The Aviano men and the Ramstein women won the 2007 USAFE Large Unit Basketball Championships with victories Friday at RAF Lakenheath, England.

Aviano, led by James Taylor’s 24 points, downed Lakenheath in 78-74 in overtime in a game that was close throughout.

The Lady Rams, undefeated in the tournament, rolled over Mildenhall 74-38 behind 19 points from Cheryl Burney and 18 from Ashonda Williams.

Lakenheath took a 37-35 halftime lead behind 12 points from guard Brian Matthews. The two teams battled even throughout the second half until a layup by Taylor with 2.1 seconds remaining forced the extra period. In OT, the Dragons grabbed the lead and then turned on the defense to hold off Lakenheath.

Kirk Sheppard had 12 points and Chris Moed 11 for Aviano. Lakenheath, which knocked off top-seeded Mildenhall in the semifinals to reach the title game, was led by Matthews’ 24 points, plus 11 from James Byers and 10 from Javon Stafford.

In the women’s game, Ramstein, the defending champ, jumped off to a 37-9 halftime lead and coasted from there. Mildenhall was led by Bree Waters with 20 points and Lea Hanson with eight.

The finalists for both the men and the women advance to the Army/Air Force championship tournament in Wiesbaden, Germany, March 29-April 2.

All-tournament teamsMen: A.J. Zollicoffer, center, and James Taylor, forward, Aviano; Mo Corepning, forward, Brian Matthews, guard, Lakenheath; Tyrone Bullocks, guard, Spangdahlem; Charles Scott, guard, Ramstein.

Women: Cheryl Burney, forward, Arlitha Ivey, forward, Ashonda Williams, guard, Ramstein; Kim Elliott, forward, Crystal Lee, guard, Incirlik; Bree Waters, center, Mildenhall.

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