The following is being distributed at the request of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador:

The Newfoundland Men's 2005 Canada Games Basketball Team dropped their first game at the National Juvenile (U17) Championships in Saskatchewan. With a score of 69-59, the men�s team lost to the second-ranked team in the country, Alberta. Alberta led 32-27 at half time. The top scorers for Newfoundland were Chris Ogbuah of Corner Brook with 12 points, Stephen Singleton of St. Joseph's had 11 points and six rebounds, while David Joyce of Corner Brook and Mark Woodland of St. John's each contributed nine points. The men's team will face Saskatchewan on Wednesday morning.

The Newfoundland Ladies team dropped their first game to a strong British Columbia team 68-40. The half-time score was 37-23 in favour of B.C. The top scorers for Newfoundland were Kendelle Kavanagh of St. John's with 14 points and five rebounds, along with Vickie Thistle of St. John's with eight points and six rebounds.

The ladies team face Quebec tonight at 12:30 a.m. Newfoundland time. For up to the minute scores, please log onto Basketball Saskatchewan's Web site at www.basketballsask.com.

2004 08 11                                   12:55 p.m.