New York, NY

NBA owners and players are putting in the time, now they just need to hammer out a deal.

The two sides met for eight hours Wednesday on the heels of a marathon 16-hour meeting Tuesday. Federal mediator George Cohen said bargaining would resume Thursday afternoon.

"Everyone is extremely focused on the core issues, the difficult issues that confront them," Cohen said.

Owners will meet with players again Thursday after they have a separate meeting to discuss revenue sharing. The meeting Thursday will mark the first time during the 111-day lockout the sides will hold negotiations on three consecutive days.

"The discussions have been direct and constructive, and as far as we are concerned, we are here to continue to help assist the parties to endeavor to reach an agreement," Cohen said.

Cohen spoke to reporters and did not take questions while neither the players or owners commented on the negotiations.

Having three days of talks is encouraging but something needs to happen fast or more games will be lost to the strife.

The season was supposed to begin Nov. 1, but all games through Nov. 14 have been canceled.

Commissioner David Stern will have to decide when to start slashing more games from the schedule if a deal is not reached this week.

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