HALIFAX, Nova Scotia - The Bellingham Slam's Mike Parker contributed seven points and seven rebounds as the West defeated the East, 138-123, at the 2007 ABA All-Star Game on Sunday in Halifax, Nova Scotia.Parker, who was voted by the Slam's fans to represent the team, also collected three assists and a blocked shot in 19 minutes of play, and saw his first ever action in an All-Star game after participating in the All-Star dunk contest in Miami last season.
Both teams played an up-tempo style in a game which the West led nearly from start to finish. Although the game did feature 16 lead changes, the East was never able to gain more than a two point advantage, the final time at 78-76 with 7:25 left to play in the third quarter. The East was able to take a one-point lead, at 102-101, with 9:14 to play in the fourth quarter on a Robert Martin jumper, but the West followed with a 15-2 run over the next two minutes to build a 12-point lead. The East was able to trim the deficit to five, at 116-111, by scoring the next three baskets, but lost any chance of a comeback as they were held scoreless for a three-minute span by the West. During that stretch, the West was able to stretch their lead to 16.
The West, which converted on eight 3-D scoring opportunities, was led by Billy Knight's 21 points, who was named the game's most valuable player. Donald Meacham added 20 points and eight rebounds.
Gregory Plummer scored 25 points to lead six East players in double figures.
Mike Parker will now re-join the Slam as they get set to play a pair of home games against the Big Valley Shockwave on Tuesday and Friday of this week. Game time is set for 7 p.m. both nights at Whatcom Pavilion.
For more information, call the Bellingham Slam at (360) 734-SLAM or visit their website at www.bellinghamslam.com.
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