Hotshots outlast Slam, 139-134
Published on May 7, 2011 under International Basketball League (IBL)
Bellingham Slam News Release
LYNDEN, Wash. - The Bellingham Slam endured their worst defensive performance in team history as they lost to the West Coast Hotshots, 139-134, in International Basketball League action at Jake Maberry Gymnasium in Lynden on Friday.
The Slam sorely missed the presence of center Blake Poole, who missed the game to attend commencement ceremonies at Saint Martins University. Bellingham was further hindered by the loss of forward Michael Duty, who left the game in the first half with a calf bruise.
Though the Slam held the biggest lead of the game, at 30-20, late in the first quarter, and also were ahead at halftime, 65-59, they could not stop the Hotshots in the second half, allowing 80 points.
Bellingham still held the lead until the mid-point of the third quarter, when the Hotshots took a 79-78 on a jumper by Brian Johnson. After leading by as much as six in the quarter, the Hotshots took a 97-96 lead into the fourth quarter.
West Coast scored the first five points of the final frame to lead 102-96, before the Slam clawed back to tie the score at 104-104 with 9:38 left. The middle stages of the quarter featured the most competitive basketball of the season for Bellingham, as both teams traded leads 12 times before the Hotshots took the lead for good, at 130-128 with 2:09 left.
Jacob Stevenson led Bellingham (4-2) with 26 points, while Paul Hafford, playing in his hometown again, was not far behind with 24 points. Lukas Henne posted a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Rashaad Powell was virtually unstoppable for the Hotshots (3-1) as he led both teams with 45 points, including a 8-for-11 night from three-point range.
The Slam will get little rest as they return to action at Whatcom Pavilion on Saturday, with a match-up against the Olympia Reign set to start at 7 p.m.
For more information, contact the Slam at (360) 734-SLAM or visit their website at www.bellinghamslam.com.
International Basketball League Stories from May 7, 2011
- Slam rebound with 115-100 win over Olympia - Bellingham Slam
- Legends win over Waves - IBL
- Hotshots outlast Slam, 139-134 - Bellingham Slam
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