in five games. That season he averaged in 34 games: 11.1ppg, 3.4rpg, Ast-1 (6.4apg), 1.3spg, 2.6bpg, 2FGP: 52.5%, 3FGP: 31.3%. The enxt season, he was released by The Artland Drgaons, but went to Rhein Energie Cologne and won the BBL championship in 2006 averaging in 33 games: 9.8ppg, 2.3rpg, Assists-4 (4.1apg), 1.0spg, 2FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 52.2%. The next season, he went to Italy and played at Cantu where he eld the league in assists and averaged in 37 games: 13.8ppg, 2.7rpg, Assists-1 (5.2apg), 2.0spg, 2FGP: 54.6%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 74.0%. The next season, he played in Belgium for Charleroi averaging in15 games: 9.5ppg, 1.6rpg, 3.6apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 90.0%;. He had injury problems and finished the season in Greece with PAOK. Last season after a very short stay in Israel, he played a few months in Bamberg before going to the Cologne 99ers averaging 10,5ppg, 2,4rpg and leading the BBL in assists with 6,2apg. At the age of 32, MJ can still compete with the best. He was signed by Phoenix Hagen in December and spoke with eurobasket following the 70-68 win in Duesseldorf..

Congrats on the 70-68 win on the road in Duesseldorf. You led alls corers with 21 points. Will we see more scoring form you in the future?

I hope so. I was very aggressive in Duesseldorf the way I was back with the Artland Dragons. I just hoped my shots would fall and they did. Duesseldorf was scouting my passing more which gave me an advantage with scoring.

Chase Griffin won the game with a three pointer. Describe the last minutes.

It was a broken down play. We had good ball movement and Jonathan Cox sitched over to John Turek leaving Chase open at the top of the key. He had hit a three pointer earlier. It was a mental mistake from Cox.

How is the current mental state of the team?

The team feels good and we are happy to have this monkey off our back. We have to keep winning and keep preparing well.

The next game is against the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. They can score, but also dont always show up to play defense. What will be the key in winning?

Bremerhaven can score in bounces. We dont want this up and down game, because they can play it better than us. We have to low them down and make them play defense. We have to conduct the tempo.

What is your memory of playing against Lou Campbell?

I played against him when he was playing with Paderborn in the second division and then later as he played for The Artland Dragons.He is strong, athletic and talented. When he gets going then it is very tough to stop him. We cant let him find his rhythm.

Is the belief there in the team, fans, managemenr and city of Hagen that the club will stay in the BEKO BBL?

Yes the belief and faith in the team is there. Kale, Pryor and Griffin are playing well and John Turek is coming back from his injury. We have to put it all together now. We have to play hard, smart and together.

Were you surprised that Kansas lost?

I didnt think that they would lose. It bruised my bracket as did Villanova which really disappointed me.

Who are your NCAA Final four picks?

Syracuse, Kentucky, Michigan State and Duke.

What was the last DVD that you saw?

Pirates of the Caribbean 3.
Thanks for the chat MJ.

Daryl Cohen moves to Portugal for 2010-2011 season - by Moritz Korff
Daryl Cohen (193-G-85, college: SE Louisiana) has just finished the 2009-2010 season with BG Dorsten in the Regionalliga West. He guided the team a 15-13 record and an 8th place in the final RLW standings. Cohen excelled as an outstanding scorer for Dorsten in this past season, averaging 23.2 points per contest and hitting a league-leading total of 79 three pointers in 25 contests. Already last year the Century, Fla. native made quite some noise in the RLW, being named the 2008-09 Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga West Player of the Year. All those accolades and his excellent performances on the Dorsten squad drew the interest of Portuguese top team Dolce Vita Ovarense who now made an agreement with Cohen for the 2010-2011 campaign.

Goettingen topple FMP - by Eurobasket News
Goettingen - FMP 75:69
Goettingen made the first step towards EuroChallenge Final Four. They held off FMP in the opening game of the quarterfinal best-of-three series. Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.) scored 24 points and pulled down 6 rebounds to lead the charge.
The teams looked well matched in the starting frame. The lead changed hands for several times in the period before Antoine Jordan (196-G-83, college: Siena) drew things level at 16 ten minutes into the encounter. Boone and Robert Kulawick (191-G-86, agency: Court Side) helped the hosts gain a 7-point lead midway through the second stanza. Little drained a triple to ensure a 10-point advantage for Goettingen. But a pair of triples from Bojan Radetic

(203-F-88) triggered an 11:0 run from the visitors as they surged in front. Taylor Rochestie capped the half with a layup to give Goettingen a 41:40 advantage. The teams stayed close throughout the third quarter. Bojan Radetic and Jeremic allowed FMP to enter the fourth term ahead by one 56:55. Little and Chris Oliver

(198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford) quickly denied the deficit early in the fourth period and Goettingen jumped in front. Meeks and Taylor Rochestie ensured a 68:62 advantage for the home team with under four minutes to go. Protic and Raduljica cut the distance to minimal before Taylor Rochestie and Robert Kulawick exploded with 5 points and Goettingen ran away for good.
Antoine Jordan delivered 11 points for the winners. Robert Kulawick and Chris Oliver were helpful with 9 points each. Predrag Samardziski

(214-C-86, agency: Interperformances) notched 15 points and 11 rebounds for FMP. Bojan Radetic accounted for 13 points in the loss.

Goettingen: Taylor Rochestie 24, Antoine Jordan 11, Robert Kulawick 9, Chris Oliver 9
FMP: Predrag Samardziski 15, Bojan Radetic 13

Kevin Hamilton (New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig) Postgame Thoughts To 92-70 Win Against Ratiopharm Ulm - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Kevin Hamilton (193-G-84, college: Holy Cross) is a 25 year old 193cm guard from Queens Village, New York. This season, he is playing for The New York Phantoms Braunschweig. He played at Holy Cross from 2002-2006 and played together with ex Skyliner Keith Simmons. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 17.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.5apg, 3.3spg, FG: 38.1%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 77.7%. In his rookie season 2006-2007, he came to Europe and played in Poland for Polpak Swiecie playing 19 games and averaging 13.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-2 (2.3spg), 2FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 64.2%. In 2007-2008, he played in France for Besancon Basket Comte Doubs (France-ProB) playing 2 games and averaging 6.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg. He also had a short tenure in Mexico with Pioneros de Quintana Roo-Cancun. In 2008-2009, he returned back to Poland to play for SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg playing 32 games averaging 11.0ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-1 (6.4apg), Steals-1 (2.8spg), FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 66.5%. He was not lazy in the last three summers staying in game shape and playing in Puerto Rico playing 90 games. This past summer, he played for Indios de Mayaguez playing 35 games and averaging 10.5ppg, 4.7rpg, Assists-3 (6.3apg), Steals-2 (1.7spg), FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 70.6%. His father was a draft pick of The Boston Celtics in 1980. Kevin spoke to eurobasket following the 92-70 win against Ratiopharm Ulm.

Congrats on the 92-70 win against Ratiopharm Ulm. The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig have quietly built a 8-1 record since the long losing streak. Is this all right with the club that no one is really noticing the teams hot play?

I think it is alright. I think people notice it though, just because of the simple fact that the playoff race is so tight.

What does it feel like resting on position 8. Does it feel like you are on a tight rope?

Yeah it is a tight rope. All the teams in the league are playing at a really high level right now so anyone can win on any night. We just have to stay focused and finish out the season strong.

The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig hat an offensive attack leading 48-34 at halftime. Ratiopharm Ulm is known for not always coming to work on defense. What was hurting Ratiopharm Ulm most in the first half?

I think we just got off to a really hot start. We started the game on a big run that made it hard for them to come back from. They did the same exact thing to us at their place.

The third quarter was pretty even, but Braunschweig found back to their old offensive ways outscoring Ratiopharm Ulm 25-16 in the fourth quarter and cruising home to victory. What was key in the fourth quarter for sailing home to victory?

We were able to make some plays off of the pick and roll and we played very unselfish. When we play like that we are pretty tough to stop.

The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig shot 65% form the field and 50% from outside. Have you guys been spending the night in the Volkswagon practicing your shooting?lol

Actually we have been getting shots up at our practice facility the Tunica Halle, but everyone on the team are working hard right now, we know what is at stake.

Was a big key to winning controlling Austin Rowland and Per Gunther?

Well they are both really good guards and when they are playing well they have Ulm playing at a high level. I actually played against Rowland in college. We just tried our best to contain their pick and roll offense and keep them out of transition.

Is Rocky Trice one of the top players in the BEKO BBL that nobody really mentions?

He is real good player. He obviously does things like score and rebound but he also does a lot of things that you may not see on the stat sheet. I like his game.

You seemed to notice nothing from your injury. You were most efficient player with a 30 ranking and made all your shots. Are we going to see more of Kevin Hamilton (193-G-84, college: Holy Cross) the scorer?

I am not sure. I have just been trying to take what the game gives me. Recently I have just seen more opportunities to score than in the beginning of the season.

What has been the best NCAA game that you saw so far?

Murray St vs Vanderbilt.

What is your impression of Elias Harris of Gonzaga and his NBA hype?

I have not get a chance to see him play yet, but I hear he is very good.
Thanks Kev for the chat!

Ronald Ross (Artland Dragons) Postgame Thoughts To102-80 Win Against The Giessen 46ers - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Ronald Ross

(188-G-83, college: Texas Tech) is a 26 year old 18 cm guard playing his first season for The Artland Dragons. He is originally from Hobbs New Mexico and played at Texas Tech from 2001-2005. In his senior year, he averaged 17.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.0apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3Pts: 43% and reached the NCA Sweet 16. He started his professional career with Univer Castelletto Ticino (Italy-Lega2) and then moved on to the CBA in 2006-2007 for Butte Daredevils playing 48 games averaging 15.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-2 (2.4spg), FGP: 49%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 74.2% and in 2007 for the Albany Patroons (USBL, starting five) playing 21 games: Score-3 (17.4ppg), 3.0rpg, Assists-4 (4.0apg), Steals-1 (2.5spg), FGP: 47.6%, 3FGP: 41.4%, FT: 84.2%. In 2007-2008, he played for ENBW Ludwigsburg playing 34 games and averaging 14.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.3apg, Steals-2 (1.7spg), 2FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 77.9% reaching the cup final in 2008. Last season, he started in Israel before moving on to the Artland Dragons playing 12 games and averaging 15.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.0apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 57.1%, FT: 70.0%. Ron spoke to eurobasket after the 102-80 win against The Giessen 46ers.

A big 102-80 win at home against the Giessen 46ers. I guess whatever coach Thorsten Leibenath said last week helped the team respond on the court?

Yeah, we really needed to get that win.

How do you explain a lack luster game in Frankfurt with 65 points and then an explosion at home with 102 points?

Well, we rebounded the ball well that night against Geissen. In all honesty though, Frankfurt is a better team. We need to get wins against teams ahead of us and not just all the ones behind us.

How big is the belief in reaching the playoffs? The team has to respond in the next two tough games against Alba Berlin and EWE Baskets Oldenburg or the playoffs might not become a reality.

The belief is definitely there, I could never imagine our team giving up on the playoffs regardless of any circumstances. These two teams are tough and it won't be an easy task, but your right if we even want a chance we have to come up with some wins.

The Artland Dragons led at halftime 50-41. It seemed like the offense was rolling, but was 41 points too much to give up on defense at halftime?

Yeah, 41 points was too much. We could have played a little better defensively.

The Artland Dragons poured in 52 points in the second half. Why was the offense so strong tonight and what was it doing better than in Frankfurt?

Frankfurt played better than us. They executed their game plan better than we did ours. We came out with a sense of urgency against Giessen and played well.

The Artland Dragons shot 58% from the field. Did Toby the dragon help steer the ball in every so often with his fire?lol

Haha, no. It was good he was there though.

Lorenzo Williams showed his point guard qualites scoring 14 points and dishing out 8 assists. How was it playing against him and what is his toughest asset to defend?

Lorenzo played well, he had a good game. I didn't really play against him much that night, but he seemed to have a good feel for his teammates from what I saw.

What has been the best NCAA March Madness game that you have seen so far?

I just watched the Syracuse and Gonzaga game. Syracuse was looking good.

What is your impression of German forward Elias Harris of Gonzaga? Is this NBA hype a bit too soon and is he a legitimate NBA pick in the future?

I really like Harris' game, I really hope he makes it in the near future, but right now might be a little too early. The kid is talented though and he works hard so I really like that about him.
Thanks Ron for the chat.

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

ISRAEL

Stats Leaders - National League

Points Per Game

Robert BROWN
  Hap.Haifa
  (195-F-80)
  Avg: 29.7

1. Brown, Hap.Haifa	29.7
2. Asbury, Hap.Tivon	27.9
3. Markson, Elitzur .	23.0
4. Byerson, Natzrath.	21.5
5. Clemente, Macc.Ash.	21.2
6. Drayton, Beer Y.	21.1
7. Paris, Hapoel Beeri	20.7
8. Jackson, Kiryat Ata	20.3
9. Simhon, Hod H.	19.8
10. Hicks, Kohav Yair	19.7

Rebounds Per Game

Stanley BRANDY
  Hod Hasharon
  (200-F-67)
  Avg: 12.7

1. Brandy, Hod H.	12.7
2. Paris, Hapoel Beeri	12.1
3. Byerson, Natzrath.	12.0
4. Clemente, Macc.Ash.	11.4
5. Peterson, Elitzur .	11.2
6. Auter, Macc.Hab.	9.7
7. Drayton, Beer Y.	9.7
8. Tzubrevitch, Elitzu.	9.5
9. Lee, Kiryat Ata	9.2
10. Jackson, Kiryat Ata	8.9

Assists Per Game

Ilan BERKOVICH
  Hap.Haifa
  (187-G-75)
  Avg: 7.2

1. Berkovich, Hap.H.	7.2
2. Nenikashvili, Megido.	6.4
3. Huli, Lev Hasharon	6.0
4. Arieli, Hap.Tivon	5.7
5. OFIR FARHI Macc..	5.5
6. Golan, Lev Hasharon	5.1
7. Brandwein, Elitzu.	5.1
8. Shifman, Hapoel Beeri	5.1
9. Cohen, Natzrath.	4.8
10. Skverer, Macc.Hab.	4.6

Steals Per Game

Ofir FARHI
  Macc.Ashdod
  (187-G-86)
  Avg: 2.7

1. OFIR FARHI Macc..	2.7
2. Markson, Elitzur .	2.4
3. Asbury, Hap.Tivon	2.3
4. Berkovich, Hap.H.	2.2
5. Young, Elitzur Ramla	2.0
6. Karpels, Elitzur .	1.9
7. Brandy, Hod H.	1.9
8. Cohen, Hapoel Beeri	1.8
9. Matalon, Megido/Y.	1.8
10. Harush, Kohav Yair	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Brad BYERSON
  Natzrath Elite
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Byerson, Natzrath.	1.8
2. Auter, Macc.Hab.	1.7
3. Paris, Hapoel Beeri	1.4
4. Tzubrevitch, Elitzu.	1.3
5. Aiden, Hapoel Beeri	1.2
6. Markson, Elitzur .	1.1
7. Brandy, Hod H.	1.0
8. Peterson, Elitzur .	1.0
9. Martin, Elitzur Yavne	1.0
10. Carr, Megido/Yok.	1.0

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

ITALY

LIBYA

Four teams will compete for championship - by Eurobasket News
Ahli Benghazi, Alshabab, Al-Nasser and Al-Hilal advanced to Top 4 of the League. All of them will play with each other starting from March 25th. Ahli Benghazi as a reminder won the Regular Season with 12-2 record. Alshabab and Al-Nasser finished with 10-4 record on the second and third places, while Al-Hilal is fourth with 8-6 record.
On March 25th Hilal will face Shabab, while Ahli Benghazi will take on Nasr.

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LITHUANIA

Standings - LKL

LKL Standings

1. Lietuvos Rytas	20-1
2. Zalgiris	19-1
3. Siauliai	16-5
4. Juventus	12-9
5. Rudupis	11-11
6. Techasas	11-11
7. Neptunas	11-11
8. Perlas	10-13
9. Suduva	8-14
10. Sakalai	7-14
11. Nevezis	5-16
12. Alytus Alita	5-17
13. Aisciai	5-17

Stats Leaders - LKL

Points Per Game

Valdas DABKUS
  Rudupis
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 20.9

1. Dabkus, Rudupis	20.9
2. Aleksandrova., Alytus A.	19.6
3. Kazevicius, Alytus A.	19.5
4. Sirvydis, Sakalai	18.0
5. Ruikis, Suduva	18.0
6. Janavicius, Aisciai	16.9
7. Kelys, Perlas	16.1
8. Kuzminskas, Siauliai	16.1
9. Gvezdauskas, Nevez.	15.4
10. Ezerskis, Techasas	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Egidijus DIMSA
  Nevezis
  (205-C-85)
  Avg: 9.3

1. Dimsa, Nevezis	9.3
2. Kieza, Suduva	8.6
3. Valanciunas, Perlas	7.5
4. Vilkius, Neptunas	7.5
5. Tatarunas, Alytus A.	7.4
6. Valukonis, Aisciai	7.4
7. Dabkus, Rudupis	7.3
8. Janisius, Suduva	7.0
9. Silinskis, Nevezis	7.0
10. Adomaitis, Alytus A.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Tomas GAIDAMAVICIUS
  Juventus
  (191-G-82)
  Avg: 6

1. Gaidamaviciu., Juven.	6.0
2. Broadus, Suduva	5.8
3. Viskontas, Perlas	5.7
4. Low, Siauliai	5.1
5. Janavicius, Aisciai	4.9
6. Ginevicius, Lietuv.	4.9
7. Ezerskis, Techasas	4.7
8. Popovic, Lietuvos.	4.6
9. Kelys, Perlas	4.5
10. Maceina, Rudupis	4.4

Steals Per Game

Andrius ALEKSANDROVAS
  Alytus Alita
  (197-G-86)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Aleksandrova., Alytus A.	2.5
2. Popovic, Lietuvos.	2.3
3. Valukonis, Aisciai	2.3
4. Kelys, Perlas	2.2
5. Ginevicius, Lietuv.	2.2
6. Vileita, Rudupis	2.1
7. Jomantas, Lietuv.	2.1
8. Lipkevicius, Aisciai	2.0
9. Ezerskis, Techasas	1.9
10. Pakamanis, Juven.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Aurimas KIEZA
  Keravnos
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Kieza, Suduva	2.7
2. Silinskis, Nevezis	2.5
3. Begic, Zalgiris	1.6
4. Valanciunas, Perlas	1.5
5. Valanciunas, Lietuv.	1.4
6. Cepukaitis, Aisciai	1.2
7. Volkus, Techasas	1.1
8. Tatarunas, Alytus A.	1.1
9. Zyle, Aisciai	1.1
10. Leonavicius, Sakalai	1.0

LKL Round: 28 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas - Alytus Alita 110-61
Lietuvos Rytas thrashed Alytus in Vilnius. Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) knocked down 22 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead Lietuvos Rytas. Steponas Babrauskas notched 14 points in the winning effort. Andrius Aleksandrovas replied with 15 points for Alytus.

Zalgiris - Nevezis 98-66
Zalgiris had no problems against Nevezis in Kaunas. Adas Juskevicius (194-G/F-89) scored 17 points to lead the hosts. Martynas Pocius added 16 points in the winning effort. Egidijus Dimsa responded with 23 points and 9 rebounds for Nevezis.

Rudupis - Aisciai 88-75
Rudupis shot down Aisciai at home court. Giedrius Jankauskas (206-F/C-81) accounted for 22 points and 10 rebounds in the 11th win for the hosts. Evaldas Dainys and Gytos Andrijauskas added 10 points apiece in the victory. Marius Valukonis notched 24 points and 9 boards for Aisciai. Zygimantas Janavicius top-scored with 25 points in defeat.

Neptunas - Juventus 65-72
Juventus escaped with a narrow road win against Neptunas. Virginijus Praskevicius (206-C/F-74) tallied 17 points and 9 rebounds as Juventus improved at 12-9 record. Jonas Elvikis netted 12 points in the winning case. Simonas Serapinas replied with 18 points and 8 rebounds for Neptunas.

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MONTENEGRO

MNT 18 Round : Ulcinj,Lovcen,Mornar,Gorstak and Teodo in MNT S-league - by Dragan Scepanovic
BC GORSTAK Kolasin - BC DANILOVGRAD 77:66 (18:13, 15:14, 22:20, 22:19)
Kolasin. SC 'Gorstak'. Spect 400. Reff: Rutesic (Niksic), Jokic (Podgorica), Raicevic (B. Polje).
GORSTAK: Dragan Pejic (187-G-76) 16 (3-2), Todic, Scepanovic, Stojkovic, Pekovic 8 (1-0), G. Goran Bulatovic (184-G-88) 21 (8-6), Boban Medenica (201-F-87 ) 10 (8-6), B. Goran Bulatovic, Marko Rakocevic 18 (2-2), Djuknic 1 (2-1), Grujic, Vukovic.
DANILOVGRAD: Djukanovic, Jovovic 2 (2-2), Pavicevic, Djerkovic, Radulovic 19 (2-1), Miranovic, Sekulic, Goran Gajovic (199-G/F-88) 17 (8-7), Vujisic, Milatovic 19 (2-1), Grabovica 5 (2-2), Igor Bijelic (208-F/C-88) 4 (2-2).

BC ABS PRIMORJE H.Novi - BC JEDINSTVO B.Polje 61: 74 (17:19, 8:29, 17:8, 19:18)
Herceg Novi. SC Igalo. Spect 80. Reff: Dragojevic, Koljensic, Popovic (Podgorica).
ABS PRIMORJE: Goran Bulatovic 2 (4-2), Djokovic 14 (2-2), Tmusic 3, Djurisic, Drincic, Misnjic 3, Medic 4, Vujovic 10 (6-4), Ivan Zejak) 5, Mandic 20, Vujadinovic.
JEDINSTVO: Zarko Dragicevic (188-G-81) 1 (4-1), Musovic 5 (6-5), Lekovic 14 (4-4), Halilvic, Minic 15 (1-0), Omerovic 6 (2-1), Babaca 9, Ljujic 6 (2-2), Kovacevic 1 (2-1), Nedovic 12 (7-6), Sekularac, Grdinic 5.

BC TEODO Tivat - BC MOGREN Budva 83:79 (28:16, 19:17, 15:21, 21:25)
Tivat. SC 'Zupa'. Spect 500. Reff: Vojinovic, Kaludjerovic (Niksic), Kostic (Ulcinj).
TEODO: Vukotic 25 (6-4), Dabanovic 9 (2-2), Dzudovic, Vujacic 6 (4-3), Osmajic 8 (3-3), Stefan Djordjevic (206-C-89 ) 9 (1-1), J. Radonjic, Lucic 11, Subotic 8, Bozovic 1 (2-1), Jeknic, I. Radonjic 6 (2-0).
MOGREN: Fatic, Frank, Vukovic 6, Petric 18, Igor Kunjic (202-F-87) 13 (12-9), Aladin 5 (4-2), Nikic 6 (2-1), Boskovic 18 (9-7), Pekic, Zeljko Maricic) 1 (2-1), Milosev, Radulovic 12 (2-2).

BC ULCINJ - BC LOVCEN Cetinje 64:57 ( 12:19, 17:14, 21:9, 14:15)
Ulcinj School sport center. Spect 800. Reff: Sundic, Sanjevic (Podgorica), Kicovic (Bar).
ULCINj: Latkovic 5, Tomasevic, Tepavcevic 21, Krstovic , Ivanovic 2, Micetic, Durkovic 17, Rajovic 6, A.Ivanovic, S.Jovanovic 2, Boris Lalovic (206-C-81) 11, Djukanovic.
LOVCEN: Stojanovic 7, Lalic, Marko Kuveljic (197-G/F-88) , Marko Milosevic (202-F-84) 2, Ivanovic 4, Pelkic 4, Boricic 4, Kandic 13, Lopicic, Nikola Pavlicevic (192-G-88) 3, Dubljevic 11, Aleksa Popovic (201-G/F-87) 9.

BC MORNAR Bar - BC PRIMORJE H.Novi 92:72 ( 27:17, 22:19, 20:21 i 23:15 )
BAR - SC Topolica. Spect: 400. Reff: Savovic (Podgorica), Scekic (Berane) , Filipovic (Niksic)
MORNAR: Pesic, Djurisic 6 (2-0), Mihailovic 6 (3-3), Djeljosevic 16, Vulevic 2 (1-1), Damjanovic 7, (6-2), Ljujic 12 (4-4), Dobrovic 13 (6-5), Vasilije Seferovic (193-G/F-85) 10 (2-1), Vujosevic11 (6-5), Cebalovic, Gagic 9 (5-3).
PRIMORJE: S. Arapovic 21 (6-5), Jakov Samardzic) 7 (3-1),Krivokapic, Papovic, Misinezovic, D.Arapovic, Lenhart 4 (2-1), Bacovic 5 (3-2), Jovanovic 13 (8-6), Kovacevic 6 (5-2), Igor Lutersek (203-C-89) 16 (4-2).

MNT Super League - by Dragan Scepanovic
1.Round - 27/28. Mar 2010
Ulcinj - Buducnost
Lovcen - Teodo
Gorstak - Mornar

2.Round - 30/31. Mar 2010
Buducnost - Mornar
Teodo - Gorstak
Ulcinj - Lovcen

3.Round - 03/04. Apr 2010
Lovcen - Buducnost
Gorstak - Ulcinj
Mornar - Teodo

4.Round - 06/07. Apr 2010
Buducnost - Teodo
Ulcinj - Mornar
Lovcen - Gorstak

5.Round - 10/11. Apr 2010
Gorstak - Buducnost
Mornar - Lovcen
Teodo Ulcinj

6.Round - 13/14. Apr 2010
Buducnost - Ulcinj
Teodo - Lovcen
Gorstak - Mornar

7.Round - 17/18. Apr 2010
Mornar - Buducnost
Gorstak - Teodo
Lovcen - Ulcinj

8.Round 20/21. Apr 2010
Buducnost - Lovcen
Ulcinj - Gorstak
Teodo - Mornar

9.Round 24/25. Apr 2010
Teodo - Buducnost
Mornar - Ulcinj
Gorstak - Lovcen

10.Round - 27/28. Apr 2010
Buducnost - Gorstak
Lovcen - Mornar
Ulcinj - Teodo

Petar Jovanovic inks for Primorje - by Dragan Scepanovic
Sport Director of Basketball Club Primorje MIjuskovic Rasa announced that Basketball Club Primorje member of MNT1A League agreed terms with 30-year old Montenegrin swingman Petar Jovanovic (192-G/F-80). Jovanovic played most recently at BC Leotar from Trebinje BiH Premier League , where his stats in 12 games were 14.9ppg, 3.2apg, 3rpg, 2.0spg. Jovanovic was selected to Eurobasket.com Montenegrin League All-Domestic Players Team in both 2006-07 and 2007-08.

MNT Play Out League - by Dragan Scepanovic
1.Round - 27/28. Mar 2010
ABS Primorje - Mogren
Jedinstvo - Danilovgrad
Sutjeska - Primorje

2.Round - 30/31. Mar 2010
Mogren - Primorje
Danilovgrad - Sutjeska
ABS Primorje - Jedinstvo

3.Round - 03/04. Apr 2010
Jedinstvo - Mogren
Sutjeska - ABS primorje
Primorje - Danilovgrad

4.Round- 06/07. Apr 2010
Mogren - Danilovgrad
ABS Primorje - Primorje
Jedinstvo Sutjeska

5.Round - 10/11. Apr 2010
Sutjeska - Mogren
Primorje - Jedinstvo
Danilovgrad - ABS Primorje

6.Round - 13/14. Apr 2010
Mogren - ABS Primorje
Danilovgrad - Jedinstvo
Primorje - Sutjeska

7.Round - 17/18. Apr 2010
Primorje - Mogren
Sutjeska - Danilovgrad
Jedinstvo - ABS Primorje

8.Round - 20/21. Apr 2010
Mogren - Jedinstvo
ABS Primorje - Sutjeska
Danilovgrad - Primorje

9.Round - 24/25. Apr 2010
Danilovgrad - Mogren
Primorje - ABS Primorje
Sutjeska - Jedinstvo

10.Round - 27/28. Apr 2010
Mogren - Sutjeska
Jedinstvo - Primorje
ABS Primorje - Danilovgrad

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NABL

NABL announces Portland Showtime first two roster players - by Gianni Pascucci
The National Athletic Basketball League - Portland Showtime get the best local Oregon players to play in the NABL for the upcoming season. The Portland Showtime of the NABL sign Kansas Jayhawk, Michael Lee (6'3''-G-83, college: Kansas) and Oregon Duck Brandon Lincoln (6'4''-G-83, college: Oregon) to the 2010 inaugural squad. Lee is a stocky combo guard who emerged his sophomore season as the Jayhawks' most effective perimeter weapon off the bench. Shoots well from outside and is a tough defender on the perimeter. Lincoln comes from the local Oregon Ducks to join the Portland Showtime after a season overseas, playing for ETB Wohnbau in Germany. He's a very versatile player, who played four positions as a senior. Has a 32' vertical jump and scored career high 22 points vs. Cal in Pac-10 championships.

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NBA

Warriors keep Reggie Williams, waive Raja Bell - by Eurobasket News
The Golden State Warriors have signed forward Reggie Williams (6'5''-G/F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: VMI) for the remainder of the season, the team announced yesterday.

Williams, 23, has appeared in 11 games with Golden State, averaging 12.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 24.1 minutes per contest, while shooting 53.0% (53-100 FG) from the field, 48.6% (17-35 3FG) from long range and 90.0% (18-20 FT) from the line. He registered a career-high 28 points in 34 minutes at New Orleans on March 8, and scored 18 fourth quarter points including 4-of-5 three-pointers en route to a 22-point performance in the Warriors victory over New Orleans on March 17. A 6-6, 210-pound forward, Williams signed his first 10-day with the Warriors on March 2 as a free agent call-up from the NBA Development Leagues Sioux Falls Skyforce, and signed a second 10-day on March 12.

In a related move, the Warriors have waived guard Raja Bell (6'5''-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.). The Warriors roster now stands at 15 players.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Timberwolves waive rarely used F Alando Tucker - by Eurobasket News
The Minnesota Timberwolves have waived forward Alando Tucker

(6'6''-F-84, college: Wisconsin), a former first-round pick out of Wisconsin.

The Timberwolves acquired Tucker from Phoenix in December along with a conditional second-round draft pick and cash considerations for backup point guard Jason Hart.

The 6-foot-6 Tucker appeared in four games for Minnesota, averaging 2.0 points in 6.3 minutes per game. He was waived Monday

Phoenix drafted Tucker 29th overall in 2007. He averaged 4.1 points and 1.0 rebounds in 51 career appearances.

Courtesy of www.wtopnews.com

Monday's games (10) review - by Eurobasket News
San Antonio S. - Oklah.City T. 99-96
George Hill (6'2''-G-86, college: IUPUI) stepped into Parker's starring role and scored a career-high 27 points, and the Spurs overcame Kevin Durant's 45 to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 99-96 on Monday night and forge a tie between the teams for sixth place in the Western Conference standings. Manu Ginobili (6'6''-G-77, agency: Interperformances) added 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Jeff Green had 16 pts and 6 boards in defeat.

Boston C. - Utah Jazz 97-110
Deron Williams (6'3''-G-84, college: Illinois) was the leading player in victory with 22 points and 11 assists. Mehmet Okur (6'11''-C/F-79) scored all of his 14 points in the second half and pulled down 15 rebounds, C.J. Miles added 23 points and Carlos Boozer overcame early foul trouble to finish with 19 points. In Boston Celtics, Ray Allen delivered 15 points.

Memphis G. - Sacramento K. 102-85
Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) had 25 points and 12 rebounds to continue a late-season surge for the Grizzlies, who used an inspired second half to beat the Sacramento Kings 102-85 on Monday night. O.J. Mayo

(6'5''-G-87, college: USC) had 20 points and 7 boards, while Rudy Gay added 17 pts and also 7 rebs in this victory. Carl Landry shined in defeat with 23 points

Phoenix Suns - Golde State W. 133-131
Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) drained 37 points and Jason Richardson (6'6''-G-81, college: Michigan St.) had a season high-tying 34 in the Suns' fifth straight victory. Reggie Williams scored a career-high 29 points for Golden State. Monta Ellis led the Warriors with 30, and Anthony Tolliver added 25 points and 12 rebounds.

Houston R. - Chicago B. 88-98
Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) had 27 points, eight assists and seven rebounds to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 98-88 win over the Houston Rockets on Monday night. Ronald Murray (6'4''-G-79, college: Shaw) scored 18 and Kirk Hinrich added 17 points in this victory. On the other side, Houston Rockets got 22 points and 10 boards from Luis Scola.

Atlanta H. - Milwaukee B. 95-98
John Salmons (6'7''-F-79, college: Miami, FL) scored 16 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter and made the tiebreaking free throws with 21.8 seconds remaining, leading the Bucks to a come-from-behind 98-95 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in a matchup of possible first-round opponents. Jamal Crawford (6'5''-G-80, college: Michigan) had 21 points. Joe Johnson collected 27 points and 6 rebounds in defat.

Toronto R. - Minnesota T. 106-100
Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) had 21 points and 10 rebounds to help the sluggish Toronto Raptors hand the Minnesota Timberwolves their 13th straight loss, 106-100 on Monday night. Andrea Bargnani (6'10''-F/C-85) added 19 points and 7 rebounds. The hosts got 22 points and 7 boards from Al Jefferson.

Dallas M. - N.Orleans H. 99-115
Marcus Thornton (6'4''-G-87, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: LSU) scored 28 points, David West (6'8''-F-80, college: Xavier) added 25 points and 10 assists, and the Hornets had a remarkable run of 23 straight points without Paul on the floor in a 115-99 triumph over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night. Morris Peterson added 20 pts. In the loosing squad, Jason Terry collected 24 pts.

Orlando M. - Philadelph.76 109-93
Rashard Lewis (6'10''-F-79) scored 24 points, Dwight Howard (6'10''-F-85) added 23 points and 15 rebounds, and the Magic notched their third straight 50-win season with a 109-93 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night. Vince Carter added 17 points and 5 assists in this victory. Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala replied with 23 points and 6 boards each in loss.

Miami Heat - New Jersey N. 99-89
Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) had 27 points and 12 assists, and the Heat beat the free-falling New Jersey Nets 99-89 on Monday night for their eighth win in 11 games this month. Jermaine O'Neal (6'11''-F-78) scored 25 points and pulled down 9 rebounds last night. In NJ Nets, Brook Lopez delivered 26 pts.

NBA commissioner David Stern, John Thompson reached out to troubled ex-76ers guard Allen Iverson - by Eurobasket News
NBA commissioner David Stern and legendary former Georgetown coach John III Thompson recently expressed concern for troubled ex-76ers guard Allen Iverson (6'1''-G-75, college: Georgetown), according to Iverson's longtime business manager, Gary Moore.

Stern telephoned Moore Monday and asked how Iverson was coping with the myriad problems that have come his way. Moore said the two spoke for about 10 minutes and he assured the commissioner Iverson is doing fine.

'David was genuinely concerned for Allen,' Moore said. 'He asked about his daughter and his wife. He said that if Allen needed him he knows how to get him.'

Moore said Stern also asked about a recent Philadelphia Inquirer report that said Iverson was battling alcohol and gambling problems.

Stern confirmed the conversation through an NBA spokesman but refused to comment. No future meeting or discussion between Stern and Iverson was set up.

Thompson, Iverson's coach for two years at Georgetown, spoke with Iverson on March 7, the same day the Inquirer report suggested Thompson reach out to him.

Thompson did not immediately return a phone call from ESPN seeking comment.

Iverson's tough year began when he settled for a $3.1 million deal with the Memphis Grizzlies after going largely unwanted in free agency. The deal represented a pay cut of nearly $20 million. Hounded by injuries and complaining about playing time, Iverson left the Grizzlies after playing just three games.

A month later, he re-joined the Sixers in a celebrated return that left Iverson crying at his introductory press conference. Iverson was again in and out of the lineup after injuries and an undisclosed illness to his four-year-old daughter, Messiah. On March 4, the two parties mutually agreed to end his second stint in Philadelphia. That same day, Iverson's wife of 8 years, Tawanna, filed for divorce.

A few days later, Iverson said on his Twitter account he was going through 'some very tough times.'

Moore said he and Iverson aren't sure whether his NBA career is over and Iverson is currently focused on his family.

'Allen's personal life is at the top of his agenda right now and no thoughts about basketball will enter into his mind or thought process until he's satisfied that his personal life is in order,' Moore said. 'Basketball's not high on his list of priorities right now. But he hasn't mentioned anything about retirement to me.'

Iverson is in Atlanta, living in the same home as his wife and kids while hoping to reconcile their marriage, according to Moore. Moore said Messiah's health is much better.

Courtesy of the ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5019590&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines)

For sale: NBA's Golden State Warriors - by Eurobasket News
The Golden State Warriors said on Tuesday it is for sale, beginning a process that could attract a record price and interest from overseas bidders, and from Silicon Valley billionaire Larry Ellison.

The NBA team said it has hired Galatioto Sports Partners to conduct the sale, but declined further comment.

Galatioto Sports Partners President Sal Galatioto had no comment; but speculation has swirled for several months that Warriors owner Christopher Cohan might sell the team.

Cohan bought the Warriors in 1995, and in 2004 sold a 20 percent stake for an undisclosed amount to a group of four investors.

Bankers and analysts who follow the sports industry said the Warriors could fetch a record price and draw interest from buyers overseas, including Asia. The Phoenix Suns were purchased in 2004 for a league-record US$401 million.

'If a bidding war erupts, we could see this deal exceeding US$400 million,' said Marc Ganis, president of sports consulting firm Sportscorp Ltd. 'Because of the potential size of the (Bay area) market it plays in, this is a team that has a lot of upside potential.'

However, a sports banker, who asked not to be identified discussing an ongoing sale, said concerns that could dampen bidding include a possible work stoppage next year and the league's financial struggles.

'There's an opportunity to get a basketball team at a reasonable price, but there's a lot of risk,' said the banker, who figured the team could attract bids of US$350 million to US$400 million. 'The NBA needs some fixing.'

NBA Commissioner David Stern said last month the league could lose around US$400 million this year due to the weak economy and a crippling labor agreement with its players.

The NBA's current labor deal runs through the 2010-2011 season, and the owners want to reduce the players' share of basketball-related income, pointing to a possible lockout by the owners or a strike by the players.

Ellison is likely to have interest. The brash, 65-year-old chief executive officer of Oracle Corp said at a company meeting in January that he was interested in the Oakland, California-based team.

'I'm trying. I'm trying. Unfortunately, you cannot have a hostile takeover in basketball,' Ellison said when asked by a fan whether he would buy the Warriors, which play home games at Oracle Arena.

An Oracle spokeswoman declined to comment.

Forbes magazine estimated this month that Ellison, who co-founded Oracle, is the world's sixth-richest man, worth about US$28 billion. In February, Ellison, an accomplished ocean racer, won the America's Cup sailing race.

The magazine in December estimated the Warriors were worth US$315 million, down 6 percent from the prior year's list and ranking 18th out of 30 teams.

Last week, the NBA approved former all-star Michael Jordan's purchase of the Charlotte Bobcats for a reported US$275 million.

The Warriors also could attract overseas interest. Chinese investors in December agreed to buy a stake in the Cleveland Cavaliers, while Russia's richest man Mikhail Prokhorov reached a deal last September to buy control of the New Jersey Nets. Both deals still need league approval.

Courtesy of www.tvnz.co.nz

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

LeBron JAMES
  Cleveland C.
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 29.7

1. James, Clevelan.	29.7
2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	29.7
3. Anthony, Denver N.	28.8
4. Bryant, LA Lakers	27.6
5. Wade, Miami Heat	26.5
6. Ellis, Golde S.	25.8
7. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	24.8
8. Bosh, Toronto R.	24.1
9. Granger, Indiana P.	23.6
10. Stoudemire, Phoeni.	22.9

Rebounds Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 13.1

1. Howard, Orlando M.	13.1
2. Camby, LA Clippers	12.1
3. Lee, New York K.	11.9
4. Randolph, Memph.	11.9
5. Bosh, Toronto R.	11.1
6. Boozer, Utah Jazz	11.1
7. Noah, Chicago B.	11.1
8. Gasol, LA Lakers	11.0
9. Love, Minnesota T.	10.8
10. Wallace, Charlotte B.	10.6

Assists Per Game

Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 11.1

1. Nash, Phoenix Suns	11.1
2. Paul, N.Orleans H.	10.9
3. Williams, Utah Jazz	10.3
4. Rondo, Boston C.	9.6
5. Kidd, Dallas M.	9.2
6. James, Clevelan.	8.5
7. Davis, LA Clippers	8.0
8. Westbrook, Oklah..	7.9
9. Arenas, Washingt.	7.2
10. Harris, New J.	6.7

Steals Per Game

Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Rondo, Boston C.	2.3
2. Ellis, Golde S.	2.3
3. Paul, N.Orleans H.	2.2
4. Jackson, Charlott.	1.8
5. Ariza, Houston R.	1.8
6. Wade, Miami Heat	1.8
7. Kidd, Dallas M.	1.8
8. Curry, Golde S.	1.8
9. Smith, Atlanta H.	1.7
10. Bryant, LA Lakers	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Howard, Orlando M.	2.7
2. Bogut, Milwauke.	2.5
3. Haywood, Washingt.	2.1
4. Dalembert, Philad.	2.0
5. Smith, Atlanta H.	2.0
6. Camby, LA Clippers	2.0
7. Andersen, Denver N.	1.9
8. Lopez, New J.	1.8
9. Perkins, Boston C.	1.8
10. Thomas, Chicago B.	1.7

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C.	45-25
2. Toronto R.	35-34
3. New York K.	26-45
4. Philadelph.76	24-47
5. New Jersey N.	7-63
Central Div.
1. Cleveland C.	56-15
2. Milwaukee B.	39-30
3. Chicago B.	33-37
4. Indiana P.	25-46
5. Detroit P.	23-48
Southeast Div.
1. Orlando M.	50-21
2. Atlanta H.	45-25
3. Miami Heat	37-34
4. Charlotte B.	36-34
5. Washington W.	21-48
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Denver N.	47-24
2. Utah Jazz	46-25
3. Oklah.City T.	42-27
4. Portland TB	42-29
5. Minnesota T.	14-57
Pacific Div.
1. LA Lakers	52-18
2. Phoenix Suns	45-26
3. LA Clippers	26-45
4. Sacramento K.	24-47
5. Golde State W.	19-51
Southwest Div.
1. Dallas M.	47-24
2. San Antonio S.	42-27
3. Memphis G.	38-33
4. Houston R.	36-33
5. N.Orleans H.	34-38

NCAA1

NCAA rejects Memphis' final appeal of vacated wins - by Eurobasket News
Memphis must vacate its record 38-win mens basketball season from 2007-08 after the NCAA rejected its appeal.

The NCAA announced Monday that its Infractions Appeal Committee ruled against Memphis, which was found to use an ineligible player, believed to be Derrick Rose. The Tigers lost in overtime to Kansas in the national title game that season.

The NCAA originally ordered Memphis to vacate the season and forfeit money on Aug. 20. Memphis had appealed, arguing the penalties were unprecedented and that the school was held to a strict liability when Rose was ruled retroactively ineligible for an SAT score that was invalidated by the Educational Testing Service in May 2008.

The Infractions Appeals Committee found no basis to conclude that the penalty was excessive such that the Committee on Infractions had abused its discretion in imposing the penalty, the NCAA said in a release posted on its Web site.

The decision was based on a letter from the testing agency to the athlete that not only made the student-athlete aware that his eligibility was in serious jeopardy, but that he would be declared ineligible if he did not respond to the letter, according to the committees report to the NCAA.

The letters ETS sent Rose asking for more information were dated March 17, 2008while he was playing in the NCAA tournamentand April 10, 2008, days after the championship game loss. The only address the ETS had for Rose came when he took the test in high school while living in Illinois.

The decision will result in an asterisk beside Memphis 38-2 season that had set the NCAA record for wins in a season and approximately $615,000 in lost tournament revenue. The infractions committee originally said it struck hard because the ineligible player was used the entire season. Rose played in all 40 games, starting 39.

The university issued a statement Monday, saying it was extremely disappointed and strongly disagrees with the decision. Memphis had kept a banner commemorating that season hanging in the rafters at FedExForum during its appeal, but that banner now will be taken down.

Memphis also asked the NCAA to take several steps to avoid this kind of problem in the future.

The university wants the NCAA to require the Educational Testing Service to notify universities of any investigations of student-athletes, something officials want the NCAA to start immediately to work out a plan to do just that. And Memphis wants the NCAA Eligibility Center to provide guidance and keep both schools and student-athletes informed on test score questions.

Memphis also endorsed the appeal committees decision requiring the Committee on Infractions to explicitly state evidence supporting each penalty imposed on programs in the future.

Without an open dialogue about ongoing issues, the University of Memphis and other NCAA members have less confidence in the abilities of the NCAA and ETS to work productively on behalf of student-athletes and the universities they represent, Memphis President Shirley Raines said in a statement.

This issue requires immediate attention by both organizations.

Courtesy of Yahoo (http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news?slug=ap-ncaa-memphisappeal&prov=ap&type=lgns)

Michigan State's Lucas ruptured Achilles' tendon, will miss rest of the NCAA tournament - by Eurobasket News
Michigan State star Kalin Lucas (6'0''-G-89) will miss the rest of the NCAA tournament after an MRI has confirmed he ruptured his left Achilles' tendon.

In Lucas' place on Sunday, Korie Lucious made a 3-pointer at the buzzer to put the Spartans into the round of 16 with an 85-83 win over fourth-seeded Maryland.

Lucas was hurt late in the first half of that game when he landed awkwardly after a shot. He is a two-time All-Big Ten player and leads the Spartans in points and assists.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo is relieved his banged-up team has four days off before its next game in the NCAA tournament.

Not that it will help Kalin Lucas.

Izzo told The Associated Press on Monday morning that there's a '90 percent chance' tests later in the day would confirm Lucas has a torn left Achilles' tendon that would keep him off the court for about five months.

'Even if it's just a sprain, he wouldn't play' Friday against Northern Iowa, Izzo said with a sigh.

Lucas' replacement, Korie Lucious, beat the buzzer with a 3-pointer that lifted the fifth-seeded Spartans to an 85-83 win over fourth-seeded Maryland on Sunday.

Michigan State has advanced to the round of 16 for the ninth time in 13 seasons, a string of consistency topped in the NCAA tournament by only by Duke, and is two wins away from a nation-high sixth Final Four appearance since 1999. The Spartans will play ninth-seeded Northern Iowa in the Midwest Regional semifinals on Friday night in St. Louis, facing the team that knocked top-seeded Kansas out of their path.

'We can't look at whoever lost,' Durrell Summers said after scoring 26 points to send the Spartans home happy from Spokane, Wash. 'We got to advance and prepare for Northern Iowa.'

Izzo hopes his team lost only Lucas.

Chris Allen was limited to just 4 minutes against the Terrapins because of an injury to the arch in his right foot, Delvon Roe hobbled on his surgically repaired right knee against them and Raymar Morgan played with a broken tooth.

'We've got a `MASH' unit,' Izzo said. 'The bottom of Chris' foot is purple, Delvon is playing on one leg and Raymar looks like a hockey player with his tooth cut in half. We think we can get Chris backafter showing toughness we've never seen from himand we'll hold Delvon out of practice to let him rest as much as we can.'

With Lucas out, Lucious becomes a starter, walk-on Mike Kebler has to play more and versatile forward Draymond Green becomes even more valuable with the ball in his hands.

Lucas was hurt late in the first half, landing awkwardly after a shot, and did not return. He is a two-time All-Big Ten player and 2009 conference player of the year. He also leads the team in scoringaveraging nearly 15 pointsassists and playing time.

The injured players are the same ones that drew Izzo's tough love this past season: The coach kicked Lucas out of a practice, suspended Allen during the Big Ten tournament and Lucious from a game at Penn State.

Now the Spartans will face the Panthers missing their star in Lucas and perhaps Allen.

'We're going to need everybody we have in uniform to step up,' Izzo said. 'There were times we had two walk-ons, a freshman and a sophomore on the court Sunday and that probably won't be the last time in the tournament. Northern Iowa is good, but thank God they're not a team that presses like Maryland.'

Courtesy of www.breitbart.com

Complete Sweet 16 breakdown - by Eurobasket News
Like many meteorological forecasts, predictions for this season's NCAA tournament have been erratic, at best. Now that we're down to the Sweet 16, it's time to reexamine the paths ahead and look at the updated conditions each team will face on the road to Indianapolis.

MIDWEST REGIONAL

2. OHIO STATE

How they got here: Beat UC Santa Barbara 68-51, beat Georgia Tech 75-66.

Selling points: The Buckeyes have the nation's best player in Evan Turner, who rebounded from a subpar first-round effort with a near triple-double against Georgia Tech. The Buckeyes also showed they can handle a team with size in its frontcourt, and that they have weapons besides Turner.

Warning signs: Ohio State is getting progressively sloppier with the ball. Turner had nine turnovers on Sunday and the Buckeyes had a turnover percentage over 20 percent of possessions for the fifth time in their last 10 games. With Tennessee's ball-pressure to manage on Friday, they need to tighten this up quickly. Also, the depth and athleticism of the Vols could trouble a team that barely plays anyone past its starting five.

Final Four-cast: Sunny, with a slight chance of pain.

The so-called toughest regional pre-tournament has blown up and clearly is there for the taking. Tennessee is not an ideal Sweet 16 matchup, but Ohio State would be strongly favored over either Northern Iowa or a Kalin Lucas-less Michigan State in a regional final. The Buckeyes are the favorite to make it to Indy.

5. MICHIGAN STATE

How they got here: Beat New Mexico State 70-67, beat Maryland 85-83.

Selling points: Like most Tom Izzo teams, these Spartans are tough. Very tough. They gutted out two wins this weekend, including Sunday's buzzer-beater from Korie Lucious. They're going to have to be tough now after likely losing point guard Kalin Lucas to an Achilles injury. It's a devastating blow at this stage.

Warning signs: The Spartans went from the favorite role in their Sweet 16 matchup with Northern Iowa to a likely underdog, based on their quality of play when Lucas was injured in early February. They're just not the same team offensively without him, and that could be trouble against UNI, which makes you work for everything and doesn't like to allow cheap buckets.

Final Four-cast: Dark clouds.

The Spartans were very inconsistent down the stretch of the season, even with Lucas. It's hard to imagine they can overcome the loss of their leading scorer and assist man on such short notice to beat two very good teams in Saint Louis. If Izzo can pull this off, it would be exceptional.

6. TENNESSEE

How they got here: Beat San Diego State 62-59, beat Ohio 83-68.

Selling points: The Vols are a very uncomfortable matchup with their depth and defensive intensity. Bruce Pearl has shown flexibility with a roster that was rebuilt multiple times in the aftermath of some suspensions/departures. The team looked and sounded very focused in person in Providence.

Warning signs: Tennessee's offense isn't all that good, especially when the Vols don't force turnovers. They have lost their last six games when allowing at least a point per possession, so the game plan heading into Friday is very clear: make Evan Turner as uncomfortable as possible.

Final Four-cast: Cloudy, with sunshine possible later in the week.

It's rare that a major-conference team is an unknown, but no one -- not even the team's beat writers or maybe even the players themselves -- really know what this Tennessee team is. The three teams remaining in the region, though, all seem like reasonable fits style-wise. In January, mentioning this team and the Final Four would have been laughable. Now? No one's laughing.

9. NORTHERN IOWA

How they got here: Beat UNLV 69-66, beat Kansas 69-67.

Selling points: Their playing style is like having a plastic bag slung over you. You can fight it, but there's very little chance for air. Don't let their modest scores fool you, though. UNI is very efficient offensively, and obviously has clutch shooting in its back pocket, too. Classic upperclass-oriented, double-champ from a mid-major league causing havoc. Now they get a crippled Michigan State.

Warning signs: How will Northern Iowa handle being thrust into the role of presumptive favorite? It's one thing to stun Kansas when few expected it. It's another to take out a program with the pedigree of Michigan State when a lot of people now expect you to. Also, UNI's defense has been uncharacteristic forgiving in the NCAAs, with both opponents notching at least 1.10 points per possession.

Final Four-cast: Partly sunny.

UNI was good enough to beat Michigan State at full strength. They really have a strong chance to handle the Spartans now and make the Elite Eight. Waiting there, though, will be a team that will, for different reasons, be a difficult matchup for the Panthers.

EAST REGIONAL

1. KENTUCKY

How they got here: Beat East Tennessee State 100-71, beat Wake Forest 90-60.

Selling points: The Wildcats tore through the opening weekend like a national title contender should, pounding a 16 seed and a slumping 9. On paper, they get the bonus of facing a 12 seed next, although with the way Cornell is shooting the ball, it may not be the bargain many would have expected. Kentucky has the best raw talent of any club left and, for a young team, also is prudent with the basketball.

Warning signs: Nothing obvious. This is a powerful team that's clicking. They haven't shown the tendency to be overconfident, either, but if they get sucked into the 'Cornell' on the front of the jersey Thursday instead of the quality of the Big Red, they could find themselves behind and facing some adversity.

Final Four-cast: Sunny and pleasant, with a chance of a weekend storm.

The competition gets steeper for the Cats, who will potentially face two very dangerous offensive teams in Cornell and Washington, or have to overcome West Virginia's extremely physical style. This regional in Syracuse won't be a walkover, but the 'Cats are definitely the most talented team in it.

2. WEST VIRGINIA

How they got here: Beat Morgan State 77-50, beat Missouri 68-59.

Selling points: West Virginia doesn't turn the ball over and is impossible to keep off the offensive glass, so despite an inelegant looking attack, it's extremely effective and efficient. They are also showing the ability to win close games against comparable competition, which could be key this weekend.

Warning signs: The Mountaineers don't shoot the the three very well and they put people on the line a ton, which is part of the reason their overall defensive numbers aren't better. They also are paired with a Washington team that wants to play at a pace above WVU's normal comfort zone, and very well could have to beat Kentucky to make it to Indy.

Final Four-cast: Pleasant early, chance of showers late.

The Mountaineers will have a distinct physical/style advantage against Washington. The Huskies actually foul shooters more often than WVU does and will struggle to keep the 'Eers off the glass and the line. If WVU can even moderately slow down the UW attack, an Elite Eight trip looks likely. Unless Cornell pulls a Northern Iowa-style shocker, though, it will be Kentucky waiting in the regional final. WVU has the tools to win that game, but won't be favored.

11. WASHINGTON

How they got here: Beat Marquette 80-78, beat New Mexico 82-64.

Selling points: The Huskies are playing their best ball of the season at the right time, finally showing a team quality that matches some of their individual talent. Their overall efficiency numbers are far better than you'd expect from a team labeled as disappointing for much of the season. They have an explosive offense that could trouble both higher seeds in this region.

Warning signs: Washington makes West Virginia look like Siena when it comes to putting people on the line. The Huskies can't stop doing it (295th in free-throw rate conceded), and that could be lights out against the Mountaineers, who will miss plenty of shots and need to find cheap points.

Final Four-cast: Windy and cool.

This is a rough Sweet 16 draw for a team that likes to run, and they also could have to get past Kentucky. That's a lot to ask of any team, and despite recent form, Washington is not on the level of either.

12. CORNELL

How they got here: Beat Temple 78-65, beat Wisconsin 87-69.

Selling points: The Big Red had the most impressive weekend of any team in the field, eviscerating two of the nation's top 20 defenses (essentially a pair of Ohio-vs.-Georgetown-level explosions). They are extremely experienced and confident, coming off this weekend and having played well at Kansas and Syracuse earlier in the season. They're the nation's best three-point shooting team and now get to play less than an hour from their campus in a building they played in in December.

Warning signs: The Big Red get a whole different animal now in Kentucky, a team with NBA-level talent, size and athleticism that poses an extreme threat on the offensive end that's nothing like what Temple or Wisconsin could offer. As good as Cornell is, there's a limit to their ability that Kentucky will sorely test.

Final Four-cast: Raining (jumpers), with a possible violent storm on the horizon.

If Cornell can execute offensively as well as it did in the first two rounds, and frustrate Kentucky enough with a zone to keep them from running wild, the upset is not impossible. Of course, things could go the other way and be an easy UK win. Even if Cornell does the unthinkable, the Big Red might then have to do it again against an extremely physical West Virginia squad. If Cornell navigates this to make it to Indy, it's probably the greatest Final Four run of the modern era.

SOUTH REGIONAL

1. DUKE

How they got here: Beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 73-44, beat California 68-53.

Selling points: The Blue Devils have looked sharp through two rounds, defending extremely well against a Cal team that has significant offensive capacity. Don't let the score fool you -- it was played at a very low tempo, so Duke's offense has been clicking nicely, too. Ever since Kyle Singler found his stride at the 4, the Blue Devils have become a much more formidable foe. Overall, this Duke team has much more capable size and quality than recent versions.

Warning signs: In the near term, there aren't very many. The pressure's on now to go further than Duke teams of recent vintage have, and they are a significant favorite against Hummel-less Purdue in the semis. An Elite Eight matchup with athletic Baylor would be an interesting test of Duke's newfound size.

Final Four-cast: Sunny and pleasant.

Duke had the easiest bracket draw and has taken advantage with strong play. Now they get a break with Purdue nipping Texas A&M in overtime and get either a mid-major or a newbie in the regional final. There's no excuse for Duke not making it to Indy.

3. BAYLOR

How they got here: Beat Sam Houston State 68-59, beat Old Dominion 76-68.

Selling points: They're tall, they have quality guards, they are a very good shooting team and defend well inside the arc. Plus the Bears haven't played their best ball yet in the NCAAs.

Warning signs: There's not much not to like. Baylor doesn't force many turnovers, but a lot of good defensive teams don't and the Bears are eighth nationally in two-point field goal percentage defense. Being this deep in the NCAAs is a new experience, but if we're OK with Kentucky being led by freshmen, this shouldn't be the reason to discount Baylor.

Final Four-cast: Spring is coming!

A lot of people liked the Bears to make it out of this region and it remains very possible. They should be a much better matchup against Saint Mary's than either of the Gaels first two foes. Taking out Duke will be difficult, but the Bears' length (they are the biggest team in the nation in terms of effective height) and overall athleticism advantage could carry the day in a matchup with the Blue Devils in Houston.

4. PURDUE

How they got here: Beat Siena 72-64, beat Texas A&M 63-61.

Selling points: The Boilers amped up their defense in the subregional, returning to their normally stingy standards to slug their way into the Sweet 16. They've shown admirable toughness to recover to this extent from Robbie Hummel's knee injury, which looked to have derailed a possible Final Four team.

Warning signs: Purdue still can't score. At all. They averaged just over 0.90 points per possession in their two NCAA wins, which is terrible. They haven't shown any ability to get to the offensive glass, and now they're not getting to the line, either. They could have huge trouble scoring against Duke.

Final Four-cast: Fog lifting, but another cold spell possible.

The Boilers should be commended for gritting through two tough games to get here, but the lack of scoring punch will be too much to overcome against two high-quality opponents.

10. SAINT MARY'S

How they got here: Beat Richmond 72-64, beat Texas A&M 63-61.

Selling points: Omar Samhan has been a one-man wrecking crew in the paint. The Gaels surround him with extremely heady, capable shooters. They're a very strong offensive team that shoots well from every area on the court. They're a loose, fun bunch riding a woe-is-us public persona to good effect.

Warning signs: The Gaels can be had in the paint, and two of their potential opponents in Houston are extremely component in that range. Also, Baylor immediately provides interior post defense of a caliber that neither Richmond nor Villanova could provide.

Final Four-cast: Pleasant, but seas getting rougher.

Saint Mary's got what turned out to be two excellent matchups and rode Samhan all the way to Houston. The Gaels are a fun bunch that playfully undersell how good they actually are, but they could have to beat two teams better than they are to make it to Indy. It won't be easy.

WEST REGIONAL

1. SYRACUSE

How they got here: Beat Vermont 79-56, beat Gonzaga 87-65.

Selling points: The Orange were fine after all without starting center Arinze Onuaku, giving their big man an extra chance to rest ahead of the regional. They are the best shooting team in the country from inside the arc. Everyone's focusing on Kentucky as the new favorite without Kansas around. Maybe they should look at the team that plays where Kentucky is contesting its regional.

Warning signs: Syracuse is surprisingly soft inside the arc, which the Orange usually make up for with a lack of fouls and stinginess from beyond the arc. It will be interesting to watch the three-point battle against Butler. Butler takes 40 percent of its shots from the arc and Syracuse foes take that many, on average.

Final Four-cast: Smooth flying so far. Increased turbulence ahead?

Pretty much all season long, the Orange looked like a national title contender. They should be suited to handle Butler. A regional final with Kansas State (or Xavier) won't be easy, but 'Cuse would be favored. If the Orange get a healthy Onuaku back, they should have enough to make it to Indianapolis.

2. KANSAS STATE

How they got here: Beat North Texas 82-62, beat BYU 84-72.

Selling points: The Wildcats are possibly coming off the best four and a half hours in program history, with its fans getting to watch Kansas lose to Northern Iowa before rooting on the 'Cats past BYU. They're aggressive on the offensive glass, get to the free-throw line a ton and force a lot of turnovers. Plus, they have a lead scorer in Jacob Pullen and some solid options behind him. Good team.

Warning signs: They put teams on the free throw line a ton and Xavier shoots 71 percent as a team. For a team often ID'd as a defensive club, their offense has been very solid and the D has been a bit suspect lately. They did a very solid job against BYU, but Xavier has superior athletes to the Cougars, and so does Syracuse.

Final Four-cast: Partly sunny, high in the 70s (for tempo).

If Kansas State can keep tempo to its liking, it's talented enough to make it to Indy. The 'Cats will have to beat two very capable teams to get there, but it's definitely possible. And now that Kansas has been removed as a roadblock in the national semis, maybe a step or two more should enter their minds.

5. BUTLER

How they got here: Beat UTEP 77-59, beat Murray State 54-52.

Selling points: The Bulldogs are pretty experienced, keep you from shooting well or collecting your misses and shoot very effectively themselves. They have some quality size inside and a trip of primary scorers who can hurt you.

Warning signs: Butler is an elite defensive rebounding team, but hasn't faced very many teams like Syracuse this season. Since they don't rebound on offense themselves, their margin for error will likely be very small against the Orange.

Final Four-cast: Questionable conditions ahead.

Syracuse is not a great matchup for a team that doesn't shoot the three exceptionally well and has mid-major size. If they upset the Orange, either Xavier or K-State would create different matchup concerns.

6. XAVIER

How they got here: Beat Minnesota 65-54, beat Pitt 71-68.

Selling points: They keep people off the glass, they don't turn it over and they don't allow a lot of good looks from three. They also are a pretty experienced bunch, despite some significant turnover from last season's roster. They're a hard team to prepare for with their funky athleticism and size.

Warning signs: Xavier has a tendency to let teams back into games, and against the caliber of foe this weekend, that could cost them their tournament life. They also don't have a ton of effective size; shotblocking is not really part of their interior arsenal and their two-point field goal defense is just OK.

Final Four-cast: Getting overcast.

This is a program that has been to this level before, so the stage shouldn't be too big. Beating K-State and then possibly Syracuse, though, is a tall order. Xavier is scrappy, resourceful and has solid star power and depth. They'll have to play extremely well -- and for 40 minutes, twice -- if they want to get to Indy.

Courtesy of www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/andy_glockner/03/22/sweet.16/1.html)

East Carolina hires Lebo to coach basketball team - by Eurobasket News
East Carolina has turned to former Auburn coach Jeff Lebo to lead its long-struggling men's basketball program.

The school announced Monday it had hired Lebo to replace Mack McCarthy, who spent three seasons on the sideline for the Pirates before stepping down to take a fundraising job in the school's athletics department. Lebo had spent the past six seasons at Auburn, going 96-93 overall before he was fired earlier this month.

The 43-year-old coach played at North Carolina under Dean Smith in the late 1980s and had coached at Tennessee Tech and Chattanooga previously.

The school has scheduled a news conference for Lebo on Tuesday.

Lebo inherits a difficult job at East Carolina, a Conference USA school located in the shadows of instate Atlantic Coast Conference programs Duke, North Carolina and North Carolina State. The program hasn't been to the NCAA tournament since making a surprise run to win the Colonial Athletic Association tournament in 1993 and hasn't had a winning record since the 1996-97 season.

In the years since, East Carolina has reached .500 once and compiled a 141-230 record.

Lebo had a strong start to his head coaching career, taking over a Tennessee Tech program in 1998 that was coming off four straight losing seasons. Two years later, Tennessee Tech had its first 20-win season in a half-century, then won 27 games and reached the NIT in 2002.

Lebo then headed to Chattanooga and won 40 games in two seasons before taking over at Auburn for the 2004-05 season. But he went just 35-61 in Southeastern Conference play while the team's 2009 NIT appearance was his only postseason trip there.

Courtesy of www.wtopnews.com

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

PALESTINE

Standings - Men

PBBA Standings

1. De La Salle	4-0
2. Orthodox R.	4-0
3. Catholic A.	3-1
4. Terrasanta	3-1
5. Ibdaa D.	3-1
6. Sarriyet	2-1
7. Ebal	2-2
8. Hiteen	2-2
9. Qalandia	2-2
10. Orth. Thaq. BS	2-2
11. Orthodox BJ	1-3
12. Islami	1-3
13. Al Ahli	1-3
14. Bethlehem	1-3
15. RaI AlSaleh	0-3
16. AlAroob YC	0-4

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

PARAGUAY

Liga Metro starts today - by Gianni Pascucci
The Metropolitan League qualifying phase, named 'Torneo Comuneros' starts tonight in Asuncion, with the games Universidad Catolica - Universidad Autonoma de Asuncion, Deportivo Sajonia - Cerro Porteo and Ciudad Nueva - San Lorenzo. The higher level league, named 'Top 5 Profesional' is scheduled to start on Thursday night, with the games Deportivo San Jose - Sol de Amrica and Libertad - Felix Perez Cardozo. The two competitions have been introduced to media yesterday by the CPB president Marcelo Bedoya.

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

PUERTO RICO

Cowboys trounce Lions - by Luis Ramirez
The Bayamon Cowboys had an easy victory as they defeated the Lions Ponce Lions, 93-65.

In the 1st quarter the Lions took an early lead 7-3 but the Lions went cold on the offense and the Cowboys took advantage of the Lions poor shooting to take the quarter 16-12.

In the 2nd quarter Ponce could not find the basket and the Cowboys made the Lions pay for it, with 6:20 left in the quarter the Cowboys were leading by 15 points, 27-12. Ponce failed to score a basket in the 2nd quarter until the clock showed 5:07; this was the first basket of the quarter for the Lions. The Lions had a drought of 6:12 minutes before they finally made a basket. Meanwhile the Cowboys mounted a offensive run and were leading by 20 points 36 -16 with 3:31 left in the half. The half ended with the Cowboys fully in command of the game, 48-23.

In the 3rd quarter, the Lions would try to come back offensively but the Cowboys would not relent and the lead was 28 points 76-48 at the end of the quarter.

In the 4th quarter, the Lions were never able to mount a serious threat and the Cowboys would coast the rest of the game.

For Bayamon, Terrance Shannon (203-F-90, college: Florida St.) scored 20 points while Javier Mojica scored 19 points.

For Ponce, Ricardo Melendez scored 21 points while Alvin Cruz scored 16 points.

In the other BSN action, the Santurce Crabbers beat the Mayaguez Indians 92-83. This defeat keeps the Mayaguez Indians as they only team in the BSN who has yet to win a game this season.
The 1st half ended with Santurce in the lead, 46-35. In the 2nd half the Indians would not make up the difference and thus suffer its 7th loss in a row.

For Santurce, Ricky Sanchez scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while Roberto Nieves scored 16 points.

For Mayaguez, Alejandro Carmona, playing his first BSN game this season scored 24 points followed by Paul Graham III with 21 points.

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

1. San German	5-2
2. Guaynabo	5-2
3. Capitanes	4-1
4. Ponce	4-3
5. Bayamon	4-3
6. Quebradillas	3-3
7. Isabela	3-3
8. Santurce	2-4
9. Humacao	1-4
10. Mayaguez	0-6

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game

Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 24

1. Dalmau, Bayamon	24.0
2. Maye, Mayaguez	23.3
3. Hickerson, San G.	22.3
4. Nailon, Quebradillas	21.0
5. Perez, Isabela	19.2
6. Priutt, Isabela	19.2
7. Copeland, San G.	18.6
8. Gainous, Santurce	18.5
9. Figueroa, Guaynabo	17.9
10. Green, Isabela	17.8

Rebounds Per Game

Shawn PRIUTT
  Isabela
  (208-C-85)
  Avg: 15.2

1. Priutt, Isabela	15.2
2. Langhi, Mayaguez	14.0
3. Traylor, Bayamon	12.0
4. Dyer, San German	11.3
5. Reyes, Capitanes	10.0
6. Walker, Guaynabo	9.5
7. Collins, Ponce	9.3
8. Aubry, Capitanes	9.2
9. Millsap, Humacao	9.0
10. Narvaez, Ponce	8.6

Assists Per Game

Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 7.8

1. Dalmau, Bayamon	7.8
2. Cruz, Ponce	5.4
3. Copeland, San G.	5.4
4. Russell, Quebradillas	5.3
5. Hatton, Ponce	5.1
6. Graham, Mayaguez	4.2
7. Guzman, Guaynabo	4.1
8. Green, Isabela	3.8
9. Hickerson, San G.	3.7
10. Rodriguez, Capit.	3.6

Steals Per Game

Rafael PEREZ
  Isabela
  (193-G/F-82)
  Avg: 2

1. Perez, Isabela	2.0
2. Copeland, San G.	2.0
3. Hodge, Santurce	2.0
4. Sanchez, Santurce	2.0
5. Berdiel, Humacao	1.8
6. Mojica, Bayamon	1.7
7. Figueroa, Guaynabo	1.7
8. Gonzalez, Santurce	1.5
9. Huertas, Quebradillas	1.3
10. Rivera, Isabela	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Marqis GAINOUS
  Santurce
  (206-F-76)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Gainous, Santurce	1.8
2. Priutt, Isabela	1.7
3. Nieves, Santurce	1.7
4. Mays, Humacao	1.6
5. Berdiel, Humacao	1.5
6. Maye, Mayaguez	1.3
7. Russell, Quebradillas	1.3
8. Lopez, Mayaguez	1.2
9. Villafane, Santurce	1.2
10. Perez, Isabela	1.2

Pirates defeat the Mets - by Luis Ramirez
Playing at home in front of their home crowd, the Quebradillas Pirates topped the Guaynabo Mets 81-68.

The 1st quarter ended with the Pirates in the lead 19-17, thanks to David Huertas shooting, he had 8 points in this quarter.

In the 2nd quarter the Pirates kept the Mets in check as the defensive pressure kept the Mets committing turnovers and could not get their offense going. With 2:13 to go in the half the Pirates had a commanding 16 point lead 45-29.

In the 3rd quarter, the Mets were able to mount an offensive run of their own and were able to cut the Pirates lead to just 3 points 53-50 with 3:32 to go in the quarter. The Pirates were able to withstand this pressure and the quarter came to a close with the Pirates leading 62-54.

In the 4th quarter, the Pirates came back strong and kept the Mets at bay as they cruised to the win.

For Quebradillas, Lee Nailon (204-F-75, college: TCU) scored 23 points and had 12 rebounds, while David Huertas scored 22 points.

For Guaynabo, Angel Figueroa scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, followed by Marcus Fizer with 16 points.

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

RUSSIA

SAUDI ARABIA

D1 Standings

D1 Standings

1. Al Ittihad	17-0
2. Ohod	14-2
3. Al Ahli	13-4
4. Al Hilal	12-3
5. Al Ansar	12-3
6. Al Wahda	6-10
7. Al Maseerah	5-10
8. Al Fateh	5-12
9. Al Naser	4-12
10. Al Nahda	4-13
11. Al Jabil	4-13
12. Al Khaleej	1-15

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

SERBIA

Goettingen topple FMP - by Eurobasket News
Goettingen - FMP 75:69
Goettingen made the first step towards EuroChallenge Final Four. They held off FMP in the opening game of the quarterfinal best-of-three series. Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.) scored 24 points and pulled down 6 rebounds to lead the charge.
The teams looked well matched in the starting frame. The lead changed hands for several times in the period before Antoine Jordan (196-G-83, college: Siena) drew things level at 16 ten minutes into the encounter. Boone and Robert Kulawick (191-G-86, agency: Court Side) helped the hosts gain a 7-point lead midway through the second stanza. Little drained a triple to ensure a 10-point advantage for Goettingen. But a pair of triples from Bojan Radetic

B League Standings

1. Superfund	18-4
2. Smederevo	16-6
3. Crnokosa	16-6
4. Radnicki O.	15-7
5. Jagodina	14-8
6. Mladost CA	13-9
7. Zeleznicar I.	12-10
8. Jug Vranje	9-13
9. FMP II	9-13
10. Vojvodina	9-13
11. Partizan II	8-14
12. Vrbas	8-14
13. Zdravlje	5-17
14. Beovuk 72	2-20

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

SOUTH KOREA

KBL Round: 2 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Sonic Boom KT - KCC Egis 92-65
Sonic Boom KT overcame KCC Egis 92:65 to tie the Semifinal series at 1-1. Johnson Jasper (201-C-83, college: Delta St.) erupted with 21 points and Park Sang-Oh as well as Kim Yong-Hwan poured in 14 each. Kang Eun-Sik and Johnson Ivan scored 14 apiece in defeat.

Mobis Phoebus - Dongbu Promy 70-72
Mobis Phoebus lost to Dongbu Promy 70:72 as the latter managed to tie the series at 1-1. Chandler Marquin (202-F-82, college: San Jose St.) stepped up with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Kim Joo-Sung netted 16. Dunston Bryant and Kim Hyo-Bum ended up with 19 points each in the losing effort.

Promy Tie Series - by Rick Ross
Dongbu Promy enjoyed a successful road trip beating the
Ulsan Mobis 72-70 to tie the series at 1-1 in the second
round best-of-five series in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), Monday.

Promy import Marquin Chandler had a good game scoring a
game-high 28 points against the regular season champion Mobis.
In the first quarter, the home side seemed to take advantage
of their familiar surroundings and finished with a 21-10 lead.

Yet, the Wonju based team went on to outscore the
Mobis in the next three quarters.
During the second quarter, the fifth-ranked team
closed the gap against the top-seeded team to 34-31.
But Mobis forward Kim Hyo-bum halted the Promy's charge with five points,
including one 3-pointer, to give his team a 40-33 first half lead.

In the third quarter, the Promy's choking defense didn't
allow a point in the first three minutes and finally went
ahead with 4:50 seconds left following two free throws from Chandler.

But Mobis guard Yang Dong-geun and import center
Bryant Dunstom ensured a 54-51 lead at the end of the third quarter.
The Promy again came from behind and extended the margin to six with a
67-61 lead aided by Yoon Ho-young and Chandler.

In the final 30 seconds, Chandler sank two free throws to make it 71-66.
Yang hit two points for the Mobis and then stole
the ball for the assist on Aaron Haynes' dunk to make
it 71-70 with 14 seconds left.

As soon as the Promy crossed over center court, the Mobis fouled.
Park Ji-hyun made the first free throw for a 72-70
lead but failed on his second attempt.

Haynes then collected the ball, dribbled near the
arc and passed to Yang, who moved below the rim and
passed to domestic center Ham Ji-hoon.
Ham should have taken a shot but didn't recognize how much time was left,
and passed again allowing time to expire.

I don't want to blame my boys, they have done really well all season,
Mobis head coach Yoo Jae-hak said.
If we don't score behind the arc like today,
it is hard to grab a win.'

In Game 2, the Mobis only hit four
3-pointers from 21 attempts.
By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter

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

SPAIN

Philip Brooks: The main goal is keep Tias in EBA - by Mariano Galindo
Phillip Brooks (188-G-84, college: Langston), one of the best players in the EBA, posted last round 45 index rating to drive his team, Magec Tias Lanzarote, to a very important triumph. After this, Magec Tias has some chances to keep in EBA, but they have to win all games.

We talked with Brooks about it.

1-How would you describe the season of Magec Tias?

The season in Magec has been tuff and rough at times but me and my teammates have kept our head up and our trin to fight back in the race for EBA. We have added on a extra player the 2nd half of the season from Cuba and he has really helped our team.

2-This has been a not very good season for Tias, with only 6 victories. But, however, after win again at home (vs Torrejon last friday), the team has chances to keep the place in EBA. Do you think that?

Yes the season has not been so great but it is not how you start the season it is how you finish so i really do believe that me and my team have a strong chance to make a turn around and keep Tias in EBA

3- You are the best player not only in Grup B but in the entire EBA. Last game you posted 45 index rating...

I try to play hard every game and the results show at the end.

4- Next sunday, Magec Tas has the most important game of the season. You play away vs Pozuelo and is idispensable a triumph for Magec if you want to be again in EBA next season...

Yes very important game next weekend. We must win

5- You must play 4 games more with Magec and, we suppose, your main goal is win all of them and get Tias the ticket to remain in EBA the next season. Right?

Yes. We have four games left and it is much needed to win all of them. My goal is not about me and not about my stats I prefer winning for my team and keep them in EBA so that is my main objective right now.

6- Wich is the key to defeat Pozuelo?

The key to beat Pozuelo is to go out and play like we have nothing to lose. !And just have fun at the same time. And the end of the results will take care of itself

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

SWITZERLAND

Stats Leaders LNA

Points Per Game

Vernard HOLLINS
  Starwings
  (190-G-80)
  Avg: 20.2

1. Hollins, Starwings	20.2
2. Brown, Starwings	19.8
3. Thomas, Lausanne	19.4
4. Hines, SAM M.	18.6
5. Abukar, Lugano T.	18.1
6. Schneiderman., SAV V.	17.6
7. Volcy, Monthey	17.5
8. Bradley, MGS	17.1
9. Lee, Geneva Devils	16.9
10. Johnson, BBC Nyon	16.8

Rebounds Per Game

Marcus SLOAN
  Starwings
  (205-F-82)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Sloan, Starwings	10.7
2. Flowers, Lausanne	10.0
3. Grimm, SAM M.	9.8
4. Thompson, Lausanne	9.5
5. Volcy, Monthey	9.1
6. Gugino, Boncourt	9.0
7. Southall, BBC Nyon	8.7
8. Sanders, Lugano T.	7.4
9. VanderMeer, Lugano T.	7.1
10. Dacevic, SAV V.	7.1

Assists Per Game

Vernard HOLLINS
  Starwings
  (190-G-80)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Hollins, Starwings	6.2
2. Lukovic, SAV V.	5.5
3. Monroe, Boncourt	5.3
4. Wooten, Boncourt	5.0
5. Walton, Lugano T.	4.9
6. Bradley, MGS	4.9
7. Pleux-D., Lausanne	4.9
8. Gray, SAM Massagno	4.6
9. Stein, Lugano T.	4.5
10. Johnson, BBC Nyon	4.4

Steals Per Game

Kameron GRAY
  SAM Massagno
  (186-G-82)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Gray, SAM Massagno	3.1
2. Gugino, Boncourt	2.7
3. Volcy, Monthey	2.6
4. Tshomba, Boncourt	2.4
5. Gibson, SAV Vacallo	2.3
6. Dacevic, SAV V.	2.2
7. Johnson, BBC Nyon	2.1
8. Lukovic, SAV V.	2.0
9. Pleux-D., Lausanne	2.0
10. Jaquier, Starwings	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Alex THOMPSON
  Lausanne
  (208-F-85)
  Avg: 3.7

1. Thompson, Lausanne	3.7
2. Southall, BBC Nyon	3.2
3. VanderMeer, Lugano T.	2.6
4. Niang, MGS	1.3
5. Sloan, Starwings	1.3
6. Sanders, Lugano T.	1.2
7. Volcy, Monthey	1.1
8. Vogt, Fribourg	1.1
9. Gilmore, MGS	1.1
10. Flowers, Lausanne	1.0

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

TAIWAN

Week 9 MVP: Chen Shun-hsiang - by Chris Wang
Finally, Bank of Taiwan has something to proud of in the dismal season. Sharp-shooting Chen Shun-Hsiang (190-F-85) was named Week 9 MVP after a brilliant week and leading the team to a double overtime win over Taiwan Beer, its third win of the season.

Chen averaged 21.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists for the week. He is currently the league's 4th leading scorer, averaging 18.5 points per game.

The 190cm forward/shooting guard made the headline last week when he described Bank of Taiwan, ranked dead last in the league as a 'lonely theatrical company that no one wants to see.'

Chen was also quoted by the media saying that even if BOT is a censer, he won't allow anyone to stick an incense into the burner, which in Chinese means that he wouldn't let anyone intimidate BOT even if the team is weak.

Last but not the least, Chen said he watched the HBL championship game last week. After seeing his alma mater Song Shan High School rallied from 15 points down and won the back-to-back title, he was reminded what his coach in high school, Huang Wan-long, told him -- never forget your passion when you first fell in love with the game -- and felt inspired.

'I will never give up. I want to win so bad, ' he said.

2010 SBL Weekly MVPs
Week 9: Chen Shun-Hsiang, BOT
Week 8: Chen Chih-chung, Yulon
Week 7: Derek Stribling, TB
Week 6: Jonathan Sanders, PY
Week 5: Alexus Foyle, TM
Week 4: Shawn Hawkins, KKL
Week 3: Chang Chih-feng, Dacin
Week 2: Tseng Wen-ting, Yulon
Week 1: Jonathan Sanders, PY

Stats Leaders

SBL Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1. Shawn Hawkins, KKL 26.2
2. Derek Stribling, TB 20.0
3. Cheng Jen-wei, KKL 19.6
4. Chen Shun-shiang, BOT 18.5
5. Yang Ching-min, TB 17.9

Rebounds Per Game

1. Jon Sanders, PY 12.7
2. Jeff Jones, BOT 11.1
3. Shawn Hawkins, KKL 10.9
4. Tseng Wen-ting, Yulon 9.9
5. Derek Stribling, TB 9.6

Assists Per Game

1. Chen Shih-nian, TB 4.2
2. Wu Yung-jen, TM 4.1
3. Tseng Wen-ting, Yulon 4.0
4. Jon Sanders, PY 3.8
5. Chen Chih-chung, Yulon 3.6

Steals Per Game

1. Chang Chih-feng, Dacin 2.4
2. Tseng Wen-ting, Yulon 2.0
3. Jon Sanders, PY 1.6
4. Chen Shun-shiang, BOT 1.6
5. Ouyang Ching-heng, TM 1.6

Blocks Per Game

1. Tseng Wen-ting, Yulon 2.9
2. Cheng Jen-wei, KKL 1.8
3. Jeff Jones, BOT 1.7
4. Derek Stribling, TB 1.6
5. Byron Allen, Dacin 1.4

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

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Shak Attack blow past Jazz - by Albert-Lee Young
Detour Shak Attack scored back-back victories over Petro Jazz to get within one game of reaching the finals of the NBFTT Club Championship.

On Monday night at the Jean Pierre Complex, Shak Attack completed a similar performance to their previous clash on Friday by turning up the tempo in the final quarter to blow out Jazz, 102-88. The earlier sessions saw Jazz with a chance to level the best of five series with close scores of 18-18, 47-42 and 74-72 by the end of each quarter.

Again guard Sheldon Koto Christian was Shak Attack main executor tormenting the Jazz defence with his penetrating drives & lay-ups for a game high 28 points. He was ably supported by point Kenneth Roberts and forward Kenyatta Alfred with 18 points apiece.

For Jazz their national players, Kevin Garcia with 19 points, Miguel Williams 18pts & 11 rebounds and Wilfred Spongy Benjamin with 16pts, were their main contributors.

Game 3 will be on Friday at the Southern Indoor Complex, Pleasantville with Jazz having home court advantage and an opportunity to keep their championships hope alive.

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

TURKEY

TBL: Round 24 review - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray - Darussafaka 89-82
Galatasaray closed Round 24 with 89-82 home victory against Darussafaka. Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.Cloud St.) exploded with 29 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts. Darius Washington

(188-G-85, college: Memphis) also was great adding 28 points and 5 rebs. In the loosing squad, Jermareo Davidson collected 22 pts and 16 boards. Galatasaray 13-11, Darussafaka 5-19.

Kepez Bld - Besiktas 77-71
Valuable win for Kepez, who improved to 7-17. Jovo Stanojevic

(208-C-77, agency: Beo Basket) was a key player in this victory with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Ersin Gorkem

(195-F-77) secured a nice help with 18 and Andrius Mazutis added 11 pts. In Besitkas (15-9), Lonny Baxter, Kerem Ozkan and brad Newley netted 14 pts each.

Erdemir - T.Telekom 107-111 OT2
Turk Telekom outgunned Erdemir in double overtime celebrating 14th victory of the season. Ricky Davis (199-G-79, college: Iowa) stepped up for the winners with 27 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Beside Davis, Turk Telekom had 6 more players with double-digits in scoring. In Erdemir (11-13), Leon Williams (203-F/C-86, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Ohio) collected 26 points and 17 boards.

Karsiyaka - Tofas 96-71
Easy one for Karsiyaka, who improved to 12-12. Andre Smith (203-F-85, college: N.Dakota St.) was their leading player with 27 points ad 11 rebounds, while Ryan Toolson (193-G-85, college: Utah Valley St.) followed with 24 pts and 6 boards. Brandon Bowman and Sean Denison answered with 16 points each for Tofas (10-14).

Fener.Ulker - Antalya 94-88
Fenerbahce Ulker stays No.2 with 20-4 score. Mirsad Turkcan (206-F-76) came up with 17 points and 7 rebounds, Tarence Kinsey (200-G-84, college: S.Carolina) also had 17 and Emir Preldzic added 16 points, plus 7 boards in this win. Aaron Jackson answered with 23 points and 6 rebounds in defeat.

Efes Pilsen - Bornova 94-67
Efes Pilsen destroyed Bornova getting 20 points from Igor Rakocevic

(191-G-78) and Preston Shumpert (198-G-79, college: Syracuse) (each). Marvis Thornton and Bostjan Nachbar followed with 11 and 10 pts respectively. In defeat, Tyler Smith collected 22 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Efes Pilsen 21-3, Bornova 11-13.

Oyak Renault - Aliaga 74-72
Oyak Renault escaped with tiny home win against Aliaga getting 20 points from Alex Scales

(192-G-78, college: Oregon). Olumuyiwa Famutimi (197-G-84, college: Arkansas) followed with 18 and Nedim Dal helped with 10 points, plus 8 rebounds. Quinton Hosley responded with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists in defeat. Oyak Renault 8-16, Aliaga 9-15.

Banvit - Mersin 83-79
17-7 for Banvit and 8-16 for Mersin after this game. The winners had 6 players with double-digits in scoring. Baris Ermis (194-G-85) was the leading one with 19, Charles Davis

(202-F-84, college: Alabama) had 18 and Lance Williams (7 rebs) added 14 pts in this win. Mersin got 24 pts from James Baron.

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

Quincy DOUBY
  Darussafaka
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 23.6

1. Douby, Darussafaka	23.6
2. Shipp, Bornova	19.8
3. Chatman, Besiktas	18.4
4. Brown, Bornova	18.1
5. Hosley, Aliaga	17.9
6. Toolson, Karsiyaka	17.8
7. Baxter, Besiktas	17.4
8. Stanojevic, Kepez B.	17.2
9. Williams, Erdemir	17.2
10. Rancik, Galatasaray	16.8

Rebounds Per Game

Jermareo DAVIDSON
  Darussafaka
  (208-F-84)
  Avg: 11.1

1. Davidson, Darussaf.	11.1
2. Heytvelt, Oyak R.	10.0
3. Williams, Erdemir	9.5
4. Hosley, Aliaga	8.5
5. Aldemir, Karsiyaka	7.8
6. Greene, Antalya	7.3
7. Smith, Karsiyaka	7.3
8. Elegar, Bornova	7.0
9. Bowman, Tofas	6.9
10. Stanojevic, Kepez B.	6.5

Assists Per Game

Hakan KOSEOGLU
  Erdemir
  (188-G-81)
  Avg: 8.3

1. Koseoglu, Erdemir	8.3
2. Chatman, Besiktas	6.1
3. Douby, Darussafaka	5.1
4. Ermis, Banvit	4.8
5. Acik, T.Telekom	4.4
6. James, Mersin	4.3
7. Erden, Bornova	4.0
8. Erdogan, Oyak R.	4.0
9. Jackson, Antalya	4.0
10. Holston, Karsiyaka	3.9

Steals Per Game

Quinton HOSLEY
  Aliaga
  (198-G/F-84)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Hosley, Aliaga	2.9
2. Chatman, Besiktas	2.4
3. Douby, Darussafaka	2.4
4. Erden, Kepez Bld	2.3
5. Shipp, Bornova	2.3
6. Smith, Efes Pilsen	2.1
7. James, Mersin	2.0
8. Jackson, Antalya	1.9
9. Famutimi, Oyak R.	1.9
10. Altay, Aliaga	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Omer ASIK
  Fener.Ulker
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Asik, Fener.Ulker	1.6
2. Aldemir, Karsiyaka	1.5
3. Elegar, Bornova	1.3
4. Denison, Tofas	1.3
5. Bowman, Tofas	1.2
6. Heytvelt, Oyak R.	1.2
7. Solak, Galatasaray	1.2
8. Davidson, Darussaf.	1.2
9. Davis, Banvit	1.1
10. Kone, Erdemir	1.0

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

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Duncan's near-departure from Spurs worth reviewing - by David Edole
The most anxious moment in the professional life of Spurs coach Gregg Popovich didn't happen in a fourth-quarter timeout, or when Derek Fisher launched that prayer at the buzzer in Game 5 of the 2004 playoffs. Nothing like that.

Instead, the phone rang one day in the summer of 2000. On the line was his All-Star forward, a young Tim Duncan (208-F-76, college: Wake Forest), just back from getting coddled and champagned by the Orlando Magic as a free agent. He had reached a decision on his future. He had to talk.

It was the Moment of Truth, or the Turning Point of the Franchise, or whatever reach-for-the-antacid title you want to attach to it. Duncan got straight to the point, which felt like a dagger in Pop's gut.

'Well coach, you know, there's no beach in San Antonio,' Duncan began, trying to break the news gently.

You know when a woman gets a breakup call from George Clooney? This felt like one. Until Popovich realized he was being punked.

'There's no beach in Orlando, either,' Popovich growled. 'There's a cultural desert there. What do you want to go there for?'

Duncan laughed and gave the coach the good news: He was re-signing with San Antonio. The other day, Popovich smiled at the memory of getting pump-faked by his center, and said: 'He got me. He got me good.'

Ten years later, there are coaches and general managers in Cleveland, Miami, Toronto, Atlanta and other places who would love for their star to pull a stunt like that this summer. With LeBron James and a handful of A-list free agents ready to get their rings kissed on the open market, it's worth taking a reflective look at the franchise player who almost got away.

'I came close to leaving,' said Duncan.

How close?

'Real close.'

In retrospect, to an outsider, Duncan had better reasons to sign with Orlando than stay with the Spurs. The Magic had cleared enough cap space to sign two free agents that summer and they put a full-court press on Duncan and Grant Hill (who was hyped as the next Michael Jordan at the time). Those players happened to share the same agent, too. And while Duncan won a 1999 championship in San Antonio, the Spurs were slipping. David Robinson and Sean Elliott were on their last legs and it was years before Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili would arrive. Meanwhile, the Lakers with Shaq and Kobe were revving up, threatening to dominate the West and make life miserable for Duncan for years.

Nobody could blame Duncan for leaving and starting fresh with a compatible co-star.

'It was a nerve-wrecking time,' Popovich admitted. 'It was hell. You get close to a player and you don't want to see him leave. I never let myself believe he was going to stay. I was just getting myself prepared, for sanity reasons. It's no fun.

'It also seems like it takes forever to resolve. That's the worst part of it. We made our pitch to him and let him be, let him make up his own mind.'

The Magic came hard. They flew Duncan in on a private jet. They super-imposed Hill and Duncan into Magic uniforms and slapped them on billboards around the city with the title 'Imagine.' The Epcot ball at Disney World was scribbled with 'Grant Us Tim' in lights. And this: Then-Orlando resident Tiger Woods helped with the house-hunting. Just think, Duncan could've lived right down the street, near the fire hydrant and tree made famous last Thanksgiving.

Hill was sold and pledged on the spot. Duncan flew home and gave it some thought.

His take-it-slow approach wasn't so surprising, given his laid-back personality. The money was roughly equal, so Duncan had to follow his gut. He liked the small-town charm of San Antonio, and respected Popovich. The Spurs also had one more trick in the bag; Robinson cut short a Hawaiian vacation to make a personal plea.

'There were several reasons for staying,' Duncan said. 'It really came down to being comfortable.'

Therefore, he figured: Why leave happiness? It's precisely why folks in Cleveland should feel rather secure about LeBron, and Miami about Dwyane Wade (but maybe not Toronto about Chris Bosh). The home team always holds the edge, because moving can be a pain.

The Spurs should know. A few years after the Duncan decision, the tables turned. This time it was the Spurs who chased Jason Kidd, fresh off leading the Nets to back-to-back trips to the NBA Finals.

Kidd was flown in and heard a big recruiting pitch from Duncan, then returned to New Jersey and decided to stay, mainly because his wife wanted to pursue a local TV career. A few years after that, Kidd got divorced. As they say, timing is everything.

It wasn't a total setback for San Antonio, because without Kidd around, Parker developed into an All-Star and was a Finals MVP, helping San Antonio to two more championships.

Therefore, in a decade in which they collected three championships, the Spurs benefitted by both winning and losing in free agency.

That's just something to think about this summer.

'I think this whole free agent thing is much ado about nothing,' said Popovich. 'Most guys are going to stay. It usually ends up that way.'
by Shaun Powell

Aaron Brown to play in the Regional Jordan Classic game - by David Edole
NEW YORK, Mar 23, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc., announced today the rosters for the Jordan Brand Classic Regional Game, which will be a part of the Jordan Brand Classic, presented by Foot Locker, at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, April 17. The game will feature the top prep players from the New York City metropolitan area in a City vs. Suburbs showdown.

Heading to many of the top college programs in the northeast -- including St. Johns, Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech, Seton Hall, Kansas State, Temple, Rutgers, Boston, Vermont, Richmond, Manhattan, Stony Brook -- the players represent one of the most talented classes in the history of the Regional Game.

The City Team will include Michael Alvarado (All Hallows/Bronx, NY), Maurice Barrow (Christ the King/Middle Village, NY), David Coley (Thomas Jefferson/Brooklyn, NY), Branden Frazier (Bishop Loughlin/Brooklyn, NY), Leory Isler (Boys & Girls/Brooklyn, NY), Kadeem Jack (Rice/New York, NY), Ryan Rhoomes (Cardozo/Bayside, NY), Jeffrey Short (John F. Kennedy/Bronx, NY), Shane Southwell (Rice/New York, NY) and Malik Thomas (Wadleigh/New York, NY).

The Suburban Team will feature Gilvydas Biruta (St. Benedict's Prep/Newark, NJ), Aaron Brown (193-G-92) (St. Benedict's Prep/Newark, NJ), Fuquan Edwin (Paterson Catholic/Paterson, NJ), Marcus Henderson (Newburgh Free Academy/Newburgh, NY), Antoine Mason (New Rochelle/New Rochelle, NY), J.J. Moore (South Kent School/South Kent, CT), Jason Morris (The Hotchkiss School/Lakeville, CT), Ronald Roberts (Saint Peter's Preparatory/Jersey City, NJ), Brian Voelkel (Iona Preparatory/New Rochelle, NY) and Derrick Williams (St. Anthony/Jersey City, NJ).

The City Team will be coached by Paul Gilvary (Holy Cross High School/Flushing, NY) and Edwin Gonzalez (Bishop Loughlin High School/Brooklyn, NY) while the Suburban Team will be have Mike Kelly (Saint Peter's Preparatory School/Jersey City, NJ) and Bill Murphy (New Rochelle High School/New Rochelle, NY) on the bench.

Sponsored by Jordan Brand, the event is also annually attended by some of sport and entertainment's biggest stars, who have included Michael Jordan, Spike Lee, CC Sabathia, Chris Paul, LL Cool J, Warren Sapp, Terrell Owens, Floyd Mayweather, Kanye West, Mya, Boyz II Men, Fat Joe, Ludacris, Ahmad Rashad and Vince Carter.

This year's tripleheader will begin with the Regional Game at 3:30 p.m. followed by the International Game at 5:30 p.m., and the All-American Game at 8:00 p.m.

The International Game will feature the top 15-16 year old players from around the world, including 10 European players, who were recently selected at a Jordan Brand training camp held in Istanbul, Turkey on March 6-7. Additional players from China, Brazil and Africa will also join the International Team -- roster to be announced at a later date.

The All-American Game of the Jordan Brand Classic will include the top 20 players in the country including the top-ten ranked ESPNU 100 prospects No. 1 Harrison Barnes (Ames, IA/North Carolina), No. 2 Jared Sullinger (Columbus, OH/Ohio State), No. 3 Brandon Knight (Coral Springs, FL/Undecided), No. 4 Kyrie Irving (West Orange, NJ/Duke), No. 5 Tobias Harris (Dix Hills, NY/Tennessee), No. 6 Will Barton (Baltimore, MD/Memphis), No. 7 Josh Selby (Baltimore, MD/Undecided), No. 8 C.J. Leslie (Holly Springs, NC/Undecided), No. 9 Perry Jones (Duncanville, TX/Baylor) and No. 10 Tristan Thompson (Brampton, ONT/Texas)

Recent Jordan Brand Classic All-Americans have included NBA stars Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Amar'e Stoudemire, Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose as well as current NCAA standouts John Wall (Kentucky), DeMarcus Cousins (Kentucky), Xavier Henry (Kansas), Sherron Collins (Kansas), Derrick Favors (Georgia Tech), Greg Monroe (Georgetown), Willie Warren (Oklahoma) and Kyle Singler (Duke).

Tickets are now on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, the Madison Square Garden box office, online at ticketmaster.com or by calling 212-307-7171. For more information, please visit the official web site, www.JordanBrandClassic.com. Live webcasts of the Regional and International games, produced by the High School Basketball Network, are also available at www.JordanBrandClassic.TV.

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UKRAINE

Standings - Superleague

Superleague Standings

1. Budivelnyk	19-2
2. Kryvbasbasket	19-3
3. Ferro-ZNTU	16-5
4. BC Odessa	15-6
5. BC Kyiv	14-7
6. Azovmash	13-9
7. Dnipro	12-10
8. Mykolaiv	10-12
9. Hoverla	10-12
10. Khimik	9-13
11. Halychyna	9-13
12. Pulsar	4-18
13. DniproAzot	3-20
14. Gryfony	0-23
ZFolded
1. BC Donetsk	0-0

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Khalid EL-AMIN
  Budivelnyk
  (178-G-79)
  Avg: 23.2

1. El-Amin, Budivelnyk	23.2
2. Karim, DniproAzot	21.3
3. Thomas, Fe.	20.1
4. McClintock, Mykolaiv	19.4
5. Mitchell, Khimik	19.2
6. Curry, Azovmash	18.2
7. DeGroat, BC Odessa	17.6
8. Burtt, Fe.	17.5
9. Crowe, Dnipro	17.5
10. Williams, Halychyna	17.5

Rebounds Per Game

Michael FRASER
  Hoverla
  (203-C/F-84)
  Avg: 11.5

1. Fraser, Hoverla	11.5
2. Thomas, Fe.	11.1
3. McClintock, Mykolaiv	8.0
4. Pettway, Dnipro	7.4
5. Finn, Halychyna	7.4
6. Morton, DniproAzot	7.3
7. Hunter, Fe.	7.1
8. Rizvic, Azovmash	7.0
9. Dubnyuk, Pulsar	6.9
10. Agafonov, Khimik	6.7

Assists Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Dnipro
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 7.4

1. Crowe, Dnipro	7.4
2. Blassingame, BC Od.	7.2
3. Sparks, Hoverla	5.7
4. Karim, DniproAzot	5.6
5. El-Amin, Budivelnyk	5.4
6. Mitchell, Khimik	5.3
7. Lukashov, BC Kyiv	5.0
8. Burtt, Fe.	4.8
9. Love, Mykolaiv	4.5
10. Jeromanovs, Mykol.	4.1

Steals Per Game

Fred HOUSE
  Azovmash
  (195-F-78)
  Avg: 2.9

1. House, Azovmash	2.9
2. Crowe, Dnipro	2.3
3. El-Amin, Budivelnyk	2.2
4. Jeromanovs, Mykol.	2.0
5. Perry, BC Donetsk	1.9
6. Karim, DniproAzot	1.8
7. Mitchell, Khimik	1.8
8. Sparks, Hoverla	1.8
9. Curry, Azovmash	1.7
10. Shemosyuk, Pulsar	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Viacheslav KRAVTSOV
  BC Kyiv
  (212-C-87)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Kravtsov, BC Kyiv	2.8
2. Pettway, Dnipro	2.1
3. McClintock, Mykolaiv	2.1
4. Rizvic, Azovmash	2.0
5. Balashov, BC Odessa	1.8
6. Morton, DniproAzot	1.6
7. Agafonov, Khimik	1.4
8. Owens, BC Donetsk	1.3
9. Matyukevych, Mykol.	1.1
10. Ulyanko, Pulsar	1.0

Superleague Round: 26 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Pulsar - Khimik 71-74
Khimik stayed in the race of the playoff spot after a hard-fought road win over Pulsar. Darrel Mitchell

(180-G-84, agency: Beo Basket, college: LSU) accounted for 24 points in the win. Alexander Kolchenko provided 15 points and 7 assists for the visitors. Ilya Shemosyuk notched 22 points and 5 rebounds as Pulsar slipped at 4-18 record.

BC Kyiv - Dnipro 79-84
Dnipro upset BC Kyiv in the capital. Martynas Andriukaitis (204-F-81) scored 21 points and pulled down 6 rebounds to lead the charge. Aaron Pettway came up with 15 points for the visitors. Denys Lukashov responded with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the hosts.

Halychyna - Hoverla 50-66
Hoverla shocked Halychyna in Lviv. Patrick Sparks (184-G-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Kentucky) produced 21 points to lead the way for the visitors. Pavel Ulyanko had 12 points for Hoverla. Yaroslav Lemik responded with 11 points and 6 rebounds for Halychyna.

BC Odessa - Gryfony 96-68
BC Odessa shot down Gryfony as Jerel Blassingame

(177-G-81, agency: Buck Andre, college: UNLV) and Jerome Coleman accounted for 17 points each. Chris Hill added 13 points for the winners. Predrag Miletic answered with 23 points and 10 rebounds for Gryfony.

Mykolaiv - DniproAzot 89-69
Mykolaiv earned a valuable win over DniproAzot. Justin Love (188-G-78, college: St.Louis) unloaded 25 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and issued 4 assists to lead the effort. Daniel McClintock added 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Lamar Karim responded with 22 points, 7 assists, 5 steals and 4 boards in the loss.

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UNITED KINGDOM

Standings - BBL

BBL Standings

1. Newcastle E.	25-5
2. Sheffield S.	24-5
3. Scottish R.	19-10
4. Leicester R.	19-11
5. Cheshire J.	16-12
6. MK Lions	15-13
7. Everton T.	15-13
8. Worthing T.	14-16
9. Worcester W.	11-17
10. Guildford H.	11-19
11. Plymouth R.	9-19
12. Essex Pirates	5-24
13. London C.	3-22

BBL Team of the Week #25 - by Andy Webb
The BBL Team of the Week this week features both regulars and newcomers, as Jessie Sapp (191-G, college: Georgetown) and Kastytis Normantas take the guard spots, Jason Johnson is once again this weeks power forward, Mike Tuck features as the second forward, and at Centre is Darius Defoe.

Sapp earned his place because of his performance, in the absence of backcourt partner Rob Yanders, in the Rocks convincing victory over Marshall MK Lions. The American had a huge 39 points, on 10/12 field goal shooting, 4/7 from the three point line and 70% from the free throw line. He also grabbed 6 rebounds and dished out an outstanding 10 assists.
Normantas, who arrived at Worcester Wolves following the appointment of Paul James as coach, sealed his place in the Team of the Week with a perfect 8/8 shooting performance from the floor, as well as 12/15 from the charity stripe, and was one rebound off a double-double with 10 rebounds, as he amassed 31 points personal, as well as finding his team mates for 6 assists, and causing havoc at the defensive end with 3 steals.

As the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders solidify their fourth place in the BBL Championship, they put some more pressure on third placed Glasgow Rocks, who after their defeat of the Lions fell 88-80 to the Riders in the East Midlands on Saturday. It was in this game that Team of the Week regular, Jason Johnson, stood out, as he scored 24 points and pulled down 15 rebounds, as well as keeping his team mates involved with 6 assists.

Mike Tuck, who joined the Sharks mid-season and has made an impact in the league ever since, posted impressive numbers of 25 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 steals as the Sharks beat Everton Tigers 110-102 after overtime. He takes the second forward spot, and completing the Team of the Week is Darius Defoe, whos 10/12 field goal shooting helped him to 21 points in just over 18 minutes - he was a major part of Newcastle Eagles defence of the BBL Trophy, as they triumphed 111-95 over Cheshire Jets at Guildford Spectrum.

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VENEZUELA

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings

1. Cocodrilos	12-4
2. Marinos	10-6
3. Gaiteros	10-6
4. Panteras	10-7
5. Guaros	9-6
6. Trotamundos	9-8
7. Guaiqueries	7-8
8. Gigantes	5-11
9. Bucaneros	4-12
10. Toros	3-11

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Women News

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BULGARIA - Women

Standings - Women

NBL Standings

1. Lukoil	15-3
2. Dunav	15-3
3. Montana 2003	11-7
4. Beroe 2007	9-9
5. Minor	4-14
6. Slavia	0-18

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CUBA - Women

Standings

D1 Standings

1. Guantanamo	14-6
2. Santiago	13-7
3. Capitalinas	13-7
4. Pinar del Rio	11-9
5. Sancti Spiritus	8-12
6. Camaguey	1-19

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DENMARK - Women

Aabyhoj and Horsholm advanced directly to the semis - by Eurobasket News
Aabyhoj and Horsholm advanced directly to the semis and will wait for their opponents. Aabyhoj finished the Second Stage with 3-3 record and finished on top due to the First Stage points. In their last game the favorites overcame SISU 67:64. Trailing 9.18 after the opening quarter they bounced back with 22-14 in the second frame and added 19-15 in the last stanza. Ida Krogh (181-G/F-91) top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Muller collected 13 points and 13 rebounds. Deleuran Kristensen notched 13, while Stephanie Mannemar Jensen (G/F-90) produced 11. Larsen ended up with 14 points in the losing case.
Horsholm finished with 4-2 record and will be seeded as second team that advanced directly to the semifinals. In the top game of the latest round they rolled over Amager 77:54. A massive 29-18 in the opening quarter allowed them to control the game as they never looked behind after. Heather Stec (188-F-86) exploded with 25 points and 15 rebounds. Anne Thorius (179-G-77, college: Michigan) netted 16 and Therese Deemand (176-G-83, college: Binghamton) delivered 12. Palm ended up with 22 points and 15 rebounds in defeat.
SISU now will face Lemvig in the Quarterfinal series, while Amager will play against Virum. The games to be started on March 23rd.

Standings - Dameligaen

Dameligaen Stage Two Standings

Group A
1. Horsholm	4-2
2. Amager	4-2
3. Aabyhoj	3-3
4. SISU	1-5
Group B
1. Lemvig	7-1
2. Virum	6-2
3. Horsens	3-5
4. Vaerlose	3-5
5. Falcon	1-7

Stage One Standings

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FYR MACEDONIA - Women

Standings - Women

D1 Standings

1. Vigor Skopje	11-0
2. Mladinec	8-3
3. Biljana	6-5
4. Narkonon	5-6
5. V.Lisici	2-9
6. Kumanovo	1-10

The teams start Second Stage - by Eurobasket News
Four games were played in the last two rounds of the league. On March 14th Mladinec overcame Lisici 91:40 for 8-3 record in the second place. Biljana outscored Narkonon 60:55.
Last weekend brought another two games as the favorite was too good for Biljana. Vigor Skopje improved to 11-0 record beating the opponent 63:43. Narkonon rolled over Lisici 51:40.

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ITALY - Women

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Geraldine ROBERT
  Faenza
  (184-F-80)
  Avg: 17.3

1. Robert, Faenza	17.3
2. Bjelica, Vomero NA	17.2
3. Smith, Comense	16.7
4. Dixon, GMA Napoli	16.6
5. Macchi, Familia Schio	16.6
6. Walker, GMA Napoli	15.6
7. Cirov, Priolo	15.2
8. Machanguana, Bracco G.	15.0
9. Brunson, Taranto	14.8
10. Pascalau, Priolo	13.5

Rebounds Per Game

Milka BJELICA
  Vomero NA
  (193-F-81)
  Avg: 12.8

1. Bjelica, Vomero NA	12.8
2. Walker, GMA Napoli	10.2
3. Robert, Faenza	9.1
4. Brunson, Taranto	7.8
5. Harper, Umana R.	7.6
6. Willis, Livorno	7.4
7. Smith, Comense	7.4
8. Machanguana, Bracco G.	6.9
9. Screen, Basket P.	6.7
10. Seino, Priolo	6.4

Assists Per Game

Adriana PINTO
  Faenza
  (169-G-78)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Pinto, Faenza	3.2
2. Eric, Vomero NA	2.7
3. Macchi, Familia Schio	2.6
4. Ballardini, Umana R.	2.4
5. Dixon, GMA Napoli	2.3
6. Moro, Familia Schio	2.2
7. Martinez Pra., Bracco G.	2.1
8. Goryanova, GMA N.	2.1
9. Carpreaux, Livorno	2.0
10. Haynie, Priolo	1.8

Steals Per Game

Angela ZAMPELLA
  Comense
  (170-G-78)
  Avg: 6

1. Zampella, Comense	6.0
2. Carpreaux, Livorno	4.8
3. Dixon, GMA Napoli	4.6
4. Martinez Pra., Bracco G.	4.5
5. Pinto, Faenza	4.4
6. Macchi, Familia Schio	4.2
7. Ristic, Livorno	4.1
8. Fazio, Comense	4.1
9. Palie, Vomero NA	4.0
10. Robert, Faenza	3.9

Blocks Per Game

Laura HARPER
  Umana Reyer
  (193-F/C-86)
  Avg: 0.9

1. Harper, Umana R.	0.9
2. Prystupa, Faenza	0.9
3. Alexander, Faenza	0.9
4. Smith, Comense	0.9
5. Wabara, Bracco G.	0.8
6. Godin, Taranto	0.7
7. Bjelica, Vomero NA	0.7
8. Van Malderen, GMA N.	0.7
9. Pascalau, Priolo	0.6
10. Zanoni, Bracco Geas	0.6

Standings A1 (W)

A1 Standings

1. Taranto	19-1
2. Familia Schio	16-4
3. Faenza	16-4
4. Umana Reyer	13-7
5. Priolo	12-8
6. Comense	9-11
7. Bracco Geas	8-12
8. Umbertide	8-12
9. Livorno	6-14
10. GMA Napoli	5-15
11. Basket Parma	5-15
12. Vomero NA	3-17

A1 Round: 20 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Faenza - Livorno 64-46
Faenza closed Round 20 with 64-46 home win against Livorno. Geraldine Robert (184-F-80) was the leading player in this victory with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Adriana Pinto (169-G-78) had 13 points and 8 assists, while Maja Erkic added 12 pts and 6 boards. On the other side, Katarina Ristic scored 10 pts. Faenza 16-4, Livorno 6-14.

Bracco Geas - Priolo 52-65
Priolo grabbed valuable road win against Bracco Geas jumping to 12-8 in Italian top division. Silvia Favento (185-F-85) was a key player for the guests with 15 points and she missed just one shot for 24 minutes on the floor. Nuria Martinez Prat (176-G-84) replied with 14 pts for Bracco Geas (8-12).

Basket Parma - Taranto 64-70
Taranto cruised past Basket Parma on road keeping the almost perfect score (19-1). Megan Mahoney (183-F-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Kansas St.) came up with 13 points for the reigning champion, while four players were behind her with 10 points each. In the loosing squad (5-15), Laura Summerton (191-C-83) collected 14 points and 7 rebounds.

GMA Napoli - Familia Schio 57-60
16-4 for Schio and 5-15 for GMA Napoli after this game. Iciss Tillis (194-F-81, college: Duke) once again shined for the winners scoring 21 points and pulling down 9 rebounds. Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) secured a nice help with 13 pts. In defeat, Marcedes Walker had monster double-double of 20 points and 19 rebs.

Umana Reyer - Vomero NA 64-73
Umana Reyer stays fourth ranked team in the league with 13-7 record. Anastasia Kostaki (172-G-78) paced the team from Venice this week-end with 17 points. Daliborka Jokic (185-F-81) added 11 pts. In Vomero (3-7), Milka Bjelica shined with 24 points and 8 rebounds.

Umbertide - Comense 71-50
8th victory of the season for Umbertide, who got 15 points from Chiara Consolini (182-F-88). Ticha Penicheiro (180-G-74, college: ODU) also was great adding 13 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. Visitors got 13 points and 7 boards from Brooke Smith. Umbertide 8-12, Comense 9-11.

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NCAA1 - Women

Gonzaga upsets Texas A&M 72-71 in second round - by Eurobasket News
Twenty minutes in December made Gonzaga fearless in March. No one more so than Vivian Frieson (6'0''-F-88).

And because of Frieson, the Bulldogs are headed to the regional semifinals and Texas A&M is going home ending the Aggies dream of a Final Four trip three hours from campus.

Gonzaga's do-everything senior scored 23 points, including the go-ahead 12-footer with 17 seconds left, to lead seventh-seeded Gonzaga to a 72-71 upset win over second-seeded Texas A&M on Monday night in the second round of the NCAA women's tournament.

That little Jesuit school from Spokane is making tournament noise again. But move over guys, it's the ladies turn now.

'It means the world to me. Me and Heather (Bowman) have been a part of a lot of firsts here at this university,' said Frieson, who added nine rebounds, five assists and four blocks. 'It felt great to go to the NCAA tournament for the first time in 2007. It felt great to win our first game last year against Xavier and it feels even better to go to the Sweet 16.'

Gonzaga won its 20th straight, its last loss coming to the same Aggies three months ago in Las Vegas. And it was in that 80-76 loss to Texas A&M where the Bulldogs (29-4) first believed they could play on the same floor with such a talented team.

The Bulldogs more than proved they belonged Monday night. And their reward is the first regional semifinals berth in school history, with either Vanderbilt or Xavier waiting for them Saturday in Sacramento.

'It's a shame one of us had to go home because I think you've got two basketball teams that could go on and be great in the regional,' Texas A&M coach Gary Blair said. 'By far this is the hardest second-round game that we've had to play since I've been in the NCAAs.'

Perhaps given a raw deal having to face Gonzaga just 300 miles from its campus, the Aggies (26-8) dug themselves a 13-point deficit early in the second half, only to rally behind their defense. Texas A&M led 71-70 on Tanisha Smith (6'0''-G/F-88) 's baseline drive and basket, while being fouled, with 37 seconds left. But Smith fell hard on her hip and missed the ensuing free throw, one of seven misses at the line by the Aggies.

'I'm not going to blame an injury on the free throw. I just missed it,' Smith said. 'We missed a lot of free throws tonight and that was a big part of it.'

With West Coast Conference MVP Courtney Vandersloot having fouled out with 1:21 left after one of her worst performances of the season, the Bulldogs (29-4) went to Frieson, their senior leader.

Getting the ball at the top of the key, she drove left of the lane and pulled up.

'That last timeout I might have seemed as cool as ice but in my head I was like, 'I'm not ready to go home. I can't go home right now. This is not how I wanted to finish my senior year,'' Frieson said. 'I knew if I got the ball in my hands I was going to go up with it.'

Texas A&M had one last chance, but the Bulldogs defense harassed Danielle Adams into a forced jumper from 18 feet as time ticked away. The shot was short, setting off a wild celebration for Gonzaga. Adams, the Aggies burly center, led A&M (26-8) with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

'We had the lead a couple of times and we just couldn't pull it off,' Adams said, pulling her somber face from her hands.

Tiffanie Shives (5'7''-G) scored 11 points and Katelan Redmon (6'1''-G/F) added 10 for Gonzaga. Vandersloot, the Bulldogs spunky engine, finished with just nine points and 11 turnovers, but had a key 3-pointer and assist for a 3-pointer late to help the Bulldogs move on.

'We have a lot of different players that on any given night can step up and carry us. ... That's just been one of our strengths,' Gonzaga coach Kelly Graves said.

It was the middle of December, in Las Vegas, when Gonzaga and Texas A&M met for the first time. For the first 20 minutes, the Aggies did as expected and dominated the smaller, less athletic Bulldogs.

But something flipped in the second half for Gonzaga. They tore away the mystique of their Big 12 foes and proved most importantly to themselves they belonged on the same stage as a ranked team like the Aggies. Gonzaga turned a 20-point deficit into a narrow four-point loss to the Aggies on that December evening in front of few hundred people in a casino events center. Admittedly, the Bulldogs say was the turning point in their season.

They still haven't lost since.

Gonzaga forced the issue on A&M in the first half, pressing the Aggies into uncharacteristic mistakes and closing the first-half on a 12-2 run to take a 42-31 lead.

That lead grew to 44-31 in the first moments of the second half after Blair was called for a technical foul, storming a few feet on the court after a no-call. That ignited the Aggies, who outscored Gonzaga 21-6 over the next 8 minutes and took their first lead on Smith's 3-pointer with 11:49 left. Kayla Standish answered for the Bulldogs and started a back-and-forth final 11 minutes where neither team ever led by more than three points.

Gonzaga seemed to withstand the Aggies charge and took a 70-67 lead on Shives 3-pointer with 2:07 left. But the Aggies answered with free throws by Sydney Colson and Smith's driving basket to retake the lead, her 17th point of the night.

But Frieson had one final answer.

'For me, it was just something I had to do,' Frieson said.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Top-seeded Stanford rolls past Iowa 96-67 - by Eurobasket News
Rosalyn Gold-Onwude got down on one knee and looked every teammate in the eye just before tipoff and gave one final, fiery pregame speech at Maples Pavilion.

As soon as the ball went up, she went to work.

Gold-Onwude single-handedly sparked top-seeded Stanford right into the Sacramento Regional semifinals.

The spirited guard from Queens hit a career-high seven 3-pointers on the way to a career-best 26 points and Stanford shot a sizzling 68.8 percent in the first half and rolled into a date with fifth-seeded Georgia next weekend with a 96-67 victory over eighth-seeded Iowa on Monday night.

''It was fortuitous that Ros found her 3 in this game. She was just on fire,'' coach Tara VanDerveer said. ''This was Ros' night.''

Gold-Onwude received a rousing standing ovation to celebrate her career night when she finally took a seat with 6:52 left. The fifth-year senior waved in all directions as she ran off the court to more cheers after the game.

Gold-Onwude knew this game was going to be about the guards and 3-point shooting -- and boy did she come to play. The Cardinal made their first nine shots from long range before JJ Hones' miss with 3:21 left before halftime.

''For my final game at Maples Pavilion, I really couldn't have scripted it any better,'' she said. ''I feel really special and happy right now.''

Nnemkadi Ogwumike added 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in Stanford's 24th straight victory since its lone loss at undefeated defending champion Connecticut back on Dec. 23.

Gold-Onwude shot 9 for 13 -- 7 of 9 on 3-pointers -- in saving one of her best games yet for the biggest stage. Stanford wound up 11 of 18 from 3-point range and shot 56.3 percent from the field overall.

''You hope that a 30-percent shooter is not going to go 7 for 9 against you,'' Iowa coach Lisa Bluder said. ''For her to come out and make six in a row, she was feeling it. She's a senior and it was her last one here. It was a special night for her and we made it one to remember, that's for sure.''

The Cardinal (33-1) also got 16 points, seven rebounds and two blocks from center Jayne Appel and produced their highest-scoring half of the season in taking a commanding 61-34 lead at the break, thrilling most of the nearly packed house at Maples Pavilion. Stanford won its 46th straight home game.

''It really helps get the train moving to the national championship game, which is our goal,'' Appel said.

Kachine Alexander scored a career-high 27 points on 11-for-16 shooting to lead Iowa (20-14), which shot 7 for 23 on 3s after making 10 in a hard-fought first-round win over Rutgers -- the Hawkeyes' first time advancing since 2002. Jaime Printy's airball 3 attempt midway through the second half summed up the night for Iowa, the Big Ten tournament runner-up.

Gold-Onwude knocked down back-to-back 3s to start a 21-2 first-half run that put Stanford ahead 45-18, then Iowa responded with a 9-0 burst only to see Gold-Onwude score five straight points moments later.

''I don't know if I've made six 3s in a game, but I do remember some good shooting games,'' Gold-Onwude said. ''I would hit a shot but also my teammates were in my ear, like Nneka saying 'keep shooting, keep shooting.' They made me feel like a better player and it helped me a lot.''

Stanford did plenty to help erase any bad memories from a 68-61 second-round loss at home to 10th-seeded Florida State three years ago. VanDerveer also got another chance to rest her regulars down the stretch so they will be fresh for Saturday's Sweet Sixteen game at Arco Arena.

The Cardinal were determined to get off to a quick start and slow down the Hawkeyes' perimeter threats -- and they sure did. Gold-Onwude's swarming, in-your-face defense was as good as her shooting. The senior and co-Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year also dished out five assists.

Kamille Wahlin, Iowa's third-leading scorer at 14.5 points per game coming in, missed her initial five shots from the floor before scoring her first points early in the second half once the game had all but been decided. She finished with only four points, shooting 2 for 9 and missing all five of her attempts from long range.

Stanford sure played like a team poised for a third straight trip to the Final Four and a potential rematch with UConn in San Antonio.

''We're still standing today. They are, too,'' VanDerveer said. ''It's looking good.''

While Iowa came out firing and hit 6 of its first 9 shots, it had to be deflating to see that Stanford was scoring at an even better clip. The Cardinal made 12 of their first 14 shots and already had four 3s from Gold-Onwude in the opening 6:10.

''When Gold came out and hit three in a row, I don't think anybody was expecting that, even their coach,'' Alexander said.

Courtesy of www.nytimes.com

Top seed Tennessee beats No. 8 Dayton 92-64 - by Eurobasket News
Alicia Manning (5'10''-G) scored a career-high 17 points and had 10 rebounds to help No. 1-seeded Tennessee beat eighth-seeded Dayton 92-64 in the second round of the NCAA women's tournament on Monday night.

Tennessee (32-2) will make its 28th appearance in the regional semifinals, this time playing 350 miles from home in Memphis.

The Lady Vols have been absent from the round of 16 only once in the tournament's 29-year history. They lost to 71-55 to Ball State in the opening round last season.

Dayton (25-8) was tasked with playing it's second all-time NCAA tournament game in front of about 10,000 orange-clad fans on the court named for Tennessee coach Pat Summitt.

A three-point play by Shekinna Stricklen (6'2''-G/F-90) launched a 17-2 scoring run for Tennessee. The Lady Vols had their way under their own basket, hitting wide-open shots from the perimeter and slashing the lane to take easy layups.

Justine Raterman (6'1''-F-90) led the Flyers with 17 points.

Courtesy of www.newschannel5.com

Vermont Upsets Wisconsin, 64-55, in NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament; Catamounts Continue Dancing - by George Manousidis
SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Senior Courtnay Pilypaitis (6'1''-G-88) (Ottawa, Ontario) scored a game-high 25 points and added eight rebounds, four assists and three steals to lead No. 10 Vermont to an upset win over No. 7 Wisconsin, 64-55, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at the Joyce Center on the campus of the University of Notre Dame on Sunday afternoon.

The Catamounts (27-6) earned their first NCAA Tournament win in the program's history in their sixth appearance. UVM also picked up its first-ever win over a Big Ten school, adding the victory to its resume of wins over ACC (NC State, Boston College) and Big East (Providence) teams this year.

Vermont will face No. 2-seeded Notre Dame in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Tuesday (March 23) at 7 p.m. at the Joyce Center. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPN360.com. The game can also be heard on WVMT-620 AM and on the Internet at SportsJuice.com.

Vermont's second straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament was much different from a year ago when the Catamounts were a No. 16 seed and faced top-seeded and eventual national champion Connecticut in the first round. The Huskies rolled to a 104-65 win in Storrs.

Against the Badgers, after trailing by four in the first three minutes, the Catamounts opened up a 14-point lead, 27-13, with 4:26 remaining in the half. Wisconsin (21-11) was able to trim the margin to eight at the break thanks to a three-pointer by Rae Lin D'Alie.

The Catamounts nearly squandered their lead in the second half. Vermont missed its first 10 field goals of the second stanza and Wisconsin went on a 12-0 run to pull out a 37-33 lead with 12:38 remaining. UVM made its first shot of the second half when May Kotsopoulos (5'10''-G) (Waterloo, Ontario) drained a three-pointer at the 10:35 mark to knot the game back up at 39-39. Pilypaitis followed with six straight points, including a three-point play, to push UVM's lead to five, 46-41, with 7:42 left.

The Catamounts would not relinquish the lead the rest of the way. Vermont would seal the victory with a 10-for-12 effort from the foul line in the final 2:44. Vermont finished the game making 19-of-27 from the charity stripe to earn its nation-leading 18th road win of the year and improve to 6-0 in neutral court games.

May Kotsopoulos added 14 points and Alissa Sheftic (Essex Junction, Vt.) and Kendra Seto (6'0''-G/F) (Oshawa, Ontario) chipped in seven points each. Seto also grabbed seven rebounds for the Catamounts, while Sheftic matched her season high with four blocks.

Alyssa Karel (5'7''-G-89) and Lin Zastrow (6'4''-G/F-89) led Wisconsin in scoring, contributing 13 and 11 points respectively. Lin Zastrow and Anya Covington (6'2''-F) each grabbing a team-high seven rebounds for the Badgers.

GAME NOTES: The 10th-seeded Catamounts were the first team to pull the upset in this year's NCAA Tournament. Head coach Sharon Dawley also picked up her 128th career victory at Vermont, becoming the program's all-time leader in wins. Vermont has yielded just 49 points per game over the last eight contests. UVM held its opponent to less than 60 points for the 23rd time this season and owns a record of 22-1 in those games. With 25 points, Pilypaitis passed Katie Terhune (Boston University 2000-04) for ninth place on America East's all-time scoring list with 1,982 career points. Pilypaitis has scored in double-digits 108 times in 130 career games. Vermont out scored Wisconsin 30-24 in the paint and converted 15 Badger turnovers into 21 points. UVM recorded 10 blocks in the game, one shy of the school record. Vermont's win was just the fourth NCAA Tournament win in 19 tries for teams from the America East. The other wins were 10th-seeded Hartford against Syracuse in 2008, 11th-seeded Hartford against Temple in 2006 and 10th-seeded Maine against Stanford in 1999. Vermont will also face Wisconsin in the NCAA Men's Hockey Tournament on Friday at 9 p.m. at the XL Center in St. Paul, Minn. The Catamounts earned the No. 4 seed in the West Region, while the Badgers are the top seed. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU at 9 p.m. on Friday. This year marks the first time in school history that the men's basketball, women's basketball and men's hockey teams have each earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament in the same year.

Griner blocks NCAA-record 14 shots; Baylor grounds Georgetown - by Eurobasket News
In a game that may have marked a low for offensive ineptitude, Brittney Griner (6'8''-C-90) set a high for defensive prowess.

Griner blocked an NCAA tournament record 14 shots in a horrid offensive game for both teams, leading fourth-seeded Baylor to a 49-33 victory over No. 5 seed Georgetown in the second round of the NCAA tournament on Monday night.

After playing less than 7 minutes in the first half because of foul trouble, Griner blocked 13 shots after halftime to break the previous mark of 11 in a game that Pauline Jordan of UNLV set against Colorado in 1989.

'I really loved the second half,' Griner said. 'For one, I got to play. They looked a little frustrated every time I blocked a shot.'

Griner's defense helped Baylor (25-9) advanced to play top-seeded Tennessee (32-2) in Saturday's Memphis Regional semifinal. The Volunteers beat Dayton 92-64 earlier Monday.

Georgetown (26-7) missed its first 14 shots and had no answer offensively when Griner was in the game or when she was out with foul trouble. The Hoyas shot 17% and made fewer shots than Griner blocked, finishing 12 for 70 and matching the fifth fewest points ever scored in the tournament.

'The objective is to score,' said Monica McNutt, who finished 1-for-7. 'We defended, we rebounded and we dealt with the 6-8 player on the post. We couldn't buy a bucket. It hurt so bad to have this happen this night.'

Baylor wasn't much better offensively, shooting 38%, making only six baskets in the second half and committing 21 turnovers.

The teams combined for 25% shooting and 34 turnovers, with both teams having more turnovers than made baskets.

'It wasn't a pretty game,' Baylor coach Kim Mulkey-Robertson said. 'I think the most beautiful part of the game was our defense. When you hold a team that shot 70 times to 17% from the field, I think you're guarding somebody.'

Baylor's Morghan Medlock (6'1''-F-88) led all scorers with 11 points, adding 15 rebounds.

Griner, who was suspended for two games earlier this month for punching a Texas Tech player in the nose, made just 2 of 7 shots, missed 4 of 7 free throws and finished with seven points and six rebounds. But she controlled the game on the defensive end, blocking 13 shots in the second half. The teams combined for 10 made shots in the half.

'What Brittney allowed herself to do was not let the offensive non-production affect what she does on the defensive end of the floor,' Mulkey said. 'For a freshman to do that, it was big for us. What she couldn't do on the offensive end of the floor, she certainly was so big for us on the defensive end.'

Griner set the single-season record with 199 blocks, passing Louella Tomlinson of Saint Mary's, who had 195 this season before being eliminated in the WNIT on Sunday.

Griner actually pitched a shutout for more than 10 minutes. Georgetown missed its first 15 shots with Griner in the game and needed 10:03 to score its first points with her on the court.

'She's a big presence down there,' said Jalessa Butler, who finished 3 for 13. 'We just couldn't make shots tonight. We did what we could to defend her. But it all boiled down to not making shots.'

Georgetown got off to a horrid start offensively, unable to hit shots from anywhere on the floor. Griner made her presence felt early blocking a shot by Butler in the lane.

But Griner was forced to the bench after just 6:30 after committing two offensive fouls fighting for position. Georgetown had missed all eight attempts at that point, including a layup by Sugar Rodgers to fall behind 10-0.

But it didn't get any easier for the Hoyas once Griner went to the bench for the rest of the half. Georgetown missed 11 of its next 12 shots with Griner watching as Baylor extended the lead to 19-2.

Georgetown made just 1 of 20 shots before Tia Magee's layup cut Baylor's lead to 19-4 with 8:22 remaining in the half. The Hoyas mounted a semblance of an offense after that and trailed only 31-19 at the break.

'The story needs to be about what our team did without Griner on the floor,' Mulkey said. 'We had a double-figure lead going into halftime and she played six or seven minutes. That's big for our basketball team. Brittney draws so much attention and god knows she deserves every bit of it.'

There was one scary moment in the first half for Baylor. Shanay Washington crashed hard to the floor after converting a layup with 8:40 to go. Shanice Fuller slid underneath Washington trying to draw a charge. Fuller turned her body at the last second and Washington toppled over her and fell to the ground in pain with an injured hip pointer. After riding an exercise bike for a few minutes, Washington returned briefly later in the half.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

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SOUTH KOREA - Women

S-Birds and Bichumi lead the Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
S-Birds and Bichumi lead the Semifinals and are one step from the Final series. S-Birds won over Redwings 77:68 in Game 1 and added another 77:68 but away from home for 2-0 lead in the series. Bichumi overcame Savers 72:61 in Game 1 and had 85:82 victory in Game 2. The series will go to three victories. The next games are scheduled for March 23rd and 24th.

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TURKEY - Women

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Michelle CAMPBELL
  Ceyhan Bld
  (188-F-84)
  Avg: 21.3

1. Campbell, Ceyhan Bld	21.3
2. Prince, Botas	19.8
3. Frazee, Cankaya	18.8
4. Pringle, TED K.	18.7
5. Hodges, Istanbul.	16.9
6. Paris, Botas	16.8
7. Taylor, Fenerbahce	16.5
8. Sales, Besiktas	16.4
9. Johnson, TED K.	16.1
10. Ervin, Ceyhan Bld	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Courtney PARIS
  Botas
  (193-C-87)
  Avg: 12.8

1. Paris, Botas	12.8
2. Ervin, Ceyhan Bld	12.8
3. Frazee, Cankaya	12.4
4. Pringle, TED K.	11.8
5. Black, Tarsus Bld	10.7
6. Dacic, Besiktas	9.7
7. Sevinc, Kocaeli	9.7
8. Campbell, Ceyhan Bld	9.3
9. Larkins, Mersin	8.8
10. Alyoshkina, Samsun	8.2

Assists Per Game

Sharnee ZOLL
  Botas
  (170-G-86)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Zoll, Botas	6.1
2. January, Tarsus Bld	4.2
3. Vardarli, Fener.	4.0
4. Hodges, Istanbul.	3.9
5. Johnson, TED K.	3.9
6. Unuvar, Cankaya	3.8
7. Catchings, Galatasa.	3.8
8. Chaney, Samsun	3.8
9. Zellous, Besiktas	3.7
10. Yillar, Kocaeli	3.7

Steals Per Game

Tamika CATCHINGS
  Galatasaray
  (186-F-79)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Catchings, Galatasa.	2.9
2. Prince, Botas	2.9
3. Chaney, Samsun	2.8
4. January, Tarsus Bld	2.7
5. Smith, Ceyhan Bld	2.4
6. Penn, Istanbul.	2.3
7. Gant, Istanbul.	2.2
8. Pringle, TED K.	2.2
9. Zoll, Botas	2.1
10. Swanier, Tarsus B.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

LaToya PRINGLE
  TED Kayseri
  (191-F/C-86)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Pringle, TED K.	2.4
2. Dacic, Besiktas	1.4
3. Black, Tarsus Bld	1.2
4. Alyoshkina, Samsun	1.1
5. Sutton-Brown, Fenerb.	1.0
6. Ervin, Ceyhan Bld	1.0
7. Larkins, Mersin	0.8
8. Melvin, Botas	0.8
9. Paris, Botas	0.8
10. Engin, Mersin	0.7

TBBL Round: 19 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Mersin - Cankaya 88-73
Mersin celebrated against Cankaya 88-73 in the last game of Round 19. Olympia Scott (188-C/F-74, college: Stanford) stepped up for the hosts with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Barbara Turner (183-G/F-84, college: Connecticut) also had 15 pts in this game, despite she spent just 14 minutes on the floor. In the loosing squad, Eureka Brooks netted 22 pts. Mersin 17-2, Cankaya 3-16.

TED Kayseri - Galatasaray 69-77
Nice road win for Galatasaray, who improved its score to 15-4. Sophia Young (186-F-83, college: Baylor) paced the team from Istanbul to victory with 21 points and 12 rebounds. LaToya Pringle (191-F/C-86, agency: 540 Sports, college: N.Carolina) replied with 16 points and 13 rebs in defeat.

Ceyhan Bld - Besiktas 75-77
Besiktas grabbed valuable road win against Ceyhan as both teams had 8-10 record before this meeting. Kelly Silva Santos (192-C-79) led the visiting squad with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Nykesha Sales (183-F/G-76, college: Connecticut) had 21 pts and 6 rebs, and Esra Erden added 18 pts and 5 boards. In defeat, Lauren Ervin collected 17 points and 13 boards.

Kocaeli - Botas 65-75
Botas had Epiphanny Prince (175-G, college: Rutgers) in a game mood with 27 points and 8 rebounds. Didem Suer (188-F-77) and Durdane Gumusay also were good with 13 and 12 points respectively. Ceyda Kozluca answered with 22 points and 5 rebounds in loss. Botas 10-9, Kocaeli 0-19.

Fenerbahce - Tarsus Bld 76-66
Fenerbahce stays perfect after 19 appearances in Turkish top division. Nevriye Yilmaz (195-C-80, agency: Ates Ceren) this time was the leading player in victory with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Birsel Vardarli (175-G-80, agency: Ates Ceren) followed with 19 pts. In Tarsus (10-9), Seda Erdogan netted 16 points.

Istanbul Univ. - Samsun 79-60
Istanbul Universitesi blasted Samsun mostly owing to Doneeka Hodges (175-G-82, college: LSU) and Natasha La Dorian Humphrey (191-F-85, college: Georgia), who scored 18 and 16 points each. Danielle Gant also had very important role in this victory adding 14 pts. In Samsun, Lyubov Alyoshkina collected 17 points and 9 boards. Istanbul Universitesi 7-12, Samsun 6-13.

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UKRAINE - Women

Standings (Women)

UPBL Standings

1. Dnipro	24-2
2. Dynamo-NPU	23-2
3. Kozachka	18-8
4. Donbas	15-9
5. Luganski Last.	12-13
6. Yuzhna Palmira	8-18
7. BC Frankivsk	5-20
8. Politeh Basket	5-20
9. Orlan Simfer.	4-22

Dnipro grabs the victory in Zaporozhye - by Eurobasket News
Dnipro overcame Kozachka 82:76 in the top game of the previous round. The hosts however started with 17-15 in the opening quarter and had 2-point lead at the halftime. Dnipro took 1-point deficit at the end of the third quarter producing 21-18 in it. With 25-20 the guests finished the game to take 24-2 record. Ashley Paris (191-F-87, college: Oklahoma) exploded with 25 points and 16 rebounds, while Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) added 20. Williams scored 17 and Agapova added 14. Rimarenko ended up with 24 points in the losing effort.
Dynamo meanwhile improved to 23-2 record beating Donbas 87:53. The hosts opened the game with 23-14 and enjoyed another 23-14 in the second period. The team from the capital won also the third and the last frames to benefit from the game. Koshurina Elena and Adeola OlanreWaju (192-C-82, college: Xavier) top-scored for the winners with 15 points each, whilst Shmatova and Silyanova added 14 each. Olga Lyashkova (185-G-80, agency: LBM Management) brought 15 points in the losing effort.
Pysmennyk erupted with 32 points for her Frankivsk that overcame Politeh 92:77. Voronova ended up with 24 points in the losing effort.

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UNITED KINGDOM - Women

Standings - Women

EBL Standings

1. Sheffield H.	18-1
2. UWIC Archers	16-3
3. Nottingham W.	14-5
4. Leeds C.	13-6
5. Barking Abbey	11-8
6. Northumbria	11-8
7. Sevenoaks S.	9-10
8. Brixton T.	7-12
9. London M.	4-15
10. Wellingborough	1-18
11. Birmingham	0-18