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ABA L.A. Aftershock sting Buzz for first round playoff win

March 13, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA) News Release


Los Angeles, CA. Dion Bailey was missed by teammates and staff after he accepted a contract to play in Mexico in February. He showed everybody why on Sunday night versus the Orange County Buzz in an ABA first round playoff game. During the first quarter, LA and OC traded for the lead several times. The Aftershock looked impressive early by showing great ball movement and execution and but trailed at the end of the first quarter, 30-22.

After OC's All-Star and leading scorer Lamar Gayle had 6 points in the first quarter, Jamar Cramer got into a defensive lock down and Lamar would not score for the rest of the game - a very rare thing indeed. With the defensive presence beginning to pick up for the Aftershock, and Will Burr beginning to heat up from long range, the Aftershock closed the gap at the half, 48-44, Buzz.

Coach Smith stated after the game, "We wanted to keep the same defensive energy going into the second half as we had in the second quarter." The Aftershock did just that and LA outscored OC in the third 26-17, giving the Aftershock a 70-65 lead at the end of three.

With momentum in favor of LA, OC would need a spark and they found it in Kevin Bradley scoring 11 of the Buzz's 21 fourth quarter points. However, LA's Dion Bailey would match that 11 in the fourth. It was an exciting game throughout with LA winning 91-86. "I am so proud of our guys, especially Dion. It is gratifying when you have a player like Dion that was with us most of the season come back after a trip to Mexico. His intensity is incomparable and his loyalty is without question," stated president and owner Shawn Blattenberger. Bailey led LA with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals. Matthew Houser had 19 points and 7 rebounds. Both Thomas Blunt and Will Burr finished with 15. Eric Maye and Kevin Bradley both finished with 16 each for Orange County. It was a great ABA game.

LA will have a tough challenge as they face the San Jose Skyrockets on March 18th at 5pm. The game will be held at Santa Clara University. The Aftershock are looking to redeem themselves from a three point loss to the Skyrockets earlier this year. All Aftershock games can be heard on web at the teams website with pre-game shows beginning 30 minutes before game time with head coach Andre Smith. For more information, call 714 470 1122 or by email info@laaftershock.com or www.laaftershock.com or www.abalive.com.

Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.

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