Thammasat make it to the semis
Hot favourites Thammasat University cruised to the semi-finals of the Bt140,000 The Nation-Siam University League Tournament yesterday after ousting Rangsit University 58-54 in a preliminary match.
Thammasat University were led by the talented Nontapop Wiwatpongpech and Keerati Panichkijchareon, while the visiting Rangsit University also fielded two key forwards - Kunakorn Sasisin and Suphachai Sangthong - with the aim of avenging their 73-59 loss on Wednesday. The visitors tightened up their defence to go off at half-time with a slim 27-26 lead. The hosts then brought in the twins, Darongpan and Daranpong Apiromwilaichai, to change the complexion of the game and take the lead. However, Rangsit equalised with several impressive three-pointers before jumping to a 47-41 lead at the end of the third quarter. In the final period, Thammasat regained their form and never looked back. Thammasat finished second in Group A and joined Dhurakij Pundit University, toppers of the group, in the best-of-three semi-final series. Rangsit and King Mongkut's Institute of Technology University North Bangkok were eliminated from the tournament. Today, Bangkok University take on Srinakarinwirot University, while Rattana Bundit University face Siam University in Group B. Coach is done nIn Sendai, Japan, Venezuela coach Nestor Salazar has offered to resign following his team's disappointing World Basketball Championship campaign, but captain Victor Diaz insists he will continue. Salazar, who has been in charge since 2003, said his team's performance saddened him and he is awaiting to hear whether the Venezuelan Basketball Federation has accepted his offer to quit. "I will let the board decide if I continue in the post or not. I don't know if the whole technical staff will go on," he said. Their 81-61 defeat to France in Group A on Thursday left Venezuela with the worst record in the group, having only beaten Nigeria. The campaign, and 14 consecutive defeats in warm-up games around South America and Europe, prompted Salazar's decision. He suggested there should be changes to the playing staff ahead of next year's FIBA Americas Championship in Venezuela, which will serve as the regional qualification stage for the 2008 Olympic Games.
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