Albany pulls away to defeat Xplosion in opener, 126-101
December 1, 2006 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
Pittsburgh Xplosion News Release
ALBANY, NY, December 1, 2006 - Janerio Spurlock netted a team-high 23 points and Duquesne University star Bryant McAllister added 20 points and eight assists in his first professional game for the Pittsburgh Xplosion (0-1), but the Albany Patroons (1-0) used a 14-1 run midway through the second quarter to take the lead and pulled away in the fourth quarter to notch a 126-101 victory at the Washington Avenue Armory in the Continental Basketball Association opener for both teams.
The Xplosion led 26-24 and picked up a quarter point after a tight opening period, which saw five ties and 10 lead changes through the opening 12 minutes. Pittsburgh then pushed out to its largest lead of the game, 33-26, after Spurlock hit a three-pointer at the 9:26 mark of the second quarter.
CBA Rookie of the Year T.J. Thompson, who finished with a game-high 24 points, then ignited a 14-1 Patroons run that erased the seven-point deficit and propelled Albany on top, 40-34 midway through the period. Pittsburgh remained with in striking distance, but Albany closed out the half with a 10-0 spurt for a 58-44 lead at intermission.
A strong third quarter showing during which Pittsburgh outscored the Albany, 33-25, got the Xplosion with in striking distance going to the final period, trailing by six, 83-77.
In the fourth quarter, Albany pulled away fueled by a 15-3 run to secure the 126-101 win.
Turnovers plagued Pittsburgh, as the Xplosion committed 29, while the Patroons coughed up the ball just 15 times. Albany also shot 52% from the field (47-90), to just 41% (37-89) for the Xplosion.
DeVaughn Halsel finished with a double-double tallying 11 points and a game-high 14 rebounds for the Xplosion. Greg Jenkins added 19 points and nine caroms. Coleco Buie also reached double figures with 11 points. Kevin Pittsnogle had nine points and seven board in his first pro game.
The Xplosion and Patroons will square-off again on Saturday at the Armory, opening tip is 4:35. The Xplosion's home opener is on Wednesday, Dec. 6, against the Indiana AlleyCats at Mellon Arena. Tickets are available at ticketmaster online.
Continental Basketball Association 1 Stories from December 1, 2006
- Albany pulls away to defeat Xplosion in opener, 126-101 - Pittsburgh Xplosion
- Indiana Alley Cats Announce Season Opening Roster - Indiana AlleyCats
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