Edmonton chilled out by Bellingham, 129-125
April 26, 2008 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Bellingham Slam News Release
EDMONTON, Alta. - The Bellingham Slam spoiled the home opener of the Edmonton Chill, winning by a score of 129-125 in a nail-biting International Basketball League game Saturday night in front of a sell-out crowd of 2,173 at the Grant MacEwan Centre.
In a game that featured 14 total lead changes, the Slam used an 11-1 run at the end of the first quarter to establish a 30-19 lead against an Edmonton team that appeared to have trouble finding its rhythm.
But led by guard J.R. Patrick's 13 points, the Chill regrouped in the second quarter, outscoring the Slam 43-30 in the frame to take a 62-60 lead into halftime.
After an even third quarter, the two teams battled furiously for the lead in the final period, with neither team able to stake more than a four point advantage. After guard Rashaun Broadus gave Edmonton a three-point lead, at 119-116, with 4:36 left to play, forward Lukas Henne and guard Jared Stevenson scored driving lay-ins on back-to-back possessions to regain a one-point lead.
After Edmonton converted one of two free throws the next trip down the court, the two teams traded a pair of jumpers which knotted the score at 122 with 1:52 left.
But on the Slam's next possession, guard Jacob Stevenson was fouled on a three-point attempt and hit two of his free throws to give the Slam the lead for good at 124-122. After that, the Slam's defense went to work and prevented the Chill from getting any decent looks at the basket. Solid free-throw shooting by Henne and Slam newcomer Tyler Amaya helped preserve the victory.
Henne finished with a season-high 27 points, and was one of four Slam players with a double-double by adding 11 rebounds. Amaya had an outstanding debut in a Slam uniform, scoring 25 points and notching 10 boards, while guard Ryan Diggs continued his strong play with 23 points and 13 assists.
Patrick led five Edmonton players in double figures with 31 points, including 6-of-9 shooting from three-point range. Broadus and forward Teon Knox earned second-best scoring honors for the Chill with 18 points apiece.
The same two teams battle in a re-match set for Sunday. Tip-off is set for 7:11 p.m. at the Grant MacEwan Centre.
For more information, contact the Slam at (360) 734-SLAM or visit their website at www.bellinghamslam.com.
International Basketball League Stories from April 26, 2008
- Volcanoes too much for Hotshots - IBL
- Edmonton chilled out by Bellingham, 129-125 - Bellingham Slam
- Explosion get revenge on Chinooks, win 118-115 - Snohomish County Explosion
- Chill Fall Short on Opening Night - Edmonton Chill
- Steelheads strike for fifth straight versus Lightning - Gary Steelheads
- Hotshots make it two in a row - West Coast Hotshots
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